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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

List Of Hairless Hypoallergenic Dogs

Called non-shedding dogs, there are many dog breeds that slough off less dog hair and dander and present less risk to people who have allergies. Many of them have long, silky coats appropriate for the show world. But if you want a dog that is both non-shedding AND unique,  you might consider shopping for a hairless hypoallergenic dog.

While it's common to assume that these dogs are all tiny, barking pests, you'll find a range of sizes and temperaments in the hairless hypoallergenic dog category. True, there are more small hairless hypoallergenic dogs than larger sizes. But you can find a great medium-sized hairless hypoallergenic dog without too much work.

Four medium-sized hairless hypoallergenic dogs include the Mexican Hairless (also Xoloitzcuintie or Xolo), the American Hairless Terrier, the hairless Chinese Crested, and the Peruvian Inca Orchid (called the PIO). You may find it necessary to do your search for breeders online, as these hairless hypoallergenic dogs are relatively rare.
You may have a harder time finding a Mexican Hairless because there are few breeders worldwide. The Xolo has a short coat that doesn't need a lot of brushing or combing because its hair is so short. You won't have to worry about matting either since there's nothing to matt or tangle. You can find a range of sizes in the Mexican Hairless breed.

The popular American Hairless Terrier is not a true hairless dog, although it does have a short coat requiring little grooming. The first of this breed was an accident! Appearing in 1972 from nowhere in a litter of Rat Terriers, its Louisiana owners were able to reproduce the new hairless variety and have been doing so since the early 1980s. Like its Terrier cousins, the American Hairless is a friendly, outgoing, small husky dog who lives happily in a small apartment or townhome.

The Chinese Crested is available in two distinct varieties: the truly hairless and the Powder Puff.
The hairless Chinese Crested still has shocks of hair on its head, tail, and feet that need regular grooming. The Powder Puff variety and has long fine hair resembling human hair. Both classified as hypoallergenic dogs due to their limited shedding.

The Peruvian Hairless, or PIO, is a hairless dog. It is medium-sized, intelligent, and friendly.
Being a bit more self-willed than other dogs, the PIO is not for people without experience in training and disciplining dogs. They need to be socialized early and should be trained in obedience.

Hairless hypoallergenic dogs generally need regular exercise, generous attention, and close companionship with their owners and family. Because they don't have the dog hair that normally protects the skin, they need extra protection outdoors to prevent sunburn and dry skin problems.
They are more susceptible to dry skin rashes and acne, so you may find yourself using special skin creams to treat pain and itches associated with skin irritations and diseases.

Due to the limited number of hairless hypoallergenic dog breeders, you'll probably want to start your search on the internet. Be sure to check your breeder's credentials and references. Not all breeders of hairless hypoallergenic dogs are created equal. Be sure the breeder you choose has a passion for the dogs, rather than the money he gets.

It's a good idea to visit the breeder before selecting a dog from them. Inspect their facilities and spend some time with them to learn about their views and attitudes towards their dogs. If you know someone who already has a hairless hypoallergenic dog, you might want to spend some time with their pet to get a feel for what life will be like with this type of pet.

Owning a dog is a commitment of time and energy that repays you with tons of love and companionship. If you have problems with allergies to dog hair, choosing a hairless hypoallergenic dog may be the perfect solution. Take time to do the research to identify the breed that will make a perfect companion for you and your family. Accept the fact that you'll be grooming and bathing your new hairless hypoallergenic dog, and enjoy your new companion for years to come!

Hypoallergenic Medium Sized Dogs

If you have both have allergies and love dogs, you may be happy with one of the "hypoallergenic dogs" that sheds less dog hair and dander than other dogs. There are many small breeds of hypoallergenic dogs that people with allergies can love for years. But if you like larger dogs better and have the living space for them, never fear! There are several mediumsized hypoallergenic dogs that will meet your needs as well.

Senor, Yo Quiero a Spanish Water Dog!
Even a person who's allergic to dog hair and dander can find a big loveable shaggy, but medium-sized hypoallergenic dog! Great news! Spanish Water Dogs look a lot like the popular Looney Tunes sheep dog. Spanish Water Dogs are fun-loving, intelligent creatures that love to play, swim, and work. Properly socialized, they are wonderful playmates for your kids. This very intelligent dog was originally bred as a herdsman, hunter, or guardian, so it'll be more than happy to play an important role in your family or on your farm. This breed has a unique coat - curly and long, it almost appears to wear dreadlocks! It is a single-coat breed, meaning it doesn't have the undercoat that sheds once a year. They will need quite a bit of grooming, though their unusual coat is a delightful conversation piece! Due to their intelligence and work ethic, owners of this medium-sized hypoallergenic dog must be able to provide regular, consistent training, exercise, and interesting activities. Some Spanish Water Dogs have become effective search dogs, niffing out bombs, narcotics, and people in disaster situations. They also make very good therapy dogs.

The Bouvier des Flandres Rules!
Not everyone agrees, but some Bouvier des Flandres owners report the breed to be good for their allergies. This medium-sized hypoallergenic dog can grow to 90 pounds, and without early socialization and careful training may have some dominance issues. Originally meant to herd sheep and cattle, this breed makes an excellent work or guard dog. They are stars, too:

American President Ronald Regan owned one. They have great, shaggy, thick hair that suits colder climates and outdoor work and play. Their thick hair (not fur) requires a considerable amount of grooming. Daily to weekly brushing are recommended, and they should be trimmed at least every six weeks. Due to its deep chest, the Bouvier des Flandres may suffer voluvus and bloat. While they are relatively calm and lazy indoors, the Bouvier des Flandres does best when it has a big yard to play in.

Viva the Xoloitzcuintle!
Otherwise known as the Mexican Hairless, or Xolo, the Xoloitzcuintle comes in three sizes, the largest growing to as large as 60 pounds in some cases (though the average is more like 40 pounds). An extremely rare breed, they are almost completely bald and resemble the dogs found in Hieroglyphs from Ancient Egypt. Some Xolos do have a thin coat of hair or spots of hair on their bodies and heads. Rare and ancient, artifacts and pottery evidencing the Xolo in Aztec and Mayan tombs date back over 3000 years! These medium-sized hypoallergenic dogs are extremely intelligent, loyal, athletic, and loving. They bond closely with the people who train and feed them and need early socialization to become good with children. If you are not the pack leader, your Xolo will be! They are becoming more popular as service and agility dogs.

Even those with a thin coat are easy to groom. While they've been recognized by Mexico's dog organization, they're not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. Now, here's the down side. These dogs, and their breeders, are very rare. They were even thought to be nearly extinct until the 1950s. They are even hard to find in Mexico. One search revealed only three breeders in the Western United States and very few in Mexico. So if you want a Xolo, be prepared to wait patiently until the right one comes along.

Heart Worm, Fleas And Other Parasites

We all want to make sure our dogs are protected from heart worms, fleas, and other parasites like hook worms, whip worms, round worms, lice, ticks, and other nasty critters that compromise a dog's health and happiness. There are many new products on the market designed to protect dogs.


Among one of the most difficult of pests is the flea. Fleas cause serious reactions that indicated by severe itching and scratching. This can lead to serious infections and dermatitis, which is difficult and expensive to treat. Fleas also move from pets to people and surroundings. Anyone who's had a flea-infected carpet or couch can testify to the challenge of getting rid of the pests.
Flea infestations make it difficult dogs to lie down or sleep. In short, fleas make your precious pet miserable. Not even a dog deserves this life.

Ticks are a serious treat to your dog's health and happiness. Tick bites can lead to secondary bacterial infections, indicated by puss, swelling, and bad odors. Tick infestations can cause your dog to become anemic, to become weak and unable to resist other infections and diseases.
If you suspect your dog has fleas or ticks, inspect his fur and skin carefully. Fleas are small, but you'll be able to see them crawling and jumping around near the roots of the fur. Ticks become large and swollen with your dog's blood and are easy to spot on close examination. Your vet can also test for the presence these parasites.

If your vet diagnoses your dog with anemia, it may be caused by a variety of problems. Anemia is not a disease in itself. It is an indicator of disease. Symptoms of anemia are lethargy and loss of the pink color in your dog's gums. Normally, 30-35% of a dog's blood is red blood cells. When it falls below that, your dog is probably anemic.

To protect your dog, it is important to make sure he has regular exams at the vet's office. This should include analyses of fecal and blood samples to assure your dog is free from parasites like hook worms.

Your vet can recommend any one of several new medications to deal with these conditions in a single dose. Products like ivermectin are effective and can be administered by injection, orally, or by application to the skin. Better yet, many of these drugs can be used as preventive measures to protect your dog before it falls prey to life-threatening parasites.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Dental Care For Dogs


Not many people understand the importance of dental care in maintaining the general health and well being of dogs. Just like humans dogs need regular dental care. It is the responsibility of owners to make sure that they get it. A responsible dog owner takes care of their dog's teeth.
Food residue can accumulate on your dog's teeth just as it does on your own teeth. It quickly leads to tartar and plaque build up causing tooth decay and gum disease. All the things you know about dental care in humans applies to your dog too.

If you neglect your dog's dental care it can lead to pain for the dog. The pain will stop them eating and their health will suffer as a result. An even more serious result of tooth decay are diseases and ulcerated gums that can cause blood poisoning if left untreated.
Even if you avoid giving your dog sweet treats they are at risk of dental decay. So it is important to pay attention to dental hygiene when caring for your dog. Dental care is vital to maintaining your dog's health.

Brushing is essential. A small soft brush is best. You can get a specially designed canine rush from your veterinarian or dog food supplier.
Remember that a dog's sense of smell and taste is far more acute than ours so don't use toothpaste that is intended for human beings. It is too strongly flavored and would distress a dog. Canine toothpaste usually has a meaty flavor that your dog will like.

Begin your dental care regime when your dog is a puppy. They get used to having their teeth brushed and regard it as part of their regular grooming routine. Start with small sessions at first.
You must build up your dog's trust in order to let you clean their teeth.
Your choice of food is also important. Dog's need to crunch and chew their food. In the wild they
are used to crunching bones. It is important to allow then to have a bone or chew toys. It is a valuable part of your dog's dental care.

Dry food and biscuits are better than canned dog meat for dental care. They help to keep the teeth clean and do not build up on the teeth allowing bacteria to multiply. Some biscuits are specially designed for cleaning a dog's teeth. These make a good treat for good behavior. You will know that you have taken care of your dog's dental health and your dog will feel rewarded.

If your dog has dental problems you will get a face full of bad breath every time he greets you. Eventually you will get a massive bill from your veterinarian. Dog dentistry is seriously expensive. What is more it is dangerous because it needs an anesthetic. So avoid it if you can
be paying attention to your dog's dental care.