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.

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.

Walking the Dog

My pug Rama loves to eat, that's why I make sure he gets regular exercise. Pugs are prone to obesity and can quickly gain unhealthy weights. I usually take Rama for a walk in the morning before I go to work. The community park is just a couple of blocks away from our place making it an ideal walking destination for Rama. Unlike longer-nosed dog breeds, pugs overheat more easily because of their short snouts. Thus, long walks are not advisable as it can can leave them tired and out-of-breath.

At the park, I take the leash off so Rama can run around or play fetch with me for at least 30 minutes. Kids from the nearby playground usually come over to watch Rama play. I let them pet or play with him and the pug really enjoys the attention he gets from the kids. My experience has shown that the more interaction my pet receives, the happier, healthier and more adaptable to his surroundings he is. I always bring bottled water and a portable drinking bowl so Rama could get a drink after running around to help him cool down.

Back to the house, Rama will run to his water bowl to drink some more then retire to his bed to get some rest. During weekends, he would curl up in my lap while I'm watching TV as if asking for a massage, I willingly oblige ( Rama likes to consider himself the boss sometimes). After a few strokes and kneads, i will hear the now too familiar grunting, snorting and snoring sounds that used to annoy me. Now, these noises comfort me. The grunts and snorts mean that my Rama is happily sleeping in his cot, chasing butterflies in his dreams.

Sunday Afternoon at Bonifacio High Street

We took Rama, our 18-month-old pug, for a weekend day out last Sunday at the Bonifacio High Street (BHS) in Taguig City. BHS is not your conventional boxed-up mall. It's actually a strip of open-space park bordered by low rise buildings that house high-end retail shops, posh restaurants and office spaces. The sprawling park is peppered with fountains, water features and interactive sculptures. BHS is only one among a very short list of pet-friendly establishments this part of Manila.

Rama enjoyed running and rolling on the grass. He also met and played with new-found canine friends. We can't stop him from frolicking at the fountains and water features which was a total surprise as we never saw Rama get so excited over splashing water before. He never acted that way before, he usually scamper and hide during bath time.

It was an exhausting day but we all had a great time. I just hope that more pet-friendly establishments like Bonifacio High Street be created to provide more venue for pet-lovers and their furry little friends to have fun together.

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.