Getting a new puppy into a family home is a big decision that should come with a lot of considerations. This is because new puppy care is not all that easy and it involves everyone in the household.

The first thing that a family should do before getting the new puppy that they want for their home is to decide on what dog breed they want. Although new puppy care is basically the same no matter what breed of dog they are, a family wouldn’t want to get one that would grow into becoming a big dog, especially if they feel that they could not give the same attention and care that they gave it when it was younger. So, when a new puppy is brought home it would probably be some 8 weeks old because this is usually the age when breeders would allow these pups to be separated from their mother. Taking care of a puppy at this age would always call for a warm room where there is an equally warm place for him to sleep on. Before getting a puppy, a family should make sure that they have everything ready for it, like the place where the puppy should stay all day long, the place where could eat and play and where he is supposed to go when nature calls.

Another important thing that should be remembered by any family when it comes to new puppy care is the fact that a puppy needs to have moments of socialization. This is puppy need is regardless the breed that a family finally opted on. It is very important for a puppy to be socialized so that he will be able to adapt to all kinds of things while he is still young. As he grows, a puppy will be fine with anything that a family will expose him to like playtime at the park or the pool or walking with kids or other pups his age, as long as he was initiated to this at a younger age. This practically means that if a family wants their puppy to be generally well-behaved around babies and children as well as with other animals, then he should already have had socialized with them even when he was still as young as eight weeks.

Keeping a puppy healthy and safe is also another new puppy care tip that should be observed by families getting one. This includes bringing the puppy to the vet regularly for his check-ups and for medications if needed. Vets will also be giving advices as to the proper amount and right kind of food to be given a puppy and what types of exercises will he need. Advices will also be given as to the schedules of flea and deworming treatments and vaccinations. Another thing that a family should look into when getting a new puppy is giving their new family member the right amount of loving care. Puppies always thrive better when they are loved by everyone.

Clifford Young is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about new puppy care, please visit K9 Crate Training for current articles and discussions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clifford_Young

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When traveling with pets on vacation, whether you are driving or flying to your destination it is best to be ready for all you pets needs. You want to get to your fun destination as safely and comfortably as possible. So here are some essential must-haves to get you on your way to a happy vacation with your pet.
Always remember before taking your pet on vacation, consult your veterinarian to be sure that all required vaccinations are up-to-date and to receive a health certificate within ten days of travel.
* First and foremost make sure your pets are protected for nasty bugs that will shorten your trip. Having Bug repellent sprays or even prevention products like Frontline, Advantage, Heartgard and Bio Spot is a must.
* Have on hand TranQuil-Tabs, HomeoPet Anxiety, or Clomicalm to help relieve the stress if your pet gets car sick.
* Have a first aid kit just in case of injuries. You never know when you pet may get hurt.
* Whether you are driving or flying bring a Carriers and Kennels just in case of certain restriction that requires it. Transportation pet policies differ from company to company so be sure and check policy before planning your trip.
* Have a pet bed or cushion to keep your pet comfortable and clam while traveling to make them feel like they’re at home.
* Water is always a necessity no matter the weather condition so having Lixit Dog Travel Water Bowl is perfect. This water bowl is made with durable plastic and designed prevents spills and splashes from happening. It also holds up to 3 quarts of water of those long pit stops.
* As for pit stops, make sure you have Wag Bags for easy cleanup and also curb the amount of food that you give you pet for those longer stops.
* For those long road trips or windy days protect your dog’s eyes from the wind, dust and UV rays with Doggles.
* Have a leash or a muzzle with you at all times as pet policies in parks and beaches may vary.
* While at your destination have your pet’s favorite toy like the Bettie fetch toy or Rita ball which you can stuff treats in so that they can have fun and get some much needed exercise after a long trip.
* Bring along healthy treats for your pet like Joint Treats which is an all-natural treat that is tasty and also provides joint relief in dogs.
* In case your pet has an accident, make sure to bring along a pet odor and stain removers to help keep things clean.
* Finally, do research on finding a local veterinarians and pet hospitals in area of your destination.

For more information on this subject or any additional pet health articles please visit http://www.entirelypets.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clark_Tran

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You may not realize it, but inhumane animal testing is most likely used in the registration process of your dog or cat’s flea and tick control product.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires drug companies that manufacture and sell toxic chemical flea and tick pesticides to perform animal testing on helpless laboratory dogs and cats. The procedures involved will not only break your heart, but also send you searching for natural flea and tick treatments instead.

One common test is called the Lethal Dose 50 Percent (L50). This procedure exposes animals to a particular chemical in order to determine the dose necessary to kill 50 percent of the test population. Between 60 and 100 animals are required, and testing spans a time period from two weeks to several years.

Since animals refuse to swallow noxious chemicals, they are force-fed liquid chemicals by stomach tube or through a hole cut in the animal’s throat. Other variations of animal testing include forcing the test subjects to breathe the chemical fumes, or applying the poison to the animal’s shaved skin, or injecting the substance into the animal’s abdomen.

No painkillers are used as these substances may affect test results. No remedial treatment is given to injured animals. Those innocent creatures not fortunate enough to die from animal testing are eventually killed and used for autopsy, or recycled and used for additional testing.

A few of the adverse health conditions suffered by animals given chemical flea and tick pesticides include uncontrolled whimpering, labored breathing, unsteady gait, convulsions, diarrhea, enlarged kidneys, thyroid cancer, and brain tumors. Clearly, these adverse health hazards occur with large doses applied over a short period of time. What is not so clear is why the big drug companies expect consumers to continue their testing by applying smaller doses to our beloved dogs and cats over a longer period of time. And why we do it.

Simply stated, if the label on your flea and tick product carries an EPA Registration Number, it means that cruel, unthinkable and often unreliable animal testing was performed (including the L50 test) during the product’s registration process.

On the other hand, if the label states that the product qualifies for exemption from registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), this means the EPA has classified the product’s active ingredients as “posing insignificant risk to humans, animals and the environment.”

Let your conscience and good judgment be your guide. While I recommend TripleSure Natural Flea and Tick Spray For Dogs and Cats, please switch to any one of the many effective yet safe and natural remedies available today.

http://www.Natural-Wonder-Pets.com/natural-flea-control.html - Gary Le Mon’s day job is in the insured financial services industry, but his evenings and weekends are spent crusading for animal rights, contributing to dog and cat rescue efforts, and making the Earth a greener, friendlier place to live.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Le_Mon

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See this video, veterinarian from UK explains everything you need to know about Hip Dysplasia in dogs.

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Well here is something to think about the next time you share your meal with your cat or dog. Overweight and obese cats and dogs are on the increase. In North America approximately 25 % of cats are overweight, while dog obesity is close to 40 %. Who is to blame? We are! We love our pets so much we think it is OK to keep feeding them. It’s OK because our parents use to feed their pets at the table and their pets lived a long life. Or maybe we think a few pieces of food won’t hurt them. But, a few pieces of food at every meal can add up over the course of a day. We have to realize the consequences for our actions when it comes to over feeding our pets.

As responsible pet parents, we need to stop killing our pets with kindness. The first step is to learn how to recognize if your dog or cat is overweight. The next step is to understand the health risks. And lastly, find out what we can do to help our companion animal live a longer, leaner, healthier life.

Typical Overweight Signs:
• Ribs and backbone not easily felt under a heavy fat covering
• Abdomen is rounded and waist is barely visible or absent
• Pets flank folds sway from side to side when walking

Health Risks:
• Diabetic milletus
• Joint pain, arthritis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Slow metabolic rate
• Kidney problems
• Cancer
• Low energy
• Shorten life expectancy

What Can We Do?
• Life style change - (cut down on treats, NO pets at the table)
• Exercise your dog at least 20-30 minutes a day
• Encourage your cat to play. Interactive cat toys stimulates activity
• NO Table Scraps
• Consult with Veterinarian and/or pet stores about alternative pet foods
• Feed them smaller portions more frequently throughout the day (2-3 times)
• Make sure everyone is co-operating with exercise and food intake
• Have your veterinarian access your pet to rule out a thyroid problem.

If you think your pet is overweight, take them to your veterinarian and have them confirm whether your pet is overweight or not. Your vet will likely discuss safe and effective weight control options with you. Remember, if left untreated, obesity can be deadly.

It’s OK to love our pets, but we don’t need to show our love with food. Our pets rely on us for their well being. Only we can help our pets live a longer, leaner and more enjoyable life.

Wayne Tuttle is a writer, motivational speaker and co-owner of Two Tuttle’s Four Paws. To learn more about Wayne or to find useful information and unusual pet products visit http://www.TwoTuttlesFourPaws.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Tuttle

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Giardia is a protozoan one-celled parasite, which thrives in the intestine of the affected animal. There are vesicles formed in polluted water and fecal matter and once discharged in the animal body, they release tiny pear-shaped creatures called trophozoites.

Trophozoites continue to multiply in the canine body. Trophoziotes, in case of healthy dogs live for years in the lower digestive tracts.

Common Symptoms:

In the initial stages, Giardia symptoms are not detected because most of the times, the Giardia parasites penetrate into the canine body and remain inactive in the intestine for years. In addition, it takes a long period to detect their presence after the activation phase has begun.

Since Giardiasis affects the intestine, diarrhea is the most common symptom. In fact, Giardia symptoms in dogs begin with diarrhea and vomiting. Hence, other reasons such as Salmonella and Campylobacter are not considered in the diagnosis tests of Giardiasis.

In spite that the protozoan prevails in the small intestine, mucus from the large intestine shows the disorder of this intestine. Peculiarities such as an increase in the number of white cells and traces of anemia in the blood tests are important Giardia symptoms in dogs.

Giardiasis at a later stage can produce grayish and fatty feces and obstruct the normal assimilation of food. Thus, it is probable that there is no decrease in the appetite of the dog, but a significant reduction in its weight is a common symptom.

Estimating every stool for the number of cysts for a continuous period of six months is another means to ensure if the dog is infected by Giardiasis. However, it is not widely used since it is an expensive approach to identify Giardia symptoms in dogs.

Giardisis is an undetectable disease, commonly found in the canine community. The determination of the infected percentage considers the above given symptoms and is not specific because of two major reasons:

* This disease varies largely depending on the region and its hygienic conditions.
* Usually, until the final detection, Giardia symptoms in dogs go unnoticed.

Giardiasis spreads very easily through infection and hence, pet owners need to follow certain hygienic patterns such as washing their hands after handling the dog waste. Diarrhea being one of the common Giardia symptoms in dogs, babies have to be kept away from canines having diarrhea.

Treatment:

In the event you see signs of giardia symptoms in your dogs (diarrhea), consulting a vet is recommended. Medications, such as Metronidazole, can be used to treat Giardia infections.

dogs-web.com, Healthcare for Dogs is all about Dogs Health Care, Supplies and Training.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pat_Burns

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Canine yeast infection is the condition caused by yeast overgrowth in dogs. Cases of the infection are many and man and his best friend have not been able to escape a common enemy called candida. The full name of yeast is candida albicans. In canines there are several other strains of yeast that cause infections. Infections are caused when yeast overgrows and the growth in canines is facilitated by several factors which include the following. A dog which has a very poor mechanism of fighting infections or low immunity will be susceptible to infections. The yeast will easily colonize its system and it will affected.

Canine yeast infection occurs when the dog has been on antibiotics to treat a certain ailments or condition. Just like in humans, the drugs will get rid of the good bacteria and the body of a canine is left without any protection. Infection by yeast in dogs is called malessezia dermatitis and there are several ways you can conduct a diagnosis. The methods include impression smear, scotch tape sampling, skin scraping with blade, cotton swab and skin biopsy. All these tests will ensure that you know what condition your dog has. When you have established this, you can then administer the necessary medication.

Canine yeast infection comes with several symptoms that you can look out for in your dog. Yeast infections are usually smelly. You will notice a certain odor in your dog that is unusual and you can be sure that the odor is quite unpleasant. If you notice this, together with constant itching, you will be most sure that you have a yeast infection puzzle. The next thing you need to look out for is a lesion on the skin and they might affect the whole body. The skin might resemble that of an elephant skin. Therefore, with all these symptoms, it is hard to miss the condition in your dog.

For more tests to be conducted, you need to seek medical help for your canine. The health professional will even give you future tips that can follow to ensure you protect your dog. Some of the tips that will ensure that your dog stays healthy include feeding the dog well with essential nutrients that will be laid out by the professional, the other thing you must ensure is good hygiene which will not only help your canine friend stay yeast free but will also ensure they stay comfortable. You can also see how you can use anti fungal medication if the dog is undergoing antibiotic treatment.

Canine yeast infections are easy to eradicate and with the medications available, you do not have to let your dog suffer. Make sure you keep the dog dry when possible and you can also get to read more about this on the internet. There is no doubt that your dog will even be happier and you will only be pleased to enjoy happy times with your dog. Make sure you follow through with every treatment plan that you are given. If you find that a particular medication is not working, inform your pet physician for a better prescription.

Peter Gitundu is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Yeast Infection for Years. For More Information on Canine Yeast Infection, Visit His Site at CANINE YEAST INFECTION You Can Also Post Pour Views About Canine Yeast Infection On My Blog Here CANINE YEAST INFECTION.

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1. All dogs, from the German Shepherd to the Poodle, are direct descendants of wolves. They can all breed together and produce fertile offspring. Technically they are of the same species.
2. The oldest reliable age recorded for a dog is 29 years, 5 months for a Queensland Blue Heeler called Bluey in Victoria, Australia. The average dog lives to around 15 years of age.
3. Dogs naturally have a wonderful sense of smell. They have many more sensory ’smelling’ cells than a man’s 5,000,000. A Dachshund has 125,000,000, a Fox Terrier 147,000,000 and an Alsation has 220,000,000.

4. Newfoundland’s are great swimmers and divers because they have webbed feet. Bassets can’t swim.
5. Alaskan malamutes ears face backwards when running. This was so they could hear the commands of their master while running with a sleigh.
6. There are two dogs that do not bark. They are the Basenji and the Australian Dingo (or native dog).
7. Dog’s nose prints are as unique as a human’s finger prints and can be used to accurately identify them.
8. Dogs have twice as many muscles for moving their ears as people.
9. Dogs’ only sweat glands are between their paw pads.
10. Only dogs and humans have prostates.
11. Some dogs lick their paws and then rub their paws on their head to clean themselves, much like a cat.
12. Obesity is the #1 health problem among dogs.
13. Greyhounds are the fastest dogs on earth, with speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
14. When a dog bays at the moon, it is following a basic urge to call the pack together.
15. Three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic - a Newfoundland, a Pomeranian, and a Pekingese .
16. Dogs prefer to play keep-away rather than fetch.
17. Most dogs really don’t like to play dress up.
18. Dogs don’t understand pointing. They focus on the tip of your finger, not the item you are pointing at.
19. Female dog bites are twice as numerous as male dog bites.
20. The bible mentions dogs 14 times.

Di Ellis is an avid dog lover, and co-author of the site BestDoggieTips.com where you can get loads of useful tips and information about our four legged friends including free recipes, dog cartoons (updated weekly) and links to the best free dog stuff on the Net. And when you sign up for our free newsletter, we’ll send you a copy of our Dog Recipe Book.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Ellis

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