Instructions for cleaning service dogs. Basic dog care rules. Flea and tick treatment
You should examine the dog daily, paying attention to both the general appearance and individual organs. Inspection, as a rule, is made after walking, when the dog behaves calmly. The paws are examined to check the condition of the claws and pads (wounds, cracks, splinters).
The dog's coat and skin are constantly checked, as their condition (shine coat, hair loss, peeling, skin irritation) is an important indicator of a dog's health.
Check your dog daily
The eyes are an indicator of a dog's general well-being. If she has a cheerful look and a clean mucous membrane of the eye, she is most likely healthy. The nose is a very sensitive organ, so it is checked for scratches, purulent or mucous discharge.
The dog's mouth is checked to determine the condition of the teeth and the presence of stuck bone fragments or small foreign objects that may cause discomfort or pain to the pet.
The nose of the dog is checked for the presence of various kinds of secretions, as well as scratches.
Inspection of the dog is carried out very carefully, because if she experiences pain at this time, she can even bite the owner in self-defense.
All foreign objects noticed during the examination are carefully removed, and if any signs of disease are found, they immediately contact the veterinarian.
Particular caution should be exercised if there is a suspicion that the pet has choked on a bone, since in this case the symptoms are very similar to signs of rabies. A dog affected by this disease, as well as a choking one, cannot swallow, and due to paralysis of the muscles of the head, its lower jaw sags.
Dog care products
Care products should be of especially high quality, not dry the skin. There are a lot of such remedies, so before making a final choice, you should consult with a veterinarian or other dog owners.
Currently, the choice of dog care products is quite wide.
The owner can choose shampoos, balms, rinses, sprays that are suitable in their qualities specifically for his pet. Leading cosmetic companies, trying to make the care of dogs as easy as possible, have developed and produce products for external use, made on the basis of natural ingredients that do not contain harmful ingredients.
Most detergents are based on high-quality oils of vegetable origin, extracts of medicinal plants and minerals. Do not use external dog grooming products that contain alcohol, soap, chemicals and medications that adversely affect the structure of the coat. Outdoor pet care products are quite economical and easy to use, they carefully care for the skin and coat of dogs.
There are special dry hair care products for adult dogs and puppies. For example, powder shampoo will perfectly clean the pet's coat without water, removing dirt and leaving a pleasant smell. This shampoo acts gently and gently, and its chemical composition does not cause skin irritation.
In addition to dry shampoos, there are sprays that clean the animal's hair without water. They thoroughly clean and moisturize the dog's coat, give it shine and a pleasant smell. Sprays are intended for puppies who are afraid of water, sick or have suffered serious illnesses. The spray is sprayed onto the dog's coat, rubbed over the entire surface of the body, and then the excess is removed with a napkin. This pet hair care product is recommended for quick stain removal.
Shampoo powder
The use of the spray facilitates combing the coat and improves its structure. In addition, the drug does not change the natural color of the animal's coat.
To improve the color of the coat, dog breeders use tint powder, which enhances the color of the coat, masks its imperfections, removes excess fat, is easily washed off and has no smell.
Shampoo with conditioner
For show dogs, special shampoos with conditioner, aloe extract and moisturizers are great. These pet care products enhance the brightness and depth of the dark color of the dog's coat. When bathing a dog, shampoo should be applied to the coat and rubbed for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
The conditioner, which is part of the shampoos, gives the pet's coat a healthy shine and silkiness. These preparations give wool a pleasant smell for a long time.
Shampoos with rose and lemon extracts are great for deep cleansing of the coat. Such products help to restore and improve the skin and coat of the dog and give it a pleasant aroma.
Shampoo for dogs based on coconut oil, chamomile, rosemary, sage, nettle and yarrow does not contain soap, alcohol and chemicals, forms a little foam, has a pleasant smell and washes the coat well without changing its color and structure. Shampoos and balms of the "Forest" and "Gentle" series are very popular.
Shampoo "Forest" is a cosmetic and hygienic product and contains extracts of nettle, string and birch leaves. The amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, microelements included in its composition stimulate metabolic processes in the dog's skin and hair roots. This is especially beneficial for the growth of wool and the condition of the skin of the dog. Dog breeders recommend applying this shampoo to wool moistened with warm water at the rate of 0.5–1 ml per 1 kg of animal body weight. The positive quality of this shampoo is that it does not irritate the skin of the animal and does not have a degreasing effect. Shampoo "Forest" prevents the formation of dandruff, eliminates the specific smell of the dog, has good washing properties, forms abundant foam and is easily washed off. After using this shampoo, the animal's coat acquires a beautiful shine.
Shampoos designed for deep cleansing are great for bathing dogs with very oily and dirty coats. These products are able to wash any dirt from the animal's hair, including tar and bitumen.
Cosmetic and hygienic zooshampoo "Gentle" is a detergent for regular care of the skin and coat of show dogs. It is produced in polymer bottles of 100 and 200 ml. Shampoo perfectly mixes up with water of any rigidity and in various ratios, forms plentiful foam, is easily washed off with water. It is developed on the basis of chitosan succinate, surfactants and auxiliary components that stimulate metabolic processes in the animal's skin, hair roots, giving shine to the dog's coat. Conditioner-rinser based on jojoba oil, designed for coat and skin of dogs, consists of water, grapefruit extract, propylene glycol, glycerin, jojoba oil, contains vitamins A, D, E. Conditioner with jojoba oil is recommended to be used as an independent remedy for insect bites, skin irritation, inflammation. It does not cause allergic reactions and skin irritation, has medicinal and cosmetic properties due to the fact that jojoba oil, penetrating deep into the tissues through the skin, transports biologically active substances that have a beneficial effect on the structure of the animal's coat.
Surfactants and auxiliary components of the shampoo "Gentle" eliminate the specific smell of the dog.
Conditioner-rinse can be used after using any shampoo, it does not require rinsing. It is diluted with warm water in a ratio of 1: 6, distributed over the entire surface of the animal's body and rubbed into the skin and coat of the dog for 3-5 minutes.
Shampoo with jojoba oil and rosemary gives the coat a special shine
Using a conditioner helps protect the skin and coat of the dog from the negative effects of the environment.
Balm conditioner "Forest" is a product for regular care of the skin and coat of dogs, developed on the basis of surfactants, emulsifiers, extracts of nettle, birch, string and auxiliary components that stimulate metabolic processes in the animal's skin and hair roots, giving wool shine. It has good conditioning and antistatic properties, is easy to rinse off and does not irritate or degrease the dog's skin. It is necessary to ensure that this agent does not get on the mucous membrane, as this can cause slight irritation. It is recommended to use a balm conditioner after the Forest shampoo. A little balm (at the rate of 5 ml per 1 kg of animal body weight) is applied to clean, damp hair, distributed over the entire surface of the dog's body and rubbed, after which the drug is washed off with warm water.
There are various sprays currently available to give shine to a dog's coat. Thanks to their use, the wool becomes more silky, shiny and voluminous.
In addition, sprays remove static electricity and do not irritate the animal's skin. There are also special powders, liquids for cleaning the ears, etc.
Shampoo-conditioner with tea tree oil not only perfectly cleanses the coat, but also refreshes the skin, has an antiseptic effect.
Sprays do not contain greasy components, do not leave stains on the dog's coat and do not stick it together.
Dog Ear Cleaner is formulated with water, propylene glycol, maleic acid, salicylic acid and benzoic acid to easily remove secretions and soften the skin in the ear canal.
The drug controls the growth of bacteria, eliminates unpleasant odors. For hygienic care of the dog's ears, the liquid should be used 1-2 times a week, 3 times a day. It is necessary to moisten a cotton swab with it and remove the discharge from the auricle. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.
Among dog eye care products, wet wipes for removing tear stains, powder and tablets are especially popular.
Wipes are designed to remove dark stains from tears and are impregnated with a solution of cetrimonium chloride, sodium chloride, propylene glycol. They are safe to use, do not irritate the dog's eyes, restore the shine of the coat around the eyes. They wipe the animal's hair in the eye area. In case of severe contamination, the procedure is repeated 3 times a day for a week.
Powder for dog eye care prevents inflammation, profuse discharge from the eyes, relieves redness caused by inflammation, cleanses the hair around the eyes from stains resulting from eye discharge. Powder should be applied to the area around the eyes once a day.
Avoid getting wet wipes in the dog's eyes, as irritation is possible.
Puppies and young dogs are given 1 tablet per day, and adult animals are given 2 tablets. They can be given to animals whole or crushed into food.
In order to accustom a pet to toothpaste, it is recommended to give it to the dog to try from the owner's hand. Daily brushing of the animal's teeth with a fingertip brush prevents the formation of tartar.
Hygiene oral spray cleans the teeth of dogs, removes bad breath from the mouth, destroys harmful bacteria. It consists of water, sorbitol, xylitol, flavors, copper gluconate, glycine, thymol, citric acid, lysozyme, and glucose oxide.
Chewing toys equipped with rubber spikes can be used as a tartar preventative in dogs. The toy is made of durable elastic material, helps to clean the teeth and massage the gums of the animal.
Chewing toys are impregnated with flavors identical to natural ones, which enhances the dog's interest in them.
Hair care
During long walks, the coat of dogs, especially long-haired ones, gets very dirty. Therefore, animals need to be cleaned daily, removing dust, dirt, dandruff and dead hair. This procedure is a good prevention of skin diseases for a dog, and also stimulates blood circulation and metabolism.
After walks, the dog must be cleaned
The pet is cleaned every day, and if it gets very dirty during a walk or during training, then the cleaning is repeated.
The dog should be cleaned by standing on its left. First comb the hair with a comb, starting from the head, then on the neck, torso, tail and limbs.
After the dog's coat is combed, it is cleaned. This procedure is carried out in the same sequence as combing. First, with a slight pressure, the brush is drawn against the wool, then with a stronger pressure, along the wool. After several movements, the brush is cleaned. After finishing dry, proceed to wet cleaning with a special washcloth. At the end of all procedures, all accessories are put in order and the fallen wool is collected.
Some dogs don't like being brushed on their inner thighs, so be careful.
Eyes and ears are cleaned with a damp swab.
If the dog has an unbalanced character, then they gradually accustom it to cleaning: first stroke it with your hand, then gently with a brush, and when it gets used and calms down, they move on to the cleaning procedure.
If the pet has a calm temperament and trusts the owner, then it can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner with a small brush.
Bathing the dog
Dogs need not only to be cleaned, but also bathed, since cleaning does not completely remove dirt and dandruff from the coat and skin of the dog.
First, the wool is moistened with warm water, then lathered with a special shampoo or soap and washed thoroughly. If necessary, the procedure is repeated twice.
How often this procedure should be carried out is decided by the owner, depending on the breed and characteristics of the pet. In summer, dogs are washed more often, in winter - less often, and when there is snow, you can clean with snow. Many dogs are very fond of bathing and swimming, so they get used to this procedure very quickly and do not cause trouble for their owners.
Swimming in open water is good for dogs, especially during the hot season. An animal, even for the first time, usually enters the water without fear after the owner or if some object is thrown to it for fetching.
Before swimming, remove the leash from the pet and check that there are no piercing and cutting objects in the bathing area. In the heat, you do not need to wipe the dog after swimming (it will shake itself off), and until the coat is completely dry, you can lead it on a leash or run with it.
Dogs are usually bathed once a month. If this procedure is carried out too often, then the protective fatty substances washed off from the coat will not have time to recover, the dog's coat will become brittle and brittle and will lose its ability to repel water. Frequent washing is recommended only if the dog has an increased function of the skin sebaceous glands.
In summer, dogs enjoy swimming in open water.
Soap foam must be washed off completely, otherwise the pet may experience skin irritation. Especially sensitive dogs sometimes develop eczema.
After washing, the dog is wiped with a towel and not allowed to lie down until the coat is completely dry.
After bathing, the dog must be wiped with a terry towel
If the pet is not shy, then you can dry his hair with a hairdryer. The coat of many dogs, especially decorative breeds, is not very strong, it should be easily and gently blotted with two terry towels.
After bathing, the dog's coat is combed. Teach your pet to stand still while brushing. To do this, the first time it can be fastened by a leash to the bracket.
For hair care, it is advisable to use professional brushes. Combing wool begins with the paws, then gradually rising up to the middle of the back.
Some groomers advise to dry the dog's hair from the parting down, combing it thoroughly with a brush.
Combs are the main tool for hair care. They are large and small. Large ones are used to comb out debris from the dog's coat, and small ones are used to give it a certain gloss.
Hair combs and brushes
All combs intended for hair care are conditionally divided into 3 groups:
slickers. Used for very long hair. These are small combs with sharp teeth;
warp cutters. They are used quite often, are small in size and easily fit in the hand;
massage combs. They are needed for polishing and are used almost daily, especially for the care of short-haired dogs.
Long-haired dogs are especially difficult to care for. Often mats appear in their coat, especially in the groin, under the armpits and in the area of the hocks. They should be trimmed every time after bathing the dog.
In addition to regular brushing, many dog breeds also require grooming. It is of 2 types: full and partial (hygienic). For a complete haircut, the dog is usually taken to a special salon or a specialist is invited to the house.
An incorrectly performed haircut at the exhibition is considered a significant drawback.
To make a partial haircut, the help of a professional is usually not required.
The dog's coat grows constantly, so it needs to be trimmed regularly. When processing the paws of dogs of breeds such as the American Cocker Spaniel, the Afghan Hound, the hair is cut short around the pads, between the fingers and in a circle slightly above the claws so that it does not come into contact with the ground while running and walking. Around the anus, the hair is cut off solely for hygiene purposes.
Ear Care
After 2-3 minutes after that, the inside of the ear is carefully wiped with a cotton swab soaked in vegetable oil, boric alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
If a dark discharge with an unpleasant odor appears in the dog’s ears, the animal often shakes its head and rubs its ears with its paws, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, as this may be a sign of some kind of disease.
Eye care
The eyes require special care.
Sometimes dirt gets into the eyes, which can lead to inflammation. In this case, the eyes are washed with a decoction of chamomile. For this, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dried flowers is poured into 1 cup of boiling water, infused for 20-30 minutes, cooled and filtered. With a cotton swab dipped in the resulting broth, the eyes of the animal are gently washed.
A dog's eyes are an indicator of its health
If the inflammation is very strong, gently push the eyelids apart with the thumb and forefinger of the free hand, and albumin is instilled with the other. Even in healthy dogs, small purulent discharges often appear in the corners of the eyes, which should be removed regularly with a small piece of clean tissue. Abundant discharge, as a rule, appears if the mucous membrane has been exposed to irritating effects of wind, dust or smoke. It is not recommended to remove them with a cotton swab, since individual cotton wool fibers often separate from the main mass and irritate the eyes.
Care of the organs of smell and touch
Very often, dog owners judge the well-being of their pet by its nose: if it is hot and dry, the animal’s health is unsatisfactory, if it is wet and cold, the pet is healthy.
The sense of touch of a dog is rarely used.
This is mainly done by old animals that have lost their visual acuity and smell.
The dog's organs of touch are vibrissae, tactile hairs located on the muzzle. They help the animal to find and recognize any objects or the road in the complete absence of light.
If the dog's nose or whiskers are heavily soiled, wipe them gently with a damp cloth or a clean, soft cloth.
Do not use an alcohol solution or any other liquids with a strong persistent odor instead of water.
Scientists have found that the role of tactile hairs in the life of a dog is much more important than previously thought. It turned out that animals in which vibrissae were artificially removed become insecure. They lose their orientation in the dark, do not recognize the people and dogs around them.
oral care
Taking care of a dog's teeth is the main concern of the owner. In order for the teeth to remain strong and healthy, calcium-containing foods (cottage cheese, milk), fresh tomatoes and raw bones should be introduced into the animal's diet.
In no case should you teach your puppy to treats. Cakes, sweets, cakes and sweet buns will be bad for his health and can cause a number of dental diseases.
Tartar is the cause of irritation and inflammation of the gums, has a devastating effect on tooth enamel. This can eventually lead to complete loss of the tooth. You can prevent the formation of tartar and get rid of yellow plaque if you regularly brush your dog's teeth with a special toothpaste without a strong smell and sharp taste. To do this, take a small wooden stick, one end of which is wrapped with a layer of cotton wool, dipped in toothpaste or sprinkled with a special powder, and gently brush your teeth.
The health of your dog's teeth depends on proper nutrition and regular care.
Teeth cleaning
Inflamed gums are usually treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a decoction of medicinal herbs (sage, nettle, chamomile). However, treating this disease at home is still not recommended. It is best to contact the veterinary clinic, where the animal will receive the necessary assistance. The same should be done if a dog shows signs of caries.
If the tooth is very badly damaged, the dog often rubs its muzzle with its paws, refuses to eat and begins to gnaw on the objects around it.
If small twigs, bones and other foreign objects are found in the pet's mouth, they should be carefully removed, using tweezers or dental floss if necessary.
Paw and claw care
The dog's limbs should be washed and inspected regularly, as their pads are often injured during walking. This can happen if the animal inadvertently stepped on a sharp spike, a stone shard, barbed wire, broken glass, etc. Even if the wound is small, it still poses a danger to the dog’s health, since the dirt that gets into it can cause inflammation.
After a walk, you must carefully examine the limbs of the dog for wounds and injuries.
In dogs living in the city, traces of fuel oil, oil paint, bitumen, etc. can often be seen on the coat and paw pads. It is very difficult to wash them off with plain water, even with shampoo or soap. Such stains are removed with a cotton swab moistened with a solvent for oil paints. Then the hair and skin of the animal, on which the solvent has fallen, are rinsed with soapy water, wiped dry, and the skin is lubricated with baby cream or vegetable oil.
Scissors and nail cutters
When examining the paws of a dog, you must definitely pay attention to its claws. In a dog, they are non-retractable, consist of keratinized epithelial cells. The content of keratin in them is very high, which gives them a special hardness. The keratin sheath is needed in order to protect the living tissue inside the claw (claw bed), which is permeated with small blood vessels and nerve endings. The living part of the claw in dogs with white claws is usually clearly visible, as it is distinctly cast in pink.
If the dog's nails are black and the borders of the nail bed are not visible, it is recommended to trim only the tip of the nail.
In contact with the surface on which the dog walks (concrete, parquet, marble), the outer edge of the claw is erased, acquiring the crescent shape characteristic of it. When the dog walks very little, the claw is not erased enough, its shape is greatly distorted. If the length of the claws exceeds the allowable, they greatly interfere with the dog, and this can lead to deformity of the paw.
Nail clipping
Nails that are too long should be shortened, if they have notches, they should be filed.
Claws are cut with a pruner, filed with a special nail file with three edges or a file.
Handle the pet's claws should be very careful, because cutting them too short, you can damage the living tissue, causing severe pain to the pet, cause bleeding and fear of such a procedure.
Nails trimmed every 4 weeks. The first time this procedure is performed 3 weeks after the birth of the puppy, since in the process of feeding it can severely scratch the mother's stomach.
If a dog has splitting of the claws, it is necessary to align the edges of the claw with a needle file or nail file, and then lubricate it with a nourishing cream. When clipping the nails, you can accidentally damage the dog's nail bed, which will immediately begin to bleed. If this happens, you need to moisten the swab in an antiseptic solution and blot the bleeding section with it.
Dog walking, transportation
The dog needs to be walked at least 2 times a day, not only so that she copes with her natural needs, but also so that she has the opportunity to run and stretch.
When walking, the dog should be given the opportunity to run.
Sufficient time should be allotted for walking the dog, because unlike a puppy, an adult dog cannot empty its bladder at one time, it does this in several steps with short breaks.
It is especially important to ensure that the natural needs of the dog are fully satisfied before training. If this does not happen, she will be distracted or have a bowel movement on the training ground.
If it is not possible to combine walking and walking the dog, then it is necessary to allocate separate time for walking, otherwise the pet may get sick from lack of movement.
When walking, the dog must be muzzled and on a short leash. You can let her run around only after she has completed a course of general training, and only in deserted places and under constant supervision. When the dog runs too far, it must be called, and when strangers appear, take it on a leash.
Small dogs can be transported in a container
If you need to get somewhere with a dog in transport, it must be muzzled and on a short leash. In some cities, transportation of large dogs in public transport is prohibited.
Walking equipment
Dogs, especially large ones, despite even a good upbringing, can sometimes behave inappropriately in an unfamiliar environment. Therefore, for walks, a collar, leash and muzzle are required.
Collars are of two types: regular, made of leather, leatherette or special braid, and strict, with metal spikes.
You will need 2 leashes: short and long. A short leash, 1–1.5 m long, is attached to the collar with a carabiner and is designed to lead the dog next to the owner. A long leash (10-12 m) is needed for walking the dog. Now you can buy very comfortable leashes, which are a tape measure with a spring mechanism in a plastic case. The mechanism allows you to fix the length of the leash, which makes it universal.
The collar is started to be used after the puppy's bones get stronger. Until this time, while there is a danger of damaging the pet's neck, it is better to put on a harness for a walk.
Walking equipment
A muzzle for a dog is necessary if you want to lead it down the street for a considerable distance. In stressful situations, the animal can be aggressive, but the muzzle will not allow it to bite strangers. Muzzles are made of leather or metal mesh and must be individually adjusted to the size of the dog.
The collar and muzzle must be of such a size that they do not interfere with the animal, but also do not allow him to throw them off. They store their pet's walking equipment in a place where he can get them: when the dog needs to go outside, he will let you know by bringing a collar or leash. But you should not allow the dog to play with these objects and gnaw them.
In public places, dogs are walked in a collar and a muzzle.
Features of aviary content
Some breeders and hobbyists who live in private homes prefer to keep their pets outdoors in aviaries. With this method of keeping, it is necessary to pay special attention to the organization of space for the life of the animal. The aviary, in which it is planned to settle the dog, must be at least 5–7 m 2, it must be equipped with a roof and a wooden floor. Lighting is also important.
Aviary
It is best to make wooden walls during the construction of an aviary, and weld the fourth from metal rods.
Another mandatory element of the enclosure equipment is a booth. The walls of the booth may not be thick, the obligatory requirement is the absence of cracks and the dimensions at which the dog can freely stretch its paws, but there will not be much extra space left. For additional insulation and protection from the wind, you can hang a canopy made of thin felt in front of the entrance to the booth.
It is not recommended to use a chain-link mesh for building an aviary, since it is not difficult for large adult dogs to gnaw a hole in it.
For hygienic purposes, the floor of the enclosure is covered with sawdust, which is changed once every 2-3 days.
It is especially important to give a puppy growing in an aviary the same amount of attention as it would be given to him when raised in a house. If the pet sees the owner only 10 minutes a day during feeding and cleaning, he may grow up flawed, shy, or, conversely, overly aggressive.
Dogs living in an aviary do not need additional physical activity.
With an insufficient number of walks, an aviary animal begins to run around the perimeter of the territory accessible to it, gnaw on rods and corners of boards. This applies to both dogs that are walked outside the enclosure, and those that defecate right in it.
The advantage of captive keeping is that animals grown in such conditions do not suffer from rickets, they have a stronger skeleton and diseases of the musculoskeletal system are less common. Since a dog living in an aviary is constantly in the sun and its skeleton develops naturally, it does not need to increase physical activity (cross, swimming, etc.). But this, as mentioned above, does not mean that the animal can be completely deprived of stress and communication with the owner.
The dog is one of the most popular and beloved types of pets. Currently, there are a huge number of different breeds of dogs, from tiny pocket chihuahuas to huge English mastiffs, and each person can choose the breed that best suits him in terms of size, character, and individual preferences. However, the presence of a dog in the house implies not only fun games, hunting, participation in various competitions, etc., but also daily complex care for the appearance and health of the pet. Regardless of the breed and size of your pet, dog care always involves a certain set of activities:
- care for woolen integuments (- combing, cutting, bathing), claws, eyes, ears, oral cavity, that is, carrying out hygiene procedures;
- ensuring a balanced diet;
- daily dog walking
- regular medical examination and .
In addition, all pet care activities must be timely, otherwise they may not give the desired result. Let's take a closer look at each of the above points.
Dog hygiene
It is necessary to start caring for a dog's coat from an early age. Puppies should be brushed and bathed more gently as their skin is still very thin and sensitive during this period. The process of molting in a dog that lives in an apartment or house occurs almost all year round due to temperature changes, because the room is always warm, unlike the street. The regularity of the combing process depends on the type of coat:
- As for the processing of wool, then here, it is much easier with short-haired and smooth-haired breeds. They should be cleaned 5-6 times a month with a stiff natural bristle brush.
- Long-haired dogs require more labor-intensive grooming. Such breeds as Collie, Japanese Chin, Mastiff need daily combing or brushing, which removes dirt, dead skin, loose hair from the coat, and prevents the coat from rolling. At the same time, combing helps to strengthen the hairline, since during this procedure a kind of skin massage occurs. You need to comb the dog with a special comb with long, sparse and blunt teeth;
- For a dog with a hard coat, the molting process is practically not typical. These breeds need trimming (hand pinching) every six months. The trimming scheme is developed by specialists individually for each dog.
Dogs perceive water procedures in different ways. Some people love to swim, and some are afraid of this process, however, every dog needs to be bathed periodically, especially after a walk in rainy weather. You need to bathe the dog in water at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, while you can use various special shampoos and conditioners. Close all windows before bathing, as dogs are very sensitive to drafts. The process of bathing should bring the dog only positive emotions. Under no circumstances should force be used to keep the dog in the tub. During water procedures, the dog must be calmed, affectionately spoken to her, and after bathing, let her enjoy her favorite food. Short-haired dogs need to be wiped with a soft towel after water procedures, and long-haired dogs must be dried with a hairdryer. This must be done very carefully so as not to frighten the pet and not spoil its coat.
An important hygiene procedure is also the care of the claws of the animal. Experts recommend clipping the nails about once a month, however, if the dog often walks on hard surfaces, then this procedure can be done even less often. When cutting nails, you should gradually cut off the length, as blood vessels can be damaged and in the future the dog will be afraid of this procedure. For cutting nails, use special nail cutters or nippers. Special attention should be paid to the side claws, since they practically do not wear down naturally. If they are not cut in time, they can grow into the skin, which will cause infectious diseases and lameness. During nail trimming, the paw pads should also be inspected for fungus or cuts. To prevent fungus, you need to cut the hair between the fingers.
The most common eye problem in dogs is tearing and accumulation of white or dirty gray secretions in the corners. If you notice that the dog has wet hair under the eyes, then it is necessary to rinse them with the so-called silver water. You need to rinse with separate cotton swabs, moving towards the dog's nose. To make such water, you need to put a silver object in clean, filtered water for a day. In case of accumulation of mucus in the corners of the eyes, it should be carefully removed with cotton swabs, also leading to the nose of the animal. If the procedures performed by you within 5-6 days did not give the desired result, you should contact the veterinary clinic.
Regular cleaning of the dog's ears is a preventive measure for many diseases (for example, otitis media, ear mites). The dog's ears should be inspected and cleaned weekly with an ear stick. In this case, you can use special lotions that are sold in zoopharmacies, petroleum jelly or vegetable oil. If your pet is still scratching his ears or shaking his head, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Dog oral hygiene is an important part of your pet's health. First of all, you can maintain the health of the dog's oral cavity with the help of a balanced meat diet. In addition, chew toys with an antiseptic made of rubber or nylon are used to train teeth and maintain oral health. You can also brush your dog's teeth, but this is a very difficult task, and to achieve the effect you need to do it every day. You can also contact veterinary clinics, where specialists will clean your pet's teeth with ultrasound and assess the general condition of the oral cavity.
Balanced dog nutrition
It plays an important role not only for the health of the dog's oral cavity, but also affects the general health and appearance of the animal. should be appropriate for the age, activity and weight of the dog. Should never be combined with natural. When forming a rational and balanced diet, you can be helped by special programs - calculators of the correct diet, which can be found on the Internet and used for free. If you choose dry food, it is very important that your dog drink enough water. The quality of the food is also of great importance, because as a result, the dog may have problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
dog walking
Dogs that live in an apartment must be walked daily. The duration of the walk mainly depends on the physical potential of the pet, that is, the larger the dog, the longer it needs to be active on the street in order to waste the accumulated energy. A small puppy first needs to be taken out for 10-20 minutes several times a day. For an adult dog, the duration of a walk can be up to two hours a day. At the same time, you should not be afraid of bad weather, because this will only strengthen your dog's immunity. It should be noted that walking especially large animals is best done in sparsely populated places. If this is not possible, then the dog must be muzzled. During the walk, you can teach the dog various commands, play with it. The regularity and duration of walks, of course, will depend on the rhythm of your life, but it is desirable that they be carried out at the same time.
Medical examination and vaccination of dogs
In order to maintain the health of the dog, it is necessary to visit veterinary clinics and conduct a medical examination of your pet. You do a certain prevention of the occurrence of various diseases every day, taking care of your pet's coat, ears, teeth, claws, but you should not forget about visiting veterinarians. If your dog is not worried about anything and has a healthy appetite, then an annual physical examination is enough. Particular attention should be paid to vaccinating your dog, as this will protect not only your pet, but also you and those around you from possible problems. Every dog must be vaccinated. I do the first vaccinations at the age of 2-3 months. This procedure is then repeated annually. Usually vaccination includes three vaccinations, however, modern veterinary clinics offer one complex vaccine. It has certain advantages, but it is very difficult for the animal's body.
Remember that a dog is a living creature that needs proper care, care and affection. Pay attention to your pets, and they will surely thank you with their devotion, bringing joy and good mood to your home.
Daily inspection of the dog is carried out by the instructor (counselor) in the morning, afternoon and evening hours of caring for it, as well as before using it in the border guard service.
In the morning and evening hours of caring for the dog, before walking (walking with the dog), a quick (quick) examination is carried out, and before cleaning it and using it in the service, a detailed (thorough) daily examination.
External examination is carried out in the following sequence
The eyes are examined, because the condition of the eyes (cheerful or sad look, the color of the mucous membrane) can be judged to a certain extent about the condition of the dog as a whole;
Ears are examined. In the auricles, you can find pasture mites, earwax (brown), and sometimes small foreign objects (wood chips, insects, etc.). With a disease of the ears, brownish-gray discharge from them, an unpleasant odor are possible;
The oral cavity is examined - the condition of the teeth, whether there are any stuck small bones and other foreign objects;
The nose is examined - are there any scratches, mucous and purulent discharges;
The condition of the paws is checked - the condition of the pads, claws, whether there are splinters, wounds, etc .;
The coat is examined - the general condition, the presence of shine, hair loss, etc .;
The pulse is counted. The normal pulse rate for an adult dog is 70-120 beats per minute. Blows, as a rule, are of the same strength and with equal intervals between them. A sign of a sick dog is usually a rapid pulse with beats of unequal strength and with different intervals between them.
dog walking(exercise) is included in the complex of measures for the care of dogs in the kennel. Daily walks with the dogs are a must. Dogs are usually walked 2-3 times a day at the time set by the daily routine for caring for them. The duration of each walk is within 30 minutes.
Dogs are taken for a walk on a long leash, the most aggressive ones are muzzled. As a rule, each instructor and counselor is assigned a permanent and safe place (ground) for active dog walking.
While walking, adult dogs cannot empty their bladder at the same time (at one time) and do it repeatedly, with short breaks. Therefore, it is impossible to hurry with walking.
Cleaning dogs is carried out to remove dandruff (exposed cells of the upper layer of the skin), hair fragments, secretions of the sebaceous glands, as well as dust and dirt from the skin. Cleaning is carried out outdoors, in clean air.
Before cleaning the dog is placed on a short leash. The instructor (counselor) conducts a daily inspection, which was mentioned above, and proceeds to clean the dog in the following sequence: first, the hair is combed with a comb and brushed, then the hair is wiped and smoothed with a damp cloth, and at the end, if necessary, the eyes, ears, genitals and anal area are wiped. hole with a clean cloth or cotton
After brushing, wool is cleaned with a damp cloth in the same way as with a brush), for which it is pre-soaked in water and squeezed well so that the cloth is slightly damp.
the washing up dogs is also a useful physiological procedure, since brushing and cloth cleaning cannot achieve complete removal of dust, dandruff and sebaceous gland secretions. The frequency of washing depends on the time of year and the conditions in which the dog is kept and used in the service. In summer, the dog is washed every month, and in hot, dry, dusty months - 2 times a month.
All you need to know
WOLMAR
A service dog, like any other animal, is subject to certain environmental conditions. If these conditions interfere with the dog's adaptability, the onset of the disease is possible.
It is worth remembering that the health and performance of a dog depends on vitamins for service dogs WOLMAR, physical, chemical and biological properties of air. We are talking about temperature, humidity, air mobility, dust content, microbial contamination, etc. Therefore, maintaining an optimal microclimate in the air is considered a very important measure.
In the cold season, service dogs should be kept in rooms with a temperature of at least 15-16°C. To maintain a normal physiological state of the dog, a constant body temperature is necessary. This is ensured by the mechanism of thermoregulation, which is based on maintaining a certain ratio between the formation of heat and its release. The reason for overheating of the body of a service dog is insufficient heat transfer in the hot season and the lack of normal air exchange. This is especially true when animals are muzzled. Sudden hypothermia, in turn, can cause colds and frostbite. The increase in air humidity also negatively affects the animal. Therefore, indoor humidity indicators should fluctuate between 50-70%. Humid and cold air is a good thermal conductor. This is accompanied by the loss of a large amount of heat from the body.
As a result, the animal quickly becomes hypothermic. Overheating of the body occurs due to the presence of warm and humid air in the room. Dry air is characterized by drying of the skin and mucous membranes of the dog. This leads to an increase in the vulnerability of the skin and an increase in the permeability to microbes.
As a rule, the air of the premises where service dogs are located contains germs and mold. Their normal level should not exceed 15 thousand per 1 m3. An increase in the content of these pathogenic organisms is facilitated by low ventilation of the room and insufficient sunlight. To reduce dust and microbial contamination, regular cleaning of the litter, disinfection, cleaning of dogs outside the premises and its constant airing are provided.
It must be remembered that service dogs are indoors most of the day. Therefore, buildings must protect animals from factors such as rain, snow, dust, and heat. Slightly elevated, dry and level ground should be used for the construction of service dog accommodation. It should be at some distance from other buildings. To protect the room from wind and dust, you need to remember about green spaces. The soil used for the nursery site must be solid.
It also provides for a low standing of groundwater. The location of the premises directly on the river bank is not recommended. This is due to the possibility of dampness. An important measure is the construction of a solid fence around the area intended for the nursery. Its height must be at least 2 meters. The fence in its lower part is subject to deepening by 0.5 meters. This is necessary to prevent dogs from undermining it.
It is envisaged to divide the premises for dogs into cabins, which should be connected with enclosures open from above. As a rule, enclosures are subject to metal mesh fencing. This prevents dogs from jumping into neighboring enclosures.
When a large number of dogs are together, the formation of a kitchen and an insulator is provided. The equipment of two cast-iron boilers is recommended. They are needed to cook food and heat water. The isolation ward is used for monitoring sick and suspected dogs with contagious diseases. The distance from the main building on which the isolation ward is built must be at least 500 meters from the nursery. Diseases and recommendations for the German Shepherd
In kennels where dogs are bred and puppies are raised, it is necessary to build maternity rooms and veterinary outpatient clinics with a hospital for dogs. For washing service animals, it is planned to equip premises at the veterinary outpatient clinic. For washing dogs, a heated room is used, in which there should be a column for heating water and a bathroom.
It is possible to keep one or two animals without enclosures and cabins. In this case, the construction of collapsible wooden booths is envisaged. A pole with a ring is equipped next to the booth to keep the dog on a chain. Note that it is harmful to constantly keep an animal on a leash. Therefore, periodically it is necessary to release the dog from the chain. However, you must make sure that the people around you are safe. In winter, the booths of service dogs are subject to insulation. To do this, use a tarp, an old blanket or other dense fabric attached to the top of the booth.
It is possible to keep a service dog in a city apartment. A prerequisite for this are daily three-time walks. They must be at least 30 minutes long. When kept in a room, the animal should be in a permanent place for rest and sleep. A small rug is placed in this place.
In order to maintain the health of animals, improve their performance and reproduction functions, the premises of the nursery must be clean. To clean the cabins, they use an iron shovel, a metal scraper on the handle, a broom, a broom, a metal scoop, a mop and buckets. Daily cleaning is carried out in the premises in the morning. Before cleaning, the dogs are taken for a walk and inspection.
Mouse-like rodents can cause great harm to premises for service dogs. They damage the floor and walls, eat animal food. Also, rats and mice can act as carriers of infectious diseases. For the destruction of rodents, the use of baits with zoocoumarin is recommended. This work is within the competence of specialists of deratization teams. It must be remembered that such baits can poison the dogs themselves. Also, high efficiency in relation to the destruction of rodents is characteristic of traps and other devices.
To destroy harmful insects, the ceilings and walls of pavilions are subject to spraying with insecticides. As a rule, they use chlorophos, dibrom, thiodrine, etc. This procedure should be carried out once a week. To prevent mosquito and other insect bites, a special oily liquid (dibutyl phthalate) is used.
To protect the skin from skin pathologies, regular cleaning of dogs is necessary. With this procedure, dandruff, dust and dirt are removed from the wool. In addition, cleansing promotes blood flow to the skin and improves metabolism. To clean the animal, use a brush, a comb, clean rags. Separate supplies are required for each dog.
Service dog care
Remember to take good care of service dogs. Importance is attached to the daily inspection of animals. As a rule, inspection of dogs is carried out during cleaning of premises. During the examination, an assessment is made of the general condition of the dog, its fatness, the condition of the coat and some organs and . As a rule, the following body parts of a service dog are especially carefully evaluated:
1. Eyes. It must be remembered that this organ may indicate a violation of the state of the body as a whole. We are talking about a sad look, redness of the mucous membrane of the eyes, etc.
2. Ears. With pathology, mites, brown sulfur, small foreign objects are detected in the ears of dogs. With an inflammatory disease, ear discharge has an unpleasant odor.
3. Paws. This organ is checked for damage and splinters. In addition, the claws of the animal are examined.
4. Wool. In pathology, excessive sheen of the coat and fallen hair are determined.
All foreign bodies found during the examination must be removed. In the presence of characteristic symptoms of pathology, a veterinary specialist is called. When examining service animals, you must be very careful. It must be remembered that even accidentally causing pain to a dog is fraught with aggressive behavior of the animal. If swallowing is impossible, the lower jaw sags, the presence of a large bone in the dog's throat should be suspected. A dog in this condition needs emergency help.
Inventory
To keep service dogs, you need certain equipment. We are talking about a collar, a muzzle, a short and long leash, a chain. The collar is worn around the animal's neck. A leash is attached to this item. For the manufacture of the collar, leather, leather substitutes, and special braid are used.
A muzzle is necessary to prevent dog attacks and bites. The greatest prevalence is characteristic of a leather deaf muzzle. Looped and mesh muzzles are also popular. The material for the manufacture of such items is leather, leather substitutes, metal mesh, etc. The muzzle and collar should not interfere with the animal. In addition, the possibility of resetting them should be excluded.
The length of a short leash does not exceed 1.5 m. Such a leash is necessary to lead the animal next to the owner. It is also used for training. A short leash is attached to the collar with a clasp or carabiner. A long leash is used when driving an animal at a distance from the owner. The distance, as a rule, exceeds 10 m. With the help of a chain, the dog is tied.
For cleaning dogs, they use a brush, a comb, a clean cloth, a cotton swab, a comb, a cloth, etc. Storage of equipment in pantries is provided.
Service dog cleaning
Regular cleaning of animals helps to remove dandruff, particles of dust and dirt from the skin and coat. In addition, cleaning helps to increase metabolic processes in the skin. As a rule, this procedure is carried out once a day. An indication for additional cleaning is severe contamination of the animal during work or walking.
To begin with, combing the animal's hair with a comb is carried out. Sequentially comb the head, neck, torso, tail and limbs of the dog. This procedure should be especially thorough in long-haired dogs. This is followed by brushing. First, the movement of the brush against the wool is provided. After that, you need to move along the wool. The condition is high pressure when brushing. It is necessary to periodically clean the brush on the comb. After that, a cloth pre-moistened with water is used. Cleaning the animal with a damp cloth is carried out in the same way as with a brush.
The eyes and ears of the animal must be wiped with a clean cloth or cotton swab. With abundant contamination of these organs, the cloth is moistened with water.
Gradual brushing training for excitable and aggressive dogs is recommended. Careful stroking with a hand and a brush is envisaged. Cleaning such an animal is possible only under the condition of getting used to it. A vacuum cleaner may be used to clean service dogs. In this case, the use of its small bristles is recommended.
Washing and bathing service dogs
When service dogs are kept in the yard, they are washed during the warm season. In most cases, there is a rapid addiction to washing. First, the wool is wetted with warm water. Then soap is used until a large amount of foam appears, which must then be washed off. In room conditions, after repeating this procedure, the animal is wiped with a warm cloth. When yard washing, wiping dogs is not recommended. This is due to the removal of water from wool with vigorous shaking. Driving the animal on a leash contributes to the complete drying of the coat. It is necessary to prevent the animal from wallowing on the ground.
Soapy foam is used to wash puppies. You can also use special shampoos designed for washing animals. Recently, there has been a great popularity of such funds. Any method of washing a service dog involves thoroughly rinsing off the remaining foam. Neglect of this rule is fraught with skin irritation and the occurrence of disease. We are talking, for example, about dermatitis.
In case of severe contamination of the animal, it is completely washed. As a rule, only paws need to be washed after walking.
During the hot season, bathing service dogs is considered very beneficial. For this, reservoirs are suitable, in which there is running water and sloping banks. Places used for bathing people and watering livestock should not be used. As a rule, the animal is not afraid of water and will definitely enter it after the trainer (owner). In some cases, fetching objects are used to lure animals into the water. Before bathing the animal, it is mandatory to release the dog from the leash. It is also necessary to inspect the shore for the presence of objects of a piercing and cutting nature.
Bathing your dog should not be too frequent. This is due to the flushing of fatty substances that are secreted by the sebaceous glands. These substances lubricate the skin and hair of the animal. As a result of their lack, drying of the skin and its cracking are noted. In addition, fragility and fragility of the hairline is possible. This is due to the loss of water repellency properties. In winter, washing and bathing of yard dogs is not carried out.
The frequency of washing and bathing service dogs depends on factors such as the time of year, the breed of the dog, the individual characteristics of its skin, and the conditions of detention. To resolve these issues, it is recommended to consult with experienced professionals. Due to the greater likelihood of contamination in summer, dogs are bathed much more frequently. In winter, cleaning service dogs with dry snow is common. For this, special brushes are used. An indication for an increase in the procedure for washing an animal is an increased activity of the sebaceous glands of the skin. On average, animals are washed once every 2 months.
When getting a dog as a pet, it is important to understand that this is not only a friend, comrade, companion with whom you can play, talk, pour out your soul, but also an animal that requires constant care and proper care. How the owner will take care of his beloved pet depends on his health, temper, life expectancy and many other factors. How to care for a dog? According to veterinarians, this is an elementary observance of all hygiene norms and rules, maintaining a proper diet, regular dog walking and timely observation by a veterinarian.
There are several types of wool and each pet needs a special approach:
- Dogs with long hair. If, spaniels, Scottish Shepherds and other long-haired breeds on a walk look like dogs from the covers of glossy magazines, this does not mean that it is only a matter of long and silky hair. The beauty of the coat is the result of daily painstaking work. For these purposes, a wooden comb with rare teeth is perfect. In order for the dog to have a neat appearance, you need to trim the excess hair near the anus, between the toes and in the region of the superciliary arches.
- smooth-haired breeds. Do not think that if you have a Staffordshire Terrier or, then their coat does not require any care. Even such, it seems almost naked, breeds are prone to, which means that they need to be helped to get rid of already outdated wool. For combing, a rubber brush, or a brush like the one designed for cleaning clothes, is fine. A suede cloth will help to add gloss, which, after combing, must be drawn over the wool in the direction of hair growth.
- Dogs with coarse hair. This coat type is most commonly found in terriers and schnauzers. It requires regular step-by-step care:
- Combing - you will need two brushes, one with metal teeth, the other with bristles.
- - use a clipper and scissors with rounded ends.
- - Plucking bristles that have died.
- Dogs with medium coat. German, East European Shepherds, Alabai and Caucasians have a medium length coat. This is the easiest option to maintain, although it requires regular combing. You will need a regular brush for combing and a “slicker” to remove the undercoat during the molting period.
- Curly pets. Poodles and some varieties of terriers have an undeniable advantage - they are not subject to molting. However, the coat still needs care. It is necessary to comb out often, otherwise the resulting tangles will have to be cut out. Dogs with this type of coat must be trimmed according to breed standards.
- exotic wool. If you are lucky enough to be the owner of a pet with rope hair, in some places or completely absent, then in this case you will need to consult a breeder. Only a professional can give accurate advice.
Dog washing
Taking baths again directly depends on the quality of the wool.
Dogs with hair that is prone to matting. These dogs require frequent bathing. Ideally, once every 7 days, once every 14 days is considered acceptable. During exhibitions, long-haired pets are bathed regularly before events. It is necessary to bathe such dogs completely, not limited to paws only.
Coarse or medium wool. Pets with hard or medium hard hair are bathed once a month and this is quite enough. In order for a representative of the breed with a smooth back and a rather hairy face to look neat, it is necessary to apply special balms and conditioners after washing.
Sometimes, so that the coat is not excessively fluffy and does not bulge, dry cleaning is used before the exhibitions, which is carried out with a piece of cloth with a velvet surface and a brush. A rag will remove dirt and excess sebum, and a brush will get rid of dead hairs and. The same method is effective for caring for dogs with medium hair - German Shepherds, Alabai, etc.
Smooth-haired dogs. Smooth-haired pets (dogs, dachshunds, etc.) do not require frequent washing, one or two times every three months is enough. It is also useful to carry out periodic dry cleanings.
dog walking
All four-legged pets love to walk. They are attracted by new flavors, the opportunity to communicate with their own kind, a diverse environment.
But it is always worth remembering that the behavior of the dog in the new conditions is changing. If at home the dog is the kindest docile creature, then on the street the “spirit of freedom” often infuses him. Therefore, it is recommended on a leash, especially for large representatives, and dogs of fighting breeds - in a muzzle. In addition, the leash will protect the dog from dangers - moving cars, open wells, dog weddings.
It is enough to take the dog out twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. The exceptions are puppies and older pets, here you need to look at the situation. Also, pets of small breeds can be taken out three times a day.
In the warm season, the walk should last at least 20 minutes to half an hour, but longer walks are also welcome. In the cold season, the dog's stay on the street (especially smooth-haired) can be reduced to 15 minutes. You can’t take out a pet that has just eaten, it’s worth waiting a few hours. It is not recommended to walk the dog on playgrounds, the territory of child care facilities.
Useful articles:
Check-ups at the veterinarian
After the puppy has been given all the necessary vaccines, a visit to the veterinary clinic becomes an annual and as needed. Prevention can also be timed to the period of revaccinations.
An older animal requires more careful care and attention, and examinations should be more frequent - once every 3 to 6 months.
Of course, it may seem to many that such events are a waste of money, however, early detection of pathologies helps not only to avoid long, expensive treatment, but often saves the pet's life.
Proper nutrition
From what to feed the dog, its health depends and. If the owner opts for ready-made feeds (dry or wet), then it is important to select high-quality products, preferably Holistics. These feeds contain all the useful micro and macro elements, the daily norm, in a sufficient amount of meat product, vegetables, herbs. Each package contains detailed instructions for use and composition.
But what if we are talking about ordinary food? Studies have shown that a healthy animal should receive 2/3 meat products and 1/3 vegetable products. But you can give not only meat, but also all kinds of offal:
- a heart;
- kidneys;
- lung, etc.
Among the types of meat, everything is suitable, except for pork - beef, lamb, poultry, game, etc. Dogs can be given various trimmings, but without fat. Fish can also be included in the diet, but exclusively marine and without bones.
Among herbal ingredients, preference should be given to the following products:
- oats, millet, buckwheat, bran, barley;
- all vegetables except legumes and potatoes;
- fruits other than grapes.
Bones can be included in the diet, but only large boiled and in small quantities.
When cooking, you should follow certain rules:
- Meat and offal require mandatory heat treatment.
- They need to be cut into small pieces, or grind in a meat grinder.
- The broth obtained during cooking is also given to the pet.
- Cereals - oats, barley, etc. must be soaked in cold water before cooking.
- Vegetables are best given raw, grated beforehand, or finely chopped.
What is contraindicated for a dog:
- do not give cabbage or vegetable tops;
- food should be warm and have a mushy texture;
- do not give bones to puppies under one year old;
- the fish should be completely cleaned, removing not only the bones, but also all the fins.
Thus, a balanced diet will help strengthen, maintain and maintain the health of your beloved animal. Following all the simple rules and recommendations of the veterinarian, the dog will grow up active, mobile and healthy.
