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Considerations: Dogs are dependent animals, always needing daily walks and feeding, training (even if it's only you and a book on training), regular veterinary visits, and a whole
lotta' love. Dogs are messy,
they slobber, pee on the floor and other unbelievable places if not trained, bark, if not trained, run through the house, various other sundries. Much consideration should be given before buying or adopting a dog.
Here are a few things to consider. Is the timing right? Do you have kids? Are you experienced with owning a dog? Can you afford a dog? Are there other animals in your life? Is there sufficient room for the dog to play or will you be walking the dog daily?
Is your property securely fenced? Do any of the family members have allergies? Will the dog be going away from the home with you or do you get a sitter?
Reasons not to buy a dog; Because you're lonely. You, being the human, must meet the dog's requirements, not the dog meeting your requirements.
To teach a child responsibility. This is good, to a point. Dogs are not teaching aides, they need adult care.
Home protection. Get an alarm system. Protection dogs require a lot of training and most
often these types of dogs are not your average family pet. (A Löwchen will
warn you if there is an intruder or if someone is coming.)
As a surprise gift. Imagine someone 'giving' you a dog without letting you know. Enough said!
The care of your dog should be easy and enjoyable. Regular dog washing and brushing, exercise and loving attention is the normal routine for all dogs.
If kept in full coat, the Löwchen will require regular, thorough
grooming!
On occasion an emergency will occur and you will need to know some procedures that can be utilized while in the process of calling your veterinarian or driving there. You will also need to maintain regular health care preventatives such as vaccines and teeth cleaning which are necessary for the long life of your pet.
The following will be useful to help guide you in the care of your new companion. Emergency procedures are just that - for emergency. Always consult your veterinarian before you administer any medication. Human medication may work in some cases but not all. Your vet will be the best judge of that.
The pads on dogs’ feet are very sensitive. This is one of the few areas on the dog that actually sweats, and it is also an area that is prone to injury. Especially if your pet frequently moves across a rough surface, the pads may get worn down or cut. Pads will bleed profusely — and hurt. Often,
anaesthesia is necessary to properly evaluate pad injuries. Working dogs may even require boots to protect their feet from the elements. In the winter, you will also want to prevent your dog’s feet from being damaged by the salt and ice, which can cause the pads to dry out and crack.
Another really common foot problem that our poor dogs are subjected to is injury from improper toe nail trimming. Many pet owners haven’t been taught to do this correctly. The point is to try not to hit the blood vessels that course through the hard nail. Not only is this painful, but the bad experience may make the dog sensitive about having its feet handled in the future.
Dewclaws can be a real drag. These are the little thumb toenails that originate a little bit higher on the inside part of the leg. Often these nails are removed when the dog is a puppy. If they lack underlying bone structure and are loose, they can become caught in the carpet and tear. Because dewclaws do not touch the ground, they do not wear down. It is common for these nails to grow around in a circle and dig back into the dog’s skin. This causes a painful inflammation—if this happens to your dog, take it to your veterinarian.
In fact, as a general rule, any time there is any kind of swelling of your dog’s toes or feet, it is important to visit your veterinarian. Swelling can be secondary to bacterial or fungal infection, broken bones, foreign bodies, allergies, and even
tumours.
TRIMMING YOUR DOG'S NAILS
Keep your dog’s nails regularly trimmed by using nail clippers specially designed for dogs. Only clip the tip of each nail, being careful to stop short of the quick where the blood vessels are. Ask your vet to show you the correct technique the first time, especially if your dog has dark nails.
View our separate page on Nail
Trimming.
ICKY SKIN TREATMENT
Here's a soothing wash for all icky skin, including ears. 1 quart water 1 heaping teaspoon dried sage 1 heaping teaspoon of thyme 1/4 tsp. Epsom salt Boil everything together for 5 minutes then let it sit overnight. Strain off the herbs and refrigerate unused portion. You can add it to shampoo and make a "medicated" shampoo....also works for ant bites, red bumps, hot spots, flea dermatitis, etc.
BOOTS FOR YOUR LOWCHEN
Click here to
learn how to make some little boots to protect your dogs bracelets in damp
weather or muddy conditions.
| Grooming
| Breed
Specific Grooming |
| Clipper Care
| List of
Blades | Breeds
Blades Chart | Using
Clipper Combs |
| Top Knots |
Wrapping Coats |
Tear Stains |
Growing Coat |
Pet/Puppy Clips |
| Ears
| Eyes
| Canine
Skin | Handy
Hints | Pre-Conditioning
Oil Recipe |
| Trimming Nails
| Grooming
Tools I Use |
Check out this excellent article:
DON'T TOUCH THOSE SCISSORS!
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