It's me or the Dog Series -Jodi Marsh & her Dogs with Victoria Stilwell

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Episode 2:

Episode 3:

Grooming Basics

Watch as award winning groomer Linda Kay does a full grooming on a Poodle/Bichon cross. Learn how to groom your dog properly and the things you need to prepare before you start grooming..

This video is a step by step method of grooming. This is considered as the most essential part for your dog. Good Grooming could also boost your dog's self confidence and could make them feel comfortable and stay healthy.

Immunization is important..

One very important way to prevent your dog from getting sick is to get him immunized against certain diseases. The following are the five major infectious diseases: Distemper, Canine hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Rabies. Distemper, canine hepatitis and parvovirus are all viruses, which means that there are no antibiotics and your vet can only treat the symptoms, but your dog's body has to fight the disease. All of these diseases can be fatal, but as long as you get your dog vaccinated you should not need to worry about him ever being infected.

The immunization process for all these diseases consists of a series of shots when the dog is still a puppy, with booster shots usually given once a year. Often one shot can be given to cover distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis.

Distemper - This is a virus that affects the nervous and immune systems. It usually strikes puppies, but adults can be infected as well. Distemper is transmitted through the air. Puppies usually receive a series of 3 vaccines; the first at 6-8 weeks, the 2nd at 10-12 weeks, and the third at 14-16 weeks. A booster shot should be given once a year.

Canine Hepatitis - As with distemper, this is a virus that mainly hits puppies less than a year old. It affects the liver and can lead to kidney disease. Canine Hepatitis is usually spread through infected dog's urine, stool and saliva. The vaccine timing is typically the same as the distemper vaccine, and a booster is given once a year.

Parvovirus - This virus is fatal if not treated immediately. It affects the intestines and bowel and is spread through the stools of infected dogs. The timing of the vaccine is the same as distemper and canine hepatitis.

Leptospirosis - Unlike distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus, this is a bacterial disease. There are two kinds of leptospirosis, one type attacks the kidney and the other attacks the liver. It is spread through the urine of animals that have had the disease. Although antibiotics are available, vaccination is strongly recommended. The vaccine is given at the same time as distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus.

Rabies - This virus is always fatal and affects the nervous system. Dogs who are suspected of being infected are almost always euthanized. Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals. The first vaccine for rabies is usually given at 3-4 months, the second about one year later, and a booster shot given every 1-3 years, depending on the type of vaccine your vet uses.

Choosing the right dog for you..

By taking the time to consider your needs, what breeds might match those needs and the specific needs of the most appropriate breeds, you can go a long way to insuring that your dog-owning experience is positive, fun and life-enriching. The first thing you have to ask yourself is that.. Why do you want a dog? There are alot of good reasons that too often cause heartache down the road..Because you have to remember a lot of important things when owning a dog and taking care of it.. Base on personal experience..I could not afford having a new dog and lose it just like what happened with my "noah" died due to parvo..i just couldn't believe i have ignored the most important part of his life..that is his immunization..Having a dog is not just as easy as you might imagine or just for fun or maybe you just like it..You really have to Love it and care for it with all your heart..As I go through this new blog i've created, I'll be sharing you some tips, training and tricks on how to take good care of your dogs..and would do my best to provide you more info about dogs.. :)