Understanding Your Dog

In This Chapter Tackling brushing and combing basics for any breed Bathing and drying your dog without bother Good grooming is a part of caring for your dog, but most of what you do is maintenance work — that is, just keeping your dog clean and healthy. If you start with a clean dog and…

In This Chapter Understanding why grooming is important to your dog’s health Tallying the costs of grooming Determining which dogs (and coat types) need the most and least grooming Figuring out when to do it yourself and when to hire a pro Grooming . . . the froufrou doggie beauty parlor, complete with bows, silly…

In This Chapter Considering what breeding dogs means Preparing for birthing emergencies Raising puppies to be good pets Finding proper homes for puppies and dogs Getting started with the bitches Making partnerships Understanding inbreeding, linebreeding, and outcrossing Somebody has to breed dogs, or there wouldn’t be any. Good breeders have always existed, and with any…

In This Chapter Easing the aging process Dealing with older-dog health concerns Letting go Getting help when you’re grieving Providing for your pet in your will People flip over puppies, but a well-loved older dog is also beautiful. An older dog has a nobleness about him, a look in the eyes that speaks of years…

In This Chapter Having fun with your dog while you exercise Making sure that you don’t push your dog too hard Giving your dog activities while you’re away Finding time in your schedule for your dog Figuring out how much exercise your dog needs Finding people to help get your dog the exercise she needs…

In This Chapter Taking your dog for an annual checkup Neutering your dog Knowing what to look for when choosing a vet Allaying your dog’s fears about trips to the vet’s office Taking advantage of special payment and savings plans Just a few decades ago, to make it to adulthood, puppies had to avoid or…

In This Chapter Keeping your dog safe from viruses, bacteria, and parasites Protecting yourself and your family from the bugs that like your dog Scientists know of millions of species of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites — and they discover new ones every day. Although this chapter discusses bugs that are problematic to dogs, most…

In This Chapter Knowing how much protein, carbohydrates, and fats your dog needs Making sure that your dog is getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals Getting an inside look at how your dog’s food is made Checking out organic options Dogs are carnivores — meat eaters. Their teeth are shaped for biting, tearing,…