Holistic Dog Health and Supplements for Dogs

Ways of Preventing Struvite Crystals in Dogs

2009-05-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

Struvite crystals can cause a lot of discomfort to dogs. When left untreated, they can cause urinary infection. In addition, they can form into stones and cause more problems and discomfort to the affected dog.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from the occurrence of struvite crystals, the best thing you can do is to take your dog to your vet. Your vet can help you determine if your dog indeed has struvite crystals. He can also perform the proper medical procedure needed in order to rid the dog of the presence of these crystals.

The occurrence of struvite crystals is not only frustrating to dogs; it is also upsetting and frustrating to owners. That is why it is essential that as a responsible dog owner, you know ways of preventing struvite crystals in your dog.

There are several ways to prevent struvite crystals from interfering with your dog’s health. We have listed some of these ways below.

1. Ensure that your dog is drinking enough clean water every day. Clean water prevents the formation of struvite crystals in the dog’s bladder and also flushes out harmful bacteria that may accumulate in your dog’s urinary system. Filtered water is best for your dog. Avoid giving it tap water as tap water may contain harmful chemicals that are not good for your dog’s health.

2. Avoid giving your dog commercial food or at least lessen the amount of commercial food that you are feeding your dog. Commercial food may contain chemicals and may have properties that can cause the formation of struvite crystals. Instead of giving your dog commercial food, why not feed your dog homemade dog food? Homemade dog food can be made especially by you; therefore you can be sure that the food the dog is eating is indeed safe and free from any contamination of harmful chemicals or organisms.

3. Avoid giving your dog foods which contain excessive amounts of protein. Too much protein can alter the pH level of your dog’s urine, leading to the formation of struvite crystals.

4. Ensure that your dog gets enough exercise regularly. You can do this by taking your dog out for a walk everyday. Exercise can help regulate his urination pattern and can lead to a healthier bladder. Moreover, exercise can help alleviate stress in dogs. It can also boost the dog’s overall good health.

5. Encourage your dog to have a regular urination pattern.

6. Give your dog a dose of homeopathic remedy every day. Homeopathic remedies can boost the dog’s overall health by strengthening its immune system. These remedies are completely safe so you do not have to worry that your dog might suffer from any unwanted side effects.

Preventing the manifestation of struvite crystals in your dog can be easy if you take proper care of your pet. The steps given above are easy to administer and can be helpful in promoting your dog’s good health. Rather than watching your dog suffer from the constant recurrence of struvite crystals and constantly taking him to the vet for medication, take the necessary steps in preventing the occurrence of crystals in the first place. Your dog will thank you!

Canine Frequent Urination

2009-05-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Being aware of your dog’s daily habits is one way of telling if your dog is suffering from a disorder. If you notice that your dog starts to have frequent urination than his usual habit, he may be suffering from a case of urinary tract infection (UTI).

Urinary tract infection in dogs can be curable but they should not be taken for granted. Leaving the disease untreated may cause further harm and result to life-threatening complications in the dog. It is important that as a dog owner, you know what to do in case of canine frequent urination and urinary tract infection.

Frequent urination in canine which is not caused by a behavioral problem may be caused by urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infection at its advanced stage could result to kidney failure and eventually, take the dog’s life. Owners should be aware of the following signs of UTI in their dog.

• Lethargy. If the dog seems to be extra exhausted at the end of each day and seems to have a tender lower stomach area, chances are the dog may be suffering from urinary infection.

However, these signs may mean other things aside from UTI; therefore, the owner must look for other tell-tale signs that could point to UTI as the cause of the dog’s lethargic behavior.

• Constant licking of the genital region. It is not common for dogs to constantly lick their genital region unless they feel pain in that area. Pain in that area may signal an infection so as a responsible owner, you should be wary of this warning sign in your dog.

• Foul-smelling urine. When bacteria have accumulated in the dog’s urine and have caused infection, they change the urine’s concentration and create a foul smell in the urine. Foul-smelling urine is a sign of UTI.

• Blood in the dog’s urine. When there is blood in the dog’s urine, the dog may be suffering from infection in its advanced stage. It is best to bring the dog to the vet immediately to save the dog from going through further discomfort brought about by the infection.

When any of these signs are noticeable in your dog aside from its unusual frequent urination habit, seek the help of the vet as soon as possible. The dog may be in need of medical attention.
Once the vet has made the necessary examinations on the dog and has determined UTI to be the cause of the problem, the vet may likely give the dog antibiotics to stop canine frequent urination. Antibiotics are the treatment commonly used in dogs suffering from UTI.

However, antibiotics may have side effects on the dog and may not treat the condition for good. They only stop the symptoms but do not kill the bacteria causing the infection. Therefore, a reoccurrence of the disease may happen. The best thing for an owner to do is to give the dog homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedy can kill the bacteria causing frequent urination in canine and prevent the infection from reoccurring. The effectiveness of homeopathic remedy has been clinically tested and proven to be sompletely safe. Giving your dog a dose everyday would help it stay in top shape.

Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipes for a Dog With Allergies

2009-05-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

If your dog has the misfortune of having allergies then it important to find healthy homemade dog food recipes that will help control its itch. There are some recipes that contain ingredients that help control its desire to itch. But before trying on any of these recipes, it is important that it is brought to the vet to find out what is causing the allergy in the dog. If the cause of the allergy is not based on food then these recipes may actually help control the itch. But if the cause is diagnosed to be based on any food stuff then be on the lookout for these ingredients and be sure not to include them in any homemade dog food.

One of the safe recipes for dogs with allergies has the following ingredients: 3 lbs ground beef, 3-16oz cans of tomatoes, 2 cups corn meal (white or yellow), 2 cups Wheatena, 3 eggs, Up to 2 cups water as needed. The procedure for the preparation is as follows: Mix the ingredients together as you would a regular meat loaf, then bake in a loaf pan in a pre-heated 345 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Feed when cold. It might help to add some suitable multi-vitamin supplement.

Feed this diet for a month and compare the dog's condition at the end of the month to see if the dog food has been beneficial or not to the dog with allergies. Make sure to stay away from salt as adding too much salt has been associated with outbreaks of skin irritation. Dogs with persistent dry skin and skin irritations might well benefit by being given purified low sodium water to drink.

Another dog owner who owns a dog with allergies was kind enough to share healthy homemade dog food recipes that worked for her. She prepared a stew with only lean chicken meat and potatoes as ingredients. She fed this food to her dog as a start and managed to observe that her dog’s condition began to improve. After this, she started to include vegetables and barley into the stew. Through time, she was able to take her dog out of commercial dog foods and only served the dog with this mixture of this homemade dog food. Not only did it solve the allergy, also it helped to keep her dog healthy and energetic.

It has also been found that venison is a type of meat that is allergy-free for the dog. It might help to prepare a homemade recipe that uses this type of meat. Also, duck is known to be hypoallergenic or free from allergens, the chemicals that cause allergies. It might also be helpful to the dog if a homemade recipe will incorporate or be solely based on duck meat.

Although a bit expensive than chicken, turkey are known to be helpful to dogs with allergies. A simple homemade recipe will simply call for ground turkey rolls, carrots and green beans. Mix these three together and feed them to the dog. Dogs are known to love this food.

These are just some helpful tips that will help a dog that is suffering from itchiness brought by allergies. Before anyone tries them though, it helps if they are housed in a clean environment. For all we know, the allergy is brought simply by dirt in the house.

Causes of a Dog's Bad Breath

2009-05-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

The smell of a dog's breath may not be the best smelling scent that anyone may come across. Nonetheless, wait till he smells a dog's bad breath. By then he would have compared both and would undoubtedly prefer the normal aroma of a dog's breath to its nasty counterpart. Apart from its foul smell, bad breath in our fave canine is usually an indicator that something is not right with our beloved house pet. Generally, it shows the way to a lurking health problem that our dog may have. What follows is a list of possible causes of the foul smell in our pet.

The usual cause of bad breath in dogs is tooth decay. As many pet owners fail to take care of their canine friend's dental hygiene, it is but inevitable that they lose some of their teeth through some nasty tooth decay. As such, whenever the foul smell starts to rear its ugly smell, it is best to check your dog for any rotten teeth that is usually caused by plaque. If the pet owner is aversive to checking the dog's mouth on their own, it would be best to have the veterinarian check the dog's mouth for any plaque or rotten teeth.

At times, our dogs go through the garbage and end up eating some of our house's refuse. If this happens then it is inevitable for bad breath to occur in our dog's mouth. However, it would not take too long because in a few hours, these garbage passes through its stomach and intestines. Nonetheless, to take out the possibility of our dog eating garbage, it would be best to keep this out of our dog's paws and mouth. That way, we avoid the possibility of our dog developing something more serious other than bad breath.

In some cases, a simple foreign object getting stuck in between our dog's teeth can cause bad breath. This is highly possible given that our dog eat anything that they fancy to be attractive. In some serious cases, these foreign objects cause abscessed tooth or infections in their mouth. Both of which can cause bad breath if not properly treated. Likewise, if in doubt, it would be best to have a vet check our dog's teeth if we cannot handle it ourselves. In the long run, this might prove to be more sensible inasmuch as infections may be best handled by medical professionals.

More importantly, a dog's bad breath can be resolved by simply taking care of our dog's dental health. We can save up on trouble and the cost of veterinary services if we simply buy a regular dog toothbrush to clean both our dog's teeth as well as scrape accumulating dirt in its tongue. It would not cost as much as the bill we may rack up if our pet gets sick and ends up in the vet.

Also, it is important to get toothpaste that will do the trick. Keep in mind that human toothpaste will not help get rid of the dirt in the dog's mouth. Generally, it will simply be swallowed together with the toothpaste. It would be best to buy dog toothpaste as they are readily available in the market. With these two handy tools, it would not be long before our favorite pet gets a sparkling smile and nice breath.

Dog Breath as a Health Sign

2009-05-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

A foul smelling dog breath can be taken as a sign of a health problem that needs to be cured as soon as possible. If left unchecked, such a problem can be a major headache for a dog owner especially if it hits a puppy. A puppy with bad breath would not be cute to play because its foul breath will surely be a major turn off for its owner.

Bad breath in puppies can be worse to treat compared to that in adult dogs because of the young dog’s playful nature. However, all it would need is an owner with the patience as well as the knowledge as to how to address such a problem. Having said that, it would be important to know the possible health problems that cause canines to develop such a problem.

Although the causes of bad breath in dogs can be varied and may range from simple to the complex, in most cases its cause is simply rotten teeth. If its rotten teeth that is causing the bad breath then its simple root is plaque or tartar. Plaque and tartar are deposits of germs and bacteria in the dog’s teeth. This is simply a result of poor hygiene on the part of the owner.

As a result, its solution is very simple, namely, improved hygiene. All it would take is simply clean the dog’s teeth regularly. To do so, a pet toothbrush and toothpaste will do the trick. It must be said though that human toothpaste should not be used to clean the dog’s teeth and mouth. The dog will simply swallow the toothpaste. If this happens then the problem will only be transferred into the dog’s internal organs. To be able to escape this problem, buy a pet’s toothpaste as it is especially designed to solve pet health problems.

Another possible root of bad breath in dogs may be an infection in the mouth either in the gums or in the tooth area. In many cases, dogs eat garbage and feces or wastes. Because of this, they have the tendency to develop abscesses that are full of bacteria. Considering that this is more serious than a rotten tooth, it would need the assistance of a vet who would have to use antibiotics to solve the problem.

The vet may find out that the dog is suffering from gingivitis or the inflammation of the animal’s gums or periodontitis or an inflammation in the tissue surrounding the tissue in the tooth. Either way both can be remedied by a professional such as a vet. It would be best not to provide medication without the help of the vet or it might worsen the problem instead of solving it.

Other more serious causes of bad breath in dogs can range from lung cancers to severe kidney problems as well as bleeding stomach ulcer. Having said this, it is best to take bad breath as a warning sign of serious diseases in our favorite animal. It should not left alone or else it would cause the problem to become worse. Dog breath should be seen as part of the animal’s overall health not just as part of its hygiene. If we keep this in mind then there is no reason for the dog not develop into a happy and healthy animal.

Homemade Dog Treats

2009-04-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

and some sample Homemade Dog Biscuit Recipes ...

Peanut Butter Cookies - one of many Homemade Dog Biscuit Recipes that people can enjoy with their dogs!

4 1/2 cups flour
1 1/3 cups cornmeal
6 Tablespoons peanut butter
1 cup applesauce (with one batch, I just pureed a regular raw apple)
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sunflower or sesame seeds, optional
1 egg for basting

Mix all the dry ingredients. Add peanut butter, milk, eggs and applesauce. Mix well until dough is firm. Let it stand for 15-20 minutes. While waiting, set the oven at 350 degrees. Roll out the dough on floured surface to a 1/4" thickness. Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter. Baste with egg and then sprinkle with seeds, if desired. Bake to 30 to 40 minutes. Cool on wire racks. This makes approximately 4 dozen biscuits, depending on the cut size.

Crunchy Biscuits - a wonderful recipe for homemade dog biscuits

5 T bouillon - any flavor dissolved in 3 C boiling water, or 3 C meat drippings (bring to a boil before adding other ingredients)
2 C oatmeal
1/2 C oil
1 C wheat or oat bran
1/2 C honey (optional)
2 eggs
6 - 8 C white or wheat flour

Add oatmeal, oil, bran and honey to liquid while still hot. Carefully add eggs so they don't cook in lumps. Mix in flour gradually until dough is stiff. Roll out. Cut w/ cookie cutters. Bake on cookie sheet at 325 degrees for one hour. Turn off the oven, allow biscuits to remain in the oven overnight. They will be hard and crunchy. Store in a paper bag or cardboard box. Do not store in an air tight container.

These are just some sample homemade dog biscuit recipes that can be found on the web.

For 180 more delicious homemade dog food recipes - click here!

Dog Urinary Tract Infections

2009-02-28T04:44:00.000-08:00

Dog urinary tract infections are common among 14% of the dog population in the entire world. The main culprits behind dog urinary problems are often various bacteria that have infiltrated the dog's body. Bacteria enter the dog's internal system through the food it eats and the water it drinks everyday. In some instances, bacteria gain access to the dog's urinary system through its external urinary openings. This is most common in female dogs because they have shorter urethra than their male counterparts, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate.

Dog urinary tract infections occur in the bladder and urinary tract where urine forms and is excreted out of the body. A mild case of infection is not easy to detect. That is why in most cases, dogs are treated only when the infection is already on its advanced stages.

There are two classifications of urinary tract infections in dogs. One is upper urinary tract infection and the other is lower urinary tract infection. These two kinds of dog urinary problems produce different signs and symptoms. Upper urinary tract infection is usually associated with weight loss, anorexia, and vomiting. On the other hand, lower urinary tract infection is associated mostly with abnormalities and incontinence or a change in the dog's urinating pattern.

The most effective way to tell if your dog is suffering from a urinary tract infection is to observe your dog's urinating habits. Check if your dog has enough urine every time he urinates. If you notice that your dog has to make several attempts before he can excrete urine from his body, the chances are your dog is suffering from urinary problems. A worst scenario is your dog not being able to urinate at all. In this instance, you have to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately as he may already be suffering from a serious case of bladder problem.

Another way to tell if your dog is showing signs of dog urinary problems in their early stages is to observe your dog while taking him out for a walk. Any sign of irregularity, such as cringing in pain, may be a sign that your dog has urinary problems. Foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, tender bladder, and a reduction of the amount of the dog's urine are signs that you should bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately. If left untreated, your dog could suffer from a more severe case of infection and eventually die.

Although dogs are bound to suffer from urinary problems in any given time of their life, it is still important that owners know how to at least minimize the possibilities of their dog contracting such a disease. Some of the ways to prevent this from happening are the following: giving your dog plenty of clean water to drink everyday, giving your dog a regular bath and shampoo, giving your dog proper nutrition and diet, bringing your dog to the vet regularly for check-ups, and giving your dog citrus juices and other sources of vitamin C.

Clean water is essential as it helps flush out unwanted organisms and bacteria from the dog's body. Proper nutrition and diet also helps to keep your dog healthy. Bringing your dog to the vet for regular check-ups helps to determine early signs of dog urinary problems and thus minimize the chances for bacteria to cause greater harm to your dog's internal system. Citrus juices lessen the presence of bacteria by making your dog's urine acidic. Vitamin C helps to keep your dog in top shape by strengthening his immune system.

Dog urinary tract infections are life threatening for dogs. However, they are highly curable. The most important thing is that as a dog owner, you are able to suppress the growth of the infection by knowing its different signs and symptoms.

Find out more about treating dog urinary tract infections with holistic remedies by clicking here.

Dog Licences - Why?

2008-12-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

With pet ownership, it seems like there is a number of things you must do just to keep a pet in your home. When required to license their beloved pooches, many owners ask “why.” What’s the point in licensing a dog? Although it may seem like a money-making technique, licensing is important for a dog, the owner, and the rest of the community. Here’s a few reasons why licensing is important for your pet.

The history of dog licensing has been traced back to the 1700s, so it’s not a new requirement. Dog licensing was first enacted to protect the livestock of farmers. Many dogs roamed free, often getting into trouble with sheep. Farmers needed a way to be reimbursed for their livestock when a dog wreaked havoc on the farm. Eventually, cities started requiring animal owners to register their dogs. They had to submit their information, along with information describing their pet, to a local government office. If a farmer had problems with a dog, he could give a description to the office and be reimbursed for his damages.

Now, dog licensing is a way to protect the animal instead of a way to safeguard livestock. Instead of merely describing your dog to an animal control office, you must provide certain paperwork. In return, you receive a dog tag that identifies your pet and you as the owner. Hence, benefit number one: your dog carries your contact information. If he gets lost or picked up by animal control, he is more likely to be returned to you. You may not even have to go to look for him at the shelter if things are handled appropriately! The same is true if your dog is injured. Perhaps he escapes from his pen while you are away at work. If he gets in a fight with another dog or finds his way into the street, you can feel a little better knowing that he can be helped, and you can be notified of the situation, before you return home.

Licensing also protects your dog and other people. Areas with known cases of rabies may require that your pet has his rabies vaccination before he is licensed. If he were to bite someone, then you have proof that your licensed pet is rabies free. It can help keep your pooch alive and keep someone from having to undergo rabies treatment.

Many areas require that a dog is licensed, but some areas still do not. You can wager that cities or highly populated areas will require the licensing. The licensing fees vary according to the area, the breed of dog, and whether or not the dog has been spayed or neutered. Often, the fee is reduced for fixed dogs. This is a way for animal agencies to encourage animal control and discourage the number of homeless animals. Certain breeds, normally aggressive breeds, are often charged with higher licensing fees and may have to follow additional rules, such as wearing a muzzle when in public and posting “Beware of dog” signs on the property. Dogs are not the only animals that have to be licensed; some areas require cat licensing, too.

If you are in the dark about licensing requirements in your area, then contact a local animal agency or your veterinarian. It’s a good idea to contact them prior to bringing home a pet or shortly after. You normally only have a certain time period to get your dog licensed. After that period, you may incur additional fees. Most areas offer multiple ways to go about licensing, including applying in person, over the Internet, or through standard mail. Before you apply for the license, make sure your pet has had any and all required vaccinations or procedures; it can save you a few dollars and may save you from an application headache!

Licensing a pet may seem a bit over the top, but it is beneficial in many ways. The practice started long ago to protect livestock, and now it protects your pet, you, and the community. To find out if you need to license your pet, contact a local animal agency or your veterinarian. Ask the organization what your pet needs before he can be licensed. Remember, licensing is not free, so also ask about any fees associated with the process. If your pooch ever leaves home, you’ll be glad you got him licensed!

This article was provided by pet-super-store which is an online pet shop featuring patio pet doors and large dog beds.

"Replacing" a Deceased Pet

2008-12-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

If you experienced the death of a beloved pet, then you may have thought that you would never get another. Losing a pet is like losing a family member, and you will never be able to replace what you lost. If you have decided to welcome a new pet into the family, then you may be experiencing mixed feelings about the whole situation. In fact, you may be expecting the new pet to act like the old. Unfortunately, these thoughts may make weaken your bond with the new pooch. Here are a few tips to make the transition to a new pet a little bit smoother.

If you are bringing a puppy into your home, then it’s extremely important that you realize just that: he’s a puppy! Many owners make the mistake of getting frustrated with their puppies, constantly comparing them to the old dogs that have passed. Well, more than likely your dog was not a puppy when he died. Yes, he may have been calmer and more obedient, but he was not a puppy. Puppies need time and attention. They have to spend time learning the rules of the house, along with the things they can and cannot do. So, tip number one: don’t compare the actions of a puppy to those of an older dog.

On the same note as comparing a puppy’s actions to those of an older dog, try not to get your memories confused. For instance, your deceased pet may have been a crazy, rambunctious, impossible-to-train puppy. But over the years, he calmed down, learned to be obedient, and eventually fit into your lifestyle. He fit in so well with the family (after much time and practice) that you may have forgotten what a mischievous puppy he was in the beginning. As with many memories, we eventually forget the “bad” things and tend to focus on the good. This is fine, but do not shy away from these memories at the expense of your new puppy.

The second tip to keep in mind during the transition is to start training early. As mentioned before, your new puppy isn’t going to automatically follow the same rules as your older dog. He will need to learn them. Even if you adopt an adult dog, he will still need to be trained in the ways of your household. If you wait to start training, then you will be constantly focusing on what the dog does wrong instead of what he does right. As a result, you may spend less time playing and bonding with the puppy, which can lead to even messier, attention-seeking behaviors. Start training as soon as possible, so that you can teach your new dog the ways you want him to behave.

The third tip is one of the most important: do not compare the new dog to the old. There are multiple comparisons you can make between dogs. You can compare the way they act, the way they play, the way they cuddle, the way they learn, etc. But, you must realize that all dogs are different. Even if you had your pooch that passed away cloned, the new pup would not act like the old. Dogs learn at their own paces. It may take the new dog twice as long to learn how to housetrain, but he may pick up on obedience tricks and commands much more quickly.

The last tip is the most obvious one: give it time. It may take awhile to train a new pup, but your efforts will pay off. Eventually, the new guy will fit in just like the old, becoming one of your most beloved family members. But, if you give up early, then you’ll never know what your life with the new dog could be like.

If you think it’s time to replace a deceased pet in your family, then do so with care. Bringing home a new pet can be a great thing, as long as you are committed to training and molding the animal to fit your lifestyle. The worst thing you can do with a new dog is to constantly compare him to the old. Remember that each dog is different than the others. He will learn in his own way and on his own time. If you keep with it, then you will soon have a great addition to the family.

This article was provided by pet-super-store which is an online pet shop featuring patio dog doors and large pet beds.

Socializing Your Dog

2008-12-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons we love dogs is because they connect us to other people. Most people can’t resist greeting a dog and often want to interact with the ones they meet. Your goal should be to raise a dog that other people love being around. Follow the steps below to guide you in socializing man’s best friend.

Step 1: After you’ve taken him to the vet for his shots and physical, you’ll want to enroll your dog in an obedience class. This will allow him to spend time with you outside of the home while learning valuable tools. It will also expose your pup to all kinds of other pups and their owners. Your obedience classes will probably be held once a week, but you should practice daily what you’re learning in class.

Step 2: From early on, expose to your dog to all kinds of sounds. Run the vacuum cleaner, open the garage door, turn on the garbage disposal, etc. The goal is to desensitize your dog to sounds that might otherwise cause him to be frightened.

Step 3: Give him plenty of toys (and teach him how to use them!). Some dogs are never taught to play tug of war or fetch and as a result, respond inappropriately when other dogs attempt to be playful with them.

Step 4: Never isolate your dog when people come into your home. This is one of the biggest mistakes pet owners make. Rather than train their dog to greet and socialize with people in a positive manner, they are in fact teaching their dog to resent human interaction with their owner.

Step 5: Introduce your dog to a friend’s dog. Have your dog owner friend and his puppy ring the doorbell. Keep both dogs on leashes and allow them to sniff each other once they are both inside the home. Praise both dogs with affection and/or treats.

Step 6: Take your dog out and about! Not only is the ride in the car a great way to expose him to the world, the more people and places he sees, the less likely he is to be scared or anxious when introduced to new experiences.

Step 7: Exercise your dog where you know he will come into contact with other dogs. Walk him on a leash around the neighborhood and monitor his reactions to other dogs. Once you feel comfortable, take him to the local dog park and introduce him to many dogs and their owners.

This article was provided by pet-super-store which is an online pet shop featuring patio pet doors and large dog beds.

Dog Dental Care

2008-09-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

For more on dog teeth cleaning and in particular, keeping your dog's teeth clean without the need for actual brushing, click here.

Pet Dental Care Begins at Home

Author: Kim Marie Labak

An archive of Pet Columns from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is available online at http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and a great time to start home dental care for your pet. Dental health is important for overall health. Combined with the dental component of your pet's annual wellness examination, a home dental care regimen can prevent pain and expense in the long run.

Brushing your pet's teeth may sound like a tiresome task, but Dr. Bill Krug, a resident in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, says, "Please try it. Think about how you'd feel if you went one or two days without brushing your teeth; now think about what your teeth would be like after eight or nine years without cleaning."

Like humans, pets can get bacterial and tartar buildup on their teeth, leading to deep gum disease, or periodontitis. The gums and underlying bone recede as a consequence of the untreated infection, resulting in loose, painful teeth, inflamed gums, and exposed roots.

"We see a lot of cases of severe damage and discomfort that could be prevented with regular dental hygiene," says Dr. Krug. If the task of tooth brushing seems daunting at first, he suggests taking "baby steps" toward a dental hygiene routine.

Start gradually by holding your pet and looking into its mouth. (Of course, if you think you may get bitten, don't put yourself in danger, and find an alternative to brushing.) Lift the lips so you can examine the teeth. As your pet gets more comfortable with this, try putting some veterinary toothpaste on your finger and rubbing it on the teeth.

Some pets may find this a pleasant experience, since most veterinary toothpastes are flavored, and they may like the petting and attention. Many veterinary toothpastes fight bacteria and tartar by activating antibacterial salivary enzymes.

After your pet gets used to your rubbing its teeth and gums, you can try wrapping gauze around your finger or using a soft rubber finger brush on your index finger. This can help get more food debris off the teeth. With small strides like these, Dr. Krug says, your pet may let you brush its teeth with a regular pet toothbrush within a few weeks.

Brushing is the most effective way of removing food debris, thus minimizing bacterial growth and tartar formation. It takes a good deal of patience and persistence, but the few minutes a day you invest can prevent future discomfort, disease, and expense.

Dental disease is painful and can become costly to treat; untreated, it can lead to systemic problems such as kidney, liver, and respiratory infection as bacteria travel from the mouth through the bloodstream. Tooth and gum infections can weaken the facial bones and mandible, predisposing your pet to mandibular fractures and eye infections.

Although Dr. Krug insists that brushing is the best preventive measure against dental disease, he acknowledges that some pets just won't stand for it. For those pets, alternatives such as rinses, chew toys, and special diets can help. Dental rinses that you can add to your pet's drinking water can help reduce bacterial and tartar buildup.

Chew toys, such as rope bones, nylon bones, and crocheted "mice," can help scrape food debris off teeth. Rawhide chews, too, can help clean teeth, but Dr. Krug advises against cow bones and pig hooves available in some pet stores, since they are hard enough to cause painful tooth fractures. Special dental chews, such as C.E.T. treats for dogs and cats, are infused with enzymes that help kill bacteria.

More brands of foods now offer "dental" formulas, and Dr. Krug explains that the strategy behind some of these diets is a larger size kibble that can scrape the teeth clean as the pet bites into the food.

Good dental care begins at home and can save pain and expense in the long run. For more information about a home dental care regimen, contact your local veterinarian or visit the Web site of the American Veterinary Dental College at http://www.avdc.org.

And for more on dog teeth cleaning and in particular, keeping your dog's teeth clean without the need for actual brushing, click here.

Dog Training Aids

2008-09-09T15:46:00.001-07:00

Dog Training Aids for Your Dog Training Sessions

Your voice is the most important of dog traing aids when training your dog. Use of your dog's name is probably the next most important of the dog training aids at your disposal. Thirdly, a pleasant, persuasive tone of voice is a must.

When dog training, you should talk to your dog throughout the dog training session. Try teaching your dog to retrieve and fetch with dog training aids such as a light dumbbell. Dog training aids don't need to be something from a pet store. Items such as dumbbells are great dog training aids.

Don't ever use an angry tone of voice when dog training. Getting angry with your dog will defeat the purpose of getting your dog to comply with your wishes. It will cause your dog to become anxious and possibly confused.

Your dog always wants to please you. Keep this firmly in mind when dog training. If your dog does not understand what you want him to do straight away, come back to the art of persuasion. And exercise patience with your dog.

Once your dog understands what you're asking him to do, he will probably be happy to repeat the action over and over again. Remember, your dog's prime motivation is to please you, so once he finds an action that pleases you, he'll be happy to do it again and again.

If your dog is having trouble understanding that you want him to take the dumbbell, gently offer him the dumbbell and if necessary, open his mouth wide enough to accommodate the dumbbell and place the dumbbell in his mouth. You may even need to close his mouth around the dumbbell.

Dog training sessions are a great opportunity for you to spend some quality time with yoru dog. Yes, dog training takes time and effort. It sometimes takes considerable patience. But always bear in mind that dog training should be a fun time for your and your dog.

Keep placing the dumbbell into your dog's mouth until your dog actually understands what to do.

Once your dog is taking the dumbbell from your hand, encourage him to pick it up off the ground just in front of him. Then move the dumbbell gradually further and further away from him, and give him the command of "Fetch".

What are the some of the most important aspects of dog training? Find out what they are, and discover how dog training aids can help when training your dog to retrieve, to fetch, and much more.

Do You Need to See Your Vet?

2008-09-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

It seems like any little pet problem calls for veterinary attention, especially if you are clueless yourself. While some problems do need to be taken care of immediately, other problems can wait a couple of days and may even clear up on their own. As an owner, you should be able to identify what is an emergency and what is not, keeping your wallet heavier and your stress more manageable.

If an emergency arises, then you need to have a plan. Your veterinary office may not be open all day, every day, so it’s important that you have a backup in mind. Talk to someone at your veterinarian’s office about the office hours and emergency recommendations. That person may refer you to a specific clinic where you would need to go in case your vet’s office is closed. Not only should you inquire, but you should also make note of your veterinarian’s hours of operations. Then, you should write down the information of the emergency care facility, including phone numbers and directions. Being prepared for an emergency always makes handling the situation easier.

There are a few problems that call for immediate care. Instead of panicking over the slightest cut or scrape, make sure you use responsible judgment. If you take your pet to an emergency care facility for a non emergency, then your pet is just taking the place of a pet that may need immediate help. Plus, emergency care can be very costly; so you probably wouldn’t want to pay the big bucks for a little ointment. If you are unsure whether or not your pet’s problem constitutes an emergency, then call ahead and ask. Your veterinarian or the emergency care center can let you know whether or not you need to wait it out.

Now, it’s hard to list what exactly is an emergency, because it really all depends on the situation. However, there are a few generalities that can be applied. If your pooch suffers from a heat stroke or dehydration, then this may be an emergency. Even if your pet seems to have recovered, there could be internal damage. The same is true if he has been hit by a car; you never know how bad he is suffering on the inside. If your pet gets in a fight or suffers a serious wound and you are unable to control the bleeding (more than just a scratch or scrape), then it is an emergency. Dog bites can transmit diseases, and deep cuts can attract infections. In addition to fight wounds, eye trauma is also a biggie. The eyes are very fragile, and any damage to the eye can lead to a serious problem. Poison is another issue that requires immediate care. Whether you pooch got into the antifreeze or was bitten by a snake, poisonous situations are deadly. On the same note, an allergic reaction is also an emergency. If your pet has hives or evidence of swelling, then he needs to be checked out as soon as possible. Other emergency situations include seizures (if your pet does not suffer from epilepsy), difficulty breathing, inability to urinate or defecate, and frequent vomiting or diarrhea.

As an owner, you can tell whether your pet is in pain or if he is just not feeling well. Sometimes, bad food can cause diarrhea, but it may not be an emergency. If you think your pet is merely under the weather, then keep a close eye on him. Watch for any changes in behavior. If the problem persists for longer than 24 hours, then a trip to the veterinarian is probably in order.

Sometimes situations arise when we are faced with the decision to seek emergency care. If your pet just seems down as opposed to seriously injured, then a trip to an emergency clinic should be postponed. There may be other pets that need to see the veterinarian quicker than your pet needs to see one. If your pet is not himself, then keep an eye on him. If any changes in behavior or health occur, then take a trip to the veterinarian. Some things can wait until the following day, while other things can’t; as an owner, it’s up to you to decide.

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet shop featuring the latest in designer Dog Carriers and pet crates.

VPI Pet Insurance

2008-09-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Despite the vast number of pet owners in the U.S., a huge percentage of them, believe it or not, do not have any form of pet insurance; these animals are, however, generally considered a part of the family - a family for whom every other member has insurance. We don't hesitate to purchase health insurance for ourselves; should we be forgiven for not caring enough about our pets then?

This is an often overlooked area and thought to be superfluous by some; pet owners soon learn how costly it is when they require treatment. In the last ten years there have been many areas that have seen price increases and vets are amongst them; the result of this has meant that pet insurance premiums have also risen as well.

The problem is that domestic animals are often more liable to be involved in an accident or become sick; the more you own, the greater the chance is, and if this does occur a couple of times a year, you will soon see your savings reduce.

When you find yourself in this predicament, a decision may have to be made; obviously this is something you would prefer to avoid especially if it is based on cost.

A few years back, my vet told me treatment for our dog would cost more than two thousand dollars; what choice did I have, and although I regret it now, I did wonder if we could afford it. Medical science cannot cure everything and pets are vulnerable too; if they do not survive despite the vets best attempts, the bill for treatment has still been incurred and will need to be paid.

The financial aspect of looking after a pet is something that must be considered carefully; no-one wants this to cause them financial problems. Raising (sometimes) large sums of money can be prove to be financially embarrassing especially when you are have money problems; which could mean contacting a relative or friend for the money.

If you love your pet, it should have the best treatment you can afford; arranging a pet insurance policy saves this type of predicament from happening in the future. A pet health insurance plan does not have cost the earth; for around 20 to 40 dollars per month, or less, the cost of your pet's medical care is assured.

You can choose from a range of pet health insurance types; some companies offer a discount if you have more than one pet on the plan. Hopefully this article will make pet owners think again about their responsibility; perhaps the advice here will help you make the decision you have been agonizing over, and convince you that pet insurance is actually a great idea for your pet's wellbeing, and your own.

Discover more on the kinds of pet insurance options available. You could be pleasantly surprised by the variety of reasonably priced pet insurance plans there are.

Dog Diseases

2008-08-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

People and animals both get sick. Although, there is little transmission between the two species, sometimes unwanted germs and bacteria slip through. There is no reason to get rid of your pet just because you are worried about contracting a disease. Instead, there are ways you can protect yourself from any health risks that your pet may pose.

Diseases and illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans (and vice versa) have been studied for a number of years. Referred to as zoonotic diseases, there are a number of domestic and wild animals that can carry and transmit these diseases. Common household pets that could pass on illnesses include birds, cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and fish. You normally won’t catch an infectious disease just by petting your pet, so don’t be alarmed. Problems arise when you come in contact with saliva or feces.

Some people are more susceptible to contracting something from an animal than others. Normally, these people are experiencing a weakened immune system for one reason or another. The Centers for Disease Control report that infants, young children, HIV/AIDS positive patients, cancer patients, and people who have undergone organ transplants are more likely to catch an illness from an animal. These people need to take extra precautions whenever they come in contact with an animal.

Each pet can carry a different set of diseases. Dogs have been known to transmit the Campylobacter bacteria to people through stool. Basically, a person who comes in contact with the dog’s feces picks up the bacteria that then enter the person’s body. The person then experiences a case of diarrhea. Not too bad of a problem, heh? As simple as it sounds, there are other, more serious problems that can arise from zoonosis. For instance, contracting tapeworm from your pet would not be a great situation.

Cats carry their own problems, too. Cat scratch fever is one illness that many people are familiar with, which, of course, comes from a cat scratch. Other illnesses associated with cats include ringworm and Salmonella. Birds can also cause cases of Salmonella. Other bird problems include Psittacosis (pneumonia-like symptoms in humans) and Cryptococcosis which affects the brain and spinal cord.

As mentioned before, there is no reason for you to get rid of your pet! Instead, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from contracting any type of bacteria. If you have a pet, then always wash your hands after touching feces. Even if you use a plastic bag or scoop to gather the stool, you should still wash your hands immediately after exposure. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands after playing or petting your animal. You don’t have to wash your hands every time, but washing multiple times throughout the day is a safe bet. This is especially true for people who are more likely to catch something from their pets.

If you are scratched or bitten by your cat or dog, then attend to the wound immediately. Wash it out with warm water and soap, and then apply an antibacterial or antifungal cream. Using peroxide after you wash the wound is not a bad idea, either. If the wound is deep, then seek medical attention as soon as possible. Keep all your pets up to date on their medications and vaccinations. That way, if a bite were to occur, you are less likely to be infected. If you have a bird, then make sure you keep the cage cleaned often. Disinfect all toys, food, or water bowls on a regular basis. If a toy is covered in droppings and cleaning isn’t doing the trick, then visit your local pet store and get some new toys!

Our pets can carry a number of illnesses and disease, but that is no reason to get rid of them! People who are more likely to catch something from an animal include those that have weakened immune systems. Your best bet is to practice proper sanitation. Wash your hands after coming in contact with feces and throughout the day. If your pet bites or scratches you, then take care of the wound immediately. Keep your pet’s area cleaned often, and keep toys rotated. Be careful, and you’ll be fine!

This article was written and provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring orthopedic dog beds & aluminum dog crates.

Dog Transport

2008-04-10T05:03:00.000-07:00

Transport Dog Crates and Air Travel With Your Dog

Traveling by air with your dog can be tricky. The first essential piece of equipment you'll need is a suitable dog crate, but before you look at transport dog crates, you should make sure there are no alternatives to transporting your dog by air. Sometimes it is the only option, and if that is your situation, you should try to make the trip as worry free for your dog as possible.

An alarming number of dogs and other pets become injured, lost, or even die on board an airplane when traveling. Compared to the number of successful animals transported from one location to another via the airlines, this number is low, however, it only takes one incident to change your life forever when your dog becomes seriously injured or dies because of a lack of preparation on your part.

Before buying your airline tickets or selecting your transport dog crate, you should call the airline and find out their current rules and regulations in relation to pet travel. The general rules relating to pet travel, governed by federal regulations, state that your dog should be no less than 8 weeks old and have been weaned for no less than 5 days before the date of travel.

Puppies and small dogs (usually less than 15 pounds in weight) can sometimes travel with you, in transport dog crates or other pet carriers, underneath your seat. If traveling with a small dog in this way, then, it is imperative that you ensure that the transport dog crate or other pet carrier's dimensions are such that the crate or carrier will fit underneath the seat. Large dogs obviously cannot be slid under seats, and need to go in the cargo compartment of the airplane. It is still essential that the transport dog crates are of a suitable size for the dog, so as to minimize any distress caused to the dog. They need to be big enough so the dog is not completely confined, but not so big that the dog can be injured if the crate is handled carelessly.

Following are some further precautions to be taken when traveling by air with your dog:

- book a direct, non-stop flight wherever possible. Avoid plane transfers and stop-overs.

- confirm your flight before you leave home, to ensure that there have been no changes to your flight schedule.

- just prior to leaving for the airport, take your dog for a walk.

- will your dog need food during the flight? Ask your vet well in advance. Generally pet owners are advised to ensure that their dog starts the flight with an empty stomach, but with long flights food may be required, and it will vary depending upon your dog's usual feeding schedule, your dog's usual food, and your dog's size and age.

- take plenty of water for your dog during the flight. Ensure that the airport staff know exactly where the water supply is. Dehydration happens very quickly when flying, so the importance of ensuring an adequate water supply cannot be emphasized enough.

- arrive at the airport in plenty of time.

- give your dog a toilet break immediately before he is put into the transport dog crate, and put your dog into the crate yourself, rather than allow airline staff to do so.

- stay with your dog for as long as possible prior to the flight, and personally deliver the transport dog crate to the gate. (This may not be possible for an international flight).

- when you board the plane, tell the flight attendant that you have a dog in the cargo hold.

- make your way to the baggage area as soon as possible after landing, to meet your dog.

When you travel with your pet, you'll need more details on dog transport and transport dog crates, and also on stylish pet carriers from HealthierDogs

Dog Insurance

2008-04-10T04:26:00.000-07:00

Do You Need Dog Insurance?

If you have taken out dog insurance to cover the veterinary costs you may incur for your dog or puppy, then you're in the minority. The majority of pet owners never think about dog insurance - until, that is, they receive a vet bill in the hundreds, or thousands, of dollars. And to think that dog health insurance would have covered those fees!

And how easy is it for a dog to break his or her leg, do you think? Well, just as with humans, bone breakages in dogs happen every single day, and they can occur in your back yard and inside your house, as well as outside while exercising your dog in the park or at the beach. So how much do you think that broken bone might cost in veterinary fees? Well, the average vet cost for a broken bone is $900.00. By comparison, the monthly premium for dog insurance is just a few dollars, and you're covered for every eventuality.

Dog Insurance Coverage

Look into the different types of dog insurance plans available. The same as with other types of insurance, dog insurance policies do vary, so it's wise to compare a couple before you buy. All good dog insurance policies should cover the following items:

Spaying/Neutering: Unless you are a serious breeder then it is only ethical that you have your dog spayed or neutered. Your dog health insurance plan may cover up to 100% of the cost. And remember, having your dog fixed helps keep animal population under control and reduces the chances of dogs roaming the streets looking for a mate, often resulting in injuries due to fighting or other accidents.

Prescription Flea Control: Some dogs just don't respond adequately to over-the-counter flea remedies. And fleas must be taken seriously, not only for your dog's comfort, but because they also carry various diseases and encourage other parasites. Dog insurance plans may cover the costs of the more potent prescription flea control products.

Annual Veterinary Examination: This is essential for all dogs, even if you think your dog is in peak health. The annual checkup can identify illness and disease before it progresses into something much worse, so that treatment can start at the earliest opportunity. Many dog insurance policies cover the annual veterinary examination costs.

Heartworm Medication: Should your dog be diagnosed with heartworms, the medication needed may also be covered by most dog insurance plans.

Lab Fees: Blood tests and other lab work should also be covered by most dog health insurance plans. Such tests may include blood work for worms, diseases, and abnormalities with pregnancy.

Teeth Cleaning: If your dog suffers periodontal disease, or you are unable to keep his teeth clean by other means, surgical teeth cleaning is often required. And because it's performed under anaesthetic, it's pretty expensive. Good news - your dog insurance should cover this, too.

Hospitalization Fees: Accidents and illnesses do have a habit of occurring when you least expect them. And they can be very expensive, as already noted. There is also the possibility of complications of other procedures, such as de-sexing procedures or even teeth cleaning. Complications of surgery may require that your dog have blood transfusions or be monitored in intensive care. Now that's a big expense. So instead of being landed with an exorbitant vet bill, your dog insurance will cover you.

For dog insurance facts and other options for ensuring your pet's health, choose a cheap dog insurance to suit your budget.

Transport Dog Crates

2008-04-09T23:51:00.000-07:00

Transport Dog Crates and Stylish Pet Carriers for Travel by Airplane

An alarming number of dogs and other pets become injured, lost, or even die on board an airplane when traveling in transport dog crates. Compared to the number of successful animals transported from one location to another via the airlines, this number is low. But dog enthusiasts and breeders routinely fly their dogs in transport dog crates or pet travel carriers without having any trouble at all. The airlines claim to make every effort possible that dogs that travel on-board will be perfectly safe.

It is sensible to take as many reasonable precautions as you can to avoid any mishaps. After all, you would never forgive yourself if something terrible occurred and it was avoidable by you having taken some simple precautions.

The number one suggestion to all pet owners is to completely avoid sending your dog traveling in an airplane unless it is absolutely necessary. Many veterinarians and humane organizations are constantly reporting about dog injuries from air travel due to dogs which desperately attempt to claw its way out of the crate in order to escape. Some of them actually do escape and become injured in the cargo bay. Travel pet carriers have a much better track record, simple because they are by nature smaller, and pets in travel pet carriers usually travel in the passenger compartment under your seat.

It is essential before proceeding with any type of dog transport, to take your dog to your vet for a complete checkup to ensure that there are no medical conditions that might be aggravated by any type of travel, or confinement for a number of hours in transport dog crates or pet carriers for small pets.

The best time of day for your dog to travel is when the outside temperature is at a medium level. So if you're traveling in a warm climate, early morning or the evening are the best times. Conversely, if you're traveling in especially cold weather, the middle of the day is best. This will help ensure that your dog does not overheat, or catch a chill.

Puppies and small dogs can usually travel in the passenger compartment with you if you are also traveling on the same flight. This is desirable, since it minimizes the potential for stressing your dog, and significantly reduces the potential for your dog to suffer from separation anxiety. Puppies, in particular, can suffer long term adverse effects from experiencing separation anxiety in such a situation. You will need small transport dog crates or pet carriers for small pets for travel in the passenger compartment. You could even splash out and invest in stylish pet carriers you'll be able to use for other types of travel.

Dogs of any age can suffer from separation anxiety, and some are much more prone to this than others. If your dog has ever shown signs of separation anxiety in any situation, you can be fairly certain that such a condition will be exacerbated if he is locked into a transport dog crate and left alone in the cargo section of the plane.

If you anticipate that there is any possibility that your dog will suffer from separation anxiety whilst in the cargo part of the airplane, investigate the possibility of treating him with a course of natural anti-anxiety treatments. Discuss this option with your vet. If your dog is prone to anxiety, your vet may even suggest that your dog be sedated. This is a last resort measure, but you should be guided by your vet's advice, particularly if your vet knows your dog well and is making this recommendation.

Will you be traveling with your dog? Look at information on transport dog crates and other types of dog transport utilities.

Pet Insurance for Peace of Mind

2008-04-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

It is a strange fact that most pet owners do not bother obtaining pet insurance; to date this peculiarity remains a bit of a mystery. We all know just how important it is to have health insurance for ourselves; omitting our pets when just about everything else in our lives is insured just doesn't make sense.

Considered by many as an unnecessary expense; however, pet owners soon realize that vets bills are costly and it doesn't take much treatment for them to enter into four figure bills. In the last ten years there have been many areas that have seen price increases and vets are amongst them; the result of this has meant that pet insurance premiums have also risen as well.

So other than rising costs, what are the main reasons you should consider cover for your pets. Anyone who owns a domestic animal needs to be prepared for health problems occasionally; this can happen at any time and usually when you can least afford it!

If this situation should occur, sometimes choices have to be made; you know that treating your animal will place financial strain on you.

I remember a few years ago when the vet told me that it would cost at least 1,000 dollars to save my dog; I have to admit to asking myself at the time if we could justify the expense. To make matters worse, there is always a chance you pet still won't survive; if they do not survive despite the vets best attempts, the bill for treatment still has to be paid.

The financial aspect of looking after a pet is something that must be considered carefully; this is even more relevant if you are experiencing financial difficulties. If you are experiencing money worries then raising additional finances can prove embarrassing.

Ensuring your pet receives the treatment it requires should be every owners aim; if you have pet insurance you can guarantee they will get the best treatment your policy will allow. Although pet care insurance costs are rising they are not going to break the bank; for around 40 dollars (or less) per month cost of medical care is assured.

Some insurance providers can arrange pet health insurance and vpi pet insurance to meet certain needs; some companies offer a discount if you have more than one pet on the plan. Pet owners providing a health plan for their pets is not the luxury you may think it is; with a bit of luck this information will have convinced you of the importance of having your pet protected.

For pet insurance info and its alternatives, choose a pet care insurance to suit your financial circumstances.

Does Your Vet Have a Conflict of Interests?

2008-03-01T16:29:00.000-08:00

Pet health is now in rapid decline. The result of all this is that our dogs and cats are sicker than ever. Ask any vet who's been practicing for more than ten years: They've never seen such an increase in the rate of liver disease, nervous system disorders, cancers and diabetes. Ever wonder why? It's because pets are being routinely poisoned with pet food and pet medicine. Popular anti-flea and anti-tick medications, all by themselves, are so toxic to the liver of any animal that if they were prescribed to humans, their side effects would make the Vioxx fiasco look like a harmless prank.

The idea of actually feeding your dog such high doses of poison that it ends up in the skin tissues where it kills ticks and fleas should be horrifying to any intelligent pet owner, yet most pet owners just buy what their vet tells them to buy, and they feed one chemical after another to their pets, oblivious to the fact that they're actually poisoning them. (And then they wonder why their animals die of cancer a few years later... gee, didn't anybody connect the dots here?)

Find out how to improve your pets health by relying less on your vet! - Click here for the remainder of this shocking article on how the pet pharmaceutical companies are slowly killing our pets, with the (sometimes unknowing) assistance of your vet!

Increase Your Pet'sHealth and Your Own

2008-02-09T05:46:00.000-08:00

Do you enjoy biking as well as spending time with your companionable pet? Consider taking your dog with you on a bike trail! It’s a great way to spend time with your precious pet, as well as getting exercise and the joy of being outside.

Before you even consider taking your dog with you on the bike trail, you will want to make sure you dog knows to stay away from the front of the bike. This can be easily taught. Simply walk your dog around your neighborhood or a local park with your bike. Walk with your dog, and every time Rover gets in the way of the front of the bike, gently nudge him with the front wheel. Make sure to nudge him gently in the rib cage or on his rump, staying away from squishing his paws or bumping his joints.

Before beginning any physical activity, you will want to make sure your dog is in the proper physical condition to embark on a serious cycling outing. If your dog does not run around much outside, or if you don’t usually take your friend with you when you run or cycle, you will want to start off slowly. First, start by simply taking your dog on walks around your neighborhood or a local park. Work up to increased pace and mileage. Once you feel confident in your dog’s physical fitness, go ahead and take them with you on the bike trail. Again, you will want to start off slowly, increasing the length and intensity of your ride. Also, keep in mind that there will be lots of people, and most likely other dogs around, so your dog will need to adjust to all of the sights and sounds.

Remember that special doggie equipment is available for purchasing at pet supply stores. You may to buy a stationary lead for your dog that attaches easily to the center of your bike. If you choose to use a regular leash, you will want to tie it directly underneath the seat on your bike. If you hold the lead in your hand, you are creating an imbalance on your bike and jeopardizing your safety, should your dog get distracted and pull too hard; this could easily cause you to crash. You may also want to buy a water bottle that has an attaching “water bowl” so your dog can easily drink water. Remember, they need hydration as much as you do!

Finally, be watchful for dehydration or heat exhaustion. Because some dogs have thick coats, it is easy for them to become overheated or dehydrated. If either of these issues are ignored or unattended, they may prove to be serious problems. Just keep and eye on your dog, and give them plenty of cool water for hydration, and your pet should be fine.

And remember: have lots of fun being outside and biking with your dog! It’s a great way to bond, exercise, and get some fresh air doing what you love, with the dog you love.

Article provided by Pet Super Store a site featuring:
dog crates, pet carriers and pet strollers.

Lyme Disease in Dogs

2008-01-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Lyme Disease in dogs is transmitted as it is in humans, through the bite of a tick that carries certain bacteria. It is the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease. Tick bites from ticks not carrying these bacteria cannot transmit Lyme Disease to the dog or person being bitten. At least three known types of ticks can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease in dogs, but by far the majority of ticks that carry the bacteria are the Deer Tick, also called the Black-Legged Tick. A Deer Tick bite, therefore, has a relatively high likelihood of transmitting the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.

This tick is known as the Deer Tick, because Deer are it's primary host (ticks being a parasite). But these ticks will also feed on other types of animals, including both people and dogs.

Canine Lyme Disease is prevalent in the Northeastern states from Maine to Maryland, as well as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon and Northern California. It is also found in most parts of Australia, particularly bush and country areas, as well as in parts of Europe, China and Japan. This is because in these areas, ticks more commonly carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.

You can reduce symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs with herbal remedies. ALWAYS see your vet, though.

And if you're interested in finding out further information on symptoms of Lyme Disease, and cures for Lyme Disease (hint: antibiotics are used), click here.

Flint River Ranch

2007-12-26T01:01:00.000-08:00

Flint River Ranch foods offer a number of different options to suit all cats and dogs. For example, the dog foods, include foods suitable for all dogs, food more suited to puppies, specific older dog food formulations, a "dry water" formula - little like a canned pet food in texture, but without the unhealthy high temperature cooking of canned food - and even a "fish and chips" formulation - okay, so it's trout and potatoes, and dogs love it!

For more information on the different types of Flint River Ranch dog foods available, click here.

- and ensure that your dog lives a longer, healthier life!

Reflective Dog Collars

2007-11-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

Many of us like to believe that we are responsible pet owners. We try to take good care of our pets and keep them out of harms way, but there are times when pets decide that they do not want to follow the rules we set. This is when we need to make sure that we are using quality products to help keep our pets safe.

My husband and I have two dogs and two cats. The dogs are Labrador Retrievers. They have a large outdoor kennel that they stay in. They are allowed out of the kennel when we are in the yard. We also go for walks to help them get their exercise. Our male lab is yellow and the female is black. They are trained hunting dogs and listen quite well. We live in a resort area so the traffic on the road we walk is to stay under thirty miles an hour. Most people follow this speed zone, but occasionally you have a car or two that goes faster. I bought reflective dog collars for the dogs to wear on their walks. My husband thought that they were goofy looking and unnecessary. I thought it was neat to see the reflective dog collars bouncing away ahead of us. It helped me to keep track of the dogs when I let them out in the woods in the back of the house. The daylight during the winter time is so short that letting the dogs out before and after work is in the dark for a few months out of the year.

A few weeks ago we let the dogs out of their kennels to go for a walk. I put on their reflective dog collars because it was getting dark out. Our neighbor came over to talk with us and we lost track of the dogs. We heard the screech of tires on the road in front of our house. Our black lab came running up the driveway. We went to the road and saw a car pulled over to the side. The driver told us that the dogs appeared out of no where and if he had not seen the reflective dog collars he would have hit them. Our yellow lab was hiding behind a tree in the yard; he knew he was in trouble. Since this incident we try to pay closer attention to where the dogs are at all times. My husband now leaves the reflective dog collars on the dogs all the time instead of only putting them on at walk time.

Dog Vitamins

2007-11-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

Natural supplements for a dog are essential to your dog's health. A pet vitamin supplement is not something you should only consider once your pet has specific health problems. No, a vitamin supplement for dogs should be part of your routine - pets benefit best from dog supplements and cat vitamins if you give them from an early age.

But it's never too late!