Looking After Pets

Best Free Advice For Looking After Your Pets
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    March 9th, 2010adminPets Advice

    The Bond that can come between a person and a dog can be extremely strong, especially if that bond had been strengthened living with each other for many years, I have personally cried after loosing our family dog that had been like a best friend to me from my birth till I as 15 years old, when he was hit by a car one morning.
     
    Dogs serve many different needs for people. A few of us get a dog for friendship or to protect our homes. A well kept dog that is given regular attention will have no problem risking its life to protect you or your home. For the blind a dog can be a pair of eyes to help them get around and for the police a dog can be an important tool and a loyal partner, with a nose that nothing can beat.

    The greatest dog care issue you face is giving your dog a healthy dog food. The majority of us believe we understand what healthy nutrition means, but we really do not have a clue. The reason for this is that the commercial dog food makers are experts at marketing to people. If you’d like to learn about the foods that are truly healthy for your dog, click here now to download the Dog Food Doctrine. It doesn’t cost a dime. You’ll also learn the 60 most dangerous dog food ingredients.

    The next most important part of dog care is that your dog has to get tons of physical exercise. This goes for both small dogs and big dogs. All dogs need to be let out at least once every 8 hours and should given at least a 20 minute walk to give the dog some fresh air, exercise and a chance to relieve themselves.

    It is also important to play with the dog on a regular basis. This can mean going to the park on a weekend or day off and having a good game of fetch, tossing the ball around in your back yard or just wrestling on the ground with the dog, just make sure if you are ruff housing with a little dog that you don’t accidentally hurt the dog. Playing with the dog for a half hour a day, is not only good for the dogs physical health but a dig that is played with regularly is mentally healthier and less likely to become a depressed dog, it also lowers your blood pressure as well and it will form an unbreakable bond between you and your pooch, which will extend to your family if you should start having one after having the dog.

    The dog food you give your dog is extremely important to keeping your dog healthy. The better dog foods will be marked for what are groups the food is appropriate for. Younger dogs need certain vitamins and minerals in larger amounts then an adult dog, and the same goes for an elderly dog they need more calcium in their food to help protect their bones and joints. Feeding your dog the wrong food can stunt the dog’s growth and opens the dog to a larger risk of surgery when they are older.

    Same as any of us, your dog needs to be taken to see the veterinarian about every six months or so and should get the suggested yearly shots. Regular checkups and vaccinations will also help assure that your dog grows to be an old happy dog. However, there are a few “secrets” that your vet doesn’t want you to know about, click here now to see these vet secrets.

     

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    March 6th, 2010adminPets Advice

    Does Spot seem to be sporting quite a belly these days? As a dog owner, it can be very easy not to realize a decline in your pet’s health until the damage is already done. Obesity is a very becoming a very real concern for pets and it’s up to us pet owners to do something about it. This article is going to discuss a few tips for recognizing obesity in your dog and how you can help get him back into shape.

    As sad as it is to admit, our dogs do not have free reign over their lifestyle as we humans do. Because dogs are dependent upon their owner for everything from food to trips outdoors, they have to adjust their daily life to accommodate ours. This is where canine obesity can come in. If a dog’s owner is a veritable couch potato and rarely gets out for exercise, the dog is also going to have to adapt to a lifestyle of laziness. It’s natural for dog’s to crave a little activity—heck, it’s natural for humans, too! All creatures need to perform some regular activity to remain in good health, so the first thing you can do to determine how your dog is keeping on those extra pounds is to map out a chart of his day-to-day activities. Does he go outside for an hour in the morning and again in the afternoon? What does he spend the majority of his day doing? Does he sleep more often than he’s awake? All of these questions are things you need to ask yourself when assessing your dog’s level of activity.

    One important thing to consider is this: does your dog get to spend regular time outdoors aside from potty breaks? If not, this could be a huge clue as to why your dog might not be looking as lean as he ought to be. Dogs love to be outside—it’s natural for them and it’s a good inspiration to be active. If you haven’t been able to take your dog outside in the past, set time aside for him or arrange for a friend or family member to do let him out several times throughout the day. Try to get involved with him when he’s outdoors to encourage him to move around. Throwing his favourite ball or toy around is great, as is a quick jog around the yard. If you aren’t in the best of shape yourself, you and your dog could go to a dog park or on walking trails and both of you can reap the health benefits of walking. This is also great for strengthening the relationship between you and your dog. You can even try getting a set of pet steps to train your dog on. Not only will he get a great workout from going up and down the steps, but being proactive will boost his happiness and confidence.

    After you have made your assessment of your dog’s activity level, you might be surprised to find that he gets sufficient exercise but still doesn’t seem to be as lean as he should be. This is a very common scenario among people who feed their dog table scraps or gets a bit too liberal with the doggy treats. Regardless of the fact that human food is a lot more fattening to dogs, it’s also down-right unhealthy for them. A dog’s diet should consist primarily of meat, raw vegetables, and certain types of grain. Could you imagine a dog in the wild snarfing down some spaghetti? If you are guilty of feeding your dog human food—as most of us are—try to cut back on that altogether. If you don’t notice a difference in your dog’s weight, switching to a name brand kibble specifically designed for overweight dogs may be the right solution.

    Any time you feel that there could be something amiss with your dog’s health, it’s always best to make an appointment with your dog’s vet to rule out the possibility of an underlying health condition.

    For more great information about caring properly for a dog, or to buy a durable set of dog stairs, please visit Help Your Pets.

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    February 28th, 2010adminPets Advice

    There are many possible reasons that can make a dog lethargic.

    If your normally-energetic dog has suddenly slowed down, and has lost enthusiasm in doing his favorite things (e.g. walking, playing games, eating), you need to pay attention and try to find out what is making your dog lethargic.

    Lethargy in dogs in a common illness symptom. If a dog is sick, injured, or depressed, lethargy is almost always one of the first symptoms to show. The difficult thing is, a lot of illnesses can make a dog lethargic, and so it is impossible to pinpoint a particular physical problem in the absence of some other symptoms. It is therefore essential that we observe our dog carefully for other symptoms or abnormal behaviors if the dog suddenly becomes sluggish.

    Infectious Diseases

    Young puppies are normally full of energy. If they suddenly become lethargic, it may be because of some kind of infectious diseases, such as distemper, or parvovirus. Check the body temperature of your puppy if she suddenly becomes lethargic. (Normal dog temperature is between 101F to 102.5F.) If the dog lethargy is accompanied by fever, take your puppy to the vet immediately.

    Anemia

    If a dog is anemic, there are not enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to different parts of the dog’s body. A lack of oxygen can make a dog lethargic.

    Anemia can be caused by flea infestations, gastrointestinal parasites such as worms, or more seriously, internal bleeding caused by ulcers or other conditions (e.g. poisoning, clotting disorders, bone marrow disorders, cancer).

    Other Diseases

    Other diseases that cause lethargy in dogs include diabetes, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, and Cushing’s disease.

    Pain

    Pain caused by injuries or physical problems can also make a dog lethargic. If a dog is in pain, obviously he does not want to move too much. As well, in the case of an injury, many of the body’s resources and energy are redirected to the injury site to promote healing, so it is understandable that an injured dog does not have sufficient resources or energy for other normal activities.

    Try one of our Featured products  to increase your dogs energy! Click here for info!

    Great Dog Health Site

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    February 24th, 2010adminPets Advice

    If you were certain that to look chic, you will need a collection of the finest looking threads in town, then it is time for you to look at the bigger picture. You also have to select from a wide selection of clothing options for your pet dog. Your dog can wear interesting jackets to cute little booties in style.

    As of now, the dog jackets became increasingly popular. There is an outstandingly huge choice of designs to choose from. Some of the most popular design options among dog jackets include padded jackets, faux fur, turtle necks, hoods and special thermal hoods for winter.

    Dog jackets are available in every style and for every occasion. There are sporty striped jackets that are good when you’re taking your dog for a walk. Smart silk and corduroy jackets work well when you are taking your dog out to a party.

    As is the case with human females, the range of clothing for female dogs is actually wide. You can make a selection from a number of cute and wonderful dresses for your female dog. The design options are nearly limitless. According to the latest trends in dog clothing, floral released dresses are for casual wear as are those lined with fur trims and laces. For the female dogs, the designers particularly recommend halter neck, spaghetti style, tank tops etc.

    While female dogs can go all feminine in cute dresses, male dogs too have the selection of looking hunky in fabulous dog shirts. Stripes, checks, prints, patterns…there is no lack of option in dog shirts. You can go in for formal dog shirts if you’re taking your dog out for a party or go in for polo necks or round necks for more causal wear.

    One more must have in your pert’s closet is sweat suits. Sweat suits are of great utility for your pet. They offer a benefit advantage of comfort. In addition to that, sweat suits give a particularly sporty touch to your dog’s overall appearance. You can dress your pet in sweat suit when taking him out enemy a walk or when heading to the store near your place. You can always dress your dog when at home also. It is counseled to get a sweat suit which can serve the purpose of shielding your pet from eventualities like rain and scorching heat.

    There are countless color options in sweat suits.But, make sure that you go in for the one that suits the color of your dog. If you’ve got a brown dog, you can go in for soft colors like pale pink or emerald green. Sweat suits in pastel shades are a good choice if you have a white dog.

    With dog clothing options in market, you can now have your pet look stylish and stylish.

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    February 23rd, 2010adminPets Advice

    If you’re a first time puppy owner, you’re probably starting to wonder about your new responsibilities. Now that you’re responsible for another life, it’s important that you understand what these responsibilities entail.

    The first thing we’re going to talk about is your pup’s diet. The food your puppy eats will likely change from semi-liquid to a solid, depending upon the age of your dog when you bring him home. Puppies usually start to wean from their mother’s milk between six and eight weeks of age, which is about the same time that breeders will allow the puppy to go live with its new owner. Find out what the breeder is feeding the puppy, and continue feeding him on that food. Usually at that age they are eating moist food from a can mixed with a bit of puppy milk replacement. After a week or two, start taking away the milk and gradually adding dry food over the course of 7 – 10 days until your pup is eating nothing but dry food. You’ll also need to make sure that his water bowl is constantly filled. You should also know that it can be very harmful to feed your dog table scraps. There are many foods that can cause your dog severe health issues and even death. Some of these foods include chocolate, raisins, onions, garlic, and potatoes.

    The next item on the list is vaccinations. If your dog’s breeder hasn’t taken care of the vaccinations, then it’s up to you to see that your dog gets immunized. There are three separate shots given to cover the “core” illnesses, which are: distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. The first shot is usually given at 6 weeks of age with the other shots following in three week intervals at 9 and 12 weeks. Your veterinarian will be able to take care of the vaccinations for you, as well as recommend any non-core vaccines that they feel your dog should have. The importance of non-core vaccines differs depending on your dog’s breed and where you live. You will need to return to the vet every year of your dog’s life for an adult “booster” shot. You should be aware that social interaction with other dogs is not recommended until after your puppy has completed his round of vaccinations, with an additional 5 – 10 days for the immunization to become effective.

    Grooming is another important aspect of owning a puppy. Some dogs have stricter grooming requirements than others, particularly ones with long or curly fur. Certain breeds of dog are particularly susceptible to ear infections and require that their ears be cleaned frequently. All dogs should have their nails clipped periodically (usually when you hear their paws click on the floor you know it’s time for a trim!). It’s very important that this is done in the correct fashion using proper canine nail clippers, as cutting to deeply in your dog’s claws can result in severe pain and bleeding.

    Exercise is one of the most vital aspects of your dog’s health. Your puppy will have a great deal of energy, which is completely natural! You should encourage playtime, especially outdoors so that he can have tons of room to romp around. If your puppy becomes restless, he may chew excessively which can be dangerous for your puppy (think of all the cords/cables plugging into your outlets, as well as wooden furniture that can splinter!). Pet steps are a great tool you can use to give your dog a workout. The time you spend training him to use the dog stairs to get onto furniture will encourage your pup to bond with you as well as to be obedient and respectful.

    For more tips on raising a healthy pup, visit HelpYourPets.com.

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    February 21st, 2010adminPets Advice

    If you are considering getting a pet as an addition to the family, it might be worth thinking about whether you want a cat or a dog. It might be that you have a preference already but need to know if it is going to be the best choice. It is often useful to get some very basic pet health pointers about which animal is going to be the best for you and your family. Choose the pet that fits around your lifestyle the best.

    Consider Furry Bundles Of Joy

    Cats appeal to people mainly due to the fact they are low maintenance. Cats are strong willed and like to get out and about on a regular basis, so be sure to let them have their own space. Bear in mind that cats don’t need a huge amount of exercise, but they do need to get outside every now and then. If thinking about pet health worries, it is mainly furballs that cats are prone to. Avoid milk as many are lactose intolerant and cats find it hard to digest. A good tip is to add water to the dry food you feed the cat so that it aids the digestion process.

    For people looking for a pet that’s simple to look after, a cat could be a great option. The only thing is, they are not always the best at showing affection and some owners might not like this. Also think about cat allergies, which many people suffer with, and in general more people are allergic to cats than dogs.

    Woof Woof

    In 2002 it was announced that cats were more popular than dogs in Britain, but it is now felt that the shift has changed somewhat. Although low maintenance in terms of pet health care, dogs have long been considered the faithful companion that owners need in their lives. Dogs are faithful and will also act as good guards of the family and the home. As pet health is so crucial with dogs, you need to make sure the dog doesn’t get overweight and also gets enough exercise. The dog will need a lot of protein based foods and there are many manufacturers out there today that can provide the right type of dog food for animals in all life stages.

    Remember that grooming is an important aspect you need to be aware of and this can help with general pet health. Do not feed chocolate, as this is poisonous to dogs and their pet health.

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  • scissors
    February 21st, 2010adminPets Advice

    If you were certain that to look chic, you will need a collection of the finest looking threads in the city, then it’s time for you to peek at the bigger picture. You also need to choose from a wide selection of clothing options for your pet dog. Your dog can wear attractive jackets to cute little booties in style.

    As of now, the dog jackets have become increasingly popular. There is an outstandingly huge choice of designs to select from. Some of the most popular design options among dog jackets include padded jackets, faux fur, turtle necks, hoods and special thermal hoods for winter.

    The range has become truly wide in a short span of time. So much so that you can get dog jackets in practically any style and for every occasion. When you take your dog for a walk, make it wear a sporty striped jacket. For folks who also double their pet as accessory dog, smart silk and corduroy jackets are the best option.

    It’s an acknowledged fact that dressing female dogs is comparatively less complicated as you have countless options to choose from. You have a range of fantastic and delightful clothing’s that you can dress your dog in. They form the perfect clothing line for your female dog. However, If you want an off-the-cuff look for your dog then floral made public dresses are the ideal pick. You may settle in for the ones which have minimal fur and laces. Some other fashionable options for you are tank tops, spaghetti style, halter neck and a couple of others.

    While female dogs can go all female in lovable dresses, male dogs too have the option of looking hunky in beautiful dog shirts. Stripes, checks, prints, patterns…there is no shortage of option in dog shirts. You can go in for formal dog shirts if you’re taking your dog out for a party or go in for polo necks or round necks for more causal wear.

    If you’re among those people who like both style and utility in a clothing item, you’ll need to select sweat suits. Your pet can wear them when you take it for a walk or it can wear them in general, when it is in the house. To add more to the utility factor, you can get sweat suits for dogs which offer protection from heat as well as rain.

    There are countless color options in sweat suits.Make ensure that you go in for the one that suits the colour of your dog. If you have a brown dog, you can go in for soft colors like pale pink or emerald green. Sweat suits in pastel shades are a sensible choice if you’ve got a white dog.

    So next time you go out shopping, make sure that you shop for these must haves for your pet too. This will enable you to take your dog out in its most fashionable and stylist form possible. As well as that you are sure to make many heads turn too.

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    January 30th, 2010adminPets Advice

    Once you have determined that your dog is pregnant you have approximately 62 days from the date of conception before the puppies arrive. This is just a generalization however, as some females will whelp earlier or later than others. The key consideration is both the change in behavior or possible nesting behavior of the female along with a drop in body temperature. Begin by taking her temperature at least 2 to 3 times a day at the same times when she is relaxed and clam around days 58 to 60. A regular (normal) temperature is between 100 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit. If or when her temp drops down to 98 to 99 degrees, it is usually an indication that the puppies will be born within 24 hours.

    After an initial drop in body temperature, it is important to give your vet a call to check in. You will want to let them know that whelping may happen within a day so that they are prepared should you need to bring the dog in to be looked at. You’ll want to make sure you have transportation available and someone that can either drive or help move the dog. A good idea is to line the backseat or the crate with heavy towels and remove any or all clothes for dogs she might be wearing, as this can be a very messy time to move the dog. You’ll want to

    Prepare a whelping box that has sides high enough to keep the puppies in but low enough to allow the mother dog to get out. A dog gate may be used to keep puppies from wandering. Use some kind of disposable absorbant material, such as papaer towels, during the whelping process. Don’t use anything that may irritate the female or the puppies and avoid using anything with chemical treatment such as fabric softener or deodorizers.

    Although most females will know what to do you should also have thread, sharp scissors, iodine or antibacterial solution, surgical gloves and several towels on hand. If the mother does not lick the puppies the towels can be used to dry them and clear the mucus and materials from their nose after whelping. The thread and iodine is used to tie off and disinfect the umbilical cord and the scissors are used to cut it if the mother does bite through the cord.

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    January 13th, 2010adminPets Advice

    A lot of pet owners are interested about dog grooming and dog breeding or the health problems of different breeds and how to handle them. You have probably heard of acupuncture therapy as an effective form of relieving pain. But did you know it works equally well on animals? Canine acupuncture is now being used to provide your pets with canine pain relief and is said to be equally effective.

    Acupuncture has been around for over thousands of years and is known to have originated in China. This method of treatment is implemented by entering thin needles into various points of the body, {along certain paths known as  meridians~into identified acupuncture points in the body along pathways called meridians} , to provide relief for various disorders~diseases}. This is based on the theory that in order to heal, the energy in the body needs to be well-balanced.

    If you are contemplating canine acupuncture for your dog, you would want to visit a canine acupuncturist, who would commence canine acupuncture treatment after carryiong out a thorough check up. It is essential that you go to a canine acupuncturist who is licensed, so as to ensure safe treatment. It is best that you first take your dog to its regular doctor who will refer you to an acupuncturist. Several websites online also have lists of veterinarian acupuncturists.

    Canine acupuncture is said to be relaxing and may therefore make your dog drowsy. Canine acupuncture is said to be quite painless. Pet owners therefore need not worry about their dogs suffering while canine acupuncture is being carried out.

    Canine acupuncture could address other diseases such as arthritis, various allergies and problems with regard to fertility, among others. Canine acupuncture treatment does not last very long. It generally takes around 10 to 15 minutes, provided the animal does not struggle too much, but it could go on for even half an hour. The number of times that you would need to implement canine acupuncture would depend on your dogs  ailment and its history of various disorders and condition in general. Usually it would take around 5 sessions to cure the dog of its disorders. Not only does canine acupuncture cure physical ailments, but is also known to help improve psychological and emotional ailments. What better way to keep your dog healthy!

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    December 30th, 2009adminPets Advice

    Nothing is more flavorsome and fitter than home-cooked food. This principle applies not only to human beings but also to our pets, especially our dogs. The companies which make food for pets might cry themselves hoarse but fact is that commercial pet food on it’s own can not fulfill the nutritive needs of your pet. Read on to find out why your pet wants food cooked by your own loving hands.

    The first and foremost thing is to watch out for the nutrition value of the food. It is critical that you give your dog only a nutritious diet. The food cooked at home should be such that it is rich in required nutrient elements in satisfactory quantities.Therefore the homemade food given to your dog must have proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals and crucial proportion of fat too. This can be made possible if you feed your dog with a sundry range of food items in his daily meal pattern.

    Dogs must be given a food which cannot be fully like what humans consume. This is so because unlike human beings; dogs are not capable of digesting each edible food item. Always ensure that you never feed your dog with food items like raisins, bread, garlic and several others. When cooking homemade food for your dog keep this instruction in mind. This may obstruct you from adding these items in your dog’s food.

    Another thing that you must completely stay away from when cooking for your pooch is salt. Avoid salts at all costs if you do not want your pet to shed all his hair. To make when cooking for the absences of salt, you can include different kind of ingredients to give a distinct flavor to the food. For instance, you can include crispy vegetables like bell peppers along with the sweet ones such as carrot so that your dog enjoys the different flavors.

    While there are certain foods that are not advised for your dog, there are others that must be present in your dog’s diet. Amidst various foods that are good for your dog’s health, eggs top the list. They are an excellent source of proteins and not as fattening as various fatty meats. Vegetables are another food item that aren’t advised for be present in your dog’s diet. Among various foods contain all the essential minerals that dog’s health, eggs top the overall well being of your dog.

    Just as it is important to choose the perfect ingredients to be included in your dog’ food, you must the necessary nutriments those things contain all the proper cooking methods are followed. You should never deep fry or over cook the food meant for your dog. Food that is important to choose the best ingredients to be included in your dog. These cooking methods protect the essential nutrients of food and also ensure that unwanted calories are not added to it.

    Cooking food for your dog at home is a genuine preferable option. It’s a pocket friendly system that keeps your dog in the best of health. So wait no more? Serve your dog with some home made food while following these cooking instructions.

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