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Dachshunds are affectionate, fun-loving small dogs that are excellent family pets. Dogs of this breed come in two sizes: miniature and standard; and three different coat varieties: smooth, wirehaired and longhaired. The wirehaired dachshund's double coat consists of a short, soft undercoat with a topcoat of short, coarse fur. Some hairs from the undercoat show through the rough topcoat hairs. Wirehaired dachshunds have eyebrows and a beard on their faces and short fur on their ears. They need weekly brushing to prevent mats and remove loose fur. You can hand-strip, use a stripping comb, or combine the two methods to groom your wirehaired dachshund's coat. Stripping the coat two or three times per year removes dead fur, allows new fur to grow, and preserves the coat’s rough texture. After stripping, the fur on your wirehaired dachshund's body should be from 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. read more
When selecting a dog breed for your children you must take the personalities and tendencies of your children into account just as much as the temperament of the dogs themselves. Many breeds of dog are compatible with children -- it may simply depend how gentle the children are with the dog whether or not they will get along. Once you have selected a breed of dog for your children, spend some time preparing your children for dog ownership. To make the transition easier for both your kids and your new dog, educate your children on the responsibilities of owning a pet. read more
A service dog must be trained to perform tasks that will assist a specific individual with a disability. Each service dog and handler must meet precise criteria before qualification to work as a team. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual, mental and psychiatric disabilities who use service dogs trained to perform specific tasks. United States federal law does not require service dogs to be legally certified; however, because service dog laws vary from state to state, you must know your state’s laws before beginning the lengthy service dog training process with your dog. read more
Having to endure the noise of a neighbor's dog barking or howling endlessly can be distressing. While it's true some owners might be inconsiderate and not care how the noise affects others, most are simply not aware of the barking or that their neighbors are annoyed. Hurt feelings, anger and frustration -- on both sides -- make for a very stressful situation. If you have a barking dog in your neighborhood, you can file a complaint to help address the issue. read more
Dog paws are tough, but not indestructible. The pads on the bottom of the paw are in constant contact with the different surfaces dogs walk, run, play and climb on. All of this exposure and wear can lead to injuries and dryness that may cause a dog’s pads to develop cracks. Illnesses, allergies, irritants, autoimmune disorders and nutritional deficiencies can also cause cracked pads. With proper treatment, uninfected paw pads typically heal within a week or two, depending on the dog and severity of the injuries. Deep or infected cracks heal more slowly. read more
The canine lifespan is significantly shorter than that of the average human, so as a dog owner you are likely to outlive your pet. The sadness of losing a beloved dog can be decreased if you know your pet had a comfortable end to his life. If you anticipate your dog's passing, you can make practical preparations so his last days or weeks of life are as comfortable and happy as possible. If you feel emotionally devastated by the prospect of your dog's death, talk to a health care professional about receiving counseling or other help. read more
While most dog foods contain protein from meat sources, you can switch your dog to a vegetarian diet if it contains sufficient amounts of other types of protein. As omnivores, dogs can live on a meatless diet made up of vegetables, eggs, beans and dairy products like cheese. With a slow transition to his new food, your dog can acclimate to his new diet with little gastrointestinal distress. Monitor your dog through this process and during the initial transition to see that he tolerates his new food well and does not have any food allergies to the vegetarian diet. read more
Bee, wasp, yellow jacket and hornet stings are generally not much of an issue for a dog, but some dogs, like some people, have allergic reactions to stings that can range from mild to very severe, or even deadly. The most common symptoms allergic dogs are likely to experience following a bee sting are hives and swelling, but more severe reactions can include vomiting, diarrhea and trouble breathing. Take action to reduce your dog's discomfort as soon as he is stung. If your dog appears to be having an allergic reaction, seek immediate veterinary attention. read more
A dog's white coat can take on a dingy, yellow appearance from many causes, including an accumulation of dust, dirt and pollen. Daily brushing helps remove some of this debris, and of course, bathing helps as well. Specialty shampoos on the market are formulated to safely whiten a dog's fur, and there's a home remedy that can help as well. A combination of both will leave your dog with soft, manageable fur. read more
The Great Dane is sometimes referred to as the "king of dogs" due to his large size and elegant appearance. These dogs were originally bred to hunt boar but over time they transitioned into the role of estate guard dog and family pet. Great Danes make friendly, loving companions, but due to their size they should be supervised in the presence of small children. If you are considering a Great Dane for your next family pet, decide whether you can provide for the needs of this energetic breed so both you and your new dog have a long, happy life together. read more
The American Eskimo dog is an inquisitive, playful dog with a sense of adventure. Grooming your American Eskimo, or Eskie, should be part of your weekly routine to keep tangles and mats in his dense coat under control. Bathe your dog every two months and brush his coat once a week or more to maintain a lustrous, healthy coat. Grooming your American Eskimo is beneficial to his coat and skin, and it can also become a bonding activity for both you and your dog. read more
The Portuguese water dog is known for his trademark waterproof coat, unerring spirit and sense of adventure. He is an energetic dog that requires daily exercise as well as routine coat maintenance. The water dog can have a curly or wavy coat, but the grooming and trimming standards remain the same. A water dog with a curly coat has fur that is tightly curled with little luster, and a dog with a wavy coat has looser curls and a light sheen. Grooming your water dog is beneficial to the health of his coat and skin, and is time well spent bonding with your canine. read more
It would be great if dogs could speak -- in a human language, that is. They already do communicate with their noises and body language. We can tell what food they like, who their favorite person is or which cat they would love to chase. An important sign to discern from your dog's actions is aggression. You can protect yourself and your dog by reading the language that illustrates when your dog is threatened and about to pounce. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises dog parents to take the entire body language into consideration when reading the dog, breaking it down into components to make it easier to understand. read more
Because of their build, dachshunds are prone to disc fractures and other problems, which can lead to paralysis of the hind legs. According to Pet MD, the combination of a long back and a low-set carriage makes dachshunds vulnerable to intervertebral disc disease, in which damaged discs press on the spinal cord – essentially slipped discs. Other causes of paralysis include infections and injury. Paralysis may not be permanent, as surgical treatments, therapies and medications exist. Whether or not your pet recovers, you will certainly have to provide an increased level of care for a while, particularly with regards to hygiene and sore prevention. Although caring for a paralyzed pet is challenging, it is quite possible for your dachshund to have a happy, comfortable life. read more
Any canine disease that causes vomiting, appetite loss or diarrhea can also cause weight loss. The relationship between these three things and weight loss is obvious: the fewer calories being retained within the dog’s system, the more likely the dog will lose weight. However, it is also possible for other, more serious, diseases to also cause weight loss in dogs. Due to the seriousness of these diseases, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible any time a dog experiences unexplained weight loss. read more
The schnauzer is available in three breed varieties: the giant, the standard and the miniature. Regardless of the size of your schnauzer, his grooming needs are the same. The schnauzer sports a distinctive mustache and has a double coat, meaning the underside is a soft layer of hair, while the top layer is more wire-like. Show dogs require a more intensive grooming routine to keep their coat looking breed-appropriate, but pet schnauzers can undergo a simpler, easier DIY grooming session. read more
Your dog's tear stains are caused by liquid secretion from his eyes, which gradually permeates the fur around his eyelids. While most dogs have at least some tear stains around their eyes, the problem is much more visible on dogs with white or light-colored fur. Many dog owners are concerned with the cosmetic effect that the stains have on their dog, but these moist patches of fur can also foster the growth of disease-causing bacteria. read more
Grooming your silky terrier can seem like a daunting task, with her long and distinctive blue and tan coat. Routine grooming will not only make your terrier healthier in appearance, but it will also minimize hair breakage as well as skin irritations and infections. This breed is known for having intelligent eyes and a smooth outline of the body, and the grooming regimen should reflect the breed standard. Brushing your terrier regularly will keep her looking distinguished and tidy. read more
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a sweet-natured toy breed that has long been a valued companion. Once upon a time, this breed was an exclusive possession of aristocrats. Today, however, the modern “Cav” is a pet, a therapy dog and a competitor in both agility and obedience, as well as being an elegant participant in conformation shows. This little breed requires only a negligible amount of trimming, but frequent brushing and combing are required to keep its silky coat in its best condition. read more
Dogs can become crippled by accidents, hip dysplasia, ruptured discs, spinal problems, degenerative diseases or other causes. Whether the condition is temporary or permanent, a dog wheelchair can allow a handicapped pet to move around and stay as healthy as possible. Making your own doggy wheelchair is generally much cheaper than buying one. It requires careful measuring, and components that are readily available in hardware stores. It will improve the quality of life for your canine companion, and in most cases you will be able to take him for walks again. read more
The boxer was developed for boar hunting and for dogfighting in 19th-century Germany. The boxer is currently a loyal, multipurpose dog used for guiding the blind, as a military courier and in performance events and other tasks. In addition, the boxer is a valued family pet that is typically good with children. However, for all its virtues, the boxer has some health issues of which prospective buyers should be aware. Several of these issues can result in seizures or conditions that can be mistaken for seizures. read more
Dogs love to run and play outside, and there's nothing more joyous than a dog who's in his element -- romping, wrestling, digging, playing tug of war and going wild. Physical exercise keeps your dog happy and content, and reduces behavioral issues related to boredom and frustration. If you have a backyard, a playtime paradise for both you and your pooch to enjoy is a great way to bond and have fun. read more
As your dog ages, you may notice that he has trouble walking, running or playing as much as in his younger days. Conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia and osteochondritis occur over time, leading to decreased mobility of your dog's joints. With canine physical therapy, nonsteroidal pain medications and supplementation with products that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, your dog's quality of life can be sustained. This will help to keep him mobile, improve his range of motion and allow him to be able to participate in most of the activities that make him happy. read more
A hematoma is a blister-like inflammation of the skin accompanied by painful swelling and itchiness. An aural hematoma, which occurs in the cartilage in or around the ears, is a relatively common problem for some dog breeds. While this condition does not pose a serious risk to your dog's health, it is important to have your dog treated. The common surgery options are incision and drain surgery, although some animal hospital and clinics may offer additional procedures. read more
Throughout history, parents have swaddled their babies to settle and soothe them and to help them sleep soundly. You can wrap dogs in a similar way so that constant gentle pressure can calm and comfort them during times of stress or anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by loud noises like fireworks or thunder, travel, injury, separation or other disruptions. There are a number of products you can buy for your dog, such as a Thundershirt or The Anxiety Wrap, or you can wrap him yourself. read more