Happy Valentine’s Day

image_539894307160526

3 Things All Pomeranian Owners Should Know

via 3 Things All Pomeranian Owners Should Know – iHeartDogs.com

#1 – That Coat Needs Grooming

The Pom coat is high maintenance. Frequent brushing is required to prevent mats. Owners also need to watch for skin issues that hide under all that fur, such as hot spots or dry skin. Pomeranians are prone to flaky skin, so it’s something that needs to be monitored. They should not be shaved except for medical reasons, as the Pomeranian coat is designed to regulate body temperature.

#2 – Fragile Bodies

While many Poms act like they are Great Danes, their tiny bodies are actually quite fragile. They are prone to issues such as luxating patellas and their tracheas are easily damaged. Jumping from the couch can cause broken limbs; jumping from your arms can be fatal. Harnesses are safer when walking than a collar. Owning a Pomeranian means taking extra care that he doesn’t get hurt.

#3 – They Need Socializing

Often described as having a Napoleon complex, Pomeranians can be very territorial. If they have not had training and proper socialization, your Pom will be a nuisance barker that feels it’s his duty to protect your home from anything that comes by, including the garbage man, friends, family or the neighbor’s cat.

Written by Kristina Lotz

 

10 Signs Your Dog Has a Yeast Infection

via 10 Signs Your Dog Has a Yeast Infection | petMD

Signs of Yeast Infections in Dogs

Changes in color and texture

Signs of a yeast infection can vary depending on the site of the infection. “The biggest sign is alteration in the appearance of the skin,” Marrinan says. A pink or red color is commonly seen in the early stages of infection. With chronic infection, the skin can become leathery, thick, and gray or black. Remember that yeast infections can occur in a number of places on your dog’s body if conditions are right, he notes.

Greasy skin

Excessively oily or greasy skin is another common symptom of a yeast infection in dogs, according to Loft.

Scaly skin

Some dogs with yeast infections develop crusting, scaling, or flakiness of the skin that can look a little like dandruff, says Dr. Jennifer Coates, veterinary advisor for petMD.

Head shaking

“The ears are far and away the most common location for a yeast infection,” Marrinan says. In such cases, you likely will notice your dog trying to relieve his discomfort by repeatedly shaking or tilting his head.

Scratching and rubbing

Your dog also might be quite itchy from the yeast infection. You may see him scratching the affected spot, rubbing up against furniture or another surface, or scooting along the floor, Marrinan says.

Licking

Some dogs might attempt to relieve itchy discomfort by incessantly licking the infected area, the doctors note.

Swelling and warmth

While redness and itching are the first signs of a yeast infection, symptoms can easily progress to swelling, warmth, and pain in the infected area, according to Marrinan.

Odor

Odor also is a common sign of a yeast infection, regardless of location, Loft says. “Some people claim the yeast-infected skin and ears smell like Cheetos or have a sweet smell, but this is typically not a reliable ‘test,’ as we often find certain bacterial infections can have a similar odor,” he says. “It is important to remember this can be seen with other infectious organisms beyond yeast, so diagnostic testing at the veterinarian’s office is required.”

Hair loss

Hair loss can accompany the yeast infection and associated inflammation, Loft says.

Drooling

A yeast infection in a dog’s mouth is extremely rare but can cause abnormal drooling, oral discomfort, and problems eating. Excessive drooling can also be a sign of other problems in the mouth, such as an abscessed tooth or bee sting, Marrinan says, so pet parents should take their dog to the vet to determine the cause.

Treating Yeast Infections in Dogs

The most important aspect of treating a yeast infection in dogs is identifying and addressing the underlying cause. This will make the risk of relapse less of a concern, Loft and Marrinan agree. For deep and generalized skin and paw/claw bed infections, veterinarians may prescribe oral antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, or terbinafine, Loft says. Ears can be treated topically with appropriate ear cleaners and medications, but severe ear infections may also require oral medications. Bathing the skin and fur with disinfecting and degreasing shampoos can also help, Marrinan adds. The best treatment regimen can be determined by a veterinarian familiar with the specifics of the dog’s case.

Welcome to German Spitz and Pomeranian Project

via German Spitz and Pomeranian Project

Pomeranian Project (formerly pomeranianproject.com) has reached its 10th year of providing you with as accurate and detailed an account of the history and development of the Pomeranian dog as possible.

Research will continue to carefully analyse original documents and other primary sources – so hopefully no ‘fake news’ here! In the near future some articles and information in both German and English will be added in order to better include our German speaking friends in this ongoing breed history project. Meanwhile please bear with us while some editing and re-arranging of format takes place.

Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Dog Treats for Dry, Itchy Skin and Shiny Coat

via Real Housewife of Richmond, VA: Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Dog Treats for Dry, Itchy Skin and Shiny Coat

PEANUT BUTTER COCONUT OIL DOG TREATS 
• 1 cup Peanut Butter, All Natural / Organic
• 1 cup Coconut Oil, Organic
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Oatmeal, Optional
• 2 Tbsp Flax Seed, Optional
Preparation Steps
1. Microwave coconut oil to soften if needed.
2. Add in peanut butter, cinnamon and any optional ingredients then stir until mixture is well mixed. Note: mixture should be thick, but pourable.
3. Pour mixture into silicone ice cube trays and refrigerate or freeze until set.

Pop dog treats out and serve them to your pup! (Store in an air-tight container and keep in refrigerator.)

Notes
Yield: depends on size of ice cube trays

It improves overall skin and coat health (it moisturizes and reduces itchiness due to allergies or eczema), but it’s also been linked to preventing diabetes and heart disease.

*Start with about 1/4 dose of coconut oil and gradually increase over the course of several weeks so your pup can get acclimated if needed by decreasing coconut oil in recipe.

Why Do Dogs Prefer Some Toys Over Others?

via Why Do Dogs Prefer Some Toys Over Others? – American Kennel Club

Generally speaking, most dogs like toys that simulate prey. This is why squeaky toys and soft toysare often very popular with most dogs. Hearing the high-pitched squeak and/or ripping apart a soft plush toy can be immensely satisfying to some dogs.

However, dogs are individuals, and even dogs within the same breed will have preferences due to personality differences. Some dogs prefer harder toys that feel good to chew on; others prefer toys like balls or Frisbees because they’re fun to chase and retrieve; and some dogs don’t like toys at all, unless their owner is in on the game.

Many people might think their dog has no interest in toys. It’s best to introduce toy play when your dog is young. Younger dogs and puppies are naturally more playful than older dogs. For puppies, younger dogs, or even less confident older dogs, you can try soft plush toys or even toys with real fur attached. Some dogs just need something totally new and different to entice them to play!

Your dog’s toy preferences can change throughout his or her life. Many puppies prefer rubbery-type chew toys while they’re teething, and senior dogs often like softer toys that are comfortable to hold and tug. During adulthood, your dog may need sturdier toys, such as thick ropes, or harder rubber balls.

Sleeping Under the Covers Won’t Suffocate Your Dog

via Sleeping Under the Covers Won’t Suffocate Your Dog

 

The Love of My Life

5a5670221c00003b0068fb75

End of Times

4th_of_july_dog

Walking Your Dog in Winter

Fundraising Raffle! $1 a ticket! 50/50 or Aluminum, Wheeled, Locking Grooming/Cosmetics/Crafts Case

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

You do not need to be present to win

Deadline for purchasing tickets online in January 12, 2018

The drawing will be held at the Fredericksburg Expo Center on January 13 at 3:00 pm.  We have club members located throughout Virginia and Maryland and can arrange to have this awesome case brought to you in those areas.  If you are in the Richmond, VA area (or within a reasonable driving distance), I will personally deliver it (you can PM me on Facebook-Krystyna Lineberry or through our FB page).

We are raffling off this large, portable grooming/make up case as a fundraiser to support club operations in the upcoming year.  Operations include paying our insurance, caring for our rescues, maintaining our website…

  • This case is close to 3 feet tall, has a telescoping handle, and detachable sections so you don’t have to take the entire case if you only need one section.
  • The lid has a handle that allows the unit to be carried independently of the telescoping handle.
  • The first section has 6 expanding, accordion style sections for holding any number of small goodies like scissors, pallets, nail polish, markers, Dremel attachments, etc….
  • They are attached to the middle section which is a large open space suitable for larger items like brushes, , bottles/cans, curlers, punches, etc…  These first two sections can be removed and taken independently of the rolling unit if desired.
  • The bottom section has numerous elastic straps attached to the sides to secure items from shifting and spilling.  Perfect for spray bottles, misters, towels, hair spray, glue guns, hair dryers, Dremels, and hundreds of other items.  The lid will attach to this section so it can be used by itself also effectively making this case three different cases in one sleek package!

Please let me know if you want to be entered in the 50/50 drawing, the Aluminum Case drawing or if you would like to split your tickets between the two!  If you don’t tell me which, you will automatically be entered in the drawing for the case.

Click below to purchase your tickets via Paypal (there’s a penny on each of the links so it stands out on our Paypal account as a ticket sale $1.01, $5.01, etc…)

1 ticket for $1

6 tickets for $5

12 tickets for $10

and if you’re really feeling lucky…

25 tickets for $20

 

Fireworks are Scary

 

10 SAFETY AND CALMING TIPS FOR DOGS DURING FIREWORKS

Guide to Comforting Your Dog During Fireworks Season

5 Tips for Calming Your Pet During Thunderstorms, Fireworks

Did you know?

Angry, but cute

Available Rescue – Cherie – MinPin

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

7 years ago we adopted out this lovely lady and several months ago she was returned. Her owners threatened to leave her at a shelter if we did not come to Northern Virginia to get her. We will always take back one of our dogs, no questions asked. In this case it appears the owners simply didn’t want to pay for boarding at a kennel as they called and asked for her back once their holiday was over. Needless to say, we declined…

This is Cherie (pronounced Sherrie). She is a 9 year old Min Pin who is available for a permanent home. Cherie is spayed, micro-chipped and puppy pad trained. She is also trained to use a doggy door! This girl is outgoing and full of life. We believe she would make an excellent apartment dog. Cherie has no health issues and weighs about 10-12 pounds. She’s very lean and very loving. Potential issues: she can climb out of a 3 foot fence. We imagine she could potentially clear a 4 foot fence if chain link. Taking Cherie on walks with a leash would be preferred.

Cherie’s adoption fee is $150. Please message if you are interested.