Your Dog’s Skin Best Shampoo is Not Your Shampoo

Your Dog’s grooming is a very essential part of keeping its coat hygienic and healthy. After all, would you be comfortable having fleas on your dog? If you aren’t already doing that, you need to pay attention to your dog’s coat and fur to ensure good health and hygiene.

So, what shampoo do you use for cleaning your dog? Some shampoos made for humans can do the job, but the big question is, are they good enough for your dog? Though it may seem like quibbling, this question can actually have some far-reaching consequences.
Let us begin with some comparison of people’s and dog’s skin. There is a highly crucial component of the skin known as the acid mantle, a slightly acidic oil layer covering it. It serves as a barrier that protects the skin’s topmost porous layer – the stratum corneum – from contaminants like bacteria or viruses in the environment.

The stratum corneum also keeps the outer body hydrated through absorption of water and preventing excessive evaporation. Bathing with a soap or shampoo washes away this acidic oil layer, so most human shampoos have moisturizers to replace this protective layer.
The normal pH range for a human skin is 5.2-6.2, meaning it is acidic. Shampoos and other skin products are specifically formulated to maintain this pH balance. In comparison, a dog’s skin pH ranges from 5.5 to 7.5, depending on its breed, resident climate, gender and anatomical size. This means that dogs’ skins tend towards more alkalinity than human skins. This means that if a human skin shampoo is used on a dog its acid mantle is disrupted, creating a breeding environment for bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Many a times, because of a smell resulting from a proliferation of parasites and bacteria, several pet owners wash their dogs multiple times using human shampoos without being aware that those shampoos are the cause of the smell problem. This makes the problem even worse due to additional imbalances of the skin’s acid mantle and pH level.
In addition, if a shampoo makes a dog’s skin feel dry, it will scratch the skin creating more abrasions for more bacteria and viruses to invade and attack. This process of escalating the problem makes it quickly become a vicious cycle of health and hygiene problems for your dog. If you would use a shampoo that aids in the maintenance of your own scalp’s pH balance, why would you not also concentrate on doing the same for your dog’s skin?
Dog shampoos should be within the neutral range, i.e. around 7. Since most shampoo manufacturers do include the pH level on a shampoo’s label – with so many others clearly stating if a shampoo is pH-balanced for dog skin – look out for actual dog shampoos when you go out to do a purchase.

What Else Should You Look Out For in Dog Shampoos?
- Always read shampoo labels keenly read to make sure that the shampoo you are purchasing has no artificial colors or fragrances added to it.
- Also look out for natural skin moisturizers such as vitamin E or aloe Vera; honey or tea-tree oil even if your dog doesn’t have a sensitive skin. Some natural pleasant fragrances made of lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus or citrus are do also double as insect repellents.
In conclusion, I would like to say that your dog doesn’t really need shampoo washes so regularly, good cleaning every few months is enough – though you can give your dog water baths in between. A single dog-shampoo bottle can last one year, even if you shampoo the dog monthly. So always go for good dog stuff so that the next time your dog places a paw on your lap for that friendly embrace, you won’t mind.

Effective and Easy Dog Training Tips

A proper and efficient dog training is very essential to make your dog healthy and happy as well as avoid any behavioral issues. Following some simple and generous training tips also results in a better and affectionate relationship between you and your dog. Methods that are harsh and punishing must be avoided and a positive outlook has to be kept in mind while training them.
Here are a few effective and easy techniques that will help you in the process of your dog’s training.
Follow Uniform Command Words

Whenever you are commanding your dog for any action, always use the same words for a particular job you want him to perform. For example, If you want him to stand up, use the same word always such as ‘up’, ‘stand’ or any other that you set for the same. All the members of the family or group need to use the same word for commanding him to stand so that the dog is able to appropriately do your desired action.
Allow The Dog to Socialize

In the initial months of a dog’s life, they need to be in the company of other puppies regularly. Also a healthy playful companionship of humans is very essential for a friendly initial relationship building and this benefits their emotional well being.
Appreciate His Actions

Dogs are sensitive to the way you react to their actions. When your dog does something good that you desire him to do or in a way which is required, always appreciate and reward him for the same in an affectionate. Let your pet know that you are happy with what he is doing. You can also praise him or give a short treat.
Avoid Being Forceful

In the training process, sometimes we tend to be forceful on our dog. When he shows any signs of disliking for a particular thing or a person, let him get comfortable at his own level rather than constantly forcing him to do something or to interact with a person.
Express What You Desire From Your Dog’s Actions

When your dog does something that you do not want him to do, gently command him to the action that you want him to perform instead of what he is doing. Simply do not keep saying a ‘no’ to him as it doesn’t make it accurately clear to the dog as to what you want him to do and he may continue doing the same thing in some another way.
Notice The Likings Of Your Pet

While feeding your dog, carefully notice what kind of food he likes. Keeping his choices in mind, provide him with a good quality meal with the appropriate nutrients. Dogs also have choices and likings when it comes to their meals.
Understand The Gestures

Carefully notice your dog’s body language and responses. To express their feelings and to respond to everything, dogs can use their tail, eyes, mouth and they may bark or whine. Observe their responses and proceed further accordingly.

Pet Supply Tips for the First Time Dog Owner

If you are a first time dog owner, you might wonder which pet supplies your dog needs and what both of you can live happily without. First of all, invest in a good book about dogs. It should cover dog nutrition, behaviors and training, recognizing health problems, dog pests and how to get rid of them, and general grooming. Try to buy the most comprehensive one you can find. Read it cover to cover the night you buy it and then keep it somewhere handy, because you never know when you will want to refresh your knowledge or need to look up something specific as fast as possible. All dogs will also need:
1) A collar and leash
Buy the largest collar or harness that adjusts to fit his size now. Display on it his license tag from your vet. You may also want to attach a tag with your dog’s name and your contact information, since if he is lost, that information will help calm him down and get him home to you faster. Get him a leash sized for how big he will end up, so long as it works with his current collar.

2) A dog bed and kennel
It will give him his own special place to rest and should help keep him off your bed and the rest of your furniture. Some owners prefer having a dog sleep in his own kennel. If that suit you, get a comfy pad to put in there for him. He will need a kennel for safe transport. You can also use it for training purposes.

3) Water and food dishes
One needs to stay full all the time. The other will become empty fifteen seconds after you put food in it. Get him a handsome set large enough to suit the type of dog he is. Make sure the ones you choose don’t tip over easily.

4) Dog Food
When buying dog food go first for quality and then quantity when it is on sale. Also pick up an air tight bin to keep dry food. Wet food will need to be refrigerated in a container other that the can in which it came. A couple of plastic containers with lids will come in handy to keep his food fresh for his next meals and are reusable. Plus buying the largest can you can find is a much better deal usually than getting a bunch of small cans (even if he is a tiny guy the food will go quickly.) Some people will also buy treats for training, but dry dog food works just as well and is probably healthier for him.

5) Dog Shampoo
The kind that you use isn’t suitable for your dog’s skin and coat. Get him a good quality shampoo made just for him and his special stink. You may want to get a regular shampoo ( which is probably cheaper) and a flea shampoo for when the time comes. There is no sense using one if he needs the other.

6) Proper grooming tools
Some dogs need a brush, some a comb. Some need both. Buy what you need for the type of coat he has and use them at least three times a week. You will also need a flea comb to check to see if he has any. Check him at least once a week and more often during a flea season or in areas where fleas are a problem year round. He will also need nail trimmers and a heavy duty file to smooth off the rough edges. If you leave them sharp, he is liable to irritate his skin when he scratches which can lead to infection. Unless he is a short haired dog he will need electric clippers too for the summer and whenever an excess of hair becomes a problem.

7) Toys
Few dogs don’t live to play. Buy a ball and a tugging toy at the very least. Make these size appropriate and try to pick what you think will be indestructible. Use them often together. That is the best way in the world to tell him that you love him.

Creative DIY Supplies for Pet Owners

DIY supplies for your pet
1. Shrink sweater
With the cold weather, you might want to keep your dog warm without going through the hassle of buying overpriced supplies at the pet store; besides, this could be fun for you. To keep her warm, you can provide her a sweater by shrinking one of your old woolen ones into pooch size. For small dogs it would be more practical to use a child’s sweater which is considerably smaller than your own. The first step is to get the sweater measurements to be at least three times the size of your dog. A larger or smaller size would still be good enough but three times should be perfect. Toss the sweater into a washing machine and add a quarter cup of mild detergent; set the water temperature to hot and the machine for large wash. After the sweater is washed, remove it and press between two towels to ensure as much water as possible is squeezed out. While still damp, fit the sweater by reshaping it such that the neck is just wide enough to fit over your dog’s head. If it does not fit, slit it at the neck and then bind the ages with a seam binding so as to prevent fraying. If the fitting is right, your dog’s two front legs should fit into the arms of the sweater which should in turn extend halfway down her back. Dry the sweater on a drying rack in a properly ventilated room. And that is how to make your dog a sweater without spending any cent. This is how the end product should look like.

2. Homemade dog collar
You can save a little money by using a small leather belt to make your pet a collar. Grosgrain belts are perfect for smaller pets if they have a binding along the length. Begin by cutting the belt into a desired length for your pet; place it on a block of wood and use an awl to poke holes into it. Buckle it on your dog’s neck to make sure it has a perfect fit. For cats, you can split the collar and fit it with elastic for flexibility.

3. Baking soda freshener
You can make your pets’ bedding smell fresher by using baking soda as a freshening agent. In between you cleaning sprinkle your pets bedding with baking soda and then leave it on for an hour. Take the bedding outdoors and shake off the baking soda then vacuum off the rest.

4. Pantyhose pet bed
You can use soft material such as chicken feathers, cotton balls or orphan socks to stuff into the seat of old pantyhose to make a pet bed that your dog will be happy to sink into. Tie the legs into knots and cut off any excess cloth, cover it with a nice pillow case and then close it up by stitching. This should make a nice small bed for your pet.

5. Pet stuff organizer
A shoe bag hanged in your laundry room or inside a closet door can be very helpful in organizing your pet items. You can use it to store cloths, treats, toys and even health records making it easier for you to locate things that you need.

Top 3 Dry Dog Foods to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Active

Feeding your dog on a regular schedule is critical to helping him develop healthily, and for this reason, choosing a good dog food should be a priority. While your puppy might need a special formulation that is packed with calories to compensate the energy he is going to waste when playing, an adult dog will require more essential nutrients like calcium to strengthen their bones. As such, you should be extremely careful when choosing dry dog food – besides checking the nutritional information, you must make sure that the kibble size is good for your dog’s size. Check out our top 3 picks for dog dry food below.
1. Acana Adult Large Breed

Acana is acknowledged as one of the best dog food producers, and this special formulation for adult large breeds makes no exception. This product contains chicken meal, deboned chicken, whole potato, chicken liver, chicken fat, herring oil and other such ingredients that are rich in protein, dietary fiber and carbohydrates, which are all essential for your adult pooch to stay healthy. Beyond these, Acana Adult Large Breed dry food is supplemented with vitamin D3, vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin, biotin, vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin E, which will contribute to strengthening your dog’s bones and preventing specific age-related diseases, including the cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
If your adult dog is dealing with dental issues, opting for Acana Adult Large Breed will be great specifically due to the convenient size of the kibbles, which are bulky, but quite spherical to facilitate mastication.
2. Amicus Puppy

As the second best dry dog food, Amicus provides about 41% carbs for your puppy to take in and spend as energy. This product contains turkey, chicken meal, salmon, chicken fat, lentils and even turkey meal, which makes it extremely complex and ideal for your puppy’s development. Furthermore, Amicus Puppy is supplemented with vitamin E, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid and biotin, delivering important amounts of these nutrients in every serving.
Since puppies need special care while they are still in development, you must be very careful when feeding him pet dry food. Thankfully, Amicus Puppy has small kibbles that are quite soft for him to chew, so you shouldn’t worry too much about that.
3. Blue Wilderness Senior

If your dog is already a senior, you should definitely look for dry food that has been specifically formulated for him. Besides having an attractive package, Blue Wilderness Senior brings all nutrients your senior should be eating to avoid arthritic conditions, joint pain and even the cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which affects most dogs. As with the other two products on the list, this one contains chicken meal, deboned chicken, tapioca starch, potatoes, dried eggs and turkey meal, plus lots of other whole vegetables and fruits, to supplement your companion’s body with vitamins and minerals. Since it is formulated for senior dogs, Blue Wilderness Senior includes more B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12), as well as vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E and a variety of minerals.
Due to the high amounts of nutrients, Blue Wilderness Senior is going to alleviate your dog’s dental issues, helping him eat without experiencing any pain. The kibbles are quite soft and easy to chew, so his more sensitive teeth should not have difficulties crushing them.

3 tips to improve dog nutrition

Poor dog nutrition can lead to a number of health conditions in your pet, including liver damage, and yeast infection. In fact, dog health is just as important in dogs as it is with humans, and you will need to ensure proper nutrition at all times if you want your dog to have a healthy life. This article explains the things you can do to improve the nutrition of your canine.

1. Choose the right dog food
Dog foods range in price and ingredients, with some brands providing less nutritional value than others. You might want to do your research to find the best dog foods with the highest quality ingredients that won’t break the bank. Using a price comparison website will enable you to search for the best dog food brands in your circumstances, and you will be able to compare price and ingredients quickly and effectively – saving you a lot of time and hassle. Remember – good dog nutrition can make all the different when it comes to your pet enjoying a long life without disease or infection. Therefore, you will need to choose a dog food that includes plenty of protein such as egg or fish in its list of ingredients. Check for filler and other additives, or ask your vet for details on the best dog food products to purchase. Nutrition in dog food can provide a plethora of benefits for your pet, including providing them with the energy they need for physical activity such as running, and encouraging a healthy coat. Some people believe that there is a difference in quality when it comes to dry and wet dog foods, although their nutritional value is similar depending on the brand.

2. Proteins
A diet with high quality carbohydrates and protein can benefit your dog for a number of reasons, and can lead to a healthier liver. Although some dog owners believe that a protein-restricted diet can reduce ammonia that has been produced during digestion, and cause liver problems, others believe that restricting protein is not the way to go. It’s always a good idea to speak to your vet before you change the diet of your pet, and to seek advice about the best foods to consume if they have a liver condition. In many cases, a diet that consists of high quality carbohydrates and digestible protein is a good solution for dogs who have suffered liver problems in the past. If you don’t want to give your dog meat based proteins, you can opt for soy proteins instead.
3. Carbs and vegetables
Remember – carbs are essential in dogs as well as humans as they provide us with the energy our bodies need on a daily basis. Rice and potatoes are just two examples of complex carbs with are full of nutrients and can benefit your pet in the long term. These foods also include fiber, which can also keep your dog healthy. Vegetables are also beneficial, and can help to promote healthier bowel movements and help flush toxins out of the body. A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables is ideal if you want to ensure perfect nutrition for your pet.

Should or Shouldn’t Your Dog Be Vegetarian?

A lot of people are choosing to switch to a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet for moral, environmental and health reasons. There are about 10 million people who have done so in the United States alone, and this leaves a lot of pet owners changing their dog’s diet to match their own. But, just as with people, there’s a lot of controversy swirling around whether canine vegetarianism is best for the dog. Is it healthy to switch a dog to a vegetarian dog food? Is it fair to the dog? Is it going against nature?
There are definite pros and cons, and as with humans there are no clear cut answers and a lot of strong opinions, so it remains a matter of personal choice. We tend to be anthropomorphous about our dogs and assume they’re just furry four-legged people, but of course they’re not. Those who have switched their dogs to a plant protein-based diet swear their dogs are better for it. Nutritionists and professionals say that a plant-based diet goes against a dog’s natural physiology and isn’t healthy for them in the long run. Here are some pros and cons of switching dogs to a strictly plant-based protein diet.

The Pros of a Vegetarian Dog Diet:
Removing meat from a dog’s diet decreases the likelihood of skin and other allergies. Professionals see a reduction in cases as high as 10 to 20%.
Feeding your dog a plant-only diet decreases the demand on the meat processing industry reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Poor quality meats are used in the making of dog foods. Much of it is considered unfit for human consumption and of questionable origin. It can include road kill, which can be other dogs, cats, skunks, etc. which are rendered down.
Dogs can thrive if they derive enough plant-based proteins from a wide variety of sources. The variety ensures they are getting enough protein daily since their requirements are higher than ours. Other animals don’t have to be raised and die in cruelty to feed your dog. Vegan and vegetarian food helps detoxify the body. In some breeds, it can reduce the risk of heart disease. Plant-based proteins reduce flatulence problems.

The Cons of a Vegetarian Dog Diet:
It takes more to provide the proper nutrition your dog needs. Because a dog’s digestive tract is different than a herbivore, it doesn’t extract as much nutrition from plant-based foods. That requires an extensive fermentation process in the gastrointestinal tract and a dog’s is limited.
Dogs require a different balance of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals than humans do which are readily available in meat proteins. To compensate, synthetics are added as a supplement to commercial vegetarian dog foods. Not only is this not natural, it also increases the cost of the food and could still compromise quality.
Dogs on purely vegan and vegetarian diets experience an increased amount of urinary tract problems. The lack of animal-based proteins causes alkalizing of the urine.
There is a lack of real science to back up the claims that a vegan or vegetarian diet is healthy for dogs.
Your dog may not like it. Unless you spend a lot of time preparing your dog’s food yourself, there’s a good likelihood your dog won’t find vegetarian dog food palatable, particularly with dry dog food. Dogs are natural hunters and it’s their nature is to consume meat-protein.

As you can see, whether plant-based dog food is the better choice for your dog or not is open to question and personal choice. Advocates for vegetarianism swear they’re dogs are healthy and happier without a meat-based diet and professionals argue that there is lack of hard scientific proof to substantiate those claims. As relatives to the wolves, dogs are both hunters and scavengers, relying not solely but primarily on meat to sustain their health. But we have adapted dogs over the centuries to live along side humans and they have adapted our eating habits. The controversy, it appears, will remain controversy until there is enough research to validate either side’s claims.