Lyme disease is caused by an organism known as a spirochete, which is a coiled rod-shaped bacterium and named Borrelia burgdorferi. It is passed to dogs and people by deer ticks carrying the infection; the ticks get the infection from the white-footed mouse, which acts as a carrier. The only way a tick can transmit the bacteria is to remain attached to the animal's skin for one to two days. Unfortunately, these ticks are very small and easily can go unnoticed.
Lyme disease in dogs has been found orldwide and in ancient Chinese medical literature they actually describe a syndrome very similar to Lyme disease, thousands of years before Lyme , Connecticut was named. In the United States , more than 90% of the cases occur in the Northeast, with California and Mississippi second. Lyme disease in dogs is fairly common, but rarely seen in cats, although some cats have been infected with it.
The main clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs include a sudden yet recurring lameness that may shift from leg to leg. Sometimes this lameness is associated with a fever and depression. Occasionally you will see swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes the joints may be swollen, feel warm, and it's very painful. The dog infected will usually walk stiffly with a hunched back. Lyme disease in dogs is really very painful and they commonly are very sensitive to touch and may cry out with even the slightest touch. Many dogs with Lyme disease that were diagnosed with slipped discs in their neck and crying in pain and it was actually Lyme disease causes muscle spasms in the neck and they only improved when they were administered the appropriate antibiotic. Sometimes you will see the classic red round target lesion around a tick bite on your pet and within a few days they may show the signs of lameness, fever and sensitivity to touch. If you suspect your pet has Lyme disease, take them to the vet immediately for treatment.
Treatment
Treatment involves the use of an appropriate antibiotic, such as doxycycline, for at least three to four weeks.
Prognosis
Dogs should begin to show signs of recovery two to three days after beginning treatment. However, the disease may recur within a few weeks or months; in these cases, the dog will need to return to antibiotic therapy for extended periods.
Prevention
There is a vaccine for the prevention of Lyme disease. Quick removal of a tick also will help prevent Lyme disease because the tick must remain attached to the dog's body for one to two days before the disease can be transmitted. Consult with a veterinarian about the different tick prevention products that are available, as they can be an effective way to prevent the disease. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner your pet will be without pain.
The idea of a Siberian husky pops in mind whenever one considers adopting a dog which would suit the general needs of the family. Indeed, with its gentle nature and liveliness, Siberian huskies are suitable even for families with small children. When considering whether to get a Siberian husky, it is important for families to carefully evaluate if they have the time and ability to care for the dog in the first place. The fact is, Siberian huskies do require a substantial amount of care in order to ensure their good health and physical well-being.
The first step to caring for your Siberian husky would be to provide adequately for its nutritional needs. Generally, Siberian huskies require ample supplies of fresh food and water for their growth. To meet the dog's nutritional needs, ample supplies of white meat and fish is necessary. Siberian huskies require a great deal of protein and fat in their diet in order to prevent growth of hip dysplasia, which is a common illness found in the Siberian husky breed. High quality fresh food is preferable to commercially available food for the case of the Siberian husky. Also, supplement your Siberian husky's diet with ample amounts of fish oil.
Canned sardines provide a relatively cheap source to this and contain high levels of Omega 3 required for the husky to develop healthy coats of fur and nails.
Subsequently, it is important to take your Siberian husky to regular health checkups at the local vet. Checkups are important as they allow the vet to monitor and assess the overall health of your Siberian husky. Vets also provide valuable advice on many issues regarding your Siberian husky. This ranges from nutritional needs to training needs. Regular checkups are also an insurance against various forms of dog-related diseases. In general, such diseases are easily treated if diagnosed at an early stage. Thus, checkups are an essential part of taking care of your Siberian husky.
You would also need to make sure that your Siberian husky's needs for affiliation are met. Siberian huskies are animals that mix around well in packs. A lonely Siberian husky would often resort to mischief such as digging holes in your garden in order to entertain itself. You could either choose to get another Siberian husky or choose another pet altogether, such as a cat as its companion. However, it is important to note that companionship for your Siberian husky should start when your husky is a puppy in order to facilitate ease of interaction with the other husky or pet. In any case, Siberian huskies are relatively well-mannered are should not have much difficulties in getting along with other animals.
At the end of the day, time, commitment and effort are of utmost importance when it comes to caring for your Siberian husky. Would-be dog owners who are unsure of their priorities should not get themselves a Siberian husky as it would often only lead to suffering and perhaps even abandonment for the dog. But for those who are able to make a firm commitment, you would definitely find the time spent with your Siberian husky to be intrinsically satisfying in the long run.
Français : Boutchie, un Bedlington Terrier en janvier 2003. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Breed group: Terrier
Weight: 17-23 lbs
Height: male 16.5 inches, female: 15.5 inches
Overview
This breed has its origin in England where they have been developed during the 18th century. Bedlington Terriers was originally known as Rothbury Terriers and they were named after the Rothbury district on the English border. These dogs were highly valued as hunters of a variety of game including foxes, hares and badgers. A Rothbury dog was mated with a Bedlington bitch in about 1825, which resulted in the Bedlington terrier. Bedlington terriers were used as vermin hunters by miners of Bedlington. They also used these dogs as fighting dogs in the pits.
Temperament
The Bedlington terrier of today is a more affectionate and friendly dog, and this is due to more careful breeding. Bedlington terriers are very cheerful and playful dogs, and they also love children. These dogs are devoted and energetic dogs, but they do have a stubborn streak. This breed has to be socialised with other animals from an early age onwards to prevent problems later on. The Bedlington terrier has lots of power, and they are full of courage and energy. They can run very fast, and they are keen diggers. These dogs love to bark, and they can be a bit tense. This breed should be fenced in, otherwise they will take off as they love to chase.
Care
The Bedlington terrier is a high maintenance breed and they will require a professional clipping once in every six weeks. These dogs needs to be brushed and combed every day. They should however only be bathed when it is necessary, as their coats will become lank if bathed too often. The coats of these dogs shed almost no hair, and this makes them suitable for allergy sufferers. The pluck inside their ears should also be cleaned. This breed is also considered fine for allergy sufferers.
Training
The Bedlington terrier is an independent and playful dog that is fairly difficult to train. They will benefit if they are socialised from an early age onwards, especially with cats. This breed should also receive thorough obedience training as they have a tendency to bark excessively and be destructive. The Bedlington terrier will also not do well if the training is harsh or heavy-handed. The Bedlington terrier loves human companionship, and should be trained in a firm, loving and consistent manner. They do extremely well in agility, obedience and fly ball.
Health problems
Some Bedlington terriers may have a serious inborn liver problem known as Copper Storage Disease. This breed is also prone to a genetic kidney disease, PRA, thyroid problems and eye trouble such as cataracts and retinal disease.
While there are many breeds of hypoallergenic dogs, if you are looking for a dog that is unique, then you may want to research hairless breeds. While many people believe these breeds are made up of small dogs, this is not always the case. Medium sized dogs can also be found. Four types of hairless breeds include: the Mexican Hairless, the American Hairless Terrier, the Chinese Crested, and the Peruvian Hairless. If you are considering buying one of these breeds, you may have to search for a breeder online as these dogs are not as common as other breeds of hypoallergenic dogs.
The Mexican Hairless may be the most difficult hairless breed because there are very few breeders in the United States and in other countries. This breed has a short coat that will not need to be groomed or brushed because it is so short. This means that you will not have to worry about matting, or other issues concerning the care of the coat. The Mexican Hairless is available in different sizes, contrary to popular belief.
The American Hairless Terrier is another breed that is not truly hairless. This breed also has a short coat that does not have to be groomed. Originally, an accident of nature discovered in 1972, breeders successfully reproduced other puppies in 1981 and have been selling them ever since. True to its Terrier roots, the American Hairless Terrier is a small, husky dog that is very friendly and outgoing. These dogs are great for those who are allergic to dogs and who live in small apartments or homes.
The Chinese Crested is an unusual dog because it is available in two distinct varieties. The first variety is truly hairless except for long hair that grows on its paws, head, and tail. Grooming can be done by a professional or at home if you know what you are doing. The second variety called the powder puff and has long, fine hair that resembles human hair. Both varieties are considered to be hypoallergenic because these dogs do not shed too often.
The Peruvian Hairless is truly hairless. This breed is medium in size and is intelligent and friendly to most people. This dog is not for those who have had no prior experience working with dogs. They need to be trained to follow commands and even though they are intelligent and learn quickly, they will not always obey.
Hypoallergenic hairless dogs need exercise, crave attention, and enjoy being with their owners as much as other breeds. You will have to be careful when taking them outdoors because they get sunburnt easily and will require lotion when this happens. Since certain breeds can experience dry skin or acne, you may have to apply skin creams in order to reduce pain or itchiness.
In order to find a breeder, you may have to search online because there are few breeders that breed hairless dogs simply because they are as popular as other breeds. If you can’t decide if a hairless dog is for you, visit those who have a hairless or visit the breeder to learn more.
Recently, two Serval cats were delivered to the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas. The nine month old cats are named Bosco and Amos. The kittens came from the Tautphaus Park Zoo in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Serval cat is considered one of the best hunters in the wild with the ability to catch it prey over 50% of the time.
A Serval cat is a medium sized African wild animal. It is a strong, slender cat with long legs and relatively short tale. It has a small head and oval ears. The fur of the animal is striped on the head and back of the neck and the body is spotted. The coloring is tawny with black stripes and spots. The Serval has traits similar to the cheetah. From a distance, a Serval will resemble a cheetah but up close the Serval is a smaller animal. A Serval cat will weigh from 20 to 50 pounds. It has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Besides it's normal sounds, it can purr like a domestic cat.
The Serval cat lives in savannas and likes to feed on rodents. It will feed on other prey like fish, frogs and insects if it finds them. A Serval is very fast and has excellent jumping ability making it a good hunter. The cat tends to eat quickly causing it to regurgitate it's food. If the prey is small enough , it will swallow it whole. It is also a very intelligent animal enabling to outwit it's prey. Although the Serval does very little, it is a great swimmer. Larger cats like the leopard prey on the Serval.
The cat is normally bred in the wild but can also be bred in captivity. In the wild, the young are raised in sheltered locations for protection from bigger cats. The litter can contain up to five kittens. A kitten can mature to an adult in as little as 190 days.
A Serval cat can be domesticated. The animal is friendly, good-natured and easily tamed. But like any wild animal, the cat may become destructive and dangerous before fully grown. A Serval is very loyal to it's owner and is difficult to transfer to a different owner. The cat popularity's as a pet has increased in the United States. In the United States, a special license is required to have a Serval as a pet. A Serval has been bred with a domestic cat called the Savannah. Most states consider the Savannah as a domestic cat and do not put special conditions on the breed.
The Serval population has been shrinking due to humans encroaching on it's habitat and hunting the animal for it's fur. Since the Serval is a relatively small cat, it takes numerous pelts to make a garment. In many countries, the Serval has become a protected species. The CITES organization has put the Serval on it's watch list.
This article does not endorse or recommend a Serval cat as a pet.
By Frank Loethen Frank Loethen. married, owner of an Internet business for cat products and grandfather of 4. Article Source: EzineArticles
Cats are susceptible to urinary tract health problems. In fact, 30% of cats in the entire world could suffer from urinary health problems at some time in their life. One way to keep your cat away from urinary problems is to give it urinary tract health cat food. In our modern society today, there are cat foods which are specifically designed to boost the urinary tract health of cats.
Cats are not fond of drinking water. This is because they descended from a family of desert creatures. Their liquid intake depends on the food they eat. When cats do not get enough water daily, they become susceptible to urinary problems such as urinary tract infection. Likewise, they could suffer from dehydration. It is imperative, therefore, that cat owners give their cats urinary tract health cat food that are specifically designed to address the specific daily nutritional requirements of cats.
Cat food for urinary tract health helps prevent the onset of urinary tract infections in cats. If the cat already has the infection, cat food for urinary tract health could help accelerate the cat's faster recovery from the infection.
Urinary tract health cat food may come in different forms. Commercially sold urinary tract health cat food may be sold in dry form or in wet form. This may also be frozen or premixed. No matter what form it comes, however, cat food for urinary tract health is supplemented with the right vitamins and minerals and other necessary nutrients, such as the amino acid derivative taurine, arginine, niacin, arachidonic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.
Most often than not, when a cat has suffered from urinary tract infection, the veterinarian would give prescription food designed to alleviate or prevent the recurrence of the disease. Nonetheless, the cat owner could still opt to give his cat other forms of diet that contain the necessary nutrients needed for the faster recuperation of the cat.
Wet Food vs. Dry Food
Dry cat food is cheaper compared to wet cat food. It is also more convenient as it could be left out in the cat's bowl for several days without the danger of spoiling. Moreover, it is thought to help scrape off the dental calculus of cats. However, dry cat food is found to be associated with the problem of obesity in cats. Likewise, it could lead to some urinary problems in cats as it contains less moisture and does not add to the daily requirement of liquid intake in cats.
Wet cat food, either canned or home-made may contain 75-78% water and therefore, provides the cat the necessary liquid intake required for it to effectively flush out unwanted organisms and bacteria in its system. It helps keep cats away from being dehydrated as well. Giving your cat wet food is one way to prevent urinary tract problems in your cat.
Since cats rely on their food intake to get enough water, most veterinarians and cat experts would recommend cat urinary tract health diets that contain a lot of moisture. Thus, most prescriptions may consist mostly of wet food and other forms of diet which could supplement the liquid intake of your cat.
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.
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.
Feral or unferal, your kitty may get tangled up in one of these if they are in particular an outdoor cat. Indoor cats if by themselves are obviously not as prone to this risk, unless they find themselves outside, or a stray visitor inside.. but two or more indoor cats can have their "bad" days as well.
A silhouette of cats on a roof fighting (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you allow your cat to roam outside in the big wild outdoors, I seriously recommend you take kitty to your veternarian from a young age and start getting him vaccinated! And make sure this is done every year no questions! This is necessary if you don't want your kitty to get infected by nasties like Feline Aids (FIV) which is transmitted through blood while fighting. This also protects your kitty among a lot of other different diseases out there like Feline Leukemia (FLV).
It is also highly advisable to get him (or her) neutered. Unspayed males will fight feirsly for a female if she is in heat, which can leave both cats in tatters and spayed males can find themselves in the middle of something they don't understand if an unspayed males get the wrong idea...
Cats fighting outside at night time can be quite of a shock, as sometimes they can sound close to a child shreking or yelling, and it is definately the last thing you want to hear when your trying to sleep at night! My ultimate way of getting rid of cats engaged in a fight is to turn the hose on them, as noises won't startle them hardly as they are concentrating too much on the other cat!
For indoor cats, obviously water all over the carpet is unwanted so I find usually placing a large object between the two which will cut of eye contact with both cats, if they are engaged in a fight, don't get in their way as cat bites can not only hurt, but are more likely to become infected than dog bites. Use a chair and turn upside down and use the back of the chair and gently slide the chair between the cats, this will startle them and stop them from fighting. Give the cats 'time out' by placing one in a closed room for a short period of time.
A good tell-tale sign if a cat is frightened, the hair will stand up all over the body and when the cat threatens or is ready to attack, you will see the hair stand up in a narrow band along the spine and tail to make him look bigger, and this is also a good time to get out that hose or chair!
With the average lifespan of an outdoor only cat if they are feral or unferal, is only about three years! Which is why if you love your kitty and want him to have a healthy live, keep him indoors and he can live a whopping 16 years longer!
Not only will you benefit from keeping your kitty living longer indoors, it will save you expensive veternarian bills for infected scratches, broken teeth, torn ears, and so on by these nasty one-on-ones.
Description: The Kuvasz is a flock guarding dog; their height is 28 to 30 inches in dogs and 26 to 28 in the bitches. Dogs have a weight of 100 to 115 pounds and the bitches are 70 to 90 pounds. The Kuvasz head should be in good proportion to the body. With a black nose and large nostrils, their head is considered to be their best feature, in the show ring. They have black lips and a good muzzle. Their eyes are dark brown and almond in shape, set wide apart. The ears are set back and are V shaped with slight rounding on the tips, these hang down.
Kuvasz Prince of The Dogs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Kuvasz is a medium boned dog and its tail is as long as its hock. This is carried low. This breed has well padded feet and straight legs. The Kuvasz neck has a mane that has longer hair than the head and legs. The hair of this breed can be wavy, and as long as 6 inches. This is a double coat and the colours we see are ivory and white. It has a thick undercoat. The Kuvasz lives around 10 to 12 years.
History: This breed came from Tibet but was developed in Hungary, to the dog we see today. This breed has been around since the age of the Huns, and it has also been said to have come with the Turkish refugees fleeing the Mongols into Hungary in 1200. In the Turkish language the name means "protector". The Kuvasz had favour, in the courts of the 14th century, and were given as gifts, to special guests. After this brief period of royal living the breed went back to being a flock guardian.
This dog has been used as a hunting dog, for bears, and wild boar. This breed is in the gene pool of Maremma Sheepdog, Anatolian Shepherd dog and Great Pyrenees Polish Tara Sheepdog. This breed nearly became extinct after World War II and was saved by a group of breeders working hard to bring the numbers up.
By Scott Allan Lipe
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I have two cats and I can't imagine that either of them would want to live without the other. They live like brother and sister. And I can't imagine me living with just one cat either.
For those that love cats, having just one is never enough. Instead of having just one cat to call your own, you can have several. Those who have more than one cat realize that this is a good thing not only for the cat owner, but also for the cats as well. Cats like other cat company.
Are you considering getting another cat? Many people wonder if their cat would be okay with another being around. If your cat is alone for a long period of time, then he may like having a cat around. Older cats will often develop a new lease on life when there is a new kitten introduced to the home. Some cats do like their solitude though and territorial issues can cause a problem.
New kittens mean having to go through all the frustrations with training all over again. You’ll also need to consider the added expense of all the vaccines as well. IF you add an older cat to the home, this too can be a challenge because the cat will need to adjust to the new home as well as to develop behavioral or health related problems.
When choosing another cat to bring into your home, you do not have to choose a cat that is the same breed at the one that you have. You may want to take care to choose the right combination though. For example a Rex with his silly behavior with a standoffish Russian Blue may not be the right combination. Cats will similar traits can work well together. The Himalayan Persian and the Maine Coon breeds are so friendly that they are likely to adapt to any even some of the most demanding breeds.
Set up an area for that cat before bringing him home. He may do better if you allow him to stay in one area until he adjusts. Allow him to settle in for the day before you introduce him to the rest of your family.
You’ll want to allow the original cat some time to get used to having the other cat in his home. This may take some time. For a smooth transition, make sure he doesn’t have to share his own litter box, his food or his toys with the new cat. There are health reasons as well as feelings that should be thought of here. Cats who are forced to share a littler box may actually decide to create their own area for a private box.
There are many reasons to have more than one cat. For many of those reasons, you’ll be able to have that much more companionship with more cats.
The original function of breed was that of a rodent killer in the kitchens, barns, stables and granaries. Some report that the Affen was used to flush out small game, also. Over the past three centuries the Affenpinscher has become a loved family companion who is willing to be dressed up in doll clothes by the young girls and pushed around in a baby carriage. But the dog is also willing to roughhouse in the yard or go chasing a ball with the boys. The breed's flexible front quarters allow the playful pet to quickly pivot, scoop up a ball and literally toss it toward his master.
Going for long walks or sitting on the sofa watching TV with the family, the Affenpinscher adapts and thrives with all kinds of human interaction. However, children under four years old or older children who do not respect the dog's need for space and quiet time should not have an Affenpinscher. As with any small dog, uncontrolled little people can appear to be the enemy. Extra care should be taken to introduce the puppy into a family with young children.
Generally, this breed is a wonderful companion. It travels well and can accompany the family almost anywhere and by almost any means of transportation. In an adequately sized dog crate, a soft-sided doggie carrying case with a net covered opening, or any small pet carrying case, as long as his master or mistress is near, the Affen makes a quiet and easy traveling companion.
The Affenpinscher makes an alert, intelligent and amusing pet. His personality well suits his whimsical, monkey-like appearance and the twinkle in his eyes. Imagine, if you will, a dog that loves to throw and chase his own toys, using his front paws as hands. If you laugh at his antics, your Affenpinscher will perform even more enthusiastically for your entertainment. It is quite common for him to accompany his play with a great deal of enthusiastic racing around and barking, although retrieving is not something that generally comes naturally. One of the funniest things we've ever observed was an Affenpinscher attacking a wind-up stuffed dog that walked, barked and flipped over. With this in mind, child's toys are best kept out of the dog's reach, and all of the Affen's toys should be checked carefully for suitability. Toys with small parts or materials inside that could injure the dog if ingested should be avoided or allowed only with supervision.
Another characteristic of this breed is its independence, which sometimes verges on aloofness. The Affenpinscher has a great sense of its own self-importance, which is comical in a breed so small and endearingly bedraggled.
This delightful little creature also makes an excellent watchdog, barking vociferously as his first line of defense if he feels his territory is being invaded (even by the postman). Originally bred to guard his domain from intruders, be they rodent, canine or human, an Affenpinscher will still defend his property (including his owners) fearlessly.
It is likely that the Affenpinscher will bond most closely to one member of your family. While he is generally a quiet and affectionate companion, he is likely to become extremely excited and aggressive if he perceives that he or his owners are being attacked. This means that you should be careful when introducing your pet to visitors, and make sure that he understands that they are welcome in his home. Speak to your dog softly and soothingly, and allow him to approach your visitors when he is ready, rather that forcing their attentions on him. He may feel insecure or become frightened if a stranger bends down to pet him. It is also not a good idea for a stranger to stare directly into your Affenpinscher's eyes, as he may interpret this as a challenge.
Although Affenpinschers do have a terrier-like personality, they generally tend to get along with other dogs and pets (except for hamsters, guinea pigs and other rodent or rodent-like to view as prey). This is especially true if they have been raised with other animals. However, you should expect that your Affenpinscher will want to monopolize all of your attention, pushing his way in if you are playing with or petting one of your other pets. Because your Affenpinscher might attack a strange dog that he perceives as a threat, even one much larger than he is, it is important to keep him on his leash in public places. Keeping him on leash is also important for preventing him from running off after something that incites his interest, possibly into danger.
The same characteristics that make the Affenpinscher such a good watching dog mean that he generally is not a suitable breed for people with small children, although there are exceptions to this rule. Affenpinschers tend to guard their food and toys and may nip a child who attempts to take something they see as their property or who pesters them when they are sleeping or otherwise occupied. It is best if youngsters outside the family be told not to pet your Affenpinscher, as he might feel threatened and snap at them. Although generally he will not bite hard enough to break the skin, he definitely will set limits on how much he allows himself to be handled. Children should also be discouraged from picking up your dog, as he might be injured if accidentally dropped. Additionally, a small child who is flailing his arms and legs about, screaming or running away might be perceived as prey by this breed, and an Affenpinscher will certainly go after what he thinks is prey.
Because of his small size, the Affenpinscher is well suited to indoor life, even in a small apartment. The Affenpinscher thrives on the company of his human companions and tends to stay close to his owners, whether indoors or outside on a country walk (though he must be on leash for safely). This is not a dog meant to be left in the yard for hours on end or in a kennel. In fact, because he is such a great climber, he is likely to attempt to escape from any such confinement. If you use a pen or metal crate during house-training or to confine your dog when you are away, be certain that the pen or crate has a tight-fitting lid. We once knew a dog that hanged himself by pushing his head through a loose corner at the top of a pen and then was unable to get back down or out.
Affenpinschers living indoors, as they should, do not become acclimated to winter temperatures. Therefore, when walking your Affenpinscher outdoors in cold weather, be sure to provide him with a warm jacket. Quality pet-supply shops will have a variety of "winter-wear" for your stylish Affenpinscher.
Caring for a French Bulldog, or “Frenchie” as they have been nicknamed, can be a fun and rewarding experience as long as you take the time, and put a little effort into it. These dogs are great companions, are very loving and loyal, and completely rely upon you, as their owner, to take care of them.
The first step in caring for your French Bulldog is to get a collar for them, with tags that include your name and phone number. License them and have them registered with the local Human Society. Everyday animals get lost and end up in the local pound. If your dog does happen to escape, a tag that leads back to the owner is almost a guarantee that the family will be reunited with their pet within a short period of time.
If you are not planning on breeding your dog, then have them spayed or neutered when they reach the appropriate age. The world is being flooded with abandoned dogs, even French Bulldogs, so take the precaution of fixing your animal so that no unwanted surprises may arise in the future. People from all over the world claim that dogs such as these should never be spayed or neutered because of their value, but if you are purchasing the animal as a pet and have no plans to have puppies, then take them to the vet and have the deed done.
Feed your puppy with high quality dog food. Avoid the cheap generic brands because they have additives in them, such as ground up feathers that can harm the health of your dog. Feed them one full bowl a day, or two small bowls per day. It is important to not over feed your puppy, which will make them overweight and unhealthy.
Exercise your puppy on a regular basis. The healthier your bulldog is, the longer they will live, and the happier they will be. Set some time aside everyday to go for a walk in the park, or in the mountains, or even around the block a couple of times. The location of the walk is not near as important as actually doing the walk.
The personal hygiene of your puppy is also a mandatory aspect of caring for your Frenchie. Since this breed drools throughout the day, use a warm wash cloth and clean the entire face and neck area, making sure to get into all of the folds and creases. Bathe them in warm water on a regular basis, using only shampoo designed for dogs. Once every couple of months, have the teeth cleaned, and make regular veterinary visits to ensure that their health, and their shots, are up to date and at a safe level.
Caring for your French Bulldog puppy may seem to be a time consuming venture, but it is well worth it. Having a healthy, happy, lovable dog at your side is one of the greatest pleasures of life.
The Finnish Spitz is a northern breed that resembles a red fox. This medium-sized breed was originally used as a hunting dog, but now they are a bird dog that is used to flush wood grouse. This breed weighs an average between 31-34 pounds, and has a height of 15-20 inches.
Coat
The Finnish Spitz has a double coat. Their undercoat is dense and soft, while their topcoat is harsh and long that is one or two inches long. Males have slightly longer and coarser fur than the slightly refined furs of the females. Red gold on their backs, or reddish-brown colors are accepted, preferably bright, with accepted lighter shades on their underside.
The Finnish Spitz loves outdoors, but can adapt to apartment living if given enough exercise. A securely fenced area should be provided for this breed as they love to run free. Requiring a great deal of exercise, this breed should be taken on a long walk, or a jog, as running around a fenced space cannot satisfy their primal instinct to walk.
Temperament
The Finnish Spitz is known to intermingle admirably with people, children included. This breed is a delightful member of the family, with the ability to play placidly with children, yet rough with other dogs. Some of these dogs love other dogs, and some may be passive or aggressive, and shy. This breed is highly loyal, and so it should be expected to be moody or shy around other dogs. This dog is known to bark on anything they perceive as unusual. This can be prevented through training, although this can make them excellent watchdogs.
Overview
The Finnish Spitz is known to be generally great companion animals. They are protective and loyal, but this tends to make them noisy as they bark at anything that is atypical for them.
Care
With a self-cleaning coat that sheds dirt by itself, the Finnish Spitz does not have a doggie odor on their coats. Regular grooming with a comb or a brush is required to remove dead fur as they are known to be a seasonally heavy shedder.
Training
The Finnish Spitz is a highly intelligent breed that is strong-willed and independent. A highly trainable breed requiring a firm but gentle tone and touch, this dog responds best to appreciation than correction. They easily get bored, so training should be kept short, and appealing. Patience is highly essential in training the Finnish Spitz. Owners may feel as if they are not making progress, and suddenly, they will surprise you. This breed is known to be competent in obedience competition, if trained with reward and a lot of praise.
Character
Bred as barking hunting dog, this breed is known to bark at anything they perceive as a threat. It should be noted, though, that although this breed may be barkers, they are well-suited to be a watchdog rather than a guard dog as they rarely bite. This breed makes a delightful family dog and a hunting dog as well, with a big heart for children.
Most of us haven't heard of a bladder stone, as it's usually a kidney stone humans struggle with. However, this problem can occur in a cat or dog because of a mineral deposit that has formed in its urinary bladder. Many times these stones or crystals will dissipate on their own, but it becomes problematic when they bond together. Then the cat's bladder stones become so large it's hard for a cat to pass it through urination.
X-ray of a Struvite bladder stone in a cat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
These bladder stones are actual stones made of minerals like calcium and magnesium. They can be a single deposit or can be a collaboration of smaller pieces. The stones can become quite large and take up most of the bladder or be very fine so they pass through while the cat urinates.
This formation of stones is called urolithiasis and develops within the urinary tract, the ureter, the kidneys or in the bladder. Most times this problem happens in the cat's bladder. Part of the issue is the pH difference in the urination, which causes the mineral deposits to develop and turn into crystals or stones.
If you want to stop cat's bladder stones from forming, then give your cat a balanced diet. Sometimes people unknowingly feed their pets a cat food which is high in minerals. Some cat food makers report that when cats consume magnesium ammonium, they'll develop bladder stones or crystals. This is why the manufacturers increased the acidity in the food so magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals won't develop. The problem is very few cats have this urinary issue, and when the rest of the cat population eats this food, they are more acceptable to calcium oxalate crystals. This is as problematic and can also cause painful results for your cuddly pet. The best way to know what your cat is eating is to look at the cat food's ingredients. It needs to be low in calcium and magnesium.
When you feed your cat correctly, it will be easier to achieve a urination pH level that ranges from 6.4 through 6.6. You want your cat's digestive system to be functioning with the highest efficiency. The digestive enzymes need to be formulated with the right mineral balance, and when this happens, bladder stones aren't going to develop as easy.
However, if you suddenly see signs of a problem, then take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Some of them are similar to a bladder infection, but both need to be treated appropriately. Symptoms don't always appear with some cats, but there can be urinating troubles, straining or blood. Even a never-ending bladder infection can be because of a stone. At times, a vet can feel the cat's bladder stones through their abdominal wall. Other times the stones can be discovered through an x-ray or ultrasound.
The best way to prevent cat's bladder stones from starting is to feed them correctly - it's the best kind of love! This is why it's important to stop these stones from starting in the first place.
