Shampoochie Grooming Photos

Jeff - Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Chocolate Toy Poodle


Shave Golden Retriever - Just arrived Singapore not too long ago. But have to shave due due to skin problems.

Dog Grooming Tips

No matter what breed of dog you plan to purchase there are some grooming tips you will want to know. All dogs need proper grooming for the health and attractiveness of the breed. Read on to find out what you need to do in the grooming process and learn how beneficial it is to not only to your dog but for you as well.

Coat Grooming
All dogs have coats; some are short, long, wire-haired, curly, straight, or wavy. No matter the coat, you will need to invest in a good brush. The brush you decide upon needs to be the type that will get through your dog's hair without causing harm to skin or pull on the hair. Wire steel brushing are great to use to get loose hair before it falls on your furniture and carpet. You can also purchase wire combs, which are best for smaller breeds since they tend to be a bit smaller.

Choose the size of your brush or comb in accordance with the size of your dog. If you have a large dog, choose a larger brush that will cover more area as you brush. If you have a small dog, a smaller brush will be easier to use to get behind the ears and other small areas. Bathe your dog when he is visibly dirty or has a foul odor. Shampooing dries out a dog's coat and can rip some dog's natural oils from its hair. These natural oils protect the dog's skin and in some breeds, repel water.

Trimming Nails
The frequency of trimming your dog's nails depends on if your dog goes outdoors often especially on concrete and how fast the nails grow. If your dog runs on concrete then the nails usually file down to an appropriate length. If not, you will have to purchase some nail clippers especially designed for dogs.

When cutting, place the clipper above the wick. The wick is the part of the nail where you see the nerve. You don't want to clip the nerve because it will bleed and does cause some discomfort to the dog. Sometimes it is hard to see where the wick begins so you may have to take your dog to the vet or professional groomer for clippings.

Ear Cleaning
All dogs need to have their ears cleaned. This is because wax and dirt accumulates in them, which can lead to bacteria growth. You can usually tell when your dog needs an ear cleaning if he is shaking his head often and scratching. However, if after cleaning out his ears, your dog continues to exhibit this behavior, you need to consult with your vet because he may have an ear infection or other health concern.

Tarter Control
Yes, even dogs need their teeth cleaned. They have specially made toothbrushes for dogs that you can purchase at your local pet store. You can train your dog to sit still while you brush his teeth. Some dogs will not allow their owners to do this so you may need a professional groomer help you with this task.

Spending Quality Time
Not only will proper grooming keep your dog looking nice and healthy, but also it will allow you to have one to one time with your pet. Life can get hectic and even dogs can tell that you are busy. Time spent with your dog will keep your pooch happy and will remind you why you love your dog so very much.

Different kinds of dogs.

Having a dog as a pet is not always the right thing for many people. Some people can’t stand the thought of having a dog, while others don’t like the idea of having to clean up after their dog.

The bond you form with your dog can be as deep and lasting as any other bond that you form with your family members. In some cases, it can go even deeper still, and this has been demonstrated time and again over the years.

"Lassie” the movie, might only be a corny much over done movie to many people, but at heart it is true, and embodies the spirit of the bond between owner and dog.

To that extent it becomes imperative that you decide upon which type of dog you want in your life before you actually go and adopt one. This is where the dog breeds book comes in handy.

You can use the facts mentioned in the book to help get a start deciding which breed of dog will suit you. You also then have the additional option of being able to investigate further on your own, and even take a look, at the different types of dogs that interest you.

When asked whether they want a small sized dog or a large sized dog, most people will waffle a bit, but some will be able to tell you straight off whether they want something the size of a Chihuahua or a Saint Bernard or something in between.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the different breeds of dogs andtherefore unfamiliar with the various different sizes, this can be confusing. After all, the Chihuahua could be the bigger of the two and the Saint Bernard only as big as a large hamster. Have you ever owned a dog before this This particular point only helps in so far, that if you have had a dog before this, you will have a better understanding of your needs and will be able to judge to a certain extent what you’re looking for in a dog more easily.

This entire thing is of course a moot point if what you want is a dog like that of your previous dog, or the dog that you already have. If however, you’re looking at getting a different breed of dog altogether from the one that have, or had, you will still find this checklist to be helpful to you.

You might want another dog, but that doesn’t necessarily mean thatyou know exactly what type of dog you want, or that you know which type of dog would suit you best.

A mixed breed dog on the other hand is a dog that has been bred from two different types of purebred dogs. These are also called hybrid dogs, and they are different from your normal run of the millmixed breed dogs that can be found on any street corner. If you’re in interested in either a purebred dog, or a mixed breed dog, you should be able to get the history and any other relevant information from the breeders themselves. But if what you want is the characteristics of a dog, I’m afraid that inthe case of the mixed breed dogs that you will have to go hunting through the different dog varieties to find what some of their better known traits are, and then wait and see which ones manifest themselves.

You will need to look at different pictures of the different dog varieties when they are fully grown to find which dog breeds continue the cuteness factor into their lives. Not all dogs are the same.

The title of this section, and everything that I have said up to this point tells you what you need to know about this section. Not all dogs are the same.You can take two dogs of the same breed, same age, even better,from the same litter, and you will get two distinctly different dogs.

In this aspect as well, they are like humans. They have their own identities and their own quirks and eccentricities. A lifetime is generally not long enough to get to know your dog well. You will be learning little bits and pieces about him until the very last.

A Dog’s Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, please go with me. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God’s critters.

Now please pass this on to other dog and pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven to be surrounded by hope, love and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

“Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened” –Author unknown

Dog Breeds 101

I’m planning on adding specific profiles for many dog breeds to this blog, but I thought before I started I would give a general overview of dog breeds. Knowing some general information about a specific breed can help you get a better understanding of why your dog acts the way he does. It can also be helpful in deciding which breed of dog would best suit your lifestyle. For instance, if you’re a couch potato, a dog like a Labrador Retriever which is usually very energetic may not be the best choice for you. It can also help you if you to choose a dog for a specific job such as herding farm animals, guarding a business, etc.

The American Kennel Club categorizes dog breeds into several different groups – sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding. The dogs in each group may have completely different appearances, but there are a number of character traits that they have in common. For instance dogs in the Sporting Group, such as the Labrador Retriever and the English Springer Spaniel, are energetic, often like to swim, and do well at field work or hunting.

Knowing something about a dog’s breed also gives you some information about its health. There are a number of conditions which are genetically linked to specific breeds of dogs. For example, German Shepherds are predisposed to hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. Knowing this may help you to catch illnesses earlier. If you’re are purchasing a German Shepherd, you can ask the breeder appropriate questions about the health screenings they do.

Top 20 Supplements for Dogs & Cats

This comes from an article by Ann Brightman in the June/July 2008 issue of Animal Wellness Magazine.

1. Antioxidants
2. B vitamins
3. Calcium
4. Chondroitin
5. Colostrum - Speeds the healing process by as much as 50%.
6. CoQ10
7. Cranberries
8. Dandelions
9. Echinacea
10. Enzymes
11. Essential fatty acids - Fish oils, flaxseed, hemp seed oils. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, very powerful.
12. Garlic - Suffers from misconceptions but is actually a very healthful herb for animals. Antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, benfits animals with cancer, diabetes, liver, heart and kidney disease, staph infections… also a natural flea repellant.
13. Glandulars
14. Glucosamine
15. Grape seed extract - Grape seed extract is not the same as whole grapes or raisins, which are toxic to dogs. Grape seed extract contains healthy proanthocyanidins which are potent antioxidants. Also rich in linoleic acide and a good source of Vitamin E.
16. Milk thistle
17. Prebiotics
18. Probiotics
19. Selenium
20. Taurine

The Un-Great Eight: Dangerous Human Foods not for a Dog’s Plate

Dogs, like humans, like instant gratification. Not only do they swallow many things whole because they taste so good, they also have been known to dive in head first and eat anything you hand over to them without knowing the consequences.

There are certain human foods/snacks that dogs should never get their paws on. Some human foods, although tempting as tasty treats for your canine, can cause serious harm and long-term health problems. Be sure you avoid the following in your precious pooches’ human food extras.
GrapesGrapes and dogs are not a healthy combination. Although grapes are a semi-crunchy and healthy treat for humans and although your dog may enjoy them (because they are hard to squish in his mouth) grapes not only pose a choking hazard to your dog, but a serious health hazard as well. Grapes are grown with fertilizers and pesticides that can be harmful if taken in large amounts and have been known to cause renal failure. Grapes grown without chemicals have also been proven to be toxic and can cause vomiting and kidney failure. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center held a study that showed grape intake causes acute kidney failure, which prevents your dog from producing urine since they can’t filer toxins out.

Chocolate
Dogs and chocolate don’t mix. Chocolate is poisonous to your dog (and cat, too) because it contains theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant. If a dog eats enough chocolate, its heart can beat so fast that it ceases to pump blood effectively (tachycardia).This is largely a dosage issue and the effects can vary based on the size of your dog and the amount of chocolate, according to petcaretips.net.

Bones from chicken, steak, etc
So many pet owners love to give the dog a taste sensation – the bones from steak, chicken and other meats. Cooked bones, however, are very dangerous for your dog. The cooked bone may splinter after ingested and can cause your dog to choke. The splintered bones can also poke your dog’s esophagus, stomach and intestines during digestion and excretion. Sometimes the splintered bone may not be digested at all once it has entered the body.

Undercooked Meat
Undercooked meat poses the same risk to dogs as it does to humans. A very bad food for dogs, undercooked meat has bacteria that can cause salmonella and other nasty food poisoning bouts. DogAge.com also advises against feeding your dog raw meat because of the risk of cysts that might be present in the meat.

Meat Table Scraps
When humans cut away the fatty parts of their steak or chicken, they are often inclined to hand it directly under the table to the dog. This is more dangerous than most pet owners know. Meat, which is generally high in fat, can cause pancreatitis and gastroenteritis. Big words that carry big problems. These are both potentially fatal conditions. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can result in loss of appetite, frequent vomiting, diarrhea that may contain blood, weakness and abdominal pain. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestinal linings and has similar symptoms. These cases often require hospitalization and fluid replacement.

Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are other bad foods for dogs as they contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Hard to diagnose, poisoning occurs a few days after your dog has eaten the onion. Dogs affected by onion toxicity will first vomit and have diarrhea. They will refuse to eat and appear lethargic. During this time, according to bossiercity.org, the dog may be developing haemolytic anaemia, a condition that causes the red blood cells to burst while circulating in the body. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. The toxins will usually pass through the dog’s system but he/she may need a blood transfusion before that happens. The scariest part of this? Onion poisoning can occur with a single ingestion (of a large quantity).

Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts
Feeding your dog human food in the form of Macadamia is also disconcerting. There is somewhat of a mystery surrounding the exact toxic component that causes poisoning, but it is known that ingesting them can cause locomotory difficulties. According to BossierCity.org, dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated. Dogs have been affected by eating as few as six macadamia kernels (nuts without the shell) while others had eaten approximately forty kernels. Some dogs had also been given macadamia butter.

Moldy and Spoiled Food
Some of us humans may have a tendency to throw a spoiled lunchmeat or cheese into the dog’s dinner instead of in the trash. Stop right there! Spoiled food is no better for dogs than it is for humans. Spoiled foods can cause food poisoning, which causes vomiting and diarrhea. Mold contains the toxin Penicillin, which causes severe tremors and seizures. Your dog must be detoxified at the vet for this condition.

Miniature dog breeds- pros and cons of owning toy breeds

There is a wide range of miniature dog breeds for you to choose from, if you like very small dogs. Miniature or small dog breeds include the Miniature Pinscher, Pug, Toy Poodle, Chihuahua and Maltese. There are many other small dog breeds available as well.

The term Miniature generally refers to what many dog breeders call “toy dog breeds”. Miniature dogs are very small dogs. There are pros and cons of owning these toy dog breeds that you should consider before adopting a toy dog breed.

Advantages of owning miniature dog breeds
The main reason people prefer miniature dog breeds over larger breeds is for its cuteness. Don’t think that its size makes these dogs less hardy for once they pass their puppy hood, they have energy that is similar to any other breed of dog. They make excellent watch dogs for their hue and cry is sufficient to make any intruder think twice before making a break-in.

The easier handling of a miniature dog breed is another reason people take to these dogs. If you live in an apartment, a miniature dog is the best option you have as a pet and partner for you. This is because these dogs don’t need much dwelling space, or as much exercise space as a large dog may require.

You don’t have much cleaning to do with a miniature dog as it does not shed as much hair as their larger counterparts do. This is not because their coat characteristics are different, but just because they are smaller in size and thus have less fur. All aspects of dog care are smaller in miniature dogs ranging from its cleaning, to its clean-up and from the amount of food it consumes and the amount of food it expels.

Miniature dogs have always been considered to be companion dogs and are friendly and alert and are always waiting to be held and petted. As they are comforting and bring peace to its owner, nursing homes and adult care facilities use them for soothing their patients. Of course, this does not imply that you have to stay in an eldercare facility to enjoy the company of miniature dog breeds. They are great companions for any dog lover.

Disadvantages of owning miniature dog breeds
The main disadvantage is that most small breeds don’t actually interact well with young children and toddlers. This means that you have to be extra careful of these dogs if you have small children in your home as the kids may get injured by the dog. Because of their small size, many miniature dog breeds are very nippy.

There are some miniature dog breeds that are prone to tooth and gum disease, and tracheal collapse. Then there are small breeds that are difficult to housetrain while some of them may have trouble lifting their legs. There are even some dogs that have tenancies to bark constantly.
Before selecting a toy dog breed based solely on it’s cute appearance, make sure you do your research on the breeds health and temperament.

IAMS Animal Cruelty FINALLY Proved

The United States Department of Agriculture today release this statement about IAMS animal testing:

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released an official complaint stating that the contract laboratory investigated by PETA in 2002 and 2003, which was employed by pet-food manufacturer Iams, “has shown a lack of good faith.”The government complaint alleges that the following violations, among others, were documented by government inspectors at the contract laboratory from 2002 to 2005:

1. Failure to provide pain relief to sheep used in experiments that caused pain or distress
2. Failure to ensure that personnel were trained to perform experiments on animals
3. Failure to provide veterinary care and to observe animals daily
4. Failure to properly ventilate housing facilities for dogs and cats
5. Failure to house cats with a sufficient number of litterboxes and resting surfaces
6. Failure to keep animal-housing facilities clean and in good repair, resulting in injuries
7. Failure to maintain comfortable temperatures in animal-housing facilities
8. Failure to provide animals with sufficient space”

Click here for the full statement.

Yeah - I’m not a big fan of PETA AT ALL, but I have to admit that they got the IAMS animal cruelty thing right WAY before anyone else did.

Color Restoration Treatment

Color Restoration Treatment

The "aging effect" that occurs in pets as they grow older leads to among other things graying hair, a loss of luster, and a change in coat color, as a result of which the beautiful coloring that was originally a feature of the pet's coat is lost.

This color restoration system is a revolutionary new pet rejuvenation esthetic product that works to restore the original coloring of coats that have faded due to such things as aging, ultraviolet rays, and shaving of coat, bringing out to the maximum the pet's natural charm and maintaining its youthful appearance.

In human esthetics technology, the skin treatment means rejuvenating the skin condition such as rejuvenating the skin, removing crow's feet, and whitening the skin. In pets, the skin is hidden under the coat, so even if the skin condition is improved, the pet does not look rejuvenated. Pets cannot be rejuvenated without rejuvenating their coats. This is the difference between pets and humans. Of course, the hidden skin is also important, so we aim to rejuvenate the coat and the skin at the same time.