Dog Diseases: A Quick Guide To Fight The Early Symptoms By Joann Grant

Like all the domestic animals, dogs are susceptible to many diseases. So in order to keep them healthy, it is necessary to understand the various diseases they can suffer from. Here is your quick guide on common dog diseases:

Rabies: This disease is caused due to a virus which affects the central nervous system of the dog. It generally spreads through the saliva. Rabies has several stages. In the first stage, there appears some behavior changes in your dog. As it reaches the second stage, the dog becomes very aggressive and by the third stage the body parts of the dog stop coordinating with each other. Once encountered the disease, there remains no cure.

Distempter: This is considered as the biggest threat to the whole population of the dog species. The symptoms are heavy nasal discharge, congestion in the chest, weight loss, coughing, gunky eyes and diarrhea. As the disease reaches its later stages, it has a direct effect on the nervous system of the dog causing paralysis. It is a contagious disease and the virus can be encountered by the air. Even by coming in contact with the excretion of the infected dog, the healthy dog can get afflicted. Once the dog is infected, then there is no cure for the disease. This deadly disease can be prevented by giving a proper vaccination to the dog.

Bloat: It is a serious disorder in a dog, wherein there occurs a twisting in the stomach of the animal. It generally occurs due to over eating. If the dog appears restless and depressed with dry heaves, then you must treat him for bloat.

Parvovirus: This virus is a fast killer as the symptoms can be seen in the dogs within hours of the virus attack, even killing the dog within 48-72 hours. It is a contagious disease and directly attacks the intestinal tract of the dog's digestive system. The effect of the virus can also be seen on the heart of the dog. The symptoms include depression, severe form of diarrhea, vomiting and also loss of appetite. In this disease the color of the feacel matter changes and often have blood stains.

Canine Viral Hepatitis: This disease directly targets the kidney, the liver and the blood vessels of the dog. The symptoms include loss in appetite, intense thirst, vomiting and hemorrhages. The virus of the disease spreads through the faecel matter of the other dogs. The dogs can be prevented from this disease by administering them with the vaccination.

Kennel Cough: This is the most common respiratory disease among the dogs, wherein a typical kind of cough can be seen in the dogs. If given proper treatment, the disorder can be mended.

Leptospirosis: It is a bacterial disease. It spreads through the excretion of the animals. If human beings any how come in contact with this virus, they can also be infected. There is not one but several species of bacterias that produce this disease in dogs. The common symptoms of this disease are kidney inflammation, lethargy, conjuctivita, low grade fever and even sometimes clotting of blood. If the disease is more chronic the symptoms can be jaundice, pneumonia and intestinal inflammation.

Retinal Dysplasia: It is a disorder where there is an abnormal development of the retina. There occurs folds in the outer layers of the retina. It is the most common type of disease that is present in most of the breeds of dogs. A minor form of dysplasia causes minor vision problems, whereas an acute one can lead to total blindness in dogs. Cataract is also accompanied by this disorder.

Lyme Disease: It is a bacterial disease that is spread by ticks. The dog suffers from joint pains, loss of appetite, fever and lethargy. Tetracycline, an antibiotic is used for the treatment of this disease.

It is thus important to detect early symptoms of these diseases in your pet dogs and meet your vet as soon as possible. This will not only keep your dog healthy but will also keep it away from any of the life threatening diseases.

To get more information on pet dogs, dog breeds and dogs and health visit http://www.thepetdogs.com/

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Keep Your Dog Healthy By Homemade Dog Food Recipe -By Hassou Zhu

When you think about it, what does your dog need from its food in order to be healthy?

Today our pets have a wide variety to meet their tastes and needs and we have our choice of what kind of food we can choose to feed them. Despite the variety, pet foods usually fall into three major categories. These categories are: Grocery store foods, these types of dog and pet foods are usually found in grocery stores and mass marketed retailers and can contain lower quality, less expensive ingredients. The second category is "premium dog foods," which can also be found in grocery's stores but are also found in pet stores and through your local veterinarian's office. These types of foods are usually made from some higher quality ingredients and are usually made evident by the expense of the food. Some of these pet foods though can contain lower quality ingredients that you aren't aware of. The third and final category is homemade dog food.More and more people are beginning to make their dog's food at home rather than buying commercial formulas. Homemade dog food doesn't contain any substances that could possibly be harmful to your dog's health such as artificial coloring and artificial flavors.

Another reason to make homemade dog food is the preservatives added to the commercial dog food. Homemade dog food has the benefit of optimum freshness without preservatives.

There are dogs that would greatly benefit from a homemade diet. Some dogs who suffer from allergies that cause severe itching may find relief once switched from commercial dog food to a homemade diet.

Processed dog food is a relatively new product and scientists don't fully understand the differences between commercial food and a diet of fresh food. There may be problems occurring in a dog's health because he is being given food that has had the nutrients cooked out of it and then sprayed back on.

Would you like to prolong the quality and length of your dog's life by 135%?You should keep your dog healthy by homemade dog food.

Want to find a good homemade dog food recipe? visit dog food recipe

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Dog Mating By Eric Hartwell

Dog mating is a tricky subject! The decision to breed dogs is something that must be well-planned and thoroughly thought of. There’s a lot that goes into it, and the responsibility that goes with dog mating must be considered by a new breeder. There are expenses from such an endeavor, and the care and safety of the new pups and their mother must be of utmost priority.

Ethics of dog mating

There are various reasons why dog owners decide to become dog mating owners. Most dog breeders, however, are sincere dog lovers who are interested in having more pups from their well-loved dogs. However, there are those who decide to breed dogs because of financial reasons, mainly profit. While it really isn’t bad to breed dogs with this in mind, the dog breeder must put the welfare of the dogs above any financial gain for the dog mating process. The dogs must not in any way be solely used for profit and enslaved to breeding duties without the corresponding proper love and attention that they need.

So, if you are not a dog lover and you are solely thinking of breeding dogs solely for profit, then you might want to reconsider and research for other methods of earning money. Moreover, dog welfare is protected in the first world countries, and if you are residing in one (even if you are not) be sure that the dogs are not neglected.

While there are ethical issues that are related to breeding and dog mating, there are also procedures that must be discussed to the new breeder.

The art of dog mating

Before you start mating dogs, it is advisable to pay your vet a visit. Have him examine your female dog (bitch) and get certification that she is good to mate. While you are the veterinarian, you might as well ask him for sound advice on how to start breeding your dog. He/she is in the best position to give you sound advice regarding this matter.

Second, get hold of a reliable breeder and make arrangements for a compatible dog for your bitch. Ask for certificates that will authenticate the claim(s) of the male dog’s breed as well as proof of the dog’s good health. Moreover, the mating process is best done in the place where the male dog resides rather than the reverse.

Third, your dog should mate only when she is biologically primed for mating – dog mating should always be performed at the most opportune moment. In addition, you should hold mating sessions for your dog during the 9th, 11th, and 13th days for it to be most productive. It is also recommended that the mating process between the bitch and the stud last for a good ten minutes. If the bitch refuses, aid in the mating process by trying to calm her down.

Finally, to check if the mating was successful you may visit the animal doctor a good three weeks after the mating of the dogs.

Breeding dogs is not as easy as it seems to be, especially if you are a beginner. If you are planning on doing cross-breeding then it is advised that you talk to the animal doctor and confirm if it is good to go into such given the breeds you want to mate.

Do you want to know more about dog care or anything about the crazy world of dogs? then visit us here

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Pet Food - Choosing What Is Best For Your Pet- By Allen Jesson

Every pet owner wants to give their pet the best life possible. Feeding your pet the best pet food will give your pet a better quality of life.

Have you ever considered making your own pet food? It may sound time consuming but it need not be, home made pet food is becoming more and more popular and there are many websites that can provide you with free pet food recipes. Making your own pet food will give you peace of mind knowing exactly what your pet is eating, not to mention save you 80% of your pet food bill

Pet owners are tuning to home made pet food because of worries and concerns over what is actually put into tinned or dried pet food. There are many misconceptions about tinned food actually being harmful, Some people have been advised not to buy pet food that contains corn as corn is wrongly considered just a 'filler' with no nutritional function however the corn in pet food is ground up so that it can be easily digested and the nutrients are absorbed.

It is important to feed your pet the correct pet food, if you have a younger animal such as a puppy it is important to feed them puppy food rather than a food for an older dog this is because puppy food is specially designed with a puppy in mind, providing them with the exact balance of vitamins and calcium required.

There are so many different brands of pet food available on the market today and generally the higher the cost the higher the quality of pet food is with better quality ingredients.

If you have a pet that is about to start a different type of pet food for example dried food to meat based food it is recommended by vets that you gradually wean your pet off the old one and gradually introduce the new food. Variety is also very important you may think your pet does not care what flavour its pet food is but would you get bored of eating the same meal every single day?

Pet food can be purchased in many ways, your local convenience store or pet shop being the most popular, however it is becoming more and more available to order over the internet, you may find you can save a huge amount of money if you order your pet food through a wholesaler or a pet food trader that sells in bulk.

Whether you are buying pet food for your cat, dog, fish, hamster or birds try to remember that this is a major part of your pets life and choosing the wrong food could not only cause your pet discomfort but also lessen their quality of life. Choosing the best pet food possible will keep your pet fit and healthy for you to enjoy for years to come.

Allen Jesson writes for several sites that specialize in pets, training for dogs, and hot dog training tips,

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

Puppy Training Tips for the First Week -By Ian White

Bringing home a puppy and introducing her to your home is very
exciting for everyone. The only one who may be anxious about the
situation will be the puppy. If you handle your puppy properly
when she arrives, she will quickly relax and want to settle into
her new home.



Prior to bringing your new puppy into your home, you should puppy
proof it. Take a look at your home from the puppy's viewpoint.
Does that potted plant sitting in front of the glass door look
tempting? You may want to consider moving it to a higher place.
What about your favorite collection of teddy bears, or magazines
you have in a basket by the sofa? They will most certainly raise
the curiosity of your new puppy. As you move these things out of
your puppy's reach, remember it is only for a short time.  Once
your new puppy has learned her place in the family, you can put
your things back where they go. Your life should never be
dictated by your puppy.  However, by removing these curiosity
objects from the start, it will allow you to work with your puppy
on the basic training she will need to learn.

It is important to understand that as much as you want your new
puppy to be a part of your family, your puppy is still an animal.
She will take her cues from her environment.  If she is allowed
to have free run of the home and access to everything, you are
teaching her that she is in charge.  Dogs have instincts.  The
main instinct of dogs is to live in a pack.  Your new puppy will
assume her new family is her pack. If she picks up the clues that
she is her own boss and she can do what she wants, whenever she
wants, she is being taught she is the leader of her pack. It is
much easier on everyone, including the dog, if she learns from
the moment she enters the home that she is not the leader and
dictator of the family.

One mistake people make is letting their puppy sleep in a utility
room, or kitchen.  Dogs are from the wolf family, and really
prefer to have a den all their own.  Some people assume placing a
dog in a crate is cruel.  On the contrary, if crates are
introduced properly, they will be much loved by the puppy.  When
planning for a new puppy, do not go out and buy the biggest crate
you can find for your puppy thinking she will grow into it.  This
is the worst mistake owner's make.  A crate should be large
enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in.  Puppies
usually learn from their mothers to not soil in their bed area.
If the crate is too large, your puppy may designate a portion of
her crate for sleeping, and the other half for soiling. You
should also never place your puppy's food and water in her crate.

When your puppy is first introduced to the crate, do not simply
put her inside and lock the door.  This will greatly disturb her.
(You should place the crate in a room in your home where the
family gathers.  You should not expect the puppy to walk through
the entire house to the back guest  bedroom to nap.  By having
the crate in close proximity to the family, the puppy will feel
as if she is still hanging out with her pack, even if she is
inside her crate sleeping.) Place the crate where it will stay,
and simply open the door.  You can place a towel in the bottom,
and a chew toy inside if you want. Some puppy's are very curious.
They will simply walk inside.  Others may be a little more shy
with the crate.  Give your puppy time to warm up to the crate.
Once she does enter the crate, praise her.  You may want to give
her crate a name.  When she enters the crate, you can repeat the
crates name, and give her a treat.

After your puppy has warmed up to her crate and has entered and
exited it a few times, you can close the door.  She may whine and
paw at the door.  She may even start yelping and barking.  This
is okay.  Do not let her out.  After about ten minutes, you can
open the door and pick her up.  Walk her directly to the area
designated for pottying. You should never let your puppy out of
her crate and allow her to follow you through the house to go
outside.  Most puppies will simply squat and go where they
please.  Once you are outside, set her down.  You would then
encourage her to potty.  Choose a couple of words such as, "Go
potty," of "Do your business." She will not have a clue as to
what you are saying, at first.  But, after repeated attempts and
with being given a puppy treat and praise, she will learn what
those words mean. Most puppies will need to go out at least every
hour during the first few days to familiarize them with their
potty area. This is a chance for you to catch them doing their
business where they need to. Lavish them with praise.

The first few nights may make you wonder why you even brought the
puppy home.  The repeated yelping and whining coming from the
crate can seriously upset many adults who need their sleep. You
should look at your new puppy as the baby in the family.  Puppies
less than four months of age may need to go out once during the
night.  When she does, pick up your pup and take her to her
designated spot.  After she has relieved herself, place her
promptly back into the crate.  You should never play with your
puppy during the night time hours.  This will only encourage her
to keep the yelping up.  After a few days, your puppy will adjust
to the night time patterns of her "pack" and everyone will get
more rest. Most dogs are able to make it through the entire night
without a potty break around 18 weeks.

Some individuals may think it is harsh to scold a puppy.  These
individuals may be the same people who have a dog running wild in
their home within a year. Dogs which aren't disciplined can wreck
havoc on a home.  You may return to find a shredded couch, chewed
up shoes, and garbage strewn all over the place.  If there are
other pets in the home, you should also consider their feelings.
They will most likely be intimidated by such a tyrant, and fights
could commence while you are away.

If you catch your puppy chewing on something she shouldn't, a
firm "no" is usually enough to stop her antics.  As with other
forms of training, this may take a few days for her to learn.
This is why you were advised to move precious things away. Some
people have a rolled up newspaper to swat the puppy with if they
refuse to heed a "no." The rolled up newspaper does not hurt.  It
is simply loud, and it teaches the dog you are the alpha in the
family, and not her.  If she were truly in a dog pack, her alpha
would nip her soundly.  So, don't feel as if you are mistreating
her. In fact, most puppies seem to feel more secure when they
know their place.

The most important thing you can do with your puppy besides
introducing a crate immediately, instilling a potty routine, and
teaching her what "no" means, is to build the relationship with
your new puppy.  Get on the floor and play with her.  The bond
will grow between you and she will love you.  This will make your
puppy want to please you and be obedient as well.  This goes a
long way when you start teaching her other basic commands such as
"stay" and "come."

Author Ian White is founder of http://www.Dog-Breeders.biz.
This extensive online directory includes listings by private
breeders, kennel clubs, and occasional hobby or family breeders.
Those seeking dogs can locate and match with appropriate
breeders.  Dog-Breeders.biz automates the matching of dogs for
sale with puppy wanted entries, with daily email notifications
to all parties.
Dog lovers and breeders find more information.

Pitbulls For Sale- By Kent Pinkerton

Selling pit bulls is becoming more difficult, given the current spate of bad press against the dogs' violent outbursts. Owners want to get rid of their pets. Add to that the fact that pit bull breeders and kennels report a surplus, and the supply of pit bulls continues to be greater than the demand.

Pit bull kennels have their own websites through which they make sales. People who wish to buy pit bulls register on these sites and get updates from time to time. Those wishing to sell their pit bulls advertise in classifieds online or in newspapers.

While placing an advertisement to sell a pit bull, it is necessary to mention size and build and color as well as specific physical details like patches on fur and color of nose and eyes.

Sellers also mention their pit bulls' temperaments. Usually words like sociable, child-friendly, people-friendly, aggressive are used. Pedigreed animals definitely find a mention of their lineages and even pictures of them if possible. Naturally, they demand much higher prices than mongrels. It is very essential to mention whether the dog has papers or not. Similarly, it is necessary to state whether the dog has had its shots.

The favorites appear to be blue-nosed pit bulls, as well as silver and merle-colored pit bulls. A blue nosed pit bull may fetch as much as $1000 or more. In fact, pit bull breeders sometimes breed pit bulls for their color or for other traits such as aggressiveness or width and girth. Such custom-bred pit bulls are sold for higher prices.

The average asking price for a normal pit bull is a couple of hundred dollars. Puppies are more expensive than adults as they are more in demand. People also breed their female dogs with hired studs from kennels and then sell the puppies in the market. This is called as backyard breeding. Some adult pit bulls are available for even as low as $50.

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

10 Questions I'm Most Asked about Dogs in Heat By Louise Louis

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.

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

Common Dog Ear Problems by Kristi Patrice Carter

A healthy dog is a wonderful thing. A dog is the perfect combination of loyalty, intelligence, willingness to please, ferocity when needed, gentleness and compassion. Dogs protect us, guide us, and perhaps most importantly, provide loving, unconditional companionship. Yes, a dog is a wonderful friend to have. Since dogs are so great for humans, the least we could do in return is everything possible to keep our furry, four-footed friends healthy. To that end, you should know your dog's usual level of energy and how much he tends to scratch normally. If your dog seems to be moping around, scratching or rubbing his ear, tilting his head, or if you notice his ear is reddened, warm to the touch, swollen, producing discharge, emitting a foul odor, or losing fur, he may have an ear infection.

There are several different problems a dog could have with his ear. The anatomy of a dog's ear, with its long, horizontal inner ear structure, is hospitable to bacterial and fungal infections. Not only is the inner ear warm and hairy, but the horizontal shape of the ear canal does not allow moisture to drain efficiently. Also, dogs often have floppy ears covered by an outer flap, which doesn't allow air circulation. It's not at all unusual for dogs to get ear infections, particularly in breeds that love swimming. Infections could be bacterial or fungal, and the treatment needs to be specific to the cause. Antibiotics will not help a fungal infection, while fungicides do nothing to alleviate bacterial infections. See your vet for a diagnosis, and follow the prescribed treatment to the letter.

Another common problem in dog ears is the mite. This teeny parasite will set up a colony and make your dog extremely uncomfortable. Fortunately, mites are relatively easy to eradicate. And, unlike fungus, having mites does not make your dog more likely to get them again. When they're gone, your dog has no more chance of getting mites than before.

A common ear problem for outdoor, very active dogs is getting foreign objects stuck in the canal. A piece of grass, with its rough texture, can become securely lodged in the ear and irritate the tender tissue inside. Your dog will scratch his ear and shake his head in an attempt to dislodge the object. If the ear is scratched too much, and the skin is broken, a bacterial infection may result. As soon as you notice your dog showing signs of discomfort, examine the ear yourself. If you are unable to locate the source of the problem, take him to the vet. Never attempt to dig out an object yourself with an implement. If you can pull out a piece of grass with your fingers, do it. But if it looks any more complicated than that, please see a vet.

Dogs' ears are susceptible to problems, but you can prevent and cure them easily if you are a conscientious, observant dog owner.

For additional information on how to keep your dog healthy and happy, please visit http://www.DogEarYeastInfection.com, a website that features helpful dog-related articles, information, resources, and E-books for health-conscious and loving dog owners who want the best for their canine companion. Learn more about Dog Ear Yeast Infection

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Dog Heartworm Disease & Prevention By Brent Goodman

Heartworm disease is a dangerous, but completely preventable infection where parasitic worms grow inside the chambers of your pet's heart and large blood vessels of the lungs. Left undetected, the disease can become serious and even result in death as worms eventually block blood flow to the heart and lungs. That's why heartworm prevention and early detection are so important.

Is my pet at risk of getting heartworm?

If not prevented with prescription heartworm medicine, yes. Heartworm cases have been reported in all of the lower 48 states, dispelling the old notion the disease occurred only in southern states. Your pet needs heartworm protection no matter where you live. Heartworm disease is most common in dogs, cats, and ferrets.

How could my pet get heartworms?

Pets get heartworm disease from being bitten by a mosquito that has previously bitten another infected animal in your area. Mosquitoes transmit the parasites directly from bloodstream to bloodstream. It takes from three to five months for the heartworm larvae to migrate toward the heart, where they begin to grow into reproducing adults. Some have reached lengths of up to 14 inches.

So how can I help prevent my pet from getting heartworm?

Veterinarians recommend a 3-part program as your best defense. A complete heartworm prevention program consists of having your veterinarian test your pet regularly for heartworm, giving your pet preventive heartworm medications as prescribed by your veterinarian, and reducing your pet's exposure to mosquitoes in the first place.

There are mosquito repellents made especially for dogs that can help prevent mosquito bites, which can help prevent heartworm disease as well as West Nile Virus, another very serious condition spread by mosquitoes.

How long should my heartworm prevention program last? It's safest to keep up with your medications all year round so your pet's body is always protected against the parasite.

Are there risks associated with giving my pet a heartworm preventive? As with any medicines there is a very small health risk with heartworm preventives. In over 23 years of practice, I have never dealt with such a case. The benefit of heartworm prevention, however, far exceeds the slight risk. If your pet is not on a heartworm preventive year round, we recommend having your pet tested by your veterinarian before starting on a heartworm preventive.

If my pet does get heartworm, what are the warning signs I should watch for? Dogs with heartworm infections may show a cough, decreased appetite, weight loss, an inability to exercise, and general listlessness. In addition, cats also may exhibit breathing problems, vomiting, blindness, and seizures. You know your pet's personality best, so if you notice marked changes including these signs, you should take your pet in for testing as soon as possible.

Protect your pets year round... learn more about Heartworm Disease and Prevention.

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Brent Goodman - EzineArticles Expert Author

Canine Diabetes - Does Your Dog Have it? By John Schwartz

Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely Manageable

Canine diabetes is a serious disease that causes there to be too much glucose in the blood. If your pet has any of the signs, a dog health exam will help you find out with certainty. Canine diabetes symptoms usually include the following:

- drinking excessive amounts of water
- frequent urination
- weight gain (or weight loss in some cases)
- increased lethargy during the day

A simple blood test can tell the vet if the glucose counts look suspicious. You should have a full physical exam done on your dog annually, even if he seems perfectly healthy. Be sure to ask your vet to include a full blood work-up, to rule out diabetes (as well as many other diseases). It’s well worth the added cost!

If your pet has been diagnosed with canine diabetes, don’t panic. While it is a ‘special needs’ issue that will influence many daily decisions, it is a manageable disease in dogs. You just have to learn some simple steps and stick to a schedule.

The first goal after a canine diabetes diagnosis is to get the glucose levels down to a normal (or only slightly elevated) level. This will not require thorough dog health exams like the original blood test. The vet can draw some blood and test the levels fairly quickly, with minimal cost to you.

Canine diabetes means someone must administer insulin injections (in most cases). They are easy to do and will quickly become routine. One person in the family should be responsible for the shots, but everyone should know how to give them (age teen and up) in case of a dog health emergency. I highly recommend posting a printout of how to give the injection to your pet in every room in your house, just in case.

In our house, where we have a diabetic dog, we made a canine diabetes “Dog Health Cheat Sheet” for potential problems, like these:

- too much insulin is accidentally injected
- the needle breaks off while in the dog
- there’s a seizure (not common, but can happen occasionally)

The cheat sheet includes the vet’s emergency number and some basic actions to take in each scenario. We made several copies to be posted all over the house, but especially by the phone, the fridge (where the insulin is kept), and the bed (where our dog hangs out a lot).

The other goal with canine diabetes is to maintain the glucose level (with your vet’s help). It is crucial to take your pet periodically to the vet for a whole day (8-hour period at least) so they can check blood sugar levels throughout the day. Just as in humans, blood sugar levels fluctuate in your pet throughout the day. Having your vet monitor and take several blood readings during a longer stretch of time helps ensure that your diabetes treatments are actually working as intended.

It’s a little more work to care for diabetic dogs, no doubt about it. But our pets are family members and we love them dearly. Right? They give us their devotion, protection, and love, so the least we can do in return is give them proper health care, especially if they have problems like canine diabetes. Going the extra mile for them will help them live happier lives with less pain and more enjoyment. Can there be a nobler goal?

John Schwartz is a freelance writer, webmaster, and dog lover. He has written many published articles on subjects that include shopping for dog supplies, improving pet health, and good dog training practices. Please visit my dog supplies website at http://www.puppies-dogs-supplies.com for more dog and puppy tips.

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What Are The Top Ten Dog Diseases? By Robert Knechtel

Dog Diseases number in the scores, just as in humans. But, veterinarians tend to see some much more than others. Sadly, a great deal of grief could be avoided if more dog owners were careful to see that their pets are immunized regularly against preventable dog diseases.

While experts, as usual, may differ, what are the top ten dog diseases? Here's a list (not necessarily in order of seriousness) with a brief explanation of each disease:

Distemper:

Of all the dog diseases, the American Veterinary Medical Association considers the distemper virus to be the worst canine disease threat to dogs world wide. Distemper is fatal in 80% of puppies and 50% of adults. All dogs are extremely vulnerable, and should be vaccinated, with subsequent boosters in keeping the recommendation of a Veterinarian.

Parvovirus (Parvo):

Parvovirus is a worldwide dog disease. It is extremely contagious, especially among puppies, and can overwhelm a dog leading to death within 48 to 72 hours after exposure. Symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and severe diarrhea. Parvo vaccination is essential with booster shots as recommended.

Rabies:

Rabies is a virus and becomes fatal when symptoms appear. Because rabies can be fatal to humans and other mammals, state and local laws uniformly require rabies vaccination, many mandating booster shots yearly.

Kennel Cough:

This is a respiratory disease especially prevalent in kennels and shelters. There are a variety of virus strains, including Bortadella. Symptoms can include a dry hacking cough along with inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes and trachea. Vaccination, as often as every six months is recommended.

Leptospirosis:

Symptoms of Leptospirosis include lethargy, kidney inflammation, low-grade fever, vomiting, reddening of the mucous membranes and conjunctiva, and blood clotting abnormalities. Since it is a bacterial disease, also found in humans, it is treated with antibiotics. Veterinarians are often reluctant to innoculate against this dog disease, since there is questionable effectiveness, and puppies can have adverse reactions.

Infectious canine hepatitis:

While this dog disease often manifests itself with mild symptoms such as a slight fever or slight lethargy, it can, in some instances become fatal. Recovery is usually rapid. Vaccination is recommended.

Lyme Disease:

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs will include lethargy, joint pain, lack of appetite, lymph node enlargement, and fever. Lyme Disease is bacterial and is spread by ticks. Treatment is with tetracycline, an antibiotic. The available vaccine is not generally recommended.

Coronavirus:

Diarrhea and vomiting are symptomatic of this dog disease so it can be confused with parvovirus. Other indications are loss of appetite, smelly diarrhea, lethargy and dehydration. Replacement of lost fluids and control of vomiting and diarrhea are the recommended treatments. A vaccine is not generally recommended.

Obesity:

Just as in humans, this dog disease is a serious medical problem. Frequently, obese humans own obese dogs. Obviously, limiting food intake, withholding human food and enough exercise will contribute to a dogs longer life.

Heartworm:

Heartworms are parasites that grow and multiply, infesting the chambers in the heart, arteries in the lungs. Symptoms appear gradually, usually manifested in easy tiring, lethargy and a soft cough. If not treated, it eventually brings on death by congestive heart failure in a once active animal. Prevention with products such as HartGard is recommended.

Your veterinarian should give you a certificate showing your pet's immunization against the common dog diseases. Ask for a wallet sized card which you can carry with you.

Robert G. Knechtel maintains several websites, including PetMedShop.Com, and Go60.Com.

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

Practical Advice for Adopting a Dog By Kathy Burns-Millyard

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, consider adopting your new best friend from an animal shelter or humane society. You'll not only get a good feeling from helping a homeless pet, you'll get an outstanding companion.

Many fantastic dogs end up in shelters through life circumstances that have happened with their original owners, and the staff at these organizations carefully check the animals for sound health and good temperament. In addition, some shelter animals have had the benefit of training to develop good manners while they've been waiting for a new home.

You can find just about any age, size and breed of dog at an animal shelter. From entire litters of puppies, to young dogs, to older housebroken dogs too.

When a new dog first arrives, shelter staff carefully evaluate it for physical and behavioral soundness. They make note of quirks, and work with specialists to eliminate negative behaviors. Most shelters even have adoption counselors who interview potential adopters to understand their needs and lifestyle so they can make the perfect match.

Bringing your newly adopted dog home is exciting for you, but may be a little overwhelming for her. Keep her on a leash as you take her from room to room, giving her plenty of opportunity to sniff.

It's a good idea to make your first stop on this tour a stop at the dog's bathroom area. The excitement of a car ride and coming to a new place can give her the need to empty her bowels or bladder.

It's important to understand that Dogs are creatures of habit. So the sooner you establish a firm routine, the more comfortable your new dog will become in her new home. Always feed her in the same spot and at about the same time each morning.

You'll find she grows to anticipate "what comes next." For example, if you always feed her after you bring in the newspaper, you'll notice she becomes very excited when you open the door to step outside. Dogs catch on quickly.

Related information and resources for this article can be found at: http://www.mypetanimals.com/articles/200506/adopting-a-dog/

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of The Pets & Animals Shopping Network. You may publish it at no cost, as long as the links are left intact, made live, and this notice stays in place.

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Stop Barking Dog Ideas That Work By Ira Nelson

One of the most annoying habits that dog owners bemoan is their pet’s undue and uncontrollable barking. It’s been found that perhaps one third of all dog owners mention this as a behavioral problem over which they wish they had more control.

There are many reasons that dogs react to situations and their environment in this way from territorial barking, to alarm barking, to aggression, and it is helpful to know what is triggering such conduct, but the main focus of this article will be on ideas and ways to stop barking dogs that get results.

It’s important, first of all, to distinguish between appropriate an inappropriate barking. Barking that alerts you to a dangerous situation or a few barks that warning someone is approaching, for example, should be encouraged and rewarded.

This is your dog’s natural tendency to want to protect his pack. Nuisance or inappropriate barking, on the other hand, is barking that is excessive or unwarranted for the situation. Your pet may be distressed, fearful, or suspicious etc. in a circumstance that does not call for such an extreme response.

Stop Barking Dog Methods that Work

The best time to start teaching the difference between good barking and bad barking is when your dog is a puppy or still an adolescent. Start by not reinforce inappropriate barking and rewarding the appropriate silence. Be consistent and persistent with this until your puppy understands the difference.

Many people have great success with a switch-over or shaping technique such as clicker training which can be use to give you control over barking and silence.

Older dogs with entrenched habits may require stronger behavior modification techniques such as bark control collars which are used remotely and of which there are several types:

Citronella spray collars spray a scent and make a sound that most dogs don’t like and if used correctly, will help the dog associate his barking will a negative result.

Ultra sonic, vibration, and electrical collars likewise offer different types of negative stimulation which will help the dog realize that his incorrect barking results in discomfort. Many of these devices offer increasing levels of negative stimulation for dogs which are, shall we say, a little more reluctant to learn. There are even combination devices, producing, for example, both a vibration and a sound.

The methods mentioned above will work in most cases, but occasionally more drastic measures need to be taken to stop a barking dog.

In extreme cases, where all other methods have fail, it may be necessary for your veterinarian to prescribe psychotropic drugs or perform ‘debarking’ surgery. These solutions are controversial and in some areas debarking is illegal, but given the alternatives of surgery over euthanasia in the case of a drastically dysfunctional dog, it could be the best alternative.

For more information on this subject go to Stop Dog Barking.

For more information on remote training techniques go to Dog Training collars.

Ira Nelson has years of experience in the dog care and training field. More information, tips, and techniques like the ones in this article are available at http://www.dogtrainingbasicsonline.com/

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Health Problems - By Rich Fuller

There are many dog health questions for which suitable explanation is required for the pet owners. They may be caring their beloved pet animal, dog as informed by the neighbour or friend etc. The best thing that they can do is to get their doubts cleared from the veterinarian. Here is the discussion about few dog health questions.

How deal with constipation of a puppy?

It is the normal behavior of the puppy not going to the toilet for couple of days as he/she will be nervous when they have moved in to a new place. If the puppy is drinking and eating normally, there is no need for tension. The pet owner can wait for another twenty four hours. In the mean time, make the pup walk for some time.

Try to give natural laxative like banana. Also make sure that you are giving the same food that the breeder was giving. Even after all these, constipation persists, and then takes the dog to the veterinarian to find out the cause and get the animal relieved from constipation.

What should I do incase my dog is constantly licking his rectum area?

The dog licking at the rectum area indicates that there is some problem with the anal gland. Anal gland infections are very common in pet animals especially dogs.

Impaction of the anal gland is possible if the stool is soft or if the gland is overactive. The pet owner must understand that some dogs needs expression of the anal sacs while some other dogs do not require that in their life time.

Excessive licking in the rectal area is the indication that the dog requires anal sac expression. Bad smell and disturbance in the bowel movements are the other indications that inform us that the dog require anal sac expression.

Do the dogs really need exercise?

The dogs do require exercise for healthy life. The duration of the time required for exercise varies from breed to breed.

In general the younger dogs can manage exercise better than the older dogs as they will fitter and healthier than the older ones. Besides the heart problems and other health problems will be much less in younger dog.

But the point to be noted here is that the younger dogs will damage their joints and ligaments if the exercise is excessive and wrong. The pet owner must feed the dog extra when they are under exercise regime. These dogs will need extra salt as the same will be lost more during workouts.

There list of dog health question is ever burgeoning one, for more information it is better to get in touch with the veterinarian.

To learn more about dog health sickness problem, visit our resources on how Dog's eye care health and see puppy health problems. AboutDogHealth.org is a comprehensive resource for dog lovers to identify symptoms, prevention and treatment options for dog health problems.

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Diagnosing Illness In Your Dog Health - By Mandy Fain

As a dog owner, there are a variety of sicknesses that you will have to worry about dealing with during their lifetime. There are a lot of different things you will have to worry about, from viral infections to metabolic infections to other things. Diagnosing illness in your dog correctly can be the difference between life and death for your pet, and there are a variety of ways physicians go about diagnosing illness in your dog.

Blood tests are the way that veterinarians usually diagnose health problems in your dog. Distemper, hepatitis, herpes, and heartworm are all health issues that your dog can be afflicted with that can be diagnosed through the use of blood tests. Whether you are looking for a parasite or evidence of a parasite, it is possible to detect dog illnesses through inspection of a dog’s blood content.

Examining the urine of a potentially sick dog is also an effective way to diagnose illness in your dog. There are a whole host of diseases that can be diagnosed through checking out the dog’s urine and many times this is a procedure that can be completed right on the same site as your veterinarian. Presence or absence of certain sugars, proteins, and waste can be the indicator of infections in certain parts of the body including the kidneys; many times a catheter must be used to extract the urine directly from your pet’s bladder as they want a fresh sample, untouched by anything else.

In addition to urine analysis, fecal analysis is another reliable way of detecting illnesses and parasites in your dog’s system. Hook worms, tape worms, and other things are able to be detected through close inspection of your pet’s waste matter. In addition, any problems that affect the proper digestion of your pet’s food are able to be detected through inspection of fecal matter.

Urine and fecal analysis are the most commonly used methods of diagnosing illness in pets, both cats and dogs. They are needed to properly and accurately diagnose illness in dogs, and they are not cheap by any means. However, there are few other reliable ways to diagnose illness in dogs with any certainty. Otherwise, medications will be given out on what a veterinarian may believe to be true and their beliefs will not always be the case. Prescribing unnecessary medications can hurt your dog, so to eliminate this problem you should be sure to order the proper tests.

Learn more about diagnose dog sickness symptoms on our site. You'll also find other information such as common dog illness problems and dog health symptoms 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=Mandy_Fain

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The Fundamentals of Dog Breeding - By Eric Hartwell

The Goals of Dog Breeding:

Good temperament should be the first goal in breeding. Every breeder should be on the lookout for shyness, fear of strangers, refusal to leave a common environment, fear of unexpected changes and excessive activities in their dogs and decide if they want these characteristics to be passed onto the puppies. These signs can easily be inherited by the offspring and breeders should understand the effect of genetics on the puppies. However, good temperament is usually present in the ancestral genes and is believed to be dominant traits that can be passed on to puppies.

The Fallacies:

The commonest mistake that a breeder makes is to put a female dog and a male dog together in a room and leave them alone to let nature takes its course. This may not ensure a litter of puppies. It is important to know when the female dog will achieve sexual maturity first to ensure that she gets impregnated.

The first period of heat usually occurs anywhere after six months to 12 months of age but this period is not the best time to breed the female dog. She is not quite mature at this time. It is more advisable to wait for the second period of heat to ensure that the female dog is ready for pregnancy.

The Fundamentals:

Careful selection of parents is the first step to ascertaining that you breed good puppies. Make sure that both parents must be as free as possible from inherited or inborn faults. The breeder should fully recognize the shortcomings of his dogs as well as their merits and be fully informed about their ancestors.

In picking out the mother and the father of the brood, it is important to remember that like produces like but that characteristics don’t always blend to give the desired result. The mother should be free from any inherited shyness or savageness as these may be passed on to the puppies.

The father of the brood determines the sex of the puppies as he carried the sex-determining chromosomes. Although they have less reproductive difficulties than the females, these defects are harder to correct. Keep in mind that the father of the brood should have the appropriate amount of sperm to impregnate the female.

There is a further challenge that no hidden defects in the ancestry should crop up in a succeeding littler of puppies. It is important for the professional dog breeder to have a complete understanding of dominant, recessive and mixed characteristics of the dog first before embarking in breeding.

It is rewarding to develop puppies which are good both physically and mentally. It is especially more gratifying if the dogs grow up to be intelligent and good natured as well.

Do you want to know more about dog care or anything about the crazy world of dogs? then visit us here

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Potty Training An Older Dog - 7 Practical Tips By Tim Lee

While some people prefer getting cute, huggable, and adorable puppies, other people like getting a full grown dog instead. Older dogs tend to be more mature and perhaps better companions, the best friend that a human would need.

However, some people have qualms about getting an older dog because of the common notion that people cannot teach old dogs new tricks, especially potty training. But this is not actually the case, older dogs can still be potty trained with some important things in mind.

Here are some tips for potty training an older dog:

1. When potty training an older dog, your focus should be teaching the dog to eliminate outside, instead of teaching it not to eliminate inside. It is easier to teach an older dog to DO something instead of NOT DOING something.

If the dog already has an old habit of doing it inside, it would be hard to focus too much on eliminating that habit. It is rather easier to help it learn a better alternative to an old bad behavior.

2. Select a spot where you want the dog to do its business, such as a small corner in the lawn. It would be easier to potty train an older dog, if you are consistent about where you want it to poop. Going to the same place, over and over again, would help the dog learn the right place faster. It also helps if you do not clean the spot much until your dog learns to go there when it needs to go potty.

3. Use the same words in referring to potty. An older dog might get confused if you use different phrases to mean the same thing. When you want it to go potty, use the exact same phrase so that it would somehow become like a command to do the behavior you want it to do.

4. Remove every trace of potty accident inside the house. Dogs' sense of smell are very keen and the smell of urine or excrement in your house might make it think that it is the place to go potty. Use a deodorizing cleaning solution to eliminate odors that might stick to your floors and carpets.

5. Keep your dog's sleeping area as tight as comfortably possible. Dogs do not want potty in their sleeping quarters and by keeping the area just enough for it to sleep and, maybe, turn around, there would be no space for it to go potty. Ever morning, when the dog wakes up, take it to its regular potty place so that it would do its business there.

6. Lessen your dog's food and water intake before it sleeps. This prevents accidents from happening because when your dog is full of water or food while sleeping, it might not have the capacity to control the call of nature.

7. Make it easy for your dog to go outside through a doggie door or leaving the back door open. If this is impractical in your area, leave a bell for your dog to reach. Take the dog out each time it rings the bell so that it would know that ringing is a signal for going out.

Whoever says you cannot teach your older dog new tricks might just be too lazy. Potty training an older dog is indeed possible if you know these tips and if you just have the right amount of patience.

For step-by-step training instructions you can learn immediately, please visit http://www.dog-training-techniques.info/

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

Choosing A Unique Dog Name - Andrew Strachan

If you are thinking of getting a new puppy or if you have just bought a dog, it's probably getting to the stage where you are trying to think of a unique name for your new pet. Thinking of a unique name for your dog can be quite difficult, especially when you are not feeling very creative.

When you choose a name, it's important to choose a good one as that name will be with your dog for life. You don't want to give a big strong male dog a cutsie name or similarly a male name to a delicate female dog. To help you get those creative juices flowing and think of a name for your dog, we have a few pointers that may help.

The main thing to consider when tyrying to choose a unique name for your dog, is whether your dog will be able to distinguish his or her name from your normal everyday commands. If you think about it for a moment, calling your dog 'Joe' or 'Boe' may very well confuse your pet when your actually trying to say 'NO'. Other similar sounds are 'Sit', 'Stay', 'Fetch', 'Down' etc.

Try and choose a unique name that is easy for your dog to pick up on. Usually one or two syllabul words are easier to distinguish from background noise especially when your dog gets hard of hearing. Another point to consider when choosing a name, is whether you would feel comfortable calling your dog at the top of your voice in the middle of a crowded park. Novelty names may sound appealing at first but can leave you feeling embarrassed or even worse, unwilling to call your dog when out in public.

Sometimes, waiting a few days after getting your new dog before choosing your unique name can make the process much easier. The reason for this, is that you may pick up on little characteristics of your new dog that will give you some inspiration. If your new puppy loves to steal things and hide them in their bed, how about 'Sinbad'? Maybe your new dog is a brave little soul and has the strength and character of a lion, maybe 'Leo' would suit your new dog.

Another great source of unique dog names, is from books and television. Do you have a favourite cartoon character or a favourite childhood hero? There are literally hundreds of possibilities.

Choosing a unique dog name can be a lot of fun and will endow your dog with a new identity within your family. Take a little time and do a bit of research and you will soon find the perfect name for your new pet.

Article By Andrew Strachan. Find lots more information about dogs names and different types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com Lots of help and advice too.

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

Choosing A Unique Dog Name By Andrew Strachan

If you are thinking of getting a new puppy or if you have just bought a dog, it's probably getting to the stage where you are trying to think of a unique name for your new pet. Thinking of a unique name for your dog can be quite difficult, especially when you are not feeling very creative.

When you choose a name, it's important to choose a good one as that name will be with your dog for life. You don't want to give a big strong male dog a cutsie name or similarly a male name to a delicate female dog. To help you get those creative juices flowing and think of a name for your dog, we have a few pointers that may help.

The main thing to consider when tyrying to choose a unique name for your dog, is whether your dog will be able to distinguish his or her name from your normal everyday commands. If you think about it for a moment, calling your dog 'Joe' or 'Boe' may very well confuse your pet when your actually trying to say 'NO'. Other similar sounds are 'Sit', 'Stay', 'Fetch', 'Down' etc.

Try and choose a unique name that is easy for your dog to pick up on. Usually one or two syllabul words are easier to distinguish from background noise especially when your dog gets hard of hearing. Another point to consider when choosing a name, is whether you would feel comfortable calling your dog at the top of your voice in the middle of a crowded park. Novelty names may sound appealing at first but can leave you feeling embarrassed or even worse, unwilling to call your dog when out in public.

Sometimes, waiting a few days after getting your new dog before choosing your unique name can make the process much easier. The reason for this, is that you may pick up on little characteristics of your new dog that will give you some inspiration. If your new puppy loves to steal things and hide them in their bed, how about 'Sinbad'? Maybe your new dog is a brave little soul and has the strength and character of a lion, maybe 'Leo' would suit your new dog.

Another great source of unique dog names, is from books and television. Do you have a favourite cartoon character or a favourite childhood hero? There are literally hundreds of possibilities.

Choosing a unique dog name can be a lot of fun and will endow your dog with a new identity within your family. Take a little time and do a bit of research and you will soon find the perfect name for your new pet.

Article By Andrew Strachan. Find lots more information about dogs names and different types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com Lots of help and advice too.

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

Free Dog Training Tips By Julie Lees

All of us with dogs at home know just how important dog training is. It is possible to train dogs of all ages, not only puppies and it not only saves mess and destruction in your house but results in a content dog too. I am the proud owner of a Border Terrier dog named Ruby. She is just over a year old and I bought her as a puppy.

A friend of mine already had two border terriers of her own and gave me lots of advice and information about their temperament, size, grooming and exercise before I decided this was the breed for me. It is important before you buy a dog to consider all of these things, especially their size as an adult and exercise requirements. It is obviously not a good idea to buy a large dog if you live in a small house or one that requires a lot of exercise if you do not have the time to take it out every day.

The first few weeks were a bit hectic. I seemed to be constantly running around following this puppy and teaching her all the basic things she needed to know. What is important with all dogs is that constant praise is essential. No matter what you are teaching your dog to do, lavish praise on them every time they get it right. Your dog will very quickly appreciate this and want to please you all the more.

The same goes for reprimanding them when they do bad things. By this I mean using a stern voice which will be recognised instantly when they understand you are not happy. I never hit my dog when she gets it wrong as this is very confusing for her and can result in aggression. If you have a dog that you find does not respond to well to walking on a lead then I would highly recommend buying a harness instead. There are many available in pet shops and once you have mastered the art of fitting and adjusting it they can be put on very quickly. My dog can be very excitable at the prospect of walkies but I have found that she responds much better when walking with a harness.

These are only a few tips on getting started with your puppy training or dog training. I would strongly recommend that you read as much as you can about training your dog, but please remember it is up to you to devote the time and patience to your pet to get any results. Always make sure training is a pleasurable experience and in a safe environment.

My dog is not perfect like a show dog, but she is now obedient and great fun to have around. I hope you have found these tips on dog training useful as a starting point. If you are interested in finding out how to train your dog, and watch a free lesson online you can find more by visiting here.

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Dogs, Still a Man's Best Friend - Justin Vander Ploeg

People have owned dogs as pets for thousands of years. Ever since then dogs have had a behavior problem. You know what I'm talking about; dogs do many things that we do not want them to do such as, barking in the middle of the night, peeing on the carpet, digging holes in the ground, and even biting your guests. Now, many people have tried to figure out ways to teach dogs how to act. But lately there have been many books written on how to solve your dog's behavior problem. These books have a price but in my opinion they are worth it. It is such a blessing to have your dog act the way you want him to and even have him perform a few tricks to impress your friends. Dogs are like people in some ways: they like to be loved, they want to feel needed, and they like to play.

Dogs are used for many purposes such as, hunting food for their owner as they do in the books Sounder and Where the Red Fern Grows. But dogs are also used just as household pets like in books such as Shiloh. Dogs are one of the best companions you could ever have. They will stand by you to the end and will protect you from enemies. Dogs are used all over the world; they are used in wars, by the police, and as I have said just as your household pet. They have been used in times past as the tool for bounty hunters, as one of the key providers for a frontier family, and as always your lovable household pet.

The number one place that people get there dogs at is the pet store. Thousands of dogs are sold there each year. The advantage of buying your dog at the pet store is that you will be able to choose which breed you want or you can get a specific mix of breeds.

People name their dogs many things and they have been doing so for thousands of years. People have used interesting names for their dogs that may sound weird but these names usually have wonderful meanings behind them. Dogs have been named everything from Fluffy to Thor.

About The Author:

Justin Vander Ploeg provides you with pet care products at http://www.solutionsbyjustin.com/

This article is free for republishing
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What type of Dog Food is best for your Pet?- A. M. Wilmot

The first problem that new pet owners face is generally the
issue of food. What should we buy and what should we stay away
from? Introducing a young dog to the world of food should be a
very delicate process. Owners should carefully monitor how much
food is given to the new pet versus how much they are eating.
We should be stringent about how quickly we increase the amount
of food because we always run the risk of overfeeding.

Renowned holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks claims that the
maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be between 25 to 30
years, And yet the average dog usually lives no longer than 13
to 14 years.

Dr. Jane claims that this difference is caused mostly from
substandard nourishment.

For example, canned food is about 75 to 78 percent moisture,
which leaves very little room for nutrition.

In addition to containing what is generally considered the
bottom of the barrel ingredients in terms of nutritional
density, most conventional dog food products contain especially
large amounts of sodium to make them palatable, as well as
dairy, by-products, chemical preservatives, artificial colors
and other potentially harmful ingredients. The carbohydrate
ratio is too high in some dog food brands as well, eventually
leading to obesity, which is increasingly becoming a serious
problem with dogs.

In fact, obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing
our dogs; it can cause unnecessary suffering and a shortened
lifespan.

Renowned research scientist Dr. Barry Sears believes that dog
food should have about the same 30-30-40 ratio as the human Zone
diet. This means a relatively small amount of carbohydrates. Not
only do many dog food brands have a particulary large amount of
carbohydrates, they are mostly grain based, which are exactly
the ones the Zone diet tries to minimize.

Another problem, according to the USDA Agricultural service, is
that mites often get into dog food pellets, which can cause a
number of problems such as disease. They recommend keeping dog
food cool and dry, and vacuuming in the places where the food is
stored the food is stored a least once a week. In addition keep
the are around the dish where the dog food is served clean.

Also, do not leave any dog food in your pet's bowl on warm,
humid days.

It should be noted that harder working dogs require more protein
and fat in their diet to maintain stamina and good body form. A
dog food that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26
percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy
per pound is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are not working,
their energy requirements decrease. Feed less of the high calorie
food or change to a less nutrient-dense dog food.

Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the
veternary profession and is the author of several books
inlcluding 'Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog' and
'Dr. Jane's Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog'. She
has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine
Companions for independence and has served as the President
of the Veterinary Medical association of New York City.

To find out more about her holistic food and other dog food
nutrition facts, go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/



A. M. Wilmot is an author and researcher in the fields of
human and pet health.
For more info. go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/
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A Little Bit About The Chihuahua by Connie Limon

The Chihuahua is know by no other name and has been popular north and south of the Rio Grande for many years. It is the oldest purebred canine native to the North American continent.

The Chihuahua’s origin is filled with tales and extends back to the Toltec civilization of Mexico in the ninth century. Discovery of the earliest Chihuahuas were in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Ancestors of the Chihuahua could include a small hairless Chinese dog, which could account for the size reduction of the original Chihuahua. The ancient people in Mexico first developed a prairie dog or gopher, which was mute, longhaired and larger than the present-day Chihuahua.

Tales are many about the uses of this tiny dog in Toltec and later Aztec religious rites. Nearly all Chihuahua fanciers accept one fact: This is that the modern Chihuahua that was discovered in Chihuahua, Mexico, in the mid-1800s stands apart from all other canines. This tiny breed prefers its own kind to all other dogs. The Chihuahua can be sociable with other dogs, but most definitely still is more content when surrounded by other Chihuahuas. Because of this fact it probably is not a good idea to own other pets if you desire to own a Chihuahua. Your household will be better of with multiple Chihuahuas if that is your chosen breed.

The Chihuahua has no claims of ties to royalty and any hunting abilities or heritage. The Chihuahua is known primarily as a wonderful little social able human companion and that is the main purpose of the Chihuahua today and in time past. The Chihuahua is quite content to have no work assigned to it. He fits nicely even in the smallest spaces and is content to spend his days lying in the sun or being pampered by its humans. The Chihuahua makes a perfect pocket pal and can travel with you just about anywhere almost invisible to strangers. The Chihuahua is not a big eater; therefore, food expense for the Chihuahua is quite minimal. He actually requires no kind of special care beyond a warm place to sleep and his treasured humans.

Chihuahua is usually most comfortable with senior adults and other adult families. They do not fit well into homes with preschoolers, toddlers or young adolescents. Preschoolers may try to grab at the Chihuahua, toddlers are likely to step on it or fall over it and young adolescents in their busy rush of a day may injure it.

Personality

The Chihuahua will usually claim ownership of one family member with whom it bonds tightly. He is brave, loyal, affectionate and intelligent that can be highly sensitive and stubborn. He does not do well walking on a leash and being taken for long walks. It is just easier to pick up the Chihuahua and carry him on your walk rather than have him in a collar and on a leash. They are mostly house companions and adornments. Some are able to learn tricks and may even enjoy performing for guests.

Appearance

The Chihuahua has no height standard but usually stands about 5 inches tall and weighs no more than 6 pounds. Its skull is described as an apple dome shape, with or without a spot spot. Its muzzle is short and pointed. The Chihuahua is shown in smooth- and longhaired varieties. The smooth variety’s coat should be soft, glossy and close. The longhaired variety coat has a soft texture withor without waves or curls, its ears are edged with fringes, and its tail, feet, legs and neck are well feathered. Colors are any color or combination of colrs, solid, marked, or splashed.

Grooming

You will need a cushioned bristle brush and a medium-toothed comb for both the smooth coat and long haired varieties. The long haired Chihuahua is easy to maintain with weekly brushing. The short haired coat also benefits from weekly brushings. You can use a chamois cloth to bring the coat up to a shine in the short haired Chihuhua.


About The Author
Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog supplies and a toy dog breed directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, a 12 picture video and advertising in our newsletters for one year at the rate of $25 per year.

Five Tips for Finding Furniture for Your Dog by Links

Finding furniture for your dog is a lot like buying furniture for yourself. You look for the style you want, the price, the color, the durability of the material, how easy it is to care for, the quality, how well it fits in with the rest of your home décor and how much you'll have to spend. These are all the same elements you should look for in dog furniture as well, and here are five tips to help you determine which dog furniture to buy, what kind of furniture is right for your dog and which furniture fits into your home.

First off, one of the most important aspects of dog furniture is its durability. This is especially crucial, as how durable your dogs furniture is depends on how long it will last. Scratching paws, fur, dirt, nibbles, and drool-your dog's furniture has to be able to withstand all this and more. Solutions to the durability problem include looking for industrial, high grade canvas and removable canvas covers, anti odor properties and other similar durability-improving elements. Also look for stain resistance, antibacterial and machine washable materials, as anything else can become a hassle.

Second, look at materials carefully. The material you use can effect more than just its lifetime, it can actually affect your dogs comfort. While dogs are hardy creatures, even they are subject to the same aches and pains that assail their humans. Joint problems, aching backs, soreness and stiffness are al qualities that can affect the way your dog functions, especially older dogs. For this reason, it's imperative that your dog's bed is orthopedically friendly. This means material that is soft and moldable with high memory virgin upholstery fiber fill or other similar filling is essential.

Size is the third factor to consider when thinking about buying dog furniture. Make sure you buy furniture that is the correct size and width of your dog. This means that whether you're buying furniture from a pet store or online, you need to measure your dog and makes sure it fits. A doggy sofa and bed, for example, are only comfy for your dog if they fit. This means being able to stretch out and wriggle around without sliding off of the furniture in question.

The fourth thing to think about is price. You want to pay enough that you get good quality, but you don't want to pay too much for lesser quality. The solution to this is to look at guarantees related to the furniture, materials, and all the other qualities mentioned above.

Last but not least, you want to look at style. Ideally, you want to find a style of furniture that can fit into the décor of your home; luckily, most materials come in a variety of colors and there is furniture in many styles; your best bet if you're unsure is to buy a neutral or primary color, like beige or navy blue, as these fit in nicely with most home décor styles, even the most eclectic.

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About the Author seo experts. Source: articletrader.com