This section will cover show kees, dog or bitch. It will be referred to as
"dog"
and "he", even though it may be a "she". As with previous
articles, interjected are my beliefs, others may differ. The routine, care,
feeding are what has worked for me. Others may have different results and
routines.
The main things to be concerned with in the Show Dog are condition, overall
health, stress alleviation and conditioning of skin and coat.
The Show Dog should always stay current on vaccinations and be pest and worm
free. This requires monitoring because he comes in contact with show grounds
frequented by dogs who may have pest and diseases.
The Show Dog should be given an excellent diet that keeps him in tip-top
shape, both physically and mentally. The diet should be ethoxyquin-free dry
food. My stand on Ethoxyquin has been noted in previous articles and won't be
repeated here except to say: Why bother when there are many good quality foods
out there preserved with Vitamins C and E. 
The ones with questionable
ingredients aren't fit for any dog. I recommend a diet that consists of dry
food: Natural Life Condition 75%, and Natural Life Puppy 25%. The Dog Stew
recipe alternated with the Choice Chow added to the dry as a mixer is good for
added health. Treats of the Cupcake recipe will add further vigor. [Recipes
in May 1994 JabberwocKEES magazine.] You can also get
most of the recipes here. Cooking for your dog is the only way to ensure
good food sources along with fresh ingredients full of vitamins, minerals and
enzymes.
When feeding the Show Dog (as well as others) be sure he is getting all the
food he should. This most likely will require them to be fed separately. Group
feeding kees doesn't work. There is always a faster pig in the bunch that gets
the bulk of the food. Separate feeding is best.
Be sure the water the Show Dog drinks is as pure as possible. Spring fed
well water in uncontaminated areas is best.
For stress and overall health, the vitamins I give are 3,000 mgs of Vit C,
400 IU Vit E, 6mg Pantothenic Acid [Vit B6] and 30 mg Zinc every other day along
with the herbal additives. The Vit C is for overall health and stress. Vit E
is for boosting the blood supply, circulatory system, immune system, effects of
air pollution, rejuvenating, overall skin and coat health. B6 is for increasing
lifespan, immune system, adrenal glands (hormonal system). Zinc is for enzyme
production, healthy skin and coat, expedites healing, helps prevent prostate
gland from infection. Zinc is lost through stress and should be added back in
for an active Show Dog.
You will need to keep the coat and skin in tip top shape. The foundation for
this is in the diet, but you will need to "treat" the outer coat as
well. Because your dog is being subjected to abnormal conditions such as dry,
dusty buildings and more frequent bathes, using sprays that have good herbal
formulas will help. If you cannot mix your own formulas [such as rosemary,
lemon tonic, nettles, horsetail, pennyroyal etc], there are off the shelf
alternatives. [For herbal formulas consult these books: The New Age Herbalist by
Mabey, ISBN 0-02-063350-5 or Jeanne Rose's Modern Herbal, ISBN 0-399-513394-9.]
If you visit one of those drug store supermarkets, you will find an array of
good products in the women's hair care section. I have used Russ Kalvin's
version of Nexxus Humectress, Aussie Hair Insurance by Redmond Products,
Freeman Botanical Humectant Plus Intensive Reconstructor (has orange blossom,
pineapple & linden), Freeman Botanical Instant Infusion Treatment (has
sunflower oil, gardenia & pennyroyal), and Russ Kalvin's Moisture Spray
version of Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist. Those that are thick can be
diluted to whatever strength with water and put in a spray bottle to use.
Depending on your dog's coat condition, you may need to adjust the strength.
The others come premixed and can just be sprayed on the coat. I also like the Crown Royale and Cindra products.
Wash your Show Dog at least every other week. You will be putting stuff on
your dog and he will be accumulating dust and dirt over time. To stimulate the
hair and skin and to get the gunk out, bathes are necessary. You may want to
limit the amount of time the dog spends under the blow dryer. This is because
high pressure blow dryers can actually damage the coat. To limit damage, towel
and air dry (when possible) to a damp state, then finish with a blow dryer on a
low, cool setting. Use a softer brush like a Mason Pearson when brushing a damp
or newly washed coat. A pin brush tends to rake the skin, although it will be
used when the coat is dry.
To keep the coat "rolling in", (at least) weekly brushings are
required. Use a coat spray or water when brushing. Between times, keep a spray
bottle of water in the refrigerator. Use at least twice a day misting the
entire body coat. This stimulates the coat and adds moisture.
When your Show Dog blows coat, start out with a nice warm bath every week
for two weeks to expedite get the old coat out. You may want to add some good
conditioning by final rinsing with a coat additive (as mentioned above) and not
rinsing it out but letting it dry on the coat. Hot oil treatments may also be
helpful to add condition to a blown, brittle coat.
In addition to weekly coat care, a Show Dog's nails need to be kept short.
Depending on how fast the nails grow (varies in kees) you will have to keep on
this either weekly or every other week. I use the scissor type clippers and
follow up with an electric nail grinder to further get the quick back and leave
a nice finish (that doesn't rake your legs!) Nail work should be done in
mid-week between shows and not at a show. Trimming the hair between the pads
and to shape the foot should be done at nail clipping time. Touch ups on this
can be done at the show.
Mixing your Show Dog with other dogs you own is a concern. Be sure the
other dogs aren't eating the Show Dog's coat, pulling tail or whatever. It
doesn't take very long for that coat you've been nurturing to be moth-eaten from
play. This holds true whether you are raising a show puppy or adult.
Make sure your Show Dog gets plenty of exercise. Romps in the woods, up and
down hills or road work will keep the muscle tone up and run off stress.
The Show Dog needs to have play times and one on one times, a special
outing, with his favorite human where he can unwind and alleviate stress. He
should get plenty of exercise to run off stress and to keep his muscles toned.
He should be kept "happy" so his attitude is good, therefore stress is
low.
NOTE:
Remember when using herbs & vitamins, some can have disastrous side
effects when used in excess or in the wrong applications. They can cause
illness or even death. When in doubt, read further and consult someone more
knowledgeable. Don't use something your aren't sure of.
The herbs [& related] I mix in the Show Dog herbal formula are:
Bee pollen, oil of evening primrose, alfalfa, red clover, feverfew,
rosehips, southernwood, comfrey root, calamus root, slippery elm bark, rosemary,
nettle, chamomile, parsley, garlic, sea vegetables, spirulina, sage, goldenseal,
echinacea, brewers yeast flakes.
Benefits of the above:
echinacea -stimulates the immune system, is an antibacterial &
antiviral
goldenseal -is an antibacterial & antiviral, boots a sluggish glandular
system, helps the liver
bee pollen -one of nature's most perfect foods. Contains vitamins, minerals,
enzymes, amino acids. Improves stamina, endurance, increased energy.
Oil of evening
primrose - helps alleviate toxins related to an unhealthy diet. Helps stop
growth of many kinds of cancer. Stimulates stomach action to help liver &
spleen conditions. Very high in gamma linolenic acid (GLA) [an essential fatty
acid] which aids in manufacturing prostaglandin. Studies are showing this to
stimulate the hormone system which may be blocked in some cases. [not to be
used in epileptics]
slippery elm -for gastric distress [colitis], draws out impurities, heals
all parts of the body
rosemary -good tonic for reproductive organs. Relieves depression. One of
the most powerful herbs to stimulate the nervous system. Rich in Vit A & C,
calcium. Good for the circulatory system.
wheat germ -natural source of Vitamin E, helps strengthen the nervous &
reproductive systems
nettle -rich in iron to help with the circulatory system. It is rich in
Vit A, C, D and calcium & protein.
chamomile -destroys toxins, has healing properties
parsley -cleanses the liver, tones the body, builds resistance, strengthens
digestion, source of Vit C, iron, manganese, calcium, phosphorus.
garlic -natural antibiotic. It rejuvenates all parts of the body. Great
for circulatory system. It also is a natural flea fighter and digestive calmer.
sea vegetables -rich in vitamins, minerals and thyroid gland stimulant.
Helps with any joint problems.
spirulina -provides nutrients to the body when it is not getting enough in
regular diet. Good during or after battle with a chronic disease. It helps with
vitality, purifies and builds the blood. Easy to digest. Rich in protein,
chlorophyll and essential fatty acids.
sage -rich in Vit A, C & B complex, a lot of calcium & potassium.
Good for the brain, to improve memory, for mental exhaustion & improve the
ability to concentrate.
Foods listed in other articles apply to the Show Dog as well.
-THE END-
