Ten Things All Pet Owners Should Know

1. Your pet needs to go to the vet. Start saving now.
Every pet needs to be examined by a vet occasionally. Illnesses that are caught early are often treatable, and regular vet exams are your best weapon. Even the healthiest pet may have an accident, calling for immediate emergency care. Older pets may be in pain from age-related deterioration. Face it, you're going to have to take your pet to the vet sooner or later. Be prepared to pay for it!
2. You're the human, you set the rules.
Don't let your pet boss you around. Decide on the rules, and enforce them consistently. Don't let your pet get his way if it goes against the rules -- he'll just try that much harder the next time. Animals may not seem to have long memories, but they sure remember how they got their own way the last time!
3. Animals love a boring routine.
Pets want to know what to expect -- it makes them feel secure. Yours will be happiest if they are fed at the same time every day, sleep in the same spot at night, and can count on you to always come home at a certain time. They'll get by if the routine occasionally changes, but keeping their day predictable keeps them predictable, and happy.
4. Good food and lots of exercise equals a long life.
We all know we should eat healthy foods in moderation and get plenty of exercise. The same goes for our pets. Healthy living prevents illness, and you won't have to see the vet as often! If a small pet is confined to a cage, give it lots of space and things to climb on or explore, to encourage exercise. Reserve treats like dog biscuits or table scraps for very special occasions.
5. Everything ends up in their mouths.
To you it's an electrical cord, but to your dog, it's a chew toy. Keep in mind that your pets will chew on anything, and keep dangerous items out of reach! Encourage them to chew on toys instead by providing lots of them, especially new ones once the old ones have lost their appeal.
6. Bacteria do not make good pets.
A clean environment keeps everyone happy and healthy. Pets are dirty, and need lots of cleaning. On a weekly basis, brush your dog's teeth, wash out the gerbil's water bottle, and scoop out the cat's litter box! If you don't, you're in for bacterial and parasitic infections, painful tooth decay, and the smell...!
7. Tight security saves lives.
Keep your pet confined safely. Escape-proof all cages and fences, walk your dog on a leash, and keep your cat indoors. The outside world is full of speeding cars, unfamiliar animals, pesticides, and even pet thieves. Just in case, make certain all dogs and cats have sturdy collars with tags, or have been tattooed or micro-chipped.
8. There are too many homeless animals already.
Lost pets without tags usually end up being put to sleep at the shelter when they lose their way home. Even worse off are the pets who never had homes to begin with. There aren't enough good homes for all the animals out there, so have your pets spayed or neutered, and do not allow them to breed! In America alone, four million cats and dogs are put down every year. That's far too many! If you want another pet, consider adoption instead.
9. When in doubt, look to nature.
When confronted with a pet problem, find out how your pet would have lived in the wild. Need to know how warm your frog's tank should be? Research his natural habitat and try to copy it. Want to keep your dogs from fighting? Read up on pack behavior in the wild. Our pets evolved to live in the wild, and by understanding their natural environment, needs, and social behavior, we can help them live with us more comfortably.
10. It all depends on you.
Ultimately, when you accepted this animal as a pet, you agreed to take care of him. This means feeding, habitat, health, safety... you are responsible for it all. It takes a lot of time and money to care for a pet properly. However, it is certainly worth it! There are over 100 million households worldwide with at least one pet, and they can't all be wrong! Take care of your pets, so you can have a long, enjoyable life together.

American Cocker Dog Breed Information

An American Cocker is the USA version of the English classic.

Height, weight: it shouldn't be over 38,7 cm high; weighs around 14 kg.

Fur, color: short and fine hair on the head, medium size on its body and longer on the sides and on its stomach. Color black, golden, chocolate-brown, or black and fiery. One, or two of these colors, may also be combined with white.

Appropriate for: capricious people who love elegance, willing to brush them every single day, and for the fond people that love the canine expositions.

Not Appropriate for: those who are not willing to brush them when they come back from their walks.

As a member of the family: a good companion, is not a good guardian but a good companion to all the members of the family. They are prohibited, from the first day, to have any extra special treats, and much less from the table. If you allow it from the beginning, you'll have a problem and it'll be the first one to be at your table, even before you set out the tablecloth.

Breed's character: happy and stable. To be able to train it, you must not let it get away with doing whatever it wants by using its charm, you'll get carried away with its adorable face, which it loves to use as sweetener.

Common sicknesses: otitis, has a tendency to obesity. And in the summer, dry spikes may introduce into its skin, causing it to get infections.
Life expectancy: 14 years or more.

Doberman Dog Breed Information

The Doberman is powerful and muscular, runs very fast and is a incorruptible guardian.
Height, weight: up to 72 cm; and 45 kg. Very elegant aspect
Fur, color: short, hard and dense. Black, dark brown or blue with rusty red, perfectly outlined fire.
Appropriate for: people who enjoy sports or who seek a good guard dog.
Not Appropriate for: people who don't like sports, have fast reactions, or want to be taken guarded.

As a member of the family: if included when young will be very caring with the family and children.
Breed's character: moody, brave, firm, naturally strong. The skin tension on the face doesn't let you guess it's mood. Psychologically sensitive. Actually is a one man's dog. Bred in the XIX century by Louis Doberman as a defense dog.
Common sicknesses: hair loss
Life expectancy: up to 14 years

Chihuahua Dog Breed Information

The Chihuahua is a miniature dog gets its name from a town in Mexico, found at the top of the Sierra Madre.
Height, weight: its height is never more than 20 cm; weighs 500 g and 2,5 kg. It's funny.
Fur, color: short, thick and shiny; or long and soft. In every color, single colored, spotted or with shades.
Appropriate for: those who look for an easygoing lapdog.
Not Appropriate for: those that don't know how to handle little things.
As a member of the family: Affectionate, it hardly ever barks, but it growls in a very funny and special way, if there is a suspicious presence around. Very intelligent. And is not a dog for children.
Breed's character: resistant, valiant and fearless. Naturally, it likes to move around. Very lively. It comes from the mixture of Chinese breeds (taken to Mexico for commercializing).
Common sicknesses: difficulty in giving birth and has dental problems.
Life expectancy: up to 14 years.

World's Tallest Dog: Boomer, North Dakota Newfoundland Is World's Biggest Dog

World's Tallest Dog:

Boomer, North Dakota Newfoundland Is World's Biggest Dog

THE BEST DOGS FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

If you have children, especially small children, you need a dog that can tolerate kids. Not all dog breeds are good for families with children. Many people assume that small dogs are gentle and kid friendly, which is not always true. Some small breeds are gentle with kids. However, large dogs in the working class, herding dogs and retrievers are more placid by nature and often have the patience of a saint when around young children. If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, here are some great child-friendly breeds to consider.

Boston Terrier – If you prefer a small dog, this little one is gentle, intelligent and well mannered. They do not bark a lot, compared to other small dogs. They are extremely good with children and older people as well. They are playful and want to be part of the family.


Jack Russell Terrier – This is another small dog with a lot of adjectives to describe it, including perky, merry and devoted. Jack Russell Terriers are also kind to children. Be sure to set rules for this breed though; if not they will take over. A few years ago we rented a cottage on a creek in North Carolina. The neighbors let their dogs (an old yellow lab like ours and a Jack Russell Terrier puppy) run free all day, and the Jack Russell (Andy) drove our poor Abby crazy. He chased her and nipped at her, barked non-stop, and we could not make him stay home in his own yard. His owners were not very wise to let a puppy run free all day while they were at work. We found out that he was afraid of the creek that ran across the property. Abby soon realized that if she went in the creek and stood in the water for a bit, Andy would get bored and go home!
Bearded Collie – This dog is full of energy, and requires firm and consistent training. They are fun dogs and are excellent for families with children. The Bearded Collie is a real tail wager, and very adorable. They are the ancestors of the Old English Sheep Dog, and look a little like them.

Beagle – This dog is gentle, lively and curious, and loves everyone. They are excellent with children as well as with other dogs. They do not generally get along well with cats unless they were raised together. Beagles are very determined, as our neighbor’s dog illustrates for us regularly. The dog is a rather chubby older beagle, and on numerous occasions we hear her barking while she chases the rabbits on our property. We have seen her heading back home with her tongue and belly dragging the ground. She will never catch a rabbit, but she will never stop trying.

Boxer – This breed is an easy learner and quite intelligent. Boxers do well in competitive obedience training. They are loyal and affectionate, and they get along very well with children. It is in the Boxer’s nature to want to protect the family and the home.

Golden Retriever – This a beautiful, graceful dog that’s easy to train and is always patient and gentle with children. Golden Retrievers are friendly with everyone; therefore they have little value as a guard dog! They do make wonderful pets for families, though.

Labrador Retriever – I saved this breed for last since I didn’t want to play favorites. This is the breed I know best from experience. A Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate and patient dog that is highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. They love to play, especially in water, as they love to swim. Labs have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are extremely friendly, superb with children and get along with other dogs. They crave human leadership and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. Abby was easy to train as a pup and even at 11 she learns new things daily. She loves people and age does not matter to her at all!

No matter which breed you choose, you need to remember that puppies chew. If your kids leave toys in reach, those toys will be the object of the pup’s attention! Teach your children to be gentle with the puppy and remind them that puppies need a lot of sleep. Parents may need to put time limits on play early on. Teach the kids that the puppy needs time to be alone, as well as time with the family.

Get your kids involved early on in the care of the new puppy by helping out at feeding time. Let them pour the CANIDAE kibble into the feeding dish. Let the kids know that if they are gentle and loving to the dog, they will have a loyal friend for life.

How To Treat Your Dog For Dehydration

Dehydration is causedby the excessive loss of fluids. The condition must be treated by the replacement of fluids. It can result from a dog being kept in hot conditions for too long or from illness. Vomiting and diarrhea or a high fever will all cause dehydration.
When a dog becomes dehydrating the electrolytes in the dog's bodily fluids get out of balance. The electrolytes are mineral salts such as sodium, potassium and chloride. This can result in damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver. Ultimately this can prove fatal. Dogs do not have sweat glands like humans so they cool themselves by panting. This can lead to dehydrations just like excessive sweating can lead to dehydration in humans.
A dog must always have access to clean, fresh water. Keep a bowl of water accessible to the dog at all times in the house, yard and dog pen. If you use a dog pen in the house make sure there is water available there too. Change the water in all the dog's bowls at least every day. Never let the dog become overheated. Do not let it stay out in the yard in hot weather unless it has shade. But it is better to bring it indoors especially if you live in a warm climate. Dogs with a heavy coat are very prone to overheating. It may be best to have them clipped for summer.
Dogs should not be left in cars. Even with the window open slightly a car can quickly overheat. This can happen even in winter because the car acts like a greenhouse. So if you need to leave the dog, when you go into a store say, tether it somewhere shady. Encourage localstores to have a dog tethering spot at which water is available.
When you take your dog for a walk and especially if you take it jogging with you make sure it has access to water. Many dogs will happily lap water poured from your own water bottle. You can pour some into your hands if the dog can't drink from a jet of water. It's a good idea to keep some water and a bowl in the car.
Dried food is best for a dog's dental health but always make sure it has plenty of water too. If your dog is drinking from the toilet bowl this is not a good idea because there can be unpleasant chemical cleaners used in the bathroom. Give the door more water in its own bowl.
If your dog becomes seriously dehydrated you will notice that is nose is dry, its eyes look sunken and its skin lacks elasticity. A good test is to press the gums and if the color comes back quickly after you release the pressure then the dog is hydrated. But if the color comes back only slowly then the dog may be dehydrated.
A seriously dehydrated dog should only be allowed to drink water in small amounts slowly. Too much water all at once and it will vomit which will only add to the problem. The same electrolyte solutions that are used for children can be used for dogs and puppies. This can be useful in cases where the cause of dehydration is illness. If there is no obvious cause of the dehydration such as heat and exertion or a known illness for which the dog is already undergoing treatment than consult your veterinarian.

Puppy Training

Puppy Training Tips

The best period of training is about 70 days after puppies' birth. In addition, the normal training will start as soon as you become puppy's owner. The earlier you start, the better effect you will receive. In this period, the puppy has not yet been infected with any bad habits, so it is much easier for breeder to train it.
1. Adapt to their new homes Puppy is curious and sensitive. It seems to be strange to new environment, although the owner has provided new and comfortable living conditions for it. Remember that it requires several days to adapt. You should keep quiet as possible as you can and not to disturb this new friend. Your puppy may eat and drink little at the beginning few days. Don't hurry to visit veterinarian. This is a normal phenomenon. Everything will get better after the puppy adapts to new home.
2. Puppy's habitat home You can prepare the cardboard box or buy a doghouse from pet store. In addition, your puppy need exclusive use food tray and water disk. Try not to use glass or porcelain products because they are easily broken. You'd better choose stainless steel, Plastic or aluminum and consider their sizes, depth and shapes to fit your puppy.
3. General management of puppies Proper feeding and health care is health guarantee. General management should include: regular vaccination, regular deworming, provision of nutritious and balanced food and daily care. Daily care involves: puppy's toy, bathing and combing and so on.
4. Teaching First of all, it should be clear that you're responsible to both your puppy and society, that is, to be a responsible pet owner. Teach your puppy according to the following criteria :

① Absolute obedience.

② Forbid it to relieve itself anywhere.

③ Rest in its own bed or nest.

④Eat or drink at its exclusive food tray.

⑤ not free to bite things.

5. Contact environment Puppies in the family need a gradual process to adapt to home and external environment. To contact environment is an excellent training for puppies' future life and taking part in dog shows. Do not be so anxious for everything; in particular, avoid contacting with sick dogs.
6. Call its name your puppy's name should be short and easy to remember. Call its name when you feed or play with it. It's easy to set up call reflection. Repeat several times, puppy will gradually know its name. Remember not to take two names for it, or it will not know what to do.
7. Correction Training When your puppy bites articles, you must loudly command it with commonly used words, such as "No". You'll save much trouble if you help it set up good habits from younger.

Train Dog to Form a Good Eating Manner

It is the daily functional training subject to train dog to form a good eating manner. This is not difficult to train it from eating by its instinct to eating slowly. Repeat several times you'll succeed. Don't feed it on the dining tableDon't give it food even if your dog is drooling around the dining table. Under this condition, you can scold it. If you really want to feed it, you must show it the place at which it usually eats. Never feed it on the dining table directly.

Train the Dog to Enter or Exit

Indoor dog is especially fond of activity. Sometimes it will flee as soon as you open the door. A t this moment you should stop it promptly by the command "wait" or "stand back". Then you can bring it to go out. When getting home, you should also first order the dog to wait and then say "ok" to let it enter the house.
Encourage the dogs which are afraid of going outSome indoor dogs are afraid of going out. You can pull this kind of dog to go out and stay a little while outside your house, and gently encourage it. Don't forget that the dogs which have good listening and marvelous sense of smell possibly present the frightened psychology.

Foods your dog should never eat

There are some foods that should never go into your dog's mouth because of the
hazards they pose. Here's a list of dangerous foods, and their associated problems.

Alcoholic beverages: Besides intoxicating your dog, alcohol can cause liver issues, neurological problems, seizures, coma and death. It isn't funny or cute to let your dog drink a few laps of booze. Just like you would do with a child, keep alcoholic beverages out of a dog's "reach."
Apple seeds: Apples themselves make a healthy treat, but the seeds contain cyanide, so pitch the core.
Avocados: The American Animal Hospital Association mentions avocados as being toxic, although there is research indicating that these toxins are limited to the leaves and pits of Guatemalan avocados.
Caffeine: Coffee, tea and some colas can cause increased breathing, bleeding and heart arrhythmias. In large amounts, it will kill your dog.
Chocolate: This is also extremely dangerous, attacking the gastrointestinal and neurological systems. Chocolate poisoning is caused by an adverse reaction to the alkaloid theobromine. Keep the Halloween and Easter goodies away from your dog.
Fatty foods: Don't turn your dog into a junk-food junkie! If it isn't good for you, why would you give it to your best friend? Large amounts of fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.
Fruit pits and pear pips: Like apple seeds, these also contain cyanide.
Garlic: In large amounts, garlic can make a dog anemic.
Grapes and raisins: These can cause organ failure. Dogs have been known to choke on grapes.
Hops: Like to brew your own beer? Keep your dog away from the hops. A dog with hop poisoning may pant heavily, experience seizures and die.
Macadamia nuts: Symptoms from eating macadamia nuts include severe abdominal pain and neurological issues.
Moldy foods: Certainly you wouldn't give these to a dog on purpose, but a crafty canine will discover a way into your trash. We found this out the hard way when one of our Mastiffs got into a trash bag that my husband forgot to take to the outdoor trash can. Cleaning up after a 170-pound vomiting dog in the middle of the night is not something I'd like to do again!
Mustard seeds: Gastroenteritis is usually the result for a dog who eats a large amount of these.
Nutmeg: This spice is not so nice for a dog. Ingestion can lead to tremors, seizures and death.
Onions and onion powder: Like garlic, onions can cause anemia in dogs.
Potato and tomato leaves and stems: Your dog may get serious stomach issues from eating the green parts of potatoes and tomatoes.
Rhubarb leaves: These are particularly dangerous, causing organ failure.
Salt: Excessive salt intake leads to salt toxicity, which in dogs leads to swelling and fluid retention in the brain. The dog may experience seizures, coma and death. If you make homemade playdough for your kids, keep the dog away, as most recipes call for a lot of salt.
Xylitol: Ingesting this artificial sweetener will trigger a spike in insulin, leading to a dramatic drop in blood sugar, which will throw your dog into shock and liver failure. Watch out for candy containing this product.
Yeast dough: If your dog eats raw dough, it will expand in your dog's stomach just like it would in an oven. Also, the fermentation of the yeast is toxic to the animal.
An "excessive amount" to a Chihuahua will be different than that of a Great Dane. But if you can keep these foods away from your dog, then you don't have to worry about how much is too much.

Now we get to subject of bones. Never give your dog cooked bones. They can easily splinter and get stuck in the dog's throat or digestive tract, requiring life-saving (and expensive) surgery. Raw, large joint bones are a much better alternative. The bones must be big enough that the dog can chew on them without swallowing them whole. Just remember to never leave a dog alone with one in case a big piece does chip off, and always inspect bones carefully for loose pieces. Also throw away any raw bones that have been sitting out past two days, as they can attract bacteria.

If you think your dog has eaten something poisonous or has swallowed a large piece of bone, take your buddy to the vet at the first sign of distress. And if you are in doubt over whether something you're eating is safe to share with your dog, it's better to just keep it to yourself. That way, you'll know your friend will be around to beg another day.

Tips to Keep Pets Warm

When the seasons move from summer into fall and winter, people adjust their routines and plan for colder weather. At the same time, take a few minutes to prepare your pets for the changing seasons. The following is a list of dos and don'ts to help you give your pets the cold-weather care they deserve.

Do provide proper shelter: If you can't keep your dog indoors during winter months, provide an elevated structure with a door to protect pets from wind and weather.Provide dry, clean bedding materials such as straw or blankets and replace bedding if it becomes damp or wet.Find a house large enough for you dog to be able to stand up and turn around, but small enough to retain her body heat.
Do provide indoor dogs with a warm sleeping area away from drafts.

Do use caution around bodies of water. Keep pets away from rivers, ponds and lakes as they begin to freeze. Continue to use caution even when the water appears completely frozen.

Do keep hair around paw pads trimmed. Less hair will help keep paws free of ice and snow, which can quickly ball up between footpads and create uncomfortable walking conditions for pets.

Do check paw pads for small cuts and cracks. Consider dog boots for dogs that react negatively to walking on ice and snow - especially dogs that react to snow removal products.

Do clean your dog's paws after walks to remove salt and snow removal chemicals, which can be toxic to pets.

Do check your dog's ears, tail and feet for frostbite. Just as dogs are sensitive to hot summer sidewalks, cold winter walkways may cause pain or contribute to frostbite. A dog that continually lifts individual legs off the ground during a winter walk may feel the effects of frostbite. Frostbitten skin may appear red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog's feet in a blanket or towels to gradually warm them and contact your veterinarian.

Do provide the proper type and amount of food for the season. Dogs housed outdoors and dogs that participate in strenuous outdoor activities may require additional food during colder weather. On the other hand, indoor dogs that exercise less frequently in colder months may need less food.

Do provide adequate fresh, unfrozen water. If your dog lives outside, consider investing in a heated water bowl. Indoor dogs also may require more water to combat dry winter air.

Do invest in a pet sweater for shorthaired breeds. Watch for telltale signs that your pet is cold. Like us, pets will shiver in response to being chilled.

Do keep puppies and older dogs indoors except for short periods of time. As with humans, young and old dogs are more susceptible to the effects of the cold.

Do keep dogs on a leash - especially during bad weather or snowstorms when they can lose their ability to find their way by smell.

Do pay attention to snow removal. Avoid piling snow near fences and creating an escape route for curious pets.

Do keep identification tags updated in the event your dog runs away.

Do clean up antifreeze spills immediately. Many dogs like the sweet smell and taste and, unfortunately, even very small amounts can be lethal to them. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to your veterinarian immediately. There may be time for Antizol-Vet, an anti-freeze antidote, to help your dog. Also consider using an animal-friendly anti-freeze.

Do maintain your pet's grooming schedule. Regular brushing keeps your dog's coat supple and prepared for the cold. However, when you bathe your pet, be sure to dry his coat thoroughly before allowing him outside.