Caring For Your Aged Dogs

A senior dog needs to be looked after. Period! It will go through many physical and nervous changes as it ages. If you have successfully taken care of it for so many years, you would know each other well by now.

We cannot calculate a pet's correct age as we use human years to calculate it. Example - A one year dog is much more independent than a human baby at that age. So, dogs grow much faster than humans. In human terms, depending on the age, size and breed, dogs may live up to 10-12 years. As it starts ageing, it goes through similar health problems as humans. Some of the most common concerns are as follows -

Poor visionHearing LossDental IssuesArthritisHeart ProblemsDiabetesObesitySleep disordersLow ImmunizationDermatologic problems leading to heavy flea infection

Some of the ways to prevent these canine troubles are-

Routine Visit

Some pet owners think a vet is only to be seen if the pet is going through a health problem. Although regular visit to a vet ensures that the pet stays fit and is ready to fight any problems that might be on the way.

Diet

Diet plays a major role in the life expectancy of your mutt. A healthy diet plus essential food supplements will see your pet live a longer life than normal pets.

Flea medication

Amongst the most common problems are the fleas and ticks. Regular use of flea cream, powder and sprays like generic frontline plus will prevent any major problems that might become fatal in future.

Spaying or neutering

Neutering the pet at the right time avoids early causes of death. Dogs which are not neutered are more aggressive in nature and they roam outside and are prone to accidents.

Living conditions

Domestic animals need to be looked after. Dogs with better living conditions will live longer than the less fortunate ones. A dog-house which is adequate in size, clean bedding, ample of water at all times is essential.

Exercise

Being agile in nature, it needs a lot of physical work-out. A couple of hours every day with your pet in a park or the backyard can help in keeping it fit.

Compassion

Psychological factors like care and compassion are important in longevity of your pet's life span. Some of the oldest dogs have had the most caring owners. A pet would want to spend time with his master not just for good food but also for a good life.

An aged dog needs to be taken care of just like a new born puppy. Do take care of it as it would become one of the best mates one would ever have.

Caring for Your Dog During a Disaster

Natural and man-made disasters or emergencies can happen anywhere, and often with little or no warning. Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of a tornado, coping with a hurricane, or recovering from an earthquake, your dog will be impacted as much as the members of the human pack. In fact, dealing with a disaster is probably more difficult for dogs because they have no way to understand what is actually happening.

However, a bit of preparation and planning on your part can help your pet to survive even the most difficult situations with as little trouble as possible.

Anyone who has seen coverage of the aftermath of disasters like the 2011 Japan tsunami, Hurricane Sandy, or tornadoes knows how confused and disrupted life has become. Both people and animals are dazed, and many are injured. In these circumstances, dogs can easily become separated from their owners, and if there is no way to identify the dog, reunion will be unlikely.

Most dogs wear collars or harnesses, and making sure that your dog's license, at the very least, is attached to the collar can help to return a lost pet. Tags are also available that will give detailed contact information, including the owner's address and phone number.

Micro-chipping is an excellent way to help track down a missing dog. A tiny microchip is injected into the skin on the dog's shoulders that contains information on tracking the dog. This is a painless procedure that is low in cost. Universal microchips are now used that will identify a lost dog at any shelter, and nearly every veterinary office in the country.

It is recommended that every household have a 3 days' supply of food and water on hand, and this should include the needs of your dog, as well. As far as water is concerned, this translates into 1 gallon per person per day. This is also a sensible guideline that should also be followed for your pup. While a small pup will not use nearly that much water, the extra can always come in handy for other purposes.

Among the family's emergency supplies should also be food for the dog. Disaster supplies for dogs are available, but your pet's ordinary food can also be put aside, although this will not have as long a shelf life as food designed specifically for emergency purposes. Rotate food when the expiration date approaches, and keep bags sealed until they will be used.

Keeping warm is another consideration when your dog is involved in a disaster. Although certain breeds of dog are very cold tolerant, many are not, and suitable dog clothing and extra blankets for your pooch should be a part of the household emergency supplies. Towels to dry off a wet dog can help to keep it from developing hypothermia.

If your dog is taking medication on a regular basis, you should have a supply that will see it through 2 weeks if necessary. Make sure you have the name and phone number of your veterinarian and a copy of the prescription. A dog first aid kit can help you to treat any minor injuries that may occur during the crisis.

Dogs can easily become confused and disoriented during an emergency - even in their own yards. Because panic might cause the dog to run off, he or she should be kept on a leash at all times when going outside the house.

Standing water can conceal a number of dangers for your dog, such as broken glass and other sharp objects, downed electrical lines, and bacteria and viruses. Do not allow your dog to either walk through flood waters or drink from them.

No one can do much to prevent a disaster or emergency from happening, but understanding the needs of your pet under these circumstances will increase the chance that he or she will come through it unscathed.

Ivan's Puppies has been breeding and training puppies for over 30 years. Our hard work has been paying off, as now we are proud to be breeding Bulldog litters with excellent quality, with little to no health problems and good temperaments. For English Bulldog Puppies, visit our website at BulldogsNewYork.com

Caring For Your Aged Dogs

A senior dog needs to be looked after. Period! It will go through many physical and nervous changes as it ages. If you have successfully taken care of it for so many years, you would know each other well by now.

We cannot calculate a pet's correct age as we use human years to calculate it. Example - A one year dog is much more independent than a human baby at that age. So, dogs grow much faster than humans. In human terms, depending on the age, size and breed, dogs may live up to 10-12 years. As it starts ageing, it goes through similar health problems as humans. Some of the most common concerns are as follows -

Poor visionHearing LossDental IssuesArthritisHeart ProblemsDiabetesObesitySleep disordersLow ImmunizationDermatologic problems leading to heavy flea infection

Some of the ways to prevent these canine troubles are-

Routine Visit

Some pet owners think a vet is only to be seen if the pet is going through a health problem. Although regular visit to a vet ensures that the pet stays fit and is ready to fight any problems that might be on the way.

Diet

Diet plays a major role in the life expectancy of your mutt. A healthy diet plus essential food supplements will see your pet live a longer life than normal pets.

Flea medication

Amongst the most common problems are the fleas and ticks. Regular use of flea cream, powder and sprays like generic frontline plus will prevent any major problems that might become fatal in future.

Spaying or neutering

Neutering the pet at the right time avoids early causes of death. Dogs which are not neutered are more aggressive in nature and they roam outside and are prone to accidents.

Living conditions

Domestic animals need to be looked after. Dogs with better living conditions will live longer than the less fortunate ones. A dog-house which is adequate in size, clean bedding, ample of water at all times is essential.

Exercise

Being agile in nature, it needs a lot of physical work-out. A couple of hours every day with your pet in a park or the backyard can help in keeping it fit.

Compassion

Psychological factors like care and compassion are important in longevity of your pet's life span. Some of the oldest dogs have had the most caring owners. A pet would want to spend time with his master not just for good food but also for a good life.

An aged dog needs to be taken care of just like a new born puppy. Do take care of it as it would become one of the best mates one would ever have.

Caring for Your Dog During a Disaster

Natural and man-made disasters or emergencies can happen anywhere, and often with little or no warning. Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of a tornado, coping with a hurricane, or recovering from an earthquake, your dog will be impacted as much as the members of the human pack. In fact, dealing with a disaster is probably more difficult for dogs because they have no way to understand what is actually happening.

However, a bit of preparation and planning on your part can help your pet to survive even the most difficult situations with as little trouble as possible.

Anyone who has seen coverage of the aftermath of disasters like the 2011 Japan tsunami, Hurricane Sandy, or tornadoes knows how confused and disrupted life has become. Both people and animals are dazed, and many are injured. In these circumstances, dogs can easily become separated from their owners, and if there is no way to identify the dog, reunion will be unlikely.

Most dogs wear collars or harnesses, and making sure that your dog's license, at the very least, is attached to the collar can help to return a lost pet. Tags are also available that will give detailed contact information, including the owner's address and phone number.

Micro-chipping is an excellent way to help track down a missing dog. A tiny microchip is injected into the skin on the dog's shoulders that contains information on tracking the dog. This is a painless procedure that is low in cost. Universal microchips are now used that will identify a lost dog at any shelter, and nearly every veterinary office in the country.

It is recommended that every household have a 3 days' supply of food and water on hand, and this should include the needs of your dog, as well. As far as water is concerned, this translates into 1 gallon per person per day. This is also a sensible guideline that should also be followed for your pup. While a small pup will not use nearly that much water, the extra can always come in handy for other purposes.

Among the family's emergency supplies should also be food for the dog. Disaster supplies for dogs are available, but your pet's ordinary food can also be put aside, although this will not have as long a shelf life as food designed specifically for emergency purposes. Rotate food when the expiration date approaches, and keep bags sealed until they will be used.

Keeping warm is another consideration when your dog is involved in a disaster. Although certain breeds of dog are very cold tolerant, many are not, and suitable dog clothing and extra blankets for your pooch should be a part of the household emergency supplies. Towels to dry off a wet dog can help to keep it from developing hypothermia.

If your dog is taking medication on a regular basis, you should have a supply that will see it through 2 weeks if necessary. Make sure you have the name and phone number of your veterinarian and a copy of the prescription. A dog first aid kit can help you to treat any minor injuries that may occur during the crisis.

Dogs can easily become confused and disoriented during an emergency - even in their own yards. Because panic might cause the dog to run off, he or she should be kept on a leash at all times when going outside the house.

Standing water can conceal a number of dangers for your dog, such as broken glass and other sharp objects, downed electrical lines, and bacteria and viruses. Do not allow your dog to either walk through flood waters or drink from them.

No one can do much to prevent a disaster or emergency from happening, but understanding the needs of your pet under these circumstances will increase the chance that he or she will come through it unscathed.

Ivan's Puppies has been breeding and training puppies for over 30 years. Our hard work has been paying off, as now we are proud to be breeding Bulldog litters with excellent quality, with little to no health problems and good temperaments. For English Bulldog Puppies, visit our website at BulldogsNewYork.com

Caring for Long Haired Dogs

Long haired dogs are one of the most irresistible pets to have around. They're cute, fluffy and you can style their fur anyway you want. If you're into long haired dogs, one of the most tiring things to deal with is taking care of their fur. Sometimes, especially if the dog is really fluffy, it might seem impossible to take care of it. However, there are a few shortcuts that you can do to make their grooming a bit easier. Here are a few tips.

Use long hair shampoo

Most dog grooming brands offer specific products for long haired dogs. These products work better with them because most long haired dogs have double coats, which mean that their fur is really thick. Sometimes, regular dog shampoo isn't enough to clean their fur. Special long haired formulas can help make their fur stronger and healthier.

Brush their fur

Brushing might sound like a tedious job, especially if your dog has long hair, but this helps minimize any tangles and takes some of the dirt out of their fur. This also helps lessen their baths since it keeps their fur clean. Brushing is also a good way to help dogs with degenerative myelopathy to stay clean.

Anti-pest

It should be a main priority to help keep your dog's hair pest free. Lice and ticks are lurking all over the place, so you need to protect your dog. Dogs with long hair are even more prone to pest since they could get twisted and locked on their hair stands, but by using an anti-pest product, you can get rid of them. You can choose from the common shampoo, powder and even spray. But be careful when you use it on your dog. Avoid the eyes and mouth, and check what the product is made of. Some brands have an organic anti-pest product so if you're afraid of chemicals, use an organic line.

Bath time

Don't forget to give your dog regular baths. If your dog has degenerative myelopathy and has a hard time moving around or even standing, you can make bath time easier by lifting them into a tub filled with warm water. Never use water that too cold since this could shock your dog. If you're using a medicated shampoo, you can add it into the water so your dog can just soak and relax in the water while pest are being driven out.

This also helps lessen their baths since it keeps their fur clean. Brushing is also a good way to help dogs with degenerative myelopathy to stay clean.

Caring for Long Haired Dogs

Long haired dogs are one of the most irresistible pets to have around. They're cute, fluffy and you can style their fur anyway you want. If you're into long haired dogs, one of the most tiring things to deal with is taking care of their fur. Sometimes, especially if the dog is really fluffy, it might seem impossible to take care of it. However, there are a few shortcuts that you can do to make their grooming a bit easier. Here are a few tips.

Use long hair shampoo

Most dog grooming brands offer specific products for long haired dogs. These products work better with them because most long haired dogs have double coats, which mean that their fur is really thick. Sometimes, regular dog shampoo isn't enough to clean their fur. Special long haired formulas can help make their fur stronger and healthier.

Brush their fur

Brushing might sound like a tedious job, especially if your dog has long hair, but this helps minimize any tangles and takes some of the dirt out of their fur. This also helps lessen their baths since it keeps their fur clean. Brushing is also a good way to help dogs with degenerative myelopathy to stay clean.

Anti-pest

It should be a main priority to help keep your dog's hair pest free. Lice and ticks are lurking all over the place, so you need to protect your dog. Dogs with long hair are even more prone to pest since they could get twisted and locked on their hair stands, but by using an anti-pest product, you can get rid of them. You can choose from the common shampoo, powder and even spray. But be careful when you use it on your dog. Avoid the eyes and mouth, and check what the product is made of. Some brands have an organic anti-pest product so if you're afraid of chemicals, use an organic line.

Bath time

Don't forget to give your dog regular baths. If your dog has degenerative myelopathy and has a hard time moving around or even standing, you can make bath time easier by lifting them into a tub filled with warm water. Never use water that too cold since this could shock your dog. If you're using a medicated shampoo, you can add it into the water so your dog can just soak and relax in the water while pest are being driven out.

This also helps lessen their baths since it keeps their fur clean. Brushing is also a good way to help dogs with degenerative myelopathy to stay clean.

Hairy Situation - Caring For Your Dog's Coat

It doesn't matter of your dog has a long or short coat, fur car is one of the most important yet neglected task dog owners have. Many think that as long as the dog doesn't have any fleas, ticks or skin problems, they're taking care of their pet's fur correctly. However, there are a few things that dog owners can't see, or don't notice, that is actually a sign of an unhealthy coat.

Below are a few easy tips on how you should take care of your dog's fur.

No to too much bathing

Giving your doggy a good bath is fine. In fact it's healthy for their coat. But over bathing it can cause it to have weak fur strands, making it more possible for them to shed more. It's also not a good idea to keep bathing your dog, especially if they don't move around much like dogs with degenerative myelopathy. Baths strip down the natural oils found in their coats, leaving it brittle and dull. You can help keep their fur nice and shiny by using special formulas of fur care, but these are a bit expensive.

Diet also counts

It's not all about the outer care. A dog's coat can also be affected by its diet. In most cases, allergies are the top causes of coat problems. If the doggy eats something that it's allergic too, like chicken, then rashes or blotches usually appear on their skin. Take the doggy to the vet for a check-up and medication for their case.

Specially for their fur

Fur care products, such as shampoo, soap, powder and oils, come in specific fur lengths. Instead of getting a generic dog shampoo or soap, choose the ones that are specifically for long or short hair, depending on what type of doggy you have. The products might be a bit more expensive compared to the generic ones, but they're worth it.

Dry it well

Dry your dog well after every bath. If you keep them wet, bacteria might build up and it'll only cause them to have that "wet dog" smell. Use old towels, or get an inexpensive one just for them, and rub them dry. Don't miss on areas like the paws and even inside their ears.

Brush every day

Make it a daily habit to brush your dog's fur daily. It's just going to take a few minutes and it helps keep them clean and tangle free. Dogs that cant regularly bath, such as dog that have degenerative myelopathy, are going to need regular brushing.