Just about every dog breed sheds, but some more than others.  Shedding occurs when your dog’s hair comes to the end of its life stage, which happens about twice a year.  You may have noticed that when you take your dog to the vet. he will suddenly start shedding excessively; this is because shedding can also be caused by stress, fear, and anxiety.  This type of shedding though typically resolves after the dog is removed from the trigger.  Regular shedding on the other hand, needs to be managed differently.  There are three tips that can help you minimize the amount of hair that your dog sheds as well as make the process go by quicker.

1. Brush Your Dog’s Hair

Unfortunately, there is no magical way to get rid of shedding, as it is a natural part of every canine’s life.  What you can do to greatly minimize the amount of hair that sheds from your dog is practice regular brushing.  This will take some time and patience, but it’s worth not having so much dog hair in your home!

There are two types of brushes that are essential for reducing shedding; one that can remove the undercoat, and one that traps the loose hair.  Before brushing, run your fingers through your dog’s entire coat so that the brush can have easier access to the loose hair.  Brushing before and after a dog bath is advised; this will help get rid of the loose hair before it becomes wet, and also remove the dead hair that is loosened during the bath.

2. Use a Special Shampoo

There are various types of shampoos that contain special ingredients such as Omega 3 which can help keep the coat healthy.  If you’re not sure which type of shampoo to select, ask your veterinarian; he or she will be able to recommend a special shampoo that helps with shedding as well as maintaining your dog’s coat healthy.

3. Select a Healthy Dog Food

Like with people, what a dog eats directly affects his overall health.  That means that if your canine eats a high quality dog food, he is more likely to have a healthier skin and coat.  If shedding is a big problem, there are special diets designed for skin and coat care.  These types of dog foods typically contain Omega 3 and other nutrients that are beneficial for the coat.

One last tip/myth that is important for you to know is that shaving your dog does not help with shedding.  It may seem like it helps, but this is because the hair is shorter and not as noticeable.  Shaving will also not get rid of the undercoat.  In addition, shaving your canine can increase the risk of your dog getting sunburned, injured, stung by insects, etc.  While shaving is sometimes necessary to keep a dog cool, if it is not needed it is best to avoid shaving.

Brushing is the best advice any groomer or veterinary health professional can give to anyone dealing with a shedding issue.  Performing the task daily can sound hectic, but as time passes it will become part of a regular routine.  This can also bring you and your canine friend closer, and you can also detect health issues such as tumors, abscesses, and injuries that you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise.

Although pugs are notorious for being terrible swimmers, they are not the only dog breed susceptible to the dangers of the sea.  There are five easy steps you can follow to keep your canine safe and content so that you too can enjoy your time at the beach.

1. Obtain a Life Jacket

The idea that all dogs can swim is only a myth.  There are plenty of dogs that do not enjoy water and many that actually do not know how to swim.  In addition, even the best swimming dogs can be affected by the powerful waves of the ocean.  While many people find it funny to place a life jacket on a dog, it can be life-saving.  Canine life jackets can be found online as well as at pet stores.  They come in different styles, colors, and sizes, so there is no excuse for not getting one for your beloved dog!

3. Apply Sunscreen

Yes, even dogs need sunscreen to protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays.  This is especially true for dogs with all white coats; they are more susceptible to getting sun burned as well as developing skin cancer.  Do not use human sunscreen, as most of them are toxic when ingested; and as most of us know, dogs will eat just about anything!  Some pet stores carry sunscreen for dogs, but if you can’t find any, you can have some ordered by your regular vet.

4. Keep Your Dog Cool

Heat stroke is quite common during the spring and summer season.  Keeping your dog in the shade and limiting physical activity can help prevent heat stroke from developing.  Also, when going to the beach be sure to pack an umbrella for your dog as well, as this may be the only source of shade available.  Always make sure that your dog has sufficient water and that he is not excessively active.

5. Get Your Dog Proper Attire

Buying shoes for your dog may sound ridiculous, but it is important.  While dog’s paws are tough and can resist injury in many instances, there is a limit to how much a dog’s paws can withstand.  One thing dog’s paws were not intended to resist is cement; especially in hot climates, cement can reach high temperatures and cause serious burns on your dog’s feet.  Ouch!  Preventing this is as easy as placing comfortable shoes on your pet.  It may take some time for your dog to get used to, but he will be thankful in the end.  If your dog allows you, sunglasses, hats, and bathing suits are also available for dogs.  This will protect your dog as well as make him fashionable!

2. Keep Your Dog on a Leash

The first reason why your dog needs to stay on a leash while at the beach is for easy access.  If an accident was to occur, whether in the water or on land, getting a hold of your dog is easier when a leash is available.  In addition, a leash is a good way to keep your dog away from possible dangers such as eating toxic foods.  For many dogs, the beach is the perfect place to go dumpster diving, as leftovers from barbecues and other foods are common.

Be especially cautious if you have a dog that loves adventures, as there is a higher probability that he will get into mischief.  Besides keeping your pet safe, also remember to pack water toys and healthy snacks for your dog so that the entire family can have a blast!

You will be surprised to learn what foods in your home can be toxic to your dog. So what are the foods that can potentially be life-threatening to your loving companion?

1. Avocado

This tasty, rich-in-natural-oils fruit is tempting to eat, and especially tempting to give to your pet…as most pet owners will think they are feeding them a healthy food. Just about every part of an avocado is toxic to mammals and birds; inside, stem, seed, and the leaf being the most dangerous. Avocado toxicity can cause damage to the heart muscle, and infection of the mammary glands (mastitis) in lactating animals. Symptoms of toxicity take over the heart one to two days after ingestion. Symptoms include; lethargy, coughing, trouble breathing, and swelling of the head and tongue. For those animals that are lactating, symptoms start after 24 hours of ingestion, and include the following; redness, swelling, firmness,decrease of milk output, and water-like milk.

2. Bread Dough

Most tempting to dogs, bread dough is a great potential food hazard. It is a food item commonly found in homes, especially in households with people who love to bake. The yeast in the bread dough is the main hazard factor. Because the stomach is humid and warm, it serves as a growing environment for the yeast, and causes severe distention of the stomach. Also, yeast naturally produces a toxic substance called ethanol. Ethanol is absorbed through the blood and causes excessive acidity in the body, then resulting in many serious health issues. Symptoms of bread dough toxicity include; vomiting, distended abdomen, lethargy, weakness, seizures, and balance incoordination.

3. Chocolate

Who doesn’t like chocolate? Yes, even our pets tend to not be able to resist chocolate; for this reason, you should be careful to keep this sweet temptation away from your pet. Many different species are affected by the toxicity of chocolate, but again…dogs are more likely to get a hold of it. Theo-bromine and caffeine are the two active substances in chocolate that can be toxic to your pet. Because the exact doses of these substances vary from different brands and flavors of chocolate, it is impossible to know which type of chocolate is most likely to cause your pet more harm. Chocolate toxicity mainly affects the heart and the central nervous system, and symptoms will begin to show within 12 hours of ingestion. Symptoms you may see in your pet are; excessive urination, diarrhea, vomiting, painful/bloated abdomen, hyper-activeness, high blood pressure, fever, tachycardia, and heart arrhythmia.

** Raisins/grapes, Macadamia nuts, and Salt are also potential food hazards for your pet.

What should you do if your pet eats a toxic food?

Treatment for toxicity widely varies for all these foods, and it depends on each situation individually. Ingestion of any of these potentially toxic substances should always be considered a medical emergency for your pet. If you witnessed your pet eating the toxic food and you act within minutes, you can call your regular vet. and ask about possibly inducing vomiting. In some cases, your vet. can recommend a dosage for a household emetic such as peroxide to make your dog vomit. Remember that every case is different, and you should seek advice from a veterinary professional.

** You can contact the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

Cleaning your dog’s ears is an important part of grooming, as well as maintaining overall health.  It is also essential for preventing ear infections, as wax, dirt, and other debris can easily accumulate in a the ear.  The best time to perform ear cleaning is before a dog bath.  This way after you’re finished, you can clean the residue left on the outside of the ear.

1. Remove Excess Hair

Most long-haired dogs have excess hair in their ears; this can cause infection, matts, and reduce your dog’s hearing greatly.  Ear cleaning that is performed without first clearing the area of hair only causes bacteria to multiply and leads to infection.  Although plucking hair from the inside of your dog’s ear may sound painful, most canines are not bothered by the procedure.  You can use special powder to make the plucking easier and less painful.  In addition to cleaning the ear’s interior, it is also important to shave or cut off extra hair around the outer part of the ear.  If left overgrown, this hair can trap debris and it will eventually become lodged inside the ear.

2. Apply Cleaning Solution

Once you’ve removed excess hair from your pet’s ear, you will need to apply an ear solution.  Personally, I prefer using a special ear wash for dogs, but other people make their own solutions.  A common homemade solution used includes 50% water and 50% vinegar.

Next you will need to gently squeeze enough of the solution into your dog’s ear.  After there is enough ear wash in your pet’s ear massage it gently for about one minute.  This helps break up wax that has built up inside the ear canal.  The majority of people hesitate doing this because they believe it causes more damage than good.  But unlike humans, dogs are able to easily get the solution out by shaking.

3. Clean and Re-Apply

Let your dog shake all of the solution out, and then begin cleaning.  For this, you will need gauze or cotton.  Gently twist the gauze or cotton into your dog’s ear (*make sure to not let go, as you will need to pull it out) so that the debris can be captured.  Repeat this until you no longer are getting wax on the gauze or cotton.    Re-apply the solution once more, massage, and let the dog shake.

4. Finish Cleaning

Follow step number 3 in order to get the inside of the ear fully cleaned again.  Also, use a semi-moist gauze or cotton ball to clean the inside of the ear flap.  If you need to get into the creases of the ear flap, you can also use a semi-moist cotton swab to do so.  Lastly, use a dry gauze or cotton ball to absorb the liquid that is left in the ear.

Like all procedures, if you are not comfortable cleaning your dog’s ears yourself, or if your dog is aggressive, it is recommended that get help from a professional.  Otherwise, you can clean your dog’s ears once a month (before a dog bath) or once a week if your dog suffers from chronic ear infections.  To make the experience positive, give your dog a healthy snack after each ear is cleansed.

Sarcoptic and demodectic mange are the two most common forms of mange found in dogs.  While there are many similarities, there are also some differences that make each type of mange distinct.  Having your dog evaluated by a veterinarian is necessary for determining the type of treatment necessary.  Proper diagnosis allows for the best treatment to be provided.

Sarcoptic Mange

Scabies is caused by a specific mite (sarcoptes scabiei) that is transmitted among both dogs and cats.  It is also considered a zoonotic parasite, meaning that it can also be transmitted to humans.  Female scabies mites burrow underneath the animal’s skin and lay eggs; when these eggs hatch, the mites continue to live under the skin until its life stage comes to an end.  Although they are microscopic, scabies mites can cause a great deal of problems in your dog, especially in the stomach, chest, armpit, and facial area.

Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange

* Extreme Itchiness

* Scab Formation

* Hair Loss

* Thickened, red, inflamed, and painful skin.

* Secondary skin infections caused by infected lesions.

Diagnosis

The only way to accurately diagnose sarcoptic mange is by microscopic examination.  A scabies mite looks much like a transparent tick, whereas a demodectic mite is long and is commonly referred to as a “cigar.”

Treatment

In the past, preferred treatment choices included clipping, bathing, and dipping the dog in certain chemicals.  Although this is still practiced today, many veterinarians are looking for a safer alternative for treating scabies.  Revolution, Frontline, and Advantage Multi are three types of topical medications commonly being used.  Ivermectin is another option preferred for eliminating scabies; it is an oral medication not labeled for veterinary use, but is still popular among many veterinarians.  Ivermectin is a favored treatment choice for scabies, but should be used with caution, as some dogs are sensitive to its’ ingredients.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange, also known as demodex, is caused by the Demodex canis mite.  This mite is normally found in most dogs, and is not harmful if found in small numbers; they become a problem when they reproduce and infest the dog.  Pregnant, stressed, young, and sick dogs are more likely to develop demodectic mange.  This is because their immune systems are weaker and more vulnerable.  Demodex symptoms can appear identical to those of scabies, but one main difference is that demodex is not contagious.  Neither animals nor humans can contract demodectic mange from an infected dog.

Symptoms of Demodectic Mange

Demodex mainly affects dogs in two ways; local or generalized.  Local infection is when only specific parts of the body are affected, and general infection is when the entire body is affected.  Localized infection typically manifests in the head, eyelids, ears, feet, and mouth.  Generalized sarcoptic mange can affect the whole body, causing baldness, crusty skin, and inflammation.  Like with scabies, severe forms of demodex can also lead to skin infections which may cause bleeding and pus drainage.

Diagnosis

Both sarcoptic mange and demodex are diagnosed with a microscope.  Demodex mites are usually harder to detect because they hide deep within the skin and hair follicles.  Samples are obtained by scraping a small section of the skin with a blade until a bit of blood appears.  Plucking a few hairs may also be necessary for evaluation.

Treatment

Demodex is generally more difficult to get rid of than scabies and can take many months to completely clear.  The same type of treatment used for treating scabies also applies to the treatment of demodex.  In cases where the conventional treatment options fail, stronger medications may be required.  On top of medications, veterinarians also often times recommend supplements and herbs that help boost the immune system.  This can help immensely in the treatment of demodectic mange.

Canine mange may seem harmless in the beginning, but if left untreated the condition only worsens and can cause serious health issues.  Flea and tick infestation, allergic inhalant dermatitis, and mange are all possible causes of skin issues in dogs.  Getting your dog examined by a veterinarian is the only way to determine what your dog is suffering from.  An accurate diagnosis is always necessary in order to help your dog heal.

Microchipping has increased in popularity over the past few years.  Although microchipping is quite common now, there are still people that are unaware of what a microchip is or how it works.  In fact, there is a common misconception that a microchip has the capability to identify where a pet is located.  Although this type of technology is available today, it has not yet been provided for the animal industry.

How does a microchip work?

A microchip is a tiny chip that contains various electronic components.  With the help of Radio Frequency Identification technology, microchips can be detected using a special scanner.  Any time a lost pet is taken into a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, the first thing that is done is to look for a microchip.  A microchip scanner is passed over the pet’s entire body, in the hopes that a microchip will be detected.

If a microchip is present, the scanner will usually make a beeping sound and display a number on its small screen.  This number is registered to the pet and can give access to the pet’s name, owner name, address, and phone number.  Some pets that are found are registered in their local animal shelter or veterinary clinics, but others are not.  If the pet’s information cannot be retrieved this way, the microchip company will have to be called.

If the owner paid to have the microchip registered directly with the company, all of the owner’s information will be available in the company’s database.  If not, the microchip company can still provide information on the veterinary clinic/shelter that inserted the microchip.  As long as the microchip number is handy, the owner’s information can be found so that they can be contacted immediately.

Microchip Placement

A large needle is necessary in order to insert a microchip in a dog/cat.  This is mainly due to the fact that a microchip is about the size of a large rice grain.  If your dog is going to be neutered or spayed, it is often times recommended that the microchip is inserted while the dog is under anesthesia.  It is easier and less painful to perform a microchip placement while the pet is asleep.  If your pet will not be going under anesthesia anytime soon, placing the microchip while he is awake is the only option.

Microchip placement is performed exactly like giving a vaccine; the needle is inserted under the skin (below the neck, in between the shoulder blades) and the chip is then pushed in.  The whole process only takes about two seconds!

Risks Involved

* Fibrosarcoma – Although rare, formation of a  fibrosarcoma (malignant tumor) near the placement site is possible.  Any unusual lumps on your  pet should always be examined by a vet.

* Microchip Movement – In some cases, microchips can travel to a different part of the body, making it harder to detect it.  During your pet’s yearly exam, it is also recommended that you have your pet scanned to assure that the chip is still in place.

Reputable Microchip Brands

Currently, the two most popular microchip brands in the U.S. are HomeAgain and Avid.  Both of these brands are reputable and work great, but there are some differences.  Whether or not a microchip brand offers additional services is something to consider before making a decision.  For example, some microchip companies offer free or low-cost insurance for your pet in the event that he was injured while lost.

While there are a few risks involved with microchipping your pet, I personally believe that the benefits greatly outweigh the disadvantages.  Making sure that your pet has a microchip gives you peace of mind, and best of all; it can save your pet’s life!

Have you ever wondered if there’s a healthy alternative to pre-packaged dog treats?  If so, you’ve come to the right place!  There are ten different snacks that you can please your dog with, which are both healthy and tasty!

1. Cottage Cheese

It may be a surprise to you, but most dogs actually love cottage cheese.  One thing to keep in mind when purchasing it though is to buy the nonfat and low-sodium kind.  The regular cottage cheese contains high sugar and fat percentages.

2. Sweet Potato

Natural sugar is always better; that’s why sweet potato is one of the best healthy dog treats.  Its’ sweetness and unique texture makes this snack popular among dogs.  But not only is it delicious, it’s also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber.

3. Baby Carrots

All types of carrots are good for your dog, but baby carrots are often times sweeter and crunchier.  If you have a puppy that is teething, you can give the pup carrots to help alleviate the symptoms.  Also, carrots contain Beta Carotene, which helps maintain a healthy coat.

4. Apples

Filled with vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, apples are definitely healthy snacks.  One thing to remember before feeding your dog apples is that the seeds are highly toxic for them.  Never feed your dog apple seeds, the core, leaf, or stem.  As long as these parts of the apple are avoided, your dog can enjoy this sweet and crunchy treat.

5. Green Beans

Green beans are a good source of vitamin K, manganese, and vitamin C.  They are also low in calories and can be fed to dogs that are on a diet.  The majority of dogs like to eat green beans frozen.

6. Eggs

Never feed your dog raw eggs; it is very unhealthy!  On the other hand, boiled eggs are a great source of protein, selenium, and riboflavin.  They can be given separately or in combination with your dog’s food.  For dogs that are prone to gaining weight, it is best to only feed the egg white, as the yolk contains all of the fat.

7. Yogurt

Although some people believe that yogurt, cottage cheese, and other dairy products are harmful for dogs, it all depends on your dog’s reaction to the food.  Most dogs do fine eating yogurt, and it can be a healthy snack as long as it is given moderately.  Staying away from artificial flavors, high sugars, and high fat yogurt is also helpful.  If your dog is tolerant to yogurt, it is a great source of calcium and can even be good for the digestive system.

8. Rice Cakes

Who doesn’t like rice cakes?  Well some of you may not, but your dog will love them!  They are crunchy, tasty, and healthy!  But of course, sticking to the natural (plain) kind is better; you will avoid the unnecessary sugars and artificial flavors.

9. Banana Chips

Banana chips are great for using when training your dog.  They’re the perfect size so you can carry them around for your pet as well as for yourself!

10. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is the all-time classic dog snack.  Yes, it is healthy and dogs undoubtedly love it, but don’t over feed your dog peanut butter as it can lead to weight gain.

Now that you know which snacks are healthy for your dog, it’s time to see which ones your dog loves the most.  Keep a list of the snacks that your dog likes so that you can feed them in the future.

The K9 Shower has been entered into a contest put on by WalMart to see who gets to be listed on their soon-to-be-up-and-running online retail site. We would love to make the K9 Shower available to dog lovers everywhere and being available at WalMart would be a huge step in the right direction! You can help by casting your vote for the K9 Shower at the link below.

Thanks so much and have a wonderful day!

How often should you bathe your dog?

This is a question most dog owners find themselves wondering about.  In general, the majority of dogs do fine with a once a month bath.  This is assuming that the dog does not have a skin condition.  Unless the dog becomes muddy or dirty before bath time, it can be done on a monthly basis.  There are some dogs that get stinky quicker than others, and in that case it may be necessary to bathe them more frequently.  Ultimately, dog bathing can be performed as frequent as the owner prefers, as long as the appropriate shampoo is used.

What shampoo should you use?

For once a month dog baths, you can use dog shampoo or human baby shampoo.  Although it is not recommended to use human shampoo, baby shampoo does not irritate or damage your dog’s skin and coat.  For dogs that are bathed more than once a month, it is best to use moisturizing shampoo, or shampoo without soap.  This will prevent your dog’s skin and coat from becoming dry and dull.  It will also help preserve the natural skin oils that are necessary to protect your dog.

3 Essential Tips for Bathing Your Dog

1.  Brush Your Dog’s Hair before Bathing – Removing any matts or tangles before giving your dog a bath will prevent skin infections from developing.  Matts easily store water, causing the perfect, humid environment for yeast and bacteria.  If it is not possible to get matts off, it is recommended that you cut or shave them off.  This will allow your dog to be cleaner and maintain a healthy skin.

2. Set the Right Water Temperature – Dogs are not as resistant to hot water as humans are; for this reason it is extremely important to use lukewarm water only.  Using hotter than lukewarm water can potentially cause burns on your dog.  It is even more important to set the right water temperature for larger dog breeds, because they are more prone to overheating.

3. Get All the Shampoo Off – Getting rid of all the shampoo in your dog’s coat can be quite challenging, but it is very important.  Failure to remove all of the shampoo can cause a great deal of skin issues.  After the shampoo dries, it can make your dog itchy, or worse irritate his skin.

Bathing is an important part of your dog’s grooming routine.  Like with humans, regularly bathing is necessary for staying odorless, healthy, and physically attractive.  Bathing is not only good for your dog’s health, but it is also a good time to bond and build your companion’s trust.  Your dog will truly appreciate the time and effort put into caring for him.

When it comes to choosing their dog’s food, most people stick to the more economical brands.  There is nothing wrong with this, but it is important to make sure that the food is high quality and nutritional for your companion.  There are a few reasons why selecting the appropriate dog food is crucial.  One of the most important reasons being your pet’s health.  Like with humans, dogs depend on the nutrients they get from food to maintain their health, both physically and mentally.

Why is it Important to Feed Your Dog Only Top Quality Food?

Failure to feed a good dog food will result in a wide range of health issues.  Your dog will be more at risk of developing certain health conditions such as; allergies, skin issues, arthritis, obesity, and other problems.  Poor quality dog food mainly consists of ingredients that have little or no nutritional value.  Besides being useless to your dog’s body, these ingredients also put your dog at risk of becoming unhealthy.

How do You Know Which Foods are High Quality?

As a rule of thumb, it is best to avoid dog foods that are primarily composed of corn and other unhealthy grains.  Top quality dog foods should have some sort of protein as its main ingredient, and then followed by the other essentials such as fat, vitamins, and minerals.  Protein sources include; beef, chicken, and fish.  If your dog has allergies and you suspect it may be related to the food you can try foods that contain a novelty protein such as duck.  Foods that contain vegetables and good sources of grains like rice are also good because they will provide your dog with the vitamins and minerals necessary.

Once you find a good dog food it is important to make sure you are feeding your pet appropriately.  How much you feed your dog all depends on his activity level and age.   Like people, dogs also get their energy from the food they eat.  The more active a dog is, the more food he should consume.  Older dogs on the other hand, are less energetic and have a slower metabolism and should not be fed as much as a young dog.  All dogs are different; some may have bigger appetites and great metabolisms even at an old age, so it is important to always talk to your vet. to make sure you are feeding the correct amount of food.

When we eat healthy we can see the positive results; we feel more energetic, healthier, and happier.  This is also true for your dog and because he is part of the family, the time and consideration should be taken to find a high quality dog food.  You too will feel great knowing that you are feeding your companion a hearty meal.