A BLACK CAT is Just a CAT

I took this picture of Lilith, a black cat found as a kitten in a supermarket parking lot
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When my old cat died, I decided to pick one out of the Humane Society.  They had named the first cat I saw “Batman”, and I fell in love with him on sight.

But when I brought him home, I discovered he didn’t quite have the courage of the comic book hero. I made some mistakes which resulted in a month-long struggle to coax him out of his hiding place to join the family.

I renamed him Bear, and he is a wonderful cat, but my guests seem a little uncomfortable when he comes into the room.  After all, he is completely black.

He is a black cat and some people are afraid of Black Cats…

The Black Cat in History

Historically, black cats have been associated with omens, bad luck and, well...evil.

The poor unfortunate kitties have been used in rituals and were supposedly the "familiars" of witches. Anarchism has used the symbol of the black cat, as has Wicca, the modern day expression of Witchcraft.  Superstition has associated bad luck with having a black cat cross your path.

All-in-all, the black cat has been getting some really bad press for centuries, and all of that is not easily overcome in just a few short lines of this article.

Scaredy Cat

A very highly sensitive cat, our new black Bear was far more scared of us than we were of him, and we made a number of mistakes in the first hour of his introduction that practically destroyed our chances for introducing him to our home.

The process of first finding Bear where he had hidden in the house and gradually coaxing him out of his hiding place to join the family was long and agonizing. It took over a month, and I had almost despaired that we would ever acclimate him.

Patience won out, though…

Superstition Dispelled

Since then, Bear has been rolling around on my lap enjoying his daily pettings, sleeping in my bed, yowling at the females he sees from his perch in the kitchen window and just generally bringing a lot of joy to our lives.

He is here to dispel the notion that a black cat means bad luck.  He is one of the sweetest cats you'll ever meet, and there's absolutely *nothing* scary about him. And I can tell you for a fact that no bad luck is connected with Bear.  He's crossed my path innumerable times, and so far I haven't experienced anything one might think of as "bad luck".

I have to say, though, that on Halloween night he seems to be scared of his own black shadow. But I try to keep him calmed down and happy to be where he is...in my lap purring as loud as he can!

Copyright 2006 John Young

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Significant Facts about PET ADOPTIONS

Dog at an animal shelter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Have you ever thought about going through the available options for pet adoptions? Pet lovers need not worry about finding the right furry companion for them. They are available everywhere, even on the cyberspace. But you must remember that owning pets entails lots of responsibilities. Here are some notes that can guide you before you decide on becoming a full-fledged pet owner.

1. Adopting is less expensive than buying a pet. The cost will depend on the type of adoption center where you will be getting the pets. There are some places, just to give you a sample of how much it would cost, you could get a puppy for $150. If you opt to buy this, the prices usually range from $300 up to $600. Your expenses don’t stop there. You have to pay for the puppy’s vaccinations for its first years which may be about $150 up to $300. Other health tests must also be accomplished to ensure your pet’s health. This will cost you about $50 up to $200.

2. You are confident that you are getting a healthy animal as a pet. When you opt to adopt a puppy, the case is usually like this. The animal shelter will assure you that it already has gone through thorough examinations. And what are these? First, your puppy’s fleas have already been treated. You just have to maintain that in order to keep your companion well groomed. Health examinations for the puppy have already been done by the center and they make sure that before you get the animal, it has passed all tests. This assures you that you are getting a healthy pup.

If it is already suitable, when the animal is on its right age, the center will also provide its needed vaccinations. They also test the pups for parvovirus and some also do some testing for heartworm. Heartworm, distemper, and parvo-influenza are considered terminal diseases for dogs. So you have to make sure that your pet has gone through tests for these and passed them all.

And this situation applies to all animals in your chosen shelter. They are all being given attention and proper funding to look out for their health.

3. When you are in the process of adopting a pet, you will be assisted by the center’s staff so that they can match you with the right animal. And this process is also extremely important. This is like helping you find the perfect partner or the additional family member who would be accepted by the family. If you’d like to get a dog, there are many kinds of dogs not only in terms of the breed but also with the attitude.

You will find purebred and cross-bred dogs of different sizes and personalities. There are those that are shy and others with extremely high energy. You will be asked by the center if you are the type of person who loves sports and may want to bring the pet on your running sessions. Or are you the type who just wants to stay home after a stressful day and be comforted by the fact that you are no longer alone.

Pet adoptions can be fun as well as challenging. But you have to be responsible for the pet’s well-being after you have left the shelter. So make sure that you have thought about it really hard and you are ready to commit to the idea that you will be answerable to whatever will happen to your chosen pet once you have taken it home.

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CANINE HYDROTHERAPY: Choosing The Right Therapist

Beagle swimming (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dogs are like people in so many ways: they need to be touched, loved, and appreciated; they need exercise, proper nutrition, and good care; and sometimes they get the same diseases, like arthritis.

It's been found that one of the best treatments for humans suffering from arthritis and other joint diseases is water aerobics, a form of hydrotherapy. It should be no surprise that dogs benefit similarly from the support and warmth of hydrotherapeutic pools, especially since most dogs enjoy water so much anyway.

While a few years ago canine hydrotherapy was looked upon as a little odd, to say the least, today canine hydrotherapy facilities are growing much more common. Veterinarians are as likely today to prescribe canine hydrotherapy for hip dysplasia and other canine joint problems as they are to prescribe medications. 

How Does It Work?

Canine hydrotherapy is very simple. Special pools with powerful jets are provided for the dogs. The Jets are set up so that the dog can swim against a current, building its muscles and strengthening the ligaments around weak or damaged joints. Generally, the canine hydrotherapist enters the water with the dog, helping guide him into exercising the right parts of his body, calming him and remaining close by in case the dog grows distressed.

This sort of exercise is called isokinetic – it isolates particular muscular movements to help retrain weak muscles. The number of treatments needed depends on the dog and the problem. If the hydrotherapy is recommended for a short-term condition, like rebuilding strength or recovering from surgery, it can be as few as three sessions. For a dog with a chronic illness, the hydrotherapy may be long-term or even ongoing for the rest of his life.

What Should I Look For?

The canine hydrotherapy pool should be warm but not hot; ideally, somewhere around 92 degrees is best. Therapists should work closely with your dog's veterinarian so they know what to treat for your pet. An individual plan should be developed for your dog intended to optimize wellness, with consideration given to muscle development, conditioning, general fitness, and relaxation.

Common reasons for the use of canine hydrotherapy include pre or post-surgical conditioning; dysplasia or arthritis; obesity; cardiovascular workouts for older dogs; stroke reconditioning; and pain management, usually secondary to a joint disease.

How Do I Know Who To Use?

In Britain, the Canine Hydrotherapy Association was formed in 2000. They maintain standards and further the knowledge and use of good practice in hydrotherapy.

Not every hydrotherapist is a member. You can also find a good canine hydrotherapist by asking about the experience the therapist has had with dogs. Have they bred or shown dogs? Run kennels? Did they ever work in a veterinary capacity? 

Canine hydrotherapy is a new-enough industry that there are no schools or degrees. Your best bet: let your dog choose. If the dog likes the therapist, if he's willing to work with the therapist and cooperates in his treatment, then you have a good canine hydrotherapist for your dog.

For more information on this unique and effective treatment, and how it will care for your dog, please visit http://www.canine-hydrotherapy.com .

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The Temperament Of CATS

Ti-Rat, Montreal born red cat, showing his claws with pride. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Perhaps you imagined yourself as a sleek young woman like Selena Kyle. But is a cat the right pet for you? To decide, you must have an idea what to expect from a cat. You must be familiar with the temperament of cats.

First of all, a domestic cat is a highly intelligent and fiercely independent creature. It can never be placed on a leash the way dogs are. Cats do things they want to do and when they want to do it. They will demand the things they want, such as food and play. And they will also make it clear when they want to be left alone. Thus, the owner of a cat cannot expect his pet to do “work” for him.

Different breeds of cats have different personalities. Some cats are quiet while others like to meow all the time. Can you tolerate a cat who meows almost every hour? Some cats are fussy and choosy about the food you give them while others will eat just about anything. Can you afford the kind of food that your cat prefers? Some cats don’t mind being surrounded and petted by strange people while others will wield their claws if they face a person they haven’t met before. Does your house accept many strangers or are you alone most of the time? And some cats love to climb and curl on the lap of their masters. But others prefer to be left alone, watching TV or listening to the radio. Are you a cat owner who likes to cuddle all the time?

You will know when your cat is trying to get your attention. It will endlessly meow at you or it will follow you around or it will rub its body against your leg. You will also know if your cat is comfortable or scared by lifting up your cat. If the body is loose, then your cat is relaxed. If the body is tight, then something is scaring the daylights out of it.

Cats like to sleep. And the specific personality and breed of the cat will determine where the cat chooses to sleep. Some like to be in secluded places where no one can disturb them. They like to lie in high cupboards and similar places. Other breeds of cats like to sleep in places where everyone is converging. These cats like to be noticed. So they sleep at the center of the foyer, in the middle of the stairs and even on the couch, especially when there are guests.

Cats like to sharpen their claws. It is their nature, similar to wild cats such as lions, tigers, panthers, and cheetahs. This may irritate the owner, especially if the cat chooses to sharpen its claws on the couch. The owner may consider giving the cat a scratching post. The cat can be taught to scratch its claws on this post.

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Should OUTSIDE CATS Use A COLLAR

Photo  by Dawko 

Most cat owners find themselves in a quandary over whether or not to use a cat collar on their outdoor cats. The debate still reigns over the pros and cons of outfitting an outside cat with a collar, but many veterinarians and cat experts agree that collars are the best way to go. However, before you decide, take a look at these pros and cons:

Pros:

• Cat collars can hold identification and registration tags. This is critical in case your outdoor cat becomes lost or is picked up by a concerned individual. Also, collars can hold bells or other noise generating items to scare away potential prey.

• Many cat collars are equipped with reflective material. Whether the collar is made completely out of reflective material or only contains a small strip, this will help your cat to become more visible in the dark. Cats, especially those of dark color, can become invisible at night, which is a potentially dangerous situation.

Cons:

• Cat collars can easily snag and cause your cat to become hung or stuck on branches, fences, or anything else in the great outdoors. Some cats have actually been strangled when their collar has gotten caught and cut off the animal’s air supply.

• Your cat may not be comfortable wearing a collar or the collar may be too heavy for the animal.

Given these pros and cons, consider choosing a collar that will maximize the positives and minimize the negatives. For example, there are many collars on the market that are specially designed to break away or unclasp when the cat is hung. These collars are considered strangle-proof and release when approximately seven pounds of pressure is applied. This way, the cat can break him — or herself free from any snare.

Furthermore, there are many different types of collars on the market. Bring your feline friend with you to the local pet-friendly pet store and try on several different types of collars until you find one that best fits. Avoid choosing a harness for outdoor cats unless you plan on walking the cat on a leash. If this is the case, only allow your cat to wear a harness while supervised, as most are not snare-proof.

On a whole, collars are encouraged on cats that spend their time outside and inside. In addition to providing visibility to your animal, the collar will hold valuable identification information that will protect your cat and assist you in finding your pet.

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Some Guidance For DOG Owners And Buyers

Shepador Chewer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A dog is a great pet. Dogs are beloved pets virtually everywhere for good reason. They're active, loving and loving. They are going to stick by your side. Because of this, you should be a good friend to your dog and supply them with everything they require. These are some paths to do that.

Look into subsidized medicare for your dog if money is tight. Many local communities, along with groups like the SPCA offer discounted services that have proven invaluable to dog owners. Look into getting your dog spayed or fixed and immunized for a tiny part of vet costs at a sponsored event likely close-by to you. Just contact the SPCA or an animal shelter in your city.

Treatment

When taking your senior dog to the vet for an annual visit, make certain to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to spot any dog worms treatment, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is often minimally invasive and less dear. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy for several years to come.

When you're canine training, use the method of positive beefing up. Rewards and praise work better and quicker than violence and predominance. Treating your dog humanely when training is what is handiest and what will be best for him. Always treat your dog with kindness during training so you will see a miles better result.

Puppy dog

If your puppy or dog is continually gnawing up your furniture, invest in some chew-toys. Scatter them around the floor, particularly around the legs of the settee and end-tables. Be positive about your offers to play with the chewies with your dog to urge frequent use. This should finally deter him from chomping your furniture.

If you are in the marketplace for a new puppy, make sure you will have sufficient time to devote to his coaching. On average, you want to take a puppy dog outside to do his business eight times each day and that can take a lot away from your list. Coaching takes more tenaciousness and time than most people realize.

Care

Owning a dog is a sizeable monetary commitment. You have to pay for top of the range food, regular vet care, and various supplies. This will cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of greenbacks every year. Emergency vet care is awfully costly, in a number of cases thousands of bucks so you might like to consider buying pet healthcare insurance.

Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by car. Even with your air-conditioning on, the dog may become over-heated in his pet carrier. A straightforward and inexpensive countermeasure is freezing one or two-gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he'll curl up and cool down.

Always remember that you are accountable for the welfare of your dog. This info will help you take great care of your pet. It's vital to provide your dog with a good environment and take excellent care of it so it lives a long contented life.

About the Author: Edna Torres My name is Edna Torres I've been helping folks defeat their skin conditions through natural cures for over ten years.

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ROTTWEILER - Historical Facts

Rottweiler

Driving cattle was Rottweilers main historic function... Rottweilers had another historic job besides driving cattle to the butcher. It is the same job that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs, also in the Working group, are best known for. You see, like their Swiss cousins, Rottweilers are drivers that were also used as draft dogs for centuries.

While the main job of the breed was herding large livestock, they were also often used to pull small carts, carrying such things as milk to market.

So, why were dogs, such as Rotties, commonly used as draft animals instead of a horse, which could certainly handle a greater burden? There are several reasons. And most of those reasons lead straight back to the fact that a dog was the more economical choice under the circumstances.

For the most part, draft dogs were employed by small farmers. Perhaps it was a family with a handful of dairy cattle or a few chicken houses. Or perhaps they were subsistence farmers, who used most of their crops for themselves and could only spare a small amount to sell. Either way, in most cases, these were not big landowners. They did not have a huge amount of product to take to market and they did not have a lot of money to invest in a beast of burden. No matter what point in history we are talking about, it has always cost less to purchase a good dog than a good horse.

Let's look at the plight of a small dairy farmer. A horse would be using the same pasture as his cows, eating the same grass and grain. His choice might come down to the question of does he want a horse, or does he want to add another cow to his herd and increase the amount of milk his farm produces.

A dog, on the other hand, is not going to consume anywhere near the amount of food that a horse would. Also, the dog wouldn't be intruding on the cattle's food supply. While they are usually considered carnivores, dogs actually have some omnivore tendencies. The farmer could simply give them a serving of whatever his family was eating that evening. Plus, a dog could supplement its meals by hunting vermin or pests. 

Also, in the case of Rottweilers, the dog could serve multiple purposes. He could be used to herd cattle from the pasture to the barn, in addition to pulling the milk to market. His protective nature made him an excellent farm guardian, as well.

In addition to those reasons why to use a dog, there were also health issues. As anyone who knows much about horses can tell you, the term "healthy as a horse" is a bit deceptive. Horses are actually very sensitive animals. Too much green grass in the spring and they can founder and go lame. A sudden change in the type or amount of grain and they can get colic, and possibly die. On the other hand, a farm dog would be much hardier (the term "sick as a dog" is also deceptive). And let's not forget the fact that you don't normally have to shoe a dog.

In the late 19th century, railroads nearly put the nail in the coffin of the drover dogs of southern Germany. It became illegal to drive cattle for long distances along roadways. However, Rottweilers still had their secondary occupation of draft dog available to them for several years afterward.

Unfortunately, though, they also soon lost that job as well. Donkeys became much more commonly used than dogs as beasts of burden. While a donkey eats the same food a horse would because if its size, it doesn't need near as much. In addition, they are much hardier than horses.

When compared to dogs, a donkey could pull more weight. It could also be ridden, something that even the biggest Rottie is not capable of. Like llamas, donkeys can make good livestock guardians, too, mercilessly chasing away anything that looks like a predator.

As with herding, the modern Rottweiler can still be used for carting. Only now, instead of an occupation, carting is now considered a fun hobby for both dog and owner.

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Yikes I Saw A Flea On My DOG

Scanning Electron Micrograph of a Flea. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At some stage of your pet's lifespan every pet owner will have to deal with the problem of fleas, ticks and mites. If left untreated they can take over your pet's skin and coat so it is really important to keep it under control. It's best to stop the problem before it gets out of control. Rather treat your pet for a few fleas than treat the whole house for an infestation! 

There are some misconceptions about fleas. It is not something that only happens to dirty animals! In fact it is probably more common in clean animals because fleas prefer a clean coat. Coming into contact with other animals also causes exposure to the problem and can start a flea problem in your home.

Fleas, mites and ticks are parasites with a short lifespan so they reproduce quickly. Female fleas can lay up to 25 eggs a day. So you can see just how quickly the problem can get out of hand! They tend to prefer warm conditions so summer and spring are the most troublesome times for pets and owners. 

The main thing is that you want to catch the problem early! This means brushing your dog often and inspecting their coat. Fleas, ticks and mites are tiny black, brown crawling creatures that can even look like dirt. It may help for you to examine the fur under their ears and arms/legs. Fleas like warm places. You can also sea flea egg sacks and flea droppings in their fur if you look closely. If you still cannot see the fleas try combing your dog on a bright surface, something like a piece of paper should work well. 

This is a problem that needs to be treated right away. Instead of heading for the pet store to buy expensive over-the-counter treatments, sprays or dips you should rather seek professional help right away. It will save you time. Your vet should have some pamphlets or handouts about flea control. Some vets even prescribe oral treatments if the problem is out severe. 

If you choose to shop for the products yourself you will need to read the labels carefully to check that you are not inadvertently poisoning your pet! Never allow your pet to ingest any of the products you use; they are highly poisonous. It's also important to protect their eyes from these harsh chemicals. There is a lot of disagreement about whether or not flea collars work. They tend to kill fleas in a localized area around the collar. 

It is important to treat your home for fleas as well. Fleas can survive in almost anything in your home-furniture, rugs and bedding. Any flea treatments will be pointless if the flea's eggs or fleas themselves remain in your living space. 

To clean your home properly you will need to sanitize and clean the areas where the pet sleeps. Depending on the severity of the problem you may need to throw away blankets that have become infested with eggs. Often - just washing the affected bedding in hot water and some flea shampoo should do the trick. Rather safe than sorry though - if in doubt toss the bedding. Having to have your home fumigated will cost a lot more! 

Fleas can become a nightmare for any pet owner. Rather stop the problem early - check your pet everyday for fleas and regularly use a preventative product approved by your vet.

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SOUTH AFRICAN BOERBOEL - Giant Dogs of the World

SOUTH AFRICAN BOERBOEL - Giant Dogs of the World

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What Is The History Of The BOXER DOG?

Boxer (dog) - (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The boxer dog breed originated in Germany in the late 19th century. This is recognized as the standard. A great deal of this standard remains in today’s written standards from around the world. The Boxer was bred from the Alt's Schecken, which was bred by a bulldog in the year 1895. 

This resulted in the birth of the first boxer dog which was registered in the Stud Book in the year 1904. In the early lines, there was a high level of inbreeding which was done to set a type in order to establish the breed. In the earliest years of breeding, one of the most important dogs was the bitch named Meta v.d. Passage. 

The boxer dog descended from the early mastiffs. Their ancestors were used for hunting bears and even wild boars, and also to fight dogs when the hunt was ineffective. The bulldog fights were banned and the dogs became watchdogs and circus dogs. The boxer is the result of the cautious and selective breeding of these dogs and it crossed over to other breeds such as the Great Danes and the English Bulldogs. This was achieved in the 19th century.

The boxer dog is recognized and designed for his attachment, defensive skill, cleverness, aptitude, and learning abilities. A boxer is a playful dog which is high spirited and known to make a good guard dog.

Boxer dogs have helped us in many ways. Not only do they look good but they have played a vital role in investigating crime scenes. 

These dogs often seem scary but they are one of the most amazing dogs in the world. They are capable of giving unconditional love to their owners. They are often mistaken to be violent but, actually, their looks are deceptive.

Many Boxer dogs end up being deserted and abandoned because they are used as just a guard dog or a protector and are not given much attention. Although they are very much capable of protecting their masters, the breed is not destructive by nature. Unkind owners cannot teach or train them aggressively which is why they are abandoned. They need to be trained with an even hand to get the best from them as a breed.

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BASENJI - Egyptian Dog

A brindle Basenji. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Basenji is a small to medium sized dog weighing between 22 to 25 pounds. Their height is around 15" to 17". Known as the barkless dog, the Basenji (bah-SEN-gee) makes a low howl/moaning/yodeling sound instead of barking. They are also called the Congo Dog.

The smooth, shiny, dense coat is short and lies flat against the body. AKC acceptable colors for Basenjis are black, chestnut red, tricolor or brindle all with white on chest, feet, and the tip of the tail in any color including pinto, white or brindle. The coat is easy to care for. Basenjis are also known for licking and grooming their hair like a cat.

This high energy dog makes an excellent watchdog. They are slow to warm up to strangers and will alert you if they see a stranger. They need a lot of exercise and play. Since they are a little on the independent side, they also enjoy some alone play. Chewing is one of their favorite pastimes, so load them up with toys so they don't pick your favorite pair of shoes as a chew toy. They tend to no do well with non-canine pets. With early socialization, they can do well with children and other dogs. Because they possess a little bit of an independent nature, early training is recommended to help curb any unwanted behaviors.

Originating in Africa, the Basenji dates back to ancient times in Egypt. Pictures of the Basenji are on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs. They are mainly used as watchdogs in Africa to warn others of the presence of wild game and they often hunt wild game as pack dogs. 

Just because the Basenji does not bark, does not mean that they are a meek, quiet lap dog. They are very energetic and need plenty of play and exercise. They are perfect for homes that enjoy outside activity and will make sure that their Basenji has time to run and roam.

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5 Great Tips On Building A DOG HOUSE

A wooden doghouse. This dog is Dash outside of his doghouse during U.S. President Benjamin Harrison's tenure.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Over 50% of the population allows their dog to stay indoors and sleep on the couch or in their owner’s bed. For those of you who are interested in building a dog house for your beloved pet here are some simple rules to follow when considering what type of shelter you want to provide.

1. You should begin your dog house building process by making sure the house is big enough to accommodate your animal’s potential adult size. Humans enjoy having about 2 feet of air above us in a room in order to live without feeling claustrophobic. Your dog will probably also enjoy having that much room. The comfort zone for both humans and dogs is about 1/3 of their standing height. To figure out how much room the dog will need to get out a tape measure and measure your dog. Measure him standing straight up, sitting on his haunches and above all measure the full dimension of the dog when he is the most comfortable, relaxed and stretched out the position he can get into. Your dog should be able to look out the front entrance while both standing up and sitting. So the dog will not have to significantly lover his front shoulders or scrape his belly make sure that entrance is high enough. Stand over the dog and measure the width of the widest point of the animal’s shoulders.

2. Remember to raise the doghouse several inches from the ground to allow air and water to flow underneath. To dissuade pests from invading the dog house and taking your dog's health into consideration remember how important ventilation is. Put in a few nickel-sized holes in the walls under the eaves. Install a wind block inside the house so the dog can use the heat of its own body to warm up the area if it is really cold or windy outside. Consider adding a partial wall which will allow your dog to escape the bad weather. Your animal can choose to just sleep in the entry room or go around the inner archway maze wall into the inner sanctum. Your beloved pet would probably love having a pillow or some sort of bedding to sleep on.

3. To avoid rain coming into the doghouse make the floor just a bit slanted toward the doorway and build the roof a little bit slanted, as well. Make sure the house is well insulated but you should not paint the inside.

4. In the United States, most storms come from the south and west so make sure the dog house faces a different direction. Most dog house plans suggest that the dog house door faces east. The cold air will not be able to whip through the entryway then.

5. It is suggested that you put hinges on the roof of the dog house. This makes it easier for you to clean out your dog’s home. You should clean the dog’s house as often as you give your dog a bath.

If your dog lives outside then he deserves to have a comfortable place to sleep and get out of harsh weather. Hopefully, these easy tips on building a dog house will help you get started.

15 Free Dog House Plans

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Life saving benefits of homemade PET FOOD

A supermarket's pet food aisle in Brooklyn, New York (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Earlier pets used to live a longer life because they were fed with home cooked food. However, in the last few decades, with the advent of commercial pet food, people found it easy to manage the health of their pet. Choosing convenience overwork is everyone’s tendency. Moreover, it is not harmful, right! The recent pet food recall has made it clear to every pet owner about the adversity that it can bring to your pet’s health. It may even die.

Starting from the year 1995, when owners complained about their pet’s vomiting and thus losing appetite till the recent past in the late 2000’s, pet food industry has been proved to be hazardous. False usage and amalgamation of chemicals in pet’s food led to many diseases in pets such as chronic digestive problems, obesity, kidney diseases, heart disease, urinary tract disease, bloat, dental disease, and hyperthyroidism. 

These diseases are a result of nutrition-free food produced by commercial pet food industry. So, what’s more important for you then? Convenience or little efforts for your four-legged furry companion whom you love! To start taking care of it in the right way, plan to prepare its meal at home. It is as easy as cooking for your whole family. 

All you need to bear in mind is to remember to gather thorough knowledge of the requirements of your pet in terms of the amount of meal, nutrients etc. to be given to it. Different breeds have different needs, plus giving it a wholesome meal is extremely important. Consulting a veterinarian is the best way to go about it or you can use online pet consultation services also. Don’t think more; just avail the benefits of feeding your pet with homemade food providing it a healthy life and long life.

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Your CHOW CHOW Dogs Guide

Chow Chow, (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The chow chow is a very old dog breed with an unknown exact origin. History indicates that the animal might have emerged in China around two hundred and six BC. Chow chow dogs look like the Chinese Shar-Pei because of their black and blue mouths. They somewhat look like they fathered some other famed canines, including Samoyed and Pomeranian among others.

In the olden days, chows were serious wolf hunters, animal herders, cart pullers, and home and boat watchdogs. They generally provided support as far as protection of property and humans. Their working role seems to have changed nowadays as chowchows are simply family pets. Read the following question and answer guide to understand them more.

1. The chow chow physique - These are huge, strong canines with a bluish-black tongue and virtually upright hide legs. One can notice this funny look of the rear legs when the pet is walking. They can grow tall up to a height of eighteen to twenty-two inches at the shoulder. Additionally, an adult dog can weigh around forty-five to seventy pounds.

Their heads are large and wide whereas the skull is flat and they look like smaller male lions because of their head mane. Their large noses are black and boast two properly formed nostrils. Ears as are small, triangular shaped, erect and their tips perfectly round. Chow chow dogs have sunken, dark eyes and their curly tail rests close to their back.

The fur type distinguishes the two types of chows available. One type of dog has an abundant, dense soft coat and the other type has a thick, rough coat. There are five distinct colors of chowchows, including blue, black, red, cream and cinnamon. Cream dogs can sometimes have grayish, white or tan colors. These lovely pets have sharp, thin biting teeth.

2. Is the dog's temperament bad or good? - Let us just say that the dog's behavior and temperament depend on who owns him or her. Dominance is a natural train in chows and they can very easily grab a bossy position in your home. Would you imagine following your pet's orders and wishes? Well, with chows, being overprotective of their masters is not a problem. They have incredible willpower, confidence, and authority that could surpass the same traits in some humans.

That said, it is imperative to train your canine how to be obedient. He or she does not refute or boycott daily puppy lessons. Chows can be very cooperative if that is what the master wants. Additionally, each home needs more than one authoritative figure as in chow chows can intuitively discover a weak human leader. Therefore, she or he will be polite, respectful to the master, and frankly rude to another person without a commanding tone.

If a chow is not in a good mood it will blatantly show it and will demand space. When they need play and attention, they will even be good to children and other pets. However, these dogs will repeatedly follow their instincts, in that they will want to herd and protect homes, children, pets and everything.

3. Does the animal have any health problem? Chow Chow dogs suffer entropion, an eye disease caused by some serious eyelid abnormality. The problem needs a surgical correction. Other problems include ear disease, stomach cancer, hip dysplasia, and hot spots among others. Chows can survive in small indoor spaces as long as there is a small backyard for allowing play. If well nurtured, these pets can live for about fifteen years.

By G. Smitty - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Taking Care Of BENGAL KITTEN

A snow-spotted Bengal kitten, 9 months old. At this age, the striking markings are not fully developed and the kittens go through a phase that breeders call "the fuzzies". (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As a future pet owner, you would have to be knowledgeable about the creatures that you would be buying. Keep in mind that the moment you pay for them, they are already your responsibility from that point onwards. You are the one who is going to bury them if ever they die in your care and that is it.

Their diet has to be the one that is prescribed by a licensed vet. Be reminded that you have Bengal kittens and not fellow humans. Since you have decided to let them enter in your life, then you must have included into your budget the fact that they will be eating a different kind of food compared to yours.

If you think that the water faucet is not safe to drink, then do something about that. You can either change your water provider or buy a mini purifier. In that case, you will also be able to benefit from the clean water that will come out of that machine. You just have to make a little investment in here and that will be it.

If you have found the perfect sealed litter box, then buy it. Never forget that the cleanliness of your home is still important. If you will no longer pay attention to that, then you can never have those house parties anymore. You will also start to smell like animal waste and that can never be a good thing since you go to work.

You will have to know more about grooming. Be reminded that your kittens must not look like they do not have an owner in front of your friends. You will have to make them presentable as much as you can. If not, then their dirty appearance will reflect in your personality and that cannot work in your best interest.

Have some play time with your pets. They may not be as interactive as a dog but then, you still have to show to them that you love them. When that happens, then all of you would be able to live in harmony. You would not have to worry about their dirt since they would follow all of your orders.

Have a resident vet as much as possible. If this person is your friend at the same time, then you have the perfect situation right there. You can even get a discount for your yearly checkups. When that takes place, then you can have more money that you can spend on the other things that your pets need.

Learn to enjoy what you got. Include them in your daily routine since you are the one who asked for this. Let go of your solitary attitude and welcome the warm change of having a pet around in your humble abode.

Overall, be excellent with this new stage in your life. It will not be easy but you will have to adapt. If not, then your felines will suffer.

About the Author: Bernadette Martin To find home-raised Bengal kittens for sale Florida cat lovers should take a look at the online gallery. The web page you should review is right here at http://leopardkindbengals.com.

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Health Problems in the GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

German Shepherd

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 to acquire 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 ensure 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 autoimmune 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 minimize 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.

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PEKINGESE - Dogs of the World

Pekingese - Dogs of the World

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The Cruelty Of CLAW REMOVAL

Cat Claw

Cats use their claws for various purposes.  The claws are important to cats, as they are an essential part of balancing.  If you’ve ever noticed a cat jumping and latching on to a high object, you’ve probably noticed that he uses his claws to pull himself up.  When climbing trees, cats tend to use their claws to latch onto the bark and climb towards their destination. 

Cats also use their claws for stretching, walking, and running as well.  The claws are also a cat’s primary source of defense against other animals and humans as well.  Most cats keep their claws extremely sharp, as their claws and teeth are basically their only weapons.  The claws are also essential for using the bathroom as well, as cats use them to cover up their mess with dirt.

Cats also use their claws to scratch things, which mark their territory.  Their claws have glands, which contain a secretion.  When they leave their mark on something, the secretion is transferred to the area they scratched.  This is detectable to other cats although not to humans.  Sometimes, they will also scratch something to remove the older claw which will fall off and give them a brand new claw that resides underneath.

As sad as it is, a lot of pet owners choose to put their own possessions above their cats, such as their expensive furniture or carpets.  These cat owners are afraid that they cat will ruin their furniture or carpet, and therefore will choose to get their cat de-clawed.  Getting a cat’s claws removed is a surgical procedure, one that can only be performed by a veterinarian.  The owner will need a good reason though, as a vet won’t do the surgery just to keep one’s furniture or carpet protected.

If you’ve been thinking of getting your cat de-clawed, you should know that the process can totally change his personality.  Once the cat is de-clawed, he will be in pain and confused.  He may not be able to jump in the window or on the couch, and he may not be able to play like he once did.  Some cats, after being de-clawed, tend to get aggressive and bite with their teeth.  To make a long story short, the cat will be completely miserable – which is a tough thing to bear for those who love their cats.

Those who decide to own cats should know that a cat can scratch on occasion.  If someone isn’t prepared to deal with that fact, they shouldn’t own a cat in the first place.  Cats are great pets, although they do have claws and they will use them on occasion.  There are plenty of other great pets out there if you aren’t up for handling a cat.  If you’re just worried about your furniture or carpet, there are ways that you can keep your cat from scratching on your belongings.

The first thing to do is to get your cat a scratching post and let him know where it is and how to use it.  You can also get a rush mat as well, which will help your cat with his instincts to scratch.  You may have to demonstrate how to use the mat or the post at first, although your cat should catch onto it quick.  Once you have shown him the ropes, he will scratch on the post or the mat – and not your furniture or your carpet.

Although many don’t realize it, there are other ways to protect your things other than getting your cat de-clawed.  Getting a cat’s claws removed is very painful and confusing to the cat, and may totally change his outlook on things.  Before you decide to take the inhumane path of getting your cat de-clawed, you should look into your other available options- your cat will like these options much better.

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What Should You Know About Caring for Your Little PEKINGESE Puppy?

A Pekingese puppy, 8 months old (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are considering buying a Pekingese puppy, there are a few things you should know about the breed. This ancient Chinese breed is an ideal companion dog. They weren't bred to hunt or retrieve so if you are looking for a lap dog that is also alert and playful; the Pekingese is a perfect choice.

A new Pekingese Puppy -

The Pekingese puppies are adorable - cute and cuddly. These dogs will snore, shed hair and wheeze. So only buy a Pekingese puppy if you live in a cooler climate and have time at hand to be able to groom your dog regularly. A chunky and sturdy puppy, the Pekingese is appealing and mild tempered. But that doesn't mean the dog will be easy to maintain! A Pekinese can get a horde of physical ailments, ranging from eye infections to skin infections. Also, these dogs are more prone to disc injuries, allergies, and joint problems. A new puppy will be inquisitive by nature and will require a lot of training.

Training a Pekinese puppy -

Like all puppies, the Pekingese is also playful and active. But unlike a Labrador retriever or a German shepherd, the Pekingese puppy will not live to please you. If you want an obedient dog with no behavioral issues, you will have to earn the respect of this cute little puppy. You will need to train this puppy consistently, with a firm hand so that the dog understands that you are the master, and only you call the shots. Being relaxed about the training of a Pekingese means you will suffer from an aggressive and ill-tempered dog for the next 13 years of your life. Doesn't sound too good, does it? So be firm and be consistent, because this small breed is known for its stubbornness and may need a little more time and patience to be housebroken and trained for basic obedience. However, that doesn't mean you give up too soon. It is absolutely essential for your safety as well as the safety of your Pekingese puppy that he learns simple obedience commands like - Sit, Stay, No, Come and Heel sooner rather than later.

Pekinese grooming-

Like any other dog with a thick coat, the Pekingese puppy will need regular grooming. Some puppies resist grooming, and it is your job as the master to train your puppy to sit still while you comb his coat. Make sure you do it more often - maybe twice a day so that the/ puppy gets comfortable with you detangling his coat. Also, you will need to take special care of this breed's eyes and paws, so make sure your puppy is trained from an early age to sit peacefully while you examine the fur and paws for skin infections or the eyes for dryness.

By Milos Obrenovic - Article Source: EzineArticles

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