Dog Guide For Dog Lovers! Guide for all breeds of dogs, health and training information. From Dog Breeds to Picking a Puppy. Everything for the dog fancier's needs! Working Dogs, Toy Dogs, Herding Dogs, Sporting Dogs, Non Sporting Dogs, Terrier Dogs, Hound Dogs. See All Dog Breeds. Dog Articles.
Dogs

Extend Your Dog's Life Using These Simple Grooming Tips

Excerpt : If your dog is an important part of your life, you will want to provide the best of care for her so she can enjoy a long and rewarding life. A trip or two each year to your veterinary clinic does not


If your dog is an important part of your life, you will want to provide the best of care for her so she can enjoy a long and rewarding life. A trip or two each year to your veterinary clinic does not guarantee that your loyal canine will maintain her healthy appearance and youthful spirit. It is you, the dog's owner, who can make the difference between your dog living a long, full life or one of physical disease and health problems.

Many dogs are treated like they are immune from common heath problems - they are NOT! They suffer many of the same health issues that afflict humans; teeth and gum disease, ear infections, toe nail problems, and hair issues, just to name a few.

Well, don't get discouraged, because a few simple and easy grooming practices can help you prevent the premature aging of your pet. Basic personal dog grooming is the key to early recognition of skin and tumor issues, dental problems, and

Face It - Some Days You're the Dog
Buy this Matted Print at AllPosters.com

Also see : BARF and Raw Food for Dogs
Holistic Nutrition - The BARF Raw Food Diet A critique by John Burns BVMS MRCVS The BARF ("Bones and Raw Food" or "Biologically Appropriate...read more

Dogs - Sport Options For Every Breed
Dog Sports for Every Breed Engaging in sports is not only for humans. It is also well-loved by our best friend, the dog. Dog sports do not only...read more

mobility difficulties.

To help you establish a regular dog grooming regimen, the following tips are provided covering five key areas; brushing, bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental hygiene.

Brushing Your Dog

Brushing, or grooming, your dog is a great time for bonding with her and providing the physical contact that all dogs desire. This practice promotes a lustrous shine on the dog's coat, whiling eliminating dirt, debris, and dead fur.

This is also the perfect opportunity to examine your dog's skin for fleas and ticks, lumps, cuts, or contusions. And while you're at it, take a moment and examine her ears, eyes, teeth and nails.

Bathing Your Dog

Here is the good news - most dogs only need bathing once a month, unless she likes to play in the rain and mud. If she does get dirty on a regular basis, adjust your bathing schedule accordingly.

A prerequisite to bathing is a good brushing.

Bichon Frise Puppy
Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com


Also see : Dogs, Cats, And Horses... We Love Them All!
We have a long history with domesticated animals and even the nay Sayers can't deny their roll in society past and present. There is evidence that...read more

Nu-Way vs. Varsity Hot Dogs!
Have y’all been keeping up with what’s going on at the movies lately? One of the biggest surprises over the past couple of years has been the...read more

This loosens up any dead hair or dirt and makes the bathing process much more productive. A good practice is to start bathing your dog as young as possible. Generally start when she is about 14-15 weeks old, or earlier, if they tend to get into messy situations.

Find a good location to bathe your dog, preferably one that is contained and has good drainage. Undoubtedly, water will be spilled or shaken near and far. An enclosed shower or tub is an ideal location, or if your dog is a smaller breed, the kitchen sink can also work.

Wet your dog thoroughly, avoiding her head to keep water out of her eyes and ears. Plug your dog's ears with cotton balls if there is a risk of flooding the ears. Use a dog shampoo and lather up the dog. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and squeeze off the excess water. The face should be washed with a soft, damp cloth. Towel dry your dog, and blow dry if desired, but it is best to keep her

Strategy
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com


Also see : Gift Giving Ideas for People Who Love Dogs
All of us have a friend or relative who loves their dog. They carry pictures in their wallets or purses, take vacations with their pet and talk...read more

Dogs - Travel Worries & Solutions
Going places with your dog Dogs do like to travel well. Adventurous by nature, they want to check out new sights and sounds. They like to meet...read more

confined until dry.

Trimming Nails

Nail trimming can be a traumatic experience for some dogs. So, it is best to start the nail trimming experience as early as 2-3 months old to let your dog become accustomed to the practice. For puppies, you can often use finger nail clippers to tip the ends of the nails.

If this is just too much for your dog or puppy to handle all in one sitting, you may start with trimming only one paw at a time, giving your dog an extended break between sessions. The key to successful nail trimming is providing your dog lots of praise when she lets you cut a nail. Kind, soothing words of praise will let her know that she is loved and this experience is nothing to fear. Of course, a few dog treats after the session is over can't hurt either.

Cleaning Ears

Inspect your dog's ears often, but only clean them when there is evidence of dirt in the opening or canal. Use a cotton ball, never a

Puppy
Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com

Also see : Dogs From Animal Shelters
from David the Dogman The ten worst excuses not to spay or neuter a pet are: Just one litter and then we'll have Fluffy...read more

Defense Against Dogs
As a dog trainer and handler many times I get questions from people about how they should defend themselves against a dog attacking them....read more

cotton swab, to clean the dirt out of the ear. Soaking the cotton ball with a good ear cleaning solution provides the best results. Hydrogen peroxide can be substituted for the cleaning solution, if necessary.

If you notice that the dog's ears are red, swollen, or emit a foul smell, the problem might be more serious and demand veterinary attention. Yeast infections, ear mites, and other ear problems are more easily treated by medications only available from your vet.

Keeping a Bright Smile

As a dog's life span has been extended over the years, it is even more imperative that your dog maintain healthy teeth and gum tissue. You can assist her by brushing her teeth regularly. Start as early in life as possible, to get your dog accustomed to the feel of your finger or brush in her mouth.

Starting with your finger, or a special dog toothbrush fitted for your fingertip, begin massaging your dog's gums and gently

Happiness
Buy this Matted Print at AllPosters.com

Also see : If You Own Two Dogs, Can You Control Who’s The Alpha Dog?
Dear Mr. Katz: I have two cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white female (Cassie)is almost two and spayed. The buff male (Peanut)...read more

Like Our Human Friends Can Us Dogs Have Allergies?
Humor magazines have had fun with the way some dog owners resemble their dogs but, whether or not the dogs look like their owners, dogs do suffer...read more

rubbing her teeth. Once she has become accustomed to the practice, try using a dog toothbrush, or small soft bristled human toothbrush, with dog-specific toothpaste. Never use toothpaste designed for humans on your dog.

Continuing this practice throughout your dog's life will ensure that she will avoid gum disease, loose teeth, and related eating problems.

These easy-to-follow grooming tips take very little time compared to the years of enjoyment your dog will provide you and your family. Take care of your loving "best friend" and she will certainly return the favor many times over!

About The Author

Bill Wilcox is a long time dog owner and experienced trainer. He is an avid author of dog care articles and writes for www.superior-dog-supplies.com and www.smart-dog-training.com.


More Dogs Articles



Obesity In Dogs
Numerous studies have shown that more Americans are obese today than ever before and, interestingly, we're not the only ones. Not only are Americans...

Boxers Dogs Make Great Family Dogs...
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented and they always love to be around people. Treat them as family members. Never underestimate...

Google

Chihuahua
Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com


For Dog Lovers Like You and Me | sitemap
Partners : MP3 Players | Find jobs | PT Cruiser | Debt Help | Personal Loan

copyright www.knowaboutdogs.com 2006

Recently Added Dogs Articles


Boxers Dogs as Pets - Are they right for you?
Pet Boxers, although low-maintenance, require your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction, consistent obedience training and lots of love....read more

Allergies - Dogs May Suffer Too
Many people don’t realize that their dogs, just like human beings, can suffer from allergies. In fact, about twenty percent of the dogs in the United...read more

Dogs - The Best Tracking Systems
Tips on Choosing the Best Dog Tracking System Dogs are man's best friend, and this is not an understatement. This is because man and dogs find...read more

Allergies in dogs
Allergies are one of the most common complaints among dog owners. Truly, not too many puppies have allergies their first year but many are already...read more

Shampoo for Dogs - How to Find a Good One
Does your dog always having a lush, soft coat? Does your dog's skin remain rash and itch free? If you said yes to either or both of the...read more

Chocolate and Your Dogs Health--What you should Know
Who can resist Chocolates for Valentine's Day? Your dogs health depends on it! (resisting, that is). We humans get to indulge because most of us know...read more

First Aid For Dogs
If your dog is badly hurt in your home or while out and about with you, you should know how to administer first aid until you can reach a...read more

Allergies - Dogs May Suffer Too
Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human beings, can suffer from allergies. In fact, about twenty percent of the dogs in the United...read more

My Dog's Great Escape
Even though I try not to go down memory lane too often, every once in a while something happens that triggers my memory, and I am carried...read more

Dogs & Kids: Happy Together
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best can be the stuff of childhood dreams. At it's worst, it can be a source of heartache and pain...read more

Some News About Dogs

  • Dogs For Autism Needs Your Votes

    Dogs For Autism need your vote to win a $50,000 grant from Pepsi. The money would help train and place two service dogs with Autistic children.

  • Dogs Bite 3 People During Neighbor Dispute

    Deputies said two dogs running loose in a Clark County neighborhood are now caged up, after biting three people. However, authorities believe the dogs were protecting their owner.

  • Dogs rescued from Matteson garage fire

    Three dogs were taken from a home Sunday afternoon while firefighters from Matteson, Frankfort, Richton Park, Flossmoor, Oak Forest and Park Forest battled a garage fire in the 21300 block of Kildare Avenue in Matteson, authorities said. "There was a lot of smoke," Matteson Fire Department Shift Cmdr. Jay Coburn said. The dogs' conditions were not immediately known. Coburn said the family took ...

  • Dogs Hoarded In Montana Brought To Colorado

    Nearly three dozen dogs will be up for adoption in Colorado soon after being removed from an unsafe home in Montana. It's the second case of hoarded animals being brought to Colorado in a week.

  • Yard Dogs return from Midwest tour

    While you can take the Yard Dogs out of Pine Island, it seems you can’t take Pine Island out of the Yard Dogs. Home from a five-week tour of the Midwest, members of this popular island trio shared a taste of Pine Island and Matlacha with thousands of audience goers in Wisconsin, Indiana and up-state New York.

  • Sea Dogs Win 5th Straight to End Season

    The Portland Sea Dogs completed their 17th season Monday afternoon with a 7-4 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

  • Dogs turn 'doctors'

    Beijing, Sep 6 : Ten dogs have been awarded the title of 'doctor' in China for their public welfare activities, such as spreading happiness in rest homes and children rehabilitation centres for those suffering from autism.

  • Dogs strut their stuff at Sussex Hills Kennel Club dog show in Morris Township NJ

    MORRIS TWP. — Nearly 900 dogs representing 133 breeds and varieties competed Sunday in the Sussex Hills Kennel Club's judging show at William G. Mennen Sports Arena.

  • Dogs taken from hoarder arrive in Colorado

    DENVER - More than 95 dogs were rescued from the home of an animal hoarder in Montana, and some of them hope to find new homes in the Mile High City.

  • Dogs and friends raise money for animal shelter

    EAGLE MOUNTAIN -- Friends in Need Stampede organizers had a healthy turn out at the Labor Day event in Eagle Mountain of 42 participants and nearly as many dogs raring to go on either the Furry Fun Ru