Dealing with dog hair problems

Shedding is a natural occurrence to dogs, except for a short list of hairless breeds such as the American hairless terrier, Chinese crested, Khala, Peruvian Inca Orchid and Xoloitzcuintle. Natural hair loss varies from breed to breed, some shed more heavily than others. So if you are a dog owner and your pooch is not among these mentioned breeds, you are familiar with shedding and the hassle it creates on the sofa and your clothes. Fallen hair is unsightly except if you are obsessed with your pooch that you collect their hairs, spun them into thread and knit them into sweaters.

Grooming is the key to keep hair loss under control. Your dog’s hair is going to fall out naturally and it is best to remove it yourself with a brush and throw it in the trash than to let the hair fall out all over the house. The more hair removed, the less you will see it all over your house and on you. As per my experience, brushing my pug Rama's coat once a day is enough to reduce the unwanted hair all over my clothes, carpet and furniture, especially during shedding season. .

It is also advised to seek immediate veterinary attention if you think your dog is shedding abnormally or you see bald spots. There are health conditions such as ringworm, skin infections, stress, mange and cancer that can cause large, abnormal amounts of shedding.

Let the chewing and gnawing begin

My dogs love to gnaw and chew, and I let them. I buy them chewing toys so they won't attack the sofa or my shoes! Chewing is actually good for pooches. My friend and dog lover, Shawn Ulmsted, says that a dog that loves to chew is a healthy dog! Puppies start chewing around the age of 3 months, when their permanent teeth start coming out. Since nature did not give dogs hands to use, their mouths are their source of exploration; their means to investigate new things, tastes, and it is a basic behavior instilled in dogs since the beginning of time. Chewing helps relieve the pain of teething and it is necessary for a dog’s physical and mental health. For adult dogs, chewing keeps their teeth clean and makes their jaws strong. Gnawing on something for a spell gives them something to do. Your dogs are just probably not into ‘Gossip Girls’ or surfing the Net, but they need something to occupy their mind.

Chewing also means eventual destruction. And replacement. You have to make sure that your buy your pooches chew toys on a regular basis. If they have their own toys to chew, they will not be inclined to chew on your couch leg or that Prada pumps you absent-mindedly left lying around the house. You don’t have to spend a fortune replacing toys, but make sure they are safe, especially if you have a larger dog that can shred the toy quickly.

What are some other causes of chewing? Believe it or not poor nutrition can be a cause. The lack of proper nutrients in a dog’s diet can cause a dog to chew many things in an effort to fulfill its need for certain nutrients. Buying the best food you can afford for your pet will not only save you money in vet bills but will help keep your pet from chewing up valuable items.

Separation anxiety and/or being alone too long can also cause a dog to chew. Chewing is comforting to a dog; it eases its mind. Think about this for a moment, a baby enjoys its pacifier, a youngster enjoys a lollipop and we adults enjoy chewing on a number of things. We find comfort in what we do and so does our dogs.

Traveling with Pets

An increasing number of establishments and public places are accepting pets and even offer special services for them thereby encouraging pet owners to include their beloved four legged companions in their travel plans. My friend and pet lover, Shawn Umsted, always takes his dogs whenever he gets a chance to go to the beach. Shaun says that taking pets along can heighten the fun of experiencing new places or visiting old friends. However, it is important to consider if travel really suits your pet. Be aware that some pets, especially cats, are nervous passengers. Leaving them in the care of a conscientious pet sitter or even boarding them at a reputable kennel may be kinder option than subjecting them to the anxiety they may experience during travel.

Car travel is best for pets. The Humane Society of the United States discourages air transport for pets, but if this is your only option, book a direct flight and ask to watch the loading and unloading of the crate from the cargo section of the plane. Short-nosed dogs, such as pugs, are especially at risk since breathing can be a bigger effort for them than for longer-nosed canines, so consult your veterinarian beforehand.

Many dogs love riding in cars, and a variety of safety harnesses are now available for them. Never let them hang their heads out of windows, and do not let them ride in the open bed of a pickup truck as it is extremely dangerous should you hit a bump or make a sudden stop. Protect pets from rain, heat, or cold. In cars, cats should be crated, for their safety as well as comfort. Any dog or cat crate should allow enough room for the animal to stand and turn around comfortably. It’s a good idea to take your pet on a test run, like a short excursion, before attempting a major road trip.

Here are a few rules of the road you should bear in mind when traveling with pets:

• Always have identification on your pet; include address and phone number of your home as well as your destination.
• Make water available.
• Never leave your pet alone in a car — even with the windows cracked, temperatures can soar quickly, and people steal pets with heartbreaking frequency.
• Avoid giving pets a heavy meal just before traveling, especially if they’re prone to carsickness.
• Give dogs a relief stop every few hours, and always leash them on these short walks. Even a well-trained dog can become startled or confused or might make other travelers uncomfortable. Consideration for other travelers will help ensure that all of us will be able to include pets in future travels.
• Be sure to set aside quality time for your pet both while you’re traveling and after you reach your destination.

Get Rid of Those Bloodsuckers!

My pug, Rama, is scratching like mad and literally running in circles to catch his tail. When I inspected the tail, I saw tiny insects embedded on the skin. The poor dog is infested with tick and flea. Rama must have acquired the parasites from the trips to the park where he plays with other dogs and loves to roll on the grass. Ticks and fleas, if not on an animal, are commonly found in grassy and bushy areas.

Generally speaking, flea and tick bites are more of an annoyance than a health hazard. But it is important to control tick and fleas as soon as they appear on your pets. They can cause discomfort and itching sensation for the host, which will try to get rid of the pest by scratching and biting the area where the flea or tick has attached itself. Repeated scratching and biting can lead to skin redness and irritation that, if not treated immediately, can cause infections.

Our vet recommended a flea collar. It worked well for Rama, the parasites literally dropped dead! We also sprayed the entire house, especially areas where Rama loves to go with an anti tick/flea formula, to ensure that the pests are eliminated. Today, Rama is scratch-free. The collar will give him protection against flea and ticks for the next three months. Meanwhile, we regularly use an anti flea/tick spray in the house to lessen the chances of re-infestation.

Party for a King

I discovered a new venue for bragging about my dog Rama- the most adorable pug in the world. Aside from our occasional trips to the park and grooming salon (which earned Rama quite a following in our neighborhood), my dog is also all over the internet. And with www.payperpost.com, i can now blog about Rama's daily grind- updating friends and family or whoever is interested to read about his newest tricks, health and even love life! What's more exciting is i get paid blogging at PayPerPost!

Rama is turning one this December and i intend to give the little rascal a doggie birthday party he will never forget! What i have in mind is an elaborate celebration complete with balloons, parlor games and a huge doggie birthday cake. The theme will be royalty, after all, Rama literally means king. I'll be inviting Rama's dog and human friends for an afternoon of fun and excitement! Of course, a party is not complete without the customary loot bags that are filled with dog treats, biscuits and toys for the mutts and goodies for the humans.

This party will cost a lot, for sure. But with my earnings from PayPerPost, money will not be a problem. Anything for my dear Rama.