Benefits of Grooming your Dog

Many dog owners work hard to make sure that their pets enjoy a treat at a professional groomers’ salon.

Some even prefer to do this at home by investing heavily in the best shears for dog grooming as well as other tools that help to do the job in the proper manner.

For many people, grooming is just a process that makes their canine glow. What you may not know is that there are numerous other perks that come with the process as outlined below.

Health Check

Your furry friend gets a good health check when it goes through the grooming process. As you are brushing its coat, you can notice any suspicious lumps or bumps that may be hidden by the fur. This will also help you to identify any mats that may be making the mutt feel pain or great discomfort.

The crucial process can prevent the infestations of ticks and flees. As soon as you spot them remove them safely from the pet as you take further action to make sure they do not become a nuisance anymore.

As you brush the dogs’ teeth regularly, it becomes easier to note if there are any bleeding or sore gums as well as bad breathe that may be as a result of health issues. Trimming nails can assist the groomer to know if there is anything that is caught in between the paw pads or whether there are any sensitive spots.

From today, you can think of grooming as a regular health check as well. Discovering health issues sooner can save your furry friend from a lot of agony as the vet will be able to quickly take care of it.

Socialization

Grooming your canine can help the pup or the adult dog to get used to being touched. You and your four-legged buddy will get more acquitted as you lavish it with lots of love and attention going through the grooming process.

Photo by Александр Гросс on Unsplash 

This works whether you opt for DIY or taking it to the expert groomer. At the groomers, you can also help to keep your companion calm as the professional does the magic. This is something that is bound to strengthen the bond between you and your pet to enjoy a more fulfilling relationship.

Keep Your House and Surroundings Clean

When your pet is well-groomed, it will also contribute to the general cleanliness of your abode. Your pet will not have a chance to spread dirt and debris all over the house because it will always be clean.

Grooming well helps to control shedding, so that you do not have to keep dealing with annoying hairs all the time.

Prevents Costly Procedures

Everyone is looking to save a coin in different aspects of their lives. Should you embark on the journey of making sure that you groom your dog often, you can end up saving loads of cash.

When you notice that there is something wrong with your pet, alerting the vet as soon as possible. This can help to solve the issue fast as you do not have to spend a lot of money on the problem. For instance, if you neglect the anal glands of your pet, they may fill up and end up bursting. This causes unnecessary pain and demands costly surgery procedures to treat.

Allows the Pet to Cool Off Well

Dogs typically cool off by panting as well as air circulation through and around their pads. Extra-long hairs can impair this ability. When you trim the hairs every now and then it can also prevent the pet from slipping on wood or tile floors injuring themselves.

Relaxation

The same way you crave and enjoy spa days is the same way your pet will enjoy a relaxing grooming experience. The pets get to kick back and bask in the pampering they deserve.

You cannot fault your pet for loving you a little bit more should you decide to allow them to experience this often. You can even find that they will try and remind you it is grooming time.

Dog treats, endless cuddles, bones, and runs across the parks are just some of the ways you can keep your canine pal happy and healthy. Throw in frequent grooming sessions and you will easily earn the award of best mum/dad or friend.

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How to go camping with your dog (a guest post)

Photo by Heather Mount on Unsplash

Dogs are friendly, energetic animals that love nothing more than the call of the wilderness. Much like us humans, they enjoy being around nature (some dogs more than others, such as the Blue Nose Pitbull), jumping and running around, enjoying the freedom a forest or a waterfall gives you. This is why going outside the city for a while is great, not only for your furry best friend, but for yourself as well. It helps you connect with nature, bond with your dog, and get rid of daily life’s stress.

But, before picking up your camping gear and your dog and going on a great adventure, there are some things that you need to know first. They mostly have to do with your dog’s safety and well-being, so keep on reading to know more!

Photo by Savs on Unsplash

1.    Assess your dog’s personality

In the end, some dogs are just not made for camping. They’re either not great in the outdoors or are too aggressive to be around other pets and children. So, before going on a camping vacation with your best friend, make a honest assessment of his personality, and decide for yourself if camping suits him!

2.    Look for dog-friendly campsites

Not all campsites welcome dogs (even though they should, honestly), so make sure to do your research first before choosing a place. There is nothing worse than arriving to the site you’ve chosen and spotting a giant “No dogs allowed” sign at the entrance. So, do your homework, and look around camping forums to know where to go. 

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

BringFido is a website where you can research dog-friendly campsites all around the world. Knowledge is only one click away, so make sure to use it!

3.    Make sure your dog is trained correctly

You might think your dog is well-trained, but is he “camp-trained”? This might come as a surprise, but just because your pooch is behaving at home, it does not mean he will do the same as soon as you arrive to the wilderness. Dogs are curious creatures, and yours will want to go around and discover his surroundings. They will go out of their way to satisfy their curiosity, which is why your dog should know campsite etiquette.

Your dog should be able to come as soon as you call him, either using his name or a dog whistle, and that, even if there are distractions around. The best place to train him to do that is at the dog park. In the end, when it comes to training your dog on campsite etiquette, the best thing is positive reinforcement. If you make your dog actually want to listen to you, then you’ve made it all!

4.    Take him to the vet before your trip

Taking a short trip to the vet never hurts, especially before a camping trip. Your best friend’s doctor will let you know if there are any special precautions you would have to take and will make sure that all your dog’s vaccines are up to date. The veterinarian can also help you make a list of what to take in your pet’s first aid kit instead of emergencies, which takes us to the next point.

5.    Always be ready for emergencies

You can do that by making a card that has important information on it, such as your address, your dog’s health history etc… You will also need to make sure that your dog’s tags are up to date, as well as his microchip. And finally, don’t forget to purchase a pet’s first aid kit, or make your own.

6.    Choose the right water and food bowls

Collapsible bowls are all the rage right now, and it’s understandable why. They’re practical, light, and easy to use. So, make sure to bring a couple for your dog’s food and water. Carrying them won’t be a problem, as they tend not to be heavy at all. Have some water on you at all time as well, since dogs need to be hydrated frequently, especially if you’re camping on hot summer days.

7.    Finally, don’t forget to have fun

Photo by Wyatt Ryan on Unsplash

Whether you’re the proud parent of a Great Dane or of a Husky Lab mix, camping with your dog will not always be an easy task, but it will be an enjoyable one. So, make sure to have a blast during your camping trip, and always take care of your dog!

Writer’s photo

Writer’s bio:

Hi, I'm Houda, a fulltime writer, traveler, and self-proclaimed dog person. I also make lame jokes, write poetry, and love eating weird food in faraway countries. Did I mention that I was a dog person? Yeah, give me all the puppies please.

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How Dog Adoptions Work (Guest Post)

Everybody deserves a good home.

Dog adoption is a process that entails acquiring custody of a dog and taking responsibility for the animal that was abandoned by a former owner or surrendered to an animal shelter or a rescue organization.

The Dog Adoption Process

The procedure to adopt a dog may vary in some ways from one animal shelter or rescue group to another, but the general guidelines on how to go about with a dog adoption are as follows:

1. Prior to taking in a dog, an applicant will need to visit nearby pet shelters and inform the management of his or her intention to adopt a dog.

2. Once a dog is selected, an application requesting for the adoption of the dog will be submitted.

3. When the animal shelter management accepts the request, a staff will then be assigned to visit the applicant’s residence to make sure that it is comfortable and favorable for the pet. Home visits greatly vary from one shelter to another.

4. A background check and character interview are then conducted to further assess the applicant’s capability to care for the pet.

5. After the application is approved, the applicant is then required to fill out forms and pay the adoption fee. The new owner can then bring the dog home.

Note: There are some instances that the background check and interview comes first—before the home visit.

Adoption Fees

Adoption fees are a necessary expense when obtaining a dog from an animal shelter. When a dog is sent to the pet shelter, its basic needs are provided by the shelter until the animal finds a new home. Shelters and rescue groups often cover initial veterinary expenses while it is being set up for adoption. Routine expenses in animal shelters include food and shelter, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, veterinary health visits and exams, deworming, heartworm tests, parasite treatments, microchips, collar and an identification tag, treats, toys, and other necessities.

Adoption fees go towards the cost of care an adopted dog has received while staying at the shelter. It is typical to base the adoption fee on the age of the dog being adopted. Depending on the type of organization, adopting a dog may cost none or it can be several hundred dollars. In many shelters, the adoption fee ranges from $250 to $450. Pet shelters and rescue organizations usually offer reduced adoption fees to individuals who adopt an adult or senior pet. These groups also hold special events wherein adoption fees are waived.

Just one of the many events we can all support to find homes for pets that deserve them.

Where to Find Potential Pets

Adoptable pets are typically found in thousands of animal shelters and rescue groups all over the United States. Interested individuals can personally visit these centers to find a potential pet. Adequate time should be spent in choosing a dog. The ideal time is during the middle of the week when shelters are usually less crowded. When possible, repeated visits must be made to the shelter to observe for variations in the behavior of a potential pet.

Pet shelters and rescue organizations also offer online pet adoption. They maintain databases of animals currently housed in various shelters and rescue groups in different parts of the country. Among the most commonly used sites are Petfinder.org, Adopt-a-Pet.com, and TheShelterPetProject.org.

About the Author:

Stephanie is a freelance writer who resides in Gilbert, Arizona. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and with her family.

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Potty Training a Puppy 101

This post, although sponsored, brings me to a time when I had to teach each and every pack member the ways of the potty-trained warrior. 

As pup-parents, although not as difficult as child parenting, we have our ups and down when it comes to housebreaking, sticking to a routine, and ensuring that our dogs grow into good citizens. 

I do hope new pawrents get to read this post or our ancient post on the 5 "S" of Potty Training.

The Poop Position by Chuck D, CC-BY-2.0 

House training a young pup can be relatively easy, or a complete and utter nightmare, depending on the individual dog. Some puppies seem to “get it” fairly quickly while others can leave you tearing your hair out! How well you, as owner, are trained in potty training techniques is another factor determining how quickly your dog learns. Make life easier for you and your pooch by reading up on these potty training essentials.

Set a regular feeding routine

Feed your pup the same amount of food at the same times of the day and have him eat it in the same place. Whatever you do, don't leave food out for a puppy to eat when he feels like it. A puppy processes food really quickly and will usually need to defecate anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes after eating. So sticking to a routine is obviously going to help you lots when it comes to anticipating when he needs to go.

Puppies eat (like all other living things)... Use this to your advantage to anticipate their "potty" move.

Set up a safe toilet area

If you live somewhere with easy access to outside, then this area should definitely be outdoors. If not, then it may be a bathroom or laundry. During at least the first month of potty training be prepared to pick up your puppy and carry them to the designated toilet area to go potty following every meal. You should also do this immediately upon your pup waking up from a nap, immediately following a big drink of water, after they've been playing hard, if they whine during the night or in their pen during the day, as well as if they stand by the door to outside. Remember, a pup usually “goes” about every 45 minutes, so make sure you're around to anticipate this and prevent mistakes. 

Reward the pup for success

When he goes in the right place, a reward should be in store. This doesn't have to be anything over the top, just a positive reaction and perhaps a small treat will do.

Don't punish a pup

Don't ever punish a pup for a “mistake”. Remember, puppies are never fully potty trained until they are at least six months old. Mistakes will happen. Just clean up, without displaying any negative reaction. 

Interrupting a wee

If your pup begins a wee and you spot him doing so, you can sometimes interrupt it by moving towards him quickly, and startling him – but definitely not scaring him! Sweep him up into your arms and rush outside to the designated spot, and he will hopefully finish the wee there. NB. Don't try this with a poop, as puppies cannot stop themselves mid-poop - you will simply end up with a much worse mess to clean up!

At bedtime

Just prior to your going to bed, ALWAYS go get your pup and take him to the potty area. Doesn't matter if he's asleep or not, make sure to take him to the designated spot every single night. Same goes for first thing in the morning.

Tips from the team at Spoiltrottendogs.com.au, specialist dog carers.

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Train Your Dog To Sleep In His Own Bed

Today, I read an article titled "Is it safe to let sleeping dogs lie in your bed?" by Dogtime. In it, the author discussed about pet-to-person transmissible diseases like Chagas, Cat Scratch disease, and the notorious Bubonic plague. This made me recall the story my sister once shared with me about a colleague's story of Lyme disease.

Honestly, I really don't mind having my dog sleep on my bed. Chooey and Peanuts used to sneak up when I'm asleep. However, being asthmatic, having the dog in my room (but not beside me) is a more beneficial set-up on my part.

This pillow used to be mine...

Training your dog to sleep in his own bed can seem like an arduous task, especially when that cute little face is looking up at you. Therefore, it is better if you teach your dog to sleep on his own whilst he’s a puppy, as it can be harder with a more mature dog.

So, what are the benefits of bed training? 

• Some experts believe that it teaches your dog his place in the ‘pack’ or hierarchy in your home.

• It trains your dog to be alone sometimes, and can guard against separation anxiety.

• Your tiny puppy won’t stay small for long. Some breeds can grow to a huge size, and you could be the one with no space in your own bed!

First of all think about the type of bed you’d like. Choose one that your dog can grow into, as he will grow quickly. Smaller breeds and puppies do like to feel secure, so a round, donut type bed is a good idea. Make sure that there are no loose edges, or parts that could become loose and a choking hazard. Swell Pets has a variety of different beds you can look at for inspiration.

Since Asti doesn't like staying inside a crate, we opted for this type of round bed. It's made of plastic and easy to clean.

If you have an older dog, or one with joint or mobility issues, consider a heated bed. These can be ‘self-heated’ and work off the dog’s own body heat. Others are thermostatically controlled to a temperature just above the ambient room climate. The gentle warmth will soothe old bones, especially in the colder months.

Consider a crate too. More pet owners are using crates to give their dog a place of his own to sleep or just to rest. For puppies this can be a good idea to get them used to being alone and also to save your possessions from little teeth.

Training Time!

Before you begin training, remember to go at your pet’s own pace. This will give you the best result and cause the least stress for everyone.

Pop an old t-shirt of yours in the bed, this will add your smell to the bed. Also pop one of your dog’s toys in there too to add his scent. This will make the New Bed seem a much friendlier place.

Show your dog the bed and let him have a good sniff to acquaint himself. Then place it in the agreed place. This can be in your room, or on the landing nearby if that is better. Wherever you put it, make sure that it is a quiet place in the home that doesn’t have a lot of activity. It needs to be your dog’s retreat, so must be peaceful.

And if your dog is this cute, sometimes it's just too hard to say no. 
My Female Dog Sleeping in My Bed by Rafel Miro, CC BY-ND 2.0

If he seems reluctant, pop a few treats in and around the bed. This will help him associate the bed as a positive place and somewhere he wants to be. 

When it’s time for bed, simply take your dog to the bed and place him gently inside. Saying the word “Bed” each time will help him associate the word with the act. 

Older pets can be taught to sleep in their own beds, although if they have spent years sleeping with you, this could take more time. Simply follow the steps above, and don’t give in!

This video has about 21 million views. It's about the smart pittie who takes advantage of his master's absence. I've seen this a couple of times already, so I definitely want to share it with you.

You may experience a few tiresome nights of taking your puppy or dog back to their bed, but the repeated action accompanied by positive words and lots of praise should soon have everyone sleeping soundly – in their own bed!

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4 Tips in Caring for Long-Haired Dog Breeds

Before we start with our local program, let me just share this amazing person whose technique in dog grooming I truly admire.

This Youtuber is an amazing groomer. I like his approach with scared dogs.

There's a downside in caring for a long-haired dog. Shih Tzus and Pekingeses need constant grooming. Some owners take it to themselves to do the grooming. And it's fine. Just remember, it's not just the normal bathing and clipping that they need. 

Asti, the majestic, white lion! Just see how floofy she is.

Most long-haired dog breeds require... 

1. Daily brushing. If you don't have the time to brush your dog's hair daily, you should at least spend 30 minutes a week to ensure that all matted fur is removed.

See how thick her fur is. We have to brush her hair everyday to keep it from forming lumps.

2. Nail clipping. Forget about the challenge of clipping dogs with black nails. Now, you also have to deal with nails surrounded by fur.

This is what groomer's call the Puppy Cut. It's cropped short, about half an inch thick.

3. Clipping/cutting of fur in sensitive areas. Scared of holding your dog's muzzle while placing the scissors in front of his face? Scared nicking your dog's skin or scratching his eye with your scissors? This is just one of the many things you will have to deal with long-haired dogs.

Dogs with long hair need to have the fur between their toes and paw pads trimmed on a weekly or monthly basis. This goes for the hair/fur on their butts and on their abdomens.

Semi-bald cut. We had to cut Asti's hair this short so that treating her fungal infection would be easier.

4. Longer bathing and grooming time. Because of their long fur, breeds like Yorkies, Shih Tzus, and Pekes require more than just a towel to dry off. They need a blower to ensure that their double coats are completely dry.

Our new groomer is amazing. The dogs love him. His grooming skills are superb, and he's very tidy. 

*Pekingeses don't have double coats. They just have a really thick one.

Update: Haopee is a little under the weather. She's wallowing in bed like a sick pig. BOL!

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Feeling Blessed: Dog Food and Schnauzer Parcel

We Got a Schnauzer Package!

We got a package from our dear friend, Magic. It was real sweet of Magic and her mom to include Asti in their letter. The squeaking duck is driving them crazy, by the way.

Thanks Magic and Mom L from Life in the Doghouse for the wonderful presents.

We got ourselves a nice schnauzer schnauzer pin and keychain. We even have a schnauzer pad to match the pretty pins. Now, I feel like a bonafide schnauzer fan! HAHAHA

Switching Shih Tzu Diets

I did mention about changing Buchi's diet. 

Two weeks ago, we started him on Eagle Pro. So far, he's responded positively to it. He's more active. As for the skin condition, it didn't seem to get worse--neither did it get better.

However, we also had him groomed, so it may be a major factor as to why he looks better these days.

Eagle Pro Original Herring for Buchi, Micodine Anti-Fungal Shampoo for Asti,  Le Salon Groomer's Scissors for Chooey 

After talking to Dr. MSB about Eagle Pro, she suggested we give Lamb and Rice a try because Eagle Pro's main ingredient is fish. It could worsen his skin condition.

Eagle Pro's Original Herring's ingredients include:

Herring, White Fish Meal, Pork Meal, Pure Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Natural Fish Oil (Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed Oil, Sunflower Oil, Avocado Oil, Green Peas, Cranberries, Blueberries, Tomatoes, Carrots, Kelp, Alfalfa, Glucosamine, Parsley Leaf, Chondroitin, Rosemary Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Lecithin, Choline Chloride

So, for the next two weeks, we will be trying Holistic Recipe, whose main ingredient include Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, and Ground Corn (shoot, I didn't notice the corn before!).

Here's an excerpt from a letter sent by the company that makes Holistic in response to the green tea in dog food concern.

Holistic Recipe is one of the best Lamb & Rice formulas for dogs. It contains lamb as the only animal protein source and excludes the possible allergens for dogs, such as beef, egg, fish, wheat, corn, etc. Besides, it's naturally preserved with vitamin E & C, not to mention the anit-free-radicals function from green tea. 

What do you think, guys? Which is better between the two?

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The Important Stuff You Should Know Before Getting a Pooch Home

Before this wonderful guest post by Nicola Reynor, let me just update you guys on Buchi and Asti. We both had them groomed, and we couldn't believe we found an amazing groomer who's cheaper than our previous one. And best of all, his local dialect is the same as ours, making communication easier than ever.

Will post pictures on our next Wordless Wednesday.

The Important Stuff You Should Know Before Getting a Pooch Home

Springer Spaniel Puppy age 7 weeks by Tony Harrison, CC BY-SA 2.0

Welcoming a new puppy into the house can be a very joyous moment. The idea of sharing the living space with a four-legged friend is exciting for young and old alike. Pets need a lot of time and patience. If one is not willing or able to give a pet the required attention, things can get a lot less exciting for both the owner and the pet.

Here are some things you should consider before you bring home a furry pal.

Where to Get a Pet From?

The best place to turn to would be an animal shelter. Animal shelters or rescue groups have several purebred or mixed-breed dogs and pups. Around 4 million of these unwanted animals are euthanized each year mostly because they didn't have a loving home to stay in.

By adopting a pet from such a place, you can do your bit in solving the pet overpopulation problem. People who choose to adopt pets save around 20,000 lives each year!

Up for Adoption by Kimco Realty, CC BY-ND 4.0

By adopting a pet, you aren't just doing your bit to make the world a better place. You will be surprised to know that though animals in pet shops and online pet stores look robust, they may actually have health problems, may develop them later on in life, or may have behavioral problems. This is because these animals are born into puppy mills.

A puppy mill is a large-scale breeding operation that puts profit before the welfare of animals. Animals are bred until they are of no further use and then put down. Moreover, animals are kept confined in small places and not treated well.

"I Love NYC Pets" month by Patrick Kwan, CC-BY-2.0

By adopting a pet from a rescue group, you can be sure of getting a healthy pup or a dog that was bred or raised by a responsible person. A pet at a rescue group will also be up-to-date on vaccinations.

Why Do You Want a Pup?

Are you keen on getting that pup just because you fell for its beautiful eyes? Perhaps your kids have been pestering you to get a pup for them. Adopting a pup means having to make a long-term commitment of at least 15 years to it. You will have to care for it, spend money on it, and give your time to it.

Puppy Love by smlp.co.uk, CC-BY-2.0

As children grow, their schedules will keep on changing and it may not be easy for them to care for the dog. They may even grow out of the excitement of owning a pet. If your kids aren't old enough to understand the dedication a pet will need, wait for them to grow up.

Bring a pet home only if you and your family members fully understand the responsibilities that you'll have to share. Most pups and dogs end up at dog shelters because their owners didn’t assess the important things before adopting or buying pets.

Is the Pet Suited to Your Lifestyle?

You need to consider if the breed or the age of the pup/dog that you're adopting the right one for you. Don't buy a particular breed just because you have always wanted it. Avoid adopting a younger dog if you know you can’t walk or move around a lot. All dogs have specific needs and you'll need to decide how much time you will be able to spend with your dog before adopting it.

Some breeds, and pups and younger dogs in particular, require more exercise and training. Older dogs will be better off with people living a more or less sedentary life. An older dog may not like it if there are inquisitive kids around nor will kids looking for an active companion be in awe of the new member.

this one tugs at me by jeffreyw, CC-BY-2.0

Furthermore, walking into an animal shelter may overwhelm you. Don’t let your emotions get the better of you. If you bring home a pup or a dog just because you felt pity for it, you won’t be happy living with the pet.

Are You Financially Secure for the Pet?

Owning a pet will come with its share of financial burdens too. Your dog will need to be fed nutritious food and special treats. You will have to buy dog accessories and toys for your pooch as well. Think of all the things you might have to purchase to train your pup. If you leave the training to professionals, they’ll charge a fee too.

SETAF HISTORICAL IMAGE ARCHIVE by US Army Africa, CC-BY-2.0

It is necessary to groom dogs regularly so if you don’t take the time out of your schedule to groom your pet, you’ll have to spend money for the same. Dogs get sick just like we do. Moreover, they age a lot faster than we do. Regular health check-ups, medicines, vaccinations and more await you.

Conclusion

Dogs can be the best companions. Caring for a dog can be a rewarding experience irrespective of its age or breed. However, before bringing home a pooch, consider the important stuff carefully. A wrong decision will not only disrupt your life but will greatly impact that of your pet too.

The right pooch will certainly fill your life and home with much happiness. In a few weeks of welcoming your dog home, you will have found a new friend and a loyal companion.

If you’re unsure about anything, you can consider fostering a dog before you adopt one. By providing a foster home to a dog, you can see how your life will revolve around having a pet. You will also be able to accurately note how much time you will be able to devote to a pet. With any luck, your foster pet might be the perfect one for you!

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Most Frequent Dog Allergies (Guest Post)

I know I promised myself a blogging break, but I decided to post this one anyway. Will see you guys in May.

It has been shown that in the recent years, the number of allergies has increased and that the human sensitivity to them has been on the rise. Unfortunately, the same goes for our canine friends. There are several types of allergies that they can suffer from, but there are some important facts about them. First, when you are not sure, you should always take your pet to the vet and let them determine the causes of your dog’s scratching, sniffing, diarrhea and the like. The second thing is to avoid treating your pet on your own and providing them with the best possible care. Here are the most common allergies in dogs, their symptoms and the tips on how to avoid them altogether. The most common symptoms of all types of allergies include itching, running nose, redness of skin, hair loss, swollen paws and the like.

Scratching by Lee Haywood, CC BY-SA 2.0

Chemicals and Environmental Allergies

When your dog suffers from these kinds of allergies, the symptoms are usually present throughout the year. The chemicals that you should watch out are different cleaning products for your dog and its toys and beddings alike, cigarette smoke, perfumes, mold spores, rubber and plastic. As for the natural environment, the allergy causes can be different plants or pollen. Since this is a very wide range of allergens, the cause can be determined only my lab tests performed by a professional.

Flea and Parasite Allergies

Fleas can become real pests and they can cause great discomfort for your dog. Allergy to flea saliva is a really common allergen in dogs. Only two or three fleas can cause your dog to be experiencing very severe symptoms. Similar problems can happen with tick bites, bacterial infections or dust mites. In case of bacterial allergies, besides the usual symptoms, there will be red blotches and puss. In order to check for fleas, it is advisable to comb the dog and collect the residue on the tissue. Flea excrement looks like dust but it dissolves in alcohol releasing red color. Prevention is regular bathing using anti-parasite shampoos.

Food Allergies

Besides the usual symptoms, these kinds of allergies also cause diarrhea and vomiting. The vet will perform the number of tests to see what sort of food your dog should avoid, but you can do the elimination test, closely watching for the symptoms in process. Especially if you suspect that some particular food is causing that. Once you figure that out, make sure that you carefully study the contents of all dog food before you buy it.

Babis Eating Dog Food by Kiewic, CC-BY-2.0

Whatever, you do, if you see any of these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Even if it is not allergy, these are definitely symptoms that should not be ignored and that require the help of the professional. The best you can do to avoid them altogether is to give your dog the food you are sure about, and keep it clean and parasite-free. In that way, the probability of it getting an allergy are reduced to a minimum.

Author's Bio:

Catherine Daniels, huge animal lover, loves writing about them in spare time, enjoys hiking with her dog Cookie and cuddling with her cat Zoe.

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Feeding Your Puppy: The Ins and Outs

Now that's we've talked about raw food *cough* Mr. Giant Rat in our previous post titled 'Whose Blood is It?', 'time to discuss other matters.

When it comes to feeding your puppy, there are many different feeding routines you can choose from. There are dry complete diets, semi-moist diets, canned diets, and even homemade dog food diets. With each different option there are pros and cons, which we’re going to go into a little more detail about. Above all else, you need to make sure that your dogs diet is stable, as this will make sure he has good digestion. If you plan on making any changes, this should be done over the course of a week in order to avoid any tummy upsets. Read on to learn more:

Puppy's Dream by smerikal, CC BY-SA 2.0

A Puppy’s Diet

Puppies grow 20 times the rate of adult dogs so it’s important that they have a special diet to help them develop physically. They need to be fed at evenly spaced intervals, otherwise you can stretch their small stomachs. You should take the advice your breeder has given you about your puppy’s diet. Your puppy should have 4 meals up to 4 months, 3 meals up to 6 months, and then 2 meals a day for the rest of it’s life.

Dry Complete Foods

The quality and range of dry complete foods out there vary widely. To get the most out of your dog’s food you should buy the best you can afford for them. ‘Premium’ foods based on chicken or corn tend to have the highest quality ingredients. Puppy food from Wuffitmix is a great choice.

Semi Moist Canned Foods

When it comes to quality, the same goes for semi moist canned foods. A good quality food with good quality ingredients is essential for your puppy.

The Difference Between Dry and Fresh

The difference between dry and fresh foods is the water content. It’s up to you which you choose to feed your dog - choose the kind he responds best to!

a dog eating bananas by ViZZZual.com, CC-BY-2.0

Home Made Food

It’s difficult to get the balance right with homemade food, so it’s important you only decide to feed them homemade food if you know what you’re doing. A tiny imbalance could throw your puppy’s whole digestive system out of whack!

Treats

You need to take a careful look at the ingredients when it comes to treats too, as the ingredients in them can include sugar, milk, and fat. Even food described as ‘puppy chocolate’ can contain these ingredients, so make sure you check it out. All treats should be given in moderation to avoid obesity, and never feed your dog human food!

Feeding Tips

• Don’t feed your dog before travelling, as this can cause sickness.

• Always make changes gradually in a dog’s diet to avoid tummy upset.

• Leave your dog alone while they’re eating from their bowl.

• Never feed your dog from the table or your plate, as this will make them beg in future and sit by you and drool (gross!).

It’s important that you’re prepared to do everything it takes to keep your puppy healthy and happy - follow our advice and you can’t go wrong!

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Should You Feed A Raw Food Diet To Your Dog?

Before anything else, please don't forget to drop by Daisy Downunder. Kindly check our Bulletin Board (on the upper right) for the details.

This guest post is brought to us by Bill Rogan. Do you feed your dog raw diet? I know My Rotten Dogs does. They even post pictures of their meals.

Many people gasp in shock at the thought of feeding a raw food diet to their dog. Isn’t raw food bad for dogs? Won’t my dog get sick? What about salmonella and other types of bacterial infection?

Commercial Dog Food Is Still A New Concept

Remember, for thousands of years, dogs have been eating raw food. Cooked commercial dog food has only existed for about 100 years or so and didn’t get very popular until about WWII. Since then, feeding commercial dog food such as canned food or kibble has become the norm.

By Denhulde (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL],
via Wikimedia Commons

The biggest health threat when it comes to a raw food diet for dogs is contaminating human food. When preparing a raw meal for your dog, it is imperative to take precautions so you do not contaminate surfaces, eating instruments, or human food supplies. While your dog’s digestive system is designed to handle raw meat, your digestive system is not. Salmonella is highly spreadable, so you must wash all surfaces that the raw meat came into contact with and remember to wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you are finished handling the raw food.

It is also important to keep your dogs food consistent. Your dogs body has to go through various changes when switching from a cooked diet to a raw food diet. If you want to feed your dog a raw food diet, you should feed raw food exclusively. Also, when first switching to a raw diet your dog may experience diarrhea or even vomiting. Usually, this doesn’t last long and does not harm your dog at all. It simply takes time for your dog’s digestive system to get used to the raw diet instead of a cooked diet.

Reasons To Feed A Raw Food Diet To Your Dog

So why would you want to feed your dog a raw food diet? Most dog owners who feed a raw diet do so because it is far more natural for dogs. While dogs may enjoy eating fruits and vegetables from time to time, in the wild their main diet consists of raw, uncooked meat. When we cook dog food, such as in commercial kibble or with a home cooked diet, many of the beneficial nutrients are cooked off. With a raw food diet, the dogs meal is more natural, like they would get in the wild, and can lead to a much healthier life.

Those who feed a raw diet report a healthier coat, increased energy, reduction in allergy problems, increased dental hygiene, a less smelly stool, and a much higher desire to eat during meal time. Some medical issues seem to completely disappear, especially when it comes to allergies.

By Tiia Monto (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Many dog owners are also upset about the number of poor quality ingredients being used in typical commercial dog food. For example, some dog food manufactures use food coloring that has been linked to cancer or may use very low quality meat byproducts. Some of these meat byproducts can contain animal meat that is not allowed for human consumption. These slaughtered animals include those who are sick, dying, or diseased. And finally, many dog food brands fill their products with “filler ingredients” that provide no nutritional value to your dog. The most common filler ingredients are corn and grain products. Corn is frequently used as the top ingredient in commercial dog food even though it provides no nutritional value and can be difficult for some dogs to digest.

The Disadvantages Of Feeding A Raw Food Diet To Your Dog

Of course, there are negatives to feeding a raw based diet for dogs as well. For one, it’s messy. VERY messy. In addition to possible salmonella contamination in your home, your dog does not care about making a mess. You should have a special area of your home with tarps laid down or feed your dog outdoors in a designated area. You must be diligent about keeping feeding areas clean from bacteria. Again, this is not so much for the safety of your dog as it is for the safety of you and your family.

By Elizabeth from Lansing, MI, USA (Elvis Reviews NutrishUploaded by Dolovis) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

You also need to find a reputable place to obtain raw meat products. Purchasing from a grocery store can get expensive, so many dog owners like to form a relationship with a local butcher. They usually have many types of meat that humans don’t like but dogs love (organ meat, snouts, hearts, liver, etc.). This can usually be obtained for relatively cheap.

If a raw based diet isn’t something you want to feed your dog, it shouldn’t be much of a problem. Many who feed a raw based diet refuse to use any commercial dog food at all, but there are several good brands out there. Simply do some research on holistic and grain-free dog food and be prepared to spend a bit more than you might be used to. Generally, the more you pay for commercial dog food, the higher the quality.

Author's Bio:

Bill Rogan a deep passion for dogs. He spends his weekends writing articles on the raw food diet for dogs. He also writes about dog food reviews on www.dogfoodinsider.com

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