Cleaning Tear Stains and Some Possible Reasons Stain Occurs

Above photo courtesy of Extreme Chinese Crested

White coated breeds like the Bichon especially at some point in their life may develop tear stains underneath their eyes. Other colors of dogs can also develop stains. Muzzles and between the toes can be a place where stain accumulates. Why does this happen and how do you clean them?

Causes might be:

• health problems
• shape of the eye
• blocked tear ducts
• teething
• ear infection
• allergies of any kind 

If your dog just suddenly develops stains after being free of them you might first consult your vet or a veterinary ophthalmologist to see if there are underlying health issues as the cause. After finding out your dog is healthy, in this article explore a few tips and suggestions to hopefully restore and maintain a beautiful white or light colored face. Not only white coated breeds develop tear stains; other colors do as well; it is just more noticeable on the white coated dogs.

The problem might be the food you are feeding. Check the ingredients of food you are feeding. If it contains corn, wheat and meals used as fillers in dog food, you may have found the cause of tear stains on your dog. Switch to a higher quality brand of food and see if this improves the condition. You need to feed a high quality dog food anyway to avoid other health issues.

If after switching foods you still notice tear stains examine the water your dog drinks. Is the water full of excess minerals? If so, this can cause tear stains. Try using purified, distilled or reverse-osmosis water. 

I recommend using glass water bottles. As your dog dips into a water bowl, this can cause stains around the mouth.

Daily eye and mouth cleaning goes a long way in keeping stains away. Flush the eyes daily with a canine eye wash. You can also get eye wash wipes made especially for dogs to rub underneath and around the eye. 

Try a do it yourself solution for cleaning such as one tablespoon boric acid powder boiled in one cup of distilled water. Make a fresh batch weekly and keep this in the refrigerator. 

Try using 3% hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel to wash the muzzle hair and around the toes; don't use this around the eyes, and be careful to not get into the mouth.

My favorite product is Eye Envy. It is a little expensive, but works very well. Use the solution to clean each day and use the powder afterward to catch whatever falls after cleaning. 

Keep the hair around areas that stain trimmed.

Some Dog Safe Cold Summer Treats for Your Dog to Enjoy

Above photo courtesy of Cathy Tucker from KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

Dogs love sharing your cold treats in summer time weather. It is always tempting to give your dog the last bite of anything you are eating. They are certainly standing in excitement waiting for that one last bite of whatever you are eating, however, what you eat is not necessarily healthy for your dog to eat. Ice cream especially is a cold treat that actually can be hard for dogs to digest because of the milk and cream ingredients. Ice cream might even give your dog the runs as well as can put unnecessary pounds on the dog.

This does not mean you have to leave your dog out of a cold sweet treat in summer months. There are other treats you can feed.

You can turn any dog safe liquid treat into a frozen treat. Just pour the dog safe liquid into ice cube trays and freeze, then give your dog a cube or two whenever you want. Consider something like a no salt added beef or chicken broth treat for freezing.

You can also fill dog hollow rubber toys with the liquid, block the openings before pouring in the liquid with a hard treat such as a dog cookie to use like a cork or plug up the holes with peanut butter. Stand the toy upright in freezer until the liquid is ice.

Instead of ice cream treats try blending frozen fruit with plain unsweetened yogurt. Watermelon is safe for dogs as an ice cold treat. See if your dog likes cantaloupe chunks as these are another good safe choice for cold treats in summer months. Feed these sweet treats in moderation. Always remove the rind.

You can cut the fruit into bite size chunks removing seeds as you go. Place the fruit in freezer for at least four hours until frozen. Try spreading the chunks out on a cookie sheet or in a freezer bag to prevent them from freezing into one single clump. Once you have frozen fruit, put it all in a food processor blender. Add 1/4 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt for every 2 cups of fruit. Blend mixture until smooth adding fruit and yogurt until you have the thickness you desire. To feed, place in a bowl or stuff into hollow rubber toys and serve immediately.

Things to do on the Beach with Your Dog

 

Above photo courtesy of Las Vegas Tiny Chihuahuas

Going to the beach with your dog can be a fun and mentally stimulating experience for you both. However, be aware some dogs can't swim. Here are some activities you can do safely with your dog.

Of course you can go for a walk exploring the shore while allowing your dog sniff seaweed, chase seagulls and watch scuttling crabs.

Play a game of fetch using a ball or flying disc. Be sure to choose a quiet spot so you don't disturb other people and pets on the beach.

Play some fetch in the water (if your dog can swim and enjoys being in the water). It is a good idea to choose a bright colored floating toy so you dog can easily spot it on top of the waves. Also, be sure to play fetch in "shallow water." You don't want to send your dog too far out from the shoreline.

Splash around through the waves. Be careful to not let your dog get too tired with this game and stay close to the shore. Never leave the dog's side.

Take a swim. Let your dog go at its own pace and provide constant supervision. Fit them with a life jacket and watch out for dog getting too tired while swimming.

Some dogs who are confident and good swimmers may enjoy to surf or boogie board. This kind of balance practice is also great for other dog sports like agility or going in a canoe or kayak.

Playing in the sand is always a good option for a day on the beach. Most dogs love to dig and will enjoy digging deep into the sand. Try building some sandcastles and allowing your dog to tear them down.

In calm waters put a dog jacket on him and go for a canoe or kayak ride together.

Your dog will more than likely love going to the beach. Remember:

• to always supervise your dog and never leave them alone which is important for their safety
• don't let your dog disturb wildlife
• keep the dog away from vegetation to avoid damage
• never allow your dog to become a nuisance to other people or pets while on the beach

Take along some some nutritious dog treats and drinking water.

Should You Home Groom or Professionally Groom Your Dogs?

Above photo courtesy of Cathy Tucker from KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

Many dog owners choose to groom their dogs at home for the simple reason that is less expensive and also for the unique bonding time you create during the grooming process. However, there are many positive points to consider about at least every now and then getting a professional groom. If you have the time, stay and watch your dog be groomed. If you choose a real professional groomer, you will notice how much your dog actually enjoys the "beauty treatment" in his dog salon. 

Here are some of things a professional dog groomer does during sessions:

• typically the dog is thoroughly brushed, bathed and dried
• groomers trim or clip dog hair with sanitized brushes and clipper blades
• they brush or comb out all mats before the bath making it easier to lather up the dog with a nice smelling shampoo specifically for your dog's type of hair (if you have found a true professional dog groomer)
• they clean the dogs ears and check for signs of ear infections
• they trim most dogs over or around the eyes, at the tips of the ears and bottoms of feet, which are all places a dog owner often finds difficult to reach
• they can also brush your dog's teeth if requested
• professional groomers have all the right tools to make your dog look its best; I have often been totally taken back and amazed when my dogs come out of professional grooming sessions
• many groomers know how to groom for breed show cuts, which is important if you show your dog or dogs; this requires precise grooming skills as different dog coats require different brushes and other tools
• a good groomer removes all dead hair leaving less dead hairs to fall on your carpets and floors
• a good professional groomer knows how to handle old, anxious or aggressive dogs gently and with confidence; you will be surprised
• professional grooming really helps out when you have back pain or other health problems which prevent you from having to lift and handle your dog appropriately for grooming sessions

There are also health benefits for your dog including:

• regular baths wash out all the dirt which helps to prevent skin irritations; on the other hand if you bath too frequently you can stir up skin problems as well; finding the happy medium of how often to bath your particular breed is key to helping eliminate skin problems
• using the correct brushes and other tools for coat type removes damaged and dead hair and allows new growth of healthy hair
• careful professional brushing distributes natural oils to help keep the coat shiny and well lubricated

Of course you can learn which are the right tools to use for home dog grooming while you watch your professional groomer and perform at home with similar results, however, a regular visit to a professional groomer is still a great way to keep your dog looking gorgeous as well as to learn yourself how to groom your dog. You will be stunned to see how beautiful he or she looks when they are all done. Your dog should enjoy his or her day at his dog beauty salon. It is just an extra kind of a treat for you and the dog to get a professional groom at least every now and then. Show them off after they get all prettied up!

Are You Thinking About Getting a Second Dog?

Above photo courtesy of Dreier's Fire Poodles

 

Consider the following points before getting a second dog:

Take a good look at your current dog and determine whether or not he or she is out of puppyhood and completely trained as you desire he or she to be. Are you well bonded to your current dog? It might be more difficult for one person to train and/or bond with two young dogs at the same time. Take your time with each new member of the family.

Many dog experts recommend your first dog be at least one to two years old before adding a second dog to the family unit. If your first dog is very old, he or she might not tolerate a new frisky puppy and might not be able to play with the puppy. The older dog might consider this newcomer as a nuisance instead of a welcome family member. Take time to think about it.

Do you have enough space for a second dog?

Will you be able to walk two dogs at once?

Dogs with similar energy levels make the best companions.

Which sex is best to add to the family? This will depend a lot upon the personality yet some people do suggest opposite sex dogs get along better than same sex dogs.

Consider your life's upcoming events or projects. Be sure you allow enough time in your schedule to training and socializing a new puppy.

Can you afford the additional costs of owning two dogs. Everything doubles. There will be twice the food to buy, 2 vet visits, double vaccines, double grooming and so forth.

Can Dogs Get Sunburn?

Above photo courtesy of Chinese Crested Puppies

Like humans, dogs can get sunburn. Some dogs are more susceptible than others. Dogs can even experience the same complications and/or diseases associated with sun exposure. Take a few common sense safety precautions to prevent sunburn and diseases related to excessive sun exposure; dog sunscreen formulated especially for dogs will be your best defense.

Hairless dogs like the Chinese Crested and American Hairless Terrier to name a couple, there are other breeds as well. Know the risks to your own dog breed. If your dog has white hair, he like a human with blonde hair will most likely have fair skin that requires careful applications of sunscreen. Dogs with thin coats, light colored noses (such as the dogs with liver color genes) and eyelids even lips are more at risk for sunburn. Collies, Australian Sheepdogs and just any dog with light or white pigment on their ears or near the nose are those you need to take extra precautions. Some dogs with thick coats of hair experience hair loss from seasonal shedding are more at risk for sunburn. It is safe to say if your dog has thin hair or a health condition that caused thin hair it will be at a greater risk for sunburn. 

Be aware of any dog that just loves to lie out on the patio, concrete or light surfaces and especially those who lie on their backs basking in the sunshine can suffer from too much sun exposure. Smother them with sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Be sure to use the right type of sunscreen. Using the wrong type causes problems as well as not using any at all. Of most importance here is that you use formulas specifically made for dogs. Human sunscreen is not the solution. Read the labels. Do not use products containing zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) BECAUSE these ingredients are highly toxic to dogs. You will poison your dogs if you use products containing these ingredients, so carefully read the labels for ingredients on sunscreen products you choose. Why is this? Dogs often lick their skin and will accidentally swallow the sunscreen.

Another good idea when choosing dog sunscreen is to look for one that is waterproof, unscented and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.

Next comes the tricky part of getting the sunscreen on your dog. Test a small spot to be sure your dog is not allergic to the product. Be sure to put it on spots most exposed to the sun like the bridge of the nose, ear tips, skin around the lips, groin and inner thighs. Look anywhere else on the dog where skin color is light and smooth on sunscreen. Be sure to NOT get product into the dog's eyes. Watch the dog 10 or 15 minutes after applying to allow adequate absorption and to be sure the dog does not lick product off. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before your dog goes outside. While in the sun reapply sunscreen every 4 to 6 hours or after swimming sessions.

If you rather not mess with sunscreen, consider using protective clothing such as sun shirts for dogs that cover large areas of their bodies, of course you still got the lips, nose and ears exposed in which you will need to protect with sunscreen lotion. Hats and even goggles are available to protect your dog from the dangers of too much sun exposure. Essentially you can dress your dog much like humans dress to avoid too much sun exposure, that is, if your particular dog will tolerate the costumes.

All dogs and especially puppies and older dogs are at risk of heat stroke. Be sure they have access to lots of fresh drinking water at all times. Ask your vet for advice on how best to protect your dog and of course you can just simply keep your dog in the shade with free access to water.

Home Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners

Above photo courtesy of Zyanya Shih Tzu

Put it on your to do checklist to take an audit yearly of your pet's supplies. Items like toys, feed and water bowls or containers are high on the list for sanitizing. Be sure to use pet safe cleaning supplies. I highly recommend using all natural products such as those offered through Life's Abundance. Check out Life's Abundance all natural cleaning supplies for safe cleaning for pets and humans as well.

Living in colder areas of the world teaches you quickly how important it is to clean up your yard. Snow melts and suddenly you can actually see everything you neglected to clean up during the colder months. Your dog's waste droppings may be in the piles well hidden by the beautiful white snow falls.

Warm weather calls for dogs and puppies to bask in the beautiful sunshine. It is time to make sure your yard is a safe haven for them to hang out and play around. As you pick up the poop do not neglect picking up sticks, stones, fallen or stray branches and anything else your dog will no doubt find quickly to chew on and play with.

Give your kitchen a deep annual cleaning that includes dog supplies as well. Replace worn out dog dishes regularly. Clean dog dishes at least every day. Add a bit of sanitizing bleach to the dishes cleaning water and rinse well. Of course you should clean rugs or mats under their dishes as well.

Check puppy or dog's food, treats and medications for expiration dates frequently and dispose of anything that is expired.

Living with dogs presents us with unique cleaning chores especially if your dog sheds hair often. Stray hairs and dander are among some of the biggest challenges home owners/pet owners tackle. If you have carpet you will want to get into every corner and surface of your home with a trusted vacuum.

To prepare for your vacuuming chores improve chances of making a good clean sweep on carpets and upholstery. Use a light mist with water and fabric softener. Follow this misting step with a once-over with a stiff-bristled brush to loosen and pull up embedded hairs. Lint rollers should be stashed in many different places of your home. Go over these surfaces with a lint roller, aa pet hair remover, or other hair grabber after vacuuming. For the finishing touch after all pet hair is gone go over the fabrics and carpets with a fabric spray.

Take a deep look into your dog's toy box. If toys are dirty, give them a good, deep clean with hot soapy water. Fabric toys go into the washing machine nicely. Throw out broken or potentially dangerous toys. Now comes the real fun of replacing old worn out toys with new and more innovative dog toys.

Thoroughly clean crates, carriers, collars, leashes and dog clothes. Be safe and use all natural cleaning products to reduce the chance of pets and or children and adults coming in contact with dangerous cleaning chemicals.