Jan 31

How to give your dog home-made enema

Every so often, you may require to do more than just giving solid or liquid medication to your ill dog. Depending on his situation and symptoms, you may also have to give other kinds of nursing care, such as giving enemas. Underneath is an effective way to use this procedure:

The use of enemas can be useful for dogs that has the following situation; constipation, throughout fasting, dehydration, extreme vomiting, bowel irritation caused by bone fragments or the presence of spoiled food or waste in the digestive tract.

Before administering this method, make sure that you simply use pure water that is warm but not hot (test it on your wrist to make sure). Use about two tablespoons for a small dog and up to a pint for a large dog. Add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the water and manage the mixture with a plastic or rubber syringe for about 2 to 3 minutes. For large dogs, you can use and enema bag and a nozzle.

Here is how to do it: You have to lubricate the end of the syringe with vegetable oil. Have somebody help you embrace the dog softly while he stands in a tub or on the ground. Put in the nozzle cautiously into the rectum. With gentle and steady pressure against the anus (to avoid the fluid from leaking out), slowly fill the colon. If the solution does not flow in easily, pull back on the needle or syringe and slightly adjust the angle. Expect a bowel movement to start within a few minutes. You may administer the enema once or twice a day for a couple of days.

In many cases, dogs that are dehydrated are simply retaining the fluid. This occurs when the colon absorbs the fluid which the body wants. Thus, enemas are an outstanding way to administer fluid therapy. Under these situation, administer the enema about every four hours or until fluid is no longer retained.

If a dog is having difficulty keeping water in his stomach due to serious vomiting, an enema can help initiate the fluid and salts that are required to restore those lost through vomiting. Using the solution as described earlier, insert a pinch of sea salt plus a pinch of potassium chloride. The similar solution can also be used to assist a dog suffering from prolonged diarrhea. In this case, administer the enema every four hours or until fluid is no longer retained.

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Jan 30

A Brief History Of The Dalmatian

Ever since the mid 18th century, historians have originate references to the breed of dog identified as the Dalmatian. The breeds’ first established home, for which the breed was also named after was Dalmatia. It is a place in the Western Yugoslavian region which at one time was part of Austria, positioned on the Adriatic. Nevertheless, these dogs were famous throughout many parts of the globe long before that time. The breed was publicized in various types of antique art including engravings, paintings, models, and early writings which have accounted for the occurrence of spotted dogs of the similar size and type in wide-ranging areas including early Africa, Asia, and Europe. As history tells us, numerous bands of prehistoric gypsies (Romanies) were accompanied by the dogs in their wanderings around the world, which explains the enormous widespread and reputation of the breed.

The Dalmatian rapidly became a favorite and established some of their best famous claims to fame in Great Britain. They were brought there by members of the British higher classes who in those time often made tours to Europe and would often come back accompanied by some of the remarkable spotted dogs. Right after they were adopted by the English nobility who used them to escort their horse-drawn carriages, the charming dog soon became an attribute of these processions. The dogs were trained to place themselves under the rear axle of the coach, and in some cases to run beneath the pole separating the horses. They were also trained to lead the parade, trotting along ahead of the first horse, which was an extraordinary sight to see!

Another kind of activity with which the Dalmatian became famous for, which also said to have started in Great Britain, is his extremely famous position of being a “firehouse dog.” This was said to have started with the dogs being used as ratters, for the purpose of killing pests in London’s stables and firehouses, which they did with proficiency. But these dogs loved the horses and the fire engine, so it was almost inevitable that they quickly were racing ahead of them through the streets every time the alarm was sounded. In the present days, many Dalmatians can still be seen riding on the fire trucks with their masters. Dalmatians are still measured as the mascot and are frequently found in firehouses, not just in Great Britain but in the United States and other countries as well.

In addition to being a “firehouse dog,” Dalmatians have as well worked in war era; done guard task; served as shepherd’s dogs; and as draft dogs. They have been seen in many circus shows, particularly enjoying popularity with the clowns as “assistants,” their intelligence, ability, and showy look having fitted them mostly well for this action.

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Jan 30

Grooming Tools Inventory: Part I

Certain tools are necessary to properly groom your dog. All dogs should have the essential supplies such as brush, comb, and scissors. Nevertheless, long coats need different grooming tools than smooth coats, wire coats, and curly coats. The following is a list of tools you will require for grooming:

Boar’s Bristle Brush: This brush works great for removing the undercoat of long-coated breeds and also helps in getting rid of mats in the undercoat.
Bristle Brushes (soft, medium, and stiff): These brushes are used on different short-coated breeds, for usual brushing and to eliminate the undercoat of certain long-coated breeds.
Cage Dryer: This kind of dryer is designed to fit on cages so that the dog may be dried inside the cage.
Chamois cloth: This cloth is used for polishing the coats of short-haired dogs.
Comb: The best comb is a regulation-size steel comb with both medium and fine teeth. This comb will do a decent job on most breeds.
Duplex dresser: A stripping tool used on most Terriers and other breeds.
Floor dryer: This is a kind of dryer that is usually used for fluff drying. Because of the long arm on this dryer it can be used to direct the air on the coat and dry the hair.
Grooming post and loop: The perfect grooming post should be one that is portable and can simply be attached to any size table. The loop is located around the dog’s neck to guarantee his safety.
Snap-on comb: This is a favorite among ”fast job groomers.” If slipped over a #15 blade, it will therefore regularly leave 5/8 inches of hair wherever used. This kind of comb is available in six different sizes.
Grooming table (18′, x 34”): This standard size grooming table is typically a folding type and easy to carry and travel to a different location. It is 30″ high and has ribbed rubber matting. This table is frequently used for grooming small dogs.
Grooming table (24″ x 36”): This is an average size grooming table, regularly a folding type, and also easy to carry. This table is 30″ high and has ribbed rubber matting on the top. This table can be used for grooming various breed sizes.
High-speed floor dryer: This dryer is the same as the other floor dryers except that it has a high-speed motor attached for fluff drying long-coated breeds such as the Standard Poodle, Old English Sheepdog, and Afghan .
Hound Glove: The hound glove is used on the coats of different short-haired dogs in the hound family.

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Jan 29

Dog Injuries Due To Leash Straining

“Who is walking whom?” This question pops into my brain every time I see owners being dragged down the street by their dogs. Leash pulling frequently becomes a complaint only after a big dog has finally succeeding in pulling its owners off their feet, with resulting injury or humiliation.

Most cases of leash pulling involve dogs that have accommodated to the distress of a choke chain, pinch collar or even a leather collar. Some of them stop pulling only long enough to cough, some even rehearse or take a few deep breaths, then carry on struggling forward.

Most dog owners have no idea that their upset leash-pulling dog might really experience physical injury throughout their daily tug-of-war. Nevertheless, in a Swedish study by the noted behaviorist Anders Hallgren, of 400 dog owners who approved to have their dog’s spines X-rayed, 63%PRCTG% were found to have spinal injuries. Of the inured dogs with neck (cervical) injuries, 91%PRCTG% had experience harsh jerks on the leash or were severe leash strainers! Among violent or overactive dogs, 78%PRCTG% had spinal injuries.

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Jan 29

Inspecting Your Dog’s Semi-Moist Food Packaging

You owe it to your dog to carefully examine and check the dog food that you get for him. If you are purchasing semi-moist dog foods that come wrapped in cellophane then be certain to follow the simple rule below.

The cellophane should be soft and flexible, and it should not be off color. Pillow-pouched bags must enclose a small amount of air that does not escape under average pressure. A careful examination should also be prepared through the unopened covering for any dull or furry, gray or black spots; or for any shiny or wet, whitish or yellowish spots. The first is mold growth, the second bacteria.

Soft-moist foods are not subjected to high temperature and many species of both mold and bacteria stay viable in soft-moist foods. A little water is all either desires to get started, and away they go, held in check simply by the inhibitors within the soft-moist food.

Once the visual examination of the wrappers and wrapped surface of the food has been completed, tear open the cellophane. Examine all odors at the time of opening the wrapper. Pick up a piece of the food and squeeze it. Despite of the type, it should be soft, spongy, and tender. It should have a minor lubricated feel, but should not feel soggy on the surface.

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