Thursday, September 13, 2007

Shih Tzu Topknots, Eyes And Ear Care


by: Connie Limon
The standard coat of a Shih Tzu should be luxuriously long and dense with a good wooly undercoat. The hair on top of the head may be tied up. When a Shih Tzu is completely brushed and combed the Shih Tzu should have a sleek look. The beard comes to a point and a long, luxuriant moustache flows over the beard. Method of making a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy topknot: 1. Part the hair from the ear on both sides of the head. 2. Gather up in one hand the hair in the middle and slip on a latex band at the base. 3. The band may have to be wrapped around twice to make it secure. 4. A ribbon or barrette is recommended to be attached to latex band. How to make your own Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy bows: 1. Cut one yard of ribbon. The ribbon can be any width you desire. 2. From this yard of ribbon, cut another piece about 5” long. Splice this in half lengthwise. 3. Cut the remainder of the yard in half. This material should give you enough for two ribbons or bows. 4. Wrap one of the long pieces around two fingers. Slip the folded ribbon off your fingers and double it over. 5. With a utility scissors, snip off a piece at the corners in a “V” shape, but not a sharp V, for you will lose any thread of support. There should be a piece of ribbon left at the centerfold to hold it all together. 6. Take one of the spliced pieces (5”) and tie the ribbon at the centerfold securely. 7. Separate each fold by gently pulling out and twisting each fold out from the center. Do both sides. When all the folds are pulled out and twisted, the bow is completed. All that remains is to fasten the bow to a tuft of hair, using the ends of the center splice to tie the knot. Cut off any excess ribbon that remains. Care of the Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy’s ears: Because of the long hair covering the Shih Tzu puppy’s ears, problems can develop when the ear gets little air. Clean the excess hair out of your Shih Tzu puppy’s ear canal (not the ear flap) to improve air circulation and help prevent infection. Care of the Shih Tzu’s eyes: Shih Tzu generally has large eyes with shallow sockets. A Shih Tzu’s eyes are more prone to injury than most other breeds. If your Shih Tzu puppy’s eyes are red or cloudy or tear excessively, or if your dog squints and rubs at his eye, have a vet look at your Shih Tzu puppy’s eye to determine the cause. Professionalism in Shih Tzu grooming: The word professional means “one skilled in a profession, craft, or art. The word professionalism is defined as “the methods, manner, or spirit of a profession. To become professional at anything, one must have the skills appropriate to the art, craft or profession and must conduct themselves professionally. This article is FREE to publish with resource box.
About The Author
Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. Purchase Shih Tzu puppies and sign up for FREE newsletter at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com/ Collection of Pet Care articles http://smalldogs2.com/ShihTzuCastle Visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com/

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

When Buying Hunting Equipment Get Something For Your Dog Too!


by: Peter Curtis
One of the most fun experiences while hunting is spending time with your hunting dog. Hunting dogs aren't all about business. They are also a great companion with you when you are out stalking your prey. If you like to go hunting a lot, you should always bring a hunting dog with you so that you don't get lonely. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be hard to transport hunting dogs to the locations you plan to hunt at. The best way to do it is with hunting dog boxes. These are dog carrier units that can fit in the bed of a truck or can be towed behind a car. This is especially helpful for bigger dogs that take up too much space in the car. This can be a seeing hazard otherwise. In these situations, you should use a dog box to transport your dog in. There are even dog boxes that can be affixed to ATVs. If you are planning on getting a dog box to help with transportation, there are some hunting dog box supplies that you can get to help you along the way. One of the best hunting dog box supplies is a blanket. Most dog boxes are very hard and angular. This can be very uncomfortable for the dog. If you put a blanket on the bottom of the box before the dog gets in, it will likely have a much better time. Although it's a very simple idea, these hunting dog box supplies are super important to the well-being of the dog. It can be fairly stressful to ride around in a box, so their comfort is important. Other good hunting dog box supplies to get are those that help affix the dog box to the bed of a truck. If you are driving to the location in a truck, there probably won't be any room for the dog in the cabin. Instead, you should strap the dog box into the bed of the truck. This will ensure that it doesn't slide around or fly out. Again, this protects the well-being of your dog. You can also get hunting dog box supplies that hook it to a trailer that tails along behind your car. Not every hunter has the benefit of owning a truck. For those that use a car instead, a trailer hitch for the dog box is best. This is a much bumpier ride for the dog, so try to use this method only for short trips. This way the dog will still be up for hunting once you get there.
About The Author
Peter Curtis is a keen hunter and loves writing about it too. More information about about Hunting equipment and guides. http://www.huntingguideonline.com/

Choosing The Best Dry Dog Food


by: George Chao
Sometimes, the best dry dog food is the one that your dog will eat the most. It is easier to buy something that your canine will eat as opposed to having them eat dog food that may be better for them, but one that they may not necessarily like. However, there are a few things you need to consider when you walk down the pet food aisles at your local retailer. Consider the price of the dry dog food. Often, dry dog food that are cheap or are not branded are made with ingredients like fillers and seasonings that are not necessarily good for dogs. These ingredient may be tasty, but they can be harmful to your dog. These dry dog food often have too much preservatives, which can cause your dog to develop health problems that may eventually cause them to suffer later on in life. To increase the vitality and life expectancy of your dog, go with good quality dry dog food. You don't really need to purchase the most expensive dry dog food there is, but it is best if you stick with dry dog food that is manufactured by a reputable dog food company and is priced reasonably. The main ingredient in the best dry dog food is rice, corn or soybean. High quality dry dog food will also have other ingredients such as beef and chicken. Stores also sell dry dog food formulated specifically to a dog's age. Manufacturers classify the different types of dry dog food as being for puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs. Purchasing the dry dog food that's most suitable for your dog's age is always important. If you want to know what are the best dry dog foods, ask your veterinarian. Veterinarians would often recommend the branded dry dog foods. These brands are more expensive, but if you have an older dog, it may be to your advantage to pay a little more for the best dry dog food. You will know if you've picked the best dry dog food by the way your dog looks and feels. When you take your dog for yearly shots, his coat should be healthy, his eyes should be clear and he should be full of energy. If your pet doesn't look well and seems lethargic, there could be something wrong with his diet. It is always wise to keep notes about what your dog is eating on a daily basis. This way, a veterinarian can diagnose your dog more quickly and recommend the best dry dog food for your pet.
About The Author
George Chao, owner of Digital Excellent Free Online Magazine - http://www.digitalexcellent.com/ Help your pet live healthier and longer, find the right dog food for your dog. You can find more information at http://www.digitalexcellent.com/dog-food

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