By Sarah McDermott

Who said that only humans can wear designer clothes?

Animals also feel cold. Though God has given them natural shield to protect them from cold, but that isn’t enough. Dogs need clothes for many reasons. Maintenance of a pet is not just about having an adorable animal to keep your family members amused and throw love on it. Firstly, a pet has many additional household tasks attached that comprise of keeping up a normal cleanliness curriculum for the pet and make certain appropriate food intake and nourishment for your pet. Secondly, standard physical condition verification and visit to the vet should also be an essential part of your lives. Thirdly, getting a pet insurance done for your much-loved pet will ensure that you can carry on to supply the adoring concern and shore up the pet at all times and no pet has to have its life reduced as a result of lack of funds. Lastly, provide your dog with appropriate shelter, bedding and clothes. This will protect your dog against weather conditions like cold and rain.

Abundant shops that supply to dog clothes have come up in the market, which may perhaps, with no trouble, take care of your requirements. Set off to a market yourself or request a buddy to accompany you, if he or she is aware with any superstore that would exhibit clothes that you can pay for for your pet. Clothes are an idyllic way to illustrate your liking towards your pet, and your dog being a part of your family; it calls for paramount consideration in addition. Watch out on the discount that may be offered to get a good negotiation. Be careful with your money as it is precious. Clothes should be comfortable and try to buy appropriate dimensions for your dog. Small dog clothes may not be uneasy for your dog. Try to buy slightly bigger clothes for your puppy as puppies grow real fast.

Do you want to make something for your dogs with your personal touch? You will come across a wide variety of dog clothes pattern books existing in the marketplace. Knitting, crocheting, hemming, stitching and sewing dog clothes are suitable techniques in making the clothes. You can either pursue the patterns yourself (if you know what you are doing) or you can pay a pet clothing tailor to do the job for you and make certain the proper fitting. For sure, if you do it by hand, you get full power over the types of niceties you would like on your dog clothes. Try to make a knitted dog sweater for your puppy this winter. It is easier to make small dog sweaters for your little puppies. Making knitted clothes for big dogs can be time consuming. If you wish to make some apparel for a bigger dog then you can try making stitched clothes. They can be less lingering and you can prepare them easily. You will feel delighted in doing that. Choose the alternative that works greatest for you.

About the Author: This author lives in Flemington, NJ with her husband and 5 month old daughter and is an expert contributing author for a luxury dog sweaters boutique offering variety of dog beds and pet keepsakes.

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By Bruno

Are you thinking about adding a purebred puppy to your household? Every purebred dog breed is genetically predisposed to its own unique list of medical problems. However, a few breeds are notorious for having more than their fair share of medical issues, and committing to a lifetime of care for these breeds without full understanding of the time and cost required is unfair to both yourself and the dog. This article describes the most common medical issues of three popular breeds: the Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, and Dachshund. Read on to become educated and decide if one of these breeds is really the right dog for you!

With so many different dog breeds available, choosing the one that’s right for your household can be overwhelming. Most people do a fair amount of research before purchasing a purebred puppy, and commonly make the decision based on the breed’s size, appearance, and personality. These are all important factors, but one very important factor is often overlooked: medical issues. Purebred dog breeds have essentially been inbred over generations, which ensures consistency in the breed’s traits, but also allows genetic defects and medical disorders to be propagated in the breed. A few dog breeds are notorious for their medical problems, and it is crucial to have an understanding of these issues before you commit the time and money to caring for a dog for its lifetime.

The Bulldog: Respiratory Difficulty, Skin Infections, and Corneal Ulcers

The English Bulldog is famous for its appearance. It has a short, stocky build and a wide stance giving it a tough and sturdy appearance. It has a short muzzle and prolific facial folds. It is a widely popular breed, and appears in numerous commercials and print advertisements for pet products. Unfortunately, the breed is also famous for its medical problems. The short, smashed-in face that makes it so adorable also creates some medical issues. The Bulldog suffers from what is called Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS). The four components of this syndrome are: Stenotic nares (nostrils that are disproportionately narrow), hypoplastic trachea (the tracheal diameter is disproportionately small), elongated soft palate (the tissue in the roof of the mouth extends too far back into the throat), and redundant pharyngeal tissue (excessive tissue in the back of the throat). All of these anatomical problems taken together mean that the Bulldog has a very difficult time breathing. It is so difficult for this breed to move air to their lungs that you can actually hear them breathing, even at rest. The problem worsens exponentially if the animal is stressed, overworked, or overheated. It is very easy for a Bulldog to go into a state of respiratory distress, necessitating emergency veterinary care. In some cases, surgery is necessary to correct the anatomical abnormalities to allow the animal to breath. Expect to pay a few thousand dollars if surgery is necessary.

The Bulldog’s difficulty breathing is not its only challenging trait. The excessive facial skin that creates those adorable wrinkles also causes some major problems for the breed. The valleys of skin between the facial folds create a dark, moist environment perfect for bacteria and yeast to proliferate. This causes smelly, oozy skin infections that require constant attention. The excessive skin on the Bulldog’s face also predisposes the breed to a condition called ‘entropion’, which is the inward folding of the upper or lower eyelid. When the eyelid rolls inward, the eyelashes act as an abrasive irritant to the sensitive cornea, which is the clear outer surface of the eye. Constant rubbing of the cornea leads to corneal ulcerations and abrasions, which require veterinary attention. Many Bulldogs are cursed with repeated corneal ulcers and the only permanent solution to entropion is surgical correction, which is expensive and sometimes requires repeated attempts for success.

The Cocker Spaniel: Severe Ear Infections and Oily, Smelly Skin

The Cocker Spaniel is traditionally one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. ‘Lady’ from Lady and the Tramp, probably the most famous Cocker in popular culture, embodies the more endearing qualities that draw people to the Cocker – the long, heavy ears, the long eyelashes, and the luxurious hair coat. Cocker Spaniels tend to have easy-going personalities and can make great family pets. However, a few characteristics of the Cocker Spaniel can make it less than appealing for the average dog owner.

Cockers are notorious for having severe and chronic bacterial ear infections. Their long, heavy ears combined with underlying skin abnormalities create the perfect place for bacteria to thrive. Ear infections require intense at-home care, and it is not uncommon for an ear infection that is not appropriately treated to become so severe that pus literally oozes from the ear canal. The infected ears have a very distinct, pungent odor that can be smelled from across a room, and handling the ears for treatment leaves a smell on the hands that is only removed after repeated washings. Many Cocker Spaniels with chronic ear infections develop narrowed, inflamed ear canals, which can actually cause the ear canals to be closed off from the outside. This condition requires surgery, which is expensive and painful for the animal.

In addition to the horrendous ear problems, Cocker Spaniels also suffer from a condition known as primary seborrhea, which is a disorder that causes the skin to be flaky, oily, and smelly. This can make petting, or even being close to the dog unpleasant. Seborrhea also affects the way the oil glands function, and causes the formation of sebaceous adenomas, which are benign oil gland tumors resembling warts in appearance. It is not uncommon for an older cocker spaniel to have dozens of sebaceous adenomas on its body. The problem is largely cosmetic and the tumors are benign, but they can be irritating to the animal and sometimes bleed, necessitating removal.

The Dachshund: Intervertebral Disc Disease and Periodontal Disease

The Dachshund, or ‘wiener dog’, was bred for hunting small mammals. It’s long back, long muzzle, and short legs make it perfect for sniffing small animals out of their holes. The Dachshund is a very popular breed because of its small size and ability to integrate well into a family. However, anyone thinking of purchasing a Dachshund needs to be aware of a few potential problems with the breed.

First of all, the Dachshund’s extraordinarily long back makes it prone to a condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). IVDD is a degenerative weakening in the intervertebral discs, which are the spongy cushions between the individual vertebrae that make up the backbone. When the disc is weakened, it is at risk of rupturing and protruding into and compressing the spinal cord beneath it. When the spinal cord is compressed, neurologic function in the rear legs is compromised. This results in anything from mild weakness in the hind legs to complete hind limb paralysis and loss of control of the bladder and bowels. IVDD is commonly seen in middle-aged Dachshunds who are otherwise healthy, and many times emergency spinal surgery is necessary to save the function of the legs.

In addition to IVDD, Dachshunds are also genetically predisposed to severe periodontal disease, which is the degenerative loss of structural support around the teeth. Although this may not sound like a big deal, severe periodontal disease has a major effect on quality of life for the animal. If the periodontal disease is severe enough the teeth will become very painful and infected, and will have a terrible odor associated with them. Periodontal disease can affect the animal’s ability to eat, and will require surgical extraction.

In conclusion, choosing which breed to integrate into your household is a very important decision. Common medical problems of the breed should be one of the factors you examine closely when making that decision. The Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, and Dachshund can be great pets, if you are willing to commit to caring for them. Be aware of the potential time and financial commitments that you may be taking on by purchasing a purebred puppy, as you will be doing a disservice to both yourself and the dog if you are not prepared to deal with its potential problems.

About the Author: Bruno is a Norwegian dog expert. He has been blogging about Hunderaser and Hundeutstyr for more than five years.

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By Dr Tyng Tan

What would you do if I tell you that you really don’t have to resort to expensive cosmetic surgery to have a youthful face? One of the easiest ways for you to achieve that lifted look without having to impair your skin’s integrity is through face lift exercises. Aside from being painless these exercises are also free! You can do it anytime comfortable for you and as often as you like!

Face Lift Exercises for Your Eyes

There are easy exercises for your eyes which you can do while taking a short breather from work. For example, while your eyes are opened you lift your eyebrows and then have your eyelids partly closed. Hold this for a couple of seconds. Then follow it by opening your eyes as wide as you can which you hold for a couple of seconds.

Another exercise is also done by closing your eyes, and then you place both of your thumbs at each sides of the outer edge of your peepers. And then gently you pull the skin to the direction of the temples. You can also add another stretch by placing each of your forefingers beneath your eyebrows and then you stretch the skin upwards as you maintain in closing your eyes.

Face Lift Exercises for the Cheeks

One simple exercise advised by yoga experts to firm up the cheek is by inhaling deeply and holding a ball air inside your cheeks. You then move that air from cheek to cheek, and then repeat this couple of times until you feel like you need air again.

You can also find the marionette line, which is that indentation that runs from both sides of the nose to the sides of the lips. You press that area near the cheek with your forefinger, and then you move the muscle up and down as your fingers provide resistance. Do this repeatedly for a couple of times.

Lip Exercises

If you want to maintain the firmness of your lips, you can do so by smiling! This does not require that toothy grin, but rather a tight lipped one. You stretch your lips as wide as possible; you hold it for a couple of seconds before releasing.

Another creative way to exercise the lips is by bringing them together like that in a kiss. Hold it and then relax. You can also add in some variation by bringing your lips as they are held tightly together and then released.

Face Lift Exercises for the Forehead

You can exercise the forehead area by bringing both your eyebrows closer together as if in a frown. And then alternate this with a motion that brings them as far as possible from the eyes. You hold this for five seconds before you relax the muscle. Do this repeatedly 10 times for better results. With this exercise you gradually tone your forehead area.

Face Lift Exercises for Neck

A way to give your neck that toned and lifted effect is by extending your neck backward, with you staring straight at the ceiling. You then bring your tongue as if in an attempt to touch your chin with it. You maintain this stretch for a couple of seconds and then relax.

With the same position you can also bring the lower lip over the upper lip. You will feel a stretch on your skin in the neck region. Keep this position for a few seconds and then release.

With this simple face lift exercises, you eventually firm, tone and stretch that facial skin over time. Make sure that you do it regularly for the best results. But also remember to pair it up with right diet and rest.

About the Author: If facial exercises is not enough to give you the immediate results that you want, you can visit the Hair and Laser Clinic, an aesthetic clinic in Singapore, to get the desired outcome in the safest and fastest

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Submitted by: Kathryn Whittaker

Most acid reflux sufferers who work to keep their acid reflux symptoms under control generally have fewer problems, but there are some exceptions. When you suffer from chronic acid reflux, which has been left untreated, you may end up with acid reflux breathing problems that can be serious if you continue to ignore them.

Many people don t realize that when they sleep, acid can seep up into the lungs. This does not generally occur when acid reflux is controlled, but it does happen more often than people think. The esophagus can sustain damage from refluxed acid, but if acid reflux is treated either with medication, through lifestyle changes or a combination of both, that damage can be repaired.

However, the tissues in the lungs are very vulnerable, and when they are damaged by reflux acid complications can occur and much of the damage can be permanent. This can lead to acid reflux breathing problems that may be with you for the rest of your life.

When the tissues in the lungs are damaged, they simply cannot work as they used to. The tissues can not stand up to the erosive properties of the acid and it starts to alter. This new, tougher type of tissue that lungs produce to protect themselves from a continuing assault from stomach acid simply does not function as well as healthy lung tissue does. This means your lungs cannot draw in oxygen or filter impurities and toxins as they used to and it may cause shortness of breath. Another complication with acid reflux breathing problems can be the development or worsening of existing asthma. When this occurs it is not easily reversed, and can seriously impact on your quality of life.

In order to help prevent acid from reaching your lungs and giving you acid reflux related breathing problems, major modifications are required in the way you eat and how you sleep.

Firstly, avoiding heavy meals, and eating your last meal at least 3 hours before going to bed can have a positive impact on acid reflux symptoms. Also, eating smaller meals with the additions of snacks throughout the day rather than 3 large meals will keep your digestive system moving and avoid a build up of acid in the stomach. Eating large meals puts your stomach under pressure to digest the food eaten, which means that more stomach acid is produced and the lower esophageal sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach can be placed under pressure, weaken and open, allowing acid to escape into the esophagus.

The position you sleep in can also have an impact on whether acid can aspirate into the lungs. When sleeping you should elevate your upper body, either by placing a wedge under your mattress or pillow that lifts your head at least six inches higher than your waist and hips, or by placing blocks under the head end of the bed. Sleeping in this elevated position can reduce the risk of acid refluxing and being aspirated into your lungs while you sleep.

If you suspect that you have developed acid reflux breathing problems, you should contact your doctor at once. Suffering from related breathing complications is an indication that your acid reflux is not under control, and that you may be at risk for even bigger health problems in the future. Your breathing difficulties may not be acid reflux related, but you should always find out what is causing your breathing problems so that the suitable treatment can be sought.

About the Author: Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker’s brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter – Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about

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