Helping Your Dog Fight Fleas

Fleas can make even the most contented dog miserable. Here a few ways to get your dog back up to speed.

Bathing your dog with a flea bath and combing him with a flea comb are two of the best ways to help your friend become flea free. Comb your dog two or three times a week with a flea comb. As you groom, continue to dip the flea comb in either soapy hot water or rubbing alcohol diluted with water. The fleas will drown as you comb them out.

To kill more fleas and eggs when bathing your dog, let the shampoo remain on your pet for 8 to 10 minutes. When purchasing a flea shampoo read the label carefully. Flea shampoos which are too harsh may cause your dog skin irritation.

Wash everything! Fleas can lay eggs on items such as your dog's bedding, rugs, collar, leash, toys, etc. A thorough washing in hot soapy water will kill fleas and their eggs. Continue to wash items on a regular basis until fleas are gone.

After vacuuming, be certain to throw-out the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside.

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Traveling With Your Dog

Traveling with your pet can be more hassle-free if you know what to do. Hotels have become more dog friendly, so here are a few ways to reciprocate.

If you need to go out, take your dog with you. A dog left alone in a strange room may become agitated, nervous and upset with anti-social behaviors to foll0w such as barking, chewing, wetting, or digging.

Walk your dog before going to the room. An empty bladder is a happy carpet.

Take something along which makes your dog feel at home. A favorite toy or a blanket will help ease your dog's nervousness about being in a new place.

Spend some time with your pet in her new surroundings. If she seems hesitant about a certain area or item in the room, explore it together to help put her mind at ease.

Look for any itmes in the room which may be dangerous for your dog. Put any small items which could be harmful out of reach.

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Talking To Your Dog

Not only do dogs hear what you are saying, they rely on your tone and body language to determine what you really mean.

When speaking to your dog, tone of voice matters. Giving your dog praise in a menacing voice will make our dog think he is being scolded. Make your tone match the words...light and happy for praise, more severe for scolding or behavior correction.

Let your dog know where he ranks in the pack by taking the lead role. When your dog knows you are top dog, he will feel safe.

When your dog speaks to you, don't just hear a bark; watch her tail movements vocal sounds, eye contact, and stance. All of these factors contribute to knowing what your dog is really saying.

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Doggie Dental

Dog breath getting you down? Other than being a social faux pas, bad breath can sometimes be an indicator of other problems your dog is experiencing, such as dental problems or gingivitis.

Schedule a dental visit for your dog annually. The dentist or vet will check for gum disease, chipped or cracked teeth, and may suggest a thorough teeth cleaning to keeping her going for the rest of the year.

Make certain to change your dog's water daily. Bacteria can grow inside water bowls with standing water. If your dog's water is outside, old stagnant water can collect insect larva (mosquitoes in particular) which can be detrimental to your pet’s health.

Check your dog's teeth and gums weekly for signs of tartar, foul odor, bleeding gums, ulcers, or broken, chipped or missing teeth. Call your vet if any of these problems are present. Catching gum and dental disease before it progresses will help keep your dog healthy.

Be cautious when giving your dog real bones. Splinters from bones may cause cuts in his mouth or intestinal problems. Ask your vet about brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. Frequent dental maintenance at home will help make your dog's annual dental checkup a breeze.

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Quality Time With Your Dog

We spoil our dogs more that we do ourselves, but do we spend enough quality time with them? Letting your dog know he or she is loved not only brings you both closer together, but scientific studies have proven spending time with your pet lowers stress and is good for your health.

Talk to your dog with a loving voice. Pats, strokes, doggie conversations, and play make your dog feel loved. Select times throughout the day to give your pet a few minutes of your full attention.

Don't forget, dogs feel more at ease when they know who's in charge. Be direct with commands and deliver them in a firm voice. Let him know you're leader of the pack.

Develop a routine for your dog and stick to it as much as possible. Feed your dog, take walks, and any other daily events at the same time. A standard routine will make your dog feel more secure.

Don't forget praise. We all like it and dogs are no exception. Speak to your dog with a positive tone. Dogs are attuned to our voice and body language. Knowing you’re happy with her will make her happy too.

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Dog Gone Bad Behavior

We all have our off days. But when your dog decides his bad behavior is good, what can you do to help change his mind?

Some dogs are just natural born diggers, but when your best rose bush is the object of your dog's affection, how can you convince him otherwise? One solution… provide a designated digging area for your dog. Just like when you were little, playing in the sandbox can be the solution for your dog's digging energies. Create a space large enough for your dog and dig down 12" to 18" removing rocks and any debris that may be in the dirt. Then fill the area with sand or clean dirt. Direct your dog to this area when he wants to dig, praising him when he goes to this spot and redirecting him when he forgets. As an added incentive, bury a few dog treats or a chew toy in the box for him to find as he digs. This will inspire him to continue to go to his digging area and to leave your prize petunias alone.

Help puppies through their chewing phase with chicken or beef broth flavored ice cubes. The flavored cubes give your pup a pleasant taste treat and the cold helps bring relief to her sore gums.

If your furniture is your puppy's favorite chew bone, try rubbing your dog's favorite chew toy with peanut butter, chicken fat, or bacon grease. Any of these will taste better than your dining room table and will inspire your dog to chew on his toys rather than your furniture.

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Happy New Year to all!