Should I Shave My Dog's Coat?

Should I Shave My Dog’s Coat

by Dr. Michael C Fleck, DVM

Shaving all the hair off of the pet, especially the double-coated (heavy coated) dogs, does not reduce the heat index nor make the dog more comfortable. "Shave Downs" are not recommended for heavy coated dogs because "Shave Downs" may trigger a skin disease referred to as "Coat Funk."

Increasingly there are more cases of skin cancer attributed to the pet's overexposure of sunlight. Overexposure to sun may result in sunburn, inflammation and dermatitis. All of those diseases may require your veterinarian's attention. With summer upon us, we need to protect our pets just as we protect ourselves from the excesses of the suns UVA and UVB rays. The following are guidelines to protect the pet from overexposure to the sun.

Don't forget, shaving the pet DOES NOT reduce the overheating of the pet and does not make the pet more comfortable. Also remember that shave down of fur bearing dogs like Pomeranians, Chows, Labradors, etc., may lead to Coat Funk, a severe dermatitis that may leave the skin permanently damaged requiring lifelong treatment.

From Tyler, Texas, If ya cannot stand the sass, get out of my blog!

No Benefits with CORN

CORN

by Tynia Johnson

Do not be fooled by the label! “Lamb & Rice” foods, for example, may still have corn as one of the primary ingredients. Remember, the front of the bag is trying to get you to buy the product and rarely admits to the poor ingredients inside. 

Corn is the ingredient most often used as the protein source. Meat is used more for flavoring and advertising. For most dogs, corn is difficult to digest and can cause health problems. The short list of problems is ear infections, itching, runny eyes, chewing feet or legs. It will also produce a lot of poop, pass a feed lot lately.

If you are unsure about whether your dog’s diet is corn-based, just read the ingredients label. Look for corn, corn gluten, corn meal and corn syrup. If any of these ingredients are present, they are probably among the first ingredients listed. Remember the back (or side panel) tells you the real story of what is in the bag.

In addition to their regular commercial diets, Hill’s Science Diet and Eukanuba both produce prescription diets. If your veterinarian has placed your dog on a prescription diet, you should discuss any concerns with your veterinarian prior to making any diet changes.

I recommended California Natural Dog Food. California Natural may appear to costs more per bag than the food you are currently buying, but if you weigh all the benefits, California Natural is actually less expensive. The corn-free food contains higher quality ingredients, is more nutrient-dense and more digestible. This means you can feed your dog less, and the bag will last longer. Over the course of time, you may not be spending that much more for dog food. Also factor in that you may see your vet less because you have a healthier dog and there is less poop to pick up! 

I find the Fish formulas to be the best for dogs with issues and I can see a difference in a month or so. For more info email me or visit the website.

From the Arizona desert, If ya cannot stand the sass, get out of my blog!

Things You Can Do at Home For Your Dog

Things You Can Do at Home

by Tynia Johnson, The Sassy Trainer

These are things that can be used for any age, size, or breed of dog. 

Give your dog a raw marrow bone (ask your butcher). This will maintain healthy teeth and gums. If your dog spends time in his crate, that would be  a great time to let him chew. It is good for expelling puppy teeth and is a better teething toy than your favorite shoes. 

Comb your dog. Begin combing your dog the day after grooming; NO MATTER HOW SHORT THE CUT. If you cannot get a comb through the day after grooming, then take him back for a refund. Aim for twice a week; 3 to 5 minutes should do the trick. Here is how to make the time: Place the comb on the coffee table in the TV room. Pick 2 days that you watch TV. During the 1st commercial break call your dog over, comb him (nose to tail) till the show comes back on. Repeat one more day that week. Repeat every week from now on. You will have a cleaner dog and a cleaner house. 

Change to natural treats. Find something your dog loves to eat. It can be a bit of apple or carrot or even her dog food (one kibble). By definition a treat is not a meal or even a regular occurrence. It is an event or item that is out of the ordinary and gives great pleasure, also, change how you treat. Instead of 15 treats today, consider one or 2 a day for a reason other than you love them. If you love them, give them a hug!

If ya cannot stand the Sass, then get out of my blog!