Grooming The Shetland Sheepdog

Regular brushing and combing is a must for the Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie as most will call them. It is essential for removing the dead hair that does not shed out of the coat. The density of the hair is so much that most owners do not brush all the way down to the skin which leads to matting. In fact, it can become so matted that a groomer has no choice but to shave the coat off. This breed is best groomed by thoroughly brushing and combing out before the bath. Then use a shampoo especially formulated to shed out hair. Fluff-drying the last bit of wetness and combing the hair once again to removing any last tangles makes for a beautiful coat.

Tools to use are:
Slicker & pin brushes, mat or undercoat rake and splitter, metal combs, thinning shears, scissors, clippers and blades.

Full Grooming should be done every 4- 6 weeks. This includes nail trimming and ear cleaning along with any trimming. Some owners like to have the butt end shaved or scissored just a bit shorter to keep poo from sticking on the hair.

How much to feed my dog?

I have had people ask me "how much will it cost to feed my dog (dogs) Life's Abundance dog food?" I am please to say that just got easier. Whether you are feeding or thinking of feeding Life's Abundance pet foods you can now calculate what your cost will be to feed this premium food to your pets. Check this out. We have added the Autoship & Feeding Calculator to the dog food page. Look for the little green calculator symbol on the left. Now you can easily calculate feeding costs and autoship frequencies. See how affordable good nutrition can be! Also be sure to check out the newly added Canned Dog Food to my Pipschoice website. This is a HOT new product and it is prominently featured on the 'DOGS' page.

Newsletter for Dog and Cat Lovers On-line & Free

The new and improved HealthyPetNet newsletter has just got even better. Now you can view it in it's enhanced format. It is more informative, more entertaining, and more of what you expect in a great resource for pet care. It is put out by HealthyPetNet, a company that I am proud to call my independent pet product business, also known as PipsChoice named after my dog Pippin.

Click on any of the links below to start exploring the September HealthyPetNet Newsletter right now!
Your Pet and Your Health
Quality Time with Your Companion Animal
A Special AnnouncementNew! Life’s Abundance Premium Canned Health Foods for Puppies & Adult Dogs
An Update on the Dr. Jane's HealthyPetNet Foundation
Companies Embracing Pet Insurance
Join Me on My Next Conference Call This is Dr. Jane Bicks, it is a question and answer program that you, yes you can talk directly to the formulator of Life's Abundance. Just try to talk to the person that develops pet foods like Iams, Science Diet or Beneful, Purina.

Want to join in on receiving these newsletters every month? It is so simple, just log on to http://www.pipschoice.com/ and sign up. It's Free!

A few differences between Pet Dogs & Show Dogs

Show dogs and pet dogs may all have four legs and a tail, but sometimes they speak and entirely different language.
For instance: Pet dogs shed; show dogs blow coat. Pet dogs get a bath; show dogs get groomed. Pet dogs trot; show dogs gait. Pet dogs stand; show dogs stack. Pet dogs poop; show dogs toilet.
A little dog humor from "The Brother's Poodle"

Ingredients in NuVet Plus part 27 Zinc

ZINC - Zinc is a component of almost one hundred enzymes involved in metabolic processes, most of which work with the red blood cells to move carbon dioxide from the tissue to the lungs. Zinc, functioning as an important antioxidant, promotes normal growth and development, aids in wound-healing, enhances cell division, repair and growth, and maintains normal levels of Vitamin A in the blood. It also helps to synthesize DNA and RNA. Zinc deficiencies have been linked to prostate hypertrophy, cancer, slow recovery from head injuries, diabetes, arthritis, and reduced immune system responses.

You can order NuVet Plus for your pet by going to NuVet Labs® Official site

When ordering you must use this order code 42299 you can't order without it.
Remember to check back each day to read the next life improving ingredient in NuVet Plus
The best pet supplement available.

To Thin To Fat Just Right * Body Condition Score Sheet *

You know your dog is Very Thin if: Ribs, spine and pelvic bones are very visible or bony to the touch. Obvious loss of muscle and no fat on chest. This would indicate that this dog is more that 20% below his ideal body weight.

You know your dog is Thin if: Ribs, spine and pelvic bones are visible, has an obvious waist and minimal abdominal fat. This would indicate that this dog is between 10 and 20% below his ideal weight.

You know your dog is Obese if: He has massive fat deposits on chest, spine and the base of the tail. Obviously distended abdomen. This would indicate that this dog is 40% above his ideal weight.

You know your dog is Overweight if: Ribs, spine and pelvic bones are barely palpable. No obvious waist line. Heavy abdominal fat deposits over the spine and base of the tail. This would indicate that this dog is 20% above his ideal weight.

You know your dog is at his Ideal Weight if: Ribs, spine and pelvic bones are not visible but easily palpable to the touch. Obvious waist line. Little abdominal fat. This would indicate that you are doing an excellent job caring for your dog's food intake.

Life's Abundance and Flint River Ranch are two foods I recommend for a healthy, nutritiously balanced diet. As always, one wafer of NuVet Plus daily will keep your dog on the road to great health. If you are experiencing trouble with your pet's health in anyway, try NuVet.

Ingredients in NuVet Plus part 26 Vitamin E

VITAMIN E - An essential fat-soluble vitamin that includes eight naturally occurring compounds, and each of these compounds exhibit different biological activities. The most widely accepted biological function of Vitamin E is related to its antioxidant activities. Vitamin E is the most effective chain breaking lipid-soluble antioxidant in the biological membrane. It contributes to membrane activity, protecting critical cellular structures against damage from oxygen free radicals.
Deficiencies in Vitamin E may lead to reproductive failure, nutritional “muscular dystrophy,” hemolytic anemia, and neurological and immunological abnormalities.

You can order NuVet Plus for your pet by going to NuVet Labs® Official site

When ordering you must use this order code 42299 you can't order without it.

Remember to check back each day to read the next life improving ingredient in NuVet Plus
The best pet supplement available.

Weimaraner / Retriever Mix

Hi, I'm GuntherThis handsome boy of 2 years is Gunther. He is a Weimaraner/Golden Retriever mix. Unlike either of his parents, he has a sleek, beautiful black coat.
Grooming this type of coat is quite easy. You will need a natural bristle brush or a slicker brush. Regular brushing two or three times a week will help to keep the coat and skin in top condition and shedding to a minimum. If the shedding is to much for you to keep up with, ask your groomer if they offer the FURminator shed less treatment or a carding procedure. I use the FURminator and recommend using this treatment every 4- 6 weeks until the shedding is under control. The shampoo and solution are hypoallergenic and non-drying and will not dry out your pet’s coat.
Full Grooming, which includes bath, coat conditioner, brushed, ears cleaned and nails trimmed should be done every 8 - 12 Weeks

Ultralogix Nutritional Supplements

I want to let everyone know that the entire line of Ultralogix Dietary Supplements are now 70% off the retail price.
These are for you not your dog. With my Pipschoice business, there are other products that I sell as well, but I focus mainly on dog and cat products. Every once in a while these deals come along and I just have to tell my readers about them. So if you are one that takes supplements, I invite you to check out Ultralogix Dietary Supplements. These were developed by some of the country’s leading medical doctors, specialists and nutritional experts. These nutrient-dense products are formulated to be easily absorbed in order to deliver maximum benefit to the body.

These price show the 70% Off Price
Weight Control Formula
$12.95
Osteo Essentials
$9.95
Prostate Protection
$13.95
Women's Morning Vitamins
$7.95
Women's Evening Vitamins
$7.95
Daily Chewable Vitamins
$7.95
Men's Morning Vitamins
$7.95
Men's Evening Vitamins
$7.95

Dogs and Bee Stings

In late summer the bee's are getting a little crazy. Recently I was at a picnic at my friend's house. It started out quite nice, people laughing and having fun, until a little girl was stung by a very ticked off yellow jacket. Not just five minutes later an older gentleman was stung and he was showing signs of anaphylactic shock. Someone called 911 and the rescue squad was on the way. A few moments after the old man was stung, another women was attacked by yet another yellow jacket. OK, now I'm a little freaked, as I know I am allergic to bee's so I stayed well away from the swarm coming out of the ground. Telling you this story reminds me of six years ago or so when my now late Labrador Otis was stung several times by the yellow jackets. He was minding his own business, just walking around the yard when all of a sudden he yip out and starting running. I was over by my barn and saw him but had no idea what had happened. As he ran by me I saw a lot of bee's riding on his back. I grabbed a broom and ran after him, swiping off the bee's. Thank the Lord, he was not allergic to them and I didn't get stung.

If your dog gets stung by a bee, do you what to do? here are some helpful and even life saving suggestions:

1. Allergic reaction - get to your veterinarian immediately if you dog exhibits any of the following symptoms: has difficulty breathing, has difficulty swallowing, exhibits hyperactivity such as excessive yipping, barking, groaning possibly followed by falling or fainting. Bee sting reactions can sometimes mimic seizures and the swelling spreads beyond the sting area.

2. No allergic reaction - Remove the stinger if there is one by scraping the visible portion with a card, fingernail, side of butter knife or other thin object. Pulling on the stinger could cause it to break or even push more of the bee venom into the skin.
If you cannot reach the stinger, leave it, it will eventually be shed out with hair. Place some meat tenderizer or baking soda into a bowl with a small amount of water and mix it into a paste. Apply this to neutralize the spot which will help relieve pain and swelling. Keep it on for at least 30 minutes. You may have to wrap some cloth around the area to prevent licking. Afterwards, you can simply rinse it off with plain water. You can place an ice cube on the site for a few minutes to relieve the pain, this really helps. Benadryl can be given as well, check with your vet for the proper dosage.

Dogs Love Flint River Ranch Puppy/Adult Formula

Attack of the Shih Tzu's on the Flint River Ranch Puppy & Adult Formula. Flint River Ranch Natural Dog and Puppy Food Formula is nutritionally complete and balanced for all stages of life. The original Flint River Ranch Natural Dog and Puppy Food is made with Chicken, Rice and Lamb. Twice oven-baked under carefully controlled conditions and temperatures, resulting in better nutrition, palatability and digestibility for your pet. Because Flint River Ranch Natural Dog Food is high density, you feed 20 to 25% less than other foods. Each serving delivers maximum nutrition without fillers, so you’ll notice a lower stool volume and less clean-up. Order on line at: www.frrco.com/120855

Shaved Boarder Collie Before and After Pictures

Here is Skye, she is a Boarder Collie that gets her hair shaved down short in the summer. This helps the owner with less hair to brush and clean up after. As you can see, her spots really show now that the hair is short. Her hair always grows back soft and thick, just in time for colder weather.

Aromatherapy in the Grooming Room and Around my House

If you know me, than you know that I love natural products. I starting learning about them years ago from a very wonderful women named Kathleen Gips. Kathleen has been growing, studying and writing about herbs for over twenty five years. Her areas of herbal expertise includes aromatherapy, herbal skin care, essential oils, teas and tea service, along with culinary, horticultural and historical uses.
In my grooming business, I enjoy the natural effects that essential oils have on the senses. Did you know that lavender is Anti-bacterial and that it Relaxes muscles? It Calms the mind and Harmonizing the spirit? and works as a great Anti-depressant?
This month get FREE SHIPPING in September on orders over $25 on all these fabulous products. I highly suggest the Caldrea Natural Cleaning Products used in and around the grooming parlor.
Aromatherapy
Bath and Body
Caldrea Natural Cleaning Products
Essential Oils
Flora's Dictionary/Books
Gourmet Foods
Home Fragrance
Teas
To learn more and visit the Village Herb Shop on line to: www.villageherbshop.com

A Happy, Healthy Doxy takes Nuvet Plus

Meet Cayman, a longhair miniature dachshund. This handsome young pup is very fortunate to be cared by a loving human mom. Cayman is starting out at a young age taking NuVet Plus supplements to insure that his growing body is getting just the right amount of vitamins, minerals, herbs and other nutrients that a growing puppy needs to live a long and healthy life.

Would you like to follow along with me to see how Cayman is growing and learning to become a therapy dog? Check out his blog -

Click on his picture. Cayman is now a graduate from a Petco Puppy Ed Class. He will be going on to earned his CGC just like Pippin did three years ago. All owners should be encouraged to put their dogs through the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program. It was designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Just look at this proud young man whom recently pass his puppy class, Way to go Cayman!

NuJoint Supplement for Dogs

After I have finished the ingredient list for NuVet Plus Supplements, I will be starting on NuJoint. Stay tuned, it will be very informative and your dog will thank you for it.

Ingredients in NuVet Plus part 25 Vitamin C (Ester C)

VITAMIN C (ESTER C™) - A powerful antioxidant that also protects other antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Ester C™) is buffered, which is a gentler form that is easier on the stomachs of animals and is 4 times more available to the tissues than ordinary Vitamin C, which is highly acidic. The cells of the brain and spinal cord, which frequently incur free radical damage, can be protected by significant amounts of Vitamin C. In addition to its role as an antioxidant, Vitamin C also increases the synthesis of Interferon, a natural anti-viral substance produced by the body, and stimulates the activity of certain key immune cells. Vitamin C is a key factor in many immune functions, including white blood cell function and Interferon levels. Due to its antioxidant properties, it combats the effects of free radicals while lowering the risk of cataracts and promoting cell growth and tissue repair.

You can order NuVet Plus for your pet by going to NuVet Labs® Official site

When ordering you must use this order code 42299 you can't order without it.

Remember to check back each day to read the next life improving ingredient in NuVet Plus The best pet supplement available.

Grooming the Lhasa Apso

Hi I'm Maisey

This is the Lhasa Apso, country of origin is Tibet. It belongs to the non-sporting group in the AKC. It's long, flowing coat can be any color or pattern. Grooming is a high priority or as we call it 'high maintenance'. These sturdy little dogs should be mat and tangle free to keep skin and coat in great condition, however mats are a major problem if not brushed regularly. The hair should be light and airy in appearance. Full grooming including nail trim, bath, ears plucked and cleaned and trimming, this should be done every 4 weeks. Common pet grooming is usually clipped short and styled, but as you can see this pretty girl is left in a long coat. Tools needed for grooming a Lhasa Apso are: nail trimmers or file, ear powder to pluck ear hairs that grow down into the ear canal, ear cleaning solution, slicker brush, metal comb, pin brush and shears for trimming. Top knot bows can be placed on top of head to keep hair out of eyes. One or two bows are fine, it all depends on what the owner likes.

New Product Announcement from Dr. Jane Bicks * Life's Abundance Canned Dog Food *

Finally, New Life's Abundance Premium Canned Health Foods for Puppies and Adult Dogs. It's been a long time coming, but it's hard to put a timetable on perfection!

This new dog food line is truly a cut above the rest. Dr. Jane Bicks, a holistic veterinarian believes that it is healthier for dogs to eat two small meals a day, as opposed to one large meal. That is why she formulated two meals, one especially for breakfast and another just for dinner. It is well known that dogs absolutely love canned food. HealthyPetNet's goal was to provide your canine with delicious, high-quality meals that are also nutritionally superior. Life's Abundance premium canned foods are so great because these meals please the taste buds and satisfy dog's innermost cravings for wholesome nutrition! Wow!

Turkey & Shrimp Breakfast in Broth

The breakfast recipe was formulated to include a number of savory and nutritious ingredients used in omelets. Dogs of all breeds will happily enjoy this wonderful morning meal featuring turkey, shrimp, eggs, red skinned potatoes, red bell peppers and cheddar cheese. And it's seasoned with just the right amount of basil and parsley. It's the perfect tail-wagging way to start a day!

Chicken & Crab Dinner in Sauce

The dinner recipe was formulated to be similar to a meal you and I would prepare for ourselves. It's a delicious evening meal featuring organic chicken, crab, eggs, carrots, red skinned potatoes, peas … even apples, for a built-in dessert. This flavorful and satisfying meal is a doggy dream come true!

These breakfast and dinner meals are perfect as stand-alone meals or tasty toppers.Of course, every serving of the breakfast and dinner meals include optimal amounts of added vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients, to help maintain a healthy body. They don't just say it, They guarantee it! Life's Abundance list the amounts of added vitamin E, vitamin C, Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, L-carnitine and taurine on the breakfast and dinner food labels.

Finally, Dr. Jane says "I want to stress something I consider vital to the long-term health of companion animals. While other companies may use questionable ingredients to enhance the appearance and elevate the nutritional value for foods, we prefer to use only the very best ingredients, as naturally as possible. That is why you will never find artificial colors, artificial flavors, corn, corn gluten, wheat or wheat gluten in any of our foods. It is because of these unusually high standards that our Life’s Abundance brand has come to mean “quality pet nutrition without compromise”. As a holistic veterinarian and product formulator, I am very proud of this high level of quality."

Order all the Life's Abundance Pet Foods and Treats at: www.pipschoice.com

Turkey & Shrimp Breakfast in Broth & Chicken & Crab Dinner in Sauce
24 - 5.5 oz. Cans
Your Price: $34.50*Autoship Price: $29.95

Ingredients in NuVet Plus part 24 Vitamin B Complex

VITAMIN B COMPLEX - The vitamin B complex consists of eight water soluble vitamins. The B vitamins work together to boost metabolism, enhance the immune system and nervous system. B Complex maintains the health of skin, coat, eyes, mouth, liver and muscle tone, encourage cell growth and division, and maintains muscle tone in the gastrointestinal track and other benefits to your pet's body.
The B Complex contains: B1- thiamine, B2- riboflavin, B3- also known as niacin, B5- Pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6- pyridoxine, B7—also known as Biotin or vitamin H, B9- folic acid and Vitamin B12- also known as Cobalamin or Cyanocobalamin
Brewer's yeast is one of the best sources of the B vitamins. They are necessary for carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

You can order NuVet Plus for your pet by going to NuVet Labs® Official site

When ordering you must use this order code 42299 you can't order without it.

Remember to check back each day to read the next life improving ingredient in NuVet Plus
The best pet supplement available.

How to tell if your Dog is in Distress

There are signs or signals that shows your dog may be in trouble. Here are some common examples and what you need to do.

Your dog is gagging, choking, drooling or pawing at his mouth.
Check for foreign object stuck in throat or mouth. Small sticks can easily get lodged in the roof of the mouth. Stick chewing should be discouraged.

Your dog is straining when trying to have a bowel movement.
Constipation or an obstruction of the bowels. A tablespoon or two of canned pumpkin can help for constipation. If your suspect a obstruction, keep an eye on your pet. If your dog does not pass the object within one day, take him to see your vet.

Your dog whines or cries, tenses up or crouches, trembles, has heavy breathing.
Possible sign of poison, bloat, pain from swallowing sharp object. Intense pain usually abdominal. Take to a veterinarian immediately.

Nervous panting and pacing.
Possible pain or discomfort. Watch carefully and if it persists seek help.

Squatting numerous times but not urinating or just dribbling small amount of urine.
Possible bladder or kidney infection. Tell your veterinarian.

Scooting across floor on rear.
Sign of possible anal gland blockage (glands need to be emptied) or harden stool around rectum. Rear needs washed with warm water.

Bad odor from ears or constant scratching of ears.
Possible yeast infection or ear mites. Use ear wash and medicine from veterinarian.