Grooming / Brushing
Nail Clipping
Feeding
Nails that aren't trimmed can splinter and infect the quick (end of vein) or grow and curl into the flesh. This can be painful for your dog to walk on. It will affect
its gait, posture, and eventually it's skeletal and ligament health. Nails should never touch the ground. When your dog is standing its nails should rest above
the ground. If you hear clicking on the kitchen floor, clipping is overdue.
Be sure to only trim the excess length and always avoid nerves and blood vessels. This will ensure a painless trim process.
Tools : You will need dog nail trimmers, or a dremel tool, and some styptic powder (Kwik-Stop, CutStop, Styptic Pads, or other product) to stop bleeding if
you accidently nick the quick..
manipulate your dog's paws whenever you are giving it affection.
Getting it used to the Dremel is your best bet to avoid clipping altogether.
Sit beside your dog and put your arm around its shoulders if you can so that you are clipping from underneath and at the right angle.
Lift the paw and press on it to expose the claw.
Clip just under the curve of the nail and then you will be able to look inside and see the quick if you look close enough. Clip using tiny snips at a time.
its gait, posture, and eventually it's skeletal and ligament health. Nails should never touch the ground. When your dog is standing its nails should rest above
the ground. If you hear clicking on the kitchen floor, clipping is overdue.
Be sure to only trim the excess length and always avoid nerves and blood vessels. This will ensure a painless trim process.
Tools : You will need dog nail trimmers, or a dremel tool, and some styptic powder (Kwik-Stop, CutStop, Styptic Pads, or other product) to stop bleeding if
you accidently nick the quick..
manipulate your dog's paws whenever you are giving it affection.
Getting it used to the Dremel is your best bet to avoid clipping altogether.
Sit beside your dog and put your arm around its shoulders if you can so that you are clipping from underneath and at the right angle.
Lift the paw and press on it to expose the claw.
Clip just under the curve of the nail and then you will be able to look inside and see the quick if you look close enough. Clip using tiny snips at a time.
Your dogs ears should be pink and healthy inside. If not, don't do anything to them until you see a vet. Keeping your dogs' ears clean minimizes odour,
removes dirt, bacteria and mites trapped in wax. Never use a cotton swab on the inner ear.
Tools: cotton wool balls or soft cloth and ear solution.
There are solutions made specifically for dogs but substitutes include: hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, mineral oil, witch hazel, and tea tree oil.
Place a few drops of ear solution in ear and rub and massage to loosen wax. Swab out with cotton wool balls or cloth.
removes dirt, bacteria and mites trapped in wax. Never use a cotton swab on the inner ear.
Tools: cotton wool balls or soft cloth and ear solution.
There are solutions made specifically for dogs but substitutes include: hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, mineral oil, witch hazel, and tea tree oil.
Place a few drops of ear solution in ear and rub and massage to loosen wax. Swab out with cotton wool balls or cloth.
Ears
The Vizsla is an average shedder with a smooth, short coat. There are a few options that I
have used on my dogs with success and recommend.
The Shedding Blade:
Initially the shedding blade was primarily used for horses, to reduce coat shed and help to
minimize any tangles or the possibility of hair matting. Used regularly for pets or for horses, it
can help catch any hairs on the verge of shedding, and keep the coat of an animal looking
glossy. When you begin to use a shedding blade on an animal, do keep a good watch on the
dog’s skin. If they seem to scratch more, or show signs of irritation, you may need a gentler
brush or a gentler technique with the blade
Groomer's Stone
Use Groomer's Stone like a brush to remove shedding hair, dirt, burrs, mud, dander and bring
out the oils on your dog's coat
Zoom Groom (Made by Kong Products)
The Zoom Groom is a natural rubber dog brush that helps promote healthy skin and coat.
Flexible rubber fingers gently collect loose hair like a magnet on wet or dry coats.
have used on my dogs with success and recommend.
The Shedding Blade:
Initially the shedding blade was primarily used for horses, to reduce coat shed and help to
minimize any tangles or the possibility of hair matting. Used regularly for pets or for horses, it
can help catch any hairs on the verge of shedding, and keep the coat of an animal looking
glossy. When you begin to use a shedding blade on an animal, do keep a good watch on the
dog’s skin. If they seem to scratch more, or show signs of irritation, you may need a gentler
brush or a gentler technique with the blade
Groomer's Stone
Use Groomer's Stone like a brush to remove shedding hair, dirt, burrs, mud, dander and bring
out the oils on your dog's coat
Zoom Groom (Made by Kong Products)
The Zoom Groom is a natural rubber dog brush that helps promote healthy skin and coat.
Flexible rubber fingers gently collect loose hair like a magnet on wet or dry coats.
Shedding Blade
Groomer's Stone
Zoom Groom
Teeth Cleaning
Dogs need regular dental care as much as their owners do, as dogs are subject to some of the same oral problems as we are. Dogs can experience tartar buildup from eating soft
foods, drinking hard water or inadequate brushing between veterinarian visits. Although you must maintain regular checkups with the vet for your dog's health, you can remove his
To brush your puppies / dogs teeth. Take things slowly at the beginning and give lots of praise, you and your dog will start looking forward to your brushing sessions. Number one, this
should be fun for you and your dog. Be upbeat and take things slowly. Do not overly restrain your dog. Keep sessions short and positive. Be sure to praise your dog throughout the
process. Give yourself a pat on the back, too! You are doing a great thing for your dog!
1) First, have your dog get used to the taste of the toothpaste. Pet toothpastes have a poultry, malt, or other flavor so your dog will like the taste. Get your dog used to the flavor and
consistency of the toothpaste.
2) The next step is to have your dog become comfortable with having something placed against his teeth and gums. Apply a small amount of paste to your finger and gently rub it on
one of the large canine teeth in the front of the mouth.
3) After your dog is used to the toothpaste, and having something applied to his teeth, get him used to the toothbrush or dental sponge you will be using routinely. We need to get your
dog used to the consistency of these items, especially the bristles on a brush. So, let your dog lick the toothpaste off of the brush so he gets used to the texture
4) Now your dog is used to the toothbrush and toothpaste and having something in his mouth. So the next step is to start brushing. Talk to your dog in a happy voice during the
process and praise your dog at the end
foods, drinking hard water or inadequate brushing between veterinarian visits. Although you must maintain regular checkups with the vet for your dog's health, you can remove his
To brush your puppies / dogs teeth. Take things slowly at the beginning and give lots of praise, you and your dog will start looking forward to your brushing sessions. Number one, this
should be fun for you and your dog. Be upbeat and take things slowly. Do not overly restrain your dog. Keep sessions short and positive. Be sure to praise your dog throughout the
process. Give yourself a pat on the back, too! You are doing a great thing for your dog!
1) First, have your dog get used to the taste of the toothpaste. Pet toothpastes have a poultry, malt, or other flavor so your dog will like the taste. Get your dog used to the flavor and
consistency of the toothpaste.
2) The next step is to have your dog become comfortable with having something placed against his teeth and gums. Apply a small amount of paste to your finger and gently rub it on
one of the large canine teeth in the front of the mouth.
3) After your dog is used to the toothpaste, and having something applied to his teeth, get him used to the toothbrush or dental sponge you will be using routinely. We need to get your
dog used to the consistency of these items, especially the bristles on a brush. So, let your dog lick the toothpaste off of the brush so he gets used to the texture
4) Now your dog is used to the toothbrush and toothpaste and having something in his mouth. So the next step is to start brushing. Talk to your dog in a happy voice during the
process and praise your dog at the end
Select a dog food that is labeled "Nutritionally Complete". I would strongly recommend keeping your puppy on Orijen or Acana Puppy for the six months because I think it is an excellent quality food. If you
change brands, make sure you select a premium food formulated for puppies.
Anytime after 6 months, I would recommend switching over to one of the Orijen or Acana No Grain Adult formula's. This is a "no grain" formulation that has many of the benefits of feeding raw.
The amount of food to feed is determined in part by the product (digestibility) and in part by your Vizsla’s calorie needs, a function of metabolism and amount of exercise. The best way to determine whether
your Vizsla is eating the right amount is by evaluating how (s)he looks:
If your Vizsla looks fat (you can see no trace of a rib), cut back on the food and/or increase the amount of exercise.
If your Vizsla looks too thin (you can see more than a trace of ribs, or the backbone or hip bones are protruding), increase the food intake.
Feeding Your Puppy
Puppies should be on a premium food formulated for the needs of growing puppies at least for the first year. I recommend keeping your puppy on Orijen Puppy kibble, with a small amount of meat mixed in for
taste if you so desire. Puppies are on three meals daily until 14 weeks, at which time they can receive the same amount of food in two meals.
From eight weeks, start with one and a half to two cups daily, divided into three meals of 1/2 to 3/4 cup each. Soak the food in warm water for 10 seconds, drain and if you want, add a tablespoon of meat
(optional - they are NOT used to not having meat added) and serve. If your puppy appears to be hungry after finishing the meal, increase the portion size. Gradually continue to increase the portion size as the
puppy grows. You can stop soaking the food as the puppy gets older; just add a little water immediately before serving (around three months)…if your puppy gets hiccups after eating, start soaking the food
again and try to stop soaking again in a couple weeks.
When the puppy is an adult, you may want to cut back to one meal daily, or you may wish to keep your Vizsla on two meals. There are differing opinions as to which method is better, and you should choose the
method with which you are comfortable.
Common Sense Feeding Tips
1. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before or after a meal.
2. Leave at least one hour after a meal before taking your Vizsla in the car.
3. Do not feed your Vizsla at the table. Once a beggar, always a beggar.
4. Use common sense in giving "extras" to your Vizsla, and aim for a nutritionally balanced diet.
Most premium dog foods (like Orijen) recommend against table scraps, though I permit reasonable amounts. I find that yogurt, fish, and raw eggs have been very beneficial.
Avoid sugary products. Never give chocolate to your Vizsla because chocolate is toxic to dogs and in sufficient quantity can cause death. Likewise, onions are toxic to dogs. Raisins and grapes can also be
toxic. Never give cooked bones because they can splinter. Extremely acidic or spicy foods and most milk products can cause diarrhea. For safety be sure that the garbage is out of your Vizsla’s reach. Also,
antifreeze is very appealing to dogs and even a small amount can be very deadly - keep antifreeze stored away from your Vizsla and be careful not to spill. Many plants are poisonous to dogs. Note that
intense ear scratching or paw licking could be the sign of a food allergy.
Watch your Vizsla’s weight and attitude. If you can see all his or her ribs, backbone or hip bones, or if (s)he seems hungry, increase the food intake. If you can't see a trace of ribs, (s)he may be too fat. If in
doubt, consult me or your vet for advice.
change brands, make sure you select a premium food formulated for puppies.
Anytime after 6 months, I would recommend switching over to one of the Orijen or Acana No Grain Adult formula's. This is a "no grain" formulation that has many of the benefits of feeding raw.
The amount of food to feed is determined in part by the product (digestibility) and in part by your Vizsla’s calorie needs, a function of metabolism and amount of exercise. The best way to determine whether
your Vizsla is eating the right amount is by evaluating how (s)he looks:
If your Vizsla looks fat (you can see no trace of a rib), cut back on the food and/or increase the amount of exercise.
If your Vizsla looks too thin (you can see more than a trace of ribs, or the backbone or hip bones are protruding), increase the food intake.
Feeding Your Puppy
Puppies should be on a premium food formulated for the needs of growing puppies at least for the first year. I recommend keeping your puppy on Orijen Puppy kibble, with a small amount of meat mixed in for
taste if you so desire. Puppies are on three meals daily until 14 weeks, at which time they can receive the same amount of food in two meals.
From eight weeks, start with one and a half to two cups daily, divided into three meals of 1/2 to 3/4 cup each. Soak the food in warm water for 10 seconds, drain and if you want, add a tablespoon of meat
(optional - they are NOT used to not having meat added) and serve. If your puppy appears to be hungry after finishing the meal, increase the portion size. Gradually continue to increase the portion size as the
puppy grows. You can stop soaking the food as the puppy gets older; just add a little water immediately before serving (around three months)…if your puppy gets hiccups after eating, start soaking the food
again and try to stop soaking again in a couple weeks.
When the puppy is an adult, you may want to cut back to one meal daily, or you may wish to keep your Vizsla on two meals. There are differing opinions as to which method is better, and you should choose the
method with which you are comfortable.
Common Sense Feeding Tips
1. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before or after a meal.
2. Leave at least one hour after a meal before taking your Vizsla in the car.
3. Do not feed your Vizsla at the table. Once a beggar, always a beggar.
4. Use common sense in giving "extras" to your Vizsla, and aim for a nutritionally balanced diet.
Most premium dog foods (like Orijen) recommend against table scraps, though I permit reasonable amounts. I find that yogurt, fish, and raw eggs have been very beneficial.
Avoid sugary products. Never give chocolate to your Vizsla because chocolate is toxic to dogs and in sufficient quantity can cause death. Likewise, onions are toxic to dogs. Raisins and grapes can also be
toxic. Never give cooked bones because they can splinter. Extremely acidic or spicy foods and most milk products can cause diarrhea. For safety be sure that the garbage is out of your Vizsla’s reach. Also,
antifreeze is very appealing to dogs and even a small amount can be very deadly - keep antifreeze stored away from your Vizsla and be careful not to spill. Many plants are poisonous to dogs. Note that
intense ear scratching or paw licking could be the sign of a food allergy.
Watch your Vizsla’s weight and attitude. If you can see all his or her ribs, backbone or hip bones, or if (s)he seems hungry, increase the food intake. If you can't see a trace of ribs, (s)he may be too fat. If in
doubt, consult me or your vet for advice.
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Information About the Care of Vizsla's