The dog there looks like a German Shepherd, it has pointy ears and the expression of a German Shepherd, it’s the same size as one, but the dog is totally white, with a pink nose. What kind of dog is that? Believe it or not, they are called White German Shepherds (and often American White or Swiss Berger Blanc). They are everything other German Shepherds are, except that they are not recognized by most kennel clubs in the world.

There is a strange color bias in the world of dog breeding. Despite having purebred parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, a white German shepherd or white boxer is not considered a breed standard. Then again, this is the same world that docks many dogs’ tails to a prescribed length or cuts naturally drooping ears to points for purely cosmetic reasons. White German Shepherds and White Boxers may be the luckiest breeds of all.

White dogs are not albino, although they have white fur and often have pink noses. Their eyes are dark instead of pink or red like true albinos. Most dog breeds have white varieties, and the white shepherd is thought to be just a reflection of the normal diversity of dog genes. The American White Shepherd Association is the parent organization for the breed, although the American Kennel Club does not sanction them.

Many representatives of this striking type claim that they are easier to care for than other colored shepherds. German Shepherds, regardless of color, often come in a few varieties of coat length and thickness. The official breed standard states that the coat should have two layers to protect them from the elements. Many white German Shepherds lack this double-coated coat. Since most pets today live indoors, not having such thick fur has proven to be a blessing.

Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates the uniqueness of a White German Shepherd, and many thousands are abandoned each year. Although there are many good dog rescues, there are some groups dedicated specifically to rescuing White German Shepherds. They will often take the time to meet, train, and medically assist the dogs in their care before considering placing them up for adoption.

If you’re looking for a dog that’s predictably kind-hearted, doesn’t mind dog hair, and has room in your heart, home, and wallet, the White German Shepherd is for you. Don’t buy one from a pet store as they get all their puppies from inhumane puppy mills. You can get a puppy from a breeder, but there are not as many breeders of this breed as there are of other types of German Shepherd. Go to Petfinder.com and adopt a wonderful companion from one of the many dog ​​rescue groups in this country.

The dog food recall was a big revelation for many dog ​​owners. Even if you didn’t have a dog at the time, you’ve probably heard of it. The threat to harm your dog by not knowing what you are feeding raises an important question: what is the best type of dog food?

There are many types of food to choose from and it can be confusing. Here’s some basic information to help you know which one is right for your pup. We’ll look at what foods to avoid and various other types to consider, from organic foods to making your own dog food. Before you start, always remember to read labels to find out what kind of nutrition your pup is getting.

Foods to Avoid

Although dogs love canned food, it is not the best source of nutrition. Most canned foods are over-processed and have zero nutritional value. Many of them contain chemicals that can cause illness or even shorten life. The quality of the meat used is so bad that even a third world country would not eat it.

Other foods or treats such as chicken bones should also be avoided. These bones splinter when eaten, are a major choking hazard, and can cause internal bleeding. Foods that contain caffeine should also be avoided. Especially chocolate, which in some breeds can cause death.

There are some premium canned dog foods that are good and have high nutritional value. It is advisable to get referrals from your veterinarian or professional dog trainer.

Premium organic dog food

All-natural, organic dog food is all the rage among dog owners. This type of food is not over-processed and provides a healthy diet for your pup. Premium organic dog food uses healthier ingredients. This will ensure your pup’s overall health and quality of life. Your pup will have more energy, a shiny coat, and strong muscles.

You can find this type of food at your local pet store, online, and in some supermarkets. The premium food has a high nutritional value and also has ingredients that will boost your puppy’s immune system. Ingredients must be free of fillers, dangerous chemicals, or artificial colors. Premium organic foods have many benefits and should be a serious consideration for your pup’s healthy diet.

make your own dog food

By far, making your own dog food is the healthiest option available. Although it takes time and effort to create special meals for your pup, it allows you to know exactly what your pup is eating. You can find great recipes and cookbooks on the internet or even in many bookstores.

In 1954 Andy Warhol, a renowned cat lover, published a series of 25 cat portraits in book form. Printed on limited edition, hand colored and watermarked Arches paper, the etchings were privately printed and made as a Christmas keepsake. He named his book 25 Cats Name Sam and One Blue Pussy. He originally intended it to say “…Named Sam”, but his mother, who did the lettering, omitted the “d” and Warhol thought the final version was fine.

In the 1950s, Warhol purchased a brownstone where he and his mother resided. And though they had had cats for twenty years, his series of cat portraits were not based on the cats he lived with and knew. Instead, they were based on the photographs of New York cat photographer Walter Chandoha.

In the 1970s, Warhol’s interest in cats waned and his interest in dogs increased. His boyfriend decided that they should have a short-haired Dachshund puppy. They named the dog “Archie”. Warhol was so taken with Archie that he became his alter ego. Because he held Archie up during interviews, when Warhol didn’t want to answer a particular question, he simply diverted the questions to Archie. Warhol took the dog everywhere: to his studio, to art openings, to dinner parties, to photo shoots, and to London when his work took him there.

When Archie was almost three years old, another Dachshund came onto the scene. They named this dog “Amos”. The three of them got along great. Amos and Archie ran around the house barking, chasing and playing with each other while providing constant entertainment for Warhol. Everything was fine, except now Archie would be staying at home with his new friend Amos instead of walking around town with Warhol.

In 1976, art collector Peter Brant commissioned Andy Warhol to paint his Cocker Spaniel named Ginger. Andy did two paintings of Ginger, as well as drawings. Peter Brant liked these so much that he thought Warhol should do a whole series of cat and dog drawings. Andy also liked the idea. He would open a new commissioned portrait area and give her the opportunity to use Archie and Amos in his work. All she lacked was a cat to fit the modeling mold.

Warhol liked to work from photographs. He had a hard time organizing his pets and keeping them still. He decided to use stuffed animals for his first cat and dog photos. Vincent Fremont at Artnet called the finished paintings of these stuffed creatures “creepy and macabre.” The paintings; however, the ones Warhol completed from photographs of cats and dogs are said to be vibrant and full of personality.

After a while, he began to dabble in other arts, including underground films that explored the shock value of nudity, greed, and sexuality. In 1976, after his hiatus from mainstream art pursuits, Peter Brant organized Warhol’s Cats and Dogs series to be exhibited in New York and London.

After Warhol’s period of drawing and painting cats and dogs, he began with artistic renderings of Campbell’s Soup cans and his focus on pop culture as seen in his Marilyn Monroe-centric works. After his mother’s death, Warhol became more distant from the public eye. Warhol left behind his journals which were later published in a book. While many say his input is “mundane,” those who study his art discover that he leaves behind a story: a postmodern story that is very much reflective of his beliefs, ties, and a life devoted to the exploratory arts.

Copyright © 2008 Melanie Light

Dogs are creatures of habit, and if trained, they will exhibit certain behaviors to mark particular times of the day, even more clearly. There are many training aids that you will find at the dog store, for the ever growing line of pet supplies that will aid in the task of dog training, making things manageable for you.

Among the many different tools for the dog training trade, items such as clickers, leashes of different varieties, halters, electronic collars, electronic and chemical training aids, muzzles and treat holders are the staple tools in the world of trainers and can make their jobs easier. efforts to train your dog. dog.

Let’s start with the clicker, which is a plastic-coated metal box that makes a clicking noise when the metal is pressed and released. It is a practical device that helps to achieve quick attention in your dog once it is taught to recognize the sound. After being trained, your dog can distinguish sound even with a lot of background noise or relatively long distances. Leashes are useful tools ranging from a very short leash of less than eighteen inches in length to an extremely long leash of twenty feet or more.

The shorter leashes are used while training your dog for fence behaviors like the Sit, Heel and Stay commands, while the longer leashes come with some nice features like the retractable leash that prevents tripping and entanglement hazards. , are essentially used for behaviors that allow more freedom. Unlike a short leash, a long leash poses dangers to your dog or other people when walking in a crowd before, now they have been modernized and consist of a spring loaded reel that will allow the dog to explore from a distance, but will wind up like the animal. returns.

The halter allows more control for the owner and less strain on the dogs neck, it is essentially an extension of the collar. The electronic collar is another control device that comes in two main categories, sonic and shocker, both of which are applied when the dog engages in a certain unpleasant behavior, although the sonic version is the more humane of the two. Electronic shock mat and chemical-based training aids include products like Bitter Apple sprays or creams that are used to prevent your pet from jumping up on your expensive leather sofa or recliners and to prevent chewing or self-mutilation behaviors. Last but not least, the special treat holder that has become quite popular in training circles provides a neat way to carry treats on the side without constantly digging into your pockets or keeping your hands full.

The Channel Islands have the makings of a great national park: jaw-dropping scenery, abundant wildlife and wildflowers, fascinating historical sites, and a sea voyage to boot. Thanks to that incredible landscape and flora and fauna, this national park is also a National Marine Sanctuary. And because you have to take a boat or plane trip to visit these islands, enjoying the park’s attributes is much more of an adventure than a typical national park visit.

One advantage of that limited access is that there is no overcrowding here. Visits in 2012 were only about 250,000 people. That same year, Yosemite had 4 million visitors, about 16 times more. In addition to being a National Park and National Marine Sanctuary, it is also part of the International Man and Biosphere Program. The Channel Islands National Park consists of five islands, four islands that form a chain: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz and Anacapa; and one separate from the others, Santa Barbara. The mainland of California and the four Channel Islands form the Santa Barbara Channel. Oddly enough, the island called “Santa Barbara” is not part of the Channel that bears that name.

Your starting point should be the park’s visitor center, which is located on the mainland in the city of Ventura. You’ll find exhibits, an indoor tidal pool, maps, books, and a simulated caliche (kah lee chee) ghost forest (more on that later). The telescope at the top of the building allows you to get a closer look at the islands, on a clear day.

Island Packers Company, the park’s concessionaire, adjoins the park’s headquarters in Ventura Harbor. As the name implies, Island Packers is a cargo travel provider, but its beasts of burden are ships. Island Packers guides are wildlife experts. If they see a blue whale or a pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins or a group of seagulls circling and swarming as they cross the Channel, the skipper will head towards them for a closer look. Around the islands, you are likely to see harbor seals, California sea lions, and brown pelicans.

At fourteen miles from Ventura, Anacapa is the closest to the mainland. Anacapa is the smallest of the islands and is made up of three islets, East, Middle, and West Anacapa, the largest of the three. Western Anacapa, protected as a Research Natural Area, is the world’s primary breeding area for the previously endangered brown pelican. Today, the pelican has recovered so well that it was removed from the endangered species list in 2009. Anacapa is also the largest breeding area for the western gull.

The team takes you over Arch Rock, Anacapa’s iconic landmark, to see a popular hauling area for harbor seals. They then circle back to the landing cove at the eastern end of East Anacapa. Guides take passengers to the landing area six by six in boats, where they disembark directly onto a ladder on the pier. A stairway built into the side of a cliff leads 157 steps up to the island’s plateau. A large crane carries supplies for the rangers who live here.

Once in Anacapa, you can hike a 1-mile loop trail to circle the island. Western gulls and common seals are the most frequently seen animals. During the breeding season, seagulls could be seen nesting up the trail. The trail winds through stands of giant coreopsis, or tree sunflower. This 4-foot-tall tree-trunked sunflower grows on all islands and blooms in the spring. The aptly named Inspiration Point, at the western end of the islet, offers breathtaking views of the West Anacapa Peaks and Santa Cruz Island.

The Bureau of Lighthouses, which later became the Coast Guard, has operated a lighthouse in east Anacapa since 1932. It was the last lighthouse permanently built on the west coast. The remains of a series of shipwrecks, mostly before the construction of the lighthouse, but also after, lie scattered around Anacapa and the other Channel Islands. The wreck of the sunken Winfield Scott and other wrecks can be explored by SCUBA divers.

You can camp on Anacapa Island, but in addition to your camping gear, you’ll also need to bring all the water you’ll need. The first residents of the lighthouse had a concrete water catchment basin to channel rain into a cistern to supplement their water supply, but the gulls seemed to like landing here so much that people rarely used the captured water. You can see this basin in the southeastern part of the island, not far from the camp.

The return journey to the mainland is often against the prevailing wind and current, making the journey more rough. For those prone to motion sickness, take Dramamine or Ginger, which may be more effective according to some medical research.

Not including Santa Barbara Island, which is located about 54 miles southeast of Ventura, the Channel Islands can be thought of as the Santa Monica Mountain Range with a coastline. The geologic forces that created the Santa Monica Mountain Range were also at work here. In the geological past, these islands were united into one large island, called Santarosae. With the general warming of the Earth after the Ice Age, rising sea levels drove them apart. Rocky shorelines provide a firm base for algae which in turn form a base for invertebrates, fish, birds and marine mammals.

The islands are a special place to see rare species or relatively common species in greater abundance than usual. The island fox inhabits the largest islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel. It is a domestic cat-sized carnivore related to the mainland gray fox and lives on deer mice. San Miguel is known for having the largest variety of seals and sea lions (pinnipeds, meaning “feather-footed”) that breed on its shores. The California sea lion, Steller sea lion, northern elephant seal, northern fur seal, and harbor seal breed on the island. The Guadalupe fur seal does not breed here, it only visits. Many species of land and sea birds nest on all the islands. In fact, Santa Rosa has a freshwater marsh where blackbirds and other mainland birds nest.

The islands have a rich history. The Chumash, “island people”, inhabited the islands for about 6,000 years. Its signs are found in 3,000 archaeological sites. Artifacts such as shack rubble, piled seashells called middens, and stone tools are evidence of their past. In 1542, when the first European explorer visited this site, there were between 2,000 and 3,000 Chumash. In 1959, Phil Orr discovered a human femur in Arlington Springs on Santa Rosa Island. Using more advanced techniques to age ancient material in 1999, scientists dated the bone at 13,000 years old, making it the oldest known human find in the Americas. This find supports the idea that the first inhabitants of North and South America arrived by boat. The first European to set foot in what is now California, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo wintered here but died from a fall. Although his grave has never been found, monuments honor him on San Miguel Island and in San Diego.

After the Chumash were transferred to the mainland missions around 1814, the land was owned by a variety of people. At one time, the islands produced cattle, garden crops, and wine, labeled Isla Santa Cruz. Since World War II, the US Navy has used San Miguel Island as a firing range. Today, it is used for missile testing at the Pt. Mugu Air-Naval Missile Test Center.

Although Anacapa is the most common destination, the dealership offers regular trips to the other islands. They also offer sailing excursions aboard a schooner. In 1978, The Nature Conservancy acquired an interest in Santa Cruz Island from the Santa Cruz Island Company. With Island Packers, TNC offers trips to the island from May through November. Trips to San Miguel are planned for the fall. Because this trip is infrequent, you’ll need to make reservations well in advance. There are one and two day trips available. On both trips, you sleep aboard the ship en route, only to wake up in Cuyler Harbor the next morning. Diving these islands is an unforgettable experience, with kelp forests and shipwrecks to explore.

A trip to Channel Islands National Park is much more adventurous than visiting many other national parks. Abundant wildlife, steep cliffs, the journey across the Pacific Ocean from the mainland, unique plant life, and historical artifacts make the experience like visiting another world. The densely populated cities of Southern California are less than a 2 hour drive from Ventura. You have to go there to believe it’s real.

Channel Island National Park

Mailing Address: 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001, Telephone Number: (805)658-5730

Website: http://www.nps.gov/chis

island packers

Mailing Address: 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001, Telephone Number: (805)642-1393

Website: http://www.islandpackers.com

Channel Islands Aviation

mailing address: 305 Durley Avenue, Camarillo, CA 93010, telephone number: (805)987-1301

What is this new Kindle with Special Offers that Amazon has been offering since the beginning of May? What features does it have? Is it better or worse than previous models? You will find all the answers right here.

How is the Kindle Special Offers device different from other Kindles?

This new Kindle is identical to the Wi-Fi-only Kindle that Amazon currently offers, in addition to the Wi-Fi and 3G Kindle. It has the same functions as the Wi-Fi enabled device, allowing you to freely connect to a wireless Internet network whenever you are within range of one in a cafe or in your own home.

How is this Kindle different from the others?

The device itself is identical in characteristics to the other models, but it has one big difference. Whenever the old Kindle device was idle, it would turn on a screen saver with an image of a famous author. But with the new model, you’ll see a full page “special offer.” Basically, it’s an ad that offers you a gift card or a significant discount on a product for signing up for a new credit card or making a purchase.

These ads will also appear on the bottom row of the Kindle screen when you’re reading your book. They are quite small and inconspicuous, so they don’t really get in the way.

How much is this new Kindle?

There has to be a reason Amazon can get away with showing ads on a device you paid over $100 for. It’s the fact that they dropped the price from $139 (the price of the Wi-Fi-only model with no ads). ) to $114.00. Basically, you’re getting the exact same Wi-Fi-enabled device, just for $25 less because you’re willing to look at or consider taking advantage of the ads.

What ads will I see?

The Kindle device with special offers will display ads from car companies like Buick, hygiene companies like Olay, and banking and credit card companies like Chase and Visa. Amazon also gives away coupons from time to time.

Which Kindle is the best option for my needs?

If you want to save money, you definitely need to get the Kindle on special deals, especially if you don’t need 3G access everywhere you go. If you were planning to get the WiFi-only version in the first place, save yourself $25 and get the Kindle on specials.

Remember, there’s nothing different about this Kindle than the Wi-Fi-only Kindle above, so you’re not sacrificing any quality or features. You’re simply skipping the regular screen saver option in favor of viewing offers and ads instead.

farts is it so Feng Shui, according to Feng Shui expert Yvonne Phillips, author of Feng Shui ABC.

“Pets emit a strong, positive form of energy in your home because they are constantly on the move. There is no better Feng Shui for your home,” said Yvonne, “than having an animal running around spreading positive chi.”

Pet Feng Shui for the health and energy of pets

Yvonne noted that animals are drawn to the best energy in a room or home. Bring positive energy into your home and improve your pet’s overall health and happiness.

“Your animal will lie down in the area that has the best energy in the house.

“They will always lie on a rug, rather than the hard floor, unless they are a huge animal and have a lot of fur to keep them warm.”

Feng Shui for pets with fresh food, fresh water, and a clean bed

Yvonne emphasized that pets like fresh food and water just like you do! They also like a favorite blanket and a favorite toy, so treat them to what they love.

Stroke Feng Shui by giving your pet a clean bed!

“We have included them in our homes, so we need to make the right decisions about where they sleep or eat in order to live with us successfully. You like a clean home, they like a clean home too.”

feng shui mascot with a clean home

Yvonne brought up another important feng shui topic: cleanliness. Keep pet dishes clean at all times. Be sure not to leave soap residue in your pet’s water dish or bowl. Soap residues can be very harmful to animals. Pets, especially cats, are attracted to well-lit areas (like the windowsill). Make sure those areas are clean and accessible, that you don’t have anything in the way that could tip over.

feng shui mascot with color

Cats can see multiple colors. My cat is partial to red blankets.

Yvonne indicated that her cat is attracted to both red and green.

He suggested that feng shui pet dishes should be pretty and colorful. Yellow bowls and plates can create an especially happy pet feeding area.

Plastic negative! I have thrown away all those tiny plastic bowls that are sold in pet stores.

My cat eats from a colored glass plate and drinks from a glass container. He is much happier, purring throughout the meal.

Yvonne recommends that red can also be used for energizing and feng shui in a pet’s feeding area.

The eating area should also be a sheltered space, a corner out of the way of humans. Cats (more than dogs) like privacy while eating.

Pet Feng Shui with natural salt lamps and natural salt candle holders

It’s hard to tell if wall colors affect cats and dogs, but pets can definitely feel the flow of energy within a room.

I use Natural Salt Therapy for Pet Feng Shui in every room in my house.

Natural salt lamps and natural salt candle holders release an abundance of negative ions, known to enhance your well-being, energize the room, and gently purify the air.

Natural salt lamps and candle holders clean and purify the air in your home of harmful bacteria.

They also combat dangerous electrical “smog” indoors (computers, TVs, etc.), thus further protecting your pet.

And here is another benefit of natural salt. Salt lamps and salt sconces radiate a dazzling soft pink/red glow.

Pets are drawn to natural light and especially the rich warmth of natural salt lamps and salt sconces.

Yvonne recommends natural salt lamps to her clients and uses them in her own home as well.

A Feng Shui basket of salt crystals will also uplift and harmonize the energy in your pet’s room.

Copyright by Dr. Joyce Starr, 2006. All rights reserved.

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When a person is found guilty of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, DUI tickets may be part of their penalty. DUI tickets may be subject to the discretion of the judge presiding over the DUI case. The nature of the fines depends on the type of DUI charge the defendant may be facing. There are two types of DUI tickets, namely criminal tickets and restitution. The former are generally ordered in a criminal case, while restitution is ordered in a civil case. Just as criminal DUI tickets are intended to punish the offender for their crimes, restitution tickets are intended to compensate the victim for personal injuries or other losses as a result of a DUI accident. The state department of motor vehicles can also impose DUI tickets by revoking the offender’s license permanently or for a period of time. DUI tickets also include changes to the insurance premiums paid for auto insurance.

Factors that affect DUI fines include the specific facts of the defendant’s case and the state or jurisdiction where the offense was committed. The DUI fine is determined through the criminal justice system. In addition to DUI fines, there could be jail time, revocation of the offender’s driver’s license, etc. At some point, the offender may be required to complete DUI school, community service, or a drug/alcohol treatment program under the criminal justice system. These programs sometimes reduce DUI fines. DUI tickets are intended to punish a convicted DUI offender and deter him from committing similar offenses in the future.

DUI fines can be increased in a number of circumstances. An attorney can protect her interests in a DUI case. They know the laws that apply to your case and can find ways to reduce DUI fines and other penalties. You should also consider the time that DUI legal proceedings will require and a variety of related costs.

The need for speed has gone beyond car and motorcycle racing. Today’s Internet users also want fast speed when online, especially when downloading large files or playing online games. For them, a slow internet connection is a no-no.

In fact, it can be very frustrating when our internet becomes slow, especially when downloading a document file is at a snail’s pace. Even though we sign up for a certain internet or broadband speed, we don’t actually get what we were promised every time.

If there is nothing your ISP or Internet Service Provider can do to increase your speed, you can do the following:

Check your firmware and/or driver for your router or modem – Sometimes it’s the modem or router or even the network adapter that is causing the slow speeds. Your modem or router firmware or driver may no longer be up-to-date, requiring some updates. The companies that make these devices are always finding ways to improve the performance of their products by updating the software that comes with them. A simple driver or firmware update can do wonders to improve your internet speed.

Improve your access point – Sometimes the connection is slower when the computer you are using is not directly connected to your broadband and is instead connected via Wi-Fi. If you live in a densely populated city, there may be many Wi-Fi facilities within your vicinity, which may be causing interference. If that’s what’s causing the slow connection, try changing the channel on your router. Consult your manual for instructions on how to do this.

clean your machine – Sometimes the culprit behind slow speeds is some nasty virus, spyware, or malware on your computer. Get rid of these criminals by running your antivirus program. You should also clear your browser’s cookies, cache, and browsing history. Doing these simple things can help you improve your Internet speed.

Call your ISP – Once you’ve finished doing things on your end but still can’t get a satisfactory speed, contact your broadband provider so they can test your connection. The problem may be on the line or somewhere on the network. They can run these tests from their end by simply pressing buttons.

Make sure you get what you paid for by following these tips to increase your home broadband speed and make your Internet experience something you’ll enjoy, not despise.

It’s yours the dog scratches constantly driving him, and you, crazy? If your dog licks himself, he scratches and bites himself continuously, Dry Skin may be the reason. But what causes dry, flaky skin on dogs? There can be a number of factors, including improper diet, allergies, and more. It may take some detective work to figure out the root cause of your dog’s illness. skin itchbut once you find it, you will also find the solution.

Start by watching your dog’s diet

If you’re feeding your dog a generic or supermarket brand dog food, he may not be getting enough of the nutrients and essential fatty acids to help keep his coat shiny and healthy. Many store brands do not contain the optimal balance of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that help keep your dog’s skin soft, moist and healthy and his coat shiny.

Experiment with one of the many premium or ultra-premium brand name dog food brands available at pet supply stores. Premium dog foods often contain supplements such as flaxseed, salmon oil, or other fish oils, which contain essential fatty acids. These additional nutrients will benefit your dog’s skin and coat and soothe dry, itchy skin. The best dog foods are also made from whole products, like chicken, turkey, and lamb, and don’t contain by-products or fillers like cheaper foods. Some dogs are allergic to corn, soy, wheat, and eggs. If you suspect food allergies, look for a dog food that does not contain these ingredients.

Essential Fatty Acid Supplements

To give your dog a boost of essential fatty acids, try giving him a supplement rich in vitamins and fatty acids like Linatone or Lipaderm. You can even put a capsule or liquid of regular flax seed oil, salmon oil, or other fish oil in your food. Many people find that this simple addition to their dog’s diet helps reduce shedding, improves a dull coat, and soothes rough, flaky skin. It has certainly helped my dog’s itchy skin.

Common Canine Allergies

In addition to food allergies, dust mites, fleas, and flea bites are common reasons for constant scratching. Typical signs of allergies include scratching, paw licking, face rubbing, or watery eyes. If your dog is allergic to dust mites, vets suggest placing a plastic cover over your dog’s bed, which will prevent mites from entering the bed. Wash your dog’s bed cover frequently in very hot water. Do not let your dog climb on upholstered furniture and avoid playing with stuffed animals. Vacuum frequently to keep dust spots away.

If your dog is scratching miserably, check him for fleas. Some dogs are allergic to fleas and flea bites, which causes extremely inflamed and itchy skin. Use a flea control product on him. There are several topical flea control medications that are given once a month and they work very well. Avoid flea shampoos, which can be very drying and can exacerbate dry skin and make itching worse.

Avoiding allergens is the first line of defense. But if your dog needs relief now that he’s scratching, try bathing him with a mild, soothing shampoo like oatmeal shampoo. Hydrocortisone spray or shampoo can also help relieve itching. If your pet doesn’t get better soon, check with your vet to see if your dog may have another underlying condition.