Foot Health Information

Puppies and adult dogs are huge responsibilities that you should not take lightly. Many people adopt pets to have a loving companion, but few actually do their homework to find out how much work caring for a pet can actually be. In addition to providing playtime and exercise, feeding your dog, and caring for the dog’s health, you must also groom your dog. Grooming is crucial to keep your dog happy and healthy. Here are the top five grooming tips that you need to know to provide the best care for your dog.

1. Care for your dog’s teeth. Just like humans, dogs can get cavities and develop other tooth problems if you don’t thoroughly care for his or her mouth health. Your vet should check and clean your pet’s teeth annually when checking the rest of his or her health, but you should also do some of this grooming work at home. You can purchase special pet toothpaste at your local pet supply store, where you should also be able to find pet toothbrushes. You can also use one of your own old toothbrushes, as long as the bristles are soft and the head of the toothbrush is not too bid for the dog’s mouth. Pets won’t like the taste of regular toothpaste, so they’ll resist if you try to use that, but the special pet version should taste good to your dog.

2. Brush your pet every day. Even short-haired dogs need constant grooming, so from the time he or she is a puppy, you should brush his or her coat daily. Use a special brush made for pets so that it doesn’t pull out the hair or gets it tangled, and set aside ten to twenty minutes every night for daily grooming. Brushing your dog’s coat helps to keep it neat and shiny by removing dirt. In addition, this also prevents more serious problems like skin infections and ticks. If your dog isn’t used to the constant grooming, start slowly, letting him or her sniff the brush and giving treats. Soon, you dog should learn to enjoy being brushed.

3. Once a month, clip your pet’s nails. Both dogs and cats should have their nails clipped regularly, but this is crucial with dogs especially because they cannot retract their nails like cats can. At your pet supply store or through your vet, you can buy special nail clippers that are made in different sizes to accommodate your pet. Take care not to clip back the nails too far or they will bleed and could become infected. The best way to do this is with a lot of treats and, if you have a larger dog, with the help of a friend. If your dog has clear nails, clipping them will be easy – simply look for the quick, which contains the blood vessels and nerves and cut below that. The snapping sound may frighten your dog, so cut quickly. If you dog has black nails, you may not be able to see where to make your cuts. In this case, cut at the point where the nail begins to curve. You may want to purchase blotting powder to keep on hand just in case you accidentally cut it back too far, and if you’ve never done this before, ask your vet to show you how.

4. Make bath time fun! Although most dogs don’t mind the water, some may not want to take a bath. However, if you make bath time a fun experience, they should actually look forward to it! Bathe your dog about once every month, or more often if needed. Start my brushing his or her coat to remove loose dirt and hair, and the run a lukewarm, shallow bath. Place an old towel on the bottom of the tub to give your pet secure footing, and gently wash him or her with the warm water, being careful to keep it away from your dog’s face. Follow this step with shampoo, making sure to hit all of the hard-to-reach areas, and rinse again. Because pets rely on their coat for proper body temperature, use a hair drying and towels to completely dry your furry friend when you’re done.

5. Save the doggie clothing for dogs that enjoy it. Some dogs love being dressed in little sweaters, funny costumers, and even hats. However, keep in mind that this isn’t for every dog. When grooming, let your dog choose if he or she wants to be dressed up (unless, of course, your dog needs the extra layer of warmth for health reasons). If your dog resists the clothing, he or she may bite at it or otherwise try to get it off, which could be dangerous. So, don’t use pet clothing unless your dog enjoys it!

The Flat-Coated Retriever is not suited to an apartment. She needs at the least, a properly fenced in space to exercise in. She expects to live indoors with her human family. She generally does very well with other pets and loves children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with any puppy or dog. She makes a good watch dog but may try to make friends with a prowler once she announces him.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Flat-Coated Retriever is 22 to 23 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 60 to 70 pounds. The female is smaller than the male.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Flat-Coated Retriever is no exception. Be on the look out for Cancer (common for this breed), Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), Patella Luxation (congenital condition in which the kneecap dislocates), epilepsy, diabetes, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness).This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight, flat coat with some waviness possible. Her coat is of moderate length with good luster. She is an average shedder and should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Flat-Coated Retriever can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Flat-Coated Retriever was developed in Great Britain. They were probably developed from a cross between the Labrador, Water Dog, Irish Setter, Newfoundland, Collie and some type of setter. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1915.

Some Registries:

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 9 Flat-Coated Retriever puppies

Category: Gun Dog, Sporting

Terms To Describe: Intelligent, friendly, happy, active, affectionate, light hearted, sensible, optimist

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Trains well.

Good watch dog.

Good with children.

Very stable personality.

Makes a very good family dog.

Loves to wag her tail.

Good obedience.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Poor guard dog.

She needs a lot of human social interaction.

*Other Names Known By: Wavy-Coated Retriever,

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Westie dogs owners delight in the companionship their dogs give them during long and leisurely walks. But this activity should be one that brings pleasure to both.

How can you ensure that your dog also enjoys these activities? First, you’ll need to get your dog accustomed to having his paws handled and manipulated.

These are important Westie health issues that come under the grooming umbrella.

When your west highland terrier is tolerant of such treatment it would be easier for both you and the veterinarian to carefully scrutinize your dog if there are cuts or bruises on, in and around his paws.

Where should these foot exams take place? Pick a spot that’s comfortable for both of you, and is at the same time well-lit. Here’s how to do it. Put the dog’s paw in your hand. Run your finger around every pad. If you feel lumps, examine it closely to find out what it is.

Keep a pair of tweezers handy, to pull out bits of twig that may be stuck.

If the skin is broken, put anti-bacterial ointment or powder on the sore. Check the next day to ensure it heals completely. Refrain from taking a walk with your dog in the next couple of days, until the healing is completed.

Here’s what you should do if you find a lump in one foot that’s not present in the other foot. Get your dog to the vet. He or she may have an abscess or an interdigital cyst.

Examine and trim the paws regularly.

Regularly trim all the hair that’s out from between the pads. Don’t trim it too tight. If you see a matt of hair sticking out, cut it. Don’t strip or pull the hairs. It’s painful for your dog.

Here’s what to do if your pet’s paws are itchy. Look for these symptoms; the hairs and even the nails are a reddish brown. The pads are swollen. This means yeast and bacteria already be developing in the crevices between the pads and around the nails. Visit your vet so he or she can recommend medication to reduce the swelling and alleviate the itching.

Doing regular examinations on your Westie (Scottish in origin) dog’s paw prior to and after your walks, will make your dog eagerly await each sojourn.

Here are some success tips on how to groom your westie. I am not talking about turning out a show dog. If this is what you want, then go to a groomer. They can be found in every town and city from London to New York to Atlanta.

Most Westies enjoy being groomed. Begin brushing and examining your Westie when it is very young. Be positive, patient and gentle.

Grooming is a part of your Westie’s general health care and hygiene routine. It includes brushing, combing, nail-clipping, ear and dental care, bathing and scissoring, stripping or clipping of hair coats. Regular grooming stimulates circulation, improves appearance and reduces shedding.

It also enables you to discover lumps, lesions, cuts, scratches or external parasites. Frequent haircuts are even more important for Westies than for humans. Long hair breeds dirt, bacteria and is more prone to matting.

Use the proper grooming tools for the job. Consult your breeder, veterinarian or other Westie professional for guidance.

A full grooming may include a bath. Water for a Westie’s bath should be tepid. Be sure to use a non-skid mat in the tub.

Around the world , there is a general feeling that a pet is like a family member and therefore it is super critical that we take particular care in offering our pets with good upbringing. Even if you may love your pet, you are strictly advised against giving him with huge amounts of food. Nutriment and health forms the essential factors of the strict regimen that pets ought follow. One has to be particular about health and nutrition of one’s pet because that will contribute to a fit and playful pet.  There’re some ways to offer proper care to ones pet, given below are some basic tips to offer right health to your pets.

Food For Dogs

As you may believe in it, there’s no one food item that is best suitable for every species of dog. Luckily the market is full of many well researched dog food items to choose from. The food chosen ought be proper for a dog’s age. There are two separate nutrient profiles for dogs – one for growth (puppies) and the other for adult care. For instance, While the need for other vitamins and minerals remain same, puppies require higher amounts of protein for their growing whereas adult dogs need high amount of fat. Cooking for dogs at home is besides one of the easiest ways to feed them, but surely not an easy one.

Food For Cats

Different from dogs who can still exhaust anything that we humans do, cats have particular nutritionary needs. Cats want more protein and certain  aminoalkanoic acid with fatty acids and also need a preformed Vitamin A content that is present only in foods of animal origin. The food selected ought also be right for cat’s age. While a kitten exhausting adult cat food will not get the higher amounts of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals she needs for proper growth, a adult cat eating kitten food is likely to grown fat. An bigger cat could need food especially made for her, has fewer calories and is more easily digested.  

Food For Birds

Feeding pet birds with the good foods is big for their health. A balanced diet established on sound bird nutrition recommendations is the key for imparting your pet bird with proper health. Equilibrating  a bird’s diet from the starting could prevent many health and behavior problems but it is ne’er too late to make ones pet bird on a good nutritional footing.

Food For Fish

No single food item can supply all of the nutrients a fish requires. A food should carry protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in the forms each species prefer. Hence, the essentia to supply well food to your fish is variety. Appropriate use of a staple diet, a supplemental diet, vitamin and nutritional supplements will ensure that fish receives all the nutrients necessity for well health. Besides, because fish enjoys a spectrum of tastes and textures, variety in food enhances the quality of their lives.

Prevention

For Certain, prevention is better than cure. Preventive health care can save you and your pet from unnecessary suffering and a bigger financial charge. Annual physical exams, vaccinations and regular references with a veterinary go a long way in precluding diseases.  

Nevertheless, subscribing to a pet care e-newsletter, a magazine or take part in an interest group on a online site will keep you updated on the pet health and nutrition basics.

Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that affect canines, especially large breed dogs (60-90 lbs). Just as human arthritis, dog arthritis tends to get worse with age

Here are 10 tips that may help your arthritic dog:

1. Slip-free Flooring. Hardwood and tile floors are slippery and can be very difficult for dogs with arthritis to move around. Placing carpet or area rugs will help secure your dog’s footing. This can help prevent your dog from slipping and getting injured.

2. A Soft Bed. Soft bedding can help support your dog’s bones and joints and make your pet more comfortable. This can be especially important in thin dogs in which bony prominences are likely to rub on hard surfaces. Some beds are made especially for dogs with arthritis, such as waterbeds, hammock beds, and beds with plenty of extra cushion.

3. Ramps or Cubes. Stairs and furniture can become difficult obstacles for your aging companion. Ramps or specially designed cubes can help pets safely climb stairs, get into or out of bed or get in

and out of your vehicle. Ramps can be made of plastic or wood and are available from many pet catalogs. A new product called “Puppy Stairs” are soft modular cubes that fit together in combinations that permit pets to climb up or down from beds or sofas. These cubes are made of soft rubber, have rounded corners and washable covers.

4. Medication. Various medications are available that can help your dog feel better. Medications include drugs such as Deramaxx®, Rimadyl® or Etogesic®. These drugs are classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and work to suppress inflammation and pain. Other medications such as Cosequin® can also be beneficial by providing your dog’s body with necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. See your veterinarian to discuss if any of these medications could benefit your dog.

5. Peace & Quiet. As your dog ages, he may not be as tolerant or patient as he used to be. Sore joints make it difficult for your pet to enjoy rambunctious playful children. Supervise playtime and consider keeping your dog away from very young children. Even parties and holiday time can be distressing for an arthritic dog. Your dog may want to join in the festivities regardless of the discomfort. To reduce joint pain and inflammation, you may want to limit your arthritic dog’s time as the center of attention.

6. Massage. By massaging your dog, you can increase his or her flexibility, circulation, calmness and a general sense of wellness. Professional animal massage therapists are available to provide your pet a more thorough treatment.

7. Weight Control and Dietary Therapy. Arthritis is more of a problem in obese pets. Weight loss can be beneficial by reducing the workload on your dog’s bones and joints. In addition to basic weight loss, there are diets formulated for dogs with arthritis that may be beneficial for your dog. Diets, such as Hills® Science Diet® j/d™ and Purina® JM Joint Mobility™ have been shown to help dogs with arthritis maintain weight, reduce pain and improve mobility.

8. Exercise. Modest daily exercise can help some dogs. Special care is needed, so it is important to first see your veterinarian, who can recommend an appropriate exercise program. Exercise can strengthen your dog’s muscles and ligaments thus reducing your dog’s injury potential and risk.

9. Extra Time. Don’t rush a dog with arthritis. It often takes them extra time to walk, climb stairs or get in and out of the car. Support and help your arthritic dog if needed or just give your pet the extra time to get around.

10. Grooming. Grooming should not be neglected, especially in the older dog. Arthritic dogs have a difficult time keeping themselves clean, especially in those hard to reach areas. Help your dog stay clean by trimming the hair around the rear end. Brushing will help remove mats and tangles, which can injure delicate older skin. Follow these top 10 tips, and you’ll be able to keep your arthritic dog living longer, stronger, happier and healthier.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is not suited to an apartment. She needs at the least, a properly fenced in space to exercise in. She expects to live indoors with her human family. She generally does very well with other pets and loves children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with any puppy or dog. She makes a good watch dog but may try to make friends with a prowler once she announces him.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Flat-Coated Retriever is 22 to 23 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 60 to 70 pounds. The female is smaller than the male.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Flat-Coated Retriever is no exception. Be on the look out for Cancer (common for this breed), Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), Patella Luxation (congenital condition in which the kneecap dislocates), epilepsy, diabetes, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness).This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight, flat coat with some waviness possible. Her coat is of moderate length with good luster. She is an average shedder and should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Flat-Coated Retriever can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Flat-Coated Retriever was developed in Great Britain. They were probably developed from a cross between the Labrador, Water Dog, Irish Setter, Newfoundland, Collie and some type of setter. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1915.

Senior Pet Tips: Simple Things You Can Do To Make Your Senior Pets More Comfortable

As our beloved companions get older they begin to slow down and many suffer from the same age-related wear and tear as we humans do. Arthritis, gastric upsets, diminished senses, sensitivity to extreme heat and cold are just a few. Below is a list of tips you can use to make your senior pet more comfortable, happy and healthy.

Feed the best diet

Feeding your pet high quality food not only makes them feel better, but can reduce the chances of illness and disease in the future. Raw food, home-cooked meals or premium commercial food will go a long way in keeping your pet happy and healthy. And don’t forget to add variety to your pets diet. By rotating what you feed you are insuring that your pet gets a more balanced array of vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, how would you like to eat the same thing day after day year after year. Be careful, however to introduce dietary changes gradually to avoid tummy upset and diarrhea. Begin by adding in 1/4 of the new food to what you currently feed for between 5 to 7 days. The second week feed 1/2 new food to 1/2 the current diet and so on until you have made a complete change. Once your pet gets used to more variety they will more easily tolerated dietary changes.

Consider adding supplements

Adding natural vitamins and supplements can also be of great benefit to our pets, especially seniors. My personal “Holy Trinity” is a good Mulit-Vitamin, EFA’s (essential fatty acids) and a Plant Enzyme and Probiotic Supplement (such as Animal Essentials). A good multi-vitamin will ensure your pet receives adequate daily amounts of necessary vitamins and minerals. EFA’s do more than keep skin and coat healthy. EFAs are the building blocks for prostaglandins, which work to regulate hormones, immune and nervous systems and cardiovascular function. People and pet’s bodies cannot make them and so they need to be added to our diet. Enzymes and Probiotics help enhance your pet’s health by promoting the proper balance of good intestinal flora and by supporting the digestive systems that aid in the assimilation and utilization of vitamins and nutrients. Enzymes combine with food and water to aid in the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Even if your dog or cat is not displaying signs of arthritis you can help prevent or slow the onset by starting them on a natural supplement designed to promote joint and cartilage health. Look for supplements that contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chrondroitin, MSM, vitamin C, white willow bark (not for cats), boswellin, yucca powder, manganese ascorbate, bromelain, selenium (especially in conjunction with vitamin E), vitamins C, A, and E. In addition, Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils has shown promise in treating arthritis in animals and humans.

Buy an orthopedic pet bed

Beds made out of convoluted foam offer greater support for sore achy joints and muscles. Soft fluffy beds may look and feel appealing to us, but as anyone with back problems will tell you, a nice firm bed is much more comfortable. The same is true with our pets.

Raise your pet’s food and water bowls

Raise your pet’s food and water bowls to provide the height that your dog (or cat) needs for healthy eating and drinking. Raised feeders minimize neck strain and reduce air ingestion making them ideal for senior and large breed pets.

Be aware of diminishing sight and hearing

Don’t drastically rearrange rooms and furniture as your pet has probably learned to navigate his/her environment quite well and sudden changes can lead to fear and confusion. When approaching your older pet make sure they can see or hear you coming. A pet with sight or hearing loss can become very startled by an unexpected touch. Clapping your hands or making some other loud noise can help alert pets of your approach. The vibrations created by walking heavy-footed also work well to alert pets that someone is coming.

Just like people, our pets become more sensitive to extreme heat and cold

Provide pets with a warm place to lie and sleep in the winter, away from drafty windows and doors. Consider buying a heated bed or insert to keep them cozy. In the summer, make sure outdoor areas have plenty of shade and cool fresh water available at all times. Indoors, make sure they have a cool spot away from direct sunlight.

Ramps and special harnesses can make life for seniors much easier and less painful

They can help them climb stairs, get in and out of vehicles, rise from lying down and provide extra support while standing or walking. Cats can greatly benefit from portable stairs that aid them up and down from the bed, couch or other favorite cuddle spot.

Don’t forget about exercise

Your older pet still needs to get out there and be part of the world; drinking in the fresh air and soaking up some sunshine. It’s just as important for them to keep moving as it is for us when we age. Be aware, however that you need to adjust the length and strenuousness of their exercise. Shorter distances and less challenging terrain may be needed. And, definitely be careful in any extreme weather, as older animals cannot tolerate extremes like when they were younger. Also, make sure you always have an ample supply of clean water for you and your pet.

Christine Mandrake is the owner of WellBeings.com, a site that is dedicated to providing information and resources about caring for senior pets.

http://www.wellbeings.com

ing your Goldendoodle and other sham-pooch tips

This article will hopefully help you in grooming your Goldendoodle and give you some other sham-pooch tips.  Goldendoodle  grooming and health  go hand in hand. Good grooming not only helps your Goldendoodle dog  look good, it is also important for your doodle’s  physiological as well as the psychological health.  While some doodle owners take their doggies to their groomer,  many instead decide to groom their Goldendoodle dog themselves at home. If you begin grooming your Goldendoodle when he or she is very young,  they will come to enjoy bathtime and your doodle will not be difficult to groom at all.

Brushing your Goldendoodle  thoroughly every day is an important part of dog  grooming and health.  A shaggy or curly coated Goldendoodle will need to be brushed and groomed more often than the smooth coat doodle.  Because brushing and trimming isn’t natural to a dog,  your doodle will need  to be trained in order to accept this kind of handling.  It is recommended by many dog groomers and doodle breeders  that bathing and trimming start at an early age.  It is best to proceed slowly at the beginning, giving your Goldendoodle lots of praises when they relax and enjoy the process.

As a breeder since 1996,  I always begin the grooming process with our doodle puppies when they are approx. 4 weeks of age.  I do recommend that a rubber mat be placed on the bottom of your tub which will help prevent your doodle from slipping and possibly getting injured.  Some puppies yelp and show fear when they are first introduced to water.  This fear will subside as your Goldendoodle is bathed more frequently, over time.  I personally use a small cat slicker brush on the coat of my Goldendoodles.  The slicker brush has many different sized bristles which will help pull out any dead hairs in the coat.  Some groomers do not recommend human shampoo.  However,  I never use shampoo which is made specifically for dogs.  There are many harsh chemicals which can cause your doodle to have not only dry skin,  but can cause skin allergies over a long period of time.  Instead,  I use non-tearing shampoo made for humans such as baby shampoo.  If you want to use shampoo with various fragrances,  the best ones are those with “apple” or “cherry” fragrances.  High quality shampoo can be purchased at hair specifica stores such as “Sally’s”.   I purchase my shampoo in bulk so that it lasts a very long time.  Before rinsing the coat of my Goldendoodles,  I spritz their coat with a nice detangler.  Some can be left in the coat and some have to be rinsed out.  However,  make sure to take a large, human comb and comb the detangler through the coat.  Rinse well.  You’ll find your Goldendoodle’s coat extremely soft to the touch after you have taken a blow dryer and dried your doodle completely.   In the summer,  you can simply hand towel your doodle’s coat and then let him or her dry naturally.

If you have a grooming table,  you can trim your doodle’s coat very easily.  A great place to purchase a grooming table is by ordering it online.  Revival Animal  has a nice list of grooming tables you may find for  a low price.  Some groomers use a clipper called “Groom Master”, however,  I will personally tell  you that I found better success with the “A5 Turbo” clipper.  I began with the “Groom Master” clipper but found myself going through three of them before discovering that the “A5 Turbo” clipper worked entirely better and I could also find replacement blades locally instead of having to specically order blades that were only for the “Groom Master”.   The “A5 Turbo” clipper has two speeds and will allow you to shave down your Goldendoodle in less than 30 minutes!  This clipper is very quick and reliable.   There are also various sized blades that will work great for this particular clipper and allows you to give your Goldendoodle various types of hair cuts.

If you decide to groom your Goldendoodle yourself,  you will want to go to your local “Sally’s” store and purchase an apron which specifically helps repell hair.  It’s a great investment.  Some groomers spend hundreds of dollars on scissors,  but you can find some great scissors that will last a very long time at your local department store in the “Crafts” or “Sewing” section.  A $15 pair of nice scissors will work and last just as long as the $150 pair.   Let me forwarn you that using scissors can be dangerous on your doodle if your Goldendoodle is not calm and relaxed during the grooming process.  You can easily cut your doodle or  yourself.  I can’t even tell you how many times in 13 years I’ve cut myself or a dog, accidentally, if they turned their head quickly or jerked their foot away at the exact time as beginning to trim.  Some doodles have “ticklish” feet and will constantly jerk their feet as you try and trim around their pawpads.  Over time,  they get use to the scissors touching their feet but in the beginning,  you will need to be very careful with scissoring.

Your Goldendoodle  also has to learn to sit still or lie on his or her  side as and when needed.  Teaching your Goldendoodle to enjoy the grooming process is just a matter of time and repitition.  Other grooming tools needed are various types of brushes, combs, a wash cloth, ear cleaners and spritzer bottles.

If your shaggy or curly coat Goldendoodle’s  hair is tangled, grooming can take longer and become  a bit tricky.  Proceed gently to avoid irritating your Goldendoodle’s  skin.  Despite some doodle breeders’ claims that Goldendoodles do not shed, your doodle will lose some hairs,  particularly during the dry winter months.  Some Goldendoodles can even have bouts of dry skin,  so care is necessary when grooming him or her.  Don’t over bathe your doodle!  Unless your doodle dog is outside every single day getting into muddy situations or doing a lot of swimming at the beach or lake,  do not bathe your doodle more than twice a month.  Bathing more frequently will cause your doodle to have dry skin.  Even if you own a smooth coat Goldendoodle,  who needs relatively very little coat maintenence,  you will want to groom him or her on a regular basis simply because this process is good for your doodle’s over all grooming health.

Grooming your Goldendoodle helps keep the dog’s skin healthy and coat nice and shiny, not to mention,  it helps him or her smell good. Grooming your doodle dog  helps to improve the blood circulation; helps  keep  the coat free of ticks, fleas  and other less welcome visitors.   Remember to trim the hair underneath your doodle such as the inside of his or her legs and under the belly.  Close attention to your Goldendoodle’s ears are especially important!  Hair can grow into the ear and that can cause yeast infections or ear infections.  Another important area for your Goldendoodle is around the eyes. Shaggy coated Goldendoodles have the most problems with their hair growing over or around the eyes.  If you do not pay careful attention to this,  hairs can curl inward and cause a corneal abrasion by touching the eye itself.  Always keep the hairs trimmed around your Goldendoodles’ eyes when he or she is an adult dog.  Puppies do not require this type of trimming because their coat will change and go through 10-15 different coat phases before he or she turns 1 year of age.

Not all varieties of dogs need a bath everyday. Some short haired dogs require very little coat maintenence.  Some can make do with a bath once a month.  For smooth coat Goldendoodles,  you can simply use a washcloth to wipe the coat gently if you do not want to fully bathe him or her.  Shaggy coat and curly coat Goldendoodles have facial beards.  These beards tend to collect food particles or even dirt or grass if your doodle is outside playing.  I never recommend using shampoo around the face of your Goldendoodle.  Using a wash cloth that is damp and without soap or shampoo is best.  Some doodles require their mouths to be cleaned every day.  Coat staining can occur around the eyes or the mouth if this area isn’t cleaned every day.   If you want to help your doodle not have a “tangly” coat,  spritz your doodle’s coat prior to bathing with a “detangler”.  Comb it thoroughly through the coat.  Then wet your doodle’s coat completely and use your slicker brush to brush through the coat as you are wetting his or her coat.   This will help remove any tangles in the hair before their shamoo/bath.  Always keep soap away from your doodle’s  eyes and ears and make sure to use an ear cleaner to help clean the insides of the ears.   An inexpensive ear cleaner can be made with White vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.  Use a spritzer bottle and mix an equal portion of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together.  This not only helps clean your doodle’s ears,  but helps them smell nicer too!   Never use Q-tips for cleaning the insides of your doodle’s ears! Never!  Use a  washcloth or cotton balls. 

Grooming your Goldendoodle also helps you bond with your loving, wonderful tempered new pet!  It should  be quite obvious why dog grooming and dog health are so closely associated.    Even if your Goldendoodles  does not need daily brushing, it is necessary to check your doodle  every day. Keeping the skin of your Goldendoodle and his or her  body parts cut free and sore free is also an important part of your doodle’s  grooming and health. If you discover fleas on your Goldendoodle’s coat during the grooming process,  fleas  have to be removed with a fine-toothed comb, and embedded ticks have to be removed carefully with tweezers and alcohol.   Pouring a small amount of alcohol on the tick will help loosen its grip prior to removing it from your doodle’s skin with tweezers.  A new flea prevention product called “Comfortis” is on the market and we use this on our Goldendoodles as well as other dogs.  It is a once a month tablet that helps flea prevention.   Always examine your doodle’s nails,  ears and teeth as part of your dog grooming routine, each and every time you groom your lovely Goldendoodle dog. 

Goldendoodle and other dog  grooming and health are so closely associated also because the skin is the first indicator of the state of your pet’s health. Flea allergies, contact allergies, skin rashes and irritations need to be stopped at the earliest.  Ears should be regularly checked. The insides of the ear should be a pale pink. If they show any discoloration or give out an unpleasant odor,  this could be a sign of an ear infection or mite infestation.  Have your Vet look into the matter before proceeding with medication to treat the problem.  Make sure to take your doodle to your vet for a closer examination if you see discoloration inside of his or her ears or smell an odor coming from the inside of the ear.  Your doodle’s  toenails have to be clipped every two or three weeks, depending upon how much exercise your doodle gets every day.  Nails can be trimmed with human nail clippers if your doodle is a puppy.  If an adult,  the guillatine type of nail trimmers works great but you must use these type of nail clippers with extreme care.  You can actually lose a toe or your own finger if you are not care.  Have your vet show you first,  how to properly clip your Goldendoodle’s toe nails before you do it yourself.  If you do not feel comfortable in nail trimming,  always have your groomer or your vet perform this procedure.  Examine your Goldendoodles’ paw  pads to see that there is nothing stuck between them.  Sometimes hair grows between the pads and pebbles or small rocks or twigs can get tangled up inside of the hair that will cause your doodle pain as he or she walks.  Make sure to check your doodle’s pads every day.  If hair is growing around the pads,  you will need to carefully trim the hairs with scissors. 

Teeth cleaning is  important to your doodle’s over all health maintenence as well. Your doodle  can develop cavities or periodontal diseases, just like humans,  too. Cleaning the dog’s teeth twice a week with pet toothpaste and a small toothbrush is advisable.  There are some very good teeth cleaning products on the market.  You can also clean your Goldendoodle’s teeth during his or her grooming process.

Regular grooming not only helps keep your doodle  healthy, it also offers bonding time for you and your Goldendoodle.  In the natural world, dogs lick each other and groom each other. I don’t think you want to lick your Goldendoodle in order to clean him or her?  This licking by other dogs  reinforces pack behavior and subordination. But you can reinforce pack behaviour and subordination by regularly grooming your doodle with brushes and combes.  Brushing or combing your Goldendoodle’s coat  for 10-20 minutes every day or as often as necessary will bring your Goldendoodle  immeasurably closer to you, immense pleasure and will also help keep your doodle  healthy.  Goldendoodles can live up to 20 years under ideal circumstances and if immaculately cared for.

Some Goldendoodles may require professional grooming to maintain their  hair and coat health  if you are not experienced in grooming your doodle,  yourself.  If you do not have the time to groom your doodle on your own or if you do not feel comfortable in grooming your Goldendoodle on your own,  then your doodle will have to be trained to stand properly and to tolerate the attention of a stranger.  Dogs  that have no hair on the skin will need special skin creams to keep the surface oily and germ free. If you own a hairless dog,  then of course you will want to also use a sun screen to help protect your dogs’ skin from harmful sun rays.

Dog grooming and health are mutually dependent. Without grooming,  your dog will not be able to retain good health; Without grooming,  your dog could have a shorter life span.  In spite of all the exercise and good food you give to your canine, without proper grooming health,  your pet will have a shorter life.   In case of dogs that shed heavily, regular grooming helps you to combat floating tufts of hair and speed up the shedding process. Dog grooming is not only about dog health, it is also about bonding, trust and love.

**About the author:  Dee Gerrish of Goldendoodle World has been a private, professional, hobby breeder since 1996.  Dee Gerrish has written extensively about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999.  More information can be obtained about the Goldendoodle dog at http://www.goldendoodleworld.com

*Copyright protected March 9, 2009.

To train you dog, you first need to understand just how your four-footed friend thinks. Dogs, no matter how cute and cuddly, are descendents of far wilder ancestors – wolves.

Though they’ve become more docile and responsive to our commands over the centuries, these beautiful animals have kept their excellent eyesight, keen sense of small, and their need to be a member of a pack. Only today that pack is you and the other members of your household.

To train your dog, you need to understand, learn and use this to your advantage. A pack has one leader (that’s you) and others (everyone else in the house) who show respect to that leader. Most breeds, with a few exceptions, don’t want to lead the pack; they feel safer with someone else in charge. If your dog senses that you’re a wimp in need of direction, he’ll gladly step into that leadership role and rule the roost. Somebody has to be the top dog – if you won’t, your dog will.

When it comes to training, what you want to do is redirect the dog’s natural inclinations to outlets that are acceptable to you. Training continues the work of building a relationship between you and your faithful companion. The process, done correctly and with patience, helps to establish communication, enhance understanding and is a subtle demonstration of your command over the dog.

Whether house training, training for obedience, or teaching your four footed friend a few more involved tricks to impress company – start with an attitude of quiet confidence. From there, use some of these common-sense guidelines while working with your dog:

1.Always be firm and consistent – this will show your dog that he can’t get away with misbehaving, even if he is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.

2.Keep training sessions short – no more than 10 to 15 minutes two times per day, depending on your dog’s attention span.

3.Find a distraction-free place to work – choose a quiet, familiar environment free of distractions so the dog’s attention isn’t drawn to other things that make it hard to focus on what you want to teach.

4.Every so often, show your dog who’s boss – make him move and take his place, or eat your meal before feeding him his, these simple actions put your pet in his place and establishes you as a leader.

5.Never yell at or hit your dog – this teaches him to be nervous and fearful around you and keeps him from learning what you want to teach.

6.Use repetition – do things over and over and over again, using the same tone of voice, command and hand gestures until he gets it, reward every time your dog does as you ask.

7.Use reward – not only the treats your dog loves, but lavish your dog with praise in a high-pitched, happy voice and add lots of squeals of delight for effect and be sure you say his name frequently.

8.When issuing commands like “sit” or “come” use a low, gruff voice – dogs don’t understand any of the words we say, but they do recognize and respond to a change in tone.

9.Practice learned tricks regularly – even after he’s got a trick, reinforce what he or she knows by doing the trick again and again every day; teach only one new trick each week.

If you’re having problems training your dog – don’t lose hope (or patience). Start by talking to your vet (or breeder) and asking for some suggestions. You might also want to talk with other owners whose doge are well behaved and get some tips and tricks to use. If you like to use the computer, go online to some of the discussion forums devoted to dogs, visit dog.com for example, to talk to other dog owners who are also struggling to get their “best friends” to behave properly.

The time and effort you spend working with your dog will make a huge difference in his life, and yours. Not only will your dog be happier and easier to control in dangerous situations, but also he or she will have more freedom because you can count on your pet to behave properly in your home, with company or when you’re out and about.

Around the world , there is a general feeling that a pet is like a family member and therefore it is super critical that we take particular care in offering our pets with good upbringing. Even if you may love your pet, you are strictly advised against giving him with huge amounts of food. Nutriment and health forms the essential factors of the strict regimen that pets ought follow. One has to be particular about health and nutrition of one’s pet because that will contribute to a fit and playful pet.  There’re some ways to offer proper care to ones pet, given below are some basic tips to offer right health to your pets.

Food For Dogs

As you may believe in it, there’s no one food item that is best suitable for every species of dog. Luckily the market is full of many well researched dog food items to choose from. The food chosen ought be proper for a dog’s age. There are two separate nutrient profiles for dogs – one for growth (puppies) and the other for adult care. For instance, While the need for other vitamins and minerals remain same, puppies require higher amounts of protein for their growing whereas adult dogs need high amount of fat. Cooking for dogs at home is besides one of the easiest ways to feed them, but surely not an easy one.

Food For Cats

Different from dogs who can still exhaust anything that we humans do, cats have particular nutritionary needs. Cats want more protein and certain  aminoalkanoic acid with fatty acids and also need a preformed Vitamin A content that is present only in foods of animal origin. The food selected ought also be right for cat’s age. While a kitten exhausting adult cat food will not get the higher amounts of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals she needs for proper growth, a adult cat eating kitten food is likely to grown fat. An bigger cat could need food especially made for her, has fewer calories and is more easily digested.  

Food For Birds

Feeding pet birds with the good foods is big for their health. A balanced diet established on sound bird nutrition recommendations is the key for imparting your pet bird with proper health. Equilibrating  a bird’s diet from the starting could prevent many health and behavior problems but it is ne’er too late to make ones pet bird on a good nutritional footing.

Food For Fish

No single food item can supply all of the nutrients a fish requires. A food should carry protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in the forms each species prefer. Hence, the essentia to supply well food to your fish is variety. Appropriate use of a staple diet, a supplemental diet, vitamin and nutritional supplements will ensure that fish receives all the nutrients necessity for well health. Besides, because fish enjoys a spectrum of tastes and textures, variety in food enhances the quality of their lives.

Prevention

For Certain, prevention is better than cure. Preventive health care can save you and your pet from unnecessary suffering and a bigger financial charge. Annual physical exams, vaccinations and regular references with a veterinary go a long way in precluding diseases.  

Nevertheless, subscribing to a pet care e-newsletter, a magazine or take part in an interest group on a online site will keep you updated on the pet health and nutrition basics.