| How to Raise a Newfoundland Puppy Posted: 08 Feb 2020 04:00 PM PST Raising any type of dog from a puppy is a big responsibility, but Newfoundlands are also very big dogs. They require a greater quantity of food to grow to their full size, so feeding them is a little different from feeding other types of puppies. Keep your Newfoundland healthy as it grows with regular veterinary care and using other protective measures. And don't forget to teach your dog good behaviors! This holistic approach will help you to raise your Newfoundland puppy into a healthy, happy adult dog and an outstanding canine citizen. [Edit]Feeding Your Newfoundland Puppy - Purchase puppy food for the first 18 to 24 months. Newfoundlands are a giant dog breed, which means they grow much faster and larger than other breeds. To ensure that your dog is getting adequate nutrients during this crucial growth period, feed your Newfoundland puppy food until it is at least 18 months old.[1]
- Ask your dog's veterinarian or breeder for a food recommendation if you are not sure which type to buy. It is best to keep your puppy on the same food it was eating while living with the breeder, if possible. Switching its food can cause stomach issues.
- Look for a puppy food that's labeled "large breed growth" so your Newfoundland gets the nutrients it needs. This helps it grow large and healthy bones.
- You may offer dry food only or a combination of wet and dry food.
- Determine your puppy's daily food requirements. Newfoundland puppies need to eat about 2 cups (480 g) of dry food daily spread out over 3 feedings. You can find a daily intake recommendation on the package of your dog's food. However, check with your puppy's veterinarian for a specific recommendation if you are unsure.[2]
- Keep in mind that as your dog grows, it will require more food, such as up to 3 cups (720 g) of dry food daily when it reaches adulthood.
- Your dog's daily food intake will change along with its weight, so it is important to keep regular veterinary appointments to track your puppy's changing weight.
- Divide your puppy's total daily food into 3-4 small meals daily. Puppies have smaller stomachs than adult dogs, so they cannot consume as much food as they need in a day at one time. Break your puppy's total daily food intake into 3 servings and offer it at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day.[3]
- For example, if your puppy's total daily intake should be 1.5 cups (360 g) of dry food, then break this into 3 half cup (120 g) servings that you offer every 5 hours during the day, such as at 7 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm.[4]
- As your puppy gets older, reduce how many meals it has throughout the day. After your puppy is 3 months old, only give it 3 meals a day. When it turns 6 months old, feed it 2 meals daily.
- Never exercise your puppy after it eats or else it can get bloat.
- Provide a large bowl of fresh, clean water at all times. Newfoundland puppies drink lots of water every day, so always make sure that your puppy has a bowl of fresh, clean water available. Place the bowl somewhere that is easy for your puppy to access, such as near its food bowl. This will also help to encourage your puppy to drink whenever it eats.[5]
[Edit]Keeping Your Puppy Healthy - Make your puppy an appointment with a veterinarian. The best way to ensure that your puppy will grow into a healthy adult dog is to take it to the veterinarian when you first get it. Then, return for additional checkups every 3 to 4 weeks until your puppy is 16 weeks old. This will help to ensure that your Newfoundland is growing at the desired rate and that there are no health issues that might threaten its life.[6]
- During the first checkup, be sure to ask your veterinarian about vaccinations, deworming, heartworm prevention medication, and flea and tick control options. These are essential for protecting your Newfoundland from preventable diseases and parasites.
- You can have your Newfoundland spayed or neutered at 6 months, so be sure to ask about this as well.[7]
- Puppy-proof your home to protect your Newfoundland from hazards. Puppies like to chew on anything and everything, even items that are unsafe for them. Ideally, you should puppy-proof before bringing your Newfoundland home, but it's better late than never! Protecting your puppy from household hazards will help to prevent emergency trips, which can be very expensive.[8]
- Keep wires hidden or up out of your puppy's reach.
- Put cleaning chemicals and other hazardous solutions in locked cupboards.
- Pick up small, sharp items that your dog might swallow, such as safety pins, paper clips, bobby pins, and earrings.
- Place your garbage can and any cat litterboxes where your puppy cannot get at them, such as by using baby gates.[9]
- Set up a bed somewhere quiet and free from drafts. Your Newfoundland needs to be warm and comfortable while it sleeps, so choose a spot for its bed that is free from drafts. Avoid positioning its bed near windows or doorways.[10]
- You can purchase a dog bed for your puppy, or use a few folded blankets as its bed.
- You may also consider getting a crate for your Newfoundland to provide it with a cozy den. Make sure to purchase a crate that is meant for giant breed dogs, which should be at least .[11]
[Edit]Teaching Your Puppy Good Behaviors - Get some appropriate chew toys for your puppy. Newfoundlands love to chew, and you're your puppy will chew on anything it can find. To prevent it from chewing on things it shouldn't, purchase some good chew toys at your local pet store or online. Make sure to get the toys that are meant for big dogs.[12]
- Check your puppy's toys often to ensure that they are intact. If your puppy managed to bit a piece off of a toy, this may be a choking hazard. Retire the toy and get a new one.
- Reward your puppy for eliminating outside. Positive reinforcement is the best way to house train your puppy. Take your puppy outside once every 2 hours, and after eating, drinking, playing, or sleeping.[13] When you do this, give your puppy lots of praise and petting for going to the bathroom outside. Make a big deal of it to ensure that your puppy knows this is good behavior![14]
- If your puppy has an accident in the house, never hit, scold, or otherwise punish the puppy. This will only teach the dog to fear you and it will not learn that it shouldn't go to the bathroom inside. Instead, don't say anything. Just clean up the mess right away and let your puppy out in case it has to go more.
- Use an enzymatic cleanser to clean up pet messes. This will help to ensure that your puppy does not go potty again in the same spot. You can find an enzymatic cleanser in a pet supply store.
- Introduce your puppy to a wide range of situations and people. Socializing your puppy will help to ensure that it grows into an even-tempered adult dog. From the time you get your puppy, take it outside on a leash for short walks, have different types of people over to meet your puppy, and bring your puppy along with you on errands to introduce it to lots of different sights and sounds.[15]
- For example, take your puppy on a walk around your neighborhood each day so it can see the people, houses, and other sights.
- Take your puppy to the beach so it can see the water and walk on the sand, or visit the park with your puppy during an event so your puppy can get used to loud noises.
- You might also consider taking puppy class with your Newfoundland as a good way to expose it to different people and dogs. This is also a good way to teach your puppy some basic commands, which will be useful as your dog grows into an adult.[16]
[Edit]References |
| How to Mix Essential Oils for Hair Growth Posted: 08 Feb 2020 08:00 AM PST Hair loss is common, but it can be quite frustrating. If you've noticed a decrease in the thickness of your hair, you might benefit from using essential oils. Some studies have indicated that massaging essential oils into your scalp daily may help to promote hair growth. However, it's important to mix essential oils with a carrier oil for safety reasons and to get the best results from this treatment. Make your own essential oil hair tonic and use it daily for best results. [Edit]Choosing Oils - Opt for lavender oil for thicker, fuller hair and anti-inflammatory effects. Lavender oil has been shown to promote hair growth by thickening strands, deepening roots, increasing the number of strands, and it may also help to reduce inflammation in your scalp by reducing the number of mast cells. This could help to reduce future hair loss. It also has a soothing scent, so this might be a good option for something to help you relax, such as before going to bed at night or after a busy day at work.[1]
- Lavender is widely available in grocery stores, drug stores, and online.
- Go with peppermint oil for thicker, stronger hair with more strands. Peppermint oil can help to promote hair growth by increasing the thickness, number, and strength of your strands. Many people also find the scent of peppermint invigorating or refreshing. This might be a good option if you plan to use your hair tonic after your morning shower.[2]
- Peppermint essential oil is easy to find in grocery stores, drug stores, and online.
- Try Hinoki cypress oil for antibacterial and antifungal properties. Hinoki cypress (Chamycyparis obtusa) helps to promote hair growth, but the exact mechanism is unclear. However, it does have antibacterial and antifungal properties, so this could be a good option if you are prone to skin infections. You could also mix this oil in with lavender or peppermint to boost their effects.[3]
- This oil may be more difficult to find. Try looking in the essential oil section of your grocery or drug store, but you may need to purchase the oil online.
- Combine rosemary, lavender, cedar, and thyme for a time-honored mixture. This combination of essential oils has long been recommended to help promote hair growth. Studies have shown that using these oils is more effective than using a carrier oil alone. The combination of these oils will result in a more complex scent with an herbal or woodsy character.[4]
- Look for these essential oils in a grocery store, drug store, or online.
[Edit]Creating a Hair Tonic - Start with 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. Pour the oil into a spray bottle. Jojoba oil and grapeseed oil have been studied in combination with essential oils.[5] However, if you don't have one of these oils, there are other alternatives, such as:[6]
- Hemp oil
- Almond oil
- Vegetable oil[7]
- Apricot kernel oil
- Avocado oil[8]
- Pour in 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of alcohol-free witch hazel. Use a measuring spoon to ensure that you get the right amount. Alcohol has a drying effect on the skin and hair, so it's important to use witch hazel that is alcohol-free.
- Witch hazel is optional. If you don't want to use it, replace it with more of your carrier oil. Studies have also looked at the effects of combining essential oils with a carrier oil alone, such as jojoba or grapeseed oil.[9]
- Fill the bottle with about of distilled water. After adding the witch hazel (if using), pour in enough water to nearly fill the bottle. This will be about if you're using a bottle. However, if you're using a larger bottle, measure out of distilled water and then add it to the bottle.
- You can also use boiled and cooled water instead of distilled water. Bring of water to a boil in a small pan or microwaveable container, let it cool to room temperature, and then add it to the bottle.
- Add a total of 40 drops of your essential oils. If you're only using 1 type of essential oil, use 40 drops of that oil. However, if you're using a blend of 4 oils, add 10 drops of each oil for a total of 40. Count the drops for each of the oils you add to get the correct amount. Don't use more than 40 drops or your solution may be too concentrated.[10]
- An ideal percentage for massage solutions is no more than 1% essential oil, or 3 drops per of fluid.
- Essential oil bottles usually have stoppers that release 1 drop at a time, so you can count the number of drops that go into the bottle.
- Close the bottle and shake well before using. Screw the spray bottle top onto the bottle tightly. Then, shake the bottle to combine all of the ingredients. Shake the bottle each time you use the hair tonic to ensure that all of the ingredients are well combined.[11]
[Edit]Using the Oil Mixture - Spritz the hair tonic all over your scalp after cleansing your hair. This hair tonic works best when your hair is wet, so use it right after you wash your hair. Spritz the tonic all over your scalp, but you may want to spray a little extra on any areas where the hair is thinner.[12]
- If you don't wash your hair every day, wet it in the shower or spritz it with a spray bottle of plain water before you spray on the tonic.
- Massage the oil into your scalp using your fingertips. Press your fingertips against your scalp and rub your scalp all over using circular motions. Continue to massage your scalp in this way for about 3 to 5 minutes.[13]
- Comb through your hair to get the tonic all over the strands as well. After you finish massaging your scalp, use a wide-toothed comb to comb your hair. This will help to distribute the excess tonic to the ends of your strands.[14]
- You may also use a brush if you prefer.
- Repeat the treatment daily and check your hair growth in 3 months. If your hair responds to this treatment, you should notice a difference in about 3 months. However, you may notice even more of a difference in about 6-7 months. Continue to use the tonic and massage your scalp daily for as long as you like.[15]
[Edit]Warnings - Never apply essential oils directly to your scalp without mixing them with a carrier oil and other ingredients first. Applying the oil directly to your scalp may result in irritation.[16]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Essential oils of your choice, such as lavender, peppermint, Hinoki cypress, rosemary, cedar, and thyme
- Carrier oil, such as jojoba, grapeseed, hemp, almond, apricot kernel, avocado, or vegetable oil
- Alcohol-free witch hazel
- Distilled water
- spray bottle
- Funnel (optional)
[Edit]References |
| How to Paint Sneakers Posted: 08 Feb 2020 12:00 AM PST Whether you're looking to salvage an old pair of sneakers, or just updating the look, painting sneakers is both fun and easy. Start off by cleaning the sneakers and using some nail polish to remove scuff marks so they're ready to be painted. Then, come up with some designs and color schemes that you want to apply to the sneakers. Apply multiple thin layers of acrylic paint over the design on the sneakers and you're done! [Edit]Cleaning and Preparing the Sneakers - Remove the laces. Set the laces aside or consider replacing them with new ones that will complement the shoes when they're painted. Keep the laces nearby so you can put them on when you're done.[1]
- Pull up the tongue so you can clean inside all of the creases of the shoes.
- You can wash the old laces in a washing machine to clean them.
- Clean the sneakers to remove dirt and grime. Use hand soap or laundry detergent and a toothbrush to scrub off any dirt or residue on the sneakers. Let the shoes air dry for 8-12 hours before you paint them.[2]
- Don't machine-dry the sneakers or you could damage them. of baking soda inside of them and let them dry.}}
- Dip a cotton ball in nail polish remover and scrub any scuff marks. After the shoes are clean, take a cotton ball, dip it in nail polish and clean the toe, back, and midsole areas of the sneakers. Rub the areas and focus on removing scuff marks and stubborn stains.[3]
- The midsole is the layer between the bottom of the shoe and the upper portion of the shoe itself.
- The acetone in the nail polish will also cause the paint to adhere to the sneakers better.
- Use q-tips to clean in between creases and other hard-to-access areas.
- Cover any areas you don't want to be painted. Apply painter's tape to the edge of the soles as well as the inside rim of the top of the sneakers. Insert newspaper inside of the sneakers to keep them protected from the paint.[4]
- Use painter's tape so there isn't any residue left behind when you remove it.
- If you're painting sneakers that have a logo that you want unchanged, like the Nike swoosh or Adidas stripes, cover the logo with painter's tape.
[Edit]Drawing a Design and Applying the Paint - Sketch your design out on paper. Draw the entire design so you can decide if there are any changes you want to make. Color in your sketch and try different colors to find what you like best.[5]
- Brainstorm sneaker paint design ideas and research sneaker designs online for inspiration.
- Coordinate colors so the painted sneakers are more aesthetically pleasing.
- If you're unsure about certain elements or details, draw multiple sketches. For example, if you're not sure if you should include a diamond pattern or a sawtooth pattern, try drawing a version of each and then make your decision.
- Lightly trace the outline on your sneakers with a pencil. Use a standard HB pencil to add the design outline to your sneakers. Add the markings lightly so they don't show up through the paint and so you can erase and make corrections if you need to. Sketch out the entire design you plan to add to the sneakers.[6]
- Use the sketch you put on paper as a reference.
- Make a stencil of a design to help guide your markings.
- Trace over the outline with a paint marker. Paint markers have different tip sizes and come in a variety of colors, so choose one that suits the design you want to create. Then, trace over the lines with a paint marker to make the outline more clear and to add color to your sneakers.[7]
- You can find paint markers at craft supply stores and online.
- Practice tracing over the design on paper to be sure you're using the best tip size for each outline.
- Use acrylic paint and micro-detail paintbrushes to paint sneakers. You'll need smaller brush tips to apply the paint and add details to your sneakers, so use a clean set of micro-details brushes. Acrylic paint will adhere to the sneaker best.[8]
- You may need different brush sizes for different areas of the sneakers, so have a kit of various sizes handy.
- Organize the paint colors that match your design and keep them nearby so you can apply them more easily when you're painting.
- Keep a glass of clean water nearby so you can wash the paintbrushes if necessary.
- You can get micro-detail brushes and acrylic paint at department stores, craft stores, and online.
- Add a thin layer of paint to 1 side of the sneaker. Dip the paintbrush in the paint and apply a thin, even layer using smooth and consistent strokes. The first layer will set the base coat down and will not look like a finished product.[9]
- Focus on 1 side at a time so the paint can dry while you're working on the other side.
- Follow the outline you created and be sure to fill the spaces evenly with the paint.
- Be sure to wash the paintbrush in the glass of water if you plan to use the same brush for different paint colors.
- Flip the sneaker and paint the other side. When the first side is done, rotate the sneaker and apply a thin coat of paint on the other side. Fill in the outline with the acrylic paint to match the other side.[10]
- Be careful not to smudge or touch the paint on the other side of the shoe while you paint.
- Apply 3-4 more layers to both sides of the sneakers. By the time you finish each side of the sneaker, the coat of paint on the other side should be dry enough for you to add another layer. Continue adding layers until the design is complete and you're happy with the paint.[11]
- Double check that the paint is dry by touching it lightly with your finger.
- If the paint is taking a long time to dry for you to add another layer, you may be applying layers that are too thick.
- Allow the paint to dry for 1 hour and remove the painter's tape. Acrylic paint dries pretty quickly, especially when it's applied in thin layers. Keep the sneakers in a cool location so the paint doesn't run and leave them undisturbed for an hour. Gently pull off the painter's tape once the sneakers are dry.
- Check that the paint is dry by lightly touching it with your finger.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Cleaning and Preparing the Sneakers - Sneakers
- Laundry detergent or hand soap
- Nail polish cleaner
- Cotton ball
- Q-tip (optional)
- Painter's tape
- Newspaper
[Edit]Drawing a Design and Applying the Paint - Pencil
- Paint markers
- Micro-detail paintbrushes
- Acrylic paint
[Edit]References |
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