Dog Grooming – Process to Maintain a Healthy Coat
Most people wouldn’t think to go a day or two without out combing their hair, let alone a week or two. Whether your dog has short or long hair, he still requires grooming to maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
It is important to comb or brush his hair, inspect his coat and bathe him as required. This will prevent his hair from tangling and becoming matted. Tangled and matted hair will be uncomfortable for your pet, and in a worse case scenario, affect his health adversely. They can create sores, making it hurt for your pet to be touched. Regular grooming will keep your pet looking good and feeling good.
In addition to preventing tangling, brushing a dog’s coat is an ideal way to distribute the animal’s natural oils. In doing so, it also removes loose hair, stimulates the skin, loosens dirt and dander, as well as, any other materials which may have become stuck in it. When grooming, you should also check the dog’s skin for any signs of inflammation, infection, irritation or parasite infestation.
Dogs with shorter haired coats require less grooming than dogs with longer haired coats but they do require some attention. Many shorthaired dogs have a dandruff problem from frequent shedding. They require daily brushing. You should use a soft bristled brush on shorthaired dogs, or a hound glove with short wire bristles in the palm. This will remove the dead hair and dirt. Follow up with a soft cloth to wipe any remaining loose hair. If using a comb, choose a fine toothed one. Begin with the head and work your way down the dog’s body to its tail and legs.
Dogs with longer hair will require more frequent grooming sessions. A short time every day to accomplish this will make the task easier. Once again, start at the head and brush or comb the direction of the dog’s hair. For dogs with a thick undercoat, lift the hair and brush under the coat to remove dead hair. Wire pin or slicker brushes are ideal for longer coats, as the brush should have long firm bristles to pull the dead hair. And if using a comb after the brushing, a wide toothed comb is the better option.
As a general rule, dogs should not be bathed more than three or four times a year unless excessively dirty. More frequent bathing will remove their protective natural oils and cause a dandruff problem. Those with long silky coats may require weekly bathing. Before bathing a dog, it is important to brush its coat well to remove dead, loose hair, as well as, loosen tangles or mattes. You can use any gentle, tearless dog shampoo. If your dog has skin conditions or fleas you may need to use a special shampoo. Make sure you don’t get shampoo in his eyes and to rinse thoroughly. It is important to remove all shampoo so as to not cause itching, flaking and skin problems. Then, wrap the dog in a towel and dry. You can blow dry on the lowest setting possible with the blow dryer far enough away from the dog, so it won’t get burned.
Another part of the grooming process is to clip the dog’s toenails. Use clippers and be careful not to cut to the quick, which is where the blood supply ends. Make sure you have some styptic powder on hand in case you do cut into the quick. This will stop the bleeding. Also, make sure you brush your dog’s teeth. Use soft bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste.
This is also a good time to inspect and clean your dog’s ears. Slightly wet a cotton ball, with an ear cleaner, and wipe the folds of the skin. If you notice a foul smell or wax buildup, then you should have your veterinarian check for possible infection.
The grooming process may seem like a chore, but it can be a positive experience for both you and your pet. It is an ideal way to keep your companion healthy. The interaction that comes with this will turn this chore into an enjoyable and bonding experience for you both.
More Dog Grooming Articles at http://Dogs-Today.com. Get Your Own Successful Niche Website Network at http://eWebCreator.com. Matthew Hick has been designing profitable Adsense Ready Websites for over 5 years.
Pet Medications, Which Support a Healthy Skin and Coat
With the wide range of supplements, prescriptions and over the counter medications available, there is no reason for your pet to suffer with itchy dry skin, bald spots, or poor smell. Many options are available to treat the skin and coat conditions that commonly affect pets.
If your pet suffers from a cut, it is important to clean and treat it right away. If it develops an infection, it may not heal properly, and this may increase the time needed for the cut to heal. It can also develop unsightly scar tissue. A prescription topical ointment such as Animax or Panalog is commonly prescribed for treatment of such injuries. These ointments are multifunctional, and kill bacteria as well as fungus.
For pets that suffer from food allergies, it is important to realize that these allergies can affect much more than the digestive system. The skin and coat of a dog suffering from allergies may have a rough quality, and the pet’s skin may itch. This can lead to excessive scratching, which, in turn, leads to additional skin problems. Atopica is an oral form of cyclosporine that is often prescribed to treat allergies. It is a very effective medication, and can provide your pet with almost immediate relief.
For the pet that suffers from chronic ringworm or other persistent skin problems, an oral antifungal such as Ketoconazole, which may be coupled with a topical antifungal, like Panalog, is often necessary to break through the stubborn cycle of fungal infections.
There are also a variety of shampoos and sprays that can be used to treat your pet’s skin condition. Hexadene is a medicated shampoo commonly provided for skin conditions. If your dog suffers from allergies, Histacalm, which contains diphenhydramine HCI, helps to calm the skin. Dermacool, a spray that is available with lidocaine, helps to calm irritated skin as well. Gentocin is an antibiotic spray used in the treatment of skin conditions. If you dog suffers from hotspots, Oxydex Gel is an effective treatment.
Even if your pet has generally healthy skin there are a variety of supplements that can improve the quality of your pet’s coat and relieve any dryness that may be experienced. These supplements typically contain a blend of fatty acids that are rich in EFA and DHA, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that have been proven to help skin health, such as A, D, E and zinc.
Coat supplements make a great addition to any pet’s diet. They add shine to the coat and moisturize the skin, which reduces itchiness. The only drawback to using these supplements is that for some pets, these supplements may cause unintended weight gain because they contain mostly fats.
Providing supplements and prescription medications for your pet is an easy and effective way to deal with many problems often associated with pet ownership. Excessive shedding often occurs when a dog frequently scratches himself, damaging the skin. Dry, harsh coats often shed more readily than a soft and lustrous coat.
Keeping your pet’s coat healthy
While there are a variety of medications that can help your pet develop an attractive and healthy coat, there are other, equally important steps that you should take. The first step to a healthy coat is to keep your pet healthy. This means that your pet should be at a good weight, free of internal parasites, and up to date on vaccinations. Next, it is important to choose a quality pet food with ingredients that agree with your pet. What works for one may not work for another. It is vital to get this step right, because food allergies can play havoc with a pet’s skin and coat. If your pet is particularly sensitive to different ingredients, try one of the allergy formulas that are available. These typically have fewer ingredients, and they are less likely to be common allergens.
Regular grooming also goes a long way on improving the quality of your pet’s coat. The type of grooming required depends on the type of coat your pet has. While some pets, such as a poodle, require intensive and regular grooming sessions to look their best, others still benefit from being brushed regularly. If you start this when they are young, they may come to enjoy the time spent grooming. Also, take time to regularly wipe out the ears and eyes of your pet.
If your pet still has an unhealthy coat, you may want to add a coat supplement to your pet’s diet. These supplements can dramatically improve the quality of the coat. If your pet’s coat still leaves something to be desired, you may want to consider a visit to the vet because your pet may have an underlying health condition that is affecting the quality of its coat.
Shawn Thomas is a freelance writer who often writes about topics pertaining to the care of pets and health options for pets such as pet medicine
Grooming Helps Keep Your Dogs Coat Healthy
Grooming is something most people take for granted. We primp and preen, bath and strive to maintain a good physical appearance. Good grooming habits contribute not only to appearance but to overall good health. The responsibilities that come with owning a dog are many and our pet dogs rely on us to provide them with all the necessities of life. Food, shelter, proper veterinary care and a lot of love are at heart of what our dogs expect and deserve. Just as important is a grooming routine. Good dog grooming can go a long way towards keeping your canine companion healthy and happy.
Different dog breeds can have vastly different grooming requirements. The amount of grooming needed is something that a perspective dog owner should consider before choosing a dog. For example, short hair dog breeds may require less coat grooming than their long hair cousins. Certain breeds are more susceptible to skin problems than others.
Dogs deserve a proper grooming and as dog owners we must think of good grooming regimen as part of a nose to tail strategy. In addition to good coat care, care of the eyes, ears, paws and claws is essential to your dogs health and happiness.
Coat Care Kept Simple
Whether you do your own grooming or opt for a professional grooming service, the task of keeping your dog well groomed is essential. Unless you plan on showing your dog, good dog grooming can be a do-it-yourself program.
One of my dogs was rescued from the side of the road, as ten to twelve week old puppy. After a proper vet check, he was given a clean bill of health. We knew he was a mixed breed Akita and as he grew out of his puppy stage, he developed a beautiful coat, with a seasonal undercoat. He is somewhat cat-like in his own grooming habits, and pays special attention to keeping his paws clean. As far as coat care is concerned, I would classify him as a low-maintenance dog. From the day we found him, he has received regular brushing and has learned to love the attention, to the point of bringing the brush to us. A monthly bath combined with regular brushing makes keeping his coat in good condition a relatively easy task.
In contrast to Willie, our Cocker Spaniel could be quite a handful when it comes to coat care. He is not a show dog and we do not feel bound by any given grooming standard. His fur is kept neatly trimmed short which makes regular bathing and brushing a manageable task that we can handle ourselves. The show standard for grooming would take considerably more time and money.
Regular bathing is important, whether performed by a grooming professional or the owner. Certain breeds need special attention when it comes to bathing, especially when it comes to shampoos. A shampoo that is too harsh came dry the dogs skin or exacerbate existing skin conditions. Always consult your veterinary professional for a bathing regimen that is best for your precious pet.
The Brush is a Dogs Best Friend
Regular brushing is one of the easiest ways to promote a healthy coat. Regular brushing stimulates the skin along with removing loose hair and dander. This is true whether your dogs coat is long or short. Brushing gives dog owners a chance to examine the dogs skin, making it easier to spot skin abnormalities and parasite infestations.
A program of regular brushing should be started during the puppy stage, though with older rescue or adopted dogs, this is not always possible. Dogs who have not been accustomed to regular brushing may resist, requiring a greater degree of owner patience.
Dog Diet
A proper diet can go a long way towards keeping your dog healthy, including the skin and coat. Just like humans, a poor dog diet can manifest itself in skin and coat problems. There is a wide variety of diet supplements and dog foods that claim to promote a healthy coat and these certainly cannot hurt. Always consult a veterinary professional before adding a supplement to your dogs diet.
Mitch Endick is a staff writer for the quality online store FineWebStores.com.
Shop for unique items for your home or office including Lane Lumber Support Recliners, Adjustable Beds and quality Bed Linens at Fine Web Stores.com. Visit FineWebStores.com today for all of your home decor and furnishing needs.
Skin and Coat Medicine for Dogs
The happiest dog can easily become quite miserable when they develop a skin or coat problem.
Dogs, which have required nothing beyond simple grooming and a healthy diet for years, can be struck by disease or old age – and the effect is often evident in their coat. It may lack the healthy sheen you are used to seeing. Or maybe the dog has developed spots on his skin that itch and have become irritated. The problem could be the result of changing nutritional needs due to his age.
Or it could be the result of a disorder that requires treatment, such as endocrine disorders, congenital or inherited disorders, parasites, trauma, infectious disease or an immune disorder.
For some dogs, the problem can be something simple like an allergy to something in the environment. Allergies can strike dogs at an early age or upon exposure. It is hard for a dog to ignore itchy skin. Without treatment, the dog may keep scratching to the point that its skin becomes inflamed. Once that happens, the dog’s skin may not heal quickly and infection sets in.
The answer can be as simple as skin and coat supplements, which provide the skin with the nutrients it needs to be healthy. These supplements contain fatty acids, which are natural anti-inflammatories, vitamins and minerals – all needed to ensure your dog has a shiny, healthy coat and skin. Or the dog’s condition may require skin and coat medications. These come in various strengths and formats – lotions, shampoos, conditioners and sprays.
Lotions
Some lotions, like Resicort Leave-on Lotion, contain 1 percent hydrocortisone and are indicated for the relief of inflammation and pruritus. You should massage it deep into the dog’s coat to soothe allergic skin. The lotion leaves a film behind that continues to treat the skin and coat long after it’s been applied.
Conditioners
Just as children with chicken pox have found that an oatmeal bath can provide a lot of relief, it can do the same for dogs. Oatmeal-based conditioners, like Epi-Soothe Oatmeal Cream Rinse, are used after shampooing to help relieve itchy or sensitive skin by restoring the moisture and natural oils to the skin. As a side benefit, it can also make longer coats more manageable and less likely to tangle. There is also Relief Cream Rinse, which combines colloidal oatmeal and proxamine HCL, to soothe itching caused by a variety of skin conditions. Its emollients and Omega-6 fatty acids will continue to nourish the dog’s skin if it is not rinsed out.
Shampoos
With almost all of the dog’s body covered with fur, finding the right shampoo is important. With myriad varieties of dog shampoos, there is one for almost any canine condition. For outdoor dogs, there are shampoos like Adams Flea Shampoo, which kills fleas, ticks and lice. Skunk-Off shampoo is as mild as tearless baby shampoo with the deodorizing ingredients found in the original Skunk-Off liquid. Products like Douxo Calm Shampoo are for dogs suffering from allergies. It gently cleans the allergens from the skin and protects against further attack by helping the skin heal. Allegroom Shampoo cleanses without heavy stripping of the lipid layer and adds moisture to the surface. Allergroom contains no fragrances, soaps or detergents, and is pH controlled. There are also high-lathering shampoos, such as Keratolux Shampoo, that help remove scales and crust common to seborrhea and other skin disorders.
Medications
Skin medications provide anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antifungal and antibacterial therapy for dogs. The medications come in spray, gel, ointment and cream formats that help manage dermatologic disorders that produce inflammed or dry skin conditions. For example, Animax is a topical treatment with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antifungal and antibacterial therapeutic effects. It is available in ointment and cream formats.
As important it is to encourage healing, it can be equally important to give the itching or hurting dog some relief. Safe sprays such as Dermacool with Lidocaine Spray offers 1.5 percent lidocaine in an alcohol-free base to ease his pain.
Sprays and Wipes
Humilac Spray contains lactic acid, which has proven effective in controlling hyperkeratinization. The spray formula contains three moisturizers that can help control dry skin. And, it is lanolin-free, so it doesn’t leave the coat oily.
For dogs with deep folds in their skin – and other hard-to-clean areas – consider using Malaseb Pledgets. These wipes combine miconazole and chorhexidine and are ideal for localized care of interdigital areas.
Pyoben Gel is a topical, water-based product to treat superficial microbial infections. It provides better penetration and less irritation, compared to alcohol- or acetone- based products.
As with any medication, be sure you follow the veterinarian’s dosing instructions. It is important to continue using the medication, as directed, until your veterinarian says it is safe to stop.
Otherwise, you dog may experience intense rebound of the original symptoms, which takes you and your dog right back where you started.
Barbara Delp is a freelance writer who writes about pet care and dog medicine.
Caring For Your Dogs Skin And Coat
Many people like to wash their dog to keep them clean and smelling nice, particularly if they live indoors. They also feel that it keeps his skin and coat healthy.
It may surprise you to know that if your dog has a normal skin and coat, bathing isn’t all that important in keeping it healthy. It’s more important to feed them a quality food, so the natural skin oils help to repel dirt and keep their coat soft. Some dogs are washed only once a year, and they are clean and smell great.
Some less expensive foods aren’t as good for your dog’s coat as foods with a higher price tag – this relates to the quality of ingredients. If you find your dog’s coat is dry and harsh, consider adding omega fatty acids to his meal several times a day. You can purchase a specific dog supplement to do this, or you can try adding sardines to his meal – fish oil is very good for his coat.
If you do want to bath your dog, here are some guidelines.
Choose your shampoo carefully. Never use a shampoo designed for humans, as the detergents are often too harsh for a dog’s skin. They may dry out their skin and lead to irritation and itching. There are many shampoos available for dogs; choose one that is mild and soap free.
Use warm water, it’s much more comfortable for your dog. Some dogs are afraid of the hose, and enjoy being washed in a large tub. Use a small bucket or a scoop to pour water over his back.
When you’re washing him, don’t scrub his coat harshly. It can irritate his skin. A gentle lather will be just as effective and he’ll enjoy it more. You may want to spend some time massaging his skin – he’ll love it. Rinse off all traces of shampoo thoroughly, and consider using a leave in conditioner, especially if his coat is dry.
A good towel dry will finish off his bath, and stop you getting drenched when he shakes! Some people like to blow dry their dogs. It’s not uncommon for small fluffy breeds to be dried like this. Be careful not to burn their skin with the hot air.
How often do you have to bath your dog? As mentioned, some people wash their dogs very infrequently, but you may not be comfortable with that. If your dog has a skin problem, your vet may have prescribed a medicated shampoo. You may have to shampoo your dog with this as often as twice weekly.
For dogs with normal skin, the less they’re bathed, the better. Feeding them well has a much greater impact on skin health than washing. Ideally, wash them no more frequently than monthly. This will allow you to use the monthly flea control products and not wash them off in between applications.
A clean dog is much nicer to cuddle, and he won’t leave dirty marks on your couch. Take care with what you feed him and how you bath him, and he’ll be soft and smelling sweet.