Doggy Mentor

Archive for March, 2009

Like any breed, Doxies are at risk for numerous diseases and conditions.Because of their long bodies and short legs they are most at risk for spinal problems.One of the most common forms is a condition labeled Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), actually an umbrella term for a number of problems.

Vertebrae are the hard bones that make up the spinal column support.They encircle the spinal cord and are separated by soft tissue called intervertebral discs, which provide a pillow between the bones.IVDD endangers their health in several different ways.

Excessive leaping and other forms of back stress can cause a rupture of one or more discs, usually close to the rear.  IVDD and other back problems occur most frequently by age four but can happen earlier, sometimes as young as two.Simple age can cause the disc to decrease its fluid level, making it less flexible.That also increases the chances of rupture or herniation.Frequently the vertebrae become more fragile.

If that happens, a number of serious possibilities exist.

The spinal cord can be put at risk as a segment of the spine loses vital support.In the event compression happens, paralysis is not far behind.  Constriction of spinal fluid can have similar effect.Loss of circulation leads to nerve death, since the nerves are cut off from necessary nutrition.

Look for any instance of incapability to lift the rear end off the ground or lowering near the tail.  Some other signs include weakness in the rear legs or loss of bladder control.

In these extreme incidents, medical care – usually surgery – within 24 hours is critical.The consequence is frequently permanent disability if left untreated.

Even in less serious cases back pain is evident.It can be hard to detect when a dog is in pain but symptoms include difficulty walking up stairs, lethargy and similar signs in an otherwise active dog.

Therapy with corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) is occasionally recommended but entails risks.  Apart from the usual risks of long-term steriod use, it is possible to overdo care.  Lessening pain is desirable, but if it is eliminated the dog can become too active again, leading to more injury.Injections of Adequan can help assist in disc healing.

Whether treated with steroids or just Rimadyl, it is advantageous to cage your Doxie or otherwise keep him calm, reducing physical activity.Given their assertive and active nature that is difficult, but it is essential.

Do not permit the dog to stand on its hind legs, which constricts the spine.Don’t let the dog to leap down stairs.Yard recreation should be restricted until the dog has completely healed.Also, always support the complete length of the spine when picking up your Dachshund.

With the right kind of care many Dachshunds recover completely to lead active, healthy, normal lives.But accurate diagnosis as early as possible is essential to improve the odds.

More tips, information and dog supplies can be found at LuvUrDog.com, just for Dog Lover’s

All dogs require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and their nails in trim. Exactly which technique to use for your Doxie depends on which of the three main types you have.

Smooth-Coat

A Smooth-Coat Dachshund is the classic, short-haired type you have seen in a hundred films and ads. Their coats are easy to care for, requiring little more than regular brushing and bathing. “Regular” can vary with the dog’s age and environment.

Grooming Supplies for dogs can be found at LuvUrDog.com

Younger dogs may require baths as often as once per week, though once a month is fine when they stay out of dirt and bushes. If they live in rougher circumstances, be sure to keep their coats clean and brushed regurlarly. “Regularly” means a minimum of twice per week, and as necessary.When they are done playing, remove plant material.

A wire slicker is fine for grooming, but be careful. Even though all dogs are durable, it’s important not to scrape the skin. That can lead to hot spots that the dog will make worse by chewing and licking. Since they are a high-energy, assertive breed, extra caution is needed.

Wire-Hair

The wirey hair on the muzzle, chest and legs of this variety gives them the name. It can also give them a need for extra grooming.In their case, more frequent baths along with more regular brushing will be called for. Brushing will take longer, too.

Like the terriers they resemble, the stiff coat is actually in two layers.Get the undercoat with a slicker and use a regular brush for the top layer. Be aware, too, that they will shed more.That may call for a shed control shampoo. In most cases, be ready for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.

Cut any excess hair off the muzzle to keep it from dragging on the ground. A trim behind the rear legs will be needed once it reaches a length that leads to matting.Otherwise, brushing of once or twice a week is good enough.

Long-Hair

As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since Dachshunds are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be ncessary, along with more frequent bathing.Mattig is especially common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, paying close attention to behind the ears.When mats form, trim them gradually with a blunt-nose pair of scissors until you have removed enough to work out the mat with fingers and brush.

A combination shampoo and conditioner works well with this type.Take care not to over-bathe them, though, since that leads to scaly, dried skin. Regular brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils over the skin and under the coat.

Nail Trimming

All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The normal technique is fine. Get a good pair of guillotine scissors and hold each foot firmly, searching for the quick. Cut well away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Dachshund’s case because of their feisty nature.

Only-Dachshunds has gifts and more for the Doxie Lover

vaccines

Vaccines are an important tool in keeping your Doxie healthy, but a few do carry some risk of allergic reaction.  Knowing which are vital and which are optional can help improve your odds of doing good without doing harm.

- Rabies

Rabies vaccine is among the most important for your Dachshund, as it is for any dog.  While the disease is much less common today, the consequences of getting it are still so drastic – often fatal – that most vets still recommend it.

Rabies vaccinations are normally given every year to puppies and every two to three years subsequently.Most states require the vaccine and determine a specific schedule.That is being revised as research now reveals that immunization lasts three years or more.  See your vet for specific guidelines, but also seek a second or even third opinion and decide accordingly.

Serious side effects from the shot are rare, but may include swelling, hives, fever, or lethargy, along with decreased appetite.

- Canine Distemper

Distemper shots used to be routine.Today they are still common, although schedules have lengthened.Contemporary research shows that puppies given a sequence of shots will develop antibodies that last several years.First shots should be given at approximately eight weeks.As with any vaccination, the schedule can deviate from one part of the country to another, since prevalence and the associated risks of the disease vary geographically.  See your vet.

- Parvo

A vaccine to protect against the parvovirus is often combined with that for distemper, though it can be given separately.  Keep in mind that “combo” shots represent a slightly greater risk of allergic reaction.Combinations also make determining the source of any issue more difficult.

In some dogs, the immune system becomes hyperactive and produces swelling of the face, redness of the gums and other manifestations.If a problem occurs, it commonly happens within an hour or less, so stay near your vet’s facility after any vaccination.Observe your dog attentively.Keep Benadryl nearby and call your vet at the first sign of a reaction.

- Hepatitis

This shot helps protect against infectious canine hepatitis.Once again, the disease is not common and the shot carries a small risk of allergic reaction.However, the disease is serious enough that owners will want to discuss the subject carefully with their veterinarian and seek a second opinion before deciding.  Kidney infections are possible following the vaccination, since modified live virus is used.

- Lepto

Shots to immunized against the leptospira bacteria used to be routine, and in many areas still are.This is another vaccine that may cause a reaction and offers only short-lived protection against the disease.Because the disease itself is rare, this vaccination is condsidered “non-core” by many vets today.

- Bordatella

The Bordatella organism causes a fairly common condition popurlarly known as “kennel cough”.The name comes from the fact that the organism has the ability to be airborne and can spread when dogs are confined close together.It is not a serious condition, but does call for treatment when it arises.

If your Dachshund does not come into contact with strange dogs this vaccine is probably not necessary.Exceptions are when you plan on going on vacation and kennel your Doxie, or in areas where the disease has gone unchecked.

Summary

Vaccines are a low-risk, outstanding way to protect your Dachshund against a wide array of diseases.But “low-risk” does not mean “no risk” and what was once habitual has become a more thoughtful exercise, thanks to improved research.

Apprehension about vaccines is unsupported.Nevertheless, the risk of disease is not zero, either.However, careful consideration of the benefits and risks will help maximize your dog’s health.

Just for Dog Lover’s

Doxies are an independent breed. Dachshunds are loving. Dachshunds are playful. Dachshunds can be aggressive.

How can this be true of one dog breed? Well it is. Dachshunds are among the most complex and interesting breeds because they encompass all these attributes and many more besides.

Bred in Germany in the late 1600s to chase vermin, fearless and bold characteristics were selected first and foremost. At the same time, they had to be strong-willed, persistent and resourceful. If the dog does not have the spirit of pursuit, it does little good to have feet and legs that are excellent for digging.

Those attributes have been handed down through the centuries. Most Doxies today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. What can be considered aggression in one circumstance can be simple courage in another. What is willfulness in one situation can be valuable persistence in another.

Above all, Doxies are intelligent dogs. Dachshunds individualist character makes them more difficult to take an interst in training. But handled properly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.

Independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. Doxies want to take part in any adventure going on around them and are filled with curiosity. Some breeds are satisfied to sit by quietly and observe. A Dachshund wants to be in the middle of things, participating along with everyone else.

Within these broad outlines there are variations.

The Smooth-Coat Dachshund exhibits all the classic behaviors – barking at the least invasion to its territory, leading the pack whenever possible and more. Doxies will struggle during nail clipping time and be reluctant more often to take a bath.

The Wire-Hair type looks and acts like a combination of Doxie and terrier. Terriers are high strung too. But they love to play and their behavior is not aggressive so much as just forthright.

The Long-Hair is more like the Irish Setter in miniature, though not to that extreme. They enjoy a good romp, but are a little more inclined to watch and wait their turn. Though they take a bit more grooming care, they are among the easier varieties to train.

They are natural diggers. Bred to chase small game, such as badgers, into a den, they like getting into things. Dachshunds muscular chest and powerful front legs make it pretty easy for them to do just that. Thanks to the streamlined body and smooth, narrow head, getting out is not too much more difficult. As a result, if you want to keep the lawn or garden intact, don’t allow the Dachshund to roam freely without supervision.

Having natural energy, Doxies do need at least moderate exercies in activities. An obstacle course with tunnels is a good idea for these “gophers”.

They are also loving and loyal. The bond between a Dachshund and the person or family it “adopts” is unusually strong. Doxies want to be near people and enjoy interaction. As any owner will be happy to tell you……..

Visit LuvUrDog.com for Tips, Supplies and more, Just for Dog Lover’s

About 90% of American pet puppies live indoors with their owners. You need to do some housebreaking with them if you are considering having them live in the home. Potty training a puppy is one of the situations many owners find themselves overwhelmed by. But it’s really not that hard to accomplish, it doesn’t need to be messy, and you don’t have to struggle with your pet when housebreaking him. Training needs to receive a significant amount of time devoted to it in order for it to be successful. You will need time for this, become a little more involved, and get some training tools like puppy training pads.

The Puppy is Boss

For those who own dogs or puppies, there are two major puppy training guidelines to follow. First and most importantly, don’t punish your pup for something you did not catch him do! And second, praise your puppy for the things he did do right. Do not train by only using “no” when you see your dog doing something it should not be doing. Desirable behavior should be met with praise and treats.

House Training/Breaking Puppies

There are different ways to housebreak puppies. At the beginning, encourage the puppy to “go” on newspapers or puppy training pads. Puppy pads are usually scented with chemicals that attract little doggies to use them. As soon as you see them starting with their pre-potty pattern of walking around and sniffing the floor, pick them up gently and without saying anything, and carry them over to the puppy training pads or paper and reward them for the doing their bathroom acts properly.

After things are progressing well and the puppy is using the puppy training pads or newspapers regularly, you can then locate them a little closer to the door and eventually outside. The change is made from concentrating on bathroom habits at a location inside the house to a location outside the house. You’ll soon see that you won’t need the training pads or papers in the house anymore.

The drawback of this approach to housebreaking is that more time is required to get the pup to do his business inside. Other popular methods of house training puppies involve puppy crate training or the use of cages plus constant pet owner supervision.

When using a cage or crate to housebreak your puppy, realize that puppies can’t go for more than about seven to eight hours without using the bathroom. This method usually works as most dogs treat cages and crates as their sleeping places and they do no want to soil their beds because they will be forced to lie in the mess. It is not a good idea to crate a puppy for long periods of time.

The use of crates/cages and papers/puppy pads is not required if you have constant supervision. Here pet owners choose to spend all the time necessary with their pet puppies. This works good for those who are retired, work from home, or any owner that can spend lots of time with the puppy. Pet owners can normally usher their dog outside as soon as the pre-potty signs are noticed with this technique. A constant watch must be kept on puppies to make sure that there are no accidents or slip-ups.

To sum up, puppy housebreaking and training should be treated as part of the ‘come’ and ’stay’ command trainings. However, toilet training and housebreaking your puppy will be the messiest types of training, and generally have more headaches than other sorts of dog training. Have faith!

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The Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer is the ideal book for dog training/obedience puppy training needs. This can be bought as a hardcopy 316 page book or as a downloadable 151 page e-book. The book comes with six additional guides to assist in all your dog training and obedience needs.

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Owners love their dogs.With Dachshunds that devotion reaches new heights.  The reasons aren’t hard to understand.They are special in many ways.

The German translation “badger dog” shows just one of those ways.Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Doxie became ferocious himself.  That assertive and fearless attitude remains today.

That feisty nature can be a good thing or a bad one.

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, since that also makes them playful and exploratory.It provides the dog with a willingness to try new things and lots of energy.It also means that extra patience and skill are required to train them.Dachshunds are more inclined than many other breeds to strive for alpha status in the household.Reminding them that the human is superior may require a long struggle.

That training has to be appropriate to the breed’s mental and physical attributes.

They weigh between 10-30 pounds and are 9 inches high at the shoulder.Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often only 5 inches high and under 8 lbs.They have an average lifespan of between 14-17 years.

They are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds due to their long bodies and short legs.  Rough handling can cause serious problems.

Screaming won’t work because they are assertive.At best that produces a fearful dog, at worst, they can become aggressive and hostile in response.Dachshunds may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.Owners should be prepared due to barking being more common in Dachshunds, too.

They make for excellent companions and pets with the right approach.

There are three basic varieties – Long-Hairs, Wire-Coats, and Smooth-Coats.The difference goes beyond the type of fur they sport.The personalities of the three varieties tend to follow a pattern, as well.

Smooth-haired Dachshunds more often attach themselves to a single family member.While they will tolerate other humans, they tend to be wary and stand-offish of other animals.  The Wire-haired is usually more playful and outgoing.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid.Though, like any Doxie, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Apart from spinal problems, Doxies less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.  Diabetes, abdominal cancers and other diseases are possible but much less common in Doxies.  Urinary tract problems (such as stones) can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as Double Dapples and those with blue eyes.These types tend to have more hearing and eye problems, too.

Raising any dog is a challenge, if they are to be happy and healthy.  But Dachshund owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.They are highly affectionate and very loyal.  The people who live with them tend to return the favor.

Dachshund supplies and gifts can be found at Ony-Dachshunds.com

If you own of a large dog, for example a German shepherd, a Doberman or even a Great Dane it is important that you provide your dog with comfortable sleeping arrangements. Large breeds of dogs require large dog beds in order to rest comfortably. There should be adequate room in the large dog bed so that your dog can stretch out and be comfortable. This will ensure your dog is content in his own large dog bed and is less likely to want to sleep on your furniture. There are many types of large dog beds for you to select from. Visit some online pet stores in your search for a bed for your pet or you may choose to make your own large dog bed.

Materials Needed For Making A Large Dog Bed

First, you will require some type of padding; a pillow from a craft store is suitable for the purpose. While you are at the craft store pick up some fabric for the cover as well. If you can sew in a zipper or Velcro fastening you will be able to make a removable cover for the dog bed. You can also use snaps or buttons. Be creative and find out what will work best for your specific large breed dog bed. Select a color or pattern of fabric to suit your pet or your home décor. Before you know it you will have created the ideal bed for your dog at a fraction of the price of a bought dog bed.

Different Types Of Large Dog Beds

If you’re after a ready made dog bed, Beasley large dog beds are considered to be superior. The inner cushion can be removed while the outer cover and bolster is completely washable. Their couch shape allows for extra comfort and your dog should be very comfortable with this selection. Prices for an extra large Beasley dog bed are very competitve and you will find online retailers who offer free shipping. Choose from the wide range of colors available to suit your dog’s personality. If you are on a tighter budget, you can choose a lower priced dog bed. There are many sizes to choose from. A popular choice is a donut shaped dog bed. These are suitable for most dogs and are available from $30. A bargain price, while still providing your dog with the comfort he deserves.

Large Dog Supplies

In addition to large dog beds, you can find many other dog supplies for your favorite pet. These include leashes and designer collars, dog bowls and even items of dog clothing to suit your large breed of dog. We all enjoy pampering our pets, and there are many places you can go to find accessories for your large dog. Most pet stores offer a wide variety of dog toys, bones, and dog blankets as well as kennels, crates and large dog beds.

If you are unhappy with the behavior of your Bedlington terrier, the best way to deal with it is via Bedlington Terrier training. Of course, it need not be difficult to train your dog, though it is a process that requires patience and determination and so it is worthwhile understanding the steps involved in training a Bedlington Terrier.

Understanding Your Bedlington Terrier’s Needs

When your dog participates in Bedlington terrier training, the dog will fulfill some of its basic needs including exercising, socializing with other dogs and feeling secure in the knowledge of what is expected of it. After your Bedlington terrier has taken part in a dog obedience course, your dog will be able to respond in an appropriate manner to your commands while avoiding separation anxiety.

The main aim of starting out to train a Bedlington terrier is to teach it to behave in the desired manner around people and other dogs, and it should also teach him to become a well-behaved companion. In addition, your Bedlington terrier will have learnt how to perform specific tasks, though of course he should not be punished when he fails to obey commands.

There are many that believe that Training A Bedlington terrier implies punishing the dog when it disobeys commands or doesn’t respond as he should. However, providing the dog with a treat when he obeys your commands is a more appropriate and better option for training.

Basically, you should realize that your Bedlington terrier is a social animal that will respond well to obedience training, and that if he remains untrained the dog may behave erratically rather than in a manner appropriate for a housebroken dog. Training and caring for a Bedlington terrier is an ongoing process that may continue for some time and it requires the active participation of the owner as well as the trainer, and it is more than giving your dog commands and expecting it to work hard. Training a Bedlington terrier is designed to improve its quality of life and sociability and it should help in making it a content, happy and obedient companion that will enjoy spending time with you and other members of the family.

User safety must be top priority in the selection of an ionic air purifier for use in the home, office, factory or school.

Existing ionic air purifier technology, regardless of whether they originate in North America, Europe, Japan or China produce a primary beneficial reactive agent. These reactive agents may be negative ions, bipolar ions, plasmacluster ions and so on. Their prime objective is to eliminate contaminants in the air we breathe. There is much research on the efficacy of these reactive agents in destroying contaminants. What we do not know is whether these same potent reactive agents also cause harm to fragile human tissues such as those that line our breathing passages from the trachea to the lungs.

Whether by design or otherwise, there is also an information void about whether there are other by-products and if these are harmful to fragile human tissues as well. However, in the industry, it is known that current ionic air purifier technology results in the inadvertent production of by-products. In sufficient concentrations, these may prove harmful to human tissue. One of the main by-products is the infamous ozone, which in high concentrations has been tested to be harmful to human tissues.

In the light of the above, the issue of safety for the user of an ionic air purifier has to be addressed from these two perspectives:

(1) Potential harm from the beneficial reactive agents, and

(2) Potential harm from the unintended by-products.

Our intensive though by no means exhaustive research on these two perspectives have been condensed into two detailed write-ups that are featured on Ezinearticles.com.

Don’t miss these 2 in-depth Ezine articles. To read, click on the Ezine Author Badge on The Ionic Air Purifier Blog.

Ezinearticles.com, within their terms and conditions, allows publishers to freely reproduce these two articles. So help yourself, publish the two articles on your websites as a complete set, via these links:

(1) Beneficial reactive agents

(2) Unintended by-products

In addition, keep updated with our progress as we research other aspects of the very broad and exciting field of ionic air purifier technologies.