Pet Health : 10 Toxic Foods for Dogs

<div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Maintaining good pet health for your dog includes knowing what not to give her. By making sure that you know about the most toxic foods for your dog, you can ensure that your pet stays healthy and avoids unneeded trauma or pet health issues. The following are 10 common household foods that are extremely toxic to dogs.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUzXqwSCVsD6zkW7YNiYQDiUpqpBSC1-gEJFGY9_qvJy5GmTnHc6KZP4SXD90BmXoSB3DGc0YOut3fuLd6P6ZEM5s7xgV0IgZGHcN5OxLWydju47mM86Q4yz6okBwVUn-C30Epfk3BijJ/s1600/pet+insurance+reviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUzXqwSCVsD6zkW7YNiYQDiUpqpBSC1-gEJFGY9_qvJy5GmTnHc6KZP4SXD90BmXoSB3DGc0YOut3fuLd6P6ZEM5s7xgV0IgZGHcN5OxLWydju47mM86Q4yz6okBwVUn-C30Epfk3BijJ/s640/pet+insurance+reviews.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>1. Chocolate, coffee, tea, soda and anything else with caffeine</b><br />These items all have compounds that are known to be toxic to dogs, causing severe heart and nervous system damage. Be very careful not to let dogs get even a bit of these things, be they in icing, cocoa powder or even chocolate milk. The quantity needed to affect a dog varies with body mass, but avoid them at all costs.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>2. Mushrooms</b><br />These can be extremely injurious to pet health, and even fatal, to dogs. Some kinds are worse than others, so it is best to prevent your dog from coming into contact with any mushrooms of any type. Ensure that dogs are not attracted to wild mushrooms either as these are poisonous to everyone, including humans.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>3. Onions and garlic </b><br />These can cause severe liver damage and can be fatal in certain quantities. Make sure that you prevent your dog from having any kind of onion, be it dried, shredded, on pizza or of any color. Watch out for garlic and garlic oil or powder that can be found on bread and other commonly eaten prepared foods.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>4. Nuts</b><br />Most nuts are bad for dogs; macadamia nuts are the worst. Nuts have compounds that accelerate the growth of bladder stones and weaken the bones.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>5. Avocado and persimmons</b><br />Avocados cause fluid accumulation in the lungs and are very toxic to dogs. Every part of them, including fruit, pits, jacket and leaves, are dangerous. The same goes for persimmons.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>6. Tomatoes, potatoes and rhubarb</b><br />Tomatoes, especially unripe green ones, are toxic and can cause all sorts of problems that can lead to heart failure. Potato jackets are especially bad for dogs, as is the entire rhubarb plant. In fact, some parts of rhubarb are toxic to humans, too.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>7. Grapes and raisins</b><br />It is not known why grapes cause sickness in dogs, but they are dangerous nonetheless. If your dog eats them, you can take her to the veterinarian to pump her stomach. Unfortunately, effects are not noticeable immediately.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>8. Nutmeg </b><br />This appears in various foods, especially those eaten around the holidays. It can be lethal to dogs. Avoid feeding gingerbread cookies, eggnog and other nutmeg-laced products to your canine friend.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>9. Alcohol</b><br />While it is something that may happen in movies and on television, dogs should never ingest liquor of any sort in real life. Alcohol causes various behavioral problems (similar to humans) and may cause seizures, cardiac arrest and death, depending on how much alcohol a dog has consumed.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>10. Baking soda, baking powder and yeast </b><br />Leavening agents can cause serious gastrointestinal problems for dogs including spasms, seizures and heart problems. Effects may not be noticed immediately, so make sure you get your dog to the vet quickly.</div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /><br /></span></div> </div>

10 Secrets of Pet Groomers

<div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Like most pet owners, you probably take your pet to the groomer every few months to get a wash and cut. But in between visits, it’s important to maintain your cat's or dog's look as well as their hygiene. Whether you have trouble getting your pet in the bath, find teeth brushing an impossible task or cringe at the very thought of clipping your four-legged friend's nails, here are 10 tricks from the pros that will help you keep your pet in tip-top shape.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>1. Start your dog young.</b></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4g9UQPc7zWQ/Udp7cw-yvhI/AAAAAAAAAKg/j4CEj6YEIWk/s1600/Pet+smart+Groomers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4g9UQPc7zWQ/Udp7cw-yvhI/AAAAAAAAAKg/j4CEj6YEIWk/s1600/Pet+smart+Groomers.jpg"></a></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b><br></b></div> <div class="object-right" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="content-view-embeddedmedia" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="class-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="attribute-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> One of the biggest concerns with a new dog is training: "sit," "stay" and "no barking" are just a few of the commands dog owners hope their pets will master. Grooming shouldn't be any different. That's why it's so important to start your pup young and be consistent, according to Linda Erickson, grooming expert and PetSmart salon manager. "We always recommend that if you have a new puppy, and you're able to, start at an early age and get them comfortable," she says. "And if you adopt an older pet and they haven't experienced a bath, [give them treats] in the tub and let them know it's a positive experience before even turning on the water." </div> <br clear="all" style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>2. Make sure your cat feels safe. </b></div> <div class="object-right" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="content-view-embeddedmedia" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="class-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="attribute-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="" height="166" src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/3y/02-Make-sure-your-cat-feels-safe_medium.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="" width="144"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Anyone who owns a cat knows it's difficult to get them to do what you want them to do. But that doesn't mean it's impossible—you just have to make them want to do what you want. "Cats live in the realm of ‘You're not going to convince me that this is what I want to do,’" says Alexandra Mason, groomer and marketing manager at <a href="http://www.dogdaycare.com/" style="color: #5787f5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dogtopia</a>. "Catnip is the way to go. And don't try to put them in the sink; a dry bath is fine. Let them sit on the couch or their favorite spot—wherever they're happy—and use a chamois cloth, like you'd use with a car." Cats are much more sensitive than dogs, both emotionally and physically. "You want your cat to feel secure; that's the biggest thing for a kitty, to feel secure. You always want to be really gentle with them, too. Their skin is different; it's much thinner than a dog's," </div> <br clear="all" style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>3. Brush and then bathe. </b></div> <div class="object-right" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="content-view-embeddedmedia" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="class-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="attribute-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="" height="166" src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/US/03-Brush-and-then-bathe_medium.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="" width="144"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> "One big mistake I see pet parents make is neglecting to comb their pet before a bath. It is super-important that people do this, because whatever tangles the pet might have, if they get wet, that makes them hard to dry, and then when they do dry, their fur cinches up," says Mason. Whether they're canine or feline, be sure to run a comb or brush through their fur before they’re cleaned to get rid of any tangles. </div> <br clear="all" style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>4. Detangle slowly, and with care. </b></div> <div class="object-right" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="content-view-embeddedmedia" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="class-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="attribute-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="" height="166" src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/BE/04-Detangle-slowly_medium.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="" width="144"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> If you had long hair as a child, you probably know what it feels like to have someone carelessly yanking a comb through your tangled tresses. Now imagine that all over your body! So take care when brushing your pet. "Toss some cornstarch on those tangles, which loosens them up and provides friction. Then you can pull them apart with your hands so you're not pulling at their skin,"</div> <br clear="all" style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>5. Wash and rinse in the right order. </b></div> <div class="object-right" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="content-view-embeddedmedia" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="class-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="attribute-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="" height="166" src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/la/05-Wash-and-rinse-in-the-right-order_medium.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="" width="144"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> After wetting your pet, soap her up from back to front, washing the face last. "What pets don't like is water in their eyes and ears, so the head should be the last part you bathe because they like it least," Erickson says. Then when you're rinsing, reverse the order. "Start at the head, and rinse everything off their face, and be very diligent about rinsing all the soap off. A lot of people don't think about it, but you should rinse from the top down." Francine Barnes, owner of Carriage Hill Kennels in Glenview, Illinois, agrees, emphasizing how important it is to protect your pet's eyes. "You don't want to burn the eyes. They'll tear and scratch and rub their face on the carpet," she says. "Which will cause rug burn, so then you've created another problem." </div> <br clear="all" style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>6. File their nails. </b></div> <div class="object-right" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="content-view-embeddedmedia" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="class-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="attribute-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="" height="166" src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/d6/06-File-their-nails_medium.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="" width="144"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Cutting your pet’s nails can be a challenge, whether it’s because they fight you or you're afraid you'll cut them down to the quick (the upper part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves). To prevent any problems, use a standard nail file that you can get at any drugstore instead of clippers. "You can get the same results if you buy a 99¢ emery board," Mason says. "Just use a nail file and sit on the couch." If you do decide to clip, go slowly and have the right tools on hand. "People are afraid to cut their dog's nails, especially the black ones because you can't see where the quick is," Barnes says. "Just be sure you have Kwik Stop [a styptic powder], so if you do cut a nail too short…it will stop bleeding." </div> <br clear="all" style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>7. Take teeth-brushing slowly. </b></div> <div class="object-right" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="content-view-embeddedmedia" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="class-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="attribute-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="" height="166" src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/xW/07-CET-Enzymatic-Toothpaste_medium.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="" width="144"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Periodontal disease is a huge problem for many pets—especially dogs—and often occurs because owners overlook the importance of daily (or even weekly) oral care. Brushing your pet’s teeth should be an essential part of their care—but it can be tricky. "You can start by putting a little toothpaste on your finger and letting them lick it off," Erickson suggests. (Use pet toothpaste, such as C.E.T. by Virbac Animal Health.) "Then slowly lift up their lip and run your finger around their mouth, giving them a treat if they did a good job. A lot of dogs love the treat and it can be a good bonding experience, as well." Erickson says that once your pet is used to having you touch their mouth, you can either use a rubber finger toothbrush or a regular bristle brush. "The finger toothbrush can break down more quickly, but personally I like it because a dog sees a long toothbrush come at them and is like, 'Whoa! What's that?' So it might be good to start with the finger toothbrush."</div> <br clear="all" style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>8. Choose a brush based on the type of fur. </b></div> <div class="object-right" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="content-view-embeddedmedia" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="class-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="attribute-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="" height="166" src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/VE/08-Safari-Pin-Brush-for-Dogs_medium.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="" width="144"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> What kind of brush you use depends, of course, on what kind of fur your pet has. But how do you choose? "There are many different types of brushes on the market. A slicker brush helps distribute the skin's oil; it's square around the top with multiple tiny pins, so it's great for any kind of coat," Erickson says. Use a slicker brush for both long- and short-haired cats, as well as a comb for long-haired cats. A slicker brush also works well for an undercoat, if you have a double-coated dog breed. There is also a pin brush, which has wider pins, and works well for dogs like a Shih Tzu, as well as a rubber curry brush, which is great for dogs with a short coat, like a boxer or a beagle. With this brush, Erickson recommends using a "circular motion on your pet to remove the hairs and stimulate the skin," Erickson says.</div> <br clear="all" style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>9. A healthy coat starts within. </b></div> <div class="object-right" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="content-view-embeddedmedia" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="class-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="attribute-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="" height="166" src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/2j/09-A-healthy-coat-starts-within_medium.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="" width="144"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Just as what humans eat affects the health of their skin, the food your pet eats will make a difference in their coat. To ensure a thick, shiny coat, opt for wholesome foods that feature meat and meat meals as the first two ingredients. Recommended brands include Nulo, Wellness and Castor & Pollux. You can also supplement their diet. "You might want to include some fish oil. For a cat and a small dog, only give a quarter of a teaspoon per day. For a medium to large dog, give a teaspoon mixed in with their food," Mason recommends. "Within a few weeks you should see a bit of a difference." You can also add shine to a dog’s coat by applying olive oil to it. “An olive oil treatment works pretty well for dogs,” Mason says. “You just wet their coat, apply a little layer of olive oil all around—be careful of their eyes—and let it set for 15 to 20 minutes." Then rinse them off as usual. </div> <br clear="all" style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>10. Don't forget their eyes and ears. </b></div> <div class="object-right" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="content-view-embeddedmedia" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="class-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="attribute-image" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <img alt="" height="166" src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/77/10-Don-t-forget-their-eyes-and-ears_medium.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="" width="144"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Eyes and ears need regular cleaning as well. For the ears, Barnes recommends using rubbing alcohol. "I like to put it on a cotton ball, then gently go around the outside of the ear, and then [lightly around the inside edge] because if there's any bacteria, it kills it. If your dog is a swimmer, it will also dry out any water in the ear," she says. For the eyes, water or saline solution should do the trick. "If your dog's eyes are runny, take cotton [soaked] with warm water and instead of pulling the gunk off, let it get moist first, then pick at it," she says. "You can also use eyewash, especially if [you’re in an area] with pollen, to flush their eyes out.</div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span><br> </div></div>