by admin | Sep 4, 2019 | dog grooming, Training collar
Collars are worn by pets, especially by dogs, for identification, walking training, or even fashion. You will find a lot of varieties of dog collars for everyday use. These collars consist of quick-release clasps that are available in many different styles, colors, and materials. With the right dog collar, you will be able to showcase your pooch’s personality and style. Here are some different types of commonly-found dog collars in the market:
Flat collars
This type of collar is a standard collar that has a plastic snap or buckle closure and a ring attached for a leash or identification tags. Flat collars are available in many different designs and colors and should fit comfortably around your pet’s neck. You need to purchase flat collars that are neither too tight nor loose. The golden rule is that you should be able to get two fingers underneath the collar.
Martingale collars
Also known as a limited-slip collar, martingale collars are designed for dogs with narrow heads and necklines like whippets or greyhounds. The main idea behind this collar is to prevent your dog from slipping out of it. The collar is made of a length of material that is fitted with a metal ring on both ends. A separate loop of material passes through the two rings and tightens around the neck if your pet tries to back out of it. You need to adjust it properly so that the tightening will not choke your pooch.
Choke chain
As the name suggests, choke collars are made of metal links and can tighten around your dog’s neck. However, the tightening cannot be controlled, so there is a possibility to strangle or choke your dog. This collar sits up high on your dog’s neck and precisely behind the years. Choke collars are used mainly for training dogs or prevent bad habits. But, you need to consult an experienced trainer to learn how to fit and use the collar on your dog. This collar should never be used as a regular collar.
Shock collars
This is another type of collar used by dog trainers to train their pets. An electric current passes through the metal contact points that will give your pooch a signal. This signal can range from a mild tickling sensation to a painful shock. Apart from being used as training devices, they are also used for pet containment. The shock can be administered via remote control and is preceded by a tone to warn the dog that they are about to get shocked.
Elizabethan collar
Also commonly known as the E-collar, the Elizabethan collar is a wide cone-shaped collar that is used to prevent your pooch from scratching or licking its wounds while the healing process is going on. This collar has loops or tabs so that they can be attached to regular collars and are available in many different sizes for all types of dog breeds. Your pet will not face any problem in other daily activities like walking, drinking, eating, etc.
You can say a lot about a dog’s personality by its collar. Apart from the above, there are a lot more different types of collars that you can explore for your best friend.
by admin | Sep 4, 2019 | dog grooming
Brushing your pooch’s teeth might not be easy, but it is a very important part of a dog’s grooming routine. Oral health of dogs is often overlooked by many dog parents. By participating pro-actively to your pet’s dental health, you will help your dog fight off several common dental issues like bad breath and periodontal diseases. Here are some important benefits of brushing your dog’s teeth:
- Preventing tartar and plaque buildup
The top benefit of brushing your dog’s teeth is preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar. Similar to humans, brushing the teeth of your dogs will prevent dental problems. Most of these dental problems happen due to this buildup. Plaque is sticky substances that stay behind in your pooch’s teeth after eating. As these substances accumulate, they harden and turns into tartar. Over time, this tartar buildup leads to periodontal diseases, causing several dental issues like tooth loss, infection, gum swelling, etc.
- Freshening your dog’s breath
Most people love puppy breaths. But when it comes to adults, it can be a different story altogether. Some dogs have very bad breath, which can be caused by gum and dental diseases. By brushing your pooch’s teeth daily, you will be able to keep their breath smelling fresh. Additionally, if your dog has extremely bad breath or you notice a change in the smell, it is recommended that you consult your local veterinarian.
- Preventing other health problems
When it comes to maintaining the health of our dogs, dental health is not necessary the first thing that comes into our minds. But it is an important part of their well-being and ignoring the health of their teeth and gums and lead to many other health problems. For instance, if a minor gum inflammation is left untreated, it can cause bone destruction and other serious tissue problems. Several health problems like liver abscesses, bone infections, and sepsis are a result of untreated dental problems.
- Spotting dental issues early
As a pet owner, you would know about your dog the best and you will notice if there is some sort of irregularity in its behavior. Periodontal problems can be treated and prevented when caught early. You will be able to spot and notice any changes in your dog’s mouth while brushing its teeth. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you will be able to prevent the problem before it gets serious.
- Preventing dental problems can save a lot of money
While it is understood that brushing your pooch’s teeth is not exactly a fun activity, it can save you a lot of money in the long run. By brushing your pet’s teeth daily, you will be able to detect and prevent dental issues before they get out of hand. If not treated in time, these issues can cause major health problems that will cost you a lot of money. Additionally, the costs related to treating periodontal problems can be quite an expensive affair itself.
With the help of a top-grade dog toothbrush and toothpaste, you will be able to take care of your pooch’s dental health before it escalates. Dogs are good at hiding their pain, so you have to take steps to ensure that the dental health of your pooch remains in top condition.
by admin | Jun 6, 2019 | dog grooming
Taking better care while grooming your best friend may require higher amounts of patience and consistency but the love and bonding will settle both your nerves. Whatever breed your buddy is, set him up for a successful grooming session. Knowing several things up front about dog grooming will give your dog a day full of love and play rather than frustration and accidents.
Two ways of grooming that you may want to try with your friend… see which way will work best for both of you. You can do the grooming yourself at home or shops designed for diy dog-washes which lends to spending quality bonding time with your pet or you can get it done by professional services and save the rewards till they are done.
- Professional dog grooming service:
The professional dog grooming services are often offered by vets, individual firms and large retail stores. These are full-service grooming and bathing. Taking your dog to a dog grooming firm will cost anywhere from $30 upwards. The professional team can take care of all your dog’s needs or just the ones you want done like undercoats and fur, skin care, teeth, nails, eyes, and ears. The service will depend on the type of dog breed. It also depends on the temperament or behavior, size, and coat of the dog.
- Groom your dog at home. Taking care of your dog requires some pre-knowledge and above all, you need to have a good understanding of his personality and tolerance. You should also know what calms him down. Your dog needs a grooming schedule just like his daily food schedule and play time.
If You Choose to Groom Your Pet Yourself – A few things you need to do for your dog
Brush the teeth
Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily. But, this can be a tough task as your dog might be intolerant so give him some time to get used to having fingers in his mouth to avoid getting bit. Use the dog toothpaste and not human toothpaste (which can cause fluoride poisoning). Start by letting him lick the paste off your finger and then try brushing with your finger. After few successful tries and with the trust of your pet, introduce a dog toothbrush the same way to clean the teeth. Before long he’ll be enjoying the paste not even thinking about the toothbrush.
Take care of his coat and skin
You will need both a comb and a brush to manage the dog’s coat and undercoat depending on the breed. For this, you need to begin from the head and move down to the body, combing with care. Where there are any mats or tangles, you can use the brush to work it out. Comb the dog’s tail downward slowly as you hold it in one hand and be gentle while combing the belly area of the dog. Remember, areas can be sensitive until you know your dog’s tolerance and what he enjoys.
Keep the eyes clean
Eye draining of the dogs varies depending on the breed. You may need to remove the stains. You need to check the eyes for the signs of irritation and discharge. Gently clean the debris from the corners of the eyes and watch for the amount of wet tears around your dog’s eyes. You may need to clean in the folds of skin around the eyes as well.
Clean the area of the ears
Most professionals advised to clean only the dirt that you see with your bare eyes in and around the sensitive ear. Use an ear cleaning solution sparingly with cotton for this job. Use the solution just to slightly wet the cotton and watch for signs of discomfort.
Nail Clipping
Specific dog nail clippers are the best tool for cutting the dog’s nails quickly and painlessly. Go slowly with small cuts to make sure you cut only the hard part and not the pink part which is painful and will bleed. Cutting is important as the dog’s nails can grow into the paw pad or twist into the toes.
