ABR Update. How to care for your beagle.
ABR Update. How to care for your beagle.
Alaska Beagle Ranch
Episode 37
Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of the Alaska Beagle Ranch. I’m Dave Dorsey and I manage the ranch located near Wasilla, Alaska. There are presently 16 beagles and 2 bassets at the ranch right now. Presently we don’t have any beagles for adoption, but we do have 1 basset available for adoption. Acceptance of applications for adoption of the basset named Buster is closed and the selection of an adopter is in process. We generally post on our Facebook page Alaska Beagle Ranch when we have a pup up for adoption. The Alaska Beagle Ranch is the only rescue in Alaska dedicated to beagles.
Thank you to all our listeners. This week we welcome new international listeners from Sydney, New South Wales and Maidstone, England. In the US, we have new listeners from Robertsdale, Alabama, and the city where I was born and raised, Baltimore, Maryland. Of course, our largest listener groups are here in Alaska. Welcome and I hope you like what we have for you here. We do appreciate your support. The Alaska Beagle Ranch has over 1400 downloads since we started doing our podcast last November.
While I’m thinking about it, will you take a moment and write us a review. Tell us what you think, how we are doing and maybe what you would like to hear more about. Help us get the word out about the Alaska Beagle Ranch.
You also can help support our podcast by donating on PayPal @Beagle Ranch 907.
Today’s podcast is dedicated to Sammy. Sammy came from a good home and went to a good home.
Updates at ABR: Charlie Two has been adopted. Charlie has gone to live with Jasper who also was adopted from ABR last April.
Bentley has gone back to his foster who was on vacation.
Buster, a 4-year-old basset has come to the ranch and his adoption selection is in process.
Penny, a 1-year-old beagle mix is at the ranch and will be available for adoption after being vetted.
On Saturday, Alaska Beagle Ranch was 1 year old.
OK, now…..I have a lot of beagles to care take, but it can be easy if you have a list and stay organized. If you have one or two beagles, obviously it’s a lot easier, but these following things should be done. I’ll also say my two cents on a few of them.
16 Tips on How to Take Good Care of a Beagle
By Aiguo Kai of petcreeks.com
People ask how to take good care of a beagle. Let’s find out together…
Are you the proud owner of a Beagle? These charming pups are known for their loyalty and playful nature, making them a popular choice for families.
But taking care of a Beagle is no easy task! From training to exercise and beyond, there’s a lot to consider.
In this post, we’ll share some top tips for providing the best care for your furry friend.
How to Take Good Care of a Beagle
Here are the common and best ways to take care of a beagle and keep them healthy and happy:
1. Regular Medical Check-ups
This is the best way to take care of a beagle because beagles come with a variety of genetic diseases, including intervertebral disk disease, hip dysplasia, epilepsy as well as hypothyroidism.
Your beagle’s health should be paramount to you to avoid unnecessary behaviors and expenses occurring as a result of your ignoring the medical attention you should be giving to your beagle.
Regular check-ups will help you figure out an illness before the illness even comes up, and this check will help you beat all genetic diseases and environmental diseases too.
2. Regular brushing
Grooming your beagle is one of the best ways to take care of your beagle as it is important to help prevent unnecessary shedding.
Here are some steps you can follow to properly brush your Beagle’s hair:
1. Start by using a slicker brush or a pin brush to remove any tangles or mats in their coat. Be sure to brush in the direction of hair growth to avoid pulling their hair.
2. Once you’ve removed any tangles or mats, switch to a bristle brush to remove any loose hair or dirt. Use long, sweeping strokes to brush your Beagle’s coat from head to tail.
3. Pay special attention to their underbelly and their legs, as these areas tend to collect dirt and debris.
4. Depending on your Beagle’s shedding level, you may need to brush them daily or every few days to keep their coat healthy and free from mats or tangles.
5. Be sure to give your Beagle plenty of love and praise while grooming them, making the experience positive and enjoyable for both of you.
3. Trim your beagle’s nails
Trimming your Beagle’s nails can prevent discomfort and injury caused by nails that are too long.
Here are the steps to trim your Beagle’s nails:
1. Get a good quality nail clipper that fits the size of your Beagle’s nails.
2. Hold your Beagle’s paw firmly but gently.
3. Position the nail clipper midway between the quick (the pink part of the nail) and the tip of the nail.
4. Clip the nail in one smooth motion, being careful not to cut the quick.
5. If you accidentally cut the quick, apply styptic powder or cornstarch to the nail to stop any bleeding.
6. File each nail with a nail file or emery board to remove any rough edges.
It’s important to note that if your Beagle has dark nails, it may be difficult to see where the quick is located.
In this case, it’s best to trim only small amounts of the nail at a time until you see a black dot in the center of the nail, indicating that you are getting close to the quick.
Beagles should have their nails trimmed once every month or as needed.
If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can take your Beagle to a professional groomer or veterinarian to have their nails trimmed.
4. Brush your beagle’s teeth
Brushing your beagle’s teeth is an important part of their dental care routine.
Here are some steps you can follow to brush your beagle’s teeth:
1. Choose the right toothbrush: Select a soft-bristled toothbrush that is specifically designed for dogs. Avoid using human toothbrushes as they may be too hard for your dog’s teeth and gums.
1. Choose the right toothpaste: Use a toothpaste that is specially formulated for dogs. Human toothpaste can be harmful to dogs if swallowed.
2. Introduce your beagle to the toothbrush: Let your beagle sniff and explore the toothbrush. Then, put a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush and let your dog lick it off.
3. Brush your dog’s teeth: Gently brush your beagle’s teeth in circular motions, focusing on the front teeth at first. Be gentle and patient, and gradually work your way back to the molars.
4. Reward your beagle: Give your beagle a treat or lots of praise after the teeth brushing session. This will help make the experience positive for your dog and encourage good behavior in the future.
It is recommended to brush your beagle’s teeth at least two to three times a week to prevent periodontal diseases.
You may also want to consider dental chews and toys that can help maintain your dog’s dental health.
5. Clean your beagle’s ears
Cleaning your Beagle’s ears is an important part of their grooming routine.
Here is a general guide on how to clean your beagle’s ears:
1. Start by choosing an appropriate ear-cleaning solution. You can ask your veterinarian for a recommendation or purchase a solution formulated specifically for dogs.
2. Gather the necessary supplies, including cotton balls, gauze, and the ear-cleaning solution.
3. Hold your Beagle still and place a small amount of the ear-cleaning solution into one ear canal. Be sure to follow the package instructions for the recommended amount.
4. Massage the base of your Beagle’s ear to help distribute the solution and to loosen any dirt or debris.
5. Use a cotton ball or piece of gauze to gently wipe the inside of the ear, being careful not to push debris further into the ear canal.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 on the other ear.
It’s important not to use a cotton swab or any sharp objects in your Beagle’s ears, as this could cause injury.
Additionally, over-cleaning your Beagle’s ears can lead to irritation and infection, so it’s recommended to only clean their ears, when necessary, typically every two to three weeks.
If your Beagle has frequent ear infections or excessive wax buildup, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian for further advice.
7. Clean your beagle’s paws
To clean your Beagle’s paws, you can follow these steps:
1. T Fill a tub or basin with lukewarm water.
2. Add some pet-friendly shampoo or antifungal solution to the water.
3. Soak your Beagle’s paws in the solution for a few minutes.
4. Use a washcloth or sponge to gently scrub the paws, paying special attention to the areas between the toes.
5. Rinse the paws with clean water.
6. Dry the paws thoroughly with a clean towel.
It’s important to clean your Beagle’s paws regularly, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors or live in a dusty or muddy area.
This can help prevent infections and discomfort. Additionally, you can use pet wipes or damp paper towels to clean your Beagle’s paws daily.
7. Regular Exercise
Beagles are an active breed of dog that is packed with high energy. Be sure to give your beagle a daily routine exercise to keep your beagle fit and healthy.
You can get this toy and add some treats to it while your beagle stays busy with it.
If you are free take your beagle for a walk if you are busy, get interactive toys for your beagle.
Be sure to give your beagle 10 minutes of good exercise daily.
Play the fetch game with your beagle by throwing this toy and telling your beagle to retrieve it as this will help the proper flow and circulation of blood in your beagle.
8. Feeding your beagle a balanced diet
Giving your beagle a balanced diet is the key to a healthy and happy life for beagles.
Not all dog food is balanced, therefore talk to your vet for the right food.
Beagles react to a change of food, be sure to contact your vet before changing food.
If you must feed home meals be sure to talk to your vet before giving your beagle homemade food.
Also, look out for food that your beagle is allergic to and avoid them at all costs as this can lead to unnecessary shedding in beagles.
If you must feed your beagle with wet food which is more expensive and more nutritious contact your vet.
Give one and one-half cups of food split into two three-quarter-cup meals daily.
Do not free feed — that is, do not leave food in a bowl for your beagle to eat as he likes.
Beagles will eat as long as the food is available, and this will cause them to become obese.
9. Vaccinate your beagle
They are lots of unnecessary illnesses that can cause your beagle to get sick and may lead to you spending more time and money on your beagle that can be avoided with vaccination.
Be sure to give your beagle all the necessary vaccines that are required yearly as this will help prevent most illnesses.
Always talk to your vet about the vaccine’s shots needed for your beagle, do not overlook all these little things as the can come back and hurt
10. Bathe your beagle
Bathing your Beagle is an important part of their grooming routine, and it is essential to do it properly to avoid any skin or coat problems.
Here are the steps on how to bathe your Beagle:
1. Prepare your supplies: Bathtub, Beagle shampoo, towel, bucket, and brush.
2. Brush your Beagle’s fur to remove any tangles or mats.
3. Fill the bathtub with a few inches of warm water.
4. Gently lower your Beagle into the bathtub.
5. Wet your Beagle’s coat, starting from its neck and working your way down to its tail. Avoid getting water in their ears and eyes.
you.
6. Apply Beagle shampoo to your Beagle’s coat.
7. Massage the shampoo into your Beagle’s coat, making sure to cover all areas.
8. Rinse your Beagle’s coat with warm water thoroughly.
9. Condition the coat – this is optional.
10. Dry your Beagle with a towel by patting them gently. It is better not to use a hairdryer since it can burn their skin.
11. Brush your Beagle’s coat to remove any remaining tangles.
It is recommended to bathe your Beagle every four to six weeks to maintain their cleanliness and their hair coat’s general health, but this can vary from one dog to another.
12. Control Parasites Attacking Your Beagle
Parasite attacks can hamper the health of your beagle making the sick and unhappy.
To control a parasite attack on your beagle, there are several steps you can take:
1. Practice good hygiene: Clean your beagle’s living space regularly, including their bedding, toys, and any areas where they typically spend time. This can help prevent parasites from taking hold in their environment.
2. Use preventative measures: Speak to your veterinarian about using preventative measures, such as parasite preventatives, which can help keep your beagle free from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites. Regularly use parasite control medications as per your vet’s guidelines to ensure their efficacy.
3. Monitor your dog’s health: Regularly check your dog’s stool for signs of parasites, such as worms. Watch for changes in your dog’s behavior, appetite, or energy levels, as these can be signs of a parasite infestation.
4. Seek veterinary care: If you suspect your beagle has a parasite infestation, take them to the veterinarian for testing and treatment. The vet will likely recommend medications and other treatments to help clear up the infestation.
By following these steps, you can help prevent and control parasite attacks on your beagle, keeping them healthy and happy.
12. Get Amazing Toys For Your Beagle
Get Amazing Toys For Your Beagle
Beagles love toys, therefore, get as many as you can afford for your beagle as this will help your beagle stay happy even when you are away.
Here are some recommended toys for your beagles.
13. Supply Clean Water For Your Beagle
Clean water is necessary for your beagle as it will help your beagle stay hydrated all day long.
Make sure your beagle water can is not close to any window or doors that are always open to people or visitors.
Always make sure you regularly change the water for your beagle, if possible on a daily basis.
14. Socialize your beagle
Socialize your beagle
Your beagle is a social animal because it was originally bred in groups.
This means you need your dog to communicate with other dogs as well as with other people.
Take your beagle to a dog park or public park, so he can play with other dogs and meet other people.
Socializing your beagle as early as possible is the key to having a well-mannered dog that will help you along the line.
15. Beagle-proof your home
Keeping your home safe for your beagle is also important in taking care of your beagle.
Beagles are hunting dogs that can be driven by their hunting instincts to go outside after a hare and by doing so can get lost.
Be sure to always keep your beagle collar tags on your beagle to help to identify your beagle if it gets lost.
Get a good tracking system in place if you allow your beagle outside.
Have your beagle microchipped and keep it up to date. If it gets lost, this can be scanned and your information retrieved so your beagle can be returned to you.
16. Wash your beagle’s bed
To wash your Beagle’s bed, first, remove any loose fur or debris with a vacuum cleaner or lint roller.
Next, check the care instructions on the bed’s label or packaging to see if it is machine washable or if it requires handwashing.
If it is machine washable, wash it on a gentle cycle using cold water and If it needs to be hand-washed, fill a sink or bathtub with cold water and mild detergent, and gently scrub the bed using a soft-bristled brush with mild detergent.
Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting the bed.
Allow it to air-dry completely before using it again. It’s good practice to wash your Beagle’s bed at least once every few weeks to keep it clean and fresh.
Conclusion
If you apply everything written down here to your beagle, be sure to have a healthy and happy beagle that can live for about 14 years or more.
Something Special:
Something I found and posted on our Facebook page and got a request to read it here. The author is unknown. Here it is.
WHEN I AM OLD
When I am old...
I will wear soft gray sweatshirts...
and a bandana over my silver hair...
and I will spend my social security checks on my dogs.
I will sit in my house on my well-worn chair
and listen to my dogs breathing.
I will sneak out in the middle of a warm summer night
and take my dogs for a run, if my old bones will allow...
When people come to call, I will smile and nod
as I show them my dogs...
and talk of them and about them...
...the ones so beloved of the past
and the ones so beloved of today...
I will still work hard cleaning after them,
mopping and feeding them and whispering their names
in a soft loving way.
I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat,
like a jewel, and I will be an embarrassment to all...
especially my family...
who have not yet found the peace in being free
to have dogs as your best friends...
These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your footfall...
and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep,
to greet you as if you are a God,
with warm eyes full of adoring love and hope
that you will always stay,
I'll hug their big strong necks...
I'll kiss their dear sweet heads...
and whisper in their very special company....
I look in the mirror... and see I am getting old....
this is the kind of person I am...
and have always been.
Loving dogs is easy, they are part of me.
Please accept me for who I am.
My dogs appreciate my presence in their lives...
they love my presence in their lives...
When I am old this will be important to me...
you will understand when you are old,
if you have dogs to love too.
Beagle Spotlight: We talked about Sammy a couple weeks ago in episode 35. Well Sammy was adopted last week by a wonderful family here in the Matsu Borough. Here’s a repeat of Sammy’s Shoutout
Sammy, a beagle mix, came to Alaska Beagle Ranch last week. Her humans loved her so much that they reached out to ABR hoping to find her a furever loving home. They’re having medical issues themselves and could barely take care of Sammy’s basic needs.
Sammy’s recent humans had got her from a woman rehoming her. They had got him about 2 1/2 years ago. They believed it was the son’s dog and when he left, she became moms’ dog.
Sammy got to see ABR’s vet last week and checked out perfectly. Her shots are up to date, and she got chipped. Sammy is going to be someone’s perfect dog. She is sweet and gentle. She needs some basic training and pulls on the lead. She’s a good lap dog but is a bit of a bed hog.
Shoutout! Shoutout to Catherine and Doyle, Sammy’s new humans. I’ve been seeing pictures posted of her on Facebook giving updates. Sammy looks very happy. She’s very lucky to have you guys and his beautiful new home. Sammy’s previous humans have been in touch with Catherine, giving tips and insight to Sammy’s dogality, er I mean personality.
You can also help support our podcast by donating on PayPal @Beagle Ranch 907.
Remember, your next forever pooch can be at your local shelter or rescue.
Adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue organization not only saves that one animal’s life, but it also saves the life of another animal who can now take the empty spot you’ve opened. Also, most of the people you’ll see working at the shelter are volunteers. And the ones at the rescue, chances are they all are volunteers.
The Alaska Beagle Ranch is a nonprofit and we depend on donations to help us with our mission. What is our mission? Our mission and our goal are for every beagle, especially in Alaska, has a happy home. For our beagles to be happy, they need to be healthy. We only adopt healthy beagles, so we need your help in paying medical bills to get or keep them healthy so they can find their forever home. Beagles that can’t be adopted become resident beagles at ABR. Their medical, food and upkeep can be costly. We know that the economy isn’t as good as we would like it to be. Just a few dollars add up and goes a long, long way. Go to our Facebook page of Alaska Beagle Ranch and you can find out how you can donate through PayPal or Amazon.
Thank you for listening to the Alaska Beagle Ranch. If you know someone who is looking to get a beagle, please share our podcast with them. All the episodes will tell you what you need to know about beagles. If you have any questions about beagles and if they are right for you, email me at akbeagleranch@gmail.com or call us at 907-202-4226.
You can follow us on Facebook at Alaska Beagle Ranch or on Twitter at @beagle_ranch. If you would like to support the Alaska Beagle Ranch, there are links on how to on our Facebook page. Our show notes can be found at alaskabeagleranch.buzzsprout.com.
Be sure to like, subscribe and maybe give some feedback. See you next week at the Alaska Beagle Ranch.