Condos are small spaces. Does your dog have a place to call its own inside that small space? I'm not talking about a fluffy cushion to lay on. I'm talking about a dog crate. Dog crates come in all styles, shapes and colors. Most people will opt for a wire dog crate to allow airflow and be able to see the dog.
Dog crates have two benefits; first they give your dog a place to call its own and second they give you a place to feed, and contain your dog. Dog crates are also the second most important part of house breaking (the first being keeping the dog on a time-table). Dogs don't want to go to the bathroom in a place they are sleeping.
Tip for the day:
Choose a dog crate that is 4" longer (from nose to butt) and 4" taller than your dog. Anything larger will be too big. Don't use the "This Crate is recommended for" breed listings because they are usually incorrect.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Urban Dog Living - Toenails and Pawdicures
I remember when I was younger, the vet told us that walking the dog on the sidewalk would be enough to wear his nails down. Wow, was that bad advice. Not only did we live in the country where sidewalks were rare, but had a fenced in back yard so the dog went on walks 3 times a week.
Living in the city you are going to find yourself on sidewalks for the majority of your walks. This won't wear your dogs nails down unless your dog pulls you like a sled dog at the start line (digging his nails into the concrete) This means you will either have to trim your dog's nails yourself or take them somewhere an pay someone to do it for you. Many people are afraid of trimming their dogs nails. They are afraid of hitting the blood vessels that supply the nail (called the quick). There are some training clubs that have classes on how to properly cut nails. The internet is a great resource to figure out how to trim nails. Vet offices and Pet supply stores also offer nail trimming services.
But you ask; "Poochy's nails are beautiful and long. I don't want to bother trimming them. Is it really necessary?" Well have you ever caught a fingernail or toenail on an edge and had it rip or break? Have you ever had a nail bent backward? Those hurt like the dickens. Imagine if your nails were so long it hurt to put on shoes and walk. If your dogs toenails are too long they can exert pressure on the dogs toes and wrists which will make walking uncomfortable. In extreme cases the nails can grow a full circle and embed themselves in the dogs paw.
In conclusion - make sure that your dogs nails are trimmed short. The nails will not only look better, but your dog will be happier.
Tip of the Day:
If you are uncomfortable using nail trimmers there are loads of simplified dremel tools to grind your dog nails down instead. You can also use a regular dremel and a sanding drum to grind your dogs nails down weekly.
Living in the city you are going to find yourself on sidewalks for the majority of your walks. This won't wear your dogs nails down unless your dog pulls you like a sled dog at the start line (digging his nails into the concrete) This means you will either have to trim your dog's nails yourself or take them somewhere an pay someone to do it for you. Many people are afraid of trimming their dogs nails. They are afraid of hitting the blood vessels that supply the nail (called the quick). There are some training clubs that have classes on how to properly cut nails. The internet is a great resource to figure out how to trim nails. Vet offices and Pet supply stores also offer nail trimming services.
But you ask; "Poochy's nails are beautiful and long. I don't want to bother trimming them. Is it really necessary?" Well have you ever caught a fingernail or toenail on an edge and had it rip or break? Have you ever had a nail bent backward? Those hurt like the dickens. Imagine if your nails were so long it hurt to put on shoes and walk. If your dogs toenails are too long they can exert pressure on the dogs toes and wrists which will make walking uncomfortable. In extreme cases the nails can grow a full circle and embed themselves in the dogs paw.
In conclusion - make sure that your dogs nails are trimmed short. The nails will not only look better, but your dog will be happier.
Tip of the Day:
If you are uncomfortable using nail trimmers there are loads of simplified dremel tools to grind your dog nails down instead. You can also use a regular dremel and a sanding drum to grind your dogs nails down weekly.
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