Dog Food Ratings Or Dog Food Preferences - The Choice is Yours!

In searching for the right kind of dog food for your dog, you might come across dog food ratings. Basically, these ratings just tell you the quality of the dog food they are offering. But having a high dog food rating doesn't really mean that your pooch will love it. You still have to use your owner's instinct and common sense to choose the right food for your dog.

Indeed, choosing the best dog food goes beyond dog food ratings. But with all the products available today, it can be a confusing choice to make without the ratings to guide you. Nevertheless, you still need to know the factors which can affect your selection of dog food.

Your dog's age is of prime importance when choosing a dog food since dogs of different ages have different nutritional requirements. You should also look at your dog's present body condition. If your dog is a couch potato, he will certainly have different needs compared to one who loves playing in the yard. Choose a dog food that will meet what your dog needs in terms of activity.

Your dog's health history is also another important factor to consider. If he suffers from allergies or digestion difficulties, you have to look for a dog food that is appropriate for his condition. Also to consider is the budget you have for dog food. In general, a higher priced dog food will be healthier but in the end it all boils down to the best kind of dog food you can afford.

Dog food ratings, on the other hand, will not matter to your dogs at all. You have to remember that dogs are just like humans. They have individual needs and preferences. Some dogs love canned food while others prefer dry dog foods. And there are dogs that love chicken while yours may prefer beef.

The choice of the right dog food to give is really a trial and error process. You may have to go through different dog foods before getting one that your dog will actually eat and that will meet his nutritional requirements at the same time.

Aside from dog food ratings, you also need to look at the dog food ingredients closely. Ingredients are listed by weight and the best dog foods are those that have meat or fish listed as the first ingredient. With meat or fish as the first ingredient, you are assured that your dog is getting protein from the right sources. Your dog food should not contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and color. Instead, it must be rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy coat and optimum activity.

When you are shifting your dog from one kind of dog food to another, allow ample time for your dog to get used to his new food. Wait a month before you make any judgment on whether or not a particular dog food is appropriate for your dog. If you are still confused on which dog food to buy and are unsure about choosing them through dog food ratings alone, consult your veterinarian.

Article Source: http://www.shortwriteups.com

Preventing Animal Abuse by Teaching Children to Care for Pets

It’s sad to say that animal abuse is a growing problem in the United States. One recent article said that in the economic downturn, more and more pets were being abandoned, and other statistics show that in times of economic stress, abuse of all kinds-pets, children, spouses, and elders-increases measurably. Rather like small children, pets thrive on affection, structure, and positive interaction, yet in too many circumstances, this isn’t what they’re getting at all.

When our kids get their hands on a puppy or a kitten, when the whining and begging starts ("pleeeease? I’ll take care of it, I’ll feed it and walk it, you won’t have to do anything"), we do, of course, have to consider whether our family has the time and resources to give this small pet its best chance at a good, rewarding life. But before you groan at the prospect of vet bills and chewed-up slippers, think of all the things that our children can learn from taking care of pets. Being patiently taught how to care for a pet can foster the kind of empathy and responsibility in a child that can prevent animal abuse from happening in the future.

Tell your children about animal abuse. Children have deeply good hearts; they will be appalled to hear how some people treat animals. Remind them that some people get bored with their pets and neglect them, or that they get angry and hurt them. Tell them that those actions are not acceptable, and that if you bring a pet into your home, it will not be treated like that—even when its caretakers get bored or angry.

Remind your children that baby animals grow up. A cute, cuddly puppy or kitten will be a full-grown dog or cat in about a year. It will still be lovable and affectionate, but it won’t be tiny, and it won’t be as cute as it was when you couldn’t resist it. A commitment to a pet is a commitment for the pet’s entire life, not only when they’re small and cute, but also when they’re older. Getting tired of an older dog or cat is no excuse to neglect or mistreat it.

Make it clear that the less pleasant duties will be shared by all. Yes, this means housebreaking duties. Small kittens still need to learn about the litter box, and puppies are notoriously prone to accidents. If a child isn’t willing to do the icky stuff like clean the litter box and pick up the accidents, they are not doing their duty by their pet. Remind them that they wore diapers when they were little, but animals don’t get to do that.

Show them how their feelings are like the pet’s feelings. Even small children can understand the connections between their experience and their pet’s experience. How would your children feel if you simply “forgot” to make dinner one evening? Or if you kicked them out of the way instead of asking them politely to move? Or if you never had time to cuddle or play with them? The idea that their caregiver, the one who is supposed to love them best, would do any of those things is unthinkable, but they can grasp that they are the caregivers and love-givers to their pet, and should no more do those things to an animal than a parent would do them to a child.

Taking advantage of these simple teaching opportunities can develop empathy, kindness, and responsibility in children. The more children who develop these important qualities, the better chance we have of eradicating animal abuse for all generations.
Article Source: http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com/diy

How To Become A Top Dog Breeder

Many people want to become good dog breeders. Dog breeding and doing it properly is an expensive hobby. There is the picking up of a good bitch, waiting for her to become old enough before breeding, choosing the best dog for her to mate with, and undertaking all the health checks she needs, and ensure that the dog you need also passes through the same health checks. There are potential extra expenses during pregnancy, you have to pay a stud fee (or return a puppy), you have the time at your disposal, and can incur the expense of whelping. The puppies are to be kept for a minimum of 8 weeks before sending them to their homes.
There is the need to advertise and look for good homes before sending them to their homes. As a breeder, you also need to see that the dogs have had their shots before going. You may be and ardent dog lover and want to better a particular breed of dogs. You may devote your time and energy to bettering a particular breed of dogs. Often this requires breeding dogs of a particular bloodline, thus creating particular traits that will be passed down through future generations. There is the requirement to have one or two un-neutered female dogs. If you have two or three adult dogs, you may not even need to register your kennel.
A good dog breeder does not want to use dogs with major blemishes. The breeder may show the dogs to endeavor to have a championship before breeding them. This increases the value of the dog's future puppies. It also leads to the breeder networking with the people who know the most about the breed. The dog may not get a championship but a few wins and the dog exhibitors will take you more seriously. If one of the exhibitors has a dog with characteristics that will even out any of the flaws that your dog has, then you can breed show quality puppies.
If, as a dog breeder, you want to breed dogs for many years, you may want to choose a kennel name. The kennel name has to be registered with the corresponding Kennel Club. It may be a good idea to get a kennel permit. The permit will eventually be needed as you may require a few puppies to continue the bloodline. There is the requirement to get the permit before you are attached to your puppies. When you are breeding your dog for the first time, you should seek out a male dog that belongs to a practiced dog breeder. When the dog has bred, you need to take it to the veterinarian. You need to ask the vet about the birthing procedure. When the delivery time comes near prepare a quiet spot for your dog to deliver. These steps ensure that you are a successful dog breeder and you take care of your dog and ensure that the best dogs only breed to carry on the bloodline.

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The American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo dog has a long history dating back to German settlers. Apparently the dog breed is descended from the Spitz breed. You will also be glad to learn that this particular dog was a working in circuses for many years. This means that along with the affection and intelligence they show you will also find an agility and alertness that makes them a true companion. They can learn many skills in training from tricks to actual work with dog sleds. They are a hardy breed, which means they do not have many health issues. You will also find that they enjoy large families. The American Eskimo dog will be really great with children as well as other pets. They can be suspicious of strangers, but most often you will find they are quick to get over these feelings. In fact they will bark as a stranger approaches and make great guard dogs. American Eskimo dogs need a lot of attention, which means part of their care is the amount of exercise, playtime, and general time you spend with them.

You will need to be around the dog for most of the day. This means frequent trips home during the day if you work out of the home to offer playtime as well as exercise. They should have at least an hour of exercise a day and you should never leave them alone while you are on vacation. They tend to become destructive if they are isolated for long periods of time. You will find that they are great at giving love as well as receiving it. For training you will find they are easy to please. This means that they will enjoy the training because they get to play and they will listen to your commands and be very alert. You may have some trouble with obedience, but most often that is short lived with a firm, but gentle hand.

This dog breed needs a large backyard and home. They can do okay in apartments as long as most of the day is spent out side playing. They are also very active indoors so make sure you have plenty of toys for them to enjoy. For grooming you will find that the care is a little more in depth than other pets. The American Eskimo dog needs to have a daily brushing after their walk in the evening. This will help keep the hair from matting as well as tangles. It will also get rid of any dead or loose hair they may have. They have dry skin so bathing is not recommended.

The American Eskimo dog is one of the most beautiful dog breeds you will find. This dog is of medium size offering a white, cream, or biscuit colour. They’re size proportions are 30 to 40 pounds and an average height of 12- 19 depending on the gender of the animal. You will find that in most cases the male dog is slightly bigger than the female. Going back to the coat for a moment you will find that with the longer hair they tend to shed a little more in warmer months, but typically in Alaska and other cold parts of the country they will not shed very much. The coat is a double fur with a thick undercoat for warmth and a top coat that is very soft and bushy. The coat will usually be straight. The tail on this particular dog will curl up like most of the Husky breeds to lie on the back. The muzzle is long, and they have short pointed ears.
Article Source: http://www.za77.org

Pet Oxygen Masks: Saving Pets' Lives

The image of a lifeless family dog, unconscious from smoke inhalation, whose only movement is the occasional twitching of a leg, is strong. But the image of the same dog being resuscitated with custom pet emergency equipment is even stronger.

Fire houses across the country are reaping the benefits of animal oxygen recovery masks, designed to fit over a pet's mouth and nose while delivering oxygen. These masks can be used on just about any animal from a snake to a Saint Bernard.

The masks, manufactured in New Zealand by McCulloch Medical and purchased from SurgiVet, Inc., have already saved the lives of scores of pets. Cities, and even entire states, nationwide are realizing the value of an animal life.

Daytona Beach, Fla., was the first city in the nation to be fully equipped with the masks and Delaware recently became the first state to carry the masks in every one of their fire stations.

H.E.L.P. Animals Inc., a 501(c)(3) tax deductible, nonprofit and all volunteer organization out of Orange City, Fla., has distributed thousands of masks since their formation in 2003. The acronym H.E.L.P may spell out Health Educate Love Protect but it also spells out their cause.

For this small group of women, what began in their hometown quickly moved across the county, then the state and eventually nationwide.

"As a group, we do not rescue, house, foster, picket for causes and hate breeders," said Karen Clark, H.E.L.P Animals Inc. public relations officer. "And absolutely nothing political. We are not professional fundraisers."

The recovery mask sets, which come complete with three different sizes, can be purchased by anyone from H.E.L.P Animals who agrees to donate them to a municipal rescue agency or charity.

Because H.E.L.P will not send the masks to any commercial business for profit in resale, they have a special pricing of $55 per mask set.

To date, H.E.L.P has distributed over 5,000 mask sets and about 150 large K9 masks for working dogs.

On top of the masks, H.E.L.P supplies donated medical supplies to licensed wildlife rehabbers and animals shelters. They also have a successful free spay and neuter program, low cost pet shot clinics and a service dog fund for those who can’t afford medical help for their service dogs.

Although support and feedback has been mostly positive, the organization has encountered some critics.

"I have run into a few hardliners, mostly non-pet owners, said Clark. "They used to say that the masks have to go though testing and they might be turned down."

Clark uses NASA to sway critics. "I let them know that USAF/NASA Kennedy Space Center Ground Support has them," said Clark. "They usually change their minds real quick."

As for fire fighters, the donated masks are welcome, with many realizing their great potential, both for the animal lives and owner emotions.

The Coral Gables, Fla., Fire Department cites the heightened sense of smell in cats and dogs as a disadvantage during a fire. It's this heightened sense that makes them even more vulnerable to the effects of smoke, fumes and toxic gases.

According to Coral Gables Fire Chief Richard Cook, "Treating pet patients quickly and effectively is key to their survival."

Survival is the key word for pet owners across the country. The masks growing popularity indicate how important pets are to their owners today.

"There are many times when the pet is the only family that people have," Clark said. "People will risk their own lives to go back in and get their loved ones. I mean all pets, not just cats and dogs."

For more information on H.E.L.P Animals Inc. or on how you can contribute visit www.helpanimalsinc.org. Project leader Cheryl Crozier will personally handle the order and can be contacted by e-mail at oxygenmaskorder@helpanimalsinc.org. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling (386) 479-9700.

H.E.L.P Animal's web site stresses the need for community, volunteer and individual involvement in the program. "Unfortunately, there is no government funding for these programs," their mission statement says. "We will need public support to achieve our goals. Any donation large or small will be appreciated."

Article Source: http://www.phalenes.org/articles

Your New Puppy Meets Your Older Dog

You have a new puppy coming into the family and you are in need of some new puppy advice. There is an older faithful dog that has been a long standing family member and they must be introduced. This is one of the dreaded steps of bringing your new puppy home. Your present dog will already have his territorial boundaries set in the home and in the yard. Not to mention the bonds and the protective tendencies your dog will have over the family members.
When introducing your new puppy into your home you are going to have a lot of time spent house training him and teaching him the behavior that is acceptable in your home. In addition to the time effort and love that will go in to the new puppy training you have to balance your time and affection with your dog. There will be an extra need for love and attention for your dog to keep the peace in the family. Peace between your new puppy and your older dog is the ultimate goal. Let's go over some helpful bits of wisdom to make this process less stressful for not only you but also for your new puppy and your other dog.
1. It is very important that you allow your new puppy and your older dog to establish the pecking order. It is best for you to remain as uninvolved in this process as possible. Both your new puppy and the dog you had previously will read your body language and your tension levels. If you are scared or worried about this process they will know it and it will be more stressful. Your stress will stress your new puppy and especially your existing dog that is already in tune to your body language. (Assuming that the grown dog is not aggressive, these steps will be very helpful. If your grown dog is known to be aggressive it will be necessary to contact a professional who works with aggressive dogs that can walk you through the appropriate steps.) Put your older dog on a leash. This gives you a measure of control if your more mature dog gets over protective at their first meeting. If this happens, take your older dog away from your new puppy and start the process over. Remembering to stay calm and in control as they will look to you as the pack leader. Allow your new puppy and your older dog to sniff and investigate each other with as little intervention as possible. They will quickly establish the pecking order. Surprisingly, it will not always be the older dog. One of them will have a more prominent personality and that will be the one that will lead in the pecking order. I will be sharing more information on helping your dogs establishing the pecking order that you desire them to have in a later article.
2. Learning the needs and the mode of communication of both your new puppy and your older dog is also important. Our dogs are a lot like people. You already know the current needs of your older dog but they may change slightly after you bring your new puppy into the family. As you learn the temperament and the personality of each dog, you can use this knowledge to understand how to meet their emotional needs. In meeting both your new puppy's needs and your older dog's emotional needs, will create less of a competitive atmosphere between your dogs. This will go a long way to make the adjustment period more peaceful. Before your new puppy and your older dog are introduced, take some time with your older dog to make him will feel his place in the family is more secure.

Article Source: http://articles-mart.com

Neighbors Dog Barking? Here Is What I Did To Solve This Problem

Working at home is something many people want to do for obvious reasons. After being able to work at home however, I found out there is one possible drawback: neighbors barking dogs.

At my last house I had two neighbors directly behind my house and each had large dogs. I had set up my back bedroom into an office and spent much of my day there. It didn't take long to find out that these two dogs were constantly barking while their owners were off at work. One of the dogs in particular barked every few seconds all day long. I guessed that the dog probably barked on average a bark per every two seconds which would mean around 18,000 barks a day! That sounds unrealistic, but I swear it is the truth.

The other dog didn't bark as much. Perhaps it barked only a few hundred times a day, but it was much louder and when they barked together it was not pleasant. This isn't how working at home should be.

So what I did was first go and talk to the neighbors. My thought was that I would not be angry when I talked to them because they were probably unaware that their dogs bark this much while they were gone. How would they know since they are gone? The dogs didn't bark like this when they were home after all.

Before hand though I found a website that had some products that help stop a dog from barking. There are several different types of products that help with this. The most common are dog barking collars. There are a few different types of collars also. Some emit an electric shock whenever a dog barks. A more sensitive collar sprays a mist solution at the dogs face when it barks. There are also various other products that stop dogs from barking.

I wrote the name of the website down on a paper and walked over to the neighbors house. When the answered the door I introduced myself with a smile and told them I work during the day at home. Then I added that they may not realize it but their dog is constantly barking while they were away.

One of the two neighbors immediately felt bad and apologized. I told them I felt bad for the dog as it seemed to be having anxiety or separation issues, but I also said it made it very difficult for me to concentrate while working. I then pulled out the piece of paper with the websites name on it and gave it to them while suggestions that there are easy and relatively inexpensive ways to solve the problem.

What eventually happened is one of the neighbors was very cooperative and I noticed a big difference with their dogs barking. Now, the other neighbor is another story. They were not cooperative and the dog kept barking as much as ever. What I did to combat this will be the subject of another article, because there are steps to take when the neighbor ignores your complaints.

Article Source: http://www.thecoolestinfo.com

Bird Dander Air Purifier--5 Reasons to Remove Bird Dander From Your Air

Any bird in captivity is subject to many more airborne pollutants unless their is filtration to constantly remove them. Bird dander is a major health problem for both birds and humans and here are 5 good reasons to get rid of it now.

Small Air Passages--One of the reasons they have small air passages is because their bodies are small. But their airways are also designed differently and as such are far more efficient at supplying oxygen to their little bodies than humans.

Small air passages are a prime target for dust and/or mites if your bird's air is unfiltered. Clogged air passages can lead to grave health problems for your bird very quickly. Filtering the air of particulates such as their own dander, and powder (from powder down birds such as African Greys, Cockatoos, and Cockatiels) will very quickly determine whether your bird is able to breathe or not.

Efficient Delivery of Oxygen--Though small, the tubes that transport the air from outside to the air sacs at the back of the bird's body do so with great speed. So once the bird's breast bone forces air in through the air passages, the air sacs then push that air into the blood stream pushing carbon dioxide out.

Using a cleaner that can constantly insure that your bird is breathing clean air gives you feathered friend a huge advantage towards good health and a long life. If the air contains harmful airborne gases, chemicals, or smoke, this same marvelous system that makes oxygenation so swift and efficient is then used against them.

The harmful gases are delivered just as swiftly and often cause death immediately. Constant filtration by an air purifier with a filter that can absorb these invisible pollutants will improve your bird's chances of a long and healthy life.

Clogged Air Passages Lead to Infection--The tubes (respiratory tract) that carry the air to your bird's air sacs should remain clear all the time. Otherwise they are more likely to become subject to respiratory tract infections. Aspergillosis is one such fungal infection that can start in air passages and if not caught in time can spread to other parts of the body and cause death.

Infection and Diseases are Hard to Detect--Birds are programmed to disguise weakness caused by illness. This is to prevent them from becoming prey to stronger birds. In captivity, this makes it extremely difficult to detect problems early. Many times once you see symptoms your friend is gravely ill.

Taking proactive steps daily, such as air filtration, cleaning the cage, clearing away feces promptly, providing fresh water and food and removing them before they become moldy and can be ingested by your bird are just a few of the offensive measures you can take that will keep your bird healthy

Bird Dander Affects People--How it affects you differs from one person to another. If you have allergies, asthma, respiratory problems or a compromised immune system you stand a greater chance of having adverse reactions to the bird dander, feathers, and dust that come with owning a bird.

If you are healthy, and you maintain a space that is clean and well filtrated, and you have one or 2 birds in reasonably sized space, you will probably be just fine.

However, there are some diseases that are able to be transferred from birds to humans by attaching to, among other particles, bird dander. The most well known of these diseases is called Psittacosis, or Chlamydiosis, and is sometimes more commonly referred to as Parrots Fever.

The name Parrots Fever probably stuck because parrots are generally more susceptible to the disease than other birds. One of the ways that this disease travels is by attaching to minute particulates such as dander, feathers, bird dust or dried feces and being inhaled or ingested by other birds and humans.

Many believe that the chances are slim for developing Chlamydiosis from your bird. But it is of little consolation if you are one of the few. Filtering your air does nothing but increase the chances of good health for you and your bird.

And besides, a caretaker who is healthy and feels good around their bird is able to provide the best care possible, which is the care that every pet bird deserves.

Article Source: http://www.share.citynewslive.com

Pet Grab-n-Go Pet Cage Covers: Creating Safer And Easier Travel For Pets

Pet Grab-n-Go is a revolutionary design that gives customers the simplest and safest solution for pet transport through its outstanding pet cage covers. The Pet Grab-n-Go design creates the greatest choice in pet cage covers or carry-alls, offering a new, unparalleled level of storage convenience and transportation ease for pet owners.

The Pet Grab-n-Go system was developed in order to give pet owners the premier transportation system, bringing outstanding materials storage to the traditional design of pet cage covers. The creators of Pet Grab-n-Go designed their pet cage covers to allow for instant retrieval of important documents and records, letting pet sitters, rescuers or police and fire workers quickly find veterinary records, supplies, photo ID and more. Coupled with the pet cage covers’ roll-up flaps (for adjustable air flow) and protective cover, Pet Grab-n-Go makes for the safest and most comfortable system available to pet owners.

Pet Grab-n-Go pet cage covers host a plethora of useful features, easily allowing buyers to keep (and transport) all of their pet’s records, toys and more with a single, convenient system. The Pet Grab-n-Go covers cages, carriers and crates, folding and buckling for simple storage and carrying. The pet cage covers are created with a water-repellant material that features quick drying, breathable, durable, stain-resistant, lightweight fabric and plenty of pockets for record storage. Pet Grab-n-Go features a handy shoulder strap for personal carrying or closet storage, a reversible design with pockets on both sides, pet cage covers openings for cage or crate handles and ample room for keeping toys, food and water bowls, litter, leash or grooming items on hand while on the move. The Pet Grab-n-Go is much more than a pet cage cover as well. The system’s unique, folding design and straps make it a great choice for a shouldered, carry-all bag, providing ample room for the convenient transport of documents, medical supplies or pet accessories. Pet Grab-n-Go can be hung in a closet and stocked with pet supplies, ready to go at a moment’s notice and creating a great tool for even those pet owners without crates, carriers or cages.

Customers can purchase Pet Grab-n-Go pet cage covers in three different sizes, tailor designed to accommodate various breeds of cats and dogs. The small size (13” W x 22” L x 16” H) is ideal for animals up to 25 pounds, the medium (20” W x 30” L x 23” H) being suited for up to 40 pounds and the large Pet Grab-n-Go(24” W x 36” L x 26” H) offering coverage for pets larger pets greater than 40 pounds Each of Pet Grab-N-Go’s pet cage covers is available in either red or black color options.

The official Pet Grab-n-Go website provides every detail customers require when considering the purchase of their own pet cage covers. Potential buyers can learn more about the design, reading more about specific measurements and features or view a brief video that illustrates the pet cage covers well. Pet Grab-n-Go can also be contacted through its homepage, letting customers get in touch with a friendly support representative for further information or ordering options.

Pet cage covers from Pet Grab-n-Go make the safe transport of animals simpler than ever, combining safe transport with the easiest material storage possible in a pet accessory carriage system. Visit the Pet Grab-n-Go website to learn more about the revolutionary pet cage covers available or to place an order today.

For more information on Pet Grab-n-Go and its pet cage covers or carry-alls, visit PetGrab-N-Go.

Article Source: http://www.articles4y.com

Diabetic Dog Food.

Dogs commonly suffer from diabetes, which is caused by abnormal metabolism of the body's insulin hormone. Symptoms generally include weight loss, frequent urination, increased thirst, and above-average blood glucose levels. Changes in appetite may also occur. Because diabetes can also cause cataracts, treatment is necessary to prevent blindness, as well as malnutrition and other life-threatening symptoms.

One way to control blood-glucose levels are to put your dog on a special diet, which will enable you track their carbohydrate and sugar intake. A higher protein, lower carbohydrate diet will help stabilize blood glucose, since the protein in food is converted to glucose more slowly than the starch.

The best way to keep your dog's diabetes under control is to feed him diabetic dog food, which is low in sugar and carbohydrates. Most dog owners are unaware of the amounts of carbohydrates and sugar contained in commercial dog food (this is true of all types of dog food, wet and dry). Carbohydrates are considered a form of sugar because they are metabolized into glucose.

In addition to regulating blood-sugar and insulin levels, the pancreas produces enzymes that break down fats. Choosing a low-fat food for a diabetic dog is important, as this helps to avoid putting too much stress on his pancreas. Nutritionists say that while some fat is required for good health, it is best to keep fat intake to a minimum. Also be sure your dog's food contains no added sugar, salt, wheat, coloring, or artificial preservatives. Use only natural meat stock and oats for flavor, and use grains sparingly—the body turns carbohydrates into glucose. It is also a good idea to add fresh vegetables and raw fruits, which contain natural sugars and are high in nutrients and vitamins.

It is important to control not only the amount of sugar in a diabetic dog’s food, but also the amount of food and the frequency with which they are fed. Rather than feeding your dog a single large meal, you should feed him smaller meals throughout the course of the day. Smaller meals can stabilize blood-sugar levels, whereas a single large meal causes a high insulin spike, followed by a drop over the next twelve hours. Plummeting blood-sugar can result in hypoglycemias, which is a serious condition.

A well-established routine combining scheduled meal times treats, and exercise is very important to maintaining the good health of your diabetic dog. Keep your pet's weight at an optimal level; simple dietary changes often make insulin therapy unnecessary for people—or pets—with diabetes, so feed them well.

Article Source: http://www.article-heaven.com

Older Animals and Pet Meds: Harm or Help?

For many years, veterinarians have been trying to figure out how to extend the life of the pets that we love so much. There is nothing more heart-wrenching than owning an older animal, and having to watch them deteriorate with age. Owners are willing to do anything to prolong the quality of life for their pets, and in some cases, pet meds can help. However, in certain situations, pet meds can do more harm than good. This decision is one best made by your veterinarian, and yourself, in a discussion about what is best for your pet individually depending on their age and health.

The chief ailments in aging pets include joint inflammation, arthritis and hip dysplasia. For these ailments, there are anti-inflammatories and pain medications that can help better the quality of life in aging pets. Just like humans, pets have many similar ailments, and aging owners know how painful arthritis and joint inflammation can be. In many cases, medications are a healthy and proactive way of making pets more comfortable throughout their golden years.

For younger pet owners, it is important to mention the use of supplements to use throughout your pets life, in an effort to increase bone density and keep joints, skin and bones healthier longer. This is helpful for when a pet reaches a senior status. With helpful supplements throughout their life, their body will be less likely to encounter ailments as they increase with age. However, it is best to speak with your veterinarian to decide which supplements are best to use, and when you should start using them. Generally speaking, puppies and kittens do not require the use of supplements for their bones and joints. It is also important to remember that certain brands of veterinarian pet food already include supplements for aging or senior animals.

Heartworm is another disease that senior pet owners need to be aware of. Heartworm is more common in older animals, but it is important to start protecting your pet from heartworms at a younger. Heartworm medication is a one-time medication, usually given orally once a year. This protection is inexpensive and can drastically prolong the life of your pet by providing a longer, higher quality life.

Other aging pet meds include bladder control medications, which can help the less desirable effects of aging in home-bound animals. A senior pet that was once fully house trained could suddenly have incontinence issues, and bladder control medications can drastically improve the quality of life for your pet and make you much happier as well.

There are a variety of ailments that can require the usage of steroids as well. However, steroids can cause renal failure in dogs and cats when used for long periods of time. It is important though, to realize that while steroids may shave time off the end of your pet’s life, the medication can improve the quality of life exponentially, providing for a higher quality of life for the time your pet is alive.

It is important to remember that even senior animals require flea and tick control treatments to ward off those nasty, annoying bugs. Fleas and ticks can spread disease on animals similar to the way they do to humans, by biting their skin. You can easily avoid many diseases that are flea and tick spread by using topical or oral treatments to ward off those unfriendly invaders.

Many of the medications used by animals are also used on humans. It is surprising to hear your doctor prescribe the same medication your own family physician has prescribed to you. Most medications for pets, while being similar to human usage, are dosed quite differently for pets. If you give your aging or younger pet medication that is not the correct dosage, or is not appropriate for their specific ailment, you can possibly do more harm than good, and, unlike humans, your pet will not be able to tell you when they are not feeling well due to your mistake.

There are many pet medication websites available on the Internet. While they offer incredible deals on pet medications, it is important to look for a few things before you purchase medications. You should first require a prescription from a veterinarian to purchase any medication that is not over the counter. Most over the counter medications such as supplements, flea and tick control medications, heartworm medications and skin treatments as well as certain shampoos. However, just like for humans, narcotics, arthritis medications, joint medications and other medications that you would normally get from a doctor are by prescription only. If you can easily purchase these medications from a website without a prescription from a vet, then look elsewhere for an online pet medication website.
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Factors to Consider before Adopting a Dog

Those big brown puppy eyes staring at you can surely melt your heart. You cannot help but want to take him home with you. It does not take a lot of effort to convince us to adopt a dog, because they are such adorable pets- loyal, fun, and lovable. However, before you decide on this, make sure to consider the following:

First of all, you need to understand that adopting a dog is a long-term commitment. A dog’s life span is about nine to fifteen years. Additionally, it will also cost you time and money, and though having a pet is extremely rewarding, it is not something to be considered lightly.

1. Reason for adopting a dog. Ask yourself, why do you want a dog? Do you want companionship? Do you want a pet to play with your kids? Or do you want a dog to guard your house when you are away?

2. Time you can spare. If you have not realized it yet, dogs, just like us, need to be spent time with. You have to feed, bathe, exercise, and train your dog. There is no such thing as a ‘day off’ when it comes to caring for your dogs.

3. Budget. Costs will include: training classes, vet care, toys, grooming, licenses, neutering and spaying, vaccinations, and food.

4. Dealing with problems. Dogs can get sick, suffer from flea infestations, become injured, and many other things that will require treatment. These will cost you money.

5. Home for your dog. Some communities do not allow residents to own a dog, more so if you are staying in an apartment. And even if your place allows dogs, do you have enough room for him? Small dogs require large spaces because they are very active and cannot be confined in a small area, while large dogs can stay in compact rooms because they can just lie down on the floor all day.

6. Substitute caregivers. If you go on vacation, who will take care of your dog? You should make sure somebody will be able to feed and care for him when you are away.

7. Lifetime commitment. As mentioned earlier, dogs can live nine to fifteen years, depending on his breed. Are you ready to care for him for that long? If your answer is a yes, then by all means, adopt a dog. But if you are not sure of this commitment, then it is best you think it over and over again before making a decision.

Many dog owners end up leaving their dogs in shelters because they realized too late that they could not really care for them. Another reason is the irresponsible breeding of dogs and being unable to manage it later on.

Just bear in mind that adopting a dog is not an easy feat. Rewarding, yes, but it requires time, responsibility, money, and a lot of love on your part. Make sure you are ready for such a commitment.

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Keep Mammoth Dog Beds In Mind For Your Large Dog

Most all dog owners that you will come across can not stand the thought of their beloved four legged friend sleeping on the cold floor while they are comfortably sleeping on their bed. This can especially ring true for those that happen to own a larger breed of dog. While they do not what their dog to be uncomfortable, the dog owners do not want to be uncomfortable either by having to share their bed with their over-sized dog because, then they will be experiencing a poor nights sleep. This is where a Mammoth Dog Bed would be very useful.

Dog beds have always been very useful to the dog owner. No matter what size of dog that you happen to have, a dog bed allows a dog to have their own comfortable place in their home and to be able to rest and relax in between all of their daily activities. A dog bed is a soft and warm place for a dog to be able to sleep at night so they are not taking up any room on their owners bed.

Now while it is incredibly simple to locate a stylish and comfortable dog bed for smaller sized dogs it can be a bit more of a challenge to locate a comfortable dog bed for the larger breed dog. This is where a Mammoth Dog Bed comes in. A Mammoth Dog Bed is a dog bed that is designed with dogs who are at least 100 pounds or more in mind. Mammoth Dog Beds come in a variety of designs and colors so you will be able to find a bed that will suit either a male or female large breed dog. Mammoth Dog Beds also come in a variety of shapes as you can get them shaped as a doughnut, a couch bed or shaped as a sofa bed. Mammoth Dog Beds are made from materials that are going to best comfort large framed dogs. Before purchasing your Mammoth Dog Bed you need to first pay attention to the way that your dog sleeps so that you will end up purchasing the correct bed. Does your large breed dog enjoy sleeping curled up or stretched out? This is important information to have so that you are going to purchase a bed that your dog is going to want to sleep on.

So if you are a dog owner of a larger breed dog that is tired of fighting for a spot on your own bed and doesn't want their dog to be uncomfortable on the floor, then it is time to go out and purchase a Mammoth Dog Bed. Your dog will be happy and so will you!

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Shark Dives In Australia

Australia is probably not the first place that comes into mind if you think about swimming with sharks. But actually Australia is a great place to swim and dive with sharks.

Australia is the place for everything from a simple one-day aquarium shark dive to a several-day live-aboard scuba shark diving expedition. It is also possible to try cage diving.

Do you want to try to scuba dive with grey nurse sharks and wobbygong sharks? Then you should go to South West Rocks, which is voted among the top ten scuba dive sites in Australia. Sheer walls plunge to an average depth of 30 meters in an area that is rarely affected by current.

But the greatest thrill of them all is a great white shark dive. And you do not have to go all the way to South Africa to do it. This special kind of scuba diving can also be done in Australia.

It is possible to go on a great white shark diving expedition from Sydney. But Adelaide and Port Lincoln in South Australia is more popular departure points from tour dive sites with great white sharks.

Both Adelaide and Port Lincoln is great places to start a live-aboard great white shark cage dive expedition. From here you sail to Neptune Islands in the Southern Ocean. Even though the main attraction is the great white sharks, you can also see a lot of other interesting animals like a huge amount of birds, fur seals, dolphins and even the rare and beautiful Australian sea lion.

So if you are on vacation in Australia and you have never tried a cage dive among great white sharks, Australia is a great place to try it for the first time.

If you like to do a more easy and convenient shark dive, instead you can do an aquarium shark dive. In Australia there are several places like Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, where you can swim with sharks in aquariums.

If you are not a certified diver you will normally be offered and introduction to diving in a pool (certified divers can skip this part). After the introduction to diving and the sharks, you can start the actual shark dive in the big tanks of the aquarium. Sometimes you can even feed the sharks. If they like, your family and friends can watch the dive from outside.

So if you think a great white shark dive is a little too thrilling and difficult, an aquarium shark dive is a great way to see those amazing animals close up.

Australia is a great place to try shark diving; no matter if it is a great white shark dive in the open water or a more relaxing shark dive in an aquarium.

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Buying A Golden Retriever Puppy

We all know that Golden Retrievers are beautiful, obedient, and make great family pets and hunting dogs. Golden's also make great guide dogs for the blind, narcotic detection dogs, and even tracking dogs for finding missing people. Although there are many other dog breeds out there, Golden Retrievers remain one of the most versatile and most astonishing breeds that you can get.

Before you rush out and buy a Golden Retriever puppy, you should first take the time to learn a bit more about the breed. You can attend dog shows, meet with various owners of Golden Retrievers, and even go to your local kennel club. Most people who own Golden Retrievers are extremely proud of them and will be more than happy to share their enthusiasm with you.

When you buy you're Golden Retriever puppy, it's always a great idea to buy from a backyard breeder or local puppy mill. Backyard breeders are normally the best way to get a Golden puppy, as they know and care a lot about the breed in general. Although you can always go to a reputable breeder, backyard breeders aren't just in it for the money - they actually care about their dogs and want you to get the best Golden possible.

You can also visit the Golden Retriever Club of America and their local member clubs, as they can supply you with a list of breeders in your area. If these breeders don't have any Golden's for sale themselves, they will be more than willing to help you find what you're looking for. This way, you can get a Golden from a very reliable source.

Whatever you do, you should never rush into buying a Golden Retriever. You should always take your time, and have a little bit of patience. When you buy your puppy, you want a healthy puppy who will grow up to be a fine testament of the breed. By taking your time and making a careful decision, you can save yourself a lot of time and money later on down the road.

Golden puppies that are poor quality, are normally produced by breeders who just want to have a litter or breeders who are just looking for the profits and care very little about giving thoughts to looks, quality, or temperament. If you buy a puppy from either of these breeders, you'll more than likely end up with a puppy who has poor health, poor temperaments, and even disqualifications in breed.

When you get your puppy, you should always think long term. Only buy from a quality breeder, and you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Always remember that you aren't just buying a Golden Retriever puppy - you are buying a companion and a friend for life.

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Dog Nutrition: Preparing Proper Nutrition for the Senior Citizen Dog

When it comes to keeping pets, owners must be very careful about nutrition. If you have a dog, you have to ensure that your dog gets the best nutrition so that it lives healthy.

It is a big mistake to think that you can feed your dog anything under the sun. You have to take a lot of care about your dog’s nutrition in order to keep your dog fit and free from any kind of illness. Special care needs to be taken of dogs who are aged. Older dogs need more care because they are susceptible to health disorders.

Experienced dog owners already know that a dog’s diet has to be regulated according to its age. Those who are new to keeping pets will have to understand that the dog’s diet has to change according to its age.

The things that you have to change when your dog gets older are the number of times you feed your dog and the amount of food you give it. These two things are very important when it comes to the food habits of your dog.

Due to age, most dogs have a lack of appetite. After a certain age, you will notice that your dog is not to keen on eating. This surely means that you need to make a change in the diet in order to give your dog the required nutrition. Another major problem, along with lack of appetite is a weakened digestive system. With age, your dog will find it more and more difficult to eat and digest food. This is the time when you have to switch to many meals throughout the day for your dog so that it gets all the nutrition it requires.

The best food for an ageing dog is dry food that has been specially formulated for dogs of the higher age group. These dry foods are available in most pet food stores. However, before you choose a certain dog food, it is best to seek the advice of your dog’s veterinarian.
The dog food must have all the necessary nutrients that your dog needs, including vitamins, minerals, zinc, vitamin B and calcium.

Joint disease:

When you have an ageing dog, one of the illnesses that your dog will be most susceptible to is noninfectious osteoarthritis. Take your dog for regular checkups to ensure that your vet detects osteoarthritis in an early stage.

Given below are the illnesses which are likely to affect aged dogs:

Obesity, especially in big dogs.

Mechanical trauma from jumping or any other activity.

Torn ligaments in joints. The stifle joint, is most susceptible to ligament tear, especially in poodles.

Slipped knee cap. This is another disorder that is more common to the toy breeds.

Osteochondritis dissecans, which affects younger dogs.

Hip dysplasia.

Give your dog correct nutrition at all points in its life in order to ensure that it remains healthy. Love, care and regular checkups are also as important as the diet in order to keep your dog free from illnesses and give your dog a long and healthy life.

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Big Dog Clothing - The Reflection Personality of Pet Owners

Big Dog Clothing in the height of fashion is the most excellent way to go if you would like to dress your canine companion. As of today you can go for from a wide range of assortment of big dog clothes that can make the most fashion challenged pooch the toast of the canine community. There are many on sale dog clothes offerred with good quality and fashinable that you can have from any certain pet supply store.

Big Dog Clothing is flourishing trade and the big market in pet owners who are looking for good-looking canine clothes. On the market today, many special types of big dog clothes are obtainable such as basic T-shirts and sweatshirts. You can outfit your dog with suitable dog clothes and accessories because many from the most popular manufacturers of big dog clothes are make sales for a wide range of choice at different price point, so no more excuses not to clothes your canine companion.

It is truly rather remarkable to look at some of the usual bid dog clothes on the market today as you would think that they are made by or have professional designer touch . This is possibly goes for anyone especially pet owners who clothes up their big dog and would like to have a bit of excitement with their big dog clothes. In the line of Big Dog Clothing you also can find dog clothes that come with witty and humorous slogans printed on them. People will be sure to find endearing with this extra element.

The reflection the personality of pet owners can be seen from the way they dress or in a way she or he would be able to adequately express their pet. As a way of showing how much they worry and love their big dog, pet owners opt to acquire Big Dog Clothing. Their dogs extremely will be making their owners feel prouder about how good their dog looks but the dog won’t be aware of what these big dog clothes imply.

What have mentioned above was the main cause why so many people specially pet owner s are looking into big dog cloth es more and more today. You would plan to clothes your big dog since they are treated as more like members of your family than anything else as Big Dog Clothing are the easiest and better way to do.

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Training Your Dog using a PetSafe Electric Dog fence - Week 3

If your dog has successfully completed Phases 1 & 2, he is now ready to be off the leash while you are constantly supervising him. DO NOT leave your dog unattended during this phase. It is not uncommon for your dog to associate the training with his leash, or to the trainer, and he may leave the yard when these conditions change. If that happens, retrieve your dog, remove his collar and return to the yard. Many times, the dog will run back into the safe area of the yard by himself. If you are unable to retrieve him immediately, turn the transmitter off so that he can return without receiving a correction.

After six days of constantly supervising your pet while off the leash, you can begin to leave him unattended for short periods of time. Gradually, over the next week, begin building up the time your dog is left unattended.

Some dogs will want to stay near the house or may be hesitant to go outside. It may take a few days before your dog is confident to do so alone. If so, take your dog to the safe area and give him some meat treats, play with him and give him lots of praise to show him that it is safe to be outside.

Remember, if your dog is not properly and fully trained to the electric dog fence - it will not work. You cannot progress from one stage to the next without being certain that your dog has fully understood the previous stage. If you are unsure, spend the time to add a few extra days on a stage before proceeding. Remember - these electric dog fences are NOT a miracle cure, they cannot physically restrain a dog from leaving a yard. Your dog must be properly trained to the system (up to 30 days) for the dog fence to work. If you are hesitant or unsure about training the dog yourself, we recommend consulting a reputable Professional Trainer who has experence with electeronic dog fences. Or, your local PetSafe Professional dealer.

FINALLY - Two weeks after your pet can safely be left outside unattended, you may begin removing the training flags. Pull every other flag each day until all of the flags are removed. Once the flags are gone you can teach your dog how to safely walk over the boundary - this is called "Doorway training". Remove the dog fence collar and place him on a leash using a flat or slip collar. Encourage your dog to follow you by reassuring him and praising him. Most dogs will be reluctant, but you must be persistent. DO NOT allow your dog to "bolt through" the signal field. Teach him it is safe to cross with you while he is on a leash. Use a release word such as " FREE" . Be consistent and both exit the yard and re-enter it at the same point each time. Eventually your pet will associate the leash with leaving safely.

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