Are you one of the million of Britons famous the world over for being a pet owner and lover? If so, do you have pet insurance? If not, you may well want to read on if you want to save yourself millions of pounds….
Let’s look at two, not uncommon, scenarios that may happen to a pet owner in the UK:
Scenario 1:
You own a dog. The dog is out in the garden. The post comes to the house to deliver a letter. In the course of delivering the letter your dog bites the postman.
Scenario 2:
You own a horse. The horse is grazing in the field. The horse is startled, jumps the hedge and crashes into an oncoming car.
Do you know what would happen in both of these scenarios? Well, if you don’t already know, as you may recall from the recent famous case involving Princess Anne, in Scenario 1 you could be liable to pay damages under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Less well known, in Scenario 2 you could be liable to pay damages under a recent House of Lords interpretation to the Animal Act 1971. Either way, you’re paying.
How can you limit the liability you’ll suffer if either of these unfortunate events where to occur? Without some form of pet insurance policy you could not. As such, if you have a pet and want to save yourself from the prospect of having to pay out a potentially large amount of money in compensation damages to a third party – now is the time that you should be considering getting pet insurance.
Although pet insurance is unlikely to cover you for the full costs you that you may need to pay to both defend your self against a claim and also pay compensation if you lose, as there is likely to be a minimum excess payment and maximum cap payment, for a reasonable annual premium payment you can arrange to have cover that would pay a large portion of this amount.
At the end of the day, however, having pet insurance is like having any other type if insurance. Would you go out n the roads and drive your car without insuring yourself against an accident? Would you leave all your valuables at home without having any home contents insurance? Do you want to take the chance that you could be used for million in personal injury compensation without having paid a minimal amount in pet insurance?
30 Nov 2007
Pet Insurance & Public Liability – Are You Safe From A Personal Injury Compensation Claim?
19 Nov 2007
Rescue A Life By Taking A Stray Dog In
However, most of the time we did not act upon the thought because we thought it would be too difficult to train a grown up stray dog for these two reasons-- his being grown up and his being a stray dog. We were wrong on both counts. Old dogs are not less capable of learning than puppies and can learn even faster having seen a lot of life already.
Stray dogs are hard working as they have spent a large part of their lives struggling for food and life. They are grateful for the security and nourishment you provide and are ready to show that it was all worth it.
There are, however, a few things that you must do before taking a stray dog as a pet. Take the dog to the vet and have him examine it, for contagious diseases are a big risk in the strays though there is nothing much to worry about, as they can be easily treated.
Once you are through with the medical examination of the pet, it is time to train him a little because having spent most of his life scavenging, he would still try to find food in the dustbin. Gently tell him “No” if that doesn't work, say a firm “No!”
That should work. After telling him not to look for food in the dustbin take him to his meal bowl, put some food in it and let him eat so that he gets the message as to where he would find food in the house.
Make them associate right. For instance, if he is being punished, he should be able to associate it with the fault. You come back home and find your pillow chewed upon, the dog gets punished. He'll chew it again and would hide when you come back. He fears punishment but has not been able to associate it with the mistake. He associates it with your coming back home and not with his chewing the pillow. Show him the pillow, tell him not to do it again and if he does it again, punish.
It may be a little difficult at first but the dog would eventually learn "to learn." No matter how bothersome be the initial roadblocks, nothing diminishes the satisfaction of having a saved a creature from a life of torture, misery and endless struggle.
By: Javier
Exercising With Your Dog
Dogs make excellent exercise companions because they naturally enjoy being physically active. So, you can make them a part of your exercise program, especially if you exercise outdoors because the presence of an animal with a resounding bark and sharp teeth is an effective deterrent to those lurking wrongdoers. Besides of course dogs make exercising a pleasurable activity. When you indulge in a physical activity, dogs tend to take active part in it and serve as great workout buddies. They are very effective stress busters and induce simplicity in life.
You may start running with your dog, but make sure that he run alongside you and does not cross your path or else he would end up hurting you unintentionally. For this you need to train the dog. Start jogging carefully with him and make him understand that when you are running you intend to run forth in straight line and have no intentions to leap and play.
You may also bike alongside you dog. He would definitely run along but ensure that he doesn't start chasing. He needs to understand that you are not playing catch-me-if-you-can.
Among the most popular dog exercises is throwing the ball and asking him to get it back to you. If you do it sitting and make the dog do most of the work, you'll keep him active but make yourself inactive. So, when you throw the ball move yourself and then throw. This will make the dog bring ball to you at a different location in the yard every time. This not only keep you active but also makes the activity more pleasurable for both of you.
Being active with your dog is indeed a very rewarding experience. It takes the psychological burden of exercising off one's brain and makes one workout rather effortlessly.
By: Javier
Training Dogs: How To Raise A Pet Dog?
The first thing you must do after bringing a little pet home is to take it to a vet for a thorough check up. If he has any health complication, it could be detected early and treated forthwith. Second comes an anti-rabies inoculation to keep him protected against rabies and all those who accidentally get a scratch from his teeth. Besides the fact of course that the stray intruder who might get to sample a dog bite for accidentally or deliberately being where he or she is not supposed to be!
Once these two things are taken care of, a pet owner must find as to what has been the dog's particular lifestyle-- whether he is an active kind or a simple, docile one; whether he needs to exercise strenuously or can do with an occasional walk. It is important because dogs are quite sensitive to abrupt sea changes in their lifestyles and may not take well to it. So, be a bit careful about it.
Three things you must ensure on daily basis that the dog gets optimum amount of nutritious foods, gets to drink fresh and clean water and exercises. If your dog is the one with long hair, he needs regular baths to keep himself clean and disease free.
Then comes training. An untrained dog can really be a bad pet. You must be careful while training that you teach him the right commands to obey without being too harsh on him. At the same time one must not be too light, for that could make the dog take training less seriously than he should.
Dogs learn to obey easily and they are easy to train because of their natural urge to please the owner. Be affectionate to your dog at all the times, for nothing works better than strenuous training mixed with a little bit of love. That's the magic potion that fails almost never.
By : Javier
Get rid of puppies “Behavior Problem”
Problem correction, like command training, has an expected sequence of steps you must follow to be successful:
Prevent Unwanted Practice
Before you could attempt to any changes make sure that you are not creating another problem. If you don’t give the dog what he requires, a proper diet, plenty of exercise and daily dealings or if you give him more than what he can actually handle, crate him for long hours, constantly excite him or may be frighten him frequently, he would not be able to give you his best.
Now prevent the accidents until you and your dog are actually prepared. Crating, closing doors, moving the cat box or bowl, or may be keeping him on lead with you are just a few ways to minimize mischief. When you leave, lock him safely.
Teach Better
Always give your dog a way to succeed, a way to earn rewards. With behavior problems, ask your self “What behavior we want?”
Often “sit” is a normal option. A dog who is sitting cannot be jumping up, stealing food from the kids counter tops etc... One of the best ways to address a surplus behavior is to just spend several days working on the desired alternative until your dog would do it quickly and more reliably by clearly directing him to the desired behavior, he quickly learns how to earn approval and rewards.
Practice
Behavior problems can not be willed away. It doesn’t really help to think about crating him or to think setting up a training situation. Do it. We’ve seen people resolve similar difficult canine problems for which we held out little hope of recovery. It has achieved through pure diligence and pure commitment. Not every problem has a solution, but most they do and that solution is 100% dependent on you. Take the time and create a minor miracle.
By: Anbhu Selvan
Dog Training For Kids At Home
Learn about various breeds and their primary traits. Choose the dog breed that is known to be of easy temperament and training friendly. Besides, the breed the individual traits also matter. For instance, Dobermans are not supposed to be the children's friend yet some of them have been found to be extremely friendly with kids and are very tolerant of their rashness. In a few instances dogs of certain gentle breeds turn out to be short tempered and highly irritable. The best way to find out whether a pup will grow into an angry dog or an affectionate one is to have a look at his mother or grown up siblings.
Never forget that the puppy might be much smaller than your kid but would grow much faster than him. One thing that you must make your little ones understand that a pup is not a toy and cannot be handled the way they like. The child, therefore, must give a gentle treatment to the dog and mend his pushing, pulling and twisting ways.
Kids have the habit of putting everything in their mouths and once they get a dog they try to put all of it in his mouth. Teach him not to, for the dog might not like it that much, besides the kid might also hurt himself or herself doing it. And, no tailpulling.
The child must also be encouraged to train the dog himself or herself so that they grow up together and the dog understands your child's commands fully well. Do not allow your child to walk the dog unless you or some other elder is around because dogs often get distracted by sounds and may go berserk in excitement. This might hurt the child though the dog himself would feel very sorry for having hurt the little one. Dogs are very sensitive creatures and can feel human pain. If you are in pain they just might end up crying literally.
By: Javier
Human Dog Affinity: Dogs Read Humans Like A Book
It is not inconceivable that earlier in the history of human evolution the wolves must not only have vied for prey with humans but must have also been quite comfortable gorging upon human flesh. How did this very conceivable enmity turn into such close affinity?
It is a known fact that dogs are very docile, unless of course they have been trained to fight or hunt. So, is it really true that dogs are the most compatible human companions. One Mr. Brian Hare of Harvard University performed an experiment some time back wherein he found that no animal is as sensitive to social cues from human beings as a dog. As per his study, even chimpanzees who are supposed to be closest to human being in the chain of evolution are not as sensitive as dogs. This is what, that makes them best suited to live in human company and respond well to human surroundings.
To test his basic hypothesis Dr Hare put two inverted cups before a dog and a chimpanzee and then put a small piece of food under one of them without letting the animals see. The job for the animals was to pick the right cup. Without any cue, both of them were right nearly 50% of the time. Then it was signaled to them as to which one was the right cup. The signal could be pointing, tapping or just looking at it. The dog was right every time while the chimpanzee did not improve much.
The inference drawn was simple that the Chimpanzees can not understand social signals of this kind while the dogs read them like a book. Perhaps, that's where the reason for a better human-dog understanding lies. They can take the cue soundlessly. If someone understands someone so well, it is natural for them to build a lasting connection.
By: Javier
Chow Chow: A Tough Defender
To look at, the Chow Chow is cute, cuddly dog but has a lordly attitude, which is why it is considered to be a tough and mean dog, which is true in part. Some of them are grouchy and downright mean, while many are playful and indifferent. They are, in general, aloof and haughty.
One thing that stands apart is the Chow Chow’s fierce loyalty towards its owners. They are tough defenders and would defend their families to the last of their breath. This is what makes them great watchdogs. Put him on and not a fly could pass.
Any unknown person is not allowed near any of his things, and if you mess with it, you’ll have some part of your body in his mouth in a jiffy.
They are quite choosy when it comes to bonding. So, a Chow Chow would find a person of his choice in the family and would obey him or her at all the times. Not that he is intolerant of others. He can bear them but obedience comes for a price. If anyone else wants him to obey, he could offer a treat, after which obedience might be considered.
However, that doesn’t mean that even the outsiders can bribe the dog. This offer of treat-for-obedience is valid only with respect to the family members, and any outsider trying it may get a bite-treatment from the dog. This also means that if you want your neighbor to come and watch the house while the dog is in, the dog would ignore the fellow and do whatever it likes though it is unlikely that he would harm the person.
In other words, you can sit and watch, but do not command, as your commands will fall on a deaf Chow Chow’s ear and will be ignored altogether.
They need strong human masters, for they are themselves quite strong willed, and needs to be told that the man is the boss. So you need to be affectionate and firm consistently and your Chow Chow will grow into an obedient, good boy.
By: Javier
Pet Grooming Is Important
I like grooming Tyke, not only because spending that extra quality time together strengthens my bond with him, but also because I may discover developing health problems like a tumor sooner rather than later.
Regular grooming is alas often overlooked as an important and necessary aspect of pet ownership that should not be ignored.
You may decide that it's better to take your pet to a professional who is sure to do it right. A professional groomer will be sensitive to you and your pet's needs; they are interested in gaining you and your pet's trust. But because pet grooming is so important, it's vital that you teach your dog to tolerate it as soon as you take her home so the experience can remain safe and stress free for her.
On the other hand, you may want to start a grooming business yourself. Pet grooming is an alternative pet business opportunity that is widely popular today, as more and more pet owners spend a lot of money to pamper their pets. Dog grooming experience can be gained through apprenticeship, therefore it is wise to spend at least one year gaining experience from a well respected groomer. Anyone interested in becoming a pet groomer should do online research to find out the right steps to take.
Apparently, a new trend that is highly likely to make you successful is opting for door-to-door, mobile pet grooming. Mobile grooming will succeed anywhere pet grooming is needed: you can install all the equipment that you need inside a van, and you simply drive to people's homes. They don't need to spend the time or do the effort to drive back and forth, and you don't need to pay the rent for an office. A perfect win-win situation.
Rewarding though it is, catering to personable, caring people who desire this service, keep in mind that pet grooming is very physical work and requires patience and a strong desire to learn.
Always remember though, running a pet grooming business successfully is about building trust between you and the pet as well as its owner: that can only happen if you care about pets as much as you care about people.
By: Myriam De Clercq
8 Tips to Help Prevent "Pica": A Dog Compulsive Disorder
In a human, a compulsive disorder may be repetitive, such as frequent hand washing or pulling one's hair out. In dogs, these disorders can include excessive licking and spinning in circles. Compulsive disorders are repetitive, nonfunctional, nonbeneficial behaviors. Although the exact cause of compulsive disorders is unknown, animal behaviorists feel that they are often caused by stress brought on by environmental conflicts such as competition with other pets, changes in the home, constant punishment, or confinement to small areas such as cages or crates.
Lack of socialization or too much attention, as well as a nutritional imbalance, may bring about a compulsive behavior as well. A dog with a compulsive disorder loses control over his ability to initiate and stop these negative, repetitive actions. Often the compulsive behaviors are oral in nature, causing the dog to eat things he shouldn't.
Controlling Your Dog's Disorder
1. The first step in treating a compulsive disorder is to identify the cause and eliminate it. For example, if your dog is crated for a large portion of the day, allow him outside the confined space to help get him on the road to recovery.
2. Don't reinforce the behavior by paying attention to him while he is engaged in it. Providing good quality time on a set schedule is preferable and more effective than petting, stroking, or verbally consoling your dog in the midst of repetitive activity.
3. Do not reinforce the behavior by punishing your dog for the compulsive behavior or for other inappropriate activities. It may make the problem worse.
4. Spray household objects your dog likes to chew with cayenne pepper, essential oils in citrus, cinnamon, or eucalyptus scents, spray deodorant, or perfume that is not your own.
5. Spray favorite chewables with a pet repellent to deter your dog from sticking non-food objects in his mouth.
6. Keep dangerous objects such as yarn or string out of your dog's reach to prevent him from chewing and swallowing them.
7. If your dog is chewing his hair, he may have an allergy. Discuss the problem with your veterinarian before embarking on a behavior modification program.
8. As a last resort to solve a compulsive eating disorder, discuss drug therapy with your veterinarian. Drugs that increase serotonin levels, like Prozac and some antidepressants are used for treating compulsive disorders, including compulsive eating.
Compulsive disorders are not just a problem for adults; dogs can suffer from them as well. If your dog suffers from “pica,” or the drive to consume nonfood material, then following the steps outlined above will help you and your dog deal with this problem. If you are unsure whether your dog suffers from “pica,” or simply need help in dealing with this compulsive disorder, then you should consult with your veterinarian.
By: Dan Irwin
Dog Diseases: A Quick Guide To Fight The Early Symptoms
Rabies: This disease is caused due to a virus which affects the central nervous system of the dog. It generally spreads through the saliva. Rabies has several stages. In the first stage, there appears some behavior changes in your dog. As it reaches the second stage, the dog becomes very aggressive and by the third stage the body parts of the dog stop coordinating with each other. Once encountered the disease, there remains no cure.
Distempter: This is considered as the biggest threat to the whole population of the dog species. The symptoms are heavy nasal discharge, congestion in the chest, weight loss, coughing, gunky eyes and diarrhea. As the disease reaches its later stages, it has a direct effect on the nervous system of the dog causing paralysis. It is a contagious disease and the virus can be encountered by the air. Even by coming in contact with the excretion of the infected dog, the healthy dog can get afflicted. Once the dog is infected, then there is no cure for the disease. This deadly disease can be prevented by giving a proper vaccination to the dog.
Bloat: It is a serious disorder in a dog, wherein there occurs a twisting in the stomach of the animal. It generally occurs due to over eating. If the dog appears restless and depressed with dry heaves, then you must treat him for bloat.
Parvovirus: This virus is a fast killer as the symptoms can be seen in the dogs within hours of the virus attack, even killing the dog within 48-72 hours. It is a contagious disease and directly attacks the intestinal tract of the dog's digestive system. The effect of the virus can also be seen on the heart of the dog. The symptoms include depression, severe form of diarrhea, vomiting and also loss of appetite. In this disease the color of the feacel matter changes and often have blood stains.
Canine Viral Hepatitis: This disease directly targets the kidney, the liver and the blood vessels of the dog. The symptoms include loss in appetite, intense thirst, vomiting and hemorrhages. The virus of the disease spreads through the faecel matter of the other dogs. The dogs can be prevented from this disease by administering them with the vaccination.
Kennel Cough: This is the most common respiratory disease among the dogs, wherein a typical kind of cough can be seen in the dogs. If given proper treatment, the disorder can be mended.
Leptospirosis: It is a bacterial disease. It spreads through the excretion of the animals. If human beings any how come in contact with this virus, they can also be infected. There is not one but several species of bacterias that produce this disease in dogs. The common symptoms of this disease are kidney inflammation, lethargy, conjuctivita, low grade fever and even sometimes clotting of blood. If the disease is more chronic the symptoms can be jaundice, pneumonia and intestinal inflammation.
Retinal Dysplasia: It is a disorder where there is an abnormal development of the retina. There occurs folds in the outer layers of the retina. It is the most common type of disease that is present in most of the breeds of dogs. A minor form of dysplasia causes minor vision problems, whereas an acute one can lead to total blindness in dogs. Cataract is also accompanied by this disorder.
Lyme Disease: It is a bacterial disease that is spread by ticks. The dog suffers from joint pains, loss of appetite, fever and lethargy. Tetracycline, an antibiotic is used for the treatment of this disease.
It is thus important to detect early symptoms of these diseases in your pet dogs and meet your vet as soon as possible. This will not only keep your dog healthy but will also keep it away from any of the life threatening diseases.
By: Javier
Hunting Dog Breeds: Not as Fierce as They Seem
Since each breed of hunting dog has unique skills and attributes, we shall look at each general type of hunting dog separately. It is important to remember that hunting dogs are not aggressive by nature and are actually some of the best natured and calm mannered of all the breeds of dogs.
Hounds
Hounds, used as hunting dogs, can be subdivided into two types: scent or sight hunting dogs. They are used to hunt many types of mammals such as raccoons, coyotes, and other larger mammals. As you might imagine, sight hounds hunt by visual contact with the game. They are very fast and tend to be relatively smaller than scent hounds - although this does not mean that all of the breeds of sight hunting hounds are small dogs. Sight hounds include:
· Whippets
· Greyhounds
· Rhodesian Ridgebacks
· Saluki
· Afghan hound
· Basenji
· Irish Wolfhound
Scent hounds tend to be heavier-set, deeper-chested hunting dogs that excel for their endurance rather than their speed. Their voices tend to be deep and baying and in this way hunters can follow them to where they have treed or cornered the game. Scent hounds include:
· Bloodhounds
· Bassets
· Beagles
· Coonhounds (all varieties)
· Foxhounds
· Scottish Deerhound
Some hounds are versatile and can track using both sight and scent.
Water Dogs
The name “water dogs” is the original name for a large group of hunting dog breeds that are now often referred to as gun dogs. These dogs were bred to go into the water and retrieve or bring back game, to flush and point, and to show where waterfowl may be located on the shore areas in rushes and weeds. Some of them are also used for on-land game bird shooting, a type of hunting in which setters and pointers have become specialized. These dog breeds are very patient and will wait, without moving, for long periods of time until they are finally told to do so by the hunter. They are also used to swimming great distances into the water and back to retrieve a duck or goose without damaging the bird or even piercing the skin with their teeth.
Dog breeds included in the group of gun or water dogs are:
· Retrievers – Labradors, Golden, Chesapeake Bay
· Spaniels – English, Cocker, Water, Brittany
· Setters – English, Irish, Gordon
· Pointers – Pudelpointer, German Short Haired, English
It is interesting to note that the standard Poodle is an excellent gun and hunting dog, although nowadays it is rarely used as a hunting dog anymore.
Terriers
Terriers are a group of hunting dogs, mostly developed during the industrial revolution, in the United Kingdom and Europe, to kill the vermin in houses, factories and farms. These small- to medium-sized dogs are energetic, lively and very independent. These dogs are a little different, in that they are actually trained to kill their prey, unlike the hounds or water dogs listed above. For that reason they tend to be a bit more aggressive towards other animals if not socialized properly. The most common terrier breeds include:
· Jack Russell
· Cairn
· West Highland White
· Skye
· Boston
· Yorkshire
· Fox
· Airedale
· Scottish
However, there are many other types of terriers, all with unique coat colors and characteristics.
If you are looking for a hunting dog, you need to bear in mind, first, exactly which breed is best suited to your requirements. As a hunter, be sure to research each breed and talk to dog owners to find which will most closely match your needs. However, remember that you needn’t be a hunter to own one of these dogs – hunting dogs can make excellent, good-natured companions. If that is the case, simply make sure that the breed you choose fits in with your present – and projected lifestyle.
By: abtlang
Everything You Need To Know About Heart Failure In Dogs
What can cause heart failure?
Any form of heart disease can cause this condition. A dog may be born with a defect that leads on to heart failure - such as a hole in the heart or a major blood vessel positioned wrongly - but in most cases heart failure is associated with an underlying heart disease that is not present at birth. These diseases include the following:
* Long-term disease of the major internal heart valves, making the valves ineffective as seals.
* Diseases of the heart muscle.
* An infestation of heartworms.
* Diseases of the tissues that surround the heart, leading to a build-up of fluid.
* Electrical disorders of the heart, affecting its beat rhythm and rate.
* Bacterial infections of the interior lining of the heart.
* Tumors of the heart.
Heart failure is obviously a very serious; life-threatening condition. For instance, heart-valve disorders are most common in middle-aged and older dogs, and in toy, miniature arid small breeds, especially the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, chihuahua, cocker spaniel, poodle and Yorkshire terrier. Heart-muscle disorders most commonly affect the boxer, cocker spaniel and doberman pinscher, as well as giant breeds, especially the Great Dane, Irish wolfhound, St Bernard and Newfoundland.
Early stages of heart failure: In the earliest stages of heart failure a dog may not show any symptoms, because changes that occur in his body will help to compensate for his failing heart. However, heart disease may still be detectable by a vet at an early stage. As the condition progresses, the dog will begin to exhibit symptoms. At first, this may only happen when his heart is under stress, such as on exercise, but later on his quality of life will deteriorate as he develops symptoms that are obvious on mild exercise or even at rest. Typical symptoms are mainly due to the build-up of fluid in the lungs and/or abdomen, to an increase in the size of the heart as it tries to compensate for its own failure, and to the inefficient pumping of blood around the body.
They may include the following: Exhaustion on exercise, Coughing, An increased breathing rate, Abdominal swelling, Weakness and lethargy, Cold extremities, Pale gums, Fainting, Weightloss, Reluctance to eat, and last but not least, Depression.
Author: John Edwards
14 Nov 2007
Is Your Dog Too Fat?
As the American public has become infatuated with their televisions, and in more recent years with their computers, the problem of obesity has increased dramatically. Most of us do not exercise on a regular basis, especially as we age, and tend instead to lead rather passive lives.
A direct result of this lack of human activity is a corresponding obesity problem with our dog population. If a dog's owner is exercise adverse, then the chances are that his dog will not exercise to the optimal degree. When combined with the bad feeding habits that are imposed on many dogs by their owners, the result is that an estimated 25% to 30% of all dogs in the United States are obese.
And with obesity comes a whole host of potential medical problems for the canine population. These include orthopedic and skeletal problems, diabetes, heart and lung disease, reproductive dysfunction, amongst many others. They are also more prone to injury. Once any of these obesity-related conditions is recognized, a cycle of medical (and often surgical) treatments often arises.
In many cases the diagnosis is made too late in the game, after significant and in many instances irreversible physiological damage has already taken its toll on the dog's body.
We will be discussing these medical problems as well as how to deal with an obese dog in a later article. We will also touch on how to keep a healthy dog from becoming obese.
But for now we want to focus on how a dog owner can tell whether his pet is overweight (or underweight for that matter, as the latter has its corresponding medical issues as well). While the fact is that some dogs are obviously overweight even to the most undiscerning eye, many dog owners really have no idea that their canine friend is obese. The way they learn of their dog's weight problem is from their veterinarian.
However there are some general guidelines and testing methods that can help a dog owner evaluate whether their pet's weight is ideal. The most common test was developed by a researcher with Purina, who created a scale that dog owners can use to evaluate their dog's weight.
Basically it involves the owner making a physical assessment of his dog, to determine which of the 9 grades his pet fits into. The lower the grade, the thinner the dog, as follows:
1. Emaciated: The dog's hips, ribs and other bones protrude and can be seen from afar. There is very little muscle or body fat present.
2. Very Thin: The dog's bones are visible, but more muscle and body fat are also seen.
3. Thin: The ribs and the top of the dog's spine may be visible, and his pelvic bones are prominent. A waist and tuck-up are evident. (A dog's 'waist', as viewed from above, is an indentation between where the ribs end and the hips begin. 'Tuck-up' is the area on the dog's body behind the rib cage and in front of the hind legs, as viewed from the side).
4. Underweight: Exhibits some fat on the ribs and has a visible waist and abdominal tuck-up.
5. Ideal: The dog's ribs can be felt easily, and show a thin layer of fat. A waist and tuck-up are obvious but not excessive. 6. Overweight: The ribs show noticeable fat, while a waist and tuck-up are visible without being prominent.
7. Heavy: Here, the dog's ribs are covered with a heavy layer of fat, while fat deposits show at the base of the tail and along the spine. No waist is easily seen.
8. Obese: The ribs are completely covered by a fat layer, and large deposits of fat show at the tail's base and along the spine. No waist or tuck-up are present.
9. Morbid: Evidenced by excessive fat deposits in the area of the chest, along the spine, and around the base of the tail. No waist or tuck-up are visible, the dog's stomach protrudes, and there are fatty deposits along the neck and the legs.
So the closer the dog's evaluation is to Ideal (Level 5), where there is a thin layer of fat over the ribs, the better. Conversely, the farther the dog is from Level 5, in either direction, the more in need of a thorough medical examination he is.
Besides the 9 Level test, a dog owner should take notice of some behavioral indications that his dog may be obese, including whether he seems reluctant to exercise, has difficulty getting up after he is lying down, or gets tired easily when he does exercise. If your dog exhibits any of these characteristics, or your analysis of his body weight utilizing the 9 Levels system above shows his weight as not being ideal, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for your dog to have a complete physical examination.
About the Author
Michael Rupkalvis manages the TakeCareofYourPet website. The website features a new product called Hope for Pets dog nutrition, the best nutritional supplement on the market to aid in optimizing your dog's health and longevity.How Buying the Right Dogs Toys Can Help to Boost Their Intelligence
There is a common misconception that dogs’ toys are only designed to help relieve their boredom, but this is not their only use.
Dogs toys in general are excellent for relieving their boredom and particularly good where you may find yourself having to leave your dog on it's own at certain times, but, for your dogs sake, there are plenty of reasons why you should think about buying your dog some toys.
Several toys for dogs are designed to boost their intelligence. For example, the kind that they will only get rewarded for after they have successfully completed certain tasks.
These toys can be a very effective method of training your dog, as it’s seen as being fun for your dog as well as a means to teaching them.
There are some toys on the market that can help your dog to understand what they can and cannot chew and in buying these you can save yourself a lot of expense by not having to replace costly household items that may be damaged by your pet dog chewing them.
Toys that help your dog strengthen and keep their teeth clean and toys that help teach your dog with retrieval training, both have their purpose.
What you ideally need to decide, before buying the toys, is what you want the toys for. It is also a good idea to take into account the kind of personality your dog has to enable you to get the right sort of toys for their temperament and level of intelligence.
Some dogs’ toys are only designed to last a short time, after which they are to be replaced by new alternative ones, and these replacement ones can often be the chewing kind.
Some toys that are designed to be chewed are flavoured so you may need to check what ingredients they have used for the flavouring or you might end up buying a toy for your dog that they are allergic to.
These flavoured toys have occasionally some or many preservatives in them, so beware, and read the ingredients label carefully before buying them.
With the market for dogs’ toys being so vast these days there is bound to be plenty of choice for your dog to help keep their lives entertained and happy.
Buying the right kind of toys for your dog has got to be in your, and ultimately your dogs, best interest.
Author: Paul Alexander
Dogs Fear Of Thunder And Lightning
Dog owners worry that a dog will become frightened during a thunderstorm. This fear results from the appearance and sound of lightning and thunder. Dogs have an instinctual fear of loud noises and flashing light. When two clouds are separated by a lightning bolt, then re-merge, a flash of light and sustained, loud 'rumble' occur. Upon seeing the flash, dogs are alerted, knowing that the sharp 'crack' of thunder will follow and scare them.
When animals become fearful, their immediate reaction is physical. Dogs that fear lightning and/or thunder may react with destructive behavior. Upon hearing thunder in a thunderstorm, a dog may run frantically around the house or yard, or search for a safe place to hide. This behavior is intensified and prolonged when the animal has been left alone during inclement weather. A related, physical reaction to lightning or thunder is the animal's desire to escape. A dog might try to leave their house or yard in the hope of finding an area where there are no frightening sights or sounds. Pet owners need to understand that, when there is lightning or a thunderstorm, their dog might escape from the yard and get lost or run into traffic.
A pet owner's fears can be alleviated when they become proactive with their pets. Helping a dog prepare for lightning or thunder can reduce or eliminate fear and prevent the animal's desire to hide or escape. One technique to help a dog cope with lightning or thunder involves refocusing its attention. When inclement weather is developing, the pet owner should be home with the dog. When the dog begins to exhibit audible or physical signs of anxiety, the owner redirects the dog's attention to a distracting activity. This could include sitting or lying next to the owner, being petted, or playing with a favorite toy. Also, a T.V. or radio may cover the sounds of the storm. Closing drapes or blinds is also a good idea. Timing is important with this intervention; the dog must be distracted and re-engaged immediately just prior to or upon experiencing fear of the lightning or thunder. Also, if the owner's attempts at distraction fail initially, the process should be continued. When the dog successfully becomes engaged in a stress-reducing activity, the owner can provide rewards such as dog treats or verbal and physical praise.
The best way to eliminate a dog's fear or thunder is to accustom the animal to loud noises from an early age. But, it's never too late to use this technique, no matter how old the dog is. The procedure is to expose the dog to some loud noises each day, praising and rewarding the dog when fear is not shown. Start with very soft noises, such as tapping two spoons together or waving aluminum foil. When the dog shows no fear of those actions, try dropping a plastic bottle or tapping on a metal pan. When the dog loses fear of those actions, move on to beating a drum, popping a balloon, or dropping a metal pan onto concrete. This procedure must be continued all through the dog's life to maintain its acceptance of loud noises. Even if the dog seems comfortable with loud noises like these, it is important to make sure it is exposed to thunder and lightning as little as possible and has a safe place to go if a storm occurs while the animal is alone at home.
A method of providing protection for a dog during lightning or thunder is to make a 'safety zone,' inside or outside the house. Dogs like the feeling of physical security when they experience fear. Smaller dogs will hide under a bed; larger dogs will seek out an area under a coffee table or other piece of furniture. Pet owners can easily create a safety zone that resembles a cave, which was the original 'dog house' for four-legged animals. A cave can easily be constructed using a wooden or cardboard box and some blankets. In addition, the pet owner can place some dog toys and a water dish inside the box, which will increase the animal's feelings of security. A manufactured dog house will also work fine, as long as it is not made of metal. Put the dog house in a sheltered area outdoors, if possible.
A concerned, responsible pet owner will secure the home environment, provide security and distractions for his or her dog, and desensitize the animal before inclement weather produces thunder and/or lightning, scaring the animal. These are the best ways to decrease your dog's fear of thunder and lightning.
Author: David Beart
Arthritis In Dogs
Symptoms
Dogs will develop the symptoms of arthritis as they age. The most prominent symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. The dog will have difficulty getting up from a lying position or walking for long distances. The dog may limp or hesitate to climb stairs. The joints may be deteriorating with age, or they may be inflamed. The symptoms of arthritis can be alleviated with medication, exercise, and diet.
Medication
Prescription medication can alleviate arthritis in dogs faster than exercise and diet. Veterinarians can prescribe medications that alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Some of the drugs currently being prescribed are Deramaxx, Metacam, Rimadyl, and Zubrin. These medications are available only through a veterinarian's prescription, and they have been proven to be safe for long-term use. Medication will not provide a complete cure for a dog's arthritis; however, it will improve the quality of the dog's life, replace pain with comfort, and result in a happier, more content animal.
Exercise
When dogs experience arthritis, exercise is recommended to keep the animals' joints limber and flexible. In addition, exercise provides weight control for older dogs, as they tend to acquire weight with age. Veterinarians recommend that owners who have dogs with arthritis give them light, limited exercise. The animal can withstand brief walks lasting about 15 to 20 minutes on flat surfaces. Walks can occur every two or three days. Energetic, strenuous activity should be avoided, and, if possible, dogs with arthritis should be walked on soft surfaces, such as grass or wet sand.
Diet
Diet is important for animals, regardless of their health. Dogs that experience arthritis should not be overweight because excess pounds can aggravate arthritic symptoms. In addition, a healthy diet can help sustain dental health. Two of the most popular and effective products are Iam's Weight Control and Science Diet Oral Care. Iam's products are sold in grocery stores, pet stores, and veterinarian's offices. Science Diet products are sole in pet stores. In addition, Purina makes a dog food called JM Joint Mobility; this product is produced for dogs with arthritis, and it contains supplements that promote joint health.
An owner of a dog with arthritis can take a proactive approach to helping his or her pet. The owner can provide a comfortable, easily accessible place to sleep. Information on pet beds can be obtained from pet stores and on the internet. If the dog is living in an area with a cold winter climate, a heating source such as a space heater can help alleviate arthritic symptoms. Some dogs like to sleep under blankets, and they will make use of an old bedspread or comforter. Wearing a coat in inclement weather (cold, rain, or snow) will help alleviate the dog's joint pain.
When an owner suspects that a dog is developing arthritis, it is recommended that they make an appointment with a veterinarian for a diagnostic checkup, medication, and home-care recommendations. A prompt appointment will prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort. Also, it will maintain and prolong the dog's quality of life.
Author: David Beart
Potty Training Puppies
You should remember that bringing home a young dog is like bringing home a baby. It is completely helpless and dependent on you. So the same way your child can give you sleepless nights, you can be sure that he can too! But you will never regret getting it home because it will fill it with love and happiness.
You will be happy to know that potty training your pup is not all that difficult. Here are some tips and techniques of puppy potty training that really work.
1) First buy a kennel or a play pen. Be sure that it's big enough for him to grow into, but not too big.
2) Use puppy pads to line the kennel or play pen. The play pen should provide enough room for the bedding, as well as the puppy pads. But since a kennel will be a little smaller, your new pet may find it a little difficult to adjust in the beginning. Dogs are unlikely to relieve themselves where they sleep, but when they are so young, they may have a hard time holding in for any length of time.
Besides from being an excellent way to potty train, a play pen is also helpful when you just cannot give enough attention to your new pet. Your little pup can remain safe in the play pen and will not get into anything to create a mess.
3) Use puppy pads or newspapers for him to relieve himself about half an hour after you feed him.
4) If you catch your pup relieving itself elsewhere, immediately put it on a newspaper or pad where it can finish doing its business. Your innocent pup is unlikely to respond to rude behavior. A mild scolding may be needed if you catch him in the act, but you should never hit him. Preferably, you should reward your him or her with praise or even treats when they do their business on the papers or pads. This way they will learn things quicker.
5) As soon as your young whelp has received its third set of shots you can begin putting them outside to do his business. You can move the newspaper outside to help them get used to it. Take him out every hour or so, preferably to a designated area. Once he goes, praise him and play for a while. Just don't be surprised if he ends up going again ... on you. Puppies are like that, but should grow out of it in time.
6) Once they grow a little older you can start to train them to go outside.
Following these simple tips will result in your young dog being well trained and well behaved. You may find potty training puppies to be somewhat difficult initially. But keep trying and he will eventually understand what is being expected out of him. Like it is with any other training, it is also very important that you follow a routine with potty training and develop your puppy into a well mannered adult dog that you can be proud of.
Author: Steve Searls
Several Tips On Successful Dog Training
There are a variety of reasons why it is necessary to train a dog. The biggest form of training is house breaking. This is to train a dog that the house is not a place to eliminate waste and that the dog should use a designated area, usually outside.
In the case of smaller dogs, it is possible to paper train them and many do if they are going to be away for long periods during the day. Training a dog not to chew is another necessity that comes up with a young puppy or even older dogs. The necessity of this is that dogs will destroy furniture but not only that can chew on electrical cables, which can cause injury.
There are also a number of difficulties, which can arise during training. Many of these come from not being able to, or not being consistent. In addition, the method of training may not work well and be unsuccessful. There are a variety of ways to train a dog to do what you want and obey you so it is important to do a little research or talk to others who own that breed and see what works for them.
To successfully train a dog there are a few things that you need to keep in mind while you are going through the process.
Be consistent - this is probably the most important thing you can do after you have found a training method that works for you. Reward when you should, discipline when you should and keep to a schedule, this makes it easier for the dog to learn what you want it to.
Stay calm - some dogs learn faster than others. If you have, one that learns quickly great but if not remember to take the time and be calm. Getting angry or frustrated only upsets the dog you are trying to train and makes it harder on both of you.
If you are not having luck at home, try taking your dog to a training school, take a class or research various methods on the web. This can help you find away to have a companion that is well trained and keep your stress and frustration levels low.
Author: Alex Olson
All About Black Labradors
Pay Attention To Energy Levels
There are many different breeds of dogs in this world today, and they can differ not just in their looks but in their temperament and their energy level as well. This is important to be aware of when looking into getting a large dog such as the black Labrador. High energy dogs are often very enjoyable to the person or the family that likes a lot of outdoor activity, but this type of dog might not be as good of a choice for the person that works all day or lives in an apartment. This does not mean that the black Labrador would not make a good pet, but it is not healthy for the dog to be closed up in an apartment all day and could result in destructive behavior simply because the dog would be bored.
Big Dogs Need Big Spaces
For those that are interested in owning a black Labrador, space must be considered. Those who live in apartments either do not own dogs or only own small dogs because large dogs with a lot of energy are often unhappy in an apartment all day. However, for the family that has space for a large dog, a black Labrador would be a good choice because they make good guard dogs yet are gentle and affectionate with people that they know including small children.
About the Author
Denise Duncan loves all dogs, especially labradors, and enjoys training and raising them. She is a contributing author and editor for http://www.AllAboutLabradors.com .
Is Your Backyard Endangering Your Dog's Life?
A backyard that appears to be a dog's oasis can still be full of all sorts of dangers, especially for rambunctious puppies. Puppies are energetic and tend to explore everything they encounter. Their natural urge to chew can be deadly in a dangerous backyard.
The most common age for dogs to fall victim to harmful backyard dangers is between the ages of one and six months. Some breeds of dogs, like Golden Retrievers, have a tendency to chew and gnaw all throughout their lives.
What Are Backyard Dangers for Dogs? To protect your dog, it is best to eliminate all dangers in your backyard regardless of your dog's age or breed. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA, the most common backyard dangers to watch out for are:
* Citronella candles that repel mosquitoes and contain chemicals that could poison your dog
* Mulching around trees, plants, and shrubs that contains cocoa
* Compost bins and garden or grass fertilizers
* Traps designed to catch snails or slugs and contain metaldehyde
* Fish ponds or decorative fountains that contain blue-green algae
* Insects, toads, snakes, and other animals that may leave behind harmful toxins
* Chemicals and supplies for swimming pools or hot tubs
* Azaleas, grape vines, sago palms, and other plants that are known to be poisonous
* Fly repellents and traps with metonym
Dog owners must play an active role in protecting their puppy from these dangers, as well as other common perils, both inside and outside of their home. Keep chemicals, lawn equipment, and gardening supplies secured and out of your dog's reach. Make sure garbage cans and other containers are closed tightly at all times.
Always use fertilizers, pesticides, and other harmful agents exactly as instructed and heed any safety warnings on the labels. There are many organic and natural products that can be used in the place of hazardous chemicals for complete canine safety. Your vet or landscaper may be able to recommend quality products.
If your dog does ingest a poison or chemical, or if he is bitten by a poisonous animal, immediately contact your veterinarian or call 1-888-426-4435 for assistance from the APCC.
About the Author
Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care" (www.DoggieHealthCare.com), which is a blog all about our beloved four legged family member's health. She loves to give away free stuff! If you sign up to receive her newsletter, not only will you get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED TIME, she'll give you a FREE e-book. For more information, please visit: www.DoggieHealthCare.comDog Training Accessories, Making Dog Training A Lot Easier
For a dog training to be truly successful, the primary essential components are a good dog trainer equipped with an almost ever lasting patience and a dog that is determined, patience, and willing to learn. To be able to have a training that is reliable and productive and to be able to yield immediate and positive results, you ought to provide your dog with the right set of training accessories.
If you are on for a serious dog training, then you should first acquaint yourself with the right set of training accessories and equipment. If you enroll your dog in a training school, then the training accessories usually come with the training fees. However, if you plan to train your dog at home, then you can purchase training accessories at various pet shops or dog schools. There are also many training accessories that are sold on the net. Training materials are usually sold separately but there are some who offer items as a complete set. If you are blessed with carpentry skills and overflowing creative juices, then you can also opt to create your own set of training accessories.
In purchasing dog-training accessories, here are some points to remember that will help you make the right choices:
a. Know right tools for the right training. The right type of training accessories depends on the type of training you would like your dog to engage with. There is a specific set of equipment that is designed to hone skills needed for each specific field. Also, make up your mind about the dept of the training you would like to impose.
b. Function over fashion. Choose the training equipment that function well, not something that looks good on your dog but is difficult to use.
c. Comfort is essential. Be sure that the dog-training accessories are fit for your dog. The right choice of materials depends on the size of your dog. The correct material is one that does not compromise the comfort, safety, and the health of your dog.
d. Take the age and the characteristic as bases. The correct training materials to choose should correlate with your pet's age and behavior. Sometimes, breed is an important consideration as well.
e. Choose the items that also suites you well. Dog Training accessories should also be easy to use and manage for you. Avoid materials that may give you allergies or can cause back pains or arthritis. Go for a material that will allow you to train at ease.
Having the proper dog training accessories can make training your dog a lot easier. Spending the money on these training tools is a great investment in your dog.
About the Author
James Kesel, MS is the publisher of Career in Dog Training website. Providing information on dog training accessories and dog training career opportunities. Check us out at http://www.dog-training-careers.com.The Top 5 Benefits of Adopting a Pet
1. You’ll save a life Saving a life just may be one of the most rewarding actions in a person’s life. Some pet shelters have to put down animals if they do not get adopted. If you choose to adopt a pet from an animal shelter or animal adoption agency, you are not only saving a precious animal’s life, you are also greatly increasing its quality of life.
2. You’ll save money When you adopt a pet, you are actually saving a lot of money. Animals that have been placed in shelters or taken to animal adoption agencies are almost always spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Those preliminary, but necessary procedures add up when all is said and done. Also, it is relatively inexpensive to adopt a pet from an agency or shelter in comparison to purchasing dogs or cats from a local pet store.
3. You’ll receive a healthy pet As was mentioned above, pets from shelters and adoption agencies are almost always spayed or neutered, and have received their vaccinations as well. This ensures the health and happiness of your future pet. Also, in contradiction to popular belief, many pets who have been placed in shelters have not been mistreated or “done something wrong.” Many pets have been taken there because of people problems, such as divorce, a big move, or they are simply too busy to adequately provide care for a pet.
4. You won’t be supporting puppy mills Many pets that are sold in pet stores or newspaper ads sometimes come from puppy mills. Puppy mills are mass dog-breeding businesses that are harmful to the health of their bred puppies. These facilities sometimes house up to several hundred dogs at a time, thus compromising the health and well-being of a precious puppy. By adopting a pet from a shelter or a pet adoption agency, you are not supporting these often inhumane businesses.
5. You’ll have a large selection Because pet adoption agencies and animal shelters have many pets, there is a wide selection for you to choose from. To make pet shopping easier on potential parents, many pet agencies and shelters have websites that allow people to search for possible pets by their age, sex, size, and breed. This enables families to search from the comfort of their own homes; the hassle of going to noisy and overwhelming shelters and agencies is eliminated.
The satisfaction you will acquire when you adopt a pet is like no other; you will have received a healthy pet, you will save money, you will be supporting a healthy and just cause, you will get the perfect pet for your family, and you will have saved a life. Adopting a pet has lifelong benefits that you will not regret. Give these animals a second chance by allowing them to join your loving family.
About the Author
Please visit Pet Super Store for the guaranteed lowest prices on bird cages, dog doors and dog agility equipment.Dog Training: How To Perfectly Potty Train Your New Puppy
To help in your endeavors to get your floor back and put the carpet cleaner away for good, here are a few tips on training your puppy to use the bathroom in the right spot, all the time.
Remember: Puppies are Like People Too
First off, it is important to remember that your puppy is like a miniature four-legged person, and a young one at that. The younger your puppy is, the more trouble they are bound to have with this potty training experience and for this reason it is important to practice as much patience as you can. Getting frustrated does not help matters at all, but remembering that your pet has a personality, a will, and a learning curve all their own may help you along the way.
Punish the Deed, Not the Dog
One of the mistakes that many frustrated pet owners make when potty training their pet is to discipline their pet's accidents by way of physical punishment. Spanking your pet is not going to be the solution to your dog's bathroom problems and antagonizing them may only make matters worse. Remember that dogs have a tendency to be very willful actions, and while some type of negative reinforcement is in order when accidents do occur, rolling up a newspaper and swatting them with it may not always be the best idea. Also, keep in mind that someday your dog may be as big as you are; what will you do at that point?
Be Sure to Fulfill Your End of the Bargain
You cannot expect your pet to grab a newspaper and a match and head to the bathroom every time Mother Nature calls; potty training is a 50/50 responsibility between a pet who should be picking up on a bit of training, and a puppy parent whose responsibility it is to facilitate and enforce the potty training ideas and principles. No matter how well trained your dog is bound to be, refusing to let them out as often as necessary is a surefire way to get your potty training methods to backfire on you big time.
Be as Consistent as Possible
Being consistent is one of the most necessary aspects of potty training for your puppy. If you want them to learn that outside is where they need to get when the urge strikes them, you must be available to let them out or have some alternative worked out. Never allow them to get away with using the bathroom in an undesignated area; while spanking them may not always be the best idea it is important for them to know that they must always use the bathroom in the designated spot and that the floor in your home and other unauthorized areas is never okay.
Consider Crate Training
Crate training is one of the most commonly used tools between pet owners when it comes to potty training new puppies. Dogs are a bit cleaner than you think, and chances are that if they only area they have to defecate in is their living space, they will do their best to hold it. Looking into a crate is a great way to enhance your potty training methods, not to mention the fact that your furniture and houseplants will survive much longer as well.
Potty training your new puppy doesn't have to be the nightmare that so many people make it out to be. Make sure that you are aware of what you are doing, and seek help from your veterinarian if you think there may be other problems involved. Also, it might be helpful to get to know your dog a little better so you can anticipate the best way for them to learn. Potty training can come easy, and with a little help and a lot of patience you will have your home back in no time!
About the Author
A great selection of dog supplies can be found at Pamper Me Puppy. Choose from fancy dog beds, luxury pet furniture, wicker dog crates, and more.Flying With A Dog
The key element when flying with a dog on an airplane is to make plans and work out the specifics in advance of the flight. The following is a list of details to consider before flying with a dog:
1. Dog owners who are flying with a dog will want to plan a direct flight to their destination, if possible. This will shorten flight time and help to reduce the dog's time in the animal-transportation carrier. The dog owner should call the airline as soon as the itinerary has been finalized. The airline may have rules, regulations, and policies that must be followed. If an overseas trip has been planned, there may be quarantine regulations that must be considered. Also, calling the airline in advance will enable a dog owner to discuss any requests or requirements that the owner may have. It is imperative to make sure that the cargo compartment of the airplane is pressurized, so that the animal will have oxygen and be warm enough while traveling.
2. There are different types of carriers used by the various airlines. A dog owner can contact the airline and ask them to provide a carrier in advance. Having the carrier at home before the flight will allow the dog owner to help the dog get used to being confined. This will help reduce some of the fear or anxiety that the dog may experience on the day of the flight. Some dogs need mild tranquilizers to help them remain calm while flying.
3. When the flight day arrives, the dog owner should plan to start the day early. This will give the owner enough time to exercise the dog, allow the animal to 'go potty,' and help the dog become comfortable in the carrier. Before the animal enters the carrier, the dog owner needs to place the dog's identifying information on the carrier and make sure it is on the dog as well. The owner can write the dog's name on the carrier in large letters, along with the owner's name and contact information. The owner needs to make sure that this information is securely attached to the dog's carrier as well as on his tag on his collar. An implanted ID tag is also a good idea, but must be obtained via a veterinarian prior to the trip.
4. After the dog owner releases the dog and carrier to the airline, the owner needs to request confirmation that the dog has been securely and safely loaded onto the plane. The dog owner also needs to verify, with an airline representative, that the dog is on the right plane.
5. After the owner arrives at the intended destination, he or she should immediately tell a flight attendant and an airline representative in the airport that his or her dog is on board. The owner can request that the dog's removal from the plane be given immediate priority. Finally, the dog owner needs to ask for the exact point of removal. Some airlines have a separate office or facility where passengers pick up cargo, including animals, from a flight.
Dog owners who follow the above guidelines will be well-prepared when they are flying with a dog. They will ensure the dog's safety. In addition, the dog will be more at ease and less likely to experience fear or anxiety during an airline flight. Flying with a dog can be a great experience if precautions are taken to prepare ahead of time.
About the Author
David Beart is owner of the Professors House, a site dedicated to dog information, family, relationships and household issues.Feeding Dogs Bones
Dogs are natural and instinctive scavengers. They might not be fed bones by their guardian, but they can find them in trash cans, on unattended plates, and when they find a dead animal, such as a bird or rat. This is very dangerous and must be prevented. One of the more common dangers of bone consumption is bone splinters. Bones from small birds, such as starlings, or medium-sized birds, such as chickens, as well as fish and other meats, can easily splinter when chewed and disperse inside an unsuspecting dog, leading to ripping and tearing of internal organs, and, possibly, death.
In addition to the intestinal danger that results from eating bones, dogs may experience cracking or breaking of teeth. This could result in prolonged periods of pain for the animal because tooth injuries are not as easily noticed as other physical ailments. When the problem is discovered, the dog may have to undergo oral surgery to remove infections, reconstruct a tooth, or extract teeth. This is painful and traumatic for the dog and can be very costly for the dog's guardian.
If a pet owner is in doubt regarding proper nutrition for a dog, it is recommended that they consult a veterinarian, or, at the very least, perform cursory research on the internet. Food requirements vary, depending on a dog's breed, weight, and size. If a pet owner can't bear not to give the dog a treat, use rawhide or chew bones made of dog food purchased at the store or pet shop.
A proper diet for a dog contains a balance of nutrients that are low in fat and are easily digestible. Veterinarians do not recommend that dogs receive 'table scraps' or leftovers from the owner's meals. Eating these foods can result in weight gain and a rejection of food specifically prepared for dogs. In particular, dogs should never be given chocolate, raw meats, or raw organ meats. These foods can cause skeletal problems and toxicity in dogs. They, along with real bones, are a "No, no!"
One of the best, and most easily accessible, sources of information regarding animal nutrition is the internet. A concerned dog owner can search the internet using words such as "feeding dogs," "dog food," or "dog nutrition." The resulting information will include general nutrition information, feeding a specific a breed of dog, and training a dog to eat certain foods. Chew bones and other safe treats are also available on the internet.
Dogs can be fed properly, safely, and consistently when everyone in the home, or family and friends outside the home, are aware of the dog's dietary needs. This information will help anyone who may be taking care of the dog in an owner's absence. Dog owners should list the foods that the dog eats and the way in which the food is prepared. Also, there should be a prominent notation stating that feeding bones to the dog is prohibited. Since feeding dogs bones is very dangerous, be sure that no one, family, friend, or dog-sitter ever does!
About the Author
David Beart is owner of the Professors House, a site dedicated to dog information, family, relationships and household issues.For the Love of Puppy
Firstly, many people in their blissful exuberance fail to realise that to own a puppy, comes with nearly as much responsibility as raising your own child. Secondly, one needs get out of one's comfort zone to clean up after the puppy messes on the carpet. Thirdly, your new puppy needs the staples of life as would your own baby child.
A puppy cannot survive on love alone. The need to water and feed your new puppy will be one of the first considerations. You need to know how old your puppy is and at what stage of development he/she is, in order to feed your puppy the correct food. You cannot assume as some people do; that your diet is good. Therefore, it is a good diet to feed your puppy.
The right food is vitally important or you could find yourself up all through the night with a very sick and whimpering puppy. In addition the subsequent Veterinary bill can set you back $200.00 or more.
The puppy then needs somewhere to sleep and some sort of bedding. A basket or cardboard box lined with an old blanket works fine. Make sure the area is warm and there are no drafts. Puppies can catch colds, coughs and respiratory ailments just like humans.
You then need to be aware that your puppy needs a special environment in which to live. This living space must address his/her eating, sleeping and toileting needs. A puppy will not foul his/her living space; and this needs to be separate from the toileting area. A litter box placed in the opposite corner away from your puppy's living and eating area should suffice. Some owners use a crate to keep their puppies in and the rules of toileting still apply.
When you observe your puppy needs to do its toilet; put him/her in their litter box and toileting area. Later you can move the litter box outside and show your puppy the new toileting area.
Like your child; your puppy needs to be bathed regularly. Again do not assume products such as family shampoos, soaps and dishwashing detergents are good for bathing your puppy. A small puppy can have allergic reactions and suffer severe skin irritations caused by strong chemicals and toxins. Suitable products developed especially for your puppy can be found at your local Veterinary Clinic, Pet Store and pet area at your local supermarket.
Above all; you need to be loving, sensitive, caring, and observant to your puppy's every need. This is a trait central to socialization; to assist your puppy in obedience; learning commands; collar and leash training, as well as early potty training. Yelling at your puppy is not recommended or helpful in training your puppy. A Puppy can wander off and sometimes get into trouble e.g. stuck under the house and caught in a wire fence, or wander on the road into traffic. Your puppy can also swallow small articles whole and can choke.
Be ever vigilante that your puppy is toileting regular stools, if he/she does not it could mean puppy has swallowed a large solid object that has caused a blockage and the puppy cannot pass it normally. The short answer in this case is the Veterinary Clinic and resultant cost. Again I use the analogy as to be responsible and watchful of your own child.
Your puppy will also need regular exercise and play. This interaction teaches your puppy boundaries of both good and unacceptable behavior. Interaction with other dogs is also essential to help your puppy become socialised and friendly.
Be also aware that you need to find out when your puppy will need compulsory shots and vaccinations to prevent canine disease. Without vaccinations disease could prove fatal. You will also need to be aware of common infections such as Parvovirus and how best to recognise this. You can get all the relevant information and essential services from your local Veterinary Clinic.
Education is a lifelong learning experience. Having said that; there are many more things your puppy needs to learn. As like every responsible parent, you must also learn to adapt and teach correctly. Therefore, a good book on puppy training and/or puppy obedience training; is an essential aid to achieve success. This reference material is an excellent guide to revisit at any time and whenever the need arises.
To assist you in caring for your new puppy, I can recommend a good puppy training resource; with video clips on obedience that you can access from here: http://puppytrainingguide.blogspot.com/
About the Author
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About the Author: Philip C. Randall is a puppy and dog lover; an animal enthusiast who writes for sheer pleasure. Visit: http://puppytrainingguide.blogspot.com/ for more original content like this. Reprint permission granted with this footer included. The only requirement is that you include the "About the Author" details. Permission granted to reprint the article For the Love of Puppy.11 Nov 2007
Does Your Horse's Saddle Fit?
This lack of knowledge can hurt our horses physically, diminish their ability to reach their full potential, and even label them as unpleasant or dangerous characters. Of course, saddle fit can't be blamed for all behavior and performance issues in the horse, but it is something that should always be considered. If you don't have the knowledge to determine whether your horse's saddle fits, enlist the help of a competent saddle fitter right away.
Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs
How do you know if your horse's saddle is uncomfortable? Easy. What does he have to say about it? Sure, your horse won't be able to communicate with you verbally. But his body language should tell you all you need to know if you take the time to listen. Ask yourself the following questions:
* Are the muscles in the top loin overly developed?
* Is the lower part of your horse's neck thicker than the top part because he hollows his back?
* Are the muscles in the hollow region behind my horse's shoulder diminished or atrophied from the nerves and muscles being pinched?
* When relaxing, does my horse have a dropped or sway back?
* Is there swelling or heat under the saddle area upon removal of the saddle?
* Is there raw or rubbed skin anywhere in the saddle area?
* Are there any white marks or bare patches on his back?
Once you've taken a good look at your horse, ask yourself the following questions about his behavior:
* Does he seem stiff?
* Does he hold his head high and stiff, and does he seem unwilling to accept the bit or rider's aids?
* Does he seem unwilling?
* Is he hard to catch?
* Does he jump around when being groomed, especially when you are grooming the back area?
* Does he hollow his back, buck, or move away when saddled?
* Does he dislike being girthed?
* Does he jig when being mounted?
* Does he toss his head while under saddle?
* Does he refuse to walk calmly on a long rein?
* Is he irritable in general?
* Does he have a hard time walking up or down hills?
* Are his gaits uneven?
* Does he have difficulty with one lead over another?
* Is he stiff on corners, bends, or circles?
* Does he have trouble getting down and back up again?
If you answered yes to more than one or two questions do your horse a big favor. Don't ride him under saddle again until a qualified vet or chiropractor has evaluated him. If your horse is diagnosed with back problems it is important to note that the saddle is not always to blame. However, taking a good constructive look at your saddle and how it fits your horse is a good place to start.
Good Saddle Fit
A saddle should fit both horse and rider, but don't think that just because you find it comfy your horse does too. How do you know if your horse's saddle fits? Check out the following tips:
* Sitting in the saddle with a relaxed seat and legs, check to make sure you have enough room to put your hand on your thigh between your legs and the pommel. You should also be able to fit the width of your hand between the back of your body and the rear arch. With the stirrups at the normal length, there should be an imaginary line gong through your shoulder, to your hip, to the center of your horse's balance, and finally, to your heel. So now we know the saddle fits you!
* But does it fit your horse? First of all, it should never interfere with your horse's movement in any way. There must be no contact between the saddle and the spine, which means you should see a clear channel of daylight down the spine from withers to loins.
* Check the width and length. With your weight in the saddle you should be able to fit two-and-a-half or three fingers between the pommel and the horse's withers. If there is space for four fingers the tree is too narrow. If there is space for two, it is too wide. Check to see how far the saddle goes toward your horse's hip bone. It should not be so long that it rubs the hip.
* The saddle should be stable and should never rock back and forth.
* Never commit to a saddle before taking it on a lengthy ride. There is no substitute for riding in it when it comes to finding a saddle that fits well
A comfortable saddle keeps your horse healthy in both mind and body. Now watch how far the two of you go!
About The Author
Ron Petracek is the founder of Equine Internets vast 15 site classified and social network. You can view its amazing size here Http://www.equineinternet.com/network.php or to further your equine habit please visit our forum by clicking here http://www.horsechitchat.com/equineforums and start posting Need to sell a horse or tack? place a free ad here http://www.click4equine.com and always the barn door in left open on purpose.What is horse Good Conformation?
Feet
Feet should be large enough to support the horse and his weight, and the hoof wall should be hard but not brittle. The front feet and the back feet should appear to be symmetrical from all angles. The sole should be slightly concave, and heels should be even where they join the sole.
Legs
Legs should be straight. Legs that are out of alignment can result in soundness problems, as the forces that travel up the leg of the horse as he moves will affect other parts of the body, depending upon where legs deviate. Legs should also be symmetrical, with no bumps or bulges. Each pair of legs should also match each other.
Joints
Good joints are imperative to any horse who performs. Joints should have the correct axis, and they should be symmetrical, free of lumps, cool to the touch, and should be in proportion to the size of the horse. If one joint seems too large it should be examined for injury. If all joints seem too large the horse should be examined by a veterinarian for nutritional or metabolic problems. From the front view, a line dropped from the point of the shoulder to the ground should bisect the knee, fetlock, and hoof. From the side view, the line from the front of the fetlock, along the top of the pastern, and continuing along the front of the foot to the ground should be straight.
Shoulder
Good shoulder conformation will depend upon what the horse is being used for, as shoulder slope and how long the shoulder is varies with breed type and use. As a general rule of thumb, horses used for speed should have a long, sloping shoulder, while those used for power have more upright shoulders.
Withers
Since withers are what keeps a well in place, any ridden horse needs to have appropriate withers. Horses with flat withers, often called mutton withers, often have difficulty being ridden up and down hills, but can sometimes fare well on the flat. Poorly conformed withers can cause pain in the ridden horse and can lead to unsoundness.
Hip
The angle and length of the hip should match the angle and hip of the shoulder. While short hip lengths rarely cause unsoundness they can negatively impact speed and power.
Back and Neck
The long back versus short back debate continues depending upon the use of the horse. While long-backed horses do tire more easily, they can be more comfortable to ride. Long-backed horses can also excel at jumping because of the scope the long back allows them. Long backs also allow more movement in the horse's legs, which is why many long-backed horses excel at driving.
The length, shape, and way a horse's neck connects to the chest and the back will vary depending upon the breed and use of the horse. Horses who run need longer necks, while horses who show in park or pleasure classes often benefit from aesthetically pleasing upright necks.
Eyes
Horses need big, well-placed eyes. Horses with small eyes may suffer from impaired vision or have a medical problem. Eyes should not be set too far toward the sides of the head, otherwise peculiar fields of vision are sure to be an issue.
Nostrils
The nostrils should be open and symmetrical, to allow for maximum air intake. Horses with extremely dished heads or thick necks sometimes have difficulty taking in the right amount of air despite nostril size, so make sure you take these things into consideration.
About The Author
Ron Petracek is the founder of Equine Internets vast 15 site classified and social network. You can view its amazing size here Http://www.equineinternet.com/network.php or to further your equine habit please visit our forum by clicking here http://www.horsechitchat.com/equineforums and start posting Need to sell a horse or tack? place a free ad here http://www.click4equine.com and always the barn door in left open on purpose.Tips On Choosing The Right Sized Dog Bed
Getting your beloved pet its own place for sleeping is as essential as a man having his own bed. However, you can not just choose any dog bed products for your pet. There are some things that you need to consider first such as the right size of the dog bed. Keep in mind that it's more comfortable for dogs to lie on a bed that is just the right size for them.
The following are some helpful tips when it comes to choosing the right sized dog bed:
1. Consider the size and breed of your pet dog first. Since you are going to choose a bed for your dog, always keep in mind the physique of your beloved dog. If you own a small dog such as a Teacup Poodle, then of course, you will be looking for a small-sized dog bed. However, if your pet dog is a large one such as a St. Bernard, then you are set to look for a large-sized dog bed. Also, if your canine pet is still a puppy, then you have to choose an adjustable bed for your dog to grow up with. Bear in mind that dogs have different life spans as compared to humans. This means that dogs grow up faster than we do.
2. Make sure that the dog bed product you choose has enough space so your dog can move easily in it. Sleeping on a dog bed should be a soothing moment for your pet and not an exhausting one. Your dog must be able to fit in the bed yet still has enough space to stretch its body. Take note that space is what pets are usually looking for in a dog crib. Dogs are hyperactive and have the tendency to move around even while they sleep.
Also, there might be instances when pet dogs other than your own, such as the ones owned by your neighbors or friends, may drop by at your place and share the dog bed with your pet. Make them as comfortable as possible by providing a dog bed with the size just right enough for them to share together.
3. Know your dog well. If you really know your dog, then shopping for the right sized dog bed will not be that hard to do. Everything will have to depend on your pet dog's preferences and needs. When buying a dog bed for your pet, it is better to ask specialty stores for a sleep trial using your prospect dog bed product. This way, you will know the most suitable size of dog bed that best fit your beloved pet dog.
About The Author
Jerry Brecken is a writer for dogbedsforyou.com, a website where you can choose among the varieties of pet supplies such as dog beds for your beloved pet. For more information about dog beds and accessories, visit http://www.dogbedsforyou.com.Adult Cats are Fun Too - Adopt An Older Cat
A lot of potential adopters seem to think of an adult cat as second best, as if they are defective or worn out like a second hand car. That’s just not the case. Most adult cats have found themselves in animal shelters from no fault of their own. They may have out lived their owner, their owners may have moved to somewhere that doesn’t allow pets, become lost or someone in the family may have become allergic to them. The reasons are far to numerous to list them all. The cats themselves are perfectly healthy animals, bristling with fun and energy and simply looking for a caring loving home.
Adopting an adult cat has many advantages. Remember an older cat has already developed its personality. So you will know what kind of pet they will be and whether or not they will suit your family. Many people go for the cute little kitten; only to find out that they grow into a very shy and non-playful cat that likes to spend all it’s time away from the family. That’s fine if that’s what you want, but too many people decide that this is not for them and returns the cat to the shelter. Rejection is a very harsh punishment for the cat just because you didn’t take the time to think about what sort of cat would be the right pet for your family.
An older cat will also be less demanding of your time than a kitten and will require less supervision, well after the first few weeks anyway. They will be able to spend time alone when you are out of the house without getting into too much trouble and hopefully will already be litter trained.
There are also many benefits for older owners in adopting an adult cat. Adult cats are much calmer and more likely to want to spend some quiet time sitting on your lap for strokes and purring. Studies have shown that cats can have a real health benefit for humans in reducing their stress levels and blood pressure. I can’t image an energetic curious kitten being as good for your stress levels somehow.
Many worry about health problems and vet bills for the older cat. Usually when you are adopting a cat from an animal shelter they will be able to let you know if the cat has any underlining medical conditions and what it is likely to cost. Many will even provide you with free medical treatment for your cat if they over 10 years old as an incentive for more of the older cats to be re-homed.
Cats can live well into their late teens and even early twenties with all the advances in food nutrition and medical treatments. So that 12 year old cat waiting in the animal shelter for a good home is still a good bet and will still be able to provide you with many years of fun and love. Our own cat is now 14 years old and still behaves like a playful youngster and keeps us entertained for hours.
It can be a very rewarding experience to adopt an older cat, not only because of the pleasure they will give you over the years but also in the knowledge that you have provided a loving home for what was probably a very frightened and confused cat, who had no idea why he had lost his family.
About The Author
Kate TilmouthYou will find more cat health and cat care advice on Kates website
http://www.our-happy-cat.com A feline friendly community full of advice and fun to make sure you have a happy cat and a happy you.
Copyright 2007 Kate Tilmouth