Feature Article Dog Ear Care - Keeping Your Dog's Ears Healthy & Pain Free
Author: Teresa James
Importance of Regular Home Dog Ear Care Routine home dog ear care is very important to the health of your dog. Performed between your regular checkups with the veterinarian, it will help keep your dog's ears healthy and pain free. If you see signs of trouble you may be able to head them off before they require an extra visit to the vet. Excessive wax, foul odor, redness, constant scratching, excessive matting of hair in the external ear, rubbing the ears against other objects, head shaking, and disorientation can all be signs of ear problems. Inspect Your Dog's Ears Regularly By Using Your Eyes & Your Nose! By performing a home dog ear care inspection; you will be able to detect problems early. Use both your eyes and your nose. If you need help seeing inside your dog's ears you may want to invest in a pet scope. A tool very similar to the kind your doctor uses to check your ears. Check for redness, excessive wax build up or any other foreign matter. Sniffing your dog's ears is another way to detect problems early. Normally a dog's ears shouldn't smell foul in any way. If you see a dark waxy discharge this may be a sign of ear mites. On the other hand, if you see a pus-like discharge along with a foul smell this may be a sign of a bacterial infection. Allergies are also known to cause some dogs to have smelly ears. If you're new to this and are unsure have the vet check your dog's ears. Right after the vet gives your dog a clean bill of health make sure you inspect your dog's ears. This way you will learn how your pet's ears should normally look and smell. Is Your Breed of Dog More Susceptible To Dog Ear Care Problems? Due to the warm, damp, and dark environment, as well as poor air circulation, your dog's ear canal can be the prefect breeding ground for mites, yeast or bacterial infection. This is why, for certain breeds, home dog ear care is even more important. Some pets may require routine applications of dog ear care products to keep their ears free of mites, yeast or bacterial infections. Some dog's ears stand straight up which allows for more air to flow into the ear canal. Dogs with floppy ears, like spaniels and bloodhounds, are very prone to ear infections because very little air flows into their ear canals. There are also breeds, like the Lhasa, that have a heavy growth of hair inside their ears. This hair must be routinely removed as a prevention against chronic ear problems. If Excess Ear Hair Is A Dog Ear Care Problem Learn How To Remove It If you suspect that excess ear hair is a problem, you may need to pluck the hair that grows inside your dog's ears. This is a routine dog ear care task that can be performed at home and is much easier then it sounds. You will want to apply dog ear powder to the inside of both ears. Make sure that the hair is completely covered, especially at the base. Once the powder has dried start plucking a few hairs at a time with your fingers or a tweezers. Plucking just a few hairs at a time will be less irritating for the dog. You may want to stop a few times to give your dog's ears a good rub. Make sure you give your dog lots of praise and a few dog treats too. Once all the inside hair has been removed, follow up by cleaning and inspecting the ears. If you are unsure about this dog ear care procedure, have your vet or a professional groomer show you how to do it. Things You Should Know About Cleaning Your Dog's Ears Some vets recommend that owners routinely flush their dog's ears with warm water at the slightest hint of odor. Other home dog ear care cleaning remedies include mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or a combination of equal parts of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. If your dog has open sores it's best not to use the vinegar and alcohol because it will cause a burning sensation. If your dog is prone to ear infections you may want to use a pet ear care product that is specifically formulated to clean and dry up excess moisture in the ear canal. A dog ear wash containing Tea Tree Oil, which is also formulated to dry the ear canal is an excellent choice. Tea Tree Oil's natural antiseptic, antibacterial and fungicidal properties can help keep your dog's ears problem free. It's also a good idea to use a pet ear-drying agent after bathing or swimming especially if your dog's ears retain moisture and don't dry promptly. There are many good pet ear care products available for routine ear cleaning that will dissolve wax, remove foreign debris and dry the ear canal. There are also home dog care treatments available that will kill pesky ear mites and ear ticks. A dog's ear canal is L-shaped. It descends vertically and it makes a 90-degree horizontal turn before it reaches the eardrum. Even though your dog's eardrum is better protected than a human's, you should still proceed with caution when cleaning the ear canal. Many vets urge caution when inserting anything into the ear canal, especially cotton-tipped swabs. They can actually push dirt and foreign matter deeper into the ear if not handled properly. You can even lose the cotton tip in the ear canal. Start cleaning the external part of the ear by swabbing inside the earflaps and all around the gnarled area at the entrance of the ear canal. If you choose to use a cotton-tipped swab you will need a long type since a dog's ear canal is much deeper than ours. If your dog will tolerate it, gently and carefully swab the inside of the ear canal. A much safer method is to fill the ear canal with a pet ear cleaning solution and gently massage the outer ear. After a few minutes allow your dog to shake his head to help clear the ear canal. If you're using a commercial pet ear care product be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Make Ear Inspections An Important Part Of Your Home Dog Ear Care Routine Checking your dog's ears only takes a few minutes so make it a part of your dog grooming routine. And when your dog's ears need a cleaning don't put it off. Remember regular cleanings can prevent many common ear problems. If you think a problem may be developing that is beyond the scope of your home dog ear care routine, take your dog to the vet for a check up immediately. An infection, if left untreated, can be very painful for your dog and could even damage your dog's hearing. Related Articles: What are dog ear mites? How do you know if your dog has them? How do you get rid of dog ear mites? http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-ear-mites.html " target=new>http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-ear-mites.html Publishing Guidelines: Publication is permitted so long as the resource information at the end of the article remains intact, and links are live. Please email articles "AT" dog-supplies-advisor.com providing a link to the location of the article, or a copy of the newsletter. Copyright 2004 http://Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com " target=new>Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com , all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. About The Author
Teresa James is the Webmaster of http://www.Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com " target=new>www.Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com a site dedicated to providing dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and tips for dog owners. Free subscription http://www.dog-supplies-adviisor.com/free-dog-ezine.html " target=new>http://www.dog-supplies-adviisor.com/free-dog-ezine.html . ...
Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
Article Page Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
Feature Article How To Design A Website From Scratch
Author: Pat Ransom -
How to design a Website!
So you know what your website is going to be about - how do you set out to design it?
You need to think of two things. What content are you going to have on your site, and secondly, what is your site going to look like? And what will the layout of the pages look like, the colours etc.
Content
The first thing to think about is the possibilities that a website gives you. Even if your website is going to be an online store, do not think about the site as a catelogue. The benefits of the web is that your website does not have to follow a linear format - it is not restrictive like a book. The format of the web means your visitors will be able to dip into your site at any point, and also be able to jump around to those parts which are the more interest to them.
Don't, therefore, set your site out like chapters in a book, where later chapters rely on information which has been picked up in earlier ones. Instead your pages should all be able to stand as items of interest in their own right, and have links through to other relevant information your visitors might need!
No one needs to start with a blank sheet of paper - there are millions of web sites already out there. The first thing you can do is research. Look at what other people have done - no, you are not going to copy their ideas, but you are trying to see what appeals to you, what you think works well, and what turns you off completely!
So you've looked around, had a few ideas. How will you know that your ideas are going to work? How can you waste hours of abortive effort?
What you want in three clicks.
Want to know the golden rule? You should make sure your site visitor can find what they want in a maximum of three clicks! You should remember the three click rule when deciding how to set out your pages.
A common suggestion is to use a story board approach but the problem with a story board is it makes you think in a linear way - and as we discussed above, with a website you've got the ability to go backwards and sidewards as well as forwards!
One method of thinking about designing a new website is to use a mind mapping process, or to draw up a spider diagram.
You start with just your main subject in the centre - this will be your home page.
First layer
Next think of the main topics which people may expect to find in a site such as yours - on a retail site for example, the first layers may well include the catelogue as a general heading. On a site about dogs the first layer may be 'breeds'.
Second layer
You are now able to go further into each of your subjects. A catelogue for clothes may be divided here into Men's clothing, Children's clothing etc., and the dog breeds may now be listed as Gun Dogs, Toy Breeds etc.
Third layer
Not all of your first layer menu items may lead to a third layer, but some will. To continue our examples above, Chidren's clothing may now be divided into boys and girls. The Gun Dogs will be divided into the Retrievers, Spaniels etc.
By playing around with your ideas on paper in this fashion you can see where your topics fit best. It may be that some third level pages fit under two second layer pages - no problem, you can link a page to each, and have it appearing on more than one menu. It is what makes sense to the visitor that counts!
Having your site set out in a diagram also makes it easier to see how to link up your pages using hyperlinks, i.e., but clicking on a word on your site, the visitor gets taken to a different page without having to go back through the menus.
Colour scheme, templates etc.
Once you have the plan of what you are going to put onto your site you can start to think about individual page layout and colour schemes.
Again, look at other people's sites, especially those you like. What looks good about them? Sites which have a uniform layout on each page often look far more professional than those which experiment with different colours on every page and different templates. This isn't to say that every page must be the same, but have some consistency, for example, where you place the menu buttons, so that people know they are still on your site. If the navigation menu buttons are always in the same place people will quickly become familiar with the feel of your site, and be able to move round it a lot quicker, and therefore take in a lot more of the information which you want to provide them with.
Making your site look professional is important unless you are just putting up a few pages to share with family! Let's assume the reason you wish to make a website is to earn some extra money at home, or to advertise your business or promote an activity. Apart from colour and consistency here are a couple of other tips. Firstly, look at the size of font you use - don't mix it up too much, or use too many different colours. Make your the type face you use can be seen clearly on the background colour. Secondly, is it easy to get to the information
The most important person!
Finally, don't forget that YOU have got to like your site. You will be having a very close relationship with it and it will be very demanding on your time, espeically in the early days. Take advice from friends or colleagues, but at the end of the day, go with what you are happy with. If you are uncomfortable with your site you will not have the same enthusiasm to work with it.
Your first pages
Now you have the schema for your website, you have chosen your colours and background, you can start to put together your first pages.
Here are a few tips:
1. Get a few pages together and get your site up there and published! It will take anything from a few weeks to 7 or 8 months to be indexed by the search engines. The main search engines such as Google like to give comprehensive listings only to mature sites. The sooner you get your site published the sooner you will get good rankings in the search engines.
2. Do not use the words 'under construction'.
3. Get other people's opinion on your site - good comments will give you confidence. If your hosting company has a forum you may be able to showcase your new website there to get advice from others using the same software.
Conclusion
A website doesn't just emerge – it takes a lot of work and an awful lot of planning. But if you make the investment of time you won't lose out. If you don't have a website no one is able to tap into your knowledge or see your creations. If you build your website badly your visitors may not be able to find their way around, and a lot of what you do will be wasted. If you take that bit of extra effort and care you will have a site that is very easy to use, and which will become popular because of that! Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com Pat Ransom has worked in the IT industry for 15 years and is experienced with local government and company websites. Having designed and published a successful and acclaimed website in her own right the secrets of website design and publishing are now shared at www.webmasterproductions.co.uk ...
Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
Article Page Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
Feature Article Get Answers To Important Questions About Dog Nail Trimming
Author: Teresa James
Trimming your dog's nails is not usually considered sharing "quality time" with your beloved pet. But when done often enough, with the proper technique, and rewards for your dog's good behavior, it should be one of those regular grooming events that your dog will tolerate if not look forward to. If not done often enough, with proper technique, and reward- training, it can be frightening and even painful for your dog. In this article are answers to many common dog nail clipping questions as well as tips on proper equipment and technique that will give you the advantage when you approach this simple home dog-grooming necessity. Is dog nail trimming painful to my dog? Dog nail trimming is not painful if you use a sharp nail trimmer and don't clip the nails too short. A dull trimmer can put a lot of pressure on your dog's toenail before it actually cuts through the nail. If this happens your dog may feel an uncomfortable pinching sensation. This is because the vein in the toenail is being squeezed. To avoid this always make sure that you're using a sharp pet nail trimmer. What tools do I need to trim my dog's nails? You will want to have a sharp clipper designed for dog nail trimming. Dogs come in all sizes so choose a nail trimmer that's right for the size of your pet's nails. The most common types of nail trimmers are the guillotine, pliers and scissor styles. Guillotine style dog nail trimmers require that the dog's nail be inserted through a hole in the top of the trimmer. As the handles are squeezed together the blade comes down and cuts through the nail. Many people find guillotine style clippers more difficult to use on large breed dogs. Thicker nails can be more difficult to insert into the guide hole in the clipper. These dog nail trimmers have a cutting blade that must be changed frequently to maintain a nice clean cut. Pliers style dog nail trimmers work similar to pruning shears. The two notched blades surround and cut through the nail as the handles are squeezed together. Some people like this style because they can see exactly where the blade will cut through the nail. If you have a large dog this type of trimmer works great on thick nails. Just make sure to select a heavy-duty clipper designed to cut through the thick toenails of your large breed dog. Pliers style trimmers are available for small, medium and large dogs. These dog nail trimmers don't have blades that need to be replaced but they do need to be sharpened when they become dull. Scissor style dog nail trimmers work just like a pair of scissors. The two scissor-like notched blades surround and cut through the nail as the handles are closed. These clippers are for light duty jobs only. These are not actually dog nail trimmers. They are best used for cats, birds and other small animals. Some people do use them on small dogs. They're usually labeled as cat/bird claw clippers. The style you choose for your dog nail trimming needs is a matter of personal preference. If the clipper is the correct size it will get the job done. Just remember to keep your nail trimmer sharp so that it makes a fast clean cut. A dull clipper can pinch the nail, which will result in discomfort to your dog. In addition to good quality nail trimmers, it is also recommended to have a pet nail file. You'll find that it is much easier to file down any rough edges with a nail file that has been designed for the shape of your dog's nails. Next on the list is styptic powder. It's always a good idea to have it on hand for those occasional mishaps. A nail clipped just a little too short tends to bleed a lot. Applying some styptic powder will help stop the bleeding. Finally, keep plenty of dog treats on hand to reward good behavior. You can also use dog treats to distract your pet during dog nail trimming. Treats work great to draw a dog's attention away from a bleeding nail. Why do my dog's nails need to be trimmed regularly? When a dog's nails become too long they interfere with the dog's gait and as the nails continue to grow, walking will become awkward and painful. Untrimmed nails can also split resulting in a great deal of pain, bleeding, and a trip to the veterinarian's office. In severe cases a dog's nails can curl under and grow into the pad of the dog's paw causing a very serious and painful infection. These types of ingrown nail problems are most common on the dewclaws. The dewclaws are the nails located on the inside of the paw. Many breeders have the dewclaws removed shortly after puppies are born, so not all dogs will have dewclaws. If your dog has them remember to include them in your dog nail trimming routine. These nails don't touch the ground, so they don't wear down as fast as the others as your dog walks on rough surfaces. Trimming your dog's nails regularly will easily prevent these problems. How do I know when my dog's nails need to be trimmed? When your dog's nails are beginning to curve is one indication that your dog's nails need a trim. And if you hear a clicking or tapping sound as your dog walks across a bare floor it's definitely time for a nail trimming. But it is best not to wait that long – once or twice a month is usually a good rule of thumb for dog nail trimming. If you let your dog's nails grow too long then it could take some time to get them back to a healthy length again. Regularly trimming the tips of your dog's nails is the best approach. Some dogs walk and run on rough surfaces and are able to wear down their nails, but most dogs will need some help. You will get to know how fast your dog's nails grow if you routinely inspect your pet's nails. Even if you don't actually trim them each time, regular inspection will help assure that your dog's feet stay healthy. So, make nail inspection and trimming an important part of your dog's routine grooming. When should I start trimming my dog's nails? If you're starting with a puppy the answer is as soon as you bring your new puppy home. If you have an adult or an older dog the answer is pretty much the same – right now. If you start early it probably will not take too long for your puppy to adjust to a nail trimming routine. Make a habit of handling your puppy's feet everyday. Nail trimming will be much easier if your puppy doesn't mind having his feet handled. Adult dogs, just like people, are usually set in their ways. So if your adult dog initially resists getting his nails trimmed you will most likely need to spend a lot more time getting him used to the procedure. As with a puppy, it's a good idea to start getting your dog used to having his feet handled before you attempt to clip your dog's nails. Be very patient and don't rush into the procedure. Bring out the clipping tools ahead of time and let your dog become familiar with them. It is important that you remain calm. If you're nervous, your dog will sense it and associate fear or uncertainty with dog nail trimming. If your dog is nervous use gentle reassurance, but don't coddle your dog. Let your dog know that you expect him to behave, but don't push it too far. If your dog can only manage to tolerate getting one toenail trimmed that's all right. Just be persistent and try for another nail at another time. And always remember to reward good behavior with your dog's favorite treat. How can I cut my dog's nails when he doesn't like his feet touched? Have patience and start working on getting your dog used to having his feet handled. This must be done gradually, so don't rush it. Try gently touching one foot while your dog is asleep. If your dog wakes up be very casual about it. Just remove your hand and act as if you didn't even notice that you were touching his paw. Anytime your dog resists don't react, just ignore the fact that you were even holding his paw and try again another time. Repeat this process and over time your dog will adjust to having his feet handled and you should even be able to start touching individual toes without an adverse reaction. Whenever your dog allows you to touch his feet always remember to praise your dog and give him a dog treat. Your dog will begin to associate having his feet handled with a pleasant experience. Bring out the nail clippers when your dog is very comfortable with you handling his feet and you are confident that you have gained your dog's trust. Will my dog ever adjust to getting her nails trimmed? Many dogs may never like to get their nails trimmed, but if done regularly over time, dogs can learn to sit through this routine grooming procedure. Other dogs may never sit still. If you can't get your dog to sit still you may need to recruit the help of another person to hold your dog while you trim her nails. While some dogs can be distracted by dog treats alone, others may also have to be held. You may want to try clipping your dog's nails after a full day of exercise when your dog is looking to take a long nap. Tired dogs tend to be less resistant. If you know that your dog tends to bite when stressed out, for safety sake you should muzzle your pet before you begin a dog nail trimming procedure. If the task of trimming your dog's nails proves to be too much, find a professional dog groomer or veterinarian for this part of your dog's routine grooming. If you can't get your dog to cooperate it's better that your dog doesn't associate you with this negative experience. If you know that your dog tends to react in an aggressive manner, be sure to let your groomer know what to expect so that the necessary safety precautions can be taken before they begin a dog nail trimming session. What is the quick and what do I need to know about it? The quick is the living part of a dog's nail and has blood vessels running throughout. Cutting into the quick during dog nail trimming is painful for your dog and will result in bleeding. If your dog has light colored nails your job will be easier since you will be able to see the quick. It will be impossible to see the quick if your dog's nails are black or dark in color. If your dog has at least one light colored nail you can usually use that nail as a guide for the others. If dog nail trimming is completely new to you, ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how to trim your dog's nails or consult a good dog care book. Another important fact to note is that the quick grows with the nail. As a dog's nails grow longer the quick will also lengthen. So if your dog's nails are over grown you will not be able to clip the nails to the desired length without cutting into the quick. You will need to trim the tips of your dog's nails often and over time the quick will shorten. To avoid cutting into the quick you'll want to start by trimming small pieces of the nail until you get the hang of it. Help, I've cut my dog's nail too short and now my dog is bleeding! What do I do now? Don't panic. Your dog is in a little pain but the prognosis is good – your dog will live! You've cut into the quick, the blood-filled tissue in your dog's nail. To stop the bleeding take a pinch of styptic powder and press it against the bleeding toenail. Now give your dog lots of treats. The nail should stop bleeding in about 5-10 minutes. Try not to baby your dog too much. You don't want to bring a lot of unnecessary attention to the injured nail. You'll be surprised at how easily your dog will be distracted by the dog treats if you're not making a big deal out of the bleeding toenail. So just stay calm and upbeat and you may be able to finish your dog nail-trimming task. If your dog is calm and enjoying the treats it's best to continue trimming. If you didn't finish with the paw that you were working on you may want to continue on another paw and come back to that one after you have finished the rest. If your dog is too excited you may need to try again at a later time. Don't be discouraged, even professional dog groomers occasionally cut into the quick. If my dog's nails are over grown how can dog nail trimming get them back to a healthy length? You will need to trim your dog's nails regularly. Start by clipping very small pieces of the nail tip until you can see a dark, round, kind of moist looking disk appear in the middle of the nail. This means you're approaching the quick and the nail will bleed if you cut it any shorter. Try trimming this far every week or two and the quick will gradually recede. Over time the length of the nail can be shortened. Cutting into the quick to shorten a dog's over grown nails could lead to an infection. If your dog's nails are extremely over grown and this condition is causing health issues consult your veterinarian immediately. Trimming your dog's nails is one of the regular home dog grooming tasks that helps to keep your dog healthy and active. As with most dog grooming tasks, rewarding your dog for positive behavior is an important part in your dog's acceptance of the activity. It's always best when your dog can associate the attention you lavish on him or her with a positive, happy memory. Learning the tricks to proper dog nail trimming, training your dog with positive feedback, and showing patience and love will make the time you spend together a reward in itself. Related Articles: Dog grooming doesn't have to cost a lot. Learn the basics of home dog grooming and keep your dog happy, healthy & clean. http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/home-dog-grooming.html " target=new>http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/home-dog-grooming.html Publishing Guidelines: Publication is permitted so long as the resource information at the end of the article remains intact, and links are live. Please email articles "AT" dog-supplies-advisor.com providing a link to the location of the article, or a copy of the newsletter. Copyright 2004 http://Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com " target=new>Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com , all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. About The Author
Teresa James is the Webmaster of http://www.Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com " target=new>www.Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com a site dedicated to providing dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and tips for dog owners. Free subscription http://www.dog-supplies-adviisor.com/free-dog-ezine.html " target=new>http://www.dog-supplies-adviisor.com/free-dog-ezine.html . ...
Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
Article Page Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
| | Feature Article A New Pet For the Holidays? Say It Isn't So!
Author: Pet Friendly Canada
Many households dream of presenting a fuzzy dog or cat as a surprise gift for a special holiday. But holidays are typically very busy as everyone rushes about to get things done -- which isn't an ideal time to introduce a new member of the family! Pets are living, breathing, thinking, feeling creatures. Over the holidays, chances are your regular routine is disrupted -- which means that feeding, housetraining and adapting a new pet to your home will require time you may not have. Children may also inadvertantly frighten or injure a new pet in the excitement. Keep in mind that although many people love animals, some don't necessarily want the responsibility that comes with owning a pet. There are financial obligations, of course, including food, treats, vet care, grooming, and one-time costs such as spay/neuter surgery, a kennel, and grooming supplies. There is also the fact that adopting a pet is a long-term commitment -- dogs and cats can live well into their teens! It's an unfortunate tragedy that after the holidays, unwanted pets are deposited at an animal shelter to hope for the best. Instead of giving a pet, try one of these alternatives instead: * Ask the local animal shelter for a 'gift certificate'. The recipient of your gift can then go to the shelter and select the right pet for himself. * Provide other 'goodies' that a new pet owner can use after a pet joins the family: gift certificates for pet-sitting, obedience training, or for supplies at a local pet store. Or fill a basket with pet 'goodies' such as a brush, bowls, treats, and toys. * Books for the pet lover: for example, dog lovers may appreciate a book that offers photos and descriptions of different dog breeds. It will help the recipient choose the right type of dog for his or her lifestyle. Pets enrich our lives and good homes are always needed. However, adopting a pet is a major decision that should not be rushed -- so please, enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends... and consider welcoming a new furry friend after the hustle and bustle have died down. Then you can be free to relax and enjoy welcoming the newest member of your family to your home. _____ PetFriendly.ca features pet-friendly cottages, cabins, B&Bs, hotels, and other lodging from across Canada that will welcome your four-legged friends! Pay them a visit today and and subscribe to their f*ree newsletter for pet lovers around the globe! http://www.petfriendly.ca/ ...
Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
Article Page Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
| | Feature Article A Guide to Choosing Dog Breeds
Author: Eric Hartwell
A new dog is a new addition to your family. The moment you decide to bring one home, you must be a hundred percent sure that you are ready to take on the responsibility owning a dog entails. There are a lot of factors involved in choosing a dog, one of which is choosing the right dog breed. Why and how is what this article seeks to discuss. Dogs big and small First and foremost, you must keep in mind that there are approximately more or less one hundred fifty pure breeds to choose from. This number excludes cross breeds, and other undomesticated dogs. This, however, is just a number, and because of the huge number of dog breeds it is most important that you are able to find one most suited to your personality and needs as a pet owner. While you won't be able to research all the types of dog breeds, you can very well start on the common pure bred types available in your country or locale. Geographic location plays an important role in choosing a dog because there are dogs that cannot live in certain places due to weather and climate that may be considered to be too harsh for the specific dog type. To make this search easier for you, you should probably start asking yourself whether you are more interested in owning a small dog or a big dog. From there, you can narrow down your search of the most suitable dog breed for you and/or your family. Small dogs are recommended for people who are always on the go and would like to bring their dogs with them. On the other hand, big dogs will probably appeal to people with children or who are simply more interested in big dogs for companions. Dog personalities and traits In addition, your dog must have the personality and distinct characteristics that you find most endearing. Remember, dogs are not created alike and like people they have their own traits (common to a specific breed) that make them different from the rest of the pack. There are dogs which are considered more sociable and more suited for homes which accommodate a lot of guests. Moreover, there are also dogs (both small and big) which can actually be good guard dogs. These along with other characteristics must be researched by you. No matter how cute or adorable the dog is, if you end up not liking their natural tendencies then you might end up not liking each other at all. So, it is best that you are able to research on the dogs that you are interested in and make a proper assessment of the kind of dog that will fit your life best. At any rate, you must decide to love your dog in spite of their limitations or character flaws (if there is such a term) that you might not be fond of. Your dog will be most loyal to and will return the love you will bestow on him and this is what is most essential in the relationship between you and your dog. Do you want to know more about dog care or anything about the crazy world of dogs? then visit us here
Article Page Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
| | Feature Article A Guide to Choosing Dog Breeds
Author: Eric Hartwell
A new dog is a new addition to your family. The moment you decide to bring one home, you must be a hundred percent sure that you are ready to take on the responsibility owning a dog entails. There are a lot of factors involved in choosing a dog, one of which is choosing the right dog breed. Why and how is what this article seeks to discuss. Dogs big and small First and foremost, you must keep in mind that there are approximately more or less one hundred fifty pure breeds to choose from. This number excludes cross breeds, and other undomesticated dogs. This, however, is just a number, and because of the huge number of dog breeds it is most important that you are able to find one most suited to your personality and needs as a pet owner. While you won't be able to research all the types of dog breeds, you can very well start on the common pure bred types available in your country or locale. Geographic location plays an important role in choosing a dog because there are dogs that cannot live in certain places due to weather and climate that may be considered to be too harsh for the specific dog type. To make this search easier for you, you should probably start asking yourself whether you are more interested in owning a small dog or a big dog. From there, you can narrow down your search of the most suitable dog breed for you and/or your family. Small dogs are recommended for people who are always on the go and would like to bring their dogs with them. On the other hand, big dogs will probably appeal to people with children or who are simply more interested in big dogs for companions. Dog personalities and traits In addition, your dog must have the personality and distinct characteristics that you find most endearing. Remember, dogs are not created alike and like people they have their own traits (common to a specific breed) that make them different from the rest of the pack. There are dogs which are considered more sociable and more suited for homes which accommodate a lot of guests. Moreover, there are also dogs (both small and big) which can actually be good guard dogs. These along with other characteristics must be researched by you. No matter how cute or adorable the dog is, if you end up not liking their natural tendencies then you might end up not liking each other at all. So, it is best that you are able to research on the dogs that you are interested in and make a proper assessment of the kind of dog that will fit your life best. At any rate, you must decide to love your dog in spite of their limitations or character flaws (if there is such a term) that you might not be fond of. Your dog will be most loyal to and will return the love you will bestow on him and this is what is most essential in the relationship between you and your dog. Do you want to know more about dog care or anything about the crazy world of dogs? then visit us here
Article Page Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
| | Feature Article Animals are Forever
Author: C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot
Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own share of dogs. From early childhood days, I recall having several dogs that stayed temporarily with us until my dad's next military assignment. Though my parents took good care of our animals, military life was unsuitable for animal adoptions as in most cases, animals were not permitted to go back overseas with us; thus we were inevitably forced to find homes for our pets.
In 1983, my parents adopted our first 'forever' dog. She was a beautiful, graceful http://www.akc.org/breeds/german_shepherd_dog/index.cfm " target=_blank>German Shepherd mix. Because my oldest sister had small children, my mom kept 'Apollo' outside in the backyard. Living in the South, my family was virtually unaware of the risk of http://www.heartwormsociety.org/heart.htm " target=_blank>heartworms . In Europe, heartworms didn't exist, and unfortunately, the SPCA where Apollo had been adopted did not pass out information on these dreadful predators. While our Apollo was continually outside, she was even more susceptible to the deadly mosquito infestation. After a short two years with us, we learned that our beloved Apollo had heartworms and died in less than 24 hours of our perceived understanding.
At the time, I was merely 14 years old and deeply distraught and heartbroken over the loss of our priceless family dog. It was at that time that I had consciously made an oath to never have an outdoor dog and to always seek preventative medicine so that something like this would never happen with my own, future animals.
In retrospect, I never imagined I would ever surrogate eight (8) dogs in my home - but Max, Zeus, Cujo, Hailey, Sharley, Tiny, Thor & Ozzie have become a cherished part of my family pack. Having all been neutered & spayed, annual checkups, immunizations, plenty of fresh water & food, heartworm preventative, and proper grooming - my dogs would never dream of 'escaping' their lap of luxury. Aside from having all the love in the world, my dogs lazily lounge on the sofas, get to run and play on nearly an acre of fenced yard, and even watch Television - which is usually set on the http://animal.discovery.com/ " target=_blank>Animal Planet
One can never get me to stop talking about my dogs. They are comical, sincere, understanding, loving and in addition to being the most grateful living things, give so much love and health benefits in return.
Many persons do not realize the profound effects that animals have on us, but most importantly, do not understand the effects that we have on them. Though puppies and kittens are adorable, soft, cudly and cute - all animals mature and take on their mature form - sometimes as big as a 140 lb rottweiler. This is when things can 'become sticky' for folks. Suddenly, the cute black & tan pup is a massive bulk of clumsiness. He bumps into your living room endtable and breaks the cherished lamp; the velvety kitten is now a fully-grown cat and he's decided to 'redo' your tapestry with his claws; and 'Happy' the dog isn't making you 'so happy' anymore because he is too hyper and keeps escaping your paradise home. So what is one to do?
First and foremost - and I cannot stress this enough - http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/stamping_out_pet_overpopulation.html " target=_blank>Spay or Neuter your animals. The sure-fire way to not only calm animals, spaying or neutering is also a positive way to reinforce and strenghten bonds between animal and human counterpart; and additionally has incredible health benefits, as these cost-effective procedures help to lengthen lifespans as well.
Okay, so now you've spayed or neutered your pet - but she still wants to squeeze her way out of the fence to roam. That's understandable. She's been escaping the yard the whole time, and spaying isn't going to stop a learned behavior. So now what? My first suggestion would be to take your pet outside on a lead. (This should already have been one of the first training methods taught upon adopting a cat or dog) Teaching basic commands will help her to understand that she has boundaries and has to adhere to them.
If the lead technique still doesn't keep her at bay, a kennel can be purchased ranging from $40 - $400 (depending on size of kennel). A house kennel is appropriate for indoor animals who are exhibiting disallowed behavior such as chewing, biting, scratching, urinating, etc. These kennels cost usually less than $100 - again, depending on size of animal. An outdoor kennel, is excellent for training animals to stay inside your fenced yard. (Note: Never, under any circumstances, allow your animal to run freely.) Start by placing animals in your indoor or outdoor kennel if you have to go somewhere or if you will not be directly supervising them. Never use the kennel as a means of punishment. Most animals may be a bit leary of the kennel at first, but give them some time, and you'll discover that they love their kennel so much that it becomes a safe haven - and animals may even want to make it their permanent sleeping place.
Animal behavior can sometimes become frustrating as we've seemingly tried just about everything, and no matter what we do, they still sometimes do the things we don't want them to. But that's what separates animals from human beings: the fact that they are indeed animals. Our expectations can sometimes be set too high and we come to think of Rover or Mittens as a 'little person.' It's when we do this, that they will ultimately 'fail' our logic every single time. One cannot allow himself to set behavior standards so high that we no longer accept our animal counterparts for what they are. When behavior becomes an issue, and the lead and kennel have not produced adequate results, the next step is seeing an animal trainer or animal behavior consultant who may be better able to assist you.
Finally, but not leastly, animals are forever. Love your animals. When you open your home and hearts to animals, you have instantly become their lifetime mentor and surrogate parent. They look up to you for your time, patience, compassion, understanding, food, shelter, healthcare and everything else in between. Without you, they are helpless. The worst thing someone can do is abandon or willfully neglect his devoted dog or cat.
Below are some alarming statistics and vital information (1) from the Humane Society of the United States:
* One female dog and her offspring can give birth to 67,000 puppies. In seven years, one cat and her young can produce 420,000 kittens.
* Every year, between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters; some three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them.
* Living creatures have become throwaway items to be cuddled when cute and abandoned when inconvenient. Such disregard for animal life pervades and erodes our culture.
* Abandoned and stray companion animals who survive in the streets and alleys of cities and suburbs pose a health threat to humans and other animals. Each year communities are forced to spend millions of taxpayer dollars trying to cope with the consequences of this surplus of pets. These public costs include services such as investigating animal cruelty, humanely capturing stray animals, and sheltering lost and homeless animals.
* Free-roaming cats--owned cats allowed to go outside as well as stray and feral cats--often are hit by cars or fall victim to disease, starvation, poisons, attacks by other animals, or mistreatment by humans.
* Leaving a dog outside for long periods, especially if he or she is chained or otherwise tethered, can be physically, emotionally, and behaviorally detrimental. Dogs need companionship, care, exercise, and attention. Leaving a dog outside for an extended period without supervision not only deprives the animal of these things, but can also lead to behavior problems (including aggression).
For further information about pet adoptions and the Humane Society of the United States, go to: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/what_to_consider_before_adopting_a_pet.html " target=_blank>What to Consider before Adopting a Pet
In their short but special time they share with us, it is important to remember that animals belong in forever homes. Are you up to the challenge? Some thoughts to ponder.
References: 1. http://www.hsus.org " target=_blank>The Humane Society of the United States
© 2005 Animals are Forever
By C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. Lady Camelot
Public Relations Director &
Staff Writer
http://www.HolisticJunction.com " target=_blank>www.HolisticJunction.com
http://www.MediaPositiveRadio.com " target=_blank>www.MediaPositiveRadio.com
About the Authoraka. Lady Camelot
Public Relations Director &
Staff Writer
http://www.HolisticJunction.com " target=_blank>www.HolisticJunction.com
http://www.MediaPositiveRadio.com " target=_blank>www.MediaPositiveRadio.com ...
Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
Article Page Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
| | Feature Article Animals are Forever
Author: C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot
Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own share of dogs. From early childhood days, I recall having several dogs that stayed temporarily with us until my dad's next military assignment. Though my parents took good care of our animals, military life was unsuitable for animal adoptions as in most cases, animals were not permitted to go back overseas with us; thus we were inevitably forced to find homes for our pets.
In 1983, my parents adopted our first 'forever' dog. She was a beautiful, graceful http://www.akc.org/breeds/german_shepherd_dog/index.cfm " target=_blank>German Shepherd mix. Because my oldest sister had small children, my mom kept 'Apollo' outside in the backyard. Living in the South, my family was virtually unaware of the risk of http://www.heartwormsociety.org/heart.htm " target=_blank>heartworms . In Europe, heartworms didn't exist, and unfortunately, the SPCA where Apollo had been adopted did not pass out information on these dreadful predators. While our Apollo was continually outside, she was even more susceptible to the deadly mosquito infestation. After a short two years with us, we learned that our beloved Apollo had heartworms and died in less than 24 hours of our perceived understanding.
At the time, I was merely 14 years old and deeply distraught and heartbroken over the loss of our priceless family dog. It was at that time that I had consciously made an oath to never have an outdoor dog and to always seek preventative medicine so that something like this would never happen with my own, future animals.
In retrospect, I never imagined I would ever surrogate eight (8) dogs in my home - but Max, Zeus, Cujo, Hailey, Sharley, Tiny, Thor & Ozzie have become a cherished part of my family pack. Having all been neutered & spayed, annual checkups, immunizations, plenty of fresh water & food, heartworm preventative, and proper grooming - my dogs would never dream of 'escaping' their lap of luxury. Aside from having all the love in the world, my dogs lazily lounge on the sofas, get to run and play on nearly an acre of fenced yard, and even watch Television - which is usually set on the http://animal.discovery.com/ " target=_blank>Animal Planet
One can never get me to stop talking about my dogs. They are comical, sincere, understanding, loving and in addition to being the most grateful living things, give so much love and health benefits in return.
Many persons do not realize the profound effects that animals have on us, but most importantly, do not understand the effects that we have on them. Though puppies and kittens are adorable, soft, cudly and cute - all animals mature and take on their mature form - sometimes as big as a 140 lb rottweiler. This is when things can 'become sticky' for folks. Suddenly, the cute black & tan pup is a massive bulk of clumsiness. He bumps into your living room endtable and breaks the cherished lamp; the velvety kitten is now a fully-grown cat and he's decided to 'redo' your tapestry with his claws; and 'Happy' the dog isn't making you 'so happy' anymore because he is too hyper and keeps escaping your paradise home. So what is one to do?
First and foremost - and I cannot stress this enough - http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/stamping_out_pet_overpopulation.html " target=_blank>Spay or Neuter your animals. The sure-fire way to not only calm animals, spaying or neutering is also a positive way to reinforce and strenghten bonds between animal and human counterpart; and additionally has incredible health benefits, as these cost-effective procedures help to lengthen lifespans as well.
Okay, so now you've spayed or neutered your pet - but she still wants to squeeze her way out of the fence to roam. That's understandable. She's been escaping the yard the whole time, and spaying isn't going to stop a learned behavior. So now what? My first suggestion would be to take your pet outside on a lead. (This should already have been one of the first training methods taught upon adopting a cat or dog) Teaching basic commands will help her to understand that she has boundaries and has to adhere to them.
If the lead technique still doesn't keep her at bay, a kennel can be purchased ranging from $40 - $400 (depending on size of kennel). A house kennel is appropriate for indoor animals who are exhibiting disallowed behavior such as chewing, biting, scratching, urinating, etc. These kennels cost usually less than $100 - again, depending on size of animal. An outdoor kennel, is excellent for training animals to stay inside your fenced yard. (Note: Never, under any circumstances, allow your animal to run freely.) Start by placing animals in your indoor or outdoor kennel if you have to go somewhere or if you will not be directly supervising them. Never use the kennel as a means of punishment. Most animals may be a bit leary of the kennel at first, but give them some time, and you'll discover that they love their kennel so much that it becomes a safe haven - and animals may even want to make it their permanent sleeping place.
Animal behavior can sometimes become frustrating as we've seemingly tried just about everything, and no matter what we do, they still sometimes do the things we don't want them to. But that's what separates animals from human beings: the fact that they are indeed animals. Our expectations can sometimes be set too high and we come to think of Rover or Mittens as a 'little person.' It's when we do this, that they will ultimately 'fail' our logic every single time. One cannot allow himself to set behavior standards so high that we no longer accept our animal counterparts for what they are. When behavior becomes an issue, and the lead and kennel have not produced adequate results, the next step is seeing an animal trainer or animal behavior consultant who may be better able to assist you.
Finally, but not leastly, animals are forever. Love your animals. When you open your home and hearts to animals, you have instantly become their lifetime mentor and surrogate parent. They look up to you for your time, patience, compassion, understanding, food, shelter, healthcare and everything else in between. Without you, they are helpless. The worst thing someone can do is abandon or willfully neglect his devoted dog or cat.
Below are some alarming statistics and vital information (1) from the Humane Society of the United States:
* One female dog and her offspring can give birth to 67,000 puppies. In seven years, one cat and her young can produce 420,000 kittens.
* Every year, between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters; some three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them.
* Living creatures have become throwaway items to be cuddled when cute and abandoned when inconvenient. Such disregard for animal life pervades and erodes our culture.
* Abandoned and stray companion animals who survive in the streets and alleys of cities and suburbs pose a health threat to humans and other animals. Each year communities are forced to spend millions of taxpayer dollars trying to cope with the consequences of this surplus of pets. These public costs include services such as investigating animal cruelty, humanely capturing stray animals, and sheltering lost and homeless animals.
* Free-roaming cats--owned cats allowed to go outside as well as stray and feral cats--often are hit by cars or fall victim to disease, starvation, poisons, attacks by other animals, or mistreatment by humans.
* Leaving a dog outside for long periods, especially if he or she is chained or otherwise tethered, can be physically, emotionally, and behaviorally detrimental. Dogs need companionship, care, exercise, and attention. Leaving a dog outside for an extended period without supervision not only deprives the animal of these things, but can also lead to behavior problems (including aggression).
For further information about pet adoptions and the Humane Society of the United States, go to: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/what_to_consider_before_adopting_a_pet.html " target=_blank>What to Consider before Adopting a Pet
In their short but special time they share with us, it is important to remember that animals belong in forever homes. Are you up to the challenge? Some thoughts to ponder.
References: 1. http://www.hsus.org " target=_blank>The Humane Society of the United States
© 2005 Animals are Forever
By C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. Lady Camelot
Public Relations Director &
Staff Writer
http://www.HolisticJunction.com " target=_blank>www.HolisticJunction.com
http://www.MediaPositiveRadio.com " target=_blank>www.MediaPositiveRadio.com
About the Authoraka. Lady Camelot
Public Relations Director &
Staff Writer
http://www.HolisticJunction.com " target=_blank>www.HolisticJunction.com
http://www.MediaPositiveRadio.com " target=_blank>www.MediaPositiveRadio.com ...
Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
Article Page Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
| | Feature Article American Pit Bull Terrier: Is It The Right Dog Breed For You?
Author: Tim Amherst -
If you're thinking about owning a Pit Bull terrier, it is important to understand the characteristics of the breed as well as your current lifestyle. Caring for a Pit Bull is a long-term commitment that needs to be taken seriously, not just a simple hobby that you participate in when time permits.
Unfortunately it is very difficult for many dogs to find a second home in the event that their owners "change their minds" and decide they don't want a dog after all. The situation is even worse for Pit Bulls due to their reputation in today's society.
Do you have the time and the energy to commit to a high energy breed such as a Pit Bull? Pit Bull terriers have very high exercise requirements and are happiest when they get plenty of play time.
If you are interested in owning a Pit Bull, you should possess a similar sense of adventure. A day at the beach, a park, or just playing frisbee in the backyard are all excellent things to do with your four-legged friend. These activities will also strengthen the bond between you and your dog and make ownership even more rewarding.
If you're more of an inside person however and don't enjoy exercising daily, you should seriously rethink your idea of Pit Bull ownership. There are many other excellent dog breeds that will probably be more suitable to your lifestyle and it isn't fair to penalize your dog simply because you are too selfish to get an alternative breed.
If you still are set on owning a Pit Bull, it is important that you begin training your dog as soon as you bring him home. Pit Bulls who aren't properly trained can become more than a handful. On the other hand, a well-trained Pit can regularly impress others with good behavior. Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com To learn all about raising an American Pit Bull Terrier and training Pit Bulls , visit www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today. ...
Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
Article Page Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
| | Feature Article All The Things You Should Know About Your Dog - But Don't Want To Talk About!
Author: Edwina Hanson
When you decided to get a dog, I'll bet you daydreamed about the great times you'd have with your new best friend. However, there are many things that you need to consider in order to keep your pooch happy and healthy. Things that perhaps you'd rather not even think about!
When you go to the veterinarian he may ask you to bring along a urine sample from your dog. How do you do this? Your dog surely won't be able to hit a sample bottle. The easiest way to accomplish this is to tape a polythene container to the end of a yard stick. While your dog is out doing his business, position the container underneath his urine stream. This is easier to do with male dogs than female dogs but you can usually get a sample with one or two tries. Your veterinarian will want as fresh a sample as possible so if you won't be taking the sample to the vet right away, keep it refrigerated until you bring it in. Your veterinarian will be checking the sample for a variety of things like bacteria and crystals. If bacteria is found it could mean that your dog has a urinary tract infection and will most likely require your dog to be put on a course of antibiotics. Crystals form in the urine whenever minerals bind together, there are several different kinds of crystals and these are most often treated with prescription diets.
If your veterinarian asks for a stool sample it could mean that he suspects that intestinal parasites are bothering your dog. They can get these by eating fecal matter from another affected animal, carcasses, or other unsavory things. You will want to bring in a fresh sample. The doctor will examine it under the microscope and look for telltale eggs of parasites. Commonest parasites are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Several of today's monthly heartworm medications also protect against roundworms and hookworms. If you live in the country or your dog is outside for much of the day, he may need to be treated with a tapeworm wormer on a quarterly basis. Other diseases like coccidia, can also be seen under the microscope from your dog's stool sample.
What about anal glands? The anal glands are two small glands located just on the inside of your dog's anus that secrete a foul smelling liquid. Usually the glands will be emptied when your dog defecates. Unfortunately, in some dogs, the anal glands become impacted and do not empty properly. If your dog is urinating more than usual or licking his hind quarters more often, there may be a problem with his anal glands. In this case it's important to make an appointment with your veterinarian who will check the anal glands by gloved touch. If the anal glands are full, he will be able to empty them manually. it is possiblen, however, to learn how to do this yourself at home. Some dogs require their anal glands be manually emptied regularly. Some owners have their dog's anal glands surgically removed but if you choose to do this, discuss the possible outcomes with your veterinarian as there is often a risk of fecal incontinence if the surgery goes awry.
Occasionally in dogs, dandruff is just dandruff caused by skin allergies, nutritional deficiencies, or improper grooming. Sometimes, however, dandruff can be a sign of a parasite called mange of which there are a few different types:
a) Demodectic Mange is caused by a mite which all dogs have but are rarely adversely affected by it. Sometimes however, there can be an overabundance of these mites which causes skin irritation and hair loss.
b) Sarcoptic Mange (also known as scabies) is caused by another type of mite. A female mite buries herself in the dog's skin and lays her eggs there. When the eggs hatch, the cycle begins again. This causes severe skin irritation and hair loss in dogs but is easily treatable.
c) Cheyletiella Mange is caused by a large mite that lives on the surface of the dog's skin. This infestation is also known as 'walking dandruff'. This type of mange causes minor skin irritation but is easily treatable with topical medication.
So, now you can talk about those unpleasant things! It's important that you are properly educated and can recognize signs and symptoms so that you keep your dog as healthy as he can be. Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com Edwina Hanson is a dog care and training professional. Click on the link for a free 73 page report entitled Complete Dog Care . You'll also get a nice little ebook entitled "20 Natural and Healthy Recipes" (for your dog!). ...
Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
Article Page Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
| | Feature Article All About Dog Breeders
Author: Chuck Masterson
Most dog breeders are reputable people who truly care about the health and welfare of the dogs they breed. There are several things that you should look for when buying a puppy from a dog breeder. When you are purchasing a puppy from a dog breeder do not be afraid to ask to see where the dog breeder lives. A puppy is a companion that will be with you for several years. To ensure your puppy's health you want to see the type of conditions that the puppy was born in. When you visit the dog breeders home you want to make sure that the kennel is clean and smells good. Some puppy mills will disguise themselves as dog breeders. In order to find the right breeder you may want to ask veterinarians, boarding kennels, groomers and other pet owners in your local area who reputable dog breeders are. Another suggestion is to go to the local kennel club and ask there if they know of any local dog breeders. When you are purchasing a puppy from a dog breeder make sure that you see the whole litter of puppies and at least one of the parents. You want to make sure that the other dogs do not have runny eyes or noses. The dogs should look healthy and well fed. A dog breeder should be knowledgeable about the type of dog you are buying. A reputable dog breeder will also ask you questions about you, your family and your lifestyle. Some dog breeders will ask you to sign a contract that specifies that it is your responsibility to take good care of the dog. When you are buying a puppy make sure that the puppy is at least eight to twelve weeks old. There are so many kind-hearted dog breeders that care about finding each puppy a good home for life. Do not be surprised if your dog breeder makes a follow up call to see how the new dog is doing.
Article Page Main Dogs Articles Dogs Sites
| | Feature Article 15 Helpful Dog Allergy Prevention Tips and Dog Allergy Friendly Breeds
Author: John Hinkley
Unfortunately, there are no cures for dog allergies. However, there are several things you can do to make life with your dog more comfortable: 1. Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap and hot water immediately after handling your dog. If you are unable to wash your hands right away, avoid touching your hands with your face especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you have severe allergies and are in close contact with your dog, you may need to take frequent showers and change your clothes throughout the day. 2. Feed your dog a well-balanced diet. Your dog's diet should include some natural fat. This fat helps to make your dog's skin less dry, resulting in less shedding. Talk to your vet about his recommendations on how to safely add fat to his diet. 3. Don't allow your dog in the bedroom. This tip takes a lot of discipline, but it does make a big impact on your reaction to allergies. Keeping your bedroom door closed is ideal because it keeps airborne particles away. Sleep on mattresses and pillows with hypoallergenic polyester fillings. Also, as an extra precaution, cover your pillows, mattresses, and box springs with plastic, zippered, allergy-proof covers. 4. Brush your dog often. It is ideal to brush your dog daily. However, if you suffer from allergies, you'll need to give another family member the responsibility of brushing the dog. If possible, the dog should be brushed outdoors. If you live alone with your dog, consider taking him to a professional groomer. You could wear a dust mask and gloves for brushing him in between grooming visits. 5. Bathe your dog often. Check your dog's current shampoo. It should be ahypoallergenic or oatmeal based shampoo. If it's not, try switching brands. If your allergies can't handle the bathing, have another family member be responsible for giving baths. Or, have your dog visit a groomer. 6. Wash your dog's belongings. Get into the habit of washing your dog's bed, blankets, and toys on a weekly basis either by hand with a safe soap or in the washing machine. 7. Check your vacuum. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filtration system. This type of system will help pull up and trap more of your dog's dander from the floor. Note: vacuuming is recommended over sweeping because sweeping can stir the dander into the air, rather than trapping and removing it. 8. Have carpets cleaned regularly. Even though you use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filtration system, it is important to still have your carpets steam-cleaned throughout the year. Try to have this done at least quarterly. 9. Dust often. Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces such as tables, shelves, window sills, wall hangings, lamps, and other furniture and accessories. If necessary, wear a dust mask as you clean. Reccomended cleansing solutions:Oti-Clens Cleansing Solution 10. Keep the air fresh. Use an air purifier one that contains a HEPA. This type of system will help eliminate dander from the air. The less a dog sheds the less dander it produces. The following breeds typically produce less dander: Airedale Basenji Bedlington terrier Bichon frise Chinese crested Irish water spaniel Italian greyhound Kerry blue terrier Maltese Poodle Portuguese water dog Schnauzers Shih tzu Soft-coated Wheaten terrier Tibetan terrier Wire-haired fox terrier Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican hairless) To read the Entire Article and the remaining allergy prevention tips go to: http://largedogbreedz.com/your-large-dogs-health/large-dog-grooming-techniques/dog-allergy-prevention-tips.html | |
| | | | | |
| |
| | | | |
