Turtle identification is the first step in understanding how these animals live and behave. Before you can adopt a certain way of taking care of your turtle, you need to find out what type it is. Remember that living requirements will vary across different species because different types of turtles have different adaptation patterns. Just as humans have different habits, so do different species of turtles.


The pet shop
:

There are over three hundred species of turtles all over the world which makes turtle identification a bit of a challenge especially for beginners. However, you don't have to be an expert in turtles to be able to find out what kind of pet you have with you. There are all sorts of ways to get started with turtle identification. If you haven't really tried taking care of a turtle before, it's best to start with your local pet store
. You are sure to find someone there who can help you identify the turtle that you got and even obtain relevant tips on how to take care of your pet.

Research:

Another way of turtle identification that you can try is through research. You will want to read further on turtles and its various species. It's a good idea to start with literature on common pet turtles as these are the ones that you're most probably going to end up having. Turtle identification will require further studies on each kind of common pet turtle, finding out their dominant characteristics and markings. Zoologists usually have taxonomic keys that help them identify the species of turtles but you don't really have to go this far, although it would help if you had those.

Going online:

The internet is also a good source of turtle identification information. Many websites are established to help turtle owners identify the species of the pets that they are taking care of. These sites usually created by turtle enthusiasts and experts to provide valuable information to those who are interested in taking up turtle rearing as a hobby. You can also try visiting online communities composed of many pet owners around the world. Forums are usually available to provide a venue for those who are seeking aid in turtle identification. You can post your questions on these forums and wait for them to give you answers.

The pet doctor:

You can also bring your turtle to a veterinarian who can help you with turtle identification. Most doctors can actually identify common types of turtles just by observing them. Aside from turtle identification, the veterinarian can also examine your pet and make sure that it is healthy. He can also prescribe certain methods of rearing it - i.e. a specific diet plan, recommendations on the type of turtle tank and such.

Identifying marks:

Aside from the many resources that can help you with turtle identification, there are also simple markings on a turtle that can give you a good idea on what type of species you have with you. Try observing the neck, appendages, the shell's form and the size of your pet. Different species will have varied physical characteristics.

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To give your dog, or any pet for that matter, a good foundation for a healthy life it is essential to start with proper nutrtion. There are many really horrible, low quality, chemical laden dog foods on the market still today, even though we have become more aware and educated about what to look for when purchasing dog food.
Cheaper dog food brands are generally sold at your local grocery store, whereas the higher quality premium dog food brands are found in pet stores, or online at specialty pet stores.


Increasing your dog's life span is easily achieved by feeding a properly balanced healthy organic dog food or high premium diet from puppy hood. An all natural healthy diet is as beneficial for your dog as it is for yourself. Improper or poor nutrition can cause diseases, allergies, obesity, and shortened life spans in your dogs.

There are many commercial grade dog food products available at the grocery store, and care must be taken when choosing one. After the recent pet food contamination scares and recalls because of toxicity and disgusting additives being found in the manufacturing process, many pet owners are becoming much more aware of what they feed their pet.

Here are a few general guidelines to follow when looking at the ingredients on a dog food bag:

Choose a food with high meat content. The first ingredient must be a specified meat. Another one or two meats or meat meal listed in the top 5 ingredients is a bonus, but not necessary. (Meat meal is meat with the moisture removed.)

If the same grain ingredient is used two or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", brewer's rice", "rice flour", are all the same grain), this is not a well balanced, nutritious product. It is loaded with "filler" and made to look like it is healthy by separating the one ingredient into sub categories, but rice is rice so it should be listed once.

Using high quality grains has become the standard for the premium quality dog food manufacturers, such as barley, brown rice and oatmeal. If the grains are organic, then all the better. Wheat and corn are inferior and useless as a nutritional element in dog food, and used as filler only. Dogs are known to be highly allergic to wheat and corn.

If there are any by-products at all on the ingredient list, pass this dog food by.

There should not be any fillers.

Carcinogenic preservatives do not need to be used, and if they are don't buy the product. (They will be listed as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.)

Artificial colorings are also cancer causing, and completely unnecessary. You'll be surprised to see how many products still contain this dangerous ingredient. The dyes will be marked as such - e.g. Red, Blue and Yellow dyes.

No added sugars or corn syrup should be in the ingredient list.

The more organic ingredients listed, the better.

Added glucosamine, chondroitin, pro and prebiotics, flax seed oil, barley, oats or oatmeal, and sunflower oil, are a good thing.

Slowly baked, not extruded, retains the minerals, vitamins and essential goodness of the food.

Hormone free, antibiotic free, pesticide and herbicide free, chemical and preservative free would indicate a high quality premium organic dog food.

And finally, no mystery meats should be in the list. Mystery meat will be listed as simply meat or poultry, rather than chicken or venison. The mystery meat will probably be some horrible rotten road kill, old euthanized animals, and parts of animals that are not edible.

Although the higher quality food might seem more expensive initially, it will work itself out and become cheaper in the long run. The savings in vet bills alone over the life of your pet will pay for the food.

I use a lazy homemade dog food tactic of using a high end organic dog food, and add just a few ounces of poached chicken, or broiled venison every day. The best of both worlds is then achieved for my dogs.

Always be aware, educate yourself and know that the big business of dog food manufacturing is in it for the profit, not the health and welfare of our pets. That is up to us. Just do the absolute best you can for your pet and it will be returned with more doggie love, which is never a bad thing.

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Dear My Human,


I wanted to write you because we have a very serious issue to address. This issue is my litter box. My litter box demands are not being met to my satisfaction. Please find below my requirements to be a healthy and happy cat- and if these wishes are met, I will no longer poop on the floor:

1. I need a big litter box, like, the Taj Mahal of litter boxes. It needs to be big enough so that I can move around, stretch my little cat paws as far as they can go, read a newspaper, inspect my beautiful self and so forth. Also, I require a deep litter box so that if I so choose, I can dig to the ends of the earth in search of the finest fish. But, my dear human, the box cannot be too tall so as to cause injury my fabulous physique. I would advise cutting a “cats only” entrance for me if the box is too tall. If there is more than just one fantastic feline in the home, the quantity of litter boxes must reflect this. Many a cat doctor advise that you provide one more litter box than the number of cats in the home. This would be greatly appreciated, and well… I think I deserve it!


2. I understand that you don’t like when I track my litter around the house. Well, my human, there is something you can do. A litter box mat will catch the extra litter clumps from my graceful paws! It is, in essence, a red carpet grand entrance to my commode, and que bellisimo… a functional one at that! Mats come in many different colors and patterns, so you can accommodate my high society, cultured taste. Paparazzi, cameras, and fans are optional.


3. But what, my human, is the good of a red carpeted Taj Mahal litter box if it is not smelling of flowers and sunshine?!? You must promise to keep my litter box clean as the spring breeze. I have an unprecedented sense of smell; my nose abilities are far stronger than those of your primitive nasal cavities. If you don’t enjoy the smell of my commode, then most certainly I do not. We cats are simply creatures of a higher order, who will not tolerate foul smell or unsanitary conditions. In lieu of this information, human, my litter must be of the clumping order, unscented and dust free.


4. The proper cleaning of my commode should be completed twice a day. I ask you, my human, do you enjoy performing your business in an unsightly toilet? Nay, you say? I don’t often like to point out the similarities of you human creatures and we alluring felines, but unsightly commodes are not enjoyable for either of us. Please be wary of keeping the litter box sanitary, or I will remind you in a way that is unbecoming to my cat nature. Proper cleaning supplies and attire are advisable. A litter scoop made of plastic and strong will, a filter with the power of 1,000 white oleanders, and a proper holding container, preferably with the bright, enticing colors of the earth and sun will do. In this way, you can achieve litter box cleanliness that is fit for a king or queen! (namely, me). That being said, a maid’s outfit would make this more official, so please go to your local human store and purchase some appropriate cleaning attire.


5. My human, I understand that you are busy and may not have the time to keep my Taj Mahal box in perfect condition. (Try looking as good as me every day for a week…now THAT would keep you busy) But alas! There are easier ways to fulfill my cleanliness requirements! It is possible to purchase litter box liners, which easily fit in the bottom of my box. When the time has come to clean my commode, you simply lift the whole liner and dispose with the other rubbish. Simple, yet fruitful! Another easy way is a roll and clean litter box. Sometimes, you humans are just so darn innovative! You pick up this light, attractive box which serves as my commode; flip it over, and TA DA! The unused litter goes to the bottom, the used litter and the cute little droplings I produce are filtered into a tray that can be easily removed.


6. Location, Location, Location, my human friend. Location is of much importance for my litter box. Please do not place my litter box in a room or closet where the door is often closed, (because believe me, I will find a door that is open… probably your bedroom) a place only reachable by stairs, (when I grow older into a senior cat full of wit and wisdom, it may be difficult for me to reach it) or a very open, very public space (Unlike you, human, in your simple nature, this is not because of modesty, but because of my instinctual nature to always be aware of my surroundings. It is a wild jungle out there, and I don’t want to be ambushed by an enemy when my guard is down).


7. You say you don’t want the litter box seen by your “oh so high society” human friends? It is possible to acquire a very trendy, discreet and fabulous decoration to go over my commode. In fact, it matches the rest of our furniture! How Savvy! It looks like a wooden chest, (which you can place foliage and human pictures on top of so that I can knock them over with grace and ease) and even your most cultured friends will never know that inside is my very own Taj Mahal! While they come in different styles and colors, I prefer the one in wood with that fabulous cherry color. Perfect for the most refined fancy cat.


Thank you, my human, for taking the time to read my requirements to be a healthy, happy, and “non pooping on the floor” cat. To help you implement these wishes straight away, please visit www.mythreecats.com for reliable, online, amazing service for all my cat accessories.

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What causes pet allergies? The primary agents are proteins produced in the hair, feathers, fur, urine, saliva, and feces of pets. These proteins can stimulate a wide and uncomfortable variety of symptoms in sufferers.

Pet allergies can spring up all at once, or they can evolve over months or years. A new cat owner, for instance, may suffer no allergy symptoms until six months after introducing a pet to her apartment. It’s important not to jump to conclusions about the cause of symptoms.

Many environmental and physiological factors can produce “pet allergy like” symptoms. You may be allergic to other substances (e.g. pollen, mold, poison ivy, certain foods, climatic variations, and even stress) or suffer a medical condition like influenza, eczema, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

The best way to settle the diagnosis is to discuss the matter with your doctor. He or she can perform a range of tests (including skin and blood tests) aimed at pin pointing triggers. Be aware that allergies can often be comorbid with other conditions. To relieve symptoms, you will need to treat all triggers.

Symptoms of Pet Allergies

Pet allergies can present in vastly different ways in different patients. Some sufferers may experience eczema, nettle shaped rashes, and other skin blotches. Others may get asthma or other bronchial problems. Still others may present with full-on “hay fever like” symptoms, such as watery eyes, runny nose, headache, and congestion.

Symptoms can also vary in how, when, and how intensely they present, and individuals can respond to allergens in their environments differently at different times. For instance, let’s say you're allergic to dogs. During one encounter with a golden retriever, you may develop hay fever symptoms and difficulty breathing. Several weeks later, you can encounter the same golden retriever, and this time, you may experience an allergic rash but no hay fever symptoms.

Allergic symptoms can create secondary health problems as well. Pet allergy sufferers are statistically more likely to develop ear infections, insomnia, and the common cold. Moreover, if left untreated, these symptoms can impede one’s ability to travel, visit friends, or even go shopping.

Notwithstanding all of these negative symptoms, a surprising number of Americans “work through” their symptoms just to have the joy of spending time with their favorite companions. Approximately two millions Americans, according to one study, keep cats even though they are allergic to them.

What Makes Pet Allergies Worse?

Just because you have a pet allergy doesn’t mean that you can’t be allergic to other things in your environment. Indeed, your allergy symptoms can be exacerbated by a whole host of environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke, pollen, dust in the air, and even your diet. If you don’t stay in shape by running, eating well, sleeping enough, limiting your stress, and avoiding excess consumption of drugs, alcohol, and caffeine, you can make your symptoms worse. Some studies even suggest that non-allergic pet owners who lead unhealthy lives put themselves at risk of developing allergies to their pets down the line.

How to Treat Pet Allergies

Fortunately for pet allergy sufferers, solutions abound. The simplest but in some ways saddest solution is to avoid pets entirely (or at least the pets which trigger your allergy symptoms). Thankfully, there are intermediate solutions you can try before parting with Fido or Mittens.

Taking allergy shots can prevent symptoms from developing. Minimize exposure in your environment by cleaning your house of pet dander particles or setting up a HEPA filter to circulate the air and eliminate pet allergens.

Shop for so-called low allergy pets, such as shorthaired cats or “low allergy” dogs like Bichon Frisé’s. If you can wrangle your pet for regular baths, you can reduce the amount of pet dander that will circulate in your house. Also, make sure to keep your pet healthy and active -- studies suggest that pets that are confined can become more allergenic over time.

If you're “super allergic” to pets and you need to visit someone who owns an animal which triggers your symptoms, wear a mask, and/or bring medications to control symptoms. Finally, declare an “allergy free zone” in your house. You may be able to control your symptoms simply by staying out of rooms your pet occupies regularly.

Medications to Control Symptoms

You can find over-the-counter and prescribed antihistamines to control symptoms, and corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators can be effective as well. You can also try over-the-counter topicals, such as eye-drops, nasal sprays, creams, and even non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Finally, it is possible to build up tolerances to pet dander through a program of controlled exposure over time. You may want to speak with an allergy specialist to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan. If you're really allergic to a certain type of animal, make sure to carry emergency medication on your person in the event that you encounter that animal, since you may not have time to get to medical help before severe symptoms set in.

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It will be a great and wonderful moment of bringing a new puppy into your household. With a proper dog training program, dog can provide unconditional love, hours of entertainment and genuine friendship; else it will be the other way round. Below are the benefits of having good dog training.



1. Training builds healthy bonding.Dog training is the best way of creating bonding between you and your dog. It must be start at the very moment you acquire your dog. Unfortunately, most of the people dog training only begins at the time of trying new trick. Your dog starts to learn by continually looking and learning from your actions. He learns from your reaction toward his by looking for guidance, for comfort and for food.

2. Training solves behavioural problems By developing the trusting bond between you and your dog, you can start to correct the behavioural problems of your dog, like barking at anyone passes by, chewing any things that come along his way etc. Your dogs will learn from you reaction whether his actions is right or not.



3. Training building the dog’s IQ Training your dog can stimulate your dog’s IQ. Due to the dog’s nature to be curious, your dog tends to explore any thing he comes across. He has the capability of becoming very intelligent if he is given correct stimulation which will encourage them to learn.



4. Training encourages sense of self belonging.



Dog need to have the sense of self of belonging in order for him to feel secure staying in the house as a pack of your household. He will feel like part of the pack if he receives the attention from every members of the house hold. So everyone in your family should take time to train your dog.



5. Training saves time. Last but not lease, dog training can save you a lot of times in future if your start the training in the early stage. For instance, you may save the time of cleaning up the mess he creates in future if your take time to train him now.



Training dogs do need times and effort. You must be very patient and committed in order for you to successfully train your dog up. Remember, with a proper training and guidance, you dog will become more adorable and loving and also for a better relationship between your dog and you.



So what are you waiting for? Start to train your dog now.

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I have always had a soft spot for dogs, each has their own unique character and charm. I also seem to attract them like a magnet. Case in point, I have just moved to a sleepy small town in Mississippi and have already made a 'new best friend,' a rather timid four legged creature that lives across the street. I have no clue what his or her name is. I call it 'Scardy Dog.' I just have to make an appearance on the porch and it comes running over to say hello. It also has great road sense, stopping at the curb and looking both ways before crossing. It is also scared of its shadow, one quick movement and it is off like a jack rabbit.


Kim Pearson and Anne Lindsay clearly share my affinity with our four legged friends, and Dog Park Diary is an exquisitely executed and highly amusing look at their pets, and their pets' best friends.

The action takes place in Robinswood Dog Park in Bellevue, Washington. A sanctuary where those pesky leashes can be discarded, and dogs can be dogs. This is the social apex for dogs that live in the neighborhood.

The hero of the story is one Dr. Jane Goodall Beagle, but as she explains most people just call her Goody. Goody is our guide and mentor in this voyage of doggy discovery. One of the first lessons that Goody introduces us to is doggy etiquette and the importance of playing 'sniff-butt,' this is the doggy equivalent of us humans saying 'hello, how are you today,' but also a lot more, you can tell if the other dog is sad or happy, friend of foe. As Goody puts it:

I think humans should do 'sniff-butt' too. Maybe they wouldn't fight so often.

They would look pretty funny though.

I enjoyed Dog Park Diary and Goody's explanation of the dog world. Although this book could be seemed to be aimed at the children's market it does contain some aspects that maybe a parent would not want to deal with, with their young children. Bodily functions are always a huge attraction to youngsters, and bodily functions do get a mention or two.

The photography by Anne Lindsay is superb, it matches the text so well. Both creators of this book deserve huge credit. While this may seem a very niche work, it is well worth seeking out. I really enjoyed it. Using minimal text Kim Pearson tells the story in a way that makes every word count. Goody takes on a personae from the very first page. Pointing out early on that she is a 'she dog', and as such has manners, not like those rowdy male dogs! "Some even pee in the water bowl" she tells us with disgust.

Dog Park Diary may not be the stuff that makes the New York Times best seller list, but I am sure it will find its way into the homes of many dog lovers.

You can order your copy from Amazon.

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Dogs, by nature, are born to be active. So if you're a couch potato addicted to the TV, owning a dog might not be the way to go. A dog is more likely to feel depressed if he is matched with an owner who has a different lifestyle, creating discord in the relationship.


If you bring a dog into your home, there are activity levels that you should think about first in order to keep your dog fit physically and emotionally. Having a dog that needs walking twice a day might spur lazy adults to get the kind of physical exercise that they need. However, lazy individuals are not likely to change their habits enough to make a good fit between them and active dogs. It's the dog that will suffer as the lazy owner slacks off on walking and the dog fails to get what he needs in consistent outdoor time.

The amount and kind of exercise that you give to your dog is not the same as giving him the amount of physical activity that he needs every day. Every dog needs time to walk, run, play and relax each day. Go to a dog park or walk your dog on a leash in the neighborhood. Having a fenced backyard allows your dog to romp and play without a lead. Mobility limitations can often be a concern for older adults. If this is the case, choosing a dog that requires less daily physical activity is the best thing to do. Individuals that enjoy being outside and actively include their dogs are more likely to have healthier, happy dogs.


Larger dogs tend to be more physically active. Many larger dogs have heritages that include being working or hunting dogs. Their desire to be active and work off some energy are some of their inherent traits. Dogs which are born for movement and agility may include the Doberman, Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, German Shepherd and Greyhound. It is natural for them to require movement and exercise everyday. Not all large dogs require a high level of physical activity. Size can fool you. Breeds such as the St. Bernard and Bull Mastiff fit this category even though they may well outweigh their keeper.


Small dogs can comfortably live in small places. These dogs may include the Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Poodles and Pekinese who don't need as much outdoor activity since their nervous temperaments cause them to be high in activity around the house. Granted, their physical activity may be running aimlessly around the room, jumping on your guests or on you, but they do settle down when their energy wanes. Then it's time to recharge by crawling back on your lap or on one of their plush pet beds.


There's much to understand before getting a dog. So take the time to evaluate your living space, personality, and individual activity level so you can come up with the best dog fit compatible to you.

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Cats want to do today what they did yesterday and plan to do tomorrow what they did today. Cats in particular, it seems do not want to have anything to do with change in their environment or even any type of confusion. When their normal surroundings are piled high with everything that was once in another room, they sometimes decide to spray on those things to lower their sweet little feline anxiety/anxiety levels.

Cats like to know when and were their human mom and dad are coming and going, so they can adjust their schedules accordingly. If you or your partner takes a new job with late night hours, or work real early in the morning, this can drastically change your household routine and lifestyle and your cat may develop feline anxiety/stress because of it.


Feline anxiety and stress seems to be worse in indoor cats, presumably as a result of their smaller living space. In single cat households, the presence of neighbor’s cats in built up areas may act as a stress factor. Cat Toys will teach you how to take care of your cat’s exercise needs which is important for many reasons including relieving stress.


When the feline anxiety and stress level continually increases, at some point there will be a behavioral response from that cat. Once the cat has shown a behavioral response, the stress response starts to decline. Stress responses occur in response to both 'good' and 'bad' changes in the cat's environment. As a cat owner, you should know that urine marking (as one possible behavioral response) is highly motivated and that this is just a normal behavior that can be brought on by feline anxiety and stress. It should be noted that it is not unusual for a cat to have a medical problem when the behavior history says that it is only a behavioral problem. For instance, blood tests may be necessary to determine if a medical problem, such as kidney disease, is contributing to the spraying.


Other signs of feline anxiety and stress you may see are excessive grooming or biting at the tail or back. Control is best achieved by decreasing the motivation to perform the behavior. The cat environment of today has been changed considerably over the many years since they have been domesticated and they have adapted by changing a great deal of their instinctive behavior. It should be noted that wild cats avoid humans totally, and that true wild cats cannot be tamed just by raising them in a human household.


There are many causes of feline anxiety and stress and it varies from cat to cat. If you observe your cat closely and try to keep changes in their life and surroundings to a minimum, there should not be a problem.


NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.

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With summer just around the corner, it's important to know how to best care for your dog.

As the weather becomes increasingly warmer, many dogs like to lie in the sun, swim or play freely with their owners. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunburns can be common and can become very serious - very quickly.

Heat and Hydration

Pay special attention to your dog’s food and drink during the summer. On hot days, when dogs lose more moisture through panting, dogs may drink more than usual so keep checking that your pet has fresh, clean water. It's probably a good idea to put an extra bowl of water outside if your dog spends time in the yard. Remember, water will evaporate more quickly from bowls when the weather is hot, so always check to be sure there's plenty of water and that it's changed frequently.

When you take your dog for a walk in the summer, and particularly when the weather is hot, carry some extra water for your dog, and a bowl. Stop frequently to allow your pet to have a drink. Wrapping a cool pad or wet bandana around your dog’s neck before heading outside can help her stay cooler and avoid heat exhaustion.

Never leave a dog in the car when it is hot, even with a window open. Don't be fooled by thinking you can quickly pop into a store or a shop with your dog and he will be fine in the car. In the summer, parked cars, even if they are in the shade, can heat up like ovens in a very short time. Panting is not efficient enough to cool the dog. Dogs can quickly suffer from heat exhaustion if they are exposed to extreme heat for too long.

Strenuous exercise in hot, humid weather can also cause heat stroke. The symptoms are obvious – restlessness, panting excessively and drooling. Dehydration is another severe condition if not treated immediately. Dogs suffering from dehydration may have a loss of skin elasticity and their mouths may become dry and tacky and saliva is thick. If the dog is not treated immediately it will become a very serious condition.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, lower its temperature by bathing it in cool - not cold - water and wrap a damp towel around the dog. This is a serious medical emergency and you must seek veterinary attention immediately.

Sunscreen

Other dogs need special care in the summer months, particularly white, shorthaired dogs or dogs with pale ears or noses like Boston or Bull Terriers. If your dog is white or has a pale nose or ears, buy some sunblock for your pet. Apply it to vulnerable spots every day. Because dogs have a natural inclination to lick off anything that is applied to their fur and skin, use a sunscreen that is known to be non-toxic to dogs. Your vet will be able to advise you if you unsure of which product to buy.

Swimming

Many dogs love the water. If your dog has never been swimming, try slowly introducing him to a lake, a pond or a pool. Get in the water with your dog as he builds confidence. Throw a toy or a stick a small distance away from you and encourage him to retrieve it. Or, bring another dog with you who loves the water and watch as your pet learns to swim by trying to keep up with his friend. If you want to be even more comfortable, purchase a life vest made especially for pets. The vest has handles to help you lift your dog into and out of the water. Finally, don't forget to rinse your dog with clean, fresh water after he's been swimming to be sure to get off any chemicals
or bacteria.

By following these simple guidelines, you and your pet will surely have a more fun and safe summer!

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With summer just around the corner, it's important to know how to best care for your dog.

As the weather becomes increasingly warmer, many dogs like to lie in the sun, swim or play freely with their owners. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunburns can be common and can become very serious - very quickly.

Heat and Hydration

Pay special attention to your dog’s food and drink during the summer. On hot days, when dogs lose more moisture through panting, dogs may drink more than usual so keep checking that your pet has fresh, clean water. It's probably a good idea to put an extra bowl of water outside if your dog spends time in the yard. Remember, water will evaporate more quickly from bowls when the weather is hot, so always check to be sure there's plenty of water and that it's changed frequently.

When you take your dog for a walk in the summer, and particularly when the weather is hot, carry some extra water for your dog, and a bowl. Stop frequently to allow your pet to have a drink. Wrapping a cool pad or wet bandana around your dog’s neck before heading outside can help her stay cooler and avoid heat exhaustion.

Never leave a dog in the car when it is hot, even with a window open. Don't be fooled by thinking you can quickly pop into a store or a shop with your dog and he will be fine in the car. In the summer, parked cars, even if they are in the shade, can heat up like ovens in a very short time. Panting is not efficient enough to cool the dog. Dogs can quickly suffer from heat exhaustion if they are exposed to extreme heat for too long.

Strenuous exercise in hot, humid weather can also cause heat stroke. The symptoms are obvious – restlessness, panting excessively and drooling. Dehydration is another severe condition if not treated immediately. Dogs suffering from dehydration may have a loss of skin elasticity and their mouths may become dry and tacky and saliva is thick. If the dog is not treated immediately it will become a very serious condition.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, lower its temperature by bathing it in cool - not cold - water and wrap a damp towel around the dog. This is a serious medical emergency and you must seek veterinary attention immediately.

Sunscreen

Other dogs need special care in the summer months, particularly white, shorthaired dogs or dogs with pale ears or noses like Boston or Bull Terriers. If your dog is white or has a pale nose or ears, buy some sunblock for your pet. Apply it to vulnerable spots every day. Because dogs have a natural inclination to lick off anything that is applied to their fur and skin, use a sunscreen that is known to be non-toxic to dogs. Your vet will be able to advise you if you unsure of which product to buy.

Swimming

Many dogs love the water. If your dog has never been swimming, try slowly introducing him to a lake, a pond or a pool. Get in the water with your dog as he builds confidence. Throw a toy or a stick a small distance away from you and encourage him to retrieve it. Or, bring another dog with you who loves the water and watch as your pet learns to swim by trying to keep up with his friend. If you want to be even more comfortable, purchase a life vest made especially for pets. The vest has handles to help you lift your dog into and out of the water. Finally, don't forget to rinse your dog with clean, fresh water after he's been swimming to be sure to get off any chemicals
or bacteria.

By following these simple guidelines, you and your pet will surely have a more fun and safe summer!

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Negative reinforcement can be used to teach behavior. The main disadvantage of using negative reinforcement is that you must precede the reinforcement with either a punishment, or the threat of punishment. This can cause fear and anxiety in animals.

A punishment, as we all know, is an unwelcoming event which an animal or human, for that matter, obviously wishes to avoid because of the fearful consequences. As Webster puts it a punishment is:

• To impose a penalty on for a fault, offense, or violation.

To inflict a penalty for the commission of (an offense) in retribution or retaliation. To deal with roughly or harshly.

A punishment is designed to make a behavior less likely to occur in the future. As children I am sure we were all punished. At least I was. That is for sure. I thought twice about doing that same naughty act again. An example of a negative reinforcement with a dog is a choker chain. If you are trying to teach your dog to walk beside you and to heel on command when you stop, you could use a choker collar. If he surges at another animal or human and he is wearing a choker chain you may pull on his choker chain. If your dog then stops, and heels the stopping of the pain and pressure on the dog's neck stops because the choker chain goes slack.

So, the stopping of the pain and pressure on the dog's neck is a "negative reinforcement" to the dog. It is reinforcing because it removes something that is not of benefit to the dog.

A lot of people seem to think using positive reinforcement doubled with negative reinforcement would make for a better behaving dog. There is no doubt that using negative reinforcement will make your dog do what you want. However punishment and negative reinforcement produce involuntary behaviors, as the dog doesn't willingly do what you want. Just imagine how you would feel if a powerful person punished you for a particular action and you didn't understand why. You would probably run away from that situation and avoid contact with that person at all costs in the future. A lot of dogs who are trained using punishment become very fearful which in turn causes anxiety.

4 Big Disadvantages For Using Negative Reinforcement To Train Your Dog.

1. The dog does NOT willingly do what you want.

2. The punishments must become more severe for the dog to continue to obey you.

3. The dog will link you, the owner with punishment therefore destroying your relationship with your dog.

4. Because the dog is fear driven it may become unwilling or unable to learn.

Examples of a dog feeling fearful.

A. The dog heeling with tail held low and ears laid back.

B. Dog returns slowly to you in an arc, rather than quickly in a straight line.

C. Cringing behavior when the dog is close to you.

At this point it should be very clear that positive reinforcement is the best choice for training your dog. Your dog will have a much better temperament and ability and willingness to learn.

If you missed the article on positive reinforcement drop me an email and I'll send it to you. BettyBulldog@ForTheLoveOfDogZ.com

Please put positive reinforcement in the subject line.

Read More......

Saving Your Pet's Life
A Serious Medical Condition to be Aware of



Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus - commonly known as Bloat

This is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate veterinary assistance for proper diagnosis and treatment. If not treated immediately it can quickly take your dog's life.
Commonly seen in deep-chested breeds (such as Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, etc.), bloat is caused by an intake of gasses and fluids that aren't released. It often happens by eating too quickly, gulping water, and/or strenuous exercise after a meal.


Gasses and excess fluid trapped in the stomach expand, causing a distention (bloat) of the stomach, which is readily visible from the appearance of the dog. The distention of the stomach causes it to flip possibly a full 360 degrees and the spleen may rotate. Symptoms include:

Restlessness
Distended abdomen
Glassy eyes
Unproductive retching/dry heaves
Excessive panting
Salivating
Arrythmia
Pale gums and mucous membranes

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, take him to the vet immediately. Even after surgically releasing the gasses, the dog may need to undergo extensive surgical therapy to return the stomach to it's original position as well as treatment of shock symptoms. Many dogs never fully recover, and may die of complications stemming from Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. Ongoing therapy is often needed.

In order to prevent bloat from happening, feed your pet smaller meals, broken up over the course of the day particularly if you have a large, barrel-chested breed like those mentioned above. Avoid exercising your dog immediately after eating and limit water after exercise to avoid gulping.

Once bloat happens, it is common that it may happen again. Owners of deep-chested breeds that have a history of bloat may consider having the stomach stapled to abdominal muscles to prevent future problems. This preventative step should only be taken under the advisory of one or more veterinarians.

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To improve the life of your dog you must make sure it is receiving the best nutrition possible. Research , external from established pet food manufacturers ,had to be done to determine what dogs miss out when owners buy commercial store food . Extensive research on what kind of boosters a dog needs to take its health to the next level had to be done.



Enter Dr Andrew Jones, a young holistic veterinarian, who has seen the results of poor dog nutrition in his 15 years of veterinary practice. He set out to to make the "be all, end all" solution for pet owners who truly wanted the best for their animals and used his in the field experience, coupled with the grief over the loss of one of his own pets, to design a supplement for dogs. He wanted to figure out the absolute best ways to...

* Help a dog strengthen its immune system to the point where no disease stands a chance...



* Give a dog everything it needs to have healthy, arthritis-free joints, bones



* Set the stage for proper growth and development in younger dogs



* Help ensure proper functioning of the muscles and nerves



* Ensure healthy teeth and gums



* Slow down the aging process and hardening of tissues



* Increase healthy eye sight long into a dog's golden years



* Aid in digestion, and provide nutrients that aid and improve your dog's metabolism



* Speed up the body's healing process for wounds and possible broken bones



* Cut down your dog's risk of allergies



* Decrease a dog's risk to viral and airborne diseases



* And most of all... PREVENT CANCER.





Dr Jones took every thing he learned from 15+ years of treating every dog disease imaginable and spent several years interviewing the people who he considered to be the experts on canine nutrition... researching the effects of using one vitamin or nutrient versus another... and figuring out exactly what a dog truly needs to lead a full and healthy life and came up with a formula for a new Canine Supplement. I know Andrew and his family and his commitment to his own pets and those of his patients and find him to be a caring and compassionate man, not a faceless multi-national corporation. I have read his various publications The Truth Behind the Pet Food Recall , Veterinary Secrets Revealed, Dog Health Remedies and First Aid for Dogs. Find out what his formula can do for your dog, and maybe lower your vet bills at the same time.

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Negative reinforcement can be used to teach behavior. The main disadvantage of using negative reinforcement is that you must precede the reinforcement with either a punishment, or the threat of punishment. This can cause fear and anxiety in animals.

A punishment, as we all know, is an unwelcoming event which an animal or human, for that matter, obviously wishes to avoid because of the fearful consequences. As Webster puts it a punishment is:

• To impose a penalty on for a fault, offense, or violation.

To inflict a penalty for the commission of (an offense) in retribution or retaliation. To deal with roughly or harshly.

A punishment is designed to make a behavior less likely to occur in the future. As children I am sure we were all punished. At least I was. That is for sure. I thought twice about doing that same naughty act again. An example of a negative reinforcement with a dog is a choker chain. If you are trying to teach your dog to walk beside you and to heel on command when you stop, you could use a choker collar. If he surges at another animal or human and he is wearing a choker chain you may pull on his choker chain. If your dog then stops, and heels the stopping of the pain and pressure on the dog's neck stops because the choker chain goes slack.

So, the stopping of the pain and pressure on the dog's neck is a "negative reinforcement" to the dog. It is reinforcing because it removes something that is not of benefit to the dog.

A lot of people seem to think using positive reinforcement doubled with negative reinforcement would make for a better behaving dog. There is no doubt that using negative reinforcement will make your dog do what you want. However punishment and negative reinforcement produce involuntary behaviors, as the dog doesn't willingly do what you want. Just imagine how you would feel if a powerful person punished you for a particular action and you didn't understand why. You would probably run away from that situation and avoid contact with that person at all costs in the future. A lot of dogs who are trained using punishment become very fearful which in turn causes anxiety.

4 Big Disadvantages For Using Negative Reinforcement To Train Your Dog.

1. The dog does NOT willingly do what you want.

2. The punishments must become more severe for the dog to continue to obey you.

3. The dog will link you, the owner with punishment therefore destroying your relationship with your dog.

4. Because the dog is fear driven it may become unwilling or unable to learn.

Examples of a dog feeling fearful.

A. The dog heeling with tail held low and ears laid back.

B. Dog returns slowly to you in an arc, rather than quickly in a straight line.

C. Cringing behavior when the dog is close to you.

At this point it should be very clear that positive reinforcement is the best choice for training your dog. Your dog will have a much better temperament and ability and willingness to learn.

If you missed the article on positive reinforcement drop me an email and I'll send it to you. BettyBulldog@ForTheLoveOfDogZ.com

Please put positive reinforcement in the subject line.

Read More......

In any joint in the body, two bones come together and movement is allowed between them, there is an exceptionally smooth area of cartilage covers in surface of each bone which acts as a cushion and protects the underlying bone. If anything disrupts this smooth cartilage surface, movement of the joint becomes painful, this is called Osteochondritis Dissecans. OCD usually affects shoulder, ankle, elbow and knee joints, and primarily seen in human, horse and dog. In dogs, OCD mainly strikes large dog breeds, and is fairly common in Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards. Not all big breeds are vulnerable: OCD is less likely to affect Doberman Pinschers, Collies, and Siberian Huskies.


This disorder seems to be spontaneous and not so easy to predict. OCD often cause of rapid bone developments and usually found in puppies between ages four to eight months of age. OCD also occassionally found in older dogs and small dog breeds, and the male dogs are more often affected almost five times than female dogs. OCD can be hereditary from any or both parents who had the condition. Other common cause of OCD are; too much stress on dogs young bones also, restricted blood flow to the cartilage, overweight problems, trauma, developed cracks on growing bones and weight bearing bones, or poor diet and nutrition. Proper petsafe is needed to ensure good health and wellness of dogs.

Every time this dog would move the joint or bear weight on it, the flap would irritate the underlying tissue and create pain and discomfort. That's why a dog limps with this condition. Injury to the surface cartilage may lead to the separation of the cartilage from the bone or cause a decrease in blood supply that leads to cartilage flap formation. Common signs of OCD are; limping dog leg, favoring one paw or leg while walking or even when lying down, swelling at the shoulder or, more rarely, the elbows and knees, pain and discomfort when trying to extend a swollen joint.

Osteochondritis Dissecans can be treated, one treatment method called "conservative treatment" requires the dog to be confined to pens or dog crates for number of weeks where activity and jumping will be kept to a minimum. After four to ten weeks of confinement there is about a sixty percent chance that the cartilage defect on the humeral head will heal and the dog will return to normal activity. The most direct approach and the one that returns the pup to normal activity the soonest is the surgical approach. In surgery the veterinarian makes an incision over the shoulder and accesses the shoulder joint. Opening the joint space the surgeon inspects for any loose cartilage pieces and rotates the humerus to expose the back side of the head of the humerus where the defect comes into view. For growing puppies, it has been recommended that animals that are susceptible to the disease be fed a diet that is lower in protein and fat, or that they are fed in a limited manner to allow steady even growth during the first year of life. This theory may have merits, but more specific studies need to be done before any general recommendations can be made. Some people believe that an overweight growing dog will be more likely to develop OCD, but there isn't much evidence yet. Protect a young pup's limbs from unnecessary physical impact, such as repeated jumps off a deck or out of a car. Proper diet certainly play a role, choose healthy, natural and balanced puppy diet that promote healthy bone growth and may reduce your dog's odds of getting OCD.

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Undoubtedly, pets are so much adorable and cuddly like babies. Especially for pet lovers, they find them funny and oftentimes treat them like a part of their family. Sometimes, they regard their pets as their confidant and make them a source of their joy whenever they are sad and down. They find real amusement in taking care of their pets. They sure bring a lot of happiness into our lives. But as caretakers, we should repay their outstanding loyalty and the inexplicable beatitude they bring to us. We need to be very responsible and sincere to their health and wellness. Like humans, they need to have the required vaccinations, supplements, emergency medications and etc. to make sure that they are healthy. We may find it costly and probably think of where to purchase those drugs in a very convenient manner. Well, there are already pet medication online that offers various services and pet health products needed by your beloved animals.

Pets like people are also prone to diseases. We probably never want to see them lying so sick in one corner of the house, would we? They can break our hearts just like seeing our child so dull and lame because of illness. We would probably miss their energy and presence in our homes.


As pet lovers, we would love to see our pets with shining, bright eyes, good set of teeth, shiny hair (if it is visible), and healthy skin. Who would want to cuddle and play with a pet that has all the irony of what we always want them to possess anyway? I guess, none.


So as responsible pet owners, we should be prepared for any circumstances that would lead to our pets' sickness. Since pet illness is a reality and comes unexpectedly, we should be aware that there are some unknown causes and that we need to seek the help of a professional veterinarian. We could not diagnose our pets with anything without a vet's consultation.


Pet remedies, just like human medicines, need to be administered correctly. So do not ever give shots to pets without an accurate advice. We have to be aware that there are pet allergies also that may be disputable to the kind of drugs you are planning to diagnose them. If you try to give them one that would trigger their allergy/allergies, or if you diagnose them with something that contradicts to an active state of infection they have, that would lead to the soaring of their illness or would probably produce another kind of infection thereby increasing the hazard on your pet's health.


Medicines are specially made for a certain type of animal. You cannot give a treatment to a cat which is obviously for a dog. Animals differ in their systems. They may eat the same kind of food but the kind of immune system each type of animal has is different.


One of the most effective and useful pet cures is an antibiotic. But like any other pet medications, this kind of medicine should follow an accurate dosage. Even a tiny increase in the solution can harm your pets. So be sure to take proper measures and take heed in giving the right dosage. Hence, if your doctor advised you to stop or not to use the medicine at all, then you should follow. Illnesses like diarrhea may be acquired.


So if you are thinking where to get effective pet cures and a place where you can avail those pet health products discounts, a pet medication online store is always available for you. Just be sure that before you ask and purchase any pet remedies, it must be consulted and advised by veterinarians. Try to see if the medicine is approved by health institutions. If you are afraid of delivery delays, then order and request them to provide the pet medicines the soonest possible. The advantage of pet medication online is, you have lots of pet cures selection to choose from.

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How to choose the breed of dog with the most suitable temperament for your needs.

How to choose the breed of dog with the temperament most suitable for your needs


by Dennis Fisher


Different breeds of dogs vary considerably in temperament.

In deciding which breed would be most suitable for your needs and for the needs of your family, the distinctive temperament of the breed should be an important factor in your choice.

Obviously you cannot ignore practical considerations such as the size of your garden and the facilities you have for the dog to exercise. Some breeds of dogs obviously require more exercise than others. But do not ignore the natural, distinctive temperament of the breed you have chosen.


In order to make the task of choosing the breed of dog that best suits your needs a little easier, I have listed below the eight most popular dogs – according to A.K.C. registration figures – and given brief details about their temperaments.


The following list is in current order of popularity.


1. Labrador Retriever.


Then Labrador is a medium sized dog of about 22 inches in height with very expressive eyes. An important reason for it’s popularity to the fact that it is generally an even-tempered, friendly animal that is particularly good with children.


There are Labradors who have been trained to be quite effective guard dogs, but this is not a natural characteristic of the breed. But if is a lovable, friendly, affectionate, easy to manage and easy to train pet is what you require the Labrador is an excellent choice. Labradors are, quite understandably, the breed of choice with many eye-dog organizations.


A Labrador can be a somewhat greedy dog and there is a tendency for the dog to put on too much weight if the diet is not controlled.


2. Golden Retriever


The Golden Retriever is a fairly large, friendly animal, standing about 24 inches at the shoulder and weighing approximately 80 lbs.



This is a highly intelligent, very lively, active breed. It has a delightful temperament, friendly and affectionate and is very fond of children.


The Golden Retriever is very quick to learn and responds very well indeed to training.


It must be mentioned however, that the Golden Retriever is not a natural guard dog. It is a breed that appears to have no inherited protective, guard instinct. It is possible this can be instilled with correct training but it is not a natural trait of the breed.



3. Yorkshire Terrier.


This handsome little terrier, with a beautiful silky coat, although only about 7 lbs. in weight, is reputed to be one of the most courageous small dogs willing to tackle anything.


It is highly intelligent, friendly and lovable and can fit in easily in a very small home or apartment. It does not require a great deal of exercise.


The “Yorkie”, as it is affectionately known is definitely a terrier in nature. It is bright, intelligent, lively and alert and in spite of its small size makes a very good, protective watchdog.




4. German Shepherd Dog


This is the breed that has been my personal favorite for many years.


There is no animal as anxious to please, as easy to train and as adaptable as the well-bred German Shepherd.


But I would like to stress the “well-bred” aspect. In this regard I must emphasize that I consider temperament is to a very large extent an inherited trait. For this reason it is imperative that before you select a German Shepherd pup, you know something about his parents and make absolutely certain they have sound, confident temperaments.


If at all possible make a point of seeing both Sire and Dam.


A German Shepherd Dog is not for everyone! It is not the type of animal that can be ignored, except at feeding time and left in the backyard to fend for itself.


The German Shepherd craves attention. It is an animal that wants to be part of the family, which can be a definite disadvantage if you haven’t the time to give Shepherds the attention they need.


This doesn’t mean that you have to devote all your spare time training the dog. But it does mean that you will have to spend a fair amount of time training the German Shepherd in basic obedience. The dog must learn to respect you. This is of vital important and comes with training.


If you are willing to spend the time and effort in giving you German Shepherds the extra attention they deserve, you will be able to bring out the exceptionally fine qualities they have inherited from their ancestors.



5. Beagle



This is a dog that originated in England and was used for hunting rabbits. It is a very intelligent, good-natured animal that is easy to train. It also has a very good sense of smell.


Although smaller than most hunting dogs, standing only about 14 inches in height and weighing less than 30 pounds, it is nevertheless a sturdy animal. It has a white coat with black and tan markings and large, hanging ears.


This playful breed that was popularized though the “Peanuts” comic strips, that featured “Snoopy”, makes a delightful family pet because it is particularly fond of children.


The Beagle is also very alert that and makes an excellent watch dog.


6. Daschund.


The Daschund, a breed that originated in Germany, was originally bred to hunt badgers. In spite of its small size it was also used to hunt foxes. Because of it’s long body, loose skin and keen sense of smell, the animal was able to burrow underground.


Although quite small, no more than 25 pounds, it is a sturdy, well-muscled animal


The Daschund has a delightful temperament, fun-loving, undemanding and very affectionate. They do not require a great deal of exercise and are quite content to lie around.

In fact because of this they should not be over-fed otherwise they have a tendency to become overweight, which is of course unhealthy for any breed.


They are also inclined to bark unnecessarily. But his can be corrected with training. They are intelligent animals and although sometimes inclined to be obstinate, they will respond to firm, but gentle correction.


7. Boxer


This breed also originated in Germany and was the result of the crossing of dogs of the bull breed variety and terriers.


A well-bred Boxer has a great deal to offer. It is an animal that is exceptionally good with children. Because of its size – about 24 inches at the shoulder and between 65 and 70 lbs in weight, this muscular dog, with correct training can prove to be a useful guard dog.


A well-bred Boxer is muscular, very athletic, handsome animal.


A decided advantage of the Boxer is the fact that coat is short and requires very little attention in so far as grooming is concerned.


Boxers are capable of being trained and a number have done reasonably in competitive Obedience work. Sometimes they are not quite as quick to respond to commands as other working dog breeds, but once they understand your command they seldom forget.


They are lovable very affectionate animals that generally get on well with other dogs.


.


8. Poodle.


The poodle is reputed to be the most intelligent of all breeds - with good reason. It is a remarkably intelligent animal, very responsive and very easy to train.


It is very playful lovable animal that very often attaches itself to one member of the family. Because it is suspicious of strangers it can also be a very good guard. Although it is sometimes a noisy dog, this alertness can be very useful when there is also a larger, guard dog in the home. The Poodle is alert to every strange sound.


A great advantage of the Poodle is the fact that it is the only breed that does not shed it’s coat. This can be of inestimable value if there happens to be member of the family who is allergic to dog’s hair. But because the dog does not shed its coat, the dog should be regularly brushed to avoid matting of the coat.


Because of it’s exceptional intelligence the Poodle can be remarkably easy to train.


Because of space restrictions this article provides only the basic facts about these eight breeds. If you would like to know more about these and many other breeds, you will find a great deal of information on the following site http://www,freedigadvice.com

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If you live in the area that is subjected to heavy snow fall and very cold temperature especially on winter season, and you have a pet, you might want to start thinking of ways to keep them warm and comfortable for the season. One of the means to keep your pet warm and comfortable during the wet season is to let them inside your house. However, if you are not comfortable in keeping your dog inside your house, there are still alternatives to keep them warm and dry during the cold season.


One way to keep your dog outside your house but still ensure he is warmed and comfortable is to set him up a bed in your garage. A nice, thick mat or bed for your dog will keep him warm even he is in your garage. Making sure that the bed or mat is elevated from the ground to make sure that the cold will not creep into the bed. Another way is to put him in a dog house. Dog house is a great way to keep your dog outdoors and still ensures that he is comfortable and warm during winter.

Winter can create some health problems on your dog such as arthritis due to cold weather. A great investment is to put up a dog house that is sturdy and can withstand any weather. Keep in mind that it is important that the dog house should not be too spacious but also not too enclosed. Proper size of the dog house should be considered when buying or building. The exterior should be sealed against rain, snow and moist and wind. To ensure the warmth of the dog house, amenities can be added such as thicker blanket of bed. A heater can also be installed on the dog house to ensure that your dog is warmed. A well built dog house should provide a shelter for your dog at all kinds of weather. Building your dog a house will protect and give him shelter all year round.

There are a lot of means and ways to keep your dog warm and comfortable during winter or cold season. All you have to do is to explore the alternatives.

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I am a veterinary assistant. Working for about six months at my uncle’s clinic gave me some education that a few vet schools failed to teach. Being a veterinary assistant puts you to the actual health scenarios of the animals. But may be you are puzzled why I chose to become a veterinary assistant rather that being a real veterinarian. At first when I took veterinary medicine, I am hesitant if it is really the career I want to take. Of course I love animals but it is rather a different thing when you are a doctor. You are not only handling the health of the animals but also their lives. This is what I am thinking while preparing a dose of dog wormer for a beagle.

The beagle that I am currently attending to has been delivered here at the clinic late in evening yesterday with his owner rushing over the emergency situation. The dog was dehydrated, fainting and weak. With a few samples of the feces, it has been diagnose to have tapeworms and low concentration of hookworms. The dog was given medication in the soonest time and now I am preparing for a second shot of the dog wormer.

The owner is also fainting together with the dog. It must be funny but this happens every time an emergency condition happens here; may be because they really love their pet so much. My uncle said that being a veterinarian is more than giving medical treatment. It is giving a new life to the animals. Like what I am presently doing, preparing the dose of dog wormer is more than getting rid of the parasites, giving the dog wormer is saving the life of the beagle that I am attending do. When you handle a living creature, whether human or simply an animal, you are an instrument in extending their lives. That is why I have to prepare properly the doses of the dog wormers that I am asked to do.

The dog wormer that I am preparing is in the liquid form for easier digestion of the beagle. Though it can be on chewable tablets, and has the same effect, the owner would rather prefer the liquid for it to take effect immediately.

My uncle prescribed the dog wormer to be administered for three consecutive days. Since he prescribed panacur or febendazole, this is safe for the dog. Moreover, the veterinarian also suggested to the owner that though they are strict in the home hygiene, he should take deworming proactively by bringing his dog every month for a deworming session rather than waiting for the situation to happen again.

It is a relief to see the dog’s conditioned renewed after the medication. After such, now I am giving it a second thought to pursue my veterinary medicine career.

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Tip 1 – Make sure that your dog’s collar has attached to it an identification tag that shows their name, your name and your contact details. Generally it is best if you just place a phone number on which you can be contacted. By including this on your dog’s collar you are increasing the chances of them being returned to you if they get lost or runaway.

Tip 2 – You need to find out what the laws with regards to registering your dog and having them vaccinated. Today it is a legal requirement that all animals kept as pets are fitted with a microchip. This is done by your vet and generally the cost of having it inserted between the animal’s shoulder blades is around $50. There are some microchips which just provide an identification number, whilst others are designed to actually read the animals temperature as well. Once inserted the information is then entered into a database and should an animal be lost and found with such a chip they can be returned to you as their owner much more quickly.


Tip 3 – Whenever you are walking your dog away from your property it is important that they are always on a leash. Also check with your local authorities because you may find that certain breeds are classed as dangerous dogs and may be required to be muzzled when out in public.


Tip 4 – Although you dog may be inside most of the time when they are outside in the garden still make sure that they have adequate shelter, especially if you intend to leave them there whilst out. But although you may keep them outside you should also spend time with them as well and these are pack animals and so they like to be with others.


Tip 5 – You should make sure that you arrange for your dog to be checked over regularly by your vet. This way if anything unusual is noted they will be able to treat it much more quickly and which could save you on your vet bills in the future.


Tip 6 – Unless you are intending to breed from your dog it is important that you have the spayed or neutered. Many dogs after having this routine surgery carried out tend to live much longer and tend to be much healthier and have far less behavioural problems.


Tip 7 – It is important that you provide your dog with a well balanced nutritional diet and make sure that they can easily get to fresh water when they need. This is especially important if you intend to feed your dog only dried food. When it comes to which food to give your dog as there are so many different kinds available it may be advisable to discuss the issue with your vet first. Certainly many owners today prefer to feed dried dog food simply because it is must easier and also contains the right balance of nutrients, minerals and vitamins that dogs need. The other choice you have and if you have the time is actually to prepare fresh meals for your dog which you can then freeze and give to them each day.


Tip 8 – If you have never owned a dog before then it is worth your while enrolling them in some obedience training classes. This way you can learn the most humane and safe ways to control your dog and provides you with a chance to bond much more closely with your animal. Your vet should be able to recommend a class for you, plus there are plenty who advertise in local newspapers and dog magazines. Before joining such classes go along and check them out first and speak with other dog owners who attend them.


Tip 9 – Although you dog may have the garden to run around in, it is worth actually taking them for much longer walks as well. It provides them with the opportunity to explore new areas so not only are they getting the physical exercise they need but the mental as well. Ideally you should be trying to walk your dog at least twice a day. However, this may differ from breed to breed and if you are unsure how much exercise your dog needs then speak to your vet.


Tip 10 – It is important that you have a regular grooming in place for your dog, especially if you own a large dog or a dog with a long coat. As you are grooming them you can actually carry out some simple health checks as well. It is best to start at the head and work your way down. You need to check their eyes, ears, nose and mouth to make sure that they are all clean, clear and bright. If you notice any discharge or foul smells then arrange for your vet to carry out a more thorough inspection. After checking them over then it is a good idea to bathe and then groom your dog. As well as getting rid of any unwanted guests on their body you are also helping to remove any loose hair.



Above we have shown you 10 ways to care for your dog. If you keep the above tips in mind then you will find that not only does your dog remain healthy, but they will be much happier too.

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1 - Fit your cat with a collar and attached to it details relating to you including your telephone number. This way if your cat does happen to get out and goes missing then the chances of them being returned to you will be greatly improved.


2 - Today you will also find that it is a legal requirement that your cat is actually micro chipped. This is something that your vet needs to do and normally they will inject the small device between the animal’s shoulder blades. As well as you having a copy of the identification information this is then entered into a database and so if animal is lost a quick swipe of the animal will tell if it is the one.

3 - Although many cats like to be able to go outside if you live in a built up area it is best if you keep them confined to your home. Ideally look at providing them with plenty of things such as a scratching post so that they don’t get bored and start to damage your furniture instead. Plus it is a good idea when you go out to restrict them to one room only in the house (i.e., the kitchen) and make sure that they have everything that they need.


4 - It is important with any pet including cats that they go to the vet regularly not just for checkups but for boosters of their vaccinations. If you are unsure which vet to use, ask a friend, neighbour or a family member if they can recommend someone.


5 - You may not like it but having your cat spayed or neutered is extremely important especially if they are allowed to roam outside. Not only will your cat be a lot healthier but this will help to prevent you ending up with more cats than you wanted.


6 - You need to ensure that you provide your cat with a well balanced nutritional diet and make sure that they have a good continuous supply of fresh water. If you are unsure just what you should be feeding your cat then speak to your vet and they may recommend something for them. Certainly it is best for young cats (kittens) and older cats that they are give food specifically designed for them. A quick search online and you will see there are plenty of products now available suitable for all types of cats no matter their ages.


7 - As mentioned you need to prevent your cats from doing things that you find undesirable. Although you may not believe it but just like dogs a cat can be taught to do things. However, it will take quite a lot of time and effort on your part and certainly you will need lots of patience with your animal if you want to stop such problems from arising such as them jumping up on to kitchen counters or tables.


8 - If you want your cats coat to remain looking good then you need to be regularly grooming them, especially if the cat has long hair. Grooming long haired cats regularly will help to prevent their coats from becoming matted, plus it also helps to remove loose hairs as well. Although short haired coats don’t need so much grooming as long haired breeds by brushing them regularly you are stopping them from ingesting the loose hairs when they groom themselves. If they ingest too much hair it can form into hairballs which if they cannot expel can lead to other health issues for your cat.


9 - You may not believe it but it is a good idea to actually spend some time playing with your cat especially if they are kept in the house all the time. It not only helps to stimulate them physically but mentally as well, plus the bond between the two of you will be strengthened.


10 - Finally whenever you spend time with them carry out your own checks. This way if you spot any abnormalities in your pet you can take them immediately to the check to have the problem looked at further. When doing your own checks start at the head and work your way down the body. Check the ears make sure that they are clean and they are not producing any unpleasant odours. Next look at their eyes are these clear and bright and focus on you and check to see if there is any discharge. Then you come to the teeth this may be difficult but once you are able to make sure the gums are pink and there hasn’t been any build up of tartar on them. Plus you may not want to but see if their breath smells bad. The final thing to do is check their nose for any kind of discharge and when touched it should feel warm and dry.


Above we have shown you 10 ways to care for your cat as long as you keep these in mind then you will find that you will have a healthy and happy animal.

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Food, devices and gadgets are given more credit than they deserve when balance begins to occur between dog and owner. The real agent of change is the dog owner them self. This change centers more on what we are projecting through our personality rather than with devices, gadgets or treats. A device can provide a boost of self confidence to the frustrated dog owner and help with increasing interactions which meet the pack leader criteria. The owner or trainer in turn emphasizes the device or motivator as being the agent of change when in fact it is the opposite. Self-confidence is linked to the type of pack authority and demand which challenges and maintains the lead role. Dogs feel this being projected from our being. Authority, although necessary to create and maintain the pack roles, is not intended to be hurtful, aggressive or bad. Based on their individual needs, as temperament and breed,the dominant dog must feel that you represent the type of authority figure that allows them to release this dominant pack role.

Food and treats alone do not represent demand or challenge for the dominant pack dog. They are viewed as only something that the dog wants. The dominant pack dog may see the human owner as their follower and a pathway to get what they want. The dominant dog will respond for the food but still resist, challenge and express dominant and aggressive behavior. The owner can use treats as long as they are also expressing enough authority and demand to maintain a follower role for their dog. Often this isn't the case for the dog owner who expresses emotion first and seeks out methods or techniques which represent how they feel about their dog from a human perspective rather than as a dog. Dogs express demand, authority and challenge through their state of being and within the pack relationship.

Adopting this lead role requires the dog owner to mimic those traits which represent authority figure and maintains a follower role. Demand, challenge and authority must be expressed through interactions. This is more psychological presence than physical. The emotionally driven and self-focused dog owner often has great difficulty expressing the type of psychological demand and authority needed to meet their dog's basic pack needs.The emotionally driven dog owner is seeking love and attachment through a human agenda.This can lead to interpreting dominant behavior as a human expressions of love and affection. The dominant dog will follow the emotional human owner everywhere while avoiding those who represent authority figure. What the emotional dog owner perceives as expressions of love often represent possession and ownership to the dominant pack dog. Those whom represent authority figure to the dominant dog represent challenge and something to avoid. This leads to relationship issues with one spouse distancing them self while the other remains a source of empowerment for the dominant dog. Often the emotional dog owner will continue on the same path to the very end. The dog becomes the focus of the problem as a result. The owner must change for change to happen.

I absolutely love dogs, make no mistake about it, but I also know what I must do to prevent my dog from taking this unhealthy dominant role. You must have the ability to think beyond your own immediate needs, of what we might lose, fear and insecurity and adopt a new perspective, a new approach, a new realitity. That by meeting our dogs needs we also meet our own, in a much more powerful and meaningful way than ever before.

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Losing a pet can be one of the hardest things to go through. For many, pets are parts of the family, much like people. Here are some tips to help cope with the loss of a four-legged friend.


ALLOW YOURSELF TIME TO GRIEVE
Grieving is a natural way to help your mind and body heal from a loss. Allow yourself the time to reflect, cry or express your loss; it will make you feel much better faster. Many people find solace in writing down thoughts and feelings on paper - don’t be afraid to try. Grieving is natural, healthy and an important step in the healing process.

ACCEPT HELP FROM OTHERS
Let friends and family into your heart to help ease the pain that you are feeling. Ask for help - people often don’t know what to do or say when a close friend or family member loses a pet. But asking for help brings people to you; it will make them feel better as well as make you feel better. Reach out to others in similar situations; again, you both will feel better.


SET UP A MEMORIAL TO HONOR YOUR LOSS
Memorials and dedications honor your pets and help you to remember them in a way that fits you best. Some people memorialize pets by using photographs or doing things like dedicating a special tree in their honor. Others make donations to local animal welfare groups like the Humane Society.
Make a memorial that feels right for you and honors your pet.


TRUST YOURSELF THAT YOU WILL HEAL
Don’t give up hope, time is the best healer. Even when you don’t know how you will get over your loss, you will discover strengths in yourself that you never knew you had. Take one day at a time and you will get there. Healing will take time and effort, but it always happens.

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Because of their mysterious nature, many myths and old wives' tales circulate about cats. Here are a few of the more common ones and the facts behind the fiction.


Myth 1: A spayed or neutered cat will become fat and lazy. Not true! A cat's weight gain is not related to his or her reproductive status. Any cat who does not get the proper amount of exercise or who is overfed will become overweight and sluggish. Spaying or neutering is beneficial to your pet. Cats and kittens that have been spayed or neutered live longer, do not stray from home and become more affectionate.

Myth 2: My female cat must have a litter of kittens before she is spayed, otherwise, she will become unfriendly. False! Females who are spayed before they have kittens do not miss being mothers. In fact, some cats are not good mothers and may resent their kittens. One cat and her offspring can produce approximately 420,000 cats in seven years. With millions of unwanted kittens and cats euthanized in animal shelters each year, there is no reason to add to the pet overpopulation problem.


Myth 3: Cats belong outside. Indoor cats suffer or become bored if they are never allowed to go outside to hunt and explore. Not true! Indoor only cats thrive in the home. Given the proper amount of attention and affection, your cat will not miss being outside. Cats and kittens can learn to walk on leashes to safely experience the outdoors, and most are content to observe nature from a window. Cats who are allowed to roan outside do not live as long as indoor cats because they are subject to many hazards, such as traffic, diseases, and toxic poisons.


Myth 4: Cats always land on their feet when they fall. This myth is partially true. Cats have excellent reflexes and can right themselves quickly. They have a flexible backbone, and as mentioned earlier, can rotate half of their spine 180 degrees. This trait, combined with a fluid filled chamber in the ears, helps a cat to right himself if he falls. If a cat falls one or two stories, he usually will right himself and may only receive mild injuries. However, falling from three to six floors is usually fatal because the velocity from this distance is too great, although some cats have survived a seven or eight floor drop. In this circumstance, the extra time involved in the fall allows the cat to right himself, spread out his feet, and relax, thus creating drag resistance to slow him down.


Cats and kittens come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Although approximately 100 different breeds exist, they all share the same basic body structure. Nature designed cats perfectly. Their bodies, sense organs, and natural instincts enable them to hunt and survive in the wild with no help from humans. Surprisingly the domestic cat that we know and love today is not much different from his wild "big cat" cousins, the lions and tigers. Although our house cats are much smaller in size and cannot roar, they have retained many similar physical characteristics.

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A complete line of personalized dog cookie jars. Your pet's treats will stay fresh in these decorative ceramic dog treat jars. Unique dog treat containers with pet themes will look great with your home decor. This versatile ceramic treat jar by katie is both stylish and decorative.

All personalized pet treat jars are available with matching ceramic pet food bowls. The personalized dog treat jars are unique ceramic works of art. The neutral color ceramic jar with faux leather handle and black felt trim will add to any home decor. The front of the jar has a subtle paw print decoration and the handle is removable so that the jar can be washed.


Plastic ceramic treat jar with bone is dishwasher safe. The jar available in three colors, and matching bowl with available. Ceramic jars are comparatively new. They are available in many sizes and innovative designs. Ceramic jars are useful for storing food items.


The pets ceramic treat jar are high-quality, heavyweight Pet Ceramic Treat Jars come in eye-catching designs that are sure to attract customer attention. They provide customers a whimsical twist on a practical necessity. Lead-free ceramic jars have an airtight seal that locks in freshness and flavor to keep treats tasting great.


The Ceramic treat jar red feature lids fit securely to keep treats fresh. This dog food bowl treat jar is sure to delight! The dog treat jar features a brightly color, adorable design, large opening for any size treats and seal to lock in freshness. Our Blue Paws Dog Bowl treat jar features a delightful design in a high-gloss finish that's easy to clean. Please purchase online http://www.katiewongnyc.com in NewYork city.

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The world has gotten smaller. It has gotten so small that things you used to have to buy from someone in your town or geographic area can be bought from someone on the other side of an ocean. If you're at home with a sick baby and you only have a few days of formula left, you can purchase that formula online and it comes right to your door in a few days. If you want to buy a certain type of dog or cat, you simply make the transaction and meet that person anywhere within the country to pick up your new friend.

All of this is possible because of the Internet. All of this would not happen unless the Internet had opened up doorways to the world. People are able to carry out transactions anywhere in the world and it can be done so easily. But there is one exception and that exception is pet transactions.

Pet transactions

Pet transactions can be carried out easily on the Internet, but it is the delivery of the merchandise that gets a little bit tricky. This is because we're talking about transporting a live animal and there is not a shipping service for this. This is the one time in which you're not going to be able to buy a dog in England and have it shipped to you. You can, however, live in New York and buy an animal in California. That's if the person doing the selling is willing to meet you at a halfway point. Something like that is rare unless that person selling the animal is that passionate about placing that animal in your home.

However, you can make arrangements to go to California if you're that passionate about that particular pet. There is no problem with that. You can fly there and transport the animal on the plane to make it easier. It is up to you, but the point is that you can make such a transaction. And yes, if you want to fly to England to pick up a pet, you can do that, so an international pet transaction can definitely be done. You just have to be really passionate about that animal.

Pet transactions the usual way

The usual way in which pet transactions are carried out do not involve driving or flying across the country, or even flying halfway across the world. A person usually goes to the Internet to see if any breeders are selling a particular type of dog or cat. When they find that individual, they will contact that person and ask them questions about the pets that they are breeding. They will usually ask if the breeder would send pictures, which is most likely always done. After seeing pictures and doing some research on the breeder, the seeker will make arrangements to purchase the animal. After the purchase, the two will meet at a mutual place or the buyer will come to the breeder's home.

It is usually better to come to the breeder's home because you're able to see the condition of the animals and their living quarters. This ensures that you're not dealing with a puppy or cat mill. It also gives you the opportunity to back out of the transaction if you must. The important thing, however, is that the Internet brought you and this breeder together. You would not have been able to find this animal if you didn't have the entire world to search.

As for where you can find breeders, you can usually find breeders selling their animals on classified ad sites, auction sites, and other places throughout the Internet. If you see in a classified ad or in something else that a breeder is selling a Bichon Frise and you've always wanted a Bichon Frise, you're in luck. Maybe no one in your area breeds these dogs and that is why you've been unable to get hold of one. By checking the Internet you were able to find the dog of your dreams and you are able to make arrangements to pick him or her up. This is something that happens every single day, which gives dog breeders a much broader customer base.

Bringing pets and people together

It's amazing how the Internet has brought people and their pets together. It is sort of like personal ads for people and animals. You answer the ad and the next thing you know you have the four-legged love of your life in your arms. Many happy pets and their owners have found each other this way.

Another way in which pets and people have been brought together really digs at your heart. As puppy mills and unfit owners are stopped by law enforcement, pictures of these animals are placed online. They are placed on pet adoption sites, classified ad sites, and on social networking sites. Their stories are told and this really plucks at the heart strings of people all around the world. If it were not for the Internet, most of these animals would not find homes. Fortunately, because of the Internet, over 90% of these abused animals find good homes. It is because of the Internet that awareness of these issues is coming about so that these abused animals can be rescued and put into good homes.

So if you're looking for that perfect pet, make sure you check the classified ads online and various other sites around the web. You never know when you might become the love of an animal's life. You can be his or her hero. No matter how you go about it, you will find your best friend, your sidekick, and the fuzzy love of your life. So if you can't find what you want in your own area, remember that you have the entire world to find your best friend. You're not restricted by the borders of your own state or even by your own country. Take advantage of that and have fun with it.

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