Thursday, July 17, 2008
Dog Breeds and Description
I decided to write about dog breeds. I think it is really important to know, when you go to the doggy park with your dog and you see all the different kinds of dog, some information about dog breeds e.g. the name of the breed, description, temperament etc...
It is also very useful to know the dogs when you are planning to buy or adopt one.
I will add one breed each day or 2 days here in the blog. I will also create an extra category, so you can navigate easier through the site.
And if you like to know about a specific breed that I didn't mention yet, leave me a message so I can provide you with information about the breed of your choise.
Thanks,
Shahin
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tips for Overweight Dogs
If your dog has some weight problems this video may give you some tips on what to do agains it. But even if you think your dog does not have overweight it gives you some useful tricks that you can apply in order to find out about your dog's weight status.
ENJOY!
Eye on Your Dog's Health - Obesity

"But," you may be thinking, "my dog doesn't even eat that much!" Or does he? Many dog owners neglect to consider the caloric value of treats and human food fed to dogs, which can pack a lot of calories when consumed in addition to the dog's regular food. Even little bits of treats and human food now and then can add up to an excess of calories, resulting in your dog reaching an unhealthy weight. Since health problems can compound as a result of being overweight, it is important to address increases in your dog's weight as soon as signs are evident. It is easier to get a dog's weight under control from an early stage than to tackle obesity and a slew of consequent health issues later.
Feeding your dog too many treats and table scraps is an easy enough habit to reverse. Sure, your dog appears to be in bliss when you finally cave to his begging at the table, but chances are your mannerisms and tone of voice have conditioned him to believe that table scraps are exciting. If you want to see a happy dog without putting him at risk of being overweight, how about taking him for a walk or run instead! In addition to appropriate caloric intake, dogs need exercise to maintain a healthy weight as well as overall good health. If your dog does not receive any extras besides his regular food, the type or amount of food he consumes may be the culprit for weight gain. The best plan of action is to consult with your veterinarian regarding the appropriate feeding and exercise plan to meet your dog's individual needs. Your veterinarian may also suggest specific types of food and treats that will contribute to a healthy diet.
Many people believe that a dog is too thin if any of the dog's ribs are visible, though this can actually be a sign of a healthy weight. Determining whether your dog is a healthy weight is best left to your veterinarian, who can use your dog's breed, health and history to advise you on a fitting food and exercise regimen.
8 Tips For Traveling With Your Dog
Here are some tips to make the trip easier on both you and your pet:
1. Get your dog used to riding in the car by taking him on short trips. Go to fun places like the dog park, the fast food drive through (where you can feed him bits of meat from your burger), or to visit friends. You want him to think that trips in the car are fun. You don't want your dog to think that all car trips end up at the vet's office.
2. If your dog tends to get carsick, don't feed him the morning of the trip. Having your dog travel with an empty stomach will help to prevent any car sickness.
3. Bring plenty of water and a water dish along. You will need to give your dog periodic drinks of water when you stop for a rest. It will be easier to get your dog to drink if it is familiar water from home. Water in different places often smells or tastes differently, and your dog may not want to drink it.
4. Be sure to pack your dog's food, treats, favorite bed, toys, and leash.
5. If your dog uses a crate, bring that along too. If you don't have a large vehicle, you can buy crates that fold up. When you get to your destination, you can put your dog in his crate while you go somewhere that you can't bring him along.
6. How should your dog travel in the car? Some dogs like to sit or lay on the seat, so bring a blanket to protect the upholstery. Other dogs may need to be kept in a crate in the car. Be sure the crate can't slide around and scare the dog while you're driving. You can also purchase dog seat belts to keep your dog safe while sitting in the car.
7. Make a stop every few hours to walk your dog and give him some water. Some dogs are frightened by the noisy trucks driving by, so try to walk in a quiet area. Be a good citizen and bring plastic bags along to pick up the mess.
8. If your dog is anxious about staying in a hotel or strange house at your destination, he might not eat or drink. You don't want him to get dehydrated, so be sure to get him to drink, at least. You can mix chicken broth or gravy into the dog's water. That will usually get him to lap it right up. You can mix chicken broth or gravy into the food too.
The first trip will be the hardest, because your dog will not realize that you are coming back. With the first trip behind you, if you have taken the time to make sure it is pleasant for your dog, future traveling with your dog should be a breeze.
High End Dog Collars

Recently other designers, particularly those known for their handbags and accessories, have begun to get in on this lucrative market. Fashion names like Coach, Liz Claiborne, Burberry, Dooney & Bourke etc have brought the prices of these fashion dog collars down to earth. You will often find a small separate section of these adorable collars and leashes right beside your favorite hobo or tote bag!
And why not? People will pay $8 or more per gallon for bottled water so dropping a Ben Franklin on a fashion collar for your spoiled pooch is easily justified! For the fashion conscious, a matching designer dog collar to compliment your designer handbag, umbrella, scarf or other accessory is quite a statement! Not only will you both look great but little Fifi will get more of the much needed attention he craves and appreciate what you've done!
The quality of these collars is usually good. Of course, the $700 LV had better last a lifetime, and it probably will! The Claiborne collars are usually very affordable, under $15.00, but not of great quality and not much of a selection. The Dooney's are usually under $40 but again, not much of a choice and the quality is not what you'd expect.
So the question remains, "Is there such a thing as affordable, stylish $30 - $50 designer collars that will hold up?" "Can I justify spending this?" Yes! The answer to that is hands down, Coach! They have a very nice variety and most of them, even the large collars, fall right within that range. Their dog collars are made of the same quality leather and hardware found in their handbags and the style tends to be a cross between high end and cute! The craftsmanship is superb. These collars aren't going to tear or shred and they aren't so stiff and thick as to strangle your little buddy either.
Most of the Coach dog collars come with some nice decorative hardware with room for engraving and there are many colors, sizes and styles to choose from. Much more to choose from than Dooney or Liz or anyone else. It seems this company saw the future of this fashion trend and didn't waste any time capitalizing on it.
There are also a lot of no name companies putting very cheap "designer inspired" dog collars out on the market. They are generally not of good quality. Most of them have lots of rhinestones or fancy patterns but they will fall apart on you. The leather is not of good quality and the stitching is usually loose. For just a few more bucks you can get the quality, style and prestige that comes with a quality brand name collar.
So will Fifi be getting a high end dog collar from me? I think so! There's plenty of these cute collars to choose from and it's a fun little thing to do. Perhaps I'll leave the shopping and selection up to my wife, but the Louis Vuitton is definitely out. The fact that he's a French Poodle will not sway me on this one!
Ear Infections in Toy Poodles - How to Avoid

Toy Poodles and other Poodle varieties have ears best described as "drop ears", meaning the ear leather is long and pointing downwards. The ears which hang close to the head is wide and thickly feathered. Dogs with this kind of ears are more susceptible to ear infections because the ears are warm and moist, ideal place for bacteria, yeast and mites to grow. Regular ear care is therefore needed to prevent ear infections at the same time keep your Toy Poodles healthy and happy.
There are many ways to care for the Poodle ears as much as there are many people who do it. You can have your Poodle's ears cleaned by your vet or a groomer. You can even do it at home by yourself. All you need is the right information on how ear cleaning should be done. So here it is...
As mentioned, leading causes of infection such as yeast, mites and bacteria grown in warm, moist and dark environment. One of the best way to prevent ear problem is to keep the ears dry and clean. Removing the hair that grows inside the ear canal increases ear flow thus prevent infection. To remove ear hair easily, apply a small amount of ear powder on the area then gently pluck the hair with tweezers or with your thumb and forefinger. Ear powder and tweezers can be obtained from your vet or grooming supply or pet supply stores nearest you. After you have carefully removed the hair, wipe the ear with a cotton ball - dry or slightly moistened with astringent or mineral. Instead of astringent or mineral, other people use white vinegar diluted with water in 1:4 mixture. The process of removing ear can be done at least on a monthly basis.
To clean the inside of the ears, thoroughly wet a gauze or cloth with cleaning solution or alcohol. Gently swab out the residue and dirt using the moistened cloth or gauze. Keep doing this until there is no more dirt inside the dog's ears. In cleaning hard to reach places, Q-tips can be used, but be very careful so as not to thrust deeper into the dog's ears. Clean your dog's ears about once a week or if necessary.
Check the ears of your Toy Poodles about three times a week. Keep an eye also if your pet is scratching or shaking his head a lot. Shaking and scratching as well as foul odor and redness are signs of ear trouble, so watch out for these.
Dog Care for Senior Dogs
Like human medicine, veterinary medicine has made great strides in geriatric care allowing our pets to live longer than ever before. The key is to recognize any problems as early on as possible and talk with your Veterinarian.
The Aging Process
Some noticeable signs of aging might include: sleeping more; eating less; being startled by noises, bright lights, or lots of activity; not coming immediately when you call (may indicate hearing loss or physical difficulties such as arthritis); a duller coat; skin with less elasticity; eyes that are not as bright or may be clouded (including the possibility of cataracts); or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Keeping Your Senior Dog Comfy
At times, caring for your older dog might require patience. Providing old dog care really isn't much different than caring for an aging person. They too may lose their hearing, forget where they are and become easily startled. Be patient and kind while making every effort to keep your best friend comfortable in his or her old age.
Another problem that many aging dogs face is incontinence. Leaking most often happens when the dog is sleeping and he is completely unaware of it. However, there is help for dogs and owners that are dealing with canine incontinence.
Responsible dog care at any age includes include routine veterinary visits and exams. Your dog's Veterinarian will regularly check your dog's teeth and gums for any signs of plaque, decay and other problems. Like people, healthy teeth and gums are equally as important for our canine friends and their overall health. Lack of oral care can cause other systemic problems like heart disease and arthritis.
It can not be emphasized enough that good health starts with diet for both people and our pets. A healthy diet should start the day you bring your dog home. By providing healthy and nourishing food early on, your dog will naturally develop a strong immune system protecting him from disease.
As your dog ages, take notice to his hearing and eyesight. Be aware that his coordination may become less trustworthy causing difficulty with stairs or just getting around. Strategically placed baby gates can ensure that your dog doesn't take a tumble or hurt himself.
Finally, make sure you provide lots and lots of love to your aging pet as part of your old dog care. Remember that your pet is the same loving dog he or she has always been, with just a little more gray hair and a little less agility. Shower him or her with lots of attention just as you always have, so that he or she still feels like part of the family.
