Here there are some easy ways to keep your dog away from odor:

• Dry your pets when you give them a shower. Use towels or a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting so that there would be no watery substance and allow it to completely dry.

• Dogs also get feces or some kind of smelly things stuck in their fur. Keep a regular check on his paws and around his anus. It’s a good idea to shave his hair in a circle around his anus to reduce that possibility.

• Keep his mouth clean by making him use Listerine or other brand of mouthwash. Put some on a washcloth and clean your dog’s coat, then rinse or shampoo off. If that isn’t working, add some baking soda to the mix.

• At times your dog will also have bad breaths then you can give him Greenies.

• Make sure that he bathes regularly particularly if he spends much time outside.

• Even giving a shampoo bath every six weeks or so is good way to keep your pets away from bad odor. Then follow with a nice conditioner or make your own using a little baking soda in lukewarm water.

• One of the important aspects is to keep a good diet for your pets. Feed them with a balanced, finest dog food that smells fine to you and make sure his dog food hasn’t spoiled or developed mold. Dog food packaging should point out its expiration date. Always check at the store before you buy it.

• Check his ears and also clean his ears regularly. Ear infections are a common cause of bad smells. Make sure he doesn’t have any discharges, bad odors or odd colors or insects in his ears. Infections need to be treated by a check right away.

• Keep his possessions clean so that they don’t let him smell bad.

Furthermore you can buy odor remover products online or at pet stores. Vacuum beads, candles, carpet sprinkles, and air fresheners all work well to cover up odors. They come in a range of fragrance to bout your home and to ensemble your needs. Not all dogs smell bad, but at times even the cleanliest dog attracts a tainted smelling odor. Once that happens it is good to know how to get rid of dog odor.

As ear infection is common in human beings. In the same way your dog ears may also get infected at times. Dog ear infection is very common. Here the question arises as how do dogs get infection in their ears? The dogs ear canal has a horizontal and a vertical component. This leads to ear infections as dust or any other unwanted matter must work its way upward rather than straight out. Over-production of wax is the main cause for ear infection. Other causes include foreign bodies (like fox tails or grass awns), untreated ear mites, usage of cotton tip to clean the ears which further pushes wax or unwanted things deep inside the ear, wet ears which are not dried after bathing or swimming, and hair growth deep inside the canal (most common in schnauzers and poodles).Infections and bacterial growth result due to the moisture present in the wax. If the treatment is not provided in time, then formation of pus can occur, which becomes more chronic.

One can avoid ear infections in dogs by keeping your dogs ear clean and dry. Various ear cleaners are available in the market. Time by time keep a check on the smell emitted by the dogs ear. If the smell is unusual visit your veterinarians for the ear check up of your dog.

Some of the most common symptoms shown by the dog include discomfort around the ears, rubbing or scratching the ears on the furniture or floor, tilted head or shaking the head, unusual eye movements, lack of balance. If the infection is left untreated, it progresses deep inside the ear, leaving the dog in pain. This will make the dog dizzy, with poor coordination and balance. At times he may vomit and walk around in circles.

Some of the medicines used for treating dog ear infection are nystatin, thiabendazole, chloramphenicol, clortrimazole, miconazole, gentamicin, cortisone. Besides these medicines there are certain home remedies as well. For example, if you see a pink brownish wax in the dogs ear, which is caused by yeast, you can treat it with vinegar or acetic acid. To avoid ear mite’s infection, put few drops of olive oil or almond oil onto the ear canal of the dogs ear. You can also use mineral oil with an herbal mixture to act as a natural antibiotic.

The dog food treats are available in wet and dry forms. The dogs should not be given entirely wet food because of the large water content. Wet food is generally used as filler in the dry food. One should be aware of the ingredients that are contained in the packet. Broadly classifying the dog foods, it is fund in three varieties: Meat-and bone meals, grains by products and horse meat.

One must stay away from less expensive brands as they do not contain meat, they contain only animal by product and also a large amount of grain fillers. The expensive brands contain dog food made from organic products and good quality meat. There are sections of people world wide that are of the belief that natural dog treats are best for their dogs. They believe that food in raw form works best for their dogs. Packaging and increasing shelf life of the food makes its quality poor. Preservatives, additive and added flavours harm the dog in the long run. All these preservatives are added to the packaged foods to increase the shelf life. Hence they believe that dog treats should be natural.

The Food and Drug Administration does not ban the use of raw foods to feed the dogs but it insists that the food should be fresh and hygienic. One should always check out with the ingredients and whether it suits their dogs or not. Packaged or natural dog treats…you should choose the one that suits well with your dog. There are special foods available in the markets that are suits the sensitive needs of some dog. They contain foods that are made from barley or gluten. They do not cause allergies or irritation. The foods can be many forms. The foods can be frozen, dehydrated, fresh and homemade.

The frozen foods are kept in deep refrigeration to keep the ingredients fresh. The dehydrated food is dried to keep it germ free. Refrigeration keeps it fresh. The food is cooked lightly and sealed in vacuum packs. The refrigerated foods have of 2 to 4 months. Homemade diet is packed inn plastic containers. Small companies have stared making cooked food and sell them in stores. Many pet owners support home cooked food for their pets. Some pet owners also believe in giving vitamin supplements to their dogs in addition to the dog foods. Dog treats are available with added vitamins also.

The battle still rages on whether to feed their dogs with leftovers or raw foods or packaged foods. Many argue that dogs have been fed with leftover from their owners’ house for many centuries. They believe that leftovers work best for their dogs. Some support natural dog treats which is very apt according to their point of view. Now you must decide which dog treats works well for their dogs and feed them accordingly.

Dog shampoos are special types of shampoos that are formulated for dogs in particular. They are made to keep the pH of the skin unaltered. As dogs have a relatively higher pH value of their skin, it is advisable to use shampoos that are formulated for high pH value. The ingredients of a dog shampoo should be well selected. It should contain fatty acids which is an essential requirement.

Fatty acids provide nutrients to the skin and coat hence help in making the coat shiny and smooth. Vitamins are also required in the shampoo. Hence one must check out if the shampoo contains them. Pro vitamin B5 and biotin are very popular ingredients in shampoo for dogs. The coat hair is thickened by the regular use of these ingredients. Another ingredient to look out for is Vitamin E. it is really great for dog’s skin. It does wonders for the dogs’ skin. When it comes to dog shampoos, there is nothing like natural shampoo. These shampoos contain natural extracts. The extracts include Aloe Vera, citrus fruits, eucalyptus extracts and tea tree oils. You must keep one thing in mind, though. Test these shampoos before using because your dog may be sensitive to some of these extracts. Don’t be misled by the ‘natural’ tag because some of these ingredients may be allergens.

The only thing that is not welcomed in shampoos is the added fragrance that might cause irritation and allergies. Check out if the shampoo you choose contains no added fragrances. Natural fragrances do not cause any harm though. If the shampoo for dogs is burning a deep hole in your pocket, then you must try out methods of cleaning your dog using products from home. Here is how you can do it at home. Sprinkle some baking soda on the coat then rub the coat with your hands. After that, brush the coat. This will instantly clean the coat and make it shiny and smooth. Baking soda also removes odour from the coat. Why baking soda works is that it is fragrance free, naturally kills fleas and also neutralises odour rather than covering it up. Baking soda can also be mixed with water and applied just like a shampoo.

If all these parameters confuse you rather solving problem then you can do best by asking the vet to recommend the shampoo for dogs. The market is flooded with numerous shampoos for dogs. You can choose according to the ingredients that suit your dog.

]]> http://www.drnaturalvet.com/dog-shampoo/feed/ http://www.drnaturalvet.com/teaching-your-dog-to-use-a-doggie-door/ http://www.drnaturalvet.com/teaching-your-dog-to-use-a-doggie-door/#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:15:14 +0000 Cybill http://www.drnaturalvet.com/?p=524

A doggie door can be a very convenient addition to your household. It’s convenient for your dog because it allows him or her to be more self-reliant, while it’s convenient for you because you will no longer have to get up in the middle of the night to let your dog out every time he or she needs to heed the call of nature. A word or two of caution though. If you think your dog is the type to just wander off from your backyard into the streets, then a doggie door might not be such a good idea. Also, if you are not confident enough about the security of the neighborhood in which you live in, a doggie door might not also be for you as it can be a means for burglars or other unwanted persons to get into your house- especially if you have a bigger dog, which will entail that you also get a large enough doggie door where people may be able to fit through. Once you have considered these disadvantages and feel that a doggie door can be beneficial for you, then read on and learn a few tips on how to train your dog to use his doggie door:

-    Firstly, tape the flap of the doggie door to the wall so it just looks like an opening through the wall. Stay outside and leave your dog inside. Close the door and try calling him outside. If he doesn’t respond hold up a treat or a toy just a few meters from the opening. This will teach him to get to you through the opening.

-    Once you have done step one a few times and are sure that your dog has learned to use the hole as a door, take out the tape so the flap is covering the hole again. Like in step one, stay outside while your dog is inside the house and call him or her. If he doesn’t respond or hasn’t figured out that the flap can be moved and he can still use the hole like before, move the flap with your foot or peek your head in so he knows that it is actually movable. Again, you can use a treat or toy to encourage him. Most dogs learn how to use the doggie door pretty quickly.

-    Finally, repeat the same process with you inside the house and your dog outside. Train your dog so that he or she will know to head inside right away when you call him or her. It should be clear to your pet that outside is for relieving him or herself and for occasional playing, but that inside is really where he or she needs to be most of the time. Now that he or she has learned to go outside through the doggie door, you want to make sure he or she will know how to get inside as well- where he or she is safest and most secure!

First things first- as we always advise, if you are not comfortable cutting your dog’s hair then please have a professional do it instead. However, it is easier than you think and if you do learn how to do it yourself, you can save a lot of money especially if your dog has long hair and needs regular grooming. Here are our tips for cutting your dog’s hair. You (and your dog) will be used to it in no time:

-    Before you start, brush your dog’s hair to remove any tangles. This will make the whole process go smoothly.

-    Make sure that the pair of scissors you are using is sharp. A blunt pair can be frustrating and a waste of time for both you and your pet.

-    If your dog is small enough, put him or her on top of a table. This will give you a better view and keeping them at an elevation will prevent them from moving around. Just ensure that the table has strong enough foundations to carry the weight of your dog. We don’t want any accidents, especially when there are scissors and clippers involved!

-    Before you start cutting, decide on an overall length and be consistent as you cut all throughout. Having an uneven coat is not a matter of life and death, but you want your dog to be presentable, don’t you?

-    Start with just one area of your dog’s body and see how it goes before proceeding to the other areas. You don’t want to be cutting all over the place especially when it’s your first time trimming your dog’s hair.

-    Always cut at an angle. This will ensure that you don’t cut the hair too short and it looks better as it grows too as opposed to a blunt cut.

-    Finally, after you’ve trimmed your dog’s hair, give him or her a bath to get rid of excess hair! That’s pretty much it. See, we told you it’d be easy!

We (and many dog lovers, we’re sure) think that the best way to treat your dog is to really have him or her reside in your own home with you. Not only does it keep them safe from the elements, it also allows them to have a lot of bonding time with you and the other members of your household, thereby really letting them feel that they are not just a pet, but also a valuable part of the family. That said, we understand, that sometimes it is just not practical or feasible to keep your dog indoors with you at all times. If you have no choice but to let your dog live in a doghouse, the next best thing you can do for them is to ensure that they are safe, comfortable, and content even when they have to sleep outside. Here are our tips to help you get the best doghouse for your precious pet:

-    Firstly, make sure that the yard in which the doghouse is located is secure and properly fenced in. Make sure the fence is high enough so your dog can’t just jump out of it and so that other dogs from the neighborhood won’t get into your yard either.

-    The most important consideration when looking for a doghouse is the climate of the area you live in. If you live in a place with notorious winters, get a doghouse that is waterproof. A heating pad will make your pet a lot more comfy too on those cold, cold nights. Conversely, if you live somewhere really warm, make sure that the dog house is positioned in a shaded area of the yard and that your dog has enough water at all times. If you really want to go all out, you can even get your pet an air-conditioned doghouse!

-    You should also carefully choose the size of your pet’s doghouse. It should be big enough for your dog to turn around and stretch in, but it should also be snug enough to keep him warm on colder days and nights.

-    The safety of your dog is of utmost importance, so also make sure that the doghouse does not have any sharp edges where your dog can severely injure himself.

-    It is also important to think about the material of the doghouse you will be buying for your pet. Plastic and metal ones are easier to clean than wooden ones. Moreover, plastic doghouses are also a lot lighter and thus easier to move should you decide to relocate the doghouse to a different part of the yard.

-    Finally, you should do all you can to make your pet feel that even when he is not sleeping under the same roof as you, he is still very much loved. You can make the dog house a more welcoming place for your dog by associating it with things he or she likes. For example, you can start feeding your dog in the doghouse. You can also put his or her favorite toys in there so it becomes a fun, enjoyable place. Remember, your pet should not only see the doghouse as a piece of shelter but also as a home!

We often use the expression “dog breath” to refer to bad breath, but dogs do not deserve this reputation! Ok, so a dog’s breath may not be as pleasant-smelling as a human’s, but there is no reason it has be foul, too! If your dog has severely bad breath to a point where it becomes uncomfortable to be around him or her, you might want to check for signs of periodontal disease, which is one of the primary causes of bad breath in dogs.

What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease or gingivitis is the inflammation of gums and the loss of the support structures of the teeth, which may eventually cause your dog’s teeth to fall out.

How can you tell if your dog has this disease?
In healthy dogs, the gums are a pink color and although the breath may not be pleasant, it is also not extremely foul. In the early stages of this disease, you might find brown deposits on you dog’s teeth and there may be a red line running around your dog’s gums.

How do you prevent it?
Regular dental care (see our previous articles on the subject here and here) can go a long way in preventing your dog from developing this disease. Make sure you brush your dog’s teeth and gums regularly. Studies have also shown that dogs with dry kibble diets are less prone to the disease than dogs who eat soft food.

If you think your pet may have periodontal disease or gingivitis, please consult your veterinarian for treatment options.

Electric dog collars are primarily used in dog obedience training. How does it work? It comes with a remote transmitter that you, the dog owner, can control. Whenever your dog is disobeying your command or doing something “bad”, you can then activate the transmitter and the collar sends a small shock to your dog, thereby letting him or her know of your displeasure. Not surprisingly, there has been a lot of debate surrounding the use of electric dog collars. Some pet owners advocate their use, while others are against it. Here we give you the pros and cons and our two cents’ worth on the subject.

PROS
-    Electric dog collars are a quick, convenient way of training your dog. Once he or she does something wrong, you can immediately let him or her know about the mistake, so they can learn to easily distinguish between right and wrong.
-    Some dogs have behavioral problems that no amount of training can solve. Some jump over the fence when they see anything that sparks their interest or tug at the leash so hard that you end up letting go and frantically running after them. There are dogs who won’t outgrow chewing the furniture or frantically digging through your lawn. If, after you feel you have tried your best training them and they still haven’t learned to listen, then maybe the electric collar is the way to go.
-    The electric collar is also a cheaper training alternative than hiring a professional trainer, which not everyone will be able to afford.
-    Contrary to some misconception, there have been no proven physical or neurological damage associated with electronic dog collars.

CONS
-    Some pet owners see it as a quick fix. They don’t bother teaching their dogs the more conventional way (such as reward training) because they have an option that entails less effort and less time on their part.
-    Many opponents of electric dog collars also say that some dog owners may abuse it, so they press on the transmitter and shock their dogs at the smallest hint of misbehavior. Dogs, like the rest of us, are not perfect and are bound to commit mistakes. The problem with using electric dog collars is that we become less patient and less forgiving with even the smallest transgressions and punish our pets unnecessarily.
-    Others also question whether intentionally hurting your pet (no matter how minor the pains is) is humane or not.
-    Another argument against the use of the electric collar is that it could potentially worsen behavior problems since some dogs may only end up being more aggressive when subjected to a little pain and discomfort.

In conclusion, as long as you properly educate yourself on how and when to use the electric dog collar, then it might not be such a bad idea. Our one advice though is to make sure that, when training your pet, you use other avenues first. Once those other methods don’t work, then consider the electric dog collar option. If reward training works though, then it might be best to continue doing that instead. After all, there’s no use in trying to fix something that’s not broken!

Where to get an electric dog collar? Click here!

Perhaps it will be no exaggeration to say that all dogs like car rides, and every pet owner can attest to this fact. Our German Shepherd, for examples, does not only like car rides, she loves them. In fact, she’s gotten so keen at observing the signs for impending car rides, such as me grabbing the keys. Even just hearing the words “car” or “ride,” will have her jumping up and down with excitement. Once in the car she barks her lungs out until the window is rolled down and until we are actually moving. Once on the road, she’ll bark at almost everything in sight especially other dogs, and she hates traffic lights because, I suspect, she just hates having to stop and prefers to have the car constantly moving along. Precisely because my dog is so obsessive about car rides, I decided to do some research on just why dogs like them so much.

There have been no scholarly papers written on the subject (I’m sure the experts have better things to do with their time), but there have been a few explanations offered, such as:

-    Dogs love sticking their heads out the window and having the wind blowing in their face keeps them cool.
-    Dogs have a very sensitive sense of smell. Apparently, studies show that a dog’s nose can be 1,000- 2,000 times more acute than a human’s. Thus, you can just imagine the things they must be detecting in the environment around them. Every street is a universe just waiting to be explored.
-    Going on car rides makes them feel like they are on a hunt. This could explain why your dog is extra observant in a moving vehicle.
-    And the other common explanation is that dogs just think car rides are enjoyable. There’s no need to overthink or analyze their behavior. Simply put, car rides are fun for your dogs, so take them along as often as you can. There’s no better reward for a dog owner than seeing his or her pet in absolute bliss and ecstasy!