Some Tips About Care & Grooming
Eyes:
From now on, your Barbet may need their eyes cleaned. Simply by putting your finger at the tear duct and wiping away the hard crusty “eye booger” or using a tissue and wiping away the moist one. The more hair on or around the eyes, the more the eye collects. Just think to do this when you are petting the dog, it becomes second nature, and the dog gets used to it.
Ears:
Dogs ears are different from ours. The canal is much longer and makes a 45 degree turn towards the jaw. These differences make seeing into the ear more difficult. Barbet are waterdogs. Waterdogs have protective hair and waxy build up in their ears to prevent water retention and damage.
Weekly you should check their ears. If they smell sweet and “yeasty” a pungent odour, it’s definitely time to clean them!! Yellow to yellowish brown is normal, even black waxy discharge is ok. If you notice excessive scratching or some whimpering when scratching...that can mean ear infection.
I use 1 or 2 products – depending on what’s necessary: I use earBclear – a water/witch hazel/lavender oil combo – anything similar is good – this is great to squirt in and rub around….leave for a bit and then wipe out with a tissue…it helps work the deep down wax build up – out to the outer ear. It smells great too
I also use Boric Acid Powder – the one I buy is Bio-Groom Ear Fresh Astringent. I shoot a puff into the ear – leave it for a few minutes then start “plucking” – you may want to get your vet or groomer to show you a good technique and how far to pluck if I haven’t shown you with your puppy already.
The only way to keep away ear issues is good ear maintenance…..and the above is how to do it.
Hair/Coat:
Now remember, your Barbet has HAIR, not FUR. They don’t shed…just give off fluffs and strands once in a while = like you and I do when we brush our hair.
Regular brushing (and yes, I do totally endorse Les Pooches Brushes) and trimming / grooming is best for the Barbet. Of course, do what is best for your dog and it’s needs and your needs…I keep my Barbet in that longer "show" coat groom most of the time. I am not against short coat cut, but I do like to see a "coated" dog with some coat!!
Tea Tree oil products are wonderful products for shampoos, conditioners, etc. The properties in tea tree are very healthy, wholesome and fight ticks, diseases, etc. (I use tea tree in my mop bucket to clean up the dog room floor – and it doesn’t hurt the feet/nose of my dogs!)
Natural Flea and Tick Control:
(Plush Puppy product line: http://www.plushpuppy.net/)
They produce a superb oil: Sea breeze oil, mix 2 teaspoons Sea breeze with 1 cup of water and add 4 drops of citrus oil, 2 drops of peppermint 2 drops of lavender and 2 drops of sandal wood oil.
Mist this mixture over your dog everyday, and you will see no fleas, ticks or any other nasty bugs on your dogs. IT WORKS.
The Holistic Approach to your puppy/dog:
I love natural remedies!!! I give my dogs an herbal remedy before even thinking about the vet. I have a wonderful little lady at a health food store that helps me. I treat infection, parasites, cuts, pain, etc with naturopathic remedy.
I have taken 2 dogs to the chiropractor for bone realignments…..1 for a hip dislocation!!! And it works!!
If your puppy/dog has diarrhea a great solution is BONES. Not bone meal or powder….go out and get a raw fresh soup bone and let them chew !!!
Pure pumpkin is also an excellent gastro assistant…diarrhea, stomach upset, whatever…..mix it in with some tuna or salmon and they’ll gobble it up – for a better result next time. Of course, if the diarrhea persists…or if it changes (butterscotch pudding,etc) get your vet to test a sample. Importantly, if the dog is not eating/drinking AND experiencing diarrhea – dehydration can occur. Be watchful.
Natural Approach:
I also love natural remedies for other things as well….Bach’s rescue remedy (and there are others) is great for relaxing a puppy or dog is a stressful situation. First car ride, first trip, first visit to the vet….etc. a little dropper full in the mouth and in a few minutes…..CHILLED OUT!!! (I’ve used it when I’ve felt air sickness during turbulence. IT WORKS!!)
Tobaccum (a natural derivative of the tobacco leaf) is also a great relaxant. Some of the pups will get a dose before their travels to you…..for comfort. It relaxes and helps them sleep without lowering their body temperature (like gravol does)
Arnica is a great natural pain reliever, as is Traumeel.
Most people remedies are fine for dogs….and most food that we eat is ok too….if you wouldn’t eat it – why feed it to your best friend ??!?!
Remember: don't give your dog people medicines though. You need to speak to a vet and have medicine that is specifically for dogs when looking for a pharmaceutical treatment.
Normal Baseline numbers:
The normal body temperature for a dog (taken anally) is 38 degrees (101)
Pulse is generally between 70-120 beats per minute…unless frightened or fevered.
Respirations are 10-30 dependant on body size…our dogs are around 18-20 at rest.
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