Archive for November, 2009
Nov
30
Dog Diarrhea
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Diarrhea can, and chances are will come to every dog you ever have in your lifetime and is a very common type of illness to have but in most cases is nothing serious and is not a cause to worry.
Lots of things can cause diarrhea in your dog and although on most cases the vet need not be contacted if it persists or becomes uncontrollable by your dog then it may need a better examination and diagnosis to prescribe the correct medicine.
Diarrhea is more common in puppies due to their immune system not being as strong as a dog’s immune system yet but diarrhea in dogs is also very common. Situations which cause diarrhea can be anything from a change in surroundings, worms, or conccidia, to a virus or pest your dog has caught.
A change in diet or food may have triggered the illness and it should be looked into to stop it happening again, dogs are very vulnerable to changes and it can affect them in many ways. Being over excited or having stressful days along with other emotional changes may bring this problem.
It is always important to look after your dog well while they are suffering this illness, puppies and dogs will get dehydrated in these times and you need to make sure they have enough fluids to stop further illness.
While your dog has diarrhea they become weaker due to low body weight and not getting sufficient vitamins so their immune systems lower making it easier to catch other viruses and illnesses.
Keep a close eye on your dog when they have diarrhea and if you have fears of it being anything but a common diarrhea cause then seek a vet or professional for advice. There are plenty of advice leaflets and informational sheets around in pet shops and dog care specialist places, as long as you are aware of your dog’s problem and are aware of these facts you should be in good shape.
Nov
29
Dog Behavior Training – Choosing a Good Family Dog
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There comes a time in most home families when the children get a bit older and their dog or teddy is no longer the best thing in the world to play with, every new friend or existing friend your children make seems to have a cute little dog, and its only a matter of time before your children are going to start pestering you for one. So what should you look for is your serious about getting a family dog?
For starters your dog will need to be able to take everything your children can throw at it, children often don’t have any idea of how to handle a new pet dog so don’t expect them to play gently all the time, unknowing children have a tendency to be a little rough wile playing with dogs so a dog breed that can take some rough playing is essential.
Different dogs have different personalities just like humans do so be aware of this when purchasing a new dog, just because a dog breed is normally playful, energetic, and nice , this does not mean the one you get will be the same. Being prepared to put in work and time with your dog is also essential with a family dog because dog’s often take the things your children tell it to do as acceptable when this may not be the case, so dog behavior training will be needed at some point.
After considering the previous paragraphs I’m sure you will be pretty certain on whether you still want a dog for your home or not, if you do then here are some suggestions on different breeds that you may want to consider.
Golden Retriever. The golden retriever is a good popular choice for families because of their active and loyal personality and a good all round dog.
Boxer. Although the boxer may look big and intimidating to some, the boxer is a very good family dog in that they love being around people, they take care of the family members, and are always willing to play.
Labrador Retreiver. An extremely popular pet in many households across the world, the Labrador is a very friendly loving dog that loves to play and be very active for your kids to play with.
Beagle. The beagle is a very sturdy dog that can take plenty of roughness and playing, and loves to be active and meet new people. A very excited and curious dog that is great for family life.
Boston Terrier. The terrier is a gentle, well mannered dog and enjoys a challenge. Boston terriers are very easy to train and make for great family dogs and friends.
Irish Setter. A very affectionate dog, the Irish setter is a very good choice for families due to its liking for children and constant happy playful attitude.
Nov
29
Pet Id Tags and the Law (uk) – a Must Read for Any Dog Owner in the UK
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Don’t end up with a £5,000 fine by getting it wrong, everyone should read this!
Many of us in the UK love to spoil our pets with various accessories like coats, jumpers, ‘doggles’ and even shoes! One of the most important things however that should not be neglected or forgotten is a Pet ID Tag.
Pet Identification not only makes sense (in case you pet gets lost) but also is a LEGAL requirement in the UK!
The law requires your to have your name, address (including postcode) and ideally phone number on the pet identification.
“The Control of Dogs Order 1992 mandates that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address (including postcode) of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag. Your telephone number is optional (but advisable).” [ref Kennel Club website]
If you don’t follow the law with this, you could risk a £5,000 fine!!
In our opinion, the BEST way to get your pet identification all wrapped up, is to take our 5 step plan…
Get your pet microchipped
Get yourself a quality engraved pet ID tag disc. Ideally ensure it’s a nice thick disc, with quality engraving (not cheap scratch engraving like you might find in help yourself pet shops). Add your name and address. And hopefully if space, phone number. Also if you can, add a line like “I am microchipped”.
Ensure the tag is attached to the collar with a high quality split ring. Don’t use one that has a cheap round metal attachment which will eventually bend and allow the tag to come loose from the collar!
Get an embroidered personalised dog collar with your name and phone number. This ensure that if for some reason the tag has come loose from the collar, or an old person who cant read the small engraving text, can still easily find your phone number from the large text embroidery on the collar!
Check the details are up to date at regular intervals, if you move, change name, or phone number then get your pet identification updated immediately.
Best Pet Collars sell personalised custom embroidered dog collars and have a fantastic range of pet ID tags which can be with you in less than a week from ordering.
Nov
25
Small Dog Bed | Exclusive and Comfortable Bed – Antique White Iron Dog Bed.
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When I was to change my house interiors I wanted something new and trendy for my darling puppy also. I was insisting my husband for a dog bed since a few days but he convinced me that when ever he would get the house renovated the first thing he would place an order for is the dog bed. These days there are numerous types of beds which are classy as well as comfortable. They are available in variety of designs and colors and they are quite affordable too. Once you get the bed for your puppy you will see how comfortable your darling would feel sleeping in it. The paint which is used to give a complete finishing to the bed is completely nontoxic and it does not affect the health of our pet in any way. While we were surfing through various websites so that we could get the better out of the best home appliances and all the other furniture for our home then we even surfed for the dog’s bed and there we found that the Antique White Iron Dog bed the best because of the various features. When we placed an order for the other furniture, we also found that this bed was easily getting mixed and matched even with all the other decors’ which we had placed an order for. Finally all the orders were placed and they were also shipped to our house within some days and I was the happiest person that at last my wish was fulfilled and I had got all the interiors done according to my choice.
Now when the bed arrived, my puppy that I call very lovingly Bruno was also very happy. He was jumping with joy on the bed and it looked that he liked the bed very much. Now most of the time he was on the bed because winters had already arrived and he was making himself comfortable and cozy on the bed. I had even bought a blanket for him a few days ago and to give him more coziness I would just put the blanket over him. The bed was spacious enough because its dimension was 26″ w x 18.5″ d x 20.75″ t which indicated that Bruno could easily fit into it. This was best gift I would give Bruno this winter and he was contented and though he could not speak but his attitude would make me understand what he wanted to say me. He always wagged his tail with happiness and I could even see an enthusiastic expression on his face. When we surfed through the internet for Bruno’s bed we even found that there are still more varieties of dog accessories available and all were branded and affordable. Gradually I wanted to fill Bruno’s wardrobe with some of the best attire and toys. This Christmas occasion I had even bought a stroller for him so that he could accompany me where ever I go. There are indeed many types of accessories which can be bought at affordable rates.
Nov
23
Dog Training – Easy Dog Tricks
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There are plenty of dog tricks around to choose from but starting off with your first puppy or dog and knowing which dog tricks are easy can be a bit of a challenge. If you have a puppy then training them will be a lot easier than an older dog because of the habits dogs fall into when they are brought up.
Older dogs will have different habits and a strong personality by then so they may find some advanced tricks easier than basic tricks because of the way they have been brought up.
Although the same as above can be true for puppies also, this is more likely to be because of the breed of dog you have and the different general personalities that go with them breeds.
In this article we assume you have taught your dog the basics or sit and stay etc and now you want to teach your dog a fun ‘show-off’ type trick to impress your friends or family when they visit. There are many tricks from bringing you the TV remote to riding a skateboard, but to start off I recommend something simple like the figure of eight around your legs.
This is similar to other commands you will have taught your dog and involves you using treats to encourage your dog to perform actions. To do this trick you simply have hold a treat in one hand and guide your dog through one side of your legs, through the middle then around to complete a figure of eight motion. Try to hold the treat close to your dog’s nose to keep them interested and always reward them with praise afterwards and the treat afterwards.
After you have mastered this and can get your dog to do it on command you’re ready for your next trick and one step closer to the skateboard. Good luck!
Nov
20
Dog Apparel | Now it is Easy to Keep the Pet Fresh and Clean Always
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There are vast products of dog accessories in the market today. Earlier people never had so many facilities as we have today. In the early years people were simple and so were their pets. But these days many people are very fond of their pets and they are very enthusiastic to make them look pretty. Yes! This could be a usual liking for many pet lovers. The pet lovers want their pet look very pretty and they do not want to compromise with the looks and appearances. So they can be more contented if they come to know that there are so many products which are available in the market for their pets. From dog carriers to dog beds and every minute thing which is necessary for the dog is available in the market. The malls are filled up with such accessories. Even to get further information about the various products one can easily surf through the internet and gather all the knowledge from the websites of the town. In fact this is the easiest and the fastest way to gather accurate information about the latest trends and products.
Now as we keep our selves clean and fresh every day, we need to keep our pets also as clean as we can. There are several ways to how to keep the pet clean. He/she should be given a bath with fresh water everyday and he/she can be wiped with a clean towel which is especially designed for him/her. Amazing! But this is true that these days’ quality colognes and perfumes are also available for the dogs in the market so that the pets can also smell good and feel fresh after bath. The perfumes and colognes can be easily spread on their beds and blankets also so that there is a sweet fragrance all around their room. There are varieties of different colognes and perfumes and each smells so good that you will not resist your self from buying it for your lovely pet. Some of the colognes which are easily available are the White Dalmatians, Pucci, Miss Clay bone, and Beauty fur, Biunique Waggly and CK-9 for female dogs and Ara mutts, Timmy Hole digger, Bono sports and CK-9 for male dogs.
If you have not yet tried out any of the colognes or perfumes for your puppy, then do not miss it out. You can try it now and see what the difference is. You and your pet will just love the fragrance and will feel very good and fresh after it has been used. The marvelous smell will attract the people from where you are passing along with your pet.
Some people may think that applying the scent on the dog’s body might harm the animal or it might give them some rashes. But this is absolutely wrong. The colognes, perfumes or the scents are of good quality and will never harm the animal at any cost. Once used on the body of the animal you your self will start liking the smell that you will use it again and again. These excellent Designer Doggie Colognes and Perfumes are the genuine type of scents. They are harmless and simple to apply and the smell also does not fade soon. It stays for a long time. Generally they come in 4 oz aluminum spray bottle.
Nov
20
Dog Training – Dog Bites
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So you’re either in the unfortunate situation where you, some one you know, or a family member has received a dog bite or maybe you’re just curious of what steps to take in the case of this kind of situation. Well there are different types of dog bites, some are really bad, some are just minor injuries, and then there’s everything in-between.
The first thing you need to do is assess the situation and see what step needs to be taken next, you will most probably be able to assess whether the dog wound is serious enough for hospital straight away, or if you are the stubborn sort then if bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes or so then you will need the hospitals help.
Other situations when you may need to see a doctor or go to hospital are if you think the bone may be broken, if the dogs bite is deep or gaping, if signs of infection are starting to appear like fever or wound puss, or if you have not received your tetanus injection in the last 5 years.
All the cases above could lead to much more serious problems than you might think and are all seriously recommended procedures for dog bites.
If your dog bite is serious enough to warrant hospital, then on your way to the hospital or until you get to see a trained professional about your wound you should keep firm pressure on the wound to stop any bleeding, and trying to clean out the wound of any dirt may be a good idea.
When you get to the hospital or medical department, they will need to know current medication and must know of any allergies that may affect the patient’s condition. Along with this they may need or you may want to tell a figure of authority where this attack happened, if the dog was provoked and if anyone else may be in danger so local authorities and laws may be contacted.
Nov
14
Dog And Their Accessories
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People use accessories to accentuate the beauty of a certain thing. There are also times that they buy accessories in order to protect the product against harmful elements in the environment.
These concepts are also true when applied to taking care of dogs. Pet owners tend to pamper their dogs and many dog lovers even contend that buying dog accessories gives the same satisfaction as shopping for loved ones.
Today, there many dog accessories available on the market and choosing the best dog accessories can be challenging. Here are some tips on what to look for when buying accessories for your pet:
1. Dog collars
There are varieties of dog collars available in the market today, ranging from plain to fancy. Whatever type or design one may prefer, the most important thing to consider is that it should properly fit the dog. It should never be too loose or too tight. Experts say that the ideal space between the dog\’s neck and the collar should be two fingers wide.
2. Dog leash
It is always best to buy a good leash and not scrimp on the price. There are many types available. The most important factor to keep in mind is the size of the leash. Depending on the size of you dog, you want to make certain you buy one strong enough to hold him. If your dog is smaller, you don\’t want to buy a leash that is too large.
3. Food and water bowls
It\’s important to purchase food ad water bowls that are not easily tipped over. Also, some people purchase those large watering systems that are similar to what some humans have bottled water delivered in. They are large and are supposed to keep your pet in drinking water for a longer period of time. Depending on the size of your dog, make certain that the water will be consumed fairly quickly. Water for your pet should be fresh and clean. Water that has been left standing isn\’t a good idea to feed your pet.
4. Dog toys
Most dogs are fond of playing, so, it\’s best to give them toys to gnash, chew, or bite with. Having his own things will make him more behaved instead of chewing slippers or shoes. Again, make certain that the toys are appropriate for the size of the dog. Too small, and just like a child, they could choke. If the toy is too large for a smaller animal they won\’t be able to lift it.
5. Doghouses
When placed outside, dogs should have their own place for shelter. This is to keep them away from direct sunlight or from the rain or snow. If your dog is left alone for long periods of time, make certain that his \”home\” is the right size and will protect him from the elements.
One last thought . . . never, never leave your dog in a locked vehicle. It can be a death sentence.
Nov
13
Care For Older Dogs
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As your dog gets older, you will witness noticeable differences in him or her physically. Their teeth will begin to wear down and will change color. Their eyes may begin to change color as well and start to appear gray or blue. The tone of their muscle will decrease and they won’t be able to get around as fast or as easily as they once could. As your dog ages, they also will begin to experience various illnesses and chronic health problems.
Because dogs are often like part of the family, you will want to be able to care for them as best as you can and in a manner that the dog is still experiencing a good quality of life. You want to make sure that you are very vigilant and that you watch them closely. Study them and see if they begin to act differently, or if they seem to be in pain. It will be more important than ever to get checkup visits on a regular basis so that your vet can pinpoint any serious problems. You may want to do this as often as two times every year. These exams should include a blood workup.
If you are not sure of what warning signs to look for as your dog gets older, consider the following list.
-Your dog suddenly needs a lot more water than normal
-Your dog begins to throw up
-Your dog starts to gain or lose weight.
-Your dog suddenly has a change in their stools
-Your dog may have a harder time urinating
-Your dog’s stools suddenly become very loose or contain blood
-Your dog may begin going to the bathroom in the house
-Your dog may appear weak in the leg area or have a hard time walking, running or sitting down
-Your dog’s coat may begin to look dry, flake or lose fur
-Your dog may begin having a difficult time eating and digesting food.
-Your dog may exhibit behavior changes. They may be more cranky then usual.
-Your dog may begin coughing
-Your dog may begin to have trouble hearing
-Your dog suddenly becomes easily labored
Many dogs, as they get older, begin to suffer from diseases of the heart and kidneys. They will begin to have problems with their teeth and perhaps even their thyroid. If a dog is able to receive lots of good care, they can live for quite awhile even up to 15 years. However, this will differ based on their breed. Dogs that are neutered or spayed generally live longer. Some breeds of dogs such as Poodles, Airedale Terriers and Cocker Spaniels may live up to 20 years or more. Again, It depends on the breed, the individual dog and how well they are taken care of.
Nov
13
Taking Care Of Your Dog
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Food
Many dog owners worry about whether they are feeding their dogs the right foods, with many dog owners worrying whether their dog will get sufficient nutrients from either dried or canned food. Dogs need consistency when it comes to feeding- changing their food frequently may cause the dog to become fed up of what you put in front of him- dogs aren’t really animals which crave variety in this area. Whether you choose dry or canned food, you can’t go wrong. Dry food is packed with nutrients and is more cost efficient- you get more for your money. However, canned food resembles what dogs would be likely to eat in the wild, and is stored in vacuumed containers so there will be no preservatives present in the food. There are positives and negatives for each type, but when you choose one, try and stick with it.
Care
All dogs need a little TLC. If you have a long haired breed of dog, make sure you frequently brush their coat using a brush that is designed for dog hair (available at most pet stores). This will stop your dog from shedding a lot of hair around your home. Dog’s teeth also need looking after. The pet care market now has a variety of tasty treats that will help to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth. You can also invest in a toothbrush and toothpaste especially designed for you dog, which is highly recommended for your dog’s dental health.
Exercise
Exercise is extremely important for all breeds of dogs. All dogs should be walked at least once per day, and remain active. If you have a larger breed of dog it is sometimes necessary to walk them twice per day, to burn off all of their energy. Exercise is essential to maintain your dog’s behavior. If your dog needs exercise it will let you know- many breeds often become irritable and hyper- letting you know that you need to get your dog more active. Getting your dog active doesn’t mean you have to take him on hour long treks- even a twenty minute walk and playing fetch in your garden will be sufficient.
Choosing a Vet
Choosing a vet can be tricky- you want a vet who will be gentle, considerate and not intimidating to your dog, as it is likely that you will be taking your puppy on its first vet’s visit. Puppies can build up phobias of going to the vet if it’s first few visits are traumatic, so make sure you choose a good one. Ask other dog owners you know who they visit, and try to find a vet who will be able to carry out as many procedures as possible at their surgery- to prevent you having to travel to different locations for different treatments. Make sure you invest in a dog cage to transport your dog to the vet. Also consider any other dog accessories you may need for a visit to the vet in advance. This may make a real difference to your dog’s vet visit, and will make him calmer the next time he has to visit.