Learn How to Express Your Dog's Anal Gland

Watch this video to learn how to "Express" or drain your dog's "anal gland". Something that's very important to do for most dogs. Some dogs that drag their rear end on a rug or outdoors are doing so because they need this glad drained.

Learn How to Express a Dog's Anal Gland in This Video!

How To Trim A Dog's Nails

How To Trim A Dog's Nails
By Jason Beachy

As a dog owner you will eventually need to decide how you're going to keep his nails clipped. Neglecting to clip a dog's nails can result in broken nails, ingrown nails and nail bed infections. Trying to walk with ingrown or long nails is very painful and causes a pronounced limp. If you have never clipped a dog's nails and are unsure of how to do it, take your dog into the vet or groomer and watch them do it.

If you can, start when your pet is a puppy. At this stage you can probably clip their nails by yourself. However if you have a full grown dog that isn't used to getting his nails clipped you may need some extra help.

When to trim the nails:

You should have the nails trimmed every three to four weeks. However you may find it easier to only clip a little off at a time and do it every week. If you hear clicking nails it's time to clip them, they need to just touch the floor but not click. Some dogs wear their nails down naturally, taking your dog over concrete on walks will help wear his nails down naturally as well.

The tools:

Nail trimmers. Either a guillotine type trimmer or scissors type. Or you can use a Dremel tool - more on that later.

Styptic pen. If you cut too much of the nail off you'll clip the blood vessel inside the nail and cause it too bleed. The styptic pen is applied to the nail for a few minutes to stop the bleeding. You can find these at Walmart or your vet's office. Some handy household items you can use as substitutes are flour, baking soda or cornstarch.

Nail file. Use this to smooth the nails after clipping them.

For a large dog, have him lie down either on his side or on his stomach. If he's unruly and moves a lot having him lie on his stomach will let you lean over him and hold him down as you clip the nails. Take the paw and hold it firmly in your hands, you'll need to be able to hold the toe you're clipping as well. Clip the nails from the bottom up at almost a 90 degree angle. If the nail is white you can see the pink quick, or blood vessel inside the nail. Take only one or two small clips off if the nail is black. Regularly clipping off small amounts will move the quick back.

If you look at the edge of the nail you'll see the top part is black and the bottom part is whitish. As you get closer to the quick the top part will start becoming whitish gray. When you see this it's time to stop and start filing the nails. Don't forget to trim the dew claws. This nail grows from the side of the foot on the inside.

Using a dremel or electric filing tool:

The Dremel tool is a quick way to file and smooth a dog's nails. People who use this tool are quick to point out that it does not crack or pinch the nail like clippers are prone to. Once you are comfortable using a tool like the Dremel to trim nails you'll find that is a quick and easy way to get nicely trimmed nails.

The learning curve may be a bit steeper and some dogs do not like the noise. Others however react more to clippers so you'll just need to see what your dog is more comfortable with. Remember that long hair can get caught in the Dremel rotator get yanked out quite painfully. The head, legs and tail should be restrained if the dog is nervous and wants to move around.

When using the dremel or an electronic file it should be swiped over the nail to trim them. Never apply pressure with the dremel, let the friction of the band grind the nail down. The grinding causes the nail to get hot very quickly, so only touch the nail for about 3 seconds at a time. After you have made one swipe on each nail on one foot, go to another foot or wait until the nail is no longer hot. There are several other websites with more in depth instructions on how to use a dremel tool, if you're serious about using it, it would be well worth your time to look for more detailed instructions.

For more tips and instructions on how to care for your dog and other pet related information please visit my author profile. You can also go to my personal website for my Japanese chins at http://www.ultimatechinpuppies.com

Check Out This Show-It's Me Or The Dog!

Here's a show that should be shown at every dog adoption center everywhere!

It's called "It's Me Or the Dog!". Victoria Stillwell shown here, is a an dog trainer that works in London and NYC. On each show she is presented with a dog(s) who have behavioral problems-sometimes very serious problems indeed.

Victoria cuts to the chase and tells the owners what they are doing wrong and the quickest most effective way to stop or modify the dog's behavior so it's acceptable.

If you or someone you know has a dog who is misbehaving-this show is for you. A dog's bad behavior can actually bring a lot of misery to the family and cause unneeded stress for everyone. Watch this show and see if you identify with some of the owners who are at wit's end as to what to do with their troubled canines.

Here's Victoria's Top 19 Training Tips

1. Keep training. Owners often think that once a dog is trained, there is no need to carry on. But your dog never stops learning, and training should be reinforced throughout your pet's life.

2. Think dog. Take time to think about how your dog perceives the world, and use this knowledge to make training easier.

3. Exercise your dog. A tired dog is a happy dog. Ensure, however, that the exercise is appropriate for your dog's age and breed.

4. To feel secure, all dogs need a calm, confident leader. Effective leadership isn't about dominating your dog and making him submissive toward you. It's about being a teacher and building his confidence. You can achieve that by encouraging and rewarding good behavior.

5. Look at your dog's diet, and see how you can improve it. You are what you eat, and the same is true for your dog. Many behavior and medical problems can be attributed to poor diet, so make sure your dog is eating the very best.

6. Sign up for an activity that you both enjoy, such as an agility class, flyball, heel to music, etc. Dogs get bored easily, so get yours out and moving.

7. Get your dog microchipped, if you haven't already. Also, don't forget his yearly checkup with the veterinarian.

8. Keep playing. One of the best ways to bond with your dog is to play games that you both enjoy. Play is a great stress reliever for both dog and human.

9. Keep your dog safe. Don't leave your dog alone in a car or tied up outside a shop. Dog theft is on the rise, so be careful.

10. Have fun and enjoy your dog. A dog should never be a burden. If you take the time to train your dog, you'll give him the tools he needs to live successfully in a human world.

For more information, visit Victoria's official site: www.victoriastilwell.com.
Pictures: DCI

Animal Plantet's "It's Me Or The Dog!" Here!

Handicapped Pet Supplies

If you have a Handicapped Dog, here's a useful site for finding special equipment for your dog's special situation. They have wheelchairs, carts (as above), seatbelts seen above, nutritional supplements, booties, leg splints, diapers, etc.

Handicapped Pets.com here!

Second-Hand Smoke Affects Pets Too!

"Dogs living with smokers are 10 times more likely to develop lung cancer and respiratory problems than other dogs."

Here is just one article on how dangerous it is to smoke in front of your dog. Dogs like people are subject to getting smoke related tumors and respiratory diseases. If you smoke, smoke away from your family and pets please.

Second-Hand Smoke Study as Related to Dogs

Iraqi Dog "Nubs" Reunites With His Favorite Marine!

Nubs, the Iraqi dog and his adopted "dad" Marine Major Brian Dennis greet each other after being apart for a month.

Major Dennis returned home Saturday and reunited with Nubs at Camp Pendleton. Friends of Major Dennis raised $3,500 to bring the dog home from Iraq. The dog is said to have a quite a personality and has been receiving training from a pro dog handler to help condition him to living in his new home.

Full Story Here!


Photo by SCOTT LINNETT / Union-Tribune

Yorkshire Terriers-Facts and Coat

The Yorkshire Terrier, (often called simply the Yorkie), is a breed of small dog in the terrier category. The long-haired terrier is known for its playful demeanor and distinctive blue and tan coat. Yorkies can be very small, usually weighing not more than 7 pounds (3.18 kg); the standard of this breed does not mention the minimum weight accepted nor does it specify a height. Based on registrations of the American Kennel Club, Yorkshire Terriers became the second most popular dog breed in the United States in 2006, trailing only the Labrador Retriever.

Yorki Facts:

Build:
Compact, athletic
Weight:
7 pounds (3.2kg)
Height:
6-7 inches (15-17½cm)
Coat:
Ultra-long, fine, silky
Color:
Steel blue on body and tail; tan elsewhere
Head:
Flat, with a medium-sized length muzzle and black nose
Teeth:
Regular
Eyes:
Extremely vivacious
Ears:
V-shaped, erect or semi-erect
Tail:
Docked to medium-length and carried level with its back
Limbs:
Straight
Feet:
Round with black nails
Life span:
12-15 years

Coat and color:

Yorkshire Terriers are a long-haired breed with no undercoat, which means that they do not shed as much as their short haired friends. Rather, their hair is like human hair in that it grows continuously and falls out rarely (only when brushed or broken). Additionally, since Yorkies carry less dander on their coat, they generally do not have the unpleasant "wet dog" odor when wet, and they may not affect as many people who suffer from dog-related allergies.

An AKC-registered Yorkshire Terrier puppy, aged 4 months, displaying the characteristic black and tan coat.

Yorkie puppies are born with a black and tan coat, and normally have black hairs mixed in with the tan until they are matured. The breed standard for adult Yorkies places prime importance on coat color, quality and texture. The hair must be glossy, fine and silky. However, some have very fine hair, making it feel a bit different and are harder to care for. From the back of the neck to the base of the tail, the coat should be a dark steel-blue (not silver-blue)- never mingled with fawn, bronze or black hairs. Hair on the tail should be a darker blue. On the head, chest and legs, hair should be a bright, rich tan, and darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. Some Yorkies never turn the usual blond and continue to be gray. There should be no dark hairs intermingled with any of the tan in adult dogs. Many Yorkies do not conform to the standard for coat color; the tan may range from a very light blonde to a darker brown, while the body may be black or silvery gray. Many pet-quality Yorkies have "wooley" coats which are completely black across the back. The hair never "breaks" into the dark steel blue that is preferred in the breed because the coat texture is not a pure silk - the favorable coat texture. The Yorkie’s nose, lips, eye-rims, paw-pads and nails should be darkly pigmented. The breed standard requires that the Yorkshire Terrier's hair be perfectly straight, if its hair is not straight(not wavy). For show purposes, the coat is grown-out long and parted down the middle of the back, but may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance. Hair on the feet and the tips of ears are also be trimmed.

The traditional long coat is extremely high maintenance, requiring hours of daily brushing. To maintain the long coats of show dogs (between exhibitions), the hair may be wrapped in rice paper, tissue paper or plastic, after a light oiling with a coat oil made for show coats, which prevents the hairs from being broken easily and keeps the coat in condition. The oil has to be washed out once a week and the wraps must be fixed periodically during the week to prevent them from sliding down and breaking the hair. As a more practical alternative, many Yorkie-owners opt to keep the dog's coat trimmed to a shorter all-over length.

For more info please visit the "American Kennel Club" Page Devoted To Yorkies Here!

Holistic Treatment for Dog's With Allergies?

Holistic treatment if often a way for dog owners to go for the safest way to deal with allergies or any other illness or condition. Needless injections and pills can actually damage your dog's health and even shorten their lives in my opinion. I had a dog that received serious heavy traditional medication that I believe led to him getting a brain tumor. If I had known about the holistic alternatives he might have lived years longer than he did.

For my current dog I've taken her to a holistic vet and am very pleased with her treatment. A more gentile respectful approach to her health. Not a "I've got to consider my bottom line first" attitude so many vets have. They'll give your dog uneeded shots just to make a buck off you-so many of them do this.

It's best for you and your dog to investigate holistic alternatives in terms of holistic vets and treatments.

Pet CenterRx

Visit The Dog Allergy Site Here!

Famous Dogs- London The Littlest Hobo!

When I was a little kid this show was a favorite of mine as I always loved dogs for their kindness, loyalty and bravery.

"The Littlest Hobo" was a Canadian t.v. series shown all over the world. Many of us Baby Boomers saw it for the first time in syndication in the late 60's around '67. Only a couple of seasons were produced.

The basic storyline revolved around a German Shepard named "London" who roamed around helping people in trouble. They would offer to take him in at the end of the story but London was a brave and independent boy and always set back out on his own for his next exciting adventure! Many people loved the theme song of the show which was "Road Without End" sung by well known folk song singer "Randy Sparks".

They should produce shows like this again for the kids!

The Pet Diaries-Funny!

This very funny humor is courtesy of "The Humor Archives":

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary

* 8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
* 9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
* 9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
* 10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
* 12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
* 1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
* 3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
* 5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
* 7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
* 8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
* 11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


Excerpts from a Cat's DiaryDay

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow --but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now . . .