Saturday, March 28, 2009

Why is Pet Grooming So Important?


Why is Pet Grooming Important

To answer this important question, pet grooming is a very

important aspect of hygiene and the emotional well being

of your pet. Can you imagine not being able to choose

how and when to cleanse yourself. Not getting your hair

cut or nails done. Your pets don't have that luxury. Of

course they groom themselves with their tongues and paws,

but having no opposing thumbs they cannot pick up a scrub

brush and get at the hard to reach places. Our pets need

the care, love and attention of their owners and pet

grooming lets them know they are loved as well as getting

their needs met.

When you get a new puppy or kitten, grooming is an

important way to bond with them. The constant touching

when you brush or wash your pet is soothing

and gives the
young pet a sense of well being.

The more attention you give to your pet, the stronger

the relationship between caregiver and animal becomes.

Grooming a pet early on also prepares them for interacting

with a professional groomer later on. The pet will feel more secure

and the situation will be less stressful when they are being

handled by a stranger.


Eliminate Pet Scariness


Pets will get used to the necessary tools used in

grooming if they are groomed at an early age. Scissors

and brushes can be scary to a puppy or kitten.initial reaction

might to be to bite or claw at the brush. By starting slow and

using soothing sounds, the owner can make the animal feel

more comfortable thus allowing for stronger strokes to applied.

Once confidence and bonding builds, the entire pet grooming

process and be utilized.

Trimming of pets nails is another aspect of grooming.

Inside pets especially need their nails cut since they

have a tendency to grow and be painful to walk on. The

nails will split easier if left unattended irritating the

pets paws.

Good grooming started early enough,pets will

grow to be a stable animal with the good benefits of

hygiene and good health. It will become a habit that

both the pet and the owner will grow to enjoy together.

Other family members can bond with the pet also through

grooming. Get Your FREE Pet Care Report Here.



Info on Pet Care/
Behavior Training
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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Dogs that Itch


Does your dog have dry itchy skin? Skin so uncomfortable

that the dog is constantly scratching and biting until it

has removed all the hair from one particular area and the

flesh is raw and bloody. Most dog owners call this bald

spot a hot spot. It is an eyesore and causes the dog

owner such embarrasment, they won't take the dog out of

the house. The sound of the poor dog constantly whining,

crying, scratching and tearing at its skin can be very

annoying for the dog owner as well.

There are chemical treatments that can help. Although most

of these treatments work, some dogs can have severe and

sometimes fatal allergies to the chemicals. Grooming

would be a wise choice to treat their dogs constant

itching.

Since a lot of canine itching can be caused by pollens,

dirt, mats and dander on the dogs coat, brushing your dog

on a daily basis would be a great place to start. This

will keep your dogs skin from getting irritated. While

preventing a bout of itching, you will also be bonding

with your pet.

Bathing your pet can prevent an itching problem also.

Although too much water and shampoo can completely strip

your dogs skin of its natural oils so don't plan on

bathing the dog every day. When these oils are removed,

the dogs skin gets dry and more prone to infections.

Dry skin on a dog is just as painful as it is to a human

that suffers similar conditions. The dog can't rub

lotion on themselves to solve the problem.

Pay close attention to your dog's ears when you groom

them. They can get ear mites which are small biting

insects in their ears. When the ear mites bite, it

causes the dog to scratch at their ears causing other

health issues. A strange odor coming from the dogs ears
or if the dog does not want you to touch their ears

probably means an ear infection. Check with your

veterinarian on the best way to treat your dogs ear

infection.

If your dog still develops a hot spot, consult your vet

about what topical antibiotic cream would best prevent

infection. If your dog chews the spot, the veterinarian

may recommend your dog wear the large cone shaped collar

to prevent the scratching and biting, giving the area

time to heal.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Grooming Your Pet


Hate Pet Grooming - Well check this out

Has pet grooming left a bad taste in your mouth? Has it been a bad experience for you
and your beloved friend? It doesn't have to rattle your nerves.
Some pet owners will resort to taking their pet to a professional groomer, only to
find that they have no magic tricks up their sleeves either. At best, sometimes they
can only do so much, leaving your pet uncombed, half clipped and not very happy for
the experience.
Animals really don't like to be groomed. Dogs, especially would rather play in the
dirt, mud, and water, but once their owner gets that bath water ready, they seem to
develop a crazy fear of the water. Cats who love to be stroked, go wild when that
brush starts coming their way. Pet owners need to realize that if they brush or bathe
their pets at home, the groomer probably won't be able to. They are not trainers, but
they can make your pet look good.
If you start your pet young, you can program them to appreciate being groomed. Of
course puppies and kittens won't sit still, but they are much easier to hold on to at
that age. They will be so happy with the attention from you that they will associate
the grooming time with play time with you. By the time they are a year or two they
will be more accepting of the grooming process.
Pay attention to your pets ears. You want to make sure you clean them and get them
used to having their ears handled at a young age. That way if their vet needs to
treat them for ear infections at a later date, it won't be so difficult.
Nail trimming can be a tramatic experience for you and the pet. So make sure you
touch their paws so they can get accustomed to the feel of your hands because you will
eventually have to trim their nails
Be sure to reward your pet once the grooming is done. Treats and play time are always
good. They will be more likely to sit still for the grooming if they know the fun is
next. Don't groom your pet if you're having a bad day, they will pick up on it. Use
the time to play with your pet instead. They'll still have your attention and it can
improve your mood as well. Be positive and each grooming session can be very
rewarding for the both of you.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

The Combination Approach to Feeding


The combination approach to feeding your Pet

is the way to go. When you're comparing commercial food

to fresh people food, the fresh food wins. Although most

commercial food is good for your Pet, it can lack

nutrients and vitamins contained in the fresh food. Vets

will tell you that fresh food is good, just don't overdo

it. If the food smells good to your Pet, he/she will

want it because they love fresh food.

Most commercial foods provide great sources of protein

and vitamins, but fresh food contains more essential

sources. Meat and chicken have a lot more protein and

minerals than commercial dog food. Fish contains

beneficial protein for your pets brain health.

You need to provide your dog with the required minerals.

Since each dog is an individual, you should vary their

diet, don't continue to feed them the same food on a

daily basis. Experiment with different foods. They will

be happy with the variety.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Choosing a Puppy



Choose the Right Puppy.

When choosing a puppy for your household, there a few things to consider. First, will the dog get along with children or any other animals in the home? How's the puppy's disposition? Do you want a purebred or mixed breed, or just a lovable mutt.

Financially, a mixed breed might be a better choice since a purebred can be rather expensive. On the other hand, the mutt can be just as energetic and lovable and loyal as the other breeds. Consider size as well. Do you have enough room to accommodate a large dog, or do you want a house dog. Dogs need room to run and play, so consider what is best for you and the dog.

Pet Issues

A puppy's personality develops around seven weeks of age, so take your time and shop around for your perfect match. You want to be able to hold and cuddle your new pup. Try dropping a book during a quiet moment and see if the puppy runs and hides. Get on your hands and knees and play with the pup to see if he responds in an aggressive manner.

Starting your search can include asking your friends, or your neighborhood vet or local shelter or ASPCA. There is also a website that can help http://tinyurl.com/cplqmo

Sunday, March 1, 2009

The Proper Way to Bathe Your House Pet


When bathing your pet, make sure the environment is slip free. Placing a rubber mat in the tub or sink is key to making your pet feel secure. Placing one on the floor is also necessary for your safety to prevent slippage. If
you choose to bathe your pet outdoors, make sure the area is secure so if they break away from you they won't run into the street or otherwise meet any harm.

When choosing shampoo, always get one specially formulated for your type of pet. These types of shampoo are mild and won't strip your pets coat of essential oils. If you must use shampoo made for humans, try to use one meant for infants. It should also be unscented.

Bathing your dog with perfumed shampoo with probably make him want roll in the dirt to get rid of the scent. You should give your pet a thorough brushing before bathing. Your pet will be relaxed and you will get rid
of the loose hair that can clog your drain. This will also have a relaxing effect on you.

The water you use should be lukewarm, not hot. Hot water can burn your pets sensitive skin, and cold water can chill your pet. If using a tub, don't fill the tub full of water. Too much water can make your pet nervous and
also increase the amount of water splashed on the floor. Less is more.
If using a hose, be careful of your pets ears, noses and mouths. Getting water in these areas will not be pleasant for your pet. When you start lathering the shampoo, start just behind your pets ears and work towards the pets tail using a circular motion. Once you complete the massage, rinse
your pet thoroughly. Any soap left in their coat will
irritate their skin causing them to scratch. This could also lead to your treating your pet for hot spots.

Use a large towel to dry them off, giving yourself time
to play and cuddle with your best friend. Show them you
love them and that bath time can be fun.