Care Your Pet

3 Things You Can Do to Control Algae Growth

2010-12-21T18:26:00.005+07:00

Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance

What Is Algae?
Algae is often referred to as a plant, in fact algae is a complex unicellular organism referred to as a protist in the eukatyotic kingdom. Sorry to use such long words but basically it is not a plant it does however share the same ancestors.

Algae appears in a number of different colours and forms. The most common is as a green film over the surface of the aquarium glass but it can be brown, red or blue-green and it can coat the plants,gravel rocks etc. as well as the glass.

Types include:
Brown Algae - often appears in newly setup tanks and can disappear as quickly as it arrived
Green Algae - Likely to appear in any properly running tank
Hard 'Green Dot' Algae
Hair Algae - Long greenish or grey strands which can be removed with a toothbrush. Algae eatnig fish also like it
Red/Brush Algae - Often appears on plants and can be removed using a weak bleach solution. Can be the result of overfeeding your fish
Green Water - Also called 'Algae bloom'. It is a suspension of microscopic algae. Water changes and low light for a few days normally gets rid of it
Blue-green Algae (cyanobacteria) - This is not a true algae. It appears as a slimy coating smothering plants. It can release harmul toxins. It is easily removed manually. Fish will not eat it and sometimes increased aeration helps to prevent it.

Green algae is to some extent inevitable and is not always a bad thing. Algae needs both light and nutrients to survive which is exactly what your fish and plants need so you are never going to eliminate it completely. All you can hope to do is to manage it by scraping the glass on a regular basis probably every couple of weeks. The best tiem to do the scraping is just before you use your siphonic gravel cleaner when you do a water change.

3 Ways To Control Algae
Control the light
There are a number of things that you can do to minimise the growth of algae due to too much light. The first thing is to avoid direct sunlight hitting the tank the second thing is to make sure that you do not to illuminate the aquarium for longer than 12 hours every day. These two things alone will help to minimise algae growth but, as I said, it cannot eliminate it.

Control nutrients
The nutrients in question are nitrates, phosphates and silicates. Nitrates are always present in a well-run aquarium and phosphates and silicates are contained in the fish food so there is no way that these nutrients can be eliminated completely. They can be minimised by not overfeeding the fish and by frequent water changes. You can also plant the tank heavily so that the plants take up the majority of the nutrients.

Add algae eating fish
There are a number of fish that eat algae but you cannot rely on them to completely remove it, you will always have to scrape the glass. Among these vegetarian fish there are:
- Common plec which likes green brown and brush algea
- Siamese algae eater which likes green brown and brush algea
- Chinese algea eaters/sucking Loach
- Bristlenose
- Peckoltia catfish
- Whiptail catfish
- Algea eating shrimp

By : John Thomson - John Thomson is an aquarium expert. For more information on aquarium maintenance visit http://www.freshwateraquariumsecretsonline.com

How To Stop Dog Pooping in the House?

2010-12-21T18:01:00.003+07:00

"How do you stop a dog from eating poop" has been pondered worldwide by many aghast dog owners. Not all dogs will indulge in this activity, however there are still several that will. For the ones that do, however, it is a behaviour that puzzles and mystifies dog trainers and veterinarians around the globe. Take it from someone who has witnessed it first hand, this is not something you should have to see.

There are many theories as to what causes this unusual behaviour in dogs.

The carnivorous/scavenging instinct
Some hypothesize that coprophagia is caused by a powerful natural instinct. When carnivores kill, they eat the carcass, which includes the digestive tract, which includes the poop.

Boredom or stress
A deficiency of human affection, and mental and physical stimulation, is cited by many as a cause for coprophagia. The dog will eat the poop because there is really nothing else for her to do.

Improperly housetrained dogs
In an attempt to escape punishment for pooping in the house, some postulate that dogs will eat it before their owners see it.

Nursing mothers
Some nursing mothers will eat their puppies' poop as a way of keeping the "den" clean, and to conceal evidence of the existence of their puppies from predators. Poop eating is quite ordinary with puppies who are seen to emulate the behavior of their mother.

The "leave it" command
This can be helpful when you are in the yard with her, when you take her for a walk, or if she decides to poop on your new leather car seats.

Positive reinforcement
If you see your dog attempting to eat her own poop, stop her in the act, and reward her with treats and praise. It is essential to duplicate this reinforcement on a regular basis.

Bring your creative side out
You can also experiment by adding natural deterrents, such as canned pumpkin or pineapple, to your dog's meals. She will likely eat the deterrents, however their presence in the poop makes it unpalatable.

Use of products
If nothing seems to be working, you may wish to regard the possibility of buying certain products which, when mixed with her food, make her poop smell and taste very bad.

By : Maxie - Maxie Jewell has been around dogs her entire life. Through her extensive interactions with professional dog trainers and veterinarians, she has acquired a vast wealth of knowledge about learning how to stop dog problems. Her hope is that she can impart her wisdom and knowledge to other dog owners and dog enthusiasts around the world.

http://www.howtostopdogproblems.com/how-to-stop-dog-pooping-in-the-house

Yorkshire Terriers: Small But Mighty

2010-12-21T17:10:00.004+07:00

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies as they are commonly called, are very small dogs that do not seem to realize that they are small. They are very brave, always up for an adventure, and they are almost always full of energy. You will be hard pressed to find a small dog that has more spunk and attitude than a Yorkie has.
The average dog in this breed weighs a mere 7 pounds and is around 7 inches tall from the floor to their shoulders. They have very petite bodies, and are very susceptible to injury. This makes this dog a bad match for families with small children.

The Yorkie has long, straight flowing hair in various different colors. Because of this, it is important to have them bathed, groomed, and cut more often than other breeds. If the hair becomes too long in the front, the dog will have a hard time seeing, and may begin to have eye problems due to infections caused by hair in their eyes.
Yorkshire Terriers are very effective and make great companions as long as they understand, and except, that their human owner is the alpha of the pack. If they are not trained in this manner, then they will be suspicious of other people, as well as other animals, and may begin to show aggressive tendencies. It is very important, with this breed of dog, for the owner to be in charge of every situation, which will allow the dog to feel secure and part of the pack. In this way, they will not act out and they will be well behaved pets.
These dogs are fairly easy to train as long as the alpha status is immediately established, but they can be very unruly and stubborn at times. To prevent this, the owner must be in control, but must also give the dog the space that it needs in order to learn and explore on their own.
If the Yorkie begins to feel alone, abused, or in need of constant human attention, they can display mood swings, jumpiness, and even aggression. Once again, these types of dogs demand positive attention, but they also have to have some personal space.
The Yorkie is a perfect companion for older children and adults because they are so loyal and active, but are not a good match for younger children because they are so fragile. They also require a lot of attention when it comes to cleaning and grooming them, and since they are so small, they have a hard time adapting to severe weather changes. Before you purchase a Yorkshire Terrier be sure that you have the correct temperament, and that you have the patience to deal with them. They are very demanding and needy dogs at times, and if that need is not met by their owners, they can become dogs with behavioral problems.

By : Kathleen Chester : Puppy Match 4 You offers you best Yorkshire Terrier puppies that would be a wonderful addition to your family. Visit Puppymatch4you.com for more information.

Dog Tips: Learn How To Read Your Pit Bull Terrier

2009-10-10T16:58:00.002+07:00

Dog training is an art and there are right ways to go about it, as well as wrong ways. An often overlooked aspect of dog training is how your dog communicates back to you. If you want to successfully train your American Pit Bull Terrier, you’ll have to work hard on understanding how he communicates with you.

You’ll only be able to form a close bond where you understand your Pit and he understands you, when you can read his non-verbal body language. An excellent way to begin learning about your Pit Bull’s body language is to watch his interaction with other dogs. This is just another benefit that you’ll get from a properly socialized dog.

So what things should you look for specifically? Watch how your dog responds to the movements of other dogs. How does he greet dogs he knows? Dogs he doesn’t recognize?

Ask yourself these questions when you are learning about your dog’s communication language and actions. Reading books about wolf behavior is another thing that you can do to greatly improve your understanding of dog communication.

“Why study wolf behavior?” you ask? Wolf behavior and dog behavior are closely related. Since they are both so similar, the interactions of wild wolves gives us a chance to monitor their communication habits without any human interference.

Most dogs, if not all of them, have a habit of licking people's faces and mouths. You many not understand why dogs do this, but close observation of wolves has shown that wolf puppies are fed by the older wolves in the pack through regurgitation. Mouth and face licking persists as they get older as a way of greeting another animals.

Spend some time trying to understand your dog and closely watching his communication habits. Before long, you’ll understand him better and the bond you share will be even stronger!

By: Tim Amherst To learn all about American Pitbull Terriers and training a Pitbull, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

Pit Bull Puppy Potty Training: 7 Important Things To Watch

2009-10-10T15:49:00.003+07:00

Potty training your Pit Bull puppy the right way takes time and a lot of patience. Many different things come in to play as you are going through the housebreaking process.

If you’ve been trying to housebreak your new Pit Bull terrier pup but have been having major problems, then this article is for you. It is very possible that you have missed some of the more important points when it comes to puppy potty training.

To help you out, I’ve created the following list. Take a minute to read it and see if you spot some things you may not be doing correctly.

1. Are you writing down your dog’s potty habits so that you can easily spot trends and correct them?

2. Is the entire family on the same page when it comes to training routine? Consistent repetition is vital to the potty training process, if you’re missing this element you’re destined to fail!

3. Are you going outside with your puppy to confirm that he is going potty when he’s in the yard?

4. Are you using a crate or gate to confine your Pit Bull pup when you can’t keep an eye on him?

5. Are you giving your little pup full run of the house?

6. Do you have unrealistic expectations of your Pit puppy and then harshly scold him when he messes in the house?

7. Do you keep your puppy’s feeding times and portions the same every single day? It is important to be consistent and don’t give him extras such as treats, etc.

As you can see, there are many areas which are easy to make errors in and a new dog owner must be very careful not to skip over any of these steps when trying to housetrain their new puppy.

By: Tim Amherst To learn all about Pitbull puppies and training a Pitbull terrier, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

10 Great Ideas For Naming Black Dogs.

2009-10-10T15:25:00.002+07:00

How can you look the dog in the eyes ever again? Every time you call his name, he wallows in shame. You've banished him to the lowest level of dog name hell - you've named your Lab "Blackey."

Any four-year-old can explain that a dog's name should reflect something about him - the way he looks, the way he acts, what he likes to eat… something. So most four-year-olds will take the next most obvious step - naming a black dog Blackey... or Smokey... or something equally inane.

The thought that so many grown adults were not able to muster more creativity could undermine our society's basic faith in democracy. So let's hope that the over-abundance of such uninspiring monikers is the work of children - parents' having left the honor of naming the family pet to junior or sissy. While common, this type of delegation is rarely a good idea. Remember: Dogs can last half a generation; your little tyke will be mighty embarrassed in college to own up to a dog named Blackey.

So to help inspire you - or your little one - here are some more unique names - and naming ideas - that might help you side-step the pit of pet name remorse:

1. Dirty Stuff: Grunge, Pitch, Soot (or Sooty), Spade

2. Darkness: Dusky, Midnight, Shade (or Shady), Twilight

3. Black / Dark Clothing: Patch, Sable, Suede, Tux (or Tuxedo), Velvet

4. Black Food: Gumbo, Goulash, Meatball, Meatloaf, Molasses, Mushroom, Plum, Rib-eye, Roux (Avoid Pepper)

5. Coffee Derivatives: Chicory, Latte, Mocha

6. Dark Beers: Guinness, Porter, Stout, Xingu

7. Small Black Dogs: (Also cute for very large dogs.) Scrap, Smudge, Smidgeon, Speck, Splotch, Wisp

8. Black as Evil: (These can be particularly cute for very large or very small dogs.) Cujo, Darth, Jezebel, Katrina, Lilith, Mordor, Reaper, Smut, Snitch, Sorrow, Vader, Vice, Wicked

9. Traditional or Famous Black First Names: (Most appropriate for African-American families.) Tanika, Aisha, Oprah, Bionce, Latifa, Snoop

10. African Geography: Congo, Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda

By: Randal Breaux : Randal Breaux runs the Internet Pug Club, a community of pug lovers, featuring special screen savers, browser start pages, electronic greeting cards, and more - all featuring the almighty pug. Free Sign-Up: http://www.go-pugs.com

Why Does My Cat Drink Dirty Water?

2009-10-10T15:20:00.001+07:00

You know that cats should always have a supply of water, especially if you are feeding them dried food. There on your nice clean kitchen floor is a bowl of nice clean fresh water, in a nice clean bowl.

What does your cat do? Maybe gives the bowl a sniff and walks away from it, or just ignores the bowl completely, as if water were the last thing a self respecting cat would consider drinking.

"Okay", you think to yourself, "Kitty just isn't thirsty at the moment". But then later, you happen to spy your cat busily lapping up stale water from a puddle in your garden as if it was nectar.

Cats are self-reliant, independent creatures, but surely your cat is not going to turn its nose up at the nice clean water you provide, just to let you know it can survive without you? After all, kitty does not reject the food you provide even though it is perfectly capable of catching mice.

No, the answer is not your mouser's independence. Tap water is usually treated with chemicals, often chlorinated strongly enough for a cat to smell it. Cats noses are far more sensitive than human noses and many cats find this chemical odor very offensive. Stale water in puddles and pools has a far more attractive smell are far as a cat is concerned. Puddles may be full of rotten vegetation and microbes, but cats find this organic soup very tasty.

As well as the off-putting odor of chemicals in tap water, cats find the smell of detergents repugnant. So, because you diligently clean your cat's water bowl in the interest of hygiene, the detergent that you use deters your cat from drinking from it. You use the same detergent to wash your cat's food bowl, why then, does your feline friend eat heartily from the bowl, and not be repelled by the smell of the detergent? This is because the aroma of the fish or meat is stronger than the smell of the detergent.

With the water bowl, the combination of the two unpleasant smells, the chemicals in the tap water and the detergent, means that your cat will only quench its thirst from the water bowl if there is no better smelling option to be had.

So, what can you do? You need to rinse your cat's bowl more thoroughly than you would a plate for a human. Remember feline noses are far more sensitive than ours, every trace of detergent needs to be rinsed off. Secondly, let the water from the tap stand for a while before putting the bowl down for your cat, this will allow the chemicals to dissipate.

These two things should have kitty drinking happily from the dish, unless, of course, kitty has got so used to drinking from puddles it just can't kick the organic water habit!

Quick Ways To Teach Your Puppy To Climb Stairs And To Accept The Collar

2009-10-05T18:21:00.000+07:00

Bringing home a new puppy is always an exciting time for the entire family. Getting that new puppy off the right start with proper training is very important to making that puppy a valued member of his human family. There are a number of talents that every new puppy must master, including going up and down the stairs, and how to accept a new collar as if she’s worn it her entire life.

It is best to introduce a new puppy to the household when everyone in the family is present, and when the household is as calm as possible. That is why animal care experts discourage parents from giving puppies and kittens as holiday presents.

The holiday season is typically much too busy, with far too many distractions, for a young puppy or kitten to get the attention it needs. It is best to wait until the holidays have passed before introducing the new family member.

Once the puppy is part of the household, there are some things he or she will need to learn. One of the first challenges of a multi-story home will be learning to climb up and down the stair. Many puppies are afraid of stairs, and that usually means that they do not know how to climb them properly.

It is important for the puppy’s owner to slowly build the confidence of the dog, starting off at the bottom of the stairs. In general, a wide stairway will probably be less frightening to the puppy.

To build confidence, the owner should go up the first step, then encourage the puppy to join them, using their voice, treats or a toy. After the puppy has joined you on the first stair, go back down and repeat the process until the puppy will go up that step on his own. It is important to build confidence slowly and not rush the process. Taking a one step at a time approach is the best way to teach the puppy to not be afraid of stairs.

Another thing every new puppy must learn is how to accept the collar. Learning to wear a collar is important to every dog, but many puppies are baffled, frightened and bewildered by this new piece of equipment. Many puppies constantly try to remove their new collar by pawing and pulling at it.

Fit is important when choosing a collar for your new puppy. A properly fitted collar, chosen for your puppy’s size, is more likely to be comfortable and accepted. While choke collars, slip collars and training collars can be good training aids, they should never be used as a substitute for a sturdy buckle type collar. And of course that collar should have an identification tag and license attached. This identification will be vital in having your puppy returned if she becomes separated from you.

The best way to introduce the puppy to the collar is to simply put the collar on and allow her to squirm, jump, roll and paw at the color to her heart’s content. It is important to not encourage this behavior by trying to soothe the puppy, but it is just as important not to punish or reprimand the puppy.

The best strategy is to simply ignore the puppy and them her work through her issues with the collar on her own. Introducing distractions, such as food, toys or playing, is a good way to get the puppy used to the color. Getting the puppy to play, eat and drink while wearing the collar is a great way to get her used to it. After a few days, most puppies will not even know they are wearing a collar.

by : Jonathan Cheong at http://www.absolute-dog-training.com

Puppy Agility Training

2009-10-05T18:09:00.000+07:00

You may be asking, "When can I start agility training with my new puppy?" Puppies are always learning, so every time you are with your pup you can be playing and socializing with agility in mind. Always remember, if you can control your puppies environment, you can teach and train the behaviors you want, left on their own, even in a fenced yard, puppies will learn and develop behaviors that later we may want or need to extinguish.

One of the first behaviors we teach our pups is "Table" or "Box". This behavior transfers to the agility pause table. But more than that, the table is the center and control point of our puppy training. We introduce pups and older dogs to the table set at a 12 inch height. If you have a very small pup you could use an 8 inch table, but even with bigger dogs we use the 12 inch table and not higher. To begin, lure pup up on a low pause table, treat him for getting on the table. Once the pup is comfortable getting up on the table, then lure the pup up to a sit. You can also lure to a down.

Next you want to work on distance to the table. If you have a person to help you you can use a white target plate on the table, take the pup and step back from the table about 3 feet. Have your helper make a noise to get the pup's attention, and place a treat on the table. Release your pup to, "Go table." The pup gets his reward only when getting up on the table. If you don't have a helper, than place your treat in a covered container that will be recognized as a treat box for your pup. Leave the treat container on the table, step away from the table about 3 feet, face the table and say, "Go Table".

If your pup is very young, you can hold him as you lift him off the table and move away from the table. If your pup is too big for you to hold then use a flatbuckle collar and light dragline for your pup.

Now introduce your jumps to your pup. But you are not going to use the jump bars yet. First you want your pup to go through or between the jump uprights. Set a jump about 4 feet away from your table. Take your pup to the other side of the jump. So you are lined up pup, jump, then table. You want to get your pups attention to the treat on the table, either with a helper or a treat container, release your pup to the table, "Go Table". Let the pup run ahead of you, but go meet him at the table so that he can get his treat, praise him then offer him another treat for sitting on the table.

Progress with adding one extra jump at a time. Spacing the jumps about 3 feet apart. You are developing a jump chute that will lead the pup to the table. Remember your goal is to build the command, "Go" and "Table". You are also teaching the pup to move out ahead of you, working away from you and getting comfortable working around tables and jumps. Your pup is getting familiar running through the jump uprights, but you are not focusing on having your pup jump.

With all your puppy training, have fun with your pup. Use all your puppies motivators, praise, toys, and food. It is up to you to be more interesting to your pup than all the other distractions out in the yard.

By : Brad Carlson is a dog trainer at Agility by Carlson. For more training details, visit his website at http://www.carlson-agility.com

How To Take Care Of Your Pet Parrot?

2009-10-05T18:05:00.001+07:00

Parrots make wonderful family pets because they are great companions, they are beautiful birds with colorful feathers and you can teach them to talk. But you must have a strong level of commitment to your parrot because he will need daily and weekly maintenance, as well as plenty of attention.

What a Parrot Needs

When you consider how to take care of you parrot, you will have to consider what you will need to get started. The first thing you will need is a large cage for your parrot to live in. Make sure it is big enough for him to move around a bit and be comfortable. To occupy his time and make him feel comfortable you should place a mirror, a swing and a toy in the cage. You will also need something to properly line the cage.

What To Feed Your Parrot

A parrot should have a healthy, well-balanced diet. It should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat and grains. Peanut butter and cooked eggs are other sources of protein that are good for parrots. Pre-packaged parrot food is certainly another valid option. It takes the guesswork out of feeding your bird a wide variety of balanced nutrition.

As with most pets, avoid feeding your parrot caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and salty foods.

Teaching Your Parrot To Talk

One of the most attractive features of this type of bird is that you can teach them to talk and whistle. Most people get a lot of enjoyment out of it. It does require a lot of time and repetition though and training should begin when the parrot is young. New words should be introduced with an activity so the parrot can link the two. He may even pick up on words you don’t really want him to learn just because he hears them often.

Whistling may come more natural for the birds and may be encouraged after you have trained him to talk.

Provide Exercise

Your parrot will need to get daily exercise. Let him out of the cage for small amount of time, starting with fifteen minutes at a time. Let them fly around the house and tire themselves out. See a professional for wing clippings when necessary.

Beak Care

Never try to trim your parrot’s beak at home. Seek a professional’s help when needed. Some things you can do at home to help your bird with beak care is to provide a concrete perch or a cuttle bone for him.

Maintenance

The basic things you need to commit to for taking care of your bird are quite simple, but they do require some effort on the owner’s part. In addition to never leaving his food bowl empty, you will need to provide him with fresh water twice a day. You will need to clean his cage on a weekly basis. You will also need to groom him 2-3 times per week. This can include a full bath given in a sink or washtub or by simply misting the bird and using specialized bird shampoo on him.

When all the work is done, you will have a beautiful pet that will provide hours of entertainment and joy.

By : Naldo Camarones from Resources about Parrots with lots of Information

Tips In Naming Your Puppies.

2009-09-04T04:19:00.000+07:00

So, you finally deiced to get a puppy. You spent so many hours talking to dog breeders and surfed the Internet countless times to have the perfect puppy for you and your family. You went from doghouses to doghouses, to dog associations, to animal societies, looking and meeting puppies until you have found the right one.

Question is: Now what? Your puppy needs a name!

Throughout his lifetime, you will use the dog's name over 35,000 times. So, make sure that you choose a name that you and your family will use to refer to that loving dog of yours.

Here are some tips in finding the perfect name for your puppy.

Remember that dogs understand brief commands. Names should therefore be easy to remember. Names with two syllables or lesser work well. Don't expect that your dog would be able to respond to you immediately when you named him "John Dewey McArthur".

The name of your puppy should not sound like the rest of the commands. For example, do not call your dog "Stacy". It's too close with the command "stay". Having a name like that will only confuse the dog.

Remember that you will be using the dog's name in public. Remember the joke circulating in emails when someone has a dog named "Sex" and gotten the dog owner into trouble? "Boner" might be funny for your drinking buddies, but may have a different reaction when you are in a veterinarian clinic or at a park.

Ask your kids what they want to name the dog. Let them participate in name decision process. If they want to name the dog "Champ" or "Tootsie” so be it. Reserve your funky names when in front of other people.

You may believe that it would be an honor for your Uncle Tom or best friend Bobby if the dog is named after them. Maybe naming your baby after them might honor them, but naming your puppy after them won't.

If you decided to bring home a dog that is quite older, it would be probably better to stick with its old name. But, what if the name of the dog is "Barney", the name of your-ex whom you had a bitter breakup? Then, stick with other sounds similar to it.

Once you've picked a name, see if it works out. You will know if that works. If not, then there are tons of dog names available to replace it.

With these tips, naming your puppy would be fun.

Author : Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/

Essential Care Tips For Your Dog.

2009-09-04T04:16:00.001+07:00

Dogs are loving pets. But caring for them is a bit of hard work. Here are some tips to consider in taking care of your dog:

If you do not have a dog yet, consider the area where your dog can exercise. If you have a big yard where you could exercise or play with your dog, you might want to get a large dog such as a German Shepherd, Labrador, or Golden Retriever. If you have a smaller space, get a smaller dog like a Terrier or Dachshund. These types of dogs need little exercise compared with the larger dogs.

You also need to consider your dog if there are children in your house. Some dogs like Pit bulls and Dalmatians sometimes get to be temperamental.

It is important that you groom your dog. A regular groom is recommended. Dog’s ears should be cleaned, with the wax and dirt removed every week. Ear cleaning also helps you detect presence of ear mites or infections. The dog should be bathed weekly with warm water and dog shampoo.

It is also recommended that you brush your dog at least once a week.

After grooming your pet, do take it to a veterinarian to get its anti-rabies shots and over-all checkup.

A diet that is balanced and nutritious is recommended for your dog. Contrary to what many people think, dogs do not just eat meat. They also need carbohydrates. A diet consisting of 50 percent of protein or meat and 50 percent of carbohydrates is the preferred diet for dogs.

As implied earlier, dogs need some amount exercise. Aside from their health, dogs exercising will prevent them from retrieving and chasing, digging, and chewing on various things. Exercises depend on your dog’s sex, age, and health level. A dog likes to jog, fetch, and race-walk a lot. One warning however, start slow in exercising your dog. Unfortunately, some dogs enjoy themselves so much when they do these exercises. They do not know when to stop it.

Having a dog to last you for a long time does not end with just owning one. You have to take care of it. Although that may be hard work, it would also bring you fun and enjoyment when you see that your dog is healthy and loves you. Having a pet dog of your own is a pleasurable experience.

Author : Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/

8 Ways To Control Dog Fleas.

2009-08-25T20:28:00.000+07:00

There are numerous products that will kill adult fleas on your dog. However, they vary in the duration of their effects.

1. Flea shampoos, sprays, and powders. Most products will kill any fleas present on your dog at the time of application, but many have no lasting effect - your dog may have more fleas within 24 hours of being treated. When using a flea shampoo, always begin on the dog's head, face, and ears so the fleas won't run for shelter in those hard to reach areas. Be extra careful not to drip any solution in your pet's eyes. Applying the solution with a sponge is helpful. All shampoos should be rinsed thoroughly from the coat.

Some of the newer, more effective sprays can be a valuable part of the overall treatment plan. They kill adult fleas rapidly and are safe enough to use daily, if necessary. Flea sprays containing insect growth regulators (IGR's) are helpful in managing the overall problem because they help to break the flea life cycle. Be sure to read the label when using any of these products, because they might be recommended for once a week application, instead of daily.

Flea powders are easy to use - simply sprinkle on your dog's coat.

2. Flea rinses or dips. These may be effective for four to five days, depending on the product. The rinse is applied after the dog has been shampooed and not rinsed out and left to dry on the dog's coat. You need to dip the entire dog from nose to tail. Follow directions carefully regarding frequency throughout the flea season.

Pet shops and supermarkets sell a huge variety of flea dips and shampoos for your pet. If your dog has only a few fleas, there's no reason why you can't treat him yourself. Make sure to follow the label instructions on whatever product you buy, and pay close attention to age restrictions. Many products are not suitable for young puppies. Never use cat products on dogs.

As with flea shampoos, when using a flea dip, always begin on the dog's head, face, and ears so the fleas won't run for shelter in those hard to reach areas. Be extra careful not to drip any solution in your pet's eyes. Applying the solution with a sponge is helpful.

You might want to take your dog to the veterinarian where either an assistant or a groomer on staff will dip your pet, or take your dog to a grooming shop for flea treatment.

3. Sprays containing flea growth regulators which are called IGR's. These sprays are usually applied weekly and the growth regulators help break the flea's life cycle.

4. Flea collars. Flea collars are an easy, economical, and useful method of flea control when used before you see fleas, but aren't very effective if you already a flea problem. Flea collars are on the dog and working 24 hours per day. However, they are not very effective in climates that are especially conducive to flea reproduction. Many people don't like the smell of insecticidal flea collars or the smell and oily feeling the insecticide leaves on their hands after petting a dog wearing one. But, they are a lot better than nothing!

Many flea collars, such as the Ovitrol Plus or Ovitrol Plus II sold by veterinarians, kill adult fleas and also make flea eggs sterile. These are generally called Egg-Stopper Collars and contain insect growth regulating ingredients, which prevents egg from hatching.

Some dogs are sensitive to flea collars and develop a skin irritation under the collar, so if this happens, you should remove the collar and use another method of flea control.

In addition, there are High Tech Electronic Flea Collars for dogs that emit powerful ultrasonic pulses. They are supposed to be inaudible and harmless to pets and humans but, fleas go crazy!

Do-it-yourself Low Tech Herbal flea collar - effects last approximately one month:
Buy a soft untreated flea collar. Mix 1/2 teaspoon rubbing alcohol, essential oils of 1 drop cedar wood oil, 1 drop lavender, 1 drop citronella, 1 drop thyme oil. Open the contents of four garlic capsules into mixture. Soak flea collar until it has absorbed sufficient mixture soaked through, then let dry.

5. Spot-on products. Advantage® and Frontline® are two brand name products that are applied topically to a small area of the dog's skin and they effectively kill fleas for at least a month. They are purchased in small vials that contain one dose for various sizes of dogs. They kill adult fleas, usually before the flea has the opportunity to bite your dog.

When using some of the new residual topical treatments such as the spray and the liquid applied to the dog's neck, you may find environmental control will become much less a concern. In some cases, treating the dog with these new products will effectively control the environmental problem.

6. The pill. (Program™) This product prevents flea eggs from hatching when administered orally to pets once a month at mealtime. Dogs are fed Program in tablet form. Different tablet sizes and suspension doses are prescribed according to the animal's weight. When an adult female flea bites a Program-treated dog, the flea ingests the active ingredient (lufenuron) which then passes into her eggs and prevents them from hatching. Program is dispensed only through veterinarians. This drug does not kill the adult fleas on your dog, but it does break the flea life cycle by preventing hatching of the next generation of flea eggs. In effect, it kills the next generation of fleas.

A similar product called Sentinel contains both the flea control ingredient and heartworm medication all in one dosage.

7. Natural methods include essential herbal oils, essential fatty acids, garlic, and/or B vitamins tend to make the animal less tasty to fleas. You can supplement with garlic or brewers yeast tablets. Some animals are allergic to brewers yeast, so watch closely the first week or so to make sure the itching doesn't get worse.

8. Flea Combs. Run the comb through your pet's hair and gather a bit of hair and "flea dirt". Daily flea combing may seem like a tedious process, but you can trap some of them in the comb. Be sure to drown them in soapy water, because fleas can jump out of plain water.

Author : Want a happier, healthier pooch? http://www.pet-supplies-review.com makes it easy to find relevant information about your four-legged friend.

Small Dogs Require Extra Care During The Holiday Season

2009-08-25T20:22:00.001+07:00

The Holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. To keep it that way for everyone, people with small dogs should take some common-sense precautions. Especially now, when tiny dogs are increasingly popular, families need to stay aware of their special needs.

Most people know that chocolate can be lethal to dogs. But other Holiday favorites can also pose hazards, including: turkey, pork, onions, even raisins and grapes. Other foods may simply be too spicy or rich for the dog’s digestive system to handle. While a single raisin or grape may not seem like much, it could be a toxic meal to a four-pound dog.

With holiday decorations coming out of their boxes, keep an eye on that little dog. It may be fun to play “chase the tinsel” with your Chihuahua, but if she swallows some when you’re not paying attention, the consequences could be dire. That ornament may look a lot like your little dog’s favorite ball. Poinsettias and many other plants, including lilies, are poisonous to dogs.

Small dog owners also need to pay attention to their little pets when company arrives. Even the best-socialized little dog may feel threatened and defensive in a crowd. Just think of how the room looks to your shin-height dog when your Holiday Party is in full swing! The obstacle course of potentially damaging feet is intimidating, to say the least! Toddlers who move erratically or grab tails may be frightening to a tiny dog. Small children and dogs of any size should not be left alone together.

Pay attention to your small dog’s location. Dogs can slip outside with the constant opening and closing of doors. Some can climb onto counters and tables. They can even disappear under a pile of coats! The most tragic tale we’ve heard is of a small dog, taking advantage of a warm, cozy visitor’s bed, was killed when a folding bed was put away for the day. Small dogs don’t make much of a lump under the covers and the owners just didn’t see him. Very sad, and very easy to avoid – just find the dog before you move the furniture.

Paying attention is the key to a happy and safe holiday season for the entire family – including your toy dog.

Author : Hope Saidel is the co-owner of http://www.GollyGear.com, a bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun, affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog Training Club.

Common Commands for Dog Training.

2009-08-24T16:26:00.000+07:00

A calm, obedient and faithful dog – it’s what we all want, right? To begin with, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems – large dog breeds such as german shepherds and rottweilers to name a couple. And of course pit bulls are almost synonymous with aggression in many people’s minds.

Now, I have a rottweiler myself, and she’s the soppiest thing out. So I don’t personally subscribe to the view that particular breeds are necessarily aggressive. But nevertheless, large dogs certainly do need to be adequately trained, just because of their size. Larger dogs can be very intimidating to people.

And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bits and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households.

When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained. These basic commands include:

No – the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this important word can save you a ton of trouble.

Sit – Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.

Down – Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key component of any successful dog training program.

Stay – A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so Stay is an important command in dog training. (The Stay command is not used by all dog trainers. Some are of the view that the command to Sit means “Sit, and stay there until you’re given another command” – this makes a lot of sense. But many people do like to use the Stay command).

Heel – It's important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind

Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and owner. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.

Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavior problems.

A properly trained dog will respond properly to all the owner’s commands, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion. A good dog training program will focus on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of it, and will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.

In addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is a great way to fulfill some of the dog’s own needs, including the need for exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of it, a feeling of accomplishment and a good working relationship with its handler. Dog training gives the dog an important job to do, and an important goal to reach.

Giving the dog a job is more important than you may think. Dogs were originally bred by humans to do important work, such as herding sheep, guarding property and protecting people. Many dogs today have no important job to do, and this can often lead to boredom and neurotic behavior.

Basic obedience training, and ongoing training sessions, provide the dog with an important job to do. This is especially important for high energy breeds like German shepherds and border collies. Training sessions are a great way for these high energy dogs to use up their extra energy and simply to enjoy themselves.

Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent both yourself and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to strengthen the all important bond between you – the pack leader – and your dog.

Author : Brigitte Smith runs two websites dedicated to dog training, dog care and dog health: Grab your free special report "How to Improve Your Dog's Health Within 30 Days - Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog's Life!" here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com or here: http://www.Dog-Health-Care-Information.com

Health Problems In Cats

2009-08-24T16:18:00.001+07:00

It may come as a surprise, if you're a new cat owner, that many health problems may befall your feline friend. Some problems are easily preventable, while others are hereditary.

Hairballs

Hairballs are among the most common of cat health problems. Cats groom themselves almost constantly, and swallow the loose hair that comes off their tongues. Occasionally, the hair gathers into a ball and lodges in the cat's digestive tract instead of passing on through the body. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, he probably has a hairball. While the end product is unpleasant for the owner, most cats don't have a problem dislodging hairballs.

However, hairballs can occasionally pass into a cat's intestines and cause a blockage. This can be a life-threatening problem. There are a few signs to look for to see if your cat's hairball is dangerous. If your cat is constipated, off his feed, or is lethargic with a dull coat, then he could have a serious blockage. A vet exam is definitely in order.

To prevent hairballs, groom your cat frequently to remove loose hair. In addition, feed your cat food that helps control hairballs.

Worms

For many cats, worms are a recurring problem. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly infect cats. Cats can occasionally develop heartworms, as well. If your cat seems unable to gain weight, is infested with fleas, or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, take him to the veterinarian for worm testing.

Worms are easily cured with a few doses of medication, but if left untreated, they can be fatal.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are another common health problem in cats. This infection is particularly common in unneutered male cats, although female cats can also develop this problem. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, a urinary tract infection is suspect. If your cat's urine smells strong, again a urinary tract infection may be the cause. These infections need to be treated by a veterinarian. Ask about cat foods that reduce the likelihood of another infection.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is caused by a mutation of the corona virus. According to some experts, cats living in multi-cat environments tend to test positive for enteric corona virus. Cats can live with that virus remaining quietly in the intestines with no sign of disease for their entire lifetime. In other cases, probably a genetic pre-disposition, the virus mutates into FIP.

Once a cat has contracted FIP, it will display symptoms of a mild upper respiratory infection: sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. It may also have diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy. Most cats fully recover from this primary infection, although some may become virus carriers. A small percentage of exposed cats develop lethal FIP weeks or even years after the primary infection.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

FIV, or cat AIDS, is not always fatal. FIV decreases the ability of the cat's immune system to fight infections. Cats with FIV may remain free of symptoms for years. It is when the cat contracts other illnesses in the chronic stage of FIV infection that FIV is first suspected. This long list of illnesses includes oral-cavity infections, upper-respiratory infections, weight loss, ear infections, kidney disease, and many others. Although there is, as yet, no vaccine, all cats should be tested for the virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually when a cat is bitten in a cat fight.

Feline Leukemia Virus

FLV was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats. But with a vaccine now available, the number of cases is dwindling. Although the name leukemia means cancer of the white blood cells, this is only 1 of the many diseases associated with this virus, such as other types of cancer, anemia, arthritis and respiratory infections. FLV is preventable if the cat is immunized before being exposed to the virus. Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. NEVER bring other cats into your household when you have a cat with FLV.

Lyme Disease

If your cat spends time outdoors, you should check him regularly for ticks. If you find a tick on your cat's body and he has been lethargic and acts as if he is in pain, ask your vet to test for Lyme Disease. This disease is transmitted to people and animals by deer ticks.

Some cats may show subtle symptoms while others may show none -- symptoms are hard to recognize and often may be confused with other illnesses or old age. Be observant of your pet's behavior. It is the only way to know if your pet has contracted Lyme disease if no tick was found. Some symptoms of Feline Lyme Disease include:

(a) lethargy,
(b) reluctance to jump or climb stairs,
(c) limping, or reluctance to put weight on a paw,
(d) loss of appetite.

The key to dealing with Feline Lyme Disease is prevention and early diagnosis and treatment. You should reduce the tick population around your home with simple landscape changes and spraying.

Good Health Care

Taking your cat for a regular check-up with the vet, and keeping all vaccinations on schedule will help assure your cat a long and healthy life. Prevention is the first line of defense for most feline illnesses.

Many owners keep their cats indoors to protect them from cars, from cat fights which may expose them to deadly viruses, from ticks, and other hazards.

Outdoor cats will enjoy greater freedom, but require a watchful eye, loving attention to their health status, and regular visits to the veterinarian.

Author : Visit http://www.new-cat.com to learn more. Copyright 2005 Ron King. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer.

Adopting A Dog From An Animal Shelter.

2009-08-24T16:12:00.001+07:00

Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for an animal lover. It’s difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them all home. Such feelings are understandable and commendable; however, just be sure that prior to adoption you consider all of the ramifications. And remember, your best friend is waiting for you at your local animal shelter.

Why are animal shelters always filled with animals waiting to be adopted? Well, lack of neutering dogs is a major contributor. Shockingly, it has been calculated that over a six year period, one female dog and her offspring will, if allowed access to male dogs at the relevant times, produce 67,000 puppies! Small wonder that there are more animals looking for homes than there are people who want to adopt them.

Sadly, some 6.5 million animals (mainly cats and dogs) are euthanized each year in the United States alone.

Given the above statistics, it goes without saying that adopting an animal can be a kind and loving thing to do.

But before thinking seriously about adoption, there are a number of things that you should consider.

Many of the animals awaiting adoption in shelters have had a very poor history. Some were abused, some abandoned and some were turned in because the owners had grown tired of the novelty, changed their lifestyle in a manner which didn't include a dog, or simply didn’t have time for them.

A large number of shelter dogs have been left alone for long periods and some were never house trained.

So if you're thinking of adopting a dog from an animal shelter, you need to be prepared to work with them.

Many adopted dogs will come to the new surroundings filled with fears based upon earlier mistreatment or the harsh rules of their previous owners. Some dogs will be reluctant to go from one room to another, will shy away when corrected and hide upon hearing a loud noise. New owners must be patient with them and speak to them softly and affectionately.

A shelter dog may be overly sensitive to your tone of voice or to any commands you may give them. You must be prepared to be patient. And you must be prepared to be loving to your new dog, without necessarily receiving any love or acknowledgment in return. Dogs are reasonably intelligent, and they will gradually come to understand their new environment and show their appreciation for your loving care.

When shelter dogs finally realize that they can trust you they will likely reward you with more affection and loyalty than you can imagine.

Adopted dogs are subject to all of the behavioral problems commonly associated to dogs in general. These would include digging, jumping up on people, jumping fences, barking and nipping. There are proven solutions to all of these “offences.” If your dog is prone to digging, and always digs in one area, there are a number of effective repellent sprays that work well. If he digs under your fence, a little buried chicken wire works wonders in breaking that habit. Spray bottles filled with water should be kept at hand to break a dog from jumping up and to combat incessant barking. A quick spritz in the face immediately following, or during, the offensive behavior will usually bring about a quick behavior modification.

If thinking about adopting a dog, you should be prepared to deal with the prospect that your new dog may not be completely housebroken. Previous owners may have been irresponsible in their approach to this training, and/or the change of environment to the shelter coupled with the trauma of being abandoned (in whatever circumstances) by its previous owner, may have resulted in the dog continuing to do its “business” right in its pen.

Housetraining is not a relatively straightforward training issue which should not deter you from adopting a dog. Crate training is recommended to assist in this training, and walking your new dog and letting him out in the yard several times a day will also help. Fenced yards and doggie doors are minimal expenses and are essential if you have a dog.

Adopting a dog as a companion for a small child is not recommended. A dog is not a toy and should never be treated as one. Small children must be trained to understand “animal etiquette”. In other words, animals are not to be hit, dragged, ridden or teased. But with shelter dogs in particular, small children may not be safe around them.

Children should be taught that being overly aggressive with a new dog, especially one recently adopted, could cause the dog to react by biting or running away. If feeding and exercising the dog is to be the responsibility of a child, an adult must follow up and take ultimate responsibility for the dog.

Choke Collar Training.

2009-08-24T15:57:00.000+07:00

Choke collar training collars are among the most popular and most commonly used tools by both professional dog trainers and people like you and me. These collars are commonly known as a choke collar, choke chain, training collar, correction collar and slip collar.

As with any dog training tool it must be used responsibly to ensure effectiveness, and safety for your dog.

It’s important to pay attention to how the collar fits the dog. It is essential that the training collar be properly fitted to the dog. A properly fitted training collar is easier to use and safer for the dog.

There is a right way and a wrong way to fit a training collar, and putting it on wrong will make it both ineffective and potentially dangerous.

A training collar should be used as a sharp reminder to the dog, not as punishment. It is important that constant pressure be avoided when using a training collar.

Pay attention to the weight of the chain and the size of the links on the training collar. It is important that the weight and size of the chain be appropriate to the size and weight of the dog.

Determining if the training collar is the right size is relatively easy. The ideal size training collar should fit snugly, yet comfortably over the dog’s head. It is important that the training collar not fit too tightly, but it should not be too loose either. A training collar that is too tight will be too hard to put on and off. On the other hand, a training collar that is too loose can accidentally fall off of the dog’s head when it lowers its head.

It is also important to know that a training collar that is too long for the dog requires a great deal of finesse to use properly. A collar that is too long can still be used, but it will require more skill on the part of the handler.

It is best to measure the dog’s neck with a tape measure, then add 2 to 3 inches to that measurement. So if your dog has a neck 12” in diameter, you would want to buy a training collar that is 14” in length. Chain slip collars are generally sized in two inch increments.

When fitting a training collar, the loop of the chain which is connected to the leash should be on the top of the dog’s neck. This ensures that the collar releases the instant the leash is loosened. Training collars work most effectively when they’re able to tighten and loosen quickly. Tightening the collar is the first part of the correction, and loosening it is the second part of the process, by way of reinforcement for your dog. It is the transient nature of the tightening that really gives the dog the message that the tightening will occur immediately there is an undesired behavior.

If the loop of the training collar that is attached to the leash is not on the top of the dog’s neck, the collar can still be tightened relatively easily, but it will not release back to a loose state as quickly. The more constant pressure on the dog’s neck which results, initiates a counter response on the part of the animal, and your dog will then react by pulling and straining against the leash.

Finally, it is important to use a training collar that is well made and strong. Buying a high quality training collar, slip collar or choke collar can be vital to the safety of yourself and your dog.

If the worst happens, and your dog’s training collar does break, it is important not to panic. Most dogs will be unaware that they have broken the collar, at least for a few seconds. In most cases, if you act as if the leash is still connected, you can usually regain control of your dog perhaps even before the dog realizes he is free.

Author : Brigitte Smith runs two websites dedicated to dog training, dog care and dog health: Grab your free special report "How to Improve Your Dog's Health Within 30 Days - Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog's Life!" here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com or here: http://www.Dog-Health-Care-Information.com

Basics Of Dog Training

2009-08-23T18:04:00.001+07:00

The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping dog’s attention and understanding your dog.

To get the respect of your dog you must be consistent. You should make a set of do’s and don’ts for your dog. Follow these guidelines to the letter, if a dog does something desirable always reward it, if a dog does something bad punish him or her appropriately. In dogs world consistency is a sign of a leader. You will make your training my easier and effective by being a leader who the dog respects and follows.

Ninety percent of your dogs training will be getting his or hers attention and keeping him focused on yourself. If your dog cannot focus on you, it will not listen to you, and thus making the commands you give fall on empty ears. I will describe a technique on how to get and keep your dog’s attention with few very simple exercises. First, most dogs will respond to their name, so call them and when they look at you tell them “watch”. After doing it few times the dog will associate the command with looking at you. After you have perfected the “watch” command, start doing exercises aimed at expanding your dog’s attention span. A good technique is to hold a treat with your teeth and while standing in front of your dog give it a watch command. Stand in position for a few seconds keeping dogs attention, then praise. Repeat the exercise until your dog focus on you for about a minute. The more attention your dog can give you the better student it will be.

A vital part of dog training is the understanding of how a dog thinks. Dogs, like small children, have a very short attention span. Most dogs can be focused on training for about ten to twenty minutes, after that time they will start loosing focus and will require a small break. A good idea is to make regular training sessions of 20-30 minutes per day. Another important thing is to make the training fun for the dog. Make the dog look forward to the training time instead of dreading it. To achieve this you should always make their effort worthwhile. After every successful command make sure to give them a treat or praise them with very excited voice. The more willing the dog is to train the more effective the training will be!

Incorporate these techniques into your training sessions and in no-time you will be ready to proceed to much more complex obedience training exercises. You and your dog will both enjoy the time spent together, your dog will respect you for being a responsible owner and other people will appreciate your dog’s great behavior after you are done!

Author : Dmitry Belov is founder of Dnepr Import. Visit their site at: http://www.dneprimport.com

How To Give Your Dog A Bath.

2009-08-23T17:56:00.000+07:00

Bathing your dog helps to keep it healthy as well as clean. Bathing helps reduce the amount of flea repellents you need to use as well as prevents hotspots, a potentially serious problem for your best friend.

Bathing too frequently can dry out the skin and coat so only one bath a month is recommended by experts.

Brush the dog before giving it a bath. Be sure to get all tangles and matts out because the water will make it worse. If a comb or brush cannot remove all the matts use a conditioner or detangler if necessary.

Gather up what items you need before you start the bath: A brush, comb, collar and leash, shampoo, face cloth, and several towels.

If bathing the dog in the bathtub, use a safety mat. A hand held shower or pail for applying water and rinsing. Use a dog shampoo which is formulated for the pH of a dogs skin. Human shampoos can strip a dog's coat of essential oils.

Use warm, but not hot, water.

Avoid getting water and shampoo in the eyes and ears. Use a washcloth to wash the dogs face. Do not get water or soap in the eyes or ears!!

Be sure to rinse all the shampoo and conditioner off the dog. If you leave any of this on the dog, it will get itchy skin.

If using a tub, open the drain and let the water drain. To dry, put a towel over the head. Use another towel to dry off its back and legs. Then gently rub or pat with the towel. If your dog is long-haired don't rub vigorously because you can put mats back in the coat.

To finish use a blow dryer on the lowest setting and hold at a distance so the dog receives only warm air. Use a dryer only if your dog isn't afraid of the noise. To some dogs, the dryer is much worse than the bath.

Author : Marilyn Pokorney, Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

How To Train Kittens To Use The Cat Litter Box

2009-08-23T17:53:00.001+07:00

There are several things you need to do to help the mama cat train her kitties to develop good cat litter box habits. While the kids may try to follow mom's example, here's how you can help cement that success.

First, since kittens are so physically small and they're still developing coordination and agility, it's critical that you, the human mom, make sure they can easily get in and out of any cat litter box. The easiest way to do this is buy disposable aluminum roaster pans from your grocery store. Kittens grow as fast as weeds in the summertime, so this is a temporary, but completely justifiable purchase.

If your regular litter boxes are too tall for the babies to climb in and out, they'll become discouraged and they'll select the easiest spot (for them, at least) to eliminate waste. Once they get this idea in their little heads, it could be hard to get out. So, don't give them the excuse!

The type of litter you use for kittens can be dangerous. Since kittens are so darn curious, they test everything with their mouths. If they eat clumping litter, this could kill them. Use a non-clumping litter for several weeks. It won't be any easier to watch them taste test the non-clumping litter, but neither will it be dangerous.

Depending upon the size of the litter, you'll need at least two, and possibly several roasting pans. Since the babies all pretty much eat at the same time, they'll feel the call of nature in a group as well. You can ensure successful cat litter box habits by making certain there are enough boxes to accomodate a group elimination activity.

Young kitties don't have great control of their bladder and bowel functions. Place all cat litter boxes in close proximity to their living quarters. Keep the pans away from their food and water, but don't place them out of the same room, if possible. The closer the pans are, the better the chances are the babies will make it to the box in time to let loose.

Also, make certain that mom is teaching the babies by the time they are five weeks old. If mom seems to be falling down on the job, you must step in during week five of their lives and start the training process. Shortly after the little ones have fed, take them to the litter pan, and place them in it. You may need to gently take a front paw, and scratch for them. Fortunately, almost all cats "get it" very quickly. Your coaching period should be relatively short.

By working with mama cat, the two of you make sure the babies develop good cat litter box habits for life.

Author : Nancy stopped the cat urine odor problem at her home, and kept the kitty that caused it. "18 Ways to Stop Cat Urine Odor Problems" saves you money, time and frustration by solving your cat urine odor problem - permanently. http://www.stopcaturineodor.com

Got A Cat As A Pet? Here’s How To Keep Them Healthy

2009-08-10T00:08:00.003+07:00

Our cats are often as close to us as members of our family. In fact, they are virtually are members of our family! That's why cat owners should know as they may about cat health. Here are the great things to know on caring for your pet cat in a loving way:

GROOMING: Long-haired cats should be groomed regularly for optimum cat health. Use a pet brush and groom no less frequently than once a week.

Food: Cat health is strongly affected by what your cat eats. Obesity is an important factor heart diseases including as your cat is aging. Choose a pet food for your cat it is true that it s age but feed regularly. Consistency is the key to a well fed cat.

Elderly CATS: some diseases occur simply because your cat is aging. These older persons may be labelled cat health problems. Such as cats age their kidneys and the view fail and that they may need special regimes.

LITTER: The litter may be dangerous for the two cat health and human health if it isn t cleaned regularly. Change your pet s litter least once every four days and keep a small dish of baking soda near the litter.

SCRATCH: scraping is a major cat concern for the health because if a cat scratches regularly that it is often a sign of other problems. If your cat scratching a particular field often try a delousing product, and then take your pet to vocational training.

DECLAWING: Declawing your cat can be a major factor in Cat health. If you choose to declaw your animal it is important to remember to keep the interior at any time.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: many cat health problems concern difficult or uncommon behavior. May be a symptom of depression. Strange aggression is sometimes caused by hormone imbalances.

STRESS: Your cat can easily get stress. Stress situations as moving, traveling, natural disasters or even changes in family cannot affect cat health. To minimize the effects of stress on your animal, buy a tranquillizer for distance travel and have a place in your home where your cat can escape if there are occupied changes to the House.

POISON: make sure you dangerous poisons like the antifreeze cannot be reached by your pet. Some plants are fatal for cats so make sure you to increase your plants and lock your toxins.

PESTS: Parasites such as not, heart worms and rabies can greatly affect cat health. Blood in cat s stool or uncommon appetite are common signs of parasites.

MOUTH: cats have often diseases of the mouth and this may affect cat health. Cats are also subject to gingivitis as humans. For the problems as rodents ulcer or bad breath, your brush cat s teeth with a small child s toothbrush.

Has the interior/exterior : one of the greatest factors in determining cat health is whether your pet goes outside. Cars, children, other animals and toxins are all hazardous and should be avoided by keep your cat interior.

Take care of your cat is critical to your health cats. We hope that this article you provided information that will your pet s life that much more healthy, happy and more.

Author : Michael Erder is the author of http://www.elitepetproducts.com a site completely dedicated to pets and pet products. Visit http://www.elitepetproducts.com and keep your pet happy and healthy!

How To Stop The Dogs's Chewing Problem?

2009-08-10T00:00:00.002+07:00

Many people have begun the team from dog or puppy in a dog training school. There are many aspects which are gone above dog training classes. Unfortunately, is a part of dog training which is not gone over very well in dog training classes is chewing. It is difficult to get more a problem in chewing dog training classes because dogs have often nothing to chew or destroy, all in class! If you are one of these people who are in dog training classes, but you have always need help to chew, please read.

This type of training of dog can be for dogs young and old. Many people find this part of dog training to be more frequent in the puppies. But older dogs have been know need this type of dog training because they like to chew things while their owners are far!

To start this type of training of dog, you must first to realize that all dogs chew. Dogs need to chew. Therefore, when you start, make sure that you have several things that are ok for your dog to chew. Then begin your dog training by keep all your dogs chewing toys in one place. This way, your dog will learn to associate this place with its chew toys. You must do this for that this type of dog training work. Try to have the dog toys in a "toy box" for your dog.

During this training of dog, never smacking or hit your dog if you catch chewing on something that it is not authorized to. Instead, for the effectiveness dog training, praise your dog and pet when she treats on what it is supposed chew on. It has been demonstrated that the dogs meet much more positive praise and positive dressage dogs. If the dog continues to chew on things that he should not , verbal reprimand. Your voice will be enough punishment and is the only punishment necessary for this kind of training of dog.

Another method dog training you can try is to put a taste deterrent on the points your dog should not chew. This dog training chew deterrent is called "bitter apple" and it is available to most of the animal facilities. This is the most effective dog training that will teach your dog not to chew inappropriate things. If you follow all these aspects, your dog training should go more slowly. Dog Training can be a fun and enriching experience... as long as all your favorites things are not mâché in the process! Remain calm and to be patient to obtain good results.

Author : Amy Howells is an expert dog trainer who runs a website dedicated to teaching people how to train their dog or puppy in just 21 days. Visit http://www.dog-owner.net/training.htm for more info.

Dog Worming

2009-08-07T21:12:00.002+07:00

Regular Worming is essential to protect your dog against internal parasites. This involves giving it preparations in liquid or form of tablets. Adult dogs should be)at least once a year, and at least once every six months if in contact with children. Dogs showing signs of infection must be)immediately, and all breeding bitches should be)before coupling.

Toward. Several of these parasites affect dogs but most important are those that belong to the family that, and to live in the small intestine. Other toward infest the large intestine, blood vessels and respiratory tract. Ascaris feed digest foods in the dog gut, and are particularly harmful to puppies. They are entering a puppy intestinal wall and pass through the blood for the liver and then the lungs. From there, they crawl the trachea to be coughed and swallowed, once again ending in the intestine.

Infected puppy may develop :

Hepatitis, pneumonia, is part and the obstruction to the intestine, so regular treatment is vital. As the puppy ages most worms journey to the muscles, where they form cysts. These sleep until the puppy bitch becomes pregnant. They then migrate to the puppies lungs, and that is why practically each puppy is born with roundworm, and must be)regularly.

How to affecting humans. These worms may infect humans, and in a very low number of cases, cause disease. Good hygiene and good sense concerning children and puppies should control the problem.

Tapeworms. The tapeworm tickle the dog anus and make the dog drag it is rear along the floor. If you see any ver segments in your dog faeces, treat as soon as possible. As a dog lover myself, i trafficking my own animals at least twice per year. Worming tablets can be purchased dear to your local supermarket or 1, there is therefore no excuse for not treat your own pet on a regular basis.

I thank you for reading my article. I hope that he was pleasant.

Author : John Moore - Author and pet lover. Please use my link.http://www.pet-dog-cat.com

How To Choose The Perfect Dog Name For Your Puppy.

2009-08-07T20:58:00.004+07:00

Three main dog Name Guidelines :

1. Choose a name your dog can easily recognize. Dogs generally better respond to one or two syllables names. If you do not want to go for a dramatic and unusual long name, consider whether you can easily shorten to something a little more simple for your dog to understand.

2. Avoid dog names that a healthy as the standard commands of No, stay, sit down, come, or recover. For example "Joe" is probably too close to "no". It may be difficult for dogs to tell the difference between similar words.

3. Choose a name that is both easy to ask and the one that you are happy appeal. Remember, you will be asked your dog name in public places at times and shout Parsnip in the local park, may leave you feeling somewhat embarrassed! You also want a name that will work well when you are straining your voice to draw your pet as it disappears in the sunset chase a rabbit!

Search for dog Name Inspiration :

Begin with the obvious. Take a long and difficult look at your new small friend, it may be you say his name without you. Look at his appearance, the behavior, personality, and alienation. Names like place or red can come to mind. How do I make Bulb for a dog who steals things or rebels to a stubborn dog?

Then look elsewhere for inspiration. You can name your dog after the other famous dog, for example Pluto, Pongo, Lassie or Digby. What are your favorite sports, film, music or comic strip star?

How to choose a dog name after a member of your family or friend of a figure of history as Napoleon, Alexander the Great or Raspoutine? Take a look at your environment or think in your favorite spot that they will give you more ideas.

Remember, dog name you choose for your puppy said as much about you as it does about your pet. It shows how you see your dog and your relationship with him. But other people can judge your dog s character by reference to its name and could therefore react negatively or tremendously to a dominant name when its meeting. It is a good idea to use a dog name which transmits the image that you want your pet to have.

In addition, choosing a name that will increase with the animal. For example "Tiny" may be less appropriate for a full increased dog. Regardless of the method you choose, have a good time doing and choose a name you want to keep.

Teaching your puppy its name to choose a dog name that you please and hold. It can be confusing for your puppy if you are constantly changing your spirit. Your dog will learn its new name quickly if you use often. When you call your pet, use his name. Not to say "here puppy". Call your pet by its name will allow him to familiarize themselves with it and with your voice, as well. Whether selecting a long name keep in mind the shortened version.

A long name will inevitably be shortened, but it can ruin the effect that you were initially you are looking for. Especially if fun and choose a name that you really like. Your puppy will undoubtedly become your best friend and only you can find just the good name.

Author : Richard Cussons is a dog lover with a passion for helping people with their dogs. Discover more about dog names, puppy care and traning at http://www.all-about-puppies.com/dog_names.html

How To Understand Your Dog's Mood.

2009-08-07T20:46:00.003+07:00

Here's a short guide to some basic dog body language and what that means:

Dominant - you will find that a dog dominant has its ears right or to transmit, its mouth slightly open or closed its eyes open wide or staring, its body permanent stiff and tall with possibly raised, and its tail of the organization stiffened or us. A low and authoritarian bark may often be provided.

Friendly - a friendly dog a is up ears, open and alert eyes, a relaxed atmosphere mouth, a tail or any rear agitated, and possibly whining, yapping or giving short bark.

Playful - an arc position with agite queue means play.

Submission - a dog with its ears closely return, the eyes closed and paw raised is showing extreme submission. The dog is not happy, but demonstrates that it will not attack.

Aggressive - aggressiveness in the dog has its ears aplatie back against his leader, his eyes narrowed or difficult, as the body tense, mouth open to show the teeth and tail holding of the organization, and we if possible. Some or growls are typical.

Concerned - Sharp barks combined with growling, ears flattened and neck hair raised means "I am concerned" or "something wrong."

The fear - a dog shows fear with a position lowered, tail or tucked under, a Arched Back, Looking or turning leader then showing the whites of their whites of the eyes and dilated pupils. Often dogs bark by fear, especially if they are driven, closed, or in leaves.

Stressed - a dog has stressed will often have ears back and low, a wide open mouth, lips fired back with rapid breathing. Also shoulders lowered, vaulted forward, the tail tucked, tension in thighs and will probably aspen.

Now that you understand more of what your puppy tries to tell you how he feels or the mood that it is to try to answer this in your puppy training and daily life. In a puppy training session your dog should be showing that it is in a friendly or ludic mood. If it shows that it is a dominant position then you know that it may not be taken you seriously or could be stubborn and you probably need to be more farm.

Some submission behavior is not a bad thing that it means that what he understands that you are responsible. If your puppy becomes stressed, fearful, worried or even aggressive, you must stop your training and reassure your dog immediately. If you have been training for more 15 minutes to stop and to take a break. When you come back takes the things more slowly or approach the things differently. Use your knowledge in every day life too. Watch your puppy in different situations and you will quickly discover what he likes and dislikes or how it feels. You can then take measures to give him more what he enjoys and more support, confidence and training in situations that it finds more difficult.

Authot : Richard Cussons is a dog lover with a passion for helping people with their dogs. Discover more about puppy training and care at http://www.all-about-puppies.com/puppy_training.html

Choosing A Horse

2009-08-07T20:26:00.002+07:00

Choose a horse will be one of the most important decisions that you ever undertaken in a spirit of you, and the horse - Take your time.

TO 50 i have been a little older than the average of the first time horse owner, that they have the right. I fell in love with a pretty small horse i had mounted on a riding holidays when he was in its own environment and I have been relaxed and had all the time in the world.

9 Months later, after many grief i admitted that it has been the wrong horse for my style of life and the experience and fortunately, he was able to go back to the original owner. Traumatic for me, but less for him as he was going back to where he was pleased.

Our delivered garden owner helped me decide what type of horse i was looking by whereas:

1. My horse experience.
2. Who, I would like to be able to mount with.
3. The grazing, parking and riding at my disposal.
4. How much time I have had horse care and training.
5. How much money I had to buy a horse and care for it.
6. What size horse i was comfortable with and was reasonable for me.
7. If I wanted a particular horse race or color.

We decided that on the basis of the foregoing, a traditional color gypsy horse would be ideal and found Amy, 5 years ex brood-mare. It has been road trained and mild with a beautiful paces, but has been insensitive to all commands standard horse training.

2 Years on I cannot imagine life without it. It may not be the most beautiful of horses around (although I think it is) and with a full-time employment of good tour, it adapts itself to whatever horse care and riding routine i need. We have had much pleasure improve our horse skills together and I hope that we will still be doing for many years to come.

Therefore not back and examine the points above before you choose your horse, as he/she will be account on you to make good decision.

Author : Mark Woodcock essential information for picking the right Horseback Riding Vacations at http://www.horseback-riding-vacation.info

About Cat Food.

2009-08-07T20:19:00.002+07:00

1. Cats need protein in their food for cats cat food you feed your cat should always be rich in proteins. This should generally come from meat, poultry or fish. Many foods for cats marks announce chicken, beef, and tuna flavored cat food because they know that the cats need protein and cat owners are looking for quality cat food. However, you need to ensure the food for cats you buy has a sufficient quantity of food for cats independently of this taste that it is.

2. Feedingstuffs for cats with Taurine also check the cat food you buy generally for one amino acid called taurine. This amino acid is very important in the overall health of your cat, and your cat will eat as much food that he has in order to complement this particular amino acids. Therefore, if you buy cheap cat food that has not good nutrients your cat will eat much. If you buy a nutrient rich food for cats then your cat will eat little and make you save more money while obtaining a good nutrition.

3. Preserved food for cats or dry Cat food? Many people do not know whether they should buy canned or dried food for cats, or if it even. For this reason, many people simply buy food for cats which is the most affordable or convenient for them. It is indeed an error. Cats must be fed a mixture of cat food. Food for cats sec must be given free of charge food, especially if you are far on holiday or for the day. Canned food cat should be supplemented other times so because it has water in the food and significantly more protein than carbohydrates rich sec cat food. Not to mention the same foods more and more could bore your cat, and to cause stop eating as food for cats completely.

4. Avoid cat food fillers cats need to eat food for cats is rich in proteins, so make sure you the amount of fillers is maintained at a minimum. Carbohydrates are not essential for a cat s existence, so don t buy food for cats that is full of them. Instead, read labels and buy food for cats that is not fulfilled of fillers and other by products.

Author : Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.catfoodcenter.info a blog focusing on the Cat Food, resources and articles. This site provides detailed information on Cat Food. For more info on Cat Food visit: http://www.catfoodcenter.info

How To Setup A Freshwater Tropical Fish Tank

2009-08-05T19:59:00.003+07:00

Step 1 : realize the responsibility. Tropical fish a reservoir is just like having a dog or cat when it is the amount of effort on your part. In order to have a reservoir fish successful you will have to work. Once a week, or at most once every two weeks, you will need to make some type of maintenance on the shell. Most of the time, you will be making changes of water. You will also to feed your tropical fish at least once per day. If you are up to this challenge, please proceed!

Step 2 : decide the aquarium size. It s a good idea to have in mind this kind of tropical fish that you want to keep before buying a aquarium. Some tropical fish grow to one or two inches, while the other types of tropical fish can grow 12 or 13 inches in length! Knowing what kind of tropical fish that you want will help you decide the size of the tank that they will need. If this is your first time with an aquarium, I would recommend goes with a 10 or 20 gallons aquarium for the moment.

Step 3 : Decide on the aquarium location. Place your aquarium in an area where the light and the temperature of the tank has won t be affected by external sources such as windows and heating vents. You want to place your aquarium in a position which will be able to hold its total weight. A good rule of thumb to determine the total weight of a full aquarium is 10 pounds per gallon of water. For example, a 55 gallons tank weigh approximately 550 pounds when filled with water!

Step 4 : buy your aquarium and the equipment. It is now time to decide what type of filtration you want to use. You will also need to buy a heating apparatus capable of heating of the size of reservoir that you have. Buy the gravel, plants, a power blades and other decorations. A good rule of thumb for the amount of gravel that you will need is 1 to 1.5 books of gravel per gallon of water.

Step 5 : put in place your aquarium and eligibility. Rinse your tank with water only! Do not use the soap or detergent. Soap residues left will be harmful to your tropical fish. If you use a sub gravel filter (not recommended) today would be the time to put in place as well.

Step 6 : wash Gravel, plants and decorations. Be sure to wash the gravel carefully before add to your tank. An easy way to do is to put some of the rocks in a pulp strainer and wash them in your bathtub. Then Place the clean gravel in a clean place 5-gallon bucket of transport to the aquarium. After adding gravel you can place your plants and decorations.

Stap 7 : add water to the aquarium. In order to avoid your gravel and plants, you can place a plate or saucer in the middle of your aquarium and direct the water run on the plate. Use the ambient temperature water during filling. To delete the chlorine and chloramine, use something like Tetra AquaSafe for aquariums. Don t completely fill the aquarium up to what you are sure of the provision of your decorations. Otherwise, when you place your arm in to go stuff around water will spill. Doh!

Step 8: Put in place equipment. Install a heating apparatus but don t connect up to the thermostat in heating has adjusted to the temperature of water. It usually takes approximately 15 minutes. Connect your filter and any other equipment you have, then top off water at just under the cover lip. Place your hood and of the light on the aquarium and then to verify your power cords to be sure that they are free of water. I also recommend to use a drip loop on all power cords to be extra cautious. Connect all equipment on a barrette and then turn on the aquarium.

Step 9 : Wait, wait, wait and then wait a little more. I know, you want to add some tropical fish. But, in order to make this right you have to wait until your aquarium has travelled before adding any fish. There are ways to accelerate this process. Departure nitrogen cycle page to learn more. If you must use the fish cycle, try to get a bolder species such as the zebra danio or cherry barb.

Step : 10 Add the tropical fish. To add one or two fish at a time. Adding a couple tropical fish at a time gives your filtration system the necessary time to take to the increase biological burden that the new fish introduce. When you bring the fish home let the bag float in the reservoir of approximately 15 minutes in order that the fish can become acclimated to temperature and the pH of the water. After 5 minutes of floating the bag you should add some of the water to the pocket in order that fish can become acclimated to pH level in the aquarium. This will help to reduce the amount of stress imposed on tropical fish. Stressed tropical fish often leads to death of tropical fish! Don t feed your tropical fish on the first day. They probably not eat more food on the first day of any way. Let them to familiarize themselves with their new house.

Step 11 : Get ready for a regular maintenance. Be willing to spend a certain time once a week or two to clean your tank. Regular water changes will reduce the rate of nitrates and keep your tropical fish happy and healthy.

By: Michael Magnum

First Aid For Dogs

2009-08-05T19:55:00.002+07:00

If your dog is hit hard in your house or then and with you, you must know how to administer first help until you can reach a veterinarian. A first aid kit adapted to your needs of the dog can really be a lifesaver. If you have your dog on frequent outings away from home, you would be wise to maintain a second first aid kit practice in your car.

A first aid kit for a dog contains many the same points it would do to man. A roll of cotton wool and some cotton balls, gauze pads and the band, a pair of scissors small with rounded advice, tweezers, instant ice pack, hydrogen peroxide, a bandit syringe for suction mucous membranes of your nose or mouth sterile wrong solution made specifically for pets, a clean environment, white cotton sock (to cover wounded paws), small flashlight, rectum thermometer, injection syringe without the needle (to give liquid medication), and not liquid electrolyte (such as Pedialyte). Keep it all in a robust plastic container with a lid. Write your veterinarian the name and phone number on the lid, as well as the closest to pet emergency hospital.

If you travel often and leave your dog with another person, put several copies of a release signed in the first aid kit authorizing the helping to approve the necessary treatment. Dog owners often tend to for the domestic animals which have been stung by a bee. If your dog is piqué while I have watched around, limit its and remove the stinger either with tweezers or by scraping outside (moving parallel to the skin surface). Bathing piquer place with a mixture of water and bicarbonate of soda will ease some of the pain. Swelling may be reduced by the application ice packs or to grant a dose of Benedryl-be sure to ask your veterinarian to the right mix.

If your dog is injured, its approach calmly and with care. Do not assume that it will not snap or bite you - injured animals often react negatively to first sight any attempt to touch. Talk marble and move slowly, so that it can see that you want to say that it any damage. If your dog is bleeding heavily, it is important to slow down or stop the flow as soon as possible. Use a towel own or cloth to apply a pressure directly on the wound. Change towels/tissues as necessary, but maintain pressure on up to achieve a veterinarian. If necessary, you can apply thick gauze pads and the use band to obtain while you transport your cat. It is better, however, to maintain pressure on the wound and approximately another drive.

If your dog seems to be stifle, use a flashlight to verify the throat. If you see and can easily remove the object, do. If you can not see the object, but are some your dog is choking, you might need to execute a modification Heimlich maneuver. It is important to obtain adequate training for this, as he can cause serious injury if done incorrectly. Many societies protective of animals and animal organizations offer courses on pet first aid, which include the Heimlich maneuver, CP, and techniques for dealing with serious injuries and poisoning.

Eye Infections in Dogs

2009-07-06T18:32:00.000+07:00

An eye infection is a relatively general description of a medical condition that may result in discomfort, discharge and abnormal appearance of a dog's eyes and surrounding tissue.

Conjunctivitis

This is generally the most common type of eye infection seen regularly in dogs. Conjunctivitis is characterized by the inflammation of the portion of the eye called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, clear membrane that protects the eye as well as the inner eyelid. The cause of this condition is most commonly a viral infection, an allergic reaction, or a bacterial infection.

The most common bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are streptococci and staphylococci. In Allergic conjunctivitis, the cause may be any number of airborne irritants that are causing an allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis that is caused by a virus is usually a result of a respiratory infection, flu, or other viral conditions. Regardless of the specific cause, this is the condition that manifests with all of the general symptoms of an eye infection, without any secondary symptoms.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a condition that usually manifests as an inflammation of the eyelids. The most common cause of this condition is a bacterial infection, which causes the subsequent inflammation of the eyelid. Other causes include demodectic mites, sensitivity to the sun, trauma, and other eye diseases. Though this condition may affect humans as well as dogs, it is occasionally seen in cats and other mammals.

Ulcerative Keratitis

In the condition of Ulcerative Keratitis, a dog's eye is subject to inflammation of the cornea. This is usually characterized by specific erosions of the cornea, though may also manifest as ulcers. This condition can be caused by several factors, though is commonly caused by keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

The common name for keratoconjunctivitis sicca is “Dry Eye”, and is characterized by a deficiency of tears, usually caused by abnormalities in the tear ducts. Other causes of this condition include herpesvirus, trauma(where eye is punctured), other disease affecting the eyes/tear ducts, and facial nerve paralysis.

Juvenile Cellulitis (Puppy Strangles)

This is a condition that usually manifests as blisters around the eyes, in addition to blisters around the lips, mouth, nose and ears. These blisters will cause irritation to the eyes, resulting in many of the common symptoms of an eye infection. The blisters will eventually become ulcerated, and a dog will have other secondary symptoms, such as enlarged lymph glands and anorexia. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection.

About The Author:
Learn more about dog eye infection, symptoms of dog eye infection at DogEyeInfection.Net

The 5 most Common Reasons for Dog Tear Stains

2009-07-06T18:31:00.001+07:00

If you’ve ever seen a dog with red or brown marks in the areas around and just under the eyes, you’ve seen a dog that is suffering from tear staining . The staining can matte around the dog’s eyes and leave a gooey, thick mess that is hard to clean. Most people assume that the stains are caused by excessive moisture from the dog’s eyes and that they’re just a fact of life. In fact though, tear stains have many different causes, and figuring out the root of the problem could end up saving you some work and also improve your dog’s life.

1.) Ear Infections

Tear staining can be linked back to ear infections, so it’s important to keep your dog’s ears as clean and dry as possible. If you notice that your dog is getting a lot of ear infections which also coincide with excessive tearing, the two are probably related. Use a good cleansing product to make sure the ears are clean and your dog’s tear stains might be reduced as a result.

2.) Allergies

Dogs can experience reactions to thing just like humans, and tear staining can often be a reaction to allergens or irritants. In fact, some dogs will suffer reactions to their food which will change the pH level in your dog’s system which in turn can cause excessive tearing. If you notice that your dog’s tear stains get worse in certain situations than it might be an environmental factor that is adding to the problem.

3.) Blocked Tear Ducts

Some dogs are born with tear ducts that are closed which need to be surgically opened by a vet, but this isn’t the only way a duct can be blocked. At times, a dog can develop clogged tear ducts which can add to excessive tearing, and unfortunately, a trip to the vet will be needed to irrigate the ducts. Luckily, this isn’t a very common problem, but if you suspect clogged tear ducts, it should be taken care of, lest your dog suffer unnecessarily.

4.) Red Yeast

One of the biggest causes of tear staining is from a dog having an excessive amount of tears. This high level of moisture can keep the hair around the face wet, which then becomes an area where bacteria can breed. One of the most common forms of this bacteria is called Red Yeast, which causes a yeast infection around the eyes and leads to the brownish-red stains that you sometimes see on dogs.

5.) Water

Some waters contain a high mineral content, which can cause staining on a dog’s entire face and beard. A lot of moisture can remain on the face trapped in the hairs after a dog drinks, which can be moved to eye level by the dog trying to lick his face clean. And, if the mineral content is high, it will increase the level of red-brown staining on a dog’s face. If you notice both tear stains and a discolored beard, try switching your dog’s water to combat the problem.

Red or brown tear stains are not attractive to look at, and they can be a symptom of a larger problem. If your dog has excessive staining around they eyes and on its face, it might be worth looking into what the cause of the staining is.

About The Author:
Happytails.com provides you Natural tear stain remover, helps in removing dogs tearstains remover naturally. Tear stain remover contains no pharmaceutical antibiotics and is safe for your dog.

Dog Grooming Tips

2009-07-06T18:30:00.002+07:00

Just like us dogs like to be groomed and pampered at least once a week. Dog grooming will keep your loved one happy and healthy. You can take your dog to professional groomers at a pet store or a place that is dedicated to dog grooming, but you can attempt to do it yourself.

All you need is to have some basic dog grooming supplies. You will need dog shampoo, nail clippers and a comb or a brush. If you need more information on how to groom your particular breed of dog, your vet can help you or you can get a book that will teach you how to groom your dog. To begin with dog grooming, start from cleaning his ears. You should check your dog’s ear while grooming. Dogs with droopy ears are particularly vulnerable to waxy ears, ear mites and fungus. This should be done at least once in a week.

Move on to clipping your dog’s nails. The most important aspect of dog grooming. You should clip your dogs nails every two to three weeks. If you start clipping nails in puppy hood they will get used to the idea of the dog grooming process. Now, you are ready to give your dog a bath. This is the messiest part of grooming your dog. Start bathing your dog with a mild shampoo from the legs first and then the body and the face at last. Let the shampoo sit in the fur for three to five minutes and rinse thoroughly. You can towel dry your dog or you can use a blow dryer. If you decide to use a blow dryer, dry one area at a time, do not jump around from one spot to another. Be sure to separate your dog’s coat and dry all the way to the dog’s skin. Do not forget to dry underneath your dog’s paws. When blow drying the head, do your best and not to direct the air flow into the dog’s eyes and ears.

After the bath, brushing your dog is the most time consuming. When you brush your dog is careful no to use a brush that is too hard otherwise you can accidentally cause your dog to have brush burn. It may seem like an unnecessary part of dog grooming, but you need to brush your dog’s teeth. You need to do so at least once every week. There is also mouth wash that is formulated specially for dogs that will aid in reducing bacteria. A common cause of your doggie’s bad breath can be from the source of a build up of plaque and tartar on their teeth. To help prevent this from happening, you can feed them with a particular brand of dog food that will slow the process of plaque and tartar from developing on their teeth. There are also rawhides to chew or a nylon bone to prevent dog breath. So there is no reason your dog should go around with doggie breath.

About The Author:
Good news for dog lovers. Get free dog health care tips and latest information about dog grooming at http://www.petloverstalk.org

Could You Foster a Dog in Need?

2009-06-30T23:09:00.000+07:00

If you have ever watched animal rescue shows on television, you have probably seen some of the sick or injured dogs or puppies be placed with a foster caregiver. These dedicated volunteers provide much needed help to dogs recovering from their ordeal, whether its from physical abuse and neglect or lack of socialization. Do you think you could foster a dog in need?

Fostering a dog is a big responsibility and requires a real commitment from the whole family. Anyone who wants to foster a dog or a puppy should have some experience with dogs. Dogs that have been abused or neglected are often the most difficult to foster. They have fear and trust issues and will need someone who knows how to slowly, gently encourage their confidence and teach them to be social and how to play. Certain breeds will require foster caregivers with specific experience. Naturally, very large dogs or dogs that have a tendency toward aggression when afraid, will not be suitable for homes with young children or other pets. These dogs will need a person who is able to be firm yet gentle in handling behavior issues.

You will need to learn specific things that may frighten the dog and help him to learn to adapt to different triggers. For example, he may be afraid of your other dogs loud barking or of thunder. He may feel afraid if there are a lot of people around him. He can slowly be desensitized to the things that he fears. This will allow him to be a good candidate for adoption.

It is important that you have an appropriately sized house, for the size of the dog you will foster. Someone will need to be home during the day and have time to spend with the pup. The dog may require a special diet or medication. You may have to take your foster pet to the veterinarian for treatment of injuries. There are some other things to consider before you volunteer for fostering. Do you have children? Are there other pets in your home? The workers at the shelter or the rescue will be able to match you with a pet that will be the best fit in your household. Keep in mind that some of the dogs in need of fostering may not be house trained or have even the most basic manners. This will be an additional challenge for you to take on.

Its a good thing for a foster dog to just learn how to part of a normal home. You will be surprised how after a slow start, the pup you're fostering, will be at ease as a member of the family. This transformation is what foster caregivers are striving for. There is a true sense of satisfaction in giving these dogs a chance to live a happy, healthy life with a loving family.

It takes a certain kind of person to be able to invest time and love in a neglected or injured dog, and see him become healed and healthy, then to give them over to another family. Animal foster caregivers volunteer knowing that they will fall in love with their temporary pet, then turn them over to a permanent home. These volunteers make all the difference in shelters and rescue being able to find homes for many of the dogs brought to them. Many of the dogs not suitable for adoption when they arrive, would likely be euthanized.

If you think you have it in your heart to foster a dog in need, contact your local humane society or a local breed rescue. While it can be challenging, it is also a very rewarding experience.

About the Author:
Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information.

Labrador Retrievers Make Great Family Pets

2009-06-30T23:08:00.000+07:00

Throughout the whole of the UK and the USA there is one dog amongst all the other dog breeds that stands head and shoulders above the others for popularity, the Labrador Retriever.

If you are fortunate enough to spend some time in the company of a Labrador Retriever you will soon discover why these lovable dogs are proving to be so popular. These dogs are friendly, playful, intelligent and loyal. Labrador Retrievers absolutely adore children and this is why families rate them as one of the best dog breeds around.

The Labrador Retriever is a fun loving breed, they enjoy the water either swimming in it or generally simply splashing around having a good time. Another reason that the Labrador Retriever is such an ideal choice for families is the fact that they are a dog that can just go on for hours, much like children! They love to play fetch and swim. They will keep your children entertained all day long as well as wear them out. Labradors have unparalleled energy. Some have even run until they have given themselves a heart attack. They simply don't know when they have given their all.

There are numerous dog breeds that make brilliant family dogs but none that are quite as good at filling the vacancy than the Labrador Retriever. These particular dogs do not simply just fill the gap in a family they become companions and friends. Any information on Labrador Retrievers will tell potential owners how mellow these dogs truly are, if you are considering a watchdog then a Labrador Retriever is probably not a good first choice. Intruders would just be covered in licks! They do possess quite a deep bark though and stand fairly tall and if the intruder pays no attention to their exceedingly waggy tail then they could feasibly be worried by a Labrador Retriever.

As far as dogs go the Labrador Retriever is an easy dog to train due to its intelligence. They are a breed of dog that simply loves to please its owner and make them happy and pleased with them. When compared with other dog breeds Labrador Retrievers do not shed as much fur as others, this is always a bonus.

If you read any dog information it will normally tell you of the biggest flaw the Labrador Retriever possesses, its appetite. These dogs are like dustbins on legs! They have a big appetite and are prone to gaining weight quickly. The trick is to monitor their food intake and also ensure they receive enough exercise. This is a clever dog though and will attempt bribery with its gorgeous big, brown eyes.

Labrador Retrievers are prone to several disorders that are associated with too much weight, as are most dog breeds. It is therefore imperative to watch their diet especially the amount of treats consumed. They are also prone to hip dysplasia, a disease that causes the joints to deteriorate. It is very painful for them and often fatal. It is important to have your dog screened for dysplasia before you take them home from the breeder.

The Labrador Retriever is a perfect addition as a family dog due to its incredible nature and temperament.

About the Author:
There are many more articles on Labrador Retrievers and other dogs at GreatDogSite!

How To Bathe a Westie

2009-06-30T23:07:00.000+07:00

West Highland White Terriers are prized possessions for dog owners, particularly those of you that cherish that luxurious, long white coat. The plush, thick coats consist of a double coat - a cottony undercoat and an outer coat of hard straight, white hair. Although the white coat makes for a distinctive look, it can also become the bane of your existence - given that the Westies love to dive into holes or digging their own in the backyard. Unfortunately, since your West Highland White Terrier has sensitive skin, he can only be bathed sparsely, although sometimes bathing is needed more often. So why should Westies be bathed infrequently, exactly, and what should you do if he need more than the usual requirement?

Frequent bathing your West Highland White Terrier will deprive his sensitive skin of the natural oils that are produced to help keep the white coat healthy. If you bathe your Westie too often, you must take the natural oils into consideration, because the oil glands could eventually cease production. As a result, your pet's skin could become flaky, itchy and quite uncomfortable. Due to this condition, many Westie clubs and associations recommend washing your Westie only three or four times a year. Although this is a good general rule, you should definitely wash him if he rolls in something particularly nasty.

Some owners, perhaps yourself, may prefer to have your West Highland White Terrier groomed by a professional groomer. To take full advantage of the freshly cut hair, many owners choose to bathe their pet every four to six weeks. Many owners choose to get a variety of cuts. It's really up to the person. It's your dog so why not have fun with his or her hair?

In a very few circumstances, it is necessary to bathe your West Highland White Terrier more often than every four weeks. Allergies and other skin disorders may require a medicated shampoo prescribed by the veterinarian. On the other hand, your West Highland White Terrier may produce an excess of natural oils and more frequent baths will help remove them. It's important not to bathe too frequently. Many of these oils are good for the Westies coat and help prevent skin irritations. Each dog is different, so try to find a time frame that allows your pups skin to be balanced and healthy. Those dogs that spend a great deal of time outside may often find smelly things to roll around in. Of course, there are some owners who simply prefer for their dog to be bathed more often.

If you do decide that you either prefer to or need to bathe your West Highland White Terrier, it would be best to consult with your local veterinarian about the proper bathing products to help keep your pet's skin in its best health. There are specially formulated products for Westies that should always take preference over any other formulas, unless recommended by your vet. There are also specialized conditioners and rinses to help keep your Westie's skin healthy, which is just as important as keeping your dog clean. A clean, healthy Westie is a happy pet.

About the Author:
For more information on West Highland White Terriers and other dogs, browse the rest of GreatDogSite!

The Bichon Frise Is a High Energy Dog

2009-06-30T23:06:00.000+07:00

These small, white, fluffy dogs with a curly coat and plumed tail are extremely characteristic. When you see one of these dogs, you know immediately that it is a Bichon Frise. What you may not know is the energy level of these dogs. Although the Bichon Frise is a fun, intelligent and playful dog, some have a very high energy level. For that reason, it is important, as with all dogs, that the Bichon Frise attend a basic obedience training course as well as a more advance course, to teach the dog that you must be in control. Typically, such high-energy dogs do well in homes where there is often someone home with them, in order to keep them busy and exercised. A moderate to high level of exercise should keep your Bichon Frise tired out and happy.

Easily excited and high energy Bichon Frises tend to overreact when you return home or when you have visitors. This can be quite embarrassing, so commands learned in obedience classes such as down, sit and stay are very important to curb this behavior quickly. Exercise on a regular basis and mental stimulation is necessary to keep the Bichon Frise under control, as simply running around the house does not provide enough stimulation or exercise. Property destruction such as chewed shoes or furniture can occur if a hyperactive, overly excitable, or high energy Bichon Frise does not receive proper exercise and stimulation. An obedient dog is a happy dog.

Walking is probably the best exercise for your high energy Bichon Frise. When walking, your pet gets to dispel some of his energy, see some interesting sights along the way, and spend time with you. Two or three brisk walks a day will help reduce your Bichon Frises abundant energy. In addition, it will stimulate your pet's respiratory and circulatory systems and keep you pet toned. There are two benefits to ample exercise: dogs with enough exercise sleep well, and they also get into less trouble due to boredom. Bichon Frises are tricky, however. Walking alone will not do the trick; it is necessary to channel that high amount of energy into interesting and entertaining tricks for your pet. If you are one of those people that are away from home on a regular basis, it is probably a good idea to hire a pet sitter to come in during the day to take your pet on a walk and play with him. This will help the Bichon Frise have a tolerable level of energy when you get home.

Although walking briskly a few times a day is enough to release the pent up energy of your Bichon Frise, it is not the only exercise option you have. Spend time playing games such as hide and seek, tag, or fetch. These games will stimulate the mind of your dog and burn excess energy. The same as with food and housebreaking, the Bichon Frise prefers a routine, so you should keep the exercise for your dog in a sort of routine as well. Always have plenty of fresh water available for your Bichon Frise, while exercising or not, and be careful that he doesn't overheat or become overly fatigued. Instead of a chore, exercise should be a fun, interesting and exciting activity for your Bichon Frise.

Mental challenges of learning new tricks and skills are an excellent way to reduce the high energy of the Bichon Frise. Cute tricks such as rolling over, waving, and dancing are sure to gain the attention that your dog wants when he is around your friends. Create an obstacle course with items that you have on hand and teach your Bichon Frise to go around boxes, cross boards, go under chairs and through hoops and then back. Both mental and physical exercise is necessary to keep your Bichon Frise happy.

About the Author:
GreatDogSite is the best place on the web to find Information on Bichon Frises and other dog breeds!

Caring For The Older Cat

2009-06-19T01:07:00.000+07:00

The world of today is revolving on advanced technological inventions and medical science. Markets are full of goods that are highly nutritious and for the calorie conscious. If you thought that the market is meant to cater to us humans only then you might be wrong. Off late, there has been a surge in the availability of highly nutritious pet supplies, which along with modern medicines have allowed cats to live beyond their normal age.

Some 30 years back, cats always moved around the house and even out of the house unsupervised. This caused several accidents that claimed many lives. Apart from that cat distemper is one of the deadliest diseases that have claimed many a life. According to a study conducted by National Research Counsel, it has been found that taurine is essential nutrients that can help cats lead a healthy life. Due to nutritious food consisting of taurine, it has been seen that there are more and more cats that enjoy a life over twelve. This is a remarkable breakthrough as far as pet health is concerned.

Again like humans, pet health and longer life cycle is genetically driven. There are some cats that enjoy exceptional pet health due to the genes they have inherited and this allows them to live beyond their normal lifespan. If your cat is getting older then it doesn’t mean that it is nearing death or that you should stop taking care of the cat. The older they get, the more important it is to take care of pet health. In fact, when you shop for pet supplies, you need to bear in mind the fact that the food or nutrition requirements for an older cat are different from that of a young cat. Above all, one thing that shouldn’t lessen is the amount of love for your cat. After all, ageing is a natural process and it is something we will never have control over. But what we can have control over is things like taking care of pet health, regular check ups and good and nutritious food. As your cat grows older, you need to be with him or her more so that he or she feels more loved and taken care of. At the end of the day, he or she is not just a pet but an integral part of our lives.

About Author : Mark Stimpson / im Mark work for a website selling cheap Pet Supplies

Problems With Owning An Ostritch Farm

2009-06-19T01:05:00.001+07:00

In America there are lots of individuals who have farms or ranches. On these farms they grow crops of corn and wheat as well as other things. They also may nurture animals like pigs, chickens, and cows. Every farm is unique and numerous of them care for these animals before they sell them off for meat or utilizing their milk to produce cheese or for people who love to drink milk.

One type of farming that we normally do not know about much is ostritch farming. The ostritch is a flightless bird that we all know and have seen on National Geographic episodes - but seldom are they seen in person. In fact several of us cannot even know why or how they are being farmed and sold for meat like cows and pigs.

The ostritch is regarded to be a free ranging livestock that does not demand a great dea ofl care once they have reached four months old. In fact numerous of these farmers feel that they are some of the greatest environmentally friendly creatures because they do not require as much food.

More than one hundred countries have placed money into these farms and have worked hard to create a living from them. In the early 1990’s it was thought to be quite profitable - but it did not take long for the business to die down because there was such a lack for their product. Without anyone to buy them many of the farms were pushed to close down.

Yet, not everything is lost. The few ostritch farms that are still around in the United States are asking the government to make things easier. They believe that if the USDA were to inspect the meat like they do with cows and pigs then the marketing price might be lowered. People would be more inclined to purchase them if the price were lower. For now all they have the ability to do is wait and hope that something is done quickly.

About Author : Ostritches are a type of flightless bird and are very unusual. That is why it is unusual to hear about Ostritch Farms.

Has Your Dog Got A Cold?

2009-06-19T01:02:00.002+07:00

Did you know that even your dog health can suffer from cold? However, he doesn’t get a runny nose like you, but his dog health can get affected by a coughing infection generally known as Kennel cough. Kennel cough (medical term: canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is an infection that causes mild irritation due to the thickening of the trachea lining. Pet health care experts suggest that a dog who suffers from this disease may cough frequently. The frequency of coughing could be every few minutes as well as through the entire day. Pet health care experts have observed that dog cold does affect dog health as it is one of the most common infectious dog diseases, though in most cases the condition doesn’t develop into a serious dog health problem. It’s been observed that Kennel cough goes away on its own with a week or two.

Causes of Kennel Cough

Bordatella bronchiseptica is the most common cause of this cough. This bacteria or virus is airborne and usually invades the dog’s body when he inhales infected air. The pet health care experts are of the opinion that dogs that participate in large canine gatherings such as dog or kennel shows tend to contract the Bordatella virus more.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

Some of the symptoms of Kennel cough affect dog health in the following ways:

1. Dog tries to clears his throat every time it coughs
2. Dog coughs whenever he is participating in a physical activity such as exercising
3. Dog develops coughing almost a few weeks after he has been to a dog gathering and taken in virus-infected air
4. You dog coughs continuously and vomits food or mucus

The color of the mucus indicates the seriousness of the dog health infection. White mucus means the infection is not serious, while green mucus means a very serious infection. If your dog is coughing hard and vomiting green mucus, you must take him to a pet health care expert immediately.

Diagnosing Kennel Cough

A pet health care expert such as a veterinarian will check the dog health by rubbing his larynx. Sometimes, the vet may also ask you to get some tests done to ensure the extent of damage on the dog health.

Home Treatment for Kennel Cough

You can protect the dog health from Kennel cough by ensuring his immune system stays strong. You have a choice of homeopathic as well as allopathic treatments to keep your dog ailment free. A dog cough suppressant can alleviate Kennel cough or dog cold and help your dog and your family sleep well at night.

Remember, not to give your dog antibiotics if his appetite stays normal and the coughing is not frequently. In such cases, letting the disease complete its course is the best recourse. If the coughing lasts over 10 days, take the dog to the vet for a thorough check up to ensure best dog health.

About Author : Mark Stimpson

How to Stop Dog Aggression

2009-06-12T15:40:00.001+07:00

Aggression is instinctive to dogs. Survival in the wild required the evolution of this trait over many centuries. Many centuries of selective breeding techniques have reduced dog aggression traits. Below are some reasons why your dog could be displaying aggressive behaviour.

Why is my dog aggressive?

Factors such as lack of exposure to other people and dogs as well as dominance are the most common causes of dog aggression.

Stranger aggression:

Caution and wariness are natural behaviours for dogs. If your dog isn't used to being in unfamiliar situations it may become quite on edge around strangers and new environments. You are responsible for making sure your dog is exposed to new experiences in a positive way. Browse our Review of Dog Training Zone for help to train aggressive dogs.

What can I do about it?

From a young age your dog needs to be socialised in order to feel relaxed in unusual situations. In your choice of experiences include other people, places and animals. Experience will teach your dog how much fun other places, people and animals can be. Socialising your dog doesn't need to be worrying. You might want to begin with puppy pre-school. Exposure to new people and other dogs will increase your confidence about where you can take your dog. Your dog will continue to need socialisation, to stay stranger friendly.

Aggression around family members:

When dogs feel they need to protect something that is theirs, they can react aggressively towards their family members. This is called resource guarding. Resource guarding usually appears as snarling, growling or over possessiveness. This sort of aggression is a result of a dominance problem. Pack animals such as dogs need to know who is the head of the pack. Dogs are used to structure and are ranked according to a hierarchy of position and power in relation to everyone in their family or pack. Since your dog does not have a dog family, it will rank itself against its human family and this ranking will tell it how to behave at all times. If your dog is behaving aggressively then it perceives itself to be at the top of the pack. If your dog behaves in a submissive/passive way it perceives its self to be ranked lower than other family members and wouldn't dare growl or snarl if you approached during eating or if you took away a toy. The message to your dog must be clear, that you are the boss and your dog is a lower ranking member of the pack.

What can I do about my dogs aggressive behavior?

Rebuild your authority with your dog by regular and consistent obedience training work. Keep your training sessions short for effective behavior modification and control. Make each training session enjoyable: play a game by giving your dog lots of praise, pats and treats when it has worked well with you.

More information about handling aggressive and dominant behaviors, as well as detailed information on a host of other common dog behavior problems, can be found at Secrets to Dog Training. Browse an in-depth look at Daniels Stevens Secrets to Dog Training at DogHelpdesk.com

About the Author

I provide free articles, advice and product reviews related to Dog Training at http://www.doghelpdesk.com

How to Stop your Dog from Barking

2009-06-12T15:38:00.000+07:00

A key component in training your dog to bark less is understanding the reasons for the barking. Barking is one way that your dog communicates with you and over time you will develop an understanding of why your dog is barking. Sometimes your dog will bark for the right reasons, when it needs to go to the toilet or when something is wrong. Don't forget, there is good barking and bad barking!. Neighbours with barking dogs are annoying and it is up to you to train your dog about barking behaviour. You are in control and your dog will look to you for instruction about when to and when not to bark.

For more help with your training take a look at these reviews of the best dog training guides available today. Go to Best Dog Training Guides now.

Is your dog feeling bored, anxious or lonely?

The number one cause of uncontrolled barking is a dog who is feeling nervous and lonely. Are your dogs days spent almost entirely alone? To accomodate being left alone so long you will need to make sure your dog is getting one to one and a half hours of exercise per day, depending on breed. A recommended routine is a long walk before or after work. Consider hiring someone to walk your dog in the mornings and/or evenings if it's too difficult to arrange. A big thankyou will be your dogs reaction to this attention. A host of dog toys are available from pet shops etc, to try when you are away from home. Dogs love balls and perhaps you could even leave your dog a bone to chew on. If you have a few dog toys, try rotating them weekly to help your dog "rediscover" a toy.

Barking is commonly attributed to dogs who spend too much time alone. Dogs need lots of interaction, attention and communication as is the nature of a social animal. Your dog will need you to play with it and recieve a great deal of affection from you. This is what dogs love. Find activities that include your dog, when at home. Loved dogs are content dogs. A dog that is well attended to is also less likely to manifest other problem behaviors and you won't need to Stop Your Dog Whining.

Is it playtime for your dog?

Do not give in to a demanding, barking dog. A bad habit will be reinforced, if you do. A relationship built on mutual respect does not tolerate this sort of harassment. Ignore this type of behavior if you want your dog to stop demanding your attention in this way. An effective way to do this is to turn your back to your dog, without responding and move away. Your dog is not used to this and will be confused to begin with. Since the barking behavior has worked in the past your dog may thinking that if it barks for just a little longer you will give in. Don't do it! Be firm. Almost certainly the barking will get worse before it gets better. Lots of praise is required to reinforce the correct behaviour. Positive reinforcement is the key and your dog wants to please you. After a short time of consistent work your dog will re-learn this behavior and stop barking to attract your attention.

Consistency is a requirement to effectively train your dog. Pack animals such as dogs are most at ease and well behaved when they understand the pecking order. Your leadership is necessary for your dog to respect you and become well adjusted, well behaved and happy. A good dog is not necessarily a quiet dog. It is your clear direction that will teach your dog when it is appropriate to bark.

To discover more about barking behavior take a look at How to Stop Your Dog Barking.

About the Author

I provide free articles, advice and product reviews related to Dog Training at http://www.doghelpdesk.com

Training Your Dog to Get Used To a Leash

2009-06-12T15:37:00.001+07:00

Although training your dog to get used to a leash is not very hard, it is also not particularly easy. You are will quickly find out that training your dog to use a leash has its difficulties, especially when they are still puppies. Every dog breed has a specific way of learning. This article will give you some pointer on how to train your dog to get used to a leash.

Certain dog breeds might find this type of training slightly harder than other breeds. Dog leash training involves lots of practice together with a lot of tolerance from the owner. You as the owner of the dog should ensure that you always stay on top of the training sessions so that your dog will know that you are serious for them to make use of a leash.

After your dog understand the basics of walking with a leash, the training process will become less difficult. As soon as they realize that the leash is not their enemy and that it will not harm them, they will get used to it around their neck. Something else to keep in mind is to use the best approach so that your dog will not be afraid of the leash.

The leash should be an appropriate length in order for you to have full control over your dog. Leash control entails you having the dog within reach at all times. A leash that is too long leash will give you less control, which will give your dog too much room to run and drag you.

If your dog is dragging you while on the leash you must use a shorter leash in the beginning to cater for this. Some breeds have a tendency to pull more than others. If you do proper leash training with your dog you will soon realize that the best time to get your dog used to the leash is when you are outside for a walk.

Walking the dog is a wonderful way in which your dog can get some exercise. You will also discover that it offers you time to connect with your dog in a special way. As soon as you have gotten used to this routine you and your dog will not have any problems.

It is also important to attach the leash to the collar of your dog in a safe manner. If you use choke collars for your dog you should make sure that you know how to use them correctly. You should always put safety first when it comes to the training of your dog.

There are a lot of dog training collars that can assist you with this training process, and they are readily available in most of the pet shops. By making use of the correct training methods you and your dog effortlessly master the dog leash training process.

About the Author

For more information on dog breeds or Cheap Dog Beds, visit this Dog Supplies website.

Dog Shedding Problems & Tips

2009-06-11T11:29:00.000+07:00

Almost all dogs shed, probably except those hairless dogs such as Peruvian Inca or America Hairless Terriers that are considered non-shedding dogs. Human sheds too. Hair loss usually results by environment change and genetics. "Blowing the coat" or shedding is important to prepare the body from season change and give way for new coats to come. Most dogs will shed between seasons, either to prepare for dealing with the summer heat, or to shed a lighter undercoat for a heavy, dense undercoat for the wintertime. Dogs also shed in a similar fashion as humans, in order to get rid of damaged or broken hair on their coat. Shedding dogs that are not properly groomed may be prone to matting.

Some breeds have a seasonal shedding season in the spring, as their winter coats are lost. But if your dog is an indoor dog it may not be outside enough for the dog's body to register the change of season, so he may shed all year round. Lack of needed skin vitamins, skin problems or any internal health problems also causes shedding. Knowing the right ways to deal with shedding will benefit you both from keeping your dog healthy and eliminate those hairs easily.

Regular Grooming. Proper and constant grooming is the key for a healthy dog coat and skin. Keeping in mind that the hair is going to fall out regardless, and it is best to remove it yourself and throw it in the trash rather than to let the hair fall out naturally all over your house. Brushing your dog once a day will greatly reduce the unwanted hair all over your clothes, carpet and furniture, especially during shedding season. Depending on your specific breed, you will need to do brush your dog at least weekly. Others may have to do it on a daily basis. Using a slicker brush will keep hair from falling all over the place during the process. That way you won't have to vacuum it up afterwards.

Healthy Diet. The diet of a dog becomes essential, as dogs that are fed an unhealthy diet may have more problems with their coat than dogs that are fed the right dietary foods. For many dogs the amount of fat content is essential to maintain a healthy coat of hair. This does not just account for a shiny haired canine, but dogs need this oil for their skin which in turn holds the hair follicles in place. Dog's sebaceous gland needs oil to properly produce for hair to be healthy.

Dietary Supplements. This helps a lot for dogs that are shedding too much. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid supplements work best. A lack of omega 3 and 6 in your dog's diet can cause dry skin, dull coats, and excessive shedding. These supplements usually take at least a month before you can see a noticeable improvement in the amount of shedding.

Control Skin Problems. Ensuring a healthy skin is important. Dry skin can lead to dog shedding problems. Therefore, you should make sure your dog doesn't have any skin conditions. These skin conditions can be very itchy or painful and prompt your dog to scratch himself excessively. Treat dog skin infections with medicated shampoo or an oral medication.

Physical Problems. There are physical problems that can cause large, abnormal amounts of shedding such as ringworm, skin infections, stress, mange, thyroid imbalance and cancer. If your dog's hair loss is abnormal you will see bald spots. If you see bald spots or you think your dog is shedding abnormally, take your dog to the vet to perform some blood tests.

About The Author:
Hannah Serrano is a passionate writer of http://www.americaoutdoor.com, an informative website about dog beds and petsafe containment systems for dogs, pets and animals.

Can You Do Dog Training?

2009-06-11T11:28:00.002+07:00

The dog training professionals agree that the best way (and certainly the most humane) to do dog obedience training is through the use of positive reinforcement training. This phrase refers to the use of positive reinforcement – rewarding good behavior and ignoring unwanted behavior.

This is unlike some of the once widely used dog training methods which included inflicting pain, intimidation and inhumane aversion training methods, including electric shock collars.

Dog obedience training with positive reinforcement works very well with dogs. Remember that your dog has a natural inclination to try to please you – which makes positive reinforcement effective. Your dog will also remember these lessons better and repeat the desired behavior more consistently.

Here are some ways to make dog obedience training with positive reinforcement an easier process for you and your best friend: Use these tips to train your dog and make good training progress.

1. Do dog training with good rewards. While your dog does like being praised and getting a pat on the head, this will only go so far in training your dog to behave well. To really keep your dog’s attention, you need to use food rewards. These are what dog trainers call “primary incentives” – and every dog owner knows how food-motivated a dog can be!

2. Give rewards at the right time. Timing is everything when you are training your dog. Give a command, if he follows it, give him a reward immediately. Delayed rewards will get confused training results. You dog will not know what to do to get that reward. You will lose control of your dog obedience training session.

A clicker can be used when your train your dog. These are small devices made of metal, which make a clicking sound when pressed. You click this device right when your dog exhibits a desirable behavior, such as following a command.

A click is not a necessity for dog training. If you have a strong voice you can use voice like clicker. Use a comment like “yes”, “good boy”, with a voice tone that is happy, loving, and strong. Be consistent with the words you use. Do not change from one phrase to another.

When you start with your dog obedience training, determine what type of command technique you will use. Don’t use the clicker one day and your strong voice the next. Always be consistent with the way you train your dog. This will eventually let your dog know that it is training time. If you make training fun, your dog will look forward to dog training time.

No matter how smart your dog may be, they have a very limited capacity to understand human speech. They can learn, but you’ll need to use consistent repetition of the markers and rewards with the associated action in order to cement this positive behavior in your dogs’ mind.

Use love and understanding during your dog obedience training is what you want to do. You dog will sense if you are upset and angry. If he senses love, he will respond and try to make you happy by trying to do what you want. Take your time and love your dog and both of you will survive the training sessions.

About The Author:
Are you looking for some really good tips and information on dog training? With the right training methods, your dog will learn. For a Free Report on Dog Training Myths Stop by our site and get your copy. Go now here, Dog Training and Obedience, and get your own copy of this report.

Dog Training Made Easy And Fast

2009-06-11T11:28:00.001+07:00

It is now well know that when you use positive thoughts and approaches to dog obedience training, your dog will enjoy his training and reward you with good behavior. Treating your dog with kindness and respect will determine how he will learn and behave during training.

When you think positive thoughts to train your dog, your dog will respond. Dogs have a natural sense of what humans feel and think. So, when you use abusive action, your dog will get confused and not know what to do.

Work training your dog like you would teach your child how to do something. If you cannot show love, understanding, and patience, while dog training, then let someone else train your dog. Forcing your dog to learn new behaviors can leave deep seated fear in your dog that will last a life time.

Here are more tips and ideas that you can use to do dog training. Don’t try to train your dog on a lot of different commands in the first day. Only work on one command so your dog does not get confused.

So many times, you make think your dog is almost human by what it does and how it reacts. Dogs have survival instincts that can be activated immediately. But since it can only comprehend a few words, you need to be patient, when you train your dog. Over time with repetition, your dog will begin to understand what you mean and want.

With your patience, love, and care during your dog obedience training, you dog will start to see and understand what you are trying to teach him or her. Don’t rush the training, since your dog has a mind of its own and knows what it want to do and does it instantly. But with repetition, you will be rewarded with new behavior from your dog.

About The Author:
Get more free information on training your dog at our site. Change your dog’s behavior with expert dog training guidance. Come by and get your free report on mistaken ideas about dog training. Go now here, , and get your own copy of this report.

Puppy Training - Analyzing Animal Behavior

2009-06-11T11:27:00.001+07:00

When training your pets, you may notice that different dogs behave differently, and they may respond in various ways to your training methods. The right thing to do, is to observe their behavior and be tolerant if they make mistakes during training. As a good trainer, you should never try to instill fear into your pet. Over time, the dog will learn to fear the owner, and tends to run away when the owner arrives. As a pet owner, you want the pup to be closer to you. With fear, the distance between you can your pet will drift further apart.

In other words, as you train your dog, you need to aware of the inner world of your pet. That is where behavior analysis comes in. In the beginning, you may not know what the behavior means. What you can do, however, is to pay attention and take note of the behavior. You can always consult other pet owners or a professional specialist later on if you still can't figure out why your pet is behaving in a certain manner. Below is a list of commonly seen behavior.

1) Barking unnecessarily.

Barking is the only way a pup knows how to attract attention. For sure, you know that the pup needs some attention. Your job, is to figure out why your pet is barking unnecessarily. There are many reasons that may account for the excessive barking. For instance, it may be suffering from separation anxiety and all it needs is some company. It may be left in the crate for too long, and it's getting bored. Or it may be suffering from some health issues. Don't just scold or cane the dog just because it's barking. That is jumping to conclusions. Investigate first to find out the cause. Punishment is usually unnecessary.

2) Damaging home furniture.

In many ways, dogs behave like children. They sometimes have a short attention span, and need things to keep themselves occupied. This is especially true for puppies. If they are left alone with nothing to play with, they will run around the house and start nibbling at your furniture. Soon, you will notice unsightly marks on your wooden furniture. To solve this problem, have a room for your puppy, and keep it occupied with lots of toys. There are many types of toy bones in the market. Those silicon types will do just fine.

3) Digging holes in the garden.

Some dogs have a strong digging instinct. These are dogs that will chase after smaller animals, or dig holes in the garden or the back yard. The Jack Russell is one such example. Understand that the dog is just following its instincts. However, with proper training, these dogs can become obedient. Be patient with the dogs, especially if they are just puppies.

Most of the behavioral problems are caused by the natural personalities of the dogs, or by health issues. Therefore, to investigate the cause, always check for health problems. If the pet is perfectly healthy, then it's just the dog being its playful self.

About The Author:
For more Puppy training tips, please visit puppy training website.

Puppy Training - Be a Patient Trainer

2009-06-11T11:26:00.000+07:00

Being a puppy trainer is not an easy job. The pup is like a little child, always restless, and always allowing itself to be distracted. As the trainer, your job is to guide the young pup back to the training activities, so that the training session is not wasted. Being patient is the key to success. Here are some practical tips that may help you if your pup tends to wander off the path of training.

1) Verbal commands.

A dog has a heightened sense of hearing. So if you use a harsh tone for your verbal commands, the pup may sense your aggression and back down. A young pup doesn't need aggression. It needs love, assurance, and encouragement. In the beginning, it does not even understand why it has to go through the training. Hence, it may feel a little apprehensive at first. But over time, with enough encouragement, it will learn to enjoy the training more. So be careful with the tone of voice that you use. Use a firm tone if the pup is not obeying your commands. But never try to be too harsh on the little animal.

2) Dog treats!

Always have dog treats in your pockets. Your pet will small the rewards in your pockets and respond with excitement. It will feel more energized and will respond more positively to the training. When reward is due, be generous and give the treat to your pet. When you catch it doing something right, reward your dog. Sometimes, this doesn't have to happen during formal training. It can happen at any time. For instance, the first command when you come home from work may be to get the dog to sit so that it doesn't jump up at you. If the dog obeys, give it the treat immediately and praise the animal. Pat its head to let it know that it's doing something right. Then go ahead and do your other things.

3) Don't send the wrong signals to your dog.

When you catch the dog doing something right, you reward it with a treat. But if you catch it doing something that it is not supposed to be doing, don't encourage it! The best thing to do, is to ignore the dog. If you really want to respond, don't respond with anger. Just be firm and use verbal cues like "Bad dog" to discourage the animal. Punishment is often unnecessary. If the behavior gets out of hand, use the crate or the leash to confine the animal temporarily.

Fortunately, dogs are intelligent animals and they learn very quickly, especially young pups. They not only pick up verbal commands and new tricks quickly, they also learn social behavior from the owner, family members and other human beings.

You will notice that even when there is no training going on, the young pup is constantly observing its surroundings. And that includes the people around him. That means you must always set a good example for your pet. If you express aggressive behavior, the young pup may just think that it's the right thing to do, and display aggression as well. And it's display of aggression will be far more superior than yours.

About The Author:
For more Puppy training tips, please visit puppy training website.

Dogs Are More Than Pets

2009-06-10T16:01:00.001+07:00

Dogs are unique animals because they can immediately become a part of your family. If you have had your dog for a long time there is no question this is true.

Dogs in general have similar social systems to those in the human world. They survive with the lead of an adult male who is alpha or dominant over all others in the pack. If the leader oversteps his boundaries then a strong and competent female will step in.

Just like your family works together as a group, so does the dog pack. There are social bonds and loyalty on both sides. Even if the family group or pack of dogs fight, it doesn’t matter they are always united and come together when it counts.

Dogs have a great number of strengths. They are incredibly alert, have a strong sense of smell and many are superior hunters. Their ability to survive on something as small as food scraps makes them ideal to have around whether you’re referring to ancient or modern times.

>From Ancient Times to Today

This animal and human relationship is so strong that it even goes back to the prehistoric times.

Imagine a prehistoric hunter finding a lost wolf cub in the woods and bringing the animal home to care for it. They might have found that the cub fit in quite nicely at home. To top it off the hunter probably found that the wolf was helpful for practical reasons as well.

Of course, the wolf pack that prehistoric man would have found isn’t quite as gentle and kind as the dogs we keep in our homes today. Wolves had just the rough type of personality that suited the prehistoric people, just like dogs suit our families today. It is our own domestication of dogs that makes them more and more suitable to living the family lifestyle.

The blending of dog and human culture is very strong. It doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have or whether it’s simply a companion or a working dog, it is a friend that will stick with you for life.

You might not use the dog as your primary means of survival like some groups did years ago, but it’s likely your dog has its own role. Some of the roles dogs take on today are:

·Herding stock on farms
·Detecting drugs
·Helping lead the blind
·Guarding homes and businesses
·Rescue services

Beyond those extraordinary roles your dog can develop an emotional bond with you and the other members of your family. This ability and desire to bond with the family lifestyle and humans individually has given them a special place and role in the hearts of many humans. Most dogs naturally love people and are extremely protective of children. Through the domestication process they have definitely earn the right to be called “man’s best friend”.

Whether you’re ready to have a good time or need some extra comforting, your dog will be there offering true “unconditional love“.

It’s important to nurture and care for your dog so that they can thrive. As long as they are receiving the nourishment they need and the attention they deserve you can count on having a friend for life.

Admired Clippers: A Pet Training Shaft

2009-06-10T16:00:00.002+07:00

Admired clippers: A Pet Training Shaft Every Preferred Owner Should Have

There are many exemplifies when you can bond with your Favourite, and Training him is one of these. Although there are mortals who power see Training their pets as a chore, there are others who in reality see this as an opportunity to get shorter to their dogs or cats. So rather of playing your domestic dog to a Preferred shop to be set, you can just do it yourself. Just branch yourself with the right kind of brush and a pair of Precious clipper ships and you are set to start. In the outgrowth, you will also see the gizmo of Training your domestic dog by yourself as this would save you money.

Organising Your Favorite Training Tools

It is important that before you start Arranging your domestic dog, you would already have everything you motive on hand. This is because you don’t want to be running around looking for this and that while you are already in the Grooming shape. Being union will not only put your dog at ease but will also save you from getting careful out as well. Now, the basic things that you involve to prepare in Developing your Preferred are Admired limiters, brushes, towels, Canis familiaris shampoo and conditioner, nail clipper ships, and a tub. You must have these things near you so you won’t have to reach out to far while you are in the process of bathing or clipping your Canis familiaris’s hair.

The Grooming work

Developing your Canis familiaris can be loads of fun if you will train your dog to think so. You can start this off with a bath to get rid of the dirt and grease from his coat. If you really love dogs and you plan to dress them yourself for a long period of time, then it is best that you get a proved tub for them. Because of its height, the tub will have you feeling at ease when bathing your domestic dog. Once your domestic dog has been bathed, then it is already time to work at untangling his hairs with brushes that are worthy for his type of coat. After you have worked out all the mazes from your domestic dog’s hair, then this could be the time when you would use a pair of Favored clippers on him. Although you can also use regular trimmers for this part, you will find that Cherished clipper ships can do the job in tiny time and with more accuracy. Once you are done with clipping away the entangled hairs of your dog that you just can’t extricate with his brush, you will already have one good looking and neat Precious.

Teaching Your Favourite about Developing

You have to call up though that while Doing your domestic dog on your own can be very executing, it is also something that takes time, patience, and lots of love. As such, you must in truth take the time to train your domestic dog to get old to the things that you will do to him during the forge. It is also best if you will familiarise him with the electrical tools in his Arranging kit like his pair of Treasured limiters so that he will get employed to the stochasticity that they give off. This way, both you and your Canis familiaris would genuinely enjoy the Doing work unneurotic.

Great Precious Checking Kits Online

If you are planning to get a Checking kit for your Canis familiaris and you require a pair of Pet limiters, visit Cherished Depot Online. Here, you will be able to find the pair that you demand at a price that would be just straight.

How to Administer Pet Wormer

2009-06-10T16:00:00.001+07:00

It is inevitable that once in the life of a dog, no matter how healthy it may look, will have parasites in its body particularly the intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites feed on the host by absorbing the nutrients in the intestine. Among these parasites, the most common are hookworm, tape worms, round worms and whip worms. These parasites are transmitted in various ways and through different carriers whether it is the mother of the dog, eggs in the stool, infected animals and insects like rodents and fleas and so forth. It is important that dogs are dewormed in a scheduled chart so as to flush out these parasites. However, there are instances where administering pet wormer could be hard. Yet, as veterinary medicine progresses, there are new ways to administer the drug without making the dog distress.

Intestinal parasites can be deadly especially when they are not immediately attended to. Since these parasites feed on the host’s nutrition, the health of the dog suffers greatly. Some of the recognizable symptoms are loss of weight and appetite, vomiting and bleeding. In case of tapeworm infections, the eggs of the tapeworms may dry up at the anus which looks like dried scales or dried rice. There are also parasites that could not be wipe out with a single wormer and therefore it is necessary that deworming is done on a series.

There are several ways to administer wormer. Pet wormers have evolved into several varieties making deworming easier. Some wormer comes in the form of tablets where there are also flavored varieties, dog suspensions, and syrup. Most of these kinds are dosed from 2 to 12 weeks or every 3 months. One famous brand is Drontal that comes in suspensions and tablets. And another is Panacur with drug fenbendazole as its main ingredient, which is effective against all roundworm and most tapeworm infections.

To administer the drug, you should follow the instructions by the vet or through the product instructions. There are wormers that should not be given to pregnant dogs and lactating ones. There is also a new technology called “spot on” drug which is better to be administered by the vet itself.

If you are unsure in administering the wormer, you should let someone who knows it or better have a vet do it for you.

Worm infections are definitely inevitable but it could be avoided by having a good hygiene and clean environment at home. Make sure that you give the dog regular worming schedule and use of the right pet wormer to fight the infection. Worming the dog is not only for the sake of the animal but the entire family as well since the mentioned parasites can be transmissible to humans too.

Pet Training Tips: For Dog Owners

2009-06-10T15:59:00.000+07:00

It can be a great feeling being the owner of a dog they can bring you joy and companionship and you will always have someone to come home to after a hard day at work, there is nothing better than being greeted by a wagging tail and a happy face! But are you in need of some pet training tips? When you have a dog, no matter what breed you own, it is important that your pet is well trained and behaved, and that is why it is important to begin pet training as early as you can. Your dog needs to learn pet training tips such as; house breaking, walking on a leash without pulling and coming back to you when you call him. These are all basic obedience traits that your dog needs to adopt in order to be well trained and easier to look after.

Here are some pet training tips that you should remember before you begin training your dog:

1. Try not to ask your dog to do anything that he can evade. If your dog gets frustrated by you being strict and commanding, then your dog will see this as a negative thing, so you must try to respect your dog’s behaviour and act correctly at the early stages of pet training.

2. Always remember to praise or reward your dog for any good performances that he does. This is a very important pet training tip that you must follow strictly in order to boost your dog’s confidence and so that your dog will be more willing to follow instructions that you give him and he will also develop a good relationship with you. Doing this will lead to good habits in your dog’s behaviour.

3. Try never to punish or tell your dog off during training because a punishment will act as a negative for your dog and you will find that he might not want to listen to what you are saying. Praise him for the good things he does instead.

4. Make sure to penalize your dog. This means that you should issue your dog a penalty which might be anything that your dog does not enjoy, such as ignoring him or maybe a leash jerk when he is not walking like he should on his leash remember, this is not a punishment it is a simple prod in the right direction.

Cleaning Up Pet Messes at Home

2009-06-10T15:57:00.000+07:00

It’s inevitable. Even the best pets make messes sometimes. Here’s how to clean them up, as painlessly as possible.

Pet Piddle

If your cat misses the litter box or your dog has an accident on the rug, you don’t have to live with the pungent reminders of accidents past. Pet accident on carpet and upholstery can be removed, especially if you attack them while they’re still fresh.

Start by soaking up excess liquid with a white rag or paper towels. Blot on a solution of one-quarter teaspoon of mild liquid laundry detergent and one cup of warm water. Repeat until there is no more stain transferring to your towel or rag. If needed, follow the detergent application with a solution of one cup white vinegar to two cups water. Blot dry.

Finally, cover the area with several layers of paper towels weighed down with a heavy, nonfading object. Continue changing the paper towels until the carpet is dry.

Pet Poop

Gently scoop up excess with a spoon or spatula. Deposit into a bag that you can immediately take outside.

Blot with the vinegar ammonia solution as described above. Allow the area to soak for several minutes. Blot and repeat until the stain is removed. Rinse with cold water. Blot dry.

To remove lingering carpet odors, sprinkle baking soda on the spot. Let it sit overnight, and then vacuum. If you can’t remove either stain, however, consider recovering the furniture item or replacing the carpet. This might also be a great time to consider the benefits of a good dog trainer.

Litter Boxes

It’s a messy task but someone has to do it. It’s handy to keep all of your litter-box-cleaning tools together near the litter box: liners (great to cut down on weekly cleanings), scooper, gloves, and bags.

Each day, scoop the lumps out of your litter box as many times a day as you have cats. (Using a clumping litter helps tremendously with this task.) For example, we have two cats so my daughter scoops once in the morning and once before bed, wearing gloves and disposing of the scoopables outside, of course.

Each week, take the litter box outside for a thorough cleaning.

First empty the contents into the garbage. Then, using a scraper, dislodge any lumps of wet litter remaining. Fill the empty box with hot water, and then add a half-cup of bleach. Allow this mixture to sit and disinfect for at least 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, allow to dry in the sun outdoors, or use clean rags to dry.

Add fresh litter.

How to Stop Dog Jumping

2009-05-26T21:56:00.000+07:00

Although your dog jumping up on you can be cute as a puppy, it can be quite a nuisance when he's full grown. This behavior should be dealt with in early puppyhood. It may seem mean to try to control a dog’s excitement when he sees someone, but on the other hand, you don’t want him to end up hurting someone. Your dog doesn’t know his own strength.

How to control dog jumping

Consistency is key. You must discipline your dog EVERY time he jumps up. You cannot pick and choose when you will allow your dog jumping and when you won’t.

Stop Dog Jumping: Option 1
One option is to teach your dog a “SIT” command whenever someone rings the bell or knocks on the door. You can get a friend to come ring the doorbell repeatedly in order to teach the command. You cannot teach this disciplinary measure on the rare occasion that someone happens to ring the bell, it is not often enough for him to remember from one instance to the next. It is better to recreate the situation over and over again consecutively. This way he is more likely to retain the information.

Every time your friend rings the bell, your dog will react with excitement, which involves jumping up and maybe barking. Tell him to “SIT” in a firm tone of voice. Keep a short leash on him to hold him back from jumping. Don’t open the door until you get him to sit. If he stands once you open the door, close it immediately. You shouldn’t pet him or show him any attention until he obeys the command. Only then can you give him a treat and say “good dog.” You may not notice much of a difference in his behavior on the first few tries, but after repeating this procedure 10 or 20 times, you will start to see a calmer reaction every time the bell rings. Once he obeys the command when the bell rings, then you can remove the leash and try it a few more times with no leash. Before you try to teach your dog to sit in an excited state, he should already be familiar with the command under normal conditions. When performing this training option, you don’t necessarily have to teach him to sit. You can teach him to “HEAL” where he will just remain on all fours.

It is very important to reward him for his good behavior. Remember, when you come home from work and your dog hasn’t seen you all day, his excitement level is extremely high. Avoid provoking this behavior further by talking to him in a high-pitched tone.

Stop Dog Jumping: Option 2
Another option for dealing with your dog jumping up is, every time your dog jumps up on you, hold him up by his paws, making him stand up on his hind legs. Keep him up until he gets uncomfortable. Do not praise him or make it seem like a game. This will demonstrate to him that this behavior will illicit a negative response from you. When trying this maneuver with a large dog, be careful not to place yourself in a compromising position where you will be face-to-face with your dog. If he is not already disciplined in other areas, he may try to bite you.

Dog jumping requires much patience. It is not a behavior that can be controlled very easily. With time and perserverance, together you can accomplish this goal.

Dog Barking: Learn How to Control It

2009-05-26T21:55:00.000+07:00

Barking is a dog's form of communication. Dog barking can be quite annoying but on the other hand, your dog's bark can also save your life. Your dog's bark should not always be acknowledged as a problem. If a dog barks incessantly, then this would require the help of a professional trainer. The average dog will bark for a specific reason. Some of these reasons could be:

"I need to relieve myself please."
If this is the case, do not allow your dog's barking to be his way of alerting you. You can try using a clicker to teach him a "Hush" command and then teach him an alternate alert signal such as pawing at the door. Every time he barks to go out, hush him, ask him if he has to "Go Potty" and then paw at the door with your hand. Repeat this process every time he barks to go out. Praise and treat every time he follows your lead.

"There's a stranger near the house."
This is a situation where dog barking can be a good thing. First off, teach him a "Heal" command then reward him for being alert. Show the stranger that you are investigating the situation by turning on a porch light if it is dark out. If someone hears your dog barking, it can keep a stranger from coming back.

"Can I go out and play."
Do not allow dog barking to be a signal to you that he wants to go out and play. You can try using a clicker to teach him a "Hush" command and then teach him an alternate alert signal such as pawing at the door or bringing the ball to you. Every time your dog barks to go out to play, hush him, then once he's quiet, paw at the door with your hand or grab the ball and ask if he wants to go out and play. Repeat this process every time your dog barks to go out. Praise and treat every time he follows procedure.

"I think I hear my friend, Fido, calling me."
Sometimes you'll find dogs barking to each other. This doesn't happen very often unless you have a dog next door that won't shut up. You can try to distract him by playing with him or starting a game of fetch but this won't solve the problem. Teaching him the "hush" command is the best way to eliminate this behavior.

"I heard a loud noise and I don't know what it is."
If you know that the noise does not pose a threat, stop the dog barking by playing with him or starting a game of fetch.

"I'm afraid."
Distract him by playing with him or starting a game of fetch.

"Who is this person that just entered my home."
Teach him the "Heal" command and slowly have him get used to the visitor by first smelling the visitor's jacket. If your visitor is not afraid, have him call the dog over while he is bent down at his level. Be careful if it is a large dog. This will reduce your dog's anxiety. There are some people that your dog will warm up to quickly and others that will take some time. Of course, there will also be one or two visitors that your dog will never warm up to.

"Don't leave me (again)."
If your dog barks from the minute you leave the house to the minute you come home, he may be letting the whole world know that he is lonely and he misses you. If this is the case, take an old shirt and put it in the hamper for an hour or two. This will make the shirt absorb the scents of everyone in the house. Then place the shirt next to your dog or have him lie down on it and this will keep him happy all day long. This will work 99% of the time. You can also try putting the radio on low and tune it in to easy listening. Music soothes the savage beast (so to speak).

"I'm thristy."
Try teaching him the "Hush" command by using a clicker, then when he has quieted down, fill his bowl with water. You can teach him to paw at his bowl by tapping on his bowl when he's alerting you to fill his bowl. He will pick up on this after a while.

"Don't you dare come near my food while I'm eating."
Do not allow him to respond this way whenever someone walks by him while he's eating. Next time its time to feed, place the bowl on your lap and feed him one morsel at a time. Do not allow him to reach the bowl. Show him that you are in control of his food. Do this until he get accustomed to having someone touch his food. Have different members of the household try it as well. This will help desensitize him and show him he can trust you. If you have an overly-aggressive dog, then I would not recommend this.

Dog barking can occur for any number of reasons. Don't be quick to assume that your dog's bark is a problem because many people have had their dogs to thank for warding off intruders. If your dog barks, rule out any potential threat to your family, then investigate the reason for his bark. Most of the time it is something trivial but if you don't find the problem and eliminate it, you will have a difficult time getting him to stop. If it is something that cannot be eliminated, then it would be best to desensitize your dog to the contributing factor by having him learn to deal with it. For example, if he barks every time the phone rings, have someone call the house all day long and teach him a "hush" command. When you are able to get him to obey the command, praise and treat. Repeat this procedure for as often as it takes to get him fully trained.

Make sure you spend enough time with your dog when you are at home in order to avoid having him feel neglected when you're gone.

Once again, it's important to always try to find out why your dog's barking so you can address the problem and establish tranquility in the household.

By : Nancy Settecasi

Things to Think About Before Acquiring a Rabbit

2009-05-26T21:54:00.000+07:00

Rabbits have been popularly kept as pets in Western nations since the 1800s. Rabbits can adjust well to indoor life, and can even be litter box trained. Like all pets, rabbits need a considerable amount of care and attention.

Often people purchase rabbits from a breeder. Many people prefer breeders under suspicion that some pet stores sell cross bred rabbits. Such a breeder who has a litter of young rabbits available for sale can be found in the newspaper classified ads listed under "Pets" or "Livestock." Some can be found through rabbit breeders' club publications or through rabbit-related magazines, which often include a breeder listing. With the advent of the Internet, many breeders advertise their stock online.

Finding a local rabbit breeder is generally preferred to shipping rabbits for long distances, as it can be stressful for the animal. Many pet shops nearly always carry smaller breeds of rabbit such as the Netherland dwarf, the Holland lop, and the Mini-Rex. These breeds, although smaller than 'normal' rabbits, still live long and healthy lives. A point to note is that often smaller breeds of rabbits are prone to tooth problems such as malocclusion.

Rabbit rescue organizations or a local humane society are increasingly common places to find adult rabbits, who may already be spayed or neutered and docile from handling. Though most rescued rabbits are healthy, some may require special care for health conditions or behavioral problems resulting from prior abuse.

Training and Play

Pet rabbits can be trained to urinate and defecate in a litter box or on a newspaper in a specific corner of a room. The litter box may also be placed inside the rabbit's cage or the rabbit can be trained to treat the cage itself as the litter box. Litter training becomes much easier once a rabbit is spayed or neutered.

Rabbits cannot learn voice commands like a dog, but can recognize different patterns of the voice. For instance, If a rabbit is disobeying, for example biting, simply make a high pitched noise, or an extremely bass noise and the message will be conveyed. Rabbits can be taught their names, although they recognize the pattern of the noises more then the words. Rabbits are intelligent, and enjoy games and toys.

It is possible to permit a rabbit to run loose in the home if rooms have been rabbit-proofed (i.e. dangerous chewable items such as electric cords are removed from the pet's reach). Rabbits have a tendency to chew on items in their space, particularly wires, although they can be trained not to chew.

It is important that if a rabbit is allowed to roam in a house that it be impossible for the rabbit to chew or get into dangerous or valuable items. They do not possess the same comprehension as a dog or a cat, and often don't understand if punished physically; rather they will become scared or confused if some kind of punishment is used, as they do not see the damage they have done. If all this is taken into consideration, rabbits make excellent house pets.

Companionship

Other rabbits

Unneutered rabbits frequently fight when paired with another rabbit of the same gender. Generally fighting is a result of sexual mounting, which is engaged in by rabbits of both sexes upon other rabbits of either sex; this behavior stresses the rabbit being mounted and can make it aggressive toward its cagemate. Unneutered rabbits of opposite sexes will breed rapidly, so a pet owner should not leave them together, even if they do not fight.

Because of these problems, it used to be preferred to keep rabbits caged individually. However, it is becoming common to spay and neuter pet rabbits allowing male and female rabbits to live together. Fighting can result even from pairing altered rabbits. Keeping rabbits in pairs can limit behavioral problems (such as general aggression, biting or withdrawal) which may arise if rabbits are kept single.

Pairs of bonded and desexed rabbits, usually one of each gender to a pair, can often be adopted from animal shelters. These have usually already had all their major expenses taken care of (desexing) and they will rarely fight or harass each other, taking the trouble out of bonding two separate rabbits.

Guinea pigs

Some books recommend keeping rabbits and guinea pigs together to meet their social needs. While some people have seen success with this technique, the current consensus is that rabbits should never be kept in the same cage with guinea pigs. A rabbit can easily harass or injure a guinea pig; this can lead to severe distress or even death for the guinea pig. It may be unintentional or due to being startled, since the rabbit is larger and stronger so can seriously injure a guinea pig. They also have differing nutritional requirements, so it is therefore preferable that rabbits and guinea pigs are fed separately. Guinea pigs require additional Vitamin C in their diets that rabbits don't. Lack of Vitamin C may lead to scurvy.

Additionally, guinea pigs typically show very little interest in social activities necessary for the rabbit's well-being, such as grooming; this limits the intended benefit of housing the guinea pig and rabbit together in the first place.

Dogs and cats

It is generally recommended that dogs should never be left alone with rabbits as their predatory instincts (or overenthusiastic play) can lead to the dog attacking the rabbit spontaneously. Cats, on the other hand, can become close and safe potential companions if properly introduced to the rabbit and they are of at least roughly equivalent size. In fact, when the cat is introduced in a home with a resident rabbit, the rabbit sometimes will act aggressively to establish his territory and the cat, which does not have such concerns, will typically cede the point to the resident.

Rabbits Diet: Is your rabbit eating right?

2009-05-26T21:53:00.001+07:00

The typical diet for a pet rabbit consists of water, hay, pellets, fresh vegetables, and its own caecal pellets. Fruit and other treats are given only in very limited quantities, as they can cause obesity in a rabbit. Rabbits require a constant water supply as they dehydrate quickly.

Most sources recommend 80% of the diet should be Timothy hay or another grass hay. Too many vegetables in a rabbit's diet typically leads to diarrhea and other digestive problems.

Pellets

Rabbits are generally fed a pelleted feed available from pet stores, supermarkets, and farm suppliers. Pellets were originally designed for rabbit breeders for the purpose of providing as much food energy and vitamins as inexpensively as possible. This is optimal when the rabbits are being bred for food or for experimentation.

Most sources recommend a minimum of 18% fiber, low protein (14?15%), and less than 1% calcium. Depending on the amount of vegetables available, an adult rabbit should be given between 20 ml to 40 ml per kilogram (? and ? cup of pellets per 6 pounds) body weight daily. Pre-adolescent and adolescent rabbits (7 months and younger) can be given as much pelleted diet as they can consume, although additional vegetables are preferable to additional pellets. An older rabbit (over six years) can be given more pellets if they are having difficulty maintaining a steady body weight. Timothy hay-based pellets are great for rabbits that have stopped growing and do not need to gain weight. Alfalfa-based pellets are best only for young, growing rabbits or older rabbits who are under-weight.

Hay

Hay is essential for the health of all rabbits. A steady supply of hay will help prevent gastrointestinal stasis and other digestive tract problems in rabbits. Additionally, it provides a number of necessary vitamins and minerals at a low food energy cost. Rabbits enjoy chewing on hay, and always having hay available for the rabbit may reduce its tendency to chew on other items. Timothy hay and other grass hays are considered the healthiest to provide the rabbit. As a persistently high blood calcium level can prove harmful to the rabbit, hays such as alfalfa and clover hay should be avoided. Alfalfa is also relatively high in food energy, and a constant diet of it can cause obesity in rabbits.

Treats

Treats are unhealthy in large quantities for rabbits, just as they are for humans. Most treats sold in pet stores are filled with sugar and high food energy carbohydrates. If an owner is determined to feed the rabbit treats, the best treat to provide it with is fruit.

Acceptable fruits (seeds and pits MUST be removed): Banana, Mango, Pineapple, Peach, Apple, Kiwi, Berries, Orange and other citrus fruits.

Pineapple, mango, and papaya all contain a natural enzyme which is thought to reduce hairballs.

Fruits or other treats must be given in moderation, as rabbits easily become overweight and suffer health problems. Their diet should consist of no more than half a tablespoon of fruits or treats per day.

However, fresh fruits should not be given to rabbits under the age of 4 months because their digestive systems are not always developed enough to handle the fruit. It can cause enteritis that causes death within 48 hours.

While a common myth that rabbits should be given lettuce, this is not a good idea because it contains little to no nutritional value for the rabbit and again can cause enteritis which leads to a quick death.

Caecal pellets

Do not be alarmed if you see your rabbit eat some of his feces. These are called cecal pellets, and are a vital part of his diet. Caecal pellets are soft, smelly, clumpy feces, and are a rabbit's only supply of Vitamin B12. Due to the design of the rabbit's digestive system, they cannot extract some vitamins and minerals directly from their food. At the end of their digestive system is an area called the caecum where cellulose and other plant fibers are broken down and ferment. After they have been broken down and passed, a rabbit's digestive system can finally extract the vitamins from them.

By : Hagar lagarto

Dog Food Tips For Preventing Fussy Eaters

2009-05-26T21:52:00.000+07:00

There is much to recommend feeding your dog homemade dog food if you have the time to prepare it, and make sure you have recipes that give the correct ratio of nutrients, as well as the vitamins and supplements you'll need to add. These can be mixed up in a bag, stored, and sprinkled in every meal.

Dogs should have a minimum of 18% protein for maintenance when they are adults, and 22% for reproduction and growth. Fat should be a minimum of 5% for adult dogs, and 8% for reproduction and growth. But the more fat that is in the diet, the more protein there should be. Fat makes dogs, as well as people, eat less by making them feel fuller. If they eat less, and there are less of other essential nutrients like protein and vitamins and minerals, the dog will not get the nourishment it needs.

Generally, commercial pet food is made according to the appropriate guidelines, but care should be taken if significant amounts of other food is added to the diet, and it is high in fat.

But whether you're feeding your dog commercial dog food, or home made dog food, there are a few things to keep in mind so you don't end up with a fussy dog:

* dogs should be fed once a day once they are no longer puppies, or two small meals, no more. Feeding your dog too frequently when he is older can turn him appear like a fussy eater, when he is actually full.

* feeding your dog too regularly can get him into the routine of expecting to eat at those times, too, and may lead to weight gain. Letting him get hungry, and feeding sensibly, will not harm him. In the wild, dogs would eat for once a day until they were completely full.

* Don't stand and stare at your dog waiting for him to eat. He will likely think something is wrong, or something else is coming, and won't eat.

* Don't give into your dog and give him something else straight away if he refuses his meal, as he's effectively training you and not the other way around!

* There's nothing wrong with feeding your dog a varied diet, but don't keep changing the food because he seems fussy and won't eat it. Make sure nothing is wrong with him physically first, then if he is healthy, take charge of the situation. Put his food down, leave him to it, and then 30 minutes later go and check to see whether it's been eaten. If it hasn't, take it away, then at the end of the day put down some fresh food. Repeat the process, and take it away 30 minutes later if it still isn't eaten. This way you'll train your dog to eat his food, and not reinforce his behaviour.

Brian Kilcommons has a very interesting method for teaching dogs to eat their food. When the above fails, he prepared the dog food in front of the dog, making lots of 'yummy' noises whilst he did it. He made it slowly, and when the dog still wasn't interested, he put it down in front of his face, then took it straight away and threw it out. He did this first at breakfast, then at dinner. At dinner, the dog in question was more interested, but he still threw it out after putting it in front of him. The next morning, the dog was jumping up and down whilst the food was being prepared. He put it down, pulled it away, then looked at him for about a minute, then left it for him to eat. That dog now eats anything put down for him.

* If your dog suddenly goes off his food, it could be because he has dental problems, or a stomach problem. Get him checked out by the vet.

* Some dogs do actually prefer a certain type of food, just as people do. Try your dog with a variety of foods, and if he only eats one type, and will starve himself if he doesn't get it, the best solution can simply be to feed him that type of food.

* Don't feed your dog a high fat diet, or junk food, including chocolate. It's not good for them.

By : Brian Kilcommons

4 Things to Think About Before Declawing your Cat

2009-05-26T21:51:00.000+07:00

Declawing is a major surgery known as onychectomy, performed under anesthesia, that removes the tip of each digit (from the first knuckle out) of the cat's forepaws. There is a slight chance of death in the surgery, and a declawed cat may have an increased risk of infection and life-long discomfort in its paws. This surgery is not recommended for an adult animal and is considered an act of animal cruelty in some countries (see below).

People generally have cats declawed to prevent them from hunting and from damaging furniture. Rarely, vicious cats are declawed. In the United States, some landlords require that tenants' cats be declawed.

Veterinarians are generally critical of the procedure and some refuse to perform it because the absence of claws in a cat:

1. Deprives it of its main defense abilities, including escaping from predators by climbing trees;
2. Impairs its stretching and exercise habits, leading to muscle atrophy;
3. Compromises its ability to balance on thin surfaces such as railings and fence tops, leading to injury from falls;
4. Can cause insecurity and a subsequent tendency to bite.

This operation is rare outside of North America. In Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, declawing is forbidden by the laws against cruelty to animals. In many other European countries, it is forbidden under the terms of the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, unless "a veterinarian considers [such] non-curative procedures necessary either for veterinary medical reasons or for the benefit of (the) animal". In Britain, animal shelters find it difficult to place imported cats that have been declawed and subsequently most are euthanized.

An alternative to declawing is the application of blunt, vinyl nail caps that are affixed to the claws with nontoxic glue, requiring periodic replacement when the cat sheds its claw sheaths (about every four to six weeks). However, the cat will still experience difficulties because the capped nails are not as effective as claws.

Caring for your Dog's Coat

2009-05-26T21:50:00.000+07:00

There’s nothing like a shiny, healthy-looking dog coat. Taking care of your dog's coat can reduce future skin and fur problems.

The coat grows in 3 phases at different times which, in turn, causes a dog never to go bald. Your dog’s coat needs to be brushed once or twice a week.

For a healthy dog coat, add one teaspoon of soybean, corn or cottonseed oil to your dog’s food every day. This can also reduce shedding.

Long-haired dogs or dogs with a thick fur may need more brushing than dogs with short hair because their hair tends to mat. Matting can cause your dog to have skin irritations or possibly retain odor in the coat. Matting can easily be stripped away with a stripping knife. If your dog has a thick, heavy dog coat, the stripping knife may not do the trick, in which case you can use a pair of scissors to snip the mat off. Make sure you use scissors with a blunt tip to avoid puncturing the skin. You can also try to work the matting out between your fingers with some human hair conditioner.

For a dog coat that's short, it is best to use a uni-groom, which is a hand-held device made of rubber with very short bristles and lies flat on the palm of your hand. You can find this device at PETSMART. You slip your finger through a loop and pass your hand over the fur as if you were petting him. This should be done outdoors because there is an incredible amount of hair that comes off the dog coat and you don’t want it all over your house.

Shedding is a problem most people don’t care to deal with. Unfortunately, many of us dog owners have no choice. Shedding comes with the changing of the seasons. Some dogs shed a lot, some shed a little and some don’t shed at all. I wish I had done my homework before buying two cocker spaniels (whom I love to death). Having tumbleweeds of dog hair circling your kitchen is not a pretty sight. My solution to this problem is keeping a short skirt on them and having them groomed every 6-8 weeks.

Brushing your dog’s coat outdoors also helps the hairy situation in the house. Never brush your dog’s coat when it’s wet, it causes matting and loss of hair. You can try putting a no-shed solution in your dog’s food. Although this works most of the time, be prepared for very soft bowel movements.

Shedding can also be hell for people with allergies. Try not to have your dog lying on top of you while watching T.V. while he is going through a shedding phase. This could be torturous for you. Take your meds or shots and avoid too much physical contact with your dog until the shedding diminishes. Don’t be too hard on your dog, it’s not something he can control.

Taking care of your dog's coat is important for both you and your dog. It will keep him sporting a shiny, healthy dog coat and will reduce the chances of acquiring any fur or skin related disorders.

Dog Worms: Identifying the Signs and Symptoms

2009-05-26T21:48:00.000+07:00

There are 5 different types of dog worms (internal parasites), which your dog can fall prey to. These are: heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm and whipworm. As a dog owner, we recommend that you educate yourself on these worms in order to be able to recognize the symptoms if they should become evident in your dog.

Early worm detection is important because each type of dog worm requires a different form of treatment. You should also be aware of the fact that roundworm and hookworm are zoonotic, which means that these worms can be transmitted to humans. Some worm infestations may show little to no symptoms, whereas others can demonstrate severe symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. Some dog worms can be seen by the naked eye while some cannot, therefore it is a good idea to ask your vet to perform a stool test for dog worms once a year.

Below you can find a list of common telltale symptoms of dog worm infestation, but keep in mind that these symptoms can also be a sign of a more serious problem. Either way, always consult a veterinarian whenever your dog is not “his usual self.”

* Dull coat
* Weight loss
* Appetite loss
* Pot-bellied appearance
* Coughing
* Low energy level
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting

ROUNDWORMS (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina)

There are two types of Roundworm: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine. This is the most common type of dog worm, which affects the intestines and causes a pot-bellied appearance, mostly in puppies. There are a few ways puppies can become infected. Puppies are often infected before birth through the mother’s uterus or through her milk. Puppies can also contract these worms through the ingestion of an infected animal (such as a rodent) or infected soil. Roundworm eggs can live in soil for many years. Once a puppy has ingested the infected soil, the eggs will hatch in his intestines, allowing the worms to live there and grow to adulthood. These adults will then produce more eggs.

Roundworms may be found in your dog’s stool or vomit. They can grow to about 7 inches in length and have a spagetti-like appearance. If this type of infestation is not detected early and is allowed a chance to develop, a buildup of worms in the intestines can cause an obstruction which may result in death. The symptoms of a severe infestation are: pot-belly appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat and weight loss.

Puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks between 2 and 12 weeks of age, then monthly until he is 6 months old. Once your puppy has reached 6 months of age, he is less susceptible to contracting these worms but should continue yearly exams (or more often if considered high-risk).

Because Roundworm can be transmitted to humans, it is important to promote good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly. Transmittion of this dog worm to humans is usually through infected soil, which may be in your backyard or front lawn. Because the eggs are sticky and can easily adher to hands or clothing, make sure children (and adults) wash their hands after playing outside (especially at a park or playground), after playing with the dog and before it’s time to eat.

Treatment generally involves administering oral medication (dewormer) with follow-up fecal exams and a monthly heartworm medication. Try 1-800-PetMeds - America's Pet Health Resource

Prevent your dog from contracting roundworms by cleaning up fecal matter from the backyard as often as possible. Also, administering a heartworm medication such as HeartGard - Prescription Heartworm medication for Dogs & Cats is a good preventive. Do not mix wormers and consult your vet before giving your dog any medication. And last, but not least, always remember annual exams.

HOOKWORMS (Ancylostoma caninium)

Like Roundworm, Hookworm harbors in the intestines and can also be transmitted to humans. Hookworms can affect a dog at any age. It is a small, thin worm that hooks on to the intestinal wall and sucks the blood from its victim, which cause anemia and perhaps death. Due to their sharp teeth, they also cause bleeding in the intestines. Hookworms are not visible by the naked eye, therefore should be diagnosed by a vet. As with roundworm, hookworms also live and grow to adulthood in the intestines. They can also be transmitted to pups while in the mother’s uterus or through her breast milk. A dog infected with hookworm would experience bloody stool, anemia, weight loss, pale gums, diarrhea and low energy level. Skin irritation can be a sign of a severe infestation.

Hookworms can be transmitted to humans by penetration of the skin, making it is possible for people to become infected simply by walking barefoot on infected soil. Hookworms, when transmitted to humans, can cause bleeding in the intestines along with abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Treatment usually consists of oral medications (dewormer), follow-up fecal exams, intravenous therapy and, if necessary, a blood transfusion. Hookworm infestation can kill your pup before the worm is ever detected. This is why it is so important to keep up with veterinary visits and exams.

TAPEWORMS (Dipylidium caninum)

The tapeworm gets its name from its long, flat, tape-like appearance. It is yet another parasite that affects the intestines, and like the roundworm, can be seen by the naked eye. Broke pieces of this dog worm would be found in the dog’s fecal matter, which give it a rice-like appearance. These pieces of worm, although broken, can be found (still moving) around the dog’s anus, in his stool or in his bed. Common symptoms of severe tapeworm infestation are abdominal pain, nervousness, severe itching around the anus, vomiting and weight loss.

Transmission to dogs is often caused by the ingestion of infected fleas. Although, humans are susceptible to being infected, a dog cannot transmit the dog worm to a human directly.

Regular over-the-counter deworming medication is not effective in eliminating this type of dog worm. A prescription dewormer is administered orally or by injection (praziquantel or epsiprantel). Consult your vet. Try 1-800-PetMeds - America's Pet Health Resource

WHIPWORMS (Trichuris vulpis)

Whipworms are long, thin (whip-shaped) dog worms that live in the dog's colon and are not visible by the naked eye. They attach themselves to the intestinal walls and feed off of them which, in turn, causes intestinal bleeding. Common symptoms of whipworm infestation are anemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhea with blood or mucus in the stool and lack of energy.

Although whipworms are the most difficult to eliminate among the families of dog worms, there is effective treatment available.

Whipworm is most effectively treated with fenbendazole (panacur), but febantel can also be used. Prescription medications are usually more effective. The treatment lasts for up to 5 days and is repeated after 3 weeks. After this treatment is finished, consult your vet about recommending a heartworm medication (containing milbemycin oxime) as a prophylactic to future infestation. Try 1-800-PetMeds - America's Pet Health Resource

Along with administering heartworm medication regularly, here are other ways to prevent reinfection:

* Remove feces from backyard every few days

* Clean yard with a safe cleaning agent (which kills worms)

* Have feces tested every 6 months (more often if previously infected)

HEARTWORMS (Dirofilaria immitis)

Heartworm, although highly preventable, has the potential to be fatal, if contracted and left untreated.

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, mostly during the warm months when mosquitoes are most active. The mosquito becomes infected from biting dogs that carry the disease. These dog worms destroy the muscle and tissue of the heart, which can cause congestive heart failure and result in death. At this advanced stage, your dog would experience the typical signs of worms, such as pot-belly, coughing, lack of energy and dull coat.

Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of this disease until it has progressed to an advanced stage. For this reason, it is important to start your dog on a heartworm preventative such as HeartGard - Prescription Heartworm medication for Dogs & Cats at 6 months of age (after the first stage deworming process is complete. Check with your vet). Prevention is the best medicine.

General guidelines for dog worm prevention

* When walking your dog in a park, picking up his feces as a standard practice not only prevents soil contamination, but also prevents the spread of many other dog diseases.

* Regular visits to the vet and stool testing is a great way to prevent dog worms, as well as other illnesses. Twice-yearly worm testing is recommended. Make sure your dog is tested for worms before starting a heartworm preventative.

* High-risk dogs should be screened more often (check with your vet).

* Flea control is important because fleas are responsible for the spread of tapeworms.

* Most puppies find feces quite appetizing. Keep your dog away from feces: his own as well as others. This is the most common form of worm infestation.

* When cleaning your dog’s area, such as his bed or crate, spray it with a strong saltwater solution and let dry. This aids in the prevention of worms.

* Before traveling with your dog to obscure destinations, consult your vet of the potential risks to your dog.

* Avoid exposing your dog to stray animals, birds and dead rodents, which often harbor immature tapeworms that can mature inside your dog.

* Contact your vet if your dog displays any symptoms after receiving worm medication.

Please be advised that the information provided on this site is offered for research purposes only. We are intent in raising awareness on the various medical conditions that exist in dogs.

This information is NOT intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian, dog trainer or pet care professional.

By Nancy Settecasi

Labrador Training Tips

2009-05-18T19:37:00.001+07:00

Labrador Retriever is one of the favorite dog breed not only in the United States but also around the world. A good-natured dog, the Labrador's personality makes it a sought-after pet and popular addition to any family. And just like other dogs, Labs need to undergo Labrador training when they are still young and gullible.

The first thing to do during a Labrador training is to socialize him with other puppies. Make him get used to different people and different places. Play, exercise, and train your dog at least an hour everyday. Do not leave your pet alone for Lab puppies are balls of energy that can get into trouble .

Potty training at an early age is the best move to be done. Take him outside when he needs his potty time and praise him if he has done his potty session in the right location. Avoid yelling at your Lab if in case he has done it in the wrong way.

The basic commands like sit and play are the very first activities dogs usually learn. Repetition and consistency are the keys to successful training and use your dog's name and repeat commands. A Boxer dog training can become successful if positive reinforcement techniques are added up to it. Words of praise, petting and an occasional food treat make the bond between you and your Boxer fonder.

Teach "Sit" by holding a treat in your fist so that the dog can see it. Move the treat over his head from front to back while saying "Sit." When he sits, reward him with the treat in your hand by putting his bowl on the ground right before you.

Use the "Come" command often. Reward your dog when she comes to you with the word "Come" or a whistle. Again, be repetitive and give rewards for success. Start with frequent rewards and then decrease the frequency until he gets used to it. Saying NO should be taught in a gentle tone.

Early leash training on Labrador Retriever puppies is very necessary in order to break the hard-to-break habit of pulling on the leash. Give your Lab pup the chance to be a natural retriever by teaching him to "Fetch." Toss a tennis ball or small flying disk past your dog. Once the object is in his mouth, say "Come." Reward your pup when he brings it to you.

Labrador Retrievers need the Labrador training that they deserve in order to be more loved by people around the world. In doing so, the world will become a perfect place not only for Labs and other dog breeds but also for their owners who treat them as part of their families.

Dog Treats To Encourage and Train Your Pet

2009-05-18T19:36:00.002+07:00

Just like some dog owners like to go through tons of dog names to find the one that suits their dog the best, similarly, dog treats should be only selected after careful consideration of their nutritional and quality values.

The one name you choose out of the many dog names, speaks as much about you, the dog owner, as it does about your pooch. Not only do dog names depict your relationship with your, but they also convey how much the dog matters to you. If you care for your dog, then you will always be careful about his/her well-being and good health. Dog treats are an important part of your dog's diet. Though dispensed with only on special occasions, dog treats are a source of nutrition, taste, and pleasure for your dog.

Rewarding your dog with dog treats every time he/she does as told can have long-lasting and beneficial effect on the animal. An important aspect of dog training is to reward the dog with gourmet dog treats every time he obeys your orders. Many dog trainers also dispense with dog treats while teaching dogs how to respond to dog names, dog commands and similar things.

Nowadays, completely natural and gourmet dog treats are gaining popularity so much so that many dog owners even bake healthy and nutritious dog treats for their pooches right at home. More and more dog owners are finding that dog treats made from ingredients similar to those used in human food offer a satisfying choice from the commercial brands of dog treats available in stores. Moreover, if you believe your dog's health is mostly dependent on his diet, you will be quite satisfied with the latest all natural dog treats. These treats are not just delicious, but are nutritious and look great too. The minute your dog smells the treats in your hand he'll pretty much do anything you want him to!!

Dog treats are no longer limited to dog biscuits, just like dog names are no longer mean Maggie or Max. Today, you can take your dog to special bakeries that cater to only domestic pets such as dogs and cats. You with your dog can together browse through the range of dog treats that are on display. Dog treats here include hide, brownies, tarts, and of course, biscuits.

If you are not fortunate enough to have such gourmet bakeries for pets in your neighborhood, then you can hook on to the internet and browse the many online gourmet dog treat bakeries. These bakeries provide natural, free of preservatives, and tasty dog treats packaged in small plastic bags that even make excellent gifts if you have friends who have pet dogs. If your dog is overweight or suffering from diabetes, you can opt for low calories dog treats!

Finally, as with dog names, going overboard with dog treats can be detrimental to the health of your invaluable pet dog! So make sure you never give him more than 10% of his regular diet as dog treats per day.

by James Gosling

How to Choose the Right Bed for your Dog

2009-05-18T19:36:00.001+07:00

One of the most essential commodities for dogs that you can purchase when looking for pet supplies is the dogs bed. The dogs bed will not only provide comfort to your pet when they sleep but also provide them with the much needed rest especially when they are recovering from an illness or an injury.

One of the important things that you need to consider while buying a bed is the way your dog or cat or any other pet sleeps. A dog bed is mostly required for dogs and cats only, although you can buy them for rabbits and some of the other smaller dogs too.

The second most important thing to understand is that a dog bed will be different for a dog and different for a cat. Normally, what you use for your dog will not be used for your cat. You can find dog beds at various stores offering other pet supplies and also online. One of the good things is that you will find a lot of variety when it comes to dog beds including the very popular heated beds. The heated beds have grown in popularity because of the fact that they have a heating element that will keep the bed warm in the winters and will be comfortable and relaxing for your pet. You can choose from a heated orthopedic bed to a heated thermo dog bed. Most of the beds are available in three sizes, which are:

- Small: 19"x24" - The small dog bed can take weights of up to 20lbs
- Medium: 26"x29" - The medium dog bed can take weights of up to 40lbs
- Large: 36x38" - The large dog bed can take weights of up to 60lbs

Another type of popular dog bed found in pet supplies is the round bed. This is a perfect bed for dogs that like to cuddle up when they sleep and for cats that love to sleep with their legs thrown apart. This dog bed is available in three sizes for dogs and they are:

- Medium: 36 inches - The medium dog bed can take weights of up to 50lbs
- Large: 42 inches - The large dog bed can take weights of up to 80lbs
- Extra Large: 52 inches - The extra large dog bed can take weights of up to 140lbs

You can also get these beds in different combinations of colour and design like blue polyester suede that will look neat and even go with the overall décor of your home. The important aspects that needs to be considered while buying a dog bed include the size of your pet, the amount of space in the room, the number of pet you have, their weights, if you need separate pet beds or a single one, the colours, do you need a simple dog bed or a heated bed etc.
Many pet supplies stores, in the high street or online, now sell pet beds that are raised from the ground. These beds allow the dog or cat the comfort of support without cold from sleeping on the floor. Many owners now agree that their dog's mobility significantly improved after using a raised pet bed.

How To Train Your Cat To Use Cat Scratching Posts

2009-05-18T19:34:00.000+07:00

Cats are cute. Cats are loveable. Unfortunately, many cats love to scratch your furniture and carpets. If you do not want to replace your sofa every few months, you will need to train your cat to use cat scratching posts. Although this is not a difficult task, it can be time-consuming. It needs a lot of love, patience and understanding from you. If you cannot make this kind of commitment to your feline friend, you are better of giving him away.

Having said that, here is a shortcut which work for many cats. Catnip works wonders for training your cat to use the scratching post. For your convenience, modern science has created a catnip spray which you can use to spray the cat scratching post. You should place this post near the sofa or furniture where your cat likes to scratch. You should also get a cat repellant spray - to spray the places where he likes to scratch.

Many cats scratch furniture as a means of marking their territory. The scratching serves as a visible mark and also leaves behind a scent from the glands in his paws. This means your cat, or cats, probably have more than one favorite piece of furniture where they like to scratch. You will need to buy more than one scratching post.

Cats also scratch furniture as part of their exercise, as well as to shed the dead outer layers of their claws. You should not buy a cat scratching post just because it looks cool. You should buy a post which fits your cat best. One way is to find something which feels like your furniture or carpet. Do not limit your thoughts to just a scratching post. Cats which like to scratch carpets often respond well to something flat laid down flat on the ground. If your cat is like this, it may take longer to train him to use a vertical scratching post.

Given this fact, it is better if you only buy cat scratching posts from your local shops - where you can see and feel the material of the post. If it looks or feels different from the furniture which your cat is scratching now, he is unlikely to switch to the new post. This factor makes buying cat furniture online a bit chancy.

Cat scratching posts bought from the store can be expensive for some cat owners. Here are some ideas for cheap, homemade cat furniture:

* Cheap, square pieces of carpet which you can buy from WalMart, etc. Should cost you under $10. You may also be able to get some free from your local carpet shop.

* Cardboard cartons and boxes - you should be able to get these free from your local grocery shop.

* Wooden logs.

* Old furniture, or parts of old furniture. If you have some handy wood-working skills, you can turn a small cabinet into a cat house.

* Rough wooden planks.

Here is another shortcut to prevent your cat from damaging your furniture - regularly take him to the vet to get his nails clipped, either once or twice a month. The vet will clip the hooked part of the claw. This is the part which causes the most damage to your furniture and carpet. You may want the vet to teach you how to do it yourself. Please note that this is different from declawing your cat, which is cruel and inhumane. Declawing actually involves chopping off the tips of your cats toes. How would you feel if someone cut off the tips of your fingers?

Some cats appear intransigent, and refuse to use the cat scratching post. The fact is, you may just need to understand him better. And also use a different way of training him. You have to remember that shortcuts do not always work.

Cat Scratch Disease: My Cat Just Scratched Me, What Do I Do?

2009-05-18T19:32:00.000+07:00

Cat scratch disease is also known as cat scratch fever. This disease strikes people who are infected by the Bartonella henselae bacteria. In almost all cases, cat scratch disease occurs when the person was scratched or bitten by his cat. The cat itself does not catch cat scratch disease. It is just a carrier. Now, before you panic and send your cat to the pound, the National Center for Infectious Diseases (CDC) estimates that 40% of all cats carry this disease at some time in their lives. Considering how many cat owners exist in the world, clearly, this disease is not very infectious or dangerous.

But how do you know whether you were infected by cat scratch disease? The first thing you want to look at is the place your cat bit or scratched you. Is the wound infected? (Note: If you cannot find the wound, then you do not have cat scratch disease.) Then you want to check your lymph nodes. Are the nodes around your head, neck and upper limbs swollen? Do you also have fever, headache, fatigue, and a poor appetite? These are the typical cat scratch fever symptoms.

What can you do? The first step is always preventative. If you own a cat, or play with cats, you will definitely get bitten or scratched. What you should do every time you get scratched is simply to clean the wound with soap and running water. Then clean it with an antiseptic like peroxide and apply an antibiotic cream (neosporin works pretty well). Just applying these basic hygiene practises will prevent most cases of infection from cat bites or scratches, not just cat scratch disease.

What if you have already been infected - your wound is swollen and reddish, your lymph nodes are swollen and you have a fever? Then just go to your doctor. He will probably give you an antibiotic, and maybe drain the wound if necessary. You should also send your cats to the vet. Let him make sure they are not still carrying the bacteria. Otherwise they may infect you again, or infect other people.

In the long run, you need to train your cats not to bite or scratch too hard. Your cats need to learn how to show affection without drawing blood from you. And you need to learn not to provoke or over-excite your cats.

Provided that you are not the one who provoked the cat scratch, you can spray kitty with water every time it bites or scratches you. This means you will need to carry around a spray bottle with you at home. Spray kitty consistently when it bites you, and it will learn to stop biting you. Remember to spray when it bites - not 30 seconds later, or 1 minute later, or 5 minutes later. It will only learn if your response is immediate. Too many people spray only after the cat scratched or bit, then they complain that the technique does not work.

If your cat tends to bite or scratch you during playtime, then you need a different approach. Play with your cat normally. When he bites or scratches you, stop playing and ignore him. Too many people just continue playing - unfortunately, this teaches kitty that biting or scratching is good.

As you can see, cat scratch disease is not a big deal. As long as you practice basic hygiene, and train your cat not to bite or scratch too much, everything should be alright.

by Katherin Towers

Teaching Basic Obedience Skills To Your Dog

2009-05-15T23:14:00.002+07:00

It is really challenging as well as exciting to teach the basic obedience skills to your dog when teaching is avoid of any type of punishment or humiliation. Your endurance will surely make you a good teacher and your dog a good learner.

Dogs generally get distracted pretty easily because of their short attention spans. Therefore select of a place that is free of other distractions such as other pets, children or loud noises for training is important. Remember not to exceed your training period more than 30 minutes because the dog gets restless and easily distracted. Paying attention to your commands will be the beginning of your first lesson in obedience. Start calling your dog by his name and then follow using a keyword like “watch” or “look” after your dog gets acquainted with his name. Once you find your dog going well with your commands you get the signal to step forward for the next step of your teaching. Doing some attention exercises for a short length of time will help your dog to be able to pay attention to your commands. For this you need to hold a toy or dog treat in near your mouth and then give him the keyword command. Praise him, for each time he takes the time to watch because this will encourage him to increase the time of paying attention to you. Try getting him to watch for at least a minute. Let him know that he is doing a good job by rewarding him. Dogs learn best this way.

To make your dog pleasant to be around you need to teach him the basic obedience commands that begins with the word “sit”. Help him to understand your command by gently pushing his backside down. Next basic obedience command will be “down.” this command will stop them from pouncing or jumping which they usually do to express their excitement which may be not liked by some people around. Help him to understand your command by placing their legs down if required. Next is the command of “stay” which is especially over-ruly dog. Putting something desirable on the ground and commanding to “Stay’ when you see your dog approaching toward it. Once he begins to become obedient in this area, do the same exercise by moving farther away from him and if he tries to breach the rules then tell him “stay” which will convey that even though you are moving away you expect him to continue to obey.

Frustration can lead you to cause pain to your dog if you find your dog not learning properly but remember animals are like children. They also need time, love and care to learn.

By : peter john

13 ways to save your furniture from cat scratching

2009-05-14T10:38:00.002+07:00

The cats are great pets. They love to play, they love to cuddle when you are watching TV or sleeping, and they purr for no reason other than being near you. But they also love to scratch. Unfortunately, the things they love to scratch are often the legs of your antique table, your upholstered sofa, or your expensive carpet.

Although many humans do not appreciate when their cats scratching, you have to know that kittens and cats do not scratch to make us angry, they just need to scratch. Scratching is a natural hardwired behavior in cats, just like breathing and purring, and every cat owner must know WHY THE CATS SCRATCH.

In the wild, cats scratch around their immediate environment to signal their presence to other cats and to claim the area in question. The marking takes two forms: visual and olfactory. The visual is in the form of clawing marks and is so obvious that even we humans can recognise it. The olfactory mark is subtler, involving the release of pheromones. These are substances secreted from the body to be picked up by the number of the same species, causing them to alter their behavior.

Scratching has additional function too. It removes the nail sheaths, outer layer of dead cells from the claw. You might thing your cat scratches to sharpen her claws, but it more likely it provides her with a form of physical therapy for the muscles and tendons of her paws.

There are two groups of target for every cat. The first one is when your cat target one or two areas in the home, usually near important territorial areas such as: sleeping area, litter tray, hunting or play areas. The second one is your cat undertake more widespread and destructive scratching in highly visible sites such as: doorways, windows, prominent furnishings - like sofas.

WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOUR CAT SCRATCHING YOUR FURNITURE?

1. The easiest but the most painful method for cat is declawing. Faced with cat scratching problems, many people consider declawing surgery. But many veterinarians believe declawing is a painful and unnecessary surgery and refuse to do it for humane reasons. Instead, they advocate training your cat to use a scratching post.

2. Make sure there are multiple scratching opportunities. Cats often like to scratch after eating and sleeping, so be sure there is something to scratch near where they eat and sleep. A scratching post is an excellent investment for your cat. It will allow her to scratch, stretch and exercise all at once. If you want to provide your cat not only with scratching surface, but and places where she can climb, perch and sleep you should consider cat tree.

3. Cover the furniture with something your cat does not like: double sided tape, some plastic or aluminium foil. Some cats dislike the feeling and sound of foil, and most cats hate things that stick to their fur. Double-sided sticky tape used in carpet installation works well, but be sure the tape won’t harm your cat or furniture.

4. Keep your cat mentally stimulated and offers her plenty of opportunity for exercise, and she will has less opportunity to be destructive in your home. If your cat is frustrated and bored, she may scratch your furniture or tear your drapes. Give her enough play time. Cats are motivated by smell, sound, texture and movement. The toys you use should aim to cover all these aspects. Discover your cat’s preferences by presenting a variety different sized toy made from different materials and watch her reaction to gauge her preferences.

5. Cutting the nails regularly may help keep a cat from scratching the furniture, or at least reduce the damage done by its scratching. Get your kitten used to having its nails clipped while it is young, praise her while you clip the nail and reward her with a treat.

6. Booby trap the furniture with a soda can with some pennies in it, so that if cat scratches, it makes a noise.

7. Use a doorknob alarm on your curtains. When pinned to the drapes, the alarm will sound every time your cat tries to use curtains as a ladder.

8. Consider a window perch for your feline friend. It will give your cat hours of entertainment - especially if you place a bird or squirrel feeder in the garden outside the window. Be sure the window is closed so your pet won’t fall out.

9. When you catch your cat scratching furniture, try squirting her with a water pistol or squirt bottle and use a firm ‘no’. Of course, this won’t stop your cat when you are not around.

10. If your cat is gaining access to a high bookcase by leaping from a nearby chair, move the chair. Without her launchpad, your cat will no longer be able to reach her perch.

11. You can also try taping inflated balloons to the problem areas. When your cat pops one with her claws, she will avoid scratching there again. However, try this only when you are at home, so you can pick up the balloon pieces before your cat tries to eat them.

12. There are training devices that keep cats off forbidden areas by making annoying sounds. They are available at pet supply stores, catalogs and websites.

13. If your cat still scratches in appropriate places, use some sprays like bitter apple or actual orange peels, which are good deterrents.

All forms of physical punishment should be avoided since they can cause fear or aggression toward the owner, and at best, the cat will only learn to stop the scratching while the owner is around.

It does not matter which method you will choose to prevent your furniture destroying, every cat owner mush know that it is impractical and unfair to expect cats to stop scratching entirely.

by PETAR PETROV

Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

2009-05-14T10:28:00.001+07:00

'Tis the season for friends and family, eggnog and other treats, and good times! During this busy time it can be a challenge to juggle everything that needs to be done -- including caring for your four-legged friends. Here are a few tips to help keep your furry friends safe for the holidays:

__No Chocolate, Please

Although Fido and Fluffy may be attracted to the smell and taste of chocolate, in sufficient quantities, chocolate can make her very sick. The result? Vomiting, diarrhea, and a lovely holiday spent at the emergency vet clinic.

Be sure to store chocolate well away from pets. Open counters or ledges are not good places -- some dogs may 'counter-surf', and cats easily reach counters (what's worse, they can knock chocolate off the countertop and straight into the path of enthusiastic dogs!).

__Tinsel's Pretty, But...

Although it's a popular decoration for trees, it can pose a danger if your pet swallows it. It's possible for it to cause an intestinal blockage -- and again, no one (least of all your pet!) wants to spend the holidays undergoing surgery!

__What's That? Who's There?

Holidays are often filled with friends and family going in and out of the house. If your pet is excitable or tends to get stressed with noise and crowds, consider placing her safely in a crate or a room that's "out-of- bounds" to guests. Give her blankets, food, water, toys ... and check in with her regularly to make sure she's okay. This will help to ensure your pet stays safely with her family, rather than accidentally slipping out the door.

__Mmm mmm! Extension cords!

With all the pretty lights during the holiday season, you probably have a variety of extension cords running every which way. Some pets have a real 'taste' for extension cords -- keep an eye on them to prevent chewing, or they could be in for a real 'shock'! Where possible, tie cords out of the way. Some hardware stores also sell a plastic tubing into which you insert cords to keep your gnawing little pet from hurting herself.

Happy Holidays to you and your family -- both two-legged and four-legged!

by PETFRIENDLY .CA

Walking Your Dog with a Harness

2009-05-14T10:25:00.000+07:00

There are several benefits that you can get out of a dog collar. First of all, you can have something to hold your dog tag, which is essential just in case your small one starts to wander somewhere without your notice.

However, dog collars can be potentially dangerous to the health of your pet. Thus, instead of using it, go for a dog harness.

1. You can basically cut off the supply of oxygen of dogs. Dogs, just like humans, have trachea. It’s almost like a hose of a vacuum cleaner, where air can pass through. When you’re going to pull the collar, you are actually restricting the proper flow of air into the lungs of your dog. Subsequently, he may pass out because of the collapse of his trachea, or worse, die because of lack of oxygen.

2. You can injure their neck. Small dogs have extremely delicate necks. When your dog is wearing a collar and starts to pull away, the entire weight of the dog will be on his neck. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if he gets more than just bruises on this body part, potentially suffering from serious back injury.

The Option You Have

That’s why you need a dog harness. For one, the soft harness can distribute the overall weight of your dog across his shoulders; thus, each time he pulls away, his neck doesn’t suffer from any strain, which prevents any injury from occurring. It also comes with a chest belt, which you can easily adjust depending on the size of the dog. Moreover, since the harness doesn’t have to be tied around his neck, there’s no way that you can obstruct the passage of air.

If you’re worrying of losing control over your dog, you can just buy a dog harness that comes together with a leash or a lead. There are plenty of beautiful designs to choose from.

Get rid of your dog collars and go for a qualitydog harness instead. Puppia is currently the leader in the market with their famous soft harness, made of the finest materials around, such as fine cotton mesh and suede. They don’t only protect, your dog’s neck but they provide your dog with complete comfort throughout your walk. What’s more, there are a variety of patterns to pick - from hip to single colored ones.

by BEI MANIAGO

Preparing Your Home For A New Puppy

2008-06-13T10:45:00.001+07:00

While excitement and anticipation may be at the top of the list when bringing home a new puppy, preparing for him should rate highly on the list. Just as you would need to prepare a home when you have a baby, pet owners also need to take special precautions when "puppy-proofing."

Before you start preparing your home for a puppy, you should take into consideration the yard and garden. First, check fences and gates to be sure there are no holes large enough for him to get his head stuck in. Watch for litter and/or trash cans, which can be tipped over, giving your new puppy the chance to eat things that he shouldn't. And finally, know where you are treating your lawn and garden with pesticides, and then forbid your puppy from going there. In addition, make sure that all chemicals and other harmful products are put away out of your new friend's reach.

Next, you will need to investigate your home and pretend that a small toddler is coming to live with you! Like toddlers, puppies will find everything new and exciting. They don't know when something is dangerous or can't tell if that interesting remote control will get them into trouble.

In addition, when preparing your home for the new puppy, you should keep these tips in mind:

Be sure all electrical and cable wires are either in a space your puppy will not be or hide them under rugs or carpets. Do not keep wires where your puppy could chew and gnaw on them. Just like a toddler, your puppy will explore every element, including low cupboards. Just when you thought having a puppy was easier than a child, he will learn to nudge those cupboard doors open! Consider installing locks or sort through them and only keep safe objects in low areas.

So far, so good, right? Well, that's only if you remember that in reality your puppy has the mind of a small child. Soon you'll be getting ready for afternoon walks to the park, 3 a.m. trips to the bathroom, (more officially, outside) and lots of cuddling. So, while preparing your home for your puppy, think of him as a member of your family. Buy him a bed made from plastic, which is more resistant to chewing. Line it with comfortable bedding washable of course and then place it in a special place just for him. Make sure it is somewhere he will be safe and comfortable.

Preparing your home for your new puppy is a lot of work, so you may consider buying a puppy pen until everything is taken care of. Just like a baby's playpen, a puppy pen will offer an area for him to play without roaming the house. By doing this, you are also saving your furniture and other objects from being chewed on. (Don't worry he'll eventually grow out of this!)

Another important thing to think about when preparing your home for your puppy is any stairs that you may have in the house. If you have an open basement or second floor, use baby gates to confine his run area to prevent harm. Babies and puppies alike are not aware of danger and don't realize that they could fall down steps and hurt themselves.

The most important thing to think about while preparing your home for the new puppy is just like a child, they will need cuddling, attention and there will definitely be a lot of wet kisses!

Feeding Your Pet Stingray - The Essentials of Maintaining

2008-06-13T10:43:00.000+07:00

Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a varied diet is extremely important in captive animals, as monocultural diets incur a risk of nutritional deficiencies. Stingrays are very active, and should be fed at least once a day, preferably twice or even three times daily. The daily diet can be varied in order to create some environmental enrichment as well as balanced nutrition for the rays.

First Foods

First foods for newly acquired rays should be blackworms or tubifex worms. These foods seem to be the most readily accepted, and are small enough to be inadvertently ingested either by mouth or through the spiracle, thereby giving the ray an opportunity to taste these possibly unfamiliar foods by chance. Foods that have been used for very small specimens, such as the teacup rays, are small insect larvae such as mosquito larvae, small shrimp known as ghost shrimp or glass shrimp, live adult brine shrimp, and blackworms. Chitinous foods such as shrimp provide less nutritional value than do soft-bodied foods, and so should not be used as sole food items.

The best way to be certain that your new stingray is feeding is to watch the spiracles as the ray passes over food on the bottom of the tank. If it is eating, you will see the spiracles opening and closing rapidly, or fluttering, as the food is ingested and water is passed from the mouth and out the spiracles. Once you observe a newly acquired ray readily feeding on black-worms or redworms introduce finely chopped night crawlers in small quantities. Once stingrays recognize these as food, most will readily eat them. Later, experiment with other types of food.

Types of Food

Live Foods

Feed live foods, including blackworms or tubifex worms, in quantities adequate to allow a small amount to be left in the tank so the rays can browse later. However, when cleaning the substrate, note whether a significant amount of living worms is present; blackworms and tubifex worms will colonize the substrate if not eaten and add to the nitrogenous waste production in the aquarium.

Nonlive, Nonaquatic Foods

Chopped earthworms, redworms, or night crawlers and any nonlive, nonaquatic foods should be fed in smaller quantities to prevent any overlooked food from decomposing in the tank. Keep in mind that stingrays have relatively small mouths-a 10-inch (25-cm) ray may have a mouth that is 1/2 to 3/4 inch (13 to 19 mm) wide, so chopped food items must be small enough to be eaten easily. If a ray ingests a piece of food and repeatedly spits it out and ingests it again, this usually indicates that the particle is too large. Some ray species, such as antenna rays, have extremely small mouths relative to their size.

Once acclimated, rays often develop techniques for eating larger pieces of food; for example, newly imported rays may have difficulty consuming even small chopped pieces of night crawlers. Eventually, however, they learn to eat an entire worm by sucking it into their oral cavity without chewing. Newly acquired rays also often ignore feeder goldfish but they quickly learn to chase down and consume feeders, even learning where they hide in the tank.

Commercially Prepared Foods

Stingrays may learn to eat other unfamiliar foods such as brine shrimp, pellet foods, or other commercially prepared foods. While there is probably no harm in offering these foods to rays, it is best to use fresh, live, or frozen foods as the dietary staple. Although stingrays often do not initially accept frozen or other nonliving foods, they may soon learn to eat these foods after they have been acclimated. A benefit of frozen foods is that they are less likely than live foods to introduce diseases or parasites.

Hand-feeding

Occasionally, a well-acclimated specimen will fail to gain weight, even though you are offering enough food. Several things may cause this problem; the most likely possibility is that it is not competing efficiently for food against other fish in the aquarium, or it may have a parasitic infestation. Stingrays occasionally do not seem to learn where foods can be found during feeding times, and are always in the wrong part of the tank during those times. In these cases, it is helpful to hand-feed such specimens. By this I do not mean feeding with your hands. Although some aquarists do this with stingrays, I do not recommend it because of the possibility of being accidentally stung. Remember that stingrays are wild animals, and no matter how accustomed your specimens become to your presence, it is impossible to always accurately predict their response to humans. Instead, you should always perform the hand-feeding of specimens with long forceps or a similar instrument. Stingrays generally avoid metal objects and appear to be frightened by metal; however, because they can sense metal, they will quickly learn that when there is a metal object in the aquarium, food is being offered. In this way, you can teach your stingray to feed directly from forceps, and selectively feed it more food.

Simply hold a night crawler (or a piece of night crawler) in the forceps, and hold the worm in the aquarium so that the ray can touch it with its fin. It should eat the worm immediately. After a few feedings in this manner, allow the forceps to touch the ray while it is eating the worm. It will quickly learn to associate the forceps with feeding and soon you will find that the ray will pounce on the forceps as soon as it touches it, eagerly looking for a treat!

How Much and How Often

The key to having well-fed stingrays in your aquarium is providing plenty of food. Unlike most fish that swim quietly between feedings, stingrays search constantly for food, looking under and around tank ornaments, moving driftwood, rocks, filters, and even other fish! This high activity level translates to a high metabolic rate, which means that while searching for food rays continue to burn energy. If they use up energy looking for food, but do not find any, they will lose weight. To compensate for this loss of energy, it is essential to provide adequate food. I cannot stress this enough. Hobbyists sometimes tell me that they feed their rays three times weekly, thinking that this is adequate. Stingrays should be fed at least twice, and usually three times, daily. In spite of these frequent feedings, rays will still constantly look for food between feedings!

When feeding significant quantities of live feeder goldfish, it is wise to add vitamin B1 to the feeder supply. Goldfish contain the enzyme thiaminase, which destroys thiamin, or vitamin B1, and this vitamin must be replenished. It should be your practice to add one 50-mg tablet to each 500 gallons (1893 L) of water every two weeks. You can add the tablets directly to the sump of the wet-dry filter; or as an alternative, the tablets can be added directly to the tank.

by Brendon Turner

Time to get clean - Great Horse Washing Advice

2008-06-13T10:42:00.000+07:00

Its show time!! Well, it will be after I get my horse washed and cleaned up. Why is it, that the harder you try to keep them clean (and grays are the worst), the dirtier they become??

Wel, I can't answer that. But I can give you a few hints on better washing technique, and how to avoid some of those show day mishaps (or at least how to cope with them).

Here is some equipment I like to have handy on washing day: - hose with adjustable jet, bucket, sponge, dandy brush, comb, body scraper, scissors, gum boots, hair bands (or horse bands), clean dry rugs, skinny hood (if required), vinegar (I will explain) and of course suitable shampoos, conditioners and highlighters.

Here is the procedure I have used for the 'day before' show washing of many State and National champions:

1. Brush or remove and obvious dirt, grass or twigs from your horse. This includes the tail.

2. Make sure your horse is securely tied in a suitable area (cement based washing bays, are great).

3. Hose your horse down (use warm water if available), starting with the front legs (giving the horse time to acclimatize to the water) and moving up the shoulder, neck, back legs rump and then barrel and back. Last wash the face, but do so carefully and gently.

4. Wash first with shampoo, using the dandy brush in a circular motion. Start with the shoulder; neck and then move down the body and legs (don't forget the other side!). Also do the tail and mane, which may need to be done twice.

5. Scrape off as much shampoo as possible; this will give you a better rinse result. And rinse thoroughly.

6. Re shampoo if necessary.

7. If using a white highlighting shampoo (the purple/blue stuff for the white/ gray markings) it is best applied at this point. It is fine to use all over the body but make sure you pay close attention to the white areas. You will need to work quickly as it can stain, don't use too much and rinse of thoroughly.

8. I normally find that conditioning the body is a waste of time and makes the coat a bit fluffy, but if you feel the need, do it now.

9. Next its time to condition the mane and tail. If you are plaiting/braiding your horse for competition you may want to avoid conditioning too heavily or avoid leaving the conditioner on for long.

10. For a tangle free tail, leave the conditioner in for a minute (if you can) and comb the tail, with the conditioner still in it. Then rinse well.

11. Here's where the vinegar comes in. Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar (white) to 5 parts warm water. Use this as a final conditioner and then rinse out. It works really well and removes any left over residue.

12. You can now use any colour high lighting treatment (available at good saddlery shops) at this point. I find that the chestnut ones work quite well, especially if the horse has been recently clipped (please note this is not a dye and therefore not illegal to use).

13. Do a final rinse and scrape any access water off.

14. Towel dry as best as you can, remember the legs!

15. Depending on the weather and horse, you maybe able to leave your horse out in the sun for a while.

16. Apply a clean dry rug and the skinny hood (make sure the mane and fore lock is lying flat) followed by some warm woolen stable rugs. This will help to dry your horse and keep them warm.

17. I have been known to pre warm the under rug in a dryer.

18. Plait the tail if require or use a tail bag to help keep it clean (I have had a few too many disasters with tail bags and tend not to use them. But they can work well with some horses).

19. Using float boots, bandages or specially made boots, wrap each leg (this is very handy with the horses that have white markings). Don't put them on too tight. You will be amazed at how clean you can keep your horse by this simple step (although some horses love to pull their boots off during the night).

20. Finally, once your horse is very dry, put it away in a clean stable or yard. Remember the rugs will need changing depending on the weather.

by Tina Williamson

Responsible Dog Ownership

2008-06-13T10:40:00.000+07:00

With all the companionship and love that our dogs give so freely, it's hard to imagine that some owners just don't take responsibility for their dogs. But it's true. Millions of dogs healthy dogs are euthanized every year. Whether through owner neglect or owner ignorance, millions of healthy dogs will endure the same fate this year. So what's a responsible dog owner to do? The best thing you can do, as a dog owner, is to ensure that your dog doesn't become a statistic, and you do that through responsible pet ownership.

Welcoming a new dog into your house means taking on additional long-term responsibility. Many new dog owners find something cute or romantic about bringing that puppy in the window home until they realize that there's a modicum of work involved in caring for that cute, adorable little face, and a price to pay for those wet, slobbering kisses. You wouldn't expect to return a baby. Its' no less wrong to return a dog when the novelty wears off, and it ought to be criminal to leave a dog somewhere on its own. In many ways, dogs are as vulnerable as newborn infants are, but dogs are dependent upon their owners for their entire lives.

Listed below you'll find basic steps to responsible dog ownership, and many of them are just common-sense rules of the road.

1. Selecting Your Dog : Turn to a local animal shelter or rescue operation to select a puppy or dog. Remember that older dogs need loving owners too. Refuse to purchase a puppy or dog that started life in a puppy mill.

2. Test Your Dog : Contact a veterinarian and ask him to run the usual series of tests on your new companion.

3. Spay or Neuter Your Dog : Responsible pet owners always spay and neuter their dogs and cats. There are far more dogs waiting for adoption than there are owners to adopt them.

4. Provide Medical Care : Aside from the annual physical examination and vaccinations, protect your dog from heartworm, ticks and fleas. Talk with your vet about the many options available today. Contact your vet at the first sign that something is wrong with your dog.

5. Provide Adequate Food and Water : Provide food suited to your dog's age, size and condition.

6. Walk Your Dog : Your dog will let you know when it needs to be walked.

7. Provide Exercise and Recreation : Provide ample space, dog toys and opportunity for your pet to exercise. If you haven't thrown a Frisbee in twenty years, you'll be surprised at how much fun it is to try to outsmart your dog unlikely!

8. Protect Your Dog from Abuse : Animal cruelty is serious business, and in some states, it's a felony. Even the FBI acknowledged that animal cruelty is a known marker (future indicator) of violence against humans. If anyone in your house intentionally mistreats your dog, seek help immediately. You could thwart the next school shooting.

9. Discourage Aggressive Behavior : You'll know the difference between hearty play and aggressive behavior. Contact your vet at the first sign of aggressive behavior to discuss your options.

10. Coping with Serious Illness and Geriatric Dogs : Geriatric dogs are prone to many of the same illnesses that plague geriatric humans. You'll want to do everything in your power to keep your dog comfortable at the end, but at some point, it may become necessary to end the suffering. If you've been a responsible dog owner throughout the dog's life, you'll want to end that life just as responsibly as you cared for it.

by MJ Plaster

Foxtail Grass Dangerous to Dogs

2008-06-13T10:39:00.000+07:00

If you have dogs, keep the foxtail out of your lawn!

Foxtail is a common annual grass usually considered a weed. It grows one to three feet tall, with branching and some spreading at ground level. Leaf blades are 4 to 15 inches long. Flower heads are dense spikes with yellow to reddish, green or purplish bristles. As foxtail matures, seeds are formed at the top of the stalk. The bushy seeds are what gives the plant the name of "foxtail".

When mature, the seeds detach easily from the plant. This is natures way of making sure that the plant reproduces. The seeds easily cling to clothing, fur, and hair. The seeds always move forward thus penetrating the skin.

The seeds found in the ears, eyes and nose are very serious and can become life threatening. But no body part is immune. The seeds have been found in the urethra, vagina, anal glands, brain, and spinal cord. In one case a veterinarian found the seed in the lung but the original site of entry was the paw. The seeds also gain entry through open wounds.

Foxtail seeds are very tiny so veterinarians usually go by symptoms.

If in the nasal cavity, the dog sneezes repeatedly and violently often hitting the nose on the floor. If a bloody discharge is noticed assume it's a foxtail seed.

If in the eye, the dog paws at the eye and the eye waters. If an eye is glued shut it is most likely a foxtail seed.

If the seed is in the ear the dog shakes its head violently from side to side. Sometimes the dog paws a the eyes or ear, shaking the head and squints.

In the mouth foxtail seeds can cause gagging or difficulty swallowing. If the seed gets caught between the teeth, in the gums, back of throat, or tongue problems can result.

If the seed lodges in the paw or under the coat a lump will form that is painful to the touch. Other symptoms include rubbing the head on the ground and going round in circles, licking or biting at the rectum or other body parts, or yelping or shining for no obvious reason.

Foxtail seeds can cause fatalities when they reach internal organs.

In any case, do not attempt to treat the animal yourself. Get professional help.

Get rid of all foxtail in your lawn or yard. If foxtail grows in your yard mow the grass often, especially in late spring when the plant grows most rapidly. This prevents the plant from ever setting seed.

Avoid parks, or other recreational areas where you know foxtail grows.

Always brush and inspect your dogs coat after being in grassy areas. Dogs with long hair are even more likely to attract the seeds than shorthaired breeds.

Examine your dogs eyes and ears.

by Marilyn Pokorney

How To Keep Your Aquarium Clean

2008-06-09T13:50:00.001+07:00

No one likes living in a dirty, stuffy house. Thank goodness a little dirt is not hazardous to our health. The same cannot be said for our aquatic friends. Most fish and invertebrates are unable to adapt to changes in water chemistry that result from increased bacteria, waste, and chemicals. Proper filtration can preserve the overall health of the aquarium and maintain its beauty.

Three types of filtration exist on the market – biological, mechanical, and chemical. Varying experts will assert that you must utilize all three in your tank. For a marine aquarium with a reef environment, that may be good advice. There is no definitive answer on what combination is suitable for your aquatic environment. Educating yourself on the functions of all three will enable you to pick the filter(s) that will safeguard your fish and invertebrates’ natural habitat.

Biological Filtration
Biological filters are a must for every aquarium. They stimulate the growth of nitrifying bacteria that breaks down harmful ammonia to less toxic chemicals such as nitrate. It sounds simple enough, but how this is accomplished is quite impressive. A widespread method of producing these beneficial bacteria is adding fish to the aquarium. The bacteria, which ride on the fish, drop off and spread throughout the tank and grow. This also leads to increased amounts of dangerous ammonia, so it is important to add fish gradually. It can take several months to establish this cyclical process.

Aquarist believed that they had an easier, quicker solution in under gravel filters and crushed coral. Along with the water, detritus and junk was pulled through the crushed coral, which clogged the filter bed. Some fish enthusiasts have gladly replaced these under gravel filters with biofilters such as canister filters, trickle filters, bio wheels, fluidized bed filters, or sponge filters. These devices incorporate other methods of filtration making them even more useful. Other aquarists opt for the natural route to biological filtration using a mixture of live sand and crushed coral as the tank’s substrate.

Mechanical Filtration
Mechanical filters use a more direct approach to remove particulate matter before it decomposes and adds to the ammonia load. These filters are the most versatile since they can be used in most filtration devices. The key to their efficiency is regular cleaning. Otherwise, waste can accumulate and your effort is in vain. Aquarium owners must always be mindful of the flow rate of their device, which is automatically set to manufacturer’s standards. A reduced flow can lead to an unclean filter (or vice versa) and adversely affects the health of the entire aquarium.

There are a variety of mechanical filters on the market, each with its own advantages. The power filters’ low price, ease of use, and maintenance makes it the most popular of all mechanical filtration devices. These quiet devices can also be used for chemical and biological filtration.

Canister filters are equally as versatile. These large-capacity filters, which run on their own pumps, can be used for mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. Many aquarists prefer the hang-on-tank canister filters to promote water quality, but there are a large variety of canisters styles available.

Wet/Dry filters, also known as trickle filters or bio-towers, are more suitable for fish-only tanks than reef systems. This is due to the biomaterial inside the filter’s wet/dry chamber that becomes dirty and results in a buildup of harmful nitrates.

Internal filters are a great option for smaller tanks. Their compact and simple design makes them easy to operate. As the name suggests, the filter runs within the aquarium and is powered by a small water pump, or air pump.

Protein skimming/foam fractionation is not mandatory, but it is a trusted method of maintaining water quality. Dissolved proteins linger to air bubbles and form protein foam. Protein skimming pumps the air bubbles through a small columnar removing the dissolved proteins from the tank.

Chemical Filtration
Particles are not the only thing floating in your aquarium’s water. Copper, ammonia, and phosphates also threaten the stability of your tank’s environment. Chemical filtration utilizes chemically enhanced products to treat the water. Activated carbon is the leading medium used. Others such as calcium hydroxide, zeolite, and even peat moss work as well.

Protein skimming, Power, Canister, and Internal filters are some of the most common filtration devices used for chemical treatment. Of course these double for mechanical filtration devices as well. Trickle filters are a popular choice amongst saltwater aquarium owners. The water is first drawn from the tank. Then, it is siphoned through the mechanical, biological, chemical, and auxiliary filters. Finally, it placed back into the aquarium.

To target specific chemicals, look to Reactors. Water is drawn through a canister-type chamber where it meets the chemical media. For even more effective filtration, they can be run pressurized.

The methods of keeping your aquarium’s waters clean are numerous. Using biological filters as a base, there is a wealth of combinations that you can build upon to create a healthy environment for your pets.

By: Reef Saltwateraquarium

Making Dog Training More Effective With Training Equipment

2008-06-09T13:49:00.001+07:00

When you first get a new dog it may seem a little overwhelming the amount of things you have to buy. You will have to buy food, a bed, bowls and toys to mention just a few and it is also a very sensible idea to get some dog training equipment.

While it is possible to use ordinary items this may not be the case in some circumstances.

For instance, it will certainly be necessary to get a case if you intend to crate train your dog and you may want to purchase a clicker or a noisy chain. If you are training a hunting dog then you will want more specific dog training equipment to help with the process of training.

A clicker is used to help with positive reinforcement. Every time you praise your dog you click the clicker and give him a treat and so he recognizes the noise to mean he has done well and is being rewarded.

On the other hand a noisy chain is used to throw at the feet of your dog as negative reinforcement when he has done something wrong. The noise of the chain hitting the floor is irritating to the dog and will certainly get his attention. You should never use the chain to reprimand the dog directly and it should only be used to make the loud noise.

There are other more unusual training aids. You can get remote spray collars that work like ordinary collars but have a small water spray attached. When your dog misbehaves you can click the button and the water will spray into his face.

This will invariably stop him in his tracks and after using this a couple of times it is very unlikely he will do the same thing again for fear of getting water sprayed in his face.

Walking big dogs can be a real challenge. Specialist collars can help. Harnesses give you much more control over a boisterous dog that usually has the run of you when out on walks and the choker chain works by tightening around the dog’s neck but quickly loosening again when the tension on the lead loosens.

Electric collars give out a small electrical shock to your dog although this form of punishment is best for hunting dogs and teaching them not to approach certain harmful animals like snakes. This dog training equipment is all fairly inexpensive and will make your life a lot easier when first training your dog.

By: Marc Lindsay

Professional Dog Training - Training The Right Way

2008-06-09T13:48:00.002+07:00

Most areas have a dog training school that takes puppies and more mature dogs alike and if you are in the early stages of obedience training then taking your puppy or dog to one of these schools is a very useful step.

Not only do dog obedience training schools help teach your dog obedience skills but they also teach you how to teach them. As well as this, obedience schools are full of other dogs and other people and most of these people have been in the same position as you.

This provides you and your puppy with an excellent opportunity to try out your social skills.

Even though you only really need to go for several lessons it is fine to continue going dog obedience school even if it is only to continue socializing your dog. In the long run, ensuring that your dog is socialized will prove vital.

Without this they can become stressed, anxious and defensive in new situations with new people. Most aggression in dogs is only a form of defense and preventing this is essential.

Dog training schools will teach you the essentials of obedience training and if you have never owned a puppy before this can be quite an eye opener.

From the day you bring your puppy home he or she is developing new habits and characteristics and if you are responding inappropriately to these actions then you could be teaching your puppy completely the wrong thing.

You will both be taught the basics of rewarding and reprimanding your dog and you will normally learn to make your puppy sit, stay and other useful ‘tricks’. Even with just these simple tricks you should be able to teach your dog a lot.

Don’t forget that one of the most important aspects of obedience training is not the specific tricks but showing the dog that you are in control. Handing over control to you will remove a lot of stress from any dog and allow them to lead a healthier and happier lifestyle.

This is especially true of older dogs that have got into bad habits. It will take longer to train older dogs because they have become conditioned to act in certain ways, but most dogs will still be susceptible to useful and effective training.

It is still very important that you continue the work yourself when you get home and don’t just rely on your one trip a week to the school.

By: Marc Lindsay

Taking Care of an Older Cat

2008-06-09T13:48:00.001+07:00

Cats are not turtles. Okay, I know what you're thinking, people aren't turtles, either. However, when you really think about it, people are a lot closer to turtles than cats in the sense that turtles, as well as people, can live to be 100 years or more. Not so for cats. In fact, in human terms, a cat who's surpassed twelve years would be applying for their old age pension. Certainly cats can live longer than twelve years and, in fact, thanks to many factors, cats really are living much longer these days.

Dedicated care from their human companions plus advances in veterinary medicine are the main reasons. Most experts consider a cat's "senior years" to begin on her 10th birthday. After this point, the aging process begins to slow in even the most playful feline. Yet, with a little extra attention from her resident human, a cat could enjoy another 5-10 years of life and love.

As with humans, cats often lose the ability to hear as they get older. This often goes unnoticed by their human companion because they think their cat's lack of response is just typical feline aloofness. Unfortunately, without keen hearing and vision, an older cat becomes more vulnerable to threats from cars and dogs on the street, so it's probably a good idea to keep an older cat indoors. If she loves the fresh air, then make sure you supervise her in a protected area when she is allowed outdoors.

Even the most easygoing cat can become a finicky eater in her later years. As an older cat's senses of smell and taste begin to diminish, she becomes less interested in her food. Try adding moist food and warming her meals to amplify the scent and make her dinner more tantalizing.

Also, it's important to keep fresh water available for your older cat, and to monitor her drinking habits. Her natural thirst drive can fade with age, causing her to become dangerously dehydrated rather quickly. Pay attention to about how much water your cat drinks each day. If the amount suddenly drops, and you know she is not getting water from any other source, you should consider contacting your veterinarian.

Common problems people see their older cats develop include difficulties swallowing due to decreased saliva production, less tolerance to extreme heat and/or cold, gum disease and tooth loss, a change in litter habits, and difficulty sleeping well.

Recent studies have uncovered a problem with potassium balance in many older cats. Poor coat condition, loss of appetite and lethargy have been linked to a mild form of hypokalemia, or low blood potassium. Low blood potassium damages the cat's kidneys, which, in an older cat, are already weakening. This leads to a vicious cycle because declining kidney function increases the loss of potassium in the blood, which in turn causes further deterioration of the kidneys.

Arthritis and stiffness is fairly common in older cats as well and as it becomes more difficult to move, a geriatric cat spends more time sleeping. If her diet stays the same, she'll begin to put on a lot of extra weight. This can add to her discomfort which makes her more inclined not to move. Without exercise her muscles will weaken, so it's important to encourage an older cat to take part in some activity every day. Physical movement will help with digestion and bowel function, as well as keep her sharp mentally.

As a cat gets older, it spends less time grooming itself which may result in her hair becoming dry and matted. Regular grooming is required to keep her coat healthy and beautiful, so it's best to schedule daily brushing to remove loose hair that can form uncomfortable hairballs in her stomach.

So, as I said, cats aren't turtles. However, with love and care they can live for fifteen years or more. But remember, just as senior humans require special care, so does your feline friend. Pay attention to their needs and help make them as comfortable as possible.

By: Glenn Cutforth

Cats And Pills - Tablets.

2008-06-09T13:47:00.000+07:00

Nearly everything alive becomes ill at some stage in its life, and pets are no exception. I have been very fortunate in that my two cats have been very healthy for most of their lives. Recently the oldest cat become ill and had to go to the vet. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with a form of cancer. The treatment options were pills or radiation 'therapy'. The radiation therapy was very expensive so that left the pills. Pills are fine for humans, but if you have ever tried to administer pills to your cat then you would know some of the problems I have had.

I usually feed my cats on a dry 'all in one' biscuit diet. This diet and a supplement of fresh food has kept them very healthy for over 14years. But now I need to add pills to her diet every twelve hours. So what do I feed her that will hide the pill well enough for her to eat it without complaining? Well after some experimentation I came to the conclusion that hiding a whole pill was not the answer. Not the answer at all. Whole pills are located and removed from the food with amazing accuracy. The simple answer is to crush the pills before adding them to the food.
( Note : The pill should be added to a small quantity of food - half a normal serve or less, and that small quantity should be given to your pet BEFORE the rest of the meal. This helps to ensure your cat is hungry enough to eat the entire pill. Once the pill food is eaten you can give them the rest of the meal.)

Pills are usually quite easy to crush into powder, I use two spoons, one small teaspoon as the crusher, and a larger desert spoon to hold the pill. Place the pill into the larger spoon and using the edge of the small spoon as a blunt knife, carefully break the pill into smaller chunks. Now use the small teaspoon to gently crush the chunks into powder. In less than two minutes you should be ready to sprinkle the powdered pill onto a small serve of food. Crushing the pill gets much easier once you have done two or three.

This is how I prepare chicken or fish for my cat at pill time :

Chicken : Cooked (cold)

Cooked chicken is a favorite food of my cats so it is a good pill food for them. To make the most reliable pill hiding food from cold chicken is really quite easy. First of all you need to prepare the pill by crushing it into a powder as described above. Then you need a small serve of chicken that you can breakup into smallish pieces - use your fingers, it gives the best results. Once you have broken up the chicken add a small quantity of water to the serving plate and roll the chicken in the water until it is wet all over. Now drain the excess water from the plate - too much water will leave the pill on the plate and not on the food where it needs to be. The next step is optional, but it makes a big difference for my pets. The next step is to place the food in a microwave oven. All you want to do is VERY GENTLY warm up the food, I use about 6 SECONDS on high. What you are looking for is to remove the coldness of the food - which activates the SMELL of the food. Do not make the food hot! ( The heat could damage the pill that you are trying to feed them, and not many cats will eat hot food anyway.) Now that you have a very gently warmed serve of food it is time to add the pill. Just sprinkle the crushed pill over the wet, warm chicken and serve it up!

Note : Always add the Pill LAST!

Fish : Raw

If you want to use raw fish as a pill serving food then it pays to make sure that the cat in question likes the fish that you are going to use. ( Cats are fussy!) I have two cats, one eats fish at every opportunity, and the other will walk right past it and ask for something else..

So get a small piece of fish to test the cat with, and assuming that the fish is accepted it is easy to prepare. I use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut the fish into small pieces. A sharp knife is ok but the skin on fish is very tough, so for safety and ease of preparation I use scissors. Once you have the fish cut up all you need to do is sprinkle the powdered pill over the fish and serve it up. Raw fish is usually wet and quite smelly, so it doesn't require water to be added or the microwave to warm it up.

Fish : Cooked (cold)

To prepare a cooked cold fish you basically follow the steps outlined for cooked chicken. Prepare the pill, get a small bit of cooked fish and cut or break it up into small pieces. Make it wet, drain off the excess water and zap it in the microwave for a few seconds - do not make the food hot! Add the crushed pill to the warm wet fish and serve it up.

Note : Always add the Pill LAST!

The purpose of warming up the food is to make it smellier. Most food has a much stronger scent or smell when it is at room temperature than it does straight from the fridge.

If you need a small quantity of fresh raw fish it can usually be purchased from your local take away food shop. If you want to use cooked fish from a take away shop bear in mind that the batter or bread crumbs should be removed before it is served to the cat. (Well, it should be removed if your cat won't eat the fish with it still on there..) Also remember to cool the fish down to about room temperature before you add the pill - otherwise the heat may damage the pill.

Never microwave any pill - it could damage the active ingredients or even make them toxic to your pet.

By: Colin Visser

Dog Health - Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy

2008-06-09T13:46:00.002+07:00

Like people, dogs need to be healthy to enjoy life. Dogs are our friends, companions and often our guardians, but since they are also totally dependent on us for their well-being, it is our responsibility to look after them properly.

One of the most prevalent 'diseases' in dogs these days is one that also affects humans; Obesity. A fat dog is an unhealthy dog and is likely to suffer from arthritis and heart failure. Remember, in the wild, dogs eat fresh meat they have killed themselves. They also eat certain types of grass and may eat wild fruits like berries if these grow in their natural habitat.

Milk, custard and cake are the worst things you can give your grown dog and, though a puppy may benefit from the calcium in milk, there are commercial milk products available that are especially formulated for a puppy's needs.

Dry dog food, or kibble as it is sometimes called, is said to have all the nutrients that your dog will need for health, but the dearer brands are often better. Dogs fed on cheaper brands may constantly chew grass to supplement whatever is missing from their diet. Tinned food can be given as a treat.

A healthy dog should have a smooth, shining coat, clear eyes and a moist nose. Its breath should not smell foul. It should be slender, though not thin enough to see its ribs sticking out. If your dog's breath is disgusting, it could be due to the tartar on its teeth. Chewing on a big bone will help to clean your dog's teeth. In addition, dog dental care products are available through online retailers.

Regular worming will also help to keep your pet in top condition. Shots for distemper, heartworm, parvovirus and kennel cough are a must. Kennel cough is not likely to be a problem unless the dog is kept on cement. Your vet will need to administer the shots, but you can worm the dog yourself. The tablets should be pushed down the side of the dog's mouth until he swallows. If this is too difficult, crush the tablet into some tinned dog food and offer when the dog is hungry. Watch to make sure he eats it all.

Parvovirus breaks down the digestive system and eventually affects the heart. It tends to come in outbreaks when people forget to have their animals inoculated. Symptoms include bloody stool and the animal is quickly unable to move and in obvious pain. It is almost always fatal. Luckily, it is not transmitted to humans.

Symptoms of distemper include runny eyes and a dry nose. It is rather like flu in humans.

A dog with worms may have a poor appetite, and will often - though not always - look to be in poor health with a dry coat that is harsh to the touch. If your dog drags itself along the ground in a sitting position, suspect worms immediately. Worms can sometimes be seen hanging from the anal passage. The problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible, because worms are easily transmitted to humans.

Fleas, which will happily jump from dogs to humans, can be another problem. These bloodsuckers can actually kill a tiny puppy, simply through blood loss. Puppies too young to wear a flea collar may be washed in a suitable preparation from the vet. Pat it dry afterwards, or keep it in a warm place so it doesn't get cold. Always be sure to keep kennels and yard clean to reduce the flea problem. If they get out of hand, you may need to spray all bedding and surrounding areas to kill the fleas and their eggs.

If you live in a tick prone area, be sure to keep a tick collar on your dog at all times. Mark the renewal date on the calendar so you don't forget to renew it. Your pet's life may depend on it! Grass ticks cause itchy lumps that can become infected when scratched. If not removed quickly, the paralysis tick can cause death in three to five days.

If your dog seems to suddenly have weak back legs and falls over often, inspect it immediately for a tick and get it to the vet as soon as possible. Luckily, the tick vaccine works well and quickly and can save a dog that looks like it is gasping its last breath.

With attention to these few details, your pet should live a long and happy life, rewarding you with years of fun and companionship.

By: James Theiss

Lyme Disease In Dogs Is A Serious Matter

2008-06-09T13:46:00.001+07:00

Lyme disease is caused by an organism known as a spirochete, which is a coiled rod-shaped bacterium and named Borrelia burgdorferi. It is passed to dogs and people by deer ticks carrying the infection; the ticks get the infection from the white-footed mouse, which acts as a carrier. The only way a tick can transmit the bacteria is to remain attached to the animal's skin for one to two days. Unfortunately, these ticks are very small and easily can go unnoticed. Lyme disease in dogs has been found worldwide and in ancient Chinese medical literature they actually describe a syndrome very similar to Lyme disease, thousands of years before Lyme , Connecticut was named. In the United States , more than 90% of the cases occur in the Northeast, with California and Mississippi second. Lyme disease in dogs is fairly common, but rarely seen in cats, although some cats have been infected with it.

The main clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs include a sudden yet recurring lameness that may shift from leg to leg. Sometimes this lameness is associated with a fever and depression. Occasionally you will see swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes the joints may be swollen, feel warm, and it's very painful. The dog infected will usually walk stiffly with a hunched back. Lyme disease in dogs is really very painful and they commonly are very sensitive to touch and may cry out with even the slightest touch. Many dogs with Lyme disease that were diagnosed with slipped discs in their neck and crying in pain and it was actually Lyme disease causes muscle spasms in the neck and they only improved when they were administered the appropriate antibiotic. Sometimes you will see the classic red round target lesion around a tick bite on your pet and within a few days they may show the signs of lameness, fever and sensitivity to touch. If you suspect your pet has Lyme disease, take them to the vet immediately for treatment.

Treatment

Treatment involves the use of an appropriate antibiotic, such as doxycycline, for at least three to four weeks.

Prognosis

Dogs should begin to show signs of recovery two to three days after beginning treatment. However, the disease may recur within a few weeks or months; in these cases, the dog will need to return to antibiotic therapy for extended periods.

Prevention

There is a vaccine for the prevention of Lyme disease. Quick removal of a tick also will help prevent Lyme disease because the tick must remain attached to the dog's body for one to two days before the disease can be transmitted. Consult with a veterinarian about the different tick prevention products that are available, as they can be an effective way to prevent the disease. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner your pet will be without pain.

By: LeeAnna

Kill Fleas and Keep Your Pets Happy

2008-06-09T13:45:00.001+07:00

If you have pets, at some point, you will definitely have to deal with fleas. There are a few different brands of flea treatments you can give your pet that will work well to get rid of them. You should choose from Advantage, Frontline or Sentinel because they are the top flea-eliminating brands.

These brands of treatments for fleas are very easy to use and won’t bother your pet at all. All you do is take the pre-measured dose from the tube provided and put it on the back of your cat or dog. After this is done, you apply the Advantage, Frontline or Sentinel solution to your pet’s skin.

You can only get these flea treatments, Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel at your veterinarian. When you buy it straight from their office, you will know that you’re getting a quality product you can trust.

Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel for fleas will start working almost immediately to provide your pet with relief from the biting. It only takes 3-5 minutes for the fleas to stop biting though it will be up to 12 hours for them to be killed.

If your pet gets wet or you give him or her a bath, Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel will still work because they’re water resistant. Even if it rains or your pet is soaking wet from a bath, these treatments for fleas work wonders.

Puppies and kittens can be treated with these Advantage, Frontline or Sentinel products to kill fleas without harming the young animals. Just make sure your pet is at least seven weeks old before you apply the product.

Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel for fleas will kill flea larvae upon contact. This is a great benefit of using these products. It’s very important to keep your pet healthy, so don’t neglect this part of their upkeep.

By: James Hunt

Take Care of Your Dog: Feed Him or Her Dog Food

2008-06-09T13:44:00.002+07:00

Many dog owners treat their pets as though they are their own children. They play with them, let them live inside and sit on the furniture, and even sometimes sleep in their beds. There is no denying the love most dog owners have for their pets, but sometimes they unwittingly cause health problems by feeding their canine pals table scraps rather than dog food.

While the occasion table scraps as treats probably won’t hurt one’s furry friends, what a pet dog really needs for proper nutrition is dog food. It’s true that the ancestors of today’s dogs hunted and ate meat. And feeding a dog the occasional meat hunk or carcass probably won’t hurt. But today’s dogs are thoroughly domesticated and are different creatures. Constant table food can cause obesity and even a form of diabetes in dogs.

Dog food is designed with the necessary proteins and other vitamins and minerals dogs need to be healthy. Just like humans, dogs can experience clogged arteries and heart attacks. It’s important to include dog food in the diet in order to keep man’s best friend in prime health.

There are many types of dog food. There are many scientifically designed varieties meant to address different aspects of canine health. Some dog food targets the coat, some target joints. There is a type of dog food for nearly any dog. There are even breed-specific foods, as well as foods designed for the different ages of dogs.

Proper care of one’s dog can result in years of pleasant companionship and beautiful memories. The therapeutic effects owning a pet are well documented. Pets can help teach children responsibility. However, not taking care of this fellow creature can result in heartbreak and regret. Dogs need regular exercise, lots of love, and minimal access to table scraps. What the healthy dog really needs to eat is dog food.

By: James Hunt

Providing Bird Houses for Feathered Friends

2008-06-09T13:44:00.001+07:00

Many people enjoy animals of avian nature. There’s something about the natural ability to fly that captures the human imagination. Birds come in many colors, arrayed in nature’s beautiful, and sometimes extravagant, plumage. Whether you want to provide bird houses for non-domestic birds, or whether you provide bird cages for the accommodation of birds in your home, there are many ways to provide a comfortable place for birds to live or visit.

Different varieties of bird prefer different types of bird houses. Deciding what type of house to place in your yard can impact which species of bird you attract to your backyard. There are plenty of books on the subject of birds, and bird houses. These books can help you understand what certain birds look for in the way of a resting place. Most hobby and craft stores provide kits and patterns to allow those inclined to working with their hands to build their own bird houses. Not only can this be a fun solo activity, but it can also provide a couple of hours of family togetherness.

For those who prefer to have birds in the home, there are many types of bird cages available for purchase. When choosing a bird cage, it is important to ensure that your bird will have enough room. Many companies manufacture luxury bird cages for pampered birds. While a luxury cage isn’t necessary, there are a few things a good bird cage should have to allow maximum comfort for the pet. Perches located at various heights inside the cage are necessary, as are a few colorful toys. A bell can also add an element of amusement for the bird.

Birds are beautiful creatures. It can be a very enjoyable experience to observe them, and play with them. Bird houses in the backyard can attract many different species to right outside your window, and you can make your feathered pet more comfortable in a nice bird cage.

By: James Hunt

The Shih Tzu's Variety Of Colors

2008-06-09T13:43:00.001+07:00

Since the Shih Tzu breed first became known to the western world there has been a variety of colors. The first and second prize winners at the Shanghai Kennel Club Show of May 30, 1930 were all black in color. These two solid black Shih Tzu were probably among the first Shih Tzu to ever appear in a western show ring. Their photographs can be seen in the China Journal June and August 1930 issues.

Black and white Shih Tzu was also frequently seen of the early days in the western world. Black and white Shih Tzu can still be “very” striking and are still a favorite of many Shih Tzu fanciers.

There are different opinions as to exactly what color was the favored color at the Imperial Palace. It has been said often that the golden-yellow, sometimes described as honey was the favorite color and only kept in the palace. There are countless entries in our passages of Shih Tzu history that tell us the Empress Dowager’s favorite Shih Tzu of all times was a solid black she called “Sea Otter.” There are also accounts that three of the Empress Dowager’s sleeve dogs were greyish-white.

The mention of solid white Shih Tzu in later standards reflect the fact that there was a leading French breed in Peking who had a large number of all-white Shih Tzu. There has always been questions as to whether or not it was probably more the westerners who appreciated the solid white, as the Chinese saw the color white as a color of mourning.

It would be safer to say and believe that since yellow was the imperial color, a fact readily known by the golden-yellow tiled roofs of the Peking Palace. Yellow dogs were also more lion-like in appearance. The word “Shih Tzu” means “Lion” in Chinese. The Chinese tried to breed the Shih Tzu to resemble the lion, at least it was their idea of what a Lion looked like.

The white blaze, collar, socks and tail-tip combine to create a highly prized ensemble.

It is most likely that westerners had a very difficult time acquiring the yellow-colored Shih Tzu since it was regarded as being so precious. Therefore, the first Shih Tzu to appear in the west were the black and white, grey and white, brindle and white and a few solid blacks. Very few of the precious yellow-colored Shih Tzu were first acquired by the westerners.

The same holds true for the very small sized Shih Tzu. The small size Shih Tzu, which were most likely the Imperial and Teacup Shih Tzu, as many of us commonly nickname them today, (the Shih Tzu under 9 pounds in weight) were not readily available for the westerners. The westerners had access mainly to the larger size Shih Tzu that the Imperial Palace had sent out as rejects of their breeding program. There were a few able to get hold of the very tiny Shih Tzu we now commonly nickname the Imperials and the Teacup size, but not many, as this was the favored and most treasured size of the Imperial Palace breedings. The smaller size in Shih Tzu was a major goal of the Imperial Palace breedings lead by Empress Dowager.

By: Connie Limon

Dog Kennels: Safety in Confinement

2008-06-09T13:42:00.002+07:00

There has always been a degree of controversy, regarding the use of dog kennels. While many understand in situations where space is limited, the use of a kennel within a fenced yard often raises the hackles of uninformed individuals. “How can you confine him to a cage,” they often ask, “when you have a fenced-in yard that he can run around in?” The answer is simple; for the dog’s own safety.

The outside world is a dangerous place for any dog, especially one that has been raised with people and brought up in a home. Whether they are tied up or surrounded by a tall fence, chances are that your determined dog is able to dig his way out, climb the fence or find some means of escape, if he truly wants to. Unfortunately, even the gentlest, best-trained dogs can be tempted to see if the grass is really greener, over on the other side, should the opportunity prove tempting enough.

There have been countless horror stories about chained and tied dogs that, in an attempt to jump fences, end up hanging themselves. Equally horrific, are the tales of people who deliberately poison animals or the stories of dogs accidentally getting into the antifreeze. The use of dog kennels also helps to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases, such as Parvo, by ensuring your pet does not come into contact with another animal’s waste or, if he is sick, that he does not pass it on to others.

Certain precautions should be taken, however, to ensure your pet’s well-being, while he is in the kennel. Dog kennels should always offer shelter from the elements, in the form of a dog house or indoor access, should he be left outside for a period longer than 15 minutes. Additionally, your dog should have access to water at all times, and food, should he be left in the kennel for an extended period of time. A comfortable place to lay down will also be appreciated and, during hot summer days, always be sure to check solid kennel floors. If it’s too hot for you to walk on the pavement in your bare feet, imagine what a hot concrete run can do to his soft pads.

Letting your dog enjoy some time outside is very beneficial to his health and, provided his basic needs are met, he will enjoy the special time, out, where he can see the world. Remember, however, that dog kennels are no substitute for the warmth and care of a loving family; while he will enjoy his outing, he will always be happier when he can spend quality time with his people. Always be sure to give him lots of love, when he comes back inside.

By: James Hunt

Shih Tzu Show Dog Judging For Coat Texture And Proper Handling

2008-06-09T13:42:00.001+07:00

Proper coat texture of your show dog Shih Tzu will be checked during the show dog judge’s examination. Proper coat texture of a show dog Shih Tzu should be lustrous. A lustrous Shih Tzu show dog coat is achieved by good nutrition, and high quality grooming aids. Good coats are also passed down through lines of selectively breeding Shih Tzu with good coats. With the improvement in dog nutrition and grooming aids today, however, there is really no excuse for a show dog Shih Tzu not to have a proper coat texture. If you start with inherited proper coat texture and provide your Shih Tzu with high quality nutrition, the coat can further be enhanced by high quality grooming aids to present the ultimate in beauty by the time your Shih Tzu enters the show ring. One word of warning, however, be sure not to enter the ring with evidence of powder or chalk, or too much spray, you will likely put yourself out of the ring.

When the show dog judge is finished going over the Shih Tzu completely he might step away from the Shih Tzu and give it a final over-all side view look. This side view look helps a Shih Tzu show dog judge keep a complete picture in his mind that he will compare with the next Shih Tzu that is put up on the table.

If you are handling your Shih Tzu yourself this last look is highly important. You should remember to keep your Shih Tzu on its toes. The last thing you want is for the judge to take that last look and find your Shih Tzu sitting or in some other forbidden activity. Do not be constantly putting each single hair in place or placing your Shih Tzu’s feet in the right position. This would be seen as over-handling. If your Shih Tzu is not able to stand on its own, look alive and ready for the next command he is not trained and ready for the show ring. Training is done outside of the ring. Performance is required at the show.

By: Connie Limon

Furnishing Your Aquarium In 4 Easy Steps

2008-06-09T13:41:00.001+07:00

Furnishing your aquarium is another important process in aquarium set up after getting the tank. You will need to put in components that will make it looks more beautify and attractive.

How you do this will now depend largely on the type of the habitants that you intend to keep. Regardless below I have outlined in 4 simple steps what needs to be done to create a beautiful aquarium that you will be proud of:

Step 1. Add aquarium gravel

Gravel is essential to your aquarium most especially if you are using natural plants. It will help in holding plant roots and provide the foundation for the biological and under gravel filtration. Since gravel comes in different sizes and colours, the advised size is 4 to 6 millimeters because it provides flow for an undergravel filter and the most popular is quartzite or granite.

Step 2. Add Rocks:

Adding rock is very important to your aquarium as it provide isolated home for territorial fish. Add rocks can upset your aquarium ecosystem thus it's advisable that you take measures to prevent this.

Also since you may not know how save rock you want to add is, it's very important that you clean them up to remove contaminants.

Step 3. Add Bogwood

This is another essential factor that adds to the beauty of aquarium and it can last long time. Not only that, aquarium habitats need shelter and bogwood provides this. When adding bogwood makes sure that it is well cleaned and it's not infected. To be sure that its infection free takes it through process of poly-vanish.

Step 4. Add Plants

Plants also add to the beauty of your aquarium. There are two types of plants - plastic plants and live (natural) plants.

It's very easy to use plastic plants because they need little or no maintenance. You just clean them up with clean water and add. On the other hand live plants helps in biological process of aquarium and helping to keep your tank clean and healthy.

By: John Morris

Shih Tzu - Submissive Urination/Sanitation

2008-06-09T13:40:00.000+07:00

If your puppy gets excited and wets herself, especially when you have company or when you first arrive from being away from her, this is called "submissive urination." This kind of urination is different from breaks in house training. Puppies often outgrow the problem as they do not have good bladder control. The older dog that does this may be lacking self-esteem.

Although dogs do not have the intelligence like a human in some areas such as being spiteful and mis-behaving, they do have some psychological aspects to their behaviors.

In a case such as this it helps if the owner will try to become deliberately less threatening. Avoid directly staring at your dog. Kneel down closer to his level rather than standing over him and encourage your dog to come to you rather than reaching out to get her. Your tone of voice should be soft and coaxing. Never, never punish a dog for submissive urination. Your dog is already submitting to you, "over-submitting," and you want to try and reverse some of this.

If any of your guests or family members have been agressive with your shih tzu, protect him and ask that they not approach him because of this problem of submissive urination you are experiencing with him.

It might be helpful to invite a cooperative friend or family member to sit on the floor and quietly talk with you. At first, ignore the shih tzu. If your shih tzu has not urinated at this point have the friend or family member speak a few words very quietly and gently to the dog, but from a distance. If the dog still does well, repeat the exercise the next day. If things still continue to go well, ask your friend or family member to pay just a bit more attention to your shih tzu and get just a little bit closer to him. Continue having these sessions, gradually increasing the visitor's and your contact with the dog. If the dog urinates, backtrack and reduce the time spent. As the dog matures submissive urination should get better and as the shih tzu learns he does not have to be extremely submissive to you.

Tips On Sanitation:

The best way to pick up and dispose of dog feces in an urban area is to scoop it up with one of the many pooper scoopers available and put it in a freezer type bag, then tie it closed or simply flush it down your sewer system. With small dogs such as the shih tzu the stools are small and even smaller and less if you use a good quality dog food like HealthyPetNet Life's Abundance All Natural Dog food and treats. If you are out walking, you can carry along paper towels, or a hand full of toilet paper to do the actual picking up (and you probably want to keep some plastic gloves handy for this purpose as well). Carry along some hand sanitizer to clean your hands afterwards. There are commercial products you can purchase, or you can use freezer bags or the bag your newspaper comes in. In some areas there may be rules against putting feces in your trash. In this case, you can flush it down your sewer system or....after you have tied it in the freezer bag and placed it in another sturdy trash bag, this should be enough to keep the odor away and use a good quality dog food like HealthyPetNet Life's Abundance All Natural Dog Food to keep the smell of feces down. That way, your garbage pick-up people will be less likely to complain if the odor is contained appropriately. Remember to wash your hands many, many times throughout the day when you live with pets and use hand sanitizers. Always wash your hands before you eat or do anything with mouth or nose contact. I keep hand sanitizer in the pumps out all over the place so that I can quickly pump a scoop in my hands and then as soon as possible I also wash my hands with a good anti-bacterial soap for at least two minutes each time, scrubbing under my nails and up on my wrists. You should advise all children in a household with pets to do the same.

By: Connie Limon

Dog Insurance

2008-04-02T10:06:00.001+07:00

It seems that most of us will do whatever our veterinarian recommends for treatment to get our dogs back to their happy, healthy, lives. Therefore you should give serious consideration to buying dog insurance in case your little love ones get sick or injured. If you really think of your dog as part of your family it is inevitable that certain things will be demanded of you in making your dog's life as comfortable as possible. As we all know, life is unpredictable and things do not always go as we hope they will. This is why as dog owners we must realize that dog insurance comes with its benefits and therefore not something you can afford to ignore.

Unfortunately, when sickness suddenly strikes your dog many times it can cost more money than you ever expected. For this reason you really owe it to yourself and to your dog to carry pet insurance. Good pet insurance plans are easy to find on the internet which offers an array of quality plans with excellent policies. Routine visits to a vet or when unexpected issues like an accident or an illness comes up make it clear the benefits of having dog insurance. The expense of medical bills could really be costly at times, but having pet insurance helps you to handle the medical bills with ease.

Contrary to popular belief dog insurance is relatively inexpensive. When you consider the savings in event of an accident or illness and how much it will reduce the burden of the vet care bill you will find dog insurance a life saver. Your sure to feel peace of mind in knowing that if an injury or sickness strikes your dog... you will have pet insurance to help cover the costs. One of the advantages of having pet insurance is that most of the policies available will cover emergency care, vaccinations and routine surgery such as neutering and spaying.

Just like with any insurance plan, when purchasing dog insurance must make sure you compare their rates and terms. You will also want to ensure that you get a plan that suits both your finances and your dog. Read the fine print on the policy and don't assume anything. Ask questions if you don't understand anything and your vet can also help you in choosing a reliable dog insurance company. You certainly don't want to sign on with companies that are only interested in taking your money and who will avoid fulfilling their part of the contract.

Most people wouldn't think of going without insurance for themselves or their families, but what happens when a beloved pet suddenly gets sick or has some kind of unexpected accident? Don't lose your loving pet because you didn't take the time to buy insurance. There are many affordable dog insurance plans that will offset the high costs necessary to save your companion's life. When getting dog insurance recognize that some companies will not insure your dog if she has a pre-existing health issue or conditions. Don't worry, just discuss your interests and desires in a plan with your vet, they should be able to advice you on the policy you should get.

About the Author: Find out everything you wanted to know about dogs at our comprehensive website All About Dogs

10 Reasons Why Pet Insurance Is A Must

2008-04-02T10:04:00.000+07:00

Pets today need insurance as the cost of medical treatments are very high and in breeding and other problems have made pets more susceptible to diseases and other problems. Pet insurance can cost anywhere between USD 2000-6000 over the life of a pet and the amount of premium to be paid would depend on many variables like breed, age, and more.

Pet insurance can be bought online or offline from leaders like: Pet care Insurance Companies; Veterinary Pet Insurance Company; Pets Best Insurance; and Vet Insurance. The best way to insure a pet is to ask your vet for advice. Pet insurance at affordable rates can be purchased online from websites devoted to pet insurance and pet care. The premium to be paid depends on age of pet, general health of pet, breed of pet, potential risks for susceptible diseases and so on.

Before investing in insurance you must do your homework and find out all you can about polices, how to keep premiums low, and how to buy the best pet insurance at the most affordable rate. The internet is a knowledge highway and has great information on pets, insurance options, and more. Make the effort to educate yourself.

Medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars. And treatments for hip diseases, cancers, kidney failure and more can cost between USD 1000- 5000. In case of disease or accidents pets can be treated and nursed back to health instead of “put down.”

Here are a few reasons why pet insurance is to be considered:

1. A pet is a family member and death due to accident or illness can upset children. Insurance coverage could save the life of the pet.

2. Pet insurance gives peace of mind and owners can stop worrying about unpaid bills or pets crossing roads.

3. Pet insurance ensures longer life spans of pets.

4. Insurance offers preventive health care, which means diseases can be detected in pets at early stages when treatments can offer cures.

5. Pet insurance covers expensive diagnostics and hospitalization expenses for pets.

6. Pet insurance can save the life of the pet as it covers treatments like radiation therapy and kidney replacements.

7. Pet insurance releases the burden of having to pay when the family is going through lean times such as being “laid off” or having a personal illness to deal with.

8. Pet insurance can help you get a deductible which is cost saving and the insurance will protect the pet.

9. Pet insurance offers regular health checks, shots, elective and non elective surgeries, and sometimes extended stays at a pet boarding house.

10. In general pet insurance can cost as little as USD 20-40 a month and this brings good health and cheer to the pet, very much a family member.

Pet insurance could save the life of a dear one without straining your wallet.

About the Author: Timothy Rudon is a writer for Pet Insurance , the premier website to find Pet Insurance, pet health insurance, veterinary pet insurance, pet care insurance, best pet insurance, pet health care insurance, vpi pet insurance and many more.

Your Dog Home Alone Troubles

2008-01-18T16:04:00.001+07:00

by Mark Haakonsen

Leaving Your Dog Home Alone

Do you have problems leaving your dog home alone? Do you come home, only to find that your dog has been up to mischief or tried to escape from the yard? This is not an uncommon problem at all, and we'll explain why your dog behaves badly when alone and what you can do about it.

Dogs experience many of the same emotions as humans such as anxiety, boredom and depression. If one of these emotions is triggered, it will also affect their behavior or lack thereof. Since dogs are pack animals, they are very sociable and simply do not like to be left alone. When a dog is left alone it can experience a feeling of neglect, depression, boredom and anxiety. Neglect can lead a dog to cry and howl for an extended period of time. This will happen as you leave and while you are gone. If a dog feels bored while home alone, this is what can lead to destructive and naughty behavior e.g.: barking, chewing anything in sight and digging up the yard. The most detrimental effect on your dog however, is the feeling of an anxiety commonly referred to as "separation anxiety". The fear of abandonment that sets in can even cause your dog to feel sick, vomit and lose control of its bodily functions.

The good news is that dogs can be trained out of anxiety, and a few simple techniques can be used to help relieve the stress on your dog when home alone.

When leaving the house, a common mistake of owners is to give excessive emotional comforting to the dog. Extended "bye bye's" and "you're a good dog" do nothing but increase the dog's anxiety when you leave. So in future, when leaving, just do so with a quick and firm gesture. When returning, again do not make a big deal about it, just go about your business as if nothing has happened.

It is also important to ensure that your dog won't be left without any entertainment. After all, the dog will need to something to occupy its time. Provide sufficient toys, something to chew on, dog biscuits and anything else that might help the dog beat boredom. If you're dog has a bad behavioral problem, try giving it some exercise before you leave. Getting rid of that extra energy can work wonders.

With a little conditioning, your dog should have no problems being home alone. If you are still not confident about leaving your dog alone for extended periods, then start small. Go out for 30 minutes, then try an hour and progressively build up until both you and pooch are comfortable. If all else fails, then consult your vet, as there are medications available for dog anxiety.

Caring for an Older Cat - Cat Health and Cat Care

2008-01-18T16:03:00.000+07:00

by NS Kennedy

Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from their humans, and advances in veterinary medicine. Most experts consider a cat's "senior years" to begin on her 10th birthday. After this point, the aging process begins to slow in even the most playful feline. Yet, with a little extra attention from her owner, Miss Kitty might enjoy another 5-10 years of life and love.

Just as with humans, cats often lose the ability to hear as they age. This often goes unnoticed by owners, who might chalk their cat's lack of response to typical feline aloofness. Without keen hearing and vision, however, an older cat is more vulnerable to threats from cars and dogs on the street. It is best to keep an older cat indoors. If she loves the fresh air, make sure you supervise her in a protected area.

Even the most easygoing cat can become a finicky eater in her later years. As an older cat's senses of smell and taste begin to diminish, she becomes less interested in her food. Adding moist food and warming her meals will amplify the scent and make it more tantalizing. Moist food will increase the amount of water in your cat's diet.

It is important to keep fresh water available for your older cat, and to monitor her drinking habits. Her natural thirst drive can fade with age, causing her to become dangerously dehydrated rather quickly. Take note of about how much water your cat drinks each day. If the amount suddenly drops, and you know she is not getting water from any other source, contact your veterinarian.

Remember that there have been huge advances in medical care for cats in recent years. Online shopping for cat medication has become popular, but remember that there is no substitute for regular check-ups with your veterinarian.

Common problems owners see their geriatric cats develop include difficulties swallowing due to decreased saliva production, less tolerance to extreme heat and/or cold, gum disease and tooth loss, a change in litter habits, and not sleeping well.

Recent studies have uncovered a problem with potassium balance in many older cats. Poor coat condition, loss of appetite and lethargy have been linked to a mild form of hypokalemia, or low blood potassium. Low blood potassium damages the cat's kidneys, which, in an older cat, are already weakening. This leads to a vicious cycle because declining kidney function increases the loss of potassium in the blood, which in turn causes further deterioration of the kidneys.

Arthritis and stiffness is fairly common in older cats. Because it becomes more difficult to move, a geriatric cat spends more time sleeping. If her diet stays the same, she'll begin to pack on the pounds. The extra weight adds to her discomfort, making her more inclined not to move. Without exercise her muscles will weaken. It is important to encourage an older cat into some activity every day. Physical movement will help with digestion and bowel function, as well as keep her sharp mentally.

An older cat spends less time grooming herself than in her youth. As a result, her hair becomes dry and painfully matted. Regular grooming from her owner is required to keep her coat healthy and beautiful. Daily brushing removes loose hair that can form uncomfortable hairballs in her stomach.

As your cat gets older its important that she is comfortable. You should ensure that your cat has a comfortable, warm bed that she can stretch out on. Cushions and hammock bed on radiators are popular.

Why Difficulties In Horse Training A Good Thing

2008-01-18T16:02:00.000+07:00

by Andy Curry

I'll never forget one of the first horses I trained by myself. I could not have picked a better horse to give me problems.

This horse was slow to motivate. He was very much his own "person" so to speak and was going to do what he pleased...at least...that's how it seemed.

There are plenty of horses in this world that will move when you want them to move. In fact, some horses can be so nervous it takes little effort to get them moving in the round pen. In a way, they almost train themselves.

When I was first training this horse he moved slowly and not very deliberately. Teaching him to drive was very difficult because he just wasn't going to move for me.

The first time I put a surcingle on him and attached the lines he had no more intention on moving forward than an elephant with no legs.

The lesson I was teaching was to move forward. When you want your horse to move then, obviously, you want him to move...not stand there.

A typical way to teach moving forward and associating the action with a command is to get behind your horse and to the left a little. Then give a slight pull on the left rein, then say "step" or "get up" and tap him on his rear end with the whip.

Most every horse I worked with, this technique worked well. But the technique failed with this horse.

Whenever I tapped him on the butt he would either stand there and blink his eyes or he would turn around and just look at me.

To the trained trainer it may seem he was balking. In fact, that's what I feared was happening.

The next thing I tried to get him moving was a hog slapper. A hog slapper is a small pole like aid with a handle on one end and two pieces of leather on the other end. When you slap the leather end against your boots it makes a loud slapping sound.

It was the loud slapping sound I was hoping would motivate the horse to move. Here's what happened.

Nothing.

The horse didn't take any steps forward to get away from it. It scared him a little the first two or three times I slapped it on my boot, but that's all it did.

Frustrated and bewildered I wasn't sure what to do next.

I began to analyze the situation. I knew the tap with the whip wasn't working so I didn't need to repeat trying it. I knew the hog slapper didn't work so I didn't need to repeat that either.

So I asked myself, "What can I use to motivate this horse to move?"

I got the answer from Jesse Beery.

Jesse Beery, a famous horse trainer from the 1800's, taught training a horse to drive in much the same way I do it. Even the tap on the rear end with the whip is the same.

In teaching a horse to overcome fears and desensitizing him to sounds, Beery prescribes using metal bowls strung together like a wind chime on rope. These bowls make quite a racket when you shake them. Used as Beery describes, they are extremely effective in horse training.

So I thought these noise makers would motivate my horse to move. After all, they are loud and obnoxious when they clank together and make noise.

So I tacked up the horse, grabbed my noise maker, and tried again.

As I was fumbling with the lines and the noise maker trying to get situated, I nearly dropped the noise maker and it made a pretty good racket. Almost the second it rattled, the horse moved away from it.

Immediately I had a glimmer of hope that this was my answer.

So I tried it all again. I gave a slight pull on the left line, I then said "get up", and then I rattled the bowls.

The result?

Nothing except the horse raising his head and looking behind him a little. But I knew that meant I was getting his attention.

So I tried it again.

This time, he took about 3 steps forward and stopped. I was thrilled. I walked up to him and rewarded him with a caress.

Then I stepped back and did it again.

It wasn't long before I didn't have to use my noise maker anymore. All I had to do was say "get up" and he'd move. Not only did he move, he moved with energy.

Although this horse was very frustrating I must admit I am grateful to him. Why? Because he taught me valuable lessons.

The first lesson I relearned was patience.

The second lesson was that not everything will work on the same way on every horse. This was a lesson I already knew but it was reinforced.

The third lesson learned was to reexamine what I knew about horses and use that knowledge to get him doing what I needed him to do. That's why I tried the noise maker.

I knew certain noises frighten horses so I decided to manipulate his fear with the noise maker. I also knew to be careful not to terrorize him. After all, you want to use as little of that kind of motivation as possible. Only use what is just enough.

Fourth, he taught me to keep looking for an answer because one exists even though I didn't know it at the time.

Fifth, if I ever run across another horse that's hard to motivate to move, then I will pull out my noise makers because it worked before.

As I patted myself on the back for coming up with the noise maker idea I was actually feeling grateful for having such a difficult horse. I realized having a difficult horse was a great teacher to me - and I have absolutely loved having difficult horses since.