Dog Adoption: What I Learned from My 2 Rescue Dogs

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

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Dog Scratching and Itching- By Sunil Tanna

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

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

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

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

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

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Ringworm Is The Common Dog Illness - By Judy Wellsworth

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

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

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Ban Dog Fighting - By Eric Hartwell

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.

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A Dog's Day Out

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...

Perfect Tips for Training Your Puppies

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

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

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

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

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

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Tips On Curing Your Dog's Ear Infections

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

What To Do When Your Dog Whines Like A Child - By John Edwards

Whining is one of the earliest vocal behaviorisms of puppies. Its first significance appears to be related to the stress of social isolation, cold and hunger. When whining becomes a problem in a pet under 6 months of age, the cause is usually easily determined by defining when and where it occurs.

Why does your dog whine?

A pup whines to gain some objective. For example, the pup that is isolated in the kitchen on its first nights in a new home finds that sufficient whining gains the sympathy of the owners, who may then carry the pet into bed with them. This puppy often generalizes its whining to many other of life's frustrating stresses, and whines for relief. Another cause may be a genuine internal physical discomfort, such as gastritis or internal parasitism. If a problem whiner has not been thoroughly checked by its veterinarian for health problems, this should be done before any remedial behavioral steps are undertaken.

Certain Arctic breeds (Malamutes and Huskies) and some strains of German Shepherds are apt to emit an excruciatingly piercing whine whenever they are anxious. This type of anxiety whining is more complex and requires careful attention to the relationship between the owners and the pet involved than the simpler forms usually shown by young puppies.

How can you stop your dog from whining?

In the simplest type of whining, that which is goal oriented, correction is straightforward: satisfy the need. However, if isolation is the cause, the problem must be solved with the same steps applied in barking.

The owner should stop isolating the pup, or, if this is impossible, gain a strong leadership position with the pup and use some distracting stimulus to interrupt the first signs of anxiety when the pet is isolated. This type of correction requires some play acting. The owner must pretend to be going off to work even on the weekends, and start the workday an hour earlier than usual to allow enough time for the correction procedure.

When whining results from generalized anxiety, the pup involved is typically a "bossy" type. These pups whine when the owner's attentions are withdrawn. They seem generally discontent in any situation they cannot control, such as car rides, when the owners have company and try to ignore the pup, or when the owner tries to make a telephone call. In other words, these pets become the canine counterparts of human children best described as spoiled brats.

Correction in these pups involves the owner's gaining response to simple commands, such as "Come," "Sit" and "Stay." The puppy must be ignored at all other times insofar as praise, petting or other unearned social (or food) rewards are concerned. If the pup pesters for attention, it is immediately given one of the commands taught and then petted briefly. This teaches the puppy that the owners are in control of the relationship and avoids physical punishment, a step that is usually unsuccessful.

For information and tips on enema for dogs, visit http://www.dogcaretraining.com, a website that specializes in providing tips, advice and resources on dog care, training and health.

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Taking Your Pet on Holiday -

Can I take my Pet on Holiday with me?
These days it’s easier than you might think to take your pet on holiday with you. Since the introduction of the PETS passport scheme, flying with animals has become much easier.

Which Airlines allow Pets?
When flying internationally you've got a reasonable choice of airlines. British Airway will allow cats and dogs travel as hand luggage or in the hold. Virgin Atlantic allows cats, dogs to travel as cargo in the hold. Dutch Airline KLM will carry pets as hand luggage, checked luggage or as freight. Lufthansa carries pets as hand luggage or cargo, American Airlines carries cats and dogs in the cabin or in the hold and many of the other large international airlines also transport animals. All airlines will require you to reserve your pet's travel before you go. Each airline has slightly different regulations about what and how they will carry animals. While some airlines allow pets in the cabin, others do not and there is always an administrative charge for transportation of animals.

Low-cost airlines
None of the UK based low-cost carriers will allow pets to travel in the cabin. Only Flybe will allow pets to travel in the hold as cargo. Some European discount airlines have different rules:
• Germanwings allows cats and dogs to travel as hand luggage, travelling in a waterproof box, as long as the total weight is less than 8kg and the total dimensions less than 45 x 29 x 22cm.The Scandinavian low-cost carrier Sterling.dk allows cats and dogs to travel in the cabin instead of a hand luggage baggage as long as the dimensions do not exceed 50x40x25cm and the weight does not exceed 10kg. Pets can also be carried in the hold for a cost of €6 per kilo.

How to carry your pet?
You can book your pet to fly two different ways: accompanied or unaccompanied. Accompanied flying does not necessarily mean that your pet will be able to sit with you. If the animal is traveling with you, the travel cage will have to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you and the standard maximum allowable weight is normally 8-10kg. Normally, only one pet is allowed per basket (and only one basket per passenger) though some airlines will permit very small animals to travel together, usually with a maximum of two per Cage, so two young puppies, under the age of six months, might be allowed to travel together. But note that no airline will transport animals that have not yet been weaned.

If your pet is traveling in the hold, you must provide enough food and drink for it for the journey and you must have fed it within four hours of the departure time. The hold is usually left dark so that the animals can settle down to a good sleep and the temperature is controlled. Be careful if flying in the summertime as pets will not be carried on planes if the temperature is expected to exceed 85F at any point in the journey. Snub-nosed dogs and some breeds of cats (such as Siamese) have even stricter travel procedures, because they find it harder to breathe than other anima. Some airlines refuse to carry them in the hold at all and none will permit them to travel if the temperature is expected to be above 75F at any point in the journey. Cargo departments of most airports are separate to the passenger terminals, so make sure you know where you need to go to pick them up.

Rules for travel
The following are standard rules for travel, but do check with the individual airline as variations occur.
• Documentation must be ready in advance of travel. Some countries require import licenses and records of vaccinations will always be needed. A certificate is required from a vet stating that the animal is in good health and it must have been issued within 14 days before travel.
• Baskets or Cages must be big enough for the pet to sit, stand and move around in and must be well ventilated on all four sides. The animal must not be able to fit its nose or paws outside the mesh or ventilation holes. They must be locked and secured Water and food containers must be accessible from the outside. The container must be marked "live animals" on the side, in letters at least an inch high.

Pet's passport: The DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) Pet Travel Scheme (commonly known as pet's passport) lets animals from certain countries enter the UK without undergoing the six month quarantine period. This means that you can bring your pet back into the UK as well, without them having to undergo quarantine. To meet the rules of the scheme, your pet needs to be fitted with a microchip, vaccinated against rabies and then blood-tested. You then have to wait for six months after the animal has been blood-tested to check that the vaccine was successful to get the documentation from the vet that will allow it to travel and your pet will be issued with an EU passport. The scheme applies to dogs, cats and ferrets. Other domestic animals such as birds, rabbits, rodents and fish can also be transported under the scheme, though, obviously, they do not have to be micro chipped or given rabies vaccinations. The scheme is excellent for providing easy transportation of animals from the UK, but it does take time to follow the procedures, so make sure you start at least seven months before you're due to fly.

Air miles for Pets??
Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines have launched frequent flyer programmes for pets. Virgin's Flying Paws reward scheme lets animals win gifts for themselves and air miles for their owner. On their first flight, the animals will receive a "welcome on board pet pack" complete with doggy t-shirts, toy mouse or, for the ferrets, a flying jacket and collar tag. All pets will receive their own passport, which lets them collect paw prints that they can redeem for gifts. United program, United Pet Pass, lets owners earn an extra 1,200 air miles when their pets travel with them.

Terry King runs Parcel Pets, a leading UK pet supplies web site and has had pets all his life. He lives with his wife Louise, dog Sam, Cat Sabrina and 5 fish!

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Dog Haloween Costumes

At Halloween, kids aren't the only ones who get to dress up and enjoy treats. Hundreds of dog lovers get their pets into the act with dog Halloween costumes. The following are the top 10 costumes for dogs this Halloween.

1. Jailbird

The jailbird outfit with the classic black & white stripes will bring a smile to any dog lover's face. Make sure you get a funny hat to complete the look.

2. Angel

How cute would your little pooch be with a halo and a pair of silk wings? After all, aren't they all little angels?

3. Devil

Okay, maybe they're not all little angels. The bright red color of most devil costume is really eye-catching. Add a red cape or bow tie and a pair of horns and you've got the perfect little devil.

4. Superman

Or should that be Superdog? Put him in the red & blue tights with the big "S" on the chest and you'll have a dog of steel. Top it off with red boots or footies.

5. Bride & Groom

If you've got two dogs, bride and groom costumes are a great way to include them both. The groom costume is especially effective with a breed such as the Bulldog, which often looks a little unsettled anyway.

6. Pirate

Pirate costumes are popular right now with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and your dog can help you complete your outfit. A bandana and an eye patch will give your dog the necessary look, and he can replace the parrot as your trusty sidekick.

7. Clown

If you're lucky enough to have a dog that will accept a clown nose for more than two seconds, this is the perfect costume for you. Even without the nose, you can get a pretty good looking clown with a crazy wig and some bright, colorful duds.

8. King or Queen

Your dog probably already gets treated like royalty, so why not complete the effect? Velvet robes, crowns and jewel-studded collars will make your pet into a regal figure.

9. Animals

Maybe your dog would like to spend a day in your cat's shoes? Why not try dressing him up as a different animal even - pigs, cows, bunny rabbits and frogs are just a few of your options.

10. Flowers

If your dog is willing to put up with a hat for the night, there are lots of cute flower costumes you can get. Even if they won't go for the hat, you can get some costumes that have neck pieces made to look like petals or leaves.

Whatever costume you decide on, just make sure you try it on a few times before Halloween night so your dog gets used to it. The last thing you want is having the costume torn up when he's thrashing around trying to get out of it!

Are you looking for ideas for dog Halloween costumes? Check out the Get In Costume website for lots of fun & creative costume ideas. Plus, get a free copy of my special report "The Family Guide To Halloween Safety" at http://www.getincostume.com

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

Learn About Dog Eye Health - By Judy Wellsworth

Dogs for some reason tend to receive eye injuries more in some breeds than other breeds. Some other health problems of the eye contribute to irritations of the eye and may require medical attention before the problem affects the dogs sight. Dogs have problems with conjunctivitis and other eyes problems.

Red eyes, swollen eyes and weepy eyes are signs of something wrong and should be checked by your veterinarian to determine if is caused by an allergy or a more serious health problem such as conjunctivitis. The problem may also be the result of an injury if the dog plays with other dogs or cats with claws. If the dog has conjunctivitis, itching the eye by the dog may irate the eyes even more. Viruses, allergies, bacterial and parasites can cause conjunctivitis in the dog.

Sometime this problem accompanies another infection such as a respiratory problem. Diagnosis by your vet should confirm the type of eye infection and follow up with an antibiotic as long as there is no other underlying problem. Conjunctivitis is contagious and needs immediate care before spreading the infection to other dogs.

Dog Eye Health and Keratoconjunctivitis SiccaInsufficient fluid in the tear film results in keratoconjunctivitis sicca and produces thick mucus that has a thin coat over the eye in some cases. Treatments for this problem are a stimulant and an anti-inflammatory reducer. Your vet will be able to diagnosis this problem without expensive tests in most cases.

Dog Eye Health Chronic Superficial Keratitis

The common name for this condition is degenerative pannus, which normally affects German Shepherds. Some other dog breed suffers this condition although this is very rare. The superficial blood vessels and pigmentation of the eye are affected when this health problem exists. Although not painful for the dog, left untreated loss of vision will occur.

Dog Eye Health Cherry Eye and Swelling of the EyelidsParasites, bacterial, dermatitis, neoplasia and viruses can cause inflammation to the eye. This may be caused by the sun, metabolic disease or trauma. Treatment varies depending on the condition and the severity. A prolaspe of the third eyelid gland is Cherry eye, which is not serious. Pekinese, Beagles and Cocker Spaniels seem to be prone to Cherry eye more than other breeds of dogs. Treatment for this condition is removal of the gland involved.

Dog Eye Health Queratitis

This condition is an inflammation to the eye, specifically the cornea, caused by a scrape or scratch, bacterial or a virus. To prevent an ulcer the infection needs immediate attention. Do not try to treat this condition yourself as more damage could result from improper medications such as eye drops.

Eyes need to be cleaned daily to ensure that any foreign objects or dirt which can irritate the eye. Most breeds of dogs can produce tears to rid the eye from these things, but the Cocker Spaniel breed does not have enough tear secretion to clean the eye by itself, so help is needed.
You can also find more info on dog licking problem and health problems in older dog.

AboutDogHealth.org is a comprehensive resource to help dog owners identify their dog's illness symptoms and treatment options.

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