Pets World

Canine Health and Nutrition

2009-10-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

Up until fifty years ago most dogs ate table scraps. During the fifties when people moved to the suburbs and convenience was the norm cereal companies cornered the pet food market in supermarkets and agricultural feed stores.

Today pet owners get to choose from a puzzling array of colorful bags of dry premium foods, convenient semi-moist packets, and gourmet diets for puppies, adult dogs, hunting dogs, show dogs, lactating dogs, old dogs, and fat dogs.

Compounding this issue is the barrage of advertising touting the benefits of this or that food: It's all natural, it's real meat, it's non-allergenic, it's high protein, it's low protein, it's low-fat, it doesn't have by-products, your dog will love it.

Add to this the claims of the nay sayers: It's cooked, it contains chemicals, it causes allergies, they use road-kill and animals not fit for human consumption, soybeans cause bloat . . . and it is a wonder that anyone can choose. Yet, today, the commercially prepared dog foods made from a fixed formula of ingredients and preparation methods provides your pet with a balanced diet that rivals what is available for humans.

Pet owners can help themselves by doing a little research, by choosing a food that meets their needs as well as their pet. Dogs as well as humans need some diversity in their diets. We would not like to eat the same food day in and day out and neither does your pet.

History

Commercial dog food is a by-product of breakfast cereal processing. American manufacturers included dried meat scraps in their dog meal for a balanced diet. The canning of horsemeat unsuitable for export began in the 1920s, and within 10 years, nearly 200 brands of canned food were available.

The pet food industry took an enormous leap after World War II when the consumption of meat increased and the availability of by-products led to development of the rendering industry and new uses for meat and bone meal. Dry foods gained in popularity and owners frequently top-dressed the kibble with canned meat. Thus the stage was set for an explosion in types of canned and dry foods and development of the convenient semi-moist foods and snacks now available.

Early kibble foods were made from dough of grain flours, meat meals, dairy products, and vitamins and minerals baked in large pans and broken after cooking. The development of the extrusion method, in which the dough was pressed through a rotary machine that molded or shaped the pieces before baking, revolutionized the growing industry.

What should they eat?

Like all living creatures, dogs need a combination of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water in a balanced diet that provides sufficient calories to meet their daily needs for growth, activity, and repair. The claim on a bag of dog food that it is a complete food means nothing unless the nutrients are in a form available for absorption into the dog's systems.

Dog foods also must contain vitamin and mineral supplements in balanced concentrations. Too much of one mineral may interfere with absorption of another; too little of a mineral may interfere with vitamin use or other mineral use.

However, slight differences in processing temperatures, in quality of the ingredients purchased, and storage humidity and temperature of ingredients and of the finished product can cause variations in the quality that may affect a particular dog, a particular breed, or a particular line of dogs within a breed.

In addition, some breeds or groups of breeds may require slightly different percentages of particular nutrients. Therefore, all dog foods are not perfect for all dogs.

Food Sensitivity

An allergy is a condition of unusual sensitivity to a substance or substances usually protein in nature which is perceived by the body as foreign. Signs of allergies in dogs may manifest as itching and in some cases diarrhea. Food allergies account for only about 5 to 10 percent of all allergic reactions in dogs and cats. Although diagnosing and managing food allergies is challenging most pets are not food allergic, so don't automatically think food if your pet has skin or digestive problems.

Diagnosis of a food allergy is a demanding diagnostic process requiring strict dietary management to make sure your dog ingests no allergy-triggering food. Because the signs of food allergy resemble those of other canine allergies - and because effective treatment depends on pinpointing the allergy-causing ingredient - diagnosing food allergies is challenging for both owners and veterinarians. If you bring your pet to the animal hospital with a complaint of itching or digestive distress, your veterinarian will first rule out more common causes of these signs.

The rule-out process might include a physical examination and laboratory tests for flea allergy dermatitis, the most common cause of allergic skin disease of animals, inhalant allergies, seasonal reactions to pollen, mold spores, and dust mites, and food caused digestive intolerance, an acute adverse reaction to food that does not involve the immune system.

If your pet has an immediate adverse reaction to a diet change, the reaction is probably not an allergy because it takes more than one exposure to a food ingredient to incite an allergic reaction. That's why dogs and cats that have been eating the same food for months or years with no problem can develop a food allergy.

Some dogs just get tired of eating the same thing so it is wise to vary their diet between two types of protein. You might feed a chicken based product for six months and then change to a lamb based product for six months and continuing to alternate back and forth. If the food allergy remains a suspect, your veterinarian will then help you try to pinpoint what might be causing your pet's problems.

Most food-allergic dogs are hypersensitive to only one or two ingredients, with beef and dairy proteins topping the culprit list. Ingredients that may also cause problems - but not as often - include grains, pork, chicken, eggs, and fish. Allergies to food additives including preservatives may also be a cause but are rare. To definitely diagnose food allergies, most veterinarians recommend a trial with an elimination diet - a diet that contains a protein and carbohydrate source the animal has never been exposed to.

To start with, feed the elimination diet for a period of up to 16 weeks and monitor your dog's response. Signs should abate if your dog is indeed food-allergic. To get conclusive results from the trial, your dog should ingest nothing but the elimination diet and water. That means no treats, rawhide, or chewable medications. Following this strict regimen can be difficult, especially for those living in multi pet households.

If signs are resolved after an elimination-diet trial, you can assume something in your pet's diet is causing the allergy. But to be certain, some veterinarians recommend reintroducing the original diet. A recurrence of signs within 7 to 14 days confirms food allergy. There is no cure for food allergies. Managing a food allergy means simply avoiding the causative ingredient or ingredients. Long-term avoidance is simply a matter of keeping your dog on the elimination diet you used to diagnose the allergy.

Unfortunately, however, some dogs become allergic to ingredients in the elimination diet over time. If this happens to your dog, you'll need to find another nutritionally balanced diet that contains "new" proteins and carbohydrates. Again this is a reason for alternating your dogs food between two protein sources. Most pet owners will do well by their dogs if they buy a good quality dry dog food.

If a dog has a healthy skin and coat, is energetic, and gets good marks from the veterinarian on the annual checkup, pet owners can continue to feed the same diet no matter which they have chosen.

Two things to remember--any change in your pet's diet should be introduced gradually, and a healthier diet won't make your pet more vibrant if he doesn't get enough exercise everyday. Your pet will love you for it!

Human Foods that Poison Pets

2009-10-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

Feeding pets food that we enjoy is not only wrong, it can also be fatal. There are some foodstuffs that humans relish which cause illness and death if eaten by pets. Chocolate, macadamia nuts and onions are good examples. Each of these foods contains chemicals which rarely cause problems for humans, but for dogs, these same chemicals can be deadly.
Chocolate toxicity Onion and garlic poisoning The danger of macadamia nuts Other potential dangers
Chocolate toxicity Top Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. When affected by an overdose of chocolate, a dog can become excited and hyperactive. Due to the diuretic effect, it may pass large volumes of urine and it will be unusually thirsty. Vomiting and diarrhoea are also common. The effect of theobromine on the heart is the most dangerous effect. Theobromine will either increase the dog’s heart rate or may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Death is quite possible, especially with exercise. After their pet has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death following within twenty-four hours. Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms. A 10-kilogram dog can be seriously affected if it eats a quarter of a 250gm packet of cocoa powder or half of a 250gm block of cooking chocolate. These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Thus, a chocolate mud cake could be a real health risk for a small dog. Even licking a substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog unwell. Semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate are the next most dangerous forms, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate to be affected. Obviously, the smaller the dog, the less it needs to eat.
Onion and garlic poisoning Top Onions and garlic are other dangerous food ingredients that cause sickness in dogs, cats and also livestock. Onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Onions are more of a danger. Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop haemolytic anaemia, where the pet’s red blood cells burst while circulating in its body. At first, pets affected by onion poisoning show gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhoea. They will show no interest in food and will be dull and weak. The red pigment from the burst blood cells appears in an affected animal’s urine and it becomes breathless. The breathlessness occurs because the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body are reduced in number. The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness. Onion poisoning can occur with a single ingestion of large quantities or with repeated meals containing small amounts of onion. A single meal of 600 to 800 grams of raw onion can be dangerous whereas a ten-kilogram dog, fed 150 grams of onion for several days, is also likely to develop anaemia. The condition improves once the dog is prevented from eating any further onion While garlic also contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, it seems that garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be eaten to cause illness.
The danger of macadamia nuts Top Macadamia nuts are another concern. A recent paper written by Dr. Ross McKenzie, a Veterinary Pathologist with the Department of Primary Industries, points to the danger of raw and roasted macadamia nuts for pets. The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated. Dogs have been affected by eating as few as six macadamia kernels (nuts without the shell) while others had eaten approximately forty kernels. Some dogs had also been given macadamia butter. Luckily, the muscle weakness, while painful, seems to be of short duration and all dogs recovered from the toxicity. All dogs were taken to their veterinary surgeon. Pets owners should not assume that human food is always safe for pets. When it comes to chocolate, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts, such foods should be given in only small quantities, or not at all. Be sure that your pets can’t get into your stash of chocolates, that food scraps are disposed of carefully to prevent onion and garlic toxicity and that your dog is prevented from picking up macadamia nuts if you have a tree in your garden.
Other potential dangers Top Avocado (all parts) - the toxic ingredient in avocado is called persin (toxic amount unknown). Symptoms include difficulty breathing, abdominal enlargement, abnormal fluid accumulations in the chest, abdomen and sac around the heart. Pear pips, the kernels of plums, peaches and apricots, apple core pips (contain cyanogenic glycosides resulting in cyanide posioning) Potato peelings and green looking potatoes Rhubarb leaves Mouldy/spoiled foods Alcohol Yeast dough Coffee grounds, beans & tea (caffeine) Hops (used in home brewing) Tomato leaves & stems (green parts) Broccoli (in large amounts) Raisins and grapes Cigarettes, tobacco, cigars Xylitol (sweetener often found in sugar-free gum)

Aggression And Dementia: Old Dog Problems

2009-08-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

As your pet ages, there will be many changes that's bound to happen in its behavior and its relationshep between you and your family. We all know that they age a lot faster than us humans and live a shorter lifespan. As they draw closer to the point of their doom, problems will arise and gradually get worse as time passes. This is a fact that all pet owners are aware of and should accept – but that doesn't mean they should be put to rest in peace courtesy of their veterinarian. There are other alternatives which could be implemented, which could be better for the both of you.

Like a dying old man, we do everything we can to sustain his life and help make things more comfortable for him before it's his time to go. Putting him to sleep to meet thy Maker would be out of the question, even if he wanted it that way. You should take the same perspective of the morality of this for your pet. Dementia is a disorder that occurs in people, and can happen to your pet too. Dementia is characterized by sudden changes in behavior, and the ability to think properly. It'll become more forgetful, eventually forgetting its own name.

If you were to call it, it would be wondering who the hell you were calling for awhile before responding. This is because of the damage done to the neurons in the brain, which leads to slower reactions and intellectual responses. Dogs with dementia will be walking without a sense of direction – it'll appear that it didn't know what it was doing or where it was going. Your old pooch could also become aggressive. As a pup it would be wagging its tail or jumping up on visitors to greet them, but when it gets old its hair and tail would be standing while showing its teeth before jumping up on them.

It could become very hostile towards other dogs as well; seeing it fight with other pets trying to take their heads off should be expected. Being a threat to you and your family is also a distinct possibility. Hard to believe but a fact that has proven to be very true and common amongst many old dogs – according to statistics. There is also a possibility that it could become apprehensive, thinking that something bad is gonna happen - they would shiver in fear at the sight of other animals and humans. When your pet has reached this point, things will be tough for the both of you but there are still ways to help it deal with its condition.

Luckily there are medicines that can help with some cognitive disorders that it may be experiencing. This would improve its overall intellectual capacity, resulting to a less confused pooch with better memory. A veterinarian could offer lots of advice and prescribe proper treatment of your dog. You should also consult a behaviorist with this as his field of expertise – doing so will be great for the other behavioral problems it may have.

Safe Cat Food For A Healthy Feline

2009-08-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

For the cat lover, their cat is more than a pet; he or she is a valued member of the family. It is essential in maintaining your cat's health to feed a high-quality cat food. Many cat foods and treats claim to have the highest quality ingredients, but not all of them make the grade. In this article we will discuss the essential ingredients to look for in choosing a quality cat food as well as the three to avoid. When you're finished reading, you will have the information you need to choose the most healthy and nutritious food for your precious cat.

When choosing a food or treat, check the label and make sure the first listing is protein. There are many cat foods which will use a filler ingredient such as wheat or corn instead of protein as the main ingredient. Cats are obligate carnivores, which mean that they must eat meat; no matter how wonderful vegetables may be for the health of a human being, they are not essential or even needed to maintain the health and happiness of our feline friends. Feeding a cat food that has wheat or corn as its primary ingredient can lead to health problems in the long run, including joint, skin, coat, and eye conditions. Also, it is important to remember the wheat gluten contamination that led to the recall of so many cat foods as well as multiple deaths in 2007.

Another problem with cat foods that contain corn or wheat gluten is that cats can develop allergies. If you notice that your cat is scratching more, or develops scabs around the head and neck, you will want to discuss with your veterinarian switching your cat to a different cat food that contains higher quality ingredients not found in your cat's current diet.

Many people think premium cat foods are expensive, but in fact, because they have less filler, the cat is able to gain a full day's nutrition eating as little as half the amount as of a lower quality food. As a result, often the cost per day is the same. The difference is, with a high quality cat food, your cat is not immersed in a diet of artificial preservatives such as BHT, BHA or Ethoxyquin, animal by products, or unnecessary fillers. Removing these unfavorable ingredients makes a significant difference in the overall health and well being of your cat, improving quality of life, as well as reducing the likelihood of developing health issues and frequent trips to the vet.

Humans may eat junk food once in awhile but we surely couldn’t survive or thrive with a daily diet like this. Imagine now that we tend to feed our felines the same thing everyday. Daily feeding of junk food (which unfortunately some cat food brands are) would not be healthy for them. Sometimes we will see this manifest into a dull coat or bowel/urinary issues. Sometimes we may not see anything wrong. However, as most people know quality nutrition and proper absorption of nutrients is beneficial to over all health and the same is true for our cats.

Whether we have two legs or four, what we eat makes a difference. Avoid animal by-products, fillers such as corn or wheat gluten, and keep your cat on a food that promotes health.

Dog Food Ingredients, The Bad and Good

2009-08-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

The dog food that you buy your dog is more than just a meal. What your dog eats impacts his health and it can even make him sick. As a concerned dog owner, you must take your time to choose dog food that is high quality and that does not contain ingredients that could harm your dog’s health.

It can often be difficult to tell if a dog food is high quality just by looking at it. It is really not about how the food looks as much as it is about what is inside of it. To really access the quality of a dog food, you must begin by looking at the list of ingredients.

Ingredients are listed according to how much of the ingredients are used in the food. This means that the ingredient listed first is the main ingredient. This first ingredient should be an animal protein. The preferred ingredient would be “chicken” meal (not something like meat meal or poultry meal). It is important to note that poultry meal is not the same thing as chicken meal. Also meat by products are also not a good protein choice because by products lack the proper nutritional value.

Some grains, such as corn, wheat or soy can be difficult for a dog to digest. This leads to less nutritional value, less nutrition for your dog and more digestive issues that can be uncomfortable for you and your dog. Furthermore, they can cause allergic reactions that could be very harmful to your dog.

Another thing to look at is the fat sources in the food. As with the human diet, in the canine diet some fats are better than others. Animal fats are better for your dog because animal fats are easier on your dog’s digestive system.

Something else that you want to watch out for is preservatives. Watch out for them. Just as with the food you eat, preservatives add little value and they are not good for your dog. Some preservatives are very harmful to dogs. BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin are a few examples of preservatives that have been proven to be harmful to dogs when they consume them over a period of time.

Lastly, take an overall look at the dog food. Just what does it offer your dog? Does it provide extra benefits? Some things to look for are vegetables, beet fiber, antioxidants, minerals and bacteria cultures.

When you take all these things into mind you should be able to choose the best dog food for your dog. You should feel confident that the food you are feeding your dog will be healthy for him and that it is going to provide him with great taste that he enjoys. You will become a pro at spotting dog food that is just not right for your dog.

As humans, eating fast food is sometimes convenient and even tastes good. Eating like this once in awhile isn’t bad. However, this couldn’t be a realistic diet everyday because of lack of nutrition. Eventually the wonders of our body would crave something more. The same hold true for you dog. They can’t tell you though when they are looking for something better, healthier and more nutritious. We tend to feed our dogs the same food everyday. Some dog food brands can equate to human fast food. If we wouldn’t eat everyday like that; why would we feed our dogs food daily like that?

Bulldog + Mastiff = Bullmastiff

2009-08-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

Judging by its name, the breed is the result of crossbreeding a Bulldog with a Mastiff. The need for a better guard dog was what triggered this combination. A faster and stronger dog was needed for the job, so this pooch came into the picture, which was more than enough for the job. The result of the experiment was a great success – the people of England (this is where this pooch originated), ended up with a massive dog. The Bullmastiff could weigh anywhere between 110-130 pounds, and stand 24 to 27 inches. Despite being a giant, it also possessed good agility and an abundance of stamina, making catching intruders a simple task to carry out.

It looked tough too, giving people with malicious intentions second thoughts of doing whatever they had in mind. Many people consider dogs of this breed to possess some very attractive traits. These attributes are what made it extremely popular amongst the average pet owners everywhere. Even though it was a huge, which made it seem to be dangerous to have around children, it was completely different in the inside. One good thing about this dog is its understanding of fragility – it's rather gentle with its human owners and very tolerant of pain inflicted by kids. Unlike many hyperactive and rowdy breeds, this one is reserved and stays passive, unless it's put in a situation that requires it to defend itself or its master.

The Bullmastiff is affectionate, so expect it to constantly do things to catch your attention. It'll try to find you when you're not around, because it feels the need for human companionship. Exercise is something that it'll most definitely need. Taking it out on daily walks, jogging, or running will do it good. Also try setting time aside for play; this does wonders for the relationship shared between you two. Another thing you should know about having it as a pet is the importance of behavioral and obedience training. They have the tendency to become stubborn, especially if placed in the hands of an owner that's too soft.

You as the owner should establish your superiority over it before it thinks the other way around. Never be too strict or harsh, and never hit or shout - be firm, but gentle at the same time. Educate its mind while it's still young, not starting early only makes things harder for the both of you. Allow it to get used to the idea of daily training routines – of which every session must be worth its while. Grooming this pooch doesn't require a lot of effort – occasional brushing of coat and clipping of nails coupled with bathing when needed will be enough.

But if you really want it clean, get a dog toothbrush and toothpaste; killing the bacteria in its mouth will lower the odds of it getting sick. When trained properly, it can serve as a wonderful pet, an outstanding guard dog, or even both. All you have to do is use the right methods of training, be consistent, and patient – the end result is something you wouldn't want to skip out on.

How My Dog Licked Cancer

2009-08-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

You may have heard about the research, still in its early stages, about dogs’ ability to sniff out cancer in people. Pretty remarkable. Talk about being human’s best friend – what a solid to save someone’s life!

A dog may have saved my life when I had cancer, at least in a way. The backstory:

Before my cancer surgery, I yearned to be able to practice visualization, knowing of its ability to both strengthen the immune system and reduce stress and anxiety. But I had the hardest time. While others imagined little PacMen ferreting out and eating stealthy cancer cells, heat-seeking missiles tracking down tumors and pounding them, or even Robin Hood-clad warriors with bows and arrows shooting down the errant cells, I couldn’t conjure anything violent. A peace-lover, I knew there had to be a more compassionate way to lick the disease.

There was, and I found it, in a different kind of licking - the licking that my Jack Russell Terrier mix, Bean, engages in as part of his genetic makeup. Jack Russells apparently love to lick – human legs, when they come out of the shower; bare feet (the smellier the better); and any age or size human face. (Of course, this is assuming such behavior is allowed, which in our home, it is.)

When I had cancer, I went outside each morning at the break of day to meditate. I would first practice conventional meditation for about 20 minutes, then try to practice some sort of peaceful anti-cancer visualization.

One day the image came to me and I almost jumped out of the wooden chair on my deck. In my mind's eye I saw Bean licking the inside of my feet – or rather, he was shrunk down to the size of a mouse and was literally on the inside of my feet, licking up any remaining cancer cells. He moved up into my ankles, calves, thighs, and then into my abdomen and chest. Then he crept down my left arm to my forearm and hand, back up again, across my chest and over to my right arm, where he did the same thing. Then up into my head, licking the inside of my brain.

He loved licking up those cancer cells. And they didn’t hurt him at all; I told myself that his digestive juices destroyed them on contact.

I credit Bean for helping to save my life when I had cancer not only because he slurped up the cells with his warm little tongue, but because stayed in bed with me for weeks as I recovered from major surgery, setting his chin upon my chest while I lied flat on my back. He also gave me incentive to get up and go, literally, for a walk with him in the hot August air.

I’m not sure Bean knows that he helped heal me, and it doesn’t matter a bit. I have rewarded him with more love than I thought was possible for one person to feel for a dog. He is truly my best friend as well as my savior.
--

Shar Pei Pointers for Raising

2009-08-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

When raising a Shar Pei dog, know that you'll most likely experience difficulties in the process. One thing that has been a well-known about this breed is its fierce loyalty. This breed originated from China, where they served as guard dogs for Chinese Royalty, as well as fighting. The latter was rather inhumane, but was luckily put to an end as time progressed. After years of evolution, it still retained many of the traits such as being very protective, brave, and some of the bad ones. Many people choose this breed for its unique look, somewhat seemingly strange in an attractive way.

It has many wrinkles which are quite deep – people find this to be cute. Cute doesn't cover the fact that it can develop some behavioral problems along the way. One of those will be a trust issue – it easily grows suspicious of strangers, especially ones visiting the house. The Shar Pei has the tendency to become overprotective, causing it to misinterpret human gestures. Even if you don't mean harm it will think otherwise. This can make it a fantastic guard dog, one that is loyal to only you and its family. It will let you know if anybody has gotten in the house, and can take action if provoked.

But it likes overdoing things sometimes, which also makes it a lousy guest entertainer – even doubting the intentions of visiting friends. This definitely doesn't mean it's a lost cause. For every behavioral defect corresponds a solution – the best one imploring early correctional methods, commonly termed as puppy training. Starting young means you'll be getting a head start; you can beat the problem before it even develops. Throughout the early months, take note of any unwanted behavior, and do something about it. Some times ignoring it works, but the success of it ain't always absolutely sure. Let it know when you don't like what its doing.

When teaching basic commands, use a tone of voice that it will easily recognize you being serious. Be firm and gentle, establishing the “superior parent” figure. This will make it respect you but not fear you, which is essential in molding behavior and obedience. Keep sessions interesting and fun, but never too long. Here I stress the importance of intensity of duration, meaning shorter sessions held through out the day packing everything it needs for learning. Your Shar Pei must be allowed to socialize. Introduce it to other animals and humans, so that it can familiarize itself with normal behavior.

Taking it out for walks or just for play will be vital for the bond between you too. Remember to love your dog, that it is prone to make mistakes; which of course should be accepted because there was never meant to be a perfect pet. Lower yourself to their level – when I say this I don't mean degrade yourself, rather put yourself in their shoes to better understand them. Better understanding your Shar Pei will help you determine the causes of the problems that has been happening, and think of a good solution. Proper raising will require time and a lot of patience, but the end result will be more than enough payment for the effort.

What Does Guaranteed Analysis Mean in Pet Food?

2009-08-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

We love our dogs and cats. We buy them gourmet treats, designer apparel and lavish them with our time, love and attention. They share our lives, our woes and are by our side throughout all of our ups and downs. They are purely and simply an important part of our family. But how many of us stop to think about what we are really feeding them until it becomes a front page headline or a news alert on the web?

Pet nutritional experts believe that our dogs and cats have the genetic potential to live up to 20 years, yet many of our four legged family members are considered long in the tooth if they reach eleven or twelve. The National Institute of Aging (2006) has stated that the average human life expectancy has almost doubled in the last century mostly due to improvements in nutrition and the control of disease. Maybe it is time to expect the same for our pets. As we demand more from our own food source we should be asking the same tough questions about our pet’s food.

Where is our pet food prepared? Is it a USDA certified facility? Are the ingredients cast offs from our food supply chain due to their poor quality or are they human grade quality. Has the food been prepared using chemicals such as BHA and BHT, known carcinogens, and Ethoxyquin, a rubber stabilizer? Last of all, who from the company, we buy our pet food from, can we talk to for advice and honest answers concerning the nutritional welfare of our pets?

Most people are surprised when they learn that the pet food industry, a multi million-dollar industry, came about during World War II. Cereals and grain considered waste from factories was bagged and sold as pet food. The industry then evolved as manufacturers recognized that to ensure animals were not undernourished they would have to incorporate meat into their products; meat that had been rejected from our food supply chain due to its poor nutritional quality, condition or health risk.

Has much changed?

Before we look at what should be in our pets’ food, let us look at what we should not find on the pet food menu.

1. Cereal and Grains such as corn, wheat and soy. Often labeled under several other names. When grouped together they increase the protein allocation in the Guaranteed Analysis. Yet cereals and grains contain allergens. Corn is #3 on the list of allergens affecting pets reported by pet owners and veterinarians
2. By-Products are also indigestible protein sources. Parts of an animal not fit for human consumption such as feet, bones, and hides.
3. Meat and bone meal made from the five D’s, dead, diseased, dying, disabled and drugged animal, a policy still practiced today.
4. Preservatives. Chemical preservatives are used to maintain pet food for extended periods, chemicals that can cause cancer such as BHA and BHT.

Many progressive and forward thinking pet food consumers have educated themselves on the “Guaranteed Analysis” of their pet food. Consumers have been guided to look for certain percentages within three categories, Protein, Fat and Fiber. Some consumers are satisfied with their choice in a product if these three components meet the levels recommended by industry professionals.

Would you be happy with food based on a percentage quota of protein if the protein came from a leather shoe, or the fat from a bowl of cooking oil and the fiber from peanut shells? Is the guaranteed analysis a good enough guide to ensuring our pet’s food is meeting the nutritional requirements of our pets?

So what should be in our Pet’s food?

Protein
First our pets’ food should not contain any by-products or inferior grains. Protein should come from a high quality, easily digested protein such as chicken meal. The food should contain fresh vegetables and fruit to provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and bioflavonoid to support the immune system.

Fiber and Carbohydrates
Whole brown rice provides an excellent source of highly digestible carbohydrate needed for short-term energy and dietary fiber.

Fats
Chicken fat, catfish meal, flaxseed meal and eggs provide a natural balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and provide a shiny coat.

There should be no added flavors or coloring. Premium holistic dog foods are made using a method called “Fast Cook”; this ensures all the nutrition from quality ingredients remains in the food. The better pet food manufacturers also make their food in small, frequent batches to avoid using chemical additives or preservatives and to ensure the customer receives the freshest food possible.

Some of the premium pet food manufacturers have also incorporated innovative technology into their food by adding live Probiotics to support the immune system and digestive tract and antioxidants such as grape seed extract, an ingredient sought by many of us for our own consumption.

I buy a product for my pets that not only contains all the above but is also prepared by an APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) certified manufacturer to sell pet food in the European market, a market with more stringent regulations than the U.S for pet food industry.

Does this all make a difference? You bet it does. Remember, your pet eats the same food every day at every meal so what you give them is critical to their health and longevity. Serving your best friend foods full of chemicals, by-products and preservatives would be like letting our children eat at a fast food restaurant 3 times a day 7 days a week. We all know that would be a recipe for nutritional disaster.

Author's Bio
Niki Tudge is the owner and founder of The DogSmith, America’s Dog Training, Dog Walking and Pet Care Franchise. Niki achieved her Canine Behaviorist Diploma in England and Dog Obedience Training Diploma in the US. Niki is a Certified Dog Trainer by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a Endorsed member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Trainers.

Eye Infections in Dogs

2009-08-19T09:58:00.001-07:00

An eye infection is a relatively general description of a medical condition that may result in discomfort, discharge and abnormal appearance of a dog's eyes and surrounding tissue.

Conjunctivitis
This is generally the most common type of eye infection seen regularly in dogs. Conjunctivitis is characterized by the inflammation of the portion of the eye called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, clear membrane that protects the eye as well as the inner eyelid. The cause of this condition is most commonly a viral infection, an allergic reaction, or a bacterial infection.

The most common bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are streptococci and staphylococci. In Allergic conjunctivitis, the cause may be any number of airborne irritants that are causing an allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis that is caused by a virus is usually a result of a respiratory infection, flu, or other viral conditions. Regardless of the specific cause, this is the condition that manifests with all of the general symptoms of an eye infection, without any secondary symptoms.

Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a condition that usually manifests as an inflammation of the eyelids. The most common cause of this condition is a bacterial infection, which causes the subsequent inflammation of the eyelid. Other causes include demodectic mites, sensitivity to the sun, trauma, and other eye diseases. Though this condition may affect humans as well as dogs, it is occasionally seen in cats and other mammals.

Ulcerative Keratitis
In the condition of Ulcerative Keratitis, a dog's eye is subject to inflammation of the cornea. This is usually characterized by specific erosions of the cornea, though may also manifest as ulcers. This condition can be caused by several factors, though is commonly caused by keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

The common name for keratoconjunctivitis sicca is “Dry Eye”, and is characterized by a deficiency of tears, usually caused by abnormalities in the tear ducts. Other causes of this condition include herpesvirus, trauma(where eye is punctured), other disease affecting the eyes/tear ducts, and facial nerve paralysis.

Juvenile Cellulitis (Puppy Strangles)
This is a condition that usually manifests as blisters around the eyes, in addition to blisters around the lips, mouth, nose and ears. These blisters will cause irritation to the eyes, resulting in many of the common symptoms of an eye infection. The blisters will eventually become ulcerated, and a dog will have other secondary symptoms, such as enlarged lymph glands and anorexia. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection.

Eye Infections in Dogs

2009-08-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Asthma in Dogs

2009-08-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

Dogs that have asthma are less frequent than felines that have it. Some studies have shown that the asthma is more frequent in small and middle age dogs. Asthma can change the life of the pet, just like in humans.

Have you ever seen a dog that had asthma or he had an asthma attack? It can be shocking to watch. They begin by coughing, wheezing and sneezing. If the attack is too severe, the dog can even faint or have serious respiratory problems.

What is the reason for Asthma in dogs?

Most dogs that have asthma have it because they are allergic to something. The asthma is a response to the allergic reaction. The dog has a weak immune system and this is why he is more available for allergies and the allergic response. The dogs that have asthma can have an asthma attack because they are allergic to some irritants in the air. They can be allergic to cigarette smoke, perfumes, dust, or other in air problem.

Other causes for the asthma are the viral and bacterial infections, the worms, or even cancer. They can cause asthma in dogs. Here are the top seven symptoms related with asthma that happens to dogs. The dogs typically show some of these top signs:

1. They can lose the appetite

2. Coughing appears

3. The dog wheezes

4. Lethargic movements

5. The dog sneezes

6. Sometimes weight loss appears

7. Sometimes the tongue gets blue

If your pet has any or some of these symptoms, you should take it immediately to the doctor. The vet will give him some blood tests, some chest X-rays and he will look for the asthma.

Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe the most efficient treatment. Hopefully this material about dogs’ asthma has been helpful for you and your dog.

Symptoms and Treatment of Lyme Disease in Dogs

2009-08-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Lyme disease is quite a new disease. It has been found recently in the north and western parts of the US. The alarming thing about this disease is that it can be transmitted form dogs to humans quite easily. Since 1975 this disease has been a constant sign of concern in all the states of the United States of America.

The source of infection

The source is a microscopic parasite also named deer tick. The white-footed mice and the white tailed deer are the main hosts. When the mice or the deer is in the wood area or areas with plants, the tick attaches itself to the body of the host. These ticks don’t fly or jump. They just sit there and wait for the host to carry them out.

Attack method

The ticks can attack a dog almost everywhere on the body. They can attach themselves to ears, neck, feat or head. The tick bites are not painful, they are like a bee sting. It is quite common that an infected dog doesn’t show distress from the tick bites.

The symptoms

The infected dog will show an elevated temperature. He can also be restless and show a bit of limping. Other symptoms that follow are the pain, warmth and joint swelling. Also, it is hard to notice, but underneath the dog’s coat, some inflammated areas can appear. That is where the tick has bitten the skin. Make a habit of checking the dog’s skin form time to time and watch out for these symptoms.

The treatment

Once you have spotted some symptoms, take the dog straight to the doctor. The vet will diagnose the dog and give him the right medication. Don’t wait awhile before taking the dog to the vet. The Lyme disease can easily spread to you too and in advanced stages it can even kill the dog.

Serious repercussions happen if it is left untreated. The dog can even get paralyzed in his limbs. After attacking the front and then the back limbs, the disease will for sure attack the chest muscles and disable them. This means the dog will no longer be able to breath on his own. He will choke and die of asphyxiation.

Top Dog Breeds for Families

2009-08-09T01:49:00.002-07:00

A dog can make a great addition to a family. After all, dogs are cute, cuddly and loyal companions for kids and adults. They are intelligent, affectionate and protective of their human family members. There’s a dog for everyone so which breed should you choose? Some dog breeds are just more family oriented than others so let’s take a look at those who get along well with children and enjoy being treated like any other member of the family.

Collie

Collies are not only beautiful but highly intelligent dogs as well. They are friendly with a gentle disposition. Collies are playful, peaceful and make good companions. A collie is a good choice for a family dog.

Poodles

Poodles are cute, cuddly and love affection. They are active dogs that love to play. Despite their size, they are good watchdogs too. Poodles are ideal family dogs.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are loving, loyal and patient. They are obedient dogs that are easy to train. They are active, social and friendly. Labrador Retrievers are people-oriented dogs who love attention. They are a wonderful choice when considering a family dog.

Boston Terrier

These gentle, well-mannered dogs have an easy going demeanor. They’re also easy to train. The Boston Terrier is a fun-loving, playful and intelligent dog. Boston Terriers make good companions and they are protective over their family members.

Beagle

Beagles are happy, energetic and playful dogs. They have gentle dispositions and love attention. They also form a protective bond over their human companions. A beagle is definitely a family dog.

Pug

Pugs are generally happy, loving and affectionate dogs. They are quite playful and energetic. The pug is a highly intelligent and clever dog. They make loyal companions.

Schnauzer

Schnauzers have fun-loving playful personalities. They are intelligent, social and affectionate. Schnauzers are very family-oriented and protective over their human companions.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is an intelligent, easy to train breed. They are happy, gentle dogs with a good disposition. Bichons are friendly, social and affectionate. This breed is excellent with kids which makes them a wonderful choice for a family dog.

Great Dane

This breed is affectionately known as the gentle giant. Great Danes are large, energetic dogs but they are also very friendly and loving. They are good with children and make excellent family dogs.

Australian Shepherd

This dog breed has an easy going, gentle demeanor. The Australian Shepherd is loyal and dependable companion. The breed is excellent with children and very protective of them.

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is cute, adorable and mild-mannered. The breed is obedient , loveable and affectionate. Basset Hounds make excellent family dogs.

Golden Retriever

The golden retriever is an intelligent, friendly and loveable dog. The breed is active and energetic. Golden Retrievers love outdoor play which makes them excellent companions for active children.

Boxer

Boxers are energetic, happy, playful dogs. They are very affectionate and love attention. Boxers are intelligent and learn quickly. Boxers are very family-oriented dogs. They are protective of children and get along well with them.

Irish Setter

Irish Setters are gentle, calm and very loving. The breed is generally energetic and happy. Irish Setters are family-oriented dogs that get along well with children.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands or Newfs as they are sometimes called are large, hardy dogs with a good temperament. They are intelligent, social and gentle. Newfs get along well with children. They possess the qualities of patience, playfulness and protectiveness that make them good companions for kids and a good choice for a family dog.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are loving and obedient. They are generally active, happy dogs. Cocker Spaniels are affectionate dogs that love attention. They are excellent companions for people of all ages.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small, cute and cuddly. They are also quite clever and intelligent. The breed is protective and independent. Pomeranians are friendly, loyal and loveable. They make adorable companion dogs.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is cute, energetic and playful. This breed loves attention and makes a wonderful companion for people of all ages. The Shih Tzu gets along equally well with children and adults making it a perfect family dog.

Burmese Mountain Dog

The Burmese Mountain dog is a large, even tempered dog that is easy to train and eager to please. The breed is friendly, obedient and protective. These dogs get along well with children and make an excellent family addition.

Airedale

Airedales are excellent canine companions. The breed is friendly, playful, protective and loyal. They are intelligent and obedient dogs that easily fit into the family structure.

Should You Feed Your Dog Marrow Bones?

2009-08-09T01:49:00.001-07:00

If you have a dog, then at some point in time you’ve probably given it a bone. There are two schools of thought on marrow bones for dogs. On one hand, raw bones seem like a natural choice for dog diets, something that they’d get in the wild. Marrow bones can be beneficial for dogs’ teeth and gums, adding nutrients to their diets that they just don’t get from processed dog food. Then there’s the pure enjoyment factor. On the other hand, there are possible dangers in feeding raw marrow bones to your dog, which at the extreme may be life-threatening or even fatal.

Bones can be a natural part of a dog’s diet, especially if you’re a proponent of the raw foods diet. If you’d like to feed bones to your dog, the best type of bone to give is a raw, meaty marrow-filled bone. The bone should be a knuckle bone or a femur, with some meat still attached to it, along with the cartilage and marrow still inside. Make sure the bone is too big to fit completely in your dog’s mouth, as it may choke.

These raw bones are very beneficial for the nourishment of the teeth and gums and the marrow itself is great source of fat and protein. The chewing action will strengthen your dog’s jaw muscles and clean and whiten its teeth. Most dogs absolutely love raw bones, and they’ll spend many enjoyable hours gnawing away on them. Giving marrow bones as an occasional treat, once or twice per week, will greatly reduce boredom and keep your dog’s mind occupied.

There are some possible dangers involved in giving raw marrow bones to your dog that you should keep in mind. First of all, never give your dog any kind of bones without supervision. Some dogs are very aggressive chewers and will move the bone to their back teeth where they can crack them. This will allow shard and splinters of bone to break off and possibly cut their tongues and gums. Take the bone away after a day so it doesn’t start to harden.

There’s a greater danger that pieces of bone will be swallowed. Most healthy dogs’ immune systems can handle small pieces of bone, but sometimes a piece can get lodged in the intestines or esophagus and cause major damage before the problem is discovered. There have been many unfortunate cases of dogs eating bones that have actually punctured the intestines, requiring major surgery to repair the damage. Avoid feeding any kind of bone that can splinter, such as chicken bones or rib bones.

Feeding raw marrow bones to your dog can be enjoyable and beneficial to both you and your pet. They help clean their teeth and gums and are a great boredom-buster. Just make sure to feed the right kinds of bones, and to never let your dog chew on them without supervision. Why not give your dog a special treat tonight?

Acupuncture For Dogs

2009-08-09T01:48:00.001-07:00

It is likely that you have probably heard about acupuncture for people, but the concept of dog acupuncture may be somewhat new to you. The idea of a therapy that uses needles to penetrate acupuncture points may seem slightly ridiculous for a dog. Why would a canine even need this type of therapy? Where can you take your dog to have acupuncture performed? Here are some of the different things that any pet owner consider acupuncture for dogs should be sure to take into consideration.

Why Choose Acupuncture For Dogs?

Acupuncture can provide a wide variety of health benefits for animals, just like it can for people. One of the most common reasons that dog owners choose acupuncture is because many canines experience arthritis when they get older. This tends to be more common among larger breeds, such as Golden Retrievers. Acupuncture can help ease the pain that the dog will normally experience. Some of the other health problems that acupuncture can help ease include hip dysplasia, injuries, strains, respiratory problems, and epilepsy.

How Many Acupuncture Sessions are Necessary?

The number of acupuncture sessions that will be necessary to improve health problems will vary according to your dog. Every dog is different, and the amount of time that it will take for the dog to heal will be different. That said, most dogs will require between three and five acupuncture sessions in order for there to be a noticeable difference in pain relief. Some dogs may require more or less acupuncture sessions, however. Almost all dogs will need to have at least more than one session to see results.

Who Performs Acupuncture For Dogs?

Keep in mind that acupuncture is not typically a form of therapy that your dog can receive just by visiting the veterinarian. In order to perform acupuncture for a dog, one must be a Certified Animal Acupuncturist. You may be able to find an acupuncturist for animals by looking in the phone book for “holistic veterinarians” or one may be recommended to you by a vet. Often, those who are certified to perform acupuncture for humans become certified to perform it for animals as well so don’t be afraid to call and ask.

What are the Potential Side Effects?

If you are thinking about acupuncture for your dog, then you are also probably wondering what the potential side effects are. Some of the possible problems that may occur include fatigue and ruptured blood vessels or nerves. Another one of the problems that can occur with acupuncture for dogs is a broken needle. The needle may break inside the dogs skin and surgery may be required to remove it. Keep in mind that side effects of acupuncture for dogs are very rare, however.

Acupuncture for dogs can be highly beneficial. If your dog has experienced some type of injury or is simply in pain due to a health condition, it may be a good idea to think about acupuncture. Although there are side effects associated with this form of holistic therapy, the health benefits of acupuncture greatly outweigh them.

A Dog Lover’s Guide to Golden Retrievers

2009-08-09T01:47:00.000-07:00

If you’re considering getting a dog, then you may be wondering what breed would be best. Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, second only to Labrador Retrievers. These dogs are a relatively new breed and were originally developed for hunting. They’re friendly and highly intelligent and stay as playful as puppies well into adulthood. These qualities can help you decide whether or not Golden Retrievers are the right dog breed for you and your family.

Golden Retrievers were bred for hunting during the 18th century. They became popular very quickly since they were able to retrieve the catch whether it was in the water or on land. They’re fairly large dogs, weighing between 65 and 70 pounds, and standing up to 24 inches at the shoulders.

Their large size and hunting background means that these dogs need daily exercise. Typically, a stroll around the lawn or down a busy city street is not enough to release the tremendous amounts of energy that these dogs contain. They need to be able to run and play and can do so for hours at a time. Owing a Golden Retriever means being committed to providing this physical activity that’s necessary for the dog’s health and well-being.

The personality of the Golden Retriever is one of main reason for this breed’s popularity. They mature slowly and love to play even as adults. This makes them very popular with families that have children, since the dog will seldom tire of playing with the kids.

That means that this is not the type of dog that can simply be tied to its doghouse in the yard or kept shut up in a crate. Goldens need to be with the family all the time in all activities. They need to be involved and interacted with – if they’re left alone too much they may become depressed and morose, leading to destructive behaviors and discipline problems. This is a breed to avoid if you aren’t willing to integrate it into your family life and treat it like a member of the family.

Golden Retrievers are friendly and highly intelligent. Easily trained, they can learn large vocabularies of over 200 words. Couple this intelligence with their sweet, outgoing personality and this makes them excellent for use as service dogs and in sport dog competitions.

However, the one area that Golden Retrievers are not easily trainable for is as attack dogs. They are extremely loyal to their families, but consider everyone to be their friend. If the family home were to be robbed, the Golden would show the thief where the jewels were located, wagging all the while. They can be very vocal, however, and while they won’t attack someone, they will bark loudly to let the family know that a new friend has arrived. So while being a guard dog just isn’t in their nature, being a watch dog is.

Golden Retrievers are friendly and intelligent and make a perfect family pet. Bred for hunting, their large size and sporting dog nature requires plenty of daily exercise. While they aren’t guard dogs, they will alert you to visitors. Keep these traits in mind when you’re getting your next dog – you can’t go wrong with a Golden Retriever.

A Dog Lover’s Guide to Beagles

2009-08-09T01:46:00.000-07:00

If you’re looking for a small dog with a big heart, then you can’t go wrong with a beagle. These dogs are great family dogs with a distinct personality, and are able to adapt to small apartments or country living. Their sense of smell is one of the highest in the canine world, and they’re used by hunters and drug detection teams to detect everything from rabbits to cocaine.

Beagles are physically small dogs and are sometimes confused as a toy breed, although they’re not. Their size ranges anywhere from 13 – 16 inches in height at the shoulders, rarely weighing in at more than 30 pounds. Their coats are short and sleek, requiring daily grooming, though a weekly brushing should be done to remove dead skin and hair and keep the skin healthy.

There aren’t many dogs that can plead with their eyes as well as beagles can. Their soft dark eyes, soulful expressions and long, floppy ears all add up to an endearing little dog that blends well with any family. They get along great with kids and other pets, though they need to be acclimated early to any pets other than dogs.

Beagles are known for their keen sense of smell. All dogs excel in this area, but beagles are one of the top scent hounds. Historically, they were used as hunting dogs and still are today. Their keen noses can track rabbits and other animals for their owners. Even though they aren’t the fastest at chasing them, their tracking ability still leads the hunter right to the quarry.

Today, beagles are commonly used by law enforcement in various capacities. Drug detection teams use them to sniff out cocaine and other illegal drugs at airports and crime scenes, and these little dogs are also used on search and rescue missions to find lost hikers. Various canines also function as cadaver dogs, whose job is to find dead bodies at natural disasters such as earthquakes. Beagles perform extremely well at all of these types of jobs.

When trained specifically, beagles also have the rare ability to pick up the scent of illegal agricultural items such as fruits and vegetables. Illegal (and sometimes unintended) import of these kinds of items is extremely difficult to detect, but beagles are one of the few breeds that are capable of it.

Beagles pack a huge personality into a small body. Friendly and nonagressive, they like nothing more than being included in every family activity and are often found right in the middle of family life. They do tend to be vocal, especially if left alone for extended lengths of time. Beagles are highly active and, for such small dogs, need quite a bit of daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need a patient but firm hand when it comes to training, but as they mature they settle down and relax.

Whatever you want in a dog, whether it’s companionship, a family pet, or a hunting partner, you can find it in a beagle.

How to Care for a Pregnant Dog

2009-08-09T01:45:00.001-07:00

Making sure that your dog has a healthy pregnancy requires careful planning and patience. For somewhere between 58 to 68 days, the average length of pregnancy for dogs, she will need you to provide her with expert care. You might have guessed that dietary changes and plentiful exercise will be necessary, but you’ll also have to take care of her emotional health as well. There are also certain precautions you will need to take in order to keep your dog and her puppies safe.

At 30 days into your dog’s pregnancy, take her to the vet for a checkup. The vet will perform a blood test to confirm the pregnancy at this time. Do not let your dog receive any vaccinations while she is pregnant since these will harm the fetuses. Immunity from vaccines given before pregnancy will pass to the pups.

Your dog will need to increase her food intake as her pregnancy progresses. Once the initial loss of appetite and nausea associated with the early weeks of pregnancy subside, she’ll be ready to start eating more food. After the first month, she should eat twice as much food as she normally does in order to meet the increased calorie requirements her body needs. Overall, her weight gain should fall between 15 to 25%. Around 35 days into her pregnancy, slowly switch her over to puppy food, which she’ll need when nursing. Do not give your dog any calcium supplements. These are unnecessary and could interfere with her ability to nurse.

Take your dog out for walks so that she gets plenty of exercise, especially if she is overweight. Obesity can cause problems during pregnancy, particularly with blood sugar levels. Keeping your dog in shape will help her maintain a healthy rate of weight gain. After four to six weeks, you need to limit the amount of exercise your dog gets. Light to moderate exercise is still alright, but do not attempt any form of agility training or other training requiring strenuous physical activity. If she is a show dog, avoid showing her. Also avoid obedience training during this time.

Heartworm prevention products are safe to use on your pregnant dog. Be careful with flea products since not all are intended for use during pregnancy. Check the labels before buying any flea product for your dog. If she does have a parasite infestation, such as roundworms or hookworms, the pups will also be infested and will need to be dewormed after birth.

Even though you probably give your dog lots of attention already, she’ll need more during pregnancy. Besides, the happier your dog is, the better off her puppies will be in terms of health, intelligence and agility. Make sure you set aside a special area for her as her due date approaches. Give her a warm, cozy area to call her own so that she’ll be as comfortable as possible when giving birth.

During the final three weeks of your dog’s pregnancy and for three weeks after she gives birth, she’ll need to be kept isolated from other dogs. This protects her from contagious diseases such as Canine herpesvirus, which can lead to miscarriage or death in newborns. Keep her in your yard when she’s outdoors and separated from other dogs in your house. Just before isolation, your dog’s vet will do a radiograph to count the number of pups.

Caring for your pregnant dog is a huge responsibility, but shouldn’t be a burden. Keeping her happy, well-fed and in shape will strengthen the bond between the two of you and ensure a healthy litter of pups.

How to Choose a Dog Breed

2009-08-09T01:44:00.001-07:00

Looking to welcome a new dog into your home, but not sure which breed is right for you? There are several factors to take into consideration when making your decision. With so many breeds to choose from, you’re bound to find one that is perfect for you.

The amount of space you have will help you narrow down your choice of breeds. If you have a house with plenty of space, you can get a medium or large breed such as a Springer Spaniel or Great Dane. If you live in an apartment, you’ll be better off looking at smaller breeds or toy breeds such as a Cocker Spaniel or Maltese. If you have a big, fenced-in yard, dogs that require a lot of exercise such as Australian Sheepdogs will be perfectly happy. If you don’t have a yard, consider getting a lap dog such as a Japanese Chin.

If you have children or other pets, select a dog breed carefully. Certain breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, are calm and gentle enough to be around children. Herding breeds such as Border Collies, might nip at their heels in an attempt to herd them. If you have young children, avoid toy breeds due to their fragile builds. Sporting dogs such as Pointers are more prone to chase other animals in the house or view smaller ones, like guinea pigs or even cats, as prey.

If you don’t want to spend a lot of time grooming your dog, choose a short-haired breed such as a Doberman. Long-haired breeds such as Shetland Sheepdogs and Yorkshire Terriers require regular grooming to keep their coats clean and smooth. If you worry about shedding, both short-haired and long-haired breeds do plenty of this. To avoid vacuuming or sweeping up fur throughout the year, choose a hairless breed such as an American Hairless Terrier. Hairless breeds are also ideal if you have allergies.

When choosing a dog breed, do your research on the health problems associated with various breeds. German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, while Dalmatians are prone to deafness. Having an idea of the types of ailments or diseases your dog could be facing at some point will help you prepare emotionally and financially. Keep in mind that medical bills to treat some of these conditions can be highly expensive. If you would rather reduce the risk of your dog developing a hereditary illness or impairment, consider getting a mixed breed.

Cost can also be a factor when deciding on a dog breed. Aside from health issues, practical costs such as food should be taken into consideration. If you’re leaning towards a larger dog, you’ll be spending as much as three times more money on food than you would for a small or toy breed. If you prefer long-haired breeds, prepare to spend more money on grooming supplies.

There are hundreds of dog breeds to choose from. However, once you’ve narrowed down the options based on your preferences and living situation, you’ll be much closer to discovering which breed is best for you and introducing your pup to his new home.

Caring for a Yorkshire Terrier

2009-08-09T01:42:00.000-07:00

The Yorkshire Terrier or “Yorkie” is a small dog breed known for its beautiful blue and tan coat and small size. While Yorkshire Terriers are popular as show dogs, dog owners have become increasingly interested as Yorkies are great companion dogs. However, just like any other dog breed, Yorkshire Terriers come with their own needs and issues that any loving owner should be aware of.

The Yorkshire Terrier is famous for its silky coat. Yorkies are easily recognized in dog shows as the coat is kept long over the entire body. However, any dog show owner or trainer will agree that this coat requires hard work, a lot of time, and a lot of attention. Typical care includes oiling of the hair once a month and hair wrapping to prevent breakage and damage (in addition to daily brushing and monthly bathing). For recreational dog owners, trimming the coat and keeping the hair short is a much easier and less time-consuming option.

Although cutting the hair saves time, Yorkshire Terrier owners should still be aware of the dog’s needs. Whether the hair is short or long, daily grooming and monthly bathing are required in order to maintain a Yorkie’s silky coat. Owners should also be aware of atypical coats in Yorkshire Terriers. Some Yorkies have extra-fine or coarse coats, and while this may feel and look different, it actually isn’t a reflection on the quality of the coat or individual dog. Yorkies with atypical coats are just as good companion dogs as those with silky coats; however, its recommended that atypical coat dogs are not bred as the different coat or coat color could be caused by a genetic health defect.

Yorkies are among the various dog breeds that are deemed “hypoallergenic”, meaning they produce less allergens then other breeds. While the level of allergic reaction depends on the owner’s individual allergies, many families have found hypoallergenic dogs, such as the Yorkie, to be a great solution. To ensure a good fit, many breeders recommend testing a person’s allergic reaction to the dog before buying.

Yorkshire Terriers are notorious for their high energy and boldness. While Yorkies are great companion dogs as they love to cuddle, they’re also great for families with small children. However, due to their picky behavior (and possibly due to their boldness), Yorkies are difficult to train. Owners with little to no dog-training experience should consider puppy school or dog training classes for their Yorkshire Terrier. Not only will the dog receive proper training, but owners will also learn valuable training tips and techniques. Other owners who want to train their dogs on their own should remember to be diligent and consistent in their training. Yorkshire Terriers are also picky about what they eat, so owners should try different training treats to figure out what their dog best responds to.

Finally, owners with children should be cautious if buying a Yorkshire Terrier puppy. As Yorkshire Terriers weigh an average of seven pounds when fully grown, Yorkshire Terrier puppies weigh next to nothing and tend to be more fragile than they look (or act).

Caring for a Yorkshire Terrier can be hard work and seem endless at times. However, owners who care well for their Yorkie (or any dog for that matter), will end up with a loving, affectionate, and loyal companion for many years to come.

Dog Containment System Importance

2009-08-09T01:38:00.000-07:00

Looking after your beloved dog at all times is your responsibility, and in cases when your canine’s behavior becomes uncontrollable, the use of dog containment system can be very useful. Leaving your dog unattended might cause troubles inside or outside your house. You can crate train your dog or put him in dog crates but it will not give him the freedom to roam around.

Besides pampering your dog, it is equally important to give him the necessary freedom and space where he can play and enjoy the beauty of the outside world while ensuring his safety.

Here are some of benefits of using dog containment devices:

With the help of pet containment systems such as dog exercise pens and dog kennels, leaving your canine alone will no longer be an issue! Dog containment devices can either be wireless, electronic or motorized that are installed in traditional fences or under the ground. They are generally portable and can be set up in a few minutes. Many pet containment systems available in the market these days are battery-operated and comes with a training collar that is placed around the dog’s neck. The collar has a receiver that detects when the dog is getting near the wire. Within this boundary, the collar will give a signal to your canine by discharging static stimulation.

Other systems are wireless and have constant radio signal to create a “safe zone” for your pet. Having said that, the primary benefit of using dog containments is that they have the ability to teach your dog to behave properly and stay only within specific locations. Electronic dog containment is also a lot cheaper than setting up traditional metal or wooden dog fences.

You can also prevent your dog from running away or stepping outside the house if you install dog containment devices. This can be particularly effective for controlling aggressive dogs that can destroy your neighbor’s property or attack passersby. You can also keep you dog away from valued properties and causing damage to the flowers, shrubs and other things in your garden or backyard. Dogs, especially puppies, are highly prone to getting lost when they venture out. In order to avoid such incidents from happening, dog owners must install dog containment devices.

Tips to Choose Pet Diet

2009-08-09T01:36:00.000-07:00

As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give your dog or cat the best care possible. And caring for your pet means feeding him the best diet you can. By making your own pet foods, you'll be saving money, up to 80%. And to top it off, it's easy; making pet food at home is probably a lot less time-consuming than you may have thought. With hundreds of websites offering free pet food recipes online, it's now easier than ever to make your own pet food.

It is best that you read and re-read any and all labels found on the product of pet foods. It is not enough to just read them though, one should also try - as much as possible - to understand what a particular product description means. When a product label reads chicken-cat food, this description basically means that the food in the can consists ninety five percent of chicken.

Simultaneously, this same regulatory agency prohibits the use of many proven beneficial natural ingredients that one can find readily available for human consumption such as bee pollen, glucosamine, L-carnitine, spirulina and many other nutraceuticals. It would be easy to conclude that reason does not rule when it comes to what officially can or cannot be used in pet foods.

The vet declined to work on Tippy citing poor health possibly diabetes as the reason. Making a long story short, we strongly suspect that Tippy was fed some of the recalled dog food while at the vets. She got progressively lethargic over the week following the vet visit and began vomiting blood the last couple of days. She died a week after her visit to the vets on March 10 2007.

The consequences have been devastating! It is believed that thousands of dogs and cats have developed kidney dysfunction or died after eating the contaminated pet food. This serious dilemma has been extremely aggravating and scary for veterinarians and pet lovers nationwide.

Now with the on-going pet food recall pet owners have questions such as 'Has this food been recalled?' or 'Is this food the next one to be recalled?'...'Is my pet safe?' Wow this is confusing! And scary too! What exactly is a pet owner to do? How about learning a few secrets! Equipped with the knowledge of a few secrets of pet food, it's not nearly as confusing.

Now with a good quality pet food – feeding about 1/3 less – a 20 pound bag will provide you about 80 servings. If the better food costs $30.00 for a 20 pound bag – that breaks down to a little less than .38 cents a meal.

The problem in the pet food industry – is that most pet owners don't think in the same terms when it comes to pet food. They don't think in terms that there are fast food types of pet foods and there are sit down restaurant more nutritious types of pet foods. Now, imagine your pet eating this fast food type of food its' entire lifetime.

Read About Product Reviews Also Read About Cake Decorating Ideas and Healthy Pet Food

Tips On How To Train Your Dog With A Training Collar

2009-08-07T11:29:00.001-07:00

There are many different types of devices that can be used to help train your dog, but one of the most simple and important is a high quality training collar. You need to get educated on which type of collar is going to work best for you and your dog because there are many different names of dog collars to choose from such as, choke chain, and of course the popular training collar. These collars a a preferred tool of professional dog training and beginners alike.

If you are looking at using a training collar then you need to make sure that you learn how to use it correctly, because this piece of equipment is a precise instrument, and need to be used correctly in order to be effective.

If used incorrectly this can damage your training and even instill fear into your dog, and in some cases and even cause harm to your dog. There are several key things you need to know when fitting and choosing a training collar.

It is extremely important that the dog collar fit perfectly, and you can even get assistance from your local vet, or pet store to make sure that the collar you are looking at is properly fitted, and will be the best training collard for your dog to have effective training.

When using a training collar you need to be sure that you place it on the dog correctly because with training collars there is a correct and incorrect way to place it on the dog, and if done wrongly can cause major problems.

It is important that you as the owner understand that the collar is made to work as a reminder for the dog, not as punishment. You should never have prolonged pulling but rather a sharp pressure, and then released quickly.

It is not that hard to determine the length of the collar for training for your dog. The right size for the collar is the distance around the dogs neck, and then add two to three inches.

If the collars is to tight then there is never and release of pressure, but if it is to loose that it could fall and when the dog lowers its head.

It is extremely important that the connecting piece of the collar always be at the top of the dogs head. Otherwise the collar will not loosen and this will apply constant pressure, and this is counterproductive and can cause injury to the dog

Using Positive Reinforcement And Snacks To Train Your Dog

2009-08-07T11:27:00.002-07:00

The best and most successful way to train a dog is to reward train the dog, and using positive reinforcement. This method works best for the owner and the dog, people that use positive reinforcement training swear that it is the absolute best way to train as dog, and that almost every type of dog will respond better to positive reinforced training.

One of the reasons that this style of training is so successful is because it uses snakes or rewards to train the animal. When the pet correctly responds to a command, then you reward them with a snack, petting them, and praising them. The key to successful training is to constantly reward the dog for doing what has been asked of it correctly.

Even though reward training has had a huge increase in the last few years, it has most likely been around for hundreds of years as a type of training between humans and dogs, and other animals.

Dogs in general, are instinctively wired by nature to travel in packs and have a leader. The trainer must therefore set himself as the leader in the relationship. In a dog pack the pack leader provides protections and leadership with helps the pack survive out in the wild.

Not only is it important to set yourself as the pack leader, but you also need to make sure that your dog feels that they are part of the pack. With some dogs it will be a challenge to set yourself as the pack leader, and with others it will be very easy. This will always depend on the personality of the dog you are dealing with.

A dominant dog is always going to be the harder to break and show that you are the leader in the relationship, whereas the more submissive puppies will almost always be easier to train. But, no matter what type of dog you are dealing with you must remember that positive training is the best type of training for both dominant and submissive dogs. There are only a few cases of where positive training with rewards did not successfully work with the dog.

If you get a pet that has behavior issues due to abuse in the past positive training in my opinion is that only way to train such a dog, because you have to build there trust.

It does not matter what type of dog that you are working with, what type of background they come from, weather they are dominant or submissive, positive training with rewards is always your best bet for training you dog.

Picking The Right Breed Of Hypoallergenic Dog For Your Family

2009-08-07T11:27:00.001-07:00

When looking for a hypoallergenic dog you will soon find out that there are a lot of different breeds to choose from. From larger breeds like the Greyhound, to smaller breeds like the Maltese, hypoallergenic dogs are wonderful because they do not shed as much as other types of dogs, and they also dont produce a lot of urine or saliva.

When you are looking to purchase a dog, you should not just look to see if the dog is hypoallergenic, but there are many other factors that you need to consider before you make a decision such as what types of living conditions the dog will be under, and if the dog has a good tolerance with children, and how much time you can devote to care for the animal. Some dogs require a ton of attentions and love, while others dont mind being left alone all day.

Smaller breeds of hypoallergenic dogs like the Bishon and Poodle require a lot from their caretakers. These dogs require a ton of attention and upkeep suck as baths. These dogs are also not the greatest choice for kids since they are often territorial and can get rather moody.

Hypoallergenic dogs that are better suited for children would be greyhounds, terriers, and Mexican hairless. These dogs have much shorter fur, so it is harder for the kids to grab and pull. These are also a great choice if you live in an apartment. They do not require a lot of room to run around and they are quieter than other breeds. These breeds are also nice because if you have to work or do a lot of running a round town these dogs can be left, and will not be as scared as the other breeds.

The majority of hypoallergenic dog breeds are smaller, even though greyhounds are included in the category. So picking the breed you want will have a lot to do with the type of lifestyle you live and what you need and expect from a pet. If you have a dog, then you might want to purchase a dog on the basis that it will get along with your existing dogs.

In most cases hypoallergenic dogs have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. The smaller breeds might incur some health problems during this time, but if you do not have kids and spend a lot of time at home these breeds will offer you an endless supply of companionship.

One last tip would be to have the dog groomed about every 2 months, and to give the dogs a bath about every month.

Pet Stroller Buying Tips

2009-08-07T11:26:00.001-07:00

If you are in the market to buy a pet stroller then there are a lot of things that you are going to want to take into consideration. It is not as easy as just picking something cute and then purchasing it. You really have to know what it is that you need in order to make sure that you are purchasing a pet, cat or dog stroller that is going to satisfy your needs. One of the first things that you need to determine is the weight of your pet. Many people do not know that certain pet strollers have weight restrictions, they do and that is something you have to keep in mind.

They basically break down into three different weight types. There are pet strollers for dogs that weigh less than twenty-five pounds, ones for pets that weigh twenty-five pounds but less than fifty pounds, and then of course the pet strollers for the big dogs weighing more than fifty pounds. After you have determined which weight category your pet fits into, then you need to think about what exactly you will be using the pet stroller for. If you are into hiking or jogging, you will want to make sure that you purchase a pet stroller that has larger wheels with decent traction.

If you have a shy dog that wants to enjoy the outdoors but wants to be left alone then you want to make sure that you are getting a pet stroller that has a front screen. This will help make sure that your pet feels safe and secure while being able to enjoy the sights and fresh air. You will also need to consider how many additional items you will want to lug around in the stroller such as water bottles, toys, or snacks for you and your pet. There are also pet strollers with trays on the top for carrying your bottles of water or cell phone so that they can be easily to hand at all times.

If you have more than one dog then there are pet strollers that you can purchase which are meant to carry two dogs. Also, take your time and make sure that you are going with a brand that you can trust. With so many knock off pet strollers out there, it is important to make sure that you are going only with the best. These knock off versions simply do not get made with the same high quality material, as the name brands so be careful.

Also, if you are shopping online for your pet stroller make sure that you are aware of how much you are being charged for the shipping costs. There is no need to pay more then you have to so if you feel that you are being charged too much you should visit another site that carries the same pet stroller. Compare the shipping prices and if you find a better deal then you will want to stick with that company.

Changing Your Dogs Diet

2009-08-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

Adding energy in a dogs diet is indeed necessary when you notice lethargic behavior in your dog. Some people prefer to feed their dog a homemade food for energy. They also require protein for energy in their diet to build muscle. Like people, dogs get energy from vitamins and minerals in their diet. While some need attention from a veterinarian, you can try home or natural approaches to help overcome energy problems and add energy in a dogs diet. Adding charcoal to your dogs diet can help detoxify some of the noxious gases while they are still inside the intestine.

Dogs are able to get energy from carbohydrates in their diet as well as from protein, which is why we are able to feed them diets high in carbohydrates. Feed them too much and they get fat and develop serious health problems. Feed them too little and they become scavengers and eat anything that looks like it might have a taste. Corn, soy and wheat are three of the biggest culprits as far as food allergies in dogs go and finding a brand of dry dog food that is free of these ingredients can be tricky. A change in diet done gradually makes for a more comfortable dog.

Indeed, most dogs eat commercial dog food and most of these foods provide a fairly balanced diet. If your dog has special dietary needs due to a health condition, talk to your veterinarian about the best brand of food to feed your dog. Puppies should be fed a brand of food formulated specially for puppies because they need more protein and fat in their diet than adult dogs.

It is not the same thing as just feeding your dog table scraps, which you should not do. If you want to feed your dog a homemade diet, take the time to learn about nutrition for dogs first. A homemade diet can be very healthy for dogs but it is important that you educate yourself about your dogs nutritional needs. Dogs, if left in the wild would eat primarily protein foods with carbohydrates making up no more than 25% of their diet.

However, commercial dog foods contain anywhere from 25-60% carbohydrates. If dogs get more carbohydrates than they expend in energy, the carbohydrates turn to fat and the dog gains weight. Excess carbohydrates can be unhealthy for your dog. The kind of carbohydrates dogs need for energy are soluble carbohydrates. Soluble carbohydrates are the starchy part of a plant that can be easily broken down in a dogs digestive tract. If they get more protein than their body needs for energy and muscle, it is excreted in the urine.

Also, a change in diet done gradually makes for a more comfortable dog. This means that we have absolutely no intention of incorporating whole grains into their diet. You should know what foods to give that can be eaten to assist weight loss in your dog and what foods should be avoided at all costs. Eating a lifetime diet of processed food places a great demand on their pancreas to produce digestive enzymes.

Nevertheless, behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, listlessness, short attention span and the ability to learn can also be affected by your dogs diet. Be very mindful of what vitamins and other nutrients to add in their foods.

Ocicat Cat and Kitten Information

2009-08-07T11:11:00.002-07:00

The Ocicat is a medium to large cat that was developed to look like a wild jungle cat. In fact, it was named after the ocelot. They are well muscled and balanced with large almond shaped eyes and a tight, short coat. The official breed standard recognizes four basic color points, tawny, chocolate, blue and cinnamon.

Every eye color is recognized with the exception of blue. Unofficially, the colors vary widely. The most distinctive characteristic of the Ocicat are the spots. Ocicats are often described as affectionate, people oriented, trustworthy, outgoing, dog like and athletic. Ocicats are known to take well to training, even learning simple commands.

History

The Ocicat was developed in 1964 by crossing the Abyssinian, American Shorthair and Siamese. Credit for developing the breed is given to Virginia Daly, a breeder from Berkley, Michigan. The Cat Fanciers Association accepted the breed for registration in 1966 and accepted the breed for championship status in 1987.

The ancestor of all domestic cats is the African Wildcat, the genus Felis Lybica. This genus is comprised of smaller cats. Cats are thought to have been domesticated with the advent of farming and the storage of grain. The grain attracted rats and other vermin which naturally attracted wild cats. As time evolved, certain of these cats were domesticated for the mutual benefit of both cat and man. The African Wildcat has certain features which is obvious in the housecat of today.

Health

Cats who reside in the house should generally visit the veterinarian yearly, unless health problems are evident. Cats who enjoy the outdoors may need to see the vet as many as four times a year. When you take your cat to the vet, be sure to bring along a fresh stool sample so the vet can do a fecal exam to check for internal parasites such as tapeworm, round worm, whip worms and hook worms. The vet will also check for external parasites such as fleas, ticks and ear mites.

Any vet check should include a dental examination and a cleaning if necessary. Cats who are eight years of age or older are considered geriatric and additional blood and urine tests may be necessary to screen for any health problems. At about six months of age, the kitten should also be examined for sexual maturity and decisions about birth control should be made.

Behavioral Traits

An affectionate, non aggressive cat
Can be trained
Can be taught dog like tricks
Some like water
Make great family pets

Ocicat Registries and Clubs

Ocicats of North America
Ocicats of Europe
Cat Fanciers Association CFA
International Cat Association TICA
The Traditional Cat Association, Inc TCA
Canadian Cat Association CCA
The Australian Cat Federation Inc
The American Association of Cat Enthusiasts AACE
American Cat Fanciers Association ACFA
United Feline Organization UFO
Cats United International

Kittens

Kittens are generally available and the price depends upon bloodlines color and markings. Unlike puppies, kittens should not be separated from their mother until twelve to sixteen weeks of age. Some very important developmental stages occur during this period including emotional, mental and health. Curtailing this development may lead to any number of medical and behavioral problems.

Kittens that are separated from their mother at too young an age often fail to gain weight fast enough, have immune system problems because they have not had enough mothers milk. The may also develop eating and eliminating problems, and can have problems socializing with other cats and with people.

Every cat and kitten is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your cat or kitten. This information is meant as a good faith guid

Oriental Cat and Kitten Information

2009-08-07T11:11:00.001-07:00

The Oriental cat resembles the Siamese. There is a long hair and short hair variety. The reason this breed was started was to get additional colors in a cat that resembled the Siamese. The Siamese is officially recognized in four colors while the Oriental comes in 300 pattern and color combinations. Solid ebony is the most common.

Oriental cats are often described as energetic, affectionate, sensitive, devoted, intelligent, social, friendly, and even demanding. Loyal and emotionally sensitive, their behavior can be almost dog-like.

Brief History of the Oriental Cat

The Oriental breed originated in Thailand and is a hybrid developed from the Siamese cat. In the 1960s breeders in the United States crossed Abyssinians, domestic shorthair cats and the Siamese. The Oriental short hair was accepted for full Championship status by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1977 and they accepted registration as early as 1972. The Oriental Longhair was accepted for registration status by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1988. The long hair and shorthair were combined by the Cat Fanciers Association into one breed in 1996.

The ancestor of all domestic cats is the African Wildcat, the genus Felis Lybica. This genus is comprised of smaller cats. Cats are thought to have been domesticated with the advent of farming and the storage of grain. The grain attracted rats and other vermin which naturally attracted wild cats. As time evolved, certain of these cats were domesticated for the mutual benefit of both cat and man. The African Wildcat has certain features which is obvious in the housecat of today.

Health

Cats who reside in the house should generally visit the veterinarian yearly, unless health problems are evident. Cats who enjoy the outdoors may need to see the vet as many as four times a year. When you take your cat to the vet, be sure to bring along a fresh stool sample so the vet can do a fecal exam to check for internal parasites such as tapeworm, round worm, whip worms and hook worms. The vet will also check for external parasites such as fleas, ticks and ear mites.

Any vet check should include a dental examination and a cleaning if necessary. Cats who are eight years of age or older are considered geriatric and additional blood and urine tests may be necessary to screen for any health problems. At about six months of age, the kitten should also be examined for sexual maturity and decisions about birth control should be made.

Behavioral Considerations

Is often a one person cat
They are entertaining
Can be very sensitive
Can be very vocal

Oriental Cat Registries and Clubs

Oriental Cat Club
Cat Fanciers Association CFA
International Cat Association TICA
The Traditional Cat Association, Inc TCA
Canadian Cat Association CCA
The Australian Cat Federation Inc
The American Association of Cat Enthusiasts AACE
American Cat Fanciers Association ACFA
United Feline Organization UFO
Cats United International

Oriental Kittens

Kittens are generally available and the price depends upon bloodlines color and markings. Unlike puppies, kittens should not be separated from their mother until twelve to sixteen weeks of age. Some very important developmental stages occur during this period including emotional, mental and health. Curtailing this development may lead to any number of medical and behavioral problems.

Kittens that are separated from their mother at too young an age often fail to gain weight fast enough, have immune system problems because they have not had enough mothers milk. The may also develop eating and eliminating problems, and can have problems socializing with other cats and with people.

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

Hummingbird Feeders...Important Must Know Facts About Hummingbirds

2009-08-07T11:10:00.001-07:00

Before you create a hummingbird habitat in your backyard, there are several important things you must know, and do, to attract these beautiful creatures and to protect them. The selection of a good hummingbird feeder, placement of the feeder, maintenance, and choice of food can be critical, both to your enjoyment of the hummingbirds and to their survival. I will cover each of these points, but first, allow me to give you a little information about the hummingbirds themselves.

How many types of hummingbirds are there?
There are more than 10,000 species of birds in the world. About 925 of those species have been counted in the U. S. and Canada. Of all the birds living in our part of the world, few are as interesting, as fascinating, or as beautiful as the hummingbird. There are 16 species of hummingbirds breeding regularly in the United States and another half dozen Mexican or Caribbean species that have been reported here.

A typical North American hummingbird like the Rufous hummingbird measures between 3.5 to 4 inches and weighs in at about 3 grams (1/10 of an ounce). This makes him/her a heavyweight compared to the Bee hummingbird which is typically 2 inches long and normally weighs 1.8 grams (6/100 of an ounce). The Bee hummingbird is frequently mistaken for an insect by casual viewers.

How much do hummingbirds eat?
What is not small about hummingbirds is their appetite as the consume between 3 and 7.5 calories a day. To put it into human terms, that equates to roughly 155,000 calories per day. Just imagine pulling up to the drive-in window at McDonalds and ordering 278 Big Macs just to get you through the day.

Hummingbirds require this awesome intake of food because of their metabolism. The Ruby throated hummingbird, for example, is about 3.5 inches long and weighs 1/8 of an ounce. His body temperature ranges between 105 degrees and 108 degrees, F. In flight, his wings beat an average of 52 times per second. His respiration is 250 breaths per minute and his heart rate is an incredible 1200 beats a minute when he is feeding. Hummingbirds lives are spent on the very edge of survival. One day of bad weather or difficulty finding food can mean the end for them.

How important is your hummingbird feeder?
With this information in mind you can see how important your backyard hummingbird feeder can be. The growth of cities and urban development is constantly reducing their natural habitat. A well designed, well placed feeder improves their chances of survival and provides you with countless hours of entertainment.

As small and fragile as hummingbirds are, they have surprisingly long life spans. Many hummingbirds do not survive their first year, but those that do, live an average of 3 to 4 years. One female broadtailed hummingbird was tagged, released, and recaptured 12 years later. A Rufous hummingbird was banded and reported alive after 8 years and 1 month. As these migratory birds tend to return year after year, they will soon become old friends.

Get Rid Of Snake With Repellant Once And For All

2009-08-07T11:09:00.001-07:00

Many aspects have been covered in this article so that you can benefit from an extended research.

Getting rid of snakes is quite of challenge in globe areas where people die because of snake bites. At present, some manufacturers have come up with special snake repellant systems, yet, besides the ready made items, there are basic things that you can do in order to reduce the chances of snakes choosing your garden to make their den. Among the favorite snake environments, ponds, shrubs and bushes occupy top positions, as they have a great hiding place to stalk on prey; moreover, in a bushy garden, snakes can travel from one location to another without difficulty. Therefore, make sure that the reduction of vegetation is thorough so as to make a good snake repellant method.

Then, tall grass on an unkempt lawn represents a good hiding place for snakes, therefore, lawn mowing makes one second snake repellant means you should have in mind. Moreover, such a lawn is the ideal habit for some of the favorite meals in the menu of a snake: mice and other small rodents, frogs, locusts and crickets. A short lawn will be avoided by snakes as an open space that makes them easy prey for other predatory species like owls or hawks. Any cluttered area around the house can cause just as much trouble, turning into nests for poisonous or non-poisonous snakes. Hence, get rid of wood piles, open garages and compost heaps from the yard.

In wild areas on the Black continent, local people knit camel or goat hair ropes as great snake repellant means: snakes do not slither over such rough surfaces. Aborigines will often surround their bed location with such ropes to eliminate or at least reduced the risk of deadly bites from some of the most venomous African snakes. A similar snake repellent principle is followed in tent design, which is why there are usually nets that have to be zipped up in order to prevent snakes and other insects from getting inside. Make sure you do not forget to zip the tent when entering or getting out, or you may have unwelcome guests joining you.

Snake repellant solutions do exist in other forms too and they include special foams, nets and all sorts of protections for window sills for instance. Many such devices are considered controversial according to animal rights protection. Hence, it is probably a very good idea that you go for the harmless snake repellant solutions. If by any chance you come across lethal snakes nesting in your garden, do not attempt to destroy or chase them away, as they will attack when threatened. Ask for some pest control service and order the animals safely removed, and nothing bad will happen either to the snake or your family.

In reading the article about this subject I hope you have expanded your knowledge.

Eliminating Bad Habits When Training Your New Puppy

2009-08-07T11:05:00.001-07:00

If you own a puppy or a god you know that there are bad habits that must be dealt with. Most dogs want to please their masters and will do what is asked of them, but as the owner it is important that you communicate with your puppy to let him know what is unacceptable and acceptable in the house.

There are many undesirable bad behaviors that your dog can acquire, and each one has its on cure, and the cure will also depend on the type of dog your have and its temperament. All types of dogs are different and every dog has its own individual personality.

One of the biggest problems that pet owners face is dealing with whining and barking from the puppies. It is perfectly normal for a dog to bark a little, but if you dog is barking all the time this can cause major problem especially if you live in an apartment, or town home because your neighbors can file a complaint against you and this can even cause you to be evicted from your residence.

Here are some pointers on how to get your dog to stop barking and whining.

1. If you dog is crying in its crate take the puppy to the place it goes potty, because most of the time dogs will cry in crates when they need to use the bathroom.
2. You need to teach you new puppy that it is ok for it to be alone. Many dogs cannot stand to be away from their owners, you must train you dog to understand that this is ok.
3. Always look to see if the dog is in need of something if it is barking, chances are it needs to go to the bathroom, food, or water, and is just trying to let you know that it needs your assistance.
4. Never give you dog rewards for crying, this teaches that if they bark they will be rewarded, and they will bark more frequently

Puppies are cute, and love to chew on things, and while they are a puppy it might not seem like a big deal, but that puppy is going to grow up into a big dog, and you do not want to have a big dog that chews up your belongings

One of the easiest and most effective things you can do as a pet owner is to provide you dog with plenty of chew toys. Teach you dog that these are the only things that allowed to be chewed on while also give you dog a need object to teeth and play with.

Be sure to reward the puppy in the beginning when it chooses to play with the toys.

If you have a dog that is still getting out a favorite shoe or something like that you might want to spray the item with better apple, this will cause them to hate the taste of the item and stay away from it.

Cost for a Dog: The Financial Commitment of Having A Dog

2009-08-06T22:36:00.001-07:00

Dogs require a financial commitment. The total annual cost of owning a dog surprises many peopleâ€”itâ€™s best to be prepared and budget accordingly. Good quality dog food is not cheap. Municipalities require that dogs be licensed. The cost for a dog includes: dog toys, dog beds, leashes, collars, treats, groomingâ€”it all adds up.

Health care for your dog can be expensive. At a minimum, your pet will need annual wellness exams and vaccinations. But emergency injuries or illness happen as well. Dogs sometimes need expensive surgery. They ingest things that are harmful to them, including plants in your yard. As dogs get older, just like people their medical expenses rise.

One option to consider is pet health insurance. Several organizations offer this, including the American Kennel Club with its AKC Pet Healthcare Plan. By paying monthly or quarterly premiums you can spread the cost of routine medical care over the year, and you will be protected from being hit with a huge medical bill if your dog requires an operation or other treatment. Dogs even require dental care, including teeth cleaning and, on occasion root canals.

Are you willing to spend the money to properly care for your dog? Itâ€™s not fair to the dog if at this particular stage of your life you canâ€™t afford to take good care of him. And itâ€™s not fair to you to have to worry about such things as whether you can afford the dogâ€™s annual vaccinations.

Do you know what it costs annually to keep a dog healthy and happy? If not, you should do some research and calculate an annual budget for all the necessities, and allow for the unexpected medical care that might be needed. Itâ€™s a $500 a year cost at least, and can easily run $1,000 or more. Itâ€™s best to be prepared for these maintenance expenses instead of letting them be an unpleasant surprise.

There may be other expenses as well. If your property is not fenced, you may have to build a fenced area if you have an active dog or one that tends to leave the yard when he gets a chance. Without some kind of fenced area on your property, you may quickly tire of having to take him out on a leash multiple times a day, especially in bad weather.

Do you travel frequently? Then you either need to factor in the cost of taking your dog to a boarding kennel while you are awayâ€”and many of these cost $50 a day or more for careâ€”or hiring a dog sitter to come to your home and take care of your dog.

The cost for a dog can be considerable even if the dog was free. Consider these facts when you're thinking about adopting a dog.

Introducing a New Dog Make Sure Your New Dog Will Fit In

2009-08-06T22:34:00.002-07:00

Introducing a new dog in to your home can be stressful for both you, your currents pets and of course the new friend. Before you bring a dog home, you have to consider all the other members of your household. If you have children it will be an extra challenge. Households with children must take extra care before making the decision to purchase a dogâ€”and in deciding which breed is appropriate. A rambunctious puppy may be overwhelming to a toddler. A miniature breed may be treated like a stuffed toy rather than a living creature. It may seem fun to the child to dress up their new canine companion in doll clothes and wheel him around in a stroller but it's not good for the dog. Training may be more difficult since you'll have to train both the child and the dog.

Similarly, if you have other dogs in the house, or cats, you have to decide whether your current pets will accept a new member of the pack. Some breeds have instincts as predators that make conflict with a cat highly probable. If you adopt an adult dog, you have to find out whether that dog is friendly with other dogsâ€”before you bring him home.

If you take your dog to the dog park, observe the breeds he typically plays with and those that he might have conflict with. This can be a clue to guide you in selecting your new dog. You may be in for a surprise as well. Your cocker spaniel may prefer to run with the bigger hunting dogs instead of dogs his own size.
Consider your neighbors as well. Some breeds of dogs are relatively calm, quiet, and easygoing. Others are energetic â€œbarkersâ€ who sound an alarm whenever a noise or passerby disturbs them. Training is important to help your dog to be a good neighbor, but you also have to objectively look at where you live and whether a given breed will be a nuisance to the people nearby.

All family members need to agree on the decision to add a dog to the household, and each member should have input into the type of dog you eventually select. Your children may have met and interacted with their friendsâ€™ dogs and be able to provide valuable input.

If youâ€™ve never had a dog before, or at least not since you were a child, try taking care of a friend or neighborâ€™s dog and reacquaint yourself with the responsibility and care required.

And it may well be that when all factors are considered, it may not be the right time to add a dog to your family. Maybe a pet that requires less care, attention, and supervision might be more appropriate. Introducing a new dog takes time and patience but you'll all be happier.

What is pet health insurance?

2009-08-06T22:34:00.001-07:00

Pet health insurance providers have become more well-known over the past decade, making many dog owners, cat owners and owners of other animals to reflect on getting coverage for their animal. But with much policy options and several insurance companies offering coverage, the assortment procedure can turn out to be a bit overwhelming.

Pet Insurance companies like Veterinary Pet Insurance, Inc. (also known as VPI) or the ASPCA's Insurance Company, offer reasonably priced insurance policy premiums for cats, dogs, birds, exotics and other pets. VPI puts forward a selection of coverage options, allowing pet owners to manage to pay for care and measures that they may otherwise have to miss out on. Pet owners can decide on from an assortment of insurance coverage options, counting the subsequent:

1. Routine care coverage: This variety of coverage will cover a major part of routine pet care, such as immunization and yearly examinations. This form of policy is normally the slightest pricey, despite the fact that owners ought to make certain that the price tag of the veterinary insurance policy premium does not go beyond the usual routine pet care expenses.

2. Basic coverage for specialized care and procedures: Basic care policy will cover the overheads of examinations and procedure that drop outside the extent of routine care. So an arrangement of this variety will not cover vaccines or yearly examinations, nevertheless it will cover portion of the costs connected with diagnostic testing, visits to veterinary specialists, operations and other procedures.

3. Premium coverage for specialized care and procedures: These higher care plans on average offer coverage for the similar procedures and testing as the basic care plans, despite the fact that the recompense level is higher. The premium is also faintly higher to pay compensation for the greater proportion of reparation.

4. All -inclusive coverage: An all-inclusive coverage pet insurance policy normally covers routine care and specific care like diagnostic testing, visits to veterinarian specialists and remedial procedures. All-inclusive veterinary pet insurance policies are naturally the priciest. Regrettably, the immense preponderance of veterinary insurance companies does not disburse for procedures and additional care up-front. The pet owner characteristically has to pay the vet bill up-front, and the cash is then reimbursed in a week or two of the claim form submission. But in cases where it's a matter of life or death, a lot of vets will agree to the pet owner to pay just a fraction of the bill, allowing the pet parent to make preparations for the insurance settlement check to be sent straightforwardly to the clinic, in that way clearing what's left of the balance. There is also typically a two-week wait before pet coverage becomes effective, so when purchasing a veterinary pet insurance, pet owners should be sure to in quire about the wait period before the policy goes into effect.

There is no question about the need of the pet health insurance. More than its disadvantages, it offers more benefits not only for the pet but also for its owner. However, no matter how important pet health insurance are, owners should not jump into getting one without conducting enough research.

Researching about pet health insurance will not only ensure that you will get the best healthcare for your pet but can also help you save up some money to attend to other needs of the pet.

A Dog's View of Sports on TV

2009-08-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

(As told to Brian Hill by a cocker spaniel from Phoenix named Patches.) At our house, we watch a lot of sports on TV. When I was a puppy, I thought this was a big waste of a nice sunny day. After all, it meant less time available for playing outside in the yard or going to the dog park. But as Iâ€™ve matured (the other day I saw my reflection in the window and was shocked to see I have gray in my muzzle), Iâ€™ve begun to see the wisdom of spending the afternoon on the comfy sofa watching a game. Some people think dogs canâ€™t see TV or understand whatâ€™s going on. Thatâ€™s nonsense. The only thing we canâ€™t do is call and purchase the products we see on infomercials, but a lot of that stuff seems like junk anyway. Myself, I even figured out how to order pay-per-view using the remote.

The great thing about TV sports is the variety. If I feel like a nap, there are quiet sports like golf, where after about an hour or so, both I and my master are taking a nice snooze. Football on the other hand, is really exciting for a dog. When we have people over and itâ€™s the fourth quarter of a game and they begin concentrating on the TV screen, itâ€™s a piece cake for me to sneak around and steal their snack foods. They donâ€™t even notice the food is gone most of the time. To you canines who may be novices at this, the key is to steal foods that are soft or those that can be eaten in a couple of gulps, before anyone sees you. Avoid cruchy chips. Cheese and cold cuts make great candidates for theft. On the other paw, one time during a playoff game I was able to take a whole pizza off the table and eat it. I still remember that pizza. Pepperoni. Yum.

When their team makes a touchdown, they all jump up and yell at the screen. This is the one time I donâ€™t get scolded for running around hysterically and barking. Yep, Iâ€™d have to say football is my favorite sport. The only thing I object to is something called the â€œDawg Poundâ€ at the Cleveland Browns games. This is a section of the stadium where fat guys dress up in costumes that are rude caricatures of the nobility and grace of real dogs. I find that to be a species-insensitive stereotype.

But I love following the flight of the ball on TV, no matter what the sport. Tennis is confusing because lately so many of the players make this barking sound when the smack the ball. Iâ€™ve tried to decipher what the barks mean in canine language, but it seems like itâ€™s just gibberish.

I've only watched hockey once but didnâ€™t like it much. The little rock thing they smack around goes too fast to keep an eye on and I donâ€™t like ice because it reminds me of the time we went up the snow for the holidays and my paws got too cold. I much prefer a trip to a warm beach. The next best thing is watching beach volleyball. Big ball, easy for me to follow on the screen. Iâ€™ve even seen spectators bring their dogs to tournaments at the beach. Now thatâ€™s a civilized sport.

Pets in Paradise: How to Holiday with the Whole Family

2009-08-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

Whilst a vacation is meant to be the time to relax, unwind and forget about the worries of every day life, preparing for an extended period of time away from home can cause a lot of stress and worry in itself.

Firstly, there’s the issue of which destination to go to. For families, this can be a particularly contentious issue given that mum and dad’s idea of a romantic break in the sun might not exactly be what the little ones are looking for. Then there’s the issue of arranging for someone to look after the house for a fortnight – after all, those plants certainly won’t water themselves.

Perhaps the biggest concern most holidaymakers have before setting off on their well-earned break is who will take care of the pets. Not everybody is lucky enough to have an animal-loving neighbour with enough spare time on their hands to commit to feeding and walking the dog every day. While pet sitting agencies may seem like an option, this can take a significant chunk out of the holiday budget.

Moreover, a pet is often considered to be part of the family unit and it can be difficult to leave Rover or Tiddles behind whilst everyone disappears for some fun in the sun. That's why taking a pet on holiday is the ideal solution - eradicating many of the concerns and costs that are attached to vacationing.

For those who like to stay local, it’s simply a case of checking that the hotel or resort is pet friendly. However if the plan is to head to the continent, then there are other issues to consider. The UK has been rabies free for a long time, so re-entering the country after a holiday abroad will result in a six-month quarantine period.

Unknown to many, the UK has formal agreements with a number of other countries in Europe and further afield, that allow cats, dogs and ferrets to bypass quarantine as part of a pet travel scheme (PETS). To be eligible, the animal must be fitted with a microchip and be vaccinated against rabies – and importantly, a blood test must be taken, after which a six month period must pass before the pet can re-enter the UK. For this reason it’s important to be thinking at least half a year ahead when travelling abroad with pets.

Of course, regardless of the holiday destination, the importance of having adequate pet insurance in place cannot be overstated. Vets fees can be an enormous financial burden at the best of times and by arranging appropriate pet insurance cover in advance, this will go some way towards ensuring that this break in the sun is a restful one.

Rays, Cats and Dogs: Protect your Pets from the Sun

2009-08-06T22:30:00.001-07:00

The dangers of too much sun exposure are well known. The harmful effects of UV rays have long been associated with skin cancer and a number of other ailments, leading to the widespread belief that the best way to stay healthy is to avoid too much direct exposure to the sun, particularly when the sun is at its fiercest around midday.

The next best thing, however, is to make sure high-factor sun cream is applied to any bare patch of skin and UV protective sunglasses are worn.

Of course, little persuasion should be needed as to the prudence of taking care in the sun. It may surprise some to learn that animals too can be just as susceptible to the sun’s rays, and family pets that spend a lot of time outdoors can be at a far greater risk of developing skin cancer than those confined to an indoor environment.

For example, dogs with short white coats and light coloured skin such as Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, Whippets and Greyhounds are most at risk from developing sun-induced disorders later in life.

Among the preventative measures that can be taken include preventing a pet’s sun exposure altogether, using solar-protective t-shirts and, perhaps surprisingly, applying sun cream.

The type of sun-block that is recommended for children may also be suitable for animals, given that they are often waterproof, scentless and will be less likely to cause irritation to the skin. But there is now even sunscreen specifically designed for pets, offering an easy spray application process and a non-greasy layer of protection.

No cat or dog likes to be stuck indoors - especially in the warm summer months – so it probably is wise to adopt preventative measures to minimise the chances of it suffering from sun-related ailments. However, as with anything in life, nothing can offer a 100% protection guarantee.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in dogs, and the second most common type of cancer in cats. But if it’s detected early enough then treatment is a genuine option, though it’s likely to incur considerable fees from the vet – which is why it’s important to have adequate pet insurance in place.

And as is the case when shopping for anything in the internet age, it’s best requesting several pet insurance quotes, as prices can vary significantly between providers – plus there are often significant discounts available when purchasing a pet insurance policy online.

So, even our furry little friends are at risk from the elements. By taking the appropriate preventative measures it's possible to ensure that our beloved pets live long and healthy lives.

Air Travel Rules: Flying With Pets

2009-08-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

When it comes to air travel, a large number of individuals hit the skies daily. People fly for all different reasons. Some individuals need to make a business trip, others are visiting friends or family, others are going on vacation, and some are making a cross country move. If you are moving, there is a good chance that you may need to bring your pet along with you. If this is the case, you will find that you are subject to a whole new set of air travel rules. Before leaving for the airport, with your pet or pets in tow, you are advised to famialrize yourself with those rules.

The first step in traveling, in the air, with a pet is to make sure that they are even allowed. Certain pets are allowed to be on airplanes, but that does not mean that all airlines will allow it. If you are planning on traveling with your pet, you will need to inform your airline of this information upfront. This is vital because not all airlines will allow you to bring a pet onboard. Therefore, if you do not check with your airline before heading to the airport, you may be unable to board your flight.

When traveling with a pet, you will need to keep that pet contained. That means that if you are traveling with an animal, such as a dog or a cat, that animal will likely need to be in a carrier. When purchasing an animal carrier, it is important to know that not all carriers are permitted onboard. If you will be keeping your animal in the cabin with you, as opposed to having your animal treated as checked baggage, you will need to make sure that your pet carrier will not negatively affect other passengers. Your pet carrier must not block aisle ways or encroach on other passenger's seating spaces. In addition to these general rules and restrictions, you may find that each airline has their own set of pet carrier rules.

Almost all airlines require that your pets have the proper documents before being allowed on their airplanes. These documents most commonly include information on your pet's health. Most airlines require that your pet undergoes a medical evaluation before being transported by airplane. This information is not only used to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to fly, but is also used to ensure that they are protected with the proper vaccinations. Proper vaccinations will not only protect your pet, but other passengers, as well as airline staff.

Once you have received clearance from the airline, which you wish to fly on, purchased the appropriate pet equipment, and obtained the proper health checks for your pet, you will need to wait until your day of travel. On that day, you may want to arrive at the airport a little bit earlier than recommended. This will help to ensure that you could quickly straighten out a problem, without having to miss your flight, should one arise.

When you and your pet arrive at the airport, whether it be early or not, you will both be required to go through airport security. Your pet will be required to pass through a metal detector, just like everyone else. If you are using a pet carrier, it is also likely that your pet carrier will be subject to examination. This examination most commonly includes being sent though the x-ray machine with your carryon luggage; however, it is important to note that your pet will not have to go through the x-ray machine; the metal detector should be enough.

As previously mentioned, not all airlines allow their passengers to fly with their pets, even in the cabin or below deck. That is why it is advised that you determine whether or not your pet can fly with you, ahead of time. In addition to different air travel rules, you may also find that some airlines charged extra fees for pet passengers. In the event that you are charged, you will be notified of this charge ahead of time.

11 Tips for Choosing a Bird House

2009-08-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

Most of the people like watching a lot of birds flying around their homes. For someone bird watching is like a hobby. Many people wish to have birdhouse in their backyards, or just to transmit a house for the birds. Not everyone has the opportunity or skill to build a birdhouse. For them buying such a house online is the right reply.

Here are some tips for choosing a bird house. Have in mind that each bird house fulfils the following specs.

1.The box should open on every side, front and from the top to give an easy access for cleaning. This is especially very important to clean it at the end of the season.( Only the large Martin feeders are exception. There is not possibility of holes for all compartments. Anyway, the entrance hole is big enough for easy cleaning by using a hooked instrument or tongs.)

2.The entrance should be overhung by the roof by 1 to 2 inches against rain and sun.

3.It is not necessary to have perches in a bird house. Moreover they could be a disadvantage because they could attract House Sparrows which often take over nests of other birds.

4.Depending on your birds the entrance hole could be in different sizes. Particular birds require specific sizes . Also the size of the hole keeps invasive Starlings out of the bird house but if you are not certain then a generic entrance hole with diameter 1 1/2 inches is what you need.

5.There should be holes or slits for ventilation in summer along the top of the front of the box or at the top of the box sides.

6.There should be holes or cut off corners on the bottom of the box for draining .

7.There should be a pole , a rope , a bracket or a chain to hung the box .

8.It should be made of thick wood like pine or cedar for better insulation from heat and cold.

9. Wooden and bird houses from metal can revise paint when they are exhibited to the elements. The natural weathering is a share of their looks.

10.You can magnetize birds to your yard with food, water, shelter. The bird house is a mode to make the wildlife feel welcome any time and attract them to be back every year.

11. When buying a birdhouse on Internet, you must be sure and to make a bill for you. There are such houses which could be pricey. But also there are birdhouses which you may buy inexpensive by Internet.

Top 10 Reasons for Using a Cat Stroller or Dog Stroller

2009-08-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

1.Events: When you and your dog are in a crowd of people it is difficult to control him and protect him from getting stepped on or wrapped around people’s legs. You even can’t stop him devouring the food or trash which it can find on the ground. These problems can be avoided if you have a dog stroller, you will see that you can take your dog with you into those places where dogs are usually restricted.

2.Veterinary Visits: If you have a dog stroller you will find it easy to transport and visit vets with your pet. There will be no more problems and you will be able to keep your dog safe from other animals that are irritable, sick or potentially aggressive.

3.Prevents Paw Problems: If the concrete is hot and not only it can harm your pets paws. The same problems you may have with the trash on the road or sidewalk. Your pet’s paws will be kept protected and clean in a dog stroller.

4.Old or Injured Pets: Just as all other creatures old and injured dogs also need fresh air and sunlight. That’s why you should obtain dog strollers to get outdoor your beloved old canine friend.

5.Easier to User than Pet Carriers: Pet strollers are better than pet carriers because you don't have to carry or lift them when you travel.

6.Protection from Aggressive Animals: With dog strollers you do not have to worry about other aggressive dogs free walking without a leash.

7.Easy Travel: It is much easier to travel when you have a dog stroller and much more safer. There is no chance to loose your dog in a potentially dangerous or strange area.

8.Avoid Urban Traffic: Dog strollers are good especially in cities because they protect your dog from getting wrapped around people’s legs or running into traffic.

9.More Time with Your Cat: If your cat is not used to a leash from a very young age than it definitely will refuse to be on a leash. Using cat strollers you will have more time to spend with your pet while you are outside, enjoying the fresh air.

10.Small Dogs: Small dogs get quickly tired when they have to walk long distances. This problem would be solved if you use a dog stroller. But do not keep your dog in the stroller for the whole time, only when he is tired, then when he is rested leave him walking outside again.

9 things that you don’t know about parrots

2009-08-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

1. Parrots need daily contact with their owners. – Some kinds need more care and attention than others. Cockatoo, Lorry and Jacob need special care every day. Amazons, Budgie, Conures small Africans parrots need also (though not that much) their owners’ daily attention for keeping up their spiritual tone and socializing.

2. Breeding a parrot could be a very expensive pleasure. – The issue expenses include buying a bird, a big enough bird cages and a first check-up by qualified vet. Subsequently the other required expenses are for food, MANY bird toys, a routine check up, whetting up of the wings (it’s required, not obligatory), nails and beak and sometimes help from a vet in case of emergency. Birds medicine is a very specialized field. Normally, the tests and procedures in the birds treatment cost a lot. Furthermore, it’s typical for birds to express symptoms of some kind of illness when the illness is in an advanced phase (in case when it passes sharply). Because of that fact to start a treatment in this phase is something we often call “emergency help” and as a result it’s more expensive.

3. The parrots are loud. – They live in nocks and make big groups. In the wild they keep contact one another, by the sounds they make when there is no visual contact between them. The bird has the ability to accept you as a member of its flock and that is why the sounds it makes can be interpreted as “keeping in touch” with you. Early in the morning, at sunrise, parrots call the nock to start the new day. At sunset they call the nock again to gather it and execute alighting in order to prepare themselves for their night sleep. These sounds are normal for the parrots and their owners should not get angry and harm them using mean words and to restrain them in those moments.

4. Not all parrots speak. - Although almost all parrots have the ability to learn to speak the human language, not all of them have the desire to start to speak. Some of the most chatty parrot species are the Jacob, Budgie, Yellow-forehead Amazon and double yellow-forehead Amazon, but even for these ones there is no guarantee they shall do it.

5. Birds love to make a mess all around them. – They have their very important place in the wild world because their main function is to “afforest” the wood. Regarding to that, the bird takes a piece of its food and the rest throws on the ground. So be ready to spend a lot of your time cleaning after your parrot. You must feed your bird only seeds. Variety makes birds healthy. Consider just for a moment: how long do you think you shall remain in good health if your food includes only seeds and waterxdfm ? That goes for the parrots, too. Actually, there is a good rule regarding the birds which says: “If something is good for me, it’s good for my parrot as well”. You should try the system with the three bowls: Fresh water, Fresh fruits and vegetables, packed food, nuts and seeds.
6. Parrots need to take bath regularly. – The origin of most of them coming from the rainforests where they take a shower app. 3 times a week, no matter if they want it or not. The clean water they use is very important for their feathers. Some of them prefer taking a bath under the shower with us, others – to be splashed with water (for example with sprinkler for bedewing flowers) or to be placed under the stream of water in the sink. Often they also prefer taking a bath in a bowl filled with water. You should try each of these methods until you find the preferred way of your parrot for taking a bath.

7. Parrots like to destroy things. – In their natural environment they spend 90% of their day searching for and consuming food. Living in our homes they receive their food without making any effort which results in some need inside them to “rediscover” and fulfil their time, which normally they spend in searching for food. If you don’t provide them regularly with different bird toys they could start to use your furniture for that purpose. Parrot toys are made specially to be ruined. If the toy cannot be destroyed in that point, there is possibility the bird might not be interested in it. It’s recommended to replace the toy with a different one periodically, to avoid the parrot to get bored.

8. The parrots bite. – Sometimes they bite the hand that feeds them and the people they are familiarized with. This is not like a dog’s bite. It’s true, they bite in some cases because of aggression but more often it is a result of fear or anger. Sometimes as a part of their daily communication, they “bite” each other and expect their natural behaviour to be tolerated by us. Biting is one of their means of communication which makes many people feel themselves hurt and ignored by their pets. To state that simply: birds have an ability to communicate perfectly. By biting they say simply: “I don’t like that” and this way of their expression is so effective. People often are not that honest and convicting and tend to be resentful, when someone else or even a bird is more honest in its attitude than us.

9. The parrots are not appropriate pets for kids. – They are not good choice for kid’s pets because of their incredible intellect. They live long and require daily attention and contact with their “human flock”. A kid goes through a lot of changes and phases of his/her style of living (school, marriage, building a family, moving etc.) which makes it almost impossible to keep a life-long relationship with such an intelligent creature as a pet.

Lonely Dogs and How to Handle Them

2009-08-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

Dogs belong in packs and when they are domesticated, they still look at their families as their 'packs.' They need to be social and they need attention. The way dogs have been domesticated has created a bit of a problem. Allowing your dog to spend time with other dogs is not satisfactory. They need time with their human friends. Sure, we have lives that are extremely busy, so it can be difficult to give our dogs as much attention as we need. As we rush around like maniacs trying to get important things done, trying to spend time with our dogs can feel like a burden.

When you're feeling like this, spending time with your dog sure can seem like more of a chore than having a relaxing, fun time with your four legged friend. Taking him or her for a walk can feel like a chore among a million chores that you have to accomplish. This definitely lessens the quality of the time you spend with your dog. It shouldn't be this way but sometimes it seems like life has you by the collar!

The way that we live really does affect our dogs. For instance, if we are stressed out all the time, what kind of personal time we have, our general demeanor really have a lot to do with our dogs' temperament. The dogs sometimes take on their human companions' moods and feelings - to the point that if you're depressed or stressed out all the time, your dog can be anxious and depressed as well. Also, if we are busy with certain things, walking the dog or spending time with him can be pushed to the back burner and your dog will truly suffer because of this. There are a few things that you can do to make time for your dog so that he or she is not lonely!

* Take your dog with you when you are out doing the normal daily tasks. Whether you have to go pay bills, drive your children here or there or even going out for a drive, take your dog. He or she will love going, even if she has to sit in the car. Getting out of the house and having something different to look at is a great thing for your dog to get a chance to do. If you will have other people in the car, for instance if you will be driving your kids around or picking up friends, this is a great way for your furry friend to socialize. One thing you should be sure of is to never leave your dog for more than a half an hour in the car and you should NEVER leave your dog in the car on a hot day. This could result in fatal injuries due to the heat.

* Let your pooch sleep in the bedroom with you at night. He or she doesn't have to sleep on the bed - they can have a cozy spot in the corner. Still, just the time together with you is enough to put him or her at ease. Neither one of you have to do anything but you're spending time together anyway. This is a great thing to do. If you've noticed how dogs lie together when they are puppies, you will understand that dogs have an instinct to be close to the pack during times when they are vulnerable, like sleeping. This helps them to feel secure and safe. So, for an easy way to keep your dog happy and healthy, allow them to sleep in the bedroom with you at night. * Try exploring different areas with your dog. Becoming accustomed to the same old route can also become boring. Although dogs like familiar surroundings, they also appreciate exploring new areas and seeing new things. Taking your dog through the woods or down a new path or even to the beach would be a great idea. You could even take your dog on a hike. The key is for you to enjoy the time you spend together as well because then you will want to do it more often and that will help the relationship between you and your dog!

* Spend time with your dog while you're doing other things. You can multi-task and you won't have to feel guilty that you're not spending time with your dog. For instance, while you are watching television, you can brush and groom your dog. Or, if you're ready for a relaxing nap, allow your pooch to hop up on the couch and snooze along with you (unless of course he or she is a large breed dog - then you might get pushed off onto the floor!) Doing simple things like this can be very enjoyable for your dog and doesn't take much extra effort and no extra time from you!

* Encourage the other members of your household to play with your dog and spend time with him or her. If you live alone, you could hire a dog walker a few times a week (someone that you fully trust with your pet) and allow your dog the chance to interact with others and have a good time. If the dog lives in a house with children, this is great because children usually have tons of time and energy. Make sure that your dog understands that he or she is not dominant over the children and that the dog will obey the children's commands before you allow the child to play with the dog alone. Not only will this help keep your dog happy and well-adjusted, but it takes some of the responsibility off of your shoulders as well.

While you still need to spend a good amount of time with your dog, giving him or her attention, making sure that he or she is healthy and happy, you can make your life easier in some ways using the tips and tricks above.

Alpacas a Domesticated Animal

2009-08-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Incan civilization. They played a central role in the Incan culture and were located on the high Andean Plateau and mountains of South America. They are very hardy animals who are still raised in their native home in the Andean mountains at about 10,000-14,000 feet. They were traditionally raised for their luxurious fiber or fleece. Alpacas are a member of the camel family, which also includes dromedary camels, llamas, vicunas, and guanacos. Alpacas have been raised in the high Andes mountains for centuries. Alpacas are one of the oldest domesticated breeds of animals. Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984. Alpacas are now being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout North America and abroad. Alpaca breeding has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry in North America and is still on the rise. Alpacas cannot be mass-produced and are rare outside of South America.
Alpacas are herd animals, and are generally kept in groups of two or more. They have soft padded feet, making them gentle on pastures and grass lands. Alpacas only have teeth at the bottom of their mouth for eating. They are grazers and like cattle chew their cud. Alpacas selectively graze, eating pasture grasses and hay, along with small amounts of feed and minerals supplements feeding them is relatively inexpensive. Alpacas are mature enough to breed between the ages of 12-18 months and normally have only one baby per pregnancy. They are virtually odorless and do not attract flies like other livestock. Alpacas are considered a disease resistant animal, which may lower the cost of veterinary care. They are quiet and are said to make a humming sound. Alpacas are safe and gentle animals, they do not bite or butt like some farm animals can. Alpacas can live up to 15 to 20 years and make excellent companion animals and pets.
Alpacas are often raised as an alternative to other domesticated livestock. They are one of the few animals which can be profitably raised on small farms. They require a small amount of acreage compared to other livestock, usually about ten acres or less. Alpacas are happy in a small area and are easy on the environment. Alpacas also thrive in temperate climates. They are easy to care for and don't require any special type of shelter. They are clam and quiet animals that are easy to handle. They have been and still are used as pack and guard animals.
Alpacas are very intelligent and are easy to train. In just a few sessions they will pick up and retain many behaviors such as accepting a halter, being led, lifting a foot for toenail trimming and being loaded into a vehicle. Alpacas like other livestock are blood typed to insure the accuracy of breeding records, this is to provide absolute identification and documentation of bloodlines.
Alpacas provide one of the most luxurious fibers in the world, it can come in 22 colors and is recognized by the textile industry. They only need to be sheared once a year and may produce 5 to 10 pounds of soft fiber that is turned into warm garments. Alpaca fleece is comparable to cashmere in softness and can be mixed with other fibers, like mohair, this vary's the texture of the yarn produced. Alpaca fibre is similar to sheep's wool, but it is lighter in weigh and silkier to the touch. The fibers are warmer and do not have a prickly feel. They also contain no lanolin and make it hypoallergenic. Alpaca fibers are hollow, which make for great insulating properties. Alpaca garments can be worn comfortably against your skin.

10 Amazing Hybrid Animals

2009-08-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

An unusual case of a sheep-goat hybrid was reported by veterinarians in Botswana in 2000, called the "Toast of Botswana". The animal was born naturally from the mating of a female goat with a male sheep that were kept together

1. Zebroid = Zebra + Equine

A zebroid (also zebra mule and zebrule) is the offspring of any cross between a zebra and any other equine: essentially, a zebra hybrid. In most cases, the sire is a zebra stallion. Offspring of a donkey sire and zebra mare, called a zebra hinny, do exist but are rare. Zebroids have been bred since the 19th century. The zebroid showed in the picture above, Eclyse, is a very unusual one, because of her coloring. With her über distinct makings, it's really hard not think she's a Photoshop mock-up.

New Videos

1. Liger = Lion + Tiger

The liger is a hybrid cross between a male Panthera leo (lion), and a female Panthera tigris (Tiger) and is denoted scientifically as Panthera tigris × Panthera leo. A liger resembles a giant lion with diffused stripes. They are the largest cats in the world, although the Siberian Tiger is the largest pure sub-species. Like tigers, but unlike lions, ligers enjoy swimming. A similar hybrid, the offspring of a male tiger and a female lion is called a tigon.

2. Beefalo = Buffalo + Cow

Find True Love in God

What do you get when you cross a cow with a buffalo? The Beefalo, a hybrid animal that produces red meat lower in fat and cholesterol than beef. Most consumers have never heard of beefalo, let alone tasted it, and only a few Seattle grocery stores carry it.

How does a buffalo burger compare to a beef one? "It has a richer flavor and it's milder and sweeter than beef," says Ellensburg beefalo breeder Mark Merril, "and more juicy."

3. Cama = Camel + Llama

This hybrid animal, the product of breeding a llama and a camel, has been the only creature of this kind since her birth in 1995. Camas are humpless and have the long fluffy coat of a llama. Their ears are half way in length between camels and llamas, but they have the strong, desert-ready legs of a camel.

4. Leopon = Leopard + Lion

The Leopon is the result of breeding a male leopard with a female lion. The head of the animal is similar to that of a lion while the rest of the body carries similarities to leopards. The first documented leopon was bred at Kolhapur, India in 1910.

5. Savannah = Serval + Domestic Cat

The Savannah Cat is created by breeding an African Wild Cat, called a Serval and a domestic cat, usually an exotic looking domestic cat such as a Bengal, Oriental Shorthair, Egyptian Mau, or a Serengeti's. The offspring created by this combination are large domestic.

6. Grizzly Polar = Polar Bear + Brown Bear

Also known as Grolar Bear, this bear hybrid is a rare ursid hybrid that has occurred both in captivity and in the wild. In 2006, the occurrence of this hybrid in nature was confirmed by testing the DNA of a strange-looking bear that had been shot on Banks Island in the Canadian arctic.

A number of polar bear hybrids are described as Ursid hybrids, a term that designates any hybrid of two species within the Ursidae family. Polar bear hybrids with Grizzly bears have been reported and shot, but DNA techniques were not available to verify the bears' ancestry.

7. Toast of Botswana = Sheep + Goat

The hybrid was intermediate between the two parent species in type. It had a coarse outer coat, a woolly inner coat, long goat-like legs and a heavy sheep-like body. Although infertile, the hybrid had a very active libido, mounting both ewes and does when they were not in heat. This earned the hybrid the name Bemya or rapist. He was castrated when he was 10 months old because he was becoming a nuisance.

8. Blood parrot = Midas Cichild + Red Devil fish

The Blood parrot (also known as bloody parrot and blood parrotfish) is a hybrid cichlid. The fish was first created in Taiwan in around 1986. Its parentage is unknown, but the most commonly speculated pairings are midas cichlid with the redhead cichlid. This hybrid cichlid has various anatomical deformities; one of the most obvious, and also deadly, deformities is its mouth, which only has very narrow vertical opening. This makes blood parrot very hard to feed. Many die eventually because of this. Cichlid enthusiasts have called for their removal from the market and organized boycotts against pet stores that sell them.

9. Hybrid Pheasant = Golden + Amherst Pheasant

The Golden Pheasant has commonly been crossed with the similar Lady Amherst's Pheasant. The result is a hybrid with distinguished colors from its parents.

Green Tips for Pet Owners

2009-08-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

Many people are taking many steps to try and live an eco-friendly lifestyle. One area in our lives that is easy to go "green" in, and often gets overlooked, is our pets. Here are five easy changes you can make to start being a more environmentally friendly pet owner:

Don't use a lint roller. Instead, use a Fur-Zoff to clean up pet hair. Fur-Zoff is made from recycled materials and lasts forever. Lint rollers waste tons of paper, plastic, and money. A Fur-Zoff is only $9.99 at FurZoff.net
Use biodegradable pet waste bags. Don't use a plastic bag for picking up the presents your pet leaves behind in the yard. Opt for a biodegradable bag, or even better, try using the stuff for compost.
Eat Green. Buy organic pet food. It may cost a little more but it's a simple step to take. Newman's Own Organics is a good option for pet food.
Play Green. Make pet toys out of old stuff or buy toys made from recycled materials. Look around your garage; I'm sure you have something that will work. Get creative!
Adopt from a shelter. There are more pets than people born every day. Too many and the planet won't be able to sustain the population

This is just a start to becoming a "green" pet owner. They're simple steps to take, but you'll be surprised at the difference they make. Take the time to share with friends and family the changes you are making in being a "green" pet owner. It will help everyone make the changes together, resulting in a better environment for us and our furry friends.

Top 10 Transparent Animals!

2009-08-04T22:07:00.002-07:00

Top 10 Transparent Animals!

Here are the most interesting transparent animals, from ice fish to jellyfish to frogs to butterflies! Nature sure is very interesting!

By: Syeda Mahwish Fatima Naqvi

New Videos

Transparent Frog:

Native to Venezuela, the Glass Frogs belong to the amphibian family Centrolenidae (order Anura). While the general background coloration of most glass frogs is primarily lime green, the abdominal skin of some members of this family is transparent, so that the heart, liver, and digestive tract are visible through their translucent skin.

Transparent Head Fish:

Free Apps. Free Games. Download Now

This bizarre deep-water fish called the Barreleye (Macropinna microstoma) has a transparent head and tubular eyes. It has extremely light-sensitive eyes that can rotate within his transparent, fluid-filled shield on its head, while the fish's tubular eyes, well inside the head, are capped by bright green lenses. The eyes point upward (as shown here) when the fish is looking for food overhead. They point forward when the fish is feeding. The two spots above the fish's mouth are not eyes: those are olfactory organs called nares, which are analogous to human nostrils.

Transparent Butterfly:

Found in Central America, from Mexico to Panama, the Glasswing Butterfly (Greta Oto) is a brush-footed butterfly where its wings are transparent. The tissue between the veins of its wings looks like glass.

Transparent Squid:

Found on the southern hemisphere's oceans, the Glass Squid (Teuthowenia pellucida) has light organs on its eyes and possesses the ability to roll into a ball, like an aquatic hedgehog. It is prey of many deep-sea fish (eg goblin sharks) as well as whales and oceanic seabirds.

Transparent Zebrafish created by scientists:

This see-through zebrafish was created in 2008 by scientists so they can study disease processes, including the spread of cancer. The transparent fish are allowing researchers at Children's Hospital Boston to directly view fish's internal organs and observe processes such as tumor growth in real-time in living organisms.

Transparent Icefish:

Fund in the cold waters around Antarctica and southern South America, the crocodile icefish (Channichthyidae) feed on krill, copepods, and other fish. Their blood is transparent because they have no hemoglobin and/or only defunct erythrocytes. Their metabolism relies only on the oxygen dissolved in the liquid blood, which is believed to be absorbed directly through the skin from the water. This works because water can dissolve the most oxygen when it is coldest. In five species, the gene for myoglobin in the muscles has also vanished, leaving them with white instead of pink hearts.

Transparent Amphipod:

Called Phronima, this unusual animal is one of the many strange species recently found on an expedition to a deep-sea mountain range in the North Atlantic. In an ironic strategy for survival, this tiny shrimplike creature shows everything it has, inside and out, in an attempt to disappear. Many other small deep-sea creatures are transparent as well, or nearly so, to better camouflage themselves in their murky surroundings, scientists say. (

Transparent Larval Shrimp:

Found in the in the waters around Hawaii, this transparent larval shrimp piggybacks on an equally see-through jellyfish.

Transparent Salp:

This jellyfish-like animals known as Salps feed on small plants in the water called phytoplankton (marine algae). They are transparent, barrel-shaped animals that can range from one to 10cm in length.

Transparent Jellyfish:

Jellyfish are free-swimming members of the phylum Cnidaria. They are found in every ocean, from the surface to the deep sea. Many jellies are so transparent that they are almost impossible to see. The one above is from the Arctapodema genus, with a size of an inch-long (2.5-centimeter- long).

Premium Natural Holistic Cat and Dog Food

2009-08-04T22:07:00.001-07:00

Did you know the life span of your best friend dog or best friend cat is 25 to 30 years. So why are our dogs and cats only living to 13 to 14 years? The answer is simple, the same problem many American people struggle with today, "unhealthy eating habits". "But what can I do about it ? Provide the best holistic, premium, all natural dog food or cat food on the market today.

Premium Holistic natural cat and dog food is formulated with safe and wholesome natural cat food and dog food ingredients. Including a blend of the best, dog and cat vitamins and minerals, high-quality human grade cat and dog proteins, dog and cat best whole grains, a antioxidant system, nutritious natural holistic vegetables and fruits, omega fatty acids for your dog or cat, calcium and phosphorus for cat and dog healthy teeth, strong bones and dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Premium natural holistic cat and dog food contains no artificial flavors or colors. In addition, there is no corn, corn gluten, wheat or wheat gluten for your dog or cat best friend to consume. Some cat food and dog food manufacturers use ingredients that you would never knowingly feed your dog or cat. Including but not limited to bones, dead animals, road kill, chicken feet and heads, feathers, animal heads, etc.

New Videos

Premium holistic natural human grade food is nutritionally dense food, which means that you will not have to feed your dog or cat as much food as other brands. That can translate into savings you can count on, meal after meal, year after year for your dog and cat. Smaller meals and concentrated nutrition means less mess to clean up outside or inside. Holistic cat food or dog food does not just treat hunger in your dog or cat it also address different ailments that might come to be in the health and well being of your "dog best friend" or "cat best friend" such as skin ailments, fleas, ticks, joint problems and intestinal diseases.

The best premium natural health pet food will contain ingredients such as Chicken Meal, Eggs, Catfish Meal, Chicken Fat, Whole Grains, Ground Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Vitamins and Minerals, Antioxidant System, Beets, Broccoli, Carrots, Celery, Lettuce, Parsley, Watercress, Blueberries, Pomegranate, OMEGA-3 Fatty Acids, Flax Seed Meal, Brewer's Dried Yeast, Beet Pulp (sugar removed), Direct-Fed Microbials.

So in conclusion make sure you read the label of the pet food you are feeding. This could help extend the life of your best friend. It is up to you and me to improve the health and life of our pets. With new technology and research we can make this possible. Most holistic pet food products manufacturers take extra steps in the care, inspections, and quality of products so please choose to start taking a look at the use of these feeds. Most of the holistic health food products you actually feed less than the cheaper pet foods I have noticed up to a cup less on a large breed dog.

Tips For Becoming a Green Pet Owner

2009-08-04T22:06:00.001-07:00

Trying to reduce your carbon footprint or the four little footprints from your pet can be difficult, especially during tough economic times. But it is times like these where you have to be a little more creative and do a little extra research to discover there are plenty of ways to be eco-friendly when it comes to taking care of your pet. Here are a few simple ways to do this:

Free beauty tips & offers!

Adopt- Adopting is cost-effective and may even save the life of a pet. The animals can come in a variety of breeds and most are healthy vet-approved pets. Along with this, get your pets spayed or neutered. Over 70,000 pets are born each day in the U.S. alone and there just aren't enough pet lovers out there to take care of all of them.

New Videos

Be Inventive - Make your pet's toys for instead of buying them. Many pet toys contain chemicals that are not intended to be ingested. Small amounts of these chemicals over time can be damaging to your pet. Use durable organic materials from old clothes and a sewing machine to transform something old into something inexpensive, safe and fun for your pet.

No More Lint Rollers - Instead use Fur-Zoff. Fur-Zoff is an eco-friendly product that removes pet hair from all types of fabrics at http://www.FurZoff.net. It's made of 90% recycled materials and a lifetime guarantee. So you pretty much get the bang for your buck with this one for $10 and you're not being wasteful going through all of those sticky sheets.

Change That Litter - Switch to using a biodegradable cat litter or baggies for dog. You'll reduce the amount of waste in landfills or you can even use it as compost for your garden. It doesn't sound very pleasant but it sure does make the flowers bloom!

Green for Dinner – Try natural and organic pet foods. They are hormone free, contain vitamins, and spell out how each ingredient is processed right on the packaging. If organic food isn't in the budget these days there are dozens of easy recipes you can make for your pet with ingredients you would find in your own kitchen. A good website would be http://www.simplypets.com/pet-recipes/.

Each and every effort you can make towards becoming "green" is not only healthy for the environment but extremely healthy for your pet. You're little, or big, guy will feel better, live longer, and be more then appreciate of the effort you're making. It's not difficult to become a "green" pet owner; you just have to start somewhere!

Tips to Remember When Sexing Dwarf Hamsters

2009-08-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

Pet owners should know the sex of their pets, and dwarf hamster owners are no exception. It is not enough to ensure that they are cleaned, housed and fed; it is necessary to know whether you own a male or a female hamster as well.

As easy as it sounds, sexing dwarf hamsters can pose quite a challenge, most especially for new owners who know nothing about it.

This is because the tiny built of these hamsters makes it hard to determine their sex. Moreover, they are very fast and always moving around, and this surely makes sexing dwarf hamsters all the more difficult.

There are different varieties of dwarf hamsters. You will find that one of the most elusive and skittish hamsters are the Roborovski hamsters. If you have these at home, you probably know what I am talking about. If you have one of those Chinese dwarf hamsters, lucky you! These are easier to check since the males have more visible testicles as they are larger in size compared to most.

However, it is important to take note that when sexing dwarf hamsters, you need to exert some effort to make sure you get it right. Remember that these little ones are very energetic and move real fast. If you are not careful and gentle with them, you could end up hurting these little creatures.

When sexing dwarf hamsters, here are a few guidelines to prevent hurting your pet. The first thing to do is to check the scent gland which is visible in the male species. It is a yellow stain found somewhere around the belly button. All you need to do is to hold the dwarf hamster with its back resting on the palm of your hand. Your index finger and your thumb should be holding its chin or legs.

Then, your free hand should be used to clear the fur on its belly button area so you can see it easily. Next, let's talk about safety measures when sexing dwarf hamsters. You can make use of a large container that is covered with a towel. Inspect your hamster over it so that in the instance he moves or falls off, he will just end up in the container, thus preventing injury or possible escape.

There is also what is known as the glass view method which makes use of a clear glass container. It should be small in size so that your dwarf hamster will not be able to move around much, but not too small though that he or she will be uncomfortable inside it. From this container, you can simply observe and find out whether what you have is a male or female dwarf hamster.

Animals We Love

2009-08-04T22:03:00.000-07:00

We are the people who end up saying, "Aww," when we witness young kittens prancing around their mothers. Yes, kittens can be adorable! But what can you say about all the different species of cats that are there in the world. Maybe at a distance they are gorgeous but up close most people like to avoid the bigger cats of the world. But nonetheless, they are beautiful. All of you must be thinking why am I talking about cats, well, the reason is that the Zoo of Puerto Vallarta recently celebrated new additions to their small pride!

Since the past couple of weeks a wave of news cubs, have been welcomed at el Zoológico de Vallarta. A range of animals like Pumas, Jaguars, Leopards have come into their little kingdom. In total 2 African Leopards, 3 Americans Pumas, 2 Black Panthers (Melanistic Jaguars, one male and one female,) a White-headed Capuchin Monkey, 3 Common Jaguars, 5 African Dwarf Goats, and a few Guinea Pigs have been born. This is not the end folks! The Zoo of Puerto Vallarta is awaiting the arrivals of a Striped Hyena, a Canadian Wolf, a white Bengal Tiger, three Spider Monkeys, a Black Jaguar and an orange Bengal Tiger, over the coming weeks. Isn't that exciting? It is a sight worth watching!

The family who owns the Zoo, the Castañeda family, is deeply concerned about these animals and continuously strives for their preservation. They also believe that it is the utmost care and affection that they provide to the animals that in turn helps them to reproduce even in their confinement.

Speaking of animals, the Red Bone Team of PVYAFCA recently went to El Morro to fish for Tuna. This team even caught two large sized Tuna of about the 60 lb. during their 6 hour long Charter. The Bay of Banderas is home for the small Jacks, Bonitos and Dorados. Even big sized Sail Fish have been spotted in these regions. Big sized Rooster fish are also being brought in by Punta Mita.

Free beauty tips & offers!

The great fishing season has begun and the "Toroaba" boat has brought good hearty catches of Tuna, Dorado and even some Sail Fish. What was most exciting about this was that they even managed to get hold of some Black and Blue Marlin which was at the La Corbeteña.

At the El Banco, fish like Blue and Black Marlin, in addition to Tuna, Dorado and Sail Fish have been spotted. The season of fishing has very well taken off and will hopefully continue till the month of December. With the way the fish have been flowing in, a number of locals and tourists of Puerto Vallarta have begun their fishing escapades. It is fun and exciting and an activity that you can do with your entire family.

If you are a fan of fishing, Puerto Vallarta should be on your game plan. The coming months are expected to bring great catches for everyone. So do not miss out on your opportunity to bring home a trophy fish! You will receive the grandest fishing tours and the best boats to do your fishing around the Banderas Bay. So hurry and start your fishing season!

Making Sense of a Bird Cage and Bird Toys

2009-08-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

Your child struggled with a bully most of the school year, and ended up breaking her leg on the school picnic. She isn't going to be able to do much the first several weeks of summer, so you decide to get her something she's asked for every Christmas and birthday, a bird. But you're a dog person, and don't know the first thing about this bird and its needs. What kind of bird cage are you going to need? Do you really have to have all the bird toys and gadgets you see in the cages of friends?

A bird cage is your pet's home, and you'll want to give them a good bit of room to move around in. Birds are happiest when they can flutter about. Sure, your daughter and others in your family will want to take the bird out and play with it. But you can't keep it out all the time it needs to exercise. First, you need to decide what kind of bird you want to get. Different species requires different attributes in their homes. Set the bird cage up near a window so your bird can get natural light and fresh air. Some people even set them cages outside. In a moderate climate, that's wonderful to do. You want to look for a metal cage, which is much easier to clean than anything else on the market.

You will need to set up different perches in your bird cage so that your pet can get the exercise it needs while in its cage. Obviously one needs to be by its food and water. You don't want the cage to be cluttered, so put two or three perches in there.

Birds love bird toys, and want a variety of toys. You may want to purchase several toys and trade a couple once a month or something like that. Birds are intelligent animals that need to be stimulated. Toys also help maintain your bird's beak and nails. bird toys also allow birds to use their energy wisely, instead of screaming or nipping at people. You will want to make sure that every toy you buy is sturdy and will not fall apart. They should also be toxic free. You are going to need to replace toys because birds need to chew on things. And it is far better to replace toys than furniture.

Okay, so it is necessary to have bird toys, but what kind of toys do birds like? Ropes always make good toys. Bells are another things most birds really enjoy. These pets are also attracted to anything that is colorful and bright. They also like and need to figure things out. So one thing you can try is to put some colorful objects in a bottle and let them figure out how to open the bottle and get everything out. Birds even like playing with toilet paper rolls.

Now that you know what to look for in a bird cage and bird toys, go out and get what you need today. Your daughter will be glad that you did.

Cushing's disease in dogs - Dog article on Pets.ca

2009-08-03T23:55:00.001-07:00

The adrenal gland (there are 2) ia a small and inconspicuous organ, but it serves many important functions through the production of hormones. The adrenal gland is an organ located in the abdominal cavity near the kidneys. It produces steroids, but not the type of steroids that stimulate muscle growth. It produces mineralocorticoids, which regulate kidney function and control salt loss in the urine. The adrenal gland also produces glucocorticoids which play an integral role in cell membrane stabilization, blood sugar levels, and urine production. There are two main disorders that can affect the adrenal gland – Cushing’s and Addison’s disease. This article explores the clinical signs, diagnostic tests and treatments for Cushing’s disease.

Cushing’s disease is also known as hyperadrenocorticism and is caused by an overproduction of glucocorticoids by an adrenal gland tumour. The release of glucocorticoids is controlled by the pituitary gland, which is a tiny gland found at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), which triggers the adrenal gland to make glucocorticoids. Therefore, a pituitary tumour can cause overproduction of ACTH, which results in an overproduction of glucocorticoids in the bloodstream. An adrenal tumour also causes a similar effect. Understanding how Cushing’s disease develops is important in understanding how the disease is diagnosed and treated.

Excessive glucocorticoids have a range of effects on the body. Increased water intake and urination are the most common clinical signs of Cushing’s disease in the dog. Other signs that may be seen include decreased muscle mass, weakness, thinning of the skin and hair loss. Cushing’s disease may also decrease the efficacy of the dog’s immune system, making him/her more susceptible to infection.

Cushing’s disease most commonly occurs in older dogs older than eight years. Some breeds are more genetically predisposed to developing Cushing’s disease. These breeds include the Beagle, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Dachshund, and Poodle.

Cushing’s disease has an insidious onset, so it is not surprising that many dogs have the disease for an extended period of time before the owner will notice a problem. Dilute urine and changes in the dog’s blood such as increased alkaline phosphatase (a liver enzyme) may point towards Cushing’s disease.

The disease is confirmed with an ACTH stimulation test. A blood sample is taken from the dog before he/she is given an injection of ACTH. A blood sample is taken after one hour and the cortisol level is measured. If the cortisol level goes up a little, the response is normal. If it goes up by a lot, Cushing’s disease is confirmed. This test is also used to monitor the efficacy of certain drugs used to treat Cushing’s.

A low-dose dexamethasone suppression (LDDS) test can also be used to diagnose the disease. A blood sample is taken as the dog is given an injection of dexamethasone. Two blood samples are taken post-injection and measured for cortisol. Normally, the cortisol level should decrease because the corticosteroid suppresses cortisol. If it fails to drop, Cushing’s disease is likely.

Treatment options depend on the location of the tumour. Most cases (85%) of Cushing’s disease are pituitary-dependent tumours. Fifteen percent of cases are adrenal tumours which can only be treated with surgery. Pituitary-dependent tumours can be managed several ways. In humans, this type of tumour is most commonly removed surgically. However, in animals, this technique is still in the experimental stages. Therefore, most dogs with pituitary-dependent Cushing’s are treated with medication alone.

Mitotane is one of the most common drugs used to treat Cushing’s disease. It is an oral cytotoxic drug that works by destroying part of the adrenal gland and thus decreases the amount of cortisol that is produced. Due to the drug’s cytotoxic effects, careful monitoring is important to ensure that not too much of the gland is destroyed. If too much is destroyed, the dog could develop hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease).

Ketoconazole is an alternative drug which may be used. It is a drug which affects steroid biosynthesis by the adrenal gland, thereby decreasing the amount of steroids released into the bloodstream.

L-Deprenyl is another drug used to treat Cushing’s disease. It normalizes dopamine levels in the brain which lowers the production of steroids by the pituitary tumour. Efficacy of the drug has been reported as variable.

Trilostane is a newer drug that has been released in the UK to treat Cushing’s. It is an adrenal enzyme inhibitor which decreases the amount of cortisol in the bloodstream. It can currently be acquired in Canada through your veterinarian, but it may take a bit more time and paperwork. Although trilostane is reported to have fewer negative side effects, every drug has its advantages and benefits. Other less commonly used medications are also available. Your veterinarian will discuss the options and find one that works best for your dog.

Regardless of the drug chosen, the dog would remain on the medication for life because the causative tumour would still be present. Blood levels of cortisol would have to be monitored on a regular basis to ensure the efficacy and safety of the medication being used.

Once treatment has started, the clinical signs of Cushing’s disease should slowly disappear. However, it may take days to months for this to occur. The average survival time for a dog with Cushing’s is about two years. This does not mean that Cushing’s disease is a common cause of death. In fact, most dogs diagnosed with Cushing’s die of unrelated causes due to old age.

Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) in dogs - Dog article on Pets.ca

2009-08-03T23:53:00.000-07:00

Cryptorchidism is when one or both testicles fail to descend properly into the scrotum. But what does it mean to you, and to your dog, if your dog is diagnosed with cryptorchidism? It is a fairly straightforward condition. This article will introduce you to the causes and consequences of cryptorchidism.

During fetal development, the cells that develop into the gonads (testicles or ovaries) are located in the abdomen. In females, the ovaries remain located in the abdomen. However in males, the testicles migrate from the abdomen and down to the scrotum. Testicles need to be located in the scrotum to maintain proper temperature which is slightly below body temperature. This is why the testicles, in a normal dog, migrate from the abdomen to the scrotum. Unlike humans, dog testicles do not descend until about 4-7 weeks after birth. Veterinarians must take into consideration that there will be a great variety in the timing of this event in different dogs. But generally, if the testicles have not descended into the scrotum by the time the dogs is about 4 months old, the dog is considered to be cryptorchid.

What causes cryptorchidism? In dogs, cryptorchidism is very common, and has been linked to a genetic mutation. There are many causes of cryptorchidism, and sometimes the cause is never discovered. In rare cases, the cryptorchidism is due to an intersex condition. Intersex dogs are uncommon, but do occur. In intersex, there is a problem with the formation of the reproductive system, and dogs can have a wide variety of signs. If the cryptorchidism is associated with intersex, the testicle may be malformed, associated with female reproductive tissues, or even missing. In most cases of cryptorchidism, the testicle fails to make the whole trip from abdomen to scrotum, and is caught part of the way down the normal path. This path is called the inguinal canal. Sometimes the testicle does not move at all, and remains in the abdomen.

It is strongly recommended that cryptorchid dogs are castrated. The surgery is not as simple as a regular castration, so it will be more expensive, and it will probably take your dog longer to recover from it. The surgery is more complicated, because often the veterinarian has to open up the abdomen and explore inside in order to find the testicle. Why do we recommend removing the testicle? A testicle in the wrong part of a dog's body is useless; the dog will not be able to produce sperm from that testicle. But there are a lot of other concerns. The biggest problem is that cryptorchid dogs are at a much greater risk of testicular cancer. Castration eliminates any chance of testicular cancer. It should be noted that a cryptorchid dog should not be used to breed. The testicle, as mentioned above, is non-functional. Even if the dog does have one functional testicle, we must keep in mind that cryptorchidism is often a genetic trait. This means that a cryptorchid dog may pass this condition on to offspring. In fact, relatives (siblings and parents) may also carry the genes that cause cryptorchidism.

Dogs with cryptorchidism also have a greater risk of developing a testicular torsion. This is when the testicle rotates and twists the ‘stalk’, which contains all the blood vessels. The vessels are then twisted shut and the blood supply to the testicle is closed. The testicle will have no oxygen or nutrition, and will die. This is a very painful condition. These dogs are also at a higher risk for some other complications, like hernias. It is obvious therefore, that there is no good reason to leave the testicle in the body. Although castration surgeries on cryptorchid dogs are more complicated, they have a very high success rate. Cryptorchidism is a very common occurrence in dogs, and is easily treated. For further explanation concerning this condition, please see your veterinarian.

Collapsed trachea in dogs - Article on Pets.ca

2009-08-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

Every living creature needs to breathe to survive. Breathing allows animals to deliver oxygen to tissues, as well as to get rid of wastes such as carbon dioxide that are produced by the body’s metabolism. The air is taken in from the outside from the mouth and nose, and goes through a tube that ends at the lungs. This air pipe or ‘windpipe’ is called the trachea. Upon exhalation, the carbon dioxide travels in the opposite direction to the outside through the trachea. However, as with any physiological system, there are sometimes problems that can occur that prevent the trachea from performing its breathing function optimally.

Collapsing trachea is the name of one of these conditions, in which the tube carrying air to the lungs from outside ‘caves’ in on itself. Picture this as a garden hose scenario; you make a restriction in the hose and the water stops coming out of the end, unable to make it past this blocked part. The water still flows through the hose up to this point, but when it reaches the ‘collapsed’ region, only a trickle may leak through. The majority of the water will keep building up in greater quantities causing increasing pressure. Eventually the pressure will be so great that it will cause the pipe to burst in another area or your hand will fly open and the water will come gushing out. The trachea is very similar to the garden hose in this scenario. When the trachea is occluded (obstructed), the little air that may leak through results in the dog making a honking sound. This noise is quite characteristic of this condition. Now before we get ahead of ourselves, what exactly causes the trachea to collapse?

The trachea is a windpipe that connects the nose, mouth, and throat to the lungs. It is composed of incomplete rings of cartilage (like a “C” shape) that are connected by muscles that complete the tube. Under normal circumstances, these tracheal rings retain their stiffness, preventing collapse of the trachea so that the air has a large area to travel through to the respiratory tract. Dogs with collapsing trachea have some kind of defect, possibly genetic, giving them weak tracheal rings that are unable to hold the trachea open during the forceful breathing of exercise or excitement. This occlusion may occur either during inhalation or exhalation in a dog. As one can imagine, not being able to breathe may lead to panic, which will increase the breathing rate because of further anxiety and distress. This makes the situation worse, compounding it in a vicious cycle. True, difficulties breathing are always an emergency, and you can check to make sure your pet is still getting enough oxygen. To do this, take a look at the gums. If they are blue this is a dire circumstance and you should rush to the emergency clinic as soon as possible. It means that the dog is oxygen-deprived, and there are many options your veterinarian can recommend that may help your pet to breathe with ease once more.

Of course, nobody likes to see his or her pet having difficulty breathing, so what can you do to prevent this from occurring? Unfortunately, as mentioned previously, collapsing trachea is a hereditary condition. There is no foolproof way to stop it from occurring, as many dogs that have collapsing trachea will not show any signs until another secondary problem triggers this condition. It is these secondary problems that we want to eliminate to diminish the likelihood of this disease. Obesity and irritants in the air (e.g. cigarette smoke, dust) are two preventable problems that make your pet more prone to collapsed trachea. Other triggers are respiratory infection, anesthesia, and heart enlargement (if it gets big enough to press against the trachea). Although not all the triggers are preventable, reducing as many as possible will have a positive effect, not just for this particular condition but on overall health as well.

There are so many diseases, so how do you narrow it down to looking specifically for collapsing trachea in your pooch? Collapsing trachea occurs most predominantly in toy breed dogs: Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Lhasa Apsos, Toy Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers. This does not mean that you should be scared of owning one of these lovely lap dogs, but being aware of potential problems that may develop will allow you to recognize early signs and act quickly to minimize your dog’s discomfort.

Does all this information about tracheal collapse make it seem like Fido will never have fun again? Here are some encouraging statistics: in a recent study, 71% of dogs that had collapsing trachea showed improvement when treated with the management of secondary factors and medications. Barring additional diseases causing complications, surgery is another option that may be able to reduce, if not fix, collapsing trachea and 17% of dogs with collapsing trachea undergo the surgery. Another study of dogs that received this surgery showed that 96% showed improvement afterwards, however there is always a risk when it comes to surgery that must also be taken into consideration. Surgery on the trachea… how do you do that? Well, a rigid prosthetic part is implanted in the trachea that basically prevents it from collapsing. In addition, this specific surgery is not yet being widely used so it could be difficult to find a veterinarian experienced in this procedure. In conclusion, collapsing trachea can be a life-threatening condition, but can usually be managed with reasonable expectations of returning your pet to having an easy, breezy life.

Dog and cat articles - on Pets.ca

2009-08-03T23:51:00.000-07:00

Purebreds now account for the majority of dogs in North America, Europe, and Japan. The variety of sizes, shapes, and coats available appeals to virtually all conceivable tastes. While the appearance and mass of some dogs give us a feeling of security, the size and shape of others bring out our instinctive need to nurture. Most of us are drawn to particular breeds - because of our past experience with them or because their looks appeal to us.

A dog's looks should not be your only consideration. Just as important is its trainability, how noisy it can be, and how good it is with children. When you take these factors into consideration, some breeds are excellent for any dog owner, while others are best in the homes of experienced dog people.

Remember that individual dogs are as different as individual people. The following charts, compiled from a worldwide survey of over 1,000 practicing vets, show the average characteristics of the average dogs of each breed. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 is the minimum level and 5 is the maximum for each feature.

Dogs and children - Kids and dogs - dog article on Pets.ca

2009-08-03T23:50:00.000-07:00

What goes on in the mind of your dog when there is a new baby in the family? Do you know how your dog will react if a toddler comes up and gives the dog a hug? Bringing a new addition into the household can be a big change for everyone, including the family dog. Introducing a new dog to a family with young children can also be an interesting challenge. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you have dogs and children under the same roof.

As a sensible dog owner and parent, it is your responsibility to be aware of the interactions between your children and the dog to ensure everyone’s safety. Most pets do not pose any threat to infants because there is not a lot of interaction between them. Toddlers are at a much greater risk of getting hurt because they can move about on their own and may not realize that their actions may be hurting or scaring the animal. All dogs should ideally be introduced to children at a young age and continue to be socialized with them. However, even the best socialization will not guarantee that a child cannot be hurt by your pet. That is why adult supervision is so important.

A toddler can be perceived as a threat to your dog as much as a dog may be a danger to your toddler. For example, it is important that children know that it is not right to pull on a dog’s tail because it hurts and it may lead to the dog biting as a result. Many dogs, however, adjust very well to a new addition to the family. It is a good idea to have a separate area or large crate in the same room as the family for the dog to play in without interacting with the baby. This new addition to the family will take up a lot of your time and attention, and your dog will notice that. Ease the dog into the transition by introducing the new area or crate a few weeks before the baby’s arrival. Remember to give your dog the same amount of love and attention as before, because some dogs will become stressed when new changes occur in their environment and they need to be assured that everything is alright.

In preparation for the baby coming home, you can practice obedience skills with your dog. For example, carry around a baby doll and work on the down command to get your dog accustomed to the positions you want him/her to be in while you are holding the infant. Accustom your dog to walk calmly beside the stroller without pulling. Remember, it could take up to several months for your dog to realize that the new baby is a part of the family. Give your dog time to adjust and always supervise. Keep up with the obedience training and ensure the dog continues to get enough attention and exercise.

You do not need to separate the baby and the dog at all times. In fact, it is recommended to teach your dog how to behave appropriately when the baby is present. Letting the dog sniff and interact gently with the baby will help reinforce the fact that this new addition is an important part of the family. Using positive reinforcement, teach your dog to lie quietly nearby when the baby is present. Reward with lots of praise and/or treats when he/she is doing something you like.

Puppies and babies both require a lot of time and care, so it is often recommended that you wait to get a puppy until after your youngest child is old enough to follow instructions and understand that they are capable of hurting the animal. Puppies have a lot of energy and often like to explore and nibble, so they can be a danger to the toddler if they get too excited. When a baby and any dog are together, they should be closely supervised at all times or separated with gates or crates. This prevents both the baby and the dog from being injured and/or frightened.

Most people would agree that we often treat our pets like members of our family. So when it comes to the task of training, socializing and playing with the dog, why not include the entire family? Children of all ages can play an important role in the training of a new puppy.

Children as young as three years of age can help feed and train the puppy while under adult supervision. For example, the dog can be told to sit and stay while the child places the food bowl down. Young children can also toss a toy once a dog has learned to patiently sit and wait for it. During any play session, close supervision is important to prevent the dog from getting too excited or rough. Encourage calm, gentle behaviour in both the child and the dog, using positive reinforcement.

Children aged 5 to 9 can take on responsibilities such as measuring how much food to feed the dog, filling the water bowl, helping with grooming, playing fetch with the dog, or practicing walking the dog in a fenced-in backyard. If you have children of different ages, you can assign an important task to each one so everyone has a responsibility. A young child may not be able to walk the dog on the streets on his/her own in case they come across another strange dog. However, walks can be turned into a fun family outing.

Children aged 10 and older can handle the dog independently (as judged by the parent) and help with the training of the dog. In fact, most children of this age group make wonderful dog trainers because they have the time, patience, and persistence to teach the dog new things. They can also feed, groom, walk, and clean up after the dog. Children of this age can also participate in dog training classes on their own. You can find a kid-friendly training program in your area. You should spend some time and observe a class in progress before registering. Ask if positive methods are being used and see if classes are well-structured and under control by the instructor. The class should focus on the bond between owner and dog and encourage participation from the children. Lots of praise and treats should be used, and misbehaving puppies should be ignored or given more space to work, not punished.

Giving children training tasks and establishing rules when interacting with the dog not only builds the bond between them, but it also helps the children understand the animal and enables them to read their body language. Involving the children in the care of the dog teaches them about what it takes to be a responsible pet owner.

As the child and dog grow older, relationships may change. A young, calm puppy may become rambunctious and easily excitable at 6 to 9 months of age (their ‘teenage years’). A child that was once focused on the care and training of their dog may lose interest in their dog and stop taking responsibility for its care. Parents need to be aware of changes in the relationship and use positive methods to keep the bond strong. By avoiding physical punishment, rewarding good behaviour, and encouraging the entire family to participate in the care of the dog, you and your family will enjoy having a companion for life.

Dogs and car travel - Dog article on Pets.ca

2009-08-03T23:49:00.002-07:00

Whether you’re planning to bring your dog up to the cottage, taking him/her for his/her annual check-up at the vet, or simply heading to the off-leash dog park, there is a good chance that you’ll need a car to get there. For some owners, a car trip with their dog is no big deal; it’s a simple as popping their pooch in the back seat and hitting the road. For others, even a fifteen minute drive can be a total disaster. Whichever might be the case for you and your dog, it’s important to be aware of all the potential hazards that exist on the road, and to be prepared. Not all dogs will be perfect passengers, but by taking a few simple steps and precautions, you can ensure that your next road trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Even before you and your pet board the vehicle, you can make your dog’s trip better by taking steps to avoid motion sickness. It is estimated that one in every six dogs experiences motion sickness, and you don’t want your dog to experience it and vomit all over your back seat. A good idea is to avoid feeding your dog for three to four hours prior to departure. If you already know that your dog is prone to getting carsick, you can even ask your veterinarian about dosing your pet with Gravol or Dramamine. Some dogs might even need a mild (or moderate) strength sedative to stay quiet and prevent car sickness. If you are unsure as to whether or not your dog is the kind that gets sick, try a test drive. Start with just a five minute drive around the block and then increase the length of time gradually to see what your pet can tolerate.

On longer trips, planning frequent stops for bathroom breaks is also a must. You should check in advance for pet friendly rest stops, as many do not allow dogs at all. You can both use these breaks to stretch your legs and also to re-hydrate. Pack along drinking water and a bowl. If your pet is one that can handle food without getting car sick, you can also pack some of his own food along for snacks.

Once you are done with all the necessary planning, it’s time to buckle in. Just as you would do for a small child, it is important to secure your pet as best you can while they are in the car. It is always safest for your pet to travel in the back seat. Airbags are not designed with dogs in mind, and can be extremely dangerous for pets of any size so front seat travel is a no-no. Also, it is extremely unsafe for you as a driver to be distracted by a dog in the passenger seat. For smaller dogs (or bigger cars), using a travel crate is a good way to ensure your pet’s safety while on the road. Especially for dogs who are crate-trained already, this kind of travel can be very comfortable and make your pet feel secure. The crate should be secured to the seat with a seatbelt. Other dogs do well with special harnesses designed specifically for this purpose. Just like a seatbelt, these harnesses keep your dog safely on its seat and prevent your dog from flying forward through the windshield in case of an accident. This sort of restraint is best tolerated by dogs who trained with the harness from the time they were puppies. For larger dogs, or those that become extremely anxious during restraint, they can be seated (though a secure crate is safer) in the back of your vehicle. However, to ensure your dog's safety and your own, a dog guard should be installed to separate the back of the car from the driver’s area.

Going for a car ride with your pet doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. For many dogs a car ride can be a great time. With just a little preparation and a few simple precautions, you can feel confident in your dog’s safety and comfort while in the car. Though it may seem like a bit of work at first, with time, car safety for your pet will be as second nature to you as buckling up your own seat belt.

information • Articles - pet • Ask the vet • Breed profiles • Bulletin board • Dog Parks • Encyclopedia • In the news • Lost & found • Pet blog • Pet

2009-08-03T23:49:00.001-07:00

Some dogs with behavior problems can be helped tremendously by re-acclimatizing with their lost language. There is great confusion when dogs use the signals and we, the humans, don't recognize them and even punish our dogs for using them because we think they are being bad, stubborn, or inattentive. By using calming signals with our dogs and recognizing the signs, we can prevent stressful situations, fear and aggression in our dogs.

Through the use of calming signals, your dog will become more social. He will grow more secure and therefore become a happier dog. He will cope better with a variety of situations and he will have a better ability to solve conflicts, a very natural instinct in dogs.

Calming signals will help you train better. When your dog is tired, stressed or unable to focus, he will let you know. In addition, the use of calming signals will help you to be able to calm down a dog who is becoming nervous or stressed. Because of your use of the signals you may be able to show other insecure or fearful dogs that you can be trusted. You can become a better friend to your dog by understanding him more. Calming signals are wonderful to use in behavior therapy to help dogs overcome problems. As a matter of fact, it is critical that they are used if long term success is to be obtained in behavior therapy.

Dogs may lose their language through our own fault. When no one in their surroundings uses the signals, they lose the ability to use them. We teach dogs all kinds of commands which in essence, become their new language. Unknowingly, we punish dogs for using calming signals. When you are training, for example, your dog might look away at some point, seemingly ignoring you, when in fact, he may be trying to calm you and to calm himself, as you may be making too many demands on him ( ie. training for too long) . If your dog yawns and turns away from you when you are tense and giving a command with a loud, angry tone, such as "HEEL! for god's sake, HEEL!", he is giving you calming signals, yet you probably punish him for being stubborn and ignoring you.

So watch your dogs and learn from them!

Here are some easily observable calming signals:

Looking away
Turning away
Blinking eyes
Licking nose
Walking slowly
Freezing
Sitting down
Yawning
Sniffing the ground
Peeing

Leptospirosis in dogs - Canine Leptospirosis - dog article on Pets.ca Canine Leptospirosis

2009-08-03T23:47:00.000-07:00

For example, the host species for the serovar “grippotyphosa” are raccoons and skunks. When an animal belonging to the host species is infected, the disease is usually mild and may go unnoticed. The animal can live its lifetime unaffected symptomatically by this bacterium, but at the same time can be continuously shedding the organism. If the same serovar, shed from the host animal, goes on to infect an animal that is not a host species, such as a dog, the severity of disease produced can range from undetectable to severe. There are several serovars that are known to cause disease in dogs, and these are most commonly found in raccoons, skunks, voles, mice, cattle, and pigs.

Leptospirosis was an important disease affecting domestic animals in the 1970’s. Thanks to an increased awareness and a rigorous vaccination protocol, the incidence of disease has decreased over the years. However, dogs can become severely ill with the new serovars that have recently emerged, prompting some concern in the veterinary community.

The bacterium survives best in warm, moist weather, and as a result, Leptospirosis is most commonly diagnosed in the spring and autumn. The organism is shed in the urine of infected animals and can survive in the environment, under ideal conditions, for up to six weeks. Dogs may become infected by contact with contaminated water bowls, puddles and streams, wet grass, soil, or food. Infection requires only ingestion of the bacterium or contact with mucous membranes such as the gums or nose. It has been reported that the incidence of infection is highest in large-breed dogs, such as Retrievers, Shepherds, mixed breeds, and working dogs. This, however, is likely related to the amount of time the dog spends outdoors, since larger breeds tend to enjoy activities such as swimming a little more than smaller breeds. Infection can occur in both suburban and rural areas, with a higher incidence reported in suburban locations.

The majority of Leptospirosis infections in dogs are subclinical, meaning no obvious symptoms of illness are present. These infections go unnoticed and the dog may exhibit no more than some “flu” symptoms for one or two days. More serious infections, however, are not uncommon and aggressive treatment is necessary. Animals may not show signs of disease for several weeks after infection with the bacterium. The organism causes damage to the blood vessels, especially in the kidney and liver. When serious, kidney failure and severe liver disease can occur. The dog may show non-specific signs of disease, such as vomiting, dehydration, fever, loss of appetite, or sudden collapse. The mucous membranes may develop a yellow tinge (indicating liver disease) and the dog’s water intake may suddenly increase (and subsequently urination). Permanent organ failure and even death can result if the disease goes untreated. In general, the earlier the disease is diagnosed and treatment started, the better the prognosis for preserving organ function.

Diagnosis of the infection is not always easy and can require several consecutive blood tests for confirmation. Your veterinarian will check for blood abnormalities and signs of organ dysfunction, paying particular attention to the liver and kidneys. A specific screen for antibodies against the Leptospira serovars will also be done, which appear in the blood seven to ten days after infection and continue to rise for a little while afterwards. While waiting for the test results, your veterinarian may begin treatment after making a presumptive diagnosis based or your dog’s history and symptoms.

As Leptospirosis can result in kidney failure and severe liver disease, immediate and aggressive treatment with intravenous fluids and a long course of antibiotics is required. A lengthy stay in the hospital may be necessary until the dog is stable enough to maintain adequate hydration on its own. The antibiotics used are quite effective if a dog is treated early on in the infection, with a good chance of recovery if no organ damage has occurred.

Finally, it should be noted that Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning that it can be transmitted to humans. This can occur through contamination of the environment or via an infected dog shedding the organism. It is considered rare, however, for a human to acquire the disease from an infected dog, and is usually related to occupational hazard (such as veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators). In humans, most cases are mild and some may even go unnoticed. Rarely, an infected person may experience severe disease with symptoms such as sudden fever and chills, severe headache, vomiting, muscle pains, and/or abdominal pain. If left untreated, meningitis, kidney failure, and liver disease can develop, much like in dogs. Sanitation is likely the most effective way to prevent transmission from an infected dog to human, with protective clothing, frequent hand washing, and disinfection of possibly contaminated surfaces.

Since climate change results in warmer temperatures and infection with Leptospira can be so devastating, vaccination of dogs at risk is highly recommended. There is now a widely used vaccine for the most important Leptospira serovars, and its efficacy has been reported to be quite good. The vaccine provides one year of protection, and dogs are boostered annually along with their other vaccines. Rodent and wildlife control in the area is also important to keep the risk of infection low. It is difficult and not practical to keep a dog from swimming, but it is recommended that standing water be removed and that the dog’s water and food bowl not be left outside. With all the preventative measures in place, you can be sure that your dog’s risk of infection will be low and that you are doing the best you can to prevent Leptospirosis.

Canine Distemper- dog article on Pets.ca

2009-08-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic dogs. Some other species, including ferrets, skunks, and raccoons, are also affected by this disease.

How is the disease spread?

The virus is spread primarily by direct contact to a susceptible dog from a dog with the disease. Coughing can spread the virus over short distances. The discharge from the nose is heavily laden with the virus.

What are the clinical signs?

As with many infections, the clinical signs can vary from one dog to the next. The main signs are fever, loss of appetite, a thick yellow discharge from the nose and eyes, coughing, and seizures.

Are there other diseases causing similar signs?

There are many diseases that cause coughing, fever, loss of appetite, or seizures. However, this combination is unique to canine distemper. If the diagnosis is in doubt, a blood test can be performed for confirmation.

What is the treatment?

As with most viral infections, there is no drug that will kill the virus. Antibiotics are used because many secondary bacterial infections occur. Intravenous fluids, cough suppressants, and drugs to control seizures may be used. Intensive nursing care is essential. This is best accomplished with the dog in the hospital.

Do dogs recover completely from this disease?

Usually, but not always. Some may be left with persistent nervous twitches (chorea) and recurrent seizures.

How can I prevent my dog from becoming infected?

A very effective vaccine is available to protect dogs against distemper. It is given to puppies, as young as 5 weeks of age, in a series of 3-5 injections. Annual revaccination is strongly recommended.

How common is distemper?

Distemper is a world-wide disease. Fortunately, vaccines have been very effective in reducing its incidence to very low levels in well cared-for dogs. Stray dogs can be a source of the virus, as can skunks, ferrets, and raccoons.

Bloat in dogs - What is bloat - Dog died of bloat - Dog article on Pets.ca

2009-08-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

Several times a week I receive a phone call from someone whose dog has died of bloat. Usually my role is to provide a sympathetic ear and assure the callers that there was nothing they could have changed to prevent the incident. Our current knowledge of bloat does not allow us to identify specific events that trigger an acute episode in susceptible dogs, although some form of "stress" was probably involved. One of our long-term research objectives is to better define what constitutes stress for dogs and to measure their physiological response to it. However, the primary goal of the research is to determine why some dogs are more susceptible to bloat than others, i.e., what are the risk factors for bloat. This has led to studies of the physical conformation of dogs, their diet, vaccination histories, and even to new ways to evaluate a dog's temperament and personality.

The overall bloat fatality rate approaches 30% for dogs with a dilated, rotated stomach. Approximately half of the dogs that die with a rotated stomach will do so before veterinary medical or surgical treatment is obtained. Dogs may be found dead or die on the way to the hospital, or may be euthanized by the veterinarian because of their poor prognosis or the owner's financial considerations. In contrast, dogs properly treated have [greater than] 80% probability of surviving a bloat episode and then leading a normal life. Veterinarians over the past 2 decades have reduced dramatically the postoperative fatality rate from gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) from [greater than]50% to [less than]20% by using improved therapy for shock, safer anesthetic agents, and better surgical techniques.

Too often, however, owners of dogs that died of bloat tell me that they had recognized that the dog had a serious problem and rushed the dog to a veterinarian, only to be told that it was probably only a "belly ache," or that the dog's stomach was dilated, but not rotated. Sometimes the veterinarian recognized dilatation, but not a rotation (volvulus, torsion), passed a stomach tube to relieve the pressure, and sent the dog home. Or the dog was diagnosed as having dilatation and rotation, and a stomach tube was passed to relieve the pressure, but surgery (gastropexy) to permanently correct the rotation was delayed, either because the dog was thought to be too ill to withstand the surgery, or the veterinarian was not adequately equipped or prepared at the time to perform the operation. The latter may occur if the veterinarian is in the midst of busy office hours or if -- especially at night -- there is insufficient technical help available to properly perform the surgery, which requires careful administration of anesthesia, appropriate fluid therapy, and close monitoring of the dog's vital signs.

Numerous clinical reports from Europe and the United States show that gastropexy to prevent gastric rotation should be performed as soon as possible following stomach decompression on all dogs with gastric dilatation, whether or not the stomach is thought to be rotated at the time. The recurrence rate of gastric volvulus in dogs treated for bloat conservatively, i.e., without surgery, approaches 100%, whereas the recurrence rate following gastropexy is [less than]5%. The stomach of a dog that has had a gastropexy can still dilate, but it is unlikely to rotate, so if dilatation does occur after gastropexy, it can probably be treated conservatively.

What does all this mean to you? If your dog suddenly develops a distended abdomen, appears uncomfortable, and gets progressively worse, rush the dog to a veterinarian, preferably one equipped to do emergency surgery. Gastric distention is a life-threatening condition, even if the stomach has not rotated. Immediate decompression is required to relieve pressure on blood vessels and to restore circulation to the heart, because shock can occur within minutes of the first clinical signs. Fluid therapy is indicated to treat shock, and drugs may be needed if the heart rhythm is irregular. This should be followed as soon as possible by surgery to reposition and immobilize (gastropexy) the stomach before it is irreversibly damaged. The best indicators of how well the dog will do postoperatively are its physical condition (state of shock) prior to surgery and the appearance of the stomach during surgery (since dead or dying stomach tissue implies a very poor prognosis). Intensive monitoring is usually required for several days postoperatively in case complications occur.

If you suspect your dog has bloat, but the veterinarian dismisses it as a minor problem, inquire about radiographs to rule out GDV. If dilatation with or without volvulus is diagnosed and the stomach is decompressed, either by passing a stomach tube or by piercing the stomach with a large needle (trochar) passed through the body wall, the dog should be considered as a candidate for immediate surgery, unless its condition is too unstable to tolerate anesthesia. If the veterinarian recommends that surgery be delayed for any other reason, seek a second opinion immediately. Delay in surgery will increase the chance of the stomach rotating if it hasn't already, or will decrease the chance of the dog surviving if rotation has occurred.

Following is an excerpt of a letter that illustrates some of these points. "I noticed Kelly [an Irish Setter] attempting to vomit with nothing coming up. Grass? Chicken bone? I watched her and we continued to walk. She was happy and greeted people, wagging her tail, ... and had fun. We went home and Kelly went upstairs where she attempted to vomit several times. I immediately called my vet. Kelly and I arrived at the veterinarian's office within five minutes of the phone call. I told the veterinarian that Kelly had vomited two or three times with nothing coming up. I said that she looked a little broad around the ribs. The veterinarian did a physical examination and concluded that Kelly's problem was just a "stomach ache." ... I was directed to give her Pepto Bismol®. I took Kelly home and she lay down on the bed. About 45 minutes later she went out to the back yard. When I went out 10 minutes later, I found her bloated up. I grabbed her, took her back to the veterinary hospital, but she died on the operating table." (Comment: There is no guarantee that if radiographs had been taken during the first veterinary visit, Kelly's outcome would have been different. However, radiographs might have confirmed the presence of gastric dilatation or volvulus, and thus the need for immediate gastric decompression and surgery.) Be prepared -- Teamwork between you and your veterinarian is your dog's best hope when it comes to bloat.

For more information on the early signs of bloat, talk with your veterinarian. Ask what treatment he/she recommends for bloat, and if their hospital has a 24-hour emergency service.

Dog behavior problems - canine behavioral problems - Article on Pets.ca

2009-08-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

Destructive behavior is one of the most common complaints from dog owners, and hence necessitates the most in-depth discussion. A dog quickly ceases to be ‘man’s best friend’ when he/she scratches up a prized rug, chews up a favourite sweater, or eats an expensive pair of shoes. Destructive behavior is due to many causes, including separation anxiety. Many owners are gone from the house for many hours during the day, and the result is that the dog has more opportunity to develop destructive behavior The problem with this is that owners come home and see the chewed object and will punish the dog at that time. The dog will not associate the act of destruction to the punishment because they will not understand exactly why you are upset. They will act ‘guilty’ because they know you are upset, but they will not associate your anger with their act of destroying the object. Therefore, do not punish a dog for its behavior unless you catch him in the act.

Another reason for destructive behavior is lack of environmental stimulation. Boredom may be a cause, or at least a contributing factor, especially in young or large dogs that do not receive adequate exercise. Dogs need environmental stimulation. Obtaining a second pet or providing interesting and interactive toys for the dog may help. For example, a hollow toy filled with solid treats or peanut butter encourages the dog to interact with the ball to get at the treats.

Finally, destructive behavior could also occur due to barrier frustration. This may result if the dog has been punished by being put in a closed room or into a fenced yard, or it may be caused by the presence of something very desirable on the other side of the barrier. In these cases, the dog will try hard to break through the barrier and may destroy the door frame or door knobs, for example.

To treat destructive problems, one must determine the exact cause of the behavior and remedy this cause accordingly. For example, a young dog that is chewing furniture but not doorways is mostly likely in need of more environmental stimulation. Increasing exercise, providing another animal companion, putting the radio on, decreasing anxiety, or giving chew toys only when the owners are away are other treatments.

Preventing such behavior from developing is always easier than trying to treat it afterwards. Puppy owners should avoid giving the puppy old shoes or a piece of rug to chew on because the animal will not be able to differentiate between an old sneaker and the new leather dress shoe. Dog toys should be provided, but they should be a type and texture that the dog can easily distinguish from forbidden objects. It is also a good idea to be consistent when presenting toys to the dog and make it obvious that the toy indeed belongs to the dog. Puppies should be left in their crate when the owners are gone from the house. The crate should not be the place where you confine the dog as punishment. The crate is their ‘den’ and the puppy should learn that it is their own safe haven.

Anal sacs - anal glands - Pets.ca

2009-08-03T23:42:00.000-07:00

Every dog is unique. Some are star athletes, while others are couch potatoes. Some can fit inside a purse, while others can barely fit in the backseat of a car. Some are cute and cuddly, while others are noble and independent. Whether your dog is fast or slow, big or small, affectionate or aloof, there is one thing that all of our canine companions have in common: although it's not a glorious activity from our human point of view, dogs love to sniff each other’s butts.

Of course it seems crude to us of the human variety, but in the dog world, sniffing another’s rear end is simply a social custom. Not unlike a handshake and introduction, or an exchange of business cards, dogs gain valuable information from sniffing around down there. Each dog has a unique scent that is produced by structures called anal glands (or anal sacs). While many owners aren’t even aware that these glands exist, they play an important role in a dog's social behaviour; dogs use this scent to identify one another, as a form of communication, and as a way to mark their territory.

Anal glands are located just beneath the skin on either side of the anus (at positions 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock). They secrete a foul-smelling liquid which travels through small tubules to openings on either side of the anus. Believe it or not, every time your pet urinates or defecates, a tiny bit of this liquid is released as well, contributing to your dog’s personal fragrance. Similarly, when two dogs meet in the park, the action of raising their tails puts pressure on the anal glands, causing the butt sniffing to start in the first place.

The reason most owners are oblivious to the existence of anal glands, is because most of the time, they don’t cause any problems. For the majority of dogs, anal glands go about their business and express their liquid with each bowel movement and under appropriate social circumstances. However, in some cases, anal glands fail to empty sufficiently and can cause a number of issues for your pet.

The most common problem with anal glands occurs when lack of expression (emptying them) results in impaction. This is extremely uncomfortable for the dog who will usually let his owners know that there is a problem. Typical signs of anal gland impaction include scooting (dragging their rear ends along the ground) or licking/biting at their rear end. Some dogs will also present with loose stools. Fortunately, anal gland impaction can usually be cleared up quickly by your veterinarian. Veterinarians (as well as some breeders and groomers) are proficient at manually expressing anal glands to remove all of the secretion that has built up inside them. Often, one trip to the vet’s office will be enough to relieve your dog’s discomfort, however for other dogs anal gland impaction is an ongoing problem.

There are a variety of reasons why a dog might have trouble expressing its anal glands properly. Sometimes it is simply due to the conformation of the particular dog, or breed of dog. Other times it depends on the thickness of the secretion itself which may be too viscous to express easily. Also, the size and consistency of an animal’s stools can affect anal gland function. Stools which are too small or too soft might not put sufficient pressure on the glands to cause expression. For dogs who are suffering from chronic or recurring anal gland impaction, it is important to make sure they eat a high quality food which is high enough in fibre to ensure large solid stools. In some cases, it is recommended that a dog’s anal glands be surgically removed. This is a fairly simple procedure that can permanently solve the problem.

In addition to anal gland impaction (an uncomfortable, but fairly benign condition), some dogs will also suffer from infections and abscesses of the anal gland. This occurs when bacteria travels from around the anal opening through the tubules to the glands. When this bacteria builds up, serious infections can develop. If left untreated, abscesses can develop fairly quickly. In this case, dogs generally experience pain (as opposed to mere discomfort). Dogs will often present by biting or growling when one tries to touch them anywhere in the general area. Anal gland infections can be treated with antibiotics from your veterinarian. If the infection progresses to the abscess stage however, other complications may arise. It is therefore important to bring your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any signs that might indicate an anal gland problem.

For those dog owners who have never had to deal with an anal gland problem, consider yourselves lucky. As unpleasant as it may be to think about, your dog’s anal glands are as much as part of him as his cute little nose and his fluffy tail. Now that you know they exist, it is important to watch for any signs of anal gland problems in your pet.

By Allison Norwich - Pets.ca writer

Dog has Addison's Disease - dog article on Pets.ca

2009-08-03T23:39:00.000-07:00

The inconspicuous adrenal glands are small but important organs which serve many functions in maintaining hormone levels. Diseases that affect the adrenal glands may have deleterious effects on the body. Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a disease of the adrenal glands that results in a deficiency of either glucocorticoids or mineralocorticoids or both.

Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, are involved with protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and therefore affect blood glucose levels. Mineralocorticoids are adrenal steroids which have an effect on ion transport by epithelial cells, resulting in a loss of potassium and retention of sodium. In the case of a dog with Addison’s disease, the decreased production of glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids will be reflected in blood biochemical values.

Addison’s disease is often referred to as “the great pretender” because the signs it causes are nonspecific. Clinical signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, increased drinking, and vomiting. All of those signs can be attributed to a wide range of other diseases, so it may sometimes be difficult to diagnose. However, when a dog has repeated episodes of the above signs, Addison’s should be a suspect. This is especially true if the episodes were precipitated by a stressful event, such as a busy party or loud thunderstorm. Most cases of Addison’s disease are related to an immune-mediated process which destroys the adrenal tissue.

Occasionally, a dog may suffer from an acute episode of Addison’s disease which presents as generalized weakness, a low heart rate, heart arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat), collapse and shock. The dog will find him/herself in the emergency room and will require immediate aggressive fluid therapy, steroids and electrolytes to recover.

Although Addison’s disease can occur at any age and affect any breed or sex, it is most common in young adult female dogs. Addison’s disease has been reported in dogs as young as eight weeks of age, but the mean age of dogs at the time of diagnosis is 4 years. Breeds that may be genetically predisposed to developing Addison’s disease include the Great Dane, Portuguese Water Dog, Rottweiler, Standard Poodle, and the West Highland White Terrier.

The first step in diagnosing the disease is using a blood panel to analyze blood biochemistry levels. Addisonian dogs have unbalanced sodium and potassium levels due to the kidney’s inability to regulate those electrolytes. Liver enzymes and kidney values are also commonly elevated. To reach a definitive diagnosis, blood cortisol levels must be measured. An adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) test is performed. This test involves two blood samples. The first blood sample is drawn and then the patient is given an injection of ACTH. A second blood sample is taken a few hours later. Cortisol is measured in both samples and the two results are compared. A patient with Addison’s has a low baseline cortisol level that fails to rise after stimulation with ACTH. ACTH normally stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Failure of the adrenals to respond to ACTH results in an inadequate production of the hormones, which leads to the clinical signs associated with the disease.

Treatment of Addison’s disease involves supplementing the dog with both types of adrenal steroids. One steroid, called prednisone, is given at a very low dose to boost glucocorticoid levels. Another drug called fludrocortisone acetate helps replenish mineralocorticoid levels. Both drugs are given orally. An alternative to oral medications is an injection of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP), which is given about once per month. The clinical signs of Addison’s disease usually disappear after fine-tuning the treatment protocol, and protocols may vary from dog to dog. Close monitoring of blood levels to ensure that the medications are working as they should is important.

For an acute Addisonian crisis, the dog is treated as an emergency case. Aggressive treatment with IV fluids, steroids and glucose are indicated. Once stabilized, Addisonian dogs have a good prognosis and can continue to live long, happy lives.

By Amy Cheung - Pets.ca writer

Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed Information

2009-08-03T01:18:00.000-07:00

The Alaskan malamute dog breed is a medium to large sized dog weighing in at 75 to 85 pounds depending on the sex. The female dogs are a little smaller at 23 inches in height and weight less. You will find the male dogs are 25 inches in height. They are depicted with a curly tail, plenty of fur, and an almost wolf like face, though the snout is a little shorter. They have grey, black, sable, red, or white coloring. You will find their coats can be a mix of all colors or they can be completely white. The coat is actually a double coat designed for warmth with the top coat being extremely thick and coarse. The under coat is softer, and more dense.

There are many working dogs available from dog breeders when you are considering a dog. You will also find these working dogs make some of the best companions. One of the most popular working dogs in the northern United States is the Alaskan malamute. They are largely used in Alaska for sled dogs, but also make wonderful companions. If you are interested in finding an Alaskan malamute to become apart of your family you will want to learn all you can about the breed and speak with dog breeders.

The Alaskan malamute breed should be given plenty of space to run. They do not like to be inside all day, in fact apartment living is not recommended. You will need plenty of space in a backyard. You can even let them run all day while you are at work. You may find they get a little lonely if left for more than a day, but with other Alaskan malamute dogs around they will be content. They also suffer from heat issues if it gets too hot. Being raised for Arctic weather they don’t like the warmer climates.

An Alaskan malamute resembles huskies, though there are differences. As sled dogs the Alaskan malamute is often very loyal, hard working, and intelligent. You will also find they are affectionate with their owners and other dogs they have been raised with. You can find a little aggression as they work on a ranked basis when sledding. However don’t let this dissuade you as they make wonderful family pets. Maturity will see a calming of the dogs spirit and a growing affection. While they make wonderful working dogs they are not the best guard dogs. They tend to be too friendly around others; though they can alert you to other animals or danger. With training you will find activity is best with a firm hand. They like to have plenty to keep them from getting bored, but they can also be stubborn in nature so a firm, but kind hand is needed. You also need to keep training going even as adults to help them keep the skills fresh in their minds.

Care for this dog breed will require a brushing at least twice a week. This will help you get the dirt out of their fur. They don’t usually require bathes, but if needed it is okay. They tend to be heavy shedders because of the thick long coats, so you may have to clean your home a bit. You will also find they are prone to a few diseases such as hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, and bloating. You should expect to have this dog in your home for a good twelve to fifteen years.

Alaskan Malamutes are one of the most lovable dogs you can find for your family. They are a wonderful pet and extremely loyal. They also love meeting new people.

Tips to Avoid the Next Pet Food

2009-08-03T01:17:00.000-07:00

Last year turned out to be the worst in history for pet food recalls. While there is no way to be 100% certain that a pet food is not tainted or will be recalled, there are some important things to look for – and to avoid when selecting your dog’s or cat’s food - to greatly improve your odds in purchasing a healthy, safe pet food.

Judging the safety or the nutritional value of a pet food starts by ignoring the advertising, the price of the pet food, and ignoring the front of the bag. The real signs to the safety of a dog food or cat food lie on the back or side of the bag or can in the ‘Ingredient Listing’. Regardless of what marketing terms (‘choice’, ‘premium’, and so on) are on the front of the bag or can of pet food, a pet owner cannot determine the quality or how safe the food is unless they look at the ingredients. With dry foods there can be 90 different ingredients (or more), with canned foods there can be 50 or more different ingredients. But don’t panic…you don’t have to understand hundreds of different pet food ingredients! You just need to be aware of a few key ingredients…pet food ingredients that you do NOT want to see in a dog food or cat food (or treats).

‘Wheat Gluten’, ‘Corn Gluten’, or ‘Rice Gluten’. These three ingredients were the bad boy pet food ingredients of 2007. Tainted glutens were found to be the cause of thousands of dogs and cats becoming ill and dying. It is not that glutens themselves are toxic to pets – these ingredients have been used in pet foods for years. The problem was the source or manufacturer of the glutens – imported from countries with far less quality standards than in the US. (The majority of glutens used in the US pet foods are from imported sources.) These imported glutens contained added chemicals that caused crystals to form in the kidneys of dogs and cats.

Not only is it important to avoid dog foods and cat foods (and dog and cat treats) that contain glutens because of the possibility of dangerous added chemicals, it is important because they add no real quality nutrition to the food. Glutens are used as a thickener AND as a source of protein in pet food. Adult maintenance dog foods must provide a minimum of 18% protein, adult maintenance cat foods must provide a minimum of 26% protein. If the meat source of the pet food does not provide enough protein, glutens are often added to boost the protein level of the pet food. The best nutrition for your pet comes from a meat protein pet food not from a gluten protein. Avoid dog foods and cat foods (and treats) that contain ‘corn gluten’, ‘wheat gluten’, or ‘soy gluten’.

‘By Products’. By-products have never been the cause of a pet food recall, but they are definitely ingredients you want to avoid feeding your pet. To give you an understanding of by-products, I’d like to compare this pet food ingredient to pies – you know, the dessert! How many different types of pies you can think of? There are apple pies, cherry pies, chocolate pies, meringue pies, meat pies, mud pies, pie in math, cow pies (yuck!) – I think you get my point. Now imagine if you purchased yourself a prepared ravioli dinner at the grocery and you looked at the ingredients and you see ‘pie’ listed as the first ingredient in your dinner. Hmmm, pie in ravioli – what kind of pie? You wouldn’t know if it was apple pie or mud pie or even cow pie. All you would know is that your dinner contained ‘pie’. Considering ‘pie’ could be anything from apple pie to cow pie – my guess is that you wouldn’t be having ravioli for dinner. The same thing goes for by-products in pet food.

AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials – the organization responsible for all animal feed manufacturing rules and regulations) defines by-products as “meat by-products is the non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. It includes, but is not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted low temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth, and hoofs. It shall be suitable for use in animal food. If it bears name descriptive of its kind, it must correspond thereto.”

So, with respect to pet food – a by-product is a catch-all ingredient name. All left over meat materials from the human food industry are clumped into one ingredient name – by-product. There is NO certainty of what you are feeding – one batch of pet food might be more intestine by-products while the next batch of pet food might be more liver or bone by-products. There is NO way of knowing what is actually contained in the pet food ingredient by-product (the pet food manufacturers themselves couldn’t tell you exactly). Avoid dog foods and cat foods (and treats) that contain By-products of any kind…Chicken By-Products, Beef By-Products, Chicken By-Product Meal, Beef By-Product Meal, and so forth.

‘Meat Meal’, ‘Meat and Bone Meal’, or ‘Animal Digest’. These three ingredients are similar to by-products. AAFCO defines Meat and Bone Meal as “the rendered product from mammal tissues, including bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably to good processing practices.” Again, a catch all ingredient name for the left-over parts of animals used for human food. No consistency to what is contained in these ingredients (all three of these pet food ingredient definitions are similar) – no way of knowing what is actually in your pet’s food. Avoid dog foods, cat foods, and dog and cat treats that contain ‘meat meal’, ‘meat and bone meal’, or ‘animal digest’.

‘Animal Fat’. In 2002 the FDA tested many different brands of dog food (cat food was not tested) for the presence of the drug pentobarbital. Many brands of dog food tested positive to contain the drug. Pentobarbital is the drug used to euthanize dogs, cats, cattle, and horses.

How can the drug that is used to euthanize animals be found in pet food? The answer – euthanized animals are rendered (cooked) and the end ingredients are placed in pet food. It has long been rumored that euthanized dogs and cats (from animal shelters and veterinarian offices) is the major source of the pentobarbital in pet food. However no one has been able to prove or disprove this rumor to date. The FDA/CVM (Center for Veterinary Management) developed testing methods on two separate occasions to determine the species source of the drug. No results have ever been determined. The pet food manufacturers adamantly deny they use rendered dogs or cats – but NO clinical evidence has ever been released to confirm the pentobarbital is from euthanized cattle and horses in pet food as they claim.

However, the one thing the FDA/CVM has determined through their testing is the pet food ingredient ‘animal fat’ is the most common ingredient to contain pentobarbital. In other words, if you are feeding a dog food or cat food (or treats) with the ingredient ‘animal fat’ in the ingredient listing – you are (more than likely) feeding your pet euthanized animals. Not every batch of pet food tested that contained the ingredient ‘animal fat’ has proved to contain pentobarbital – but why would any pet owner want to take the chance? Avoid dog foods, cat foods, and dog and cat treats that contain the ingredient ‘animal fat’.

‘BHA’, ‘BHT’, ‘TBHQ’, and ‘Ethoxyquin’. These pet food ingredients are chemical preservatives and you might have to look through the entire ingredient list to find them. It is worth the look because there is plenty of clinical evidence to associate all four of these chemical preservatives with cancer and tumors (simply do a Google search on any one of these chemicals). All four of these chemical preservatives are rarely used to preserve human food and if so, are used in quantities far less than what is allowed in pet food. Avoid any dog food, cat food, or dog and cat treat that contains ‘BHA’, ‘BHT’, ‘TBHQ’, and ‘Ethoxyquin’ on the label.

‘Corn’, ‘Wheat’, ‘Soy’. While there is no scientific evidence that proves these ingredients are dangerous to pets – they are potentially dangerous ingredients associated with recalls in the past (1995, 1999, and 2005). These grains are highly prone to a deadly mold (aflatoxin). It is suggested (by AAFCO) that all pet food manufacturers test grains for the mold, but as recalls of the past have proven – that doesn’t always happen. I do not think these ingredients are as risky as others mentioned above, but they are ingredients I avoid for my own pets.

There is more to selecting a true healthy pet food for your dog or cat than avoiding the above mentioned ingredients. This is just a start - based on pet food history, AAFCO ingredient definitions, science and opinion of many pet food experts including myself. There are many high quality pet foods available that do NOT use the above ingredients and that add health promoting ingredients to their foods and treats. Continue to learn as much as you can about what you are feeding your pet and ALWAYS read the labels! Author Resource:- Susan Thixton has studied the pet food industry for over 15 years since the bone cancer death of her dog - her veterinarian told her was caused from chemical preservatives in the dog food. Known as the 'tell it like it is' pet food expert, Susan's website offers pet owners worldwide with tips and advice to select the best pet food possible.

Heart Disease in Dogs

2009-08-03T01:15:00.000-07:00

There are several reasons a dog may have heart disease. In some cases heart disease is actual genetic, meaning that a parent also had the issue and passed it on. In most cases heart disease actually forms later in the dogs life due to several causes. One of the leading causes of heart disease is improper nutrition. In other words the dog owners have not supplied a healthy diet, they gave the dog human fatty food, or the dog didn’t get enough exercise to counter act the diet they were on. You will find that cancer is usually genetic or a result of a mutation in the dog’s blood cells that form a mass on the heart. This is the worst type of heart disease in a dog and is often deadly. There are symptoms to help you diagnose the early stages of heart disease and we will be looking at the different heart diseases and their treatment below.

As mentioned heart cancer is one of the worst diseases a dog can contract. The cells in the heart mutate forming a tumor mass either inside the heart or around the heart. When this occurs there is a blockage of blood flow, usually resulting in dizziness, clumsiness, fainting, lameness, and seizures. You will find with heart cancer the best treatment is usually surgery. Some masses are too big for surgery and in this case radiation is used to kill the cells, reduce the mass, and prevent other mutations from occurring. If left untreated the dog can die from the cancer. The dog may also die from the blockage of the blood before the cancer cells spread. With heart cancer it can form directly in the heart or it can form elsewhere in the body first. In some cases liver cancer, stomach cancer or lymphoma forms in the body, the blood cells that are mutating flow into the heart and then attach themselves in a mass.

Another form of heart disease is of course the heart attack or stroke. Though they are two different diseases there are some of the same causes as well as treatments. A heart attack is usually a blockage in the heart due to fatty oils, over taxing the heart, and blockages in the aorta. A stroke goes a little further in that it is a nerve reaction that can affect the brain and muscles of the dog, ending in partial paralysis. The signs of heart disease are usually weakness, loss of appetite, coughing, fainting, breathing issues, bloating, pale gums, and an irregular heart beat. You will find that the treatment for heart disease can be medication or surgery. Surgery is usually an option when there is a blockage that must be removed. This surgery usually removes the fat that has formed from the aorta and opening up the bloodstream to flow properly. Medications are also meant to help reduce the blockage as well as lower cholesterol. The medication usually is given once a day and will help regulate the heart to beat correctly. If, left untreated these two heart diseases could cause death. It will depend on the size of the blockage and of course the patient. To prevent this heart disease you need to have your dog on a healthy diet, with plenty of enzymes and protein that will help breakdown the food. You also want to avoid any food that is fatty, filled with oil, or carbohydrates. You also need to make sure your dog is exercised properly each day. Any dog breed can be susceptible to heart disease, although there are certain breeds more inclined.

Maltese Dog Breed: A Compact Pal

2009-08-03T01:14:00.000-07:00

The Maltese dog breed is considered a toy. Basically this means they are fun, lovable dogs that make wonderful companions for young children as well as adults. Most often they weigh between 4 and 7 pound reaching about 9- 10 inches in height. Unlike most dog breeds the Maltese is only white in color when it is a pure breed. They have a long, almost silky hair. The hair on this breed of dog is one of the most beautiful and easy to maintain, as it is straight and not easily tangled because of its softness. They are one of the only non-shedding dogs available when you consider all the breeds available.

The Maltese breed originated in Europe where many individuals favored them, especially the upper class. You will find their character to be full of affection as well as a great amount of energy. They love to play, socialize with other dogs, and are very intelligent. You often see the Maltese dog breed on dog shows because of their characteristics, not only their personalities, but for their body type as well.

When you consider the Maltese dog breed for your home you should understand their temperament and care. These dogs often bond with one person, while they tolerate others. They love to be showed affection, including cuddling. You will find that they do not like to be left alone for a long time. While you may leave them alone during the day, they don’t like being alone during vacations. It is best that they are left with someone they are close to or that you take them with you. The Maltese is also a fairly quite breed of dog. They do bark when they perceive a threat, alert you when there is someone in their territory, and very protective. You will need to groom them daily with a brush to keep their hair luxurious and pretty. Unlike other dog breeds they can be bathed regularly.

You will find that they tend to have eye problems when the hair gets to close and they need to have their eyes bathed every day. You will also learn that they suffer from skin disorders, respiratory problems, and digestion issues. Your vet or breeder will be able to help you determine the right type of diet and hygiene to make sure they are healthy throughout their lives. With the amount of hair and their body type they don’t do well in hot climates or very damp climates.

The Maltese is a small breed and therefore they don’t require a large amount of space. They do well in apartments and with minimal exercise. You will find that a daily walk and some playtime is all they really need to be content. They also love to play with other dogs at the parks. Training for these dogs should be crate training. They may be intelligent, but they are one of the most difficult to train. Your best option when training the Maltese dog is early socialization, consistency, and a gentle hand. They will do well when you reward their good behavior and show patience. If you take the proper amount of time to train them they can do tricks and will be obedient.

Any dog will do better around your family and become a wonderful member of your family when you purchase them as puppies. Training is important when they are younger as they haven’t learned bad habits, yet. Most often you can get a Maltese puppy from a breeder.

The American Foxhound

2009-08-03T01:13:00.000-07:00

The foxhound has several wonderful qualities including hunting, tracking, being a watchdog, and a trail dog. They are a hardy breed, which means they have a lot of energy to expend and love to have some type of job or game to play during the day. They have been used as pack dogs as well. You will find they are not good around other pets like cats. Their instincts are to chase and they can end up harming the other pets. They do okay with other dogs, but again this depends on the breed of the other dog. They can do well with the same breed. You will find they are not the best of dogs to have around children or novice owners. However with the proper training in socialization and obedience they can be in family homes. Training will be difficult as they are a stubborn breed. As long as you are firm, but gentle you should have no difficulty in further training after obedience. They are often a barker, so you may need to train them when to bark and when not to bark. They are very friendly, loyal, and energetic pets to have in your home. You will find they do better in outside kennels and should not be placed in apartment living.

The American foxhound looks much likes it UK counterpart in that it has the same color pattern and body type. You will find the American foxhound is a little taller and a little light in the body, but they are still about the same. The height of this foxhound is 21 to 25 inches with 65 to 75 pounds. They have straight bones adding to the height and making them a bit more agile as foxhounds. They have floppy ears, a long tail, and thin legs. They are usually white with black spots, and a brown head; however they can be just about any color. The American foxhound was breed from the English descendent and the French hound.

For proper care of your foxhound you will need to have a small or large home with plenty of backyard. The foxhound likes to run around during the day and play. They also need attention from their owner. They should not be left alone for long periods of time. Exercise should be given daily, especially long walks. Usually two to three walks a day are needed. Typically if you provide the right care they can live for twelve years. They are prone to some health conditions that are genetic like hip dysplasia and bone problems, but on the whole they are very healthy. Grooming is important on a weekly basis. The short hair requires a brushing to remove dead or loose hair. They should only be shampooed when necessary as they have sensitive skin. They are an average shedder all year long, so it helps to brush them often. For nutrition it is best to supply them with a high protein diet, with little meals throughout the day to prevent weight gain.

As you can imagine there are many hounds that have been used for fox hunting and other hunting over the years. In the UK, most are familiar with foxhounds. The American foxhound is really just another breed of the UK foxhound that has been adapted. If you are looking for a lovable dog that will want to play, exercise, and have a generally good time in your back yard you may be interested in the American foxhound.

Search and Rescue Dogs

2009-08-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there are a lot of private owners of search and rescue dogs? Well there are. Many people find they need to do something during catastrophes and because they love dogs they decide to adopt and have a dog trained for search and rescue. If you are interested in adopting a search and rescue dog or just in knowing how to care for one you will want to read the below article.

Search and rescue dogs are very hard working heroes. They can work in earthquake aftermaths, hurricane rescues, and even as water rescue dogs. They are very loyal, lovable, and determined dogs. They also require special training, handling and care above other dogs. You will find that most often a search and rescue dog will go through training on a daily basis to make sure they have not forgotten any skills and to keep the dog’s minds active. In some cases new training is added. As a private owner of a search and rescue dog you have to keep them in tune. This means you need to go through the class with them, and provide as much support and skill to the session as they do. You should also know that a search and rescue dog usually thinks of the training and actual rescue situations as play. This means that if they aren’t having a little fun, and being useful they will want to quite- in other words it is too much like work.

There are certain dogs that work really well as search and rescue dogs. First the dog have to be a good tracker, hunter, hound, and good swimmers. Since dogs often have to smell for blood, or human scent they have to have great noses. This means that bloodhounds, Labradors, German shepherds, Old English sheepdogs, and St. Bernard’s are usually the best. Golden retrievers are also really great at working as search and rescue dogs. Keep in mind that the dog thinks it is a game; for the owners you have to be sure you can handle the issues you will be dealing with. Most people are great in rescue situations, but some individuals may have lasting problems of the death and destruction they have had to deal with. So it is not just find a dog to go with the owner, but making sure the owner can handle the job required as well.

Most of the time search and rescue handlers are volunteers, like the private dog owners we have been discussing. This means they show up when they can and must also be physically fit. They are going to be training with the dogs, working a lot of hours at a seen, and of course need to have a handle on rescue criteria for survival as well.

Training as mentioned above is very important. You can not just watch a video and say “I have a search and rescue dog.” In fact what you need is a training facility that will help you learn how to be a handler as well as how to train the dog. You must have certification as well as rescue equipment. Training will last for the dog’s lifetime in the service. This means that you must keep up with the training on a daily basis and be extremely committed. Search and rescue dogs are heroes and so are their handlers, but remember you should be fully prepared for the tasks at hand.

Discover the Dachshund Dog Breed

2009-08-03T01:11:00.000-07:00

The dachshund is one of the more affectionate dogs you can have in your home with children. When you are considering offering a home to this dog breed it is important that you understand the grooming, training, and care needed. You will find all the information you need to make a sound decision below.

The dachshund is a very small dog and often referred to as a Weiner dog because of their shape. The dachshund is a very sleek looking dog that rises about 5 to 9 inches off of the ground. A health dachshund should never be more than 20 pounds; most usually they are about 11 pounds. You will find this breed is typically cream, white, black, or tan. They can also be a mix of colors like black and tan. It will depend on what the parents looked like as to what color they may be. You will find that the dachshund has floppy ears and a silk appearance to the coat. The coat or hair is going to be short and very easy to groom. In fact when you consider the care of these dogs you will find that they do not need to be groomed, but once a week to help remove any dead or loose hair they may be carrying around. They have a muscular body that offers a sleek look about them and their muzzle is generally narrow and long.

Dachshund dogs are usually very affectionate pets. You will find they do really well in families with little children as well with other types of pets. They are a loyal and intelligent breed that has often been used for hunting badgers, foxes, and otters. The dachshund can even be a good watchdog. They tend to bark a little more than some of the other dog breeds, but most usually on the approach of a stranger or car at the residence. You will find that the dachshund characteristics mean that they will be dominant unless it is trained out of them. The intelligence of this dog breed will allow its training to go rather easily once obedience has been seen too. During obedience they may be a little stubborn. They also need socialization training to make sure they do well around children and other pets. It is best to train this dog with a consistent, gentle, but firm hand. Most dogs are very sensitive so you should never be unduly harsh.

The proper care of a dachshund means that you give them the proper nutrition daily and offer a short walk on a daily basis. The dachshund, unless you prod it tends to be more of a docile creature. They can exhibit energy, but most often they will be content to sit at your feet and play with a toy every now and then. They do well in apartments for this very reason. If you have a backyard they will go out and play every once in a while. They tend to overeat, and the lack of exercise can make them over weight. It is important to set up a feeding regime with these dogs rather than leave the food out during the day. You should always give them plenty of water though. Some of the problems a dachshund can have include skin irritations, heart disease, and back issues. Since they are prone to back issues it is important that they do not jump a lot when they are playing. In other words you should never hold up a toy and have them jump three or four feet to try and get it.

The Jack Russell Terrier

2009-08-03T01:10:00.000-07:00

The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds to have in a home. They are full of life and one of the cutest pets. The Jack Russell is a small dog only growing to fourteen inches and seventeen pounds. Their characteristics include small floppy ears, a short tail, and short legs with oversized paws. They are typically white with tan or black. They usually have a brown spot on the side or back, near the neck, and their ears and head are usually a mask of tan. The snout is short, with narrow set eyes. They are constant shedders despite the short hair.

The Jack Russell began its life in England in the 19th century. They were used for hunting, digging, and burrowing into foxholes and dens. Today they are still popular for the hunts as well as for pets. You will find that even though they are small they are hardy and loyal. They tend to be fearless, with their big heart. You will find that they can be quite vocal with their bark, but it is more the large bark than a yappy sound. In fact they’re bark is much stronger than their size. They are very loyal dogs and therefore they make excellent guard dogs. You will find they are better with older children as they like the well behaved over the harsh treatment of younger children. They are amusing as well as very active dogs. You will find that they have strong hunting instincts, which makes them difficult for smaller pet households. They do need a lot of attention from their owners so beware.

Training of the Jack Russell Terrier can be difficult. They tend to display determination, stubbornness and dominance. You will need to have a consistent hand, be firm, and provide a lot of different activities. They can become bored rather easily. They also need to know who is master. If they feel they can be master you will have obedience issues. Training should begin as a puppy and continue on through adulthood. They do need a little socialization, but are relatively friendly dogs on the whole. Keep in mind training should use the agility they can display.

For care you will find a protein diet is essential to keep their energy up. You will also find that despite the energy they can have weight issues. They should be fed three times a day, with small meals. You should always give them plenty of water. They need minimal grooming, such as a weekly brushing, and should not be bathed unless necessary. Jack Russell’s need to have their nails trimmed on a regular basis. They are prone to deafness, glaucoma, epilepsy, allergies, and skin problems. You should also provide plenty of exercise. They need to have constant stimulation indoors and out. This means long walks, plenty of toys, and preferably a home with a yard. They can be destructive if left alone with nothing to do.

If you wish to have a Jack Russell Terrier in your life you need to be prepared for the attention they need. They do best in homes that have at least one person home for most of the day. They also need to be walked at least twice a day and they thrive on chasing balls and catching sticks. You will find that any mentally stimulating activity will keep them happy. Care of any dog is important and understanding the commitment you need to make is very important. Many find that the Jack Russell becomes too much to handle for a two career family. Make sure you have thought this over before seeking a breeder for a puppy.

A Guide to the Standard Poodle

2009-08-03T01:09:00.000-07:00

Poodles are one of the most loved dogs around the country. It seems that their temperament, as well as their ability to be great show dogs has endeared them to many dog owners. If you are interested in having a poodle for a pet you should consider first what type of poodle. There are three sizes of poodle from the miniature, standard, and teacup poodle. We will be discussing the characteristics of the standard poodle in this article to help you make your decision.

The standard poodle will generally reach a height of 15 inches to about 20 inches. They will also weigh about 45 to 70 pounds. The standard poodle is considered a medium dog with a large body and smaller head. The head of the poodle is generally characterized by a narrow, but long muzzle, floppy ears, and a small angular skull. You will find the coat is generally curly, unless it has been sheared short. The coat should be soft, with natural oils, and rather luxurious looking. You will find that the coat is usually white, cream, black, blue, red, pink, gray, silver, and other single colors. A poodle will not have a mixed coat. They have a medium length tail to go with the rest of the body, and it is usually fluffy on the end.

The standard poodle has one of the most pleasing temperaments for show dogs. They tend to be elegant when they walk, full of dignity, and they are very well behaved. You will find they are extremely intelligent as well as trainable. The intelligence and eagerness to please will make training easy even in obedience classes. Unlike the miniature poodle you usually won’t find the standard poodle doing tricks that are beneath their elegance. The standard poodle is also the calmest of the three types. They don’t tend to be really energetic in play and they do not like being left alone. They are very dependent on their owners for affection and play time. They are great with children, but again it may help to socialize the poodle for the best results. The standard poodle tends to be wary of strangers, but on the whole friendly. They make good guard dogs, and don’t bark as much as the miniature poodle.

For care you should realize that the standard poodle coat does take a great deal of grooming. It is best to seek a professional groomer at least once a month to keep the coat looking beautiful and soft. You should also brush the standard poodle daily to keep the hair from tangling or matting. The standard poodle does need a daily walk and they love to play in water. They are not as demanding as some breeds when it comes to exercise, but it is best to give them plenty of time outdoors to exercise. They can live in apartments as they tend to be inactive indoors as long as they get exercise outside. You will find this breed can suffer from hip dysplasia, eyes and ear infections, and Von Willebrand’s Disease. For most standard poodles the life expectancy is going to be 12 to 15 years. When you are considering owning a dog it is important that you are willing to make the commitment for their life. Most dog breeds, and especially poodles will get attached to their owners. This can make it difficult if you can not handle the care of the pet and have to give it up. It is recommended for any adoption that you weigh all aspects of owning a dog before adopting.

Dog Care - Dealing with Ticks

2009-08-03T01:08:00.000-07:00

To prevent ticks from getting onto your dog’s skin you should avoid certain areas, during the summer season. You should keep your dog out of tick areas such as the woods or moist areas like puddles and such that generally also have fleas. This is the best prevention method. You should keep to the streets, sidewalks, and open areas. There are also medications that can be used to prevent ticks from actually latching on. Instead it will kill them almost instantly. These medications are usually like the flea medications and are administered by a liquid to the back of the neck. In fact some of the medications are combined with flea medications. These medications need to be administered once a month during the height of tick and flea season to prevent health issues to your dog. These prevention methods and of course common sense is extremely important to keeping your dog healthy.

Dog care can encompass many different things from supplying the right food to the actual health of your dog. There are several things that you have to be concerned with when you own a dog. For instance ticks are extremely pesky insects that will latch on to your dog’s skin and cause several different issues from heart disease, blood disease, and heartworms. You should know that all dogs can have problems related to ticks, which makes the proper care of your dog extremely important. We will look at what you can do to avoid ticks getting on to the skin of your dog and what you can do for proper grooming when you do spy a tick. There are also removal methods that you should learn about.

Now let’s look at some of the methods for removing ticks. Ticks that have been able to latch on to your dog’s skin can be difficult to get rid of. During your normal daily grooming you should always look through the hair with your hands to look for insects. With ticks you don’t just want to brush the dog’s hair and hope for the best. You will find that using a brush can remove the body of the tick, but leave the head, which can be dangerous. This means that you really do need to look around the head and ears of the dog to make sure that you see the ticks before giving the coat a good brush. You can use a few methods for removal. If the head is not buried you can just remove the tick with tweezers. If the head has been buried you may need a little heat or certain types of oil or medication that will cause the flea to loosen the head and enable you to pull it out with tweezers.

Ticks tend to survive in a few places including woods and moist areas. You will find that tick season is generally going to be in the warmer months of summer. When you live in the UK you will find that most dogs will only need to be treated for ticks in the summer months, where as if you are in the south portion of the United States you will find they have to be wary of ticks for at least six months out of the year because of the warm weather. Ticks generally leap from trees and bushes as a person or dog walks by crawling up the body. Ticks are usually found around the ears or neck of the dog. In some cases they may be found further along the body, but most often the neck is harder for the dog to kick the insect off and they can latch on. Ticks are very prolific creatures and left alone on the skin for too long can create babies that will hatch. A tick will latch on to the dog’s skin by using its legs and then burying its head underneath the skin to suck the blood.

Why You Should Adopt a Beagle

2009-08-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

Beagles are well known in the United States and extremely popular based on the cartoon Peanuts that ran in the newspaper for several years and actually created some movies and TV shows. Snoopy has always been popular with children, which of course makes the demand for these dogs in homes. So if you are one of those families that finds the beagle dog breed entertaining you may want to read up on how they came to be, their characteristics, and of course the proper care, training, and grooming.

Beagles are one of the most active dogs you will ever find. They love to play, shower affection, and just generally be a part of any family. They make great pets for anyone who wishes to have a dog with children. You will find that the beagle is a very small dog. In fact they only grow to be about thirteen to fifteen inches in height and weigh at most thirty pounds. They are not the softest pet that you could have, but their little hearts speak for themselves. Their coats are extremely thick, but very coarse and short haired. Most often this type of dog breed will offer tan, white, and black patches. The pattern of the fur will be determined by the parents and ancestry. Some of the beagles are only two colors rather than multi colored.

For grooming care you will find the short to medium length of hair is a moderate shedder, which means that grooming is fairly easy with this breed. The beagle needs to be brushed at least once a week to remove dead or lose hair and keep their skin in perfect health. While they have moderate skin irritation, you do want to make sure you groom them properly. It is not wise to bathe them often. You will also find that a damp towel that is soft works well for removing the hair. Moving from grooming we will discuss some of the training.

Training for any dog is extremely important. The thing you have to remember about the beagle is that they are very active. This means that while they are not as intelligent as other dogs they are able to be trained for a variety of things such as hunting or some tricks. It will take quite a bit of time and patience to get them trained as well. Most often they need a high energetic training course because they can get very bored easily. Obedience training can be a little difficult as they tend to want to play over being trained.

The beagle can be a great therapy dog based on their temperament. We have mentioned that they tend to be very energetic and affectionate, which makes them great for someone who needs the slobbery love of a good pet. They like to be in people’s laps as well as hang out on the floor playing with toys. For this time of characteristics you will find apartment living with small daily walks works out great. Unlike larger dogs they can be quite happy indoors for most of the day. This means that they do need at least one walk in the morning and one in the evening to get the best exercise, but other than that playing around the house and being a little devious will be the most enjoyable options. Make sure that you have plenty of toys for beagles or they may find their own. They can have a few health issues so make sure to provide a healthy diet with the proper nutrition and treats.

Information About Boxer Dogs

2009-08-03T01:06:00.002-07:00

The boxer was actually a German breed before they moved through Europe and into the United States. Today you will find many countries including the UK has at least one boxer dog breeder. The boxer was mixed from a mastiff and a Bullenbeiszer, which means they are not an original dog. Many of the dog breeds we have today are a mix of one dog or another in the hopes of breeding the qualities that we want in a friend. So you will find that the boxer was mostly breed for their fighting and hunting skills. They also make pretty could watchdogs. So you will find the boxer is full of confidence, loyalty and of course intelligence. The boxer is a medium sized to large dog. This means that they generally reach a size of 25 inches at most and 80 pounds in weight.

With the many types of dog breeds out there it is sometimes hard to find the new pet for home. If you already have a favorite breed it may be why you are reading this article. Most often we all have a favorite dog breed that just says this must be part of the family, but in some cases there are those who have never had a pet and they need to know all about the different dogs. Below you will find a comprehensive look at the boxer dog breed to see if you are compatible.

For grooming and care you will find that they like all dogs need proper nutrition. With the activity that these dogs like to do and the energy they expend you really need to have a high protein diet. It is essential to keeping away some of the health ailments they suffer from like allergies, tumors and aortic stenosis. As long as you are able to feed them properly they will live a long life. You should also know that they have sensitive skin. This means that they tend to need a simple brushing once a week to get rid of loose or dead hair, but bathing can be an issue for skin infections.

You do need to train these dogs. They can be strong willed at times. This means that training can be a little difficult in the early stages, but a strong and consistent hand will help. Obedience, as well as worker training for such things as hunting can be important depending on what you would like to have the dog for. They make good companions once trained, but aren’t always as affectionate as other dog breeds. Keep in mind that most dogs are very affectionate, active, and playful so a small or large home is very important with a small backyard. You will also want to have plenty of time to take the boxer for walks and daily exercise.

Appearance wise with the boxer you will find a lean, well muscled dog that is very agile. The boxer needs a lot of exercise because of their structure. In fact daily walks that last for a half hour to an hour are the best for this breed. With appearance you will find a short muzzle that is rather squat in appearance. They are generally black with a little brown around the ears and muzzle. They may also have brown or tan around there paws. The ears are usually not pointed, but floppy at the sides of their heads. The hair is going to be short and coarse, which lends to the easy grooming.

All About Brain Cancer in Dogs

2009-08-03T01:06:00.001-07:00

Symptoms of brain cancer include personality changes, stress, aggression, shyness, or depression. They are also appetite changes, lethargy, lameness, muscle twitches, eye and facial issues, coordination problems, bleeding in the nasal cavity, respiratory issues, and heart problems. The early symptoms are usually related to the appetite, weight loss, and personality changes. As the brain cancer progresses you will see more changes and of course extremely muscle weakness. The brain is the center for all things in the body. If a small section is affected it can through off the other functions of the body such as the liver, heart, lungs, and immune system. Sometimes brain cancer is a result of another cancer forming somewhere in the body and moving through the blood cells until it creates a second mass on the brain. Some of the symptoms will be determined by the location fo the actual brain cancer.

Brain cancer or meningioma is a tumor cell that can form in several areas of the brain. The cancer can form at the base of the spine, or any part of the brain. The cells will mutate and the cancer will grow if left untreated. You should know that this type of cancer is malignant. This means that the cancer will continue to grow in the brain until the dog either dies from the cancer or from the pressure on the brain causing an aneurysm. It is important that you know and recognize the early symptoms to prevent suffering and of course death of your loved one.

Your dog is very important to you and I bet you have treated your dog carefully, making sure they have the proper nutrition, exercise, and of course love. Even owners who spend all their time trying to prevent cancer in their dog will be shocked to find out that their dog has cancer. In some cases you just can’t prevent cancer no matter how careful you are. In these cases you just have to learn how to care for your sick dog and understand the progression of the disease to help treat it. With brain cancer you will find there really is no cause science has been able to find. They believe that brain cancer is usually a result of a genetic disorder in the cells that allow them to mutate and form.

As I mentioned above there really is no known prevention making the treatment for your dog extremely important. You will have a few choices in treatment and therefore care. Surgery is often very difficult on dogs with brain cancer as they have to go in to remove the actual mass. This can cause lasting effects, so most often an owner will decide care and medication are the best choices. There are medications that have been created to prevent the actual mutation of cells. Keep in mind that the medication usually does not reduce the cells already formed; therefore you may need to try radiation or chemotherapy with your dog to reduce the cells that have already formed and prevent the cells from re- growing. If you choose medication and radiation you will need to make adjustments for care. The dog will need a different diet, more care from you while you are home, and less exercise. Exercise is important, but when they are feeling ill they tend to want to lie around. So allowing for more rest is as important as short five minute walks. You also need to realize that they can be sick from the treatment so they need you to be there to help them get over the vomiting and other issues of the treatment.

Lick Granuloma in Dogs

2009-08-03T01:03:00.000-07:00

The cause of lick granuloma has been linked to a genetic disorder and can be linked to insects. Dogs in some cases just keep licking an area such as a leg, groin, or tail until the hair has actually disappeared. When the hair disappears they begin to form little red bumps or lesions that become painful, swollen, and may bleed. In most cases it is thought that dogs suffering from lick granuloma do so due to excessive cleaning by the mother as a puppy. In most cases if the granuloma is left alone for a few days it will scab over and then heal. There are certain breeds more susceptible to this behavior than other dogs. These breeds are German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, Great Danes, Labradors, and Irish Setters.

Another treatment of course is treating the actual granuloma or lesion that has formed. In most cases you will need to keep the dog’s head away from the area until it is healed. Medication for anti- inflammation should be prescribed and given to the dog per the vet instructions. There are also medications for mood altering that have been known to help stop the behavior of over licking. You may also have to apply an antibiotic to the lesion to help it heal and avoid amputation of the limb. In severe cases a vet has had to remove the limb due to extreme infection, such as gangrene.

For the symptoms of a lick granuloma you should watch the behavior of the dog. If the dog is concentrating on one area every day, and for more than a few minutes they may suffer from this disorder. You will also find that the dog’s leg, tail, or groin area will be losing hair to where it becomes bald. The next symptom is going to be the formation of the lesion or sore. If the dog continues to lick in this area the lesion can begin to bleed. In some severe cases the dog has licked so rough in that area there has been bone fractures and nerve damage. Hopefully treatment and proper care have been sought before this occurs.

Dogs are wonderful creatures and when they have the proper care and affection they are the best pets. There are often times where a dog will be susceptible to a disease or contract some type of disease. You may have noticed that some dog breeds are more inclined to be ill than others. One of the most interesting dog diseases or more accurately disorders is the Lick Granuloma. The lick granuloma is a disorder characterized by over licking a particular area. There are several reasons for this issue to occur.

We mentioned two causes for this disorder. The other cause is physical rather than mental. This means you need to look for the cause of the symptoms such as lice, ticks, fleas, skin tumors, parasites, and allergies. Dogs that are susceptible to skin irritations and infections usually have lick granuloma disorder. So are there ways to prevent and treat this issue? Of course, the best prevention is to keep your dog well groomed and clean. If there are no bugs or parasites your dog will not suffer skin irritation issues. You can also make sure that as a puppy the dog is not over licking and the behavior is stopped before it becomes a real disorder. For treatment you usually remove the foreign body causing the issue or take them to a vet or trainer for behavior modification. This treatment method is subjective so it may not work for every dog.

American Eskimo Dog: Training and Care

2009-08-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

This dog breed needs a large backyard and home. They can do okay in apartments as long as most of the day is spent out side playing. They are also very active indoors so make sure you have plenty of toys for them to enjoy. For grooming you will find that the care is a little more in depth than other pets. The American Eskimo dog needs to have a daily brushing after their walk in the evening. This will help keep the hair from matting as well as tangles. It will also get rid of any dead or loose hair they may have. They have dry skin so bathing is not recommended.

The American Eskimo dog has a long history dating back to German settlers. Apparently the dog breed is descended from the Spitz breed. You will also be glad to learn that this particular dog was a working in circuses for many years. This means that along with the affection and intelligence they show you will also find an agility and alertness that makes them a true companion. They can learn many skills in training from tricks to actual work with dog sleds. They are a hardy breed, which means they do not have many health issues. You will also find that they enjoy large families. The American Eskimo dog will be really great with children as well as other pets. They can be suspicious of strangers, but most often you will find they are quick to get over these feelings. In fact they will bark as a stranger approaches and make great guard dogs. American Eskimo dogs need a lot of attention, which means part of their care is the amount of exercise, playtime, and general time you spend with them.

You will need to be around the dog for most of the day. This means frequent trips home during the day if you work out of the home to offer playtime as well as exercise. They should have at least an hour of exercise a day and you should never leave them alone while you are on vacation. They tend to become destructive if they are isolated for long periods of time. You will find that they are great at giving love as well as receiving it. For training you will find they are easy to please. This means that they will enjoy the training because they get to play and they will listen to your commands and be very alert. You may have some trouble with obedience, but most often that is short lived with a firm, but gentle hand.

The American Eskimo dog is one of the most beautiful dog breeds you will find. This dog is of medium size offering a white, cream, or biscuit color. They’re size proportions are 30 to 40 pounds and an average height of 12- 19 depending on the gender of the animal. You will find that in most cases the male dog is slightly bigger than the female. Going back to the coat for a moment you will find that with the longer hair they tend to shed a little more in warmer months, but typically in Alaska and other cold parts of the country they will not shed very much. The coat is a double fur with a thick undercoat for warmth and a top coat that is very soft and bushy. The coat will usually be straight. The tail on this particular dog will curl up like most of the Husky breeds to lie on the back. The muzzle is long, and they have short pointed ears.

3 Major Health Problems in Cats

2009-08-03T00:55:00.000-07:00

Having a cat to share your life with can be a rewarding experience. This furry family member can often be aloof, but he needs your love and care to thrive. In order to protect the health of your cat, it is important that you become familiar with common feline health problems. By knowing what to watch for in your cat, you will be able to keep him healthy and happy throughout his life.

HEARTWORM

Heartworm is one of the most common and well-known health problems that your cat may encounter. Heartworm is contracted by contact with mosquitoes and can cause very severe reactions in cats. Dogs get heartworm as well but they do not have the same reactions and symptoms as do cats. For obvious reasons, it is more common for an outdoor cat to contract heartworm. There is a possibility of a mosquito getting inside your home, so indoor cats can be at risk as well.

There are several symptoms to be aware of that are consistent with heartworm. These symptoms are coughing, lethargy, weight loss, and vomiting. Prevention is the best way to protect your cat from this deadly disease, which can come from heart worm medications.

FELINE DISTEMPER

Feline distemper is a viral disease that is very contagious. This disease is most common in younger cats and kittens. Feline distemper is passed from cat to cat through direct contact, which makes it more common for cats to contract this disease that are around other cats.

There are many symptoms of feline distemper. These symptoms are very common to many feline health problems. The symptoms that you need to watch out for are loss of appetite, fever, and depression. It is important to take your cat to the vet if you observe any of these symptoms.

When the need to board your cat arises, be sure that the facility you choose requires that all cat boarders are current on the Feline Panleukopenia vaccine.

FELINE LEUKEMIA

Feline Leukemia is one of the most fatal diseases that your cat can contract. The most important thing to do to help your cat with feline leukemia is to through prevention. There are vaccines that your cat can get at the vet to help prevent this disease. Some of the symptoms of feline leukemia are fever, vomiting, and yellow around the nose and mouth.

Keeping your cat healthy is important to you both. By being knowledgeable about the common health problems in cats and their symptoms, you will be able to protect and advocate for your furry loved ones.

Another Animal Pets and Friends Fish and Aquariums article for you

2009-08-03T00:52:00.000-07:00

The popularity of Betta fish, also well-known as Siamese fighting fish, is because they are one of the most gorgeous pet fish available today.} Pretty much all Bettas have brilliantly coloured scales and fins. Not only are the male fish stunningly coloured but they are also far more agressive than the females.. This feature of the Betta fish does make them subject to fighting for bets in some areas of the world
In their natural environment they are found in slow moving warm temperature waters. This fact would mean it is worth putting a heater in your tank to keep a temperature of at least 70 degrees to keep your Bettas happy. Apart from this, Bettas need a measure of small insects, or insect larvae along with normal routine of flake foods, or frozen fried fish foods.

Be sure to give your Bettas extra room to breathe and move around with their long flowing fins. They also need good amount of oxygen as these Betta fish are labyrinth, that is, they breath oxygen from air.

Additional Care Required

It is a known truth that Betta fish possess a pretty hostile nature. Putting two male Bettas together or adding a new one along with an existing Betta fish is not advised. This might turn nasty if the stronger Betta fish begin attacking, or biting the weaker ones. Care must be taken to separate the attacking fish for the safety of the rest. If Two male Bettas do have to be added to one tank then it may be adviseable to add fish condos or mesh dividers to keep them at a distance. It is also better to keep the fish tank containing Betta fish covered when possible.

Another Animal Pets and Friends General Pets article for you

2009-08-03T00:47:00.000-07:00

Dogs require a financial commitment. The total annual cost of owning a dog surprises many people's best to be prepared and budget accordingly. Good quality dog food is not cheap. Municipalities require that dogs be licensed. The cost for a dog includes: dog toys, dog beds, leashes, collars, treats, grooming , it all adds up.

Health care for your dog can be expensive. At a minimum, your pet will need annual wellness exams and vaccinations. But emergency injuries or illness happen as well. Dogs sometimes need expensive surgery. They ingest things that are harmful to them, including plants in your yard. As dogs get older, just like people their medical expenses rise.

One option to consider is pet health insurance. Several organizations offer this, including the American Kennel Club with its AKC Pet Healthcare Plan. By paying monthly or quarterly premiums you can spread the cost of routine medical care over the year, and you will be protected from being hit with a huge medical bill if your dog requires an operation or other treatment. Dogs even require dental care, including teeth cleaning and, on occasion root canals.

Are you willing to spend the money to properly care for your dog? It's not fair to the dog if at this particular stage of your life you can't afford to take good care of him. And it's not fair to you to have to worry about such things as whether you can afford the dog's annual vaccinations.

Do you know what it costs annually to keep a dog healthy and happy? If not, you should do some research and calculate an annual budget for all the necessities, and allow for the unexpected medical care that might be needed. It's a $500 a year cost at least, and can easily run $1,000 or more. It's best to be prepared for these maintenance expenses instead of letting them be an unpleasant surprise.

There may be other expenses as well. If your property is not fenced, you may have to build a fenced area if you have an active dog or one that tends to leave the yard when he gets a chance. Without some kind of fenced area on your property, you may quickly tire of having to take him out on a leash multiple times a day, especially in bad weather.

Do you travel frequently? Then you either need to factor in the cost of taking your dog to a boarding kennel while you are awayâ€”and many of these cost $50 a day or more for careâ€”or hiring a dog sitter to come to your home and take care of your dog.

The cost for a dog can be considerable even if the dog was free. Consider these facts when you're thinking about adopting a dog.

Another Animal Pets and Friends Farm Animals article for you

2009-08-03T00:45:00.000-07:00

Raising chickens may be more work than you realize. It can seem easy at first. Especially when you go into the feed store and see the baby chicks. They are so cute and look like peeping balls of fluff. But not long after, they will be a lot larger and can be more aggressive. At this point they become more work for you. Although you will probably find that chickens really like doing their own thing. This dosn't mean that you won't be able to pet your chickens or hold them. Being familiar with raising chickens though, I know that some chickens are flighty and don't like to be touched.

Like cats, chickens also prefer to be left alone much of the time. Chickens enjoy their daily routine, which will include daily feedings and the occasional petting. If you gain the trust of your chickens whe they are young, you will be surprised by how friendly they can be.

So how exactly do you take care of your chickens properly? Well there are a few things that you definitely need to do, and then there are things that you will learn along the way. The essentials are listed here:

Food: In the beginning you can choose from Organic Starter Feed, or Regular Starter Feed. Though Organic may be a little more expensive it is always the best choice. After eight weeks you can move your chickens on to regular feed, ensuring that they get the nutrition they need. You can also feel free to feed them things like lettuce and other vegetables.

Water: Chickens will always need access to water, of this there is no doubt. The best thing that you can do is give them a galvanized watering bucket that dispenses water automatically. You would also do well to make sure that the water is kept fairly high so that the chickens can get to it, but also so they cannot defecate in it. It is important to remember that chickens are not exactly conscious of where they do their business.

Bedding: Chickens need clean bedding. It keeps absorbs a lot of the chicken manure and is more comfortable on their feet. Bedding can either be wood shavings that you buy at the feed store, or it can be straw. Straw can either be obtained directly from a feed and tack store, or it can be bought from local farmers.

It is also very important to build your coop properly when you are doing some backyard homesteading. You need to make sure that the chickens have enough lighting within the coop, and decent access to an outside pen area where they can enjoy the sunlight. Another important thing is that you do not make the ceiling of the coop too low. Make sure that you can walk comfortably within the coop, because if you can hit your head, then chances are so can your chickens. The problem is that when a chicken flies and hits its head, there is a chance that it will die. You will have to deal with a dead chicken eventually, but you want to make it happen later instead of sooner.

Raising chickens can be lots of fun and does not have to be difficult. But you need to realize that it's not all play and no work. Research what it takes to raise chickens before trying it. That way you can really enjoy the experience.

Another Animal Pets and Friends Horses article for you

2009-08-03T00:40:00.001-07:00

Rare, beautiful, athletic and versatile, Andalusian horses are also one of the oldest breeds existing in the world today. Ronald Duncan, writer, poet and playwright, wrote about this treasured breed, saying:

He serves without servility; he has fought without enmity
There is nothing so powerful, nothing less violent
There is nothing so quick, nothing so patient
We are his heirs.
He is our inheritance.

Thousands of years ago, about 1,100 BC in Greece, Homer mentioned the beautiful Iberian horses. Xenophon, a famous Greek officer around 450 BC, praised them and their role after Iberians helped Sparta defeat Athenians. The Iberian Cavalry helped defeat invading Romans in the Second Punic War, and in 1066, William the Conqueror rode an Andalusian into the Battle of Hastings. In fact, Andalusians can be traced back as far as the Stud books of Spain and Portugal.

These proud, beautiful animals have been known throughout the ages for their graceful stance, well-arched necks and powerful rear quarters. They have been widely used throughout known history as warhorses, royal transport and more. Kind, sensitive and intelligent, Andalusians are highly prized for their responsiveness and learning potential, as well as their beauty.

Called "Iberians" in the past, these magnificent beasts were given the name "Andalusian" after Andalucia, Spain, a region in southern Spain. They have also been called the "Pure Spanish Horse" in Spain and the "Lusitanos" in Portugal, but "Andalusian" is the breed's most well known name.

Although centuries have passed since the first mention of the breed, they are quite rare. Worldwide, there are less than 14,000 registered purebred Andalusians. Because of the features that make them so magnificent - their endurance, usability and athleticism -, they were brought close to annihilation.

The Romans conquered the Iberian Peninsula, establishing stud farms in Spain and Portugal for their own campaigns. For hundreds of years, Andalusians fought under the guidance of Roman soldiers and other military until heavy armor required heavier horses. For a brief moment in time, the breed was allowed to rest. However, the 15th century brought about more warfare and conflict in which the light agile horses were once again needed.

Spain invaded Portugal, set out to conquer the New World and attacked England. They became involved in the Dutch Wars, and then defended their homeland against Napoleon. The Spanish people rebelled against the Church, leading to the 1936 revolution. The centuries of war took their toll and the Andalusians were nearing extinction.

An epidemic in 1832, which devastated Spain's horse population, only served to make matters worse. By the end of the revolution, the purebred breeding stock had been winnowed down to an extremely small number. Because of this, the royalty of Spain began limiting the export of Andalusians to a strong degree, with a penalty of death for those found with them.

Slowly but surely, the beasts known as the "Royal Horses of Europe", began to grow in number again, due to the care taken by the royalty of Spain. A single herd had been hidden, and then used to revive the Andalusians. Careful breeding kept the qualities of the beautiful animal, so admired and in demand, from fading away. Now, although export is still small, Andalusians can once again be found in several countries.

Throughout the U.S., Canada, Spain and Portugal, they are part of show rings, exhibitions and parades. They're ideal horses for families, due to their kindness and love of people. Andalusians compete for driving, cattle work, jumping, cutting and dressage. Noble and glorious, the Andalusian horse is, without a doubt, true royalty.

Another Animal Pets and Friends Rabbits article for you

2009-08-03T00:39:00.000-07:00

There are several different places you can get hold of an outside rabbit hutch, either by building it yourself, buying an online, an eBay auction, or your neighborhood pet store may have one.

Being conscious of likely hazards to your rabbit when it is kept outdoors is crucial if you're going to do so. Predators are one of the everyday dangers that are allied with this practice. Being that a rabbit is approaching the bottom of the food chain, it is not remarkable that things like snakes, raccoons, foxes, and even household cats would see a nice little appetizing treat sitting inside one of these cages. Because of the rabbits skittish character, the danger isn't just in them being eaten, it also lies in the fact that a alarmed rabbit can die of a heart attack very easily.

With this in mind, you can see why you certainly want to pick and choose a good rabbit hutch for your pet rabbit if you're going to look after it outside.Providing a rabbit with an enclosed safe haven, is an elemental so that it feels safe when a critter comes around. The sanctuary must not only supply security from other animals, it should also provide shelter from bad weather.

You want to take into consideration the size of the rabbit once it is fully grown-up, when it comes to the process of making a conclusion on how big of a cage to get.The minimum requirements for a rabbit is that it has four times the length of itself whilst it is fully stretched out. This additional space is needed particularly if you plan on putting in a litter box.
Most often you'll run into types of rabbit hutches that are made out of wood and wire separately. You will generally often discover the sort that is made out of wood for outdoor use.

These wood hutches offer your rabbit with a lot more refuge and shelter, as well as giving a lot more insulation from the weather. In my opinion if you are building your own rabbit that you might want to reflect on adapting a wire cage for your run but build the main hutch out of wood. Always use quality materials when you're building your own if you require it to last.

Another Animal Pets and Friends Dogs article for you

2009-08-03T00:34:00.001-07:00

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sweet-natured and even-tempered dog that enjoys bringing affection and spirited fun to a household.

General Appearance and Description

These spirited dogs are not called “King” for nothing. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is friendly, eager to please and always a crowd pleaser, thanks to its sweet and elegant looks.

The Cavalier Spaniel usually has dark and expressive eyes that are large. They don’t dominate the face, but always get attention. They have a wavy silky coat that’s usually black and tan.

Basic Temperament

The King Charles Cavalier is outgoing and affectionate. He will always want to please you and is intelligent enough to know what you need from him.

The Cavalier King Charles is descended from hunting dogs, so he loves to run around in the great outdoors. It’s important, then, that the Cavalier Spaniel is kept on a leash and in a fenced background. Their desire to explore and hunt can often cause harm.

Like all small dogs, this dog needs to know who the boss is. Make sure you establish yourself as the pack leader so he doesn’t think he needs to take that role for himself.

Care Required

This dog has a good amount of fur to manage, so brush him often and bathe or shampoo him as needed. The hair on the ears, which is long, can tangle and mat, so the ears should be brushed often. Even the hair between the pads on the feet should be looked after.

Not an ideal dog for those with allergies, this dog sheds at an average rate.

For the most success with king charles spaniel dog; it is suggested you take the time to do a little online research.

Exercise Requirements

Give your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a regular walk, and give him plenty of playtime. The Cavalier Spaniel dogs do well in apartments and home environments that don’t give them much of an outdoor area as long as they get that regular walk.

Take care in extreme conditions, as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be sensitive to heat and cold.

Training

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively easy to train, thanks to their intelligence and desire to please. They are intuitive, so they will understand what you want and will be able to perform as you wish through the use of this intuitive nature.

These dogs are capable of learning complicated obedience tricks and do well in competitive competitions.

Height and Weight

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will be about 12 to 13 inches high in adulthood and should weigh somewhere between 10 and 18 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Cavalier Spaniel dogs are prone to a number of health issues. Some of these problems include kneecaps that dislocate, ear infections, hearing trouble, and back problems. They also often suffer from hereditary eye diseases.

Unfortunately, many dogs will also carry a hereditary tendency toward heart problems, which can be fatal. For this reason, many canine experts suggest choosing a dog whose medical history can be checked going back several generations.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also gain weight easily so their diet needs to be carefully watched.

Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will live from 9 to 14 years.

Suitability

These dogs are excellent hunting dogs and are often introduced into homes with this intention. King Charles Cavalier dogs don’t necessarily enjoy being in a home with children. Most experts suggest that this dog be placed in a home with only older children.

The Cavalier Spaniel does get along well with other dogs and other non-canine pets, however.

Another Animal Pets and Friends Birds article for you

2009-08-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

There are many different types of cages out there to buy when shopping for the right cage for your bird. When choosing a cage, not all cages are the same and some birds will not like one that is designed for another type of bird.The first thing that you need to look for when buying a parrot cage is to make sure that you are buying a cage that is safe for your bird. There are quite a few things that you have to look for when buying a cage that suitable for your parrot making it sometimes hard to find the right one.When going through all the expenses of buying a bird cage you have to understand that the biggest expense you are going to incur outside of purchasing the bird itself. So getting the cage that makes your parrot the happiest is something that you will definitely want to do.This is not the time to try to be cheap and cut corners. If you buy the right cage you will not have to worry about the expense of another for a long time to come. The first thing that you want to look for is the safety of the Bird Cages that you are looking at. You want to make sure that the bars of the cage are not easily bent.Stainless steel bars are the best thing that you can buy when looking for a bird cage. With that said, if you purchase anything else you may get a cage that the bars are made weak and make them easy to bend. Investing in a stainless steel cage upfront will keep your parrot much safer.One thing that you do not want to happen is for the bird to get metal poisoning from bars that rust easily. The one thing that stainless steel will do is not rust. And since they aren't going to rust it will keep the bird much safer.When talking about the bars that are on the cage you will want them to be the right spacing. The problem with getting bars that are to far apart is that the bird can squeeze his or her head through the bars and get stuck or even escape through them which are two things you don't want to happen.When shopping for a Parrot Cage you also want to make sure that you are taking size into consideration. The more room the parrot has the happier he or she will be. Remember that you will want to focus on width of the Bird Cages just as much as the height because parrots like to fly from side to side. The Parrot Cage that you purchase should also be one with a large enough door that the bird can easily and comfortably walk or fly out without getting hurt or stuck.Another thing that you want to take into consideration when getting a bird cage is to make sure that the one you buy comes with an easy to remove litter tray. This will make it much easier to clean the cage without disturbing the bird. All in all you need to keep an eye on a few things to ensure that your bird is safe and happy.

Another Animal Pets and Friends Birds article for you

2009-08-01T08:05:00.000-07:00