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The Grooming Issue

Like all firsts, I vividly remember the very first time I bathed my furry baby Hitler. He was just a teensy puppy then, a three-month-old ball of fur. hat super slippery and T chaotic moment left both our maid and I totally soaked through afterwards. But it was such a fun and priceless bonding experience, which I absolutely loved. Im sure all pet parents would agree! Grooming time is a precious and wonderful way to bond with your pet. So until now, even if I have trusty househelp who can do the job for me, I grab the chance to do it myself whenever time permits. Crazy as it seems, the whole chaotic process actually relaxes me immensely. Call it therapy, if you will. Since were on the topic, Id like to share some personal tips and tricks to make this a great time for you and your own furry baby. First, bathing. I always take Hitler on longer walks than usual on bath day so that he can play outside more to his hearts content and get just a tad grimier than usual before his bath. Even if we live in a tropical climate, I only use lukewarm water to bathe him so as not to bring a sudden, uncomfortable splash of cold to his body. Since he hates having his face wet, I start from the tail first to work out the dirtiest parts of his body the backside and hind legs and leave the shampoo on there a bit longer while I work the other parts before rinsing out. Based on experience, natural shampoo is best as it is safest and also provides the most ideal coat conditions. For dual benefits, I recommend shampoos with natural repellents as well as coat-enhancing ingredients. I use a soft rubber brush during shampooing to massage him at the same time (Kong Zoomgroom in Bow & Wow works great for this!). When drying, I use at least 3 to 4 towels: 2 on the floor to absorb moisture and another 2 for towel-drying. To prevent the dreaded hair-dryer battle, I give Hitler plenty of treats and cuddles in between. While drying, I check his body for pests or anything unusual, as well as his paws for nail length or any foreign debris. We finish off the bath with a light mist of scented pet spray. After the bath, playtime is a MUST! Next, brushing. Hitler gets wiped down and brushed every night before we go to bed. He enjoys this time because its tummy-stroking time, too. I use a combination of slicker and wire-pin brushes, and sometimes my fingers, to gently work out mats and tangles. In times of tangles, conditioning formulas sprayed right on the mat helps loosen them. Ive learned the hard way that the less you brush, the more tangles you get! Lastly, dental, ear, and eye care. I am so proud of Hitlers puppy-perfect teeth, which are brushed at least twice a week. I use flavoured natural toothpaste, such as Petrodex, to make the brushing process more enticing. (It works!). I clean his ears periodically with ear cleaner, which I never spray directly into the ear but dampen on cotton first. His button-cute eyes are also wiped gently with a damp cloth each night to prevent tear stains. When we started out grooming, Id give Hitler a treat here and there as a reward. Now, though, grooming itself is a treat for him and all I have to do is say, lay, lay!. Of course, when time comes for a hair trim and/or nail clipping, we have to hie off to the professional groomers because I cant manage that myself anymore! Pamper your furry baby with regular grooming and watch him physically and emotionally reap the benefits. But dont just take my word for it read it from the experts! In this issue, weve compiled a lot of great articles (and great products) to help you groom-and bond best withyour one and only baby.

to transform pet owners into pet parents

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We believe dogs and cats must have the best nutrition and health care available. We believe dogs and cats are not toys for our amusement; they have feelings, they are very loyal and they need our tender loving care. We believe the best way to acquire new pets is through pet adoption from the animal shelters. We are against selling dogs and cats in pet shops which involves prolonged confinement in small cages. We are against all forms of animal cruelty including chaining and caging dogs. We support the good work of organizations like Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Compassion & Responsibilities for Animals (CARA), and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

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editorial staff
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Romy Sia Pam So-Suarez

editor-in-chief

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Happy Pet Parenting!

We digest it for pet parents... The Bow & Wow Times tracks all relevant pet information from key websites, magazines, journals, animal research and studies, and other credible sources. Then we summarize what is essential for you to know in order to raise healthy and happy pets, and become the best pet parents you can be. The Bow & Wow Times is in no way intended to replace the knowledge and/or diagnoses of veterinary professionals. Always consult with your veterinarian whenever a health problem arises which requires expert care.

Pam So-Suarez pssuarez@bowandwow.com.ph

Issue No.10

The Bow & Wow Times is a quarterly publication of the Healthy Options Group of Companies with corporate offices located at #3 Economia Street corner Calle Industria, Barangay Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City, 1110 and trunk line of (632)637-8888. For subscription inquiries, visit any of our stores listed above. Bow & Wow is a trademark registered at the Philippine Patent Office. ENTERED AS THIRD CLASS (PM) POSTAGE PAID AT QUEZON CITY CPO Under Permit No. NCR-05-07-201 valid until December 31, 2012. Subject for Postal Inspection.

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the grooming issue

Pet Grooming 101

What Every Pet Parent Must Know
Grooming time is the perfect time to bond with your baby. Its also an ideal time to examine your dog or cats body for fleas, ticks, skin irritations, lumps, or sore spots. Youll also want to check their ears, eyes, and teeth regularly and talk to your vet about anything that may be unusual. Here are some valuable information, tips, common sense advice, and impor tant insights into providing your baby with the best grooming care possible:

Dog Grooming Basics

Proper grooming of your dog really comes down to four areas coat, nails, teeth, and ears.

Grooming your dog or cat from head to tail!

Pet parents know that in addition to good nutrition, adequate exercise, and routine health care, proper grooming ranks high on the list of ways to love and take care of our beloved babies. Grooming your dog or cat is more than just about keeping them clean, its really about their overall health and well being. Pets love to be groomed; when dogs and cats are groomed properly and regularly, they feel better and are more energeticplus, its great for their mental and emotional health, too! Regardless of what kind of pet you have, some sor t of grooming is required. From Shih Tzus to Siamese cats, every pet needs proper grooming to maintain health and happiness. The most basic of pet grooming starts with a simple wash followed by a brushing. A bath helps to eliminate excess dirt and oil that can build up on your pets coat, while brushing prevents mats or tangles and removes excess fur to allow the skin underneath to breathe. More advanced steps, yet equally necessary, include nail trimming and coat clipping. Even if you plan to have your pet groomed professionally on a regular basis, it is still best for a pet parent to acquire some basic grooming knowledge, as well as some basic supplies for everyday care and maintenance. Always be sure to use appropriate products for your pet as much as possible, veer away from chemicals and use only natural products. Editors Note: Consult with your Bow & Wow pet consultant or check out our magazine centerfold for the best grooming products to pamper your baby!

Coat
It is recommended that you brush your dogs coat every day. Doing so will help keep his hair in good condition by removing dirt, while spreading natural oils throughout his coat. Youll also be helping to prevent tangles from forming and keeping his skin clean and free from irritation. Long-haired dogs need to be groomed daily, while short-haired breeds may only need one session per week. Pick a time when your dog is relaxed, such as after walking, and when you have sufficient time. Although there are many different shapes and sizes, there are basically three different brush typesbristle brushes, wire-pin brushes, and slicker brushes. When choosing a brush for your dog, consider his breed and coat type: Bristle brushes can be used on all coat types. In general, the longer the coat, the more widely spaced and longer the bristles should be. Also, the coarser the hair, the stiffer those bristles need to be. Wire-pin brushes, with or without rubber-tipped ends, are the preferred choice for pets with medium to long hair and those with curly or woolly coats. Slicker brushes have fine wire bristles and are especially useful for removing mats and tangles. Rubber combs are also effective at massaging the skin and removing dead hair from short-haired breeds. It is also a good idea to have a grooming rake to get to your dogs undercoat to remove mats or dead hair.

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Brush in the direction of hair growth, beginning at the head, and work towards the tail and down the legs. It is best to start brushing your pet at an early age. You want to make this a fun, enjoyable experience so go slowly and be sure to praise and reward him with plenty of treats.

Nails
Clipping your dogs nails is importantlong nails can really hamper his ability to get around. You should trim your pets nails about once per month. Youll need a clipper designed specifically for the kind of dog you haveeither a scissor or guillotine-style clipper can be used. You should also purchase a small bottle of blood-clotting powder.

Tips for Bathing your Dog:

Youll want to bathe your dog once every two weeks or as often as needed. Be sure to brush him before each bath in order to get all of the mats out of his coat. Place a rubber mat in your bathtub, or a towel in your sink, for secure footing. Then place a cotton ball in each of your dogs ears to prevent water from entering. Rinse him with warm water. Use a spray hose if one is available but be sure to keep the nozzle very close to your dogs body. Never spray him in the face. Apply shampoo in small amounts, working from the head to the tail. Be sure to clean his backside, between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin. Try to avoid getting shampoo in your dogs eyes. Thoroughly rinse your pet with warm water. Dry your dog with a towel and/or hair dryer.

Nail Clipping Tips:

Gradually shorten one nail. Be sure to stop before you reach the quick, which is the part of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. If you cannot see the quick clearly, stop cutting just behind the point at which the nail begins to curve downward. If you cut into the quick, do not panic. Put some clotting powder on a moist cotton swab and press it firmly against the nail for several seconds. It should stop any bleeding.

Ears
Ear care is an important part of grooming. Ear infections not only can be painful, but lead to permanent hearing loss. The signs of a problem with your dogs ears include redness, constant scratching, head shaking, and odor.

Cleaning Your Dogs Ears:

Check your dogs ears twice per month. The skin inside and on the flaps should be pale pink. If there is a foul odor and/or any red, brown, or black skin, have a veterinarian examine his ears. To clear your dogs ears, moisten a cotton ball with warm water or a little mineral oil and use it to clean the opening into the canal and the flaps. Do not go too far into the canal.

Teeth
Dogs can get cavities and develop periodontal disease, so their teeth should be cleaned with natural pet toothpaste at least twice per week. It is best to use a small toothbrush that has soft bristles. You may also need a veterinarian to do a periodic cleaning, too.

....continued on page 4 Pet Grooming 101

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the grooming issue

If you have a senior cat that is sensitive to the wire brushes, look for a brush that has plastic tipped teeth. This may be more comfortable next to the skin for your older cat.

Taking Care of Mats:

The dreaded mat can form on even the most well-groomed cats, especially during seasonal shedding. If you find these clumps of dried, tangled hair in your cats fur, never try to cut them out because you could slip and cut your cats skin. It is better to work out a mat with a grooming comb: With one hand, try to hold the hair as close to its base as possible without pulling directly on the cats skin. Hold the grooming comb in your other hand and use the tip to pick at the mat gently until it begins to loosen up. As it starts to break apart from the coat, it can easily be combed out.

Cat Grooming Basics

Because cats do a lot of their own grooming, they dont need as much help as dogs. The most important thing you can do is brush her. How often? It depends on the length of her coat. A cat with a very short, single coat similar to the Siamese, Burmese, and Cornish Rex needs very little grooming. Dense-coated shor thaired cats like American shor thairs, British shorthairs, and Scottish folds require a monthly grooming session. Semi-longhaired cats resembling Maine Coons should be combed and bathed even more regularly. Cats with long, flowing coats resembling the Persian should be combed and have their faces cleaned at least every other day, and they should be bathed weekly or bi-weekly. Their ears should also be cleaned.

Cleaning Your Cats Eyes

Eye matter can be a problem in big-eyed, short-nosed cats breeds like the Persian that have that mushed-in look to their faces. To clean the eyes, use a soft washcloth or a cotton ball dipped in tepid water. Hold your cats head and wipe the damp cloth gently across her lower eyelid. Be careful not to rub the eyeball directly. Let the moisture soften the eye matter and then go back and wipe again. Make sure you use a fresh section of the cloth each time.

Combing and Brushing Your Cat

Without proper brushing, cats will be subjected to shedding as well as a greasy consistency to their fur and matting. Remember to comb gently from front to back and reassure your cat with a soothing voice. Do this as much as needed to keep shedding and knots to a minimum. Combs and brushes should be selected based on her type of coat. In general, your brush should remove dry, dead skin from your cats coat along with the excess hair while distributing the natural oils in her coat. Hard brushes are an ideal choice to keep the dense coats of shorthair cats from knotting and soft brushes can be used effectively on cats with short, sleek coats. Pin or wire brushes are the ideal choice (along with combs) to keep longhair cats coats from knotting. Palm-held rubber brushes are another alternative if your cat has an aversion to regular brushes. These small brushes are easily concealed in your hand and enable you to groom your cat while petting her.

Source : bluebuffalo.com

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Bathing Your Cat

With her built-in grooming tools (tongue and teeth, of course), your fastidious feline is well-equipped to tackle her own hair-care needs and rarely would need a full bath. But, if she is very dirty or gets into something sticky or smelly, you may need to give her a bath. Since most cats dislike baths, read the following tips before you begin to ensure minimal stress and maximum efficiency. 1. Perfect timing: Schedule baths when your cat is at her most mellow. A play session with a cat dancer or other toy of choice can help tire out even the friskiest of felines. 2. Clip, snip: For your own protection, exper ts recommend trimming Fluffys claws before bathing. 3. The brush-off: Next, give your cat a good brushing to remove any loose hair and mats. Now is also a good time to gently place some cotton in her ears to keep the water out. 4. Stand firm: Place a rubber bath mat in the sink or tub where youll be bathing your kitty so she doesnt slip. Fill with three to four inches of lukewarm water. 5. Just add water: Use a hand-held spray hose to thoroughly wet your pet, taking care not to spray directly in her ears, eyes, and nose. If you dont have a spray hose, a plastic pitcher or unbreakable cup works great. 6. Lather up: Gently massage your pet with a solution of one part cat shampoo (human shampoo can dry out her skin) to five parts water, working from head to tail, in the direction of hair growth. Take care to avoid the face, ears, and eyes. 7. All clear: Thoroughly rinse the shampoo off your cat with a spray hose or pitcher; again, be sure the water is lukewarm. Ensure that all residues have been removed, as it can irritate the skin and act as a magnet for dirt. 8. About face: Use a washcloth to carefully wipe your pets face. Plain water is fine unless her face is very dirtyin which case, we recommend using an extra-diluted solution of shampoo, being very cautious around her ears and eyes. 9. Dry idea: Youre almost there! Wrap your cat in a large towel and dry her with it in a warm place, away from drafts. If your kitty doesnt mind the noise, you can use a blow dryeron the lowest heat setting. And please note, if your pet has long hair, you may need to carefully untangle her fur with a wide-toothed comb. 10. Good girl!: Your little bathing beauty deserves endless praiseand her favorite treatafter all this! And with such a happy ending, next time she may find that bath time isnt so bad.
Source: aspca.org

Bathing Your Cat

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Choosing The Right Shampoo For Your Pet

Pet shampoo for dogs and cats is not the same as shampoo for people. Human shampoos are designed for a more acidic skin with many sweat glands and are often too harsh for pet skin. Inexpensive, harsh, or detergent-type shampoos harm delicate pet skin and strip essential skin oils. Rather than using human shampoos routinely, use a product engineered to benefit pet skin. After bathing with a shampoo, allow 24-48 hours before applying topical flea medications. This time allows the natural oils to spread over the skin so the topical product can bind the oils. If youve just put a topical flea product on your pet, wait 24-48 hours before bathing with shampoo.

Key Facts on your pets skin:

Pet skin is not as acidic as human skin Pet skin is thinner than human skin Pet skin doesnt have sweat glands, except in the footpads

Pet Conditioners
Pet conditioners make it easier to comb out your pets hair. With pet conditioners and cream rinses, the hair shafts become smoother so the hairs slide rather than tangle. Its easy to think of pet shampoo as being enough for your pets skin, but the rinse or conditioner is for the hair itself. But even with cream rinses or conditioners, matted hair is not easy to comb through, so cut matted hair out before bathing your pet.

Soothing Pet Shampoos

Soothing pet shampoos remove grease and odors from the pets skin without stripping skin oils. hese pet shampoos ease skin T irritation and leave flea and tick topical medications intact because they are formulated with special ingredients, including emollients. Emollients increase the moisture in the skin so that skin and hair remain soft and flexible. Among the ingredients used in soothing shampoos are oatmeal, aloe vera, Vitamin E, and fatty acids.

Medicated Pet Shampoos

Medicated shampoos treat skin problems, such as mites, bacterial and yeast infections, scaling, greasiness, itching, fleas, and odor. Some medicated shampoos are good cleansers, some are not. Medicated shampoos are formulated with a variety of ingredients, such as tea tree oil, chamomile, calendula, miconazole, coal tar, and chlorhexidine. Most medicated shampoos are purchased over-the-counter, but shampoos with high concentrations of active drug ingredients, such as 4% chlorhexidine or 1% hydrocortisone, require prescriptions.

Flea Control Shampoos for Pets

Any shampoo left on for 10 minutes kills fleas, but in some shampoos, there is no residual action. This means that when pets are bathed with regular shampoos, fleas in the yard or home will jump back on the pet after the bath. Long-term flea prevention doesnt come from shampoos but from oral and topical flea treatments. Most topical flea treatments work by combining with oils in the skin. Gentle pet shampoos contain essential fatty acids or aloe vera that dont strip away skin oils or flea treatments.
Source: pethealth101.com

Choosing The Right Shampoo For Your Pet

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the grooming issue

How To Find A Groomer For Your Baby

Imagine how you would look and feel if you never bathed, brushed your hair, or trimmed your nails. To be healthy and happy, your pet needs basic grooming, too. Question is, should you take your pet to a professional groomer? The answer depends on the type of pet you have and your comfort level. Typically, a trained professional can more safely and humanely handle tricky procedures and temperamental or frightened animals.
difficulty of the cut. More extensive and mobile grooming services cost more. Expect to pay more for mobile grooming services that come to your home.

How to ease your pets fears

Its important for your pet to tolerate being groomed, regardless of how often you take him to a professional. To train your pet, groom him briefly when youre both relaxed. Gradually introduce a brush or comb. Each day, increase the grooming time and work on different areas. Reward your pet for cooperating. The more comfor table your pet feels with home grooming and around strangers, the better hell tolerate professional grooming.

Finding a groomer
Start with a recommendation from a friend, veterinarian, boarding kennel, dog trainer, pet supply store, or animal shelter. Check with your local animal welfare groups to see if any complaints have been lodged against a grooming facility. After narrowing your search, call groomers to ask about services, costs, and hours of operation. Also request the names of a few current clients to interview.

Preparing for the first visit

For the health and safety of both your pet and the groomer, make sure your pet is up-to-date on veterinar y treatment, including vaccines and sterilization. Spayed and neutered pets are generally calmer, and sterilized dogs are less likely to bite. A pet who is particularly nervous or difficult to handle makes the grooming process stressful for both your pet and the groomer. If this sounds like your pet, work with an animal behavior specialist or dog trainer.

Evaluate a grooming facility

Before selecting a groomer, tour the facility. Here are some factors to consider during your evaluation: Is the facility well-lit? Does it look and smell clean? Does the staff appear knowledgeable and caring? Do they handle pets gently? Are cages adequately sized? Are dogs and cats caged in separate areas? Are pets monitored regularly to prevent overheating during blow-drying? Does the groomer keep complete pet records (medical/ vaccination, emergency contact information)?

Give them the 411

When making the appointment, inform the groomer about your pets needs. To provide special handling, the groomer must know in advance whether your pet is geriatric or has a chronic health condition. Also warn the groomer about any habits that could interfere with safe and successful grooming. Keep in mind that groomers are not licensed to dispense tranquilizers; if your pet needs sedation to be groomed, find a veterinarian who employs a groomer.

Short and sweet goodbyes

Finally, when you drop your pet off at the groomer, bid your pet good-bye quickly as emotional departures will increase your pets stress level. When you pick up your pet, both of you will enjoy that clean, mat-free coat that makes petsand their pet parentsmore comfortable.
Source : globalanimal.org

How much does grooming cost?

Grooming costs vary depending on where you live, your pets species, and size, the severity of matting, and the simplicity or

How To Find A Groomer For Your Baby

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ask the vet

Ask the

et

A. Parasites are not the only cause of pets scratching themselves. There maybe other causes like allergies and environmental irritants. You should find the root cause for this scratching and remedy this before you scold your pet. Healthy hair does not usually fall off whenever a cat scratches itself; provision of skin supplements can help to prevent excessive shedding that could lead to hairball formation in your cat.

By : Ma. Mylene L. Maranan, DVM Bow & Wow resident veterinarian

Q: Is it alright for me to just use dental treats for the oral cleaning of my pets teeth? She bites me every time I try to brush her teeth.
A. Proper oral care is essential for the overall health of your pet. Brushing their teeth is one way to help prevent the occurrence of bad breath and tooth loss in your pet. If your pet bites you every time you brush her, you might consider seeking professional help in this area. Bringing them to a groomer or to your local veterinarian for cleaning is also wise.

Q: My Shih-tzu has a few mats developing on her fur. There are so many brushes and combs to choose from. What shall I use for her problem fur?
A. Breeds such as Shih-tzus should have a daily combing regimen to prevent the development of simple tangles that would eventually lead to fur matting. For the purpose of removing mats, there are mat removing combs available; this type of comb has a cutting edge that can saw through mats without damaging the skin. The other grooming implements such as combs or brushes have different uses like removing dead undercoat, removing fleas, and bringing out the shine of fur among others. Pet parents can just choose the type of comb or brush to use depending on the needs of their pets.

Q: My Pug is quite stinky, his coat is emitting this scent that is not appealing to people who touch or Q: I would like to buy your litter box, but I was handle him. What can I do to remedy this? wondering if my cats will use it? They have been A. Some breeds of dogs have skin folds (Ex. Pugs, Sharpei, etc.) using a litter tray for long time and it might be hard that oftentimes become breeding grounds for bacteria to grow for them to adjust to a new litter box. Is it also okay on. They feed on dead skin cells and thrive on moisture trapped for 2 cats to share one litter tray/box?
on these folds. It is wise to thoroughly dry your dog after bathing and frequently wipe in between these folds to prevent sweat and moisture build up. There are also deodorizing sprays available to help improve the scent of your dog. A. You have to train your cats to use the new litter box for a few days to get them to be comfortable with it. Once you get your new litter box, just place it beside your old litter tray, preferably uncovered, with the same amount of cat litter you use on the tray. Remove a small amount of litter from the old tray so that your cat would look for another place (the new litter box) for them to do their business. Once they are moving to the litter box, just remove the tray totally. You can then cover the box once in a while so that the full benefit of the litter box filter would be put to good use. Sometimes, when the cats are already used to sharing their litter trays/ boxes, it would not be a problem to just have one litter box in the house. But if one cat messes somewhere else, it would be wise to have 2 litter boxes.

Q: My cat scratches herself though we know that she does not have any fleas on her. I think her fur is loosened by this action and her hair is scattering all around the house and oftentimes, we see her cough out hairballs. It is becoming a nuisance scolding her every time she does this. Is there a way for me to prevent this scratching?

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pet care

Dental Care for Cats & Dogs

By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM

How can I tell if my pet has a dental problem?

Bad breath is often a first indicator of dental disease. Gently lift the lips and check for tartar, inflamed gums, or missing/broken teeth. Cats may exhibit increased drooling. Both cats and dogs can exhibit reluctance to eat or play with toys, chattering of the teeth when trying to eat, lethargy, bleeding gums, eroded teeth, and failing to groom (cats). Dental disease progresses in stages -- if caught early, you can prevent further damage and save as many teeth as possible.

How is the rest of the body affected by bad teeth?

Pet dental care is important for overall health. Bad breath in pets, particularly dogs, is often joked about, but it is not a laughing matter. Dental disease affects up to 80% of pets over the age of three, and just like humans, there can be serious consequences of poor dental health. Infected gums and teeth arent just a problem in the mouth -- the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract, and joints may also be infected. The tartar and any infected areas of the mouth contain a multitude of bacteria than can seed to other parts of the body. With regular dental care, you can prevent some of these more serious side effects.

How many teeth do dogs and cats have, Where should I start? anyway? With a new puppy or kitten, talk to your veterinarian at the
Dogs start out with 28 deciduous (baby) teeth, cats start out with 26. By six months of age, these baby teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth, 42 in the dog and 30 in the cat. vaccination appointments on how to initiate a good dental care program at home. Most veterinarians are happy to provide brushing lessons, and many carr y brushes and toothpaste specifically for dogs and cats. (NOTE: do not use human toothpaste on your pet!) If your pet is over 3 years of age, it would be wise to schedule a dental check up with your veterinarian. If a dental cleaning is necessary, it is advisable to do pre-anesthesia blood work to make sure your pet does not have any underlying problems. Your pet will be fasted from the evening before for the anesthesia. The dental itself is similar to a human dental cleaning - tartar removal, checking for cavities, gingival (gum) pockets, loose teeth, any growths on the gums or palate, removal of diseased teeth, and finally, polishing. The polishing is to smooth the tooth after tartar removal, as the tartar pits the tooth. A smooth tooth will not encourage tartar formation as easily as a roughened tooth. With good dental care, your pet can enjoy a long and healthy life.

Will I find the deciduous teeth, and what happens when they dont fall out on their own?
You may or may not find the teeth as they fall out. As dogs play and chew on toys, you might see a tooth. Likewise, as a cat grooms, you may find a tooth in the fur. If the deciduous teeth dont fall out and the permanent teeth erupt under them, this can lead to problems, such as increased tartar formation, malocclusion problems, and gingival (gum) irritation.

When should dental care start with my pet?

The earlier the better. With the help of your Veterinarian, be on the lookout for retained deciduous teeth and malocclusion (bad bite) problems. Your veterinarian can teach you how to care for your pets teeth and gums early on.

Source: vetmedicine.about.com

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ask the vet

Health Benefits of Grooming a Pet

By: David Beart

and ear infections. Your groomer will pluck this hair, and often do a cursory clean of the ears checking for anything abnormal. If ear discharge or redness is noticed, this can be relayed to you, so that you know that veterinary attention may be necessary to treat your pets ear problem. Many longhaired pets tend to grow excessive amounts of hair between their feet and paw pads, as well as around the perianal (anus) area. Excessive hair in these places can lead to hygiene problems, tangling of hair, accumulation of dirt and stickers in the hair, and even cause problems defecating and urinating. Your groomer may trim around these areas, helping to prevent problems before they can develop. Breeds of dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, and Shih Tzus will grow long hair on the face, mouth and eyes, and left untrimmed this hair can become matted with food particles and saliva. In addition, studies have shown that dogs with hair that is frequently in their eyes have a greater chance of developing eye infections, glaucoma, and cataracts. Strategic trimming of the hair around the eyes is aesthetically pleasing, and helps to prevent health problems down the road. Most dogs and cats dont naturally wear down their nails fast enough to keep up with nail growth, and as a result most pets need regular nail trimming in order to keep their nails at the optimum length. Long nails are the most common cause of chiropractic problems in cats and dogs, and can contribute to joint pain and stiffness. Your pets body has been designed to walk with his pads on the floor, not the nails. If your dogs nails are touching the ground, his nails are too long. If you can hear the nails clicking on the floor, they are too long. Regular clipping will help to prevent problems associated with long nails. While in the bath, some groomers may take the opportunity to express your pets anal glands. The anal glands are two small sacks just inside your pets anus, and are filled with a foul smelling scent fingerprint that animals use to identify each other in the wild. Routine emptying of these sacs can help to prevent unwanted smells, as well as potential side effects from impacted or ruptured anal glands that go un-emptied. There are many benefits to having your dog or cat groomed. While frequency will depend on your pets breed, coat type, or lifestyle, regular grooming sessions will help your pet to remain a healthy and clean companion to you for a longer period of time.
Source: pawnation.com 16

There are many direct health benefits of having your dog or cat groomed. Regular brushing of all pets, despite coat length or type, helps to keep the coat and skin healthy. Most dogs do not require daily bathing, while many cats may only need to be bathed, a few times in their lifetime. Thus, brushing is a vital part of pet care, as it works to distribute the natural oils of the skin throughout the coat, helps keep pets clean between baths, removes dead hair or dirt, and promotes a healthier coat. In addition to the direct benefits on your pets coat, brushing may help to point out any abnormalities in your pets body, such as sores, growths, or bald spots. While you may not notice any lumps or bumps that have appeared on your pet, regular grooming can help to detect a problem, and insure that if a lump does appear, you are aware of it sooner rather than later. A veterinarian should check any growth or lump you or your groomer notices on your pet, to rule out cancer and other potentially dangerous conditions. Early detection can be crucial in a positive outcome to an otherwise deadly health scare. During the course of the grooming process, the groomer will pay special attention to your pets ears, eyes, mouth, teeth, pads, and perianal region - areas you probably dont notice much in daily life. Longhair dogs and even some cats tend to grow hair deep in the ear canal, and this hair can trap bacteria, causing irritation

Health Benefits of Grooming a Pet

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breed spotlight

The Jack Russell Terrier

you do not show authority towards the dog, they can be difficult to train. They need a firm, experienced trainer. Jacks who have been allowed to take over can be aggressive with other dogs. Be sure to socialize the Jack. They have strong hunting instincts (stronger than your average terrier) and should not be trusted with other small animals. This hunting dog likes to chase, explore, bark, and dig. Only let them off lead if they are well trained or in a safe area. Jack Russells climb, which means they can climb over a fence and they also can jump. JRTs are not the breed for an inexperienced dog owner. The Jack Russell Terrier is a pleasant companion when it is sufficiently exercised; however if they do not get enough, they may become hyperactive. They need to be taken on a long, daily, brisk walk. The Jack Russell Terrier will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Origin
The breed was named after a clergyman named Rev. John Russell. They were used as a small game hunting dog particularly for red fox, digging the quarry out of its den in the mid-1800s. On English hunts, the dogs needed to be long-legged enough to keep up with the hounds. Breeders had emphasized its working ability, so the standard was very broad, allowing a wide range of accepted body types. Not happy with this wide variety of working type Jacks, as of April 1, 2003 the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America, was changed to the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America. The working types remained Jack Russels while the American show types became known as the Parson Russell errier. T Some of the Jack Russells talents include: hunting, tracking, agility, and performing tricks.

Grooming and Health

All coat types are easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Some JRTs are prone to dislocation of the kneecaps, inherited eye diseases, deafness, and Legg Perthes (a disease of the hip joints of small breeds of dogs). When well cared for, Jack Russell Terriers life span ranges to about 15 or more years.

General Appearance and Temperament

Jack Russel Terriers are principally white-bodied, smooth, rough, or broken-coated. The Jack Russell is a broad type, with a size range of 1015 inches (2538 cm). The Jack Russell Terrier is a cheerful, merry, devoted, and loving dog. Spirited and obedient, yet absolutely fearless. Careful and amusing, he enjoys games and playing with toys. Stable Jacks are friendly and generally kind to children. It is paramount that you are this dogs pack leader. He needs to be given rules to follow, and limitations as to what he is and is not allowed to do. They are highly trainable, able to perform impressive tricks. However, if

Source: dogbreedinfo.com

The Jack Russell Terrier

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pet health

Bacterial Infection in Dogs

Causes

An antibiotic treatment regimen is generally prescribed for more than a month to ensure that the entire infection is eliminated from the dogs system, which should also reduce the incidence of recurrence.

While this bacterial infection can occur in any breed, there are a few types that are predisposed to developing pyoderma, including German Shepherds with short coats, breeds with skin folds, and breeds with pressure calluses. Dogs have a higher risk of developing an infection when they have a fungal infection or an endocrine disease such as hyperthyroidism, or have allergies to fleas, food ingredients, or parasites such as Demodex.

Diagnosis
In most cases, the condition will be examined on a superficial basis and treated accordingly. In the event that the pyoderma appears to be deeper in the dogs skin, skin scrapings, skin biopsies, and an examination of bacterial cells (smear) may be performed to see if the condition is a result of a more serious underlying medical condition. When a dogs skin is cut or wounded, there is an increased risk of infection. Pyoderma refers to a bacterial infection of the skin that is very common in dogs. Lesions and pustules (inflamed pusfilled swelling) on the skin, and in some cases partial hair loss, often characterize the infection. reatment is typically given on an outpatient T basis and prognosis is good.

Treatment
The infection typically responds favorably to medical treatment. Treatment is generally done on an outpatient basis and will involve external (topical) medications, as well as antibiotics for the infection. An antibiotic treatment regimen is generally prescribed for more than a month to ensure that the entire infection is eliminated from the dogs system, which should also reduce the incidence of recurrence.

Symptoms
Itchiness Pustules Crusted skin Small, raised lesions Loss of hair (alopecia) Dried discharge in affected area The infection can occur on the superficial layers of the dogs skin, or if there is a deep laceration, in the inner folds of the skin. The latter infection is referred to as deep pyoderma.

Living and Management

There is the possible complication of bacteria spreading into the blood, so it is important to observe the dogs recovery time and to notify the veterinarian in the event that other symptoms develop or the condition worsens.

Prevention
Routine bathing of the animals wounds in benzoyl peroxide or other medicated shampoos can reduce the incidence of infection initially, and will help after to prevent recurrence.

Source: petmd.com

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Bacterial Infection in Dogs

pet health

Flea Control in Cats

lesions anywhere on the body. Moreover, fleas or flea dirt may or may not be readily visible.

Diagnosis
Using a flea comb to inspect your cat, fleas or flea dirt may be seen more easily. Skin tests for mites or bacterial skin diseases may also be recommended if the fleas cannot be seen. Sometimes the best diagnostic method is just to treat for fleas.

Treatment
There are numerous options on the market for killing the adult fleas for a period of time, but all should be repeated (as indicated) for continuous flea control. reatments often are applied as spot-on T treatments, which are topical treatments that are applied to a small unreachable area, usually at the top back of the neck where the cat is unable to lick it off. In some cases, oral products may be more useful and practical. Flea shampoos can also be beneficial for young animals or for an acute flea infestation, but continuous management with one of the long-term products is essential. Flea bite hypersensitivity or flea allergic dermatitis is very common in cats. In fact, it is the most common skin disease to be diagnosed in cats. Flea allergies usually develop when cats are young, but can begin at any age. Flea saliva is actually believed to be the cause for the allergy or sensitivity. The flea life cycle includes the adult flea, egg, larva, and pupa. Adult fleas do bite, but cannot survive long if they are not on an animal. Once the adult flea lays its eggs on the host cat it will fall off, leaving the eggs to mutate through the rest of their life cycles. The rest of the fleas life cycle then occurs on the host cat, and the generational cycle continues and grows until the flea population has been eradicated entirely. Flea control for outdoor pets is virtually impossible, although the current flea control products that are available may be sufficient for short term treatment, as long as your house does not become infested. If the house or yard has become infested, environmental treatment will be necessary. Fleas may actually bite humans in the house if flea medications cause them to leave their animal host to search for another host. Cats that are allergic to fleas may require steroids or antihistamines to combat their sensitivity to the bites. Likewise, if a secondary bacterial infection develops as the result of open lesions, antibiotics may be prescribed. Follow-up exams are often necessary for determining how treatments are progressing.

Symptoms and Types

Flea bite hypersensitivity or flea allergic dermatitis usually causes severe itching, a condition that is medically referred to as pruritis. Most cats will have symptoms that worsen with age, but symptoms are also often episodic. Cats especially will sometimes suffer from a related condition called neurodermatoses, a behavioral problem that results from anxiety related to flea bite hypersensitivity. Most owners will first notice frequent and severe itching and scratching, hair loss, and scabs on their cats skin. Many times the hind end is affected more than the front of the body or the head, however, cats that are suffering from an allergy to fleas can have

Living and Management

The most important factor in managing a cat with fleas is the application of regular treatment doses on a timely basis. Because it takes only one or two bites for a flea allergic animal to start itching, you will have the best results when you are consistent with flea control products. Other factors, like frequent bathing, and whether you have chosen to use spot-on or other topical products, will determine how long to wait between product applications.
Editors Note : Prevention is key. All-natural repellant products such as shampoos, sprays, and herbal collars can help stop flea problems before they start. Source: petmd.com

Flea Control in Cats

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special feature

Dr.Dog - Animal Welfare Through People Welfare

Ambassadors for all dogs, Dr. Dogs are spreading their special brand of canine love to thousands of people throughout Asia.

PAWS Program Director Anna Cabrera and Pet Parent Jackie Toh with Dr.Dogs Ginger and Eddie at the Bridges Foundation.

What is Dr. Dog?

Dr. Dog is an innovative animal-assisted therapy program which started in 1997. Animals Asia Foundation, based in Hong Kong, collaborated with The Philippine Animal Welfare Organization (PAWS) to establish this program here in the Philippines. The Dr. Dog program provides people with what they need most - a best friend! Pioneered by Animals Asia Founder, Jill Robinson, the concept of animal therapy in Asia began with just one dog and a vision to promote animal welfare through people welfare. Dr. Max - a gentle golden giant - was allowed just one hour in the garden of the Duchess of Kent Childrens Hospital in 1991. It was a visit that was to mark the start of a positive change in the publics perception of dogs. And following in Maxs healing pawprints, the Dr. Dog program has grown quite literally in leaps and bounds! Over 300 Canine Consultants registered as official Animals Asia animal therapy dogs, and teams of enthusiastic volunteers, make regular visits to hospitals, disabled centers, homes for the young and elderly, orphanages and schools, spreading warmth and unconditional love to people in need in 6 countries across Asia. Dr. Dogs give patients the feeling that they are the most special

person in world - a loyal new friend who wont judge them for the way they look or their illness, and one who accepts them regardless of class, race, age, or disability. Results for an experimental group, which incorporated Dr. Dog visits in their daily activities, showed a marked increase in patient initiative, verbal communication, involvement in activities and behavior indicating pleasure, as well as increased cooperation with the staff and other patients. Decreases in negative and stereotypical behaviors, such as repeated rocking and temper tantrums, were also prevalent in the experimental group, whilst there were no statistically significant changes for the control group. he pilot study T also effectively confirmed the benefits to staff that the Dr. Dogs can bring: staff felt it was often easier to talk with patients during and after the visits and the presence of dogs clearly brightened the atmosphere, helping to make the stressful job of care-giving more pleasant. Today, Dr. Dog has expanded beyond recognition and has embarked on new educational initiatives to encourage a respect for all life, as well as spreading its unique blend of canine comfort, laughter and friendship to Taiwan, China, Japan, India and the Philippines.

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Dr.Dog - Animal Welfare Through People Welfare

special feature

The Dr. Dog Mission

The mission of the Animals Asia Foundation is to end cruelty and restore respect for all animals, Asia-wide. The emphasis is on the individual seeing the Dr. Dog ambassadors promoting animal welfare through people welfare, and pioneering the right of all animals to be treated with respect and compassion.

Anna Cabrera, the program coordinator and spokesperson of PAWS, personally does the testing for Dr. Dog canine aspirants. Regardless of breed or age, the dog should either be spayed or neutered, and must undergo a test of temperament. As a Dr. Dog pet parent, Jackie enthuses, Dr. Dog sessions are fun and fulfilling to do, whether or not you are a dog lover. Dr. Dogs show that love comes in no shape or form, that it is unconditional, and that it can be tirelessly shared to people who need it most. Its so fulfilling to see the elderly and childrens eyes light up whenever they see the dogs, and to hear them constantly look forward to the next visits.
Editors Note: Currently, there are about 13 Dr. Dogs in the Philippines: a lively mix of Labradors, Schnauzers, Pomeranians, Pugs, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, and of course, our beloved Aspins! If you and your pet are interested in joining Dr. Dog, contact Anna Cabrera of PAWS at annahcabrera@yahoo.com or (02)9353290.

The Dr. Dog Vision

Animals Asia works towards the day when all animals are embraced within their own right. Through innovative and sensitive transformation, our vision progresses the ideal that empathy for one animal can evolve into empathy for an entire species - and ultimately for all species.

The Bigger Picture

When considered in the light of the millions of dogs and cats slaughtered for food each year in markets across Asia, the Dr. Dog program is so much more than a source of support for people. It represents the driving force behind a new movement to promote the concept of animal welfare in Asia and give hope to the many animals that lie forgotten. The key role of the Dr. Dog program is to encourage a respect for all life at a grassroots level, whilst demonstrating the mutually beneficial relationship between people and animals. The dedicated Dr. Dogs represent a growing number of animal ambassadors working in valuable community roles to help both people and animals in need.

Dr. Dog in the Philippines

Dr. Dogs in the Philippines have had many invaluable achievements. They have made children in PGH cancer wards happy. They give sick patients a happiness that shows, cheering up a sad person from the inside out. They give a bright light to people who are scared of dogs or to those who do not understand dogs, teaching those people to forego their fear and instead embrace their love for these loyal animals. Jackie Toh, a proud pet parent of Dr. Dog Ginger, says, When people find out that there are Dr. Dogs in the Philippines, at first they get shocked and amazed. Then, they ask what the requirements are for it. Some people say dogs with certain breeds cant be Dr. Dogs, but these breeds end up being one, just like my little Pomeranian Ginger, who wears a special bandana when she goes to work as Dr. Ginger.
Dr.Dog Eddie the Labrador shares his special love to the children.

Dr.Dog - Animal Welfare Through People Welfare

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you and your pet

Pet Massage: The Touch That Heals

By: Allen M. Schoen, D.V.M.

Animal massage can benefit both you and your pet in many ways. It is a wonderful way to connect with them at many different levels and to share quality time together. It can be done while listening to music, sitting on your favorite chair or couch, or while watching television. There are a number of massage techniques depending upon what your goal is. You can use massage just to help your pet relax or to bond with them, or it can be beneficial therapeutically in certain conditions. If you notice, pets stretch on their own to relax and keep in shape. Certain yoga postures are actually named after animal stretches such as the dog stretch and the cat stretch! However, as animals get older and stiff, they cant stretch and move around as easily. There are many natural approaches to help this including nutritional supplements, acupuncture, as well as massage. Find a nice relaxing quiet place when your furry friend is not all wound up and ready to play and run wild. Sit or lay down with them and gently start brushing your hands over them from above their eyes, over their head, over their back and down to their tail. You do want to be cautious and not place your hand over an animals head that may be having behavioral problems and be dominant over you or other family members. Otherwise, if one doesnt have a pet with a dominance order problem, dogs and cats usually love to have their heads gently touched and brushed. The most important thing to remember when massaging or just petting your pet is to watch their reactions and listen to them.

If they dont like you touching a certain area regularly, check it out and make sure there isnt a problem there. This is actually an excellent way to conduct a superficial physical exam. Regular massage and petting can actually be a preventive measure where you may observe things much earlier. If you find that your buddy actually rubs into you instead of away from you, that is an area you may want to massage deeper or for a longer period of time. While massaging your pet, breathe deeply, slowly, and regularly so it will relax both of you. Avoid massage after your pet has just eaten. You should wait at least two hours after eating. If your pet is sick with an infection, a fever, or a serious disease, they may not want to be touched; again, listen to them. Avoid massaging the back and belly of a pregnant animal. You could possibly, unintentionally induce premature labor. You also do not want to massage your pet after they have just been exercising intensely. First let the heart rate come down to normal and let them stop panting before massaging. After performing a general full body massage and focusing on any specific areas that need more attention, you can finish off the massage or begin one with slow, gentle rubbing of the inside and outside of each ear. This will provoke wonderful sighs of contentment in your dog and exquisite purrs in your kitty. You and your pet can mutually benefit from massaging them, sharing quality time, and loving each other.
Source: gcci.org

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Pet Massage : The Touch That Heals

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