Love your Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:27:00 +0000

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Picking The Right Dog Chews And Treats For Your Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:55:00 +0000

With all of the options available for dog chews and treats both online and at your local pet store, it's hard to know which one is your best option. Which one will your dog not only enjoy, but will be healthy for them at the same time. It's not unlike picking out an afternoon snack for a small child. In light of the recent pet food recalls, many pet owners have turned to bully sticks as an all natural treat for their dogs. But not all bully sticks are created the same. Here are some things to keep in mind when picking out a bully stick for your dog.

There is a Difference in Quality

Bully sticks are made out of beef, and like all meat from cattle, there is a difference in the quality of the beef. The better the cattle are raised, the better the quality of the product from those cattle. Choosing bully sticks that come from quality, free-ranging cattle, like those raised in Brazil and other parts of South America, creates a superior bully stick than those produced in countries like India, China, and even the US.

Where They're Raised Matters

Cattle raised in countries like India, China, and the US are often raised in feedlots, where they are given antibiotics to stave off disease, and hormones to increase their growth at an unnatural rate. Cattle from these locations are also used to create bully sticks and other dog treats and chews. However, most of the cattle raised in Brazil and other parts of South America are free-ranging cattle, and the bully sticks created from them isn't subjected to the same hormones and antibiotics as those from the US, India, and China.

In addition to being the leading supplier of cattle raised in a free-ranging environment, Brazil and the rest of South America have been recognized as the world's number one source of "Green Cattle" for years. The bully sticks, and other all natural dog treats and chews, created from these cattle are much healthier for you dogs.

Recalls Are a Factor

When the pet recalls swept through the US, many people turned to bully sticks because they were lead to believe that there were no recalls associated with the treat. This is only half true. While bully sticks, and really all treats and chews for dogs, from those cattle that are raised free-range like those in South America were free from the sweeping pet recalls, those created from cattle raised in the US, India, and China were still subject to the same pet recalls that caused panic amongst pet owners.

Do the Research

The best advice for finding the perfect all natural dog treats and bully sticks for your dog is to do some research. If you're buying from a store, look at the label and see where it comes from. If you're buying from an online retailer read their product description to see if they list where their bully sticks come from. If they don't, contact the company and ask them. Don't settle for less when it comes to picking out a bully stick for your dogs.
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How Owning A Pet Teaches Your Children Responsibility And Builds Confidence

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:52:00 +0000

Some people say that every boy should own a dog. It certainly agrees with the classic American family: Dad, Mom, Son, Daughter, and their dog. Though not all families are able to own a pet, children benefit in many ways because of this canine familial addition.

To begin, owning a dog benefits the physical health of children. How? Scientific studies have shown that when a person pats a dog or strokes a cat, their blood pressure lowers. This helps relax the child and relieves stress after a long day at school. Some studies have also shown that children who own a pet, particularly a dog, have more highly developed immune systems than children who do not own a pet. This is most likely because children are not afraid to hug their dog and smother their face in the not-always-clean coat of their dog; by doing this, children are able to slowly build and strengthen their disease and sickness fighting abilities.

Next, children whose families own pets have been shown to display higher levels of empathy and kindness in comparison to children who do not have a pet. Children with pets also display higher confidence levels; this may be because dogs are confident, non-judgmental creatures, and children unconsciously copy their dog's finest traits. Also, studies have shown that children who own pets possess an affinity for understanding and communicating non-verbally. This is most likely because children talk to their dogs, and Rover in turn communicates through his body language, which kids learn to understand.

Here is a positive benefit to owning a pet that may interest parents: owning a cat or dog teaches children responsibility. When owning a dog, a child realizes that dogs have needs that must be met. Mom and Dad can help by teaching the children to put dog food in Rover's bowl, let the him out into the fenced backyard to do his business, and taking him on walks for exercise. Kids realize that responsibly includes taking care of others, not simply brushing their teeth at night, doing their homework, and cleaning their room. Eventually, children will have families of their own to take care of; start them early by helping them take care of the family dog. Also, children are able to understand that if they do not take proper care of their pet, they will lose their best friend. The responsibility of caring for a pet fosters lifelong benefits for growing children.

Finally, many parents believe that owning a pet simply increases the quality of life for their children. Children who have pets often grow up with them because the dog acts as a member of the family. A pet provides an at-home friend, someone to greet them when they get home from school, someone to play catch with, watch TV with, and someone who is there for them when they are sad or hurt. Dogs certainly are a comfort and a joy for children. The benefits of owning pets for a child's sake are endless. Who doesn't want their child to experience the best life has to offer?

Pooches in Pictures; How Hollywood influences the dogs we bring home

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:39:00 +0000

No actor wants to share the stage with a dog, for he will undoubtedly be upstaged. It’s all but impossible to watch a dog movie without falling head over heels into puppy love. Consider Mom, the warm-hearted Border Collie from the 1995 blockbuster Babe. There was nary a dry eye in the theater as she watched her pups sold. Disney’s 101 Dalmations left an audience crying (as Cruella), “I want those puppies!” Even television commercials tug at our heart-strings. Dinky started a Chihuahua craze the world over as the spokes-dog for Taco Bell, while Spuds Mackenzie ushered in a new generation of Budweiser Beer drinkers. There is no doubt about it; the media has great influence over pet popularity, particularly those of the canine persuasion. In itself, this isn’t a terrible thing, but when it comes to choosing a pet for your family, Hollywood can spell disaster!

Just imagine a couple going to a movie featuring a cute child. On screen the child is humorous, attractive, and clever. It never gets into trouble, except when it is funny. Imagine the couple falling in love with this on-screen child, going so far as deciding to have a baby of their own, without taking any of the complications of child-rearing into consideration. They don’t expect to have any troubles with their child—they naturally expect it to resemble the child from the movie.

Sound ridiculous?

Now imagine that same couple six months after their baby is born. They are now trying to find a family to adopt their child. It takes up too much room, and they can’t leave it home by itself while they work all day. They had no idea how much money it cost to feed and diaper it, not to mention the doctor bills! The baby demands too much attention, and over all, they can’t take anymore crying.

This same scenario happens over and over again every time Hollywood releases a dog movie. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good dog movie as much as the next canine enthusiast, but there are good reasons Sandi Dreimel of TheDogInformant.com sites this as one of the four worst reasons for getting a dog.

The next time you think about bringing home Rin-tin-tin remember: Dogs are great stars, and often several dogs share one role. Nine different dogs have played the part of Lassie since it first premiered in 1943. These dogs are trained by experts for years before they are accepted on the set. Special tricks and effects can give animals human-like qualities. But real pets are only too…real, and individuals end up disappointed when the pet they purchased doesn’t behave like their screen counterpart. Disappointment quickly turns to annoyance and sometimes can even become abuse.

Besides expert training, many Hollywood dogs require extensive care. Frequently films will feature rare and exotic breeds that are difficult to care for. Take our little talking tacquito friend. Chihuahuas, while smart and affectionate, need careful socialization to keep them from becoming suspicious of strangers, jealous, and even aggressive! Their tiny frames, while adorable, make them vulnerable to injuries. All of these traits make Chihuahuas an unsuitable companion for children, but these aren’t traits generally advertised on Taco Bell’s commercials. However they should definitely be taken into consideration before bringing home Taco’s twin.

At times Hollywood has actually created a breed boom with a movie. Unfortunately this instant popularity can attract the wrong crowd. There are irresponsible breeders out there who are more interested in making money than careful breeding. Their negligence can result in animals of poor health, bad temperament, and inferior structure. Sadly these breeders are everywhere. It may take a little research to buy a purebred, something impulse buyers, like those influenced by the latest Hollywood trend are unlikely to do.

What happens to these pooches when people become bored or disillusioned with them? Too often yesterday’s fads become a burden on shelters and rescue groups struggling to place forsaken pets. Roughly 60% of animals in shelters are eventually euthanized. So, before you go looking for that Lassie look-alike, remember that choosing a pet is a lifestyle choice, not a fashion statement. Think through your decision, realizing that dogs require time, money, and a lifetime commitment. (Most dogs live between 10 and 15 years.) If your child has her heart set on Pongo’s stunt double, consider buying her the DVD, or better yet, a stuffed animal. And if you do decide to get a dog, make sure you read up on its breed, spend time with it, talk to real dog owners, and set realistic expectations for yourself and your new pet. There’s a reason dogs are known as man’s best friend. But as with people, choose your friends with care!

How To Get Your Dog To Listen To You

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:34:00 +0000

So what is the problem you are having with pooch? Is your dog not behaving like the angel you thought it would? There could be any number of reasons as to why the animal is not properly behaving, but one of the most important reasons is the reason of listening. Do you actually listen to what your dog is trying to tell you?

If your dog is not ready to do anything and is lazy, it is not going to obey your commands. It is just as simple as that. Now on the other hand, if you can get your dog excited to start listening, you will have one of the most obedient dogs on the planet. You must make the dog excited to want to learn and want to please you. Only then will you have the full attention of the animal.

So what is one to do? Well, without getting into too much detail, you just have to keep things simple and to the point. Animals do not have to learn by repetition, although I would strongly suggest you do this. How do you practice getting your dog motivated? Come up with a routine that you can do on a daily basis for about a week or so, that will not make your dog distracted.

For example, go to a quiet room and with a dog treat, begin your training. When you can get the dog to focus its attention on you and on the treat, you are winning the battle here. You must always make the dog want to please you and never forget to reward it for the awesome behavior it displays, the good behavior that is. Teaching your dog to sit and then giving it a treat, will let the dog know that you are happy with what it has just accomplished.

Taking these simple things into consideration, you will go a long way in helping your dog understand that when it comes time to pay attention, it better do so. Why would it want to disobey you anyways? It really wants that treat. So with treat, practice, and patience, you will see an amazing change in the way your dog behaves.

You have to keep in mind that a treat is a reward with your dog. Dogs love rewards just like we do. So be generous and be kind when handing out the reward for good behavior. Stay positive in your teaching and never be negative about it. Negativity will only hurt the process. Stay sharp and good luck.

Dog Allergy - Treatment And Prevention

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:31:00 +0000

We know enough to care for our skin and keep dermatitis at bay. Just as in humans a dog allergy can be very painful and uncomfortable. A dog allergy can be extremely trying for both dog and owner. Unlike dogs, we look after our allergies, mainly because we are able to.

It's quite possible, when your dog has an allergy; it's something he/she will have for life. While difficult to diagnose, it's important to beware of your dog's signs if you're to provide effective relieve to your dog's allergies. Rarely will dogs grow out of their allergies, plus, it's also unlikely that dog allergies are one-off.

Generally, most dog allergies can be traced back to a dog's diet. If the symptoms that your dog displays, leads to confusing diagnoses, it's best to seek advice from your veterinarian. Your first priority when dealing with your dog's allergies should be a visit to the vet.

The sooner one acts, and starts treating their dog's allergies the easier and less stressful it will be in the long run. Properly treating the symptoms of your dog's allergies will certainly bring relief to your dog, but dealing with the cause of your dog's allergy should greatly reduce distress in your dog.

Some believe using natural diets and treatments offer less harmful side effects than conventional commercial based products. More and more dog owners are looking to natural solutions in the treatment of their dog's allergies. While it's always advised that you seek the advice of your Veterinarian when treating dog allergies, it can also be well worth looking to some alternative methods. In the book, "Veterinary Secrets Revealed" (available at http://veterinary-secrets-revealed.com), Dr. Andrew Jones focuses on alternative home treatments for dog allergies. According to Dr. Jones, allergies are one of the most common reasons that he sees pets.

A simple change in what your dog eats, plays with or sleeps on, could be all that is needed to put an end to your dog's pain. The use of medicated shampoos or creams on your dog's dry or itchy skin may play a key role in making your dog less susceptible to allergies. Without a doubt, preventing your dog's allergies is by far, a much better option than constantly trying to cure what ails them. Treatment of dog allergies is an on-going process, while prevention is better in the long run.

Remember, it is essential that you be proficient in spotting the signs in order to correctly control and treat your dog's allergies. So, if your dog is itching or scratching more than usual, shedding its skin, or suffer from unexplainable sores, then it is more than likely your dog has an allergy of some sort and a trip to the vet is advised.

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Choosing The Best Dry Dog Food

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:28:00 +0000

Sometimes, the best dry dog food is the one that your dog will eat the most. It is easier to buy something that your canine will eat as opposed to having them eat dog food that may be better for them, but one that they may not necessarily like. However, there are a few things you need to consider when you walk down the pet food aisles at your local retailer.

Consider the price of the dry dog food. Often, dry dog food that are cheap or are not branded are made with ingredients like fillers and seasonings that are not necessarily good for dogs. These ingredient may be tasty, but they can be harmful to your dog. These dry dog food often have too much preservatives, which can cause your dog to develop health problems that may eventually cause them to suffer later on in life.

To increase the vitality and life expectancy of your dog, go with good quality dry dog food. You don't really need to purchase the most expensive dry dog food there is, but it is best if you stick with dry dog food that is manufactured by a reputable dog food company and is priced reasonably.

The main ingredient in the best dry dog food is rice, corn or soybean. High quality dry dog food will also have other ingredients such as beef and chicken. Stores also sell dry dog food formulated specifically to a dog's age. Manufacturers classify the different types of dry dog food as being for puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs. Purchasing the dry dog food that's most suitable for your dog's age is always important.

If you want to know what are the best dry dog foods, ask your veterinarian. Veterinarians would often recommend the branded dry dog foods. These brands are more expensive, but if you have an older dog, it may be to your advantage to pay a little more for the best dry dog food.

You will know if you've picked the best dry dog food by the way your dog looks and feels. When you take your dog for yearly shots, his coat should be healthy, his eyes should be clear and he should be full of energy. If your pet doesn't look well and seems lethargic, there could be something wrong with his diet. It is always wise to keep notes about what your dog is eating on a daily basis. This way, a veterinarian can diagnose your dog more quickly and recommend the best dry dog food for your pet.

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Understanding Dog Behavior

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:24:00 +0000

Dogs are considered the most genuinely happy creatures on earth. Their entire day is filled with you whether you are there or not. They are waiting for you, sleeping on your bed, watching for you out the window, wondering where you are while they are patiently waiting for you in their crate.

Once you come home it’s all about you. Your attention, your love, your food, your commands, and of course, your time. For an animal that revolves his whole life around you, it can be confusing why he does some of the things he does. If he loves you so much, why is he destroying your shoes? If you are the light in his life, why is he ignoring you when you come home?

Dogs have a very unique way of expressing themselves. Most people believe that dogs have and show genuine emotion such as love and fear and even anger. We understand that when they sit at the door and bark they are telling us they need to go outside. We understand that when we have a leash in our hand and they get a little goofy that they are excited about the upcoming walk. Understanding their more subtle or destructive cues takes a little insight into your dog’s world.

Returning Home Behavior

Some dogs get so excited that you are home after a weekend away they completely get beside themselves with joy. They follow you around and may even be uncharacteristically clingy as you wander about the house. Others get so excited when you first walk in the door, and then leave you in complete peace for several hours. People usually say that he is angry with you for leaving in the first place.

Most experts say their behavior is more about security than anything. You are your dog’s entire world and when for some reason you disappear for a long period of time, and there is a sudden change in his routine, his security is thrown a bit. He is very happy to see you but he also needs a little reassurance that everything is getting back to normal. Some dogs do this by following you around the house until they are sure, and others do this from a more observatory stance. Either way your canine family member is just looking for reassurance and his typical routine to return.

The Canine Garbage Disposal

He knows better and he knows that you know he knows better. However, every chance he gets you see him scampering off with something that you just absolutely don’t want him to chew. He eats your best shoes while you’re in the shower, the corner of the bedspread while you’re getting dressed, and the phone cord while you were talking on it. And you haven’t even made it to breakfast yet. As much as you love him you are contemplating the moral issues of drop kicking him right out the door. You’ve tried everything that you can think of and yet he is still eating everything in sight. He is beyond the age where teething causes chewing but yet he still can’t seem to find his own toys to consume.

There are two key factors in a garbage disposal dog. The first and easiest to solve is a health problem relating to his teeth and gums. If his mouth is bothering him, he is going to chew on everything he can. Start with a vet visit to rule out any periodontal issues.

The more likely culprit of his unflattering behavior is stress and anxiety. Yes, your happy go lucky guy can suffer from stress. Has there been a change in the household such as a new baby, dramatically increased arguing or is someone who is supposed to be there suddenly gone?

For starter, confine him when you can’t watch him, although preferably with you. A puppy gate here can go a long way in simple things like keeping an eye on him while you are showering and watching his every move while you are getting dressed. Often the hurried morning is a higher anxiety period for your dog.

Then begin to address the problem. Make sure there’s an appropriate toy available to him at all times and make a big deal about it when he eats the right things. A sharp reprimand and a quick and immediate discipline is in order when you catch him at the wrong chew toys. You don’t want to stress him more by smacking him, although a rolled up newspaper banged on a hard surface is a quick attention getter. Never strike him with it. He will make it his mission to eat it if you do in an effort to eliminate an already stressful period.

Try to identify the stressor and relax him around the problem. If you can get him comfortable enough around the new baby to lie down even when the baby is crying, you have made strides. If there is tension in the house try to tone down the arguing, or take it to an alternative room. If your dog can be comfortably confined to an outdoor yard, that is the best option, but don’t get so wrapped up in your arguing that you leave him out there for extensive periods of time. Whatever the stressor is that is causing the chewing, try to get him comfortable and relaxed around it. This may take some time, but relieving his anxiety will also reduce the tension in your life as well.

Aggression

You know him as your sweet and loveable friend. Your friends and neighbors know him as the terror on your doorstep who wants to eat them. Aggression is not a nice quality in your dog. Aggression comes from the desire to protect, and anything perceived as a threat is going to be treated like one. For some dogs this means anyone and anything that doesn’t belong. He is only trying to defend his home and his human family, but aggression is a serious behavioral problem that needs to be nipped in the bud.

Check your own behavior. How are you reacting to him when he is growling and carrying on at the neighbor as she walks by your house? Make sure the words “good boy” are the last thing your dog hears. “Be a good boy,” or “That’s not a good boy,” are not deterrents. Neither is “Shh.”

Mild mannered people tend to have more aggressive dogs because their tones are not consistent with command. If your dog doesn’t believe you enough to listen to you, he certainly isn’t going to believe you can take care of yourself. I can’t tell you how many times our pups have been accosted on the street with an owner telling their dog that it’s ok. It’s not okay. The words you are looking for are firm and sharp and sound like “Sit” and “No.” One word firm commands are much more effective than reasoning. Aggression is a serious offense and it must be treated as one. We have one dog who got a little out of control. When sitting wasn’t getting him under control on his nightly walk we actually went to making him lie down. Right there on the street or sidewalk we commanded our German Shepard to lie down to get his attention and then added a “Quiet” command to get our point across. His aggression quieted down in a week.

Some dogs do better if they can at least see what’s going on even if they can’t be a part of the process. Aggressive dogs are really protective dogs. The delivery man might not want your growling, snarling beloved pet to join you on the porch, but he might do better if he has a place he can be directed to sit and watch provided he stays quiet. Constantly sequestering him does nothing to solve the problem.

The Overbearing Overgrown Puppy

He is happy to see you. You are his toy and his best friend and he will pummel you over in an attempt to play with you. He has run over the children and covered the cat with his doggie saliva. You love him, but wow does his energy get annoying sometimes. It’s hard to talk to someone one the phone when he’s jumping on you and wrapping his big paws around you and forget leaving the house looking presentable.

He is the puppy who never grew up. His body got big, but he seems intellectually stuck at four months old. Most of the time this behavior is a matter of dominance. When a dog views you as his alpha leader, he gives you respect. When you are his peer, you are his play mate. Alpha leaders are by nature a food related dominance. Of course other factors play into it as well, but to a dog food is leadership. If you are not already the dog’s food source, consider taking on that responsibility.

Establish yourself as a leader. This isn’t all that hard to do and you don’t even have to stop playing with him in order to do it. Start by giving him random commands, especially around feeding time. With his food in your hand tell him to sit. With the food in the bowl and the bowl on the floor tell him to wait, and then make sure he follows through. When he has looked to you for permission, allow him to commence eating.

Slowly add random commands throughout the day and rebuke rough playing immediately. If he wants to play, he has to sit and wait for things rather than tackle you. You can just as easily give him commands with playtime as you can any other time. A few commands before you throw the ball is usually enough to get the right message across as you are establishing dominance.

Interpreting Your Dog

Understanding your dog’s behavior isn’t quite as mystifying as it seems. He really is doing his best to tell you. Watching his communication with other people and animals in the household can really open your eyes to how he expresses himself.

A dog wags his tail to express happiness, yawns when he is content, and growls when he is threatened. With over one hundred facial expressions, he is constantly telling you something. The more you get to know your dog the more you will learn what he is telling you.

Owning a dog is a wonderfully joyous experience. They bring so much into our world which is why so many people have them. They look to us to tend to their needs. We owe it to them to give them at least our very best shot at keeping them safe, healthy, and happy.

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Tips On Choosing The Right Sized Dog Bed

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:20:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed how your pet dog loves sleeping beside you in your bed? You frequently tell your dog to get off but it just wont listen to you. Yes, you adore your pet, there's no question about it. However, you just can't let your dog sleep beside you no matter how adorable it may seem. Admit it, the way your dog snores and drools in your bed really keeps you up at night. In situations like this, you should finally get your dog its own dog bed.

Getting your beloved pet its own place for sleeping is as essential as a man having his own bed. However, you can not just choose any dog bed products for your pet. There are some things that you need to consider first such as the right size of the dog bed. Keep in mind that it's more comfortable for dogs to lie on a bed that is just the right size for them.

The following are some helpful tips when it comes to choosing the right sized dog bed:

1. Consider the size and breed of your pet dog first. Since you are going to choose a bed for your dog, always keep in mind the physique of your beloved dog. If you own a small dog such as a Teacup Poodle, then of course, you will be looking for a small-sized dog bed. However, if your pet dog is a large one such as a St. Bernard, then you are set to look for a large-sized dog bed. Also, if your canine pet is still a puppy, then you have to choose an adjustable bed for your dog to grow up with. Bear in mind that dogs have different life spans as compared to humans. This means that dogs grow up faster than we do.

2. Make sure that the dog bed product you choose has enough space so your dog can move easily in it. Sleeping on a dog bed should be a soothing moment for your pet and not an exhausting one. Your dog must be able to fit in the bed yet still has enough space to stretch its body. Take note that space is what pets are usually looking for in a dog crib. Dogs are hyperactive and have the tendency to move around even while they sleep.

Also, there might be instances when pet dogs other than your own, such as the ones owned by your neighbors or friends, may drop by at your place and share the dog bed with your pet. Make them as comfortable as possible by providing a dog bed with the size just right enough for them to share together.

3. Know your dog well. If you really know your dog, then shopping for the right sized dog bed will not be that hard to do. Everything will have to depend on your pet dog's preferences and needs. When buying a dog bed for your pet, it is better to ask specialty stores for a sleep trial using your prospect dog bed product. This way, you will know the most suitable size of dog bed that best fit your beloved pet dog.

A Guide to Buying Pet Products

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:08:00 +0000

Australian families who share their homes with pets number among the highest in the world, with 64% of households including pets. In those 7.5 million households, fish top the pet population at over 12 million, followed by birds, at 9 million. At almost 4 million, there are more dogs than either boys or girls under the age of 14 years, and our domestic cat population is approximately two and a half million. If we group horse for pleasure riding, rodents, rabbits, snakes, lizards and others together, we can add another 2 million pets.

Pet Supplies Pet association has been shown to have enormous positive benefits on health and wellbeing of Australians. When you have a pet as a member of your family, you will visit the doctor less frequently and use less medication, have lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure, recover from illness and surgery more rapidly, deal with stress better and be less likely to feel lonely. All in all, it is estimated that pet association saves the Australian health budget almost S4 billion annually.

Around 90% of Australian familles with pets, consider those pets as fully integrated family members and the primary caregiver who assumes responsibility for the pet in the majority of situations is female. Not surprisingly, expenditure on pets, pet care and pet products in Australia is placed at more than $4 billion annually and provides employment for more than 40,000 people. Of this expenditure, two thirds (66%) is spent on dogs and one quarter (25%) is spent on cats. Dogs therefore get the greater amount of attention in pet world.

Care and grooming products

Caring for pets requires time and energy on the part of the caregiver. In today's busy world, time is a commodity in shorter supply than perhaps it once was. There are a lot of products available to help reduce the amount of time needed for pet care. Search Myshopping.com.au for pet care products for your particular animal.

There are automatic feeding and watering products that mean your animal can access food and water when they need it and don't have to depend on you being there to attend to it. Having water readily available for dogs and cats is important because they dehydrate more quickly than humans. Automated pet feeders not only reduce the chore of being there to provide meals for your pets, but add the convenience of timing food releases for animals that may be subject to particular dietary needs. Using an elevated pet feeder can aid your pet's digestion because the pet doesn't have to strain and bend over to access the food. Portable watering and feeding products are useful for those who take their pets with them at work or on the move, and include drinking pouches and feedbags for dogs and cats.

The need to groom your pet depends a lot on your living environment, and whether (or how much) your pet is an indoor or outdoor pet. Grooming could be a daily, weekly or occasionally scheduled activity, and is necessary to keep the animal's coat healthy and to eradicate fleas and other parasites. It is also important to keep dander in check. Grooming products for pets include products for coat maintenance, nail clipping, dental care, bathing and beauty. There is a huge range of shampoos, face washes, and deodorisers and skin care products as well as styling tools and bows and ribbons for beautification. Grooming tools you may require could include a grooming table, heated blower-dryer, combs, rakes and brushes. As well as nail files and clippers.

Accommodation and transport products

As we cram ourselves into smaller and smaller living spaces, we have a need to accommodate our pets in the most comfortable manner. There is a huge range of bedding, mat and cushion products for dogs and cats, as well as cages and aquariums for birds and fish. (Aquariums are also available for hermit crabs and snails). Small 'housing' products such as indoor and outdoor kennels and sleeping tents and bags come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit all kinds of living environments. Rugs and shelters are also important for keeping your pets warm during cold weather, and insulated or shaded shelters are important during warmer weather. Pet that suffer from arthritis can benefit from pet warming pads, while animals that have motor disabilities can benefit from special ramps and steps that aid them in their mobility.

As a large proportion of pet owners like to travel with their pets in cars or on bicycles, there are a large number of travelling options, including specially designed car seats, harness and soft cages. Some car seats double as a travel suitcase to carry your pet's travel needs or as a bed for a comfortable night's sleep. For the cyclist, there is a range of pet bicycle baskets available with different safety and security features.

One of the reasons that pets help foster better health is due to the time we spend walking, running or playing with them. Searching Myshopping.com.au for leads and collars will yield a tremendous variety of products. Leads that you can belt around your waist give you 'hands-free' control of your dog while you walk or jog freely. Collars not only provide a way to carry your animal's registration tags, but also provide a unique identity for your pet. If your pet is small or has a disability, you can get a pet stroller or a pocket pouch to walk or carry your pet.

Safe and secure enclosures can keep pets from wandering off, while giving them an outdoor experience. Safety pet fences or cat fences are wire mesh enclosures that can be used in backyards or on balconies to keep you pet safe while giving tem the ability to stretch in the fresh air. Portable soft pens, many of which can be coupled together to enclose a larger area, are ideal for containing a pet indoors or blocking off an entrance.

Safety products and toys

There are occasions when both pets and humans need to be kept safe from each other and from other dangers in the home and neighbourhood. These can include muzzles and safety restraints, as well as steps and life preservers to use in shimming pools and at beaches. The elderly pet may need special pet stairs or slings to help with mobility, or a brace that acts as a support crutch.

Traveling with Your Pet; Some Useful Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:04:00 +0000

Remember to bring along your pet's rabies and health certificates if you are taking your pet on vacation with you. It is also a good idea to have the name of someone who would be willing to come and get the animal in case of an accident. If you are staying at hotels, you would do well to research which ones accept pets (many do) and which ones do not.

Some airlines will let your pet ride in the cabin with you for a $50 one-way fee, but it must be small enough to fit in a crate that will then fit under the seat in front of you, and your pet will count as one piece of your carry-on luggage.

And just like children, pets DO get carsick! If you are planning a long trip with your pet and he isn't used to traveling in the car much, you might want to take him out for a bunch of rides - gradually lengthening the trip each time. Also putting the animal toward the front of the vehicle will sometimes help with a dog that does get carsick (less motion than at the back).

How many times have you driven down the street to see a car go by you that has a dog hanging out the window? Or sitting in the driver's lap? Not only is this a probable accident waiting to happen, but the dog's head and eyes are in danger of being injured by debris. It is always a good idea to restrain your dog when he is traveling in the car with you - either with a harness or in a crate. If you use a harness, you might consider covering the seat with a seat cover or an old blanket that you can take out and wash.

And last but not least, under no circumstances EVER leave your pet in the hot sun in the car (even with the windows down). It is akin to putting them into a 120° oven!! Have fun with your pet and enjoy your summer.

How To Check And Clean Your Cats Ears

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:02:00 +0000

An important part of keeping your cat healthly and happy is checking and cleaning their ears. Because the ears are one of the few parts that cats can not reach themselves they need a little help from a loving owner. Keeping your cats ears clean is extremely important because any unremoved dirt, debris, or wax can clog the ears and cause infections. Regular ear cleaning at home augment’s your cats own natural grooming habits.

1. How to check the ears

During petting, casually check your cats ears for discharge, redness, unpleasant smell, swelling, and even lumps. Also observe your cat’s behaviour, if he often scratches or paws at his ears (and sometimes even shakes his head often), then he might be feeling discomfort in the ear area.

If you notice that your cats ears are becoming painful or inflamed, visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian has the equipment to look deep into your cat’s ear canal and give an accurate diagnosis. The veterinarian will determine if allergies, skin conditions, ear mites, bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are causing ear diseases. Seek early treatment, or your cat’s ear condition may become too late to heal.

2. How to clean the ears

Ask your veterinarian for gentle ear cleaning solutions you can use to keep your cats ears clean. These special solutions are effective in removing excess wax, moisture, and debris from your cat’s outer ear canal. Be sure to use only solutions that are specifically formulated for cats. Avoid medicated solutions, unless your veterinarian advises you to use it.

Different solutions are administered differently, but most of them require you to follow these steps.

* You typically only need a few drops of the ear solution. Squeeze the bottle and let a few drops fall on into your cat’s ear canal.

* Start massaging the base of your cats ear gently. You should hear a ‘squelch’ while you do this. Repeat the same procedure with the other ear. After both ears have been cleaned, let your cat shake its head, this loosens the waxes.

NOTE: Stop massaging immediately if your cat feels pain, and then take your cat to the veterinarian if you haven't already done so.

* Wipe the solution by wrapping your forefinger with cotton wool, this should clean off wax and debris. Do this gently though and do not poke in too deep, or you might hurt your cats eardrum.

It is recommended not to use cotton buds, which can injure the ear canals’ sensitive lining.

Get Your Pet Business Organized

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:29:00 +0000

When you get your pets and pet business organized, you can save a lot of time, money and headaches caused by mismanaging your inventory – and your time and life. Instead of looking for things (like pet collars, medications, training instructions, website content and images) and buying duplicates because you can’t find what you already have, you’ll be much better prepared to find and conquer your clutter.

So get ready for better organization, everything you hopefully need for your pets and business – all in one place. In no particular order, try these helpful organizational tips.

Basic Offline & Online Organizing for Your Business

Your main focus with organizing is to set up a main area for gathering all of your pet information and materials together so that everything is handy, all in one place. Note that whatever organizational methods, device and systems you use do not need to be costly. Choose what works for you and is in your budget level.

Begin by taking a look around your home or other work environment. You need a place where you can establish your organizational headquarters; a spare bedroom, downstairs vacant sitting room, breezeway, basement area, outer attached storage area, shed, garage area, barn or other out building, as examples. When you find a place, start working on your organization there, focusing on these main points:

* Build up your own reference and information center with all of business documents: pet guides, pet health books, invoices, receipts, instructions for equipment, product and service brochures, etc. You can build this within a chest of drawers, file cabinets, book cases, durable plastic stackable containers or any type of shelves.

* Within your storage space, also insert folders to help separate your materials and keep things neat and easily accessible.

* Establish an area for your continued business and pet training information and other educational materials: CDs, DVDs, books, how-to tapes, audio cassettes, magazines, helpful articles clipped form newspapers and newsletters and copied off of the Internet, reports, guides and other learning aids.

* Add small shoeboxes or other storage units for holding your paper clips, staples, pens, pencils, note pads, ruler, glue stick tape measure, tape, etc.

* And when you have your main central area filled in, arrange your other business equipment (computer, fax machine, phone system, etc.) and pet supplies (extra food and treats, toys, bedding, etc.) in surrounding storage cabinets, shelves, bins or other types of units of various sizes and on nearby wall hooks. Visit your local hardware or discount stores for good organizational aids.

So plan ahead and get organized. Save time, money and aggravation when you grab what you need the first time around. And invest in your business, your customers and your self instead!

Alternative Therapies for the Horse

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:24:00 +0000

It is not uncommon that trends in veterinary medicine to mirror trends in human medicine. To that end, it's not surprising that alternative medicine is being used more frequently on sick and injured horses. Instead of prescribing the latest wonder drug, some veterinarians are instead prescribing a little hands-on healing in the hopes that less invasive techniques will bring about a return to health. In this article, we'll examine two alternative healing practices that are becoming very popular in the horse world: chiropractic and massage.

CHIROPRACTIC

Equine chiropractors traditionally deal with "subluxations" of the vertebrae. Defined, subluxations are incomplete or partial dislocations of the vertebrae; in other words, vertebrae that are out of alignment. These misalignments can not only cause the horse pain in his back, but can also cause soft tissue damage around the area of the spine. And since the spine is said to be the conduit to the central nervous system, subluxations may possibly change neurological function of the spinal cord, the spinal nerve roots, and portions of the nervous system. The equine chiropractor adjusts these subluxations—in plain speaking he put the spine back into alignment—and returns the horse to optimal health.

What conditions does chiropractic treat?

Chiropractic is used to treat back and neck pain in the horse, as well as nerve damage. It can also be used to diagnose and come up with a treatment plan for certain lamenesses. Some people even use chiropractic during prepurchase exams to determine whether the horse has any neck or back injuries.

How is chiropractic administered, and how much does it cost?

Like a vet exam, the chiropractic exam begins with a case history. Posture analysis, gait analysis, static palpation, motion palpation, orthopedic exam, and a neurological exam follow. Based upon his or her findings, the vertebra is then manipulated during the adjustment by the practitioner.

How much does a chiropractic treatment cost?

A chiropractic exam and adjustment cost approximately $50-75, depending upon the extent of the problem and the length of the session.

Are there any risks?

Some believe that in the wrong hands, chiropractic can cause back and neck pain, lameness problems, and spinal cord injury. The equine chiropractor must have strong knowledge of equine vertebral anatomy, including vertebral joint relationships, the relationship of neural components, muscle attachments and nerve supply, and normal and abnormal range of motion.

MASSAGE

During a massage, the soft tissues of the body are worked by experienced hands and fingers. As any human who has been the recipient of one knows, massage stimulates acupuncture points and relieves tension. Myofascial release therapy, in which the fascia that connect and surround the muscles are manipulated, and myotherapy, a method of relaxing muscle spasm, improving circulation, and alleviating pain, are two of the most common types of equine massage therapy.

What conditions does massage treat?

Massage can really help sore muscles and tendons. It is frequently used to repair damaged muscle fiber, such as contracted tendons, ligament and muscle strains, chronic inflammatory conditions, peripheral nerve injuries, scar tissue, and chronic edema.

How is massage administered?

The soft tissues of the body are worked by the hands and fingers. The strokes are generally performed in the direction in which blood flows, which is toward the heart.

How much does equine massage cost?

A massage costs between $25 and $75, depending upon its duration.

What are the risks?

If your horse has acute inflammatory processes of the skin, soft tissue, bone and joints, fractures, sprains, circulatory disorders, presence or danger of hemorrhage, lyphangitis, and tumors, then massage should be avoided.

Causes Of Feline Obesity, Or Why Your Cat Is Fat

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:23:00 +0000

Did you know that nearly half of the cats in the US are obese? This doesn't mean just a little overweight, but seriously fat! If your kitty is one of them, he's at risk for feline diabetes, arthritis, and other life-threatening health issues.

Why are our kitties getting heavier and heavier? Pure and simple, we're just feeding them way too much. You can't argue with the fact that you'll gain weight if you take in more calories than you use. This is true whether you're a person or an animal. It used to be that we had to work hard to get our food. Kitties did too. Their food didn't just magically appear in their dishes; they had to go out and hunt for it. They got plenty of exercise hunting. Portion control played a role here too, as a mouse is only so big. If he wanted more to eat, he had to hunt for it.

Most of us leave dry food out all the time for our buddies. This is called "free choice feeding." We all think our babies will starve if they don't have food available to them all the time. But the truth is that free choice feeding is probably the single biggest cause of feline obesity. Your furball won't appreciate this, but throw that feeder away! Start feeding him two or three times a day instead. Cut back on his portion size too. Feed according to his target weight, not according to what he weighs.

Dry food is extremely high in carbohydrates, since it's mostly grain. Your kitty was meant to eat meat, not grain. The extra carbs are stored in his body as fat. Plus carb-rich food causes his blood sugar to stay higher for longer, causing insulin resistance. And he's well on his way to feline diabetes at this point. Most dry foods are low in protein. For this reason, feeding a high-quality canned food is healthier for your furball. And many kitties lose weight when they're changed over to canned food.

Don't get hung up on the recommended feeding instructions on the bag or can. It's a known fact that if you feed your kitty the amount recommended on the bag, he'll eventually get too heavy. A kitty that's been spayed or neutered needs only 75-80% of the amount of food an intact feline needs. Remember that spaying or neutering will NOT make your furry friend fat. He'll only get fat if you feed him too much. If your buddy doesn't get much exercise, he needs less food, too. And like humans, as your buddy gets older, his metabolism slows down, and he's more prone to gaining weight. So you may need to adjust his food intake as he ages. Regardless of what the bag says, if he's gaining weight, feed him less!

We love our furballs, and we think we need to show our love with food, which is why cat treats sell so well. Most of these treats have a high carb level, and flavoring that encourage your kitty to eat when he's not hungry. Sound familiar? If your kitty is roaming around restlessly and meowing, this is normal behavior for a feline. It doesn't mean he's hungry. Never give him a treat to make him be quiet. All you're doing is rewarding him for vocalizing, and he'll do it more. Give him your attention instead.

Most kitties seem to spend all their time sleeping. If you want your buddy to lose weight, you need to increase his activity level. This can be hard to do, as it's hard to take your kitty for a run like you would with a dog. Plus cats are often left alone for hours, and there's nothing else to do but sleep.

You may want to consider adopting a kitten. Once they get used to each other, they'll probably run around playing and chasing each other. If this isn't feasible, try to find some toys that will get him moving. He'd probably enjoy playing with a fishing pole-type toy. A video with chirping birds or rustling mice may get him up and stalking the TV set.

You need to monitor your buddy's weight so you can adjust his food intake if he starts gaining weight. Get a good scale, and weigh him at least once a week. Preventing weight gain is much easier than taking off unwanted pounds later.

Darlene L. Norris has been owned by many kitties over the years. Now I've combined my love for cats and my life-long interest in herbs and healing at Your Cat Care Guide Information on natural remedies for cats can be hard to find. Stay up-to-date on the latest herbal and homeopathic treatments for your feline friends!

Make Your Cat Feel Comfortable When Traveling

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:19:00 +0000

Unlike dogs, whom seem to enjoy rides with their owners for adventure away from the home front, cats do not feel so comfortable leaving the comforts of home even for a little while. Trying to go for a ride with your cat can be quite an adventure in itself. By nature cats can be pretty picky and grow rather fond of their surroundings. There are many reasons why your cat doesn't enjoy traveling. Maybe they view the carrier as a restrictive punishment or the thought of going to the vet with his tools and practices are enough to scare your cat. For whatever reason, there are some things that you can do to help your cat feel more comfortable about traveling.

One way to have travel for your cat made easier is by traveling with your cat during the early stages of their life. Start out with short trips. A ride just around the block or a trip to the store are good places to start. These short trips should be done fairly often so that your cat can get used to travel and not be so nervous and anxious. You and your cat may want to venture past your backyard and check out the beautiful nature scenes after your cat has gotten used to wearing a leash and harness. You can try taking your feline friend on longer trips away from home and their cat furniture once they are comfortable with the small trips.

In the situation of spending long periods of time away from your home, you may wish to bring your cat along. This way the feeling of being separated is avoided for both you and your cat. For international travel you may need to check and see if there are any special accommodations needed. These special accommodations may include documents, vaccinations or any other accommodations needed for your cat. In the cases of quarantine, it may be easier for you to leave your cat behind this time. The stress that is involved with quarantine just would be too much unless you were looking to permanently relocate. Before you engage in the travel, have your cat visit the vet for any check ups and shots that your cat may be due for. Also make sure to ask about sedatives. You want to call ahead and make sure that the place of stay permits animals.

Information such as your cats name, your name, your personal residence address and the address of the your destination should be printed on an identification tag attached to a cat collar. This is a very important item. Let's not forget luggage for your cat. Items that will be needed for your cat may include things such as foods that he likes, drinking water, leash and harness, bowls for the food and water, litter box and litter, scooper, some of his favorite toys, medical records, medications, first aid and grooming supplies. To clean up any spills and general cleanliness paper towels and some spray cleaner. Placing some disposable diapers in the bottom of the carrier will make cleanup easier and quicker.

When traveling by vehicle, be safety conscious. Prevent shifting and rocking by placing the carrier in a very secure spot. With out blocking ventilation you may place a towel over the carrier to ease your cat and give him some comfort. Talking in soft calm tones or even soft music playing over the radio can help your cat to relax. At each stop you make on your trip put a leash and harness on your cat and allow him to stretch his legs. Your cat should never be left unattended in your vehicle for any reason. Humidity that can build up in the vehicle can cause your cat to have heatstroke.

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Disciplining Your Puppy Shows You Love Your Puppy

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:18:00 +0000

I know how precious your puppy is to you and I know that you don't want to have to punish him because you may feel like you are being "the bad guy" and you would prefer to love the cute little thing all day long. When it is needed you are going to have to be the bad guy to help your puppy learn discipline.

If you truly love your puppy you will have to push yourself to squirt your puppy's nose with a water bottle when needed. You are going to have to put a little fear into your puppy also by making a loud and clear "no" when he is bad. Short commands and a loud voice will help him to learn you mean business as well as letting him know when he is making a mistake. I'm not saying you should be mean to your puppy.

It is good to love your puppy yes, you need to give puppies large amounts of love and playtime. Keep in mind that with time your puppy will double or triple in size and if you don't train him now his behavior problems will grow with him. Puppies learn faster than dogs do and they want to please you. While your puppy is young and cute you need to train him to be the dog you want him to grow up to be.

You need to start teaching them to listen and do as you say at a young age especially if your dog is a large breed dog. Who wants a dog that is real big and doesn't listen? Nobody, that is why there are so many animals available at the pound. Think of it this way in a couple of years your dog will be a "teenager" & we all know how well teenagers listen.

How can you help your puppy learn discipline? Many people do not have the finances to hire a professional dog trainer. On top of that, most people have full schedules making it difficult to fit puppy training into their routine. The critical learning periods are between three to sixteen weeks old.You need to teach your puppy how to behave during this phase of their life, if you wait they may have difficulty learning how to properly behave.

These are some questions you can ask yourself to help your puppy training times:

-Are the lines of communication between the puppy and myself positive?
-Does my dog feel safe when I discipline him?
-Am I providing my puppy with the basic necessities of life; proper nutrition, clean atmosphere, assigned sleeping quarters, and ample exercise?
-Are the rules and boundaries I set consistent?
-Am I making sure my puppy knows good manners and basic dog etiquette are a priority when we play and spend time together?

Recipes for Homemade Dog Food

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:14:00 +0000

Because you love your dogs, you only want the best and nutritious foods for them. And what's the best way to achieve this? Try making your pets' food by yourself. Recipes for homemade dog food are easy to prepare and you can change it according to the preferences of your pet. Making your own homemade dog food can guarantee you that your dog is receiving the correct nutritional variety for proper health.

Although you can make your own recipes for homemade dog food, it is essential to know that there are foods which are dangerous for your dogs. Bones cannot be digested easily and can affect the digestive tract of your pet. Other foods that should not be served are avocados, mushrooms, chocolates, grapes, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts.

One homemade dog food recipe is dog hamburgers which are composed of cooked hamburger patties, chopped boiled eggs, oatmeal, green beans, carrots and cottage cheese. This is easy to prepare since you will only have to mix the said ingredients. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and can last for 3 days. This recipe contains lots of minerals and many vitamins that are good for your pets.

There are also homemade dog biscuits recipe. The ingredients are whole wheat flour, white flour, baking powder, oatmeal, peanut butter and milk. These ingredients should be combined and mixed well. Cut the cookies into treats and bake it at 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. These biscuits contain protein and vitamins good for your dog.

The above lists are only samples of the so many recipes for homemade dog food. These recipes serve their purpose of giving your dog nutritious and delicious foods that your pets will love. Making these recipes is not only beneficial but enjoyable on your part since you can personalize them according to your dogs likings. And the best thing is that you can carefully choose the best ingredients for you dog!

Ten Tips to Choose a Dog Product

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:09:00 +0000

One of the biggest dilemma of a dog owner is 'How do I train my Dog?'. When there area lot of dog training products already in the market, the question is which one to choose. Checkout the following ten tips before you go shopping for a dog training product or solution.

Is the material fruitful? Check out what they promise to deliver - Subject covered
What exactly is your dog's problem? Is the area being touched upon in the product? - Objective>
Are you looking at the right area of dog care.(You can need training,skin solutions,food or dietary changes,vet advice), etc. - Subject deals with objective
How expensive is the product? (hey, sometimes it is worth spending your money for a decent product package. You need to give your pet a x-mas gift and the classes are expensive!) - Out of pocket expense
Can the same book help you with other problems which are minor.(You might as well get your money's worth!) - Extra coverage
Do the training solutions cover the psychology behind their working.(One needs to justify what they are trying,right?) - Insight into the material
Does the material have proof it has worked previously? Else does it have credibility? - Review the product
Make sure the product is not made just for the profit! - Money is not everything
Make sure it is not a story book but an action oriented training material. - Workable solution
Go for the material which is of easy access to you.(you should choose a book if you read by the patio, an e-book if you are the desktop guy, audio material, if you are the travelling guy and video if you are the visual person! - all of these work!) - Accessibility

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Dog Obesity - The Top Three Ways To Keep Fido In Tip Top Shape

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:03:00 +0000

Your dog is your most loyal friend, making him one of the cutest things in the world to you regardless of the opinion of the rest of the world. They have their benefits; they help people lead better lives and pet companionship has been known to keep people living longer, happier, and healthier lives. For this reason, many people have a tendency to indulge their dogs and give them everything they need to be as happy and comfortable as possible and while they probably appreciate it, consider the fact that your dog's health may suffer.

If you have been looking at your dog and you think they may be getting a bit too fluffy, it is important that you take action. Just as it is with people, obesity in dogs is a serious problem that can lead to a variety of health issues for your pet that may lead to expensive veterinary care and even heartbreak in the end. For those out there who think their dog could use a health adjustment to get their weight back on track, here are a few tips on how to help your little guy get back his girlish figure.

Don't Overfeed Him

The back of the bag of dog food should have some recommendations on how much food to give your dog based on their weight, age or any other factors. This is a great tool to use that many people ignore, as people have a tendency to overfeed their dogs. Think about all of the times you overfeed yourself, and consider the times when you gave your dog a bit too much to eat as well.

Although you might, dogs do not need to eat three times a day, and they definitely don't need a midnight snack. If your dog is getting a weight problem, cut out the fatty snacks and focus on healthier ones. These may seem like small things, but every bit counts and can help you preserve the health of your four-legged friend.

Get Moving!

Your dog is the cheapest workout you will ever get. They are just as good as a treadmill, but cost a fraction of the price and they never need maintenance. Walks are a great way to help keep both you and your dog in the best of shape, and they are a great way to make sure that your dog has the opportunity to exhaust the energy they tend to build up throughout the day.

It is important to walk your dog when you can, but make sure that if you are walking them that you are feeding them and watering them accordingly. Exercise takes energy and energy can leave them feeling hungry. Food and water can help to replace some of that energy lost.

Ditch the Human Food!

While this does related to overfeeding your dog, feeding them human food is another issue all together. The food that you eat is packed with the things that you need to stay healthy, not your dog. Feeding your dog things off of your plate only adds to the amount of fat and other nutrients that are in their food, laying it on even thicker. Not only that, but some human foods cause severe problems with your dog's system. Do the right thing for your dog's health and resist those puppy-dog eyes. If you want them to be healthy, it will take work on the part of both of you.

Having an overweight dog is not a big deal; it is pretty easy for them to lose weight but they need proper exercise and food to do so. If it doesn't seem that they are shedding any pounds, see your veterinarian and make sure that there aren't any underlying problems that cause this issue.

7 Most Believed Myths About Dogs And Dog Training Dispelled

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:45:00 +0000

Dogs do not feel

One of the myths which is very far from the truth. In fact it has been stated many a times that the pain response in humans and dogs is neurologically the same. Though it has difficult to determine the existence of the extent of feelings like love and guilt, they certainly are not emotionless.

Training an older dog is impossible

Of course older dogs undergo behavioral and physiological and neurological changes as they grow older but do not we? You cannot feed your older dog the same way as they were fed when young. Those who ignore owner's commands may even do so because of hearing loss. But it possible to train them through hand signals. So the methodology of training must be different but it definitely not fair to say they cannot be trained.

Whole family should be training masters for the dog

Training the dog is a family job but the person teaching and training the dog with commands should be only one. The others in the family should reinforce the training with the same commands expecting the same behavior output.

Punish the guilty dog

Punishment is never the answer. Firstly, it is simply not humane and secondly, it is useless because dogs cannot associate the bad behavior with the punishment as a consequence. Yelling and turning away from your dog only bewilders it.

Training can strip the dog of their spirit

Training just gives a direction to the dogs energy. It is an opportunity for them to spend time with their owners. Most training is also a fun session for them. Channeling their time from bad behavior can hardly strip them of their spirit.

Dogs do not like being trained

Dogs are pack animals. It is in their instinct to look up to someone for instructions. When no one leads them they only tend to get aggressive and cause trouble. Training establishes the pack feeling with the owner/trainer being alpha and they also get to have treats and activity.

Household dogs do not need training

A dog existing in a leaderless realm is not a happy dog. A dog needs to be balanced, trained of allowed activities and leadership over the dog must be established. Dog energy which is not channelized can only lead to chaos. Dog ownership is a responsibility to a dog and to the society. It is up to the owner to train the dog to keep him and the society safe from harm. Whatever be the breed or age of dog training is mandatory. Would I not say training itself is mandatory when I feel it is not enough to just train your dog but consistently practice your training?

Putting a Stop to Your Puppies Chewing and Nipping Habits

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:43:00 +0000

Puppies are adorable and loved additions to any family, but these cute, furry companions also come with all sorts of natural habits that may be quite a nuisance for a typical household.

Dogs are naturally primitive creatures. Thankfully, they adapt easily and can be trained with little effort, making it possible to share our homes with our favorite four-legged friends and still maintain our standards of order and cleanliness. Teaching your puppy to behave properly is a huge responsibility and may seem much more daunting than it should be.

With a little patience and a few simple, proven training methods, you can put an end to most of your puppy's bad habits by redirecting his natural instincts to something more appropriate.

Nipping

Nipping is quite common and normal among puppies, especially when you and your puppy are playing and gets overly excited. This ordinary puppy instinct is seemingly harmless, but will soon become more dangerous and painful as your puppy grows. Teach your puppy early to never touch your skin, or anyone else's, with his teeth, and he will be much less likely to bite later in life.

The best way to train your puppy to stop nipping is to direct his urges away from your hands with puppy toys. Your puppy needs a variety of toys that will be fun to play with and satisfy his desire to nip. Soft, plush toys are a good choice, especially those with bright colors, and rubber dog toys invite puppies to chew and bite.

Start training your puppy the very first time you play with him and every time thereafter. Puppies as young as eight weeks old can be trained with little effort. If your puppy starts to bite as you play, always respond with "ouch" and stop your playtime for about 10 seconds. If your puppy continues nipping when you resume your play, get up and leave the room for a moment.

Leaving your puppy alone each time he bites will help him realize that the action ends his playtime. Soon, he will stop the habit so he can continue to enjoy playing with you. You may want to start training your puppy each time he bites hard and slowly work toward ending the habit altogether.

Chewing

Much like infants, puppies teethe at some point in their development and during this time, they enjoy chewing because it soothes their sore, tender gums. Unfortunately for dog owners, this natural chewing usually destroys a number of possessions, including shoes, newspapers, and even furniture. You may not be able to stop your puppy's need to chew and soothe his pain, but you can help him focus his chewing on more constructive materials.

To train your puppy to stop chewing on household items, provide him with a variety of chew toys. Be sure your puppy always has a chew toy available wherever you go. For best results, limit your puppy to a small section of the house and have plenty of toys nearby. Surrounding your puppy with as little furniture and other tempting items as possible will make your efforts much easier.

If your puppy chews on something he shouldn't, firmly say "no" and place his chew toy in front of him. Always praise your puppy when he chooses his toy over your belongings

Benefits of Owning Pets for People Dealing with Depression

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:35:00 +0000

You've seen the commercials for anti-depression medications all over television. Because these commercials are so rampant, I believe it is safe to say that depression is a fairly common illness that affects thousands of people each year. Of course, there are many causes for depression; a hormonal imbalance, stress, chronic illness, the loss of a loved one, or it may simply be due to a lack of friends or daily interaction with loved ones. Sometimes depression can rear its ugly head even when things seem to be going perfectly fine.

Though the primary cause of depression is greatly unknown, there are many remedies to fighting depression. Not all of these solutions or aides need to be medical prescriptions. Probably the first action is the admission of depression. From there, positive steps can be taken to ease the symptoms and heal a person emotionally and physically from the illness of depression.

A fantastic benefit for someone who is experiencing depression (whatever the cause) is owning a pet. Pets provide companionship, love, and innocent physical contact that help a person cope throughout many seasons of their life. Pets are always there for their owners, and they are able to give that special silent care that humans are sometimes unable to give.

Studies have shown that owning a pet relieves stress and anxiety. Petting a dog or stroking a cat helps lower a person's blood pressure and improves over-all cardiac health. Also, caring for a pet adds purpose and intention in a person's life. When owning a pet, a person feels needed, because they are needed. Their pet relies on their owner for food, exercise, love and care. Taking a dog out for a long, brisk walk in the morning and evening also helps ease stress, and the cool air almost always does a body good. It also gets a person who is dealing with depression out of the house to do something somewhat active, which will ultimately benefit their over-all mental, physical, and emotional health.

Pets just may be the perfect non-prescriptive anti-depressant for an unhappy person dealing with emotional gloominess. People need interaction daily; who says it needs to be human interaction? Pets, especially dogs, make wonderful companions. They love and care for their owners, they play and their energy is infectious; they are loyal and desire to see their friend happy just as happy as they are themselves.

The emotional, mental, and physical benefits of pets are many; however, considering adopting or purchasing a pet is a wonderful antidote for depressed persons. A pet will always be there for a person in need. Cats, and especially dogs, have an innate sense on how to perfectly comfort those who are sad or upset. The slogan "prescribe pets, not pills" can sound cheesy, but it just may ring true.

Dog Food - Are They All The Same?

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:30:00 +0000

Your dog is a part of your family and you want your pet to live a long and very healthy life. Your dog is always there for you, ready to play, snuggle, always loyal. Your pet relies on you, as their owner, to take care of them, give them a warm place to sleep, water to drink and healthy dog food to eat. They are not able to choose what is best for them.

Are you looking to buy the generic brand to save a few dollars? Are all dog foods the same? The answer is no, they're not. There are so many ingredients put into dog food that you can't even pronounce. Saving a few dollars now could cost you later at the vetâ€™s office when your baby starts to have some health issues. Surprisingly some premium pet foods are comparable in price because you actually feed less as they are more nutrient dense than their cheap counterparts. So many dog foods have mainly fillers that they label as protein. They are things such as soybean meal, corn meal, corn gluten meal, and maize wheat. These may be sources of protein, but they are not enough for your dogâ€™s health. They need meat.

There are also food colorings in dog food, and oddly enough, the dogs don't care what color the food is, all the marketing is for us, the pet owner. Food dyes can be made from chemicals. There have been many dog trainers that correlate food dye with hyperactive dogs, as it has been associated with hyperactive children. Chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT should not be on the ingredient list and should be avoided.

Another form the pet food manufacturers use is the by-product protein. These include necks, feet, intestines, lungs, ligaments, head and undeveloped eggs. Some pet foods contain no active cultures and other digestive aids. This is why some dogs have bloating, gas and bowel issues. Without this very important ingredient you pet might not be absorbing what nutrition is in the food! In the long run this can be very unhealthy.

The first ingredient should be a meat as it the most natural protein source for dogs. As do humans, animals benefit from fruits and vegetables and proper carbohydrate consumption. The free radicals that affect are health; affect your petâ€™s health as well. That is why to neutralize them antioxidants are so important to have in their diet. Nutrition or lack of can affect your dogâ€™s health which can include their coat, teeth, ears, nails, breath, energy and brain. Unfortunately it can also affect how long they live and the quality of life they live. All too many times I have seen dogs that have eaten not so healthy food. At first nothing seems wrong but just as humans if you keep eating â€œjunk foodâ€ it will eventually show some sign of distress like high cholesterol, lack of energy, hair dry and falling out, bad teeth, moodiness, obesity and more

Purchase a 6-PACK Joint MAX RS (1080 CHEWABLE TABS) and get a FREE Joint Treats!

noreply@blogger.com (Aruna Das) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:51:00 +0000

Conformation—the way a horse is put together—will determine not only how sound a horse remains throughout his life, but will also determine to what extent he will excel at his particular discipline. While some points of conformation vary with the type of horse and what job he is doing, there are some general rules of conformation that most horsemen agree on.

Feet

Feet should be large enough to support the horse and his weight, and the hoof wall should be hard but not brittle. The front feet and the back feet should appear to be symmetrical from all angles. The sole should be slightly concave, and heels should be even where they join the sole.

Legs

Legs should be straight. Legs that are out of alignment can result in soundness problems, as the forces that travel up the leg of the horse as he moves will affect other parts of the body, depending upon where legs deviate. Legs should also be symmetrical, with no bumps or bulges. Each pair of legs should also match each other.

Joints

Good joints are imperative to any horse who performs. Joints should have the correct axis, and they should be symmetrical, free of lumps, cool to the touch, and should be in proportion to the size of the horse. If one joint seems too large it should be examined for injury. If all joints seem too large the horse should be examined by a veterinarian for nutritional or metabolic problems. From the front view, a line dropped from the point of the shoulder to the ground should bisect the knee, fetlock, and hoof. From the side view, the line from the front of the fetlock, along the top of the pastern, and continuing along the front of the foot to the ground should be straight.

Shoulder

Good shoulder conformation will depend upon what the horse is being used for, as shoulder slope and how long the shoulder is varies with breed type and use. As a general rule of thumb, horses used for speed should have a long, sloping shoulder, while those used for power have more upright shoulders.

Withers

Since withers are what keeps a well in place, any ridden horse needs to have appropriate withers. Horses with flat withers, often called mutton withers, often have difficulty being ridden up and down hills, but can sometimes fare well on the flat. Poorly conformed withers can cause pain in the ridden horse and can lead to unsoundness.

Hip

The angle and length of the hip should match the angle and hip of the shoulder. While short hip lengths rarely cause unsoundness they can negatively impact speed and power.

Back and Neck

The long back versus short back debate continues depending upon the use of the horse. While long-backed horses do tire more easily, they can be more comfortable to ride. Long-backed horses can also excel at jumping because of the scope the long back allows them. Long backs also allow more movement in the horse's legs, which is why many long-backed horses excel at driving.

The length, shape, and way a horse's neck connects to the chest and the back will vary depending upon the breed and use of the horse. Horses who run need longer necks, while horses who show in park or pleasure classes often benefit from aesthetically pleasing upright necks.

Eyes

Horses need big, well-placed eyes. Horses with small eyes may suffer from impaired vision or have a medical problem. Eyes should not be set too far toward the sides of the head, otherwise peculiar fields of vision are sure to be an issue.

Nostrils

The nostrils should be open and symmetrical, to allow for maximum air intake. Horses with extremely dished heads or thick necks sometimes have difficulty taking in the right amount of air despite nostril size, so make sure you take these things into consideration.