Preparations For Bringing Your Puppy Home...

  Preparations For Bringing Your Puppy Home

After what seems like a long wait you are finally ready to get your new puppy. Preparing for a new puppy is exciting, after all, you are adding to your family. And just like preparing for a human baby, you need to be ready for this little fur-baby.

Planning ahead will make the move to your home easier for the puppy and for you. One of the first things you will want to do is have the puppy checked out by a veterinarian. It’s a good idea to know in advance, what veterinarian you plan to take your puppy to. Some veterinarians will do this first check for free. It is simply to confirm that your puppy is healthy and that the vaccinations are on track. This also gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have at that time.

Most breeders will provide a puppy packet which usually includes a sampling of the food the pup is used to and a toy and/or blanket that has been used by the momma dog and the littermates. The scent on these items is comforting to the puppy. Some breeders also include booklets of information related to the care of the puppy.

Your puppy will need a safe environment. He will be curious and he is likely to chew on any and every thing. It is your responsibility to see that he is kept in an area that is safe. A puppy play pen works well for this. These are flexible in shape and even in size. They are large enough to have a place for a bed, a place for food and water, a play area, and a place for the puppy pad. Many people find that dog crates can come in handy at times.

Because your puppy will want to be with you as much as possible you will probably find it convenient to have at least two or three dog beds for him. Put these in strategic places that you spend a lot of time, spots that will be close to you.

Grooming supplies are essential. At minimum you will need a dog shampoo and a brush. But keep in mind that dogs do not need bathes as often as humans; in fact, you should not bath your dog more than one time per week unless it is absolutely necessary.

Every puppy needs toys. You can make your own with pieces of rope, old toys, or even an old sock with a tennis ball in it. Or you can buy actual dog toys such as the squeaky toys or stuffed animals made especially for dogs. As long as you provide all the essentials, including food, water, playtime and love, your puppy will be happy.

Click here for more details...

Dental Care For Your Dog...

Dental Care For Your Dog

Our furry little friends are likely to develop dental disease if their dental needs are ignored. Periodontal disease is not uncommon among dogs, particularly small dog breeds. And just like with humans, these problems can result in bad breath, yellowed teeth, and in the worst of cases, even progress to loss of teeth.

The development of such problems usually begins with such signs as swollen, red, and painful gums. Your pet may have less of an appetite as well. These signs indicate a need for immediate professional care.

Tooth decay and/or the loss of teeth usually indicate the presence of bacteria in the mouth. If left untreated the damage can progress from only involving the mouth to further damage that can include serious complications related to the kidneys, lungs, and heart, all of which can lead to a shortened lifespan. Periodontal problems usually start with the formation of plague.

Plaque builds on the teeth and in thirty-six hours or less, plaque can harden and tartar can form. This problem usually develops first and the worst in the upper back teeth. Unfortunately, once tartar has formed, it cannot be brushed away.

The good news is that these problems can be avoided. Although healthy routines can be started with any dog at any age, it is always best to start healthy routines with a young puppy. If the dog is older you should insure that he has a professional dental cleaning and then begin the healthy dental routine at home.

If you have a regular routine of brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis you can avoid most of these problems. The routine should be established while the dog is young if at all possible. He will then accept the brushing as part of his regular care.

At first the dog will wonder what you are doing so it is best to allow him to taste the doggie toothpaste. These special pastes are formulated to be appealing to dogs. You can use your finger or a special dog toothbrush. Don’t forget to clean both the teeth and the gums. Begin in the back and work in small circular motions. The entire brushing process will take less than a minute.

Providing such things as chew treats, hard dog biscuits and bones, and even soft toys for your pet can help to prevent dental problems. Besides keeping the teeth strong and healthy many of the items are specially formulated to freshen the breath. Feeding crunchy food items on a regular basis is another way to keep your pet’s teeth healthier. Another tip is that while warming your dog’s food will often make it more appealing it is important to insure that the food is only slightly warm and never hot. On the flip side, dogs should not be served cold food.
Give Grooming a try and save yourself some money.Click here for more details.

Why You Should Use a Muzzle During Pet Grooming!!!

Why You Should Use a Muzzle During Pet Grooming!!!

Grooming a pet at home can either be a good or bad experience for both pet and
groomer. Pets as well as the groomer can get streesed out. The pets may behave
differently when getting bathed or their nails clipped. They can snap or bite at
the groomer even if it is someone they love. If a loving, docile pet does not want
to be there, they can become all teeth and nails.
Muzzling a pet is the most humane way to protect both human and animal during
grooming. A muzzle fits aroung the dogs mouth and is secured around the back of
the head with ties or straps. The dog feels no discomfort when wearing the muzzle.
There's room for the pet to breathe, but keeps the dog from biting. Muzzles come
in all sizes. Small dogs can inflict painful bites also.
There are no muzzles made for cats, but there is a head bag that fits over the
entire head that keeps the cat from biting. The bag is thin enough for the cat to
breathe, but will restrict head movement. The most popular muzzle is called the
softie. It's made of pliable, soft material, but provides plenty of resistance.
The DuPont fabric is known to not tear during the pet grooming experience. It can
also be machine washed. If you're going to groom more than one animal, wash the
muzzle between grooming so as not to pass disease or bacteria. Pet grooming
experts believe you should not keep the muzzle on for an extended period of time
because it could interfere with the natural cooling system of the animal.
If you're dealing with an overly aggressive dog, you should use a leather muzzle.
The leather has enough strength to restrain the dog, and allows adequate space for
the dog to cool down. These muzzles can also be used during walks, to warn passers
by that the dog is not friendly. The one drawback of the muzzle is that if your
dog is attacked by another dog they would have no way to defend themselves.
Make your grooming experience a good one and utilize the muzzle if you need to.
Get Your Pet Grooming Course Now!