Pets Dogs

Why Has My Dog Started Humping Other Dogs?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 02:40:00 +0000

Here is a question I received recently, does it sound familiar?

I first got my dog as a foster when he was already three years old. The previous owner has not had him neutered, and he is a full-breed black lab that weighs 120 pounds. So you can imagine when he jumps on other dogs, or people, to hump on them it's a pretty big deal and it's hard to get him off of them. Anyone who has had one, pretty much knows that labs are typically all "puppy" even when they are full-grown.

Once I had officially adopted him, I did get him neutered so I thought that would calm down his hormones and stop his urge to hump on other dogs. It did seem to deter him for a little while. Unfortunately, in the past few months, he's been really going after these other dogs at the dog park and finds one to focus on and then proceeds to hump on her, or him.

The gender of the dog doesn't matter, my dog just simply gets excited and decides he wants to dominate one particular dog. Now some dog owners don't make a big deal of it, because they are dogs. Other dog owners can become very upset when their dog gets dominated by another dog.

I had a conversation with a woman at the dog park last weekend and she had a large Golden-Doodle breed dog. He seemed to be the sweetest dog in the park, yet she claimed that her dog, although neutered, also does the same thing that my dog does. She shared with me that she has actually been asked to leave the dog park because of her dog's behavior. How embarrassing. I think that's the worst part, is that this kind of behavior is very embarrassing.

So why do they hump other dogs? I've searched for some answers online and talked to other dog owners and they all say the standard answer, it's just about domination. I'm not so sure. Even though my dog has been neutered, he doesn't seem aggressive enough to dominate other dogs, it seems like he just gets excited and that's his instinct, to hump on other dogs.

I've watched training videos on what to do, and for the most part they say I need to just use a very firm command to get him to stop. I would have to be very loud though because when he gets in that mode, he's so focused and he doesn't listen to me. So I typically have to grab his collar and remove him from the situation altogether.

I really love going to the dog park, but now I fear I have to go when no other dogs are there so I don't have to deal with the humping. I'm not sure if formal training is the answer for us in getting him used to being calm around other dogs or not. I would be willing to try almost anything just so that we can go to the park and have fun with other dogs without getting embarrassed about his behavior.

How to Potty Train a Chihuahua - Without Getting Angry

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 02:38:00 +0000

Are you sick of picking up steamy piles and soaking up smelly stains? Wouldn't it be great if you could learn how to potty train a Chihuahua in 3 simple steps? I'll show you just how to do it in this article.

Chihuahuas are the only dogs that were bred specifically to provide companionship to their owners. They are smart, playful and sometimes demanding, but are fiercely loyal and have an almost human way about them, making them some of the most unique and fun breeds to own.

While small in stature, Chihuahuas require training in order to become well-behaved members of your household. Regardless of whether you choose to paper train your Chihuahua or train him to use the potty outside, there are three simple steps you can take to make potty training easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

How to Potty Train a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas, as with all small breeds and toy breeds, have tiny bladders. This means that they can't hold their bowels for long - especially if they're puppies. So this breed needs special attention. You're going to have to take your dog out more often than the regular, larger breeds. If you've got a puppy, you can look forward to taking him out at least 7 times a day! As your pup gets older, they'll have learned how to hold their bladder resulting in less trips to the toilet.

Step One: Get and Use a Crate

Learning how to potty train a Chihuahua requires being open to certain methods. Some methods may seem cruel to you, like the crate. While you may think your dog finds his crate to be a prison, I assure you, he doesn't (unless you've traumatized him with it).

Here's the deal. There's no more useful tool than a crate. The crate should be just large enough for your Chihuahua to lay down in and turn around. Any larger, and your dog may use one end of the crate as a toilet and the other as a place to sleep. It might be difficult to find a crate small enough, so you might want to consider using a carrier designed for cats.

Your Chihuahua should be in his crate whenever you're unable to be with him. This will prevent him from using the bathroom anywhere in your home. The more times he uses the bathroom in the house, the harder it will be to break him of the habit. So, be diligent in your use of the crate when you can't watch your dog.

Step Two: Know When to Use Positive Reinforcement and Correction

When learning how to potty train a Chihuahua, anticipation is key. You need to know the warning signs that your dog needs to poop and pee. You also need to know when your dog most likely needs to go to the toilet. Take him to the appropriate potty spot after he wakes from a nap, after he eats or drinks and right after he begins to play.

Become really adept at spotting visual clues that your Chihuahua is about to use the potty. Sniffing around on the floor, circling and acting anxious can all be signs that your Chihuahua is about to use the bathroom. Take him to his potty place as soon as he begins exhibiting signs of needing to go and praise him profusely for the right behaviors.

If you catch your Chihuahua in the act of relieving himself in an inappropriate place, it's appropriate to scold him. By scolding, I don't mean hitting him. Make sure you say "NO" firmly and loudly as he begins to pee or poop in the wrong place.

This will help reinforce that there are only a few places where using the bathroom is appropriate. Only when you catch your Chihuahua in the act is it OK to scold him for an accident.

Step Three: Clean Up Accidents

As with all dogs, Chihuahuas will have accidents during potty training. How these accidents will affect your potty training efforts will depend on how you clean them up. Chihuahuas will potty in areas where they have used it before.

If an accident isn't cleaned up using an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of the smell, your Chihuahua will be encouraged to use that spot again, thwarting your best efforts to train him. Find a good quality enzyme cleaner and make sure that you immediately clean up any accidents to prevent recurrence.

Toilet training your dog takes time, patience and consistency. If you follow the 3 steps, you'll have a toilet trained dog in no time.

When it comes to potty training a Chihuahua, by following th

Why It Is So Easy to Love a Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 01:39:00 +0000

When we see a baby most grown people will turn into morons goo gooing and making impossibly ugly faces over the nearly terrified child. We move in close to the child's face, take impossible liberties touching and caressing the face, hands and feet of the child and then declare how tiny everything about them is.

They are adorable. We are seized by human survival when we see them.

When we see a baby we are reduced to idiots by nature. The baby's movements of hands, feet and face cause a very powerful hormone to be released in our bodies: oxytocin.

Oxytocin is the hormone that recruits our cooperation with the infants of our species. What triggers the release of oxytocin that causes us to want to touch, accept and defend a baby?

The movements of the baby. Those jerky, subtle movements of arms, legs and face that combine to reduce a grown adult to babbling fool. And Oxytocin works every time.

Nature has provided this to protect the totally vulnerable young. Even if someone meant to harm a baby, oxytocin makes it very difficult to think of such things by flooding our bodies with this recruitment to cooperation hormone. Even thinking of harming a baby seems hard to contemplate: oxytocin in your blood right now.

Dogs, once untamed hunters in the wild, found that sort of life a bit on the shaky side. But they did notice that in cooperation with humans, food would always be more available. Not to mention the care of their young and the scratching where no one had ever scratched before. But the humans were afraid of the wild dogs.

So the dogs of eons past learned from the humans. They noticed that if the humans found a litter of their offspring, the movements of the baby wild dogs caused the humans to not only not fear them but pick them up and take care of them.

At some faraway, nearly forgotten council of the wild dogs, the chief dog must have ordered an investigation into this matter of human acceptance of the little, wiggling and randomly licking infants.

The report came back to the chief. To gain human acceptance and love, the dogs would have to adopt the behaviors of the puppies and never forget to turn on those behaviors if the humans showed any signs of turning off the cooperation button.

The psychological report, not recently found in ancient dogglyphs, recommended that wild dogs, now tired of the hunting and getting trapped lifestyle, should learn to turn on the charm with humans in exchange for their cooperation.

Here are the ten actions the dogs have learned that make us love them (complete with notations and directions from the dog council):

1. Always wiggle with abandon when the human arrives into the human places.

This wiggling, like the wiggle of a baby, triggers the release of oxytocin. We cannot help it. When we return home and our dog wiggles and randomly squiggles in unrepentant joy, we want to return the love. We feel guilty if we don't.

2. If the human looks annoyed for any reason, begin rolling with abandon and making yipping noises.

This is another oxytocin trigger that works like a charm. Garbage dug into again? Go wiggle on the floor and roll around or...

3. Look hurt with saggy eyes and do not resist punishment.

This submissive behavior releases tons of oxytocin causing your human to regret ever punishing you. They will move the garbage can before they will punish you again.

4. Bring toys to them and step back and seem eager.

Humans cannot resist the oxytocin "cuteness" of a child handing them a toy and then eagerly expecting to play with it. Impossible. Even if the human doesn't want to play just then, they will apologize and you can try again later. The real strategy here is not to play - the strategy is to make the human feel sad they are not going to play. This will cause them to feel they owe you and give you treats later.

5. Run off and then come back

Humans fear desertion. Any chance you get, run away outside and then run back to the human like you have been scouting ahead for danger. This behavior releases so much oxytocin that the human nearly bursts from joy knowing you love them. You are not just "there" because you have to be. You are there because you love them!

Of course, you know you are there for food, warmth and an easy life, but the humans must never suspect this.

6. Make your human look good in front of other humans

Obey instantly. Sit. Stay. Perform whatever silly trick they think they have taught you. How you act in front of the human friends will cause not only your human to feel delighted but will encourag the other humans to give a dog an easy life if they have the hopes of getting one like you. You serve the dog community when you are so "good" when company comes over.

Never make the mistake of treating other humans with the same love, devotion and oxytocin releasing behaviors with which you lavish your human. This will win you no ponts. Your human wants to reserve the secret love relationship when no one is looking. When people are looking, be a champ of obedience!

7. Be friendly to all human children but standoffish to all human adults

This rule will win you points with all humans. Love the children and forget you could eat them with one swallow. Lick them, sniff them and play with them. Let them ride you and pull your ears until you yelp. When you yelp it is the human child who will pay the price while you get extra attention.

Your yelp will release oxytocin in all the adults and the child who pulled your ear so use it with gusto! Yelp!

With adults, keep your distance. Act like you are studying them. Do not run to them or be anxious to be petted by them unless you are in the dog jail and you need a human to escape. If that is true, then forget this rule and turn on the oxytocin charm.

8. Always try to help when humans have emotions

Don't get lazy and lose your ability to sense emotions in humans. When they are sad, try to nuzzle them like you would a sad or sick real dog baby. Roll on them and try to comfort them. Act like you "know" they need you but you don't know what to say. Just let them know you know.

Your efforts are the same as a human child saying, "Mommy, did you get an owie?" The oxytocin flows like magic and you come out the winner.

9. Act sad when the human leaves

Unless you make the mistake of getting attached to your human, you will never be sad when they leave. You may want to go fast in those noisy boxes they roll around in, but the freedom of being the lone wolf in the house is in our nature. Nevertheless, act sad. Only cats are dumb enough to act disinterested. That is why we hate cats.

Stop at the door and droop your eyes and back as if you are begging to go. The human will try to explain to you why you cannot go. Look like you don't understand. Usually the human will feel like they are deserting you and a treat will arrive with them when you roll around with glee when they return.

Enjoy your day of freedom.

10. Use your hearing to be the potential hero

Humans cannot hear. They are all deaf compared to us. Use this advantage. They will not hear the clumping of the stranger going down the street outside the den, but we do. Bark like mad and run to the door as if you were protecting the pack. Really let it rip.

The human will peek out and see (if they really can see) the stranger and know that you are the true guardian of the house. This gives them a sense of safety and security that will hasten your forever place in the human space and all the free food and water and warmth a dog could want.

--These reasons and much more are why we love dogs. We cannot help but love dogs. They have figured out that to be our best friends they had to use our hormones against us, but, then again, it seems to have worked out for everybody.

P.S.: Never let the humans know you really like "visiting dogs." Any dog with class will know you will have to give the humans a fright by doing the "will they fight" dance. It is entertainment to them. First things first. Otherwise, both sets of humans will feel you are far too fickle.

How About a Standard Poodle As a Pet?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 01:56:00 +0000

When one thinks of a Standard Poodle what generally comes to mind is a nearly bare-skinned dog with large powder puffs protruding from its head, ankles, tail tip and sometimes its buttocks. They are viewed as high maintenance and often just plain silly looking. But the Standard Poodle never asked for and doesn't deserve such a reputation.

This was originally a water dog, as well as a hunter. It is a sportsman at heart. In fact the name actually translates to "one who plays in water." It is also a good-natured, family oriented dog with a surprisingly high intelligence. He plays nice with both people and other dogs and is very trainable.

That is the upside to this beautiful and strong specimen of canine excellence. The down-side, if there is one at all, stems from its predisposition toward certain genetic disorders. These include a tendency toward retinal atrophy which can cause blindness. Some also have sensitive skin and ear infections. Then, of course, as is true of most larger breeds, the Standard Poodle is prone to hip dysplasia.

Generally though this is a hardy breed that can be just as content living in an apartment as in a yard with lots of room to run. It is just a matter of making sure it gets the exercise it needs; something as simple as a daily walk will do.

Grooming

Obviously, the typical poodle cut requires more groom time, as well as a certain expertise to accomplish. Your standard poodle should visit the groomer every 6-8 weeks for its bath and groom session. In between, it should be brushed daily to prevent uncomfortable tangling that can quickly turn to matting that is difficult to remove.

But there is no rule or requirement that just because you have a Standard Poodle, you must get him the standard poodle clip, unless you plan to show him. Many poodle owners prefer a simple puppy clip. This is a groom in which the fur is cut the same short length all over. It is much easier to maintain and is a very popular look.

Temperament

Besides the above-mentioned skills, Standard Poodles are excellent watchdogs due to their natural instinct to protect. This is not to be confused with an aggressive nature; far from it. This dog is excellent pet material. It's loyal and playful and easy to train.

Socialization and Training

Start socializing them early and they will not be a problem around either people of other dogs, and even cats. They are smart dogs and catch on quickly. They respond especially well to positive reinforcement and clicker training techniques. The better trained your dog is, the easier it is on you when you have visitors or must take him out in public, so be consistent and firm.

These dogs are often seen running agility courses, as they are fast, agile and thrive on the challenge of competing with other dogs. All in all, a Standard Poodle is a good choice for a family pet. He will give you years and years of pleasure and companionship and you will find him both loving and fiercely loyal.

Buying Dog Toys - Not As Easy As You Think!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 01:51:00 +0000

Buying toys for our pets is not an easy job. You might think that buying one and giving it to your pet is all that you have to do, but that's not all! You have to be very careful about the toys you are buying because you don't want your dear pet to chew on just anything! Toys made of low quality plastic are of great danger to your dog's teeth and gums. Not only can their gums get damaged, they might even ingest some of the plastic while eating and that can prove to be fatal!

The best way to deal with all this is to buy dog toys online which fulfill the following conditions:

Is the toy so big that it cannot be swallowed by your dog? If yes, then buy it! Your dog will never be able to ingest any part of the toy so it is completely safe.

Is the toy made of material which can be chewed off into pieces? If yes, then don't buy it under any circumstances.

Is the toy a stuffed toy? Does it come with a "machine washable" tag? If yes, then buy it for your dog. He or she will carry it around at all times and never part with it. Dogs and their soft toys can make for great love stories!

Is the toy a hard ball which bounces irregularly? If yes, then please buy it as your dog will have to keep guessing where the toy is going and that will keep him/her busy.
Other than all the things listed above, there are also other things which you need to keep in mind while buying toys for your dog.

A tennis ball and a flying disc are must-have toys for any dog. Buy them in multiple quantities.

Thick toys made of rubber are a great choice because they can be chewed on, rolled on and also thrown like a ball! They are like a 3-in-1 toy!

Squeaky toys are a favourite of dogs because of the sounds they make. However, while buying a squeaky toy, please check that the squeaker is placed well inside the toy and won't come off as soon as your dog starts playing with it. Most dogs try to pull out the squeaker from inside the toy and that is why you need to check that before buying. A squeaky toy should be replaced as soon as the squeaker comes out.

Nikita has worked in dog care shelter for more than 4 years.

She regularly writes articles related to pets.

Currently she is busy working with leading Indian Pet Store that sells dog clothes, dog jackets and sweaters, dog toys, accessories, dog beds, collars and other dog related products. Check out the website now to experience the latest trends in pet fashion.

Do Not Give Your Dog A Toxic Treat On Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:45:00 +0000

Holidays are a day of showing love and affection. For many dog owners, it is hard to resist giving our beloved pet a little treat on a holiday and few things say I love you as well as chocolate.

Unfortunately, what giving a well-intentioned gift of chocolate to your dog actually says is, I am poisoning you.

How much poison is OK?

Coca, a major ingredient in chocolate, contains theobromine-and that is the poisonous part. The concentration of theobromine varies by the type of chocolate, with white chocolate having very little and dark chocolate having as much as 10 times the concentration that milk chocolate has.

So how much is dangerous? A mere 52 milligrams of theobromine per pound of a dog's body weight can be deadly. Per pound of a dog's weight, that is about 1 ounce of milk chocolate and about one-tenth of an ounce of dark chocolate.

But remember, that is when it reaches potentially fatal levels. There are many things that can happen at lower levels.

Not deadly-but certainly not good

Additional effects of theobromine poisoning include:

    Hyperactivity
    Agitation
    Tremors
    Seizures
    Vomiting
    Diarrhea

The asterisked words are red flags to contact your veterinarian immediately. If the dog is not vomiting, then induce vomiting. (Keeping a bottle of syrup of ipecac on-hand is always a good precaution.)

There is no specific antidote for theobromine poisoning.

While a Great Dane is unlikely to die from eating a few chocolate kisses, it is important to remember that some dogs are more sensitive to theobromine than other dogs. Even a large dog may have a life-threatening reaction to a relatively small dose of the poison. With small dogs, it is easy to hit deadly levels while ingesting what to a person may seem like a small amount of chocolate.

Hoard your stash

It is also important to remember that dogs are gorgers. If a dog takes a box of chocolates or finds a stash of chocolate bars, it is likely to eat the entire thing in one gluttonous meal. For that reason, it is important to your dog's safety that chocolate be kept inaccessible at all times.

There are many foods that are toxic to dogs. For this reason, it is best to feed dogs food and treats that are made specifically to meet their dietary requirements. But with certain holidays comes a desire to share a human treat with our dog, and chocolate is such a pleasure for so many people.

Remember, if you love your dog, then do not give it poi

3 Surefire Tips in Dealing With Your Dog During His Training

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 07:44:00 +0000

Having a pet and taking good care of it is not an easy task. Pets such as dogs need to be trained and disciplined. They need to be well behaved in every situation they are put in such as when they meet new guests in the house. This is where this dog training guide and the tips on how to train your dog in a gentle manner so they may thoroughly learn to discipline themselves comes in.

It is not a good idea to have your pet suffer in pain during dog training.

Not only does this hurt him, it may also cause him not to follow your instructions all the more. Your dog could rebel against you and your orders if you tried to harm him during the course of his training. The question now is this: how do you, the dog's master, train him well enough so that he would learn from the training? Here are some ways on how to go about a dog training guide that is gentle and yet thorough in training pet dogs:

    Acquire a decent understanding of your pet's attitude or behavior. It is important that you understand how your pet behave before you begin training him to follow basic commands or even to behave. Dogs are like humans. They need to be understood as well as they have feelings, too. Your dog would be with you for a long time so you must learn to accept your dog the way he is. The dog's behavior can be easily understood by observing them, how they respond. Once you have a thorough understanding of how your dog behaves then you can begin with the training.
    Do not inflict harm on your pet dog. If your dog committed something that is not good in your eyes, it is important that you do not deal too harshly with him. Dogs need someone who can understand them, not someone who can add more to their stress when they are already in a lot of it. Dogs can be frisky when they are stressed after all, it's much the same way with their human counterparts or masters. It's best not to give them more stress lest you would want them to be even harder to manage.
    Be patient with your dog's training. An important trait that one has to have when dog training is patience with the dog being trained. This is often an integral reminder to most owners who subject their dogs to the training guide. If you are seeing through your dog's training then as his master and trainer in one, you have to be patient in teaching him how to behave. The dog will not learn anything from you or from any dog trainer that you employ for his sake if you constantly blow up on him for not understanding and following commands properly.

Your dog will be a more well-behaved and disciplined pet when you subject to proper dog training. You can learn the art of training dogs on your own by taking the challenge to train your own pet or you can employ someone else to see through your dog's training. It is all up to you as to how you would like your dog trained. You just have to make sure to treat your dog nicely throughout his training so he would learn well.

Dog Attacks - Safety Tips From A Letter Carrier

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:43:00 +0000

Dog attacks on letter carriers are the stuff that legends are made of. They are not just myths! How do I know? I found out the hard way; I asked my letter carrier.

One day I noticed that Mike, my letter carrier, was wearing a pepper spray on his belt that was neatly tucked into a holster. That started the conversation. I asked if I could see it and immediately noticed that it was out of date. He told me he didn't know that it had expired. I had to explain to him that it wasn't the pepper spray that deteriorated, but it was the propellant. Believe me when a dog is attacking, you don't want to have a fizz coming out of the end of your pepper spray.

We started discussing why the USPS issues pepper sprays to letter carriers in the first place. As I found out from Mike, they are the first line of defense for them against dog attacks. There are more dog attacks and dog bites on letter carriers than any other group of people aside from children under the age of five.

Every year in the United States over 5 million people are attacked by dogs with close to 1 million of them requiring hospitalization or emergency room treatment. Every day 1,000 people get hospitalized with a dog bite and many of those are small children under five.

Mike shared with me some horrific tales and some advice on how to avoid dog attacks. So from Mike's 25 year plus experience as a letter carrier, here are his top tips.

1. Never smile at a growling dog. He sees that as a sign of aggression.

2. If you see a dog that is penned up in a yard or tied to a stake or some solid object, he is more likely to be aggressive than one that is roaming free. So be wary.

3. Never reach over a fence to pet a dog. Many dogs can easily jump a 3 foot fence.

4. Learn to read a dog's body language. If a dog is running at you with a loping gait, he wants to play. If the dog approaches you with its body straight and stiff with his head, shoulders and hips all in line, he is in an attack mode.

5. Always carry something with you that can be used as a blocking tool; a stick, a cane or some such device or in a pinch your shoe will work. Better the dog attack your shoe than bite your arm or your leg.

6. And like the USPS always carry a product for your self-defense, such as a dog pepper spray, with you when you are near an area where you know dogs hang out.

I used to carry the telescopic stun baton and had to use it on a couple of occasions. But now I carry the Mace pepper gun because it has a range of 25 feet.

How to Keep Your Dog Healthy With These 3 Easy Tips (And He Will Love It!)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:43:00 +0000

Keeping your dog healthy and alert is key in a long and happy life, and you do want to keep your dog healthy, don't you?

Here are 3 Easy Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy for a Life Time!

Veggies - Ditch the soft chewy treats in a bag at the grocery store and buy your dog some carrots! No, seriously... buy your dog some veggies! Cut up carrots, celery and green or other colored peppers make a delicious treat for your pet that he will love. It eliminates the sugar from his diet that is pumped into those soft and chewy dog treats, too! Don't forget that sugar is cancer food and your dog (and you) should eliminate it from your diets! In addition, if your dog needs to drop a few pounds, as many do these days, eating celery actually burns calories and most dogs love the crunchy texture.

Multi-Vitamins - A good multi-vitamin every day is important for a long healthy life. Just as we should supplement our diets with a good multi-vitamin, so should your pooch! Most diets today are made up of processed foods that are missing many vital vitamins and nutrients. Avoid the soft and chewy versions. Sugar is usually a top of the list ingredient and necessary to keep that soft and chewy consistency. There are easy to give yummy crunchy vitamins that your dog will look forward to as a treat. A good multi-vitamin is important especially if you feed your dog grocery store dog food which may have more by-products and fillers as ingredients.

Omega-3 - Omega-3 supports heart health and reduces inflammation in your dog's body. Inflammation is the key trigger in most disease, for us and for our pets. As cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs today, reducing cancer causing inflammation is key in keeping your dog healthy. You should look for supplements containing Omega-3 only. Avoid giving your dog additional Omega-6 or a combination of Omega 3 & Omega 6. There is usually enough Omega-6 added to commercial dog food and you don't want to overdo the 6. There is a great Salmon Oil softgel (500 mg) that dogs love. You can give it to them as a treat or cut it open and squeeze the oil on their food. Many dogs will just take the capsule and eat it as a treat. Check with your vet for proper dosing for your dog's body weight.

These three easy changes in your dog's snacks and supplements will help him live a long, healthy life, and the veggies may help him drop a few pounds as well!

To Your Dog's Good Health!

Does Your Dog "Bow" to You?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 08:42:00 +0000

I am constantly learning everyday about pet behavior, body language, and communication by interacting with the animals I care for. One behavior I started noticing with the dogs I work with within the last year is them "bowing to me". At first when I saw "Friday" a Heeler/Malamute, "Special Needs Behavioral" dog I care for do it, I thought he was just stretching. Then I notice he does it every time I walk into the house. It got me wondering, and I let it sit in the back of my mind. Then I noticed it this week when I would get the leash to take "Murphy" a Standard Poodle, out for a walk he was doing the same bow. I decided it was time to look into this behavior and body language to further understand what these dog were trying to communicate to me & why.

Upon looking into it I found that this dog behavior is called the "Play Bow" (back-end in the air with head and paws lowered to the ground). This behavior is also seen in wolves & coyotes and is a powerful social tool among all dogs. It communicates that their intentions are friendly and that they are ready for a rousing round of chasing and romping. The position is non-threatening as the head is extremely low.

This signal is extremely important because so much of dog play consists of aggressive behaviors and dominant postures. The play bow tells a dog's playmate, "Anything that comes after this is play, so please don't take it seriously."

The play-bow probably evolved out of a submissive crouch, but the signal has become an unmistakable way to indicate a desire to play, no matter where the dog is in the social hierarchy. A more dominant dog may even allow himself to be chased in the interest of fun, may encourage play by lying down and allowing a subordinate dog to "attack" him.

However, it is interesting to note that dominant dogs are not as successful in soliciting play. A general sense of aloofness may be part of the reason. Or perhaps they come across as insincere when they invite another dog to play.

Under-socialized dogs may not understand the play-bow, or know that all actions following the bow are meant in fun. Instead they may feel threatened and may bite. Fortunately, most dogs do understand dog diplomacy.

I was extremely happy to learn this information because that "play-bow" is powerful stuff! It means the dogs are happy to see me & associate me with having fun! As an added bonus my "behavioral issue" dogs like "Friday" also understand hierarchy and respect me.

Shannon Cole owns "Shannon's Pet Sitting" in Chicago's NW Suburbs an in-home, bonded, insured, Better Business Bureau Accredited pet care service specializing in pets w/ behavioral problems, medical needs & senior pets.

Interesting Facts About Beagles

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:39:00 +0000

General Information

The beagle is a dog breed of medium size. It is an autonomous, energetic, devoted and smart dog. It comes together nicely with kids as well as other dogs. Its roots are those of a hunter and it is generally a bit aggressive towards other small animals.

Historical background

This breed comes from England since several hundred years ago (around 1800). It occurred by the cross breeding of various hounding breeds. As a matter of fact, the beagle has been associated with King Authora's Camelot and William the Conqueror.

The rich British people used beagles to hunt by creating packs of them. Beagles arrived at the United States in the half of the nineteenth century, however at the time they did not look like as they look nowadays.

Temperament of the beagle

Beagles are mildly tempered dogs, not very aggressive but not apprehensive either. They are amicable, trustful, a bit strong-headed, companionable and inquisitive. Beagles get along great with kids and this explains why they are one of the most popular pets for families. They are compassionate and frisky, but simultaneously brave and protecting of loved ones.

Beagles and their nose

Beagles are infamous for their nose and super-strong smelling sense. They have about 220 million smell receptors (whereas man has about 5 million) and for that reason they are quite often used for detecting drugs.

As a potential beagle owner, you should be aware of this fact and realize that when this dog catches a smell, it will be resolved to check it out. Thus, beagles are not appropriate to take with you when you go jogging since they will constantly stop and smell around!

Beagles and food

Beagles love eating and they are usually very protective about their food. As a matter of fact, it will eat until it explodes, so ensure that only proper amounts of food are given to it. Moreover, it can find inspired ways to reach food that might be placed in various stores inside the house.

Dog Proofing Your Living Space

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:41:00 +0000

Dogs are truly man's best friend. They provide us with so much joy. They cheer us up when we are down and are always so happy. There are many joys and responsibilities of owning a pet. One of the really important things to do is to be aware of the safety of the environment that we are providing our pet. So, pet proofing our homes is vital for them.

Some helpful insights or hints are necessary to help you create the right environment for your pet.

A great way to see how safe your home really is, is to look at it from your dog's line of vision. Anything that they could knock over, chew or destroy becomes a target. It is important to remove these temptations. These can include hanging wires, blinds or shade cords, plant and so many more things. Thus, it is important the we get informed.

1. Plants Are Not Pet's Best Friends

Our homes are surrounded with flowers, plants and foliage. Although they accentuate and decorate our living spaces, they do not always agree with our pets. Plants are very accessible snacks that dogs may find themselves chewing on and ingesting. So, if you have plants or are considering buying them, research to find out which ones are the most pet-friendly.

Flowers as well can be problematic. Lilies, tulips, poinsettias and chrysanthemums, for example are a few that toxic to dogs. So, make sure that vases or flowered plants are not placed on low lying coffee or end table, but rather up on the counters away from your dogs reach.

2. Medications Need To Be Tucked Away

Many home have medication, whether it been over the counter or prescription meeds. Just as it is important to keep medications out of the reach of small children, it is just as vitally important to keep them away from your pets.

From aspirin to cough syrup or heart medications, these all need to be stored in a safe and controlled area. Many people keep meds in bottle or containers on low level nightstands or counters. This means that your dog can jump up and have access and very quickly problems can escalate. So, make sure that all your medications are tucked away into a safe location, where your dog cannot gain access.

3. Foods That Are Dangerous and Should Be Avoided

Our homes and pantries contain many different types of foods. However, not all of those foods are good or safe for your pets. So, it is important as a pet owner to be aware of the foods can be very dangerous for our pets.

Two of the most common ingredients use in cooking are onions and garlic. However, both these foods can be toxic to dogs. Symptoms can start from vomiting, diarrhea, weakness which can be lead to organ failure. So be very careful about feeding your dog foods containing these ingredients.

Fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, raisins and avocados are considered dangerous and can lead to vomiting, lethargy, as well as kidney failure.

Caffeine and caffeine related foods, such as coffee and chocolate are toxic to your dog. In addition to caffeine, chocolate contains other chemicals that are toxic to dogs.

It is really important that foods that are considered dangerous for your dog be tucked away in cupboards, that are not openable by your pet. In addition, it is vital your whole family is aware, especially small children that can drop snacks, grapes or raisins on the floor and your dog is usually right there to pick up the scraps.

4. What is in Your Trash Can?

Trash cans are curious places for our pets. However, they can also be a very dangerous place for you dog as well. So it is crucial that your trash can has a lid that is securely fastened and not easily accessible. If your garbage can does not have a lid, keep it in a cupboard that can be locked or fastened so that your dog cannot get in.

Trash can have smells and aroma that will automatically attract your dog. In addition, to containing sharp objects and food waste that can injurious and harmful for your pets. So it is important to keep it concealed.

6. Window Treatments Are Not Meant To Be Toys

Many of our homes have window blinds or shades with hanging cords. Truly there is nothing more alluring to your pet. These cords can be dangerous and even fatal to our pets and small children if they become entangled in them. It is important to have these cords away from the ground, tucked up and away. If you are thinking about purchasing new window fashions, consider purchasing cordless cellular shades and blinds.

7. Hanging Cords or Wires Are A No-No

Now days, our homes are filled with technology, from computers and printers to cell phones and tablets. As a result, we have many cords, wires and chargers that recharge our devices. It can be easy to forget how these dangling cords can become a chewable toy. So it is important to remember this when recharging our devices, before you need to buy replacements.

8. Protecting Your Doors from Claws and Paws

Our dogs go from the inside to the outside many times during the day. When we keep our doors open, they have easy access. However, may times our doors can become damaged or destroyed from our pet's scratching paws and claws. An answer to this problem is to install a pet proof screen door. They are manufactured with heavy duty fiberglass mesh that will resist ripping, tearing and destruction. These pet screens are more than seven times stronger than conventional fiberglass screens. So even the most tenacious of pets will not be able to destroy or damage your screen.

How To Behave Responsibly In 'Pets Allowed' Accommodation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:31:00 +0000

When staying in a holiday accommodation owners advertise as 'pets allowed', you should be responsible enough to take care of the place as if it were your own. Understand that the condition in which you leave the house will directly reflect the owner's willingness to continue permitting pets to be around. Behaving like any responsible pet owner is expected of you while you are in any holiday accommodation. You should take steps to keep the accommodation in the best condition possible for both the owner and future pet visitors.

Always keep the neighbours in mind when you take your pet along for the holidays. They could be permanent residents, and may report your actions back to the owner.

It is considered proper protocol to make the neighbours aware of the presence of your pet in the premise. This will prevent them from being surprised when you cross paths while you're out taking your dog for a walk or when confrontations between pets suddenly arise.

Being a model pet owner also means that you don't let your pets disturb the neighbours while they are inside. Just because the accommodations are listed as pets allowed doesn't mean that the neighbours want to listen to your dog howling all night long. Make sure to keep your dog quiet and keep your cat indoors -- especially at night. Make sure to maintain the cleanliness of the communal yard so that the neighbour's kids don't step in dog poo while playing outside.

Obey all house rules while you are staying in pets-allowed accommodation. Feed your pets only in designated feeding areas, and if your pet makes a mess, take a minute to clean it up properly. If this means spending time on your knees scrubbing at spots with cleaners, then that is what you must do. Don't permit your pet to claw the furniture, climb the curtains, or dig up the flower bed, and always leave the house looking as clean as you would like your own at the end of your stay.

Do your best to keep the pet fur inside the house under control when you and your pet are staying in a 'pets allowed' accommodation. Consider restricting your pet's access to the house and use a lint roller to get any fur off upholstery before you leave. Remember to keep your pet clean at all times, making sure to wipe dirt off their feet before letting them enter the property after a walk. Prior to leaving, make sure the house is clean and inspect the place thoroughly to ensure there is no evidence that your pet was even there.

For more practical help on managing your dog in 'pets allowed' property, -- your one-stop-shop for pet-friendly advice. Subscribe to the newsletter for a free travel report and the chance to win a FREE pet-friendly holiday!

This Is About Arctic Hare

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:16:00 +0000

          The polar rabbit or arctic hare, an amazing land mammal, can easily be found in parts of North America, northern parts of Canada and in Greenland. They are the one of the largest living lagomorphs and considered as the subspecies of the mountain hare and snowshoe hare. Short ears and thick fur are some of their common physical traits which are helpful for them to survive in cold. Like other hares, their ear tips are black. They do not hibernate in winter but by adapting genetic and physiological changes, can easily manage to survive in winter. In southern range, they easily change their fur color from brown or grey in summers to snowy white in winters. This white color provides camouflage from their predators. In a region like north Canada, where there is less summer, their color remains white all around the year.

          Compared with rabbits; arctic hare are larger in size and have taller hind legs which help them to run faster up to speed of 40 miles per hour. At time of danger, they run like kangaroos by their wide hind legs. They dig shelters in snow and live in company of hundreds and thousands to share warmth. They are mostly found alone but some time they move in groups. They can weigh up to 5.5 to 7 Kg and as a whole, 23 inches long. They usually live up to six to seven years. Their ears are the main communication mechanism.

          These hare come under the omnivore group. They mostly survive by eating woody plants, willow twigs and mosses in cold season, buds, leaves, berries and barks in summers. Purple saxifrage is their favorite food in early summer. They have great sense of smell and can dig deep into snow to find food. Some of these species can live on meat.

          In spring or early summer, female arctic hare can give birth from two to eight babies at a time. During the mating season, their groups disperse and every male can have more than one female partner. Babies live with their mother until they reach up to maturity level. This duration could last from six to seven months and they come to the size of their parents. The arctic hare have great importance to Native Americans. These are used for food resource and their fur is used in clothing. People enjoy delectable food made of these species.

Importance of Water for Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:24:00 +0000

Veterinarians agree that proper water consumption is crucial to the health of both cats and dogs. In general a healthy dog should be expected to drink about 1/2 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Keep in mind, that a dog that eats dry food will need slightly more water.

Because cats have a much smaller range of weights, the correct amount of water consumption is simply a recommendation of between 2-4 ounces of water per day. And, cats that eat dry food will also need slightly more water.

Without proper water consumption, cats and dogs may experience dehydration, defined as an imbalance of water and electrolytes in the body. Fluid loss can be due to overheating in hot weather, increased activity or a bout of vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration may also indicate a serious underlying problem.

A simple exam recommended for both cats and dogs to check for dehydration is to grab a piece of skin at the back of the neck. A properly hydrated pet's skin will "snap" back into place. If your pet is dehydrated the skin will return slowly.

If your pet seems to be refusing to drink enough water for an extended period you should consider taking it to the vet. However, there are a few things you can try before you rush off to the vet.

For Dogs:

    You can try to encourage the drinking of water by offering praise when your dog drinks.
    Keep a water bowl of fresh water nearby his food and bed or anywhere else he frequently spends time.
    Try using a water bowl with a weighted bottom if your dog tends to from knock over his/her bowl.
    Add a flavor packet such as chicken, bacon or beef to the water.
    Provide clean drinking water at all times, and change it frequently to ensure freshness. It's worth mentioning to not forget to wash your pet's water bowl every day to prevent bacteria from forming.

For Cats:

    Sprinkle a small quantity of water onto your cat's food.
    Place the water in a glass bowl as some other materials may leave an objectionable taste in her mouth.
    Try using filtered or bottled water.
    Replace the water frequently to keep it fresh and clean.

Maintaining proper hydration is very important for good pet health, so it is something that you might want to consider monitoring quite seriously.

If you are interested in learning more about Natural Pet Health, go to http://www.naturecastpetproducts.com/signup/ for a free report that will improve your pet's health.

Pets On The Go For A Long Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:33:00 +0000

The long weekend is always a time for great family fun and is a great chance to get away for a couple of days. Taking the family dog is always a treat when you travel, keeping the entire family together can reduce stress as well. However, the crowded highways and rest areas on a long weekend will mean that tensions may rise.

One of the first things you must learn about how to travel with pets is that you must keep their needs in mind at all times. The highways are going to be crowded, traffic is going to be hectic and people are going to be in a hurry to get to their destination. Expect to experience delays and remember to stretch your legs regularly and take your pet for a walk at designated rest areas. If there are other pets around, keep a close eye on their behavior around your dog. If your dog begins to get agitated due to crowds and the bright lights of the traffic keep these stops quick and get back in the car.

It's essential to give your pet the chance to exercise during these trips. When you have pets on the go, they are every bit as cooped up in the car as you are. The best option is to locate a dog park where they can go for a run and use up their energy. Download a quality app that will help you find pet friendly areas is an essential part of traveling with pets, and will save you a lot of time and angst.

When you do have pets on the go, you need to be aware of your dog's comfort levels. You are taking your dog to a strange place, full of strange objects, and you will be their only source of comfort when something scary happens. Before you leave, pack your dog's favorite bedding. This will create a sense of home for the dog at your destination. Include plenty of toys as well. Pack an extra collar and leash and make sure your dog's tags have all the current information on them. Always bring enough food and water from home for the entire trip.

Remember, while you are in the car keep your dog confined to the back seat at all times. A dog loose in the front of the car can block your view or get between your feet and the pedals, causing you to have an accident. Your dog should be restrained in a cage or seat belt holder in the back seat, and the leash should always be attached to the dog's collar, even when the car is moving. This lessens the chances of your dog escaping when you open the door and will help bring everyone home from the long weekend safely.

To get more expert tips for having pets on the go, check out http://www.takeyourpet.com.au -- Australia's top database of pet-friendly accommodation, nationwide pet stops such as dog parks and off leash areas, expert advice on pet travel, product reviews, and plenty more.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Local Dog Exercise Areas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:34:00 +0000

When taking your pet to the local dog exercise areas, you should always be ready to spend time with your dog doing what she wants to do. The primary reason why you go to this pets allowed area is so that your dog can get some exercise and get out of the house for a while. Determine what kind of activities your dog enjoys and be prepared for some interactive play time while you are out.

Your local dog exercise area is a great way for your dog to have some off-leash fun so be prepared to get involved and enjoy some play time with them. Dress appropriately for the dog park. Be sure to wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes and shoes that you can both run in and don't mind getting dirty. A business suit is an inappropriate clothing choice for a pets-allowed area. You should always wear something that you don't mind getting dirty. Your dog may be trained to not jump on people with muddy paws, but that doesn't mean that every dog there will show you the same courtesy.

The pets allowed areas are for people who want to spend time with their dogs. Just because these areas are for off-leash fun, your dog shouldn't be left unattended for any amount of time. You should always have them in view. For active dogs that like to run around, you will need to keep a close eye on them, no matter what they are doing at the moment or where they may go. Always try to stay close enough to your dog to intervene should a fight break out. Encourage your dog to explore the area and play on the provided equipment. This could mean getting in the mud yourself to encourage your dog. Do not just sit in one corner and be bored while your beloved dog tries to get you to play with him.

Dog exercise areas are the perfect place for you to get some exercise too. However, always see to it that your pet is entertained while you're doing your exercises. You wouldn't want your dog to invite himself to someone else's picnic while you're doing pushups. Consider going to these pets allowed areas to do exercise that is designed to be more interactive with your beloved dog. You can play fetch with him or you can simply enjoy a run around the area together. Make sure to leave your toys at home, and instead use the devices provided at the dog exercise areas to interact with your dog.

For more tips on enjoying the most out of dog exercise areas, go to http://www.takeyourpet.com.au -- the best place to find pet-friendly travel information around Australia. Subscribe to our info-packed newsletter for FREE!

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How To Get The Most Out Of Your Local Dog Exercise Areas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:34:00 +0000

Winter Dandruff Issues and Your Pet's Health

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:21:00 +0000

The winter months can bring many beautiful and great experiences, but one that is sure to put a damper on your dogs and cats this winter season is dandruff. This affliction can cause itching and infection, but I will help outline how to avoid this by using shampoos, conditioners and other techniques.

Dandruff or seborrhea sicca, as it is technically called, is defined as the excessive shedding of dead and dying skin cells. We all know what it looks like, flaky and white, and most noticeable on darker colors. But our pets can suffer greatly from dry skin and can become very itchy. This itching and scratching can lead to skin infections and other serious afflictions. When hey scratch the surface of their skin, your pet will be breaking down the natural protection that skin normally provides.

Your pets skin as approximately seven layers and scratching will break them. You will notice scratch marks, possibly bleeding, and redness. Once the skin is broken, any bacteria on the top of the skin can get underneath and may cause infection and more itching. If this is left untreated, your pets dry skin can lead to more dry skin and more itching and become a vicious cycle. In most circumstances, itching can be more uncomfortable than pain and it can keep your pet awake at all hours

A first step is to provide your pet with relief. Consider giving your pet a bath with medicated shampoos and conditioner that you have cleared is safe from your vet. Similar to your hands and legs, when they become dry and itchy, applying soothing lotion can provide immediate relief. A helpful tip is to choose a shampoo that contains aloe or oatmeal or a product that attacks dandruff specifically, can be a great help to your pet.

To aid in prevention of dandruff, you may try adding fatty acid supplements to the diet of your pet. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements can provide daily relief and can prevent dandruff. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish oil and will also help lubricate your pet's joints. Also consider adding a humidifier to your home, especially during winter months, to help your dog's skin and your own as well. Most home heating can produce very dry heat.

Another significant issue to address is your pet's hydration. Pets that fail to drink enough water can become dehydrated and it is very important that our pets drink plenty of water. Pets that are constantly dehydrated are prone to kidney disease and other serious ailments. If your pet doesn't drink enough water, try adding more water to their food.

Moving along, combing and brushing on a regular basis during the winter can help prevent skin ailments. But, also consider purchasing lubricating sprays that can be applied to the skin after you've finished your pet's grooming. Combing can be preferred over brushing though, so you can remove any dead hair. Combing can be preferred to help hair get to the skin and produce a healthier coat. A great tool to use is a flea comb, its teeth are close together and will ensure the removal of dead hair and it is normally advantageous to remove the dead hair before it comes out naturally around your home.

Isaac Macalister is a frequent contributor for Hartz and has written many articles pertaining to cat and dog needs. Including anything from dog training to summer fun with your dog

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:18:00 +0000

Halloween is two weeks away. You've probably finished decorating, chosen your costume and purchased your candy - but there's one more thing you can't forget to do. Make sure that you understand what Halloween does to your pets and take the necessary precautions to ensure that the whole family has a fun-filled and safe holiday.

Just because you love Halloween doesn't mean your pets do. Halloween can be a very dangerous time for pets. Many pets find the trick-or-treat festivities very stressful. As humans, we know that the ghosts and goblins that visit our homes are just sweet little children looking for candy but to your pets- those are real ghost and goblins.

Unless your pets are highly social and love to be around people- all people- all the time- seclude them during trick-or-treating or party hours. Not only will this guard against your pets "darting" out the door but it will also reduce anxiety. The Dog Sitter or Cat Sitter DVD is a great way to occupy your pet's time alone. The DVDs provide great pet oriented entertainment complete with wildlife images and sounds.

You may also want to consider a Sentry Calming Collar to help alleviate your pet's stress. They are fairly inexpensive and last about a month. Chocolate and candy are not for pets. You might be tempted to give your pets a nibble of Halloween candy- but don't do it! Chocolate is one of the most highly toxic substances for dogs and cats. Candy can contain xylitol which is also a no-no for pets. You'll want to be careful about leaving your candy bowl in a place where your pets can get to it. They don't know that Halloween candy can hurt them and they may try to sneak a nibble when you're not looking.

If the chocolate or xylitol doesn't get them, the wrappers might. Veterinarians report dozens of cases of "treat mishaps" during Halloween. If the wrappers get stuck in your pets' windpipe they may experience difficulty breathing and you may be headed to the emergency room.

A better idea is to offer your pets a healthy doggie or kitty treat. Your pets won't know the difference and it is a much safer alternative.

Be aware of how your Halloween decorations can affect your pets. If you like to carve pumpkins for Halloween be careful not to leave the innards where they can be eaten by your pets. While pumpkin is not toxic to dogs and cats, it's not good for them either. Their digestive systems are not built to process squash.

If you choose to use a candle to illuminate your pumpkin creation, be sure that it is only lit in an area where your pets can't accidentally knock it over. You may hope to see a firemen or two during trick-or-treating hours but you don't want them to be actual firefighters. That would certainly put a damper on the holiday.

Many people like to decorate with things like synthetic cobwebs and technology driven props. Synthetic cobwebs can be a choking hazard so place them strategically. Make sure they are out of your pets' reach. With decorations that feature audio or visual stimulation, go for the battery-operated props. Decorations that use cords are a potential hazard. If chewed, your pets could suffer cuts or burns, or even a life-threatening electrical shock. If you follow these simple guidelines, you can be sure that your entire family will enjoy the Halloween festivities.

How To Act Appropriately In A Park For Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:20:00 +0000

It's very important that you and your dog always mind your manners when in a park for dogs. Remember that it is also a place for recreation by people who don't bring animals. To some of these people your dog's presence could be seen as a nuisance if they don't behave themselves properly. If you or your dog are inconsiderate people may complain and you could be asked to leave the park.

When playing in a park for dogs, make sure to obey all of the rules posted in the area. If off-leash play is allowed only during certain hours, leave your dog leashed according to the posted times. Hour restrictions are usually for the safety of others during crowded periods during the day. If the park has written rules about which areas dogs may be off-leash, and which areas that leashes are required, always be ready to leash your dog again according to the rules.

You should always clean up after your dog. Failure to clean up after your dog is among the highest reasons that a dog park changes signs to read no pets allowed. Dog waste left uncleaned makes an area unsafe to play in and contaminates ground water sources once it decays. If dog waste is left behind people will step in it and children may fall in it while playing. You wouldn't want to have some kid's skinned knee landing in a mess left behind by your dog. Cleaning up after your pet is not just polite; it's a matter of safety for people and other dogs.

Everyone's dog has a favorite toy but these toys should not be brought to the dog park. If you do bring a toy to the park every other dog there may end up wanting that toy as well. While your intentions are good, this can also cause some issues. You don't know how other dogs will react and toys can cause serious and potentially dangerous fights to break out in the park.

Everyone knows it's your responsibility to clean up after your dog, but only a few realize that part of minding your manners also means keeping your dog clean and dry. Be prepared with a couple of towels to wipe your dog down. If your dog goes for a swim make sure you dry it off before it shakes water all over an innocent bystander. If your dog is soaked in mud, wipe her feet before you return to the paved path. People who don't bring their pets with them will be judging you, and your dog, so keeping him clean is a good way to ensure that everyone gets on well.

For more expert advice on how to manage your pet in a park for dogs, visit http://www.takeyourpet.com.au -- your one-stop shop for pet-friendly advice. Subscribe to the newsletter for the chance to win a FREE pet-friendly holiday!

How to Care for a Day-Old Kitten

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:27:00 +0000

Kittens are usually cared for by their moms. However, like all things in nature, Darwin kicks in and only a few of the offspring will survive. I have encountered twice the particular case of a cat that simply will not care for her babies, being equally disinterested in whether they live or die. So, for the best part of the next four weeks I acted like a nursing cat mother for three little kittens. Needless to say, when they're a few hours old, each of them is hardly bigger than a very small mouse.

There are two things they need to survive: warmth and food. You can solve the first issue with a couple of 2 liters plastic bottles filled with hot water that you put it in their nesting place. A shoebox will suffice for that. Also, try making them comfortable by adding a towel or any cloth you won't need ever again, so they have a soft floor. The water will need changing every few hours, depending on how fast it cools.

Next issue is a bit of a nuisance. You'll have to buy a baby bottle for kittens. There are many available at pet shops, you cannot improvise around it, trust me on that, I've tried. The thing that came nearer to a baby bottle was a 2ml syringe, but you run the risk of pumping too fast and choking them. Plus, they can't draw from it. So go get the baby bottle. Then to the food: you can either buy special powder milk that has all the surplus they need from a lactating mother, just ask the veterinarian for it, or use your own milk from the store. Either way is fine, the powder milk is pricey but better, but they won't die for the lack of it. Next buy eggs, a whole basket of eggs, you're going to need them. Break an egg and clear the yolk. Only the yolk! Put the yolk in a cup. Add a bit of milk and mix. Then add a spoon of honey and mix. Pour milk up to about 200ml and mix. Honey helps the kittens' digestion a lot, it's not just for the taste of it. When you have about 200ml of mixed product make sure it's warm and fill up the baby bottle. Then pick each of the kids up and start feeding them. You'll have to be patient, although at first they're probably be starving and will draw like there's no tomorrow. You will have to repeat that every three hours and two times per night.

My advice is to have more food mixed so you only have to warm it, it saves a lot of time not having to mix it all each and every time they need feeding. After four weeks they will probably learn to drink by themselves and you're off the hook, although there's no timeframe guaranteed about that. I had one crazy kitten that refused to let go of the baby bottle for three months!

If you follow these steps it will be hard on your part but your kittens WILL live. Constant feeding and warmth is all there really is to it. And patience.

Oana is a member of Lacartes.com - an online community where people can meet new people and stay connected to friends, families and share photos, updates, reviews and more. Oana regularly writes articles on different topics that interested her. She always had pets around her,from when she was a little girl and her sister has nine cats. Come join us for FREE. This article can only be reproduced in its entirety when the link to lacartes.com is live at all times.

Life On A Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:28:00 +0000

When people visit a working farm they do not realise how much work, money and time is put into making it work. It takes a lot of hard work and effort put in by farmers to keep their business and livelihood ticking over. Whether they have it for meat, crops or dairy, it is a hard job to have and make work.

Many people envision farmers sitting in their lovely farmhouse relaxing after milking a cow but it is not as simple as this. They would first needed to purchase the animals that they have and also breed them to make sure they have more coming in as a farm without animals is not going to be of much use. They need to accommodate each of the different types of animals and make sure that these are kept clean regularly. If one animal is struck down by a disease or illness it can have a serious effect on other animals, so making sure their health is at its best is very imperative.

Not only do the animals need shelter, they need the correct animal feed too. If the farmer is breeding animals for meat then the right amount of animal feed is important to make sure they gain enough weight and grow to their full potential to produce quality meat. Of course buying in bulk is the easiest option and they will need different types to suit the animals. As well as taking care of the animals and providing for them, the farmer will also need to invest in a wide range of machinery and equipment that will allow them to carry out the necessary jobs they need to do. If they are milking cows as part of a dairy farm then the will have to buy machinery to cater for this, from big machines to the smaller things such as containers to hold the milk.

Of course they will have benefits to working on a farm, including having fresh produce that they have grown or made themselves. This will certainly cut the bill when supermarket shopping and will be a lot tastier too. They could also open up the farm to the public as many already do, this will encourage families to spend the day and see what it is like. It is a great side earner for the farm itself and they could set certain opening days, so they still make sure they can complete all the necessary jobs where it is best people are not in the way.

Zoe Robinson is an enthusiastic writer in the subject matter of pets, their supplies and also outdoor clothing. The websites recommended by Zoe Robinson have been thoroughly researched and come highly acclaimed from direct experience. Take a look at a range of quality animal feed today.

Importance of Water for Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:22:00 +0000

Man's best friend is not his neighbor nor his spouse but his pet dog (open for debate). This is now a common notion widely accepted by all regardless of race, nation, religion or social standing. Whether or not you are white or black, rich or poor, or either you live in the coldest or hottest country, you can own and have your best-furry friend. Some are so costly and bought for a price shocking to the human conscience (pets of Hollywood stars) while some are picked up from the streets on a lonely, rainy night. The latter are those stray homeless dogs pitied on. It is a wonder how and why these people could have so easily decided to give these dogs shelter on their own roofs when they don't have a clue as to their background. For all their pitiful conditions and large brown eyes, they are still animals and could act as animals at any moment to an unsuspecting man. Surprisingly, most of the time, the dogs turn out good ones or maybe they could sense the goodness in the people they're with. This is widely practiced in the first world countries, not so with the 'other world countries'.

A dog is defined in the Webster's Dictionary as a canine mammal of numerous breeds, commonly kept as domestic pet or the male of the wolf or fox. It is one of the earliest animal that has ever been domesticated dating back to approximately 15,000 years ago. This coincides with the development of agriculture and the large expansion in human territory. Human and dog cohabitation proved successful even on those early times. They are believed to be so sensitive as to their surroundings including that strong sense of smell even of abstract things such as danger. On those early times, they are used as hunters. Believed to be descendants of wolves, they inherited a complex social hierarchy and behaviors from their ancestors. As pack hunters, they are so socially sensitive that they can determine each dog's position within the pack. There are also skills they possess unexpected of any animals, i.e. communicating with the other dogs through nonverbal signs including posture that reveal their states of mind. This could be one of the other reasons why they can be easily trained. This, and their ability to fit into human society and households have earned them the title of the man's best friend.

Tips for Pets in Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:16:00 +0000

For pet lovers the thought of your pet being in pain is very upsetting.

In the past, veterinarians were trained to not give much worry to the physical pain pets can suffer. In a Fox New report Dr. Dawn Boothe, DVM and professor of clinical pharmacology at Auburn University stated:

"Twenty years ago, veterinary schools taught that animals don't feel pain to the degree that humans do, so there wasn't much attention paid to the issue."

Fortunately, today the school of thinking has changed quite a bit and now pet owners are encouraged to observe their pets carefully for signs they are in pain. And, they are encouraged to take action to help make them more comfortable.

While pets with severe injuries like a broken leg will usually display clear signs of pain such as severe limping or crying, experts say that pets suffering from chronic pain aren't always so easy to detect.

According to Dr. Sandee Hartsfield, DVM, a professor of small-animal medicine and surgery at Texas A&M University:

"A pet with an acute injury like a broken leg is more likely to respond to you by moving away or biting or pawing you, while a pet suffering from chronic pain such as arthritis tends to be quieter than usual."

Arthritis is a general term that refers to a great number of conditions where there is a loss of viscosity and lubrication of the joint. This begins as mild and occasional inflammation (just like with humans) but then develops into a chronic condition that involves actual deterioration of the cartilage that surrounds the joint. Cats and dogs are highly prone to arthritis... especially as they age.

There are signs that indicate that your pet is suffering from joint pain. It may get up slowly after sleeping. It may be reluctant to run or even walk or have trouble hopping into the car. In the worst cases, he or she yelps when you pet him.

Other possible signs that your pet may be suffering from chronic pain are:

    Loss of appetite
    Lethargic behavior
    Distancing itself socially

Below are a few suggestions from veterinarians to help relieve chronic pet joint pain in pets:

    Gentle massage with hands or applying heat with warm moist towels to tender areas.
    Carefully monitoring diet to prevent excess weight which aggravates joint problems
    Comfortable bedding
    Dietary supplementation with nutrients known to help with joint pain

Since our pets can't simply tell us when they are in pain you might want to carefully monitor your pets for signs of chronic pain and if trying the above suggestions doesn't help consider going to the vet.

Naturecast Pet Products' Rejointenator is unlike any pet supplement on the market today! It's an all-natural pet supplement that prevents, treats, and relieves joint pain in pets. There are Rejoinatenator formulas for both dogs and cats. / and learn more about the Rejointenator can relieve pain and improve mobility in your pet.