Basic Pet
Care
Grooming:
First and foremost, grooming should always be
kept as fun as possible. Dogs do remember so it is
best to schedule it at a time when they are most
relaxed. Start with short sessions, no more than 5
minutes and gradually lengthen the sessions. This is
also the time to begin holding and playing with the
most common sensitive areas....tail, feet, and ears.
Proper Brushing:
This is very important. Brushing, or combing,
not only helps prevent tangles but it removes dirt
and helps nourish the coat by spreading around your
pets natural oils. This is the time to check their
coat for ticks, fleas and/or flea dirt.
Short Smooth Coats -
* You only need to brush once a week
* Use a rubber and bristle brush - this will
loosen dirt and dead skin and remove hair.
* You can even polish their coat with a
chamois
Short Dense Coats -
* You should brush 2-3 times a week
* Use a slicker and bristle brush
All Long Coats
* Most need daily attention or at least every
other day
* Matting can happen very quickly
* You should use a slicker and bristle brush
paying close attention to behind the ears, at the
elbows, and around the potty.
Bathing:
You should bathe your pet at least every two
months or more often if needed. Always use a shampoo
safe for dogs. Prior to bathing, give your pet a
good brushing. Use lukewarm water and pay very close
attention to not get water in the eyes, ears, or
nose. Water in the ear canal is the perfect breeding
ground for bacteria which is the most common cause
of ear infections. The ear needs to stay as dry as
possible. If necessary, place a cotton ball in the
ear while bathing.....just remember to remove it
after the bath. Especially on small pets, be very
careful around the nose. Just a few teaspoons of
inhaled water can inhibit their breathing and may
cause them to drown.
Dry your pet with either a towel or blow
dryer but be very careful to monitor the heat. Dogs
can easily overheat; especially those with short
snouts like the boxer and bulldogs.
Nail Clipping:
This is the time when you will be happy that
you started playing with your pets feet at an early
age. I recommend the guillotine style nail clippers
and a small bottle of blood clotting powder. The
frequency of nail trimming depends on the dog and
its lifestyle but generally every 4 weeks. A dog
that is up and frequently walking on hard surfaces
will naturally wear down his nails but lets face it,
most pets are indoors and will need your assistance.
If nails are not regularly trimmed, over time the
continued striking of the nails against surfaces
will cause excessive pressure on the bones resulting
in a weakened foot structure.
How to cut the nail:
* First pick up a paw and gently pull it
toward you. If your pet resists, praise and treats
will usually help.
* Gently push on the first knuckle with one
hand (this will cause the nail to push out further
allowing you better visibility) and begin to
gradually shorten the nail with the other. Be sure
to stop before you reach the quick, which is the
part of the nail that contains the nerves and blood
vessels. On white nails this is easy to see, the
quick is the pink area. You will make your cut just
beyond it. Black nails are a bit harder. Start by
taking off the hook of the nail. There will be a
darker circle in the middle of the nail. Continue to
make small snips until this dark area covers most of
the nail. Once you have reached the small white dot
in the center, you should stop cutting.
Remember....if you only cut off the tips of the
nails, eventually the quick will grow further into
the nail making it impossible to have a healthy
nail.
* If you nip the quick, do not panic. Get the
blood clotting powder and gently apply until the
bleeding has stopped.
* Do not forget to trim the dewclaw which is
located on the inside of each leg just above the
paw. Dogs can have dewclaws on both front and back
legs, or just front legs, or none at all. Dewclaws
that go untrimmed can end up growing into the pad
resulting in a very sore wound and possible
infection.
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Ear Cleaning:
Cleaning the ears is a
very important part of grooming. A healthy ear will look
clean with pink shiny skin in the canal area. Ear
problems may take the form of odor, excessive discharge,
inflammation of the canal or noticeable sensitivity from
the pet. Dropped or folded ears are more prone to ear
problems.
When cleaning an ear,
never probe farther than you can see. Softly swab with
either a Q-tip or cotton ball with a liquid ear cleaner.
Teeth Cleaning:
Bad breath is the most
common sign that your dog is need of a dental check up.
So often with pets, dental care is put off until there
is a problem. Just as we do with our own teeth, regular
brushing will help prevent many future dental problems.
You can clean your
pets teeth with a specially made pet toothpaste or a
baking soda and water mixture once or twice a week. You
can purchase a pet toothbrush or use a child’s soft
toothbrush, gauze pad, washcloth, or piece of nylon
pantyhose stretched over your finger.
Feeding:
Dogs are omnivores
(able to eat food from both animal and vegetable
origins) and require a mixture a protein, carbohydrates,
fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.
* Vitamins are required for bone growth, good
vision and for the body’s metabolism.
* Minerals are essential for strong bones and
teeth.
* Fats are required for energy and contain
essential fatty acids that provide healthy skin and
a shiny coat.
* Carbohydrates also provide energy and the
fiber content aids digestion.
* Protein is essential to develop healthy
muscles, organs, nails, hair, cartilage and
ligaments.* Water is also an essential ingredient
and vital to your dog’s life –clean, fresh water
must be available at all times.
You should feed a ….
…Puppy that is 8 to 12 weeks four times a
day.
…Puppy that is 3 to 6 months three times a
day.
…Puppy that is 6 months to 1 year two times a
day.
…Dogs over 1 year should be fed once or twice
a day.
Exercise:
Dogs need exercise. It not only helps them
burn calories but it stimulates their minds and
keeps them healthy. Exercise will also help avoid
boredom which will eventually lead to destructive
behavior.
You will need to gauge their activity on
their individual exercise needs. These will vary
depending on breed or breed mix, age, and health.
Housing:
When choosing a place for your dog’s bed or
crate, there are several things to keep in mind.
First, dogs are creatures of habit and where you
start out your puppy is more than likely where your
grown dog will sleep. Second, choose a warm, quiet
place to rest away from drafts and off the floor. A
training crate is ideal and will become your dogs
haven.
If your dog will be spending a lot of time
outside, they will need a dog house that will
provide adequate shelter from the wind and rain. The
house is best placed in the a shaded area for the
warmer months. The house should be large enough for
the dog to enter, turn around and lie down. During
the winter months, a heavy cloth should be hung over
the entrance to keep in heat and keep out wind and
moisture. Dogs prefer loose bedding, generally a
couple of blankets that will need to be regularly
washed. Most importantly….dogs should always have
access to water.
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