The health and well being of your Weimaraners generally depend on the quality of foods you are feeding them. It is important to feed them with foods that contain necessary nutrients required by the breed. Their nutritional requirement is just like those that have been passed on from their ancestors, nutrients in which sources are similar to those found in their original environment.

Weimaraners should be given the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Decreased in vitamin C or excessive vitamin other than vitamin C is not good for your Weim. The deficiency or the excess may cause diseases particularly hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). Excessive mineral and calcium supplementation are also reasons for the occurrence of HOD.

Using commercial dog food is probably the most convenient way to feed your Weimaraner. Lots of it are readily available in any pet stores, all you have to do is simply open the package and pour it into your dog’s food bowl. Commercial dog food comes into three types: dry, semi-moist and canned. Dry food, or kibble is commonly preferred because it is less expensive compared to semi-moist and canned food. It is believed that dry food or kibble benefits your dog’s dental care because the dry bits scrape tartar from the teeth during chewing. Canned foods are recommended to old age dogs or dogs with poor appetite due to illness or medical problem. However, canned foods are usually expensive and requires refrigeration once opened. When using commercial dog foods to feed your Weimaraner, read the product label carefully. Check the ingredients and make sure that it contains the necessary nutrients in right amounts.

Despite the convenience of using commercial dog foods, some owners prefer the noncommercial foods to ensure the quality of the food. Some believe that noncommercial food is expensive and time-consuming to prepare but in fact, it is also faster and cheaper provided correct planning has been done. With this type of food, you can be sure that your pet gets the fresh and best ingredients ideal for his health. Noncommercial foods are classified into two: home-cooked and raw diets.

The frequency of feeding depends on your pet’s age and activities. Feeding one full meal a day is not advisable for it can cause bloat, obesity or other digestive problems. Instead, spread out your Weimaraner’s feedings to at least twice daily. Free feeding, feeding in which food is left out all day is not good either. Rigorous exercise and other activities should be avoided right after meals.

Buying a collar and leash is probably one of the first things a new dog owner does as they are a necessity for proper control of your dog and an essential piece of equipment when training a new dog or puppy.

If you have a puppy then it’s likely they will quickly outgrow a collar or leash, so it is perfectly acceptable to buy non-expensive and lightweight equipment during this early stage of their life.

Many people like their dogs to wear a collar all of the time, but some ornamental collars will not stand up to a sudden movement or constant straining. You should therefore consider having 2 collars; one for ornamental purposes and another one for training your dog or puppy.

Even though puppies get plenty of exercise through play you should try and get your puppy accustomed to wearing their collar and leash at the earliest age possible.

Even if you do not intend your dog or puppy to wear a collar all the time you can buckle a light collar around their neck and leave it there for a number of days until your dog or puppy ignores its presence.

Do be aware that the neck hair of a long haired dog will be permanently marked if it wears a collar at all times so use common sense depending on your breed of dog or puppy.

A bolt and spring clip is best on the end of a leash and you should buy clips where the opening does not come at the point of most strain as they are liable to come apart.

Leather and nylon leads are a good choice and although many owners think chains would be stronger they can be very uncomfortable from the owner’s point of view.

If you are serious about training then you will be using a slip collar as this will provide you with much more control. A slip collar consists of a chain with a ring at either end, the chain is dropped through one of the rings to form a loop, which is then put over the dog’s head.

A pull on a slip collar is slightly uncomfortable for the dog providing focus for training, but when the lead is slack the collar is loose. The slip collar will only work well if the collar is put on correctly so you should practice to ensure the fit is best for you and your dog.

When using a leash take it in your right hand and ensure your dog walks on your left hand side. If using a slip collar the ring through which the chain is slipping should be underneath. Practice as much as possible with your collars and leads so that both you and your dog or puppy become familiar with them and you can both use them in the best possible way.

Once you have the right equipment you can begin basic exercises and lessons to train your dog for obedience, competitions or shows, providing pleasure and companionship for you and your dog or puppy.

Owning a dog or puppy gives pleasure to millions of people, however the choice of which breed of dog to purchase deserves more thought that it typically receives.

Owning a dog or puppy is a big responsibility, yet someone who has little time to exercise their pet or is away from home for long periods of time often buys a breed which is very demanding, leading to a poor relationship between them and their dog.

There are numerous breeds of dog in the world so the choice of which breed to purchase can be extremely daunting. One of the best methods of seeing which breeds of dog are available is to visit a large dog show, where you can see the dogs up close and ask questions to existing owners.

Find out as much as you can about the breed of dog you are interested in; Can you afford to feed the dog or puppy? Can you provide the right type of housing or living environment? Will you be able to provide the correct level of exercise for the dog and at the right times?

Remember a puppy may well grow into a much larger dog and therefore need more food, larger living space and a great deal more exercise. It is a sad fact but many dogs are abandoned because they have grown too large for their owners to cope with their demands.

Think about the practical aspects of owning a particular breed of dog. If it is a long haired breed then you’ll need more time to groom its coat. If you buy a female dog then they will come into season twice a year and have to be kept away from male dogs to avoid mating.

Many people start by buying a puppy but there are lots of adult dogs available who are looking for a good home and are often well trained and ready to fit into a loving family or home environment.

Think about the financial aspect of owning a dog or puppy; Can you afford veterinary bills and certificates? Will you need health and insurance cover? Does the dog have specific nutritional requirements or food costs?

Taking the time to think about these important questions *before* buying a dog or puppy will make sure you get the animal that is right for you and more importantly make sure you are right for your dog or puppy!

Off-leash dog beaches are basically a giant playground for you and your dog. It’s a great activity, not only physically, but for their mind & general well being! Dogs by nature are social animals, so the opportunity to play with other dogs is really healthy for their psyche. Running through the sand, jumping into the water, and playing with their pup pals is exhausting!

Most dogs love going to the beach. A trip to the beach, even for just 30 minutes, is a great way to get those Weimaraner wiggles out. It’s important to be aware of dog beach etiquette and safety so that you can be sure your day at the beach is enjoyable for everyone.

Dog Beach Etiquette

Advocates for dog beaches work very hard to keep designated off-leash sections of the beach open to the public. It’s important to remember that off-leash dog beaches are a privilege.

So that dog beaches are clean, safe, and fun for everyone, there are certain guidelines (which are referred to as etiquette) that should be followed. When in doubt, take a look around and see what everyone else is doing.

Always clean up after your dog.
Do not bury your dogs mess in the sand, pick it up! Most dog friendly places have waste bag dispensers. But don’t rely on those to always be there, bring your own.

Never leave your dog unattended.
I know this may sound harsh, but you can’t fully trust your dog. Your dog could get lost, or may end up in a confrontation with another dog. Just like you wouldn’t take your eyes off your kid at the park…don’t take your eyes off the dog.

Maintain control of your dog at all times.
Your dog must be well behaved and must listen to your verbal commands, this is called voice control.

Abide by the leash laws.
Many beaches allow dogs, but do not allow them to be off-leash. Pay close attention to posted signage. You may be fined by officials if you disobey leash laws. When leash laws are ignored you risk the privilege of having an off-leash dog beach. It is recommend that you keep the leash on until you reach the wet part of the sand.

Be considerate of other beach goers.
You are most likely sharing the beach with others, so don’t let your dog go where it’s not welcome. Keep your dog from trampling over sunbathers, and small children.

Safety Tips

Every dog deserves a day at the beach. These tips will ensure that everyone has a pleasant day!

• Vaccinations must be current.
• Your dog must wear a collar with an ID tag.
• Provide your pup with plenty of fresh drinking water.
• Before your dog jumps in, check the water for stingrays or jellyfish.
• Apply sunscreen to dogs with short hair or light skin.

Avoid heatstroke.
Take your dog to the beach in the morning or evening when the sun isn’t so hot. Bring a beach umbrella so your dog has a shady spot to rest in.

Never force your dog into the water.
Some dogs naturally dive right in. But if your pup isn’t comfortable in the water you need to take it slow. You might even want to consider getting a doggie life vest.

After a romp at the beach, rinse your dog off with fresh water.
Sand and saltwater can dry out your dogs paws and can irritate the skin.

Come Prepared

Have your cell phone on you with the phone # to the nearest Vet in case of an emergency. Besides the really obvious stuff, like sunglasses and your keys, don’t forget to bring…

• A Leash
• Poop Bags
• Bottled Water
• Beach Towel(s)
• Sun Umbrella
• Sunscreen

When your Weimaraner exhibits mild to severe scratching and has irritated skin, then he is probably infested with external parasites. Infestation of external parasites such as fleas, ticks or mites causes discomfort to many dogs such as your Weimaraner. It can even cause serious skin problems or even carry disease. Every dog owner should be aware of the facts about these parasites that could possibly affect their beloved Weimaraner.

Dog Fleas

Fleas are perhaps the most common external parasite affecting dogs. Fleas are small parasites of about 1.5 to 3.3 mm long. They are dark colored and able to move rapidly over your pet’s skin. Fleas live their entire lives on their host’s body, your pet. They bite their host and suck their blood. Animals with heavy infestation of fleas may become anemic or become infected with tapeworms if they ingest fleas carrying tapeworm eggs. Sign of fleas is flea dirt- black flea droppings you’ll find on your pet or in his bed. Killing this type of parasite requires crushing them between the fingernails because of their hard, polished body. Use insecticides to get rid of fleas. You can also wash your dog with a flea-killing shampoo.

Dog Mites

Dog mites cause an illness called mange. There are two common types of mites: demodectic and sarcoptic. Demodectic is the most common form of mange. It causes small and hairless, irritated patches on the dog’s coat. This simple skin problem can progress to a severe one especially to a debilitated dog or dog with distemper or infectious hepatitis. Sarcoptic mange or “scabies” burrow into the skin, causing severe itching and thickening of the skin along with hair loss. Mites also enter your dog’s ears and the surrounding area. Your dog can obtain ear mites through close contact with an infested pet or its bedding.

Dog Ticks

Just like fleas, dog ticks are parasites feeding on the blood of its host. Dogs usually obtain dog ticks from shrubbery or wild undergrowth. Dog ticks are often found around your dog’s neck, in the ears, in the folds between the legs and the body and between the toes. It can be removed from the body of your pet with the help of a small set of tweezers. With the use of tweezers, grab the insect by the head and then pull it gently and steadily. As much as possible, try not to crush the tick’s body because its stomach content or the saliva back-flow might increase the possibility of infecting and irritating the host’s skin.

Most dog owners will notice any sudden or odd changes in their dogs normal behavior but it is useful to know the specific symptoms to watch out for.

If you dog shows symptoms of excessive drinking, sudden loss of appetite, continual vomiting or diarrhea, or unusual lethargy then these should be obvious enough to raise your concern.

Discharge from the eyes or inflamed eyes, a shallow or rapid breathing pattern or perhaps persistent coughing can all be signs of something serious.

Typically when a dog is sick or ill they will show a raised temperature, indicated by a hot, dry nose. If your dog has a high temperature or even a very low temperature you should seek professional advice from your veterinarian.

Do be aware that a dog’s temperature will be raised after strenuous activity or excitement and will not therefore be a reliable indication to its health.

If you are unsure you can take your dogs temperature yourself and this is taken rectally with a suitable thermometer. A dogs normal resting temperature is 101.5F, although if your dog is a hairless breed their temperature could be one or two degrees higher.

To take your dogs temperature choose a time when your dog is calm. You will need to ensure your dog is firmly held to prevent them from sitting down onto the thermometer. Smear the thermometer with vaseline or suitable lubricant and insert it into your dogs rectum about an inch.

Any reading above 102.5F or any reading below 100F should be regarded with concern and veterinarian advice should be sought.

If you known or feel your dog is ill make sure you keep them calm and display a reassuring manner until you get them to the veterinarian. Dogs can be very sensitive to your tone of voice and will pick up any worry or anxiety in your voice and manner.

Understanding your dogs needs and keeping a watchful eye for symptoms of sickness and ill health will ensure you can take swift action and ensure you dog is cared for sooner than later.