Styles of Summer Dresses for 2012 - Bonmarche

Bonmarche are well known for producing flattering, comfortable, affordable dresses for women. Their ranges of dresses include plus size maxi dresses, trousers, tops, t-shirts and skirts in a range of lengths, colours and sizes suitable for all women.

It can be hard to know which style to pick, especially with the weather as changeable as it has been lately! However, we know that dresses can be worn with cardigans, coats and other warmer layers; perfect for such an unpredictable summer!

We've picked out some of the best Bonmarche styles for summer 2012.

Ladies Dresses Designed to Impress

The David Emanuel chiffon printed dress is perfect for the smart casual lady who likes to look fabulous whether she out for a coffee with friends, going for a walk or just enjoying leisure time. This dress would also look great worn to a wedding, christening or other special occasion. The delicate purple and pink print is just perfect to brighten a wardrobe and with splashes of black and white; can be paired with accessories. Pretty dresses like this cannot be found in local Bonmarche stores.

Fashionable Floral Prints

This ladies classi women's jackets c floral belted dress is ideal for comfort and style in smart casual wear. This belted dress will be just right for an afternoon of socialising or going to work. Floral patterns are one of the biggest trends for this summer. Try this dress on and embrace a style this is both timeless and elegant. We love this shirt dress with both flats and a small heel.

The Ditsy Floral Print Value Sundress is a floral print dress which is both comfortable, stylish and can be dressed up or down. Wear this pretty ladies dress with a cardigan or cover up on those unpredictable summer days or with sandals for sunnier days. The timeless floral print on the dress means this is a garment that can be worn long after the summer months have passed. Bonmarche have a fantastic selection of value sundresses.

Going for Tribal Prints

Bonmarche love prints and one of the summer favourites are tribal prints. The tribal print shirred sundress is a fabulous take on the trend with a gorgeous pattern in brown and white on the green fabric. The lightweight material of the dress means this style is perfect for the beach, for a weekend away or for a holiday abroad. Why not try wearing this pretty dress with a white cover up or shrug for those chillier evenings? Wear this pretty summer dress with sandals for a great summer look.

This gorgeous dress in jersey fabric is the must have dress for summer and autumn 2012. The blue, green and yellow splashes of colour are just delightful and make it easy to accessorise. Try wearing this pretty ladies dress to a night out or somewhere special, this is a dress truly worthy of a wonderful occasion.

About Bonmarche

Bonmarché is the largest retailer catering for women aged 50 years plus in the United Kingdom. We pride ourselves on offering quality clothing with appropriate styling, great value and in a wide range of sizes.

The Bonmarché ladies fashion range includes casual and formal separates, outerwear, dresses, swimwear, lingerie, nightwear and accessories. Exclusive to Bonmarche are collections from couturier - David Emmanuel known for designing fabulous clothes for celebrities and the British Royal Family.

Find Bonmarché online at Bonmarche.co.uk where you can shop online for your favourite womens plus size clothing and have them delivered to your home or collect in store at one of our 268 stores nationwide.

Whitney Port of The Hill’s To Do Online TweetUP with Fashion College FIDM on August 30

On August 30th, FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising will host an online TweetUp with fashion designer Whitney Port. The woman behind the clothing label Whitney Eve, who came to fame on the MTV reality series' The Hills and The City, will answer questions via Twitter. Think of it like a virtual Q&A for fashion fans.

Whitney will be discussing fall trends, tips on making it as a fashion designer, and more on the fashion college's Twitter feed. Visitors can follow @FIDM and @WhitneyEVEport on Twitter and submit their questions using the hashtag #WhitneyatFIDM. Whitney will answer the questions at 1pm PST on August 30, 2012. This is an incredible opportunity for fans to interact with the established designer who has fans in Heidi Klum, Nicky Hilton, and Kim Kardashian to name a few.

Whitney, who paid her dues at Teen Vogue and working for People's Revolution, recently paid a visit to FIDM's Los Angeles campus and wrote about the visit on her blog. "Yesterday I had the privilege of taking a tour of FIDM. It is such an amazing campus. I was in awe of the students' talent and had to snap a few pictures," she said. Her label, Whitney Eve, currently employs FIDM Students as interns.

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is a co-educational, specialized, private college dedicated to edu fashion jackets online cating students for the Fashion, Graphics, Interior Design, and Entertainment industries. Known as a one of the top fashion design schools, FIDM is also a leading graphic design school and digital media college. Visit fidm.edu for more information.

Mobile Medical Units Provide Services to Mothers and Babies Affected by Natural Disasters

Mobile medical units were launched after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the damage caused to health care centers and hospitals in the area. For many residents, these mobile prenatal health centers serve as a regular health care provider.

The March of Dimes provides residents with mobile health services through their Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers?. These medical centers on wheels are equipped like a regular healthcare provider's office and include private exam areas, waiting areas, restrooms, and a nurses' station. To serve the needs of expectant mothers, they are appointed with fetal monitors, ultrasounds and other necessary medical equipment. Many of these units also employ bilingual staff to service the needs of Spanish-speaking residents. The mobile medical units offer an established schedule at regular locations, so families know when to expect these services and schedule visits accordingly.

Last year, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the March of Dimes sent a women's jackets online mobile medical unit to the tornado devastated area. In addition to emergency medical screenings, the staff handed out maternity clothes, diapers, formula, and other essentials to pregnant women and mothers in need. With help from Farmers Insurance, they were also able to distribute information about nutrition, water, breastfeeding and ways to avoid stress for pregnant women during this time of uneasiness.

Mobile medical units by Lifeline provide healthcare professionals with the tools and space they need to provide their patients with the highest level of care. As the leading provider of mobile health care units, LifeLine Mobile can help medical professionals make the maximum use of both their time and valuable resources.

Yandy.com Customers Find Happily Ever After this Halloween in Fairytale Costumes

It is every girls dream to be a fairytale princess and at Yandy.com more and more women are choosing to live their childhood fantasy in sexy fairytale costumes this Halloween. Yandy.com, online retailer of Halloween costumes, offers everything from princesses to fairies to evil queen costumes straight from the storybooks but with fashion coats a touch of sass for Halloween shoppers.

At Yandy, every shopper can star in their own fairytale as whomever they desire. Yandy offers more than 130 different fairytale inspired costumes for women to choose from. Yandy favorites include the Divine Red Riding Hood costume and matching Big Bad Wolf, the Deluxe Bo Peep costume who really has lost her sheep and the Enchanting Beauty costume wit yellow sequin corset and tutu skirt that is just dying for someone to be her guest.

Star performing costumes at Yandy year after year are Snow White costumes and with nearly 25 different versions to shop from, shoppers find it difficult to choose just one. Yandy's Snow White Halloween costumes are not only plentiful but affordable as well, starting as low as $14.95 for some styles.

Not only are there endless fairytale costumes to choose from this Halloween at Yandy.com, but every shopper also receives free, flat rate shipping on orders over $70 as well as a free panty with every order. Whether it is the Big Bad Wolf, Little Miss Muffet, Tinkerbell or Cinderalla, Yandy.com carries them all and so much more this Halloween.

About Yandy.com
E-commerce is on the rise and Yandy.com is one of the largest online retailers of lingerie, sexy Halloween costumes, swimwear and clothing on the web. Founded in 2003, Yandy boasts more than 6,500 products always in stock at easily affordable prices. Yandy ensures that every customer will receive a safe, secure and private online shopping experience and is backed by COMODO online security and Google Checkout. Yandy is dedicated to customer service and only sells what is in stock which allows for quick, same day shipping. Offering the highest quality products at the most affordable prices in the market, Yandy has become a leader in e-commerce. Yandy works closely with all of the manufacturers they distribute for and hand select all of the items on the Web site to ensure customers have the largest and most diverse collection to choose from. In addition, the customer service team at Yandy is unrivaled. With attentive and helpful operators, should a question or problem arise, the customer service team at Yandy is always willing and able to assist. At Yandy, every customer can Be Sexy.

The First Steampunk Shoppe Opens in Burbank, CA - Again

The official Grand Opening of Clockwork Couture has women's coats arrived! Join us on Wednesday, November 14th at 3:30 P.M.

Celebrate Steampunk Style with Captain Donna, her crew of the S.S. Clockwork Caravel, and Tea Girls artist Brian Kesinger. A delightful array of fashion, jewelry and accessories will be on display, along with art prints, tea service and animal adoptions.

Clockwork has been at the vanguard of Steampunk fashion, providing ready-to-wear apparel for women and men since 2008. Owned and operated by Burbank resident Donna Ricci, this unusual store carries a wide variety of Victorian-inspired apparel. Ricci has a special affection for the style. "Steampunk is the utopian vision of Victorian finery mixed with futuristic technology."

Her philosophy extends into a clothing line that combines modern, cruelty-free fabrics and fit with a 19th Century design aesthetic. Along with her off-the-rack offerings are custom hats by French Room-trained milliners are custom-fit corsets for every size, and custom finery, often modeled by the likes of actors Felicia Day and Doug Jones. From brass cog necklaces to high-button boots, the store offers an extensive variety of unique accessories infused with a delightful Steampunk sensibility.

Along with her fashion endeavors, Captain Donna has a strong sense of community, hosting gaming nights to build a sense of community and never forgetting the smaller citizens, providing food and shelter to homeless animals in her shop. Dedicated to finding forever homes, there is always a cat, dog, rabbit, squirrel or even a horse, that is fostered by her store.

Hosted by the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, this event marks the perfect chance to share a cup of tea or a cupcake with the Captain. Is that a giant tentacle reaching for hats? And did Dr. Who really park his TARDIS in front of the shop? Join us for a delightful afternoon of whimsy and fashion.

What is the Best Fluoride Free Toothpaste?

Toothpaste is a common, everyday item, but have you ever read its contents? Commercial dental-care pastes usually contain one or more of these teeth/gum damaging ingredients — triclosan, fluoride, polyethylene glycols, surfactants (a.k.a. foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate), toxic metals, artificial sugars, glycerin, hydrated silica and sodium hydroxide. Also, these ingredients are often found in so-called natural brands of toothpaste. It is wise to read all labels very carefully.

This article covers three common ingredients found in toothpastes and throws light on their pros and cons.

Fluoride in toothpaste

One of the most common components of toothpaste is fluoride. In simple terms, fluoride is a by-product of aluminum, copper, and iron manufacturing. Fluoride is thought to be a contaminant. It is a chemical ion of the chemical fluorine, where fluoride has one extra electron to give it an extra charge. The most common use of fluoride is in the realm of dental hygiene.

Long before fluoride come unto its own as a cavity preventer, it was used as insecticide. Today, there are conflicting views on the use of fluoride, and there is an ongoing debate on how good or bad it is for health.

The pros of fluoride

Fluoride works in two ways to protect teeth from decay and cavities. The combination of sugars and bacteria in the mouth produce an acid that causes tooth enamel erosion that damages the teeth. Fluoride protects the teeth from this demineralization. If the teeth are already damaged, fluoride starts collecting on the 'spoilt' areas, and the enamel is strengthened. However, fluoride will not be of much use if a cavity already exists.

Some level of fluoride is recommended by many governments in the world today for both children and adults. Children require fluoride to protect their new, permanent teeth, while adults need it to ensure there are no cavities or decays taking form.

The cons of fluoride

According to latest studies carried out by the ADA, Fluoride is fast being regarded as potentially dangerous element being sold under the guise of "good for teeth". Slowly but surely, a fluoride-free propaganda is being put in to place to ensure there is no more exposure to it. As of now, Dementia in humans, due to exposure to fluoride, is said to double in the next two decades and triple in three.

There are many negatives that have been discovered by researchers. Some of these are simple things like:

Excess fluoride causes discolored and crumbling teeth

Laboratory animal testing has shown that fluoride influences an increase in the absorption of aluminum in the brain. Aluminum is what is found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's.

Fluoridation and hip fractures have been seen as related in as many as three different studies conducted by researchers.

Excess fluoride has had detrimental effects on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This has lead to limited joint mobility, muscular degeneration, ligament calcification, and neurological deficits.

Different studies have found a link between fluoride and about 10,000 cancer deaths per year, where men who were exposed to fluoride in the long term developed a greater likelihood of suffering from bone cancer.

Neem oil

Neem is a tree found predominantly in India. Its benefits are many and among them is its usefulness in dental hygiene. To date, in the interiors of rural India, the tender bark of the Neem tree is used as teeth cleaner by people.

Neem's special alkaloids and liminoids wonderfully clean the teeth. Neem prevents both cavities and gum dise fashion jackets ase. It treats gingivitis and swollen/bleeding gums. Neem leaf and neem seed oil are part of a fast-growing evergreen tree. Neem is antiviral and it is anti-bacterial. It also has astringent, antiseptic, antifungal, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Neem has the following benefits:

Helps prevent and heal gum disease

Helps prevent cavities

Eliminates bacteria that cause gum inflammation

Ensures bacteria does not stick to your teeth thereby reducing plaque

Enhances mouth immunity in general

Freshens the breath like no mouth freshener can ever duplicate

Neem is very strong digestive system cleanser, you should avoid taking it internally as you may experience serious detoxification. Always consult a practitioner before changing any of your daily habits.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil has been used by aborigines for centuries as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Tea tree is also known as Melaleuca. This oil has excellent curative properties for three human health dangers, namely, virus, fungus and bacteria. For gum diseases, this oil is fast becoming popular although in its natural form it is considered to be poisonous.

Tea tree oil is best used when it is part of a toothpaste. Any contact with mouth or skin in this raw state may cause allergies and irritation. You must use tea tree oil only after consulting your dental health provider.

Care for teeth naturally

While brushing and rinsing has its own place in your daily dental hygiene routine, there are some natural ways to ensure that you always sport a perfect set of teeth. There is a lot to be said for home remedies, most of which have been handed down through the centuries:

If you rub your teeth with bay leaf twice a week, you get sparkling white teeth

Flossing is the ideal way for healthy gums to remain healthy

You should change your toothbrush post a cold or fever, as your old one will be carrying viruses and bacteria

Use natural teeth cleaners like crunchy foods

Raw apples, celery, and carrots do a good job of cleaning your teeth while you eat them

Avoid pasty foods like peanut butter. They stick to the teeth and are a welcome invitation for tooth decay

Cheese has calcium that will coat your teeth and help fight tooth decay

Natural apple cider vinegar strengthens teeth from the inside

Rinse your mouth after drinking natural apple cider vinegar, but don't brush your teeth right after

Next, time you buy a toothpaste, make sure to check its ingredients. For instance, check your toothpaste for the amount of fluoride it contains. Fluoride-free toothpastes are also available in the market. A sensible approach to dental hygiene will ensure you have a set of sparkling teeth and fresh breath at all times.

Concerts: Have Fun, Stay Safe

Even though the summer concert series are winding down, there's still things the smart music lover will want to consider before, during and after attending one of these events. These suggestions are meant to enhance your enjoyment while keeping you and your friends safe.

Before The Concert

Have a good, hearty meal before heading out to the concert. You don't know when you'll get to "eat right" again and you'll need the energy. The place that's holding the event may have all kinds of food but then again they may only have snacks. Hydration is just as important as good nutrition. Make sure you drink plenty of water before during and after the event.

Bring a sweater, sweatshirt or coat. Even on a hot day, if the concert is held outside, the temperature can drop substantially during the day and especially after sunset. Being cold and uncomfortable will put a damper on the fun. And, speaking of damp, be sure to bring a sheet of plastic, a poncho or even garbage bags are ok. If it rains, you'll want to keep dry and have something dry to sit on.

Ok, so there's no rain in the forecast, should be good to go right? Wrong!... Even on a cloudy day the sun can do an number on your skin. Anyone who's had a sunburn is in no hurry to get another. I know we all want that healthy, bronzed look. Well you're in luck, today's sunblock manufactures have got you covered by including pigment in the lotions. Oh and whether it rains, shines or somewhere in between, it's a good idea to where a hat. There may be birds attending the event!

Bring your cellphone, but pre-arrange a meeting area at the concert in case you get separated. Cellphones are great but don't rely on them. Common sense and preparedness are better!

Another good idea is to keep your driver's license or some form of picture id and contact information on your person. If something happens and for some reason you're at a loss for words, your ID can speak for you. If you're a Diabetic, have Asthma, Alergies or some other medical condition, be sure to where a medic alert bracelet if you have one and if you don't, let your friends know about your condition. Again, in case of an emergency, you may not be able to communicate with medical personel giving you aid, and this bracelet or the knowledge you impart on a friend could save your life.

Plan on doing a lot of walking. Depending on the parking situation, you may have to walk a mile or more to attend the concert after parking. You don't want to arrive in pain and you may be standing for long periods; wear comfortable shoes. Women: don't wear anything with a high heel...Guys: don't try to break-in that new pair of boo women's jackets online ts.

During The Concert

Everybody thinks the best seats are up front and while they do provide a great view, that's where the crowd is most dense. I'm not saying don't get those seats, but be aware of the potential for danger. Chances are, aside from your friends, you won't know most of the people there and sometimes even good people make bad choices.

I do not understand the lure of the mosh pit! Thank God my generation missed that. People purposely inflicting harm on others in the name of fun? One word - STUPID - 'nuff said.

It goes without saying but don't go anywhere alone - both guys and girls - restrooms, snackbar, anywhere. Take someone along. I know it's not the macho thing to do guys but macho isn't going to help much if you get into trouble.

Drugs and alcohol: It's my opinion that it's a personal choice but if you choose to do it, be prepared to deal with the potential consequences. Disorietation, nausea, blurred or double vision are some of the possible effects of abusing drugs and alcohol, but they're not the worst. You could die. The best answer if someone asks? No, thanks. Period. You may not know the person offering and you most definitely don't know what they're offering no matter what they say.

After The Concert

Stay with the group you came with. Meeting new people is one of the great things about concerts but it's not the best environment to "hook up" with them. Take names and numbers, follow up later, after the excitement of the day's events have subsided. If you still think it's a good idea to stay in touch the next day or the next week, then go ahead and call.

Don't Be Part Of History

There have been some terrible tragedies at concerts, due in part to poor decisions on the part of the attendees and or poor crowd management by security for the event. The Who concert back in December of 1979, where 11 fans were crushed to death. The Perl Jam concert in Denmark back in June of 2000 - hundreds of fans rushed the stage crushing 9 fans, smothering them to death. And more recently in Rhode Island when a pyrotechnics display went horribly wrong and 100 people lost their lives in the blaze. There are many others that could have been avoided with a little forethought and better planning.

The Who concert tragedy prompted a report by a special Cincinnati citizen task force. In it they outline recommendations intended to prevent disasters like these from happening. Google "concert tragedies" to view story and to find a link to the report.

I would like you to consider these suggestions as a way for you to have fun and be able to talk about it later. Be smart and think them and even come up with some of your own. Your safety is your responsibility. The people who you care about and who care about you would like you to consider them.

Different Ways Of Cooking Chicken

Before we begin, do you know why does chicken have to be thoroughly cooked, while steaks can be served rare or medium rare? The answer lies in the physiology of the chicken. The meat is less dense than beef, which allows bacteria to travel throughout the muscle. And the way chicken is processed spreads bacteria. Finally, a chicken's skin is deeply crenellated, and removing the feathers forces bacteria into the crevices and into the meat. So cook the chicken to a safe internal temperature and your food will always be safe.
So buy yourself a reliable meat thermometer and get ready to always make moist, tender, and juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Any of these methods will result in juicy, moist, and tender chicken breasts. Follow the instructions carefully with a meat thermometer in your hand and you will always have success.

You can season the chicken with lots of ingredients in these cooking methods.

Brining
Brining pulls water into the chicken flesh and helps flavor it too.
To brine boneless, skinless chicken breasts, use a large bowl and mix 4 cups of water with 3 Tbsp. of salt and 2 Tbsp. of sugar, if desired, and stir until the salt and sugar dissolves. Add the thawed chicken breasts to this mixture, cover, and refrigerate for one hour. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the brine, rinse under cold running water, and cook according to one of the following methods.

You can brine frozen breasts as well. Mix up the brine solution and add the frozen boneless skinless breasts. Place in the refrigerator, covered, and let stand overnight until the chicken thaws. Rinse well under cold running water, pat dry, and cook.

Poaching
To poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts, place them in a large skillet and add 1-2 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 9-14 minutes until chicken reaches 160 degrees F. about 15 minutes. You can also poach in the oven. Place chicken in a single layer in a roasting pan. You can add lemon slices, peppercorns, or any other spices or herbs. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and immediately pour over chicken. Cover and bake at 400 degrees F for 20-35 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

Microwave
It can be risky cooking chicken in the microwave oven because the oven cooks unevenly. The same piece of chicken can be several different temperatures at the same time! If you have healthy people over the age of 5 in your household, this is an easy method for microwaving chicken. Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a glass dish with the thin side of the breasts in the center. Pour 3/4 cup buttermilk over the chicken, sprinkle with herbs and spices of your choice, cover plate with plastic wrap, and cook on high for 3 minutes. Check the chicken, and then cook for 2 minutes longer. Rearrange the chicken using tongs, cover again, and microwave for 3-5 minutes longer until internal temp is 160 degrees F. Discard buttermilk mixture.

Crock-pot
The crock-pot is a wonderful way to cook chicken as long as it is not overcooked. For fresh chicken breasts, stack the chicken in the crock-pot, add 1/2 cup water or chicken broth, cover, and cook on low for 5-6 hours, rearranging once during cooking time. For frozen chicken breasts, arrange in crock-pot, add 1/2 cup chicken broth or water, cover, and cook on low for 8-9 hours, rearranging once during cooking time.

Sautaeing
This dry heat method is quick and easy. If you pound the breasts thin, they will cook for about 2-3 minutes a side over high heat. Unpounded breasts take a bit longer to cook; about 4-5 minutes per side. Coat a skillet with olive oil, heat women's coats over high heat, add breasts, cook for 4 minutes without moving them, then turn and finish cooking.

Pressure cooker
This is a moist heat method of cooking. Add thawed chicken breasts to the cooker add sliced onions and lemons for flavor along with 1/2 cup water, cover and lock the cooker, and bring the pressure up to high. Cook for 12 minutes, release pressure, and check internal temperature. You can cover, bring pressure back up, and cook for 2-3 minutes longer if necessary.

With these methods of cooking chicken, you should be able to dish out a variety of mouth-watering chicken dishes from now on.

Why You Should Consider Herbal Products For Your Cat

Cat owners everywhere are choosing to pamper their loving feline companions with all-natural herbal products instead of conventional veterinary medicine. The holistic philosophy teaches that a natural diet and lifestyle are best for sustaining a healthy, long life. Herbal holistic medicine was popularized for use in people, but it didn't take long for cat lovers to begin taking care of their feline friends in the same manner. Herbal products are being successfully employed to treat and prevent health issues targeting cats. Holistic treatment utilizes natural products from our environment instead of synthetic medications. It also treats the animal as whole, as opposed to focusing on one specific area at a time.

Herbal products to take care of your cat typically come in liquid or powder forms. You can mix the product with food, feed it to your pet with a dropper, or mix it in their water dish. Herbal products exist for every ailment and chronic condition your cat might face. There are also herbal products which serve as vitamins to promote general health for your cat. Holistic veterinary practitioners have discovered herbal remedies for your cat women's jackets for everything from dental hygiene to intestinal health.

For example, if your cat suffers from anxiety when going to the vet or traveling in the car or any other potentially stressful events, there are herbal products which will soothe and relax it. If your cat suffers from allergies, there are herbal products designed to ward of the symptoms. There are herbs for your cat to help it maintain healthy teeth and clean gums. For upset stomachs and digestion problems, give your cat an herbal product made just for such issues. Herbal products will aid their digestion, relieve gastro-intestinal inflammation, and improve their bowel movements. Tonics are available which will stop chronic vomiting. To make sure your cat has healthy eyes, you can find herbal products to help their vision. Herbal remedies exist to help your cat deal with the itching, swelling, and pain from the bites and stings. Herbal products for the skin and fur maintain coat health and decrease shedding. If your cat has joint pain and inflammation or circulatory problems, there's relief in the form of an herbal product made just for such issues. Even the seemingly unavoidable hairballs can be eliminated with laxatives and all-natural organic herbs.

Aging cats can be rejuvenated with herbal remedies. An herbal remedy which targets the thyroid gland can help when your cat has become chronically sluggish. These remedies will make your cat more alert and lively. Such herbal products also improve their coats and will address weight issues. Since overweight cats have more health problems, keep your cat slim with an herbal product designed to help them lose weight. Cats commonly experience urinary difficulties, and there are herbal products which will relieve them of such troubles. Another issue commonly afflicting older cats are joint problems. Have no fear, there's an herbal product for your cat which will have her springing onto countertops in no time.

So you may be wondering what exactly is in all these new-fangled herbal remedies. Well, being all-natural you have nothing to fear. These medicines contain well-known ingredients such as dandelion, milk thistle, garlic, echinacea, and gingko. People have been taking these so-called new remedies for centuries, and now you can give them to your cat. In addition to herbs, these holistic products may also employ mineral products such as silicon dioxide, which is a natural dewormer and gets rid of other parasites as well. Another interesting substance employed by holistic veterinarians is lignite. Lignite is a by-product of the coal industry which is not only safe for you cat, but it serves as a detoxifier that helps your cat eliminate harmful chemicals.

Contact a holistic veterinarian for further information to find out more about improving and maintaining your cat's health with holistic herbal remedies and nutritional supplements.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed Foods to Praise And Avoid

How do you even begin to choose a food for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? There are so many brands of food, textures, and flavors. Cavalier's food affects his coat, health, and temperament. So how do you choose? You should feed your puppy enough of the proper food to meet his energy requirements. Amounts may vary depending on age, size, activity level, and health. I would recommend checking with your veterinarian to make sure the Cavalier is healthy. Some Cavaliers may have special dietary needs for specific problems. This information pertains to a healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Types of Dog Food:

" Dry: usually less expensive, contain the least amount of fat, but the most preservatives.

" Canned: made up of 60-70% water.

" Simi-moist: contain a great deal of sugar.

" Home made: use a balanced amount of meat and grain with a smaller amount of vegetables.

Stages of Development:

1. Puppy: at 6 weeks of age introduce solid foods, by 8 weeks - fully weaned onto solid puppy food.

2. Adult: at 10-12 months, when the dog has stopped growing - can give adult dog f fashion jackets online ood.

3. Senior: a change in lifestyle will occur in the dog such as exercising less, moves more slowly, and sleeps more, and starts to put on weight. This is a good time to change to senior dog food.

Choosing a Dog Food:

" Always check with your veterinarian before choosing a food. My veterinarian prefers dry food over semi-moist and canned because it is better for the Cavalier's teeth. For puppies, the dry food can be moistened with water.

" Pay attention to the ingredients listed on dog food.

" The higher the ingredient the more of that ingredient there is in the food.

" Meat proteins such as chicken, lamb, or beef should appear at the top of the list.

" Grains should be next on the list and vegetables last.

" Beware of labels that list corn at one of the top ingredients. Dogs do not digest it easily.

Treats:

" Treats are a great way to reward you puppy and dog for good behavior.

" Treats are generally not as nutritious as regular food, so don't use too many.

" If you find yourself using a great deal of treats, try using the regular food as a treat.

" Treats should be soft in texture.

" Treats should be about the size of a large pea.

Water:

" All dogs require a great deal of water.

" You may want to limit the water for a puppy to specific times, such as once an hour on the hour, to help with potty training. Take the puppy to his potty place about 10 minutes after he drinks.

" Once the puppy is potty trained, fresh water should be left out for him at all times.

" Wash the bowel and give fresh water during the day.

Feeding Schedule:

" Puppies: Start with 3 feedings per day. As the puppy grows to be about 5-6 months old, you can gradually back the feeding down to 2 feedings per day.

" Take the puppy to his potty spot 10 minutes after he finishes eating.

" The amount of food you should feed at one time varies with the breed, age, and energy level of the dog. The label on the food bag or your veterinarian can give you an idea of the amount to feed per feeding.

Foods to Avoid:

" Chocolate

" Onions

" Dairy Products

" Bones from poultry and fish - tend to splinter, stick into their throat, or cut into their intestines.

" Grapes and raisons - have been linked to renal failure

Single Girl Dating Personals Singles

single girl dating personals singles social interactions are the most important part of every group, socials are regarded as the best. Socials events attract hundreds of girls and higher quality women. Parties always have room to mingle romantic lighting and music.

On every tour, several hundred beautiful, educated and sincere women attend our socials. They come from different walks of life, but all share a belief in traditional values and a desire to devote themselves to the man of their dreams. All of the women are very eager to attend our socials. Some ladies even travel thousands of miles for the chance to meet our tour participants. It's not uncommon for men to be surrounded by 4 or 5 women, while women wait for their chance to be introduced. The goal of the socials is to meet as many beautiful women as possible. Actually, many of men feel more relaxed and confident during the second and third socials, so they tend to meet more women than they do at the first social.

About two-thirds of the ladies at our socials converse in English, but for those who do not we have more than enough interpreters available to assist you at no extra charge. All of our interpreters are lovely young ladies themsel women's jackets ves, who have worked with us for years, and are especially skilled at making introductions and maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for both you and the ladies you wish to meet. If you are shy, don't worry. When you find a woman you would like to see again simply ask her for her phone number so you can make arrangements to see her later.

With so many tours a year to Russia and Ukraine. We spend an average 110 days in Russia/Ukraine every year. 80% of the ladies from our database have attended our tour socials & met with our Russian/American staff. We have not received these ladies' photos through the mail - The ladies have actually brought us their photos, we've seen these ladies in person & we were able to verify that all of them are single, available and seriously interested in finding a partner

Each social is a full six hours long, so you can take your time and get to know many ladies each day, without feeling rushed. We are happy to report about our recent Successful Tours in Ukraine. Our socials in Odessa and Dnepropetrovsk were attended by beautiful Russian and Ukrainian women.

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The Herbal Medications For Breasts

Herbal Breast Supplements are unfortunately like many other herbal products, too good to be true. The companies may claim that their product can increase breast size, but until there are scientific studies that produce reliable scientific data a woman may find her best investment is a wonder bra.

Herbal Medicine refers to folk and traditional medicinal practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts for the treatment of medical conditions. The use of herbs to treat disease is almost universal among native peoples. Herbal databases indicate that Fenugreek, Saw Palmetto and Wild Yam contain the highest levels of these natural estrogens and phyto-nutrients. These phyto-nutrients are mild and have many health benefits.

Phytoestrogens are plant substances that act like estrogen in the human body. Since estrogen is what produces breast growth, anything that acts like estrogen is going to cause the body to produce more healthy breast tissue. Phytoestrogens, through their natural balance of female hormones, promote the development of glandular breast tissue. Most women taking herbs containing these phytoestrogens notice a significant increase in the fullness and balance of their breasts.

Progesterone is another hormone whose production declines at menopause. The plant nutrients can help to wash these out of the system, aiding in increasing the health of the breast tissue. Progesterone (to be discussed in more detail later) is another hormone whose production declines at menopause. The plant nutrients can help to wash these out of the system, aiding in increasing the health of the breast tissue.

Wild yam has been used to allay nausea due to high hormone levels. This may be due to competition for estrogen receptor sites by diosgenin. Wild Yam is probably the most widely used herbal tonic for womens health. It is widely used as a breast enlarger and a sexual stimulant and is recommended by herbalist Susan Weed author of "Breast Cancer? Wild Yam can be taken in as capsules or in any of your favorite health drinks.

Fenugreek is considered a uterine stimulant, so do not use this herb if you are pregnant . Fenugreek - Fenugreek is an Ayurvedic herb that is very useful to increase the sizes of the breasts.

As in general, the seeds are very useful in treating the various ailments such as throat related infection, indigestion, increasing the breasts size along with increase in the milk production and secretion in lactating mothers. Fenugreek (from what I remember) acts on sweat glands and mammary glands are modified sweat glands (I think). It literally comes out of your pores!

Natural breast enlargement is not a linear process. Sometimes your breasts will grow quickly, sometimes they will grow slowly, and sometimes they will appear to be taking a nap. Natural herbs can aid in breast enhancement by mimicking the hormones that cause permanent breast growth, resulting in larger and firmer breasts.

Natural Breast Enhancement and Breast Pills in general have increased in popularity in the last 20 years; especially with the addition of the internet. New materials and medicine for natural breast enhancement generate new methods.

Natural growth hormone stimulant for accelerated human growth. Learn how to grow faster and taller with the knowledge of nutrition. Naturopathic physicians continue to recommend Saw palmetto to increase breast tissue. Saw palmetto works synergistically (when the sum effect of two or more drugs acting together is greater than the additive effects of the individual drugs (2+2=5)) with the other herbs in Breast Sculptor to produce the maximum breast e women's jackets nhancement.

Cleaning Your Grill Is Easy

Grilling is almost everyone's favorite part during an outdoor activity. Eating will be the most favorite and cleaning is the least. Worry no more because cleaning barbecue grills could be as easy as 1-2-3. Cleaning materials can be found within your house and you'll be surprise, all this time, these items which you may have set aside for awhile will take your worries away.

Well, of course, there are a few you need to purchase since you can only use them for a specific period of time and there'll be some we only need a small amount of. The perpetual rule: your grill must be unplugged and is no longer hot. Hot surfaces can cause reaction with heat and may damage your grill or could be hazardous to you. Allow it to cool down first while you prepare your cleaning materials.

A good brush and a mild detergent can be used hand in hand to brush off food debris and particles. These are necessary to clean the surfaces. These are a staple for cleaning. Stainless steel would be best for iron surfaces and brass-bristle would be perfect if your grill is coated with porcelain. The most appropriate brush will be your cleaning buddy and can make cleaning a lot easier than you think. Thankfully, a brush holder can be more convenient and friendly to your delicate hands. A sponge cloth can be used for appropriate areas to wipe it dry.

A small amount of oil could be used to avoid rusting. You're just going to coat the surface with oil, that's it! Surfaces are not the only ones that need to be cleaned but smaller parts of your grill that require the special size of a brush as well. These are usually favorite resting places, even more so for nesting, for unfriendly home boarders.

Bet you thought the aluminum foil can only store or wrap your food to keep it fresh. Well, you're wrong because you can do cleaning simpler with this material. So how is it going to do the task? There are two steps. Yes, there are just two easy steps which are roll and rub. Once you roll the aluminum foil up on your grill, rub the foil backward and forward on your grill and see the results! It is a cheap way to cleaning your prized possession.

Did y women's coats ou know that baking powder can also be used for cleaning your barbecue grill? Yes, that may have been left inside your kitchen shelves but it can be useful for cleaning too. It is known to bring back your grill's luster making it looking sparkling clean.

In case you didn't know, although it is not recommended, newspapers can be used for cleaning your masterpiece too. Once your grill has cooled down the newspaper can be used to take off soot and dirt clinging to your grill. How do you do this? A water-soaked newspaper is left on the grill with rack lids upside down and wipe off smut after 30-45 minutes.

Cleaning is now made easy! All you need to do is buy the necessary materials needed for cleaning but if most of these are in your house, then, there is no need to go out. Surely, you would now agree cleaning is just like 1-2-3 but even simpler as you might think. Bet your kids will take time to even lend a hand. Check your kitchen closets now and get that grill to cook your delightful barbecue!

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd is a large dog, standing between 26 inches and 30 inches. There is a height difference between the sexes. This is a powerful dog. The Anatolian Shepherd head is in balance with the body, it has a rounded head, with a rectangular shape to the muzzle. The muzzle is normally black. Their lips are black and the top lip should not over hang the bottom jaw. They can have a scissor or level bite. Naturally, they have pendent ears that hang down. These are mostly black, these should be set no higher than the head plane. Some country's, like their native home Turkey, crop the ears short. Their eyes are almond in shape and have black eye rims, except for the liver colour who's eye rims are brown. Their head is set on a thick neck that is in proportion to their body. It is slightly arched and powerful. They have a chest that is deep and reaches to their elbow. Legs are smooth and straight, set well apart, but in proportion to the dog's body. The Anatolian Shepherd tail is high, it is long, and it curls upwards, and when alert their tail curls up and over their back. For showing it is desirable to have a tail that is "wheel" carriage, this means that the tail will not un-curl totally. They have a short coat that is double, the colours can range mostly in the fawn, with a black mask, but you can have brindle, white and pinto. We see two coat lengths medium and medium long, which can vary with the seasons. The Anatolian Shepherd dog has really good hearing and sight. It can be very fast. They tend to be barkers at night.

History: The Anatolian Shepherd dog comes from Turkey which is in the area known as Anatolia, which used to be known as Asia Minor. This dog has been, for centuries, a shepherd dog protecting the flock. Before that they were used in battle and for hunting. They were seen as a great prize in victory. This dog can fight wolves and the Turkish people who owned this dog would put on spiked dog collars to help the dog in a fight with a wolf, this gave the dog some neck protection from the wolf or even sometimes a bear, which may attack their flock. They live outside all year with vast changes of temperature and weather. This dog comes from the region of Sivas- Kangal. There is some debate around what is a true Kangal but due to the isolation of the area this is felt to be the pure Kangal. In Turkey the Kangal is the National Dog and is seen as a great treasure. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is very hard or impossible to get from Turkey. These dogs are still a working dog and good companions for the Sheppard.

Temperament: While these dogs are shepherding dogs, they are not herding dogs. Their role is of night watching and guarding. The Anatolian Shepherd tend to be noisy at night as they patrol, to ward of predators. They have good hearing and good eye sight, are bright and intelligent. They have a built in protective instinct that cannot be stopped. They need great lead fashion coats online ership from their humans and not a dog for the first time ownership. Human leadership is a must for this dog. This dog, if not getting good leadership, will get to think his own way, and will choose to answer a command or not as the case may be. While saying this he is sensitive to being told off and loves to have affection heaped on. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is wonderful with children; they seem to know that a child is safe. In Turkey these dogs live in villages and in the day when they are not working play and sleep around the village seeking affection from the children, they can be very protective of their young wards. While being big this is a gentle dog around the family. The only thing to note is that due to the size of the dog, they may knock the young child over. The Anatolian Shepherd get on well with other animals if introduced. They can be dominant to other dogs so it is best to socialize them while they are very young. Due to their nature, this dog will patrol his territory at night, keeping close watch of their flock or family. If they see or feel that their flock is in danger the fist thing they do is stand in front of the flock to guard them and bark a loud deep bark. If the foreseen danger is not scared away this dog then attacks, this is the last thing the dog chooses to do. This breed needs a lot of socializing while young to allow them to understand what you want and to help with their natural guarding instincts.

Health issues: The Anatolian Shepherd breed has a slower immune system than many other breeds, talk to the veterinarian about extra injections it may need. They are sensitive to anaesthesia. Hip dysplasia can occur in this breed. They are prone to hypothyroidism or eyelid entropion.

Grooming: You do not need to do much in the way of grooming with the Anatolian Shepherd, but you will need to do vigorous grooming, twice a year when they are shedding. Shedding is very heavy.

Living conditions: The Anatolian Shepherd is not an apartment dog. They need a large garden that is well fenced as they are very suspicious of any strangers. Some thought has to go into how a stranger or visitor new to the house can enter without the dog scaring them too much. This dog likes and needs to run free so a large garden is needed along with long daily walks.

Papillon Puppy And Dog Information

The Papillon loves to exercise outdoors but an apartment will do just fine as long as she can get regular walks. She is a dainty, fine boned dog that loves to be pampered. She learns fast and loves to travel with her master. She may not get along with other dogs and should be socialized early for other pets. She gets al fashion jackets online ong fine with older children but younger children may hurt her by accident. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Papillon is 8 to 11 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 8 to 10 pounds. The female ranges from 8 to 11 inches to the withers and 7 to 9 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Papillon is no exception. Although considered a very healthy breed, be on the look out for Slipped Patella, low blood sugar, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Papillon has a silky, long, fine, flowing coat without an undercoat. They shed average and need to be combed and brushed daily. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Papillon can live between 13 and 16 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Papillon comes from France where they were developed into a specific breed. They are an old breed that goes back as far as 700 years. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1915.

Some Registries:
*Papillon Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 2 to 4 Papillon puppies

Category: Toy

Terms To Describe: Friendly, lap, elegant, lively, dainty, easy, graceful, easy, intelligent,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
Generally an odorless dog.
She keeps herself clean.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog..
May not get along with other canines.

*Other Names Known By: Butterfly Dog, Continental Spaniel, Continental Toy Spaniel, Toy Spaniel

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Proper Grooming of Horses

Grooming is a subject of importance, and the adage that a good grooming is as good as a feed is true.

The dandy brush is used for removing rough mud, and must be used gently on horses with tender skins when they have been clipped.

The body brush does the main work. The groom should stand well back from the horse and lean the weight of his body on to the brush, which should penetrate to the skin. It is worked in the direction that the coat lays. By its action the grease is removed from the skin and the pores rendered more open to exude sweat when work is being done. The brush is kept clean with the curry comb, and this should be the only function of the curry comb in grooming.

The water brush has longer hairs than the body brush. It is used for the mane and tail, and is also admirably adapted for the dry brushing of the head and legs.

A hoof pick is another essential tool which cannot be used too frequently when a horse is in the stable.

A sweat-scraper is useful when a horse is brought in hot or when he comes in very wet.

Straw wisps and hard hay wisps are also used for drying and stimulating the skin and acting as a massage to the muscles.

The stable rubber, which is a great favorite among grooms, is nothing but a duster. It may be used to give a final polish to the coat, but it does not take the place of a body brush, and its excessive use is to be deprecated.

The principal grooming of the day should take place after work, and a thorough grooming will take one man an hour. A brisk grooming gives the skin a healthy-glow in the same way as the brisk rub of a Turkish towel does to a man.

Grooming of this kind diminishes the chance of a horse breaking out into a cold sweat.

The eyes, nostrils and dock should be cleaned with a moist sp fashion jackets onge each time the horse is groomed.

Every week the sheath should be cleaned with a sponge and water.

When a horse returns from work the girths should be loosened, the saddle raised and replaced, and the girths again done up slackly. The groom should water the horse, do the other parts and then remove the saddle. By this time the back will have cooled down slowly, regained circulation and be ready for grooming.

Quartering is an abbreviated form of grooming in which the roller is not removed. The eyes, nose and dock are sponged and the rugs turned back so that the quarters and then the forehand can be groomed.

The feet should be picked out at least twice a day, and three times if the horse is bedded on peat or sawdust.

A common vice of grooms is the washing of a horse's legs. This should never be allowed as it is most likely to cause mud fever and cracked heels. When a horse comes in with wet, muddy legs the rough mud should be removed with a straw wisp and the legs loosely bandaged with flannel bandages. When they are thoroughly dry the mud should be brushed out with a dry brush.

As a preventive of mud fever it is advisable to smear the legs and heels with Vaseline before hunting in wet weather.

The shoes should be inspected daily to see that they are tight and should be removed every four weeks at least and replaced or renewed.

Five Simple and Fun Woodwork Projects

The following few projects are simple enough for the young primary school child to complete with supervision.

WOBBLY BLOCK PUZZLE

The "wobbly block" is simply a rectangular piece of 3/4-inch pine or other soft wood which has been sectioned in two planes. All cuts are irregular, but they should remain roughly parallel to the long axis of the block to produce nine pieces of approximately equal size.

The two outside cuts are made first, forming a block with two opposite flat sides and two opposite irregular sides. The block is then divided into three approximately equal parts by making two irregular cuts from end to end. These pieces are then assembled, clamped together, and the block is sectioned by two cuts in the opposite plane to give nine irregular pieces of the puzzle.

Children can then have fun trying to assemble the puzzle.

JIGSAW PUZZLE

A block of 1/4-inch plywood is cut to the size of any pattern and sandpapered thoroughly.

The chosen figure may be traced directly on the wood and outlined with crayon, paint, or wood burner. If a crayon is to be used, the block should be given a coat of flat white rubber base paint before the outline is applied.

As an alternative method, an illustration from a magazine or calendar may be cut to the size of the block and fastened to the wood with glue. A protective coat of shellac should then be applied before the pieces of the puzzle are cut out.

The pieces of the puzzle are outlined on the back of the plywood block. The pattern may include a small or large number of pieces. The picture side of the puzzle should be protected with a square of cardboard or thin crate wood while the pieces are being cut apart. This practice will help to minimize fraying of edges.


CANDLESTICK

A large hexagon and star form the base of the candlestick and are cut from 1/4-inch plywood or crate wood. A smaller hexagonal block holds the candle and is cut from 3/4-inch pine or other soft wood. The hole, which is 7/8 inch in diameter, should be drilled before the hexagon is cut out so that there is less danger of the block splitting when the hole is prepared.

The three parts of the candlestick are fastened together with wood glue. The completed project may be given a coat of oil stain or varnish.

DOLL HOUSE FURNITURE

The younger girls seem to have a great deal of fun assembling doll house furniture from pre-cut blocks.

Several l 1/2-inch blocks of l 1/4-inch stock and some assorted pieces of masonite are all that is required to outfit a doll house with chairs, tables, beds, sofas, and other articles of furniture which the children can design.

Small wire nails may be used to fasten the various creations together. Sheets of bright-colored contact paper obtainable at most variety stores may be used to "upholster" the furniture.

RING - A -PEG GAME

This game may be made from a block of 1/2-in fashion jackets ch or 3/4-inch pine or other soft wood, a piece of 3/4-inch dowel, and three 10-inch lengths of heavy rope or clothesline.

The dowel peg is fastened to the base block by a nail entering the peg from the underside of the block.

The three lengths of rope are fashioned into rings and the ends are fastened together with adhesive tape.

Children can now have fun trying to throw the rope rings onto the peg.

Any of these projects will provide a lot of fun for the child who makes them.

Dog Grooming - Process to Maintain a Healthy Coat

Most people wouldn't think to go a day or two without out combing their hair, let alone a week or two. Whether your dog has short or long hair, he still requires grooming to maintain a healthy, shiny coat.

It is important to comb or brush his hair, inspect his coat and bathe him as required. This will prevent his hair from tangling and becoming matted. Tangled and matted hair will be uncomfortable for your pet, and in a worse case scenario, affect his health adversely. They can create sores, making it hurt for your pet to be touched. Regular grooming will keep your pet looking good and feeling good.

In addition to preventing tangling, brushing a dog's coat is an ideal way to distribute the animal's natural oils. In doing so, it also removes loose hair, stimulates the skin, loosens dirt and dander, as well as, any other materials which may have become stuck in it. When grooming, you should also check the dog's skin for any signs of inflammation, infection, irritation or parasite infestation.

Dogs with shorter haired coats require less grooming than dogs with longer haired coats but they do require some attention. Many shorthaired dogs have a dandruff problem from frequent shedding. They require daily brushing. You should use a soft bristled brush on shorthaired dogs, or a hound glove with short wire bristles in the palm. This will remove the dead hair and dirt. Follow up with a soft cloth to wipe any remaining loose hair. If using a comb, choose a fine toothed one. Begin with the head and work your way down the dog's body to its tail and legs.

Dogs with longer hair will require more frequent grooming sessions. A short time every day to accomplish this will make the task easier. Once again, start at the head and brush or comb the direction of the dog's hair. For dogs with a thick undercoat, lift the hair and brush under the coat to remove dead hair. Wire pin or slicker brushes are ideal for longer coats, as the brush should have long firm bristles to pull the dead hair. And if using a comb after the brushing, a wide toothed comb is the better option.

As a general rule, dogs should not be bathed more than three or four times a year unless excessively dirty. More frequent bathing will remove their protective natural oils and cause a dandruff problem. Those with long silky coats may require weekly bathing. Before bathing a dog, it is important to brush its coat well to remove dead, loose hair, as well as, loosen tangles or mattes. You can use any gentle, tearless dog shampoo. If your dog has skin conditions or fleas you may need to use a special shampoo. Make sure you don't get shampoo in his eyes and to rinse thoroughly. It is important to remove all shampoo so as to not cause itching, flaking and skin problems. Then, wrap the dog in a towel and dry. You can blow dry on the lowest setting possible with the blow dryer far enough away from the dog, so it won't get burned.

Another part of the grooming process is to clip the dog's toenails. Use clippers and be careful not to cut to the quick, which is where the blood supply ends. Make sure you have some styptic powder on hand in case you do cut into the quick. This will stop the bleeding. Also, make sure you brush your dog's teeth. Use soft bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste.

This is also a good time to inspect and clean your dog's ears. Slightly wet a cotton ball, with an ear cleaner, and women's coats wipe the folds of the skin. If you notice a foul smell or wax buildup, then you should have your veterinarian check for possible infection.

The grooming process may seem like a chore, but it can be a positive experience for both you and your pet. It is an ideal way to keep your companion healthy. The interaction that comes with this will turn this chore into an enjoyable and bonding experience for you both.