Golden Retrievers Sent To Help Heal Broken Hearts - Pet360 Pet Parenting Simplified

Golden Retrievers Sent To Help Heal Broken Hearts - Pet360 Pet Parenting Simplified

Nail Trimming

	TODAY'S PET TIP Nail Trimming
Dogs' nails can get very long and eventually get caught on something, causing a painful torn nail. While trimming nails is a painless and simple process, it takes practice and patience to master the skill. Two important factors are knowing where to trim and having the right tools. Have your veterinarian show you how to do it the first time. If you are ready to trim, using a nail trimmer for pets, cut the nail below the quick at a 45-degree angle, with the cutting end of the nail clipper toward the end of the nail. In dogs with dark nails, make several small nips with the clippers instead of one larger one. Trim very thin slices off the end of the nail until you see a black dot appear towards the center when you look at it head on. This is the start of the quick that you want to avoid. Trim nails so that when the animal steps down, nails do not touch the floor. Another option to a traditional nail trimmer is the new "nail grinder" or rotary tool. This device is basically like a dremeltool that grinds your dogs nail to its desired length. It is easy and fast

Choosing Toys!

	TODAY'S PET TIP Choosing Toys
There are many different types and styles of dog toys to choose from. Do you know which your dog would like best? To figure this out...consider how your dog likes to play. What activity does he like most? Is he a chewer? Does he like to fetch? Or does he like to play tug-of-war? Maybe your dog is a cuddler and likes snuggling up to soft plush animals? Pick his toys by his chosen activity

Hair Mats in Dogs

	TODAY'S PET TIP Hair Mats in Dogs
Removing hair mats is fraught with potential complications. Many mats are firmly attached to the skin, so you must be extremely careful not to cut the skin as you cut off the mat. Many small mats can be removed with a thorough brushing. If mats remain, try to make the mat smaller by brushing the hair near the mat. Once you are sure that the mat can only be removed by cutting the hair, then go for the scissors. Clippers are the safest and best way to remove matted hair. Unfortunately, most people do not own clippers and must make do with scissors. Be very careful. For severely matted pets, it is easier and safer to see a groomer for professional help.

How Often to Give Your Dog a Bath

	TODAY'S PET TIP How Often to Give Your Dog a Bath
Factors include: his hair coat, hair length, how often he gets dirty, where he lives (if he is indoor or outdoors most of the time), shedding cycle, and any underlying skin problem. Some dogs need baths only a couple times year while others need weekly grooming. It is beneficial to brush your dog about twice a week. Bathing your dog every month or two isn't unreasonable, but some dogs will need more frequent cleanings. A good rule of thumb is to bathe your dog only when his coat gets dirty or begins to smell "doggy."

Atopy in Dogs

	TODAY'S PET TIP Atopy in Dogs
Atopy is an itchy, inherited skin disease. It is caused by an allergy to substances that are contacted through the air, either by absorption via the respiratory tract or contact via the skin. It is the second most common allergic skin condition in dogs. Flea allergy dermatitis is more common. Antihistamines tend not to be helpful. Secondary bacterial infections are common. Immunotherapy is the ideal form of treatment and is recommended for dogs that cannot be managed safely and effectively with symptomatic therapy. This technique is effective in 60 to 80 percent of atopic dogs.

Ethanol Toxcity

	TODAY'S PET TIP Ethanol Toxicity
Ethanol is a major component of alcoholic beverages and is also included in fermented products including bread dough. Signs of toxicity such as staggering, drooling, vomiting and lethargy occur when an excessive amount is ingested. In extreme cases, ethanol toxicity can result in death. Treatment is usually successful and most pets fully recover. Due to the potential toxicity and associated illness, ethanol ingestion is not recommended in pets but, it if occurs, prompt veterinary care is encouraged.