White Dogs- Tear Stain

Tear staining is obvious on white dogs as the stain is usually reddish brown. It is often associated with the Maltese, Shih Tzu and Poodles breeds. Whenever hair rests around the eyes, some amount of tear staining results from the hair wicking moisture from the eyes. It may also be some infections when tears are excessive. When the face hair is wet from excess tearing, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Visit the veterinary for a solution.
I groomed Daka-Maltese last weekend and he is one of a well behave dog I have experience during grooming. My parents enjoy his present. You will be happy just looking at them as they always have this cheerful look. Maltese are gentle, loving, obedient and well-mannered creatures that love attention and affection. They love to run around in the yard, play chase and hop around in mud puddles. But, when playtime is over, they are superb cuddlers. They are also great with children,

Things You Should Know:
Maltese get along famously with children, but make sure children respect their space and play with them properly. Known for their good manners, Maltese demand a certain amount of respect and good treatment. As you can tell by looking at them, Maltese need daily grooming. Their coat is silky and very soft, so brush with care. They do not shed too much, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Also remember to clean their eyes, ears and beards regularly. Maltese can live as long as 18 years. Generally healthy, they can suffer from dental problems. Dog toys and biscuits that promote dental health can help keep their teeth strong and clean.

Prepare For The Final Journey

It makes me tears again when I happened to see Gigi's photo (my previous dog that passed away) in one of my facebook's album recently. The painful memories of how she suffered during her last stage of life kept reflecting in my mind. At the age of 9, she got kidney problem and was put on drip every day to flush out toxic in her bodies. We knew she wouldn't stay long as the doctor said the kidneys were 80% gone. I groomed her for the very last time and kept some of her fur. It was a torturing night to see her in pain. We send her to the vet at 4am. It was a painful decision and she left us at 7am. That was a day before Chinese New Year. I had phobia going back home and I kept myself away for a few days; probably the worst Chinese New Year I been through.
There are certain things as a responsible pet owner should know and do to make our dog's last phase of life a smooth transitioned to doggie heaven. The average lifespan of dogs are about 10 to 13 years. What are the signs of aging dog? Here are some that I have listed:
* Getting tired easily
* Hearing deteriorates
* Eyes form cloudy layers of cataract; which may slowly deprive them of their sight
* Week limbs
At more advances stages of ages; their hearts, livers and kidneys may also lose efficiency. Eventually, the dogs' immune system weaken and break down.
We should take our pets to the vet who can determine their condition, before deciding an appropriate action. It is important to maintain the dog's appetite by ensuring it eats well.
Dogs that lost its eyesight and hearing may knock into furnitures. Owners should place them in an enclosed but spacious area in the house.
Family members of aging dog should be mentally and physically prepared so that they can make their dog as comfortable as possible during their last stage of their journey. Get prepare with the vet's emergency contact number that is nearest to your place. Those dogs that passed away should be respected in disposing their bodies. The vet will have choices of how the cremation services will take place.

At least I am glad that all dogs go to heaven.

Basic Grooming Tips for your Dog

Basic Grooming is necessary for your pets as they are just like your baby. They need attention and care. Basic grooming that includes: ear cleaning/plucking of ear hair, clipping of nails, brushing of hair, brushing of teeth, shower and blow thoroughly dry. Before starting this profession, I don't have the habit to maintenance for my dog as I will leave it to groomer to do it quarterly. I feel extremely guilty now as due to the poor maintenance that may cause some "side effect" to our love ones. Such as skin problem, ear infection, overgrown of nails and odors from mouth and body.
Some dogs e.g. cocker and CKC, do easily get ear infection. Regular ear cleaning is essential. Schnauzer, Maltese and Shih Tzu need to have their ear hair plucked to remove as dirt may accumulate. Remember not to flush water into ear during shower... Their ears MUST be kept dry.
When I used to work in the pet shop, I experienced 7 out of 10 dogs having skin problems. Having them blow thoroughly dry can help to reduce body odors and prevent skin problem. Bear in mind brushing of hair is a MUST to help our love one removing matt and knot which can be easily gather around their under arms and legs. Brush their hair to loosen the matt before shower will be easier than brushing it after shower. Choosing the right shampoo can help to reduce itch and dandruff. Supplement does help in improving their skin or coat texture.
Start early with the brushing teeth habit (once their baby teeth are renewed) and send them for dental checkups will help in removing the algae build up. Chewy food will also help to keep their teeth white and refreshing.
Last but not least; nail clipping. Most doggy hate nail clipping, they can cry out loud or struggle to death during nail clipping. Don't Give UP!! It’s a MUST MUST thing to help our fury friend. Imagine they are walking on their nails instead of their paw if their nails are too long. That will lead them biting their nails. Don't blame them for doing that as it’s extremely painful.

Hotel for your dog

Having headache when you going for holidays and no one taking care of your dogs? In other countries, there are lots of "doggy resorts or hotels" available now not only attend to basic needs but cater to the whims of their clients. There are amenities vary but can include limousine pickup and delivery, themed décor, colorful playgrounds, toys, swimming pools, hiking trails, specialized meals, bottled water, baths, grooming, massage, television, comfortable beds, climate control, and piped in music. There are even personal attendants to play games or simply hang out with the dog, according to client instructions. And for owner peace of mind, some facilities offer webcam viewing. Sound like a five star hotel suite. Prices and pampered treatment does not come cheap. You may expect to pay a boom for a weeklong doggy vacation on top of your own holiday.

In Singapore, there are more and more pet shops offer boarding services. The boarding services may include meals, shower, walk the dog and grooming the dogs depending on the package that you pay. There is certification approved by Singapore's Primary Production Department. The boarding resort must meet the stringent demands set by the government to ensure professional responsibility to both the pets and their owners.
If there is someone that can take care of your pet for you, do make sure the environment can be easily adjusted by your pet. If the nanny does have their own pet around, ensure the pets are free of Ticks/ Flea. Bring sufficient foods for them to last for the whole vacation and their “favorites blanket/ toy” that they can let them feel sense of ownership as our fury friend will usually feel lonely.
Have a Good Holiday

Choosing the Right Pet

Elmo left for home two weeks ago. When he is not around, there is emptiness in the family and I can sense my family members miss him as much as I do. My dad even want to bring a stray dog home when he goes for his morning exercise. It started to trigger me whether I should start looking around for a new pet for the family. Time and effort that we need to spend with our fury friend is the first consideration and not forgetting giving them the special care and concern that they need. Training, guidance and giving them the best are the basic requirements. Is it the right time? What breed should I consider? Do I have time for them? These are some of my concerns.

How to chose the right pet for you and the family? Here are some thoughts that might hinder your consideration?

1. Any children or old parent that are staying with you?

2. Sufficient place for them to move about?

3. Big or small dogs?

4. Adopting an adult or buy a puppy?

5. Short or long coat?

The list may go on and on. Its good to read up on the breed's behavior and things that they need before bringing them home. They will be part of your family member giving you joy and happiness. If you had watched Marley and Me then you will understand what I mean. Have a good discussion with your family and good luck in your selection.