Pets World

As your pet ages, there will be many changes that's bound to happen in its behavior and its relationshep between you and your family. We all know that they age a lot faster than us humans and live a shorter lifespan. As they draw closer to the point of their doom, problems will arise and gradually get worse as time passes. This is a fact that all pet owners are aware of and should accept – but that doesn't mean they should be put to rest in peace courtesy of their veterinarian. There are other alternatives which could be implemented, which could be better for the both of you.

Like a dying old man, we do everything we can to sustain his life and help make things more comfortable for him before it's his time to go. Putting him to sleep to meet thy Maker would be out of the question, even if he wanted it that way. You should take the same perspective of the morality of this for your pet. Dementia is a disorder that occurs in people, and can happen to your pet too. Dementia is characterized by sudden changes in behavior, and the ability to think properly. It'll become more forgetful, eventually forgetting its own name.

If you were to call it, it would be wondering who the hell you were calling for awhile before responding. This is because of the damage done to the neurons in the brain, which leads to slower reactions and intellectual responses. Dogs with dementia will be walking without a sense of direction – it'll appear that it didn't know what it was doing or where it was going. Your old pooch could also become aggressive. As a pup it would be wagging its tail or jumping up on visitors to greet them, but when it gets old its hair and tail would be standing while showing its teeth before jumping up on them.

It could become very hostile towards other dogs as well; seeing it fight with other pets trying to take their heads off should be expected. Being a threat to you and your family is also a distinct possibility. Hard to believe but a fact that has proven to be very true and common amongst many old dogs – according to statistics. There is also a possibility that it could become apprehensive, thinking that something bad is gonna happen - they would shiver in fear at the sight of other animals and humans. When your pet has reached this point, things will be tough for the both of you but there are still ways to help it deal with its condition.

Luckily there are medicines that can help with some cognitive disorders that it may be experiencing. This would improve its overall intellectual capacity, resulting to a less confused pooch with better memory. A veterinarian could offer lots of advice and prescribe proper treatment of your dog. You should also consult a behaviorist with this as his field of expertise – doing so will be great for the other behavioral problems it may have.

For the cat lover, their cat is more than a pet; he or she is a valued member of the family. It is essential in maintaining your cat's health to feed a high-quality cat food. Many cat foods and treats claim to have the highest quality ingredients, but not all of them make the grade. In this article we will discuss the essential ingredients to look for in choosing a quality cat food as well as the three to avoid. When you're finished reading, you will have the information you need to choose the most healthy and nutritious food for your precious cat.

When choosing a food or treat, check the label and make sure the first listing is protein. There are many cat foods which will use a filler ingredient such as wheat or corn instead of protein as the main ingredient. Cats are obligate carnivores, which mean that they must eat meat; no matter how wonderful vegetables may be for the health of a human being, they are not essential or even needed to maintain the health and happiness of our feline friends. Feeding a cat food that has wheat or corn as its primary ingredient can lead to health problems in the long run, including joint, skin, coat, and eye conditions. Also, it is important to remember the wheat gluten contamination that led to the recall of so many cat foods as well as multiple deaths in 2007.

Another problem with cat foods that contain corn or wheat gluten is that cats can develop allergies. If you notice that your cat is scratching more, or develops scabs around the head and neck, you will want to discuss with your veterinarian switching your cat to a different cat food that contains higher quality ingredients not found in your cat's current diet.

Many people think premium cat foods are expensive, but in fact, because they have less filler, the cat is able to gain a full day's nutrition eating as little as half the amount as of a lower quality food. As a result, often the cost per day is the same. The difference is, with a high quality cat food, your cat is not immersed in a diet of artificial preservatives such as BHT, BHA or Ethoxyquin, animal by products, or unnecessary fillers. Removing these unfavorable ingredients makes a significant difference in the overall health and well being of your cat, improving quality of life, as well as reducing the likelihood of developing health issues and frequent trips to the vet.

Humans may eat junk food once in awhile but we surely couldn’t survive or thrive with a daily diet like this. Imagine now that we tend to feed our felines the same thing everyday. Daily feeding of junk food (which unfortunately some cat food brands are) would not be healthy for them. Sometimes we will see this manifest into a dull coat or bowel/urinary issues. Sometimes we may not see anything wrong. However, as most people know quality nutrition and proper absorption of nutrients is beneficial to over all health and the same is true for our cats.

Whether we have two legs or four, what we eat makes a difference. Avoid animal by-products, fillers such as corn or wheat gluten, and keep your cat on a food that promotes health.

The dog food that you buy your dog is more than just a meal. What your dog eats impacts his health and it can even make him sick. As a concerned dog owner, you must take your time to choose dog food that is high quality and that does not contain ingredients that could harm your dog’s health.

It can often be difficult to tell if a dog food is high quality just by looking at it. It is really not about how the food looks as much as it is about what is inside of it. To really access the quality of a dog food, you must begin by looking at the list of ingredients.

Ingredients are listed according to how much of the ingredients are used in the food. This means that the ingredient listed first is the main ingredient. This first ingredient should be an animal protein. The preferred ingredient would be “chicken” meal (not something like meat meal or poultry meal). It is important to note that poultry meal is not the same thing as chicken meal. Also meat by products are also not a good protein choice because by products lack the proper nutritional value.

Some grains, such as corn, wheat or soy can be difficult for a dog to digest. This leads to less nutritional value, less nutrition for your dog and more digestive issues that can be uncomfortable for you and your dog. Furthermore, they can cause allergic reactions that could be very harmful to your dog.

Another thing to look at is the fat sources in the food. As with the human diet, in the canine diet some fats are better than others. Animal fats are better for your dog because animal fats are easier on your dog’s digestive system.

Something else that you want to watch out for is preservatives. Watch out for them. Just as with the food you eat, preservatives add little value and they are not good for your dog. Some preservatives are very harmful to dogs. BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin are a few examples of preservatives that have been proven to be harmful to dogs when they consume them over a period of time.


Lastly, take an overall look at the dog food. Just what does it offer your dog? Does it provide extra benefits? Some things to look for are vegetables, beet fiber, antioxidants, minerals and bacteria cultures.

When you take all these things into mind you should be able to choose the best dog food for your dog. You should feel confident that the food you are feeding your dog will be healthy for him and that it is going to provide him with great taste that he enjoys. You will become a pro at spotting dog food that is just not right for your dog.


As humans, eating fast food is sometimes convenient and even tastes good. Eating like this once in awhile isn’t bad. However, this couldn’t be a realistic diet everyday because of lack of nutrition. Eventually the wonders of our body would crave something more. The same hold true for you dog. They can’t tell you though when they are looking for something better, healthier and more nutritious. We tend to feed our dogs the same food everyday. Some dog food brands can equate to human fast food. If we wouldn’t eat everyday like that; why would we feed our dogs food daily like that?

Judging by its name, the breed is the result of crossbreeding a Bulldog with a Mastiff. The need for a better guard dog was what triggered this combination. A faster and stronger dog was needed for the job, so this pooch came into the picture, which was more than enough for the job. The result of the experiment was a great success – the people of England (this is where this pooch originated), ended up with a massive dog. The Bullmastiff could weigh anywhere between 110-130 pounds, and stand 24 to 27 inches. Despite being a giant, it also possessed good agility and an abundance of stamina, making catching intruders a simple task to carry out.

It looked tough too, giving people with malicious intentions second thoughts of doing whatever they had in mind. Many people consider dogs of this breed to possess some very attractive traits. These attributes are what made it extremely popular amongst the average pet owners everywhere. Even though it was a huge, which made it seem to be dangerous to have around children, it was completely different in the inside. One good thing about this dog is its understanding of fragility – it's rather gentle with its human owners and very tolerant of pain inflicted by kids. Unlike many hyperactive and rowdy breeds, this one is reserved and stays passive, unless it's put in a situation that requires it to defend itself or its master.

The Bullmastiff is affectionate, so expect it to constantly do things to catch your attention. It'll try to find you when you're not around, because it feels the need for human companionship. Exercise is something that it'll most definitely need. Taking it out on daily walks, jogging, or running will do it good. Also try setting time aside for play; this does wonders for the relationship shared between you two. Another thing you should know about having it as a pet is the importance of behavioral and obedience training. They have the tendency to become stubborn, especially if placed in the hands of an owner that's too soft.

You as the owner should establish your superiority over it before it thinks the other way around. Never be too strict or harsh, and never hit or shout - be firm, but gentle at the same time. Educate its mind while it's still young, not starting early only makes things harder for the both of you. Allow it to get used to the idea of daily training routines – of which every session must be worth its while. Grooming this pooch doesn't require a lot of effort – occasional brushing of coat and clipping of nails coupled with bathing when needed will be enough.

But if you really want it clean, get a dog toothbrush and toothpaste; killing the bacteria in its mouth will lower the odds of it getting sick. When trained properly, it can serve as a wonderful pet, an outstanding guard dog, or even both. All you have to do is use the right methods of training, be consistent, and patient – the end result is something you wouldn't want to skip out on.

You may have heard about the research, still in its early stages, about dogs’ ability to sniff out cancer in people. Pretty remarkable. Talk about being human’s best friend – what a solid to save someone’s life!

A dog may have saved my life when I had cancer, at least in a way. The backstory:

Before my cancer surgery, I yearned to be able to practice visualization, knowing of its ability to both strengthen the immune system and reduce stress and anxiety. But I had the hardest time. While others imagined little PacMen ferreting out and eating stealthy cancer cells, heat-seeking missiles tracking down tumors and pounding them, or even Robin Hood-clad warriors with bows and arrows shooting down the errant cells, I couldn’t conjure anything violent. A peace-lover, I knew there had to be a more compassionate way to lick the disease.

There was, and I found it, in a different kind of licking - the licking that my Jack Russell Terrier mix, Bean, engages in as part of his genetic makeup. Jack Russells apparently love to lick – human legs, when they come out of the shower; bare feet (the smellier the better); and any age or size human face. (Of course, this is assuming such behavior is allowed, which in our home, it is.)

When I had cancer, I went outside each morning at the break of day to meditate. I would first practice conventional meditation for about 20 minutes, then try to practice some sort of peaceful anti-cancer visualization.

One day the image came to me and I almost jumped out of the wooden chair on my deck. In my mind's eye I saw Bean licking the inside of my feet – or rather, he was shrunk down to the size of a mouse and was literally on the inside of my feet, licking up any remaining cancer cells. He moved up into my ankles, calves, thighs, and then into my abdomen and chest. Then he crept down my left arm to my forearm and hand, back up again, across my chest and over to my right arm, where he did the same thing. Then up into my head, licking the inside of my brain.

He loved licking up those cancer cells. And they didn’t hurt him at all; I told myself that his digestive juices destroyed them on contact.

I credit Bean for helping to save my life when I had cancer not only because he slurped up the cells with his warm little tongue, but because stayed in bed with me for weeks as I recovered from major surgery, setting his chin upon my chest while I lied flat on my back. He also gave me incentive to get up and go, literally, for a walk with him in the hot August air.

I’m not sure Bean knows that he helped heal me, and it doesn’t matter a bit. I have rewarded him with more love than I thought was possible for one person to feel for a dog. He is truly my best friend as well as my savior.
--

When raising a Shar Pei dog, know that you'll most likely experience difficulties in the process. One thing that has been a well-known about this breed is its fierce loyalty. This breed originated from China, where they served as guard dogs for Chinese Royalty, as well as fighting. The latter was rather inhumane, but was luckily put to an end as time progressed. After years of evolution, it still retained many of the traits such as being very protective, brave, and some of the bad ones. Many people choose this breed for its unique look, somewhat seemingly strange in an attractive way.

It has many wrinkles which are quite deep – people find this to be cute. Cute doesn't cover the fact that it can develop some behavioral problems along the way. One of those will be a trust issue – it easily grows suspicious of strangers, especially ones visiting the house. The Shar Pei has the tendency to become overprotective, causing it to misinterpret human gestures. Even if you don't mean harm it will think otherwise. This can make it a fantastic guard dog, one that is loyal to only you and its family. It will let you know if anybody has gotten in the house, and can take action if provoked.

But it likes overdoing things sometimes, which also makes it a lousy guest entertainer – even doubting the intentions of visiting friends. This definitely doesn't mean it's a lost cause. For every behavioral defect corresponds a solution – the best one imploring early correctional methods, commonly termed as puppy training. Starting young means you'll be getting a head start; you can beat the problem before it even develops. Throughout the early months, take note of any unwanted behavior, and do something about it. Some times ignoring it works, but the success of it ain't always absolutely sure. Let it know when you don't like what its doing.

When teaching basic commands, use a tone of voice that it will easily recognize you being serious. Be firm and gentle, establishing the “superior parent” figure. This will make it respect you but not fear you, which is essential in molding behavior and obedience. Keep sessions interesting and fun, but never too long. Here I stress the importance of intensity of duration, meaning shorter sessions held through out the day packing everything it needs for learning. Your Shar Pei must be allowed to socialize. Introduce it to other animals and humans, so that it can familiarize itself with normal behavior.

Taking it out for walks or just for play will be vital for the bond between you too. Remember to love your dog, that it is prone to make mistakes; which of course should be accepted because there was never meant to be a perfect pet. Lower yourself to their level – when I say this I don't mean degrade yourself, rather put yourself in their shoes to better understand them. Better understanding your Shar Pei will help you determine the causes of the problems that has been happening, and think of a good solution. Proper raising will require time and a lot of patience, but the end result will be more than enough payment for the effort.

We love our dogs and cats. We buy them gourmet treats, designer apparel and lavish them with our time, love and attention. They share our lives, our woes and are by our side throughout all of our ups and downs. They are purely and simply an important part of our family. But how many of us stop to think about what we are really feeding them until it becomes a front page headline or a news alert on the web?

Pet nutritional experts believe that our dogs and cats have the genetic potential to live up to 20 years, yet many of our four legged family members are considered long in the tooth if they reach eleven or twelve. The National Institute of Aging (2006) has stated that the average human life expectancy has almost doubled in the last century mostly due to improvements in nutrition and the control of disease. Maybe it is time to expect the same for our pets. As we demand more from our own food source we should be asking the same tough questions about our pet’s food.

Where is our pet food prepared? Is it a USDA certified facility? Are the ingredients cast offs from our food supply chain due to their poor quality or are they human grade quality. Has the food been prepared using chemicals such as BHA and BHT, known carcinogens, and Ethoxyquin, a rubber stabilizer? Last of all, who from the company, we buy our pet food from, can we talk to for advice and honest answers concerning the nutritional welfare of our pets?

Most people are surprised when they learn that the pet food industry, a multi million-dollar industry, came about during World War II. Cereals and grain considered waste from factories was bagged and sold as pet food. The industry then evolved as manufacturers recognized that to ensure animals were not undernourished they would have to incorporate meat into their products; meat that had been rejected from our food supply chain due to its poor nutritional quality, condition or health risk.

Has much changed?


Before we look at what should be in our pets’ food, let us look at what we should not find on the pet food menu.

1. Cereal and Grains such as corn, wheat and soy. Often labeled under several other names. When grouped together they increase the protein allocation in the Guaranteed Analysis. Yet cereals and grains contain allergens. Corn is #3 on the list of allergens affecting pets reported by pet owners and veterinarians
2. By-Products are also indigestible protein sources. Parts of an animal not fit for human consumption such as feet, bones, and hides.
3. Meat and bone meal made from the five D’s, dead, diseased, dying, disabled and drugged animal, a policy still practiced today.
4. Preservatives. Chemical preservatives are used to maintain pet food for extended periods, chemicals that can cause cancer such as BHA and BHT.


Many progressive and forward thinking pet food consumers have educated themselves on the “Guaranteed Analysis” of their pet food. Consumers have been guided to look for certain percentages within three categories, Protein, Fat and Fiber. Some consumers are satisfied with their choice in a product if these three components meet the levels recommended by industry professionals.

Would you be happy with food based on a percentage quota of protein if the protein came from a leather shoe, or the fat from a bowl of cooking oil and the fiber from peanut shells? Is the guaranteed analysis a good enough guide to ensuring our pet’s food is meeting the nutritional requirements of our pets?


So what should be in our Pet’s food?

Protein
First our pets’ food should not contain any by-products or inferior grains. Protein should come from a high quality, easily digested protein such as chicken meal. The food should contain fresh vegetables and fruit to provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and bioflavonoid to support the immune system.

Fiber and Carbohydrates
Whole brown rice provides an excellent source of highly digestible carbohydrate needed for short-term energy and dietary fiber.

Fats
Chicken fat, catfish meal, flaxseed meal and eggs provide a natural balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and provide a shiny coat.


There should be no added flavors or coloring. Premium holistic dog foods are made using a method called “Fast Cook”; this ensures all the nutrition from quality ingredients remains in the food. The better pet food manufacturers also make their food in small, frequent batches to avoid using chemical additives or preservatives and to ensure the customer receives the freshest food possible.

Some of the premium pet food manufacturers have also incorporated innovative technology into their food by adding live Probiotics to support the immune system and digestive tract and antioxidants such as grape seed extract, an ingredient sought by many of us for our own consumption.

I buy a product for my pets that not only contains all the above but is also prepared by an APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) certified manufacturer to sell pet food in the European market, a market with more stringent regulations than the U.S for pet food industry.

Does this all make a difference? You bet it does. Remember, your pet eats the same food every day at every meal so what you give them is critical to their health and longevity. Serving your best friend foods full of chemicals, by-products and preservatives would be like letting our children eat at a fast food restaurant 3 times a day 7 days a week. We all know that would be a recipe for nutritional disaster.

Author's Bio
Niki Tudge is the owner and founder of The DogSmith, America’s Dog Training, Dog Walking and Pet Care Franchise. Niki achieved her Canine Behaviorist Diploma in England and Dog Obedience Training Diploma in the US. Niki is a Certified Dog Trainer by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a Endorsed member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Trainers.

An eye infection is a relatively general description of a medical condition that may result in discomfort, discharge and abnormal appearance of a dog's eyes and surrounding tissue.

Conjunctivitis
This is generally the most common type of eye infection seen regularly in dogs. Conjunctivitis is characterized by the inflammation of the portion of the eye called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, clear membrane that protects the eye as well as the inner eyelid. The cause of this condition is most commonly a viral infection, an allergic reaction, or a bacterial infection.

The most common bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are streptococci and staphylococci. In Allergic conjunctivitis, the cause may be any number of airborne irritants that are causing an allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis that is caused by a virus is usually a result of a respiratory infection, flu, or other viral conditions. Regardless of the specific cause, this is the condition that manifests with all of the general symptoms of an eye infection, without any secondary symptoms.

Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a condition that usually manifests as an inflammation of the eyelids. The most common cause of this condition is a bacterial infection, which causes the subsequent inflammation of the eyelid. Other causes include demodectic mites, sensitivity to the sun, trauma, and other eye diseases. Though this condition may affect humans as well as dogs, it is occasionally seen in cats and other mammals.

Ulcerative Keratitis
In the condition of Ulcerative Keratitis, a dog's eye is subject to inflammation of the cornea. This is usually characterized by specific erosions of the cornea, though may also manifest as ulcers. This condition can be caused by several factors, though is commonly caused by keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

The common name for keratoconjunctivitis sicca is “Dry Eye”, and is characterized by a deficiency of tears, usually caused by abnormalities in the tear ducts. Other causes of this condition include herpesvirus, trauma(where eye is punctured), other disease affecting the eyes/tear ducts, and facial nerve paralysis.

Juvenile Cellulitis (Puppy Strangles)
This is a condition that usually manifests as blisters around the eyes, in addition to blisters around the lips, mouth, nose and ears. These blisters will cause irritation to the eyes, resulting in many of the common symptoms of an eye infection. The blisters will eventually become ulcerated, and a dog will have other secondary symptoms, such as enlarged lymph glands and anorexia. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection.

The Lyme disease is quite a new disease. It has been found recently in the north and western parts of the US. The alarming thing about this disease is that it can be transmitted form dogs to humans quite easily. Since 1975 this disease has been a constant sign of concern in all the states of the United States of America.

The source of infection

The source is a microscopic parasite also named deer tick. The white-footed mice and the white tailed deer are the main hosts. When the mice or the deer is in the wood area or areas with plants, the tick attaches itself to the body of the host. These ticks don’t fly or jump. They just sit there and wait for the host to carry them out.

Attack method

The ticks can attack a dog almost everywhere on the body. They can attach themselves to ears, neck, feat or head. The tick bites are not painful, they are like a bee sting. It is quite common that an infected dog doesn’t show distress from the tick bites.

The symptoms

The infected dog will show an elevated temperature. He can also be restless and show a bit of limping. Other symptoms that follow are the pain, warmth and joint swelling. Also, it is hard to notice, but underneath the dog’s coat, some inflammated areas can appear. That is where the tick has bitten the skin. Make a habit of checking the dog’s skin form time to time and watch out for these symptoms.

The treatment

Once you have spotted some symptoms, take the dog straight to the doctor. The vet will diagnose the dog and give him the right medication. Don’t wait awhile before taking the dog to the vet. The Lyme disease can easily spread to you too and in advanced stages it can even kill the dog.

Serious repercussions happen if it is left untreated. The dog can even get paralyzed in his limbs. After attacking the front and then the back limbs, the disease will for sure attack the chest muscles and disable them. This means the dog will no longer be able to breath on his own. He will choke and die of asphyxiation.

A dog can make a great addition to a family. After all, dogs are cute, cuddly and loyal companions for kids and adults. They are intelligent, affectionate and protective of their human family members. There’s a dog for everyone so which breed should you choose? Some dog breeds are just more family oriented than others so let’s take a look at those who get along well with children and enjoy being treated like any other member of the family.

Collie

Collies are not only beautiful but highly intelligent dogs as well. They are friendly with a gentle disposition. Collies are playful, peaceful and make good companions. A collie is a good choice for a family dog.

Poodles

Poodles are cute, cuddly and love affection. They are active dogs that love to play. Despite their size, they are good watchdogs too. Poodles are ideal family dogs.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are loving, loyal and patient. They are obedient dogs that are easy to train. They are active, social and friendly. Labrador Retrievers are people-oriented dogs who love attention. They are a wonderful choice when considering a family dog.

Boston Terrier

These gentle, well-mannered dogs have an easy going demeanor. They’re also easy to train. The Boston Terrier is a fun-loving, playful and intelligent dog. Boston Terriers make good companions and they are protective over their family members.

Beagle

Beagles are happy, energetic and playful dogs. They have gentle dispositions and love attention. They also form a protective bond over their human companions. A beagle is definitely a family dog.

Pug

Pugs are generally happy, loving and affectionate dogs. They are quite playful and energetic. The pug is a highly intelligent and clever dog. They make loyal companions.

Schnauzer

Schnauzers have fun-loving playful personalities. They are intelligent, social and affectionate. Schnauzers are very family-oriented and protective over their human companions.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is an intelligent, easy to train breed. They are happy, gentle dogs with a good disposition. Bichons are friendly, social and affectionate. This breed is excellent with kids which makes them a wonderful choice for a family dog.

Great Dane

This breed is affectionately known as the gentle giant. Great Danes are large, energetic dogs but they are also very friendly and loving. They are good with children and make excellent family dogs.

Australian Shepherd

This dog breed has an easy going, gentle demeanor. The Australian Shepherd is loyal and dependable companion. The breed is excellent with children and very protective of them.

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is cute, adorable and mild-mannered. The breed is obedient , loveable and affectionate. Basset Hounds make excellent family dogs.

Golden Retriever

The golden retriever is an intelligent, friendly and loveable dog. The breed is active and energetic. Golden Retrievers love outdoor play which makes them excellent companions for active children.

Boxer

Boxers are energetic, happy, playful dogs. They are very affectionate and love attention. Boxers are intelligent and learn quickly. Boxers are very family-oriented dogs. They are protective of children and get along well with them.

Irish Setter

Irish Setters are gentle, calm and very loving. The breed is generally energetic and happy. Irish Setters are family-oriented dogs that get along well with children.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands or Newfs as they are sometimes called are large, hardy dogs with a good temperament. They are intelligent, social and gentle. Newfs get along well with children. They possess the qualities of patience, playfulness and protectiveness that make them good companions for kids and a good choice for a family dog.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are loving and obedient. They are generally active, happy dogs. Cocker Spaniels are affectionate dogs that love attention. They are excellent companions for people of all ages.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small, cute and cuddly. They are also quite clever and intelligent. The breed is protective and independent. Pomeranians are friendly, loyal and loveable. They make adorable companion dogs.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is cute, energetic and playful. This breed loves attention and makes a wonderful companion for people of all ages. The Shih Tzu gets along equally well with children and adults making it a perfect family dog.

Burmese Mountain Dog

The Burmese Mountain dog is a large, even tempered dog that is easy to train and eager to please. The breed is friendly, obedient and protective. These dogs get along well with children and make an excellent family addition.

Airedale

Airedales are excellent canine companions. The breed is friendly, playful, protective and loyal. They are intelligent and obedient dogs that easily fit into the family structure.

Dogs belong in packs and when they are domesticated, they still look at their families as their 'packs.' They need to be social and they need attention. The way dogs have been domesticated has created a bit of a problem. Allowing your dog to spend time with other dogs is not satisfactory. They need time with their human friends. Sure, we have lives that are extremely busy, so it can be difficult to give our dogs as much attention as we need. As we rush around like maniacs trying to get important things done, trying to spend time with our dogs can feel like a burden.

When you're feeling like this, spending time with your dog sure can seem like more of a chore than having a relaxing, fun time with your four legged friend. Taking him or her for a walk can feel like a chore among a million chores that you have to accomplish. This definitely lessens the quality of the time you spend with your dog. It shouldn't be this way but sometimes it seems like life has you by the collar!

The way that we live really does affect our dogs. For instance, if we are stressed out all the time, what kind of personal time we have, our general demeanor really have a lot to do with our dogs' temperament. The dogs sometimes take on their human companions' moods and feelings - to the point that if you're depressed or stressed out all the time, your dog can be anxious and depressed as well. Also, if we are busy with certain things, walking the dog or spending time with him can be pushed to the back burner and your dog will truly suffer because of this. There are a few things that you can do to make time for your dog so that he or she is not lonely!

* Take your dog with you when you are out doing the normal daily tasks. Whether you have to go pay bills, drive your children here or there or even going out for a drive, take your dog. He or she will love going, even if she has to sit in the car. Getting out of the house and having something different to look at is a great thing for your dog to get a chance to do. If you will have other people in the car, for instance if you will be driving your kids around or picking up friends, this is a great way for your furry friend to socialize. One thing you should be sure of is to never leave your dog for more than a half an hour in the car and you should NEVER leave your dog in the car on a hot day. This could result in fatal injuries due to the heat.

* Let your pooch sleep in the bedroom with you at night. He or she doesn't have to sleep on the bed - they can have a cozy spot in the corner. Still, just the time together with you is enough to put him or her at ease. Neither one of you have to do anything but you're spending time together anyway. This is a great thing to do. If you've noticed how dogs lie together when they are puppies, you will understand that dogs have an instinct to be close to the pack during times when they are vulnerable, like sleeping. This helps them to feel secure and safe. So, for an easy way to keep your dog happy and healthy, allow them to sleep in the bedroom with you at night. * Try exploring different areas with your dog. Becoming accustomed to the same old route can also become boring. Although dogs like familiar surroundings, they also appreciate exploring new areas and seeing new things. Taking your dog through the woods or down a new path or even to the beach would be a great idea. You could even take your dog on a hike. The key is for you to enjoy the time you spend together as well because then you will want to do it more often and that will help the relationship between you and your dog!

* Spend time with your dog while you're doing other things. You can multi-task and you won't have to feel guilty that you're not spending time with your dog. For instance, while you are watching television, you can brush and groom your dog. Or, if you're ready for a relaxing nap, allow your pooch to hop up on the couch and snooze along with you (unless of course he or she is a large breed dog - then you might get pushed off onto the floor!) Doing simple things like this can be very enjoyable for your dog and doesn't take much extra effort and no extra time from you!

* Encourage the other members of your household to play with your dog and spend time with him or her. If you live alone, you could hire a dog walker a few times a week (someone that you fully trust with your pet) and allow your dog the chance to interact with others and have a good time. If the dog lives in a house with children, this is great because children usually have tons of time and energy. Make sure that your dog understands that he or she is not dominant over the children and that the dog will obey the children's commands before you allow the child to play with the dog alone. Not only will this help keep your dog happy and well-adjusted, but it takes some of the responsibility off of your shoulders as well.

While you still need to spend a good amount of time with your dog, giving him or her attention, making sure that he or she is healthy and happy, you can make your life easier in some ways using the tips and tricks above.

Many people are taking many steps to try and live an eco-friendly lifestyle. One area in our lives that is easy to go "green" in, and often gets overlooked, is our pets. Here are five easy changes you can make to start being a more environmentally friendly pet owner:

• Don't use a lint roller. Instead, use a Fur-Zoff to clean up pet hair. Fur-Zoff is made from recycled materials and lasts forever. Lint rollers waste tons of paper, plastic, and money. A Fur-Zoff is only $9.99 at FurZoff.net
• Use biodegradable pet waste bags. Don't use a plastic bag for picking up the presents your pet leaves behind in the yard. Opt for a biodegradable bag, or even better, try using the stuff for compost.
• Eat Green. Buy organic pet food. It may cost a little more but it's a simple step to take. Newman's Own Organics is a good option for pet food.
• Play Green. Make pet toys out of old stuff or buy toys made from recycled materials. Look around your garage; I'm sure you have something that will work. Get creative!
• Adopt from a shelter. There are more pets than people born every day. Too many and the planet won't be able to sustain the population

This is just a start to becoming a "green" pet owner. They're simple steps to take, but you'll be surprised at the difference they make. Take the time to share with friends and family the changes you are making in being a "green" pet owner. It will help everyone make the changes together, resulting in a better environment for us and our furry friends.

Pet owners should know the sex of their pets, and dwarf hamster owners are no exception. It is not enough to ensure that they are cleaned, housed and fed; it is necessary to know whether you own a male or a female hamster as well.

As easy as it sounds, sexing dwarf hamsters can pose quite a challenge, most especially for new owners who know nothing about it.

This is because the tiny built of these hamsters makes it hard to determine their sex. Moreover, they are very fast and always moving around, and this surely makes sexing dwarf hamsters all the more difficult.

There are different varieties of dwarf hamsters. You will find that one of the most elusive and skittish hamsters are the Roborovski hamsters. If you have these at home, you probably know what I am talking about. If you have one of those Chinese dwarf hamsters, lucky you! These are easier to check since the males have more visible testicles as they are larger in size compared to most.

However, it is important to take note that when sexing dwarf hamsters, you need to exert some effort to make sure you get it right. Remember that these little ones are very energetic and move real fast. If you are not careful and gentle with them, you could end up hurting these little creatures.

When sexing dwarf hamsters, here are a few guidelines to prevent hurting your pet. The first thing to do is to check the scent gland which is visible in the male species. It is a yellow stain found somewhere around the belly button. All you need to do is to hold the dwarf hamster with its back resting on the palm of your hand. Your index finger and your thumb should be holding its chin or legs.

Then, your free hand should be used to clear the fur on its belly button area so you can see it easily. Next, let's talk about safety measures when sexing dwarf hamsters. You can make use of a large container that is covered with a towel. Inspect your hamster over it so that in the instance he moves or falls off, he will just end up in the container, thus preventing injury or possible escape.

There is also what is known as the glass view method which makes use of a clear glass container. It should be small in size so that your dwarf hamster will not be able to move around much, but not too small though that he or she will be uncomfortable inside it. From this container, you can simply observe and find out whether what you have is a male or female dwarf hamster.

We are the people who end up saying, "Aww," when we witness young kittens prancing around their mothers. Yes, kittens can be adorable! But what can you say about all the different species of cats that are there in the world. Maybe at a distance they are gorgeous but up close most people like to avoid the bigger cats of the world. But nonetheless, they are beautiful. All of you must be thinking why am I talking about cats, well, the reason is that the Zoo of Puerto Vallarta recently celebrated new additions to their small pride!

Since the past couple of weeks a wave of news cubs, have been welcomed at el Zoológico de Vallarta. A range of animals like Pumas, Jaguars, Leopards have come into their little kingdom. In total 2 African Leopards, 3 Americans Pumas, 2 Black Panthers (Melanistic Jaguars, one male and one female,) a White-headed Capuchin Monkey, 3 Common Jaguars, 5 African Dwarf Goats, and a few Guinea Pigs have been born. This is not the end folks! The Zoo of Puerto Vallarta is awaiting the arrivals of a Striped Hyena, a Canadian Wolf, a white Bengal Tiger, three Spider Monkeys, a Black Jaguar and an orange Bengal Tiger, over the coming weeks. Isn't that exciting? It is a sight worth watching!

The family who owns the Zoo, the Castañeda family, is deeply concerned about these animals and continuously strives for their preservation. They also believe that it is the utmost care and affection that they provide to the animals that in turn helps them to reproduce even in their confinement.

Speaking of animals, the Red Bone Team of PVYAFCA recently went to El Morro to fish for Tuna. This team even caught two large sized Tuna of about the 60 lb. during their 6 hour long Charter. The Bay of Banderas is home for the small Jacks, Bonitos and Dorados. Even big sized Sail Fish have been spotted in these regions. Big sized Rooster fish are also being brought in by Punta Mita.

The great fishing season has begun and the "Toroaba" boat has brought good hearty catches of Tuna, Dorado and even some Sail Fish. What was most exciting about this was that they even managed to get hold of some Black and Blue Marlin which was at the La Corbeteña.

At the El Banco, fish like Blue and Black Marlin, in addition to Tuna, Dorado and Sail Fish have been spotted. The season of fishing has very well taken off and will hopefully continue till the month of December. With the way the fish have been flowing in, a number of locals and tourists of Puerto Vallarta have begun their fishing escapades. It is fun and exciting and an activity that you can do with your entire family.

If you are a fan of fishing, Puerto Vallarta should be on your game plan. The coming months are expected to bring great catches for everyone. So do not miss out on your opportunity to bring home a trophy fish! You will receive the grandest fishing tours and the best boats to do your fishing around the Banderas Bay. So hurry and start your fishing season!

There are several reasons a dog may have heart disease. In some cases heart disease is actual genetic, meaning that a parent also had the issue and passed it on. In most cases heart disease actually forms later in the dogs life due to several causes. One of the leading causes of heart disease is improper nutrition. In other words the dog owners have not supplied a healthy diet, they gave the dog human fatty food, or the dog didn’t get enough exercise to counter act the diet they were on. You will find that cancer is usually genetic or a result of a mutation in the dog’s blood cells that form a mass on the heart. This is the worst type of heart disease in a dog and is often deadly. There are symptoms to help you diagnose the early stages of heart disease and we will be looking at the different heart diseases and their treatment below.

As mentioned heart cancer is one of the worst diseases a dog can contract. The cells in the heart mutate forming a tumor mass either inside the heart or around the heart. When this occurs there is a blockage of blood flow, usually resulting in dizziness, clumsiness, fainting, lameness, and seizures. You will find with heart cancer the best treatment is usually surgery. Some masses are too big for surgery and in this case radiation is used to kill the cells, reduce the mass, and prevent other mutations from occurring. If left untreated the dog can die from the cancer. The dog may also die from the blockage of the blood before the cancer cells spread. With heart cancer it can form directly in the heart or it can form elsewhere in the body first. In some cases liver cancer, stomach cancer or lymphoma forms in the body, the blood cells that are mutating flow into the heart and then attach themselves in a mass.

Another form of heart disease is of course the heart attack or stroke. Though they are two different diseases there are some of the same causes as well as treatments. A heart attack is usually a blockage in the heart due to fatty oils, over taxing the heart, and blockages in the aorta. A stroke goes a little further in that it is a nerve reaction that can affect the brain and muscles of the dog, ending in partial paralysis. The signs of heart disease are usually weakness, loss of appetite, coughing, fainting, breathing issues, bloating, pale gums, and an irregular heart beat. You will find that the treatment for heart disease can be medication or surgery. Surgery is usually an option when there is a blockage that must be removed. This surgery usually removes the fat that has formed from the aorta and opening up the bloodstream to flow properly. Medications are also meant to help reduce the blockage as well as lower cholesterol. The medication usually is given once a day and will help regulate the heart to beat correctly. If, left untreated these two heart diseases could cause death. It will depend on the size of the blockage and of course the patient. To prevent this heart disease you need to have your dog on a healthy diet, with plenty of enzymes and protein that will help breakdown the food. You also want to avoid any food that is fatty, filled with oil, or carbohydrates. You also need to make sure your dog is exercised properly each day. Any dog breed can be susceptible to heart disease, although there are certain breeds more inclined.

Did you know that there are a lot of private owners of search and rescue dogs? Well there are. Many people find they need to do something during catastrophes and because they love dogs they decide to adopt and have a dog trained for search and rescue. If you are interested in adopting a search and rescue dog or just in knowing how to care for one you will want to read the below article.

Search and rescue dogs are very hard working heroes. They can work in earthquake aftermaths, hurricane rescues, and even as water rescue dogs. They are very loyal, lovable, and determined dogs. They also require special training, handling and care above other dogs. You will find that most often a search and rescue dog will go through training on a daily basis to make sure they have not forgotten any skills and to keep the dog’s minds active. In some cases new training is added. As a private owner of a search and rescue dog you have to keep them in tune. This means you need to go through the class with them, and provide as much support and skill to the session as they do. You should also know that a search and rescue dog usually thinks of the training and actual rescue situations as play. This means that if they aren’t having a little fun, and being useful they will want to quite- in other words it is too much like work.

There are certain dogs that work really well as search and rescue dogs. First the dog have to be a good tracker, hunter, hound, and good swimmers. Since dogs often have to smell for blood, or human scent they have to have great noses. This means that bloodhounds, Labradors, German shepherds, Old English sheepdogs, and St. Bernard’s are usually the best. Golden retrievers are also really great at working as search and rescue dogs. Keep in mind that the dog thinks it is a game; for the owners you have to be sure you can handle the issues you will be dealing with. Most people are great in rescue situations, but some individuals may have lasting problems of the death and destruction they have had to deal with. So it is not just find a dog to go with the owner, but making sure the owner can handle the job required as well.

Most of the time search and rescue handlers are volunteers, like the private dog owners we have been discussing. This means they show up when they can and must also be physically fit. They are going to be training with the dogs, working a lot of hours at a seen, and of course need to have a handle on rescue criteria for survival as well.

Training as mentioned above is very important. You can not just watch a video and say “I have a search and rescue dog.” In fact what you need is a training facility that will help you learn how to be a handler as well as how to train the dog. You must have certification as well as rescue equipment. Training will last for the dog’s lifetime in the service. This means that you must keep up with the training on a daily basis and be extremely committed. Search and rescue dogs are heroes and so are their handlers, but remember you should be fully prepared for the tasks at hand.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sweet-natured and even-tempered dog that enjoys bringing affection and spirited fun to a household.

General Appearance and Description

These spirited dogs are not called “King” for nothing. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is friendly, eager to please and always a crowd pleaser, thanks to its sweet and elegant looks.

The Cavalier Spaniel usually has dark and expressive eyes that are large. They don’t dominate the face, but always get attention. They have a wavy silky coat that’s usually black and tan.

Basic Temperament

The King Charles Cavalier is outgoing and affectionate. He will always want to please you and is intelligent enough to know what you need from him.

The Cavalier King Charles is descended from hunting dogs, so he loves to run around in the great outdoors. It’s important, then, that the Cavalier Spaniel is kept on a leash and in a fenced background. Their desire to explore and hunt can often cause harm.

Like all small dogs, this dog needs to know who the boss is. Make sure you establish yourself as the pack leader so he doesn’t think he needs to take that role for himself.

Care Required

This dog has a good amount of fur to manage, so brush him often and bathe or shampoo him as needed. The hair on the ears, which is long, can tangle and mat, so the ears should be brushed often. Even the hair between the pads on the feet should be looked after.

Not an ideal dog for those with allergies, this dog sheds at an average rate.

For the most success with king charles spaniel dog; it is suggested you take the time to do a little online research.

Exercise Requirements

Give your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a regular walk, and give him plenty of playtime. The Cavalier Spaniel dogs do well in apartments and home environments that don’t give them much of an outdoor area as long as they get that regular walk.

Take care in extreme conditions, as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be sensitive to heat and cold.

Training

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively easy to train, thanks to their intelligence and desire to please. They are intuitive, so they will understand what you want and will be able to perform as you wish through the use of this intuitive nature.

These dogs are capable of learning complicated obedience tricks and do well in competitive competitions.

Height and Weight

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will be about 12 to 13 inches high in adulthood and should weigh somewhere between 10 and 18 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Cavalier Spaniel dogs are prone to a number of health issues. Some of these problems include kneecaps that dislocate, ear infections, hearing trouble, and back problems. They also often suffer from hereditary eye diseases.

Unfortunately, many dogs will also carry a hereditary tendency toward heart problems, which can be fatal. For this reason, many canine experts suggest choosing a dog whose medical history can be checked going back several generations.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also gain weight easily so their diet needs to be carefully watched.

Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will live from 9 to 14 years.

Suitability

These dogs are excellent hunting dogs and are often introduced into homes with this intention. King Charles Cavalier dogs don’t necessarily enjoy being in a home with children. Most experts suggest that this dog be placed in a home with only older children.

The Cavalier Spaniel does get along well with other dogs and other non-canine pets, however.

House training your puppy is important due to multiple reasons. People may be visiting your house and your puppy may not have friendly disposition towards them. Trained puppy would control its anger and crave for biting which an untrained puppy may not adhere to. Similarly untrained puppies can make your home or furniture dirty by littering or excreting and all these are not very welcome proposition for any of the pet owner. With adequate house training you can make your dog behave perfectly. Behavioral improvements in your puppy can only be brought up using house training for the purpose.

Question for you would be about the best methods for house training your puppy. It depends on how you are going to keep your pet dog. If the puppy would be living inside the home and that is the normal pattern in most part of the world, special house training is required. For instance, around 90% of the pet owners in America allow their pets to remain inside the home all the time. You will have to go with the housebreaking training for that purpose. It might take some time but with your true involvement the time will get shorter. It is necessary to have more than the casual output.

Setting rules for house training:
You can start by creating a set of rules for regulating the process of house training your puppy. Some such rules could be as follows:
• Don’t inflict unnecessary punishment on your puppy just on the apprehension that it might have committed the folly of breaking something in your house.
• When in course of the training or afterwards the puppy doe something good you should not forget praising your puppy.

Methodologies used for house training:
Coming to the methodologies for house training your puppy, you have several options open before you. Putting down papers or some pads could encourage them to attend their calls of nature there. Normally you will find pads in the market that are scented in such manner that it attracts the puppy to approach it. It is also a good move to find out when they are going into “pre-potty patterns” and picking them up and putting them on the paper or pad. If they attend the nature’s call there, you must lavishly praise them. After some times they will become accustomed to the paper and pad and they will not like to attend the call of nature elsewhere. However there is one downside to this method. It may encourage your puppy eliminating at home. Training may take longer time in such cases.

Using a crate:
Other popular method of house training your puppy involves use of crate or cage. The puppy is placed inside it and the size of the cage should just enough to be a bed. Dogs will not normally soil their beds as they won’t like laying or sleeping in the mess. In the process they start controlling their bowels and bladders much longer than usual. Younger puppies can endure it for 7 to 8 hours though keeping them so long inside the crate is never recommended.