Tough Dog Toys for High Powered Play
Dog toys aren’t only for entertainment. Dog toys offer exercise and interaction, as well as a variety of dental benefits. Toys spend a lot of time in your dog’s mouth. They are constantly chewed on and worked over the teeth and this process actually works as an abrasive to loosen plaque, reduce the build up of tarter, massage gums and strengthen jaws and teeth.
The problem is that many dog toys aren’t made for serious wear. Aggressive chewers can go through an average toy in no time, leaving small pieces that, if ingested, could seriously harm your dog. This also hurts your wallet; dog toys are not cheap. If your dog is a serious chewer, you need something much stronger. Many people think that because a toy is made for dogs, that it is safe. This is not always true.
Tough By Nature Dog Toys are durable, safe, and long lasting. They are made of 100% rubber and can withstand much abuse and still keep going. They come in many varieties and sizes that your dog will love. They are made of hard, durable rubber and come in odd shapes and sizes to produce an irregular bounce and have a squeaker that will drive your dog wild. They toys are a worthy adversary of the toughest chewer.
Grooming your Dog’s Nails
Many people are too intimidated to cut their dog’s nails. They are afraid that they will hurt their dog or cut the nails too short. Nail trimming doesn’t have to be scary. It’s actually a simple procedure that leaves your dog looking and feeling great.
There are a few things you will need to give a great pedicure. Dog nail clippers are a given, but you may want to gather a few other supplies. A non-slip mat can help avoid injury. Scissors and hair clippers can be used to trim excess hair around toes and in between pads. You may want a grinder to file nails smooth. Styptic pens or powder are good to have in the event that a nail is cut too short, though regular household items like flour, cornstarch, and baby powder work too. If you want, you can get nail polish to paint your dog’s nails. Lastly, you’ll want treats to give your dog to reinforce that nail trimming is a positive thing.
Place your dog on a raised surface, using a non-slip mat if you have one. If your dog is squirmy, you should have some one help you hold the dog. Trim excess hair around feet if necessary. Lift your dog’s foot and slide the trimmer over nail. Stay within the white part of the nail and squeeze the trimmer firmly. The nail should just pop off. Repeat for each nail, on each foot. Don’t forget the dew claws!
If your dog has dark nails, it will be a little harder to see how far to cut, but you can tell by feeling them. Run your fingernail on the underside of the nail. You should feel a bump. You should cut every thing after this bump. If you do cut a nail too short, and the nail is bleeding, apply pressure using a styptic powder for a full minute and the bleeding will stop. If you don’t have a styptic solution, use one of the other household products listed above. Do not wipe the blood clot off after the bleeding stops.
Filing your dog’s nails is optional. You can always just walk them on concrete for the same effect. If you choose to file, let the grinder run for a bit to familiarize your dog with the sight and sound of it. Hold your dog’s paw firmly in the “handshake” gesture and rock the grinder back and forth for a few seconds on each nail. Do not file for long, as the nails are already short from trimming. Continue on each nail, on each foot. If your dog does not like grinders, you can always take them for a walk on concrete to file the nails smooth.
If you want to polish your dog’s nails, never use human products. The chemicals used in these products are not safe for dogs. Check nails for good health. If nails are brittle or cracked, don’t polish them. It will make the condition worse. Sit with your dog on your lap and paint each nail. Massaging or petting your puppy when you are through will get them to hold still long enough for the polish to dry. When the dog nail polish starts to chip, simply use a pet safe remover to get it off.
Always give your dog plenty of dog treats and praise when you are cutting their nails. It makes them happy and calms them and turns nail trimming into a positive experience for both of you.
Summer Weather Care Tips for Your Dog
Summer is just around the corner and is a great time for you and your dog to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors. Before enjoying all the fun and sun you should take some time to prepare for dangerous situations your dog may encounter during the summer. Many of us are tempted to take our pets with us in the car to travel or run errands in nice weather. Temperatures inside of a parked car can easily reach 120 degrees in a few minutes. Dogs left inside of a hot car can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, or death in a matter of minutes. You should never leave your pet in the car, even if you’ll only be gone for a short time. It’s best to leave your dog at home but if you must travel in the car with your dog you should always provide fresh, cool water and safely secure your pet in a car harness or dog car seat.Pets need exercise even when it’s hot but you should take extra care and only exercise your pet in the early morning or late evening. Also try to limit the time your dog spends on asphalt as it can get very hot and can burn your dog’s paws. Make sure that your dog has plenty of shade and access to fresh water while they are outdoors. Older, overweight, and snub-nosed dogs should be kept in indoors in air-conditioned rooms. If you don’t have air-conditioning a room fan will also work. A hair cut can help alleviate the heat for dogs with thick fur. Make sure to leave fur at least an inch thick to provide your dog with some protection from the sun.
If you decide to bring your dog along for a day at the beach you must provide them with fresh, cool water and shade from the sun at all times. You can set up a beach umbrella or canopy or invest in a dog cabana. Make sure to hose your salty dog down if they decide to go for a swim in the ocean. You should avoid taking your dog to crowded summer events, like Fourth of July parties. The loud noises and crowds combined with the heat can cause unnecessary stress for your dog. Dogs can also get into poisonous items, such as lighter fluid or insect coils while at barbecues or parties.
Hopefully these summer dog care tips can help ensure that you and your dog have a safe and fun summer together! If you have any questions regarding these tips or you need advice on summer travel with your pet you should consult your local veterinarian.
