Dog beds can be as customized as your own bed and bedding. They can be chosen according to the size of your dog, the style and color of the home interiors of the owner and that can provide maximum comfort to you pooch, of course. Here are some things that you must consider while choosing the right dog bed:
* The size, health and needs of the dog.
* Old dogs or dogs that are ill or have arthritis would need special orthopedic beds.
* Comfort level and style of the dog bed.
* Big cushions can serve as pillows while dog mats are thinner than pillows. Rugs and cuddlers keep your dog comfortable and support a curling dog on all three sides.
* Some other dog furniture that can double up as dog beds are dog sofas.
* Filling of the dog bed. Foam is most common but cedar fill repels fleas. Cedar can be refilled too.
* Removable and washable bed covers are essential.
* Match the dog bed to the hues of the home but if the dog has a separate doghouse or uses crate as a bed, colors may not be so important after all.
* Price range of the bed and bedding.
* Size of the dog and the bed. The bed should be big enough to let the dog lie flat on his side on the bed.
Heated beds are preferable for older or arthritic dogs and some of them offer the feature of being able to be cooler in hot weather.
* Extra bed covers are always a help, especially with dogs that are not yet trained properly.
* Fluffy beds and pillows keep the dogs happy.
* Thermo-Beds that look quite stylish and have poly fiber filling are easy to wash. They maintain the warmth that matches the body temperature and can be used all the year round.
* If you don't have a heated dog bed, you may consider to used an igloo-shaped heated pad as an add-on that are easy to clean and are waterproof or the dog bed warmer that can be easily installed any pet bed.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Dog Bath and Care
As the myth goes, it is not healthy to bathe a dog frequently. A part of it is true and other part is not. While swimming in natural water is a good exercise for a dog and can be permitted according to its tastes and climate, using soaps or shampoos on dogs regularly can be hazardous. Especially human shampoos can cause an imbalance of sweat on dog's skin and may make its skin dry and itchy, though, mild human shampoos can be used once a month. However, dog-specific shampoos are much better and are recommended to be used only once every several weeks. The medicated shampoos meant to cure particular skin-disorders are different and the frequency of their use depends on the condition of the dog.
It is best to bathe the dog only when its coat becomes greasy or you are about to have a company. Dog odor is also a sign that your dog needs a bath. Mud tends to dry up and fall off the dog's coat by itself as it rubs it on. To bathe the dog, lay a blanket or the floor and keep two towels, dog shampoo, dog conditioner and a washcloth ready by the bathtub. Keep the dog's brush, comb and trash bag on the blanket. Special super-absorbent towels are quite helpful in drying the dog quickly. If the dog's coat is matted, brush him first to untangle the knots and then bathe him. The dogs that get too scared in the tub and keep jumping around, you might try to give him the shower with the hand-held showerheads. Being able to stand on firm ground, will keep him feeling safe.
Inside the tub, you can put a non-slippery rubber bath mat to keep your pooch from slipping. Large dogs can be bathed in the garden using a hose and a bucket, especially when the weather is hot. Don't dump water on dog's face and use a washcloth instead, for the ears of the dog shouldn't get too wet inside and he generally gets too scared when doused over the head and may get aggressive. A good dog shampoo is the best choice but a baby shampoo or a mild herbal shampoo can also be used occasionally. Conditioner helps to prevent tangles, in the dogs with long hair. Good shampooing, rinsing and condition of the dog's skin and coat keep lice and fleas away from dogs. Deodorants can be used to keep off the body odor and keep your dog smelling fresh and healthy.
There are shampoos that claim to be gentle yet effective, perform antibacterial action, have pearlescent whiteners for that shiny sparkling whiteness in the coat and gentle aloe Vera and tea tree oil to keep the skin healthy. Dogs with black and dark colored coats can use special shampoos with them that enhance their natural shine. After lathering and cleaning the dog, rinsing is very important for any shampoo residue may cause skin irritation. Shampoos mild for eyes are recommended. Dogs often give a good shake, soaking you and the room. You can dry your pet using one end of a first towel over his head and drying him with the other end. The second towel is used to pick him up. After drying, lay your dog on the blanket and keep him there until he dries completely.
It is best to bathe the dog only when its coat becomes greasy or you are about to have a company. Dog odor is also a sign that your dog needs a bath. Mud tends to dry up and fall off the dog's coat by itself as it rubs it on. To bathe the dog, lay a blanket or the floor and keep two towels, dog shampoo, dog conditioner and a washcloth ready by the bathtub. Keep the dog's brush, comb and trash bag on the blanket. Special super-absorbent towels are quite helpful in drying the dog quickly. If the dog's coat is matted, brush him first to untangle the knots and then bathe him. The dogs that get too scared in the tub and keep jumping around, you might try to give him the shower with the hand-held showerheads. Being able to stand on firm ground, will keep him feeling safe.
Inside the tub, you can put a non-slippery rubber bath mat to keep your pooch from slipping. Large dogs can be bathed in the garden using a hose and a bucket, especially when the weather is hot. Don't dump water on dog's face and use a washcloth instead, for the ears of the dog shouldn't get too wet inside and he generally gets too scared when doused over the head and may get aggressive. A good dog shampoo is the best choice but a baby shampoo or a mild herbal shampoo can also be used occasionally. Conditioner helps to prevent tangles, in the dogs with long hair. Good shampooing, rinsing and condition of the dog's skin and coat keep lice and fleas away from dogs. Deodorants can be used to keep off the body odor and keep your dog smelling fresh and healthy.
There are shampoos that claim to be gentle yet effective, perform antibacterial action, have pearlescent whiteners for that shiny sparkling whiteness in the coat and gentle aloe Vera and tea tree oil to keep the skin healthy. Dogs with black and dark colored coats can use special shampoos with them that enhance their natural shine. After lathering and cleaning the dog, rinsing is very important for any shampoo residue may cause skin irritation. Shampoos mild for eyes are recommended. Dogs often give a good shake, soaking you and the room. You can dry your pet using one end of a first towel over his head and drying him with the other end. The second towel is used to pick him up. After drying, lay your dog on the blanket and keep him there until he dries completely.
Dog Allergies
Dogs may suffer from various kinds of allergies. The food allergies are difficult to determine, as dogs are usually allergic to only one ingredient and not to the whole diet. So, isolating that particular ingredient becomes a long puzzle. Traditionally, it is said that a diet that a dog never eaten before, should be given to him as they will not cause the allergic reaction. People used to give lamb and rice to dog at first but since they are now part of most of the other dog foods, one can try rich-protein diet such as ostrich meat, alligator meat, duck, venison and rabbit along with rich-carbohydrate diet such as potato, peas and rice. Food ingredients such as beef, chicken, milk and wheat can be added back into the diet one at a time to see the reaction of the dog. If food allergies reoccur then, the ingredient added last is taken to be the culprit.
To avoid these allergies, try the following:
* Hyposensitization - Injecting minute amounts of allergen to the dog so that a tolerance to the substance develops. It should be tried on young dogs only, as they respond better to it.
* Rinse the ears of your pooch with white vinegar mixed 1:1 with water, once or twice a week, to reduce infections.
* In case of inflammation in ear, use Synotic (Rx) or another corticosteroidotic preparation to control secondary infections. Oral corticosteroids have more systemic side effects.
* Antihistamines help to reduce ear infections too.
The best allergy test is intradermal skin testing, which can be done by a veterinary dermatologist or an experienced general practitioner too. It has an accuracy rate of about 70 to 80%. Another testing method that can be used for inhalant allergies is blood testing, which an accuracy rate of about 60 to 70%.
To avoid these allergies, try the following:
* Hyposensitization - Injecting minute amounts of allergen to the dog so that a tolerance to the substance develops. It should be tried on young dogs only, as they respond better to it.
* Rinse the ears of your pooch with white vinegar mixed 1:1 with water, once or twice a week, to reduce infections.
* In case of inflammation in ear, use Synotic (Rx) or another corticosteroidotic preparation to control secondary infections. Oral corticosteroids have more systemic side effects.
* Antihistamines help to reduce ear infections too.
The best allergy test is intradermal skin testing, which can be done by a veterinary dermatologist or an experienced general practitioner too. It has an accuracy rate of about 70 to 80%. Another testing method that can be used for inhalant allergies is blood testing, which an accuracy rate of about 60 to 70%.
THings to be Noted before to adopt a Dog
Here are some things to keep in mind, before you adopt a dog:
* Consider the size of your dog according to the size of your house. Flats, unit houses and farmhouses may all be suitable for different breeds.
* Urban and suburban areas are more suitable for particular breeds while rural and semi-rural areas are preferable for others.
* While choosing a dog, keep in mind that you have a yard at home or not.
* Is the dog contented to be chained or stay within the property limits or is a natural wanderer.
* The daily exercise that the dog breed needs on a regular basis.
* The time you can spend with your dog and its need of companionship.
* People with oldies, invalid people or kids at home must choose a dog that will not be a problem for them later.
* The age group and the fitness level of the dog owner and the main dog sitter.
* Energy level of the dog that you find comfortable.
* The toy or small dogs such as Pekingese, medium dogs such as Cocker Spaniel and large dogs such as German Shepherd Giant and St. Bernard have all their exclusive uses.
* The price of the dog and its daily maintenance cost.
* Preferable length of coat of the dog. Smooth coated ones such as Basset Hound, dogs with short coat such as German Shepherd, medium coated ones such as Cocker Spaniel or long-coated ones such as Maltese, all have different looks and are suitable for different weather conditions. Long coated dogs in warmer regions need to be kept cool constantly by air-conditioning, while smooth-coated ones in cold countries will need warming up, thus, increasing their maintenance cost.
* Grooming the dog requires.
* The purpose for adopting the dog. Some dogs are so sociable that they are contented to keep quiet when strangers come into the house, while some breeds are merely threatening with barking but rarely bite. Some other breeds are quite dangerous and can attack any stranger savagely.
* The number of dogs and cats that you already own, for this will determine how social and adjustable a dog you might need.
* The training level, fitness level, age and health of the dog.
* Consider the size of your dog according to the size of your house. Flats, unit houses and farmhouses may all be suitable for different breeds.
* Urban and suburban areas are more suitable for particular breeds while rural and semi-rural areas are preferable for others.
* While choosing a dog, keep in mind that you have a yard at home or not.
* Is the dog contented to be chained or stay within the property limits or is a natural wanderer.
* The daily exercise that the dog breed needs on a regular basis.
* The time you can spend with your dog and its need of companionship.
* People with oldies, invalid people or kids at home must choose a dog that will not be a problem for them later.
* The age group and the fitness level of the dog owner and the main dog sitter.
* Energy level of the dog that you find comfortable.
* The toy or small dogs such as Pekingese, medium dogs such as Cocker Spaniel and large dogs such as German Shepherd Giant and St. Bernard have all their exclusive uses.
* The price of the dog and its daily maintenance cost.
* Preferable length of coat of the dog. Smooth coated ones such as Basset Hound, dogs with short coat such as German Shepherd, medium coated ones such as Cocker Spaniel or long-coated ones such as Maltese, all have different looks and are suitable for different weather conditions. Long coated dogs in warmer regions need to be kept cool constantly by air-conditioning, while smooth-coated ones in cold countries will need warming up, thus, increasing their maintenance cost.
* Grooming the dog requires.
* The purpose for adopting the dog. Some dogs are so sociable that they are contented to keep quiet when strangers come into the house, while some breeds are merely threatening with barking but rarely bite. Some other breeds are quite dangerous and can attack any stranger savagely.
* The number of dogs and cats that you already own, for this will determine how social and adjustable a dog you might need.
* The training level, fitness level, age and health of the dog.
Dog Adoption
Humanity and kindness go hand in hand. All the animal lovers have a special place in their hearts for their furry companions and love to provide for them, care for them and love them. Adopting a homeless dog is not just an act of kindness but finding an unwavering devotion, loyalty and companionship forever. Though, it may take time and patience, your rewards come inn the way these animals wait for you anxiously at home, without questioning your lifestyle and run to hug you and are contented to be petted. The pet and owner bonding is one of the most beautiful relations in the world. It is interesting to see how the two specials, naturally abhorrent to each other, live in harmony in a loving home and even become the best playmates ever. Such relationships include the friendships between cats and dogs.
Adopting a dog means choosing the correct type of dog for you as the fist step. You will have to decide whether you want a dog that is large or small according to the space available to you. You may want an active companion that loves to go hiking or a gentle one that is contented to sit in your lap and be petted regularly. There are dogs with long fur that look cute or the smooth-coated ones that shed very little. Guardian dogs need to be stronger and more intelligent while toy dogs need to be cute and gentle and easily sociable. Hundreds of breeds of dogs are available for adoption but you should be careful to choose the one that suits your personality type.
Adopting a dog means choosing the correct type of dog for you as the fist step. You will have to decide whether you want a dog that is large or small according to the space available to you. You may want an active companion that loves to go hiking or a gentle one that is contented to sit in your lap and be petted regularly. There are dogs with long fur that look cute or the smooth-coated ones that shed very little. Guardian dogs need to be stronger and more intelligent while toy dogs need to be cute and gentle and easily sociable. Hundreds of breeds of dogs are available for adoption but you should be careful to choose the one that suits your personality type.
Welcome
This is my First Post in Blogger and this blog will be filled in with full of
pets and pets adoption coz being a blue cross member i would like to do so..
pets and pets adoption coz being a blue cross member i would like to do so..
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