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Pet Q&A Format
How often do dogs need a bath?The answer to this question depends on a number of variables such as the type of coat your dog has, lifestyle and environmental differentiations, climate and geography and the owner's tolerance for dander.
Your dog's coat is a perfect indication of how often it should be bathed. Dogs with a fine, smooth coat need not be washed more than once every two months, unless they get particularly dirty. You don't want to over-bathe smooth coated dogs because it can tamper with the oils they produce as a natural waterproof for protection of their skin.
The other extreme belongs to dogs that have long silky coats. In order to preserve the shine on these coats consider a bath at least once a month; reduce that time period down to every three weeks for outside dogs. Curly-coated dogs that don't shed can wait as long as two months between washings.
While a silky coat requires more frequent bathing than a smooth coat, a Jack Russell Terrier that spends its days outdoors will probably need to be bathed more often than a Yorkie that spends his day inside an apartment.
Likewise, dogs kept in a warmer climate should be bathed at least a week more often than the above guidelines due to the threat of tick and flea infestation. And finally, if you find yourself sneezing in the presence of your dog, you may be having an allergic reaction. If the reaction ends or is reduced by more frequent washings, that is a signal to be more vigilant in bathing your dog.
How can I prevent my dog from digging?
A dog that constantly digs holes in your yard may be doing so for a variety of reasons. Some dogs dig to escape confinement, other dogs dig to satisfy their instinctual need, while some dogs dig simply because they are bored. Understanding why your dog is digging will help in preventing future occurrences.
If your dog is digging because it wants to get away, there are products you can purchase that create an odor the dog will find offensive and he will leave the area. This works well if your dog has a limited means of escape, but less well if you have a large fenced area. You can also accomplish the same thing yourself by pouring a bottle of Tabasco or ammonia over the area.
The dog that digs simply because it's bored or has an instinctive drive to dig can probably be trained to do so in a specific area. Show your dog the boundaries where digging is permitted and bury a special treat there. When your dog digs up the surprise, praise and reward them. This method should be repeated until the animal learns it is okay to dig in that area. When you can catch them digging outside that area, tell them "No" and then immediately walk the dog over to the permitted area, telling them either "Here" or "Dig".
How do I make it easier to trim my dog's nails?
It is the rare dog who enjoys having its nails trimmed. Some dogs make it more difficult than others and many owners use tranquilizers to calm their dog for this process. That really isn't necessary except in extreme cases. The first thing is to buy special clippers just for dog nails; never use a clipper designed for human nails. One of the things that make the nail clipping process so unpleasant is that usually you have interrupted something the dog enjoys doing to force it into a situation it naturally resists. Before clipping your dog's nails, try playing with your dog so that you can get it into the position it will be in when you clip the nails. Reducing stress is vital. The first time you cut your dog's nails, make sure you know what you are doing. If the first experiment results in a cut too far back the dog will forever associate this process with pain. Learn exactly where to cut and make sure you always do it right. And finally, have some treats nearby to feed your dog after each nail is done.
How do I get my dog to eat dry dog food?
Some dogs do have a natural preference for canned dog food, but almost all dogs can be trained to eat kibble. The secret is consistency. If you start with dry dog food it will be easier to keep your dog eating it. Switching back and forth between dry and wetter food will only give your dog the chance to develop a preference for the latter. Always feed your dog at the same time and in the same place, preferably using the exact same brand. Avoid giving your dog table scraps as well.