Sunday, June 28, 2009
Dog Health Questions - Information You Need to Know
By: Harold Petersen
Are you a new dog owner? Do you have a few dog health questions that you would like answered? Here are the most common topics where people have cares and concerns.
What vaccinations does your dog need? Around the ages of six to eight weeks, pups should be given shots to protect against these often fatal diseases: adenovirus, parainfluenza, distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Bordatella is also recommended though it is not usually fatal. Boosters should be given every one to three years respectively as a dog ages. Rabies shots, however, are required yearly by law. There are also vaccines available for problems associated to the different regions you live in.
What do you do if you think your pet has worms? Well, if you have noticed your pet having diarrhea or moving objects in the stool, they likely have worms. Get them to your vet for a de-worming. In puppies, this should be done regularly because they are born with them. Your dog can pick up hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and many others. Some of these can be passed to humans. Heartworms are deadly and should be prevented by heartworm pills given monthly.
How do you keep your pet free of parasites? Fleas and ticks are a constant annoyance and struggle for pet owners. They feed off the blood of animals and make them sick and uncomfortable. To get rid of fleas, make sure your dog is given a strong flea dip bath. For nasty ticks that can carry diseases, pulling them off quickly and with care is important. To prevent other occurrences, put him on a monthly topical flea and tick medication for prevention. It is effective and goes directly onto the coat.
Is your pet constantly scratching but you know it's not fleas? There can be other causes of itchiness besides flea infestation. Ear mites can settle in your dog's ears and cause severe discomfort and infections. See your veterinarian for this. Dry skin can also be the cause, especially in the fall and winter. Bathe your dog in soothing shampoos containing oatmeal or tea tree oil. Animals can have allergies just like humans, so that could also be a cause.
What should you feed your pet? Dry food should always be your number one choice. It is ninety percent meat, grains, vitamins, and minerals. On the other hand, canned meat is mostly water based. Dogs that live off wet food have the most cases of bad teeth and gums and obesity. When you choose your kibbles, be sure that meat is the main ingredient and not wheat or animal byproducts.
Does your older canine have trouble walking? If he is stiff-legged and slow to move, he may be arthritic. Senior dogs all hit this problem at some point. It is caused by the cartilage between the bones wearing down and creating friction in the joint. Difficulty getting up is a sure sign. If you have certain breeds like a German Shepherd or Siberian Husky, your vet should check for hip dysplasia.
Whether you have owned many dogs or this is your first, there are dog health questions that we all wonder about. Now you know how to feed your dog and take care of fleas! Always consult your vet before using any treatments on your four-legged buddy.
If you want to get some FREE answers to some of the more common dog health questions, then please click here: dog health questions
Labels: pets/dogs
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Low Cost Pet Care and Cheap Pet Supplies
By: Linda Spangenburg
Today we are all trying to save and cut back on our expenses. Even as dog owners we need to be as thrifty as possible without putting our pets health at risk. You should not skip their annual check up and shots. Yes there are even ways to save on this. A licensed veterinarian must administer the rabies shot but any layman that knows how to give shots can give the other shots.
If you find you cannot do that yourself as I cannot you may be able to find a friend. My daughter is a nurse and she can give the shots for me. But you do not need to be a nurse to give a dog a shot.
Cheap pet supplies
The medications can be bought at any local farmers co-op or from pet catalogs. Of course your pet must be on the heartworm already to be able to call the vet for the prescription. I also buy their flea and tick products online at quit a savings. Their heartworm medicine needs a prescription but the vet can fax it into the pet sales or you can mail the handwritten prescription yourself.
I use to buy from the vet but the prices were very high and when I found an online catalog that carried the product I went to my vet. She explained they did not sell the volume that the catalogs do and that was why their prices were higher. So I now order all my dogs regular products rather than buy locally.
I would normally buy from the vet but we must cut expenses wherever possible. I still take my dogs for their rabies shots and their annual checkups. I order all products by the year, as this can be expensive I prepare for it. Each month I put a bit aside in an envelope and by the time to order I have it all ready. Just a little set aside each month will take care of it. Buy ordering by the year you also receive a nice discount.
Low cost pet care
You can also save on grooming. This is possible if you do a bit of the work yourself. You can brush them out more often and give them a bath yourself in between visits. This will make it possible to extend the time between visits. Also when you do have them groomed go ahead and have them cut a bit shorter than usual. This will give you a bit more time also. Every 6 or 8 weeks is nice but I have found that with a little effort on my part they can go 10 to 12 weeks between visits. This could save you about four or so visits per year and that could be from $200.00 to $300.00 or more a year in savings.
Linda is the successful publisher of the site Canine-Kids. Linda provides valuable information and help for you the pet owner and your dog. If you have found these tips useful then you may also find Canine-Kids helpful.
Labels: pets/dogs
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Need For Dog Food Supplements
By: Alex De La Cruz
According to researches, our pet's body is generally healthy because the essential nutrients are abundant. However the balance can be easily disrupted by harmful chemicals that may enter the body. When this happens dog food supplements are necessary. If only we as owners are careful when feeding our pet, health would never be a problem. But these days, it is hard to provide your pet with the necessary nutrients without exerting much effort. For one thing, most of the dog foods available today are all commercialized. The natural dog food products on the other hand take time to prepare and do not have a long shelf life.
So if you caught on a busy schedule and do not have time to prepare healthy meals for your pooch, you might succumb to the mercy of commercial dog food companies. When this happens you are left with no choice but to provide dog food supplements in order to keep your pet in good shape. However it has always been highly recommended that you provide your pet with as much natural stuff as you can. Just take a look at it this way. Do you want to eat canned goods and junks foods all the time? Of course that would be like killing yourself gradually.
So if you can't stomach it how do you think your pet will? It is like you adopted a canine and you let it suffer. But if some circumstances happen beyond your control you cannot blame yourself. You just need to adopt with the changes and if you can't provide something natural then make sure that you choose only appropriate dog food supplements. These supplements can be in the form of tablets or capsules containing vitamins and minerals depending on the age and nutritional requirements of your pet. Aside from them dogs also need protein, carbohydrates, lots of water and right amount of fats.
I understand that every animal lover and owner wants only the best for their pets but sometimes they fall short without intending to. When you notice your pet behaving unusual do not ignore it. You need to ask yourself in what aspects did you fall short. The most common reason for this case is food related problems. Actually what matters is you deliver the necessary nutrients your pooch needs and keeping it healthy and happy because no matter what you do if he or she is bound to get sick he or she will surely be. Remember that dog food supplements are only aides not substitute for the real food and they should never be because it would be funny when all you feed your pet are tablets and capsules all day long.
It is essential that you keep your pet healthy so you can avoid diseases. If you are on a tight budget getting, cheap food may save you pockets for the moment but it will never be in the long run because your pet will someday end up in the hospital and the bills there are way higher. So in the end you are not saving anything at all. Investing in dog food supplements is a good way to make sure that your pooch stays healthy.
The author of this article, Alex De La Cruz, is a Dog Expert who has been successful for many years. Because most people think that Arthritis is a humans-only disease Alex now informs dog owners with his http://www.dog-arthritis-guide.com Ebook on how to discover this disease and let their dogs live as pain-free as possible.
Labels: pets/dogs
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Common Dog Health Emergencies and How to Handle Them
By: Nancy Cope
Car Encounters
One of the most terrifying moments for a dog owner involves any sort of run it with a car. Injuries from traffic accidents range from minor to fatal, but it is important that you keep your dog as still as possible after the accident to avoid complicating any internal injuries. If your dog isn't moving get a blanket beneath him and move him using the blanket as a stretcher. Place clean compresses on any open wounds and get to the vet as soon as possible, calling ahead to notify them of the incoming emergency.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke can occur when a dog is too warm or has insufficient air flow in a small space. Heat stroke is especially risky for older dogs, and can happen very quickly if a dog is left in the car in high temperatures. Look for panting, vomiting, and frothing at the mouth as symptoms. If you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke get him to an area with a good breeze and douse him with cool water. Go to the vet as quickly as possible.
Poisoning
Signs of poisoning include muscle twitching, vomiting, convulsions, and collapse. First thing call the vet, different poisons must be treated differently. He or she may direct you to induce vomiting, which can be done with salt and mustard or hydrogen peroxide. Get your dog to the vet as soon as possible, and take some of the poison along if you know what it is.
No one wants to have to face a dog health emergency with their beloved pet. But if you do, remember to keep a cool head and stay calm. These things will ultimately help your dog just as much as the above tips.
Labels: pets/dogs
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Get Your Child Involved in Caring For Your Dog
By: Nancy Cope
Create a Chart
Charting out dog related chores can be very helpful. Your child can simply check off chores as he does them. You could assign a point system to the chart, and have a dog friendly outing when enough points are accrued. A chart is also wonderful because it serves as a visual reminder of the work your child has done, and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Make it Fun
Don't just make your child do the hard chores like doggy poo retrieval; include fun things on the list as well. Make fetch a chore for the day, or include a trip to the park. Exercise is vital both for growing children and for energetic dogs. If your child can handle your dog on a leash, ask him or her to take the dog on a daily walk. When you include fun activities, both your dog and child will enjoy each other's company more.
Set an Example
Ultimately the way your child treats future pets will largely be based off of your actions. Set a good example for your child to follow by never losing your temper with your dog and by consistently providing good care. A dog is a companion for life, and the more children learn that lesson early on the less problem we will have with unwanted pets.
Children and dogs can be the best of friends with a little encouragement. Have fun watching that special bond form, and feel proud for helping to shape such an admirable child.
Article by Nancy Cope of Pampered Dog Gifts - the place to shop for dog gift baskets and designer dog beds.
Labels: dog/pet/puppy
Friday, June 05, 2009
The 15 Most Dangerous Dogs
By: Neil Lemons
What do you think is the most dangerous dog? A pit-bull, right? Nope, wrong. Surely then it must be a Rottweiler, a German-Shepherd, or maybe even a Chow-Chow. Again, nope, no-way, and incorrect. The correct answer is... a Dachshund. Yes, you read that correctly. Dachshunds are the most dangerous type of dogs. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania recently surveyed 6,000 dog owners and found that "one in five dachshunds have bitten or tried to bite strangers, and a similar number have attacked other dogs; one in 12 have snapped at their owners."
So, surely the number 2 dog on the list must be a pit bull, right? Wrong! It appears that Napoleon Syndrome is real because the number 2 dog is a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas have similar statistics to dachshunds when it comes to biting strangers, their owners, or other dogs. Completing the top 3 list is the Jack Russell Terrier. So, why is that we assume pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows are the most dangerous dogs?
The answer is actually quite simple. It's because most clinical studies on this subject use medical data as the basis for their research. Since big dogs create bigger wounds they're reported more frequently and this causes the medical data to be skewed inaccurately toward big dogs. Truthfully, all breeds can be provoked to bite. Whether or not a dog actually bites is generally a result of how well it's been trained and treated. So, the question really is what dog breeds are genetically predisposed to aggressiveness? Here's a list, in no particular order, of the 15 most dangerous dogs.
1. Giant Schnauzer - Similar to German Shepherds, the Giant Schnauzer was trained in Germany to assist soldiers. This dangerous dog possesses the size of a Great Dane with the intelligence of a Schnauzer. These qualities in addition to his natural tendency to be fiercely loyal make this a dog of which to be aware. Stranger anxiety in the Giant Schnauzer is more common than other dogs.
2. Akita Inu - The Akita Inu is a heavy boned, powerful, and alert dog. He possesses a dignified and courageous persona and has a tendency to be aggressive toward other dogs.
3. Chow Chow - According the American Kennel Club, "... the Chow is reserved and discerning with strangers. Their cat-like personalities make them independent, stubborn and less eager to please than other breeds. They require early socialization and training, and some kind of exercise daily.
4. Bullmastiff - The Bullmastiff is fearless and confident. They were originally bred to guard natural game preserves from poachers as such they are natural guardians of the home, but do not bark much, as silence was a virtue when guarding the preserves. Bullmastiffs are independent thinkers and may not respond to traditional obedience training.
5. Papillion - The Papillion, is very small and very loyal to its family. It can be weary of strangers and though they are generally sweet tempered they need to be watched carefully around non-family members or other dogs visiting their home.
6. Old English Sheepdog - Old English Sheepdogs (OES) are athletic and energetic and require lots of exercise. The OES was bred to herd sheep. He has retained his natural tendency to herd whether or not there are sheep and accordingly he may try to herd people or other objects. He is generally a loving, sweet animal but may become aggressive if he feels someone or something is interfering with his herding job.
7. Dachshund - The Dachshund, meaning "badger dog" in German, was bred to dig into holes, hunt for, and fight to the death with badgers. Dachshunds tend to be territorial and in order to make the integration into family life as smooth and happy as possible he requires consistent assertion from his owners throughout his lifetime.
8. Llasa Apso - Llasos were bred for hundreds of years as indoor watchdogs. They are naturally suspicious of strangers. Additionally, the dog possesses an aloof and independent personality - it requires consistent handling throughout it's life and requires daily walks or exercise. Llaso's are best for adult only families.
9. Miniature Pinscher - Miniature Pinschers are fearless, animated, and independent creatures. They are spirited, and require consistent reminders about who the true alpha dog is in the family.
10. Jack Russell Terrier (officially known as Parson Russell Terriers) - These little dogs are bright and very energetic. They require lots of exercise and are better in families with older children as they do not tolerate rough handling from small children.
11. Pit Bull - What is commonly known as the pit bull is officially known in England as the Staffordshire Bull-Terrier and in the United States it's known as the American Staffordshire-Terrier. Whatever you call it, this dog is actually very people-oriented and is happiest when he is made part of the family and given a job to do. He is generally very friendly but is loyal to a fault to his family and will protect them from any threat.
12. Rottweiler - Rottweilers love their people and are protective of their territory. They do not welcome strangers until properly introduced. Obedience training and socialization are musts.
13. German Shepherd - The German Shepherd is a renowned guard and military dog. It is also a loving family companion. The breed is direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. He is a great family dog and is only on the most dangerous list because he can be trained to be aggressive (as can most dogs)
14. Dalmatian - The Dalmatian is the only horse "coaching" dog in the world and he has retained a natural affinity for horses. Dalmatians are very energetic and require daily long walks or romps in a fenced yard. Without regular exercise he can become destructive.
15. Chihuahua - Swift moving and terrier-like in behavior, Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and should not be underestimated even though small in size. They do not tolerate the rough handling that comes with young children so they are best for families with older or no kids.
Remember, all dogs can be provoked and all dogs, given the proper training, can be well mannered animals. Whatever breed you decide to add to your family it is important to socialize your pet with other animals and people as soon as possible. Also, consistent routines, affirmation, and discipline will make your new dog a happy member of the family.
Neil Lemons is a pet lover and Online Journalist. He has had the privilege of owning several cats and dogs over the years, some living into their 90s (in dog years). For information on where you can buy organic dog treats, check out http://www.N-Bone.com, world authority on healthy animal treats for your dog, cat, or ferret.
Labels: pets/dogs
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