It is an unfortunate fact of modern life that people are getting more and more obese. Similarly, their dogs are becoming very generous around the waistline. Statistics suggest that as many as 40% of our canine companions are overweight or obese.

To understand how to avoid this problem, you must first look at the reasons behind excessive weight gain in dogs.

1. Overfeeding. It’s fair to say that the majority of dogs are fed too much food. Many packets of kibble over-estimate how much your dog should be given for his dinner. Don’t forget those little toast crusts at breakfast, or the leftover pasta after your main meal – they will all add to your dog’s body weight.
2. Lack of Exercise. We’re all busy with work, families, and other commitments. It’s not always easy to find time to take Fido for a long walk. This means that all those extra calories aren’t burned off, and it won’t be long before he is overweight.

What can you do if your dog is already too heavy?

Firstly, take him along to your veterinarian for a check-up. There are some medical conditions that cause weight gain in dogs. If your dog is suffering from one of these conditions, you won’t see any improvement in his weight until it is properly managed.

Next, look closely at what he’s eating. His nutritional requirements are influenced by his activity level. If your dog is a couch potato who only gets up when he needs a drink or to go outside to the toilet, then he really doesn’t need too many calories. He just needs enough to keep his body processes chugging along, and to keep him alive. A more active dog does need more to eat, but probably not as much as you are giving him!

Start an exercise program with your dog. If he is particularly overweight, you may not be able to walk very far before his legs get tired. In that case, take him swimming or use an underwater treadmill. The water will help to support his body and make it easier on his legs. As he loses some weight, you can then start walking him more. You’ll enjoy this too; it’s relaxing and it’s a pleasant way to spend some quality time with your four legged best friend.

One thing that is particularly important, and not all that easy, is to teach your dog not to beg at the table. It can be very hard to resist those soft brown eyes, and more often than not you just give him a tiny piece of leftovers. By doing this, you have just trained him that begging pays, so he’s not going to give up anytime soon. You must harden your heart. Either lock him away at your mealtimes so you’re not dealing with temptation all the time, or be strong enough to resist his pleas for treats.

It is as difficult to get weight off your dog as it is for people to lose weight, and it takes as much discipline and control on the part of you, his owner. It’s worth it though, as you could be saving him from the debilitating symptoms of arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.

To get more important information on this topic visist the ASPCA .

Whilst most puppy owners understand the benefits of exercising their puppy, a question that is frequently asked is how much exercise a puppy actually needs. Too little exercise and the puppy may become bored, and too much exercise can lead to injury.

There is no definite answer to this question, so we need to look at various factors including the breed of your dog, their size and also how old your puppy actually is. Some breeds are predisposed to orthopedic problems, and any strenuous exercise should be delayed until they are well and truly mature. For giant breeds, this can take until they are 18 months of age or more.

A young pup will not do too much, as their young legs won’t have much strength until they are 5-6 weeks old. While they are very young, the only exercise your pup needs is to potter around your home with their litter mates.

At this early age, pups should be allowed to determine how much exercise they do. Pups should never be forced to exercise as it can cause long term harm to their growing bones and joints. If you leave them to their own devices, they will run and play as much as they want, then rest when they are tired. Keep in mind that an enthusiastic pup will want to run and play with you, and may not want to stop. It’s up to you to put the brakes on and allow them time to rest and recover.

Once your pup is five or six months old, you can start taking them for walks. Watch for any signs of weariness, and stop before they get tired. Their bones are still growing, and still susceptible to overuse injury. At this age, you should avoid any excessive jumping, because this can be particularly harmful to young joints.

When your dog is approaching 12 months of age, you can start taking them for longer walks, and even start a jogging program with them. This is great for keeping them trim, and burning up their excess energy. It’s also good for their mood, and you’ll see your own health improve too. Dogs in fact make ideal running buddies!

Consider joining a dog sports club – agility, flyball and tracking are lots of fun for dogs, and will exercise their brains as well as their bodies.

Most neighborhoods have a dog park, and this is a great venue to let your dog off leash to have a good run around. They can play with other dogs, wrestle and tumble with them, and completely wear themselves out.

Never underestimate the importance of exercise in your dog’s physical and mental well being. You’ll find that if they have enough exercise, they’ll be less anxious, and less inclined to get up to mischief because they are bored. After all, a tired dog is a happy dog.

For more information on exercising your Puppy visit: Petco .

Can you still own a dog if you’re allergic to them?

Many people are allergic to dogs and develop sneezing, runny eyes and skin rashes whenever they come in contact with them. If you are thinking about owning a dog, and you suspect you may have such an allergy, you need to find out for sure before inviting a dog into your family. A simple way to do this is to spend some time with a friend’s dog. An hour of cuddling and patting should give you adequate time to gauge whether you are allergic to dogs, and also to what degree. The symptoms of an allergy to dogs are uncomfortable and annoying. However, if you are indeed an allergy sufferer, you can still enjoy the company of a loving and loyal canine companion.

If you have allergies and are planning on owning a dog, it is a sensible idea to choose a breed with short hair that doesn’t shed large amounts of its coat. People often react to the dander, or dead skin cells and scurf, that is constantly shed from a dog’s skin. All dogs have dander, so there is no such thing as a truly hypo-allergenic dog. Poodles, Chinese Crested Dogs and Mexican Hairless Dogs are all popular choices for people who are sensitive to dogs.

Take into consideration the size of your home before choosing a breed of dog for your family. If you live in a small apartment, you may find that you have more allergy attacks, simply because the hair and dander accumulate in a smaller area. In this case, a smaller breed will shed less than a larger breed, and there will be less allergens inside your home.

What else can you do to manage an allergy to dogs so you don’t have to miss out on the pleasures of pet ownership?

• Ask your doctor to prescribe anti-allergy medication that will ease your symptoms. All drugs can have side effects, so make sure you are familiar with your medication and can recognize any potential problems before they become too severe.

• Vacuum your home thoroughly, and there will be less dander and dog hair in your environment to make you itch and sneeze.

• Have your dog groomed regularly to remove loose hair and skin scurf, and you’re less likely to have an allergic reaction when you cuddle him.

• Keep your dog off the furniture so you’re not exposed to hair or dander while you are relaxing in front of the television. Give him his own bedding, and launder his blankets regularly.

• Consider having a course of desensitizing injections. These injections contain tiny amounts of allergens, and are given to you every week or fortnight for many months. They allow your body to better tolerate the things you’re allergic to, so you’re less likely to react to them. It takes quite a long time before you see the results of these injections, so they are definitely not a quick fix.

Having an allergy to dogs doesn’t mean you can’t own a dog. Choose your breed carefully, keep it and your environment clean and seek help from your medical professional to manage any symptoms. You’ll then be able to learn exactly why a dog is known as “man’s best friend”.

Visit the ASPCA for more information on this topic:
here

There is nothing more frustrating than listening to your dog scratch, scratch, scratch all the time. For some reason it seems so loud and distracting. Not only is it annoying, it can cause such severe skin irritation to your dog that he needs veterinary treatment to soothe his irritated skin.

There are many reasons why dogs scratch, some more common than others.

1. Fleas. This is by far the most common cause of dogs scratching. These little parasites bite your dog as they take a blood meal, and the itch can be severe. Some dogs are actually allergic to fleas, and the result is red skin and hair loss. It’s most common for flea irritation to develop over your dog’s rump, tail base and down his hind legs.

2. Nutrition.
This is often something that isn’t often considered when looking for a reason for your dog’s scratching. Dog owners often feed their dog with low quality pet foods that may be a bit short on the nutrients needed for a healthy coat and skin. With this in mind, always try to choose a reputable brand of pet food, even if it does cost that little bit extra. Some dogs are actually allergic to something they are eating, and this can manifest itself as scratching. You’ll need to do a food trial to work out what it is, and then don’t feed your dog that food ever again.

3. The environment.
Quite often, dogs can be allergic to certain kinds of grass and plants, and they scratch whenever they have been in contact with them. Also, dogs can develop a hay fever type condition called atopy, where they are allergic to dusts and pollens in the environment. This can be difficult to manage, because it’s not always possible to keep your dog away from the things he is reacting to. You may need to resort to anti-allergy medication to keep him comfortable.

4. Infections.
Bacterial and fungal infections can be a source of irritation for your dog, and can make him scratch all the time. These infections are often secondary to another problem such as an allergy, or a hormonal skin disorder. This means that treating the infection won’t solve the problem because the underlying cause is still there.

6. Your dog’s personality.
Some dogs scratch through anxiety and boredom. This is difficult to diagnose, because you really need to rule out all other causes of your dog’s itch. Medication is available that should help if your dog genuinely has a behavioral basis to his scratching.

If your dog is scratching excessively, it’s time to make an appointment with your veterinarian to work out why. The sooner you can find the cause, the sooner your dog will get relief from the constant itching and irritation.

Visit the ASPCA for more information:
click here

Worms in dogs

Worms are a common problem for many dogs. In some cases, puppies are actually born with worms on board, but these unwanted parasites are most commonly picked up from a contaminated environment or insects. For example, whipworms are picked up from the soil, the common tapeworm is spread by fleas, and heartworm can be contracted from a bite by an infected mosquito.

Let’s look at the common worm parasites that affect our four legged family members.

Roundworms cause a pot bellied appearance, diarrhea and vomiting. If your pup has enough of these worms, they can actually cause a blockage of their intestine. This is a common infection and is often spread from mother to puppy either in the uterus or through the milk. Dogs can also be infected by eggs that are in the soil. If a human becomes infected with round worm larvae, they can cause blindness and brain damage. This is most common in children because they tend to forget to wash their hands after playing with dogs.

Tapeworms are an extremely common parasite, and one of the easiest ways to spot them is by looking at your dog’s feces, or having a peek under his tail – I know, it’s not the most savory thing to do. You will see what looks like little grains of dried rice; these are actually small pieces of the tapeworms. If they have enough of the worms, dogs may also vomit and lose weight.

Hookworm infection is contracted when immature worms penetrate through your dog’s skin, usually their feet as they walk on contaminated ground. Once the parasite has penetrated the skin, it then works its way inwards to his lungs where it settles down and causes further irritation of the tissues. Your dog then coughs up the worm into his mouth and it is then swallowed. This worm uses the hooks in its mouth to attach to the lining of your dog’s small intestine, and it drinks his blood. Your dog will eventually develop blood loss anemia, with pale gums, tiredness and a weak pulse. A heavy hookworm burden can be fatal to a young pup. Hookworm larvae can also cause skin inflammation in people.

One worm that lives in your dog’s large intestine is the whipworm. It is spread through contaminated soil, as it can survive for quite a long time in the environment if conditions are right. These worms cause inflammation of the lining of the intestine, leading to diarrhea, often with blood and mucus.

Lastly, one of the most dangerous worms that can be contracted by a dog is the heartworm, as it can cause serious illness and even death. This type of worm is found in your dog’s heart, and in the large blood vessels leading to his lungs. The first symptom is often a cough, but if untreated, this progresses to signs of heart failure and death.

There are various medications that will help to prevent your dog becoming ill because of worms. your veterinarian can help you with a worming regime that will keep your dog healthy and happy.

For more information on worms visit: here.

Caring for your dog’s teeth

THE NEED TO CARE FOR YOUR DOG’S TEETH IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED BY MOST DOG OWNERS, SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY DO NOT REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF CANINE DENTAL CARE UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE. ONE THING THAT YOU MUST UNDERSTAND IS THAT A PET LIVING AT HOME IS OUT OF ITS NATURAL HABITAT SO MAY NOT HAVE THE TOOLS TO CLEAN ITS OWN TEETH. WOLVES IN THE WILD NATURALLY CLEAN THEIR TEETH AND GUMS BY GNAWING ON HARD BONE, OR USING TENDON AND MUSCLE LIKE DENTAL FLOSS. CHEWING ON THESE OBJECTS WOULD HELP TO REMOVE UNWANTED PLAQUE OR TARTAR.

YOUR FOUR LEGGED FAMILY MEMBER’S TEETH SHOULD BE LOOKED AFTER ON A DAILY BASIS, JUST LIKE YOUR OWN. THEY SHOULD ALSO BE CHECKED BY THEIR DOCTOR EVERY SIX MONTHS, AGAIN JUST LIKE YOUR OWN. THIS WILL HELP YOU TO CATCH ANY PROBLEMS EARLY, AND HELP TO PREVENT HIGH DENTAL BILLS IN THE FUTURE.

THE FIRST THING THAT ANY PUPPY OWNER SHOULD DO IS TO CHECK THE SPACING AND POSITION OF THE TEETH FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE DOG’S LIFE, TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE GROWING IN THE RIGHT SPOT. IF THEY ARE GROWING CROOKED, OR MISALIGNED, THERE IS THE CHANCE THEY COULD PIERCE THE ROOF OF HIS MOUTH, OR TRAUMATIZE HIS TONGUE OR LIPS. WHEN YOUR DOG HAS HIS BABY TEETH, STICK TO SOFT FOODS THAT ARE EASIER FOR HIM TO EAT. WHILE HE IS YOUNG, BRUSH HIS TEETH REGULARLY WITH A SOFT TOOTHBRUSH AND A TOOTHPASTE DESIGNED FOR DOGS, SO HE CAN GET USED TO HAVING IT DONE. HUMAN TOOTHPASTE IS NOT GOOD FOR DOGS; IT FOAMS TOO MUCH AND DOGS OFTEN DON’T ENJOY THE MINTY FLAVOR. IF YOUR DOG DOESN’T LIKE HIS TOOTHBRUSH, USE A CLOTH WITH BAKING SODA AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CLEAN HIS TEETH.

AS YOUR DOG GROWS UP AND STARTS TO LOSE HIS BABY TEETH, HIS DIET CAN BE CHANGED TO INCLUDE HARDER FOODS. THIS NOT ONLY HELPS TO CLEAN HIS TEETH, BUT IT MAKES DINNER TIME MORE SATISFYING FOR HIM. GIVE HIM A BRISKET BONE OR CHEWY BISCUIT ONCE A WEEK TO HELP KEEP HIS TEETH IN GOOD CONDITION. CONTINUE WITH ONCE OR TWICE DAILY BRUSHING. PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THOSE BIG UPPER MOLARS AT THE BACK OF HIS MOUTH, AS THEY OFTEN ARE THE FIRST TO ACCUMULATE TARTAR.

TWICE YEARLY VISITS TO THE VETERINARIAN FOR MOUTH CHECKUPS ARE A GREAT IDEA, AS THIS WILL IDENTIFY ANY PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH TOOTH DAMAGE OR GUM INFECTIONS BEFORE THEY BECOME TOO SERIOUS. YOUR VET MAY RECOMMEND AN ULTRASONIC CLEAN AND POLISH FOR YOUR DOG’S TEETH, TO HELP KEEP THEM CLEAN AND HEALTHY, AND TO REMOVER TARTAR FROM BELOW HIS GUM LINE.

NEGLECTED TEETH WILL NOT ONLY EVENTUALLY AMOUNT TO HIGH VET BILLS, BUT THEY CAN CAUSE UNNECESSARY SUFFERING AND PAIN IN YOUR DOG. MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR HIS TEETH FROM AN EARLY AGE IS VITAL FOR THE HEALTH AND HAPPINESS OF YOUR CANINE COMPANION.

For more information on your dog’s teeth visit: ASPCA .

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BRUSH AND COMB FOR YOUR DOG’S COAT

When it comes to grooming your dog, there is nothing better than professional advice from a groomer or breeder. However there are a few things you can learn for yourself about choosing the right tool for the job.

Keep in mind that a comb is rarely used by groomers for anything other than checking how well they have brushed a dog’s coat. It’s not often used to comb knots out of fur, and if it is, only the very tip is inserted into the knot. It is the used to split the knot so it is easier to remove with a brush. Splitting knots with scissors is more effective on hard knots, so you don’t really need a comb at all to care for your dog’s coat.

When it comes to choosing a brush, you’ll need to take into consideration the breed of your dog. Long coated breeds like Afghans are usually maintained with a pin brush, and short coated breeds only need a soft rubber curry brush. The Poodle whose coat has a crimp to it resembling wool, is unable to lose the hair he sheds from his skin due to this crimp holding on to neighboring hairs. The result is knots if the hair is not brushed out on a regular basis. The slicker brush is used almost exclusively on this breed and is the perfect brush for this type of coat.

The slicker brush is the most widely used brush amongst groomers and breeders to remove undercoat and any ‘blown’ or loose coat. Dogs will blow their coat with the change of seasons, and learning how to remove it with a slicker of the proper size for your breed will save a lot of mess in your house. Slicker brushes are available with round tips for small sensitive dogs. Their bristles can be soft, medium or hard, with each one being better suited to different coat lengths and types. Sizes will vary from about 2 inches square to 6 inches square. They are inexpensive and most people end up owning a few until they find the one right for the job. Smaller softer slickers are good for around the head and ears where a dog is more sensitive so it’s a good idea to buy slicker brushes in a variety of sizes to add to your grooming supplies.

The tools you need to care for your dog’s coat will also be determined by how often you groom him. Neglected coats may need sturdier and more expensive brushes, while most coated breeds can be maintained with your basic slicker if you tend to it on a regular basis. This is also more pleasant for your dog and much better for his skin and coat.

There are many new and innovative grooming tools on the market. The fantastic multi-toothed rakes, some of which actually cut the hair as well as remove it, can make a hard job easy. They come with different sized blades and different spaces between blades, and the one you need will again depend on your dog’s breed and his coat type.

Be prepared to invest in good quality grooming tools for your dog. They cost more to buy at the beginning, but they’ll last longer, and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth from them.

For more grooming information click here.

A critical part of raising a well adjusted dog is socializing your puppy. Through socialization, they learn to fit into society, both human society and the dog hierarchy. Your goal is a calm, well adjusted dog who is doesn’t think it’s his job to keep the postman from stealing your letterbox.

Un-socialized dogs won’t know what to do in new situations or when introduced to new dogs and people. This can lead to them showing aggression or fear in unfamiliar circumstances.

Socializing starts when a puppy is still with his dam and with his breeder. A puppy’s first introduction to canine body language and pack structure starts around the three to four week mark, when he starts playing with his dam and litter mates. The breeder plays an important role in socializing a pup, by giving them positive early experiences with people.

The ideal age to bring your new puppy home is when he is eight weeks of age. From eight to twelve weeks of age is a very important period for socialization. During this time your pup is open to learning and enjoying new experiences. You need to take advantage of this small window of opportunity to increase your puppy’s social development. Invite friends and family to visit, and expose your pup to gentle children, all of which will teach him that people are friendly and nice to be with.

Puppy preschool can be good for your young puppy provided the instructor is accredited and understands pack structure. The right instructor and a well run puppy pre-school allows your puppy to meet and play with other puppies of a similar age and level of development. A good pre-school instructor can help you teach your pup some basic obedience and work on your communication skills. This will strengthen the bond between you and your new best friend.

During this time, it’s a good idea to take your pup walking, and expose him to noisy places such as busy roads, train stations and even markets. This helps him to learn that these places are not scary, and will make it easier to take him to such places in the future.

As your pup grows, continue his obedience training so that he grows into a confident, well mannered companion.

Off-leash parks and beaches are other places you can socialize your puppy but care must be taken to see that he is not intimidated. Many owners do not have control of their dogs, and your pup may be frightened by unwanted advances from a larger dog. It may be better to keep your puppy away from these areas until he is more mature. Make sure your puppy is up to date on vaccinations, as there will be an increased risk of contact with disease in public places.

Taking on a new puppy means you will need to work to socialize him well. You need to look at it as an investment in his future. A good job on your part will lead to a well adjusted and happy companion who knows his place in the mixed human-canine pack.

For more information on socializing your pet visit: Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
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Our puppy is a very important part of our family, and it’s reassuring to know that many of the the medical services that benefit people are now available for our dog. However, these services do come at a cost, and it’s a good idea to have pet health insurance to help with veterinary bills should your dog have an accident or suddenly become ill.

There are many pet insurance policies to choose from, so it’s important that you take the time to understand what is and isn’t covered in each policy. This will make sure you buy the policy that best suits you, and your hard earned money isn’t wasted.

Most pet insurance policies will cover hospitalization, surgery, accidents and other medical procedures. In most cases, they don’t cover routine procedures such as neutering and vaccinations. When you are looking into buying an insurance policy for your pup, work out what you need before you go shopping. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• INSURANCE POLICIES HAVE AN ANNUAL LIMIT WHEN IT COMES TO THE BENEFITS THEY PAY, AND SOMETIMES EVEN A MAXIMUM PAYOUT PER ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT. OFTEN, IF YOU PAY A HIGHER PREMIUM, THESE LIMITS WILL BE INCREASED. WORK OUT A BALANCE BETWEEN THE PREMIUM YOU CAN AFFORD AND THE AMOUNT YOU’D LIKE TO RECEIVE IF YOU EVER NEEDED TO MAKE A CLAIM.

• Do you have more than one pet? Some insurance companies offer a discount if you have two or more animals insured with them. If it isn’t mentioned on their policy paperwork, it costs nothing to ask.

• MAKE SURE YOU FULLY UNDERSTAND WHAT IS AND ISN’T COVERED BY YOUR POLICY. SOME POLICIES DON’T ALLOW CLAIMS FOR SOME TREATMENTS, AND OTHERS DON’T COVER DOGS OVER A CERTAIN AGE. FIND OUT BEFORE YOU SIGN UP, AND YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED LATER WHEN YOU NEED TO MAKE A CLAIM.

• Will the insurance cover pre-existing conditions? If your dog has an injury or illness at the time you take out the policy, you may not be able to claim for expenses relating to that condition.

• DOES THE POLICY ALLOW YOU TO CHOOSE YOUR OWN VETERINARIAN? SOME INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL FORCE YOU TO USE A VETERINARIAN AFFILIATED WITH THEM. IF YOU WANT YOUR PUP TREATED BY SOMEONE YOU KNOW AND TRUST, MAKE SURE THIS IS POSSIBLE WITH THE INSURANCE COVER YOU PURCHASE.

• How long has the insurance company been in business? Ideally, choose a company with a long track record of providing good service to pet owners. Ask other dog owners about their experience with insurance companies, and take this into account when you make your choice.

THE COST OF VETERINARY CARE FOR YOUR PUP IS INCREASING FAST, AND IT’S NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO PUT MONEY ASIDE FOR UNEXPECTED EMERGENCIES. IF YOU HAVE PET HEALTH INSURANCE, YOU WON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FINANCES AT A TIME WHEN YOU ARE WORRYING ABOUT YOUR DOG’S HEALTH. IT’S WELL WORTH THE PEACE OF MIND.

For more information on pet insurance visit: ASPCA .

Puppies can get dirty, whether they like to roll in smelly things, or they enjoy splashing through muddy puddles. This means that you will want to bath your pup before letting him back inside your home.

Here is a guide to effectively bathing and grooming your pup:

Firstly, take to his coat with a brush. This removes loose hair and dust from his fur. Sit your puppy down on a non skid surface so he feels secure and make sure he is at an acceptable height for you to work comfortably. Make sure you don’t brush him too hard or hurt him because a painful experience at this young age will make him very reluctant to be brushed again. Choose an appropriate brush for your pup’s coat type and length; if you’re not sure about this, ask a breeder for advice.

The next step is the bath. For puppies the best option is to use the laundry tub or the bath tub. Buy an inexpensive hose with a diffuser on the end and attach it to the faucet. This will help the water to penetrate his coat. Choose the correct shampoo for your puppy. A normal healthy coat needs only a mild, soap free shampoo that won’t remove the natural oils from his coat. It’s important that you ask for advice from your vet before using a medicated shampoo on your puppy since most puppies have not been in this world long enough to develop skin problems.

Put cotton balls in your puppy’s ears to keep them dry. While water in the ears does not cause infections, it will set up the ideal conditions for bacteria and fungus to set up house, especially if there is excess hair in the ears. Gently wet puppy all over with warm water but do not have it too warm. Lather the shampoo well into his coat. Start at his neck and work backwards down to his tail. Use a washcloth or soft sponge to clean his face, and make sure you keep the shampoo well away from his eyes. Give extra attention to his bottom! Rinse thoroughly; never leave any trace of shampoo in your puppy’s coat as this will irritate his skin as well as make his coat feel tacky.

Towel dry your puppy, or gently blow dry his coat. You may start training your young puppy to get used to a dryer at an early age by using a hand held human hair dryer on a warm, not hot, setting, and on low air volume so the noise is less frightening. If the weather is fine, he can be left to dry naturally but this will depend on his coat length and thickness. Just make sure he’s in a clean part of your yard – dogs love to roll when they’ve just been bathed.

How often should you bathe your puppy? In most cases, the less your dog is washed, the better but it will depend on circumstances. Fortnightly is good, monthly is better. A dog with normal healthy skin doesn’t smell, even if he isn’t bathed for many months.

If you bathe your puppy properly with the right products, he’ll have a coat that is soft and smells great – just right for snuggling!

For more grooming tips visit: ASPCA