Archive for the 'Dogs' Category

Training a Beagle Not To Bark

September 5th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

Excessive barking is a common problem faced by dog owners of all kinds, and beagle owners are no different. Training beagles not to bark is an important thing to focus on. You want you dog to be well behaved and friendly around all people and animals they come into contact with. It can prove to be frustrating as well as embarrassing if your beagle begins to bark uncontrollably as soon as he sees someone he does not recognise. Some people are also uncomfortable around dogs in general. If your beagle seems to be acting aggressively by barking excessively, this will only make things worse for everyone involved. Here we will look at some of the reasons why beagles like to bark.

One of the main reasons will be to fend any perceived threat to either you, your home or the dog themselves. Many beagles will identify anyone they do not recognise as a potential threat. They look to make themselves known and heard as a way off scaring off any would be intruders. An anxious dog may also bark a lot more than usual. This seems to be a way for them to sooth themselves. Separation anxiety is a particularly common reason for a beagle to bark a lot. If you are training beagles not to bark, try not to leave them on their own for long periods at a time without starting small and leaving them for just short time periods. It is always best to build things up.

Boredom can cause beagles to bark a lot. If they have a lot of spare energy to use then they may just bark for no apparent reason. Be sure to keep your dog occupied at all times. You can find more information about beagle barking and other beagle training resources at our free website.

A Short Review on the ASPCA

September 1st, 2010, Posted in Cats, Dogs

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has long battled against the maltreatment of our domesticated companions. For over a century, they have helped hundreds of poor animals and have put them out of harm’s way. They are mostly focused on pet dogs, but they also provide assistance for feline pets as well. As part of their goal, they have added to their services insurance for pets. This is another way for them to help stop animal maltreatment. They are offering five plans to their clients: safety plan, primary plan, advantage plan, premier plan and sterling plan. The safety plan is the cheapest of the five, while the sterling is the most expensive.

The ASPCA is an organization aimed for the betterment of our animal friends. There are a number of ASPCA pet health insurance reviews circulating in the internet telling about how good they are at their job. For the millions of pet lovers around the world and for ASPCA itself, insuring animals is one way of saving them from cruelty. Every time insurance is purchased, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals gets a small percentage and they use this as additional fund for their ongoing battle against animal cruelty.

As what has been mentioned, there are a number of ASPCA pet health insurance reviews available in the internet. Some of these focus on providing helpful insight about the costs of the plans offered by the society. For example, one review gives a detailed rundown of the coverage and costs of the five aforementioned plans. This can be of assistance when one is planning on applying for insurance in ASPCA. Nevertheless, going directly to or contacting ASPCA personally is also advised, so that you will have first hand experience of their customer service. When you get the information from them, you are guaranteed that it is true and accurate.

Using Flea Bombs

September 1st, 2010, Posted in Cats, Dogs

There are so many options to prevent or kill pests today that most people can do it themselves without much trouble. Pesticides come in a variety of forms and will affect a variety of insects.  Using the right one for your situation is only a matter of investigation. Flea bombs are a rather efficient way to get rid of that pesky little mite if it has made its way into your home.

How it got there, from the dog or a walk in the bush, doesn’t matter as much as how to get it out. Much like a typical bug bomb, you will need to use enough of them to hit every room in the house at the same time. Check the square footage on the label to make sure you have enough canisters and make sure that they have the ingredient IGR in them.

Ensure that all of the dishes are protected or removed and that food is sealed tight. If possible, move furniture off the carpet so that the bugs do not have a place to hide from the spray and get everyone out of the house when youre ready to start the process. Be sure that anything you do not want affected is covered or out of the area.

Finally follow the instructions on the product itself and make sure to air out the entire house for one or two hours after the time allotted on the product. Wash anything that could be used for food or that will have contact with your skin such as sheets and counter tops. The residue is harmful to humans as well as the critters youre trying to get rid of so precaution is necessary. A flea bomb is a great way to get rid of the pest if proper precautions are taken.

It’s The Time Of Year To Buy Dog Clothing

August 29th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

It’s hard to believe that Autumn is already upon us.  We’re just a few days away from September and before long temperatures will begin to drop, leaves will start falling and the days will be getting shorter.  This time of year is the time to start preparing for winter.  It’s important when preparing for winter to buy winter clothing for your children and family and you don’t forget your pets.  Many people have dogs with short coats that need a little bit of extra help to stay warm during the long winter months.

Dogs are no different to people when it comes to their clothing.  Dog clothing wears out just like people’s clothing wears out.  Some dogs put on a few extra pounds as they age and last year’s dog clothing may not fit any more.  Now is the time of year to pull out all of your dog’s clothing and give it a good look over.  Some of it may need to be mended and some may just need to be thrown out.

When you get ready to go shopping for this year’s dog clothing, it’s a good idea to try last year’s clothing on your dog to make sure that it still fits.  This will give you an idea of how much clothing you need to buy for your dog because if nothing from last year fits, you’ll need to buy your pooch an entirely new wardrobe.

The best place to buy dog clothes is online.  There are many online retailers who sell dog clothing like Amazon that are very well known and reliable.  When buying dog clothing online, it’s a good idea to buy from an online retailer that has a good returns policy.  This way, when it arrives in the mail you can try it on your dog and if it doesn’t fit or you just don’t like it, you can always return it.

If you want to read more about dog clothing, please visit Dog Clothing Central.

The Pet Fountain For Multiple Pet Homes

August 25th, 2010, Posted in Cats, Dogs

If you have more than one dog or cat, you might be wondering if there is a pet fountain that can handle the workload that multiple pets will bring. Well, the answer is a resounding yes with the Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain. Drinkwell fountains have been the top of the line and best selling for years, and the 60 fountain is one of the only fountains specifically made for pet owners who have more than one pet. Now that this fountain is available in stainless steel, it is sure to quickly rise to the top of the best sellers list of pet fountains.

The reason many people prefer stainless for their choice of pet fountain material is because stainless is naturally anti bacterial when compared to other materials like plastic. This simply means that bacteria cannot survive for nearly as long on the surface of stainless as it can on plastic. On top of that, stainless will not develop gouges like a plastic fountain will from normal use and run ins with your pet’s claws. Those gouges are the places where bacteria can take hold and even thrive.

The 360 fountain, as its name suggests, is round in shape and can be approached by your pet from any direction. There is a tower in the centre of the bowl, and the water is pumped up through that tower and allowed to fall back to the main bowl in the Drinkwell patented 5 inch stream of falling water. The fountain includes multiple attachments that will change the flow and type of water streams that come out of the tower. There is also a small valve that adjusts the overall flow of water. When toyed with in combination, these features allow you to adjust the streams until you find the one your pets prefer.

The initial release of the 360 stainless fountain was very successful, and Drinkwell is planning the full release to happen very soon. If you are in the market for a fountain for multiple pets you will find that there is currently no stainless version available. that will all change very soon when this fine addition to the Drinkwell line is released fully.

Researching The Best Kennel To Buy or Build

August 20th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

There are many things to take into consideration when deciding on the type of dog kennel you should either buy or build. First of all, you will need to decide if you want an outdoor or an indoor kennel. You should have some idea how much time your dog will be spending in the kennel as that may also affect your choice. If the kennel is for outdoor placement, you should also consider the yearly weather conditions. If you live in a location where it gets very cold during winter, you will need to plan for a different type of kennel than if the temperature is fairly moderate all year round.

If you are not sure what type of kennels are available, or what type you should get for your dog, you may want to do some researching online.  Dog owners’ forums are great places to get input on kennels, especially forums that are dedicated to the dogs that are the same breed as yours as there are often specifics that pertain more to some breeds than others. You will be able to not only find out what does and does not work for other owners but you will often find people have great ideas on how to build kennels, how to insulate them and what type of kennel flooring is recommended.

For example, huskies that live in the cold north have special needs and requirements when it comes to outdoor kennels than small toy dogs that spend most of their day inside. The more you are able to narrow down your options the easier it will be for you to locate and decide upon the right kind of kennel and dog kennel flooring you should be looking for. You will also often find great tips on the type of insulation to use inside a kennel or whether it is even necessary. Kennel roofing and kennel cleanliness are also factors that are definitely worth considering and any input you can receive on those topics will often be not only coming from the voice of experience, but very useful information.

Finding Cheap Heartworm Pills for Your Dog

July 19th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

Even though vets and the American Heartworm Society recommend that all pet owners use a heartworm preventative year round, many people do not.  The key reason is the high cost of using the most well known brands of heartworm pill or medicine.

But you do not need to be paying a lot for your dog’s heartworm medicine if you know where to find cheap heartworm pills.  There is a wide choice of different medications available to prevent the disease and all are guaranteed to be 100% effective if used correctly so you don’t need to use the big brand your veterinarian suggests.

The easiest way to save money on these pet medicines is to look for generic products such as Nuheart or Valuheart.  These  are based on Heartgard and use ivermectin to keep your pet free from the heartworm parasite.

Another option is to find discount supplies of popular products such as the Heartgard Plus Chewable tablets.  Online pet medicine outlets often stock these at exceptionally low prices, achieved by the sheer bulk of orders they process.

When using on-line pet medication suppliers you also get the chance to make savings by purchasing certain heartworm pills without needing a prescription.  This is done legally by purchasing from Canadian suppliers that are permitted to sell many of the most popular forms of heartworm prevention without the need for an RX.

Buying the largest pack sizes you can afford will also allow you to save money on your dog’s medication.  But whilst I would recommend buying twelve month supplies for example you do need to bear in mind the expiry date on any medications so can usually not buy much more than enough for a year or two.

Some people suggest buying medications designed for the largest dogs and then splitting the tablets to reduce the dose given to your pet.  I would never recommend this as firstly it would be very easy to overdose your pet and secondly you could give too little medication as the concentration of medicine may not be equal through the whole tablet.

It’s NOT a CAGE, It’s a CRATE!

June 29th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

It’s an indoor dog house. It’s a safe place. It’s where your puppy should be when you can’t watch him. Remember that it’s NOT mean to leave your puppy in his/her crate. It will better for your relationship and overall experience. This is the same principle as putting a baby into a crib or a playpen. It is important to crate-train your Labrador puppy so that he will be used to it when it is necessary such as for trips to the vet or travelling. Make certain there is something soft to sleep on and that they have enough room to stand and turn in a circle. Be careful not to get a crate that is too big otherwise, he will be tempted to potty there.

All of our trained Labrador Puppies begin their training in a crate. We take them out to potty every hour. However, the key to professionally trained Labradors is discipline and, in my opinion, there’s only one big dog. Think of sitting at your computer and the mouse or keyboard doesn’t work. Think of getting dressed…you’re in a hurry, you sit on the corner of your bed, and now you’re coated with dog hair. Think of grabbing boots with no laces or one heel shorter than the other. Remember, whining and crying or barking is the pipeline for communication. It means he is hungry or thirsty or bored or that he needs to go to the bathroom. It will be your job to exhaust all channels before putting him inside the crate. Do not let him cry inside the crate for no apparent reason. Sometimes a “SHHHH” or a “Quiet” in a firm tone of voice is the only answer for a stubborn puppy.  You can also try turning your back and walking away.

The crate is not a prison and should never be a place of punishment. It is his den, his quarters. You can buy one crate, and move it from room to room. You could also buy several crates – one for each room. Please do not put the puppy in the garage or any other cold dark place. If he has toys in his crate, he will want to go in there and stay quietly.

This article brought to you by Susana Labradors, a California Labrador Breeder.

Potty Training Your Dog

June 25th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

Owning dogs is a wonderful thing that brings pleasure and companionship to many people throughout the world.  Cuddling with your puppy, taking your excited dog for walks, and watching your pup play with other dogs is always enjoyable for a dog owner.  One not so glamorous thing about being a dog owner though is potty training.  Different breeds of dogs need different tactics when it comes to getting them to go to the bathroom outside.  This article will focus on the beagle puppy.

When it comes to housebreaking any dog, you want to be consistent in your actions, discipline, and praising.  Potty training a beagle puppy is no different when it comes to the basics.  Trying to remain patient throughout the process is a very important thing to remember.  Make sure your dog knows where the proper place is to go the bathroom.  I know it is quite difficult to remain patient if your puppy has soiled your carpet, but try to remember that he or she is just learning, so losing your cool will not be helpful.   It is important to discipline your dog if he or she has an accident inside the house, but be consistent in your punishments.  Your dog needs to know that it is not all right to go to the bathroom in the house, so be forceful when he has an accident.  It doesn’t do much good if you don’t catch your puppy in the actual act of having an accident in the house.  If you come home after a day at work and find a little surprise somewhere in your house, yelling and screaming at your dog probably won’t do a whole lot of good.  Dogs have very short attention spans, and he won’t remember what he did.  The accident could have taken place many hours ago.  So keep an eye on your puppy at all times, and try to catch him in the act.

Understanding Dog Kennels and Your Dog

June 16th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

All dogs spend a portion of their life outside, some love it and others hate it.  If your dog spends a lot of their life outside you should have a dog kennel.  The type of kennel really depends on where you live, the type of dog and how active he or she is.  If you live in a wet area, make sure your kennel has good solid cover and is built to withstand wind and cold too.  If your area is hot, make sure you have cover too, but from the heat.  Active dogs need a place where they can run and get the exercise they need.

There’s actually a lot of functionality you can get for your dog.  You can find flooring that actually keeps the ground dry and the odors down.  This won’t stop you from needing to regularly go out and “scoop the poop”, but it will make the experience a bit more pleasant.  You can also get bedding that works really well outside, which makes it more pleasant for the dog and keeps the odors down when they come inside.

Just remember to keep the dog active, take him out of the kennel and walk or run him regularly, especially if you leave your dog in for long periods of time.  There is a tendency to neglect and ignore dogs that live in kennels, this makes for a poor life and experience for your pet.  Make sure that you balance the dog’s life with activities that keep him active and involved with the family.

Whether you choose to build or buy a kennel just make sure it fits the needs of your dog.  Too often people don’t measure properly or consider the size of the dog.  With the right kennel and environment you dog will do brilliantly.

Finding the Best Dog Hair Brush Creates a Closer Bond between Master and Pet

June 15th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

Grooming is a very important aspect in any dog’s health. It is done because of the following reasons: it improves the skin and coat condition of your pet, it decreases chance of skin problems in the future like thrush and scratches, it affects the general cleanliness of your dog, it allows any owner to do a routine check-up of his dogs health by carefully observing if it has any cuts, swelling or abnormal change in temperature, lastly it creates a bond between owner and pet.

One of the most vital tools for pet grooming to ever take place is a dog’s hair brush. In as much as we humans are very picky of our own combs and brushes; we should also do the same thing with our beloved pets. The kind of brush which we will choose will greatly affect their health condition, especially their coats health and shine.

Dogs come in different shapes and sizes thus the best dog hair brush also varies from one type of dog to another. You should look for the brush that acts both as a massager and old hair remover. You would not want your dog suffering the agony of everyday grooming simply because the hair brush lacks the soft bristles. Everyday dog brushing should be something that your dogs should look forward to each day. You will know if the brush you selected is the best dog hair brush if your pet behaves comfortably as you softly brush its coat. Otherwise, if the mere sight of the brush sends your pet away then you need no words to understand that it is not the best dog hair brush for him.

So next time you decide on treating your dog to the best grooming day of its life, make sure that you have the most efficient dog hair brush. Take some time in comparing the different dog brushes in the market today and ask your veterinarian for expert advise in the future.

Why Choose Heartgard

June 15th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

There are a number of cheap heartworm meds available but it has to be heartgard plus for Dogs that is by far the most popular of them all. Let us take a quick look at the reasons why this is by far the most popular choice.

The fact is that with so many heartworm meds to choose from picking one can be difficult. But Heartgard Plus has a very long reputation of being extremely effective at ensuring that our pets stay completely free of heartworms that can cause so many problems.

Given monthly it ensures that the worms can never develop in to adult form where they then put our pets at risk. Heartgard uses a very safe active ingredient called Ivermectin, and it is this which is the reason why it is so popular. There are very low chances for any side effects to occur in most breeds of Dogs and combine this with the low price and we have a definite and positive results when it comes to treating heartworms.

And because the brand name Merial is so well recognised many owners simply feel safer choosing this medication over any other. The price for Heartgard is extremely reasonable and it costs little to treat our dogs because we only need to give it once a month. With the new chewables now available there is no doubt that it is one of the easiest ways to administer a heartworm treatment and this really does make it a very good choice. Many  owners find it hard to encourage their Dogs to swallow a pill so the fact that they can buy a chewable pill that is tasty for the Dogs means that every month life is made a little easier when it is pill time.

Buy Heartgard Plus chewables if you want to easily protect your pets from heartworms.

Animal Insurance to Cover Veterinary Expenses

June 9th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

There are a variety of Animal Insurance plans. But mostly these plans provide insurance coverage for any veterinary expenses accrued in case the pet or the insured animal is treated for injury or disease. A comprehensive insurance policy, especially pet insurance policies essentially covers incidents like accidents, sudden illness, injury, prescriptions, surgery, animal hospital stays, lab fees, x-rays and cancer treatment. In fact it has become fairly convenient to pay off the expenditure for the pets’ heath care, if the pet has the right animal insurance cover. Most of the insurance companies do not require the pets’ owners to spend from their pocket, the initial expenditure for their pets’ treatment. All that they are required to do is to get the pet treated and send the veterinary doctor’s receipts to the respective insurance company, who on receiving these receipts send the insurance agent to the veterinary clinic which has laid a claim and the payment is done by the insurance company immediately after verification.

Just like it is with people, the pets’ and the animal insurance policy premiums vary as per the animal’s age and general health. The higher the age, the higher is the premium amount and vice versa. Likewise, if there has been a history of considerable number of veterinary claims, then the risk factor is calculated as high and the insurance premium amount is also high, because this animal with a chronic history is more likely to visit the vet and hence the claim be filed.

However, one advantage of the animal insurance is that it gives allowance for treatment of the animal from any certified veterinary and get the reports and checkups done a t any certified hospitals. This is a facility that is provided by most of the insurance companies. However, there are those who restrict the pet care expenditure that can be claimed restricted to a state or a country. But those companies which give allowance to get the pet treated anywhere in the world, advise that the payments of claims will be made via proper money transfer channels between organizations only after the reception of the receipts.

Choosing a Halloween Costume for your Dog

June 5th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

Halloweens are not just for party goers but for pets too. If you have a cute little doggy which you are treating as part of the family, you could actually dress up your dog too during Halloween.

Don’t you know that dressing your dog would make him part of your family more?  There are a lot of people who love to dress up their dogs. Not just during Halloween but on an everyday basis. Doggy clothes are expensive though so for the average family it would be cuter to include your dogs on the dressing up amusement of your family during this holiday.
If you have a little girl at home who owns a dog, why don’t you try getting them the Corpse Bride’s Dog Costume for that night’s event. There is a actually a Kids Size Corpse Bride Dress for your little kid and a skeleton outfit for your dog just like Emily’s pet in the story. They would surely create a cute tandem with mimicking the animated movie’s characters.
With a little bride in that cute long white bridal gown, she would really make a cute Bride. There is no need to paint her very pale nor put black lipsticks on but just make your cute little girl corpse-like with powder. The character anyway is not a very violent-looking like the usual zombie costume. There would be no exposed intestines, nor broken limbs. There would be no fake movements of a zombie but your cute girl could just walk with ease. There would also be no blood, nor gross marks on the ensemble. It is perfectly a safe and wholesome character for your kids this Halloween.
Look at the bright side. Your kid would not have to go out trick-or-treating alone on that busy day. For the mothers, no more heart palpitations and walking around in circles waiting for your little dolly to be home. You will feel assured knowing that she has her pet with her to protect her.

How Anti Bark Collars Saved My Nerves

June 2nd, 2010, Posted in Dogs

Dogs bark.

Nothing new there.  It is what they are supposed to do.  But, as a dog owner and pet lover, what I cannot stand is a dog that barks nonstop and at inappropriate moments.

This is the reason why I first started using anti bark collars in the first place.

Let me explain further.

Here is my situation. I live in a neighborhood that is a block away from an elementary school and major street.

Additionally, my house is on the corner of a three way intersection.

You can guess where I am going with this.

My two dogs (a terrier and a pug) the cutest dogs you will ever see but they are little “yappers.”

There are some days it seems they bark non-stop.  From the moment they wake up to the moment everyone goes to sleep they are barking.

Anything can trigger them.  Kids getting on the bus, off the bus, the mailman, neighbors walking, neighbor’s dog, UPS guy, etc.  You name it and my dogs are barking at it.

It was going to be my sanity or the dogs.  Oh course, the kids did not like it.  Their nerves did not bother them like mine did.  Maybe it was because they did not have to work all day.

I went to the store and bought a citronella dog collar at Petco.  Enough was enough!  The children were given an ultimatum.  It was explained that either the dogs would be packed in the car and brought to the pound or we would buy some sort of anti barking collar (I would not really do that but I wanted to get my point across).

Oh course they called me “mean” but we all hopped in the car the next day and got the collar.

Quite frankly, I considered myself nice.  I researched it and there were three collars for me to pick from.

There were:

  • shock collar
  • ultrasonic collar
  • citronella (spray) collar

I opted for the spray collar.

Here is how it works.  You load this particular canister with a cartridge of lemon citronella.  This stuff is totally non-toxic.  It is a substance we use to repel mosquitoes and humans put it on their bodies all the time when they go camping.  Dogs hate the smell though.  Their noises are very sensitive and the small of this stuff is detestable.

Once they get a dose of this stuff they usually stop, immediately, in their tracks.

It worked great!

I put it on both dogs.  This device worked great!  The price I paid for it was totally worth it.

The collars were put on both dogs.  I put it snug enough where the the device could detect their bark but not so tight they were choking.

Sure enough a neighbor passed by my wide open windows.  She was with her son walking him back from school.  And, both dogs started barking immediately.

It lasted for a couple seconds.

The citronella bark collar shot a quick burst in their face.  Not much at all, just a quick little spritzer.  They let out a “yelp” and stooped bark immediately.  They gathered themselves and started barking again.  Same result.

They were beside themselves.  It was like their whole world had crumbled for a moment.  I had to try it again, just to make sure.

I rang the doorbell to see if it would work again.  Sure enough, they started barking.  And sure enough, they got sprayed.

Long story short their barking got less and less throughout the whole day until it totally ceased.

Now you have to keep in mind I love these dogs.  They sleep in my room every night and I have had them since they were puppies.  But as cute as smaller dogs are, and as much as I expect dogs to bark sometimes, I could not stand the constant barking.

I am a firm believer that these spray collars (citronella) are one of the quickest and more humane way to stop or severely curb excessive barking.  If are having this problem you should definitely try it out.

Here are some quick tips to go by if you decide to us them.

  • Make them snug but not tight
  • Take them off in the evening to prevent rashes
  • Make sure the battery works
  • Buy extra cartridges
  • Take them off when you go to the park or engage in fun activities when they are supposed to bark

Overall, this is definitely a device any dog owner should try if he is at his wit’s end.

Malaseb Pet Shampoo Treats Seborrhea

June 2nd, 2010, Posted in Cats, Dogs

Does you dog or cat scratch all the time and nibble incessantly at their skin?  Then they may have an irregular skin condition known as seborrhea.  Symptoms of this skin irritation problem include dry, flaky skin or oily skin combined with itching and possible infections.  Malaseb pet shampoo is one of the few products designed specifically to treat this problem in pets.

Seborrhea can be found in two classes:  primary and secondary.  Primary seborrhea is an inherited skin condition that can be very difficult to treat.  The more common form is secondary which is most often caused by Malassezia, this is a yeast which is found on the skin and in and around the ears of dogs and cats.  Bacteria’s can also lead to the secondary form of this problem

Malaseb shampoo is a great antidote for the alleviating the irritating symptoms of sebborhea.  It contains an anti-fungal called Micnazole which is designed to rid the pet of yeast and fungi and it also contains an anti-bacterial agent which has been proven to be a great germicide and bactericide.  These two ingredients offer a one-two punch which can eliminate most secondary cases.  An added benefit of this particular shampoo is the fact it is free from artificial scents and dyes and it also will not remove essential oils from the pet’s coat.

This shampoo does clean the coat and offer added comfort along with the removal of the fungi and bacteria which can cause the initial itching.  The medication in this product can also help in the treatment of psoriasis (inflamed and scaly skin) as well.

One warning note is the manufacturer recommends being very careful to keep the shampoo out of the eyes, nose , and mouth of your pet as it can cause irritation in these areas.  As with all medicated products, be sure to consult your veterinarian before starting any medication.  The layman can often times confuse one condition for another and thus treat the wrong problem.  Malaseb shampoo can be very effective if it is used for the correct problem.

Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

May 31st, 2010, Posted in Dogs

Heart disease is a catch-all term used to refer to any medical condition that affects the heart. It is second most common cause of death in dogs. About 11% of all dogs have some for of a heart disease. Some of them are minor and allows a dog to live a full life. However, in severe cases it can lead to a heart failure. Just like the human heart, a dog’s heart acts like a pump. It controls the flow of blood in a dog’s body and when the heart fails it can lead to Congestive Heart Failure.

This happens when the heart cannot pump blood anymore. This in turn will cause blood to back up into other organs of a dog’s body.

The most common type of Congestive Heart Failure involves the left atrium and the left ventricle. This causes blood to back up into the lungs filling it with fluid. Because of this, your dog will experience difficulties in breathing, excessive panting and coughing. The other type of Congestive Heart Failure affects the right side of the heart. This is uncommon among dogs but when a dog has this disease it will lead to swelling of the different parts of a dog most especially the abdomen and the legs.

Besides these symptoms, a dog may also experience fatigue and loss of appetite. This in turn will cause your dog to experience severe weight loss and general ill health. Also, your dog may begin to show signs of depression like the lack of interest in physical activities and staying in one spot to sleep.

Once these symptoms are present, it is best to consult your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the disease. Listening to the dog’s heart through a stethoscope is the most common way of determining heart problems. Usually, when a heart murmur is heard, that is an indication of a heart disease. But a veterinarian may also conduct further testing through radiographs, blood tests, electrocardiographs and sometimes an echocardiogram.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the disease. Once a dog is diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, the only thing you can do is to provide it with a comfortable life. This can be done through medications that will lessen the amount of work the dog’s heart has to do. Also, a special diet that is low on sodium and high in nutrients may be given. If this still fails and the dog is still in pain, then the only other option left is for you to euthanize it.

Using Dog Clippers at Home

May 27th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

A trip to the groomers can be a traumatic experience for both the pet and their owner. First, the puppy is often locked up in the chain link dog pens if the staff is running behind. Then, the animal is often frightened by strange people, poking and prodding at them with sharp tools, while the human owner is confronted with an expensive bill. Grooming a canine companion at home can save money as well as a headache. Purchasing dog groomer clippers for cutting their hair is an ideal solution to the problem.

The main benefit of grooming a puppy at home is that it spares the precious pet the frightening experience of visiting the groomer. By grooming the animal at home, the furry friend can remain happy and anxiety free in a familiar environment. Pets are more likely to cooperate if in the hands of a familiar face. Second, a pet owner can save money and time. Groomers are expensive and often require appointments. By using hair trimmers at home, a pet owner can do the job inexpensively on their own time and save money on gas on top of it.

Grooming can be done at home if the right tools are available. The main tool needed is a good set of hair clippers. They must be made specifically for animal fur to obtain the best results. The first step to cutting the pup’s hair is to give him a bath. This removes any dirt and matting that may be present. Next, it is important to brush the pet to get out any additional knots. After that, the work with the clippers begins. It is a good idea to start off slowly. Fur can always grow back, but if excessive loss can be prevented, that should always be a goal. Turning on the trimmers and letting the pet get accustomed to the new noise is a good way to make sure the animal is willing to cooperate. Trimming should start behind the ears in long and smooth strokes with the trimmer flush to the dog’s body and running along the grain of the coat. The owner can then progress through the rest of the body, slowly and meticulously.

Grooming a pet at home is a great way to save money and save the pooch a stressful time. A well groomed dog is a happy dog, and that’s what all pet owners want.

Doggie Dental Care

May 26th, 2010, Posted in Dogs

If their owners ignore their dental care needs, dogs (especially smaller breeds) are just as prone to painful and unpleasant problems with their teeth as humans. Yellowing, splintering, tooth loss and gum disease can be common problems for many dogs (not to mention really horrible cases of bad doggie breath).  However, since you cannot really send Fido to the bathroom to clean his teeth every morning the same way you do the kids what is the best way to make sure his teeth stay clean and healthy?

Your dog does need to brush his teeth and of course you will have to do that for him. Dog toothbrushes are readily available at most pet supply stores as are various kinds of canine toothpaste — although simple baking soda is just as effective. Expect resistance at first since your dog will really have no idea what you are doing when cleaning his teeth.  Just like with any other repetitive task, most dogs get used to the idea over time.

Providing plenty of hard things for him to chew on and exercise his teeth is another easy way to attend to your dog’s dental health. You can even buy dog bones and biscuits that are formulated to help clean his teeth naturally and freshen his breath a little too. These too are usually sold right in the regular aisle at your local pet store. Regular bones work just as well though, so don’t feel the need to necessarily run out and buy some special item.

If you do notice that your dog is having a problem with his teeth (swollen, red, painful gums and a loss of appetite are major warning signs) a visit to the vet is called for since if left unchecked infected teeth and gum disease in dogs can spread beyond the mouth and cause problems elsewhere in the body, shortening his lifespan considerably.

Tips for buying dog clothes

May 21st, 2010, Posted in Dogs

As of late you get all kinds of dog clothes in case you wish to dress your best friend. Dog clothes can be found in any style that we humans would wear. If you want to dress your dog in your favourite sports team’s jersey, then you are able to do it. Dog clothes are made out of lots of different materials, and it’s best to adjust the fabric in line with the climate you live in. Do not put a wool jersey on your dog in the event you live in 100 degree heat!

It’s essential to take your time in getting your dog to get used to wearing clothes. You must remember that it will likely be a strange feeling for your dog to wear clothes. Make him put on his jersey or jumper for short periods of time, and then you’ll be able to gradually increase the time that your dog wears clothes. All the time give your dog a treat when putting on the clothes. This will add positive reinforcement to your dog when wearing something, and make the initial process easier.

You need to take your time in dressing your dog. The more time you take to make the dog used to wearing dog clothes, the easier the entire process will be. As soon as your dog is used to wearing clothes at home, it will be much simpler to put something on him in public in the event you want to do it.

Always look to get dog clothes that will be comfortable for your dog, with big holes for the front legs and a straightforward fastening method like Velcro straps. Also be certain that the material the dog clothes are manufactured out of does not irritate your dog’s skin. Natural materials like wool are best.

Getting dog clothes for female dogs seems to be relatively simpler, and also you get a greater diversity of clothes for female dogs. Be sure the dog clothes that you buy match the personality of your dog. This can make the whole shopping experience for dog clothes a lot of fun