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Showing posts from December, 2017

Why do Dogs Eat Grass

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Is your pooch grazing on your lawn? This is common behavior that baffles many pet parents. In fact,   one survey found that grass is the most commonly eaten plant by dogs. But why do they do it? 1.        He may be bored: In some cases, eating grass is just something to do to pass the time. He’s got the backyard to himself but not much to do there. Are you providing regular exercise and mental challenges for your pup? Do you notice your pup eating more grass during times when you’re not walking or paying them as much attention? Sometimes the solution can be as simple as providing a chew toy as an alternative or dedicating yourself to providing a consistent exercise routine. 2.        It’s tasty: Your dog eats every last morsel he can find under your dinner table after a meal, so why stop there? As natural scavengers, canines are programmed to search for nutrition anywhere they can find it. It’s possible that your dog finds the flavor or texture of grass yummy. Or it coul

How to Clean Dog Ears

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It is important to take time each week to examine your dog’s ears for signs of irritation, infection and parasites. These at-home ear exams don’t take long and can help you identify minor issues before they become larger, more painful problems. So here are some tips to help you with the same: 1.        It is best to clean a dog’s ears in the bathroom, a mud room, or another room of your home where you wouldn’t mind a potential mess. Most dogs don’t enjoy having their ears clean which means spills are inevitable. 2.        The best tools to use for cleaning your dog’s ears are a good pair of hemostats and some cotton balls. Do not use Q-tips on a dog’s ears as they can push debris further inside the ear canal or even damage the ear. Hemostats can be purchased at drug stores, pharmacies or from your vet. 3.        A highly recommended home cleaning solution is 1 part white vinegar to 1 part of water. 4.        Start your dog’s ear cleaning with a good belly rub and s

How to Pet a Dog Properly

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It’s all in the touch!! The way you pet a dog can make you his favorite person or the human he’s always trying to avoid. Certain petting tactics can send most dogs running in the other direction, while some petting strategies will have a dog tail-waggin’ happy in your hands. The first rule of petting is never pet a dog who doesn’t initiate contact. This is especially important to enforce with children who will often approach a dog who is lying down, cornered in a room or actively trying to get away. Rather than reaching out and touching the dog, invite him to make the first contact by squatting down so you are closer to his level. Avoid hovering over the dog when greeting him as it can be perceived as a threat. Instead, allow the dog to approach you first. With a shy dog, pretend to ignore him and look away for the first few moments until he discovers you’re safe to approach. A friendly dog will approach with his ears held back slightly and his tail held out at medium

Dogs that don't Shed

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Are you looking for a list of dogs that don’t shed? Here is a list of 5 dog breeds that are known for minimal shedding. Tibetan Terrier:   This bushy dog breed is proof that hypoallergenic does not mean no hair! Tibetan Terriers love being with people and are adaptable to a variety of homes and lifestyles. They make to our list because they shed minimally though their shaggy coat requires frequent grooming. Maltese: Gentle and loving, the Maltese greets everyone in a friendly manner. They are known for their gorgeous white coats but don’t worry they won’t shed on your couch or bed!! It is a sprightly and playful dog who not only excels as a companion but also as a therapy dog and in dog sports such as agility, tracking, rally and obedience. Portuguese Water Dog: The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent and fun-loving breed who absolutely loves the water. Their coats shed very little and they are considered a hypoallergenic breed but the Portuguese Water D