Professional Dog Grooming Tips

Keep your dog looking his best with our effective grooming strategies

No dog is too old or too young to begin a regular grooming regimen. Make your companion shine with these insider pet care tips.

Next to providing food, water, and shelter, keeping your dog well-groomed is one of the most important things you can do to ensure his health and happiness. We consulted with some of the industry's top dog grooming experts to get their insider tips for easy, effective canine care:

Be sure to brush your pet's coat each and every day. Not only will this keep his fur looking neat, it will also help to remove soil, prevent matting and tangling, and distribute beneficial natural oils throughout the animal's coat. No dog is too young to benefit from proper grooming, so begin the regular brushing process as early as possible. Conversely, an older dog can always be introduced to the pleasures of coat brushing, although he may need some time to get used to the sensation if he has never been groomed before. Set a regular time and process for brushing sessions so your dog will grow accustomed to the routine.
Nail trimming is another essential grooming activity. As a general rule, your dog's nails should be clipped at least once a month. Your local pet store will have several varieties on hand for different breed sizes. When cutting your dog's nails for the first time, proceed slowly and offer treats and praise at regular intervals throughout the process. Avoid clipping nails too short, which can cause undue pain. In addition to the regular nails, you may also need to trim your dog's "dewclaw." If he has a dewclaw (not all breeds do), it can be found above the paw on the inside of each front leg.
To prevent potentially harmful ear infections, it's important to keep your dog's ears clean. At least twice a month, look inside your dog's ears to ensure that the interior skin is pale pink in color. If you see any red, black, or brown skin, or if you detect an unpleasant odor, your dog may have an ear infection and should see a veterinarian right away. If everything looks good, you can proceed with cleaning the opening with a moist cotton ball. Avoid going too far into the ear canal. For dogs with mites, an over-the-counter ear mite medication can be applied.
Regular teeth cleanings should be performed at least twice a week to prevent the risk of cavities and canine gingivitis. Use toothpaste that's specially formulated for dogs and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If your dog has problems with plaque build-up or chronic bad breath, he may need to receive professional, vet-administered cleanings or tooth scalings periodically.

Puppy Housetraining Tips

Achieve best results with our results-oriented techniques

Teach your new pet the house rules with our tips for housetraining methods, feeding schedules, and motivators

When you bring a new puppy into the home, one of the first things you'll need to do is start the housetraining process. It's critical that you begin training early to prevent bad habits from forming. The first decision you'll need to make is which type of training method to use.

Paper Training
For small, indoor puppies, paper training is a popular solution. With this method, you'll place layers of newspaper in a corner (with cardboard or another protective material beneath). Encourage the puppy to eliminate on the paper, and then remove the soiled layer after each use.

Crate Training
Crate training is another popular method for housetraining. Purchase a crate that's just big enough for him to stand and turn around, and put a comfortable bed inside. Place your pup inside the crate and watch him closely-when he begins to pace in circles and sniff the corners of the crate, that's a cue that he needs to head outside.

Always take your pet outside after every meal, and before you return him to his crate. Over time, he'll come to associate elimination as a post-meal and pre-sleep behavior. Like humans, pups thrive on routine. Gradually, as your pet gains more bladder control, you can begin to extend the length of time he's confined to his crate.

Patience is key - never try to rush your pup into going to the bathroom. Don't engage in any play or other activities during these sessions-the goal is for him to associate these outings with relieving himself. Housetraining doesn't happen overnight; you shouldn't expect your puppy to achieve full housebroken status until he's approximately six months old.

Outdoor Training
If you live in a mild climate and there are no potential hazards to your dog, you might consider keeping him in a small, contained area out of doors. If using this method, you'll need to provide a sheltered area and plenty of food and water. The pup should be free to relieve himself on grass, dirt, gravel, or concrete. Don't line the shelter with carpet, wood, tile, or any other indoor flooring materials, or this will lead him to believe it's okay to eliminate on these materials inside your home.

No matter what housetraining method you choose, keep the following in mind:

Refrain from scolding your pup for mistakes
Always praise your pet each time he relieves himself in the designated area
Stick to a regular feeding and watering schedule and always follow up a meal with a bathroom trip
Never allow your puppy to relieve himself outside of his designated toilet spot
Don't allow your pup to roam the house freely without constant supervision

How to Choose the Right Organic Dog Food

Become an educated natural dog food consumer

Help your pet reap the benefits of natural dog food by knowing what to look for when evaluating different organic options.

These days, it seems every type of food has an organic alternative - and not just for human consumption. For green-minded pet owners, organic dog food has become a preferred choice. Organic dog food will cost a little more than traditional commercial varieties, but the investment in your pet's health, longevity, and quality of life is well worth the end result. Veterinarians and dog experts have touted its many benefits that help ensure the health and well-being of man's best friend:

Decreased allergies and skin irritation
Heightened energy levels
Stabilized body weight and reduced obesity levels
Improved digestive health
Stronger immunity to illness
Increased life expectancy
With the wide array of choices on the pet food market, how can you determine which is right for you? Below, we've compiled some tips for choosing the right type of organic sustenance for your dog:

Be aware of your dog's preferences and choose a food that suits them. If you know that he dislikes vegetables, for example, try a meat-based organic food.
Keep your pet's individual nutritional requirements and any pre-existing health conditions in mind when choosing a food.
Learn how to read and understand dog food labels. Beware of varieties that list such filler ingredients as wheat, cornmeal, and potentially toxic by-products. Organic dog food should contain no artificial preservatives or synthetic ingredients.
Include plenty of protein. Dogs need high levels of daily protein to ensure good health and optimum energy levels. Choose organic meats, fish, chicken, lamb, and poultry that list a meat meal as the primary ingredient (i.e. "chicken meal"). Steer clear of any meat that contains harmful by-products.
When choosing organic dog food, check for the presence of beneficial fats, such as chicken fat, sunflower oil, flax oil, and canola oil. Any food that lists Omega three and Omega six fats is most likely of a high quality. Steer clear of dog foods whose labels list vague fats, such as poultry fat, vegetable oil, and animal fat.
Ground veggies and grains will provide more health benefits to your dog than whole versions. Avoid dog foods that contain excess grains, wheat, or other fillers.
As always, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before switching your dog to a new diet. They'll be able to help you plan a nutritionally sound menu that will also delight your dog's taste buds.

Be sure to visit our trusted friends Drs. Foster & Smith and Only Natural Pet to buy products mentioned here.

8 Smart Tips for Selecting Dog Feeders and Waterers

Create a hygienic, ergonomic feeding environment for your dog

Not all dog food and water bowls are created equal. Explore the benefits of choosing the right ones, and then review our smart shopping tips before you buy.

A well-designed feeder and waterer are essential tools for any dog owner. Before you plop down that old plastic Tupperware bowl for your pet's next meal, you might want to consider upgrading to an improved feeding container. Veterinarians and dog experts have touted the benefits of giving your animal's meal presentation some extra attention:

Investing in a high-quality food and water bowl helps to promote better hygiene and cleanliness in your dog's feeding area. An easy-to-clean surface helps to prevent the build-up of germs and bacteria.
By using an elevated feeder and waterer, you'll eliminate the need for your dog to stoop down to eat and drink, helping to prevent back and neck pain. This is especially important for dogs suffering from canine arthritis or other mobility-impacting maladies. Raised food and water bowls encourage injured or immobile dogs to eat and drink more than they normally would, helping to promote proper nutrition levels.
Elevated feeders also help to promote healthier digestion, as it's much easier for a dog to swallow without taking in excess air. When the food and water bowl are placed on the floor, it's more likely that the dog will gulp during mealtime, which can lead to bloating and other gastric problems.
Messes are reduced with elevated feeders and waterers, since dogs don't have to lift their heads for proper swallowing.
When hunting around for the perfect dog feeder and waterer, keep the following shopping tips in mind:

If your schedule requires you to be away from the house for long periods of time, you might consider opting for an electronic dog feeder. These will automatically fill your dog's food bowl at pre-set intervals. Food is kept in an attached storage container to ensure freshness.
Be sure to choose a bowl that's big enough to accommodate at least one full meal's worth of food. The water should always be larger than the food bowl, as dogs need a large amount to ensure proper hydration. The size of your feeder and waterer should be relative to the size of your dog. For floppy-eared dogs, opt for a bowl with an inner rim to keep his ears from dangling in the food or water.
If you keep your dog's food and water bowls outdoors or in the garage and you live in a cold climate, you might want to consider using heated feeders. These will keep the food at a more palatable temperature and will prevent the water from freezing.
The best material for dog feeders and waterers is stainless steel. Not only is steel handsome and durable, it's also extremely easy to sanitize, preventing the build-up of germs and bacteria.
If you have a problem with frequent tip-overs, choose a weighted bowl with a non-skid rubber base.
To help ensure that food and water don't get mixed together, opt for two separate bowls rather than a one-piece partitioned bowl.
If you have more than one dog, purchase a separate set of bowls for each animal. Pets that share bowls are more liable to compete for more food or water, making it difficult to determine how much sustenance each is actually receiving.
To make sure your dog will always have a food and water bowl at their disposal, invest in two sets so you'll have a back-up when it's time to wash.

Treating Canine Arthritis with Joint Supplements

As dogs age, they become more susceptible to debilitating ailments, the most common of which is canine arthritis. With the same symptoms as the human equivalent, this joint disease is characterized by a loss of cartilage that causes pain, stiffness, and immobility in the knees, hips, elbows, and other joints. Impacting larger dogs more prevalently, canine arthritis can manifest itself in several different levels, from mild to severe.

Symptoms of Canine Arthritis
To facilitate treatment and pain relief, it's important to monitor your dog and catch the signs of canine arthritis as quickly as possible. Below are some of the indications that your pet may be suffering from this progressively debilitating condition:

Your dog may show a declining interest in walks and other physical activities.
You may notice that your dog becomes fatigued more quickly than usual.
Your dog may appear unwilling to climb stairs or jump up on elevated surfaces.
In the morning, you may notice your dog struggling to get up, and that his movements are stiffer than normal.
During walks, your dog may exhibit a noticeable limp.
It may seem to take your dog a long time to prepare to lie down.
Popular Joint Supplements
Depending on the progression of your dog's condition, you may consider treating his canine arthritis with a joint supplement. These medications work by lubricating the joints to reduce stiffness and pain. Before choosing the supplement that's right for you, take a few minutes to browse our list of some of the most effective and commonly used products:

Cosequin DSicon: Manufactured by Nutramax, this joint pain treatment is made from all-natural materials to improve your dog's quality of life. Recommended by leading veterinarians worldwide, Cosequin is renowned for the purity of its ingredients and its fast-acting pain relief.
ReMATRIX Soft Chews: This effective solution works by providing your dog with the necessary nutrients to build and strengthen cartilage, resulting in more fluid, less painful joints. An ideal choice for dogs diagnosed with severe canine arthritis, its active ingredients include Glucosamine, MSM, Creatine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Vitamins, Antioxidants, Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Collagen, and Flaxseed Oil.
Joint MAX: An innovative treatment for canine arthritis, this relatively new medication is formulated with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Vitamin C, zinc, and N-acetyl-cysteine for joint health. Available in a chewable, good-tasting tablet, Joint MAX is highly palatable to most dogs. This over-the-counter medication is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Cosequin Multi Once-A-Day Supplement for Dogs: This widely used daily supplement is rich in the vitamins and minerals needed to reduce joint pain in arthritic dogs. It also promotes an overall enhanced sense of well-being in your pet.
ProMotion: A good-tasting nutritional antioxidant, ProMotion works to lubricate your dog's aching joints and to reduce stiffness. With glucosamine as its active ingredient, the tablets are tasty and easy to ingest.
Nupro: This all-natural solution works to alleviate arthritic pain by promoting the health and flexibility of joint tissue. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, the dietary supplement can be added to your dog's food and water for easy ingestion. Active ingredients include flaxseed, calcium citrate, bee pollen, Norwegian kelp, yeast culture, and garlic concentrate.
Original Glyco-Flex: This effective joint treatment is made from glucosamine, extract of perna mussel, and Dimethylglycine (DMG), which promotes healthy circulation and oxygen flow. Dogs find the tablets' smoky flavor appealing.
Duralactin: This anti-inflammatory pet medication and nutritional aid is formulated primarily from MicroLactin, a special milk protein that reduces joint swelling without causing intestinal irritation. The all-natural treatment includes only all-natural, food-grade substances.

Dog Food Allergies

It is estimated that 10% of all allergies in dogs are food related, coming in third behind flea bite allergies and inhalant allergies. And of all the scratching and itching in dogs, food allergies are estimated to cause 20% of the issues out there.

But, how do you know if your dog has a food allergy or what to do about it? It’s not like they can tell you, “hey, this dog food is making me itch.” It quickly becomes your job to pay close attention to their behaviors and make any necessary adjustments.

Identifying Dog Food Allergies

Unfortunately we don’t know much about how the antibodies are developed, what happens in a dog’s digestive tract, or how it develops as they age. We do know, however, what we need to do to fix the problem and help our dogs feel better.

For the most part, dog food allergies can occur at any point in a dog’s life, after 5 months and as late as 12 years of age, and there is no link between any particular breed, sex, or medical history. Generally, however, dogs with food allergies may also have other forms of allergies.

Also, remember that there is a difference between food allergies and intolerances. If a dog is intolerant of a food, it will often cause diarrhea and vomiting, while allergies result in itching and red skin. Both can be treated similarly, though intolerances can be more dangerous.

Common Foods

A dog can become allergic to any number of foods, but the most common foods are going to be meats like beef, chicken, fish, and lamb, and other foods that tend to appear in their food like dairy products, chicken eggs, wheat, corn, and soy.

Generally speaking, dogs will not be allergic to foods they don’t normally come into contact with. Exposure amounts and the proteins that they eat are generally related, similar to how human beings tend to develop allergies to foods they eat as a young child.

Symptoms of Allergies

IMG_0694The standard symptoms of food allergies in dogs start with itchy skin around the face, feet, legs, ears, and the anus. They may also suffer from severe recurring ear infections, loss of hair, hot spots, and infections that recur after antibiotics are completed.

The problem with diagnosing a food allergy is that the symptoms are very similar to a dog having a standard allergic reaction to fleas or inhalants, such as pollen. Yeast infections in the ears is a common sign of food allergies, however, along with severe skin problems and year round symptoms.

Handling a Food Allergy

To deal with a food allergy, you’ll need to use a food trial test. This is a long, careful process that starts with removing all outside sources of food from your dog’s diet. Remove all treats, rawhides, medications with flavours, toothpastes, and other foods from their diet.

Then, put them on a strong protein heavy diet that will be prescribed by your vet. You’ll leave them on this diet for 12 weeks and then reintroduce their normal diet to them. If that food then causes recurrence of the symptoms, you can start determining which foods in their diet are causing it.

Because a dog cannot simply say “I don’t feel well”, this method is vital. Blood testing is also available, but will only pick out certain recognized antibodies and is not as accurate as trial testing.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, make sure to see your vet right away to discuss the potential of food allergies.

5 Common Dog Allergies

Learn to spot and diagnose symptoms of your dog's allergic reactions

Like humans, dogs can suffer from irritating and potentially dangerous allergies. Learn about the most common allergy types to help ensure your pet's health and safety.

Humans aren't the only ones who suffer from bothersome or health-impacting allergies. Man's best friend is also susceptible to an array of allergic reactions. There are five common sources of allergies that most predominantly impact dogs:

Contact Allergies: If your dog has ever developed an itchy rash or redness in a localized area, he most likely was experiencing a contact allergy. These can be caused by a variety of triggers, including reactions to flea collars or bedding materials. Although it can be a challenge to determine the source of a contact allergy, treatment is usually as simple as removing the allergen from the dog's environment.
Flea Allergy: If a dog is allergic to fleas, the pest's bite can cause severe itching and irritation. Symptoms include vigorous scratching that may lead to bleeding or loss of hair. The biggest danger is the potential for infection at the site of the scratches. This reaction is most commonly seen in the dog's hindquarters, in front of the tail. The most effective methods of treating flea allergies are preventing contact with fleas, administering vet-prescribed medication to provide relief from the allergic reaction, and monitoring any open sores for infection.
Bacterial Allergy: The presence of some types of Staphylococcus (Staph) bacteria on a dog's skin is normal and usually harmless, unless the dog develops an allergy to the bacteria. In this case, the reaction usually manifests itself with patchy areas of hair loss in small, round areas. See your veterinarian to obtain an antibiotic to treat the lesions. Long-term treatment may involve the administration of a Staph antigen.
Inhalant Allergy: The most widespread dog allergy is of the inhalant variety. There are a variety of airborne substances, such as grass pollen, tree pollen, ragweed, mold, mildew, and dust mites, which can trigger allergic reactions in dogs. Instead of exhibiting the respiratory symptoms that humans experience, a dog's primary symptom is severe itching. Because of the large number of potential irritants, many of which are seasonal, it can be difficult to isolate the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, your veterinarian may recommend anti-inflammatory therapy, shampoo therapy, or hyposensitization.
Food Allergy: Like humans, dogs can develop allergies to different types of foods at any point throughout their lives. A protein allergy is the most common type, manifesting itself as a reaction to beef, chicken, turkey, or pork. Common symptoms include itching, wheezing, and digestive problems. Your vet can help you test your dog for a certain type of food allergy by prescribing a special hypoallergenic diet.