Did You Know… ?

thesmartcanine.com

Dogs are our friends, companions, pets and more. We love them and cherish them. But, do you really know all that much about them? We’ve searched the internet and found some of the most interesting dog facts that nobody ever talks about.

When dogs howl at each other, they adjust the pitch of the howl to sound more unique.

All dogs understand the power of barking, as it usually elicits a response from the owner – positive or negative. They bark to grab your attention and to try to make something happen.

Strongheart, Rin Tin Tin and Lassie are the only dogs with a star on the Hollywood Walk

Tip of the Month - To Shave or Not to Shave?

(Courtesy of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb)

As the heat of summer arrives the question of shaving your double coated dog is a typical and sometimes controversial subject. I'll attempt to give some perspective.

Some double coated breeds are: Bernese, Chow, Labs, Retrievers, St. Bernard, Newfoundland, Maremma, Leonberger, Landseer, Aussie Shepherd, Akita, Samoyed, Husky, Great Pyrenees, Elkhound, Pomeranian, Malamute, Eskimo, German Shepherd, Komondor, English Sheepdog.

First, what is a double coat? Most double coated dogs have a dense soft undercoat with a slicker, smooth topcoat. This type of coat is genetically intended to act as insulation, against both cold AND heat. (Think house insulation keeping you both warm in winter and cool in summer).

A dog’s cooling systems works very differently from ours. There are muscles in the dog’s skin that help raise the 'guard' hairs (the outer smooth coat) and allow for the heat to dissipate off the dog’s skin. Shaving removes the protective outer topcoat layer, changing the way air flows, leaving skin unprotected, exposed to the effects of direct sun and hot temperatures... actually making them hotter!

While it may seem to you that your double coated dog suffers in the heat of summer, it is a misconception that shaving your dog will be a healthier (unless there is a medical condition of course) or cooler choice.

Removing a dog’s “undercoat” can cause both short and long term damage. By shaving: the undercoat will grow back faster crowding out the thinner 'guard hairs,' which often changes the texture and colour of a dog's coat; interrupts the sync of natural shedding/regrowth cycle causing more extreme shedding; cause skin problems and worse, puts them at far greater risk for sunburn and heat stroke.

Short version is, tampering with your dog’s double coat by shaving it all off will leave your dog feeling hotter than when he had his insulating protective coat. So... if you would still like to give your dog some added relief, what are some additional things you can do to help your double coated dog cope with the heat of summer?

1) Note that often dogs that overheat are overweight. This is an easy adjustment – feed less! (and include treats when you calculate amount you are feeding).

2) A big contributor to a dog becoming too hot is not brushing out dead and/or shedding coat, allowing it to become packed, dense and matted, blocking airflow to the dog’s skin. Groom often throughout the year to keep undercoats from packing. Brushing a few times a week, or even daily during shedding, will be necessary to remove loose fur and prevent mats from forming. Hint: When you notice your dog starting to shed it’s time to get grooming, de-shed and brush out... often.

One effective grooming tip for double coats is to go over your pooch's entire body with a grooming undercoat rake or shedding blade (or both). First, use short (6") strokes against the direction of growth, working head to tail. Then again, brush short strokes in the direction of growth. Clean out the brush often and keep grooming until the brush comes out clean. You may indeed be amazed at how much you can thin out!

And lastly, be sure your dog has plenty of fresh cold water and shade to help them self-regulate to stay both well-hydrated and comfortable lounging with their self-protecting double coat!!

Patricia Skinner-Porter is the owner/operator of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb at Monte Lake BC. Offering custom care boarding (non-dog park style) Patricia provides personal care, attention and daily exercise for ALL dog types, breeds and doganalities! She also offers one-on-one dog-owner training, helping individuals to create healthy happy relationships with their dogs. Here she shares her vast array of experience with a beneficial monthly tip for you and your pooch to enjoy!

(See her listing under Pet Central) of Fame. So, what happened to Toto?

All dog breeds have pink tongues except for two Chinese dog breeds: the Shar-Pei and Chow Chow. Both of which, have black tongues.

In 2014, a Tibetan Mastiff sold for nearly $2 million USD, making him the most expensive dog ever sold.

The most successful search and rescue dog was Barry, the St. Bernard. He single handedly saved 40 people’s lives in the early 1800’s.

TOP DOG! OF THE MONTH

This is Tintin, he is an 11 pound Poodle/Maltese who is 5 years old. Tintin loves sleeping and going on long road trips.

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