Natural Pet Health

Dog clothes go a long way in protecting your dog from cuts, scratches and bad weather. The main function should be to keep a dog dry and warm. The history of clothing for animal’s dates back to the period of King Arthur. At that time, clothes were used to protect the knights’ horses from external elements and attacks.

Dog clothes were primarily used in the military and law enforcement areas, in order to safeguard dogs from both the surrounding environment and attacks. Today, dogs also serve as narcotic sniffers in police departments. But a dog’s main role is to be a pet to an individual or a family. For these reasons, dog apparel has changed with the time.

Dog shedding is part of dog ownership. While you can’t exactly cure dog shedding, there are some steps you can take to minimize excessive dog shedding.

How to Control Shedding

Grooming is the key to controlling dog hair shedding. You know the hair is going to fall out. It is better to brush your dog’s coat daily and remove the hair yourself than to have dog hair all over the floor, furniture and your clothes.

Some dogs shed seasonally, such as in the spring when they are shedding their winter coats, and may require twice daily brushings during those periods. In general, dogs with smooth coats will need brushing approximately once or twice a week, while dogs with silky coats will need brushing three to four times a week. Long haired dogs require daily brushing to keep their coats looking their best.

Does your dog have allergies? It is interesting how dogs experience many of the health issues that humans do, including allergies.

Dog allergies can include skin allergies, dog food allergies (particularly corn and soy), house dust and dust mites, ragweed, molds, pollens and others.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Dog Allergies

Common signs and symptoms of dog allergies include your dog licking her paws, scratching her body or pawing at her ears (due to inflammation). In severe cases, you dog may have oozing hot spots on her body. Allergies may be seasonable or your pet may suffer all year round, depending on the allergen.

How to Avoid Allergens

We brush our own teeth daily, but sometimes we forget our dogs need regular tooth cleaning too. Just like humans, poor dental hygiene can lead to health problems and tooth decay in our furry friends.

According to research, by the time your dog is three years old there is already an 80% chance that he already has some gum problems due to plaque and tartar buildup.

Typical signs are redness or bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. Even annual or semi-annual professional cleanings at your vet’s office may not be enough to prevent tooth problems in your dog. Regular tooth cleaning at home needs to be part of your dog’s grooming program. (It’s not as hard as you think, honestly!)

The Boston terrier, one of the few breeds that can claim to be truly American, is a lively, curious and smart companion that’s always ready to play. At one time, Boston terriers were actually the most popular breed in the US. Today, they’re still a clear favorite among the thousands of dog lovers who want a medium-sized, intelligent pet.

Because of its Bull terrier or Bulldog background, the Boston (classed with the non-sporting breeds by the AKC) is alert and keen to learn new tricks and jobs. Bostons like children and will play games with them for hours on end. A well-bred Boston isn’t vicious, but pretty able to take care of himself. Boston fanciers like to call this breed the “American Gentleman,” obviously because of his formal, tux-like markings, but also because his personality is gentlemanly and even as well. The Boston’s friendliness, alertness and courage make him an ideal pet and companion dog. Always alert, he’ll also let you know of any strange sounds in the night.

Dog fashions can be fun! Your dog can look flirty, funky, flashy or glamorous. Never before in the history of our dog have there been so many fun choices to make. There are clothes and shoes, and an overwhelming choice of collars, leashes and dog carriers.

Dog fashions can also practical. If all you are interested in is keeping your dog warm on chilly days and nights, you certainly will find the perfect sweater, jacket of fleece shirt. We as humans really share a common trait with our dogs. We both love attention! We enjoy dressing our dogs up in the latest of dog clothes, hats and jewelry because it is interactive. People stop and talk about it. The same is true when we humans dress up in the latest of fashion. It’s fun. It opens up channels of communication with others and gives us the attention, whether we admit it or not, we all crave.

The Scottish Terrier is a big favorite among dog lovers and has been for some time, ranking well in the AKC popularity charts. Everyone recognizes the Scotty on sight, and he’s well known as a solid companion to both adults and children.

The Scottish Terrier is warm-hearted, discreet, sociable, brave, and prone to keeping a sharp eye on family activities. He isn’t as loud or reactive as some of the other terriers, so when he’s well trained, your eardrums should remain intact. The average Scottish Terrier weighs about 20 pounds. Unlike some terriers, his tail is left natural, not cut.

While none of the following examples are by any means strictly small dog health problems, they do present extra challenges for small dogs and their owners.

Teeth and Gum Problems

Many small dogs have a tendency to develop teeth and gum problems which lead to tooth loss, because they are often fed canned food as an alternative to larger kibble. Although tooth loss in itself is vexing, oral disease can lead to even more serious heart disease, compromised immune systems and other complications.

Bi-weekly tooth brushing will help prevent this typical small dog health problem. An attractive supply of crunchy treats and chews (high-quality natural ingredients and not too large, please) will also help your pup keep his sparkling smile.

Looking for a new canine pal and have one of the toy breeds in mind? Then take a long, slow look at the stylish Pomeranian — that prancing little ringmaster who, just like a certain boy or girl from high school, knows exactly how good looking he is.

If you have the time to brush and comb his magnificent coat, the Pomeranian deserves your consideration. A whole lot of dog in a small package, he fairly bursts with personality. When you walk him down the street, all eyes turn to him — and not because he’s blocking the light! — but because of his bright eyes, high-handed way of walking and gorgeous coat.

Some of us just to refuse to think of our dogs are just dogs. For us there are dog clothes!

Cute sweaters, doggie tee shirts, dog booties, stylish bandanas, and let’s not forget little hats. These are among the items people will purchase to dress their dogs in style.

Dressing a dog is more about the owner having fun than the animal, but as long as the clothing isn’t uncomfortable, most dogs don’t mind humoring their human friends. Some even seem to enjoy grabbing the spotlight with their new look.

Internet shopping has taken the concept of dressing our dogs to new levels as websites offering all manner of “designer” dog clothing have popped up everywhere. With names like Glamour Dog, Designer Dog Wear, and Paw Printz Boutique (dot com, of course), these sites offer the tops in canine fashion for proud owners to place on their pups.