Keeping Fido Clean and Healthy On A Budget

Times are tough all over right now and many people have to cut back on dog expenses. Thankfully, there are many things you can do at home to keep Fido healthy and in tip top shape while saving money. Here's a few suggestions:

1. Inspect your dog. Fido can’t tell you if he’s under the weather, or even if he's uncomfortably dirty—you have to discover these problems yourself. An inspection allows you to gather, track, monitor, and assess the state of your dog’s health and cleanliness in a systematic and thorough manner. Moreover you’ll discover medical and grooming issues well before they become painful to your dog and your pocketbook. Once a week, using your hands, eyes, ears and nose, give your pooch the once over. Fido's eyes, however, require daily inspections. Be sure you check every nook and cranny. The entire process takes about five to ten minutes, and your dog will appreciate the attention. If at any time you see, feel, smell, or sense trouble brewing, call your veterinarian immediately. Your inspection may save your dog's life (and your bank account).
2. Dog-proof your house. Many household items are dangerous to dogs as poisons, or as choking/obstruction risks. Spending a few minutes a day clearing your counters, closing drawers and doors, and putting away medicine, cleaners, food, and small objects will safeguard your dog. It’s easier to clean up than to pay a huge a vet bill or replace chewed or swallowed items.
3. Brush, brush, brush! Brushing saves time, money, and is an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog. Brushing also extends the time between professional grooming appointments, loosens and lifts dirt, and keeps skin healthy. Brushing removes the dead coat before it can fall off your dog or cause mats, which can increase professional grooming costs. For most dogs, a slicker brush is all you need. If your dog has extremely short hair, such as a Boxer, Doberman, Dalmatian or a Pug, you can use a rubber curry. You don’t even have to brush the entire dog every time. Brush a quarter of your dog each day and by the end of the week, he’ll have been completely brushed twice. Besides, more fur in the brush means you'll spend less on lint rollers and dry cleaning!
4. Be smart about products. Most people use far too much product when bathing their dog at home, which wastes money and makes rinsing difficult. Dilute shampoo in a bowl or separate bottle. Don’t dilute it in the original bottle because adding water can spoil the product. All you need is one quality hypoallergenic CANINE shampoo and one CANINE conditioner. Although they’re fun to use, you don’t need fancy spa products. And there is no reason to purchase a shampoo for every doggie dirt situation—a proper wash with a regular dog shampoo followed by a regular conditioner is sufficient. Make sure you rinse thoroughly because product left on the skin can cause painful and costly skin infections.
5. Ask for a shorter haircut. When your dog gets a haircut, ask your groomer to cut the coat a “step” (or slightly) shorter. The shorter haircut can stretch the time between professional appointments, but make sure the cut isn’t too short since exposed skin is prone to sunburn. And because you’ll extend the time between appointments, brushing becomes critical—the coat on some dogs can mat up overnight.

In our next post, we'll talk about the most efficient way to spend your dog care dollars.

Ask Billy: What's the best chew toy?

Tam from Chicago writes: My new chihuahua-terrier mix, Damen, is a bundle of energy. I'd love to give him something he could chew on to keep him occupied and relieve some of that nervous energy. And if this chewie thing cleaned his teeth at the same time, that would be great.

I've had a bad experience with rawhides in the past (caused bouts of diarrhea). I've seen rubber toys that seem like they would last awhile, but I'm not sure how I feel about Damen chewing on rubber (even if it is vanilla flavored). Those dried chicken parts at the pet store give me the willies. I've given him stuffed-animal-type toys--which he loves--but he pulls the stuffing out of those pretty quickly. Any suggestions for a safe, long-lasting chew?

Well Tam, Damen sure is a cute little guy. You hit the jackpot when you adopted him from a rescue! Dogs love to chew. Chewing releases energy and entertains. Although chewing also helps clean teeth, it is NOT a substitute for regular dental care. Sorry!

It sounds like Damen is a heavy chewer and requires strong chew toys. My dog Gabriel was a heavy duty chewer too. He enjoyed those allegely indestructible nylon bones. Somehow, he managed to break up the “indestructible” bone and swallowed a small piece. I rushed him to the animal hospital and after various veterinary delays, he had surgery to remove the resulting blockage. He died four days later. I still cry about this tragedy, but, thankfully, I can help others keep their precious pooches safe.

For power chewers like Damen, rawhide and other animal body parts, such as tendons, tracheas, bully sticks, bones, ears, hooves and snouts, are NOT a safe option. A power chewer can rip right through them in a matter of minutes and swallow the pieces. There is no reason to risk injury or death since other options are readily available.

Damen and other power chewers should stick with hard rubber toys specifically designed for heavy canine chewers. (Just because you wouldn't want to chomp down on a rubber toy doesn't mean that your pooch won't be thrilled!) Personally, I don't like the scented or flavored toys since chemicals are involved. So I'd stick with the plain, unscented and unflavored options. Many rubber toys are covered in nubs, which also help clean teeth and massage gums. Just to be sure you were listening: dental toys merely enhance home dental care. You are still required to brush Damen's teeth!

Whether he has jaws of steel or a soft mouth, no dog should ever be unsupervised while chewing. If a piece breaks off, you must retrieve it immediately before tragedy strikes. At least once a week, inspect all of Damen's chewies and toys and, if possible, wash them occasionally too. The moment you see any wear and tear, throw the chew or toy away. I also recommend forgoing soft toys, since power chewers destroy them almost instantly. The stuffing, squeaker and anything sewn on are chocking and obstruction dangers.

2009 New Year's Resolutions

We're all resolving this new year to eat healthful foods, exercise more and call our mothers more often.  I'm sure you are too.  But, don't forget your best friend.  Here are a few resolutions to proclaim on Fido's behalf:

1. Play with your dog at least 60 minutes a day--it doesn't have to be all at once and cuddling is included.

2. Brush your dog's teeth at least a few times a week.  We're serious here, canine dental health is a significant factor in keeping him around a lot longer.

3. Administer all parasite preventatives, including flea and heartworm medication, as instructed by your vet.

That shouldn't be too hard.  After all, Fido is depending on you to keep his resolutions!