About your Dog

10 Questions I'm Most Asked about Dogs in Heat

2011-07-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

1. What is heat?

Heat is more properly called the estrous cycle. During this cycle, female dogs may get pregnant. It's equivalent to human menstruation.

2. What are the symptoms?

Females bleed from the vagina sometimes with swelling of the vulva and increased urination. Don't expect bleeding comparable to a human female.

For small dogs, it's usually not much and you may need to pay close attention to your puppy to identify her first cycle. Other than the bleeding, the most noticeable symptom may be
male dogs hanging around your house.

3. When does a dog come into heat?

The average female dog has her first cycle about six months of age. A few dogs start earlier and few dogs later, even as late as 14-months.

If you have a new female puppy, you should watch her and note when she has her first cycle. If she's 14-months old and still hasn't't been in heat, you should take her to a veterinarian.

4. How long does the heat cycle last?

The average is three weeks or 21-days. In some dogs, it lasts only two weeks while others go four weeks.

5. How often will she be in heat?

Most female dogs have regular cycles usually every six to eight months. It's quite typical to be in heat twice a year.

6. When can she get pregnant?

She can get pregnant only when in heat. Some breeders
test for progesterone levels to identify the most fertile days but the rule-of-thumb is that the most fertile days are 11-15 of her cycle.

Note - when she's in heat, the average dog will permit any male
dog to mount her. Few females, however, will accept a male when
they're not in heat.

7. Can she get pregnant her first cycle?

Yes. However, responsible breeders generally would not breed a dog that early. For one thing, you need to do genetic testing and some serious problems such as hip conditions do not show up until a dog is approximately 2-years of age.

8. Can I take her on walks during this cycle?

Yes with care. She has no problem with the exercise but she's a walking magnet for male dogs.

Even the best trained and behaved female dog will succumb to hormones. You can't trust her off a leash or out of your control. Never let her outside by herself even in a fenced yard if there is any possibility of male dogs nearby.

For walks, if there are male dogs in your neighborhood, it's a good idea to take your dog in your car and drive to a remote area. Take her for the walk there and drive back home. Otherwise, the scent of her urine and vaginal discharge will blaze a trail to your home.

9. When I can have her spayed?

The answer to that one has changed continually over the
25-years I've been in the dog business. People used to be told to let their dog go through at least one cycle or let them have one litter.

Today, veterinarians are doing it much earlier. Some vets spay as early as 6-weeks of age! Talk to your veterinarian about your dog and the vet's preferences. The state of veterinary medicine also is much improved over the past 25-years.

10. If I don't have her spayed, will she go through menopause.

No. Her fertility may decline but she will not go through menopause comparable to a human's. She won't lose her ability to become pregnant even as a senior so if you don't want to her to have any (or more) litters, she must be spayed.

Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and the creator of http://www.ToyBreeds.com, your online resource for Toy breed dogs.

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Best way of flea control of your dog

2011-07-05T00:26:00.000-07:00

We love to have a pet around us as it destroys the feeling of being in solitude. Some pets become so dear to us that departing with them is unthinkable. I have seen pet owners saying with pride that they love their pets and that it is not just a pet but a part of their family and happiness. Amongst all pets, dogs are the most lovable and loyal to their owners. And any discomfort to your dog should be unbearable to you.

The common problem

Dogs are a great animal and have a relationship with humans that date back to many centuries. Although they have lived within the human society for many years still they seem to be affected by common diseases of the wild. Among them it is the infestation of ticks and fleas.

Ways to control

There are many powders and pills available in the market to remove fleas from your dog. But most of them do not have a long lasting effect as they are not up to the mark. A new product that promises complete eradication for few months is the comfortis pill.

The comfortis is a pill that can be chewed and digested. Once inside the dog’s stomach the pill starts killing the fleas from the inside. The fleas that feast on the dog’s blood drop down dead one by one. And another startling good news is that it also kills the ticks although the product says it is been designed for fleas. So it is double advantage in flea control for you.

The advantage flea control is that your dog will have a healthy life. The fleas feed on the blood of the dogs and the bad news is that they like human’s blood too. So if you are really worried then you must destroy the fleas and ticks as soon as possible.

Under the customer review you can see that the pill has completely eliminated the fleas for a total period of six months. The price of comfortis is little high but if it is getting rid of fleas, it should not be much of a concern.

Link to this post- Best way of flea control of your dog

Best way of flea control of your dog

2011-06-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

The common problem

Dogs are a great animal and have a relationship with humans that date back to many centuries. Although they have lived within the human society for many years still they seem to be affected by common diseases of the wild. Among them it is the infestation of ticks and fleas.

Ways to control

There are many powders and pills available in the market to remove fleas from your dog. But most of them do not have a long lasting effect as they are not up to the mark. A new product that promises complete eradication for few months is the comfortis pill.

The comfortis is a pill that can be chewed and digested. Once inside the dog’s stomach the pill starts killing the fleas from the inside. The fleas that feast on the dog’s blood drop down dead one by one. And another startling good news is that it also kills the ticks although the product says it is been designed for fleas. So it is double advantage in flea control for you.

The advantage flea control is that your dog will have a healthy life. The fleas feed on the blood of the dogs and the bad news is that they like human’s blood too. So if you are really worried then you must destroy the fleas and ticks as soon as possible.

Under the customer review you can see that the pill has completely eliminated the fleas for a total period of six months. The price of comfortis is little high but if it is getting rid of fleas, it should not be much of a concern.

Link to this post- Best way of flea control of your dog

Home Remedies For Dog Constipation

2011-05-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in everyone's life when constipation rears its ugly head. The same holds true for dogs, unfortunately. Lack of exercise and proper diet can lead to bouts of constipation (sound familiar?). While you may seek a variety of ways to "eliminate" this problem in your own life, let's explore some home remedies for dog constipation which can be utilized in the eventuality it occurs in theirs.

As mentioned earlier, a proper diet and exercise are key components in ensuring your dog has the ability to move his bowels as often as necessary. House dogs usually need to be walked twice a day while maintaining a proper diet. If your dog becomes constipated, one method to alleviate this problem is by adding one to two teaspoons of bran to his meal. This allows for extra moisture in the stool.

Another method to soften the stool would be to add psyllium (Metamucil in the adult world) to his diet. Half a teaspoon twice a day, in addition to drinking plenty of water, will suffice. A third option would be mineral oil. This may be used in cases where there is a large build-up of hard stool. Two teaspoons, twice a day should be added to his meal, but for only a week. There are several other steps you can take to alleviate your dog's constipation. Keep his food moist by adding a bit of water. If your dog is getting on in years, add some raw meat and vegetables to his diet.

There are certain signs which can alert you to potential problems, and for which you can take immediate steps. Long hair on dogs can cause feces to become entangled; therefore, keep your dog properly groomed. Dogs tend to eat everything in sight, ensure no bones or other material has been ingested. Just as we experience constipation due to certain medications, dogs are no exception. Psychological stress is another indicator relating to constipation.

While it has been suggested that all breeds and dogs of any age are prone to constipation, there are other aspects which you may need to consider, and for which many dog owners are culpable. Never feed your dog from the dinner table. While you may indulge the dog with a few scraps here and there, you are contributing to his constipation.

Foods that contain flour, sugar, rice, dairy and high protein are the main source of the problem. Ice cream, cookies, bread, chocolate, or other unhealthy food items can cause your dog unnecessary pain. As mentioned earlier, a lack of fiber and dehydration are common causes. Another cause for concern would be a condition known as mega colon. This simply means your dog has an inflamed colon which prevents the discharge of feces.

The time to visit the vet will become evident when your dog's inability to defecate is hampered by a decreased appetite, passing blood in minimal amounts, and overall lethargy. Keep in mind, contributing to the overall health of your dog should be of the utmost importance. A dog's love is unconditional, therefore, he or she is totally dependent upon you to maintain a healthy and harmonious life. Be ever vigilant to any signs of stress and ensure his diet and exercise regimen is appropriate and on-going.

Concerned about your pet's health? Ethan recommends "boning up" on holistic pet health care right away at: http://www.NaturesHealthyPet.com

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10 Questions I'm Most Asked about Dogs in Heat

2011-05-02T04:29:00.000-07:00

1. What is heat?

Heat is more properly called the estrous cycle. During this cycle, female dogs may get pregnant. It's equivalent to human menstruation.

2. What are the symptoms?

Females bleed from the vagina sometimes with swelling of the vulva and increased urination. Don't expect bleeding comparable to a human female.

3. When does a dog come into heat?

The average female dog has her first cycle about six months of age. A few dogs start earlier and few dogs later, even as late as 14-months.

If you have a new female puppy, you should watch her and note when she has her first cycle. If she's 14-months old and still hasn't't been in heat, you should take her to a veterinarian.

4. How long does the heat cycle last?

The average is three weeks or 21-days. In some dogs, it lasts only two weeks while others go four weeks.

5. How often will she be in heat?

Most female dogs have regular cycles usually every six to eight months. It's quite typical to be in heat twice a year.

6. When can she get pregnant?

She can get pregnant only when in heat. Some breeders
test for progesterone levels to identify the most fertile days but the rule-of-thumb is that the most fertile days are 11-15 of her cycle.

Note - when she's in heat, the average dog will permit any male
dog to mount her. Few females, however, will accept a male when
they're not in heat.

7. Can she get pregnant her first cycle?

8. Can I take her on walks during this cycle?

Yes with care. She has no problem with the exercise but she's a walking magnet for male dogs.

9. When I can have her spayed?

The answer to that one has changed continually over the
25-years I've been in the dog business. People used to be told to let their dog go through at least one cycle or let them have one litter.

10. If I don't have her spayed, will she go through menopause.

Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and the creator of http://www.ToyBreeds.com, your online resource for Toy breed dogs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Louis

Dog Euthanasia - Is it Ethical?

2011-03-10T21:35:00.000-08:00

Long long age, so long ago, dog Euthanasia is considered to be ethical for animals that could not be saved. Nowadays it is considered to be unethical even though it is clearly known that you can't save the dog. Do you think it is good for an ailing dog? Euthasia is nothing but putting the dog into death painlessly.

Following are the reasons for dog euthanasia-

1) Incurable diseases such as Transmissible veneral tumor, etc.
2) Dogs in Coma

What is your opinion about dog euthanasia?

Things to Think Before Selecting a Puppy from Puppies Sale Shop

2011-03-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

Congratulations for bringing a new member to your family!!!Buying a puppy from puppies for sale shop is a welcome decision. Still, you should know how to select a puppy for adding him/her into your family.

You should not enter into a shop, once you spot a board - "puppies for sale". You should think twice before entering into such shops as most of them are money-minded and they are getting puppies form puppy mills.

Before opting a puppy for your family, you should check what is the correct age of your pup. The perfect age to buy a puppy is seven weeks. The puppy should be allowed to drink mother's milk to get vital nutrients though the milk. If possible, ask the puppy shop to show the stud dogs that is being used to sire a bitch.

Analyse the shop owner perfectly before choosing a puppy. You should have thorough knowledge about the dietary requirments, dog diseases and also fair knowledge about the dogs. The shop owner should treat the puppies just like that of his own children. The period for which he is working in this sales should be asked and be confirmed to purchase a puppy.

As puppy is a new borne creature, don't go so close to play and also give some freedom but don't let it mess up too much. Build a place for sleeping, walking etc.

If you see a sign board dogs for sale next time, you should educate the pet owners with different tips to get a good dog.

What Are the Most Common Dog Diseases?

2010-12-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

If you are the dog owner then you should know what are the most common dog diseases and what kind of symptoms may show up. They get sick similar to individuals and a number of the most common dog illnesses are similar to these affecting humans. They are inclined to influenza, allergies, and ear infections identical to their human counterparts. Problems from weight problems and extra weight plague dogs a lot the same as their human owners. The commonest of the dog illness is an ailment shared by the human population - obesity. An estimated 40 percent of canines endure from this disease. Its effects in dogs are much the same as in people, ceaselessly resulting in diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis.

Many dogs undergo from the common dog illness of ear infections ensuing from wax buildup or ear mites. Ear infections might be bacterial or fungal as well as allergy related. Dogs most susceptible to this common dog illness are those with hair on the underside of the ear flaps. Head shaking, rubbing of the ears, or a bad scent are sturdy indicators that a dog may be suffering from an ear infection.

Kennel Cough is an airborne virus or bacteria. This common dog disease causes an irritation of the canine's trachea resulting in a particular cough that sounds just like the animal is trying to clear its throat. Simply passed along when dogs are in giant groups, it typically lasts from seven to ten days.

Although dogs wouldn't have coronary heart assaults, about one in ten experiences the dog condition of congenital heart disease. This dog disease is a weakening of the dog's heart. As the center muscle slowly fails, not sufficient blood is circulated via the dogs system requiring the center to beat faster. This dog disease will not be curable. Treatments do exist, however generally other organs are compromised as the heart weakens.

The Dog Flu is without doubt one of the frequent dog diseases. Much like its human complement, it is characterised by sneezing, runny nose, cough, and gentle fever. The canine pressure of influenza originated as a mutation of the horse flue, first appearing in early 2004. It can be handed from dog to dog throughout a seven to ten day interval of contagiousness. It's an airborne virus and generally runs its course with out medical treatment.

Allergy symptoms are widespread in canines with an estimated one in all seven dogs suffering from this widespread dog disease. Dog allergies are characterised by irritated, itchy skin. Indications embrace extreme licking of paws and belly, as well as rubbing of the face and ears. Frequent dog allergens are pollen, grass and mold. Dogs may also be allergic to insect bites as well as meals and drugs. Hives are symptomatic of dog allergy symptoms, showing as pink raised bumps on the pores and skin much the identical as they do in humans. This can be easily confused with many dog diseases.

One in five dogs suffers from arthritis. This could occur as a genetic condition or will be attributable to injury and disease. Hip dysphasia is probably the most frequent form of any such dog ailments taking place most frequently in larger breeds.

If you are tired of the irritating barking the solution is the small dog bark collar and if you would like to know more please visit our website: www.smalldogbarkcollaronline.com

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Dog Ticks Resist Eradication

2010-11-30T10:17:00.000-08:00

Dog ticks, or more specifically brown dog ticks, start off as tiny little parasites looking for a blood meal. When first born, they are small and difficult to see. Through their life, they moult several times and finally, at maturity, become the large, ugly creatures most of us recognize. They are considered to be the most common tick found throughout the world.

A female dog tick feeds only once. Her body engorges to many times its original size. At that time, a smaller male tick attaches next to her for breeding. The female will then drop to the ground and lay her eggs. She can easily produce 10,000 eggs at a time.

These newborn ticks, or larvae, are sometimes called seed ticks because of their tiny size. They are attracted to light, which makes them climb up any structure they find. They wait on their lofty perch, sometimes a blade of grass or a tree branch, for the scent of carbon dioxide. This gas is released in every breath a dog (or human) takes. When they smell the gas, they let go and drop onto the dog that is passing below them.

Once on the dog's body, they crawl to the neck, back, ears or between the toes and attach to the dog's skin. They feed on blood for 2-4 days then drop off the dog to moult into a nymph phase. This second stage tick must also obtain a blood meal from a dog before dropping off again to shed into an adult tick.

Because it is quite a challenge for such a tiny creature to get onto a quickly moving target like a dog, ticks have amazing survival rates. A dog tick larva can survive up to 6 months without feeding. An adult can survive for 19 months. This explains why, in houses that haven't been lived in for a long time, live ticks can still be picked up in the backyard.

Brown dog ticks cause discomfort, especially when in large numbers. They can be found in many bushland areas and where other dogs have been located. Because of the large number of eggs a single female tick can produce, it is easy to see that they can be difficult to eliminate once they make it into an environment. Lengthy survival rates combined with difficulty in finding and killing the ticks make them a challenge and a nuisance for many dog owners.

Control of these insects requires treatment of both the dog and environment. Many different chemicals are available but caution must be taken not to overdose the dog with toxic products. A careful, comprehensive program of eradication and vigilance will eventually get rid of the problem.

Protect your dog! Find out more about ticks on dogs and lyme disease in dogs by visiting my site.

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Benefits of Making Homemade Dog Food for Fido

2010-10-20T03:17:00.000-07:00

Most people feed their dogs meals that are canned or dry food that comes in a bag. In fact, you may never have even thought about making homemade dog food for your dog. While there are certain table foods that definitely aren't healthy for dogs, feeding them food you make at home is no problem as well. In fact, you can improve the nutrition that your pooch is getting when you start taking control of the food making process.

Many dogs today are not getting the nutrition that they need from commercially made dog foods. In fact, some of the degenerative disease dogs get may be a direct result of not getting the right nutrition. The great thing about homemade dog food is that you can make sure that the ingredients are healthy and nutritional for your dog. It's easy to find recipes to make up quality food that will improve your dogs health. Most commercial dog foods are processed and they may not offer the best option for your dog. Not sure you should start making homemade dog food? Here are just a few of the benefits for making your own homemade dog food for Fido.

Benefit #1 - Fresh Food

One of the main benefits of taking the time to make homemade dog food for your dog is that you will be sure that he gets fresh food. No need to worry about the food being out of date or contaminated. You'll be the one in control and making the food, so you can ensure your dog is getting fresh food without contamination.

Benefit #2 - Affordability

Another of the benefits you can enjoy if you begin making homemade dog food instead of buying commercial foods is affordability. You'll actually find that processed dog foods can get quite expensive. Those canned foods especially can eat up your budget quickly. Making your own foods is a lot cheaper for you in most cases, while still providing quality ingredients and good nutrition for your dog.

Benefit #3 - Give Your Dog Variety

There are many different dog food recipes out there that you can make at home. You don't have to give your dog the same foods all the time. Let him enjoy different flavors on a regular basis, which keeps him getting a variety of different nutrients as well.

Benefit #4 - Improved Health

Since you can control the ingredients, you can make sure that the homemade food is healthy for your dog. You can't do that when you are purchasing processed foods. The food that you make is healthy, which means that you will see an improvement in the health of your dog too. Often you'll notice your dog has more energy, his coat may get shiny and thick, and he is less likely to develop serious degenerative diseases when he is eating food that offers the nutrition needed.

As you can see, there are certainly some excellent benefits to homemade dog food. Sure, it will take a bit of time for you to make up the food, but your dog is worth it. You want to make sure your dog is as healthy as possible and that starts with healthy food.

Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at Oh My Dog Supplies - where you can find pet car seat covers, dog steps, memory foam orthopedic dog bed deals, and more unique dog gear that you'll never find at your local pet store.

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Christmas Gifts For Your Pooch

2010-10-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

As Christmas fast approaches you will have to be thinking about all of the gifts that you need to buy, although friends and family are every important you do not want to forget your dog either. Ensuring that you include your dog in the Christmas festivities is very important. There are some fantastic gifts that you can buy for your dog which will put them in the holiday mood. You can find them easily in pet stores or online and you will be amazed at the choice you have.

All dogs love treats and Christmas time is the best time to show how much you love them by giving them Christmas treats. Often these are flavored with festive flavorings which make them even tastier for your dog. Special dog cookies and candy canes are often made at this time of year which is a great to give your dog something very festive. Dog toys are also excellent to give at Christmas you can get them in every shape and design possible from Santas to Christmas trees. Often there are unusual designs simply for Christmas and your dog will love their new toys.

For something different you could buy them a new collar or lead and show how much you love them, you could go for a festive one or a design that they can wear all year. Whatever design you choose your dog will appreciate it and you can show it off every time you are out and about. Christmas time is all about having fun and you should always include your dog in that. There are several different designs of dog stockings that you could purchase and let your dog open on Christmas morning.

They will love the fact that they have a present all of their own to open and enjoy and will not feel that they have been left out at all. Although treats and toys are great you might want to look at larger gifts like a new dog bed or even a dog house. You may think that your dogs existing one is looking tired and worn and Christmas is the ideal time to replace it. Shopping for your dog is so much fun and you will be amazed at the choice you have. You can visit your local pet store, or if you want even more choices, then shopping online is ideal.

You will be able to find thousands of gift ideas for your dog and even be able to have them personalized with your beloved dog's name. You will find collars, clothing, bags and even bowls which can all have your dog's name on them to make them even more special. Whatever gifts you choose your dog will love them and will love being part of your family. They can join in with the fun and games that is happening and unwrap their presents with everyone else. Your dog is part of your family so why should this holiday be any different to any other time of year.

Article by Nancy Cope a proud owner of 4 rescue dogs and owner of Pampered Dog Gifts an online dog boutique that specializes in special gifts for pampered pooches. Please visit Pampered-Dog-Gifts.com to shop for Christmas dog gifts, gourmet treats, gift baskets and more for your spoiled pooch.

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How To Stop Your Dog Barking Unnecessarily?

2010-09-08T00:28:00.000-07:00

Barking is a natural function for a dog and a dog is only doing what is normal for any dog to do when it barks. However when a dog lives with humans we do not always appreciate barking in certain circumstances or non-stop barking. Barking while playing or when strangers appear are perfectly acceptable behaviours in most circumstances. To prevent excessive or nuisance barking you need to train your dog as to what you appreciate and what you do not want him to do.

Start by commanding your dog to stop barking when you tell him. If he will not stop barking when you tell him to, then make a loud noise to distract him. If he stops barking when told to, always reward him for his quiet behaviour.

Often there is a reason for a dog barking where rectifying the cause will solve the problem, For example your dog will not appreciate being placed in a pen in a back yard and left alone and you can hardly blame him for that. If you need to use an outside pen for your dog, then at least place it in a position where he will not feel isolated. Better still if your dog is not allowed in your house, fence in your property so that he can roam freely in the yard.

Sometimes there is a problem of barking when you attempt to put the dog to bed. Try giving him a special treat that he can look forward to at bedtime such as a chew toy. If the dog sleeps in the house another solution is to move his bed into your bedroom. If the dog sleeps outside you will need to train him by rewarding him for successively longer periods of quiet behaviour. Exercise close to bedtime can also help as this will tire the dog more quickly and after all he cannot bark while asleep.

Hopefully all these tips will work but there are more steps that can be taken to stop unwanted barking. There is a product called a citronella collar, which works by spraying a squirt of citronella, that dogs do not like when ever the dog barks.

There are situations where perhaps a neighbour is complaining to local city authorities and urgent action is needed. An absolutely last resort is surgical de-barking and you need to talk to your veterinarian about the pros and cons of this, but please first look at all other options available. Remember barking is a natural function for your dog.

Starting a Mobile Dog Grooming Business

2010-07-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of people who are getting just a little bit frazzled by having to cart their big hairy dogs, medium sized hairy dogs and little hairy dogs to the dog grooming salon. Maybe they make the trip once a week, fortnightly or monthly but then the car has to be cleaned afterward. Because of the limited time people have in a fast paced world, mobile dog grooming is fast becoming a highly popular option.

There you have it - a business opportunity handed to you on a platter. The rule book states where there is demand, supply is always welcome. Go to it; turn your love of animals into a profitable livelihood. Keep reading to find out what you will need and the steps you will need to take to get started.

The number one essential you will need is the mobile van. You will have to take into consideration a few factors so don't go rushing off - take time to read through this article first.

The first consideration is size, there are environmental and space concerns to be considered. A bigger trailer will mean more gas consumption and this will be coming out of your profit so pay attention. Talk about maneuvering this behemoth in traffic; you will be braking constantly putting a strain on the brakes and suspension of the vehicle which will lead to increased vehicle maintenance costs. The sensible thing to do is to find a trailer that is easy on maintenance and does not present towing difficulties.

Price is a huge consideration but with a little bit of time invested in research you can find companies that sell mobile pet grooming vehicles that are professionally outfitted to let you get started right away. You will get a professional pet washing tub, dryer, pet lift, waterproof floor that is also non skid and walls covered with aluminum to prevent moisture damage. You also have anti corrosive cabinets for you to store your stuff. Many of the companies will also help you with financing as well should you need it.

Make sure you to get the most out of your mobile trailer by covering it with some highly attractive advertisement pictures. Make sure that your contact details are very clearly painted on the trailer and can be seen front, back and on both sides as well.

With a reliable trailer in tow and the right equipment on board you are ready to roll!

Find out How To Start a Dog Grooming Business FREE Step By Step Guide

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Common Dog Skin Conditions You Should Know About

2010-07-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

Dog skin conditions are common enough occurrences that beleaguer the poor animal and owner alike. The good thing is that they are frequently more annoying than fatal. However, it is still a discomfort that our dogs can do without. Some of these skin conditions are avoidable and easily treatable as long as you have correctly determined what it is.

Parasitic skin diseases, as the name implies, is generally caused by parasites. They usually congregate in sandy and grassy areas and will hop on to their host whenever given the opportunity. Ear mice, lice and ticks latch on to the dog and irritate the dog. He goes on to scratch relentlessly until his skin opens, which then becomes a breeding ground for further infections.

Fungal skin infections can be determined through red circular welts found on the dog's skin. The ringworm is typically found in soil so the canine is exposed to this particular infection often. The affected areas are usually the head and legs and when it is not treated early enough, will spread to the other parts of the body as well.

Humans can also contract ringworm so you must take care that you have your pet regularly checked for this particular skin disorder. Specially formulated shampoos and medications should be applied immediately. The person who administers the medication should wash his hands thoroughly afterwards to avoid the spreading ringworm infections.

Hormonal canine skin diseases are caused by inherited abnormalities in the thyroid glands, adrenal glands, pituitary glands, testicles and ovaries. The dog with this condition will manifest hair loss throughout his body. It is harder to diagnose and blood tests must be undertaken.

Bacterial infections are another canine skin condition that looks like an itchy and yellow pus-similar to human acne. Usually, these bacteria are developed because of the dog's relentless scratching and chewing on his own skin. There are antibiotic shampoos that can help eradicate this problem.

Allergic skin infections are another common disease our pets have to deal with. Dog skin allergies can be contracted through unfavorable food substances, insect bites or even inhaled substances. When allergic reactions set in, the dog will bite, chew and scratch the area and further infect it. This type of condition can be contracted by dogs of any age and breed, and will manifest in all areas of the canine's body.

Ask the vet on how to best manage dog skin allergies. The vet may prescribe some antihistamines and corticosteroids to alleviate the discomfort so the dog can stop self-mutilation. Be careful though that these drugs are not taken for too long as it may damage the dog's internal systems in the long run. Look for natural products that can address this particular condition safely.

Whatever dog skin conditions that your pet might be suffering from - there are ways and means to make sure that he can be properly treated. It is important that you correctly diagnose his condition to obtain the appropriate treatment. Visit the vet regularly to hinder the progress of any canine sicknesses.

Knowing about dog skin allergies will equip you to alleviate your pet's discomfort. You can get more thorough information on dog skin conditions at Healthy Happy Dogs - the premier holistic dog health website.

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Dog Training - Dealing With Barking

2010-07-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

It took years of delicate breeding and domestication before dogs learned how to bark. This wasn't always a natural thing that they did in the past, especially when it came to doing this for specific needs as they do today. Dogs bark because we've trained them to do such over the years.

You don't hear wolves bark, do you? They howl, but they'll never do it as regularly as our canine companions do. It is a completely different thing for dogs. They developed their barking skill to a greater extent to help their owners on farms and to frighten intruders. This only took place over the last few centuries as the different breeds of dogs became more domesticated.

Getting attention, showing their excitement for certain things and communicating with their owners are some of the reasons why dogs bark. This makes it much easier for them to communicate with their masters, as their use of emotions with respect to barking makes it much easier for them to let us know what's on their mind.

Rewarding your dog for barking will only motivate him to do it more. Of course, you'll need to carefully control the stimuli that affect their disposition since you don't want them making noise at anything and everything that impacts their attitude. So why not investigate first on what your dog wants to tell you so you can have a good start?

Try to decode what your dog is trying to express if he is barking too much, instead of simply yelling at him to stop. This is the natural tendency that most of us have, but there's a way to curb this all. Do not give in to your dog's bark instantly. Instead, refuse to notice them and wait until they stop before giving them what they want.

Rewarding your dog's barking with attention will make the action stronger. If you'll wait for your dog to stop barking before giving him attention, it will teach him he'll get things if he will quiet first.

Unfortunately, there are dogs that are very territorial. They will bark at you even if you are just merely walking or passing by.

Distract your dog to stop barking. Draw his attention to you by playing with him or giving him some treats. The bark cycle could be broken this way and thus making your pet learn that he'll get things by keeping his mouth shut.

Take time to give importance to your dog's communication needs if you want less stress. You will both win from this situation because he will get the attention he wants and you on the other hand will have serenity at home.

Ryan Lacioca is a huge fan of christening thank you cards. Find his articles on them at http://christeningthankyoucards.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Lacioca

Aggressive Dog Training - Why it is Important

2010-04-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

According to statistics, the reported cases of dog bites, have increased to four million in the past decade. As a responsible dog owner, you must prevent injuries to humans through dog bites, from happening. Let us fight dog aggression with effective and conscientious aggressive dog training.

Aggressive dog training is not done to all dogs. It is a special kind of training used for dogs who behave badly.

Some trainers may resort to harmful discipline such as the use of shock collar, but it is a wrong way of punishment.

Since aggression is characterized by excessive loud barking, mounting, snarling and growling, you could prevent these things from happening by getting to know the reasons that cause them to happen. If any one of these signs are evident in your dog, you should back off.

The probable reason why dogs tend to become aggressive is their natural instinct to be dominant as the leader of the pack. They also possess this attitude, simply because they are protective of their territories. In some cases, dogs have underlying medical condition that cause aggression. It is very important to determine the source of aggressive behavior in your dog, so that you can intervene appropriately.

Possible treatments involve spaying and neutering. Since hormones play a very significant role on a dog's behavior, spaying it could help decrease the aggression. Another effective way to control unnecessary biting is to let your dog wear a muzzle, one that is not too tight or too lose. If you have to leave it at home, do not forget to put it on a leash, or restrain to one area, to avoid it wandering off on to the streets.

Going back to the importance of aggressive dog training, it is there to create a more harmonious relationship between the dog and its owner. Once the owner builds a strong relationship between them, trust and mutual respect will be formed and obedience will follow. With these facts, you can now control your dog and have confidence in what it does. You can also travel with your dog after it is properly socialized and prepared to mingle with other canines.

Your main concern here, is to keep everyone safe from dog bites, and lessen the incidence of dog aggression through responsible ownership. Consider the methods on how to control aggression and let us build a better world for our canine friends.

Are you a responsible dog owner? Is your dog aggressive and likely to bite someone? You must prevent this from happening. Fight dog aggression with effective and conscientious aggressive dog training. Visit http://secretstodogtraining.org/ for more useful tips on fighting dog aggression.
Noel Benjamin D'Costa

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Noel_DCosta

How to Select Dog Wedding Accessories?

2010-04-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

Are you currently planning your upcoming wedding? If so, have you been trying to find ways to incorporate your beloved dog into your wedding plans? If so, I will be more than happy to assist you with this! Nowadays, there are many people who because they love their dog so much feel as though it's only natural that their dog be included somehow in their wedding plans. Fortunately, there a wide number of dog wedding accessories available on the market today, and these accessories make it quite easy for your dog to have a starring role as a member of your wedding party!

For starters, there are tuxedo vests that you can purchase for your male dog to wear in your wedding. These doggie tuxedo vests come in wide variety of sizes. Therefore, whether your dog is tiny or is on the rather large side, chances are excellent that you can find just the right size tux for them! If you have a female dog, there is an abundance of fancy bows available in all sorts of gorgeous colors that you can attach to her collar to help her look extra adorable! Many of these bows even have added "bling" which makes them even more eye catching. You may even want to have your female doggie's bow be the same color as the bridesmaids' dresses. This way when everyone is walking down the aisle and when pictures are being taken, everyone will be perfectly color coordinated!

One great way to include your dog in your wedding is to have them serve as the ring bearer. There are many beautiful ring bearer pillows available that you can strap right onto your dog's back and also ones that they can carry in their mouth. However, I would highly recommend that you opt for the ring bearer pillows that they wear on their backs is this is really a much better way of ensuring that the ring stay safe and secure!

In order to make your dog being a part of your wedding a smashing success, I have a few tips that I would like to share with you. First and foremost, you will want to make sure that your dog relieves themselves outside prior to the wedding ceremony beginning. This will help ensure that your dog doesn't leave any unpleasant "surprises" behind during their walk down the aisle! Also, if you plan to have your dog stick around for the reception, be sure to assign someone to keep a close eye on your dog. After all, you don't want either yourself or one of your guests to glance over at the buffet table only to discover that your dog has decided to climb up and help himself to all of the delicious food!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this article, and I hope that you, your dog and the rest of your loved ones have a fantastic time at your wedding!

Doggienation is a leading provider of officially licensed Dog Sports Jerseys and Personalized Dog Accessories and Dog Collars and Leashes. Be sure to find something special for your pet at DoggieNation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Mcbride

Choosing a Dog For a Pet - Good Or Bad Idea?

2010-03-25T00:50:00.000-07:00

Pets can bring only happiness to people. If some of them think otherwise, they should not get a pet because it is obvious that caring for an animal they see as a problem. Everything that is alive in this world needs care and attention whether it is a person, animal or plant. Caring for someone means to give it what it needs in order to be happy.

Life is full of obligation that people are required to do. If you know that your schedule is full and that you do not have additional time to spend on proper care for pet, then you should give up that idea, right away. Another possibility is to get a less demanding pet, gold fish or someone like that. Those kinds of pets do not require much of your time and attention but also they are not affectionate and cannot give any love in return. Maybe that is something that you wanted but if you do not have enough time, than you should delay it for later, when circumstances are different.

Dog is the kind of a pet that becomes your friend in a very short period. Dogs are loving, friendly and they are able to return all love and attention that you are giving to them and even more. When you come home from somewhere, members of your family can pass on saying hello to you or on showing joy that you are back but not the dog. Dog is happy to see you every time, no matter how long you were absent.

But for all this, that dogs are able to give us, we need to be responsible for them. Dogs are one of the most demanding types of pets. They need constant attention and care. Good and quality care for dog means regular walking and playing outside. When health of the dog is considered, regular visits to veterinarian and providing a healthy food for your dog are required. Hygiene is very important, too. Your dog needs to be good looking and clean so you need to take him regularly to beauty salon for dogs. In case that you want to save money and that you have extra time to spare on your dog, you can do it by yourself.

Ignoring anyone's needs is morally wrong, especially if that someone depends on you. That is why you should not get the dog for a pet if you know that you cannot provide proper care for a dog. And proper care means a lot of energy and attention.

Author has been writing articles for nearly a year now. You can check out her latest website on dog allergies treatment and dog allergy symptoms.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ljiljana_Anicic

Dog Care - Key Issues to Consider

2010-03-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Dog care is so important to a healthy dog that it is worth working through this advice. Whether preparing the home for the dog, organizing a routine or dog training, dog grooming or dog walking, you will find advice here. The dog care is similar to human care. The care of our pooch is so important that one will research on the web, speak to dog professionals and even discuss with your pooch. Dog care is very similar to the care we give our children. With correct care they will give ten or more years of pleasure. As in our health, the early periods of life are crucial. The professionals who can give help include vets, dog trainers and dog walkers.

Dog care should start before you bring him home. You need to prepare the entire family for the pooches arrival. A new arrival can put the nose out of joint of people and animals. You also need to puppy proof your house. To do this well, is to put you in his mind set, crawl around the house, look for where he can fall, that can trap or poison him. If your pooch has health problems, even with the best canine care, it can happen and can be very expensive. So consider purchasing pet insurance.

Another important decision is to choose whether your loved one should be neutered. Most canine professionals advise this, quoting research that neutering leads to longer life and less behavioral problems. In the current credit crisis there are too many dogs in rescue homes. It might be also worth considering choosing your pet from one of these charities.

If your pooch will be near children consider their safety, with twenty percent of the four and a half million people bitten by dogs needing medical attention. To improve the dog safety ensure that your dog has good training, that the pooch has plenty of exercise. If you cannot give the pooch enough exercise consider using a professional dog walker, who will normally help you with the obedience training and dog care as well.To help your puppy, set up a plan for puppy socialization so he will be able to deal well with humans and other animals. Similar to us humans, dog care requires vaccinations, so choose a vet and get the injections done for your canine friend.

He will need a place to rest and sleep. The use of a crate or cage is often a good investment to give him a safe place to rest. To give good care you will need brushes, collars, leads, beds and blankets. For good dog care, set up a good regular routine. Include some dog training, starting simple obedience training, just 10 minutes a day of say clicker training is enough. Feed your canine at regular times and with a variety of foods. Similar to you avoid too many treats, apart from as part of dog training. Never feed at the table, it is difficult to stop afterwords. In the routine, ensure exercise for him, dogs originally walked long distances and most can walk for more than ten miles a day. To keep him healthy you need him to be exercised enough, depending on the breed one to two hours a day is needed. This regular dog walking often reduces problems such as separation anxiety.

Dog grooming is also important for your pooches care. Wild animals can groom and wash themselves. Ensure that you program this time in, it is not a chore, but a pleasure where you can have some quality time together. Many people think that dog bathing is required. There are those who say it should be frequent and those who only do it when they get dirty. The right frequency depends on the breed and hair type and length and their lifestyle. I favor longer periods where the skin is protected by their essential oils that shampoos can wash out. So in summary dog care is key to having a wonderful relationship with your dog, so plan it and spend time on it, With it you both will have fun together.

Denise runs a dog walking business in London with a team of experienced London dog walkers who also do pet sitting. She has looked after dogs for forty years and her websites have plenty of information to help dog http://www.london-dog-walking.com and pet owners and pets http://www.london-pet-sitting.com

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Dog Aggression Causes - By Jon Dakins

2010-03-14T20:59:00.001-07:00

Dog aggression expresses itself in many ways - aggression toward other dogs, people, animals and even toys - but the causes are relatively straightforward.

Nature

All dogs have the potential for aggression. Before dogs became our trusted companions, they had to fend for themselves - hunting for food, protecting their territory and caring for their pack.

Even after they were domesticated, dogs continued to use aggression to secure their place in the pack. Terriers kept small animals away, Rottweilers guarded people and cattle, and Lhasa Apsos sounded the alarm in Tibet. Nearly all dog breeds have an interesting resume, with many relying on aggression to secure their position.

While breed doesn't guarantee personality, the dog's lineage is a good indicator of the probability that he will display aggression, and his biological make-up has a significant impact on how aggressive he becomes.

Experience

The dog's environment, level of socialization and life experiences directly influence his aggressiveness. Dogs raised around dogs, kids, and animals are less likely to act aggressively, especially when they have been rewarded for good behavior.

Socializing your dog reduces his aggression; because of his positive associations toward these things he learns to enjoy (or at least tolerate) them. In addition, dog training goes a long way toward showing him what behaviors you prefer.

When a dog is not socialized to others he is more likely to develop anxieties and become fear aggressive.

Traumatic experiences can also trigger aggression. Any experience that scares a dog can cause him to act aggressively in the future under similar circumstances.

Medical Causes

Medical issues are another cause of aggression. The dog's health impacts his personality as well as how he feels. A dog that is in pain or sick in some other way may lash out under circumstances that he otherwise would not. Often when a dog turns aggressive all of a sudden, the underlying cause turns out to be a medical ailment.

Nature, experience and medical reasons are the most common causes of dog aggression. To reduce the odds of your dog being aggressive, make sure you address each of these areas.

I'm Jon Dakins, Director of Training Education at Dog Academy, http://www.dogacademy.com/. We provide online dog training programs for basic obedience, tricks and more.

Got a dog with a behavior problem or two? Please check us out at http://students.dogacademy.com/assessment.aspx to register for your free online course.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Dakins

Tips to Make your Dog Happy

2010-03-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

How to make your dog happy is a million dollar question. But it is so simple than you think. Please do follow the following tips to make your dog happier than ever-

1. Spay or neuter-

Do you know the dogs that are spayed or neutered lead a longer and happier life? Yes!!! It is true. If money is really constraint for this operation, do contact the local animal shelter. They will have programs that your dog can be spayed at the minimal cost of $10.

2. Avoid Feeding Common Human Foods

Most of the human foods are allergic to pets. If you want to do right thing for your pet, don't feed common food items like raw yeast, onion, caffeine, chocolate, garlic, alcohol, etc. These are highly injurious to health of your dog.

3. Provide Proper Exercise

Daily exercise is must for dog. A dog without exercise will become more obese and suffer from various health ailments. Daily walking of at least 1 km with your dog is more thna enough to keep your dog hale and healthy.

4. Regular Health Checkups

Although visiting vets office regularly is a costly affair, it's essential for your dog to make it there often. Don't hesitate to ask questions to your vet. You can get more details especially about petmeds that is available in the market to get rid of ticks and fleas. Even you can ask them about proper feeding schedule.

5. Provision of Safe Environment

Just like that of babies, your puppies also so curious to keep everything in their mouth. So you must be very cautious with your available household items. Keep most of the toxic substances out of reachfrom your pets. The common items that is to be avoided to be bitten by your pets include toilet cleaners, human medicines, unused electric cords, nails, etc.

How to Treat Lyme disease in dogs?

2010-01-22T01:04:00.000-08:00

Learning about Lyme disease is important for dog owners because it can be transmitted from dogs to humans quite easily. It has been recently discovered in the west and northern parts of the US. "How to treat Lyme disease in dogs?" is a million dollar question.

The main source of infection is deer tick. The definitive hosts for this ticks are the white tailed deer and white-footed mice. The ticks will suck the blood from these animals until it come to contact to other host.

If these animals (deer or white-footed mice) come to contact with your dog, your dog will be affected with this tick. As the tick bite is painless, the dogs won't show any distress of tick biting. These ticks can attach themselves to ears, neck, feat or head.

The affected dogs will show elevated temperature, loss of appetite, and joint swelling. There might be inflammation just below your dog's coat. So do check the coat for the presence of inflammatory nodules.

Once you noticed so much of ticks, immediately consult your vet to get rid of these ticks. A single shot of Ivermectin will do the rest. Don't wait till your dog get covered with ticks as it will transmit the Lyme disease to you also.

Heal Your Dog Naturally

2009-12-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

When my wife and I woke at 3 am to find our 8 year old Maltese just standing in the middle of the bedroom not moving, we were perplexed to say the least. When I went to pick him up and he yelped continuously we were down right scared. That is a sound a dog owner never wants to here. We ushered him into his carry bag and were out the door at 3:10 am. Another visit to the vet within the last three months. I fear this may become too familiar as he grows older.

As mentioned a little over a month earlier he had torn the ACL tendon in his hind right leg. This visit it was determined that he slipped a disk in his lower back. This can happen when a dog is compensating for another injury such as... a torn ACL. We were lucky on both counts, these injuries can require surgery and so far we do not need to take this route, as my pup is healing on his own. The doc says this is sometimes the case with small dogs that do not carry the weight of the larger breeds. However being good parents we got a second opinion, oops there goes more money. With both the torn ACL and slipped disk it is of course important to limit the dogs activity, easier said than done with an extremely playful Maltese. Keep it in mind for your dog that any jumping from an elevated surface such as a sofa, bed, auto etc. at a steep incline/decline can jam the back. Our dogs ACL injury was most likely caused by his habit of bolting around the apartment making quick changes in direction like the moves a football player makes on the field, this is why it is sometimes referred to as a football injury. Hardwood floors can add to the risk as well. We are attempting to have him wear little socks with rubber stripes on the sole for better traction, he seems to tolerate them.

As you may be aware, a trip to the vet is EXPENSIVE! But what choice do you have when you love them? After a Thousand dollars in three months (Yikes!) I decided to educate myself on caring for my beloved pooch and learning about natural remedies, and about underlying causes of dog diseases, rather than just treating the symptoms. This will lead to a better quality of life for both my wife and I and our pup. I have recently read "Heal Your Dog Naturally" which is chock full of helpful information on caring for your dog. This is a must read for anyone who thinks of their dogs as their four legged children. We have altered my dogs diet and various environmental aspects that contributed to his allergies and have noticed a marked difference already. I am not here to slam any one product but will recommend, as with humans, foods that are less processed and with more natural ingredient the better. For example one of my dog's allergies is wheat so we immediately found a product with no wheat. Dogs are individuals like us and you as their caretaker will decide what's best. I also want to take the time to express my gratitude to the Veterinary profession, the doctors certainly provide a valued service in caring for our pets. I however believe it is our responsibility to educate ourselves as much as we can on caring for our four legged children. Be kind, be well.

Stephen Provenzano is a devoted animal advocate (he loves 'em) and provides advise on various pet subjects which includes pet care, pet products, and more!

Please visit Heal Your Dog Naturally and decide whether you or your dog should live without this book. I wish you and your dog god speed. Be well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Provenzano

Snuggie For Dogs - Review of the Dog Sweater

2009-12-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

No other invention has become as popular as quick as the Snuggie. For those that don't know, it all started when one day, a college student was trying to change the the channel with the remote under his blanket. Obviously the television sensors wouldn't be able to pick up the signal. So he cut a hole in his blanket to make it work. He then instructed his mom to make a blanket with sleeves. Soon enough, the Snuggie craze began.

As mentioned, a Snuggie is simply a blanket with sleeves. Why is this useful? Simply because your arms will be kept warm while at the same time, you can be free to use your hands for tasks such as grabbing items, changing the TV channel, or drinking a beverage.

Snuggie's quickly grew to fame after being seen on many TV shows being endorsed by celebrities. Ellen DeGeneres and the Today show helped bring publicity to it. On the other hand, comedians like Jay Leno and Jon Stewart poked fun at the concept.

Snuggie has recently launched a new version: Snuggie for dogs.

The Snuggie for dogs is a great invention for dog lovers. Dogs are known to be man's best friend. Why not treat your dog the same way you treat yourself? Snuggie for dogs looks like a normal dog sweater garment. It comes in the same colors as regular Snuggies and can match yours. Snuggie for dogs goes on in just seconds. Most pet clothing requires you to force your pet's head and feet into tiny sleeves. With Snuggie for dogs, it goes on from the bottom up and simply attaches by velcro. Machine washable so you can take your pet outside and no longer have to worry about your dog's clothing getting dirty! Any dog owner will know that dogs like to get under the blanket to keep warm. They will no longer need to do that with this. Let your dog watch TV with you!

Benefits of Snuggie For Dogs

- Easy to put on. No need to force your dog's head and feet into sleeves.

- Comes in red or blue. Perfect for either a male or female dog.

- Not for indoors only. Snuggies can be used outdoors

- Doesn't irritate your pet. Most clothing for pets are made of itchy material or contain exposed tags.

- Comes in 4 sizes. Fits any dog size.

- Can be used for cats too!

- It will match your Snuggie :)

Order your Snuggie for dogs before Winter comes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_M.

How to Feeding Your Dog - Dog Owners Must Read

2009-11-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

Not like a cat or a human, it is important to feed your dog like dog. Dogs do well on a constant, unvarying recipe diet through much of their life span. Modify the diet as they become diseased or develop unusual physiological needs - but otherwise dogs do well and are happy on foods that people would consider monotonous. However the dietary needs of individual dogs may differ considerably. The requirements of a 2-pound Chihuahua are considerably different from those of a 140-pound St. Bernard. Small breeds need a dense caloric formula. These dogs need 40 to 50 calories per pound of body weight per day, and they must receive the nutrition in a small volume of food. Large breeds, on the other hand, need only 20 to 30 calories per pound per day, and since they can eat a large volume at one time, their food can have a less concentrated formula. In spite of these differences, some commercial dog foods adequately nourish all but the very unusual adult dog.

The dog owner who tries to compound his own dog food using only household ingredients faces a formidable task and, unless he or she is a trained nutritionist, will end up with an expensive and decidedly inferior product. Many dog owners sometimes spoil their dogs by giving them table foods and treats with high appetite appeal. Repeatedly, by refusing to eat a regular dog food, the dog "trains" its owners to provide unusual foods that may be insufficient nutritionally.

The single solution to successful dog feeding is to feed only a complete, balanced diet. Dog food should be produced carefully and if possible made feeding trials through several generations of dogs to prove the diet is adequate for all life stages. The diet can be dry, soft-moist, or combination of these. Adhere to the balanced diets and you will not go far astray.

You might be surprised to see that many dog owners don't really know how to feed their dogs suitably. Don't underestimate the power of these secrets. To see this AMAZING dog food secrets visit us here: Dog Food Secrets

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Hanson

Obedience Training For Dogs - 5 Free Dog Training Tips

2009-11-07T23:00:00.000-08:00

Obedience training for your dog must be an enjoyable process. Not something you feel that you must do but rather something that you want to do. If you enjoy the training sessions then you dog will enjoy the time with you and will learn quicker. What are the points to be kept in mind from the outset.

Obedience training is a lifetime process, not something that you will deal with in the first few weeks that you have your new friend. Therefore, it is important that you are able to make the quality time available.
If your intention is that your dog is only going to be a pet then keep the training simple. There should be nothing complicated in the training, certainly not in the early stages, it is merely a case of ensuring that your dog obeys your commands at the first time of asking.
Ensure that you are in the right frame of mind. This is an essential factor. At times training your dog will be frustrating. But approached correctly it will normally be very rewarding. If you have had a bad day at the office or at home it is not the time to start a training session as you may take out your frustration of the day on your dog - that isn't fair.
Keep the training sessions short. Early on in your dog's training there attention span will be short so make sure that is reflected in the length of each session. Gradually increase the time as the basics are achieved.
Ensure that you do not confuse your dog by having one set of standards during the training session and another when they are at home. To emphasize the earlier point - training is a constant ongoing process. It is always possible to make a fuss of your dog without undoing the hard work you put into training. Just think before you act.

Click for more FREE information and thoughts on Obedience Training For Dogs.

http://obediencetrainingfordogssimplified.com/

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Help Your Dog to Lose Weight With These Awesome Tips

2009-09-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

Like humans, some dogs can experience problems with being overweight. Any time that your dog is obese it is important to take steps to help him to lose weight. When your dog is overweight, it can cause a number of health problems. Your dog will likely not be as active as he should, which can make it hard for his muscles to be toned. In addition, the extra weight can place stress on your dog's heart as well as other critical organs. Dogs that are overweight are at a much higher risk for suffering from dangerous conditions such as diabetes.

In order to help your dog to lose weight, there are several areas you need to consider. First, you need to think about the type of food that you are giving your dog. Make sure that you have cut back or eliminated snacks completely. In addition, you should not be providing your dog with any table food. Give him either a high quality weight maintenance diet or consider preparing a home made diet for your dog.

You also need to consider your dog's activity level to help him to lose weight. Exercise is crucial to any weight management problem. If your dog is not accustomed to being active, make sure you start out slowly, but do make an effort to increase his activity level.

Finally, consider providing your dog with several small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals. When he eats once or twice per day there is a strong tendency to gorge on food and that can lead to weight gain. Providing smaller meals multiple times per day can help to prevent this problem and make it easier for your dog to lose weight.

Do you want to discover more about how you can help your dog naturally? For more information on helping your dog to lose weight click on http://www.petnaturalremedies.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Mullins

Where To Find Doberman Pinscher Puppies For Sale?

2009-08-23T04:19:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for doberman puppies for sale? Beware puppies purchased from puppy mills are of no use! So, don't purchase doberman puppies from puupy stores. They are often untrained, often sickly and do not offer any help once you get the pup home.

Then,where shall I get good puppies? - This question may bothers you. Don't worry!!! Thee are few places you can go online to select listing of Doberman puppies for sale. You can get all the dob puppies in one place.

These ads may be given by the individual dog owners as well as breeders. As there are huge ads, you can be sure that you will find one that will be the perfect fit for your family.

Once you have found a breeder that has the right Doberman dogs for sale and choose one for your family, it's time to bring your doberman dog home. You should make your home ready before bringing the pup home. Some of the reputable breeders may also want to see your home before complete the purchase of your doberman puppy to ascertain hat you have the perfect environment to raise doberman puppies.

I have searched the net and found one such website that offers perfect puppy sales. Just peep in to this site- www.puppies-forsale.co.uk to get your dream dob pups. ALL THE BEST!!!

How to protect your garden from pet pampering?

2009-08-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

How to protect your garden from pet pampering needs to be thought of once you have a big garden or garden with valuable plantations with flowers etc. Whenever the dog is found with digging activities that are not desired in the concerned garden campuses, then provide the dog some sorts of distracting materials like toys etc.

Hence, such activities make much diversion for the dog and finally, the dog engages in some other activities without causing damage to your garden.

Small thorn varieties like barberry may be grown in the garden to protect the plants or flowers from the dogs. However, though some pleasant smell is coming from various herbs or bushes, most of the times, the dog may not be afraid of approaching many plants in the garden.

Battery operated electric fences are now a day available and such fences may not harm the animal but gives a mild shock. Hence, the dog has distractions while trying to enter the garden, which you like to a greater extent for multiple reasons.

Though prickly bush is the nice idea to have in your garden, see that the thorns should not harm your dog.

Try to have a fence with door facility for the garden and open it only when you need. Also you can keep the dog under your direct watch during allowing of your dog into the garden.

Hence, if at all the dog tries to engage in an unwanted activity damaging your garden, you can be able to control it immediately.

Also to avoid damage to certain selected species of the plants in your garden from the dogs, spray some repellents like neem oil nearby those plants.

Hence, when the dog approaches the site, this helps to drive away the dogs due to the effective smell that is not liked by many dogs. Try to adapt some measures that are more practical to adapt for driving away of the dogs from the garden.

Sometimes, you need to express your dissatisfaction by some specific commands to the dog. But, you need to use the same syllable in a high pitch, every time.

For example, when you say no, every time, you need to tell the same thing in same pitch and hence, the dog may understand that it is doing something that is not really liked by the owner. Whatever measure you are taking to protect the dog, this should not lead to any health related problem for your dogs.

To prevent the damage of your garden in your absence, it is better to educate the house keeper on what to do when the animal tries to enter the garden or when the dog attempts to damage the precious plantations available in the garden liked by many of your family members in the house. It is better to give clear-cut instructions in such occasions.

Remember that the dog thinks that you are doing something that is not liked by it, while you many think that the dog is doing something in the garden, which is not liked by you.

Stop Dog Barking - 2 Step Dog Behavior Success

2009-07-27T03:27:00.000-07:00

A dog's natural instinct is to bark when they feel their territorially is being compromised by another dog or human visitors. They consider it their obligation to alert you of an impending threat to your property, which is of course, their property as well. In some cases, dog owners appreciate the warning that their dog bark provides them however, excessive dog barking can become a behavior problem, and here we look at some practical tips, which will allow you to control your dog's behavior and will with patience, cease excessive dog barking.

As soon as you observe your dog excessively barking at visitors or passers-by to your property the first thing to consider is rather than disciplining the dog, will be to teach ourselves and the animal that this type of behavior should be rewarded. Inconsistent commands by dog owners are the primary reason for excessive dog behavior and the key you and your dog need to learn is consistency.

Inconsistent messages given by you to your dog will develop into confusion and an inability for your dog to retain any of the learned behavior which you're trying to teach.

Follow these simple dog behavioral techniques for instant success;

1. Whenever your dog barks at visitor passing by your property allow him to bark for two or three occasions. It is important to praise your dog alerting you of the impending visitor, and should, however gently request that the dog is now quiet. If the dog ceases to bark for a few seconds praise him and offer them a reward. This will help focus your dog on the command.

2. Provide them with a treat as soon as they are quiet and consistently praised them for doing so. Ultimately, any discipline directed at the dog should be for disobeying your command rather than the barking itself (this applies to any dog behavioral problems). As above, always be consistent with your dog. You will always be setting yourself up to fail if you offer him or her inconsistent messages.

While it will take several occurrences for your dog to learn that barking is not a bad behavior, consistent messages applied by you to reward quietness after the act will remedy the problem of excessive dog barking. This technique can also be applied for many other dogs behavioral issues and this simple two stage process of command and reward is excellent practice for the future. It will ensure that you and your dog relationship will blossom upon mutual respect and understanding.

As we have just learned, consistent and confident commands are the key to dog training success and it cannot be over emphasized how important the early stages of a dogs development are for the future prosperity of both dog and owner. Puppy Training Dogs would like to invite you to effectively and simply learn the best principles required in training your dog. This unique technique, developed specifically for new dog owners, has helped thousands of people promote and maintain the best relationships between dogs and owners. Visit Puppy Training Dogs to participate in this valuable course.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Brielle

Hunting Dog Training Techniques

2009-07-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

When you think of a hunting scene, what do you imagine? Perhaps you see a man in camouflage clothes, toting a rifle. Perhaps you see a proper British man in red jacket and knee high black boots on horseback. And probably, no matter how you picture the people, there's a hunting dog nearby.

Dogs have been great companions to hunters for hundreds of years. They provide friendship, of course, but can also help a hunter be more effective in the field by tracking, flushing, pointing, and retrieving game.

When you're training a dog to hunt with you, it's important to make sure your dog is trained properly and knows exactly what's expected of him in the field.

One tip that's repeated over and over by trainers is to start your dog in training early. It's much easier to train a puppy than a full grown dog. And by training early, you ensure more hunting time with a well trained dog.

The first piece of advice given to all dog trainers is to be patient. It takes dogs time to learn commands, and you shouldn't expect too much too soon. After all, it takes humans time to learn new things, so why should you expect more from your dog?

Along with patience, you should make sure you introduce your dog to commands slowly. If you try to do too much at once, your dog will get overwhelmed, and you won't get anywhere. This is frustrating to both you and your dog.

Consistency is another point that's stressed to trainers. Once you decide what commands to use, whether they be verbal, hand gestures, or even whistles, make sure you stick to what's set down. If you start training a dog to sit, for example, by saying "Sit," and then suddenly make a whistling sound to command the dog to sit instead, your dog won't know what you want, and you'll set your training back.

Praising your dog for obedience and good behavior is a very good way to get results quicker. Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. If they know they'll get positive attention, they're more likely to repeat the behavior. Even if you think the good behavior is something "minor," give your dog a friendly pat on the head and a "Good boy!" to let him know he's doing a good job.

The proper training of your dog for the hunt is important. And while it may be a little overwhelming at first, patience, consistency, and praise can lead to a great hunting companion for any hunter.

Training a dog to hunt with you is a lot of fun. Make sure you have the proper Dog Supplies and the proper Dog Training Supplies. Visit premierdogsupplies.com for all you will need.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Mac

Dog Purses

2009-06-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

When you've got a lot of money, it seems that even wacky things don't seem so crazy. In fact, if enough of your friends join in, you might even get your pictures taken and start a trend. Dog purses seem to be just such a trend. Although carrying around one's favorite little friend has been popular for hundreds of years among the upper classes, paparazzi taking photos of the likes of Paris Hilton seems to have given the idea of carrying a dog around in your purse a new burst of popularity.

A dog purse is simply a device designed for hauling around your tiny dog in a very fashionable way. Instead of hauling around a plastic carrier, some people are choosing to place their pooch in a purse designed especially for holding pups. There are even bags fashioned by famous designers carrying price tags ranging into the hundreds of dollars available for purchase.

There is a concern that seeing people at the top of popular culture accessorizing with dogs in purses might encourage others to take to carrying around their canine with more concern for being fashionable than keeping their dog safe. If you are thinking about going the route of the fashionable, please always put the interest of your pet first. If your dog has any health issues at all, you should take them into consideration. Although small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas will fit comfortably into these purses, if they have issues like arthritis or weak bladders, you might want to reconsider placing them in such a device until you have consulted your veterinarian.

It seems that purses for carrying dogs are here to stay, for a while at least. If you own a large dog, you might be out of luck. If you have a toy breed and want to go with the current flow of culture, there are plenty of these purses out there waiting to help you accessorize for a price. Just make sure that it is fun for both you and your dog.

You might also enjoy these other articles about dog purses and finding cheap purses for sale online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_McGeen

Thyroid Problems in Dogs

2009-05-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Our dog Lucky was slowly becoming different than our other dogs. She was over weight even though she ate less than the other dogs and really didn't seem to care that much about food. She was also very depressed acting. We could just see it in her eyes. She seemed very sad. Lucky did not like to play like the other dogs did. She pretty much just sat on the porch and watched the other dogs while they played.

We took her to the vet, and he decided to do a blood test on her to see if her thyroid was producing enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone is what regulates metabolism. Her test showed she was only borderline low. But the vet gave us some thyroid pills anyway and told us to give her half a dose each day for a month.
The results are detailed below.

Here are some symptoms which might indicate your dog has a thyroid problem:

Very lazy acting and not wanting to play -Lucky had this symptom

Weight gain with no added interest in food - Lucky definitely had this symptom

Dry skin - Lucky's coat was dry and very coarse feeling compared to our other dogs

Hair loss (especially in the tail area) - Lucky had a large bald spot on the top of her tail

Bacteria infections - She did not have this symptom

Problems with the cold - Well, all of our dogs seem to dislike the cold

A slow pulse rate - We never checked her for that

Strange behavior or compulsions - Lucky was (and still is) our dog with the strangest behavior

Aggression - Yes, Lucky is the one dog of our four we don't trust around very tiny children without close supervision

Depression - Yes, Lucky was for sure depressed.

Most dogs who are affected are in the mid to large sized breed category. Lucky is a mid sized dog. It is also hereditary. But in this case Katie is her mom, and Katie is the happiest, most perfect dog there could be. We also know who Lucky's dad was. He too was a very happy dog. So with lucky it must have skipped a generation.

It can happen to both male and female dogs. But it happens to spayed females more than unspayed females. And Lucky was spayed. And the problem did not start happening until after that. However, a low thyroid problem doesn't start happening usually until a dog is over 4 years old. Lucky was spayed about one year old and we started noticing a change in her about a year later.

After we had given Lucky the pills for a month, we started seeing a behavior change. She actually WANTED to play once in a while! As we kept giving them to her she started losing some weight too. The vet said we might try stopping them for a while and see how it goes. Apparently, sometimes the pills do some kind of a jump start on things and they keep going correctly. He was right...for a while anyway. She did continue to improve and lose weight without the pills. However, after about 6 months, we see the old, depressed Lucky coming back. So we have started to give the pills again to her.

As near as we can tell from researching the subject on the Internet and talking with our Vet, there are few side effects associated with thyroid pills. So we will probably continue now giving them to her on a regular basis.

Please write to us if you have any questions about this or if you would like to share your story.

Steve Weber owns http://www.CactusCanyon.com which offers advice and natural products to owners of dogs with thyroid problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Weber

Looking For a Solution to Dog Barking? Dogs Bark Naturally So What Can You Do

2009-05-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

If you want just one solution to dog barking, there isn't one, there are many. Many different solutions to this most common dog behavior problem. The bottom line is that you must communicate to your dog that you are in charge, not them and that barking is not allowed.

There are many ways to get your dog to stop barking, citronella collars, shock collars, ultrasonic devices, and training. Of all these solutions, citronella collars and re-training are the most humane.

Citronella collars can be bought anywhere. It is basically a collar your dog wears around its neck and it shoots out a burst of citronella whenever your dog barks. Dogs don't like this smell so they stop barking. The problem here is you have to constantly refill the citronella reservoir, so it does not always work. Also, using this method, the dog learns much slower than doing retraining.

The best solution to a barking dog is retraining your dog. It is natural for your dog to bark when people enter his territory or when he views someone as a threat to the family. Many dogs even bark just to get attention.

The problem is that they live in our houses and they are not allowed to bark. You have to clearly communicate to your dog that barking is not permitted in the house. If know that your dog barks during certain situations, like someone coming to the door, make sure you have a leash on your dog or are at least close to him, so you can instantly correct his behavior.

If you are having problems getting this dog behavior problem under control, there are lots of resources out there to help you. Click here for one of the best resources for Stopping Dog Behavior Problems

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Jordan

Dogs and Toxins

2009-02-28T23:57:00.001-08:00

Apart from other dogs, what is the one thing that all dogs love virtually all the time? You guessed it: food! Dogs are very much like people in that they eat out of necessity, boredom, interest, nutritional compulsions, and sometimes; by mistake. Even the most well-trained dog could be subject to accidental poisoning. Many poisons also taste fantastic, and are easily accessible around your home. The question is, are you prepared to assist your dog, should this ever occur? The following are some common sources of potentially fatal poisonings, including symptoms, and treatments.

Antifreeze:

Antifreeze is deadly to dogs, even in small amounts. Antifreeze contains compounds that destroy the liver and red blood cells once ingested. It is, in fact, a rather frequent killer of pets. The reason for this is that antifreeze tastes sweet; like a syrupy candy. Antifreeze must be wiped up immediately following a spill, and at all times it should be isolated from dogs, other pets, and children. If your dog does ingest antifreeze, you should look for the following signs:

Ataxia: unable to walk, stumbling, falling down
Vomiting
Excessive water consumption
Excessive urination

Treatment:

Induce vomiting. Seek immediate emergency veterinary care.

Chocolate/Caffeine:

If consumed, these products will impact your dog's cardiovascular system. Chocolate and caffeine increase the heart rate in dogs, leading to heart problems, and breathing difficulties. If your dog ingests large amounts of caffeine, it can prove fatal. Here's what to watch for:

Excessive panting
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Tremors/Seizures
Hyperactivity

Treatment:

Induce vomiting. Seek immediate veterinary care, to include gastric lavage, and activated charcoal treatments.

Raw Salmon:

Any raw meat, but particularly salmon, can contain a fluke-like parasite that is highly specialized. Once ingested, the fluke spawns and lives in the intestines, where it produces very toxic substances that infect the entire body, causing the dog to become very ill rather quickly. Symptoms are typically as follows:

Lethargy
Severe weight loss
Vomiting
Swollen lymph nodes
Bloody or discolored diarrhea

Treatment:
Antibiotics are the only way to prevent your dog's death. Dogs that survive this type of infection will then be immune to recurrences.

Raisins & Grapes:

Dogs who ingest large amounts of raisins or grapes may place their life in severe danger. Both of these foods contain toxins that attack the liver. Survival rates of this type of poisoning is only 50%, so it is vital to get your dog immediate attention should you suspect it has eaten large quantities of grapes or raisins. Symptoms will include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive water consumption
Excessive urination
Kidney failure

Treatment:

Induce vomiting. Stomach lavage. Activated charcoal. Intravenous fluid therapy

Mushrooms:

Mushrooms can be deadly to dogs. In America, there are numerous types that will cause a very quick, painful death. For this reason, it is imperative to watch your dog closely outside, especially in the fall and other moist times of year where mushrooms are prolific. There are many different types of deadly mushrooms that attack different parts of the body, so the symptoms will vary greatly. You can expect the following:

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Confusion
Collapse/Unconsciousness
Hallucinations
Irregular behavior
Coma

Treatment:

Induce vomiting immediately. Activated charcoal. Treatment for liver disease.

Lead Poisoning:

Lead poisoning is much more prevalent in dogs than many would think. Dogs who ingest paint chips or painted wood, fishing sinkers, weights, or any other material containing lead are in grave danger. If you recognize the following symptoms, your dog need emergency veterinary treatment:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive urination
Decreased appetite
Abdominal pain
Blindness
Tremors
Erratic behavior
Seizures

Treatment:

Blood testing. Extensive intravenous therapy.

Insecticides & Pesticides:

While there are simply too many of these to make an exhaustive list, insecticides and pesticides can prove fatal to your dog within minutes of ingestion. For this reason, it is absolutely imperative that you store and use these items where your dog will not be exposed to them. If for some reason your dog ingests or inhales any type of the mentioned items, you should seek immediate veterinary care. Symptoms will vary greatly according to the type of item ingested:

Excessive salivation
Vomiting/ with or without blood
Diarrhea/ with or without blood
Confusion
Ataxia
Seizures
Unconsciousness

Treatment:

Varies widely according to what was ingested. Contact a poison control center and seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Venom:

A dog can sustain a venomous snake bite much more easily than a human. Dogs have very tough skin, and venom does not affect them as significantly as it does one of us. However, a snakebite can be fatal. If you observe an actual bite occur, or suspect that your dog has been bitten, first ensure that the snake (or other venomous creature is no longer in the area.) Remove your dog to a safe location and attempt to keep them still. You might notice the following symptoms:

Puncture wounds
Severe Pain/Swelling
Necrosis of tissue at bite site
Labored breathing

Treatment:

Antibiotics sometimes help. Benadryl may be recommended by your vet if you are in the field. Anti-Venom. Do not suction wound site. Do not use tourniquets or make incisions at the bite site.

Your natural responsibility to your dog should mitigate most of these types of poisonings. However, we all know that dogs are indiscriminate eaters, and that they sometimes eat and expose themselves to toxic or even deadly items. Be observant, and be prepared, and you will greatly reduce the chance that your dog will become a casualty of toxins. For more information, and to report a suspected poisoning, contact the APCC at: 888-426-4435.

Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to hunting dogs. Their site has a wide variety of dog supplies such as Dog Training Collars, SportDOG, and Dogtra products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoffrey_English

Chocolate Pitbulls

2009-02-28T23:56:00.001-08:00

Does it seem like there are more brands and breeds of pitbulls that you can coherently wrap your mind around when trying to decide on a dog? Is there a specific reason you are looking for a chocolate pitbulls and what have you heard that was so intriguing that you just have to find where you can adopt some chocolate pitbulls? If you stumbled across here because you are confused, well that is great because there are so many names for the same thing and sometimes it seems as though they were only created to cause confusion while creating a mass ‘demand’ for this new named creature.

What are Chocolate Pitbulls?

Chocolate pitbulls is simply the name of the dog designated by it’s colors and it is brown, a deep chocolate color and that is the only difference between that and other kinds of dogs. If it is a dark brown pitbull that you are looking for, any one of the chocolate pitbulls will work just fine.

This color of dog will rear itself in many different breeds of pitbulls such as the Alligator and Lion Head pitbulls and it only confirms that the coloring constitutes that of chocolate pitbulls. There are literally a thousand breeds and ‘strains’ of the breed and in each of those sub categories you will find the label chocolate in many of them. Again, it is used to predominantly describe the color of the dog and the coat of the dog.

Chocolate Pitbulls Vs. Pitbulls

Obviously there is no versus when speaking of other breeds and the chocolate pitbulls for the reasons mentioned above so if you are seeking for that beautiful dark brown pitbull for you, look no further than any breed at all and in the coloring they will label the dogs as ‘chocolate pitbulls’ and you can be confident in knowing that you are getting the same quality, breed or whatever you are seeking for in that infamous chocolate flavoring.

Now when you get one of the sought after chocolate pitbulls, remember to always be a responsible pet owner when searching for your perfect pet and treat it with kindness and respect! Pitbulls are getting such a terrible wrap for being horrible, mean, untamable beasts and they are not. Man is the beast much before the dog is and most often, those pitbulls that are attacked are treated cruelly and inhumanely and this causes many unwanted traits within the dog.

If you want to learn more about pitbull fighting please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with pitbulls

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Gunning

Pitbull Training

2009-01-31T22:52:00.000-08:00

The most troublesome and boring aspect of owning a pet pit bull according to most owners is training. Though boring, early obedience training for pit bulls is very essential, otherwise they may become disobedient and even aggressive. A poorly bred pit bull is often a danger to the people around it. Also, it is necessary to teach housebreaking to a pit bull when it is still a puppy.

The first thing that a pit bull needs to be trained in is housebreaking. Pit bull puppies have weak bladders, which they may need to eliminate almost every hour. Have specific meal times for the puppy and then take it out. Over time, puppies will begin to recognize this place by its smell. It's no fun to be woken in the middle of a night by a puppy whining to go potty, but it takes endurance in the first few months. As pit bulls grow older, their bladder control improves, but it will be a while before they can hold their bladders overnight. Another method is paper training, where newspaper can be spread at spots within the house. However, paper training is not good as it gives the pit bull the idea that it is okay to poop inside the house.

Pitbulls are athletic dogs and so they need stamina and strength training. The most common way to teach almost all dogs is by drive and tracking. A ball and string can be used for this. Show the ball to the pit bull until its curiosity is aroused and then roll the ball on the floor, away from the pit bull. The pit bull will begin chasing after it. Using this tactic, several tricks can be taught to the pit bull.

Pit bulls are intelligent dogs. They respond to commands. Pit bulls can be trained to understand commands such as 'go', 'fetch', 'heel' and they also recall to their names. Repeating the commands over and over helps the dog to learn faster. Such obedience training must not be taken lightly as it may sometimes be a lifesaver to the dog.

Training a dog requires patience and affection on the part of the trainer. Pit bulls are sensitive and they should never be hit or yelled at when training. This may have an adverse effect and they may not respond to training at all. They may also fight back and nip or bite people. A slight reprimand, with a strong 'No' is enough to make a pit bull stop any undesirable activity. It is important to be consistent in pit bull training. If you train a pit bull for a couple of days and then decide to take a break, then the whole thing is going to be a worthless affair.

However, there are many ways in which pit bull training can be made exciting to both dog and owner. The training also provides some exercise to the owner and goes a long way in making the dog a trustworthy and able companion.

Pitbulls provides detailed information about pitbulls, pitbull breeders, pitbull kennels, pitbull puppies and more. Pitbulls is the sister site of Dog Fleas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton

Pit Bull Training For Responsible Ownership

2009-01-24T23:05:00.000-08:00

Owning a pitbull requires a big responsibility. For one, pitbull training is very important. It's necessary for pitbull owners to do this because there have been many reports on Pitbulls attacking people or children with no reason at all. Dog owners should not stay ignorant especially when they have pitbulls under their care. In reality, the pitbull is one of the most behaved dogs on the list of breeds according to disposition or attack frequencies. Training a pitbull properly will spare the dog from attacking people. If the owner is irresponsible, the pitbull will more likely cause harm to others.

It is sad to know that there are many irresponsible owners who take pride in flaunting their fierce dog. Unluckily some of these irresponsible owners end up as the victim of their own pet. Pitbulls can actually be safe with children if you keep an eye on how your dog interacts with kids around. However, this does not mean that you have to be complacent by leaving children alone with a pitbull. You still have to keep your presence among them. Knowing how to discipline a pitbull at a very young age is very important. It is necessary that pitbull puppies socialize with other dogs even at a young age.

This is in contrast to the myth that pitbull puppies must be isolated from people or other animals. Pitbulls are actually sociable dogs contrary to the negative impressions of people on their breed. Only that many dog owners who attempt to train pitbulls fail due to lack of consistency, discipline, and timing. The latter is said to be the most important of the three. Furthermore, if you lack knowledge in the implementation of positive reinforcement on dogs, it may also lead to your failure to train a pitbull. Pitbull puppies that were not exposed to the public well have greater tendencies of attacking people or animals when they grow older.

Thus, it would be better to bring your pitbulls in places such as parks. It surely is very helpful that dog owners read guide to pitbulls prior to owning one. This way they will know their responsibilities towards their dog. Irresponsible ownership of pit bulls can cause danger to other people or even death to its victims. Pitbull puppy training can be fun and rewarding. It is in the nature of pitbulls that when they are comfortable to their environment and the people around them, they become more loving. If a pitbull gets the right training, it can contribute to their healthy development.

Aside from its health benefits, they become a more behaved and trustworthy dogs. Training your pitbull to be a protector instead of being a fiend can work so much to your benefit. Trained pitbulls can actually protect you from dangers that may happen to you like robbery or kidnapping. It is only a sad fact that pitbulls are viewed negatively in the public eye. Pitbull training is a long process. Just stick to the basic rules by reinforcing the dog's desirable behavior and ignoring the undesirable behaviors. Surely you will have a happy and harmonious life together with your pitbull.

The author of this article Alex De La Cruz is a Dog Trainer who has been successful with several dog training courses for many years. Alex decided to share his knowledge and tips through his website http://www.doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and submissive dog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_De_La_Cruz

Destructive Dog Chewing - 3 Tips to Stop Destructive Dog Chewing

2008-11-29T20:07:00.000-08:00

It's great when your dog chews its own toy. But when dog chewing starts to focus on your possessions and household items it can be the beginning of a lifelong problem.

There Are Three Primary Reasons for Dog Chewing:

Most dogs have a natural desire to chew. Dog chewing passes their time and it's fun.

If a dog is bored, lonely or nervous chewing gives them an outlet. It's like comfort food for people and is quite soothing to an anxious dog.

When dogs are under exercised, dog chewing gives them a way to burn up nervous energy and also gives them something to do.

There are some easy things you can do to prevent destructive dog chewing.

How to Stop Destructive Dog Chewing Before It Begins

If you can stop your dog from getting her first jaw full of a table leg, a running shoe or a pillow you're way ahead of the game because after her first chew she'll go after those things in the future.

So confine her to a dog-proofed area such as a crate until you are sure she understands your rules.

Keep things out of reach.

Since dogs like to explore the world with their mouths it's up to you to keep things out of reach.

Common targets in your home include shoes, clothing, books, eyewear and garbage along with small cameras, remote controls and cell phones.

Make them inaccessible to her climbing, jumping, and standing on her back legs.

Give her lots of tasty alternatives to your things.

Remember that most dogs love and need to chew. If she's a puppy (less than a year old) or an adolescent (under three years old), her needs are even more pronounced.

So it's time to go shopping! Get a big variety of toys and give her two or three at a time to play with. Keep things novel and interesting for her by changing her toys every several days.

These three ideas are a good start. And for the one thing you always need to do to stop dog chewing see 7 Ways to Stop Dog Chewing. For more great tips about training your dog, take a look at http://www.DogObedienceTips.org now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Schulman

Signs of Ill Health to Your Dog

2008-08-31T05:46:00.000-07:00

Signs of ill health are the most important signs of the health status in your dogs. For example, if the dog has continuous nasal discharge, it indicates the presence of nasal congestion and if the discharge is thick, most of the times, the dog may have pneumonia.

If the dog vomits one or two times occasionally, this may not be taken as a serious sign of ill health but if the dog continues this vomiting, then this is something significant to be looked into.

If the dog has continuous itching, then one needs to check up the dog first by closer observation and examination of skin by separating the hair material especially in case of long haired breeds. You may also come across a lot of ticks or lice on skin, which may look apparently normal at a distance.

If the dog passes loose stool for one or two times, this need not be given more emphasis but if there is continuous passing of loose stool, then the dog is understood to suffer from bowel disorders. If the dog does not pass stool for two to three days, the digestive upsets needs to be ruled out carefully.

Just patiently observe the dog's walking movements and rule out any abnormal movements in the dog. If the dog is limping, the animal may have foot lesions. Similarly, if the aged dog has reluctant walking and less feed intake along with repeated vomiting, then acute renal disorders like nephritis needs to be ruled out.

If there is whiteness in eyes, suspect the corneal opacity that may occur in diseases like trypanosomosis. When the dog becomes anemic, the mucous membrane of the eyes becomes paler and in severe cases, this may have wall white color. If the dog bites chain and owners or others, look for behavior disorders and rabies needs to be ruled out.

For information on what you should be feeding your dog go to http://www.squidoo.com/signsofllnesstoyourdog & Learn the truth to dog food

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Muliatlo

How to Exercise a Pit Bull

2008-08-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

All working dog breeds need a lot of exercise. Both to keep them healthy but also to tire them out. This is especially true of Pit Bulls, as the saying goes "A Tired Pit Bull is a Good Pit Bull". If your dog isn't getting enough exercise, the excess energy that he or she has will likely be spent chewing your new couch or jumping on every visitor to your home.

Everyone when they get a new dog is told to take it on long walks. Personally, I don't think walking is enough. Pit bulls were bread to be active working dogs. If you notice when you walk your dog that it never runs. The dog's were breed to run. Walking just doesn't get a dog's activity level high enough to drain much energy. You need to find another way to increase your dogs exercise.

You may be able to jog with your dog, however even at normal jogging paces the dog just isn't really exerting himself. The object of exercising your dog much like a human is to get it to run for a solid 20 to 30 minutes. I find that adding a intense game of fetch at the local park gets my dogs running at the best pace for a good amount of time.

I have a park close by that is quite open and rarely has other people (or dogs for that matter). I normally walk my dog to this park on his leash and then once at the park, I pull out his favorite ball and we play a intense game of fetch. No short passes here, I throw as far as I am able and my dog runs as fast as possible to fetch the ball and return it to me. My dog gets a lot of pleasure out of this game.

I only suggest you take your dog to an open park if it is well trained. If you dog doesn't return unquestioned to the "recall" command you probably need to work with the dog some more before thinking about taking the dog off of leash at a park. This is especially important for the Pit Bull, due both to the breeds tendency to be dog aggressive you may find yourself in a bad situation if your dog decides to be unruly.

Even if you don't have access to a vacant park or have a dog that isn't quite trained enough to be allowed off leash. There are several things you can still do. I use a Flirt pole with younger dogs to tire them out. This can be done in a normal sized back yard. Also, you could hang a spring pole from a tree or other structure and train your dog to use it. I have also read about people that have trained their dogs to use a treadmill.

Exercise should be an important part of your dogs daily routine. I have yet to have behavior problems with any dog that has been properly exercised.

Dave M. Russell is an advocate for the true conforming pit bull breed. Visit his site and learn valuable tips about Pit Bulls.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_M_Russell

Dog Paw Health - Why Dog Foot Care is Critical For Your Dog's Well Being

2008-08-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

Your dogs paws are a critical piece of equipment so practicing good dog paw health care is vital for the well-being of your pet. Let's face it, dogs don't wear shoes to protect their paws so paying a little bit of extra attention to this area can help keep their feet working in tip top shape.

Doc's paws are actually quite a complicated part of their body. On the bottom they have several pads that act as a cushioning and springing mechanism. On the edges are the toenails which can be used to claw and dig and on the top is the fur which of course protects the foot. While not all dogs paws are created exactly equal, they are all pretty similar.

Taking care of your dogs paws should be part of your normal health and grooming routine for the dog. Here are a few of the steps you should take to ensure good dog paw health:

- inspect and the pads periodically for splinters or foreign material and remove it.
- keep your dogs nails trimmed.
- keep the fur in between the dog's pads trimmed
- don't let your dog walk in puddles that may have chemicals like anti-freeze in them
- always dry off your dog's pads after he has been walking in a wet area

While you may not think it because they walk on them, most dogs feet are very sensitive and you may have a hard time getting your dog to submit to having his paws inspected if he's not used to it. The best thing for you to do is to start touching the paws when he is a puppy. Every day spend some time just lightly touching the paws until the dog gets used to it. Then you can move on to a more thorough inspection gradually doing more and more as your dog will allow.

Try to make grooming and inspecting your dogs paws part of your weekly grooming routine. Check the nails to make sure they are not too long and cut them if they are. Some dogs have hair that grows out in between the pads and this can actually get quite long making it hard for them to walk because it can be slippery. If your dog is one of these breeds make sure you keep the hair trimmed down below the pads but be very careful when you have scissors near the pads of your dogs feet.

Every good dog owner wants to make sure that his dog is in the best health possible and having a good dog paw health regimen is just one of the things that conscientious dog owners need to do for perfect pet health. Educating yourself on the health and training needs of your dog and providing those for him will insure a happy, healthy and long-lived pet.

Would you like to have a dog that is perfectly healthy, happy and well trained? If you're ready to learn more about dog care and training, visit http://dogcareandtrainingtips.com and download our free ebook on dog care and training

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

Knowing about the Different Types of Dog Urine Cleaning Products

2008-07-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular opinion, homemade cleaning solutions can be just as effective as commercially manufactured dog cleaning products. All it takes is a little experience, imagination and knowledge. In other words – everything!

But enough bickering and let’s concentrate on briefly describing some of the most common dog cleaning products that continue to be in use today.

Could All-Natural be the Best?

Remember that dog urine is above else an organic material – liquid though it may be – and for that reason, there’s a good chance that organic cleaning products may also make the pet urine odor and stain go away. To use this particular dog cleaning product, just pour the solution on the stains then blot and scrub them thoroughly. You’ll no doubt be surprised when a few minutes of scrubbing turned your carpet into something totally new looking!

PEROXIDE

Surely you didn’t think that peroxide wouldn’t come into the equation, would you? To remove dog urine stains with the use of this product, all you have to do is combine peroxide with a moderate amount of water, mix it then dip a sponge on it until you find the stains vanishing bit by bit!

WINDOW CLEANERS

Believe it or not but window cleaners – for some strange or too scientific way – can actually be used to clean stains. This particular dog cleaning alternative is quite easy to use. Just spray it on the stained area, blot or dry it out with some paper towels then wait for the solution to perform its magic.

To ensure that your precious carpet does not have any adverse reactions to the liquid, choose a very small corner of the blanket to test the product out. So far, so good!

DETERGENT AND VACUUM

If you formerly thought that your favorite detergent is only good for laundry, think again. Many pet owners have discovered a whole new side to detergent and that’s causing dog urine stains to appear.

To use this particular dog cleaning method, all you have to do is mix a tablespoon of your favorite detergent to a mirror. Then, use a vacuum to suck out the wetness from it.

Using a detergent can lessen the damage caused by your pet dog’s urine; it also works more or less the way steam rollers do.

VINEGAR

Again, contrary to popular belief, vinegar actually have other uses outside the kitchen and that’s helping remove dog urine stains from your home’s expensive carpet.

TOOTHPASTE

As more and more years pass by, the toothpaste seems to be gaining multiple purposes for its existence. Besides cleaning teeth, toothpaste can also more or less remove the ugly and semi-permanent stains caused by pet urine.

OTHER PET URINE CLEANING TIPS

Do not purchase dog urine products from companies that make use of gaudy advertisements online and offline.

More often than not, the dog urine products they’re selling are ineffective.

The longer you leave the stain untouched, the harder it would be to clean them. And since pet urine location all over your home can be quite difficult, it’s best that you make use of a pet urine detector to speed up your business.

DISHWASHING LIQUID AND VINEGAR

This is obviously a solution that combines two alternatives. See for yourself if it’s effective!
As a last note, if you feel that the stain is very difficult to remove, just opt to have the professional cleaners do it themselves.

Michael Louis is a dog lover with a passion for knowledge who enjoys sharing his dog cleaning care secrets. Now that you know how to remove that bad odor, learn the secrets to house training your dog and stop this from happening again at the-dog-stop.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Louis

How to Administer Medicine to your Dog?

2008-07-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

Most of the times, the dogs are so intelligent to find out the drug mixed water or food materials offered to them by the dog owners. Hence, often it becomes a headache for the dog owners to give medicines to their dogs.

To the possible extent, the animal need not be forced for taking of the drug. If the medicine is to be given by mouth, first decide whether it is better to give it along with water or food. Many times, the medicines are mixed with food materials and are kept in concealed position by proper mixing of the medicine with the food materials.

Before administering the medicine, just delay the feeding time in the particular dog. Hence, the dog may be hungry to some extent. At that time, give little quantity of normal food without medicine and the dog may eat it well without any suspicion and now provide the medicine mixed food and the dog may voluntarily eat it most of the times.

If the dog resists, first restraint the dog well and open the mouth. Place the tablet behind the fang teeth and almost behind the bulb of the tongue. However, take care that the medicine what you are administering in the dog should not enter directly into the respiratory organ like lungs.

If so, the dog will experience many bouts like activities and may end up in aspiration pneumonia with severe nasal discharge and panting like activities. In puppies, just swab the medicine around the upper lip. The puppy will lick automatically the drug by tongue. Hence, the administration becomes perfect in such cases.

If the medicine is in liquid form, don't raise the head of dog too much and place medicine by a syringe. Just by using a dropper, fill the medicine in the lip pocket. The continuous rubbing at the throat side may stimulate the swallowing. Making the animal thirsty and then offering of medicine mixed water may many times help the intake of the medicine.

How Much Should you Feed your Dog?

2008-07-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Many people will give different types of answers based on their experience with their dogs. However, the scientific facts related to the feeding aspects in case of dogs need to be given emphasis during the feeding activities maintained in case of dogs.

Usually the puppies should not be separated before they are eight weeks old. However, some times the orphaned puppies may exist. Usually about five percent of the body weight may be taken as criteria for the quantity of food to be given to the puppies. However, the amount that is consumed by the dog varies with size of the dogs also.

However, one can have a thumb rule of feeding the puppy goes until you see visible fullness of the abdomen to a moderate degree. If you are going on feeding the animal without giving emphasis to the animal's stomach appearance, then the puppy may experience some kinds of digestive upsets and the diarrhea may occur in them.

This may cause many inconveniences to the owner as well as the puppy. Unlike adult dogs, the puppies need to be fed with restricted amounts of food but in more frequencies. However, once the age advances, the amount may be increased to some extent but the frequency of feeding is often decreased in many occasions.

A dog on a raw diet may consume only two to four percent of their body weight. Just observe closely the feeding pattern of the dog and the body condition of the animal. If the dog becomes obese, just reduce the quantity of food and if the dog becomes thin, then have an increase in the feeding items.

As mentioned earlier, puppies and adolescent dogs eat more than the adult dogs. Likewise the geriatric dog eats less than the adult dog due to the reduced movements of the dog. However, remember to restrict the amounts of protein during the feeding of diet to the aged dogs.

Home Made Dog Diets

2008-07-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

Home made diets are important in the dog feeding. Many a times, the commercial diets consist of food items that have artificial coloring agents and flavoring agents that are harmful to the dog's body. Home made food items have the guarantee of freshness in the preparation unlike the ready-made commercial items.

The preservatives added in the commercial food items may not be the suitable ones to the dogs from the health point of view. Even in case of renal diseases in dogs, the home made diets may be made with ground beef, slices of bread, calcium carbonate, boiled eggs etc.

The purpose is to have the restricted protein supply in the feed items prepared. This should be carried out with home made diets prepared exclusively for the dogs suffering from renal diseases. Water is added in sufficient quantities to help the proper metabolism in the digestion-impaired renal cases.

The dog may have allergic symptoms like severe itching, which may not get corrected by different kinds of medications employed over a period of time. Such cases may get easily treated once the dog food is changed from the commercial type of food to the home made food items.

Often, the home made food items are prepared using the freezing procedures to kill the germs or by adding grape seed extracts to provide sufficient antioxidants to the home made food items. Food grade vinegar is also added in many times to the meat pieces prepared in a fresh manner. All these can be enriched with vitamin supplements that are available in fruit essences, fish oil etc.

Cranberry juice, bananas, fish and meat are prepared in a quality manner and no preservatives are added during the preparation of these kinds of food items and the dog becomes more active after the consumption of such food items.

Your Vet: The Perfect Resource to Educate You About Your Dog's Diet

2008-07-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

Whether you have recently been blessed with a new puppy in your home, or you are a seasoned dog handler, it is wise to speak with a veterinarian about the best diet for your dog. With so many ideas, diet plans, and dog food varieties on the market, how do you know where to start?

Begin with your vet. A trusted veterinarian wants only what is best for your dog. Just like you, he or she wants to find and discover what is perfect for your dog's diet. Talk about all aspects of your dog's diet.

Your veterinarian can advise you on the basics of a dog's diet. Often, your vet will recommend a dry dog food. Dry food as the main component of your dog's diet, will increase the likelihood of good dental health for your pet, but this varies depending on specifics.

Treats are another area that you will want to discuss with the veterinarian. Do they encourage specific types of treats? What snacks are discouraged for your specific pet?

Each animal is different and you and your vet know your dog better than anyone. Working together, you will find what aspects of your dog's diet work best, and what needs to be altered. Some breeds, for example, will often have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. For this reason, your vet may recommend a smaller portion for your dog's diet than the recommended amount on the side of a dog food bag. If your older pet has trouble chewing, specific types of dog food may be beneficial as part of your dog's diet.

Your dog's diet plays a significant role in the health of your pet. Your vet can inform you about any supplements needed to boost your dog's outlook for a happy and healthy life. Glucosamine is one item that is recommended by most veterinarians to promote healthy joints. This is especially true for dog's of larger breeds.

The next time you are in the vet's office is a great time to bring up your dog's diet. Your vet will be able to weigh your dog to see if weight is an issue. He or she can take a look at the overall health of your pet. For example, if your dog has a dull coat, your veterinarian may suggest a different type of dog food or to add an egg to your dog's diet.

During the lifetime of your pet, your dog's diet may need to be changed to suit his or her needs. Puppies and older dogs may require additional amounts of protein or other vitamins and minerals. If your dog is bred, your vet may recommend other changes to your dog's diet.

With all the hype about what is healthy for a dog's diet, do not decide to go at it alone and inadvertently choose a poor diet. Speak to the vet about your dog's diet and educate yourself on what is best for your beloved pet. A healthy diet is key to longevity. Both you and your vet want to see your dog live to be happy and healthy for many years, and providing a nutritious diet for your dog is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal.

Teacup Yorkies: No Such Animals

2008-07-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

After much research, I have found that technically, there are no such breeds as Teacup Yorkies. Not recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club) or by any reputable breeders, anyway. And considered unethical by the YTCA (the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America) if bred smaller than their already small size. Teacup Yorkies is evidently a label used to inflate prices and get more money from unsuspecting customers or customers who don»t do any homework before buying what they are sure is a Teacup.

«Teacup Yorkies» is a redundant term. Yorkies are already small: they are of the standard, acceptable, and healthy small weight of 4-7 pounds, full-grown. The puppies advertised as Teacup Yorkies, then, may not yet be full grown, or may be small, tiny, miniature, or fit in a teacup at 2.5 to 4.5 pounds because some breeders are creating an animal that»according to many knowledgeable breeders»is vulnerable to a number of health issues and problems.

According to those who know and urge people who want Teacup Yorkies to re-think, any so-called Toy or Teacup under 4 pounds is at risk for bone disease, as their bones are fragile; their internal organs are often weak and susceptible to failure; their teeth don»t fit in their mouths, so there are major dental problems; their blood sugar levels are finicky to the point that they are candidates for comas and hypoglycemic shocks; they are very prone to diahrhea and vomiting; and often they need surgeries that many die from, being unable to withstand the anesthesia treatments.

Now, I am not an expert, but I have studied a wide sampling, so as to avoid taking information from only one person with one one year-old that is «only 1.5 pounds!» and consider that a complete testimony. Yes, «tiny» Yorkies exist. Yes, there are small Yorkies (ahem) that people are calling Toys and Teacups, but their existence does not prove there is any such creature as a healthy, viable, lifetime-guaranteed Teacup Yorkie.

One of many expressed joy over owning Teacup Yorkies. The same person, as did many others, described her/his experience to defend the point that Teacups are available and are healthy, first by saying that she/he had not had «any problems with her whatsoever.» But within a few sentences, the speaker did say, ««She»s been stepped on a few times»and never even whimpered», ««her baby teeth didn»t all fall out»,» ««she also has a collapsing trachea»,» and ««coughs every once in a while.» Hmmm. A «full grown» 2 pound dog with such problems»seems to me to be proof that a legitimate Yorkie»and one who doesn»t have to suffer--is not what this person paid for.

Another person said there are such things as Teacup Yorkies, as she has one, though she also commented that $ 400 seemed so unfair when she paid $1500 for hers! This is exactly what she was expected to think about the existence of Teacups»so she would fork over the cash! Aha! Follow my drift»

Further, when another person expressing a desire for Teacup Yorkies asked where Teacup Yorkies come from, a self-proclaimed «Doctor of Veterinary Medicine» explained it thusly: «Teacup Yorkie puppies come from Teacup parents.» Hmm. So if you ignore the authorities, willingly pay 3 to 5 times the amount you would for an already small Yorkie, and if you believe in circular logic»you will have yourself a Yorkie»or an underweight dog that doesn»t deserve the health problems it will probably incur. So please do a little research and find a reputable breeder, so your Yorkshire Terrier (which you can pretend is called a Toy if you want) is one who will be healthy and happy for more than one or two years»for it»s whole life.

Parvo Disease Details Revealed Here...

2008-07-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Dexter is a cute little 12 week old Lab who has contracted a SERIOUS ILLNESS..Parvovirus.

He has vomited for 2 days straight, he now has EXTENSIVE bloody diarrhea, and he is EXTEMELY dehydrated.

He is one who NEEDS INTENSIVE treatment in the Hospital to even survive.

He is on IV Fluids, with IV antibiotics, and he will need additional treatment based on blood tests. If his protein level is TOO low, then he may need plasma.

Parvoviral Enteritis is A VERY serious disease,and in spite of AGGRESSIVE VETERINARY CARE,
20% of the Puppies Die.

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

In spite of the RISKS of VACCINES I DO advise that your puppy gets 2 boosters for Parvovirus at 8 and 12 weeks.

OVER 90% of Parvo cases occur in dogs less than 1 year of age- so the RISK is HIGH as a puppy. After that the RISK is pretty minimal.

MEANING that you DON'T need YEARLY BOOSTERS for Parvo, as MANY Veterinarians are STILL doing.

The MORAL of my story is that you have to balance the PROS and CONS of Conventional Veterinary Medicine in Preventing and Treating Disease.

Find Out How to Clipping your Dog

2008-07-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

Many dog owners generally think of clipping as only a mechanical activity. Few understand that clipping a dog is an art. Clipping a coat or nail needs to be carried out in a careful manner to avoid the injuries to the skin or nail. Clipping of the coat is to be taken care of as per the breed characteristics. If the coat is not properly clipped, this may lead to the dust accumulation in the coat and the animal may start showing signs of skin diseases. This is true especially when the grooming activities are not done in a proper manner.

Clipping of coat helps to get rid of the parasitic burden to a greater extent and also, the clipping of your dog is of more useful to expose on the type of parasitic problem that the dog is likely to suffer. Many pet health parlors are available wherein the clipping of dog will be carried out in a more systematic manner.

Always make use of a sharp clipper and in the winter regions, avoid the close clipping. This is due to the fact that the closer clipping in the winter seasons may expose the dog to the environmental stresses like the cold climate. Hence, the dog may become more vulnerable to the frostbite. Avoid the close clipping of coat or nail because this may cause injury to the underlying tissues and may cause bleeding in the concerned animal.

Many pet owners need to avoid any clipping activity when the animal is not in healthy status. Clipping instruments are available to a greater extent in many pet shops. Avoid the blunt instruments because they may not clip well and hence, repetition is required often. Always use modern equipments for clipping activities.

Shih Tzu Dogs - Why So Popular?

2008-06-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

Shih Tzu dogs are one of the most popular breeds of dogs. These dogs originated in China where they were palace dogs for the Chinese Emperor. Quite often the terms "regal" and "imperial" are associated with these little dogs.

Shih Tzus are little dogs, ranging in weight from about 9 to 16 pounds. Some dogs have been selected for smaller size, but these do not meet the breed standard for showing. Though the dogs are small, they are stocky and very solid, strong dogs.

The personality of these dogs is one reason they have so many fans. The dogs possess a very lively disposition, but are generally good with other pets and also with children. A Shih Tzu does best as an inside dog with some chances to get outside exercise. These animals are considered a cold climate dog and are very sensitive to high temperatures.

Maybe part of the reason for the high temperature sensitivity of the dogs is the Shih Tzu coat. They have a long flowing double coat great for colder weather. The coat can be styled long or can be cut short as a summer coat. The palm-like tail waves above the body. There is some hair shedding so the hair requires some maintenance including daily brushing to control tangling. Also the snub nose face may require some extra attention to keep the area around the eyes clean and dry.

If you love lively, intelligent dogs that do well indoors, a Shih Tzu may be just the companion for you.

Would you like more tips on Shih Tzu dogs?

Please visit http://www.ShihTzuDogs.net and get more free resources.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Bullington

Do You Have an Ear For Your Pet's Ear Infection?

2008-06-22T04:57:00.000-07:00

Your pet dog or cat or tiger or lion can be inflicted with ear infection and the question is, do you have the ear to "listen" to their pains and suffering when they have ear infection? Or to put it specifically, do you have the eyes and the ears to look for an ear product for pets? It's a good thing you have or else you wouldn't come here looking for one.

As a responsible pet owner, what would you do to contain the cause of pet ear infection or maybe, even prevent its inception? Offline or online, there are several proven effective ear care methods that would likely to work to hamper the harmful activities of fungus, bacteria or mites deep down in the long, narrow and intricate ear canal of your pet.

There are some preventive measures that you might already be aware to prevent ear infection in your pet. Some of these are general and regular cleaning of its ears, trying to see to it that no excess water gets inside the ears and of course, giving them the best nutrients that they can get from their foods. Always remember, although foods are the basic needs of animals other than human and plant life forms, it is also true to animals that what they eat can also be dangerous for them.

For example, it's always a no-no to feed a dog with chocolates and you know why? It's because they are prone to allergic reactions. There are foods that can affect their skin and their fur and there are foods that can make them feel so itchy that they will not stop scratching their ears, for instance, even if there are evidences of blood. Doing this can also result to animal ear infection.

Now, however, if the case is getting severe, if there are some recurring infections, conventional treatment will not be able to solve the problem or bring about a sustained or permanent healing for your pet's condition. It is time to consult a veterinarian where he can prescribed antibiotics and other medications.

If you should opt for a more holistic approach in the treatment, the application of topical pet herbal supplements will guarantee to get rid of the root cause of the problem and not just to neutralize ear parasites. And it would be a relief to know that herbal supplements has no side-effects unlike conventional medicines that has a debilitating effect, ranging from a loss of appetite to vigorous vomiting that could cause certain death.

You might say, "Hey, it's just an ear infection and why would my beloved die from it?" Actually, your pet will die because of your negligence and not because of ear infections or any other diseases or illnesses.

Just as with humans, you have to be very attentive to your pet's needs and they really need your utmost care and concern. So, do you have the ear for its ear infection? Don't waste another second to find an ear product for pets and when doing so, you're not just concerned about your pet's health but you're also concerned with the unconventional love and relationship you have with your pet.

About the Author

Syahrul Azlan Idris can help you find solution for your pet meds needs. For acfrontline flea tick needs get his free advice from his pet meds website at http://www.callpetmeds.com/.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=265254&ca=Pets

A Short List of Reasons Why Dogs Bite

2008-06-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

Every dog comes equipped with a set of shiny, pointy, sharp teeth. And his or her teeth can be used as a tool or a weapon.

They're a tool when your pooch uses them to pick up something, scratch an itchy spot, or rip his food apart (dog's don't actually chew you know). But they're also a weapon when they're used to protect Fido by inflicting pain on someone or something that means him harm.

So the question is, what makes a dog use his teeth as a weapon (especially when you can't think of a reason why he should)?...here's the short list.

Your Dog is Afraid of Something...

Every dog has a different nature. Some are more easily frightened than others...and some (especially rescue dogs) are afraid because they've been abused.

If your dog is biting because he's afraid, you'll need to remove whatever is causing that fear. You also may need to apply a lot of TLC and patience.

Your Dog is Too Excited...

Believe it or not, even the laziest mutt can get over-excited if they're played with too roughly or for too long. This is especially true of younger dogs.

If you get "nipped" during a little rough-housing, you'll need to learn to tone it down and not rile Rover up too much the next time.

Your Dog is Challenging You...

It's in a dog's nature to try to get ahead. By that I mean they naturally vie for "leader of the pack" status from time to time. His biting could mean he's looking for a promotion (because he sees you as his competition).

You'll need to put him in his place. Face him down with some very firm "No's." Ignoring him on purpose and feeding him after you've eaten are good techniques too.

Your Dog is in Pain...

He could be ill; he could have an injury...they can't exactly tell us so we don't know. But an obvious "tell" would be if you try to pet him on a certain part of his body and he growls and nips his disapproval.

Obviously, this situation calls for some veterinary attention. Even if you're not sure, it wouldn't hurt to err on the side of caution and have a vet check him out.

Your Dog was Surprised...

Sneaking up on your buddy and yelling "Boo" in his ear when he's napping is a good way to get twenty teeth marks in your face. Shoot, if you did it to me, I might do the same.

This one's really a no-brainer, so as my daughter used to say when she was in diapers, "No Do Dat."

There you have it, the short list of why your dog bites. If this is more than just a situational problem (like in the case of an abused rescue dog that exhibits the behavior all the time), you'll need at least a lot of patience and kindness...but you might need some expert assistance as well. Play it safe.

Hope this helps and thanks for reading...

About the Author

Michael Royce is an amateur dog trainer who has lived with, trained, (and been trained by) more than a dozen dogs in the last 25 years. He is a regular contributor to several websites and is co-founder of The-Dog-Zone.net.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=264421&ca=Pets

Always Buy From A Rottweiler Breeder And Never A Pet Store

2008-06-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

A Rottweiler is an investment like any other pet and when you have made the decision that it is time to get a Rottweiler puppy you may want to talk to a reputable Rottweiler breeder and avoid a pet store. A pet store is great for buying all of the supplies you will need for your pet but they should not be allowed to sell living animals at all. The travesty is that a pet store selling puppies gets worse and worse every year.

The different humane societies in the United States refer to places called puppy mills as the sources of puppies for pet stores. In a puppy mill there is no regard for good breeding and in some cases there is no regard for sanitary conditions. Dogs are bred constantly and thrown into a cage and then sold to you. The results can often be very sad and tragic.

When you get your Rottweiler puppy from a Rottweiler breeder your breeder will start you off with detailed care and feeding instructions that you can use to make sure you are giving your dog everything it needs. A breeder took the time to get your puppy used to living in a home setting and has tried to get your puppy used to the clatter and excitement that goes on every day in the average home.

A pet store clerk is there to ring you out and take your money. They usually know nothing about your dog and can offer you absolutely no advice that is going to help you in raising and caring for your dog. Your puppy has only seen people through the grate of a cage and has never been outside their cage so your home will be a brand new, and potentially terrifying, experience for your pet store puppy.

If you get your Rottweiler puppy from a reputable Rottweiler breeder you can pretty much be sure that the puppy is in good health as breeders check for disease and any health issues. If there are problems later on the breeder will work with you to solve them. To a pet store a puppy is a product and some products have problems just by the mass production methods used to make them. This is truly a sad way to treat an animal and is something no one should support.

Pet stores have their niche of selling pet supplies that we all need for our pets but they should not be selling live animals at all. Puppies sold at a pet store have a very low chance of a healthy life and that can be an unfortunate outcome for you and your family as well as the puppy. If people stopped buying puppies from pet stores then maybe they would finally stop selling them and puppy mills would cease to exist.

Sharon Davies is an animal lover with many years of experience breeding many purebred dogs. This article will give you the advantages of buying from Rottweiler breeders over a pet store. For important Rottweiler information you should check out this article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Davies

Pug Rescue

2008-06-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Pugs are small, adorable dogs, popularly kept as house pets all over the world. At first sight, a Pug might resemble a small bulldog or a miniature mastiff. However, this breed is totally unique, with its heavily wrinkled, flat, round face.

Pugs originated in China in about 700 BC and as trade routes grew, the breed spread across to Europe and America. The dog is characterized by a big, round head, short, stocky body and a tail that is curled tightly over the hip. The Pug is a very sociable dog, but can be stubborn at times. They tend to shed a lot more than other dogs in the same category and also have a tendency to snore. They are also susceptible to several diseases, including an inflammation of the brain, a disease unfortunately specific to the breed.

Despite their loving disposition and cute appearance, Pugs are abandoned across the US every day. The reasons for these are many. In some cases, the owner might find the dog a burden as it might require more attention and time than the person is willing to give. Some Pugs are abandoned because they develop some disease or illness at an early stage. It is a sad sight to see these poor helpless animals suffer. However, all hope is not lost as several non-profit organizations look after such homeless dogs.

Pug rescue takes place on a large scale in all US states, with each having several organizations dedicated to this cause. These organizations locate homeless and neglected Pugs and Pug crossbreeds. They work towards finding them better homes where they will be well cared and protected. These Pug rescue organizations take care of vaccinations and also treat the animal for any diseases and ailments. The organizations also provide foster homes for the animals until they find a loving family.

Several Pug rescue missions run adoption centers. All applications that come in for Pug adoption are carefully screened before giving away the dog. These organizations, along with their caring volunteers, help give these innocent creatures a new life.

Pugs provides detailed information on Pugs, Pug Puppies, Pug Puppies For Sale, Pug Rescue and more. Pugs is affiliated with Pitbulls Info.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Valentino

Leash Training Your English Bull Mastiff Dog

2008-05-02T02:55:00.000-07:00

Why Dogs Pull on the Leash

Pulling on the leash is actually a very common problem with dogs in general, not just for Mastiffs. A dog might pull for several reasons. Most often it is only because they are very excited. Allowing the dog to settle down before walking can often stop the leash pulling.

Sometimes, because of the dog pack mentality, a dog assumes leadership over its owner as if he were the leader of the pack. Therefore, the dog must be trained as to who the master is. The owner must establish him or herself as the leader of the pack. Failure to do so will result in ineffective training of any kind.

How to Leash Train

The first step is to train your English Bull Mastiff to sit still while you put the leash around his neck. Mastiffs love to spend time with their owners and they become very excited. Training your dog to be calm while preparing to go for a walk is an important step to leash training.

You can put toys or treats in your pocket to encourage your Mastiff to remain near your side as you walk. If he loses his concentration because a cat or another dog is nearby, you can change direction and coax him with a treat to get his attention back.

The idea is to get your puppy to be aware of you and your body so he will walk beside you and not wander or pull on the leash. If he begins to wander off or pull, stop walking. The collar will tighten and he will have to stop and turn and look at you. He will probably be confused at first as to why you are stopping. Coax him back to you and try walking together again.

At times you may need to give a gentle tug on the leash to get your puppy's attention and to remind him that you are in charge. Never jerk harshly on the leash as this can cause damage to your dog's trachea. You only want to get his attention, not frighten or harm your puppy.

Be consistent and persistent when leash training your English Bull Mastiff dog. Always, always praise him for his obedience. Mastiffs love nothing more than to please their owners, so praise goes a long way. Be patient, firm, and kind as you will get the desired results.

Leash training is so important, especially with large dogs. Failure to do so can lead to all sorts of problems, especially if they get off the leash around young children or other dogs. A well trained English Bull Mastiff is a joy to own and to be around.

Sam Daniels is a dog trainer and enthusiast and, for a limited time, is offering his extensive Mastiff Care Secrets course free of charge. It is jam-packed full of must-have information for Mastiff owners! To learn more about Mastiff care just go here http://www.YourMastiffAndYou.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Daniels

How To Remove Tartar Or Plague From The Teeth Of Your Dogs?

2008-04-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Plague or tartars are deposits that will form and adhere to the teeth of your dogs. Typically, they are more obviously noticed on their molars or teeth at the back of the mouth. However, they can also be found on the front canine teeth too. If the plague or tartars are not removed over a long time, gum disease is likely to occur and will affect the dogs chewing its food.

There are a few ways to maintain dental health for your dogs. You can buy special toothpaste and toothbrush for this purpose. You should not use human toothpaste as the dogs will definitely lick and swallow the toothpaste as they do not know how to gargle and spit it out. Dog toothpaste is specially formulated so that it will not hurt their body system when they swallow the toothpaste. You need to brush their teeth regularly though for it to be effective and you should start brushing early before any tartar or plague start to form on their teeth. This method is more of a preventive approach and not to remove the tartar or plague that is already present in their teeth.

The toothbrush is like a finger glove that you can slip into your index finger and then you insert your finger into their mouth to brush the teeth. Alternately, you can buy a small toothbrush like those used for kids instead.

There are also specially made biscuits that are supposed to prevent accumulation of tartar or plague. These treats are best given to them after their main meal as the contents are supposedly to scrub or remove any deposits in-between their teeth. Again, I would think this is more for preventive measure and maintenance of the dental health in your dogs.

There are also strong gels that are specially formulated to remove tartar or plague but it is likely to take some time. These gels actually work on softening the hardened deposits on the teeth. Most of them are flavored too so as to make the cleansing of the teeth more pleasant for the dogs. I actually use my index finger without the glove-like brush to rub the gel all over the teeth so that I can spread the gel properly, for it to be effective. This approach may take a longer time but supposedly to be quite effective in softening the deposits and subsequently, they could be removed easily when you brush against it.

A combination of the specially made biscuits and brushing the dogs with their canine toothpaste is another possible approach. You may want to give them the biscuits daily and only brush their teeth every other day, for example.

I have used all the above approaches and I am still giving my dogs these specially formulated biscuits at night after their dinner. I still have some of the gel that I have been using but I have found that brushing their teeth quite a chore though the dogs enjoy licking the toothpaste. You need to give them some time to get use to their teeth being brushed and eventually, they will co-operate and look forward to it as they enjoy licking the toothpaste or gel and may see it as a treat for them.

There is one more method that is most effective and it is to feed the dogs fresh bones once a month. Importantly, whichever method or methods that you are going to try, you must start the dental care early and not wait until you find tartar or plague on their teeth. If the methods do not work for your dogs, please consult your vet for advice or if your dogs already have severe tartar or plague on their teeth.

About the author:
David Poh has a Beagle and a Corgi dog. He has a website where he shares his experiences and tips on caring for dogs. For more information and to view a video clip on his dogs chewing a bone, go to http://www.davidpoh.com/

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Dog Spa Products- a Perfect Pooch Gift

2008-04-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever think of gifting Dog Spa Products for your special canine? Nowadays even dogs need time away. The dog spa products really pamper your pooch in luxury.

Your dog requires get washing, grooming, feeding, and giving a chance to run free as much as he wants.

Apart from grooming your dog, the ugly tear stains just below the eyes need to be removed. You may think how to remove dog tear stains. It is damn easy!

You can use a product that helps to remove your dogs unsightly tear stains using all natural, safe products. You can search a specific product by Googling a term- "remove tear stains of dogs"

How To Bathe Your Dog?

After removing the ugly tear stains, you do require to give a natural bath to your pet. You can use Natural Dog Shampoo to keep your pet hale and healthy. Please check whether the natural dog shampoo penetrate the coat and release their healing ingredients into the skin.

If you're able to identify the presence of your dog without barking or even entering the room, it is the high time to offer bathing to your pet.

It is not healthy to bathe a dog frequently because that will deplete healthy oils from the coat and skin, dry out the skin, and lead to scratching and irritation.

Pet Insurance Quotes

2008-04-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Having insurance for your pet is just as important as insuring a car or insuring the loved ones in your family. However, there are still some people who have not gotten it yet even though they are considering it. If this sounds like you then read on and look at the tips we have provided for you. These tips will help you pick the right insurance policy for you and your pet.

The first thing that you need to do is assess your needs and the needs of your pet. You should write down on a sheet of paper what exactly you require from your pet insurance. Some people want regular pet care to be covered such as routine check ups, vaccinations and teeth cleaning. Other people want insurance that will cover any damages that your pet may create, while others still want their insurance to cover any major illness of the pet such as cancer. However, it is possible that you may not find an insurance policy that will cover all of your needs, so you should consider prioritizing your needs. Be very clear as to what is the most important and what would just be a nice added bonus.

You can pick several policies that look good to you and ask your veterinarian about them. You should be sure that your veterinarian accepts certain policies. This may help to reduce the pile of the initial policies you have chosen. In addition they can also give you recommendations about companies they feel would service you well. Doctors don't want to deal with bad insurance companies as much as you don't. There is nothing more frustrating for a doctor when their payments are slow to come because the company isn't filing the claim very fast.

So now that you have your veterinarian's recommendations and you have a list of your top needs you can compare the policies that you have left. You can get a quote on these policies provided by various companies. Then all you have to do is compare the quotes and double check all the fine print so you are sure there will be no surprises. At this point you should be able to narrow your choices down to two or three companies. Then you should make an appointment with a representative to get some more information. You are then able to ask any questions that you still have about the policies and get clarification.

In addition the representative will want to ask you questions. You should be prepared to answer a variety of questions concerning your pet's health and history. After you have met with the representative you should have all the information that you need to make the right decision. Be sure that you tell representatives that you are talking with about other quotes that have been provided from other companies. This may want to make them reduce their rates for you so you will choose them.

Milos Pesic is a veterinary doctor who runs a highly popular and comprehensive Pet Insurance web site. If you want to know more about Pet insurance, Dog insurance, Cat insurance, Pet insurance Online and much more visit his site at: http://pet-insurance.need-to-know.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Milos_Pesic

Affordable Pet Insurance

2008-04-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

It is a strange fact that most pet owners do not bother obtaining affordable pet insurance; strange when you consider how attached people become to their animals and treating them like family members. This is peculiar when the importance of health insurance is considered very high on the population's list of priorities; so we should do the same for our pets.

It may at first sound like just another regular expense; pet owners soon learn how costly it is when they require treatment. We have all experienced the increases in vets' bills in recent years; to cater for this increase, pet insurance providers have increased they're premiums.

The rising cost of protection is one point to consider but are there any others? The problem is that domestic animals are often more liable to be involved in an accident or become sick; usually when you least expect it something will happen to one of your animals.

When a situation like this happens many people find themselves in an awkward position; you know that treating your animal will place financial strain on you.

A few years back, my vet told me treatment for our dog would cost more than a thousand dollars; I have to admit to asking myself at the time if we could justify the expense. The problem is you really don't know if your pet is going to pull through; there are no guarantees as complications are not uncommon.

The financial aspect of looking after a pet is something that must be considered carefully; these additional costs can place a person in debt. If you are experiencing money worries then raising additional finances can prove embarrassing.

It may seem like you are making choices but it is not likely you would place yourself in a similar position. owners with affordable pet insurance do not have these concerns because they have whatever treatment they need. Vet bills could escalate but pet healthcare insurance policies are still the best option; for around 40 dollars (or Less) per month cost of medical care is assured.

Various pet healthcare insurance options are available; perhaps to incorporate more than one pet on the same plan. A loving pet owner should really be thinking about the level of healthcare in place for their pet; perhaps the advice here will help you make the decision you have been agonizing over.

Karel Micek is a veterinarien and pet health enthusiast and you can find more information about affordable pet insurance here: http://www.squidoo.com/affordable-pet-insurance

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karel_Micek

Dealing With Obese Labrador Retrievers

2008-04-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

Labrador Retrievers are known to have hearty appetites and are often overfed causing weight to increase even above what is normal. Obesity is a major problem in people nowadays. It leads to the development of various diseases causing series of death to a number of people. Obese people, even those who are not, are spending time, effort and money to address this problem. The government is also active in battle against obesity.

Obesity troubles not only people alone but also dogs. Yes, Fido is in danger! Obesity in dogs is a serious problem. Obese dogs are more prone to have high blood pressure, heart disease, respiratory difficulties, diabetes mellitus, back and joint pain, hip dysplasia, heat intolerance and skin problems. These diseases contribute to the deterioration of your pet's health and can eventually shorten the lifespan.

A pet is considered obese when he is 15-20% over his maximum weight for its breed. So if the normal weight for Labrador Retrievers is 60-75 lbs (27-34 kg), your dog's weight should not be over 20% higher than the normal. You can tell that your dog is obese by simply looking at it. But you can make sure if your dog is really obese by placing your hands on your pet's rib cage with your thumb on his back. If you feel the dog's rib easily without pressing too hard, then your pet is obese. You will also notice that the abdominal area behind the rib is wider than the chest when viewed from either side or above.

There are lots of reasons why dogs gain weight. Dog owners should always remember that their dog's health largely depends on their hands. They should control the amount of food during mealtime. Instead of giving one full meal, better give several small meals a day to help in the digestion. Extra snack, treats, table scraps and high fat diets also contribute to your dog' obesity. Dogs who lack exercise and physical activities are more likely to become obese. The same to older dogs and dogs with orthopedic injuries because they are less active.

Better consult your vet if you suspect that your dog is obese. Ask for suggestions on weight reduction plan and proper diet and what foods they should eat. It is also important to ask what and how much exercise your pet needs. Remember that too much exercise can also cause problem to your dog.

Weight loss cannot be achieved over night. Just be consistent and be patient for soon you and your dog will reap your reward.

About the author:
Richard Cussons writes articles about Labrador Retrievers and other dog breeds. Discover tips on training Labradors at labradorsavvy.com.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Loveable Small Dogs

2008-04-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

"Dogs are obsessed with being happy"

--James Thurber

People love small dogs - they are cute and adorable. They make wonderful and devoted companions and make good watchdogs. They are so popular because they are great lap dogs and loveable. They make great pets for people who live in RV's, small homes and apartments.

There are many different breeds and they all have different temperaments and character tics. If you are thinking about getting a small dog breed, choose one that fits your lifestyle, living space, time you have to devote to him, and if have children their ages.

The number of people having small dogs has risen according to the AKC. Their 2008 list shows the Yorkshire Terrier as number 2, outranking the German Shepherd.

The Yorkie is classified as a toy breed and they love attention. These little dogs are brave, clever and want to please which is why they rank as number 2.

Other popular small dogs are Daschund, Poodles, Shih Tzu, Chihuahuas, Beagles, Pugs, Pomeranians, Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Maltese.

Seniors love small dog breeds because they make great companions for them. Some of the most popular are:

Miniature Schmauzer who enjoy being around people and are very affectionate.

Shih Tzu is eager to please and like companionship of people.

Chihuahuas are well suited to seniors because they bond with them and are protective of them.

Small dogs that are good with children are:

Boxers who are protective, patient, devoted babysitters, and love to play.

Bulldogs are gentle, loving, devoted and make great playmates.

"A dog is like an eternal Pete Pan, a child who never grows old and who therefore is always available to love and be loved."
Aaron Katcher

~There is only one smartest dog in the world, and every boy has it. -Louis Sabin

About the author:
Sandy has a web site on small dog breeds with information on different breeds including pages on dogs good with children and the elderly, choosing a dog and breeder, vet, dog clothes, dog houses and much more. http://www.small-dogbreeds.com

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Dog Obsessive Behavior - Barking Dog and Dog Whining

2008-04-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

Cannot stop dog from barking? Perhaps you have tried every approach in the book prescribed to stop dog barking. Still, your Bonnie will NOT be quiet! On and on … You are truly worried that she may actually pass out. You have even considered having her debarked … but it seems so cruel.

Bonnie barks hysterically and adds high pitched dog whining that is almost too much for human ears to bear. She does this at everything! … at people walking by, whether the blinds are open or not, at the rustle of leaves outside, any sound outside, dogs going by …. Why, she even barks at the slightest noise INSIDE the house. You cannot even talk on the telephone. She hates the ringing, the microwave sets her off, the toaster, the vacuum, the hair dryer. Scream!

You have tried shouting at her. That does not work. You have tried locking her in a room. Does not work. You have tried taking away privileges. Does not work. You have tried the sweet approach: "Thanks, Bonnie. Hush now." Does not work. Is Bonnie's throat sore? You are not sure if it is sore, but your ears sure are!

Is Bonnie bonkers? The good news is no. But she is driving her owners and the neighborhood nuts. How embarrassing to be the neighbor dog barking problem! Even worse, the neighbors are up in arms about the racket Bonnie makes, even to the point of readiness to file a lawsuit. You don't want to get rid of Bonnie, but you cannot afford a lawsuit, either.

Now, you know right away that a medication is not likely in most cases to help a dog like Bonnie. You know that would almost certainly change her temperament and make her a bit nasty. Not a solution.

What to do? Bonnie will need a good thirty minute run at a heel with you on a bike (or rollerblade, etc., unless you are a real runner). This will challenge her and drain her energy quickly.

Feed Bonnie and give her fresh water after the run. She needs to feel that she has worked for her food. Be sure to let her cool off for at least ten-to-fifteen minutes before she is given any sustenance. Be sure to excersie her twice a day.

Since Bonnie seems to bark at EVERYTHING, address and conquer one thing at a time. Claim the phone by standing in front of it while keeping eye contact with Bonnie. Keep your head and shoulders up with confidence. Have your feet about halfway between a military "at ease" and "Atten-hut!"

Do this with all the items at which Bonnie barks. Giver her a firm "bite," a touch with two fingers on the neck, if she does not surrender the object (sit or lie down and look away). Say "Hey" firmly (no shouting) and point at her if she does not sit down in surrender. Stop what you are doing and address it right then and there.

Keep it up and Bonnie will be quiet. No more barking dog! Ahhhhhh….

About the author:
Dog Obedience Trainer - Dog Behaviorist, Rena Murray, dares to tell it like it is! Growing up with the Horse Whisper, avid wolf pack studies, Pit Bull and other dog training, Rena solves "impossible" situations, e.g., teaching an old dog new tricks, solving dog dominance and dog destructive behavior, even stopping a Doberman attack in mid-launch! Available for Consultations, Rena blends the best of the Dog Whisper and other techniques to each specific situation and will bring fresh insight to yours. See Rena's Expert Articles and subscribe to her FREE Ezine at http://www.PawPersuasion.com and comment on Rena's BLOG - http://www.pawpersuasion.com/blog/

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Do you know how to make your dog happy from your care?

2008-04-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

In the past, dog became a companion animal with human. It can help people manage cattle, house and more. Besides, it is a good friend who can listen to you and it always stay behind you. If you really want your dog to live a long and happy life, there are several things you should do to ensure he stays fit and healthy. A dog doesn't need as much care as a small child or a baby would, but it does need regular care and attention to keep it healthy. Some dogs and breeds need more care than others, but generally dogs are easy-going, loyal creatures that enjoy human company.

Your dog needs to have regular vaccinations and an identity tag. It's always better to check what your local laws require. In case your dog goes missing, the dog tag should be attached to the collar and have your name, address and contact phone number on it. Once you have brought your dog home, you will need to take it to the veterinarian for health checks and vaccinations on a regular basis.

You must feed your dog regularly! Provide him with sufficient fresh water every day and enough healthy food for his size and breed type. Ensure that you are giving the amount and type of food required for your dog.

It is very important to groom your dog. Try to bathe your dog once a month and keep his/her coat brushed and free from ticks and fleas. Dog's teeth are very important and care is required to keep them healthy. Dog's ears and eyes must also be cleaned regularly and watched for problems.

You might also need to clip your dog's nails occasionally. Perhaps you don't have the time to carry out these tasks or feel confident enough to do them. You can always hire a dog groomer to groom your dog for you.

Every dog needs plenty of exercise, and generally the bigger the dog, the more exercise it will need. If you don't have the time to exercise a dog, then perhaps a different kind of pet would be better for you. Not only is regular exercise good for your dog's health, but it also gives him the opportunity to enjoy your company. Dogs love company and like to be with their 'pack' as much as possible. Remember when walking your dog he should always be on a leash.

Unless you are planning to breed from your dog, it is a good idea to get your dog spayed or neutered. Not only will this stop unwanted puppies, it will also give your dog a longer, healthier life.

You may want to take your dog to obedience classes. This will enable you to socialize your dog and give you more time together. Dogs are loyal companions and want nothing more than to be with their owner, and to please him.

About the author:
Find pets and animals and more useful information about shopping services, travel at this Orange County business directory.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Dog barking - Secrets Revealed

2008-04-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

Dogs are wonderful companions and it is a great feeling when you come home after a long hard days of work and your best friend is happy to see you and lets you know it by wagging his tail and giving you lots of love. However what do you do if your dog has taken control of your household and does not listen? I have listed some ways on hot to control excessive dog barking so that you can create a lovable quiet environment.

All dogs bark for a reason; unlike you or I they can not express themselves with words. You have to figure out why your dog is barking that is the first and foremost understanding on how to control your dog from barking. Dogs will bark for several reasons and some of them are boredom, wanting to play, guarding their surroundings, etc. Learning how to control excessive dog barking can be easy and if worked properly and consistently you can have a great relationship with your "best friend."

Learn to teach your dog to bark on command: You can literally teach your dog to bark whenever you want him/her to bark. Whenever they bark and you do not want them to bark tell them to be quiet after several times of telling them that they will eventually learn that they are not supposed to bark at that given time.

Positive reinforcements: Always give your dog positive treats when he does bark on command and when he becomes quiet when you tell him to. This will actually help strengthen the command and they will better understand that they are doing something correctly.

Make them Wait: If they get overly excited when you get home from work and insist on attention right then and there. Do not give them attention right away. Make them wait until they are quiet and have settled down. If you have to turn your back towards them and they will eventually sit and be quiet then you can give them all the attention you desire. Many dogs will do this during "meal times" they will become overly excited because they are being fed. You can do the same thing and make them sit and wait until they have learned how to quiet down and then allow them to eat only after they have learned how to sit and wait quietly.

Take your dog for a walk: Many owners do not give their dogs enough exercise and the dog stays bored. The easiest way to cure this is to take them for a walk for at least 30 minutes a day. This will tire him out and when he gets back home he will be more calm because you will have tired him out.

The key to any training you attempt to instill whether it is barking, potty training or to stop chewing the key is consistency. Learn to do it everyday and make it become a new habit; dogs learn quick and before you know it they will be behaving the way you want them to. If you found these tips on how to control excessive dog barking helpful then visit our website below.

Did you find these tips on How To Control Excessive Barking helpful? Get your FREE 6-part mini-course that will teach you little-known Dog Obedience Training Secrets to correcting dog behavior problems using REAL-LIFE scenarios.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Velez

Solutions for Serious Dog Urine Problems

2008-03-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

Dogs are such lovable creatures. They can be such a happy companion. They can also be of big help in many ways. They are pets that have so much to offer. No wonder many families have dogs as house members.

Yet, all these good things and more do have a downside. It is not all about the rewards of having a dog. There are also obligations and tasks that have to be done in a dog-care experience. One of these crucial obstacles is dealing with the dog urine.

Dog urine is a serious problem for dog owners.

Helpful Tips in Dealing with Dog Urine

1. Train the dog as early as possible.

Dogs that are kept outdoors will not be much of a problem inside the household. However, it is also crucial that the dog is trained to go only on a specific spot. This is to avoid making the whole garden or yard a restroom to your dog.

Find a spot where people do not often go. This way the odor will be concentrated and will not spread to the rest of the yard. It is not fun to have an afternoon of barbecue with the smell of the urine taking over.

For dogs that are kept indoors, especially the toy dogs, it is best to provide a litter box for them to use. Some owners who maintain the dog indoors still choose to let them go out when they need to soil or urinate. Both of these options will take some serious dog training. Anyhow, any effort will be worth it once the pet learns how to behave properly.

2. Most dogs are also dependent on routines, especially the newly-trained ones. It is best to keep watch of the behavior of the dog when big changes happen in the household, like when repairs are done or someone moves in.

3. Doggy diapers are also available in the market. However, the ones available are good only for male dogs.

4. Always use an odor remover or cleaner to the places where the dog urinated or soiled. This is to avoid it from being marked as its territory. The dog will not help but return to the same spot if there will be any odor left.

5. There are household items that can be used to remove the odor like using vinegar and water. This is being resourceful. However, to get the best solutions in the urine odor problem, purchase odor removing products from the market. Surely there is one available in the nearest grocery or pet shop. The internet community is also a good source to shop for some quality products.

Compared to the water and vinegar, these products could leave a fresh scent for your household.

6. There are also instances when the dog keeps urinating indoors despite training. This could be due to some spots where the dog urine had left some residue. These spots may however be beyond your capabilities to identify on your own.

There are cleanup kits especially made for dog urine. They often come in packages that are able to clean the coverage of a big room. This is a good solution for serious dog urine problems.

Tackling the serious problem of dog urine is really stressful. However, there are options to handle the situation. Know the options available. Make the experience of owning a dog a wonderful one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Louis

Is Your Dog Behaving Badly?

2008-03-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

There is nothing worse as a dog owner then a dog who continually behaves badly. From barking all day and night, chewing up everything in sight, to biting nothing can strain the owner/dog relationship more than bad behavior. If this is your dog then some form a obedience or behavior training is in order. It will more then pay for itself when you consider the cost of the damage he may have done in the past and the future.

Probably one of the most annoying dog behaviors is continuous barking. The thing to remember is yelling at your dog is not the answer to barking problems. Many dogs will just bark louder because they think you are having a shouting match. The first thing you need to do is figure out why he is barking. Is something scaring him or is there someone or another dog prowling around your yard?

A dog barking because of these types of things isn't necessarily a problem if he doesn't bark very often. It's when it becomes constant and for no reason that some sort of intervention is needed. Dog behavior training can help with this type of situation. There are a variety of products on the market that are designed specifically to help control dogs who bark to much. There are specialized collars that are triggered when a dog starts barking and either emits a small electric shock or sprays citronella around the dogs face and muzzle. The citronella collars are harmless and work amazingly well if you like the smell.

The most serious behavior problem for any dog is biting. Most communities have enacted new laws that deal with biting dogs much more aggressively. In some cases any dog that bites will be euthanized after the first offense, even if the bite was accidental. This is why teaching your dog not to bite is so important because most dogs use their mouth and teeth even when playing.

If you start stressing the importance of not biting when your dog is still a puppy you will nip any future biting problems in the bud. When puppies play they will use their mouth to nip and gnaw on whatever they are playing with, including peoples hands. This is the time to teach them that they are not to behave in this fashion and biting and chewing on your body parts is not allowed, no matter how cute or fun it may be.

One of the best ways to change the behavior of a misbehaving dog is going to a dog obedience class. This can be especially helpful to the first time dog owner who may be at a loss as to how to fix a behavior problem. Every dog is going to have certain behavioral issue, that's just the nature of being a dog. That doesn't mean whatever your dog is doing can't be fixed either. Someone somewhere has dealt with the same issues and found a way to resolve them.

For more dog training tips and tricks visit the website Worfdog.com by clicking here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell

Dog Vomiting? Help Your Dog Now

2008-03-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

In most cases you should not be too concerned about your dog vomiting. If you know that the dog got into something or you changed its diet, you can probably wait 24 hours to see if the vomiting clears up, but only if your dog does not appear lethargic.

You must withhold food for 24 hours and then gradually start a bland diet. If at any time the dog becomes worse please see your veterinarian.

If your dog has been vomiting continually for more than 1 hour or if he has been vomiting on and off for 24 hours, it is severe and you should bring him in to see the doctor.

Vomiting can have lots of causes. Sometimes the cause can be straightforward. An easy indication maybe what was the pet’s last meal.

Sometimes the consistency of the vomit may indicate what’s wrong.

• Undigested food-1.food poisoning 2. Anxiety, 3.simply overeating

• Strong odor-intestinal obstruction.

If no vomiting occurs in 24 hours, then you can try and give some ice cubes followed by water. If no vomiting occurs, then give a small amount of a bland diet. If the dog continues to vomit, call your veterinarian.

What to do for dog vomiting

1. withholding food for 24 hours.

2. Feed a bland diet, consisting of 2/3 rice, sweet potato or oatmeal and 1/3 of the meal should be well cooked non-fatty meats like chicken.

3. Feed only 1/2 of the normal amount of food at a time. Or you can feed several small meals until the vomiting has subsided.

Find out what additional steps you can take to help your sick dog at http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com

You can submit a question to the veterinarian by clicking here http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com/askavet.html

Chris Suckow, DVM, currently lives and works in Los Angeles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Suckow

Dog Seat Belt Harness - Do Not Risk Your Life, Life Of Your Passengers Or Your Dog

2008-03-22T04:04:00.000-07:00

Should your dog wear a Dog Seat Belt Harness in the car? Undoubtedly YES. Your dog deserves the same protection as you and your family members. In an accident, a dog can be thrown with hundreds or even thousands of pounds of force into other passengers of the car, easily causing life threatening injuries. Do not risk your life, life of your passengers or your dog! You will be concentrated on driving and your dog will enjoy the ride in safety and security. Using a dog seat belt harness will make traveling with your dog a pleasure for you as well as for your doggie.

Why should your dog wear a Dog Seat Belt Harness in the car?

1. You can better concentrate on driving

With the Dog Seat Belt Harness, your pet will no longer be able to roam around your vehicle. Your pet is confined to one area in the car and therefore can not be a distraction by leaping about the car at will - front seat to back, from window to window. Your dog can cause an accident by jumping in the driver's lap, distracting the driver, or blocking the driver's vision. Small dogs can also get under the pedals.

2. Protect your dog from injury in an accident

Being confined, your dog is not able to become a projectile due to a sudden stop or a sudden swerve to avoid hazard or accident.

3. Help rescue workers by keeping a dog restrained.

A dog that has been in an accident can be in shock, confused, and injured. The dog could attack rescue personnel who are trying to help you.
Conclusion

The benefits of Dog Seat Belt Harness gives you peace of mind, knowing you provided protection, the same that's provided for you. If you're worried about the cost of quality dog seat belt harness...well, $60-$70 dollars is NOTHING compared to the $650 in vet bills, not to mention the pain of seeing your best friend suffer because of your mistake.

http://www.squidoo.com/DogSeatBelt

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karel_Micek

Karel Micek - EzineArticles Expert Author

Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Dogs

2008-03-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

Dog's illnesses and conditions seem to come up over and over again in dog forums and generally pop up all over the internet on a regular basis, and irritable bowel syndrome has to be one of the most common conditions there is.

Most dogs in their lifetime will get this, and it is the most common cause for diarrhea and vomiting. Some dogs are more prone to it than others and the effects it has on one dog to the next can be brought on by many different things, and way too many to list in this article so we will cover just the basics of it and the most common causes.

The symptoms of this illness can be many things but usually involves very runny feces with an almost jelly like texture with possible blood and they may strain to pass the feces. This is all not ass bad as it seems and in most cases is nothing to worry about at all.

A common cause is your dog not being able to cope with a new type of food or diet causing inflammation of the stomach which results in the body trying to get rid of this offending substance through uncontrollable diarrhea or the dog making them selves vomiting to rid of the irritation.

The cure for this is to starve your dog for a small amount of time until enough feces has passed and the dogs system can begin to retrieve the nutrients once more and then the diet should be started again by slowly introducing them from bland food to the normal diet again.

Of course there are many other reasons for vomiting and diarrhea and if you suspect it is more serious than first thought then you should contact a vet straight away for guidance. But with many vomiting and diarrhea conditions the dog's body will need to be flushed out through starvation in order to become normal and well again.

For more information on Dog Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Dog Health take a look at this Dog Training website.

Improve rankings and trade links with http://www.Dog-behavior-Training.co.uk by emailing us at our contact page.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_M_Williams

How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes In Raising Dogs

2008-03-08T06:42:00.000-08:00

Dogs do not come with an instruction manual around their necks. Dogs need time, patience, and understanding. Therefore new owners need information to train, and help cope with the difficulties of the newest member of the family.
Common mistakes in raising dogs:
1. Not enrolling with the dog in "obedience school".
In any good school you can expect your dog to learn basic commands and proper behavior. "Heel!", "Sit!", "Stay", and "Come!" are all examples of these commands. The dog will learn how to associate with other animals and people. Don't make the mistake of sending your dog to obedience school alone. If you do, you will have a dog more obedient to the teacher, instead of you.
2. Self-training using improper techniques.
Physical punishment and yelling are not good methods of training. The best methods are stimulation and reward for good behavior. This way the dog will be motivated to carry out commands because it knows it will receive attention and maybe a yummy treat. For this to work, it is important to be patient and consistent.
3. Not researching breed characteristics.
When choosing a dog, do not judge by appearance alone. Take some time to do research on several breeds, to find one that will make a good match for you and your family. If you have a small apartment, for example, a large dog may be a poor choice.
4. Leaving your dog alone in your yard.
Dogs are social animals and naturally live in packs. Spend plenty of time with your dog outside. Play together, make your yard a fun place, not a doggie prison! If your dog is not active enough, is bored, gains weight, gets sick, gets into all kinds of mischief, barks too much, or bites: It is your job to understand why it is happening and make it better.
5. Not giving the a dog a place of its own.
Dogs need an area that is only for them. When it gets nervous or scared it will have a place of refuge. Make it a comfortable place for your dog. It doesn't have to be fancy, just comfortable. Just like people, every living creature has times when it just wants to be left alone to sleep or relax
6. Letting the dog think it is in charge.
The leader in your house is you, not the dog! Your dog will receive food and attention when you decide. Not whenever it wants. Your dog must earn its rewards, they are not a gift.
7. Making 'goodbye' a big event.
Do not make a big deal out of having to leave the house. This is not the time to lavish extra attention on your dog. It will only be aggravated after you leave. A good idea is to leave your dog with fresh food and water, and maybe a toy.
8. Feeding your dog 'people' food.
Constantly feeding a dog table scraps can be very unhealthy for dogs. They are not recycle bins! There are many very good dog foods available - buy those for your pet. People do not eat dog food, why should it be the other way around?
9. Having unrealistic expectations.
Though at times it may seem like it, dogs are not human. Dogs need logical and consistent training to live well with people. They do not understand when you explain to them 'why'. When your dog misbehaves a simple "Don't!" or "No!" is enough and suitable.
Avoiding these mistakes will assure you and your dog live a long and happy life together.
Dencho Denchev is a dog lover from Bulgaria. He offers the highest quality pet care products available. Rest easy knowing your special friend will be taken care of. (Don't forget yourself too!)When you visit http://www.ddenchev.com/pets/dogs.htm

Perfect Care for your Pit Bull Puppies

2008-03-03T17:01:00.000-08:00

Pit bulls are very courageous dogs that require early socialization with other dogs and children. Most of us think that these dog breeds are tend to be aggressive, but this is their owner's fault, no the dogs. Pit bull puppy care will make your pet more friendly and loyal to all your family members.

The early socialization period is very short, lasting for only a few months. During this time, puppies learn how to behave with other dogs and humans.

Socializing Training should be start as soon as puppies are old enough to try to wander away from the mother dog. They should be routinely handled, groomed regularly, and exposed to the sights and sounds that will be part of their adult lives.

The senses are well developed at the age of four weeks. At this age, the pit bull puppies should receive mental stimulation and learn how to behave with other dogs through regular play activity. They may be kept in a pen so that they can become adjusted to their surroundings without being frightened.

Try to groom your pit bull puppy at least twice a week. This helps to keep the puppy's coat clean and satisfies its need for mothering.

You should handle the pup several times in a day. This will help the pit bull puppy to accept being picked up and held by humans. Early obedience training from four weeks old will lead to good habits in later life. If you teach a puppy to sit or stand for its meal now, it will naturally do so as an adult.

Be sure to provide growing pit bull puppies with frequent, nutritious meals necessary for both growth and the maintenance of their bodies.

After eight weeks old, the puppy will move to its new home, so it must be vaccinated against infectious diseases including parvo, corona, distemper, leptospira, etc. Check with your vet to do these vaccinations at the earliest possible time.

Once you adopt these early socializing lessons to the pit bull puppies, it will ensure confident on the young dog and will become more inquisitive and exhibits a "can do and don't give up" attitude.

When Your Dog Starts To Sneeze - by: Jack Russell

2008-03-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

Indeed, there are many things that both the dogs and the dog owners could have in common. For example, both dogs and dog owners could be prone to obesity if not regulating food intake and by not exercising.

In addition, dogs and humans may also acquire diseases that results from improper dietary regimen like diabetes, heart diseases, etc.

Moreover, the most amusing thing that both dogs and humans share is the fact that they are both vulnerable to allergies.

Sounds impossible? Think again.

Veterinary experts assert that dogs have allergies too. One of the primary signs of allergies is the itching of their skin. Their respiratory tract system can also be affected with allergies.

Normally, dogs will manifest symptoms of respiratory tract allergies like sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. Their nose and their eyes may also manifest a discharge just like humans do whenever they have colds or flu.

There are also allergies that may have an effect on their digestive system; hence, it may result to watery stools, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Experts say that almost 20% of the dogs in the United States suffer from several types of allergy. So, for people who want to know more about the different allergies that dogs acquire, here is a list of the most common allergies:

1. Allergies with flea

It is a well-known fact that dogs are usually infected with fleas. However, what most people do not know is that they can get allergies through these fleas, too.

Well, it is not the fleas that actually cause the allergic reactions in dogs but the flea’s saliva. Hence, it is important for the dog to undergo a skin allergy examination so as to determine if a particular dog is sensitive to flea saliva.

In the event that the dog is allergic to flea saliva, it would be better for the owner to implement a rigorous flea control or flea eradication treatment in order to lessen the allergic reactions. Though, it must be kept in mind that solutions that are used in flea control should be safe to the dogs.

2. Allergies pertaining to foods

Like humans, dogs get allergies from food as well. There are instances wherein dogs get allergies from foods that their system cannot tolerate, such as wheat, soy products, pork, beef, whey, fish, eggs, milk, corn, artificial sweeteners, and chemical preservatives that are placed in their food.

Moreover, dogs can get allergies in food that they have not tried before. So, the best way to combat this particular allergy problem is to feed the dog with the commercial dog foods more often instead of homemade products.

Some signs of allergic reactions to food in dogs are shaking of the head, scratching the ears, irritated skin, biting and licking at the rear feet, inflammations in the ear, sneezing, behavioral changes, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

3. Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a known allergic skin disease in dogs. This usually caused by the hypersensitivity of the dog’s immune system to ordinary substances that can be found in the environment like molds or dust mites.

Usually, a dog is said to be suffering from atopic dermatitis when the dog begins to excessively lick and chew its paws, licking the abdomen and its rear feet.

Atopic dermatitis can be seen as a saliva staining found in the armpits, between the toes of the paws, and in the groin. In light-colored canines, atopic dermatitis can be seen as a red-brown stain found on the same parts that were mentioned.

4. Allergies resulting from bacteria

This is the most common cause of serious allergies in dogs. Generally, there are certain bacteria that thrive in the dog’s skin. This is known as the species of Staphylococcus bacteria. In most cases, this does not cause allergies in dogs. However, there are certain types of dogs that develop an allergy to it.

The most common symptom of this kind of allergy is hair loss along with the development of ringworm like marks in the dog’s skin. The areas where these marks appear usually get infected, hence, it is important to treat them with antibiotics.

Indeed, allergies are not for humans only. Allergies great affects almost 20% of the total population of dogs in the United States, and that is a pretty alarming number. Therefore, it is extremely important for dog owners to know these dog allergies so as to come up with some preventive measures at the first sign of the attack.

About The Author

Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/.

Dog Bad Breath

2008-02-29T18:46:00.000-08:00

Bad dog breath can be a bad problem for your dog and you, at times their breath an be unbearable and make bonding with them a chore you'd rather avoid at all costs. This may not be due them and more down to the care you have not realized that your dog should have. Dog's bad breath like most other dog symptoms can be the cause of many different issues separately or together, this makes the cause hard to diagnose without a proper examination from a professional dog carer or vet.

Common causes of dog bad breathe -

Maybe your dog is finding it hard to eat or swallow which can lead to dog's bad breath and other illnesses that are related. Saliva drooling from your dog's mouth may also be a cause of bad breath, as more saliva gets built up in their mouth is makes it easier for bacteria to breed resulting in bad breath.

The last and most common form of bacteria build up is from not cleaning or not properly cleaning your dog's teeth, this enables tartar to form and make the bad odour you are forced to smell day in day out. Many believe that food choice and what you feed them is a problem when dog breath is concerned, as this may be true to an extent this is more of a temporary short term problem and the reason above is more likely to be the problem cause.

There are plenty of dental hygiene products available in pet shops and online, some work better than others on different ones but you best bet is to clean your dog's teeth regularly to stop the bacteria build up, this is where the problem begins and where you should target your efforts. If you fear the problem has got too far to recover or damage or the gums and teeth is visible you should contact your vet as soon as possible for help and a proper diagnosis of your pet.

For more information on Dog Behavior Training take a look at Dog-Behavior-Training.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_M_Williams

Care and Temperament of Dachshund Dogs

2008-02-27T17:04:00.000-08:00

Dachshund dogs belong to hound group. There are three Dachshund varieties, which include short haired, wire haired and long haired. Although Dachshund breed is native of Germany, they have been bred worldwide.

Today, the Dachshund is a perfect house pet and companion. He is courageous, lively, clever, loyal, and cheerful. Although this breed won't require heavy exercise, they need controlled diet and regular romps.

These dogs were originally bred to hunt badgers and are strong-willed. Most of us think that this miniature breed is easy to control, but for such a small canine he certainly possess lot of power and character into that tiny body.

If you're used to larger dogs (Dob, GSD) noted for obedience, this might not be your choice. Dachshund puppies are really stubborn and not too easy to train. But temperament with family members and welcome guests is really stupendous.

Among three varieties, long haired variety is calm in nature. These breeds are naturally mischievous and curious. Most of the owners admired the presence of this breed in their home, as these dogs love to be with people.

Unfortunately their physical conformation has other effects too. Dachshund s require constant care of skin, as it is lengthier than other hound varieties. In addition to this, these breeds are more prone for fungal infection. Hence if there is any hair loss in a patchy manner over the body, it requires immediate attention. In addition to these disadvantages, the extra spine can lead to back and spine problems.

If these dog breeds are provoked, they tend to bite. You should adhere to stringent feeding schedules to Dachshund breeds because they are more prone for obesity.

Are you really interested to add a Dachshund to your home? Then, you may need to search for this perfect breed at Dachshund rescue, standard breeders home and your veterinarian's office.

If you need a dog with loads of personality, low maintenance companion, or a nice looking breed Dachshund could be an excellent choice.

Go Hunting With Beagles

2008-01-12T22:34:00.000-08:00

The fact that beagles were primarily bred to hunt hares is what makes them ideal hunting companions. Their strong sense of smell and great stamina are what makes them perfect.

Beagles have long been used as hunting companions. Going hunting without the aid of these dogs may require a lot of hard, leg work and may not ensure you a good number of catch at the end of the day.

One way you can truly enjoy and ensure a productive hunting is to make use of the amazing hunting skills of beagles. All you have to do is take them to the right hunting areas and leave the rest to these sharp hunters. The beagles will track the scent trail and all you have to do is look for the rabbit that are ahead of the beagle. Beagles can track a rabbit scent trail even if it's several hours old. However, hunters should know that a beagle may know where the rabbit is moments ago but may not know where it is now. So do not expect that your beagle can take you where exactly the rabbit is right now.

One can hunt with one beagle or in packs for up to as many as seventy hounds. One to five dogs can be handled by one hunter, in other words, more dogs means more hunters to handle them. The good thing on hunting in packs is a great chance of larger pack to split into smaller packs thus running a good number of rabbits at the same time.

Remember that when going hunting, always know the location or position of your hunting buddies and the way they spread each other when hunting in packs. Keep an eye on how they move and also their white-tipped tails. The reason why they were bred with white-tipped tail is for the hunters to easily see them especially in dark terrain. When shooting the rabbit, the hunter should be very careful to prevent accidentally shooting the dog or a fellow hunter.

Beagles can track not only rabbits. Included in the list are cottontails, particularly desert cottontail and also hares which consist of snowshoe hares, black-tailed jackrabbits and white-tailed jackrabbits. Rabbits run in circles once jumped and pursued, cottontails will make a circle the size of an acre or less while hares may cover a mile or more.

There is no big problem as to the hunting location. Beagles can hunt in hills, mountains, prairies, deserts, forests and swamps. They can track scents over snow, ice and water or even in a hot, dry and dusty road.

Now you can really say, hunting is fun, especially if you have these energetic dogs as your hunting buddies.

Richard Cussons writes articles of various topics. For more information, see Beagles and learn more about Beagle dogs breed here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cussons

Check Your Labrador For Worms

2008-01-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

It could be alarming knowing that your Labrador is infested with worms. What we are talking here are worms, meaning to say, different types of worms. Maybe some thinks that worms are all just the same but, no they're not. Worms vary and are different from one another.

Roundworms

Roundworms, as the name implies, have round bodies of about three to five inches long. They live in the dog's intestines but they do not attach to the intestinal wall like hookworms. Also called ascarids, they consume partially digested foods.

Dogs pick up roundworms by sniffing the ground, especially sniffing other dog's feces. They can also pick it up through their coat, paws and muzzle and ingest them while grooming.

Infected mother dogs can also pass roundworms to their puppies through nursing. Symptoms of roundworm infestation in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, pot-bellied appearance, dehydration, weight loss and loss of condition. Some cases may show no symptom but severe infestation may lead to lung damage causing breathing problems.

Hookworms

Hookworm, just like in roundworm, is named based on its characteristic. They feed by hooking onto the wall of the intestine. These parasites can cause the dog's intestines to bleed because of their sharp teeth.

Hookworms can be picked up by your dog from the ground or from an infected nursing mother. Severe infestation of hookworms can be life-threatening to puppies. Symptoms of hookworm infestation include dermatitis, pneumonia, enteritis, bloody diarrhea, blood loss, weight loss and anemia.

Whipworms

Whipworms are about ¼ of an inch long, smaller compared to other intestinal parasites. Whipworms, as the name implies, are whip-shaped with skinny head and enlarged tail.

The head is its digestive end and the enlarged one is its reproductive end. Large number of whipworms in a dog can inflame the intestine tissue and may result to bloody diarrhea. Whipworms can be picked up from the ground or from feces of other dogs.

Symptoms of whipworm infestation include watery and bloody diarrhea, weight loss and general debilitation.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms have long, ribbon tape appearance, that's why they are called tapeworms. They live and lay eggs in your Labrador's guts and these eggs are then released with the fogs feces.

Adult tapeworms are about eight inches long and are made up of small segments of about 1/8 of an inch long. Itchy anus and crawling segments in the surrounding area may indicate tapeworm infestation. Severe infestation of this intestinal parasite may cause debilitation and weight loss.

Infestation of these intestinal parasites can be very much treated. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions on the proper deworming of your puppy.

Richard Cussons is not just a writer but also a great lover of dogs. Discover more about a Labrador at this site dedicated to Labrador dogs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cussons

Dog Adoption: What I Learned from My 2 Rescue Dogs

2007-12-31T02:56:00.000-08:00

There’s a hole in your life that only a dog can fill. You want a special dog, perhaps just a full-grown adult. Maybe your code of ethics calls for saving a dog’s life – not buying an expensive purebred.

I’m not a veterinarian or a dog trainer, but I’ve enjoyed two successful adoptions. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way.

(1) Clarify your requirements ahead of time.

Once you’re standing in front of a cage, it’s easy to say, “Well, he’s a lot bigger than I expected, and I really wanted a female, but oh he’s SO cute!” No amount of love or training will help if your dog needs more exercise than you can provide.

(2) Know the difference between shelter and rescue groups.

Most cities have humane societies where you can view dogs and make a choice. Rescue groups typically hold animals in foster care – which is good, because you can ask the foster mom all sorts of questions. For example, they can say, “This dog lived with two cats so you know you can trust her.”

(3) Be prepared to pay.

Shelter animals are not free, but you do get value for money. Expect to pay a fee that may include spay/neuter costs, licensing, and/or veterinarian visits.

(4) Consider an older dog.

By the time a dog has turned three or four, she’s as big as she’s going to get. No surprises! You’ll also have clues regarding his temperament.

(5) Plan to confine the dog during a period of transition.

Your new dog doesn’t get it. She was in a loving home (or left alone in a yard all day or even abused). Then she spent a few weeks in a cage, feeling lonely and isolated. Maybe she’s been passed around to multiple homes.

Bottom line, she’s stressed. She may chew, dig, bark, or even lose her house training at first.

Crating the dog prevents destructive behavior. My dogs both looked visibly relieved as they retreated to their crates every day. “Time to relax,” they seemed to say.

(6) Invest in training.

Most dogs are turned over to the shelter because of behavior problems. If you’re new to the world of dog behavior, take a class or hire a professional. Most behavior can be corrected, even among older dogs. But if you’re not sure, ask a professional. Some behaviors can’t be “fixed.”
(7) Incorporate large doses of exercise and walks into your day.

Walking together builds your bond and a tired dog is a good dog. Begin the exercise program immediately so you can gain a sense of how much exercise the dog needs – an important factor in the dog’s adjustment – and start training for the basics on the way home from the shelter.

Dog Fanatic Cathy Goodwin wrote Arf! Dog Health Comes Home: Tips and resources to care for your sick, injured and senior dogs. Download your copy at http://www.dog-health.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cathy_Goodwin

Dog Scratching and Itching- By Sunil Tanna

2007-12-30T10:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen your dog driven crazy by an itch? The dog scratches and licks itself. It walks around, and then sits down to scratch some more. Eventually the dog may scratch itself so much that it gets open sores from all this scratching, yet the dog still can not seem to stop.

Why would your dog be doing this? Simple. When you feel an itch, you scratch it. When your dog itches, it does the same thing. The real question should be what might be causing your dog to itch?

Here are some of the most common possibilities:

- Your dog may have environmental dermatitis (which as the name suggests is a condition which is caused by environmental factors) or skin allergies. These conditions are particularly likely if your dog is fond of romping and playing outside, as well as dipping in holes and rolling on grass.

- Your dog may be suffering from infectious dermatitis, or excessive itching caused by bacterial and fungal infections. Lesions will occur on your dog's skin which the dog will continuously lick and scratch because it is causing so much discomfort.

- Your dog may be suffering from parasitic dermatitis. This is caused by tics, fleas and other parasites that live on your dog's skin. Be sure to bathe your dog frequently with anti-flea soap to prevent this.

- Inadequate nutrition can also cause itching. Always using quality dog food to feed your dog should prevent this.

Whatever the cause of the itching, it is a sign that something is wrong. If your dog keeps scratching itself, your best recourse is taking it to the vet for a thorough checkup, and getting the appropriate course of treatment.

The wonderful world of fish keeping

2007-12-22T02:31:00.000-08:00

Aquarium keeping is a wonderful hobby and many people have been mesmerized by the underwater world ever since they got their first aquarium as a kid. Today, there is a rich profusion of fish species readily available on the aquarium market and you can keep aquatic animals from all over the world.

During the last few decades, there has been a dramatic upswing in marine fish keeping, but before you go out and get yourself some tropical reef fish you must keep in mind that caring for a saltwater aquarium is very different than caring for a freshwater aquarium. You will need to do your research, and also invest in necessary equipment to keep up the water quality. If you are a beginner aquarist, it is best to start out with a freshwater aquarium and gain plenty of experience before you proceed to saltwater.

Having a freshwater aquarium doesn’t mean that you have to refrain from colourful fish or that you have to stick to neon tetras, guppies and swordtails. If you want something a bit different, you can for instance take a look at the charming and appealingly coloured cherry barb.

There are also a lot of different cichlids to choose among, but you should keep in mind that many of the really colourful cichlids are fairly aggressive. Always gather trustworthy cichlid info regarding each species that you wish to keep in order to find out its requirements. If you prefer to stick to fairly peaceful but still colourful cichlids, the Kribensis cichlid is an excellent choice.

Rare Hungarian Pointer

2007-12-19T03:17:00.000-08:00

The Vizsla is an ancient Hungarian dog breed developed for both pointing and retrieving. The Hungarian spelling of the word is often perceived as complicated by English speakers and you will find a myriad of different spellings in articles about this dog, including Viszla, Vizla and Vizzla. The name should be pronounced VEEZH-la, where “zh” is pronounced like the letter combination “si” in the English word “vision”.

The Vizsla dog can trace its history back to the 9th when it was used for hunting by the Magyar tribes that inhabited the Carpathian Basin. Since the Vizsla is such a rare and unusual dog it is not a popular breed for puppy mill breeders and the general dog health of the breed is excellent.

Frequent baths using shampoo can harm the coat and skin of your Vizsla and must therefore be avoided. Only bath you dog when absolutely necessary and make sure that you chose a mild shampoo suitable for dogs.

The Vizsla is not a suitable dog to keep in non-insulated outdoor kennels in cold climates since it has not undercoat. It is an excellent working dog in cold climates (Hungary can have fairly harsh winters), but it can develop hyperthermia if it is forced to rest in a cold environment.

If you are fine with your dog getting its rest inside your home, the Vizsla is an excellent choice. It is a versatile and clever dog that loves to learn new tasks and work together with its owner. It must be provided with sufficient amounts of physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Dog of the Desert: the Canaan

2007-12-14T03:57:00.000-08:00

The Canaan Dog is sometimes mistakenly believed to be a pariah dog which roams throughout the Middle East, however this is incorrect. The Canaan Dog is a true breed which has survived in the desert for more than 2000 years. In the 1930s the Israelis began a program of re-domestication of these dogs, recognizing their potential as guard dogs to guard their settlements . Their history as a desert breed has contributed strength and endurance to the genetic makeup, to say nothing of the fact that they are relatively disease free. Their bodies have developed in much the same way as the Arabian Horse, strong lungs and resistance to extremes of weather are part of their heritage.

The Israelis have been careful to preserve these characteristics and have also been careful not to mix in any other type of dog into the breeding program. On occasion they do bring in more of the Canaan Dogs from the wild deserts to continue to improve the domesticated stock. This is more difficult as the spread of civilization has made the existence of these desert dogs more tenuous and there are fewer places where they can still be found living in the wild.

The Canaan Dog can be any shade of tawny desert yellow or tan with white markings and also black with white markings. The coat is double and fairly short. Ears are prick, the tail is long and curves over the back when excited. They are of medium size, with surprising strength and agility, possessing great endurance and lung power. The dogs readily adjusted to civilization and are loyal and very affectionate family pets. Their major use is that of a dog guard that will protect outlying settlements from predators and give warning when strangers come. They are also useful as herding dogs for the flocks of goats. The Canaan Dog does not require harsh training methods and adapts to family living easily.

This is a comparatively rare breed and has only recently made an appearance in the Dog Show Circuit in the United States. They are classified as members of the Herding Group. Their numbers are gradually increasing. They are a relatively easy care dog and are happy as an urban resident or on the farm. Owners of the Canaan dog have found that they are generally not stubborn, are quite intelligent and make very good pets. They should show reserve with strangers but have proven themselves to be affectionate and loyal. The American Kennel club describes their temperament as "alert, vigilant, devoted and docile with his family".

Factors which contribute to the usefulness of this dog as a family pet are their easy care coat and their general good health. Owners of Canaans can expect that these dogs will present few vet bills in comparison to other breeds! They are known to be easy to train without stubborn tendencies or hyperactive traits. They are inquisitive and because of their history of survival of the fittest are independent thinkers but appear to have a great deal of common sense.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Pet Health Insurance By John J. Foley

2007-12-08T22:58:00.000-08:00

It seems that Pet Health Insurance is getting a lot of attention in the press and on the internet these days. It is a simple, affordable solution for those who love their pets but are concerned about the financial hardship of high-quality pet care. Pet health insurance is peace of mind that protects you and your beloved pet from the inevitable and the unexpected. This type of insurance is still relatively new, and many pet owners are still unaware of their options.

Pet health insurance is designed to provide pet owners with coverage for unexpected illnesses or incidents resulting in expensive veterinary costs. While it may seem like something that only movie stars get for their Hollywood pets, it is becoming more mainstream and is being offered for very reasonable prices. So wherever you happen to live in the United States, insurance is really important, especially if you happen to have more than one pet.

It is particularly of use in an emergency, such as when a pet is involved in a road traffic accident and needs surgery. X-rays and operations can soon add up to well over thousands of dollars, meaning that this insurance is necessary to prevent having to payout such large sums if and when such an accident occurs. There are many benefits of having it for your dog or your cat and this is why this is becoming increasingly popular in this day and age.

Coverage

Coverage and cost vary, so it's important to thoroughly research the options if you decide to insure your pet. Coverage usually starts at eight weeks, but some plans won't cover pets over a certain age (usually between six and 10 years old, depending on the breed, type of animal and other factors). Coverage options range from catastrophic accident coverage to comprehensive illness coverage.

Pet health policies are similar to human insurance policies; annual premiums, deductibles, and different coverage plans based on what the owner chooses. When you purchase pet health insurance, it acts much like those plans meant for us in that the coverage usually starts right away but there may be a waiting period before the benefits kick in.

As for pre-existing conditions, some companies will allow coverage if the animal is stable or controlled (usually after a waiting period of 3 to 12 months), other companies will refuse animals with current conditions or terminal disease. Some policies (but not all) cover some preventative care, such as vaccinations, but there may be additional cost for this coverage. It's important to review your policy terms and conditions to ensure you have the right coverage for your pet.

When choosing pet insurance coverage, first consider what kind of insurance customer you are. Do you prefer all-inclusive coverage that pays for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations to accidents and chronic illnesses, or are you comfortable with a lesser degree of coverage that just kicks in during emergencies. You can usually decide what kind and how much coverage to provide for your pet. So getting yours is not really all that insane, and in the long run it could save you a great deal of money.

The cheapest way to take out pet health insurance is online; by going with a specialist insurer they can shop around on your behalf and get you the cheapest premiums with the best deals. If you are planning to have a pet for the rest for your life, then getting it is indeed a very wise decision.

With the increasing cost of veterinary care, pet health insurance is an absolute must for any pet owner today. As the cost of veterinary care continues to increase, it is quickly gaining popularity in the US. All in all though, it depends on you, and your pet(s), whether or not pet health insurance is the right choice.

Article Written By J. Foley

John Foley has written many articles about pets and their well being. If your looking for more information about this topic, You Can Go Here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_J._Foley

Ringworm Is The Common Dog Illness - By Judy Wellsworth

2007-12-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

A common dog illness is ringworm and can be prevented and treated if your dog has the problem. Many illnesses affect dogs, some are very common and happen no matter how well cared for your dog is at any time. Dogs are creatures of the outside, and they can get into anything. Ringworm seems to be common in puppies and older dogs. Other common dog illness can be prevented with proper vaccinations and proper health care. Ringworm is a fungal infection that targets the overall health of the dog.

Diagnosis of Ringworm Infection
The common dog illness ringworm has several different ways to be detected and diagnose. The common way to detect ringworm is with a black light. The ringworms glow in the black light when the light hits them. Sometimes this practice does work and a vet will perform another test to detect ringworm.

Signs of Having Ringworm
If you see small areas of the body without hair, chances are your dog has ringworm. The skin will appear scaly and display pus in the area. After time the areas become larger when they receive no medical treatment. You will notice this parasite on the tail, head and legs.

Treating the Common Dog Illness Ringworm
If the health of the dog is healthy then the ringworm will clear up by itself in about four months. However, when severe cases exist, medical treatments are required. If your dog has the lesion, clipping the hair around the area is needed, but do not touch the lesion or it will spread. Apply a tropical anti fungal cream after clipping the hair away. Such creams like miconazole and lotrimin creams are used for this purpose. Do not let the dog lick the area where you apply the cream. A dog funnel collar may be required to prevent the dog from reaching the area.

If the cream alone does not work, antifungal shampoos and antifungal dips will benefit your dog and help the area to heal faster. Some other antifungal agents are griseofulvin and itraconazole, which work well on a dog.

Common Dog Illness Issues
Keeping your dog in perfect health and protected from bacterial, fungal and viral infections is your responsibility. The number one need of the dog is regular vaccines and proper care. Dogs need vaccines against rabies, parvovirus and distemper. Dogs also need to be checked yearly for heartworm, which can cause death to the dog if not properly prevented. Keep in mind that rabies vaccinations are given every two years and distemper vaccinations are received yearly.

Many conditions result in health problems and in some breeds of dogs, the breed is prone to more health problems then others. Joint problems and heart problems account for some of these more serious health problems. When looking for a dog, you need to be aware of some of the problems that can arise in a dog’s life. Besides the everyday parasites and injuries from rough play, some dogs are prone to eye infections, ear infections and mange.

You can also find more info on diagnose dog sickness symptoms and common dog illness problems. AboutDogHealth.org is a comprehensive resource to help dog owners identify their dog's illness symptoms and treatment options.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Wellsworth

Ways Of Avoiding Stress In Training Your Puppy

2007-12-01T07:23:00.000-08:00

The main purpose in puppy training is to build a communication system between the two of you. You are teaching your dog how to learn. In contrast to the positive approach of puppy training, many obedience classes use a lot of leash jerking and a certain amount of punishment if the dog is not performing well. There is a fine line between the two attitudes and it is a vitally important difference.

With a young puppy, if you are forcing him to perform perfectly and punishing him even mildly if he does not, you may be asking for trouble later on. After a puppy is six to eight months old, he can usually begin to handle corrections and accept much more firmness in his training but not at three, four and five months of age.

Stress should not be a specific part of puppy training. That comes later when the pup is six to eight months old and ready for a more formal training. Of course, it is not possible or necessary to completely avoid stress because there is often a small amount in any of a puppy's activities. However, stress should be eliminated as a planned part of the actual training.

In puppy training, building confidence means knowing what you expect from your pup. Focus is the single most important command to teach your puppy.

The capacity to learn is born in every puppy, to a greater or lesser degree. Your puppy starts learning the moment he enters your house. (He starts learning about you and soon knows whether you or he will be the boss.) His capacity to learn grows as he does and is fully developed at the age of about a year. Although he eventually stops growing, he never stops learning.

All the Resources to help you Discover Everything you need to know about How To Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy! http://dogs.hot-tips-about.com For Puppy Training Visit

http://dogs.hot-tips-about.com/puppy-training

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Avrina_Ware

Ban Dog Fighting - By Eric Hartwell

2007-11-30T17:59:00.000-08:00

Today, dog fighting is recognized as a sinister underground organized crime that is sought to be eradicated by the law.

This blood sport, though once favored by aristocracy and supported by the many, is now never free from the prying eyes of the laws that now protect not only pit bulls but other animals used is bull baiting as well.

Dog fighting may be a popular event for many, but it is illegal in the United States of America and most of the rest of the world.

Dog fighting may be a form of entertainment but it violates the rights of animals to live freely away from harm.

Sad to say that, no matter what punishment awaits those who act against the laws that protect these dogs from being utilized in such violent events, even more are being lured into the underworld of this blood sport.

Furthermore, this only reflects the brutality and inhumane nature of men that is slowly prevailing in our society today.

Dog fighting is a secretive sport known only to those in the circle of knowledge. A recent tragic event, culminating in the death of a small child from the injuries sustained from a fighting dog, has highlighted, in the UK, the very nature of a fighting dog and how their aggression can be turned onto humans as well as other dogs.

The sport (if it can be called that) is not only inhumane and illegal but also barbaric - in my opinion it engenders a sense of lawlessness in the owners as well as in the fighting population as a whole.

Ban dog fighting to save the dogs, the innocent victims of dog aggression and society.

You can find out more about dog care here or you can share your opinions at the world's best homepage.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Hartwell

A Dog's Day Out

2007-11-29T04:28:00.000-08:00

Recently I have a chance to see a pet show in my city. Almost all the breeds flooded the show ranging from Great Dane to Tiny poodle.

The Pet show Organizer is my friend. So I have been given a descent seat in the front row itself. All the dogs performed well. But most of the viewers smile at a dog with dark eyes looking soberly out from a tangle of hair that is often soaking wet and muddy. I inquired about this dog and finally concluded that it is OTTERHOUND BREED.

I heard that this breed is a friend of fisherman as it was bred to drive out the otters streams and rivers of Great Britain and thus to preserve the livelihood fisherman. But it didn't won the prize.

Actually the winner was a boxer, which is brindle in color. Although it is not that much attractive, it won the prize as it is within the breeding standards. It was well trained one. It outnumbered all the dogs in the performance.

Most of the press people and also the dog lovers have taken the brindle boxer pics for their remembrance. Me too.. But my camera ditched me because I have forgotten to fix the roll properly inside the camera.

Any how, I got a perfect information about the Otterhound breed. Hats off to the show organizer...

Keys to Dog Nutrition By Neequaye Kotey

2007-11-28T18:23:00.000-08:00

The food you choose to feed your puppy during the first year is critical to his adult development, health and growth. It is said that we are what we eat and if this is true for humans, then it is true for dogs as well. Therefore it is important for every dog owner to know what food is good for the dog and how much to give it.

Protein is the most important ingredient in the diet of a dog. Amino acid in protein is important in the structural make up of the immune system of the dog. They can also be burned as calories and the excess stored as fat. Fat and minerals like calcium and phosphorous help build strong bones and muscles. They also provide an abundance of energy for growth and play. We can prevent certain diseases through dieting of the dog; this helps them to live longer and have healthier lives.

Carbohydrate is another source of energy however if not fed correctly can course a lot of problems for the dog.

The addition of fiber in dog foods has many benefits. Additional fiber sources helps in the management of obesity. In this case, additional fiber in the food increases its bulkiness and makes the dog feel full without adding calories. Diarrhoea and constipation are controlled by the fiber absorbing extra moisture in the case of diarrhoea and releasing moisture in the case of constipation. A diet high in fiber helps control the sugar levels in the blood stream of the dog thereby helping to deal with diabetes mellitus in dogs.

Foods to avoid.

Chocolate: This is dangerous for dogs. These end up poisoning the dogs because once the dog eats one, it begins to crave for more and it may end up eating to such an extent that it poisons the dog.

Sweet biscuits: These are high in fat but low in nutritional value.

Raw cooked bones: These can splinter and may stick in the throat or intestine. They could also damage teeth and may cause constipation.

Grapes: These can be dangerous for dogs.

Finally, learn how to read the labels of dog foods so that you can determine which one is good for your dog. Know that there are different breeds of dogs and each one of them have different nutritional need. No single dog food may meet all the nutritional needs of your dog so simply choose the best among what is available.

Neequaye is a Pastor, a Teeacher, an Entrepreneur on and offline as well as a freelance writer. The Author is the webmaster of http://kotrob.bezoogle.com/pp/dog-training/ and you can find more information on my blog. http://majordogtraining.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neequaye_Kotey

Perfect Tips for Training Your Puppies

2007-11-27T06:26:00.000-08:00

Do you what is the perfect age for training you puppies? Training a puppy should begin at the age of 6 to 8 weeks old. The best way to train dog obedience is positive reinforcement.

Positive training helps you pup to learn a lot quicker as it wants to please you. Pups are more or less equal to a baby, which wants to please you. Only thing is you ought to teach them "HOW". Once your pup have learnt the secret of pleasing you, it will feel as a part and parcel of your family.

The pups will grasp the command you are trying to teach at the earliest possible time once you persuade the pup with rewarding a treat and a positive praise. The reward may include a tiny treat-the size of a dime or a small piece of chicken.

If you want to prevent your pup eating off your table, it is not useful to scold your pup while doing so. Allow the pup to lie down on the bed, when it is a time for you to dine. Train the dog to eat his or her own dog food than any other thing.

Preventing your puppy to bite is also an important part of training. If your puppy is biting your hand while playing with him, suddenly stop the game and keep quiet. Then only, it will know that you do not like the act of biting. If you laugh or praise the pup while biting, you’ll face serious consequences in the ensuing days.

Although these are simple tips to train your puppy, it might be useful to bring your dog as a perfect family member. Moreover, if your dog already crossed 10 weeks, don’t hesitate to train the dog—It is better late than never!

Music for Solo Dogs

2007-11-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

Do you know YOUR dog love music? Are you amazed? YES!!! Most of the dog owners are unaware about this fact.

You can start playing music for him when you were away from home, so that he wouldn't be lonely, and when you returned, you always found him happy and relaxed, sitting in front of the CD player.

Not only the classical songs for the dog, but also Paramore songs found to be useful to keep your pet busy.

Most of the online shops are also selling CDs and MP3 songs for the dogs. In those musical albums, they cover all aspect required for a dog right from the arrival song to napping song.

Actually music times is really a fun for the dog and you—so watch the music along with your dog relax and sit down. Once you’re away from your home, don’t worry about your dog. He/She will be not alone in the home. Just press the CD for replay and your pet is having really happy hours…

Healthy Dog Food Recipes

2007-11-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

Feeding your dog requires your attention. For sure, you only want to give your pet the best possible care. Each breed of dog needs to follow a certain diet to keep them strong and healthy. And so you need to provide healthy dog food recipes for them. Here are good suggestions:

1. Sautéed Liver. Dogs love flavorful meals. Liver suits their taste buds well. Cut the liver into small pieces and sauté them in a teaspoon of corn oil. Fry the liver on each side until cooked but not dry. Serve accordingly. Then watch your dog savour the healthy dog food recipes you prepared.

2. Chicken Stew. Dogs may not like the taste of boiled chicken, but they also need it to stay healthy. When preparing chicken stew for dogs, make sure you carefully remove the bones and chop the meat coarsely. Add chicken liver and heart for better flavor. Don't put any salt. Dogs don't need salt. The ones naturally present in foods are sufficient.

3. Mackerel Treat. Do you know that dogs love fish too? No doubt that this, along with other healthy dog food recipes is good for cats as well. Fry one small mackerel in a teaspoon of corn oil. The mackerel is cooked when it flakes easily. Remove the bones. Add half a cup of hot water into the skillet where the mackerel is fried. Scrape the brown bits and add the juice to the meal.

Keep your pets strong with these healthy dog food recipes. Keep in mind that you have to make sure that your dog eats a balanced diet. Giving them these treats will surely make both of you and your dog happy.

Meanings for Simple Dog Training Commands

2007-11-19T02:18:00.001-08:00

Before starting the dog training, you should know the logic behind each and every command. The exercises your pup will learn are all meaningful.

Logic for Each Simple Dog Command

SIT: An exercise of control. The pup is in a sitting position,calm and under control. If his rear is on the floor, he cannot be jumping round, thrashing about, ramming himself into you or your friends. The pup is under control.

STAND: The pup is an upright position, on all 4’s. This exercise enables grooming, vet visits, bathing or nail cutting much,much easier because the pup learns to stand still for an examination.

RECALL: Your pup will learn to COME back to you no matter what is going on around it. The importance of this exercise goes without saying, IT IS LIFESAVING and extremely important.

HEEL: This is a movement exercise where the pup learns to walk quietly beside you without struggling, jumping or pulling on the leash. You will take your pup for a walk rather than the other way around.

DOWN: Another exercise of control. The pup is positioned in a lying down position. This is a calming exercise you will use repeatedly whenever you want the pup to settle down and have quiet time.

LET’S GO: This is the energy burn off exercise that will help save your house from destruction. As an added bonus, you are teaching the puppy to move from one area to another with you, within a certain perimeter of yourself. Taught properly, this is a handy command for later on when your pup is trained and ready to be off of the leash.

Hiking trails, parks, beaches or just in-yard use would be the most likely places to use this. Perhaps dog sports are in your pup’s future. This foundation command works well for keeping your dog with you in agility.

Stop Dog Whining - Demosthenes Damon

2007-11-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

Dog whining is one of the top irritating things about a pet. Many dog owners would like to stop dog whining, but this is a challenging thing and not many succeed. Still, there are some tricks that you can use to prevent and stop dog whining and not have this issue anymore.

The sooner the better, this is the rule. As a pup, the dog must be trained not to whine, and this is one of the most effective methods to solve the problem. However, this is a more complex issue, so you need to go into things even deeper. You should detect the grounds for which your dog whines, making all that terrible noise. Dogs communicate mainly through barking and whining. Whining means as a rule that the dog is scared, disappointed, and lonely or it has some sort of pain or illness. Identify the cause why your dog whines. In case your dog has never whined before, but suddenly starts doing so, this is a clear sign of illness. So, pay a visit to the vet and you can stop dog whining at once. If your dog has other reasons to whine, this means that some sort of obedience training is needed. Don’t punish your dog because it whines, you will cause more fear, your dog will be even more scared and you won’t stop dog whining.

The dog whining is also caused by the fact that your dog cannot deal with you being away. If you train your dog properly and from an early stage of its life, you can stop dog whining. You can do this by playing with your dog for a short while and then leave to a place where your dog cannot see you. It will start to whine. Try not to be impressed by that and let your dog alone. Running to take your pup into your arms will not help. It will only let your dog know that it can control you. Train yourself not to go straight away to your dog and this is great. Your dog will stop whining after a while. However, this period of whining is around a few minutes. Still, if your dog continually whines, you need to use some words of disapproval such as Bad! Or No!, and then wait for it to stop whining. Play like this for a while and your dog will learn that you will come back and will deal with separation easily and will not whine anymore. Make sure your praise your dog if it behaves well, and this is a guarantee that whining is excluded from your dog’s repertoire.

So, if you want to stop dog whining, follow the above tricks. Understand why your dog expresses itself like this and train it as well as yourself to make sure you don’t encourage whining. It might not be an easy process, but it is worth it and you will have a well behaved dog.

Demosthenes Damon is an article writer and dog lover. To learn more about his the reviews of dog training products please visit http://www.dogbookdoubter.com/ or click Dog Training

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_234563_54.html

Tips On Curing Your Dog's Ear Infections

2007-10-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

One of the simple things to do to keep you dog's ears healthy is to clean out the debris or ear wax. Yes, our doggies get that too and it is really a good time to check for ear mites especially if your dog is scratching its ears.

When is bath time or if your sending your dog to a groomer make sure that the ears are protected during bath time and also cleaned carefully by an experienced and licensed professional groomer. It should be part of their cleaning regime to also trim the hairs around your pets ears and clean and dry the ear areas.

If your dog is a swimmer and water gets into the ear canal it can lead to infection or further problems. A dog's ear canal is shaped differently like an L shape to protect the inner ear and ear drum from damage. That being said it also leads to infection if not cleared out properly from time to time.

If you go the conventional medicine route a veterinarian will prescribe anti-biotic or anti fungus medications which will lessen your dog's immune functions.

There are home remedies that can handle the mites and infection without harming your dog's immune function which most people want to keep intact and healthy.

What Causes Ear Infections:

Dogs and cats have a higher hearing ability than humans and we want to protect that asset as much as we can with preventative pet care. Most often and about 80 percent of ear infections are caused by parasites, debris, allergies, and ear mites especially in cats.

Yeast Infections In Dogs:

It makes sense to me to treat ear infection in a natural and helpful way than to give antibiotics which can cause other problems with their side effects and damage to the immune system. If you see a brown or pink wax this is usually an indication of a yeast infection. If you want to treat this yourself, you can dilute a small amount of apple cider vinegar and equal parts water, and keep it in a small glass bottle. Put a few drops in each day and massage the ear and jaw area mildly, then remove with a cotton swab or cotton ball. Do not do this if your dog has an open sore or wound in its ear.

Adrenal Glands:

Your dog's adrenal glands plan an important part of keeping ear infections to a minimum which can be assisted by giving your dog a daily dose of Vitamin C especially as stated previously if your dog is a swimmer it may get ear infections on a regular basis. Of course a natural and healthy diet will maintain your dog's ability to fight infections and avoid the substances that cause lowered immune function.

The capability of your dog automatic immune system should be kept at a higher level to offset the toxins, and ear wax build up which lead to infected ears.

Some dog breeds have naturally droopy ears such as Basset Hounds or Cocker Spaniels will be more susceptible to ear mites its just the way they are built.

If you can tie your dog's ears up with a bandanna or a hat this will allow the air to circulate into the ear canal and dry up any moisture. It may look funny but it works wonders to prevent moisture build up in the ears.

You can trim the hair around the opening of the ear canal also to keep the air circulating and perhaps your dog may even hear you when you call. After a bath dry the ear as much as possible with a towel or carefully use a cotton swab to absorb excess moisture in the ear area.

When to Bring in The Vet:

If your dog is smelling near the ears and there is vigorous scratching, the ear can be infected as big as a balloon inside that leads to a Hematoma, which has to be drained by a veterinarian.

If your dog is also tilting, or walking crooked or in circles its time to call in the reserves. These are severe cases that have been left untreated for a period of time and may require immediate antibiotic medicines to get it knocked out in a hurry before further permanent damage to your dog's ears.

If your wondering why you dog is not coming to you when you call, check inside its ears.

Written by: Teri Salvador

Teri Salvador is a freelance writer with a site concentrating primarily on dog health issues that offers frequently updated articles on natural remedies, pet product reviews and current articles on pet foods. Also added sections on Horses, Cats and Reptiles. Visit: http://www.DogHealth1.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teri_Salvador

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Hunting Dog Training Techniques

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Thyroid Problems in Dogs

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Home Made Dog Diets

Your Vet: The Perfect Resource to Educate You About Your Dog's Diet

Teacup Yorkies: No Such Animals

Parvo Disease Details Revealed Here...

Find Out How to Clipping your Dog

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A Short List of Reasons Why Dogs Bite

Always Buy From A Rottweiler Breeder And Never A Pet Store

Pug Rescue

Leash Training Your English Bull Mastiff Dog

How To Remove Tartar Or Plague From The Teeth Of Your Dogs?

Dog Spa Products- a Perfect Pooch Gift

Pet Insurance Quotes

Affordable Pet Insurance

Dealing With Obese Labrador Retrievers

Loveable Small Dogs

Dog Obsessive Behavior - Barking Dog and Dog Whining

Do you know how to make your dog happy from your care?

Dog barking - Secrets Revealed

Solutions for Serious Dog Urine Problems

Is Your Dog Behaving Badly?

Dog Vomiting? Help Your Dog Now

Dog Seat Belt Harness - Do Not Risk Your Life, Life Of Your Passengers Or Your Dog

Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Dogs

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Perfect Care for your Pit Bull Puppies

When Your Dog Starts To Sneeze - by: Jack Russell

Dog Bad Breath

Care and Temperament of Dachshund Dogs

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Check Your Labrador For Worms

Dog Adoption: What I Learned from My 2 Rescue Dogs