All About Dogs by LowchensAustralia.com

• EAR & EYE CARE Online tips and links WHITE COATS AND TEAR STAINS Our own online page CANINE SKIN Our own huge on-line resources GROWING COAT! Our on-line great article on how to grow and keep coat! SIMPLE SECRETS OF GROOMING Reading the title one may think this article concerns washing our four-footed friends. Yes, and even more than that. GROOMING: EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, COSMETICS In respect to grooming all dog breeds can be divided in to four groups. CLIPPING AND STRIPPING Long coated non-shedding breeds like Poodles, Bedlington Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier need regular clipping. Schnauzers and wire terriers also should be stripped. A JOURNEY OF PERSONAL LEARNING OF SHOW GROOMING An excellent article about canine coat and skin which goes into great detail about proper bathing techniques with an overview on grooming products to use for a beautiful show coat! BASIC GROOMING TOOLS & EQUIPMENT Brushes, Combs, Clippers & Blades, Snap-on Combs, Dryers, Clipper Vacuums, Scissors & Shears, Bathing Systems, Nail Clippers, Grooming Tables, De-Matting Tools and more! ALL ABOUT GROOMING Relates to grooming Maltese by Bhe-Jei Maltese. Covers everything you need to know! BRUSHING YOUR DOG The "why's", "where's", and "how to's" ...... SPECIALTY GROOMING TIPS A few tips here to present your dog for the ring. SHOW OFF ON-LINE CATALOG Ena Lane's wonderful selection of grooming "goodies" GROOMING YOUR DOG The basics for the "newbie" CAWS DOG GROOMING TIPS Includes advice on caring for the nails, teeth, ears and bathing DEALING WITH HOT SPOTS! A list of suggestions from professional groomers SCRATCHING AND ITCHING - COULD IT BE YEAST? Searching for the causes behind the irritation in pets and whatever treatment and/or medications will cure this dilemma. DRY SKIN AND COAT Most people feed an adequate diet of a good specialty dog food, you have to be very careful when adding vitamins, etc.  SCISSORING WITH MARIO Taking care of your gear and other hints SCISSORING TECHNIQUE Developing scissoring technique for Pet Grooming WHICH CLIPPERS? Worthwhile article written by a pro groomer SHEDDING Causes and advice EARS & FEET How to pluck the ears, and trim the feet - Shih Tzu's TICKS & OTHER GREMLINS Treating Ticks & Bee stings. FLEA CONTROL PRODUCTS Various Flea Control products, and how they work NATURAL FLEA CONTROL PRODUCTS A great list of natural products to help fight fleas! NATURAL THERAPIES FOR DEALING WITH SKIN PROBLEMS Marina Zacharias is probably one of the most knowledgeable, and as usual, this is wonderful! CLEANING & PLUCKING EARS Another great article of advice from AllPets PLUCKING EARS Learn how to do it properly REMOVING PAW HAIR Get rid of all that hairy growth on the feet! WINTER PAW CARE During the winter months, dogs' paws are often swollen and irritated.... FOOT SENSITIVE DOGS By Myrna Milani, BS, DVM NAIL TRIMMING FOR SENSITIVE DOGS Begin a desensitisation program COAT LOSS A guide to reducing excess coat loss (including thinning, breakage and splitting) SHEDDING CAUSES AND CURES Shedding is often misunderstood. Or owners have a misconception about what is normal and what is excessive shedding.  FUNGAL SKIN INFECTIONS A new and effective treatment! MALTESE ONLY I am sure that the Maltese Only site is one of  the most comprehensive canine sites on the net! Of course, the info is to help the Maltese owner, but can be adapted to suit! I go here often. ACTIVE INGREDIENTS OF FLEA CONTROL PRODUCTS All the info here! PROFESSIONAL GROOMING ARTICLES Lots of excellent grooming tips to be found here! BRUSH OUTS A terrific article by Maltese breeder, the late Marjorie Martin of Columbus, OH. GOOD TIPS FOR DOGS WITH ITCHY SKIN The best way to alleviate itching FAQ'S ON GROOMING & SANITATION Excellent advice from the Pet Education Center. FAQ'S ON PARASITES More from Pet Education! GROWING HAIR ON A DOORKNOB A recipe for growing hair when you need it! FLEA CONTROL Prevention is far easier than the cure. GROOMING TIPS Proper care is important! ITCHY SKIN MAY INDICATE INFECTION While itching can be caused by obvious culprits, such as fleas, sometimes the source of the problem is less obvious. CHIENGORA CHIC Patty Lee's Guide to hand spinning Dog Hair. THE COLOR COORDINATED CANINE Wonderful grooming requirements - latex bands, wraps, etc. Superb! EXAMPLES OF BANDING/WRAPPING YOUR DOG From the super Lainee Shih Tzu site. WONDER HEALING ANTISEPTIC SALVE Rawleigh's Antiseptic Salve is a wonderful healing medication for your dog! ALCOHOLS IN GROOMING PRODUCTS A common misconception is that alcohols in coat products are 'bad'. Used correctly, they are valuable and integral ingredients.... HAIR DRYERS & YOUR DOG'S COAT A hair dryer that overheats can cause more than a few bad hair days.... TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR OWN GROOMING TABLE Some excellent tips here for tables, tack boxes & spray bottles. HOW TO BATH YOUR DOG! Getting the Spot Out of Spot A COOL CANINE COIFFURE There's some debate about whether a summer haircut will help a dog. Some professionals say the coat insulates the dog, keeping out the heat, UV rays, and insects. YOU MAY BE LOSING MORE COAT THAN YOU REALIZE A Guide to reducing excess coat loss (including thinning, breakage and splitting) HELPFUL HINTS FOR SHEDDING PROBLEMS This is also known, among dogs, as "blowing the coat". THE GOOD GROOMING GUIDE From the Dogs-In-Canada site. DANDRUFF Hints to Keep his Coat Clean TECHNIQUES FOR DE-MATTING - by Barbara Bird She writes it as you want to learn it! MATTED & TANGLED COATS Hair shed allowed to remain in medium to long coated pets can easily tangle and matt and cause a pet discomfort and in severe cases, affect their health. KNOTS AND MATS Good advice from AllPets PetCyclopedia THE DREADED MATTED DOG! This article will help you learn the proper way to detangle a matted dog HANDLING AND GROOMING This is an excellent article for the beginner and the experienced groomer! SKUNK SPRAY Tips to Stifle the Stench HOW DOES THE DOG'S COAT GET RENEWED? Any alteration of the coat should be taken as an alarming sign, but this sign is not specific at all. The hair is told to be “the health's mirror”..... CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HAIR Just as there are different breeds of dogs, there are different textures and distributions of hair. GROOMING: EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, COSMETICS The majority of breeds need grooming. And grooming requires proper tools. CLIPPING & STRIPPING A DOG Clipping and stripping are indeed laborious procedures, and one can't just grab it in several hours. DEVELOPING SCISSORING TECHNIQUE FOR PET GROOMING Learn the correct way to hold and use your shears. Great article by Barbara Bird SHAVING THE COAT How to, what to do, what NOT to do! TIPS FOR SHAVING A DOG A series of helpful tips TRIMMING THE COAT There are many things to consider when trimming a coat. Firstly, and most importantly, is the type of dog and condition of the coat. THE ART OF TRIMMING Basic Trimming Ideas & Skills PET GROOMING: NOTES FOR NEWCOMERS A very complete article. Well worth reading! HOW TO EVALUATE A GROOMER How do we find a competent person to approach her with dangerous, sharp implements like scissors and electric clippers? A GROOMING PRIMER This grooming guide is an excellent starting point YEAST-FUNGUS INFECTION Suggestions for Controlling the infection BATHING YOUR DOG  Bathing tips for dog owners of all breeds. BATHING YOUR DOG  Step-by-step instructions HELPFUL GROOMING TIPS Some great tips to help your grooming sessions A TRIP TO THE HAIRDRESSER FOR PETS Even the short and smooth coated dogs must be regularly brushed to remove dead hair and to keep the skin clean and healthy. GROOMING TIPS Using a shedder, slicker, bristle brush etc. HOW TO GROOM A DIFFICULT DOG Dogs, and especially spoiled dogs, are no different than children. MY DOG IS COVERED IN PAINT OR TAR OR OIL Though not a common problems, getting paint, tar, grease, etc., in their fur can be frustrating WHAT TO DO WITH A TORN TOENAIL Toenail problems, specifically torn or broken nails, are common in dogs but rarely life-threatening. Nevertheless, they are quite painful ESSENTIALS FOR A SHINY COAT All dogs benefit from regular grooming. Here are a few tips to help make your pet look his very best. SAFE WAYS TO REMOVE MATS FROM YOUR DOG Removing hair mats is fraught with potential complications. Many mats are firmly attached to the skin, so you must be extremely careful not to cut the skin as you cut off the mat. MARS GROOMING RAKES APPLICATION CHART Choose the right Coat-King for your terrier, collie, spaniel, retriever, shepherd, or other dog. THE EAR Breeds such as the Poodle, Bichon, Lhasa and Terriers have hair growing inside the ears. The hair needs to be pulled out periodically, either with your fingers or tweezers. THE CANINE EAR CARE Our own on-line page of links to everything related to the canine ear EAR TAPING (Obviously not for Löwchen) Ear Taping Products Taping the Natural Ear on a Puppy Taping Ears with Mole Foam & Popsicle Sticks COAT & SKIN CARE The basics of keeping your dog in prime condition THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PET GROOMING AND PESTICIDES A Fact Sheet from the California Environmental Protection Agency  THE GOOD GROOMING GUIDE Tips on techniques and tools to maintain the different coat types. BASIC FOUNDATION FOR HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT Since hair is a reflection of a proper diet, good environmental condition, and of course a healthy dog, each coat type will vary from one degree to another. TIPS AND TRICKS OF THE TRADE Addresses some general grooming area tips, which saves time and money. Great ideas! HOW TO MINIMIZE YOUR DOG'S FAULTS THROUGH CREATIVE GROOMING If you have mastered using the scissors and clippers, now you can use your skill and do some creative grooming. TO GROOM OR TO THE GROOMERS, THAT IS THE QUESTION! So your puppy is looking rather shabby. It's time for the first grooming. You may have asked yourself, should I try to do it myself or would I be farther ahead to have a professional groomer do my dog? STOP BAD HABITS OF GOOD DOGS Grooming your dog should be a relaxing experience for you and your dog. But to insure that it is, there are several things that you should not allow to become bad habits. WRINKLES AND FOLDS Ears, Eyes, and mouth folds are just a few trouble areas for dogs. RED COAT SYNDROME: A DIETARY CAUSE There are reports from breeders that coat color of dogs changed from black to reddish brown when fed certain commercial pet foods. BETWIXT & BETWEEN Preparation and Maintenance Between Shows MAINTAINING A HARSH COAT Keep the harsh firm desired texture and still have a clean dog TANGLE FREE Sorting out the tangles A PERSPECTIVE ON GROOMING So What Are the Rules on Grooming? ALL BURNT OUT? How to Handle & Prevent Sunburn GROOMING WITH AN EYE FOR DETAIL What's the secret behind a show quality grooming routine?  KEEP SHEDDING INVISIBLE How to Help Build Healthier Skin GROOMED FOR SUCCESS Caring for and conditioning drop-coated breeds takes an ongoing commitment to mastering and maintaining proper grooming skills. THE GOOD GROOMING GUIDE Tips on techniques and tools to maintain the different coat types. THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT By Robert Murphy, Technogroom, Carluke

  
  

TIP: 1/2 cup Vinegar to a quart of water sprayed onto the coat of a dog works like a vinegar hair rinse. Their coats gleam! An extremely economical alternative to expensive show shine products.

TIP: For "snow nose" or lightening of pigment, give the following once daily:
1 x 500g PABA, 
1 x 250g Vitamin C
1 Fefol tablet

TIP: Hair Brushes: 
A refreshing bath for hair brushes consisting of a basin full of warm water, 1 tablespoon of soap or detergent and ½ cup of Borax will clean brushes and leave them smelling sweet and fresh. Swish brushes in the sudsy water, rinse and let dry. 

TIP: Chewing Gum in Coat
For gum stuck just on top of the coat, use ice cubes to freeze it first, then you can either break it off, or lift it off gently. If the gum has been rubbed right in, a good solvent will remove it better than anything. Peanut butter works for this rather well.
For gum stuck in the hairs between his toes, it is best to just cut it off carefully, and keep those hairs trimmed to avoid further mishaps. 

TIP: Damaged Dry Hair
A nourishing conditioner for dry or damaged hair which can be used for all hair types: Separate the white of an egg from the yolk, whip it to a peak. Add 1 Tablespoon of water to the yolk and blend until the mixture is creamy. Then mix the white and yolk together. Wet your hair with warm water, remove the excess moisture, and apply the mixture to your scalp with your fingertips. Massage gently until the froth is worked into your scalp, then rinse the hair with cool water. Keep applying the mixture until it is used up and then rinsed until all of the egg is washed away. 

TIP: Dandruff
Vinegar is poured into the hair, massaged into the scalp, and left to dry for a few minutes. Then the hair is washed. The process is repeated daily until the dandruff disappears, usually within a few days. 

TIP: Dry Skin
A simple way to treat dry skin is to add a complete oil to your pet's diet. Corn, safflower, peanut, and sunflower are examples of oils that contain all the essential fatty acids. Your cat can take about one-half teaspoon with each meal. Dogs can be given one to three teaspoons with each meal, depending on size. But remember that more is not better since oils are quite fattening. 

TIP: Dry Skin Shampoo
Several people have reported using this with great success on dogs with dry, scratchy skin and for other skin problems that required frequent baths. 
1/3 Cup Glycerin
1 Cup Lemon Liquid Joy
1 Cup White Vinegar
1 Quart of Water 
Mix in a bottle or an old large shampoo bottle. If you make up the solution in advance, be sure to shake it up before use to make sure the glycerine is mixed thoroughly. 

TIP: Ear Mites
An oil and vitamin E mixture can help to smother the little buggers that have taken up residence in your pet's ears. Blend one-half ounce of almond or olive oil and 400 I.U. of vitamin E (from a capsule) in a dropper bottle and then warm the mixture to body temperature by immersing it in hot water. 
To administer the drops, hold your pet's ear flap up and put about half a dropper-ful in the ear. Then massage the ear canal well enough so that you hear a fluid sound. Once you've massaged the area for about a minute, you can let your pet shake her head. After she's finished, gently clean out just the opening of the ear with a cotton swab to remove any extra oil or debris. You should apply the oil in three treatments, once every other day during a six-day period. Make sure to store the mixture at room temperature with the lid tightly capped. 

TIP: Ear Scratching
Keep dogs from scratching their ears - with a clean, soft cloth dipped in diluted vinegar wipe around the area that is being scratched. 

TIP: Eliminate Ear Mites
All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing. 

TIP: Hot Spots
Hot spots can lead to serious illness in dogs. They can be caused by allergies to chemicals, food, fleas and other substances, but fleas seem to be a primary source. This recipe has proven effective for many dogs suffering from Hot Spots. 
3 capsules Sage
1/4 tsp. Epsom Salts
2 cups of Water
Combine all ingredients and bring this all to a boil.
Cool to room temperature and then strain out the powdered Sage.
Store in a 2-cup spray bottle or jar in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
Spray or wipe on hot spots, insect bites, or any other skin abrasions as many times a day as possible.
It heals in about 3 days, and you should begin to see some hair regrowth in a little over a week.

TIP: Insect bites
Mix water with cornstarch into a paste and apply. This is effective in drawing out the poisons of most insect bites and is also an effective remedy for diaper rash.

TIP: Kills fleas instantly
Dawn dishwashing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.

TIP: Paint in Fur 
Water soluble paints like latex should be washed out of the fur immediately using warm, soapy water. Do NOT use Turpentine or Varsol, and do not allow your dog to chew it out.

You Can Help Your Groomer Help Your Dog
Tips from Doggie Manners

HANDLING: While you are at home, you can handle your dog as your groomer would during grooming. Choose a quiet time and a quiet place, and give her treats during this whole process. Begin by just touching all parts of her body as if your are giving her an all-over body massage. Scratch her tummy, under her chin, and behind her ears. Pet her with long, gentle strokes.

As she becomes comfortable with that, touch her ears, look inside her ears, stroke her muzzle. Pick up her paws, run your hands down her legs, gently squeeze her feet, toes, and tail. 

CLIPPING NAILS: Some dogs do not like having their nails clipped. Take some wooden matchsticks, and cut the matchsticks to get your dog used to the sound, giving her a treat with each cut. Handle your dog’s feet several times a day, giving her a scrumptious treat as you touch them. Then take the nail clipper out and put it on the floor near your dog. Give her a treat every time she looks at the clipper. Pick it up and slowly bring it closer to her giving her treats the whole time. 

Hold your dog‘s foot and put the matchstick underneath her foot and cut the matchstick. When she gets used to this, then put the clipper to her nails and pretend to cut them.

THE SOUNDS: The two sounds to get her used to are the sounds of the hair clippers and the dryer. Begin with the dryer. Put the dryer several feet from her. Turn it on and off very quickly. Toss her a treat every time it is on. As she acclimates to the sound, leave it on for a few more seconds and gradually it move closer to her. Remember the treats! When you finally get close to her, let it blow on the least sensitive part of her body and give her a treat. Leave it on for longer periods. When she is used to the dryer, repeat the entire process again with an electric razor or other appliance that simulates the sound of hair clippers.

THE TABLE: Get her used to being on a raised surface. Several times a day, pick her up and place her on a table, a countertop, your washer or dryer, or some other raised surface on top of which you have put a rubber mat.

THE CRATE: Make her want to go into the crate. Put her favorite toys in the crate and close the door so she is outside and the toys are inside next to the door. Now she wants to go into the crate to get her toys. Open the door and let her in to get them. Leave the door open. Gradually put them further back so she has to go further inside to get them. Do the same thing with her food, and put her dish further back. Begin swinging the door while she is eating. As she gets accustomed to the noise, then close it for just a short period of time. Slowly lengthen the time the door is closed.

Click here to learn how to make some little boots to protect your dogs bracelets in damp weather or muddy conditions.