Choosing the Best Low-Maintenance Dog Breed

By Tamara L. Waters

It's just a fact of nature: some pets require more work than others. If you are like me and enjoy things that are uncomplicated, you might be interested in finding a low-maintenance dog breed.

What exactly does low-maintenance mean, though? For some it can mean a dog breed that doesn't require excessive exercise, while other definitions mean a dog breed that doesn't need a great deal of grooming. How about a dog breed that doesn't require a lot of cleanup? All of these factors need to be taken into account to come up with a list of low-maintenance dog breeds.

Exercise – All dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation. There is no such thing as a dog that doesn't need exercise, although some breeds are more high energy and require more physical exercise than others. Regular walks and playtime will keep your dog in good shape and can help curb behavior issues that stem from boredom and lack of exercise. Some dog breeds, though, are a little more satisfied with lying around and do well in small homes and yards.

Grooming – All dogs need some type of grooming whether it is nail trims, tooth cleaning, regular brushing, hair trims, etc. Some dogs, though, require a little less in the grooming department due to coat length and other physical attributes.

Veterinary Care – If you have any type of pet, as a responsible pet owner you know that veterinary care is a must. Some dog breeds tend to have more health issues, thus requiring more trips to the vet and perhaps even regular medications while others are relatively free of health concerns.

Cleanup – When choosing a low-maintenance dog breed, you have to take cleanup into account. Some dogs make more messes than others. Whether it is drool, destruction, poop piles or just messy eating, you have to keep in mind how much you will be cleaning up after your dog.

When choosing a low-maintenance dog breed, you should take into account your family's ability to meet the needs of the dog. It’s not fair to bring a high energy, hairy dog that requires a lot of human interaction and makes lots of messes into a household that has no intention of attending to such demands.

One of the best ways to figure out the best dog breed for your family is to do extensive research. Read about different dog breeds online and at your local library. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Ask other dog owners about their experiences with specific breeds and their recommendations for your family. The American Kennel Club website has information about specific breeds, and is a great site to start your search.

You can also visit the Dog Breed Info Center which has an online quiz to help you determine the best dog breed for your family and your lifestyle. The quiz asks about your family members (such as age of youngest child), your intentions on grooming and exercise (how often you intend to groom and walk your dog) and other questions to help determine the best breed for you.

Check out these suggestions of great dog breeds for the lazy –  I mean, low-maintenance loving responsible pet owner (based upon information provided by the Dog Breed Info Center). Remember, there is no such thing as a NO-maintenance dog. If you want that type of dog, stick with a plush toy dog.

Goldendoodle – this hybrid dog is bred from a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, and may also be called Goldie Poo, Golden Poo or Groodle. This low-allergy dog breed loves people and is very intelligent. The coat generally requires brushing to keep it from being tangled. Goldendoodles do not shed much which makes them a great dog breed for allergy sufferers. Regular exercise is necessary of course, but a Goldendoodle generally does well in smaller homes and yards. I’ve never owned a Goldendoodle, but have owned a Golden Retriever and can attest to what a great breed they are. My Golden was a great family dog with a wonderful, obedient personality that just oozed love and loyalty.

Labradoodle – like all dogs, Labradoodles do need regular exercise, but if you are looking for a dog that doesn't require excessive grooming, this may be a good choice. Look for a Labradoodle that has a short or medium-length coat for easier maintenance and less shedding. Remember that Labradors do have exercise requirements that make them a little more high energy.

Pugs have great personalities and love people. They also love to just hang out and don't require excessive exercise. Pugs do not require a lot of grooming but they do tend to shed a great deal which may mean you will be brushing them daily. So the shedding doesn't make them exactly the most low-maintenance dog, but their laid back and easygoing personality coupled with their low-energy lifestyle makes them part of the list.

Other breeds suggested by the quiz are Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, Pomeranian, West Highland White Terrier, Bichon Frise and Chinese Crested (hairless). Again, don't take my word for it – do your own research, ask around and make a sound decision based upon the information you discover. Adding a dog to your family should always be done after making a responsible and informed decision.

Photo: Labradoodle, by Searchtempo

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Why a Quality Pet Food Matters

By Linda Cole

The good people at CANIDAE produce premium quality pet food that helps keep our dogs, cats and horses healthy. They've gone through extensive research to offer pet owners reliable, natural and nutritious food choices. But this article isn't about a company who provides pets with the best diet possible; this is about why we, as responsible pet owners, need to be aware of why our pets need the best food possible. It’s also about something many pet owners may not realize – which is, that buying a premium quality food like CANIDAE can actually be more cost effective than grocery store brands.

On the CANIDAE website you can find a Cost to Feed Calculator which figures the daily cost of feeding CANIDAE Natural Pet Foods based on your dog’s weight. Just answer a few questions about which formula and size bag you buy (or would like to try), your dog’s weight and the amount your independent pet store charges for it. Then click the “calculate” button to see how affordable premium dog food really is! For a dog weighing between 51 to 75 lbs, you can pay an average of only $0.52 to $0.78 per day.

Any pet food will fill up a dog or cat, but most of the non-premium pet foods contain fillers with little nutritional value. It takes more pet food to satisfy their hunger, which makes that inexpensive brand not as affordable as you might think. “Premium” dog food, on the other hand, means a higher standard in both nutrition and quality. Each serving contains high quality ingredients that are more nutritionally available than in a typical grocery store pet food, making premium pet food the better buy in the long run. With more nutrients in every bite, your dog does not need to eat as much premium food as they would a brand that contains fillers.

A premium quality pet food like CANIDAE helps dogs and cats maintain a healthy immune system. A poor diet affects a pet inside and outside. Some skin conditions and medical problems can be dealt with by feeding your pet a premium food. Stinky ears and ear infections, itchy skin or feet, a thin coat that has an odor and feels greasy or flaky, bad breath and tarter build up, runny eyes, gas, diarrhea or constipation and lack of energy can all be signs of an unhealthy diet.

Some pets can develop health issues when not fed a premium diet. A premium quality pet food like CANIDAE gives dogs and cats all the essential vitamins and nutrients they need to maintain their energy level, a healthy coat and skin, bright eyes, strong bones, and overall good health because the food they eat is working for them and not against them. Because a premium quality food provides a pet with what they need, the dog or cat eats less, it's easier for them to digest and they have fewer bowel movements. On average, a healthy dog or cat should have one or two bowel movements a day.

It's up to pet owners to decide which brand of food to feed their pet. With all the choices available in different price ranges, a pet's good health can sometimes be lost in deciding which brand to choose. Sometimes, a pet owner makes a decision based on price. They may not realize that a premium quality food is affordable, because when you compare the amount of lower quality food it takes to satisfy the pet, the cost can be about the same. I know my pets' good health is related to the food I feed them. I also know that certain medical conditions which can make a pet's life miserable can be eliminated with a healthy diet. It makes more sense to me to feed them a premium pet food that provides them with a better quality of life and saves me money with fewer trips to the vet.

It really is true – when it comes to pet food, we get what we pay for. If you're a runner who competes in marathons, you wouldn't eat junk food and expect it give you the nutrients and stamina you need to compete. The food we feed our pets does matter, and it does make a difference to their overall good health.

Lexiann Grant wrote a related article for this blog, titled “Is Premium Dog Food Worth the Cost?” In it, she shares her experience about learning the difference between a quality dog food and cheaper brands.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

What Causes a Dog to Snore?

By Ruthie Bently

Do you live with a snorer? No, I’m not talking about the two legged variety that may live with you, but that adorable four-legged furry version. Did you know that an estimated 21% of all dogs snore? (By contrast, only 7% of our feline friends snore). Since many of us have at some time let our dogs sleep with us, we’ve had to deal with this snoring problem or banish them from our bedroom. What causes a dog to snore – and how do you stop it?

There are several reasons that might cause your dog to snore, including environmental and physical. Some dogs are born with excess tissue around their neck and throat; this tissue can interfere with a dog’s breathing under certain circumstances. If your dog is overweight, they may also be carrying extra skin and body tissue around their neck. This extra body weight can cause the upper airway to close. Congestion in a dog’s nasal passages can also cause snoring.

Congestion can be caused by allergies, a cold, pneumonia, or environmental factors like secondhand smoke or smog. Even household cleaners and air fresheners may cause allergies. Secondhand smoke is an irritant to a dog’s respiratory system and can lead to snoring problems. If your dog has or is prone to allergies, some allergens can cause the air passages to narrow, which results in snoring. Anything that causes a dog’s airway to constrict or can obstruct it can lead to snoring.

Some breeds of dogs are more apt to snore than others. Short-nosed (flat faced) dogs can have breathing issues which can contribute to snoring problems. Due to the shortness of their breathing passages, these dogs are more susceptible to blockages. Some of these breeds include: American Bulldog, Bloodhound, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bullmastiff, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, English Bulldog, English Mastiff, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Pekinese, Pug, Puggle, Saint Bernard, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, and some mixed breeds.

A dog that is on tranquilizers, muscle relaxers or pain killers may snore. A dog’s muscles relax to the point that they may press on and block the airways, causing an obstruction and in turn snoring. Even the way your dog lays when they are sleeping can contribute to whether or not they snore. Dogs that sleep on their backs are more apt to snore than those that sleep on their stomachs. If you think your dog’s snoring is due to a medication they are taking, speak to your vet about what they are on and any possible side effects. Consider getting a dog bed that encourages them to curl up, which changes their sleeping position and may alleviate the snoring.

Does your dog have allergies? A hypo-allergenic washable bed can help with allergens inside the house. Changing or washing the furnace filters will help cut down on airborne allergens. Walk your dog when the pollen and mold counts and air pollution are low. If your dog is overweight, talk to your veterinarian about a weight reduction program. Losing the extra weight around a dog’s neck can alleviate snoring.

I have lived with several breeds of dogs over the years, and most of them snored at one time or another. Some snored because of the position they slept in (on their backs with their mouth open). Some snored because of the shortness of their noses. We had Boxers that “wuffled” in their sleep, as if they were barking in snores. We had an English Bulldog, Happy, that in my whimsical child’s mind sounded like a musical instrument: long whistling snores, very deep in pitch and as long as a concerto. If you live with a four-legged snorer, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. They can evaluate your dog and help you determine the best solution to the snoring.

Read more articles by Ruthie Bently

Home Remedies for a Pet’s Itchy Skin

By Ruthie Bently

I have long been a fan of natural remedies whenever possible, not for only myself but my companion animals as well. I have become even more aware of the chemicals in my environment since I adopted Skye, a seizure dog. There are many factors that might trigger a seizure and as a responsible pet owner, I want to be very careful with anything used in and around my home.

A pet’s itchy skin can be caused by many things: bug bites and stings, fleas, ticks, infection, poison ivy, poison oak, poor nutrition, food allergies, and allergies to elements in the home. Pets can be allergic to air fresheners, carpet and floor cleaners, even the detergent used to clean their bedding. Itchy skin can manifest itself in many ways. Your pet may be constantly rubbing up against furniture inside the house or along fences outside the house. Excessive rolling in the grass may be another indication of itchy skin. Your pet may chew their paws or lick themselves frequently trying to relieve the itch. You may even see red patches of skin.

You can create your own natural remedies for your pet’s itchy skin. I have used oatmeal, plantain and baking soda, and this year I am growing chamomile. You can also use yellow dock, green tea and calendula.

Rinses can be made with plantain, yellow dock, chamomile and green tea. To make a rinse with chamomile or green tea, steep two teabags in two cups hot water and discard the teabags. Let the liquid cool, apply it to your pet and let air dry. To make a yellow dock rinse, add one tablespoon of dried yellow dock to two cups boiling water. Let it cool, discard the herb and apply the liquid. To make a plantain rinse, add two tablespoons dried plantain (or six tablespoons fresh) to two cups boiling water. Cover and let steep for 20 minutes. When cool, strain off liquid and apply. The longer you allow plantain to remain on the skin the more beneficial it is.

You can make your own oatmeal bath for your dog at home, which can be used to wash the entire dog, itchy feet or applied to dry skin for relief. For a foot bath, add colloidal oatmeal to a bath with several inches of warm water in it. Let your dog’s feet soak for between 5 to 10 minutes. Remove your dog from the bath and dry their feet. The size of your dog will determine how much colloidal oatmeal you add to a regular bath. Skye weighs 57 pounds and I would use 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal to her bath water.

To make your own colloidal oatmeal, use regular oatmeal or quick oats. Grind the oats/oatmeal until it is a fine powder, without bits or pieces. It should have the consistency of powdered sugar. I use a coffee grinder, but a blender or food processor on the high setting works. To test the colloid attributes of your oatmeal, mix a tablespoon of oats in a glass of warm water. If the oats turn the water cloudy and it feels smooth, the consistency is correct. By grinding several cups at a time you’ll have it on hand when you need it; store extra oatmeal in an airtight container in your pantry.

If your pet isn’t itching all over, a thick paste made from either baking soda or colloidal oatmeal and water is good for treating insect stings and bites, as well as poison ivy or poison oak. Apply paste to affected area and leave on for at least 10 minutes for best results. Baking soda can also be used as a soothing bath. For a bath, I would suggest adding a cup of baking soda to the bath water.

Consult your vet if the itching doesn’t go away or gets worse, as it may indicate a more serious condition. Each pet is different and while these natural remedies may not work as quickly as a man-made product, the effects are more beneficial and may be longer lasting for your pet. No one wants to see their pet in discomfort and though they can’t verbally tell us, we know when they are. By having a few simple ingredients in your pantry, you can make your own remedy for your pet’s itchy skin if you can’t get to the vet.

Read more articles by Ruthie Bently

How to Help Pets with Flea Allergy Dermatitis

By Linda Cole

Responsible pet owners know how important it is to make sure their pets are treated for fleas. Unfortunately, some pets have an allergic reaction to a flea's bite even with flea medication on them. Some reactions can be quite severe. I have a dog that has an allergic reaction to flea bites. Left untreated, a pet will whine and chew their skin raw, which isn't good for them and can drive you and your pet crazy. My dog has flea allergy dermatitis, also called flea bite allergy.

The first and most important step in helping a pet who has an allergic reaction to fleas is to make sure they are treated with a quality flea control medication monthly. Start treatment at least one month before flea season starts and continue it until at least one month after flea season is over. Talk with your vet to determine which flea treatment would be best for your pet.

Fleas don't actually live on our pets. Most of their life is spent lounging somewhere in the home. Some people assume that if they don't see fleas on their pet, they don't have a flea problem, but that's simply not true. If you don't find fleas on your pet at the time you inspect them, it doesn't mean your pet or home is flea free. If it's flea season and you have pets, a community of fleas could be hanging out in your home and yard, and using your pet as their own personal diner.

To help a pet who has flea allergy dermatitis, it's important to treat the pet and the home at the same time and try to eliminate the little pests completely. The best way to control fleas in the home is to have a pest control service spray monthly during flea season; inside and outside. By having an effective flea control on the pet and with an aggressive attack on fleas around the home, you have a good chance of getting rid of the fleas.

Pets who suffer from flea allergy dermatitis are so sensitive that just one or two flea bites can cause them to chew on themselves constantly, and won’t stop even when their skin has become raw. You don't have to have an infestation of fleas for your pet to be miserable. It's not the flea bite itself that drives a dog or cat crazy, it's the saliva of the flea that causes all the itching. Flea bite allergies are the most common type of allergy found in cats and dogs.

Signs of flea allergy dermatitis are constant scratching, chewing, licking and whining. Their skin may be red or even raw from constant scratching and chewing. You can feel bumps on their skin when you run your hand over the area they've been chewing on, especially along their back at the base of the tail and along the tail. You may notice an area where your pet scratched and chewed so much, they have a bare spot or thinning hair in the area. They can develop hot spots on their face or other parts of their body, and you are apt find flea debris in the area. The debris looks like little pieces of dried blood because that's exactly what it is. Flea bite allergy can cause secondary infections if left untreated, so it's up to us as responsible pet owners to make sure to tackle a flea problem aggressively and use all of the weapons available to us during flea season.

Keep your pet’s bedding clean. Vacuum regularly where your pet sleeps, along baseboards, and move furniture so you can vacuum under it. Remove couch and chair cushions and vacuum thoroughly underneath them. Dispose of the vacuum bag after each vacuuming and if your vacuum has no bag, dump the dirt out into a small trash bag and seal it before throwing it away. You don't want any of your captured fleas to escape back into the home.

If your pet shows signs of having any adverse reaction to fleas even with flea medication on them, talk with your vet. They can recommend a flea control product that might work better for your pet and they can also advise you on other products you can use to help relieve their itching. You want to make sure to use flea control that kills adult fleas and has an insect growth regulator (IGR) which will kill immature fleas before they have a chance to mature into adults.

Flea allergy dermatitis can drive both you and your pet crazy. Start your fight against fleas before they have a chance to attack your pet or invade your home.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

Should We Let Dogs Hang Their Heads Out Car Windows?

By Linda Cole

Why does your dog look at you like, “Is that really necessary” when you blow in his face, yet loves hanging his head out a car window going 60 MPH down the road? But just because dogs like hanging their heads out car windows doesn't mean we should let them do it.

I had a dog, Kirby, who loved to ride in the car and I took him with me as often as I could. I wouldn't let him hang his head out the window when we were going down the highway, but didn't think he could get into trouble in town. My car had high seats in the front and I made him ride in the back seat with the back windows rolled up. So, I figured he was safe. As it turned out, I was wrong. One day as I went around a corner, Kirby was excited and leaned out my open window before I knew what he was doing. Thankfully, I was going slow and slammed on the brakes in time to avoid running over him. He was fine, but needless to say, I was shaken and from that moment on, I never roll car windows down all the way when I have a dog with me in the car.

Falling out of a moving vehicle isn't the only danger for dogs who hang their heads out car windows. A dog's eyes can become targets for bugs, small rocks, pieces of debris on the roadway and dust. Think about what a small rock can do to your windshield if it hits just right, even at a slow speed. How many little chips does your car grill have from all the tiny rocks that have hit it? Imagine what a rock could do to your dog's eye, not to mention what the vet bill could do for your wallet. And if your dog has allergies, the dust and pollen rushing into his face isn't going to help his condition.

Dogs who hang their heads out car windows are also at risk for ear infections from wind blown particles or just by the wind blowing their ears. As their ears flap in the wind, blood can pool in the soft tissue of their ear flaps. The constant flapping of the ears against their head can cause the ear flaps to swell which is painful. If a dog is allowed to hang his head out the car window a lot, scar tissue will form in the soft tissue of the ears. This can damage them permanently and give the dog lifelong ear problems.

Riding in a car for a dog is exciting, with all kinds of smells rushing through an open window. Think about it like this. Imagine all of the sights and smells you're surrounded with at the county fair. Popcorn, hot dogs, cotton candy, burgers, people laughing and having a good time, eating and going on rides. A county fair is full of new experiences and smells that stimulate us from head to toe. That's how a dog feels riding down the road in the car. Their senses are on overdrive as they sniff out and see all sorts of things that change as the car moves down the road. But as responsible pet owners, safety should come first, and letting dogs hang their heads out car windows isn't a good idea.

That's not saying your dog can't enjoy their ride in a car. The window only needs to be cracked to allow all the wonderful smells to enter the car and surround your dog. There's nothing wrong with open windows in the car, if your dog is buckled in like the rest of the family which will keep him from falling out the window and still allow him to sniff all the enticing smells. That way he has the best of both worlds without hanging his head out the car window, and you can concentrate on driving the car.

Letting a dog ride in the bed of a truck isn't a good idea either. The dog risks injury from falling out of the truck, has increased risk from flying debris and can burn the soft tissue on their paws by standing on the hot metal of the truck bed. Dogs have no idea what a vehicle's speed means and if they get the urge to jump, they will. If you want to take your dog with you in your truck, please read How to Transport Dogs Safely in Pickup Trucks.

Responsible parents don't let their children do things that could put them in danger. As responsible pet owners, we shouldn’t put our dog's safety and health in danger by letting them hang their heads out car windows.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

What Makes a Dog's Nose Change Color?

By Linda Cole

I had a female Siberian Husky, Cheyenne, whose black nose would change color in the winter. It would go from black to a pinkish color and then back to black when the weather warmed up. I believed she was healthy, but checked with my vet just to be on the safe side. A sudden change in color can be a warning sign something is wrong, but it can also be nothing more than your dog getting older. Why does a dog's nose change color?

“Snow nose” or “winter nose” is the most common reason why a dog's nose will change color. It will fade from black to brown or pink during the winter months. Cheyenne’s nose began to change color every winter once she reached her middle years. By the time she was a senior citizen, the color in her nose pretty much stayed in-between a brownish to pinkish color year round.

Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labs and Bernese Mountain dogs are the breeds where snow nose is most common. When a dog's nose changes color during the winter it's because the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for producing pigmentation in the nose, is thought to be more sensitive to cold. It could also be a result of less sunlight during the winter months. Why the enzyme is less active during the winter is not completely understood. However, it's nothing to be alarmed about and when spring rolls around, the dog's nose will return to its normal color. However, if your dog's nose changes to white, it's not snow nose.

A skin condition called vitiligo is an immune disease that will cause a dog's nose to change color. The cells that produce color on the dog's nose and hair color on their body lose their ability to create pigmentation. A sign your dog has vitiligo will be white patches on his body. A simple biopsy can determine if your dog has this disease. Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dachsunds, Poodles, Irish Setters, Afghan Hounds, Samoyeds, Pointers and Dobermans are more likely to suffer from vitiligo than other breeds. Vitiligo isn't a health concern for the dog and if they have it, nutritional supplements may help restore their coloring.

Some dog's can lose coloring in their nose if they've been sick or experienced some kind of trauma. The color should return once they've recovered. A scraped nose or one that suffered abrasions will turn pink until the scabs fall off. Some dogs have a sensitivity to plastic containers. With constant irritation from eating and drinking out of plastic bowls, their nose will turn pink and the lips will become inflamed. If your dog's nose turns color and you're using plastic bowls, change to stainless steel bowls.

Your dog could have what's called a Dudley Nose where his nose changes color for no apparent reason. A puppy's black nose may change to a brown color as he gets older and sometimes the pigmentation will fade to pink or white. If your vet rules out snow nose, vitiligo or other more serious conditions like cancer, your dog's loss of color is nothing more than a Dudley Nose.

Lupus Erythematosus is a condition that will cause a dog's nose to lose color. They will also have scaly skin and inflammation around the face with lesions along the ears. Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, German Shepherds and crossbreed dogs are most at risk to develop this condition. As a responsible pet owner, you should ask your vet for advice on how to help your dog if he develops Lupus Erythematosus.

For the most part, if your dog's nose changes color, it's nothing to worry about and it may be part of the aging process. The enzyme producing pigmentation doesn't produce as much color as the dog ages. But it's always best to be safe when it comes to the health of your dog and see your veterinarian to make sure the color loss is nothing serious. The only real problem for a color change in a dog's nose is if the dog is about to enter the show ring circuit; he will be eliminated for not meeting breed standards.

Special attention should be given to a dog with a pink or white nose because it will sunburn easily. Make sure to apply dog safe sunscreen to his nose when he's outside and watch for any blistering which is an indication of a severe burn.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

What is Reverse Sneezing, and Is It Dangerous?

By Linda Cole

Reverse sneezing in dogs and cats isn't really a sneeze. If you've ever noticed your pet snorting, honking or gasping for breath, you've just witnessed a reverse sneeze. It is something we need to be aware of as pet owners because frequent reverse sneezing can be a symptom of other conditions that would require a vet's attention.

A reverse sneeze, in more medical terms, is called pharyngeal gag reflex or paroxysmal respiration. This is a condition where a dog or cat will extend their neck and begin making gasping noises that sound like the pet is on their last legs. They may snort or even make honking noises all the while acting like they can't catch their breath. Many people have done exactly what any responsible pet owner would do if they witness their dog or cat acting like they can't breathe, and have rushed them to the vet. As life threatening as it sounds, however, a reverse sneeze is not a serious condition, and the pet will recover on its own without medical treatment.

The most common reason for a dog or cat experiencing a reverse sneezing episode is a result of something that irritated their soft palate (the soft, fleshy tissue extension off the roof of their mouth) and throat which in turn causes a spasm. In most cases, it's nothing to worry about, but it can be upsetting when you see your dog or cat gasping for air. The irritation affects the trachea which then narrows, making it harder for the pet to get air.

To help your pet get through one of these spasms, you can gently massage their throat or cover their nose to make them swallow which should clear out whatever was irritating their throat. If that doesn't work, you can offer them food or water, or take them outside. Holding down their tongue will help force more air into their nasal passage and can help. Just be careful the dog or cat doesn't grab your finger in the process. The spasm is over when they stop sneezing. The pet will recover on their own even if they have an episode while no one is home. However, if your dog or cat is having attacks of reverse sneezing on a regular basis, this can indicate something else is going on, and a trip to the vet is advised.

A variety of things can cause your pet to have a spasm which results in a reverse sneeze, but a specific cause cannot always be diagnosed by a vet even for a dog or cat with a chronic problem. A dog who pulls on a leash, becomes overly excited, has been running around while playing, or eats and drinks too fast can be thrown into a reverse sneeze. Other causes include possible allergies, a dog not used to exercise, household cleaners, perfumes, air spray, dust or pollen not related to an allergy, viruses, post nasal drip, nasal cancer, nasal mites or something caught in their throat.

Signs to watch for that could indicate something more serious is causing the reverse sneezing include a discharge from the nose or a bloody nose, any kind of deformity around the nose area that doesn't look right, a lack of appetite and energy, or any difficulty in breathing.

Boxers, Shih Tzus and dogs with flat faces have a soft palate that is stretched out more, and they can have bouts of reverse sneezing more than other breeds because they can actually suck the palate into their throat when they inhale. Smaller breeds are also more apt to be affected because they have a smaller throat. Cats don't usually experience reverse sneezing like dogs, and if you have a cat who has bouts, it's a good idea to have your vet check him out to make sure he doesn't have asthma which does require treatment.

For most dogs, an attack of reverse sneezing is over in a matter of a minute or two and they will be just fine with no adverse affects at all. It looks and sounds worse than it is. It is important, however, to understand what a reverse sneeze is so you can be aware of other possible conditions that could be causing your dog or cat's irritation if it becomes chronic. When you know what's going on and how to deal with it, you can remain calm and help your pet instead of panicking over what appears to be a breathing problem and rushing to the vet's office. Your vet will appreciate it, and so will your pet.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

How to Help a Scratching Dog Get Relief

By Linda Cole

Do you have a scratching dog that is driving you crazy? Does he wake you up in the middle of the night with his mournful yelps while his leg pounds on the ground with a beat that would make any drummer envious? Like us, a dog scratches what itches, but there may be more going on than just a simple itch behind his ear. Scratching can indicate a presence of ear mites, dry skin or fleas, but it can also alert a dog owner to more serious conditions that need to be attended to.

One of my dogs has a severe reaction to fleas. It only takes one to drive her nuts. Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to the saliva of the biting flea. But a scratching dog doesn't have to be miserable or drive you crazy, because flea allergies can be eliminated in most cases with regular use of flea medication along with controlling fleas throughout the home. Your vet can administer steroids or antihistamines to help calm the dog's itching and give both of you peace and quiet from all the scratching and whining.

Winter weather means furnaces are up and running which makes the air inside the home drier. The dry heat quickly creates scratching dogs and humans, so extra attention to skin care may be required. Dogs have more dander during winter months, and extra grooming can help keep their skin in good shape. It's a good idea to not bathe your dog as frequently in the winter.

If they do need a bath, use a moisturizing shampoo that's made specifically for dogs. Shampoo made for people is too harsh for dogs because our PH is different from theirs. Finish off with a good dog conditioner that contains ingredients to help reduce dry skin. Of course the best way to help scratching dogs beat the winter itch is to provide them with a high-quality dog food that keeps them healthy from the inside out. CANIDAE Grain Free Salmon Formula can help keep your dog's skin and coat healthy all year.

Scratching dogs may have ear mites that have invaded their ears. These tiny parasites will cause your dog to shake his head and scratch his ears. A sure sign your dog has ear mites is an unpleasant odor coming from their ears. The dog may yelp in pain while scratching and rub his head along the ground in an attempt to stop the itch. You may see a discharge (dried blood) draining from the ear and if you clean his ears with a Q-tip and look closely at the debris, you can see the mites moving. To stop the scratching and free him of this parasite, it's important to first clean his ears thoroughly with a quality ear cleaner followed by ear drops to kill the mites. Ear Miticide is the normal medicine used to kill the mites.

Yeast infections or secondary infections can also cause your dog to dig at his ears. If you are unsure why your dog is scratching his ears and you've been able to rule out ear mites, a visit to your vet can help determine the cause. Antibiotics may be required to clear up the cause of the problem.

Any time a skin condition lasts more than a week, it's a good idea to take your dog to see your veterinarian. A constantly scratching dog may indicate a serious condition that needs to be addressed. If you see open sores on their skin or irritations like rashes, redness or bumps, hair loss, a constant licking of their feet or dry, or dull hair that you can easily pull out, these symptoms could indicate other conditions like cancer, skin cancer or lymphoma, bacterial infections, allergies, mange, ringworm, hot spots or a number of other conditions that can affect dogs.

A scratching dog can work themselves into a frenzy and the cause of their itching needs to be addressed. If his drummer's beat on the floor is driving you crazy, then imagine how he must feel. Most skin and ear conditions can be dealt with easily. Once you've been able to determine exactly what your dog's scratching is all about, both of you can finally have a peaceful night's sleep.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

Facts about Hypoallergenic Pets

By Suzanne Alicie

People all over the world suffer from allergies, to things like dust, pollen, mold, certain plants, certain fabrics and foods. But the worst thing for an animal lover is to find out that they are allergic to pets. Pet allergies are caused by dander, hair, and protein. This means that an allergic reaction can be triggered when the animal isn’t even in the room, since they leave all of these particles behind through shedding, saliva, and by simply having been in the area.

Luckily for animal lovers, there are hypoallergenic pets available. So if you love dogs but are allergic, there are breeds you can choose that won’t trigger your allergies. This includes dogs that don’t shed, dogs with minimal dander, and even dogs that don’t slobber and drool. The same goes for cat lovers; there are certain breeds of kitties that won’t cause your throat to close up, your eyes to water, or hives to appear. Take the time to learn more about each animal that interests you and how it will work in your world of dealing with animal allergies.

Hypoallergenic Dogs

Not all dogs have a layer of fur to shed every season or two. There are quite a few that have fur which grows almost like human hair; it needs to be trimmed and groomed, and doesn’t fall out.

Dog breeds to avoid include Samoyed (although they are a minimal dander dog, they shed terribly); Golden Retriever, and other large long haired breeds. Ideally you want to choose a short haired dog, and preferably a small dog.

For some reason the small dogs don’t seem to cause as much of a problem with protein allergies. This could be due to the lack of saliva and slobbering in small dogs. This group includes Chihuahua, Bichon Frise, and Miniature Pincers.

Large short haired dogs include Boxers and Greyhounds, but in those cases there can be an allergic reaction to the protein from their slobber.

There are a number of hybrid dog breeds available for people with allergies. However, when it comes to choosing a hybrid such as a Poodle/Labrador mix, it is important to make sure that the dog inherited his coat from the poodle parent. The same goes with most hybrids; you will want to ensure that the dog you are getting has inherited the hypoallergenic feature you are looking for.

Hypoallergenic Cats

Cats that don’t shed are rare indeed, and if you enjoy a fluffy cat instead of a hairless variety your options become even more limited. The Sphynx, LaPerm, and Cornish Rex cats are usually a good choice for people who have a mild cat allergy.

Sadly, for cat lovers the allergy is usually to a feline’s saliva and not their hair. Thus, it’s important to visit your doctor to determine the actual cause of your allergy. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on an animal that features a hypoallergenic coat, only to realize that it isn’t the fur which bothers you.

Breeders are hard at work developing a truly hypoallergenic cat, but for many people the cost will deter them from purchasing one.

Non-Traditional Hypoallergenic Pets

Some people’s allergies are too severe to consider a dog or cat in any form. For folks like that, there are the non-traditional pets that don’t trigger allergic reactions. Fish, turtles, and reptiles, while not furry and cuddly, can still provide entertainment and interaction of the pet variety.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie