Everything You Should Know About CARING For Animals

Photo   by Dawn Ashley 

Most of us have had pets of one kind or another. If you have a dog or you think that you may need one in the future, you have got to think about some things first. This article will supply you with superb advice on caring for your dog.

When you have a dog, make certain that you give him enough water. Water should be provided to your dog at all times of the day, particularly in the summer. Put his water bowl somewhere where nobody will trip over it, otherwise, you will be cleaning your floors all day!

If your puppy dog is teething and chewing at everything, buy him an exciting gnaw toy and keep it in the fridge. Not only will this provide him with a good substitute for your furniture, but the cold will help to make his gums feel a bit better. Most younger dogs nibble out of necessity, not poor manners.

Pup

If you're brooding about adopting a dog, try taking one or two weeks off work so you can spend some time with your little dog and teach it one or two good habits. Coaching your little puppy and helping it become used to its new environment will be way easier if you're home.

When clipping a puppy's toenails, start slow. Introduce your tiny dog to them prior to beginning cutting. You'll only be well placed to get a single nail done in a sitting. It might take a while for puppy dog to become ok with the concept of nail clipping, but shortly, you'll be able to get through it all at once.

Treatment

When taking your senior dog to the vet for a once a year visit, be sure to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to identify any kidney, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is typically minimally invasive and less pricey. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy for many years to come.

When you train your dog, you'll always need to use positive reinforcement. Rewards and praise make your pet learn quicker than threats and violence. Tolerant coaching is better for several years to come and it's better. be kind during training; you will get better and faster results.

Care

Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by vehicle. Even with your air conditioning on, the dog may become overheated in his pet carrier. An easy and lower cost dog ringworm home-based treatment and freezing one or two-gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he will curl up and chill.

If your dog is really rowdy or simply excitable, gurus recommend that you don't bring them along on vacation. Many times the thrill and misunderstanding of a new area full of strangers are too much for the hyper dog and unpleasant events may occur. Find a great dog house to look after your pooch as an alternative.

These pointers may help you become a better owner for your dog. Use these different tips and do more research on the things you have got to know about to correctly take care of your dog. Read this draft over as many times as you need to.

Author: Lisa Thomas

---

---

---

Hefty DOGS

Unfortunately, more and more canines are becoming overweight. Obese pets live shorter lives and generally acquire other related health issues. What is it possible to do if your puppy is putting on the weight?

The very first thing to do is take a good look at the way you interact together with dog.

Do you feed the dog family table leftovers? Does your dog get between mealtime treats? Does your dog have chips with you if you are watching television?

These items can easily be eliminated. Only feed the dog at his dinner times. He does not require all those additional calories. You don't have to be terrible, but you will have to reduce the number of snacks he receives every day.

Look at just how much dinner you will be providing him and read your dog food label carefully. You may be over feeding the family dog. Nearly all puppy foods list on the content label exactly how much food a pet ought to be given on a daily basis. Make certain that you're following these instructions. Numerous owners find out that they have switched companies and did not take the trouble to go through the content label and discover that the canine is actually receiving an excessive amount of food.

Do you have to give your canine a goody to make him obey? If you do, you might want to spend some time re-training your four-legged friend. Most dogs love to delight their masters, and often will perform for encouragement by itself. Keep the puppy guessing. Ask him to complete a trick but only reward him every second time. Give the animal a lot of compliments and pets as soon as your puppy does respond accurately. Continue on doing this and slowly get rid of the need for a food incentive.

Additionally you need to look into the amount of physical exercise your four-legged friend is actually receiving on a daily basis. Leaving the animal outside in the backyard just isn't adequate. Very few family pets will workout themselves. They may be outdoors but they are probably not really burning calories from fat. You must get out and have fun with the dog or take him for a walk around the block.

When the weather conditions or even your situation won't allow for a lot of walks you'll want to consider additional workout choices. Retain the services of a walker, find ways to get the dog lively inside your home, but get your pet moving.

As a responsible dog owner see what and how your puppy eats and your friend will live a a lot longer and much healthier life.

---

---

---

The Importance Of Organic DOG GROOMING

Tibetian Mastiff - Photo   by       http://www.petsadviser.com 

Despite the savings to your schedule and wallet, you may still feel that the hassle of learning grooming instructions outweighs the benefits. Grooming your furry friend takes a lot of time and patience, preparation, and commitment. Without these, you cannot survive to take the responsibilities of an owner.

Just a couple of minutes every day may increase the bond between you and your pet as well as improve its overall health. Also, it is better to consider organic dog grooming in Miami. There are many natural ways of grooming. All dogs can benefit from regular bathing. However, the same with dog food, a lot of shampoos also contain harmful ingredients.

It is vital to choose the safest and effective shampoo products that cannot dry their skin as well as their hair. You should check if there are ingredients mixed in any product such as surfactants, insecticides, artificial fragrances, and foaming. It is better to use herbs like citrus oil and organic compounds. This way, you will be able to protect them from skin irritation.

Apart from bathing, another thing to consider is to keep their ears clean as it can lessen itching and even bacterial and yeast ears infections. Thus, before choosing a product, it is vital to check the label of your shampoo to avoid those products containing harmful chemicals that could irritate them. Try using ear cleaners and washers that only contain organic oils and avoid those products with alcohol.

Dental disease is a common disease of many dogs and other animals. Thus, a regular brushing is helpful to reduce the frequency of cleanings that could only be performed under anesthesia. A product that is put on toothbrush should not contain harmful chemicals. You should also avoid using human dental products as it contains artificial components which are toxic to them.

With just a bit of research, you can easily find high quality organic and natural grooming products that are safe enough and effective. Basically, groomers seem to be getting more expensive as time flies and for owners who need high maintenance for their dogs, they have to drive to the groomer, drive back and pay for the service. It is quite a time consuming and expensive as well.

You only have to consider the things that should be done to save more money and time. You may consider doing it by your own and use organic products. There are some dogs that are not wagging their tails especially if they are traveling far places to their groomers. So, if you would reduce this activity to them and learn the process of proper grooming, then it will also worth your time and effort.

Grooming your pet at home will likely to become a source of bond for both of you. It allows you to spend more time and obedience training with them. Even if you decide to continue using a professional groomer from Miami, FL, you still need to groom them from time to time. Remember, cleanliness means healthiness.

Once you have gathered information about this undertaking, then it would be easier for you to perform it. This way, you can build a relationship with them while maintaining their health. Through this, you will be able to obtain the results you are aiming for.

About the Author: Leslie Ball When you are looking for information about organic dog grooming in Miami, you can pay a visit to the web pages online here today. Details are available at http://www.tenderpetgrooming.com now.

---

---

Tough Time Finding Good DOG CARE Patterns Use These Ideas

Anybody can go out and get a dog and bring him home. But if you wish to properly care for your dog, you've got to know what you're doing. Concentrate on the following useful information on ringworm canine so that you can confirm your dog has everything it needs so as to live and long and healthy life.

Cookie: "What, I gotta shower too?" Me: "That little red patch looks suspicious.
Might be ringworm." Cookie: "Gunfunnit."Photo   by       effin_peaz  (cc)

If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet straight away. Shelter dogs may be sick or exposed to different viruses. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.

To make certain that your dog is healthy, be sure to allow it to get access to clean water at all points during the daytime. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most important elements. The sole exception would be that you would want to keep water from a puppy dog for three hours before bedtime.

Lift your dog correctly. If you have a little dog or puppy dog, place your one hand under their chest and use your other hand for supporting their rump and hind legs. If you're lifting a huge dog, lift them from their underside supporting their chest using your one arm and using your other arm to support their rear end. Never lift a dog by their back legs, tail, or the nape of their neck.

You have to give careful thought to a decision to bring a dog into your life. Often, it is difficult to resist the delightful face of a puppy or dog, but don't forget how much is concerned in the care of a pet. Take everything into account first to be sure you can supply your little puppy with everything that he needs and to be in a position to manage it successfully.

Consider young dog coaching classes for your young pet. Puppies are eager to learn, and a class is a superb atmosphere to let them do so in. Classes are also regularly less expensive than individual lessons. This could teach your pup necessary behavior abilities and permit both of you bonding time too.

Your dog loves you completely, and you would like to ensure you supply the most for him. it's important that you utilize the information you have been given so you can work towards taking great care of your pet. Your pet merits correct care, and you can now provide that to him.

Author: Scott Araiza

---

---

Feeding the OLDER DOG

Dog Food for the Older Dog

What changes do you need to make to your dog feeding regime as your dog gets older?

The changes you make to your dog feeding regime, and when you make them will vary depending on the age of your dog, and the breed of your dog.

It is considered that the larger and giant breeds of dog age earlier than the smaller and toy breeds of dog.

Your objective in managing the nutrition of the older dog is to enhance his quality of life, delay further ageing changes, and to extend his life whilst maintaining his optimal weight.

You are also trying to slow down the onset of disease and improve immune function.

Photo by OakleyOriginals

Older dogs will generally be less active than younger dogs so as a rule will require a less energy dense dog food, unless of course the dog's appetite is reduced for some reason.

Continuing to feed a dog the same amount of food with less exercise will inevitably result in obesity, a problem all too common in many dogs today.

In the old dog obesity can be a bigger problem than in the young dog as there may also be concurrent arthritis and organ problems which will be made worse.

A keen eye is needed to assess the energy needs of your dog as it ages, so be aware and switch brands if your dog's weight shows marked changes as it ages.

For the older dog a good quality animal protein based on meat, fish eggs, milk or cheese is better than cereal protein.

A balance needs to be struck between providing too much protein which may be a problem for dogs with renal failure (a common problem in older dogs), and providing too little.

As ageing dogs tend to have less muscle and bone they will have less of a tissue protein reserve and need a certain level of protein in their diet to avoid a negative nitrogen balance.

Your veterinarian is the best person to monitor your ageing dog's renal function and advise the appropriate level of protein in his diet.

When your dog's protein intake is low due to inappetance, this can be increased by heating the food to increase palatability and release more aromas, and by feeding smaller more frequent meals and by supplementing with vitamins.

Carbohydrates are mainly provided by cereals and legumes in the diet, and these are a cheap source of energy.

Care should be taken with the sugar content of some of these foods

Fats are essential in the diet to provide a vehicle for fat soluble vitamins, and are essential for the health of old dogs.

However too much may result in obesity, so again moderation is the rule.

Fibre has a role too in the elderly dog as many are predisposed to constipation.

Adding fibre in the form of wheat bran or cooked vegetables two or three times a week will help to keep your elderly dog regular!

Most dog foods will have more than adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus for the older dog.

There may be a case for reduced levels of phosphorus and salt in the diet.

Some supplementation of zinc and vitamins may be helpful in the older dog, particularly the vitamin B complex.

The main food types for the older dog are - dry, semi-moist or canned.

Diet changes should be made slowly to prevent tummy upsets and diarrhoea.

Be sure to have plenty of water available for your dog, particularly if fed a dried food, and also if kidney and liver disease is a problem.

Reduced appetite in older dogs may be helped by feeding them 2 or more times per day with smaller portions so that they get their full daily requirement.

There are many commercial senior dog food diets now available.

It will pay you to thoroughly examine the different types to increase the life span and vitality of your older dog.

---

---

---

Guideline For Choosing DOG TREATS

What makes you love your dogs? Is it because of the way he loves you in return and the eagerness that you feel when he attempts to please? This love can be more emphasized through dog training as it creates the firm bond between you and your pal.

Gourmet dog treats produced by dog bakery Natertot Bakery
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One well-recognized method of dog training is through the use of dog treats. But dog treats are not for positive reinforcement dog training alone. Most dog owners have used them as snack alternatives. This does not proceed pleasurable experiences but may also aid in maintaining your pal's health.

Like with other pet stuff, there are considerations that an owner should first evaluate before allowing his pet to dog treats. Health components concerning with calorie content is on the priority list.

One of the growing concerns about dog health nowadays is obesity. Almost half of American dogs are overweight. Like with the case of human, obesity may lead to a variety of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Overindulgence is thought as one of the contributing reason for obesity. This may be due to the human factor. Most owners tend to give dog treats on an unregulated basis. For most, it doesn't matter how many calories does a single biscuit may contain. To resolve this issue, an owner needs to cut back on the daily calorie intake of his pet until he reduces some weight. Controlling the quantity of dog treats throughout the day may be of great help. You may also choose to lessen his foods gradually until he reaches a normal weight. In line with this, it is ideal to stick with dog treats with low calories. The subject of obesity may further be resolved through consulting the vet and to implement a regular exercise regimen.

It is also an ill practice to give your dog commercially produced human foods. Some of which may contain elements that are not suited for your dog's health. Commercial foods are also often rich in fats and calories and low in nutrients and vitamins. Moreover, this practice is really not healthy for your dog's manners. This only encourages begging. Give him his dog treats in his own place instead but always bearing the thought of how healthy the dog treats you give are.

Tips on Dog Treats Selection

It is always best to buy naturally produced dog treats. These save you from unnecessary additives that may post threats against your dog's health. Fat and sugar-rich dog treats are a complete no-no. look for dog treats that have a high concentration of fibers and protein.

Dog treats that are primarily made from fishes are good sources of unadulterated health components. These are great foods for human as well as dogs. They are low in calories and fats.

Avoid giving dog treats before any major meals. If you are training him using positive reinforcement, cut back portions of his meals to balance his diet with dog treats.

There are dog treats that are specially made to optimize your dog's health. Working in the same principle as that of the vitamin supplements. These are aids to maintain your dog's health and may even relieve symptoms of certain diseases.

Don't allow that dog treats may cover as much as ten percent of your pet's diet.

In choosing the ideal treat, it is helpful to rely on your best judgments. It is you who know your pet well enough but in cases of doubt, you may as well consult a veterinarian.

---

---

Health Problems in the GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

As with most pedigree breeds, there are certain hereditary conditions that can be a problem in the German Shepherd as well as other health issues that are more prevalent in this breed which need to be considered if you are thinking acquiring a GSD.

9-week-old German Shepherd puppy. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy it is important to ensure that you only purchase a healthy dog from a reputable breeder and a good idea would be to contact the breed council who should be able to provide you with a list of such breeders. Most reputable breeders don’t need to advertise but if they do they tend not to use free papers or other general advertising media but will usually place their advert in a specialist dog magazine or paper. The Kennel Club will provide a list of breeders but this does not signify that they are reputable only that they register their puppies with the KC.

There are a number of common conditions seen in this breed, some of which have a better prognosis than others but all of which are expensive to treat – so insure your German Shepherd Dog as soon as you get it.

Inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia are becoming more common largely because of irresponsible breeding so you should look for a puppy whose parents are both hip scored and the lower the score the better – ideally less than ten. This is a distressing and painful condition for a GSD as well as the costs for treating being prohibitive if the animal is not insured. Elbow dysplasia is also a common hereditary condition.

Bloat or gastric torsion is a real emergency and a life threatening condition, which has become more common in deep chested dogs over the years. Experts are divided but good tips for reducing the risk are that it is best to feed 2 small meals rather than one large meal a day and to avoid feeding your GSD before strenuous exercise.

Anal furunculosis is a distressing auto immune condition which can be controlled with expensive drugs for a while but will inevitably progress as is the condition CDRM which is a degenerative disease which will ultimately lead to the loss of use of the dogs back legs and then bowel/urinary incontinence.

For whatever reason there seems to be an increasing number of GSD’s suffering from PI – pancreatic insufficiency, which presents as chronic watery diarrhoea and failure to thrive. This condition is treatable with expensive pancreatic enzymes and a low fat diet but the regime must be strictly adhered to.

Epilepsy is also more common these days and although it can be controlled by drugs, usually tolerance eventually occurs which will often result in the loss of control of the fits and the likelihood of brain damage as a result of prolonged uncontrolled fitting.

To protect your new puppy and in order to try to minimise long term or future health problems, it is vital that a high quality feeding regime is adopted from the start. German shepherds often have digestive problems so it is important to find a quality food that your dog likes and one that doesn’t upset the digestion. If in doubt ask your vet for advice or contact German Shepherd Rescue UK.

---

---

A True BESTFRIEND

Most dogs, because of their wonderful characteristics, never fail to attract attention wherever they go. With their soft, fluffy hair, kind round eyes, cute little noses, and joyful strutting, it is not hard to understand why a lot of people easily fall in love with them. What makes them really amazing, though, is their seeming ability to show unconditional love and loyalty to the people they live with. Also, they usually project so much liveliness and playfulness that any person cannot help but feel the same way. On the other hand, their calm disposition when they are lying on their owners' lap or anywhere nearby can also cause a certain feeling of comfort and peacefulness. These are actually the same characteristics that make it so easy for dogs to create strong bonds between them and their keepers.

Dogs are observed to bring out a lot of positive feelings and reactions from people. Because of this, a lot of recent studies had been conducted regarding their effectiveness in being instruments for relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. One study stated that having dogs can actually lessen people's stress and anxiety through improving people's moods, improving their social support, encouraging them to exercise, and eliminating their feeling of loneliness. Another study showed that men with AIDS had a lesser tendency to experience depression by keeping dogs as pets. Also, dogs had been noted to provide a sense of companionship to people and are even said to improve a person's self-esteem. They prevent people from experiencing and thinking about negative feelings and ideas, thus, lessening the possibility of those people to feel stressed, anxious, and depressed.

Among the most stressful and, possibly, depressing professions there are, considering the pressure imposed upon them by other people, are probably those of Hollywood stars. Aside from the load of work that they have to handle, they also have to watch out for possible reasons that people can find and use to criticize them. Hollywood actors and actresses are actually forced to do certain things such as to constantly show happiness, to always dress well, or to lose more weight, especially when they need to appear in public, even if that is not how they really feel or what they really like. This must be the reason why a lot of Hollywood stars keep dogs as pets. They probably need these canines to relieve them from all the stress, anxiety, and depression that comes with celebrity fame and fortune. Famous actors and actresses such as Will Smith and Courtney Cox have been noted to say that their

dogs help them to become more happy aside from the companionship and sense of security that these canines provide.

Another article about celebrities and their dogs reported that people in Hollywood choose to have pet dogs because “they need the unconditional love and support man's best friend provides.” Among the Hollywood stars who are known as dog lovers are Paris Hilton, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston, Orlando Bloom, and Jessica Alba.

Aside from Hollywood stars, other famous and powerful people such as politicians, a dictator, and  monarchs, surprisingly, have pet dogs. Among those personalities are George W.  Bush who has a Scottish terrier named Miss Beazley.  Bill Clinton has a cocker spaniel and a Labrador retriever. Adolf Hitler had a dog named Blondi. Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Koningin of the Netherlands are also dog lovers. Dogs must have made so much difference in their owners' lives that some of them are even given large amounts of inheritance after their owners die. Luxury-hotel queen Leona Helmsley and tobacco heiress Doris Duke have been reported to have left their dogs at least 12 million dollars and one hundred thousand dollars, respectively.

---

---

Grooming Your GOLDEN RETRIEVER

Grooming your Golden Retriever is a never ending process.  The entire process should be down once or twice a week, and will take you around a ½ an hour of time.  Brushing your dog while he is shedding will help to control shedding quite a bit.  While outside, if your Golden Retriever manages to get burs or other defects in his hair, you should instantly take a few moments of your time and get the burs or other matter out of his coat.

Golden Retrievers being groomed before a dog show.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When you groom your pet, you should always start with a good brushing.  Brush his entire body, then once you have finished brushing you can switch to a comb to get out any loose hair that remains in the coat.  While you are getting out the hair, you can also inspect your pet for ticks, fleas, and other types of skin ailments.  If you wish, you can also check his ears and trim his nails as well.

Bathing your Golden is essential to grooming, and can be somewhat complicated.  Before you attempt to give him a bath, you should always brush him first, to get rid of tangles.  During shampooing, you should always use shampoos that are specifically for dogs, since human shampoo can dry a dog’s skin out.  You don’t need to bathe your dog often, once every other week is good enough.  If you properly maintain your Golden’s coat, you’ll find it’s much easier to clean.

To prevent matting, which is very common with Golden Retrievers, you should always make sure that you brush your pet on a daily basis.  Metal combs and brushes work extremely well, and will help you to get a great deal of the hair out.  Although some people choose to use scissors and cut the mats, you can easily injure your Golden if he happens to move or jerk.  Scissors aren’t recommended, as brushing and proper bathing will help to prevent matting of the hair better than anything else.

When you cut your dogs nails, you should trim them a great deal, all the while avoiding going down into the quick.  You should never let your Golden’s nails get too long, as long nails can easily take the shape of the dog’s foot, resulting in a splay.  Therefore, you should always check your Golden Retriever’s nails and trim them every few weeks.  If you trim them just right, you’ll have at least 2 weeks before they need to be trimmed again.  If you do happen to trim the nails past the quick, bleeding will occur.  To stop the bleeding, always keep some styptic powder on hand to make sure that you are prepared if you do make a mistake.

With other types of grooming, you should also make sure that you clean your Golden’s ears as well.  They can get ear infections quite easily, if you don’t clean their ears on a regular basis.  To get the best results and protect your pet from ear infections, you should clean his ears once a week using a quality cleansing solution.  This way, you can rest assured that your Golden has healthy ears.

Grooming is an essential aspect to the health of every Golden Retriever.  All it takes is a little bit of time from your day to groom your pet and keep him healthy.  If you don’t have the time to groom your Golden, you can always take him to a professional.  Whether you do it yourself or take your Golden to a pro - grooming is something that simply must be done.

---

---

DOG LEASHES 101

Chain Martingale Dog Collar
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What purpose does the leash serve?

Leashes have been used throughout history to control our dogs and to keep them safe. In purchasing a dog leash, you must determine how you intend to use it and then purchase a size and material that suits the size of your dog and your purpose.

Types of Leashes: Nylon, leather, adjustable dog leash, multiple dog leashes, etc.

Nylon Dog Leash: Nylon Dog Leashes are light weight and durable. They come in many widths, colors and patterns. Often they are sold in sets that are coordinated with matching dog collars. Typically, a leash being used for a walk will be 6 feet or so in length. Nylon can burn your hands if you end up in a struggle with your dog. If you think that is a possibility, you might want to consider a leather dog leash. Round rope leashes made of nylon are lightweight and useful for training in your home.

Leather Dog Leash:Leather is more expensive and may need some maintenance to keep the leather soft and pliable. However, they are durable. They are available in 4-6 ft lengths like the nylon. Leather dog collars or leashes need to be cleaned and maintained. If you come back covered in mud from your trip to the park, be sure to wipe the dirt away with a damp towel and mild soap. Then the leather will need to be oiled or have a protective saddle soap applied and polished. If you get your leash really wet, let it dry naturally and then clean as above. Dont put it in front of a heat source to dry as you will dry the leather out too quickly and it may crack on you. Trapped dirt in the stitching can be cleaned with a soft bristle brush. If you take care of your leather leash and collar, it should last you a long, long time.

Dog leash (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Retractable Dog Leash: Retractable dog leashes work much like a measuring tape. They are made of either a nylon web or cord which retracts into a case with a handle. With lengths up to 26 feet, they are perfect for walking your leash trained dog. He can stop a moment to smell and you can keep on trucking. They are also useful for playing or training your dog when you need some distance but still want the control a leash gives you. Since these leashes are so long, please be careful not to leave your pet unattended when he on this type of leash. Retractable dog leashes come in a heavy duty retractable version for our bigger pals. These leashes can encourage a dog to pull, so be sure your dog knows proper etiquette for leash walking before snapping on a retractable leash.

Adjustable Dog Leash: Adjustable dog leashes are great for when you need to tie your pooch while hitting a coffee shop or stepping away for a moment. They have loops along the leash with a clasp that allows you to either shorten or lengthen or tie as you have need for. They are available in nylon and other materials.

Martingale Leads: Typically seen the in the show ring, Martingale leads combine the collar and leash into one. The collar slips over the head and is tightened by a plastic tube when the leash is pulled.

Bicycle or Multiple Dog Walking Leashes: Leashes also come with Leash extenders for walking multiple dogs. If one dog is small and the other larger, you can add a leash extender for balancing the two heights. Dog leashes for walking two dogs or multiple dog walking are also sold. There are also leashes available for bringing your dog along on bicycle ride. They are basically a short bar that attaches to the back wheel of your bike and has a short leash attached.

By Leasa Peterson Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

A DOGS Golden Years

With appropriate care most dogs live complete and happy lives.  Unfortunately, an adored pet never seems to live long enough.  Each breed has different life spans.  While taking care of your aging dog you need to adapt his environment for his comfort.  As dogs get older, they develop aches, joint pain, generalized weakness and an almost definite increase in medical problems.

Adjust his surroundings to minimize discomfort.  Protect him from excessive heat and cold.  Older dogs are unable to regulate body temperature as a younger dog.

Picture of aging Chocolate Labrador
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Try to give your dog regular exercise.  Make sure your dogs health matches his exercise routine.  If your dog exhibits signs of heavy panting or opposes exercise you need to change his routine.

Adapt his diet and feeding schedule to his needs.  As dogs age they are less active and need fewer calories.  Prescription diets are available.  Discuss special diets with your veterinarian.

Older dogs can experience hearing loss and declining eyesight.  Accommodate for his safety.

Senior dogs require special dental care.  They are more likely to develop gum problems and disease.  Complete dental cleaning should be performed by your vet every six months which does require anesthesia.  Make sure complete bloodwork is performed.

Older dogs need extra bathing and grooming.  Dry skin can be a normal part of aging or it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.  They also require more frequent nail trimming.

Take into consideration his age in human years.  If he is 13 in dog years, he may suffer the same aging ailments as a 75 year old human.

Continue with bi-annual vet exams.  Senior dogs need extra care with their aging problems.

Give his life quality!  Keep those memories alive!

---

---

Household DOG DANGERS

Dogs have a tendency of trying to eat just about everything they come across. In most cases, this causes some slight discomfort. There are things, however, that can be dangerous enough to cause death to your dog if he eats them. Following is a brief list:

1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells and tastes very sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him.

2) Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous.

3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog's reach.

4) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog.

5) Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well.

6) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures..

7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category.

8) Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma.

9) Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy.

10) Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil's ivy, aloe, and ivy.

If you think your dog may have eaten any of these substances, or anything else that could poison him, call a vet immediately. It could save his life.

---

---

A Look at Discount DOG BEDS

Many people want to make sure their family pet has just the right bed, but might not be willing to pay the (often quite hefty) price.  It’s actually more difficult to find designer and luxury dog beds especially for oversized pets than it is to find discount dog beds for average sized animals. If you’re not too fussy about the design of the fabrics being used in the bed; if your dog is of average size and weight; and if her sleeping habits are not too extreme in the curling up or stretching out situations; you can probably save a lot of money when you purchase a dog bed that’s right for her.

To begin with, a lot of the more expensive bed-makers change their designs just like clothing designers do for people, if not quite as often.  The changes do result in closeouts and discontinued items being drastically marked down at pet shops across the country and on the Internet. Then there are the many pet supermarkets and discount retailers who carry a variety of comfortable beds, in a variety of colors at prices much reduced from the luxury beds available at upscale pet shops.

Then there is always the option to go ahead and make your own dog bed.  If you’ve got any sewing ability at all, (and for the most part, a dog bed is more about being comfortable and durable than about looking great) you can produce an average-sized, comfortable, washable dog bed for just a few dollars worth of fabric and filler material. Cut a couple of pieces of fabric – it can be from an old sheet, a shower curtain, or a nice comfy old bathrobe – and sew them together to make a pillow of the right size.  Stuff it with filler material and you have a comfy, simple dog bed.  You may also create a fancier dog bed with an upper ring by cutting a long rectangle of fabric and creating a tubular pillow to go around the edge.  Then fasten the upper ring to the original base with hand stitching.

You have just created a comfortable, washable bed for your dog made with love by your own two hands using a piece of fabric you’d probably throw away, some kind of filler material and a little bit of your precious time. What better way to save money and take care of your loving pet at the same time? You’ll enjoy the process of making the bed just as much as your pet will enjoy sleeping in it.

---

---

Common Mistakes in Home PET GROOMING

When dog owners attempt pet grooming at home, there are several common mistakes that are made. Pet grooming is a skill, but with the right equipment and patience it can become a household duty that will save both time and money. You have to be careful. A slip of the clippers can cause injury to your animal. This is not only physical injury, but emotional. Trust is loss once pain is inflicted and your pet may not treat you the same afterward. 

This is a photo I took of my Newfoundland after combing undercoat out
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The first common mistake is getting to close to the skin while shaving. The clippers can leave a nasty razor burn that can open its way to later infections. If you accidentally give your pet a burn while grooming, stop and apply first aid. Put on some anti-bacteria salve and if possible clean the wound. Hug you pet and let it know that you are sorry and it was an accident. Though they might not understand the words, your pet will understand the tone and will react accordingly. The emotional pain is just as bad as the physical. Watch the wound carefully and if it becomes red or issues puss, contact your veterinarian immediately. If the animal licks or otherwise irritates the wound, you might want to get a protective plastic collar to stop the behavior.

Another mistake in novice pet grooming is getting shampoo or other chemicals in your pet's eye. Either from your mistake or from the animal's head movement soap can splash. This unintentional act will sting your pet's eyes and lead to an unpleasant pet grooming experience. Wash the soap out with water or saline solution and dab the corners of the eye with a sterile cloth. Sooth you animal and try to take the focus off their eyes and maybe gain their attention by showing them a favorite toy or ball. Hold the toy up so the pet can see it. Move the toy back and forth. As your pet tracks the toy, look into their eyes for signs of irritation.

A possible fatal mistake in pet grooming is leaving your animal unrestrained or loose during grooming. Some animals, especially cats hate baths and will run at any opportunity. Your dog and cat can put themselves in dangerous situations by trying to escape the pet grooming activity. They may run out in the street and be hit by a care or be attacked by a stray animal. Make sure your dog is at least on a leash. You may even want to put a muzzle on your pet to protect both you and them. If you wash your dog outside, wash it in a fenced yard so that the temptation to run will be short lived and safe.

Pet grooming is best left to a professional. The temptation to do it yourself may lead to a successful experience that will be cheaper. The bonding time with the animal is another perk to grooming your pet yourself. It can be rewarding for both parities involved if the proper safety tips are followed and you as the owner fill comfortable in the enterprise.

---

---

A DOG Is For Life Not Just For Christmas

My family run an animal sanctuary in Birmingham, England. Even though we love what we do, we feel that some people need to realise that a pet should be a long term commitment. They should not be seen as just a bit of fun which they can then get rid of when they get bored.

A stray dog finds shelter from the monsoon, in a cybercafe at Khar, Mumbai
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many people arrive at the animal sanctuary with their pets, which are mainly dogs, with many excuses as to why they are no longer able to look after or care for them. I am sure many of their reasons are valid but am also aware that many others are just an excuse to offload them.

The excuses they give are varied:

• I have recently divorced from my husband and can no longer afford to keep this dog as a pet
• The dog has started to bite my children
• The dog is too difficult to handle and is destroying my furniture
• We have recently moved into a flat. One of their rules is that no animals can live in these flats
• The dog barks to much and it is upsetting the neighbours
• Our other animals do not like the dog
• The dog is affecting my health
• I am too ill to look after my dog

It is not our role to question these reasons but what we then need to do is to find another suitable home for the dogs. This is easier said than done as we need to ensure that the new owners will be able to care for them, for hopefully the duration of their life.

We also keep many of the dogs as our own pets, especially the ones which nobody else seems to want. One such dog is called Cassie. She is full of life and has been ill treated it seems when she was a puppy. Half of her left ear is missing and she is seemingly quite afraid of men.

Cassie is need of a huge amount of care and attention. She can be too lively at times which is possibly why three people who attempted to re-home her, have bought her back. She is not aggressive in any way but does tend to jump up at people.

What we did with Cassie and what we will continue to do, is to give her lots of love but also a little bit of training of what is good and what is not acceptable. It takes a long time, but she is now able to understand that the jumping is not wanted and that she needs to chill out at times.

Cassie is turning into a wonderful dog to have around the house and now feels for the first time as part of a family.

With a little more patience most other dogs can turn out this way. This is why we want more people to take more responsibility and to give their animals more of a chance to settle into their homes, and to get used to a new set of rules.

Having animals as pets can be very rewarding, nearly as rewarding as having a child. A dog however will rarely answer you back.

If you are having problems with your animals you can always phone up animal sanctuaries for advice and to hear about possible solutions. The people who work there are animal lovers and will help you as much as they can.

If you are unable to continue looking after the pet, the sanctuary should be able to take them off you.

---

---

---