Dog ear care is pretty simple if you keep up with it. I've found that with my dogs, Berry and Wanda, the easiest way to keep your dog's ears clean and problem-free is to make cleaning a weekly chore. Be sure to check your dog's ears for wax buildup, redness or inflammation around the ear, dirt in the ears, or anything else that might be in your dog's ear.
Also be sure to smell your dog's ears. A foul or sour odor indicates a problem like an ear infection, ear mites, or even fleas or ticks. If you think your dog might have an ear infection, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Letting your dog's ear infection go can result in a severe infection or even deafness.
When you are cleaning your dog's ears only use a gentle solution. Never use soap and water or alcohol. Never use Q-tips, or any other cotton tipped swab as these can push dirt further into your dog's ears creating a bigger problem. You can also hurt your dog's ear canal.
Dogs with floppy ears are very prone to ear infections, as there is hardly any air circulation around the ear so it is even more important to check your dog's ears weekly.
Here are some symptoms of a possible ear infection:
-Your dog shakes his head
-Your dog paws or scratches his ear a lot
-You notice your dog tilts his head to the side
-Your dog's ear smells bad (can indicate a dog ear yeast infection)
-You notice a heavy wax buildup when cleaning your dog's ears
-You see fleas or ticks in the ear
-You notice your dog's ear is red and immflamed
-Your dog's ears are moist
If you notice any of these problems it's best to get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you can to avoid a worse problem. Learn more about other dog care topics at: [http://www.allaboutdogcare.com/
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Various Size Dogs Reach Senior Years at Various Times
Let's talk about some of the physical and biological changes that happen as dogs age. Dogs age at different rates depending on their physical size. For example, larger dog breeds generally have a shorter lifespan than smaller dogs. So we can say that the larger dog reaches his or her senior years sooner than a small breed dog and will have the associated health issues earlier.
Grey Hair
Regardless of size, aging dogs will start to get grey hair around their muzzle and chin in late adulthood. This is a gentle sign of slow aging and is not too alarming at first. The dog can remain healthy for years regardless of the slight graying in physical appearance.
Decreased Energy
Your dog will slowly lose his or her energy level. You will notice that your dog will have less patience for the hyperactive games he or she used to play before. The dog still may want to play, but will not be able to play for prolonged periods of time. You will know when the dog wants to stop because he or she will lose interest. Also, because of normal age-related changes the muscles and joints weaken, and the dog may be more susceptible to injury. You and your dog can still play these games, just go slower, for shorter time periods and use caution.
Decreased Body Mass
The senior dog's body starts to lose the fatty tissue and collagen layer under the skin. Similar to human aging. This means that some weight loss is normal for an aging dog. However, any weight loss should be checked out by a veterinarian as it is usually not normal. Your aging dog will become increasingly more boney.
Thinning Fur
The dog's coat thins and the shed fur may not appear as "fluffy" as it was prior to aging. Some dogs may be more susceptible to cold weather at this point with the thinning hair and loss of fatty tissue.
Change in Diet
The veterinarian will best advise you on when to start your dog on a senior formula dog food. Probably, by the time most of these changes are happening the dog will have been eating a senior formula for a while already. The senior formulas and less rich and supposed to be easier on the aging dogs digestive tract.
Change in Sleep
Senior dogs sleep longer and harder. You are probably used to the family dog lightly napping throughout the day, but waking up with effervesces at the slightest noise, excitement or sight of food. While the aging dog may sleep harder and need more coaxing to get out of bed. It is okay to let them rest. Make sure he or she has a clean, soft and supportive bed. Some pet stores will sell special orthopedic beds.
Blindness and Deafness
Dogs can lose their hearing and eye sight with age. Older dogs can be blind and deaf, or hard of hearing. Very fast moving objects such as other dogs or young children may frighten the older dog. Any sudden loud noises may startle the aging dog. As an owner it is best to ease distraction and provide a calm environment when possible.
Changes in 'Dog Breath'
A senior dog's breath may change or become more noticeable due to increased tartar build-up from previous years. Unless your dog has been getting regular dental cleaning. Even those commercialized chew toys that claim to clean teeth are not enough. The senior dog may also have swollen gums that may bleed occasionally and add to mouth odor. In some cases a change in dog's breath is a sign of other medical conditions in the body and it is a good idea to visit with your veterinarian.
Changes in Bowel and Bladder
The older dog may have to void more frequently and have more difficulty holding his or her bowels as well when he or she was younger. Provide your dog with more frequent opportunities for elimination. On average every 3-4 hours. For some elderly dogs even more frequent. An increase in accidents in the house even when house trained, is normal and should not be punished because the dog is aging. The dog knows better, he or she just can't control it. It is a sign to increase the opportunity your dog is given to void outside, in the proper area.
Emergency Signs in Your Aging Dog
Get your dog checked out right away if:
Your dog's gait suddenly changes (drunken gait, uncoordinated, staggering)
Sudden blindness, hearing loss, head tilt
Any breathing difficulties
Sudden decrease in eating or drinking
Sudden increase in eating or especially drinking (copious amounts)
Sudden increase in voiding, especially frequent urination
Constantly licking, scratching or biting him or herself.
Diarrhea and vomiting, especially if more than 'a few' continuous bouts
It is important to note that I am not a certified Veterinarian. I am offering this information only as a general guide, that I myself find useful to know, and hopefully you will too. What I can tell you is - any SUDDEN CHANGE in your dog is NOT NORMAL and should be followed up with a visit to the vet. Also, older dogs cannot medically compensate as well or for as long as younger dogs. This means that they cannot tolerate acute illness as well. For example prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, can really quickly dehydrate an older dog and make the older dog a bigger medical emergency, because the older dog's body cannot function as well to keep itself going under the stress of the sudden illness.
Signs of Pain in Dogs
Decreased appetite
Choosing to walk on softer surfaces (Grass instead of cement)
Guarding of limbs (Hold a leg up, not putting pressure on it)
Excessive licking, biting or scratching at skin or limbs
Whining or waling when the affected area is touched
Acting out aggressively (to protect him or herself from getting hurt further)
Reluctant to move or get out of bed
As the dog's owner, you will know when your senior dog has pain by getting to know his or her behavior to age-related changes. You will be able to see how comfortable the dog is by looking in your dog's eyes. You can work effectively with your veterinarian to come up with the best pain control regime for you and your dog.
For more about dogs please visit my website - http://www.best-family-dogs.com.
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A great part of the fun of owning a dog is being able to do things together, whether it is just the two of you or in an organized event. While competitions have tended to have the reputation of being only for purebred dogs, more and more events are being opened to mixed breed dogs.
The Mixed Breed Clubs of America was founded in 1978. The American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry followed in 1983 and came under the ownership of North American Dog Agility Association in 2006. The North American Mixed Breed Registry was formed in 1995. These three organizations gave mixed breeds the opportunity for training and titles in sports like conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, flyball, and almost any other activities enjoyed by purebreds.
On October1, 2009, mixed breed owners will be able to list their dogs with the AKC's (American Kennel Club) new program, which will permit mixed breeds to compete and earn titles in AKC obedience, agility, and rally events, competing only against other mixed breeds. Here are descriptions of nine sports that you can enjoy with your dog, whether he or she is a purebred or a wonderful mutt.
1. Obedience is basic. Obedience training is one of the most important things you can do for your dog. Every dog should have a reliable sit and stay, down (lie down) and stay, and stand and stay which they will not leave until told to do so. They should also understand and obey "leave it" and "drop it" commands. Any of these basic commands might one day save their life. Puppy and adult training classes are usually available within easy reach. Look for a program that uses positive reinforcement-NOT punishment-as the training tool.
Basic obedience is necessary prior to continuing training in other sports. An obedient and well-mannered dog is a joy to live with. They can continue training and compete in formal obedience trials which offer titles. Also available to all dogs, both purebred and mixed breed, is the AKC's Canine Good Citizen or CGC title. All dogs who pass a ten-step CGC test demonstrating solid obedience can receive a certificate.
2. Rally obedience is a low-impact sport for dogs with disabilities of any kind. The handler directs him or her through a course laid out with signs which prompt them to do the exercises at various locations. Exercises are modified to accommodate the dogs' limitations. For example, if jumping is a problem, running over a pole lying on the ground will suffice. One of the most senior-friendly groups is the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Both pure and mixed breeds can compete.
3. Agility has become a very popular sport. Anyone who has seen agility events has witnessed the joy and excitement of both the dog and the handler as they race around an obstacle course. This is a timed course in which the animal must go over jumps, through tunnels, through a set of weave poles, stay on a pause table, go over a seesaw and an elevated walkway and up and down an A frame within a certain amount of time. It is up to the handler to direct the canine correctly over the course. For dogs that have physical limitations or simply like some obstacles more than others, there is Just For Fun Agility (JFF) which is not competitive.
4. Conformation is well-known as a purebreed sport in which dogs are judged against the set standard of ideals for their breed. However, some organizations offer conformation competitions for mixed breeds. Here, the primary focus is on the handler and how they and their dog work together, since mixed breeds cannot be judged by breed standards.
5. Musical Canine Freestyle mixes obedience, dance, and your canine pal's bag of tricks with appropriately-chosen music to interact together creatively in a choreographed routine. Competitions generally include plenty of highly athletic demands, but there are also classes offered by several freestyle organizations which are especially for older dogs, that do not require the athletics. Certainly you do not have to compete. Dance at home with your dog (he or she will probably love it), or dance informally for friends. The main objective is just to have fun.
6. Flyball is a popular sport in which teams of four dogs run as a relay. The first two dogs are released and race over four hurdles or jumps to a box that releases a tennis ball when a loaded spring is pressed by the dog. The dogs catch the balls and races back over the hurdles to their handlers with the ball in their mouths. Each dog must bring the ball back across the finish line before the next dog is released. The first team to have all four dogs cross the finish line without errors wins that heat. Small dogs are often prized because the hurdles are set at the height of the smallest dog. Many champion teams have mutts on them.
7. Frisbee, also called disc dog, is a tremendously popular and highly accessible sport. All you need is a one person, one dog, a level playing area, and a disc to throw. Competitions include distance events and freestyle catching and have categories such as Canine Athleticism, Degree of Difficulty, and Showmanship. Discs also find their way into freestyle dance routines. Many World Champions have been mixed breeds and some were rescues from shelters. This is a great one-on-one outdoor activity; only a small portion of the dogs who play flying disc participate in organized competitions.
8. Does your canine pal love the water? Dock jumping may be the perfect sport for him or her. Here, the dogs compete by jumping for distance or for height from a dock into water. A handler and a dog of any age over six months, any type, or any size make up a team. The handler may throw a toy, but the dog is not required to retrieve it. There are many divisions, including small dogs, "lap dogs," older dogs who are over eight, and "veterans."
9. If you have a herding dog, you may be interested in herding tests or Sheepdog trials. This is a competitive sport in which the herding dog moves sheep around a field and various obstacles including fences, gates, or enclosures as their handlers direct them. There are several events of various difficulty in which the dogs may participate. Some organizations permit competition by only herding breeds while others allow any dog that has been trained to work stock to compete.
This has been a glimpse at some of the popular dog sports. In choosing one for your fur pal and yourself, look for something both of you will enjoy. Also consider any special talents and any limitations either of you may have. There is a sports activity for just about anyone of any age and any level of physical ability. You don't have to compete to have fun, either. The living room or the backyard may be the perfect place for your own one-on-one version of whatever sport appeals to you and your best buddy!
For Dog Training Secrets, detailing ONLY the programs that work, please visit [http://www.yourbestsources.com/DogTraining]. Mary Jean Simpson has owned both purebred and mixed breed dogs and cats from the time she was a child. These also include rescued and foster dogs. She has trained dogs and participated in conformation, obedience, and agility trials as well as in exhibitions sponsored by the local kennel club of which she is a member. She is the current editor of The Guardian, the official newsletter of the White Shetland Sheepdog Association, Inc., and has written dog- and cat-related articles for other publications. She is currently owned by four dogs and two cats.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2558155
Magnetic dog doors are designed especially for dogs wearing magnetic keys on their collar. It helps to keep strays and other animals out of the house. The doors provide an extra security by allowing entry of dogs wearing magnetic collar keys only.
Magnetic dog doors reduce common behavior problems such as destructive chewing, clawing furniture, and excessive barking. The dogs simply wear a magnet attached to their collars, and it is then identified by a sensitive, fast reacting electromagnetic circuit. A 4-way locking system is used to control the dog's movements into and out of your house. The door latch will automatically close after the pet has entered the system. The depth can be increased by using an optional tunnel extension.
Magnetic dog doors come in a variety of colors including white, grey, and brown. The important features are, they are secure, long lasting, safe, and easy for pets to use. Due to the longer nose length of dogs, the dog magnets are larger and more powerful. There are many sizes and models of magnetic dog doors. Most models come with a template and an instruction manual. Each package includes wood-fitting cat door, screws, screw caps, pet training guide, and 2 magnetic collar attachments.
Magnetic dog doors are manufactured from tough, easy to clean thermoplastic or other materials. For strength and long wear, some of them have nylon lock security system. It has self lining frames and PVC seal profile for wood installation. The doors are weather resistant, environmentally friendly, and rigid; and have self closing magnetic flap and lockable interior barrier. It is very easy to install with household tools, using the given stainless steel screws. Most magnetic dog doors are suitable for fitting into doors, walls or glass.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/409956
Basenjis are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail and a graceful neck. A basenji's forehead is wrinkled, even more so when they are young or extremely young. A basenji's eyes are typically almond-shaped, which often gives the dogs the appearance of squinting. Basenjis typically weigh about 11 kg (24 lb) and stand 41 cm (16 in) at the shoulder. They are a square breed, which means they are as long as they are tall. Basenjis are athletic dogs, and are actually deceptively powerful for their size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a double suspension gallop, with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance when running flat out at their top speed. Basenjis come in a few different colorations: red, black, tricolor, and brindle, and they all have white chests and stomachs. They can also come in trindle, which is a tricolor with brindle points, a rare combination.
The Basenji is alert, energetic, curious and reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof with strangers, and tends to become emotionally attached to a single human. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets. Basenjis dislike wet weather, like to climb, can easily get over chain wire fences. Most Basenji problems involve a mismatch between owner and pet.
Basenjis often stand on their hind legs, somewhat like a meerkat, by themselves or leaning on something; this behavior is often observed when the dog is curious about something. Basenjis have a strong prey drive. According to the book The Intelligence of Dogs, they are the second least trainable dog. However, Basenjis are extremely intelligent and respond to training that is consistent and positive with plenty of treats. Basenjis do not respond well to punishment, such as yelling and hitting, which can cause them to utter a warning growl.
Data refer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basenji
While classified in the hound group or scent hound group in the United States and Great Britain, there are some who consider this classification to be arguable, speculating that it arose from the fact that the word Hund is similar to the English word hound. Many dachshunds, especially the wire-haired subtype, may exhibit behavior and appearance that are similar to that of the terrier group of dogs.An argument can be made for the scent (or hound) group classification because the breed was developed to use scent to trail and hunt animals, and probably descended from scent hounds, such as bloodhounds, pointers, Basset Hounds, or even Bruno Jura Hounds; but with the persistent personality and love for digging that probably developed from the terrier, it can also be argued that they could belong in the terrier, or "earth dog", group.In the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Federation), or FCI, the dachshund is actually in its own group, Group 4, which is the dachshund group.Part of the controversy is because the dachshund is the only certifiable breed of dog to hunt both above and below ground.
Dachshunds have a wide variety of colors and patterns. They can be single-colored, single-colored with spots ("dappled"-called "merle" in other dog breeds), and single-colored with tan points plus any pattern. Dachshunds also come in piebald. The dominant color is red, the most common along with black and tan. Two-colored dogs can be black, wild boar, chocolate, fawn, with tan "points", or markings over the eyes, ears, paws, and tail, of tan or cream. A two-colored dachshund would be called by its dominant color first followed by the point color, such as "black and tan" or "chocolate and cream". Other patterns include piebald, in which a white pattern is imposed upon the base color or any other pattern, and a lighter "boar" red.The reds range from coppers to deep rusts, with or without somewhat common black hairs peppered along the back, face and ear edges, lending much character and an almost burnished appearance; this is referred to among breeders and enthusiasts as a "stag" or an "overlay" or "sable". True sable is a dachshund with each single hair banded with three colors: light at the base of the hair, red in the middle, black at the end. An additional striking coat marking is the brindle pattern. "Brindle" refers to dark stripes over a solid background—usually red. If a dachshund is brindled on a dark coat and has tan points, it will have brindling on the tan points only. Even one single, lone stripe of brindle is a brindle. If a dachshund has one single spot of dapple, it is a dapple.
Solid black and solid chocolate dachshunds occur, and even though dogs with such coloration are often considered handsome, the colors are nonstandard, that is, the dogs are frowned upon in the conformation ring in the US and Canada. Chocolate is commonly confused with dilute red. Additionally, according to the conformation judges of the Dachshund Club of America (DCA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) the piebald pattern is nonstandard. However, the piebald dachshund can still be shown. The only disqualifying fault in Dachshunds is knuckling over. While some judges choose to dismiss a dog of color, many choose to judge them and those who are actually judging the dog will look past the cosmetic color of a dog and judge the conformation of the dog first. There were several piebald dachshunds that became AKC Champions in 2008. All things being equal between the dogs in the ring, the traditional colors which are listed in the Official AKC Standard (governed by DCA) should be visibly listed.
Dogs that are double-dappled have the merle pattern of a dapple, but with distinct white patches that occur when the dapple gene expresses itself twice in the same area of the coat. The DCA excluded the wording "double-dapple" from the standard in 2007 and now strictly use the wording "dapple" as the double dapple gene is commonly responsible for blindness and deafness.
Breeders may also breed a piebald dapple brindle; and although dogs with this coloring are increasingly popular due to their unique markings, they are not considered standard and are not allowed to show.
Data refer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
