July News
This month, we have some recommendations for your dog’s bath. We’ll share some suggestions to help prevent bloat. Of course, we also share nursery news about our summer puppies.
Bath Facts
Bath Frequency – Provided your dog’s coat and skin are healthy, he doesn’t require bathing. The oils on her skin and hair retain moisture, and frequent bathing may strip the oils. You may prefer refreshing his scent; for most dogs, every month or two will do the trick. Oh, how my brother wished this were true for humans when he was seven.
Shampoo Matters—Dogs have thinner skin than humans, so even the mildest human shampoo is too harsh for dogs. It can leave a dog’s skin too dry and irritated, leading to unpleasant scents that come with bacteria growth. Your dog shampoo should contain taurate and/or laureth sulfate. These two ingredients will do the best job of cleaning your dog without irritating his skin.
Water—The water should be at room temperature. They don’t like it too hot or too cool; the room temperature is just right. Avoid spraying their faces; clean them with a wet cloth.
Rinse—After a romp in the ocean or a pool, rinse with water to remove sand, salt, and chlorine, as these can irritate their skin.
Nursery News
Available for August pick-up
Cosmo/Zelda standard female goldendoodles - Here
Ronan/Zoe Moyen male and female goldendoodles - Here
Ronan/Goldie Moyen male sproodles - Here
Let’s talk about bloat.
Bloat is when a dog’s stomach twists on its axis and fills with gas. Because the ribcage can hide the stomach, distension isn’t always noticeable. Pay attention if your dog is retching or gagging and nothing comes out except creamy liquid. Obvious distress is another sign to watch for.
Exercise - high-energy exercise before and after a meal is a big No. Moderate exercise is thought to help with the dog’s digestion. Consider after meals a good time for a scent walk around the block. Even taking the dog outside to sniff and wander in the yard while you water or pull a few weeds is perfect. Movement is good, but keep it casual.
Food - Some recommend moist kibble over dry; others say it doesn’t matter. The addition of fish or eggs to the diet is thought to be beneficial. One unanimous recommendation is to feed smaller meals throughout the day versus a large meal. For homes with one dog, or at least like mined eaters, grazing works well.
Prevention—A prophylactic gastropexy secures the stomach before bloating can occur. The stomach is permanently secured to the inner walls of the abdominal cavity so it cannot flip, and it can be done laparoscopically. Some vets offer it as an option when spaying a female. It’s worth a conversation with your vet.
Before you go…
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I haven’t posted any new recipes; I’ve been too busy moving websites. I will focus on new food and updates on house projects as soon as the painting is complete. You can check out the non-dog posts at Snap-Peas
