Thank you for your email. Burping means gas build up. Not good because it can lead to Bloat which can be fatal.

Things that help to prevent Bloating are:

1. No Exercise 1 hour before or after meals
2. NO feeding or watering out of elevated bowls
3. Feeding only highly digestible foods that your dog is not allergic to like Raw Green Tripe
4. No grains in food
5. Feeding a number of small meals instead of one big meal
6. No “Free Feeding’ – (having food available at any given time)
7. Chiropractic adjustments
8. Prairie Paste – 3 tubes, double dose 4 times per day until gone.
9. After Prairie Paste treatment is completed add double dose of Critter Corral to food with each meal.
10. Do not let your dog bark for long durations of time. They swallow air and this can blow up the belly and cause bloat.
11. If dog is very thirsty only allow small amounts of water at 10 minute intervals. Never allow them to drink in excess, particularly if feeding kibble which can bulk up and cause bloat and torsion (can lead to a quick death).
12. Purchase a Bloat Kit to fend off torsion on the way to your emergency treatment facility. We can provide this to you on special order.

Hope all this gives you some good information to work with.
Take care.

Woof,
Jacki

I just had my 1st successful brushing of Midnight’s teeth. Before we were using the regular dog poultry flavored toothbrush kit, and getting nowhere. He always squirmed, bit me, and ran away. My 29 years of Dental Hygiene experience just kicked in. When it comes to toothbrushes, smaller is always better, especially with a dog. I had ordered a double ended scaler. Remember, I have years of experience scaling teeth, above and below the gumline. When Ben said “It’s too dark, you can’t see”, I reminded him that I could do it blindfolded while standing on my head. I noticed Midnight was laying still and it was easy. A metal scaler is thin and sleek, not like a huge brush. I then borrowed polishing paste from the Dentist. I finally remembered tonight what I had been telling patients for years “SMALLER is better”. Midnight actually laid down and relaxed. The brush was a baby brush so it wasn’t overwhelming and he liked the mint taste of the prophy paste. He let me use the whole round packet up. Don’t use actual prophy paste more than 4 or 5 times a year [too abrasive].

Please spread the word to people to get the smallest toothbrush possible. The dog will be much more comfortable and grateful.

I hope all my years in dental practice will help dog owners. The people who invent these kits have no experience with actually cleaning teeth and comfort.

I can’t believe it took me so long to put on my other hat. Hope this helps others.

Inda

I wanted to thank you for the article on blow drying your poodle.

I recently got a 13 pound poodle mix from the shelter.  He definitely has a poodle coat.  When I got him he was extremely matted and I carefully shaved him down.  This took a couple of days so that we wouldn’t wear each other out.  I’ve bathed him and taken him to a local groomer to have his hair evened out.

Now I’d like to take on the grooming.  Otis is my first poodle.  I’ve had cockers and newfies in the past, so this is very unfamiliar territory.  I’d like to keep him in a serviceable puppy clip.

I’m getting ready to purchase  a dryer, and am becoming a bit confused.  After researching dryers I think I’ve settled on a Metro Air Force dryer.  The big question is which model.  A review of the hand held model indicated that it might be too powerful for a small dog.  Would purchasing a two speed dryer address this problem?

If you have any words of wisdom on this topic, I’d be very grateful.

Thanks,
Beth Stewart
Juneau, Alaska

CAUTION: Never give your Poodle a cooked bone of any kind, as they will splinter and can cause intestinal disturbances.

(For more details, click HERE)