Sunday, March 23, 2008

Does Your Dog Smell? Discover The Causes And How You Can Combat This Stinky Problem

by
Rose Smith

Most dogs have that "dog smell" to them, especially when the come in out of the rain. However, some dogs tend to stink more than others. This can be due to variety of reasons, some of which may require a veterinarian’s attention. Here are some of the causes of dog odors and the best treatments to combat these odor problems.

Some dogs like to roll in the dirt... and any other smelly item that may be near by. If your dog is prone to doing this then regular brushing, grooming and bathing will help to keep your dog smelling clean and fresh.

Getting sprayed by a skunk is one smell we humans recognize immediately and tomato juice is the most common remedy. However, in order for it to work properly, you need to allow the juice to sit on the dog's fur for at least 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. It is the acid in the tomatoes that cuts the smell. Another very popular solution that dog owners swear by is to mix 1 quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, 1/4 cup Baking Soda, and 2 tablespoons dish detergent in a large bowl (do not use a sealed container as this mixture will explode). You must use this immediately while it is still foaming as it is the oxygen in the bubbling mixture that removes the skunk odor. Be careful not to get either solution in your pet’s eyes.

Certain dog breeds tend to have naturally oily coats. Unfortunately, the extra oil on the dog's skin can become rancid and cause bad odors. In this case, your canine needs to be regularly groomed and bathed to remove this excess oil; otherwise it can develop into irritating skin conditions. Bacterial skin diseases are another common problem within some breeds. Using a good anti-bacterial shampoo specifically formulated for dogs is your best solution. If the skin condition does not clear up within a reasonable amount of time or if it appears to worsen, be sure to take your dog to the vet.

Dogs with droopy ears tend to develop ear infections quite frequently, although any dog breed can end up with this painful condition. If your dog smells bad even with regular grooming, take the time to check its ears. Look for redness and irritation. You will also notice that your dog will also shake its head often and probably try to scratch to relieve the itchiness. There are several ear infection solutions on the market that can help alleviate this problem.

One last thing that can also lead to dog odor is impacted or infected anal glands. These sacs, located in the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, are filled with a fluid that is normally released when a dog has a bowel movement. If you look carefully, you will see that your dog's anal area has become somewhat swollen and the "back end" smells really bad. Take your dog immediately to a veterinarian to have these glands expressed. Be aware that once your dog has had this problem it tends to reoccur, so keep an eye on this. If necessary, you can have the anal glands surgically removed.

Rose Smith owns http://www.CaringForCanines.com Where dog owners can explore the benefits of holistic dog medicines and remedies. Find information on topics such as: dog nutrition, dog health problems, herbal & vitamin supplements, dog grooming, and more. Be sure to visit us today for natural dog care methods and advice.

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Bad Dog Breath: Not Just a Social Embarrassment

by
Grant Carroll

Dogs are different form us in many ways. One way is that they do not care at all about dental hygiene. They aren’t concerned with getting the right toothpaste to fight tartar and gum disease and they especially don’t care if their breath stinks. In fact, they love eating the smelliest things possible while we look on gagging. So, it is up to us to make sure they have the best possible dental health and (for our sake) decent breath.

The most common cause of bad breath in dogs is periodontal disease which can be life threatening if left untreated. Bacteria that grow in a dog’s mouth eventually mineralize into tartar which can progress into an infection of the gums. From there, it spreads to the bones which means serious trouble. Your vet may prescribe an in office cleaning, tooth brushing or even antibiotics. The best way to fight this cause of periodontal disease is through prevention by brushing your pet’s teeth everyday. This is especially true of smaller breeds as they tend to have more trouble with their teeth.

Other infections and diseases can also cause bad breath and should be considered if dental hygiene is not an issue. Sinus infections, upper respiratory infections or even cancer can cause disagreeable breath. Dogs with lips larger than their mouths may also develop an infection of the skin in their lip folds. Other diseases that affect breath are kidney disease or diabetes. If your dog has bad breath and you take care of their teeth, take them to the vet right away.

Grant Carroll proud father of four dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters

Visit Elizabeth Austin Wholesale for Wholesale Dog Clothes and Wholesale Pet Supplies

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Sled Dog Breeds - The Fleet Of Foot


by
Rebecca Prescott

Sled dog breeds are characterized by endurance, strength, and intelligence. They are usually medium to larger dogs, with a very muscular build, and have helped mankind transport supplies in times before the automobile.

Nowadays, sled dog breeds are found as pets, as well as trained to participate in sled dog racing.

Sled dogs were developed to withstand very low temperatures. Their coats have a double layer, with the undercoat acting as insulation against the ice and snow. Because they have such thick coats, they need regular brushing and grooming. They also shed a lot, especially at the beginning of summer when they lose a lot of their undercoat. This could be a problem for people with dog allergies.

Traditional sled dog breeds include the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute, the Chinook, the Sakhalin Husky, the Canadian Eskimo dog, the Seppala Siberian sled dog, the Tamaskan husky, the Samoyed, the Eurohound, the Mackenzie River husky, and the Greenland dog.

Whilst these dogs were purpose bred, many other breeds have been used, including mixed breeds. These days, that tradition lives on in sled dog racing, where the most popular breeds include the Alaskan Husky, and various cross breeds, often based on the German Shorthaired Pointer. However, many breeds have been used, including the poodle!

Alaskan huskies are favored in modern sled dog races because they are faster than traditional breeds like the Alaskan malamute or the samoyed. They are not as strong, but in sled dog racing where speed is important, and the distances are shorter, Alaskan huskies were found to perform better.

Alaskan husky dogs are not a recognized breed. They are bred for their performance, and so they cannot be easily characterized as a breed. Alaskan husky dogs represent a variety of types with different lines. They are hybrid dogs - a husky with another breed, that is determined by the needs and ideas of the breeders. A husky may be bred with a wolf, setters, or any other breed that can bring genetic advantages in speed and endurance.

Sled dog racing is a winter and fall sport where the sled dogs are attached to a sled (or a 3 or 4 wheeled cart in autumn), and pull the driver along. The driver stands on runners. The dogs are harnessed individually, with tug lines attached that are linked into a central gang line. The dogs are linked in pairs, and there are up to 22 dogs in a racing team. Teams race either against the clock, and a winner then announced, or against each other in a seemingly chaotic race. There are dog sled races in three categories - short distance, middle distance, and long distance.

Like the sled dog breeds themselves, the sport of sled dog racing has seen some interesting adaptions to modern times and different climates. In Australia, for example, where there is very little snow, even in winter, sled dog races are held. Here, modified scooters are used, and racing is done on dirt tracks. Australian sled dog racers tend to use all sorts of dogs as sled dogs, including kelpies, english pointers, and red heelers.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com


Rebecca Prescott presents this site with information on dogs, with articles on the Alaskan Malamute sled dog breed, and purebred Siberian Husky dogs



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Appearance of a Bernese Mountain Dog

by
Ove Marcelind

The appearance of the Bernese mountain dog is beautiful. They are a tri colored and large dog. He is a sturdy dog that has a great balance to them. They are usually very intelligent and strong to do many strenuous things for many people. They are very muscular and will appear that way as well.

The size of the Bernese mountain dogs and appears to be square and is slightly longer in body than they are tall. They have the sturdy bones and that is important for the dog to have. Their eyes are dark brown and slightly oval in shape with close fitting eyelids. Their ears are medium in size and are set up higher than usual. Their skull is flat on top and broad with a slight defined look to it.

The Bernese mountain dog has a thick and long coat. They are usually blessed with a bright, shinny coat, and will be extremely curly as well. They need regular grooming and should be maintained well. They will need the proper vitamins and other nutrients to keep their coat in the best possible condition that it can be.

The Bernese mountain dog has a great temperament. They are a very self-confidant dog. They are alert and have a good sense about them. They are not too shy or too outgoing. They are in the middle when it comes to they way they want to be perceived. They are a great looking and wonderful dog to have in any situation. In some cases, they are not happy with strangers and may be cautious. This is good trait for a great watchdog.

These Bernese mountain dogs are a great dog to have in a family situation and especially a good one for a farming atmosphere. There is so much that one of these dogs can do. They are a wonderful animal to have in and to love. You may pay a lot for one of these dogs, however that is not a problem for anyone that desperately wants to have one of these great looking animals. They can be found from a breeder or at some of the pet shops that are in some areas.

Having a dog is a wonderful pleasure for most people. They can bring love and joy to a person that needs to have a companion to have around for a long time. Getting a Bernese mountain dog is just one breed that can make a lot of difference in anyone’s life.

http://www.bernese-mountain-dog.net

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Normal Doggie Behaviors

by
peter john

Prior to anything one must remember that dogs are animals and they should never be humiliated or punished for doing what comes naturally to him instead they should be dealt with care. Excessive behavioral patterns displayed that could be surprising and upsetting sometime should be dealt with love and proper training. To help you to deal with your new dog here are some of the expected normal doggie behavior guidelines: 1. The sense of territoriality exist in the blood of the dog whether you find them in the street or at home because they have evolved from wild animals and will defend their home and yard or anything belonging to their owners from the strangers by barking or growling. If anything excess is displayed in this area then there is a need for training otherwise it is normal behavior. 2. Barking is their way to communicate to other dogs, to their owners, to strangers who they feel threatens them. Besides this they also bark if they hear any strange noise at any hour of the day warning of something unusual. If this type of barking pattern exist in your dog then your dog is normal but if your new dog bark too much then getting trained by a professional is required or you can opt for barking collars especially designed to help correct a dog's excessive barking. 3. The desire to keep their food for themselves is found to be very strong even in the smallest dog which is a very natural behavior. Teasing the dog for such behavior may be fatal, so it is recommended to feed your dog in a quiet location free of distractions. Beside your dog your children must also be taught how to behave while he is eating to avoid potential nips or bites. 4. Dogs explore their world by chewing anything that comes to their way. They love to chew and gnaw anything they are supplied with toys for example Rawhide chews and plastic chew of his own. This is nothing abnormal but anything excessive needs care. 5. If trained properly then your dog will urinate and defecate where they are told to do but sometimes under certain circumstances your dog will urinate or defecate where they should not. Punishing them will make the situation worse that will only make the dog more nervous and possibly cause more errors in the future. Make sure the dog has plenteous opportunities to go outside. 6. Nipping and Biting are normal in dog and they do to protect themselves from harm. If this behavior is excessive then it is imperative to take steps to stop it before it becomes a real problem. Understanding and dealing with your dog's behavior is necessary for a new pet owner's happiness with their new friend.

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