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Why Buy A Pet And Why You Should Buy Onl...

maryjustin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:57:18 +0100

Making the decision to buy a Pet sparks the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Having a pet around peps your home to a different sort of level. Your house comes alive with the joyful bark of an adorable puppy, or the quiet strut of a furry cat, the incessant chatter of a pair of budgies or even the sight of your Fish gliding peacefully around your tank.

To many, having a pet around brings with it a sense of companionship. It?s rare to feel alone with 2 or 3 cats hanging around you all the time. The comradeship that a dog or even a pony offers can rarely be substituted by anything else.

For others, a pet provides a healing sort of presence. The soothing effects that Pets can have, on humans who are often struck with effects of epilepsy or even cancer, are quite tremendous. Gentle animals have often been used to interact with humans who have been physically handicapped, to greatly improve their present condition.

Of course, you could have pets for a lot of other purposes too. You could get yourself a dog, with the intention of guarding your home and the safety of your family.

Many parents choose to buy healthy pets for their home. This is because children who have grown up with pets and are taught to love and take care of them, become adults with a more responsible and wholesome personalities. Children can be taught to feed, bathe, groom, and be responsible for their pets.

One of the best ways to purchase a pet is to do so online. The internet has a variety of websites that are dedicated to letting you know about the different varieties of pets available.

Advantages Of Buying A Pet Online
A Much Wider Choice: By purchasing a pet online, you?ll be given a much wider choice of animals than you would find at your local pet store. For example, the pet store in your area might have just budgies or parrots. But by choosing to buy online, you can choose between numerous different varieties of Birds like cockatoos, quails, macaws, cuckoos, canaries and so many other exotic kinds.

A Much More Informed Decision:
By using the internet, you?ll be able to gain so much more information about your pet, than what you?d get from your local pet-keeper. Pet websites provide a vast variety of information on feeding, grooming, vets, training, pet supplies, pet stores, and even have discussion forums that you can use to talk about your pet.

Who's Missing From Your Wedding Party? Y...

maryjustin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:56:26 +0100

Man's best friend is enjoying a higher profile when it comes to tying the knot. Although the trend gained steam in the easy-going West, wedding planners all over the country are seeing dogs take on key roles in the ceremony. In short, well-trained tail-waggers are showing up as ring bearers, groomsmen, maids of honor, and even assuming the role that once belonged to good ol' Dad -- giving away the bride. Dogs have become so common in weddings, many professional planners know where to book a dog handler for the day without blinking an eye. (After all, he'll need water, protection from crowds -- and a few trips to the loo.)

Gone to the Dogs?

What fuels the trend to add Fido to the ceremony? Opinions differ, but one is the way that weddings are changing: once they were a purely formal affair, with formal language and dress that hardly seemed to relate to our real lives at all. But many of today's couples are trying to bring more of the things we really say into the ceremony -- sometimes by writing our own vows -- and more of how we really look, which sometimes means bypassing the traditional white dress. And for many of us, our patient pooch is a lot like a child or a two-footed companion. He might have his own furniture, his own shelf full of tasty organic treats, his own set of smart fashion accessories. And whither we go, he goes ... just like any other family member. No wonder many couples don't think twice about bringing him to the altar.

But not every dog makes the perfect bridal party member. No matter how much you might love the mischievous antics of your wayward canine at home, it's only the well-trained, responsive dog that should share your big day. If your dog comes, sits, is good with groups, and can be relied on to hold a "down-stay," he's a candidate. If not, leave him home, or invest in some obedience classes straight away.

You'll also want to clear your pup's presence with the powers-that-be well ahead of time. Yes, it's a little surprising, but with the rising popularity of dogs in weddings, it's a fair bet that your officiant will give you the green light. Many banquet halls at hotels will also say "yes" to a well-behaved pet on your big day, provided you have a handler.

Dressed for Success

Once you've got the go-ahead, the greatest fun in including your dog is dressing him up. Popular choices for pint-sized wedding apparel include adorable jeweled collars, miniature tuxes or bridal gown, and crystal-encrusted combs and barrettes. Diane Meier Delaney of "The New American Wedding" draped her pooch in an ornate floral arrangement that literally took her guests' breath away (but discuss this option thoughtfully with your florist -- avoid poisonous flowers and steer clear of scratchy wires).

Now that you've ordered his attire and your dog's all set to work hard at your wedding, why not plan to treat him? You can purchase adorable cakes and cupcakes designed for occasions that are perfectly safe for your dog: delicious-looking confections made with wheat flour or oatmeal and bananas or honey, dripping with carob and studded with candy dog bones. Or you can make your own -- just search the net for some tested, dog-safe recipes that avoid excess fat and sugar, and pass on canine no-nos like chocolate, grapes, avocados, coffee and certain nuts.

Who really is the boss in your house?

maryjustin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:55:40 +0100

<i>People let me tell you ‘bout my best friend, he’s a warm boy, cuddly toy, my up, my down, my pride and joy. People let me tell you ‘bout him he’s so much fun………….</i>

If you’re old enough to remember that theme song – let’s get together for lunch and commiserate. If you’re not, it’s from an old TV show called “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father,” and you should seek it out on DVD. The point here isn’t nostalgia, though. It’s a cute theme, but it’s not good parenting – of children or dogs.

Dogs are pack animals and need leadership clearly defined. If you don’t take the lead, Muffy thinks she’s in charge. And Muffy has absolutely no clue how your household should be run. You can be absolutely certain that if Muffy rules the roost, everyone’s going to be miserable. You won’t be able to eat, sleep, or live in peace.

On the other hand, if you’re in charge, Brutus is going to be a happy camper. Teach him the rules and insist that he lives by them. It works.

The most difficult dog we’ve ever had is a Boston Terrier. She’s a sweet dog, but her wiring is tangled. A friend of mine who works in a social service agency likened her to a child with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. We have developed a strict schedule for her and we stick to it. Given the opportunity, she would play constantly, whine when we didn’t indulge her, and generally make life difficult.

She does get to play fetch – when we decide it’s time and for as long as we choose. We have a special timer for play sessions and when she sees us reach for it, she sits and cries for her special ball. We get the ball from her special shelf and throw that ball, without interruption, for as long as that timer is going, sometimes just five minutes, or as long as 15 minutes. When
the timer beeps – that’s it. The ball goes back on the shelf. Playtime is over. It took a while for her to adjust, but now she hears the beep, drops the ball, goes to get a drink of water and then finds a place to lie down.

Our dog is an extreme example – but a valid illustration of the concept. When guests come over, she is allowed to greet them, but not jump on them, harass them, or drown them with licking (unless they invite it). After she’s given the opportunity to say hello, she is confined to a crate in the same room, with chew toys to occupy her, where she can see and hear everything.

We’re able to have a nice evening with our company and without worrying about the dog ruining the gathering.

It may be easier to “give in” to your dog’s whining, begging or bad behavior. It’s also a recipe for disaster – most dogs who are given up or abandoned lose their homes because of behavior problems. It’s never too late to train a dog – they can always learn new tricks – and the most valuable trick of all may be learning to sit quietly.

That’s a good place to start. Put on your dog’s leash and collar. Grab a handful of treats. Go sit down at the dining room table. Tell your dog to sit next to you – you sit on the leash. Read a magazine for five minutes. Have someone join you for a conversation. Drink a cup of tea.

When Zeus is good, say “good quiet” and pop a treat. Ignore him if he whines. Try it for five minutes today. Maybe six or seven tomorrow. Don’t push it too far – you want him to succeed. Reward like crazy when he’s good. It’s a first step in taking control of your dog and your life.

Who Are Your Power Animals? (Sometimes A...

maryjustin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:55:17 +0100

Native Americans believe that each animal carries its own special energies and gifts, and that each animal has a gift to give each of us. Do you know what animals are guiding you on your individual journey? Are you aware of the gifts they are offering you?

Imaginary Guides

You can think of your Animal Totems as imaginary guides on your life journey. You might also think of them as Power Animals because each one imparts a special energy, or power, to your life.

By observing how each animal lived, found mates, located food and protected itself, Native Americans were able to define the animal's particular strengths and weaknesses. For example, bears hibernated during the winter, so it was said that they possessed the magic of dreams. They were also formidable foes, so Bear Energy was also about physical power and strength.

It's fascinating to note that different cultures (not just Native Americans) came up with similar interpretations for all individual animals.

Spiritual Energies

Native Americans as well as other cultures used Shamans to help them connect with the Earth around them, and with the power of the animals. Using dreams and visions, these Shamen would connect with the "manitou" of the animals. The manitou of an animal is its primal spiritual energy- wolfness, deerness, foxness...etc.

It was believed that every human being had a particular manitou (or several) which they were especially attuned to. These were their personal animal totems.

They discovered their totems through vision quests, although sometimes the totem made themselves known in other ways. For example, if you were attacked by a wild animal, it was believed that that particular animal totem had chosen you itself.

Physical and Spiritual Qualities

Each animal that exists has several qualities, both physical and spiritual. The qualities in your personal Animal Totems are qualities that you might connect with, feel a deep affinity towards, or simply need more of in your life.

Here are some brief descriptions of the qualities of a few animals. Read carefully. One of them just might be one of your Animal Totems.

Skunk: Self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, creative energy, paying attention to intuition and inner knowings

Alligator: Power to survive, keeper of ancient wisdom, clairvoyance

Cat: Magic, mystery, curiosity, independence, healing, unpredictability, inner balance, moving through fears

Frog: Seeing in all directions, physical and emotional cleansing, metamorphosis, creative power

Shark: Peace, solitude, emotional transformation, power of protection

Your Animal Totems instruct and protect you throughout your life’s journey. When you discover an animal that speaks strongly to you, an animal you feel you must draw more deeply into your life, try surrounding yourself with images of this animal. This will let the animal know it is welcome in your space.

Finding Your Animal Totems

One way to “meet” one of your Animal Totems is to do a guided visualization. Create Sacred Space by using music, a candle, incense, or a smudge stick. Sit quietly and very slowly scan your body, paying particular attention to each of the seven chakras. Then choose one chakra to return to and focus your attention there. Ask the animal who resides there to make its nature known to you. Wait. Listen. Watch.

Remember to be patient. Don’t give up. You might not “see” anything the first time you do this.

Sometimes your Animal Totem is nearby, just out of your sight, watching you to see if you’re serious about connecting with it. Continue to do this guided visualization until one of your animals makes itself known to you.

During your meditation, when you do “meet” one of your Animal Totems, look it in the eye and remember to greet it with affection and curiosity. Ask it how it’s feeling today. Ask it its name.

Remember that this encounter is totally in your imagination; therefore it is in your control. There is nothing to fear.

At some point, move from your body into the body of the animal. Look at yourself from the eyes of this sacred animal and notice what you see. After a while, return to your own body and continue your conversation with it.

Ask your Animal Guide the following questions, so that you can learn more about its meaning for you and its place on your journey:

Who are you?
What do you have to give me?
What do you want from me?
How will I remember what you have taught me?

Be sure to give it ample time to respond, and expect to be surprised!

You might be pleasantly or unpleasantly surprised by an animal that makes itself known to you. Try to accept the animal who wants to be with you rather than forcing a different one to be there.

Trust the process- My Summer of Skunks

It is generally believed that an Animal Totem chooses you, and not vice versa. The animals you love just might be your totems but then again, they might not! The animals which come to you when you are open and accepting are the ones you need to work with. They will have the strengths and weaknesses that you already posses, and they will have lessons for you to learn.

A few years ago, I was continually seeing skunks in our front yard, even in broad daylight. This is highly unusual skunk behavior, I assure you! A few times I also glimpsed a white skunk with a black stripe!

Later, I learned that skunks are really about self-respect, self-esteem, and inner protection through intuition. And I was seeing them at a season of my life when I felt completely powerless and unprotected regarding some difficult family situations which directly affected my self-respect and self-esteem.

Coincidence? I think not! I haven’t seen them brazenly walk across my front yard since that summer several years ago. I believe that Skunk had a message for me that year, and I believe that if I need him again, he will be there.

Honor Your Animal Guides with SoulCollage®

SoulCollage® is a personal growth tool that is a mystical magical blend of intuitive art and imaginative play. It was created by Seena Frost in 1989 as she worked with clients in her therapy practice in California.

One of the suits in the SoulCollage® deck is Companions, where you can create unique collaged cards to honor your special animal guides. Making a card like this, and working with it within the SoulCollage® process is an excellent way to honor these special animal energies, and to get to know your animal totems in a creative, imaginative way.

Which Of These Cat Breeds Is The Right O...

maryjustin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:54:26 +0100

There are many cat breeds out there. If you are like most people, you don’t know much about them. In order to help you to make a choice about breeds, here is some useful information.

Do you want a cat that can entertain himself and not get into mischief? Then don’t consider the Sphynx, the Rex, the British Angora and the Siamese. These cats are energetic and seem to be looking for trouble. For those who are looking for a cat to provide them with entertainment, these are a good choice. The Rex is a silly cat as it will attempt to amuse you.

There are other important features to consider as well. For example, if you want a long haired or a short haired cat. Those who do not have the time to groom the pet daily should not choose a long haired cat. Those who choose a long hair need to realize the commitment in taking care of that coat. If you do not, it can tangle and matt up and need to be shaven. And, it can pose a health risk too.

Vocal cats are often something that many people either consider or want nothing to do with. They can be quite noisy. Many cat owners do not have a problem with them, others realize that communicating with them is necessary and that in some cases, it isn’t the right choice.

Vocal/Noisy Cat Breeds:

Siamese

Burmese

Korat

Quiet Cat Breeds:

American Curl

Scottish Fold

Somali

Attitude is your next determining factor. Some cats enjoy being held and cuddled while others want nothing to do with humans at all. Some cats want the attention while others do not. Choosing which the right one for you is a much is.

Affectionate Breeds are great for children:

Snowshoe

Maine Coon

Ragdoll

Abyssinian

Tonkinese

Himalayan Persian

Reserved Breeds:

Nebelung

Russian Shorthair

Norwegian Forest Cat

Lastly, choose if you would like to go with a kitten or an abandoned older cat. Remember that kittens need to be trained but that adult cats can already be set in their ways. You can find many breeds of kittens to choose from at the local cat show and you can look for them at your local humane society as well. These cats need homes and these organizations are usually full to the brim with them.

I hope that you find this information useful and that it helps you find the perfect cat.

Where To Place The Bird Bath

maryjustin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:53:57 +0100

When it comes to providing a place for birds in your area to splash, bathe, play, and drink, a bird bath can please both the feathered and human inhabitants of the property. Bird baths serve as a huge draw to entice birds of all types to your yard, and in turn, the birds receive a necessary place to refresh themselves on hot summer days or chilly winter nights. Before you purchase a bird bath, first consider where you will place the bird bath in your yard or garden to ensure the specific style you wish will fit the outdoor space.

You have countless options when it comes to where to place a bird bath, but the most popular places include:

• Decks or Porches: If you do not have a great deal of space in your yard, or do not have a yard at all, consider purchasing a bird bath that affixes to the railings on a deck of porch. In addition to having the bird bath close to reach for refilling, installing a bird bath on your deck or porch will allow you to enjoy the birds that flock to your bath up close and personal.

• Up in the Trees: What better place to put a bath for your birds than up in the trees? Choose a hanging bird bath that will suspend in your trees so that your birds will not have to leave home to get a drink of water or take a bath. Consider hanging a bird bath near a window so that you can enjoy the birds while they splish and splash. However, keep in mind that bird baths will need to be cleaned and refilled, so avoid hanging a bird bath too far out of your reach so that you will not be able to properly maintain the bath.

• In Your Garden: If space permits, consider creating a sanctuary for the birds in your area. Use stylish bird baths to add style and flair to your yard or garden. Since running water is popular with birds, often enticing them to visit your bird bath over a neighbor’s bird bath, use a fountain bird bath to add a special touch. In addition to enticing the birds in your area, the tranquil sound of running water will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space and relax in your garden.

• Under the Trees: Since many birds seek the shelter of bird baths to escape from summer’s oppressive heat, placing a bird bath under the shade of trees in your yard will further entice birds to your area. However, keep in mind that the leaves and other debris from the trees can cause the bird bath to become dirty quicker so that it requires cleaning more frequently. Also, the blocked view from the trees may not allow you to see the birds that visit your yard and enjoy the bird bath. Generally, individuals choose to place bird baths in open places to prevent hassles associated with frequent cleanings.

• Near Your Home: Watching birds frolic will allow you to relax and unwind in your own home. Place your bird bath near a window that will allow you to oversee your feathered friends. Great places to watch birds include the kitchen, living room, bed room, or home office. Imagine taking a break from work to enjoy watching the birds or watching the flock while washing dishes in your kitchen.

Wherever you decide to place your bird bath in your yard or garden, remember the reason: to entice birds to your yard. Furthermore, consider the great variety of styles and sizes that will allow you to find a bath that matches your personal tastes.

Problems with dog training?

maryjustin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:08:29 +0100

Many dogs have inadvertently learned incorrect behaviour from their owners and require to be educated in how to behave correctly. It would be very unusual for a dog to be simply "bad" or "untrainable", in the vast majority of cases the dog has simply learned bad behaviour - or not learned "good" behaviour!

The first step is to remain calm and in control, shouting, smacking and screaming are not as effective as consistent positive training (i.e. rewarding the dog for good behaviour - with treats initially and then just with attention, cuddles etc - and ignoring them when they behave inappropriately).

Secondly make sure the dog realises that you are the "pack leader" and not the other way around, many owners try to spoil their dogs in the vain hope of an easy life - this is far from the case, once your dog realises that it can get the attention/treats/rewards it desires by repeating patterns of (bad) behaviour, essentially the dog will be training you! This is why many people have barking problems with their dogs. Most dogs dont realise whether barking is a good thing or a bad thing. Sometimes when the dog barks, it is ignored. Other times, the dog is praised (warding off possible intruders). And yet other times, the dog is shouted at (owner has a headache/is tired/is on the telephone etc). People are consistently inconsistent, especially when it comes to their pets!

When it comes to housetraining, remember that your dog is an instinctively clean animal. If the dog can avoid it, it would rather not soil itself or her usual eating and sleeping area. All the dog needs is positive encouragement when it eliminates in correct places.

A popular, modern method for dog training and obedience is "Clicker training", this is a slang term used to describe a way of training dogs that has become increasingly popular in the last decade due to its gentle and effective methods. The scientific term for it is operant conditioning. Simply put simply put, an dog tends to repeat an action that has a positive consequence and tends not to repeat one that has a negative consequence. The problem with other types of conditioning is that it is difficult to reinforce good behaviour at a distance, the clicker allows you to mark with great precision the good behaviour for which the dog is being reinforced, even if it the dog is some distance from you.

The clicker is a simple cheap and effective device, basically it's just a metal strip encased in a plastic box that when pressed makes a unique sharp clicking noise that the dog can distinguish easily from background noises. If you are having any problems training your dog this should be the first product on your shopping list.

Prevention Easier Than Treatment Protect...

maryjustin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:07:53 +0100

Caring for dogs involves more than just feeding and walking them. Protecting dogs from potentially debilitating Lyme disease is crucial for their health and happiness.

While many people take precautions against ticks and Lyme disease for themselves, it's not uncommon for man's best friend to be overlooked.

To educate dog owners about canine Lyme disease, Merial and the Lyme Disease Foundation have partnered to promote April as Prevent Lyme in Dogs Month. Spring is the start of tick season in most areas, but concerns about Lyme disease last all spring and summer as pets spend more time outdoors.

The number of cases of Lyme disease has increased more than 50-fold since 1982. Lyme disease has been found to be most common in certain areas of the United States, including the Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic and upper Midwest regions, plus northern California and Oregon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease has been found in humans in 49 states.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi that is transmitted by the deer tick. Clinical signs of the disease in canines include: shifting leg lameness, fever, swollen joints, muscle soreness, malaise, chronic arthritis, facial paralysis, seizures and acute renal failure.

"Taking preventive measures against Lyme disease can spare dogs from the disease's horrible symptoms," says Richard Ford, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVPM (hon), College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. "In addition to regularly checking dogs for ticks, pet owners should know how to prevent Lyme disease."

RECOMBITEK® Lyme vaccine protects dogs from Lyme disease and should be used in conjunction with FRONTLINE® brand product. The two work together to help ensure that animals are safe from ticks and Lyme disease. Both products, made by Merial, are available from your local veterinarian.

Prevention and Detection of Dog Ear Infe...

maryjustin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:07:25 +0100

Ear infections are a fairly common ailment for most dogs -- the problem is, you might not realize that there is a problem until its a painful problem for your dog.

Detection

Do you see your dog shaking it's head a little too often? Does your dog rub it's ears with it's paws, on the carpet, on the furniture, on your leg? Does your dog love it a little too much when you scratch it ears? These are all possible signs of an ear infection.

Did your dog used to love getting it's ears scratched but now shies away from you when you reach for it's ears? That's a sure sign of an ear infection.

Here are two other signs of this particular trouble: You see what looks like dirt in your dogs ears and wonder what its been up to. Your dog has an unusually bad smell -- even shortly after a bath.

That probably isn't dirt in the dogs ears (unless its been messing around in some very dirty places) -- its probably a build-up of ear wax and, if it is ear wax, that's probably also the cause for the mysterious odor.

An excess of smelly ear wax would, in most cases, be caused by inflamed (infected) ceruminous glands (wax glands) in it's ears. When these glands get infected they discharge extra amounts of ear wax. The excess ear wax causes the dogs ears to itch at first, that's why the rubbing and the blissful look when you scratch it's ears. After a while, if you don't spot the problem and get the dog to a vet, the wax buildup will become painful and the dog won't want you to touch its ears and the dog will become listless and probably not want to do anything except lay around -- waiting for the pain to go away.

The scenario described above is a typical outer ear infection and outer ear infections are by far the most common dog ear infections. The medical name is Otits Externa -- simply meaning “infection in the outer ear.” Just to complicate matters, you should know that dogs with ear infections often wind up with another problem -- ear mites.

Prevention

Your dog needs you to protect it from the pain of an ear infection and here's how you can do it: don't wait for the signs of an ear infection, check your dog's ears at least once a week.

-Feel the skin on the inside (least haired side) of each ear. The skin should feel perfectly smooth -- if this skin feels rough or grainy you might already have an ear infection problem on your hands.

-Look into the ear -- you should see a normal (not red or swollen) looking ear canal. Worst case: you'll see some type of yellow or dark discharge or possibly pus draining from the ear.

-Smell the ear -- you should not smell anything unpleasant.

-If you see any signs of an ear infection, get your dog to a veterinarian.

-If you see a bit of wax or dirt in the ear but it doesn't seem to be bothering the dog, clean it's ears. Even if the ear looks clean and clear, and you haven't cleaned the dog's ears for a week or so, clean the ears.

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

If you are not already cleaning your dogs ears on a regular basis, it may try to get away from you because it's not sure what you are doing and afraid that whatever it is will hurt. Calm the dog down by petting it and talking gently to it -- your tone of voice is always the key to your dog's reactions. Once you've started cleaning it's ears on a regular basis the do will get used to it and even appreciate the extra attention.

-Get an ear wash solution made specially for pets. Get it from a pet supply store or from your vet.

-Apply some ear wash solution to the inside of the dogs ears with a cotton ball or cotton-tipped swab. (Careful! Don't have the cotton ball or swab dripping wet -- you don't want to get anything down in the ear canal.)

About now, your dog will want to shake it's head to get the excess moisture out of it's ears -- it's OK -- let him or her shake it out.

-Take a fresh cotton tab with more of the ear-wash solution on it and clean the inside of the ear, around the folds and places where ear wax might build up.

Don't get into cleaning deep down into the ear canal -- that's for a veterinarian to do. If you see any build-up of ear wax deep down, let your vet take care of it.

Preventing Your Dog From Catching Diseas...

maryjustin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:06:54 +0100

Like any other pet, dogs, if not properly cared and maintained, could get diseases. Here are some parasites that cause dog diseases.

- Heartworm. Mosquito bites cause heartworm to exist in a dog and will reside in your pet’s heart and nearby blood vessels. A dog infected by heartworms looks dull and may even have a chronic cough. If possible, ask your veterinarian if your dog could be given a heartworm medication when it is the season of mosquitoes.

- Hookworm. Hookworms can be given by the mother dog to a puppy during the nursing period or even before birth. Hookworms cause dog anemia and appetite loss.

- Roundworm. The transmittal of roundworms is very much like how hookworms get transmitted in a dog. An infected dog usually has a potbelly. Roundworms cause pneumonia, diarrhea, dehydration, stunted growth, and vomiting.

- Tapeworm. A dog gets tapeworms if it swallows fleas that are larvae-laden. Much of the symptoms that are obvious rarely show, but in the dog’s feces, you could see deposits of rice-like appearance.

- Whipworm. A dog infected with whipworms may have diarrhea and other ailments like, stool mucus, and serious bowel inflammation. Extreme weight loss is also a symptom caused by whipworms.

- Fleas. Fleas, the commonest among external parasites, cause the dog to continuously scratch various parts of the body. This results to fur loss. Ask your veterinarian on a good flea-control program, since fleas could become resistant to some products over time.

- Lice. Lice can infect less common compared with fleas. Plus, they can be controlled easier.

- Ticks. Ticks can pose more serious problems than fleas because diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, or Lyme disease, can be contracted with ticks. Tweezers can be used to remove ticks one by one. If you do not know how to remove ticks properly and carefully, ask your vet first. If you do know how, ticks should be placed in a can with soap and water.

Treating dog diseases

Some ways of treating dog diseases that your vet might use:

- Pills

- Liquid medicine

- Eye drops and ointment

- Ear drops and ointment

With proper care and prevention, your pet dog would be generally free and safe from various diseases. If you notice something’s wrong with your dog, immediately consult with your vet. You will never know what might happen.

Preventative Health Care Strategies for...

maryjustin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:06:26 +0100

In most homes in America, the family pet is just like another member of the family. While we may not invite them to join us at the table for dinner, we love them nonetheless. As with any other family member, the health and wellbeing of our pets is of the utmost importance. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your furry friends are a part of your family for many years to come.

Be sure to have your pets vaccinated annually. With all of the debate surrounding vaccine safety, many pet owners have opted out of vaccinating their pets. The main issue to be aware of is that animals are highly susceptible to contracting certain diseases, such as canine parvovirus and canine distemper. These diseases are easily prevented with standard vaccinations, and very expensive to treat should preventative measures be ignored. Standard therapy for these diseases can cost upwards of $1000.00, when factoring in antibiotics and hospitalization. The vaccine itself might cost a fraction of that.

Dental care is another consideration. Just like other members of your family, your pets need to have semi-regular dental check-ups. This is especially important if you have a dog that is being fed a regular diet of human food. Furthermore, dental disease in pets can lead to other serious illnesses, such as heart, kidney, and liver disease. Some studies have even suggested that 80% of all domestic pets over the age of 3 have some existing form of dental disease. It may sound silly to some, but brushing your pet's teeth is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the risk of health complications. Take a preventative approach to the dental care of your pet.

Obesity is another issue that pet owners need to be aware of. Most of the time, this can be managed with a healthy, well rounded diet. There are plenty of quality pet food brands on the market today, many of which are tailored to your pet's stage of development. While an overweight pet might seem cute and cuddly, obesity can lead to serious health problems for your pet. This can include joint problems, arthritis, heart problems, difficulty breathing, and diabetes. Ensure your pet is getting a reasonable amount of exercise each day.

Preparing Your Home For A New Puppy

maryjustin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:06:03 +0100

Ah those lovable dogs and their cute and clever antics! Don’t we love the way they play fetch and run and jump and roll around and lick us affectionately and pee all over the carpet and…

Pee all over the carpet? Well we don’t love that aspect of dog ownership, now do we?

Dogs can be housebroken and trained to let their owners know when they need to go outside and make a little weedle or some other bigger job, but before that happens – and sometimes after as well – the interior of your home becomes Rover’s marked territory. The stains and smells of Phydeaux’s little mishaps and dishonorable discharges can leave a lasting impression on rugs and carpets, furniture, and other items in your home if they’re not taken care of immediately.

If you’re fortunate enough to catch Duke in the act of relieving himself all over the Persian rug that was a gift from your mother-in-law, take the steps that have to do with the dog’s training and then attend to the poodle puddle right away. Use a rag or some paper towels to soak up as much of the mess as possible and then clean the area with a mixture of cold or lukewarm (never hot) water and some sort of cleaning agent. Peroxide works well at removing the chance of a stain as well as the odor, but it should not be used on certain fabrics or dyes. A dab of dishwashing liquid (the kind you use in the sink, not the dishwasher) mixed with water can do a good job on these fresh marks as well.

For stains that have been allowed to sit for a time you’ll need to take slightly more drastic measures. Organic cleansers like Spot Shot work best on stains like these and should be chosen over chemicals. If you do use chemicals, peroxide is your friend once again as it can act as a terrific stain remover. Again you’ll want to dilute with warm water and apply it to the area. Some scrubbing will be necessary, but it should be done as gently as possible, depending on the type of fabric. If we’re talking about carpet, some vigorous scrubbing will probably be okay as the fibers are designed to take a bit of a beating.

If the soiled items are washable fabrics like clothing, towels, or small throw rugs, the stains should come out in the wash. Put the item in the washer by itself with the regular laundry detergent that you would normally use and some color safe bleach (whites can and should be done with regular chlorine bleach).

The best way to deal with doggie urine stains is to avoid having them happen in the first place, which can be accomplished through careful and meticulous training. If the occasional whoopsie does happen, don’t lose your head. Deal with the dog in the appropriate manner and rest easy in the knowledge that, in most cases, pee washes out.

Preparing to teach you dog tricks

maryjustin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:05:43 +0100

Teaching your dog to do tricks is not just fun for you both it also helps stop a lot of problems some dogs have with destructive tendencies, many dogs and some breeds more than others get board and this boredom can lead to destructive behaviour, but if you keep your dogs mind active and busy then the boardum is not an issue and so the destructive behaviour is less lightly.

When teaching a dog tricks things to think about are, how are you going to reward your dog, where to train and for how long to make the training sessions.

Rewards basically split in to two categories, food or praise I believe a combination of the two is the best way to go and so I ensure I have a good supply of small healthy treats for the dog.

I tend to use either homemade liver cake or dry dog food. If your dog has dietary issues then consult your vet before you start giving him extra treats. If I am going to use dry food with a dog that has weight issues I tend to measure out his food for the day and then remove a small amount from his 2 meals to give me enough treats for the training sessions, so instead of having two meals a day he is essentially having three meals a day but the same amount of food in total.

Praising the dog is very important, your dog wants to make you happy, you are the leader of his pack and he looks to you for food, warmth and approval. When your dog gets part of the trick right make a fuss of him, this is a good reason for doing your training is a quiet place. The fuss should be over the top, put on an excited happy voice and get down on your dogs level pat, stroke and rub your dog, do not get your dog over excited as you want him to remain focused on the trick you have just taught him and too much fuss will distract him and make him forget what made you happy.

Where to teach your dog his tricks is very important too, you must find somewhere quiet so your dog does not get distracted, noise, smells and people or other dogs are all very interesting to your dog so when choosing a place to train think about these potential distractions. You must also have enough room to train your dog, think about the trick you are teaching, if it involves sitting still and not moving around then you might consider using your front room as a training venue, if you are teaching fetch or some other trick that involves your dog moving around a lot then a park might be a better venue.

Length of the training sessions, if they are too long your dog will get board and your efforts will be wasted, if they are too short then you are not giving your dog the chance to learn the trick before you stop the training. There is no correct time limit on the length of a training session, it depends on your dog and what the trick is, but a good guideline is 10 - 15 minutes and I would tend to do 3 or 4 of these a day, repetition is the key to good dog training so keep teaching the trick even after it looks like your dog has it memorised.

Premium Dog Food - Are You Sure?

maryjustin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:05:20 +0100

Soybean meal, wheat or wheat middlings, corn gluten meal, corn meal, whole/crushed corn, and maize are often used for their protein. They cost a lot less to include in a treat than the superior quality carbs or real-meat protein like chicken. Soybean meal, ground corn and wheat are also common pet allergens, so be careful with them.

Food coloring can also be a major problem with pet food and treats: it is not at all rare for biscuits to be dyed in an attempt to make them look like fresh meat or fresh vegetables. This would not be all that terrible if it were still the 50's when food dyes were still based on plant based compounds. But in order for pet food manufacturers to save money and increase longevity, they started to make food colorings primarily from chemicals. There are plenty of studies which show that chemical food coloring makes hyperactive children more hyperactive, and numerous dog trainers believe that the same applies to hyperactive dogs or those that just will not be trained no matter what.

This artificial food coloring is still widely used to this day even though they are completely unnecessary and have been linked to various medical issues. It is believed by large number in the medical field that if an ingredient is foreign to the body (such as chemical coloring), the body reacts to it and can create a lot of health issues. Pets care about taste, not color, so food dyes are more for people than for them.

By-products are a superb way for firms to keep costs of food and treats down. Instead of simply using whole meats, they use by-products as protein. Needless to say, these are the less than desirable portions of animals such like the necks, heads, undeveloped eggs, feet, intestines, lungs and ligaments. Another cheap method of adding protein to a food is by using meat and bone meal. It is exactly what it sounds like: meat + bones.

Essentially, by-products are all of the items you would never knowingly feed your pet.

Scientific studies conclude that these chemicals may be harmful to the liver and other parts of the body. The FDA has decreased the quantity of ethoxyquin allowed in pet food. Natural preservatives such as tochopherols and/or rosemary are certainly preferred.

There are a lot of other things that labels do not reveal. For example, condemned parts of animals unsuited for human consumption are often rerouted straight into commercial treats. These can be the parts of animals who are dead, dying, diseased or even decayed. This is also known the 4 D's. Some meats, grains and other ingredients can't be sold for human use. They are damaged or the meat doesn't have the look USDA officials want. Sadly, we cannot decipher this from the label.

Also, some food and treat manufacturers have lower standards concerning the freshness of the ingredients they use. Though there should be a "use by" date or code on most packages, that doesn't mean that all of the ingredients were fresh when they were used to make the pet food or treat in the first place. We would not eat stale cookies so why would we want to give anything but fresh ingredients to our pets?

Ultimately, it is important to not only learn to read the labels but also to purchase dog food, cat food and treats from a manufacturer whom you trust.

Potty Trained Puppy

maryjustin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:04:56 +0100

Oh, isn’t she just the cutest thing you have ever seen? That brand new little puppy you received as a Christmas present is the best gift you have ever received. You are so excited and you just can’t wait to…Wait a minute! What’s that smell? You have got to be kidding me! And so it begins.

A lot of new owners find that puppy house training is one of the most frustrating things they face. House training your puppy DOES take a little work, but it doesn’t have to be frustrating. The fact is that potty training your puppy can be a relatively easy experience.

The first thing you need to do when you are potty training your puppy is to find the puppy her own place. It may be a dog crate or it may be a small bathroom. The important thing is that the puppy has a place where she sleeps and spends time. This special place will become the puppies “den” and dogs don’t like going to the bathroom in their den.

You should make sure she sleeps in its den at night because it can be very confusing to a puppy when she sleeps in a different place all the time. Every morning, you should take her straight outside. That way, the puppy will learn she needs to go outside to do her business and the puppy house training will go a lot smoother.

One of the more popular methods of potty training your puppy is called the “crate method.” You get a large crate and you put the puppy’s pillow and toys in it. You make it as comfortable as possible for the new puppy. This will become the puppies den and she will not go to the bathroom in it unless she just can’t wait.

That brings us to the question of how often a new puppy should be taken outside. Typically, when you first start house breaking your puppy, she should be taken outside approximately every 45 minutes. Not only does this make sure she gets to go potty regularly but it also teaches her that she is supposed to do her business outside.

When a puppy has an accident in the house, you need to scold her and take her outside immediately. When the puppy goes to the bathroom outside, you need to praise her and give her lots of love. This will teach the puppy what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.

Here are five important tips to remember when you are trying to house break your puppy…

1. You should always praise your puppy when she does what she is supposed to do.

2. Give your puppy a treat when she goes to the bathroom outside.

3. You should scold your puppy if she makes a mistake in the house but you need to do it immediately. It can cause more harm than good if you scold the puppy later. She won’t understand why she is being scolded.

4. Take the puppy outside at least every 45 minutes. You should give her a command to “Go potty!” or something to that effect. She will learn what she needs to do when you give her that command.

5. Thoroughly clean any area where the puppy has made a mistake. The odor will attract her back to the same spot and she will do it again. Non-ammonia products tend to work best.

Patience is very important when you are house breaking your puppy. There will be accidents; they just can’t be avoided. The key is consistency. Take the puppy out regularly. Praise her when she is good. Scold her when she is bad. Some puppies can learn very quickly and some puppies take a little longer. Either way, you will become best friends and you will enjoy a long, happy, accident-free time with your potty trained puppy!