Getting The Mats Out Of Your Dog's Coat

I brush my dog's coat. Why do I still have problems with mats? What tools should I use to get the mats out of my dog's coat? What should I do if I can't get the mat out? Should I have my dog shaved rather than try to brush the mats out? I've heard that when you shave a dog, the hair might not grow back. Is that true?

I brush my dog's coat. Why do I still have problems with mats?

Are you brushing your dog regularly?:

Generally, longhaired dogs should brushed at least 3-5 times a week. Shorthaired dogs should be brushed at least 2-3 times a week.

Is your dog a puppy moving into adulthood?:

Longhaired dogs that are about one year old are leaving the puppy stage. As they shed the puppy coat, it needs to be brushed out so it doesn't mat.

Do you live where there are long periods of humidity and damp weather?
Dogs that spend time in water and snow will mat easily if they are not properly brushed and dried afterward.

What tools should I use to get the mats out of my dog's coat?:

The thin wire teeth on a slicker brush will work out small mats. For tougher cases, try one of these tools:

Undercoat Rake:

The best-kept secret of the grooming tools, also known as a rake comb, it is ideal for removing dead undercoat hair and is best used on coarse-textured or large breed dogs, such as the Golden Retriever, Collie or Samoyed. You'll generally see one to three rows of teeth that are long and spaced far apart.

Mat Comb:

Mat combs are used for cutting through matted hair without destroying the coat. These combs have long, heavy teeth or blades that are sharp on one side. These teeth can be resharpened and should be kept in good condition. Mat combs come with a handle and a thumb rest for better control.

Mat Splitter:

A mat splitter is a tool simply designed with a handle and a sharp blade. It is used to "saw" through the mat by actually cutting the mat into sections. The splitter is placed between the skin and the mat with the sharp edge facing outward. Be extremely careful to avoid injuring the dog when using this tool.

What should I do if I can't get the mat out?:

Resist the temptation to use scissors. The risk of cutting the dog is just too high. Instead, consider consulting a professional groomer. They are equipped to handle these situations. Another possibility is to have the dog partly or completely shaved.

Should I have my dog shaved rather than try to brush the mats out?
If your dog's coat is severely matted, the best alternative might be shaving. The pain of pulling and tugging to remove extensive or very tight mats is not pleasant for the dog. Shaving removes all of the matted, tangled fur, and allows a new coat to grow. After shaving, a routine of regular brushing will keep the dogs new fur mat-free.

I've heard that when you shave a dog, the hair might not grow back. Is that true?
A typically healthy dog will certainly re-grow his hair coat after shaving. How quickly the hair grows back will depend upon many factors, such as breed, age, and diet.



Obinna Heche: Los Angeles- California

To find excellent information about Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Dog Obedience Training, Dog Food, Dog Health, Grooming and Dog Care. Everything that concerns Dog Owners and their Dogs.. Visit.. http://myspace.com/biggso

Questions About Advanced Nutrition Food

What are the benefits of Advanced Nutrition Food?

What are the higher quality ingredients in Advanced Nutrition Food?

My dog no longer likes his food, what should I do?

My dog's coat looks dull, what should I do?

What are the benefits of Advanced Nutrition Food?

Advanced Nutrition Food is more digestive because it uses higher quality proteins- that means your pet gets more nutrients in every ounce of food. It also means you feed less, so there is around 20% less stool. Because you feed less, it only costs about 10-15 cents more per day to give your pet superior nutrition.

What are the higher quality ingredients in Advanced Nutrition Food?

Advanced Nutrition Food uses high-quality animal proteins. Many basic pet foods use lower quality proteins such as Wheat Middling, Meat and Bone Meal and Wheat Mill Run.

My dog no longer likes his food, what should I do?

If you're already feeding an Advanced Nutrition Food you can try mixing it with a canned version of an Advanced Nutrition Food to add more flavor. If you're feeding a basic pet food, switch to a higher quality Advanced Nutrition Food and transition to the new food over a 10 day period.

My dog's coat looks dull, can premium food help make his coat shiny?

Yes. Try feeding a Lamb and Rice Advanced Nutrition Food which has more amino acids for a shinier coat.




Obinna Heche: Los Angeles- California

To find excellent information about Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Dog Obedience Training, Dog Food, Dog Health, Grooming and Dog Care. Everything that concerns Dog Owners and their Dogs.. Visit.. http://myspace.com/biggso

Tools For Trimming Your Dog's Coat

If you plan to trim the hair on your dog's coat, using the right tools will make all the difference in achieving the look you want.

Clippers:

A clipper has a large variety of blades that can be changed easily and quickly. If you use a clipper on your dog, you should also use a spray product used to cool and lubricate the snap-on blades. While using the clipper, frequently spray this product on the blades to control heat build-up and help prevent clipper burn. This product can also be used on scissor blades to help prevent rusting and keep the blades clean.

Blades:

All snap-on blades have the number of the blade stamped on it. The higher the number, the closer the cut. To keep your blades in top shape, use a blade wash solution. When a blade is new, it must be attached to the clipper and immersed in this solution. Running the clipper for about one minute will remove the protective coating from the blade. After that, the blades should be run in this solution after every grooming session to clean them and to remove hair and dirt. Follow this up with a spray of lubricant.

Snap-on Combs:

These combs, when snapped onto your clipper, greatly reduce clipping and scissoring time. They allow you to leave the coat longer while using clippers, giving the coat a more scissored look than a clipped look.

Straight Shears:

When purchasing scissors, buy the best quality shear you can afford. Poor quality shear will need to be sharpened more often and will cost you more money in the long run. Straight shears, also known as barber shears, are used for cutting the coat to correct length and for a fine, finishing touch.

Curved Shears:

Curved scissors are used for scissoring topknots and pompon on Poodles. These usually have a blunt tip.

Blunt-tipped Scissors:

These come in both straight and curved scissors. These are recommended for any trimming around the face and eyes.

Thinning Shears:

Thinning shears are used for thinning out thick hair, and in some cases, for blending longer hair into shorter hair. These shears are not used for heavy cutting.




Obinna Heche: Los Angeles- California

To find excellent information about Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Dog Obedience Training, Dog Food, Dog Health, Grooming and Dog Care. Everything that concerns Dog Owners and their Dogs.. Visit.. http://myspace.com/biggso

Feeding Your Senior Dog

Join the weight watchers:

Older dogs tend to put on weight as their metabolism slows and creakiness sets in. But excess weight puts added pressure on sore joints and backs. Forgo weight-reducing or senior diets, which may not have enough high-quality meat ingredients. Instead, give your dog slightly smaller servings of a high-quality food. Supplement the diet with fresh vegetables. Pretty soon you'll have a thinner and healthier pooch.

Stop the handouts:

Resist the temptation to slip your dog table scraps. They won't help his weight, and his tummy will take even less kindly to rich food than it did when he was younger. Even a tiny piece of Easter ham is a tough thing for an older dog to handle.
Tantalize his taste buds:

Loss of appetite can be a sign of illness in any dog, young or old. But if your older pet has a clean bill of health and still doesn't go for his food, it might be that his sense of smell has diminished.

You can make mealtimes more drool-worthy by adding some smelly, low-fat additions to his food, like tuna oil or clam juice. Or try heating some canned food in the microwave to warm it up and bring out the aroma, then serve it with his regular meal.




Obinna Heche: Los Angeles- California

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Pet Nutrition (2)

Make sure the food is fresh:

When you purchase Pet food, check for freshness and purchase only the amount necessary for your Pet. Don't buy a forty-pound bag of food for your Chihuahua! Store Pet food in a cool, dry place and keep it tightly closed. Discard uneaten food and always place fresh food in a clean bowl. In general, hard food (or "kibble") is preferred for maintaining the teeth and minimizing tartar build-up. Soft, canned food tends to be more palatable and can be stored longer.

Feed the right amount:

Ask your doctor or check the label for how much to feed according to your Pet's ideal weight. Habits to avoid: feeding Pets as much as they want or feeding a large amount at one time. Doing so can lead to obesity, gastrointestinal upset, or even bloat-a life-threatening condition.

Maintain a daily routine:

A regular schedule will help your Pet keep normal elimination habits--and avoid indoor accidents. Younger Pets need to be fed more frequently, as they are usually more energetic and burn more calories. Small puppies and very active dogs can suffer life-threatening decreases in blood sugar if they're not fed frequently enough. Your veterinarian can help you develop a feeding regimen for your Pet.

Avoid "people" food:

Your Pet's digestive system is simpler than yours and can be easily upset by changes. Feeding table scraps can cause stomach upset or even a life-threatening pancreatitis. It also can lead to frequent begging, a behavior you may tire of quickly.

Life Cycle Feeding:

Pets' nutritional requirements change as they age. Puppies need puppy food because it is higher in energy and protein, but feeding it to an adult dog can lead to obesity. Likewise, older Pets need diets restricted in fat and supplemented with fiber for their optimum health. Ask your veterinarian to help you choose the best food for your Pet's age.

Remember, you are what you eat--and so is your Pet! To keep your Pet as healthy as possible, follow the simple diet guidelines above and see your veterinarian regularly.

Did You Know:

Many cats eat in cycles, a trait passed down from wild ancestors that hunted for food. Don't mistake these peaks and valleys as signs that your cat dislikes its food. Switching Pet food brands frequently in response to your cat's whims can reinforce bad eating habits and create finicky eaters.

It's normal for dogs and cats to eat grass. In fact, dogs in the wild eat grass to supplement their diet with vegetation. You don't have to discourage your Pet from nibbling on grass unless the ground has been treated with herbicides, insecticides, or fertilizers, or unless eating grass causes vomiting.

Obesity in Pets can lead to heart and respiratory problems, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, and other joint diseases. Instead of offering your Pet snacks as a reward, spend a few extra minutes playing with him or her. After all, your affection is the sweetest reward.



Obinna Heche: Los Angeles California
To find excellent information about Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Dog Obedience Training, Dog Food, Dog Health, Grooming and Dog Care. Everything that concerns Dog Owners and their Dogs.. Visit.. http://myspace.com/biggso

Pet Nutrition (1)

What makes a healthy diet? Along with regular exercise and veterinary care, careful feeding is perhaps the best way you can contribute to your Pet's prolonged good health.

Here are the basic nutrients every Pet needs:

Water is the most essential nutrient in any diet. Your Pet's body is made up of approximately 70 percent water and will quickly perish without it. Make sure you allow your Pet access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Carbohydrates supply energy and come from sugars, starch, and fiber from plant sources. Carbohydrates help energize the brain and muscles, making your Pet bright and active.

Fats also supply energy and in the right amounts help build strong cells and promote nutrient absorption. But too much fat can lead to such obesity-related health problems as diabetes, heart disease, and canine osteoarthritis.

Proteins are required for a healthy coat, skin, and nails. Your Pet's body uses the amino acids in proteins to make enzymes and hormones in the blood stream and to maintain a healthy immune system. Proteins can come from plant and meat sources, but cats and dogs need a high-quality animal protein. For example, cats with a deficiency in taurine (a meat amino acid) can develop heart disease and blindness.

Vitamins and minerals help regulate many body systems. For example, your Pet needs the minerals calcium and phosphorous for strong bones. Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E and C help boost your Pet's immune system during times of stress.

Many diseases result from a deficiency in vitamins and minerals, and in those cases veterinarians often prescribe supplements for sick Pets. For example, doctors may use vitamin B to improve appetite, and zinc and vitamin E for certain skin diseases. Ask your doctor to recommend the best supplement for your Pet's needs.

Keys To A Balanced Diet:

How do you make sure your Pet's diet is healthy?

Feed premium Pet foods. Premium foods, are usually sold only at Pet stores. These foods offer high-quality ingredients, are made by companies known for nutrition research, and show a solid track record of quality and palatability. Feeding generic Pet foods may lead to obesity, irregular bowel movements or excess intestinal gas.




Obinna Heche: Los Angeles- California

To find excellent information about Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Dog Obedience Training, Dog Food, Dog Health, Grooming and Dog Care. Everything that concerns Dog Owners and their Dogs.. Visit.. http://myspace.com/biggso