There’s no business like show business, but dog shows can come close. It’s not Hollywood, but it’s pretty darn close to it – at least for your dog. If your answer is yes, then we suggest you start with small dogs, popularly known as “toy” dogs, as they are easier to maintain and easier to keep around at home than larger breeds.

When dogs of a certain breed enter a dog show, they would be judged by a pre-established standard that would define their eventual success. The winners, or Best of Breed dogs, then compete against each other for Best in Group within one of the seven basic groups to which their breed has been assigned (the Herding Group, Hound Group, Non-Sporting Group, Sporting Group, Terrier Group, Toy Group or Working Group). These seven Group Champions would then vie against each other for Best In Show title, and this could earn them more points leading to the Championship title.

Since you are most likely new to the dazzling world of dog shows, here are some reasons why small dogs are a better choice than larger dogs.

Looking Good In Little To No Time!

The lesser to clean them with – this usually applies to small dogs, which are easier and faster to bathe and groom than bigger dogs. You’ll soon find out for yourself that this small detail could mean a lot at the end of the day. You’ll need less grooming agents like soap and shampoo, less water and you’ll have an easier time carrying these small show dogs in and out of the tub. Drying time is faster too, because all small dogs, except long-coated ones, have lesser hair to dry. So you’ll realize soon enough that you can groom about five toy-sized show dogs like Yorkshires in the same time it’ll take you to groom a Standard Poodle show dog.

Less Size, More Dogs For Show

The second reason would be because small dogs take up less space, allowing you to breed more dogs for show purposes. You will need to purchase small traveling crates for each dog, but worry not as you can easily carry them around and store them when necessary. Small show dogs also require the use of grooming tables, but as long as they get along, two small show dogs can share one table.

Easy Does It

The third reason would be the fact that small dogs don’t require much strength or effort in handling. Small dogs won’t give you problems with endurance as they do their thing in the dog shows. Instead, small show dogs work harder to cover ground and keep up with the handler, whereas large show dogs cover ground in great strides, requiring the handler to work to keep up. And when it comes to preparing a small dog for viewing purposes, you won’t exert as much physical energy as you would with a large dog.

As you can see, showing small dogs enjoys a bit of an advantage over showing large dogs. And with less stress involved, you’ll also find that showing small dogs is the best and easiest way to become a sporting champion in the world of dog shows – who knows, maybe we’ll be seeing you on ESPN2 someday!

Dog collars are your dog’s best friend, no pun intended – they include all your dog’s pertinent information, his tags and ID included. This article deals with some useful information on collars – not necessarily need-to-know but useful nonetheless. Consider the following quick tips when shopping.

The first thing to look out for would be fit – how well does it fit around the neck of your dog? If the collar fits, then you have free hand when choosing the desired color or design – whatever floats your boat!

For small dogs, pick out a collar that is neither too heavy nor too light. For puppies, a thin, leather collar or a soft, nylon collar is ideal. As for bigger, stronger dogs, wider and heavier collars are best. By sticking two of your fingers in between the collar and your dog’s neck, you can guarantee the snug fit of the collar and be absolutely sure it is neither too wide or too narrow. However, you have to squeeze your fingers inside TIGHTLY – otherwise the collar might end up being too loose for your dog’s neck. Finally, you will want to cut off the excess length of strap because otherwise, the dog might chew it.

A snap-on type fastener is the most common replacement for buckle collars, because it makes for easy adjustment of a collar’s length. While a training collar doesn’t look like anything to write home about, it’s a much better choice for puppies rather than one of those “cool” looking choke collars.

Moreover, leather collars are long-lasting and are naturally softened by the oils of a dog’s skin and they come in a variety of styles, widths, and colors. Nylon collars, on the other hand, are washable collars that retain their durability, and are best suited for younger and smaller dogs. A nylon collar with heavy webbing would work if you own a larger, stronger dog but prefer a softer touch despite his size.

There are other collars that suit very specific kinds of dogs. For surfers, there are collars that are made out of the same material as wetsuits! A head collar would be a good choice for owners of those hyperactive dogs that find it cute whenever they pull on the leash. Also, a harness would also work perfectly for dogs with their energy level set to “10″ – it is positioned around the chest and ribcage of the dog to avoid the chance of choking, and some of them would even allow your dog to ride with you as you go driving around the city!

We cannot even begin to tell you how many colors and designs are available, but most collars have their own leashes. Research well and do not make any hasty purchases as you search for the best collar for your dog, because his comfort is your peace of mind at the end of the day.

How to Cure Annoying Dog Allergies

We tell you How to Cure Annoying Dog Allergies in this article. We break it down by type of allergy and let you know what the Vet can do to treat the dog and what you can do to treat your dog.

How to Cure Annoying Dog Allergies – Must Know Summary

There are 5 basic types of allergies to be concerned with:

1. Dog allergies from Fleas
2. Inhalant allergies in dogs
3. Contact Allergies
4. Food Allergies and
5. Bacterial Allergies

And many sub categories under that. We give you a basic overview in the next section and advice on what you can and can’t treat.

You can save yourself a lot of money by doing online research. Here is a link to a really good book that tells you everything you need to know about Dog Health  AND can save you a small fortune in vet bills! You can click on the book picture to check it out and learn more.!

BUT if your dog is suffering or showing dangerous symptoms

1. Vomiting
2. Vomiting along with diarrhea.
3. Your dog is abnormally  lethargic,
4. Your dog is whimpering and perhaps curling into a ball.
5. Other unusual activity – Yes your dog may try to “tell” you he is sick: My dog had a serious stomach ailment and he came up to me while I was laying down and placed his belly right next to my Head! He never did that before. I noticed his stomach was tight and took him to the vet. It saved his life!
6. A sick dog will also be off its food.
7. Jaundiced eyes and pale gums.
8. Suddenly hyperactive behavior.
9. The dog may become disoriented
10. Seizures , collapsing, Coma

You should call or visit a Vet!Your dog could be poisoned or be suffering other ailments.

How to Cure Annoying Dog Allergies – A brief review of each type of Allergy

How to Cure Annoying Dog Allergies – Dog Bacterial Allergies

A bacterial allergy is hard to self diagnose and usually requires a blood test to determine the allergy. A Vet  can treat your dog for the allergy once it has been identified thru the use of   antibiotics or immune stimulants.
Dog Bacterial allergies are not contagious.

An example of a common bacterial allergy in dogs is Staphylococcus  or Staph/ is a bacterium found on normal dog skin. Symptoms of Staph allergy includes the dog developing areas of hair loss that look much like ringworm. The areas are usually round and ½ to 2 inches in diameter. They are easily treated with certain antibiotics. It is important to note that they can treat the affects but the allergy remains.  The lesions  but return as soon as antibiotics are discontinued. After a while, some dogs become resistant to antibiotic treatment.

How to Cure Annoying Dog Allergies – Dog Contact Allergies

Contact allergies in dogs can be researched and even diagnosed and treated yourself. The Contact allergy is the least common of the five types of Dog  allergies.  Basically it is an allergy to something your dog comes in contact with such as a flea collar, dog shampoo, bedding the sleep on, etc. The easiest way to treat your dog for contact allergies is simply to remove the irritant. However, trying to find the cause of the reaction could be difficult. Monitoring your dogs habits and routine can help identify the allergen. If you notice your dog performing any of the symptoms in a certain situation, it is likely this is the cause of the allergy. Medication such as prednisone or corticosteroids may be given to lessen the itching or infected areas on your dog.

How to Cure Annoying Dog Allergies – Dog Food Allergies

Dogs usually develop a food allergy over time. The actual allergy is usually to the protein in the food – usually beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. My dog had a food allergy and I switched his diet to a rice based diet dog food and it went away. The symptoms of food allergy may include itching, digestive disorders, and respiratory distress. The most effective treatment for food allergies is avoidance. To determine what foods your dog is allergic to, you need to visit a veterinarian to have a food trial test performed. A food trial consists of feeding the dog a novel food source of protein and carbohydrates for a minimum of 12 weeks. IF YOU DO NOT STICK TO THE DIET 100% you can wreck the test!  The easiest way to be sure your dog is not in contact with his food allergy is to purchase specially prepared food or to create a homemade diet plan. However, it is imperative that a homemade diet is balanced with the correct amount of ingredients, vitamins and minerals. If you choose to create homemade diets for your dog for a long period of time, it is recommended to visit a nutritionist to ensure your dog’s health.

How to Cure Annoying Dog Allergies – Dog Flea Allergies

This is another allergy that is easy to diagnose at home and cure! It is an allergy that a dog has to flea bites! All dogs may get fleas and even scratch a little from the bite. A dog with a flea allergy is allergic to the flea saliva. The itching is so intense that the dog may scratch off hair and skin exposing his flesh to infections!  The area most commonly involved is over the rump (just in front of the tail).

The most important treatment for flea allergy is to get the dog away from all fleas. It is very important to ensure your dog is clear of fleas before beginning any prescribed dog allergy treatment. THis means the fleas may be in your back yard or your house. So you have to treat the dog for fleas AND the area he lives in for fleas!

There are many commercially available products that kill fleas both indoors and outdoors. Pest exterminators are also an option for serious infestations. A veterinarian can customize a flea control program to satisfy the individual needs of an allergic dog.

A veterinarian may prescribe many different medications such as:

• Topical treatments
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Fatty acid supplements to aid in skin oil reproduction.
• Medicated shampoos
• Steroids (or cortisone) shots.

It should be noted that dogs are more resistant to steroid side effects than humans. However, the goal is always to subject your dog to the smallest amount of steroid needed to keep your dog comfortable.

How to Cure Annoying Dog Allergies – Inhalant Allergies

This is a the most common dog allergy. Even though it is an inhaled allergy the dog itches as a result whereas a human might get the symptoms that we call hay fever. But for the dog it is itching!  the source of the allergy, the substance inhaled is similar to that of human inhalant allergies!

Types of inhalant allergy sources include:

• Tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.),
• Grass pollens (especially Bermuda),
• Weed pollens (ragweed, etc.),
• Molds, mildew, and
• Dust mites.

There is no known cure for inhalant allergies in dogs

Veterinarian prescribed options are also available. Antihistamines, Cyclosporine A and fatty acids are the safest form of medication to help relieve your dog’s inhalant allergies.

If you can find the allergy source it may be that you can keep your dog from it but given the list that is often hard.

A major form of dog inhalant allergy treatment is hyposensitization with specific allergens. Once your dog has been tested for specific allergens, very small amounts of the antigen are injected weekly. The purpose of this therapy method is to desensitize your dog’s immune system to the allergy. This approach is recommended for middle aged or older dogs who have year-round itching caused by an inhalant allergy. There are many drawbacks regarding hyposensitization, so it is best to discuss with your veterinarian before committing to this specific form of treatment for your dog.

Also Anti-inflammatory  therapy will dramatically block the allergic reaction in most cases. This usually requires going thru a Vet. Steroids may be given orally or by injection, depending on the circumstances. If steroids are appropriate for your dog, you will be instructed in their proper use.

Shampoo therapy can be tried at home. It does relieve symptoms in many dogs and only requires that you purchase a hypoallergenic shampoo and bath the dog in it! Many dogs are helped considerably by frequent bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo.

Antihistamines can be of value in treating the allergic dog when they are combined with steroids. In some dogs, antihistamines can significantly decrease the amount of steroid needed to provide relief. Fatty acid supplementation can also be implemented with steroids and antihistamine. When the three of them are combined, most allergic dogs are significantly improved. This is a non-specific approach which does not treat the allergy, only the complications of the allergic state (itching).

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