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It is important for anyone planning to groom Shih Tzu to know the correct way to groom. With Shih Tzu show dogs there is absolutely no room for mistakes. Grooming a Shih Tzu show dog could represent the difference between winning and losing. Correct Shih Tzu grooming, however, is also important for pet Shih Tzu. Some Shih Tzu owners want their Shih Tzu do look the way a dog of the Shih Tzu breed should look.

A Shih Tzu owner, whether pet or show dog, should know how to care for the Shih Tzu properly at home. Any Shih Tzu grooming done at home should be done by using the correct procedures. There is correct and incorrect way to bathe your Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu has different types of coats that need different types of care.

To groom your Shih Tzu successfully at home you need to have a basic knowledge of how to groom, how to correctly scissor or clip your Shih Tzu. This will help you take care of your Shih Tzu at home or, at least, to keep the Shih Tzu looking presentable between professional grooming.

Beginner Shih Tzu Groomer Qualifications:

1. A sincere love for the Shih Tzu.

2. The ability to handle scissors with a steady hand.

If there is no problem in handling the scissors, handling the remaining equipment can be learned easily.

Everyone who owns a Shih Tzu should have some grooming knowledge and be able to have pride owning a well-groomed Shih Tzu. Grooming your Shih Tzu can fun and satisfying as well as safe and sure.

There are several categories of Shih Tzu owner groomers:

1. The single-Shih Tzu owner who doesn’t have time to do the main grooming but wants to keep the Shih Tzu looking well groomed.

2. There is the person who enjoys Shih Tzu grooming once in awhile to prove he can do it.

Correct grooming knowledge is valuable to both categories of Shih Tzu owners. If you are a Shih Tzu owner who wants to do all your grooming at home, you must know the grooming requirements of the Shih Tzu as well as the professional does to get the desired results.

Most Shih Tzu show dog owners groom their own Shih Tzu even if they hire professional handlers. A Shih Tzu owner must know accurately every step of grooming for his particular breed.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Designer dog clothes are offered on the website. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: stainglassshihtzus.com stainglassshihtzus.com

When you see a pooch going for a walk with dog boots on or a picture of Paris Hilton with Tinkerbell in a small pet carrier, you might be asking why anyone would buy such frivolous accessories for a dog. However, in many cases these items have not only improved the quality of life for pampered hound but have even saved many canine lives. I think what turns many owners off is seeing boots and carriers that are overpriced. Nevertheless, when used properly, these canine items are very useful, and they can be bought at a discount.

Boots for a dog are useful both in winter and summer. In cold wintertime, it’s obvious how a dog’s paws can be hurt by frostbite from the ice or by rock salt or other melting chemicals. This is when the purchase and use of booties goes up exponentially, but more and more owners are finding good uses for a dog boot in the warm months. For example, if your dog is allergic to a fertilizer or pesticide that is put in the city park grass, one of the best ways to protect their paws is with shoes. If they are the only clothing your best friend has on, it’s not going to cause overheating because not a lot of heat leaves through the feet. Many booties also have reflective strips, which are a good safety feature for night walks, no matter what season it is. They help keep doggie paws clean as well, so you don’t have to worry about what they’re tracking around the house after being out.

Small pets are naturally more fragile than larger ones, so sometimes they need to be in a carrier. If you own a Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier and you’re going to be walking with them to a home or area where you know large dogs roughhouse, it might be a good idea to go with a travel pet carrier. It’s a safe place for a little dog or even a cat to hide until a dangerous situation passes. So long as the owner doesn’t overuse it, a small pet carrier can be an essential item. Also, traveling by air in the cabin of a plane requires that your loved one be in an airline approved pet carrier for other passengers’ safety as well as their own.

Grant Carroll proud father of four dogs and co-owner of littlepamperedpets.com littlepamperedpets.com with adorable littlepamperedpets.com/dog_clothes/dog_boots.html dog boots for your little breed babies. Shop Little Pampered Pets.com for a great selection of littlepamperedpets.com/petcarrier.html small pet carriers to take your furry baby anywhere.

Why Dog Constipation Can Be Bad For Your Beloved Dog

Dog constipation can be a problem for many dogs. There are various causes but most are harmless and can be avoided or treated.

First of all your dog needs exercise. If the dog is lying around all day long then dog constipation is more than likely. Give him less food when he does not move much. This brings us to the second most important aspect, dog food. The wrong food can easily cause dog constipation or other symptoms.

Choose the food which is appropriate for your dog, its age and weight. Not all pet food is made similar. In fact there are some pretty bad pet foods out there. You should look out for quality food and also give him fresh food from time to time. Instead of giving him one large amount of food, feed your dog twice a day instead. For constipation is is recommended you increases the amount of fiber in the food.

Stress can be another reason for dog constipation. If your dog has to live outside then weather conditions, cold or heat can cause constipation. A dog is an animal which does not like to be alone but always near you or with other dogs. This can cause stress too.

Before changing the diet for your dog you should also talk with your animal doctor. He knows much more about pet food, especially when it comes to dogs. He can also make a proper diagnosis which helps to find other reasons for your dogs constipation.

Unfortunately it is not always about food and exercise. Sometimes the problem is bigger. Dog constipation can also be caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses for example. Also poisoned food can be a cause. Here the veterinarian can help as well.

Your dog can not really care about himself so you have to do is. One of the best things to do is to check his excrements on a daily basis. While this does not sound like fun, it gives you important information about your dogs situation. It gives you early warning signs when something is wrong.

The ideal dog poop does not smell much, is moist but can easily be taken away without breaking apart. Any major changes in your dog’s poop can indicate an upcoming disease or - in the best case - are just a sign for you to change your dog’s nutrition.

There are many good dog food recipes which you can try out to make your dog healthier. On my web site I have some tips about this. One final word of warning though. When you choose high quality dog food then supplements should not be necessary. They could cause imbalances and also lead to dog constipation.

Nick Prisbrey as published many helpful tips about

The Norwegian Elkhound is a heavy coated, shedding dog that prefers a cool climate. They can be kept in an apartment as long as long, frequent walks are part of her life. A properly fenced in yard would be best for her exercise. They are a clean, fairly odorless dog that will protect her human family. She will need to be extensively socialized early to get along with other pets. She generally likes older, well mannered children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Norwegian Elkhound is 19 to 21 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 50 to 60 pounds. The female ranges from 18 to 20 inches to the withers and 40 to 55 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Norwegian Elkhound is no exception. Be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), hot spots, kidney disease, eye problems and skin tumors. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Norwegian Elkhound has a thick double coat of hard, thick outer and soft, woolly, dense inner coat that sheds heavily, seasonally. Groom my brushing and combing several times a week. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Norwegian Elkhound can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Norwegian Elkhound comes from Norway where they were used to hunt large game like elk and they were also prized as guard dogs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1913.

Some Registries

Norwegian Elkhound Association of America
UKC United Kennel Club
NKC National Kennel Club
CKC Continental Kennel Club
APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
AKC American Kennel Club
FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
ACR American Canine Registry

Litter Size

7 to 14 Norwegian Elkhound puppies

Category

Hound Group

Terms To Describe

Hardy, agility, stamina, courage, friendly, dignified, reliable, enthusiastic, loyal

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.
Good guard dog.
Her coat is fairly odorless.
Considered a clean dog.
Very intelligent.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Excessive shedder.
Needs firm obedience training.
Can be a barker with a loud bark.
May roam looking for adventure.
Can be stubborn.
Can be a one family or one person dog.

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

About the Author

Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com petpages.com, a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info. petpages.com Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.

This article is based on a study about the Redox Potential as it corresponds to humans and all fish and animals. I have found from practical experience and research, that a lot more can be learned from medical studies than from the anecdotal writing of many aquarists, who are suddenly experts after leaving their jobs and keeping an aquarium for a few years. I have found this with medication recommendations too, as many times gram positive medications such as penicillin are
recommended with no chance of curing their sick fish. Back to UV Sterilization; UV Sterilization is often trashed by un-informed aquarists who do not really know what UVs can and cannot do, and also the quality and proper installation of the unit also plays a roll in the UV Sterilizers effectiveness.

This pertains to the Redox potential of 300-350 mV that I have found a properly installed and constructed UV. A proper Redox Potential improves the health of humans AND fish. A Redox Potential in the 200-400 mV range in human studies has been shown to have the same affect as anti-oxidant preparations such Vitamin C (and many others). This shows that the health of aquarium fish can be maintained by a UV Sterilizer not just by the killing of potential disease pathogens, but by the maintenance of a proper Redox Potential. I have been observing many
aquariums of such “ordinary” fish as goldfish, both with and without UV Sterilizers (keep in mind that some UVs are useless by design and installation), and the goldfish with every other factor
equal that had a UV Sterilizer installed, were generally much healthier.

Over geologic time abiogenic (not biological in origin), biogenic (produced by living organisms) and anthropogenic (processes are those that are derived from human activities, as opposed to effects or processes that occur in the natural environment without human influences) deposits were accumulated in rivers, lakes and seas. Simultaneously there proceeded the self-purification of natural water on the basis of the chemical reactions of oxidation and reduction. Living organisms such as fish are adapted not to “perfectly clean water”, such as distillated water, but to ecologically clean water with definite content of organic and inorganic compounds, micro-admixtures, ions and even bacteria or saprophyte (any plant that depends on dead plant or animal tissue for a source of nutrition and metabolic energy, e.g., most fungi). The range of mentioned components of ecologically clean water is the integral result of oxidation and reduction self-purification of water.

At the initial stages of this cycle toxic hydrophobic organic compounds (molecules that are repelled from a mass of water) are oxidized to the hydrophilic forms (a molecule or portion of a molecule is one that is typically charge-polarized and capable of hydrogen bonding, enabling it to dissolve more readily in water than in oil or other hydrophobic solvents), which are characterized by the better biological compatibility. Energy of oxidation of degrading organic compounds is absorbed during reduction chemical transformations. Excess of ions of the heavy elements transforms into insoluble, inert, nontoxic forms. Concentration of ions of light elements is stabilized. Just in such water live the water organisms, and land animals drink such water.

Spring waters, which are considered to be the most clean according to the ecological criteria, are filtered through the rocks and subjected to the oxidation and reduction, sorption and catalytic influence. As rule, they are mineralized and include non-volatile organic substances, which are
detected by the permanganate oxidability (expressed by oxidability by potassium permanganate and potassium dichromate).

After electrochemical purification water keeps its initial neutral values of pH, but ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential) of water shifts toward the negative (electrode or reduction) values. The resulting purified water obtains the antioxidant properties with characteristics of
pharmacological activity close to the properties of the antioxidant preparations (a -tocopherol, b -carotene, vitamin C etc.). In case of dilution of polyvitamin preparations in electrochemically purified water ORP of mixtures is decreased approximately by 200 - 400 mV in relation to the control solutions with non-treated drinking water.
This partially explains how a proper Redox Potential improves the health of the fish or other aquatic organisms as I have observed. Bringing this back to my observations of goldfish aquariums; All aquariums with the same filtration (canister filter with sponge filter), the same feeding schedule and food, even the same basic goldfish (a mix of ryukins and orandas); The aquariums with the quality, properly installed UV Sterilizers not only had less incidence of disease, but general health, appetite, vigor, growth, and water clarity were all improved.

One final note about the Redox Potential; Before it seems that you must rush out and buy a UV Sterilizer to maintain your Redox Potential, you can maintain your aquarium’s Redox Potential through proper water changes with ion balanced clean water, ozone generators, even tubes in the water column with water flowing against a column of air. I have just found that a UV Sterilizer is the simplest and most predictable way to do so.

Sniffing, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes – no, it’s not a commercial for your favorite cold medication – it’s your life – if you’re allergic to cats, that is. But just because you’re allergic to those fluffy little felines doesn’t mean you can’t have one of your own. You just have to find ways to deal.

For starters, you can find a breed that sheds less and produces less dander, like the Sphynx (a “hairless” cat with a fine, downy fuzz for hair), Cornish Rex or Devon Rex. They’ve all got hair, but according to The Cat Fancier’s Association, many people who are typically allergic to cats can tolerate these breeds better than others.

If you’re not lucky enough to find one of these purebreds, there are still some steps you can take to become a loving, although allergic, cat owner.

According to PETCO.com, you can alleviate your symptoms by doing the following:

• Washing your hands after play time – and NEVER touching your face after touching your cat.

• Don’t allow your cat in your bedroom – if you do, he’ll surely nap on your bed, spreading allergy-inducing hair and dander.

• Use HEPA air filters and a vacuum with a HEPA filter, as well.

• Leave your cat’s weekly (or daily) grooming to a non-allergic family member. And if the cat will allow it, have him bathed once a week.

• Two or more cats might sound like a nice little pride for your house, but more cats mean more allergens, so make yours a one-feline family.

Until you become less allergic or find the best way for you and your cat to peacefully – and healthily – coexist, be sure to keep treatments on hand to help you through the rough patches. If over-the-counter medications or all-natural treatments don’t work, just ask your doctor – I’m sure he’ll have something up his sleeve that will help alleviate the sniffling, sneezing, coughing…

Jed Yorkshire is a retired teacher and pet enthusiast who writes about canine health topics, specialty breeds, animal training and grooming. An avid pet lover and breeder, he owns four beautiful Giant Schnauzers. Yorkshire also works as a private pet behavior consultant.

The name ‘Oriental’ does not refer to a specific breed of cat, but a group of cats originating from Southeast Asia. Siamese is the most familiar (specifically, a Siamese without points), but Oriental can also refer to Japanese Bobtail, Burmese, and Balinese to name a few. Oriental cats are either longhaired or shorthaired and come in nearly 300 varieties of colors and markings. Longhairs do not require much brushing of the coat and it does not tend to mat making it one of the lower maintenance longhaired breeds. However, longhair varies are known to have problems with fleas so it is important to introduce baths early on in case a flea bath becomes necessary. Shorthairs have a coat that lies close to the skin and is described as silky.

Other than occasional brushings, it is a low maintenance coat. Orientals are small and lean cats (some can be three feet long), living approximately fifteen years. Mature males will weigh between nine and twelve pounds and females, four to eight pounds. They are described as loud and talkative, as well as curious and intelligent.

Orientals are playful, and have been known to use almost anything include breakables and valuables as toys. They enjoy heights and jumping so they would enjoy a cat condo, but do not enjoy the outdoors. They make an excellent family pet and are good with children, provided the children play gently. Orientals are ‘people cats’ and need lots of love and attention from them. Failure to provide adequate attention will result in boredom, which will result in trouble.

Because Orientals have a large gene pool, they are less likely to suffer from genetic problems, but since many of them have Siamese in them, Orientals are more likely to have issues with nystagmus (crossed eyes) which is not serious and will not medically affect the cat. Some Orientals are also prone to heart defects and some have issues with obesity if they do not get adequate exercise.

There is a website that has great information on Oriental Cats and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25 years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970’s-80’s.

RB59 Software

rb59.com/software rb59.com/software

The sweet, playful expression of the Havanese has caught your eye. You are hooked by their fluffy fur and affection. You excitedly scope the classifieds and internet for a Havanese breeder. You can’t wait to bring home a new puppy today!

Slow down. Take a moment and breath. Don’t be too quick with your decision. It is optimal to find a Havanese that has the personality, physicality, and connection that is top notch. Therefore, it is beneficial to take the following factors into account before selecting your specific Havanese.

While purchasing a new dog can be emotional, do not let your emotions outweigh your practical side. You will have your dog for their entire life which can be close to 20 years with a Havanese. Therefore, you want to make sure that you find the Havanese that is going to fit in with your family and enjoy its new home. You must think about your dog’s needs as well as your own.

Set a goal to make an informed decision when choosing your Havanese. The following are some of the issues you need to take into account when you are faced with several different sweet Havanese puppies to choose from.

The issues you should consider when searching for a Havanese include:

• Finding A High Quality Breeder
This is probably one of the most if not the most important considerations to make before you choose your Havanese Puppy. Choosing the wrong breeder may mean you either buy a puppy that is not Pure Havanese, or one which may not be as healthy as you would like and end up costing you enormous in Vet bills.

• Male Versus Female
This, for many remains a personal decision. Whether you prefer a Male or Female Havanese puppy is up to you and what you are looking for in a puppy.

• Age of the Havanese
There are many owners who for some reason or another no longer want their Havanese and give them up. This means there are many older Havanese dogs that are waiting for a new owner. You have a choice when you buy your Havanese. You can either choose to buy a puppy or rescue an older dog.

• Temperament / Personality
When you visit each Puppy you are trying to choose between, you will certainly notice that they each have their own personality. You will need to have an idea as to what temperament or personality you are looking for in your new puppy.

• Health of the Havanese
To save you expensive Vet bills and possibly heartache, it is important that the Havanese you choose is as healthy as can be. This also goes back to making sure you choose the right Havanese breeder.

These are practical issues that must be evaluated so as to avoid any troubling situations or unmet expectations in the future.

Fiona Kelly is a passionate Havanese owner that has uncovered exactly how to have the perfect, happy, healthy and best behaved Havanese. If you’re interested in the Havanese then you must visit her web site at havanese-puppy-guide.com/What-To-Expect-From-A-Havanese.html havanese-puppy-guide.com/What-To-Expect-From-A-Havanese.html. The Author grants you permission to re-print or re-publish this article so long as it remains unchanged and all links remain present and active.

So, up to this point, your dog or cat has been your baby, but now there’s a little human on the way. It is normal and, in fact, wise to be concerned about how the two are going to mix. The chances are very good that everything will work quite well and your pet and your child will be very close buddies, but there are some things you can do to be prepared. First some tips for dogs:

Teach your dog to stay out of the nursery

Start right away putting up a baby gate or keeping the door closed to help your dog learn to stay out of the baby’s room. Later on, you can allow the dog in the room, especially if you are in there, but it’s best to prepare him at first to stay away.

Introduce your dog to some other babies

If he’s never been around a baby, carefully introduce some into his life. He is much less likely to be anxious around your baby if he is introduced gradually.

Make sure he is well trained

A baby’s behavior is not predictable, so your dog has to be the grown up in this case. If your dog does not obey you, it’s time for some training before the baby arrives. If your dog is a male, and you haven’t had him neutered, this is a good time for that, too. It should make the dog calmer and more well mannered.

Then, there’s the cat – some of the same ideas work for cats, too, except that training them to stay out of a room is pretty difficult. They scale baby gates, and cribs, by the way with ease. So, in addition to a baby gate, it’s wise to purchase a net to go over the crib, to keep the cat out. Also, if your cat sleeps with you, don’t put the baby in your bed with the cat in the room.

For both types of pets, keep the food and water bowl away from the baby. Babies love to play in them, and this can not only make a mess, but can cause the animal to be even more jealous. Also, at some point, if your child can get to the pet food, he will try to eat it. I promise.

Your child and your pets should develop a good relationship with little trouble. Just be diligent for a while until everybody is comfortable, and you should continue to have a happy home.

Sarah is a 41 year old wife and mother of two boys and one girl. She spent many years as a manager in the corporate world, and gave it up to be a stay at home mom.

Go to infantresources.com infantresources.com now and get her incredible baby minicourse – absolutely free.

Like many pet owners, I had a huge problem with my dogs: they would always bark! I really needed to find out how to train a dog not to bark, and I found some interesting results.

First of all, you must know the reason why your dog is barking before you figure out a cure. Dogs are like babies in the fact that they will bark (or cry in a babies case) when they are hungry, thirsty, need to defecate or just bored. If it is a case of the first three then there is a simple solution: feed them, give them water or let them outside.

It’s that last one though that is difficult to cure: boredom. Many pet owners work during the day, leaving their pets behind at home for 8-12 hours a day. If the dog is not house trained then it will probably tear apart furniture. If it is trained then it will most likely bark looking for attention. Some will bark because they see something out the window and want to get it but cant. Others bark because they are just hyperactive and can’t help it. If the dog is left at home all day long, a good thing to do would be to shut all the blinds and curtains, to make sure that the dog isn’t barking at birds out the window or children coming home from school. Also, leave the radio or the TV on at a low volume. Chances are that Elmo and friends will give your dog that temporary companionship that you can’t give while at work. Also, don’t be one of those owners who calls home while at work and leaves messages for the dog to listen to. Yes, it’s lonely, but hearing your voice coming out of a weird box in the counter will only make things worse. The dog could literally stand there all day barking at the answering machine until you come home.

And then of course there are what the professionals call ‘reactive barkers.’ These dogs will bark at anything and everything. If the doorbell rings, it barks. If you sit down on a chair, it barks. If you take a hat off, it barks. This means your dog might actually have a problem that only a veterinarian can diagnose and solve.

Remember that you do not have to live with barking anymore. You too can train dog not to bark with just a little bit of patience.

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