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Dog Care 101

admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:59:02 +0000

Dog Care 101

Article by Christine Beals

Caring for a dog is much more than just feeding it daily. One of the saddest things in the world is a neglected animal â” especially a doting dog. Dogs love and need bundles of attention and tender loving care. Their whole day revolves around when they can expect some love and attention from you, their owner. Basically, your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty. In return for all of his/her love and affection he/she counts on you to provide all his/her necessities such as food, water, a safe shelter, exercise, veterinary care and much more.

A good place to start when caring for your appreciative pooch is with identification tags. Outfit your pooch with a collar and ID tag that includes all your vital contact information such as your name, address, and an easily reachable telephone number. No matter how careful of an owner you are, there’s always a chance your lovely companion may become lost at some point. A collar and ID tag will greatly increases the chance that you and your pet will be happily united again.

After you have collared and ID tagged your dog, you should think about vaccination. It’s extremely important to follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him/her for rabies â” not only for your pooch but for your own well being too. A great place to look for information is your local animal shelter or humane society. These agencies can give you information regarding legal requirements, and where to have you passionate pooch vaccinated. Not only does your doggie need vaccinating, it also needs regular check-ups with a veterinarian. A dog is just like you or I, it needs regular check-ups with his/her doctor to ensure the proper health of your pet. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or your loving pet-owning friend for a referral and check out the provided information on choosing a veterinarian.

Once you have found a veterinarian both you and your dog love, then it’s important to think about spaying or neutering your dog. This always makes me think of Bob Barker and his passion for spreading the importance of spaying and neutering through word of mouth on the hit game show The Price is Right. Dogs that have this routine and minor surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavioral problems such as biting, running away, and general aggression. By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the disheartening problem of pet overpopulation.

Now that we have addressed your pets’ medical needs, you should think about proper nutrition. It is vitally important to give your pooch a balanced diet with constant and consistent access to fresh clean water. Your veterinarian can give you information about the proper type of food, and the amount that will keep your companion healthy and happy. He or she can also give you information on how often to feed your dog, because various breeds require different amounts of food.

When caring for your dog you have to think of proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is an ideal setting for your pooch. Remember that if your dog is large and active, it typically needs more space and room outside to run and play. However, dogs should never be left outside alone for extended periods of time. This all goes back to the deep down need dogs have for love and attention. Dogs truly need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with the family â” since they are a vital family member.

Just like you or I, your dog needs plenty of exercise and movement to stay healthy. Make sure he/she gets enough exercise to keep him/her physically fit but not exhausted. Many dog owners agree that playing a game, or with use of throw toys with their canine companion, along with twice daily walks provide sufficient exercise for your pooch. If you should have any questions or concerns with this, once again it is wise to check with your loving veterinarian for their advice on the proper amount of physical activity suited to your dog. Many experts agree there is also a simple rule to remember when thinking of care for your dog â” off property, on leash! Even if you have a valid license for your dog, an official rabies tag, and a collar and ID tag, your companion should still be on a leash. Your dog should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard â” ever. It may sound harsh but it the best bet for you, your community, and your dog to keep control of your pet at all times. The old saying “it’s better to be safe than sorry” applies here.

Along with keeping your dog on a leash, many experts believe it is important to enroll your canine companion in a dog training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion’s behavior safely and humanely. Not only will this bring some control to your hands, it provides a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your pooch. The humane society, as well as your veterinarian, can provide information on reputable dog trainers.

Lastly and most importantly in thinking about proper dog care is love â” and lots of it! Be loyal to, loving, and patient with your faithful canine companion. Your pet needs you and loves you â” that is something you must remember. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and healthy. Also remember if you do encounter some behavioral problem, the vast majority of them can be solved with a little time, effort and supporting love. If at any time you are struggling to meet all the things that are required to love and care for your dog, you must contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice and direction. If for some reason you can’t handle the responsibility of loving and caring for your animal, someone else gladly can and will.

Christine Beals is a professional writer who provides information for That Dog Blog where you’ll find information on Greyhounds and other dog breeds. That Dog Blog is a part of the Go! Blog Network.

Dog Care Tips For Happy, Healthy Dogs

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:10 +0000

Dog Care Tips For Happy, Healthy Dogs

Article by Lee Dobbins

There are many aspects involved with dog care and making sure you cover them all can be daunting. Dogs are subject to allergies but they catch them from the air. Proper allergy care involves not only treating the symptoms but also prevention. You should bath your dog regularly and rinse their feet after they have been outside to remove any allergens on your dog’s skin.

Dog dental care can also be done at home and is very easy but also critical to your dogs health. Proper dental care provides for more than clean breath, it also keeps your dogs organs healthy as bacterial buildup on the teeth can spread throughout your pets whole system and cause illness and disease.

As with your own dental care you only need a few tools in order to care for your dog’s teeth, these are dental clens solution, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental treats or toys or a dental cleaning dog kit. It may take your dog a few days or even weeks to get used to the dental care procedure but their teeth and gums will be much healthier and not have as many problems as before.

Ear care is particularly important for dogs, especially during the summer. A build up of moisture in the ear canals can cause problems as well as favorable conditions for ear infections. There are many products that can be used to care for your dogs ears including ear powders to keep ears dry, ear miticide to kill ear mites and other ear cleaning solutions that rinse away dirt and loosens waxy build up.

Keeping your dogs eyes clean is also important as this can prevent infections. The most common eye infection for dogs is conjunctivitis. To prevent infections you should use eye cleaning solutions or protective ointments that protect eyes from irritation as well as killing bacteria. You can trim hair from around your pet’s eyes to prevent infection, make sure the corners of their eyes are mucous free, and try to keep your pets away form activities or surroundings where they may get eye trauma. When doing any cleaning or cutting around your dogs eyes, you want to use the utmost care so as to avoid poking your dog in the eye!

As your dog ages there is some additional dog care needs that you should be aware of. Your dog should still exercise but at a lower intensity and for shorter periods of time. Older dogs should use a foam bed to protect their joints when sleeping. You should also take advantage of senior dog food as it will contain important vitamins and nutrients that older dogs may need more of. As dogs age you need to keep a closer eye out for changes in behavior as these can be signs of problems. You should take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any changes.

Proper dog care also constitutes regular veterinary visits. This way you can be assured that you are providing your pet with everything he needs to be happy, healthy and long lived.

For more dog care tips as well as tips on what to feed your dog, how to train him and basic dog info, please visit http://www.greatdogsforpets.com.

Smart Dog Care for Your Affenpinscher

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:59:25 +0000

Smart Dog Care for Your Affenpinscher

Article by John Simpson

Have you been putting your best foot forward in caring for your Affenpinscher? It is no secret that we are all definitely most fortunate that these wondrous doggie buddies help us understand life with outstanding love and understanding. These precious beings definitely merit the best care that we can furnish.

Whether you are only starting out with a young dog or have enjoyed your Affenpinscher for a long time, the utmost importance of outstanding dog and puppy care for your Affenpinscher should not be taken lightly. Make it a priority to make sure your Affenpinscher has the basic accessories for a healthy and happy dog life. Take a look at our informative site for product information, suggestions and fresh ideas and to sneak a copy of our free and informative dog care special report.

The good news is that most dogs, as well as your Affenpinscher, rarely need more than a safe and happy home, healthy food, and well-meaning humans. If only our offspring were took as little care! So, it is frequently easy to provide your Affenpinscher with the primary necessities, as well as some fun and frivolous dog products and tasty treats.

The leading starting point of properly caring for your Affenpinscher is to really know what basic supplies and accessories you will want to purchase to ensure her healthy lifestyle, comfort and happiness. To ensure proper care, you will need to buy some base necessities and we will give you some solid starting points.

– Buy a premium dog collar or harness with a quality leash– Buy a set of dog bowls for dog food and water, preferably an anti-bloat dog bowl– Buy a comfortable dog bed to get your Affenpinscher off the hard and cold floor in the evening– Get a few dog toys, chews and treats as a reward for him– Buy some healthy and natural dog food– Finally, shower him with lots of love and affection

You will be able to get better ideas for your Affenpinscher by downloading a copy of our free dog care report.

Now that you have the core needs taken care of for your Affenpinscher, it makes sense to look at the dog supplies possibilities for some dog accessories that can improve your Affenpinscher’s experiences, as well as your lifestyle with a dog. Because of many sorts of dog products makers, lovers of dogs have a huge mixture of superb dog products to have. Using the Web, I would advocate a fair amount of scouting of a sampling of the excellent online dog stores to pick up some fun dog toys and accessories.

We always suggest you get some assistance for navigating the ever-changing marketplace of dog accessories, and that is where our team members attempt to offer you some useful advice. Our writers have been scouring the Internet for many years looking for quality sites and locating the top online stores to buy the most popular dog products and accessories for your Affenpinscher. As a smart shopper, be sure to use our critical knowledge, nonsubjective product reviews and advice.

We should all be doing our part to promote the never-ending cause to encourage compassionate dog care for all furry friends, as well as taking good care of your Affenpinscher to make the world a better place. So, go ahead and spoil your Affenpinscher!

John Simpson is a well-known and respected expert in Affenpinscher natural health care and dog training who enjoys writing for numerous popular dog Interent sites. Go ahead and grab your copy of the FREE Dog Care Report for your Affenpinscher.

Finding Free Dog Care

admin — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 03:03:18 +0000

Finding Free Dog Care

Article by Floyd P. Dietz

Dogs can be very expensive. When you first get a dog, you typically have to pay for it, either through a breeder or a pet store. Then you have to take it to the vet to get its initial shots. Then you have to buy food, treats, toys, and even bedding, depending on how much you want to spoil your dog. Then, if the dog gets sick, you have to take it to the vet.

You still have to take it to the vet regularly to get vaccinated and then there’s training costs, etc. Pets are so expensive, they’re almost like having actual children. That’s why it always pays, literally, to know of someplace you can take your dog that offers free dog care. Free? Is that a typo? No, you can actually find free dog care if you know where to look.

The first place to go for free dog care is your local SPCA. There are many instances where they will spay or neuter your dog and even vaccinate your dog for free. Sometimes, you have to qualify for the free dog care, which means you’ll have to prove that you don’t actually make enough money to afford regular dog care.

These places, like your local SPCA, know that taking care of a dog can be very expensive and that’s why they want to help those families out by providing free dog care so that all dogs are taken care of. They actually care about your pet, as you do, and they want to see your dog as healthy as possible. That’s why they’ll often provide free dog health care for those families who can’t afford it.

Ask Your Vet

You may be wondering why you would ask your vet for free dog care. The words free and vet never go together, after all. However, just as in the case of the SPCA, your local vet’s office will usually know of places you can go to get free dog care if you can’t afford the vet’s fees. Vets also care about your dog and if you can’t take it there, they would rather you take it somewhere rather than not taking it for care at all.

And that’s just what some families do when they can’t afford dog care, they just leave the dog be. That usually results in sick or dead dogs. Don’t do that. Do everything you can to find free dog care if you can’t afford it so that your dog remains as healthy as possible.

If you love this article, you will also love another article written by this article’s author on veterinary medical equipment and phase contrast microscope.

Read what is Dog Cancer in Dog Cancer Care Guide

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:50:04 +0000

Read what is Dog Cancer in Dog Cancer Care Guide

Article by Malcon

Like humans, dogs too have not been immunized from the deadly disease of Cancer which for ages has been claiming the lives of millions of human. Dogs though hardly seen as precious possession for human on whom lots of many can be spent curing deadly disease like Cancer, the recent trend is that dog owners are more than willing to spend money on their dogs and cure. Various new dog cancer care centers have come up which promise to offer cost-effective help for cancer in dogs. However, identification or detection of Cancer is fundamental so that care can be offered to dogs.

Dog cancer can be identified as a major disease which claims a significant population in the death of dogs. Dog owners often undermine the disease or do not want to invest in curing their pet. However, not all dog owners have the thought that it is after all a dog and why to invest in treatment; buy a new dog instead. Dog owners who are looking for dog cancer care can now contact various dog cancer care centers which are located in various parts of the USA. According to various estimates approximately 50% of deaths among dogs are cancer-related.

Moreover, there is not one monolithic dog cancer which can be blamed for the death; rather, there are several types of cancer which can be blamed. A dog cancer care guide helps dog owners know about various causes of dog cancer, detection of dog cancer, prevention of dog cancer, etc. Several dog cancer care centers are helping out dog owners with their specialty care services. Such centers not only offer specialize cure for dog cancer but also assure the therapy does not cause any adverse effect in the concerned dog.

As cancer is hard to detect at the initial stage a vigilant dog owner only can do it with the help of dog cancer care guide wherein various indications or symptoms of the disease are mentioned in detailed manners to help dog owners. Generally two kinds of cancers are found in dogs one is benign, slow-growing and removable; and, the second one is aggressive, spreading throughout the body. The latter cancer is hard to help. Despite all the knowledge and technological development in medical science there has not been any success in knowing the causes of cancer.

Despite the fact that certain breeds of dogs such as Golden Retriever, Boxer, Bernese Mountain dogs, Greyhounds, etc. are prone to cancer more than other breeds, rest of breeds are not safe from it. Dog cancer care guide helps dog owners know about symptoms and signs of cancer in dogs and get a quick address. In the same manner numerous dog cancer care centers help in detecting the disease in dogs and curing it.

A comprehensive range of information is being furnished by the Canine Cancer Center about dog cancer. The formation is aimed to offer hope and help for the dogs suffering from the deadly disease. Extensive information about the organization can be obtained at http://www.CanineCancerCenter.com.

5 Basic Care for Family Dog

admin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:49:12 +0000

5 Basic Care for Family Dog

Article by Leo Enoch

Before bringing a dog home, it must be understood that there is a responsibility of somebody who owns a dog to take care of it which will include providing food, shelter, health care, protection and spending time with the dog.

Here are some basic care that you should consider before bringing a dog home:

1. Shelter.

What kind of home are you going to provide for your dog? The answer to this question most of the time depends on what kind of dog you have. Some dog will stay most of their time outdoors while others in the house.

If you dog will spend most of the time in the open, then some kind of dog house or kennel will be needed. Fences may also be very important to keep the dog safely in the area.

While for those who stay in the house, there are many kind of dog beds and indoor kennels that can suit your dog. Remember that the size of dog bed or basket for a puppy might be too small for a bigger dog

Find out which one is the most right for the type of dogs you are bringing home

2. Health Care

A new dog or puppy should be taken to a veterinary for assessment of their health and they might need immunization against sicknesses. It is also of great significant to see the vets before bringing your dog home as you can get a proper information on good diet, exercise and grooming for your dog.

Your dog should be taken for a scheduled check up each year, some vet might recommend your dog to be spayed for female dog or neutered for a male dog. A healthier dog will definitely be a better friend for you.

3. Feeding

Before bringing back home your new dog, ensure you have some food, food bowl, water bowl ready. If it is a puppy, it is also good to have things it can chew on such as nylon bones, squeaky toys, and other toys that is not dangerous for chewing. Do not give them scrap bones as it might choke them and caused them injuries.

Regular feeding is a critical part of taking care of your dog. This will of course be decided by the dog size, type of breed, health and activity level. You ought to find out information on proper diet and feeding schedule from the dog breeder or when you bring the dog to see the vet.

I do not really believe in buying any commercial dog food off the shelves as a lot of these foods have poison that can harm your dog. Read the labels before buying.

Learning out more from your vet is a much better and wiser decision when deciding which food to give to your dog.

4. Exercise

Enough Exercise certainly an important factor to the constructive growth of the dog. However dog owner should be cautious to match the amount of exercise to the age and ability of the dog.

Through exercise, dogs are exposed to relate more with people, surrounding or even other animals. It will extend the dog personality and skills which will make the dog a better-off dog which will create a more rich and significant relationship with its owner.

5. Training

Training is critical for the safety of the dog and the people around it. Obedience training is crucial in the early growth period of the dog. Dog Training can eliminate nearly all behavior problems that the dog will likely to have like aggression, biting, destructive chewing, jumping, etc.

The question will be, if you should manage your own dog training or leave it to the professional dog trainer. Since Dog Training is a life long course of dog ownership, it is essential that you know how to train your dog especially for basic obedience command and skills that the dog should has.

Skills like eliminating outside the house, staying still at your command. Getting a good dog training manual is essential as correctly training your dog will give you much satisfaction which will has incredible positive impact on your dog.

These 5 basic care should be prepared before bringing home your new found dog. Following these will prepare you for a more fruitful and joyful relationship with your dog.

Leo Enoch is providing a Free Tips and Information on Effective Dog Training Solution.

Visit: http://www.DogTrainingSolution.com

How to be prepared for your new dog or puppy before bringing them back to your home.

Do You Know How To Take Good Care of Your Dog?

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:49:41 +0000

Do You Know How To Take Good Care of Your Dog?

Article by Brian Milne

Your dog is your best friend, is loyal and your companion so he/she deserves to be cared for so that he/she lives a long and healthy life. Your dog needs more than food, water and exercise. Your dog needs proper shelter, regular vet care, proper exercise and companionship. Here are some excellent dog care tips that you can print out and keep handy as a reference for your home.

Your dog care needs:

The dog in your life needs to have a collar and ID tag with current information on it so that if lost he/she can be returned to you. Your dog can be identified as your dog if the occasion arises that you need to prove that he/she belongs to you. Keep current pictures of your dog along with vet papers from visits to also prove the dog is your dog.

Make sure that you know and follow all local dog licensing and vaccinating rules for where you live. These local rules can be found by contacting the local animal shelter or humane society. You can also find out where to obtain ID tags and license tags for your dog as well as a list of local vets that can give your dog medical care and vaccinations.

Always make sure that when your dog is off your property that the dog is on a leash. This is for the protection of your dog and for the protection of those who meet your dog. A leash allows you the best opportunity for controlling your dog in situations that may arise when you are off your property.

Your dog needs proper shelter whether a inside dog or an outside dog. Dogs should never be left outside for extended periods of time without human supervision. Dogs crave and need to have human interaction. They should spend most of the time with the humans in the family and not alone outside.

Your dog needs to have regular vet care. Ask your local dog shelter, humane society, neighbor or friend for vet recommendations.

A dog that has been spayed or neutered is healthier and has fewer behavior problems (biting, running away). Spaying and neutering also reduces pet overpopulation, which is a problem in most communities.

Your dog needs to have daily fresh food and fresh water. Your vet can advise you on the proper nutrition for your dog’s age and breed.

A dog and you can benefit from dog training classes in your community. Make sure that they are positive training classes. Dog-training classes not only help you to have a better-behaved dog, but aides in bonding with a new dog or puppy.

Dogs need daily exercise and some breeds need specific exercise amounts to keep them healthy.

Understanding what you dog needs in the way of physical and emotional support will not only help the dog but will foster a closer bond between you and your beloved dog.

When you take the time to understand what care your dog needs, you are doing all you can to help your dog live a long and healthy life. Your dog will not only be a better dog when it receives the quality care it needs and deserves but it will have the ability to be a better dog companion for many more years to you and to your other family members.

Brian loves life and this shows in his writing about many varied topics the others do not like to tackle. From understanding meseothelioma or to playing guitars, driving cars and even discussions about how he buys full house water filters and installs them.

The tiger and dogs have grown up together and are great friends. The video shows their morning play sessions.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

The Components of Proper Dog Care

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:59:37 +0000

The Components of Proper Dog Care

Article by Ray Harris

Dogs have often be referred to as man’s best friend. Dogs should be taken care of just like we take care of our children. Caring for a dog takes a lot of responsibility. To be healthy and free of disease, proper dog care must be applied. Since our dogs are loyal companions, we must provide them with the essentials of proper dog care.

They need to be provided with water, healthy food, exercise and we shouldn’t forget veterinary checkups and their vaccinations. Dog owners who need more information on proper dog care and tips for having a happy and healthy dog, books on dog care offer a lot of great information for maintaining our dog’s health. The owners themselves need to show their dogs how much they care, just as our dogs offer unconditional love to us.

Daily Dog Care Needs

Food and water are the most obvious everyday need. The dog food the owners feed their dog should be high in protein. Natural dog food is the best choice. Regular bathing and grooming helps to keep them free of fleas and ticks. To keep them smelling fresh, they should be bathed weekly. Dog grooming is a bonding experience between the dog and his or her owner, plus this also emphasizes the owner’s authority over the dog. The grooming and hair brushing helps to relax your dog, and they enjoy it much like petting. Don’t brush too fast; Slow steady strokes are best.

Vitamins are also an important part of dog care. For shin ailments, vitamin E can help cure them. Vitamin E oil applied to the skin can help relieve dry skin. Natural and conventional ways of giving proper dog care can save the owner money. Yogurt contains acidophiles, which is good for your dog just like it is to humans. However, their are some factors that can be harmful to pets, so you should consult with your veterinarian before doing so.

Supplies For Dog Care

Provisions for dog care are classified as basic, pampering and functional. Fundamental dog care supplies are comprised of leashes,grooming kits, a bed or sleeping pad, a dog house or kennel and especially food. Doors, fences and gates are not only practical, but functional as well. Toys, massage oils and treats make up a pampering kit for your dog.

A dog bed or sleeping pad is an essential basic supply, as it helps to keep the dog’s bones healthy and strong. Some pet stores carry supplies such as training equipment and can make it easier for your dog to follow. Some dog available collars are made to punish dogs if their behavior is inappropriate.

Kennels come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. When choosing one for your dog, choose one that is spacious enough so your dog can move around. Grooming kits are also available in a variety of options as well. Some of the included products are nail clippers, shampoos, combs, brushes, and conditioners. Supplies for good hygiene are available as well for the best dog care the owner can give.

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Ray Harris – http://www.bestdogcarepro.com. Ray has many years of dog care experience. You can find more great dog care information at http://www.bestdogcarepro.com

Ray Harris – http://www.bestdogcarepro.com

Special Care for Dogs in the Winter

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:51:18 +0000

Special Care for Dogs in the Winter

This article is written for dog owners who live where winter temperatures drop below freezing.

Inside Dogs

Most pet dogs are kept inside, going out only for bathroom breaks and walks. So you might not think these dogs require any special winter care, but they do. Houses are typically cooler in the winter, so a small dog who is kept clipped, might require a dog sweater when in the house. The winter air tends to be drier in many places. Your dog will be affected by this, and may experience more dander problems. Dander problems may be helped by more grooming or better food, (one with no filler such as by-products). Your dog may experience respiratory problems, always seek professional veterinary care when your dog shows signs of a problem.

Sometimes people are surprised when their dog starts shedding at the beginning of winter. This, however, is typical for many dog breeds, you can either spend many days vigorously brushing the loose hair out, or take the dog to a groomer to have them “blow out” the coat. At this time you should have the dog groomer trim the straggly hairs on the dogs’ tummy, legs, and tail. These hairs tend to catch snow which may form balls that will pull on the dogs’ skin.

You might normally leave your dog outside if you go shopping, but in cold weather this might not be a good idea, if you run into car troubles or are delayed your dog might be outside too long.

Outside Dogs

A dog who spends most, or all, of his time outside certainly needs a warm dog house. The dog house should be large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in, but not much larger than that. Too big of a house will lose too much heat. The door way needs to be just big enough for the dog to enter and exit. The dog house should have an insulated bottom and be raised off the ground, so that snow does not blow into it. The sides and top should be insulated as well. You should put straw or blankets down as bedding. Wooden dog houses are warmer than plastic ones, but wood cannot be properly disinfected. In extremely cold areas you can have a 25 or 40 watt light bulb inside from the ceiling, to help keep the dog house warm, making sure it is protected behind a wire cage, and that all wiring is safe for outdoor use in cold weather. An alternative to a dog house would be access to the garage, with a bed for the dog, and all chemicals out of the dogs reach, as some chemicals can be toxic to dogs.

An outside should be given extra food, or higher protein food. Make sure you have a water bowl so the dog can get fresh water rather than eating snow. This is the one time where a plastic bowl is okay, as a cold steel one can stick to a wet tongue. There are some excellent electric water bowls, or for the environmentally concerned dog owner, you might try to find a solar powered one. If you do not have a heated water bowl, try to make sure the dog gets fresh, warm water, at least three times a day.

Be aware dogs with thin or upright ears, may be more prone to frost bite. Puppies sometimes have such a good time playing they forget it is cold out, you need to monitor your pets time outside.

On walks

Even in the winter, a dog requires regular walks. As an owner you must be prepared for this. When temperatures are extreme you should shorten the distance or play in the backyard instead, but make sure you do provide exercise. You will find many dogs love trying to catch soft snowballs, or plowing around in the snow. To get a a dog to enjoy the winter outdoors, an owner simply has to be willing to go outside and play when the dog is young. It is all to easy to be lazy and put the dog out… let it pee… then let it in. Remember playtime is important as it provides mental stimulation. This will be especially true of the higher intelligence breeds like Border Collies or Jack Russell Terriers.

Bigger, hairy, dogs are less likely to be affected by the snow and cold. Smaller dogs may require a winter jacket or sweater, and booties. Some big dogs though, are really affected by the cold, there is nothing wrong with putting a doggie coat on them. In wetter winter climates make sure the material is water repellent.

The cold sidewalk, road, or ice, can be really hard on the pads of your dogs feet. For this reason dog boots are good for anyone who takes their dogs for lots of walks or outdoor play time. Not only will boots help keep your dogs paws protected from the cold, but save them from painful ice balls building up. Try to select boots that have sturdy bottoms so they last longer. Do not leave boots on an unsupervised dog, they might try to get them off without your help.

You can buy Zinc lotion, for babies, to use on your dogs paws, either before or after a walk when you do not have boots. Before the walk it will help protect the pads, and after it will soothe them.

Older dogs

Older dogs may have arthritis and may be in considerable pain in the winter. They do not need as many walks as a younger dog, so you should just keep them comfortable and stick to doing what they want to do, making sure they do not over exert themselves. There are several good, heated, mats for older dogs to help with their pains related to aging and cold weather. As well it is recommended that you provide a food that contains glucosamine/chondrotin. An old dog should be kept indoors or at least in a warm garage, with a bed.

All Dogs

Remember all dogs are pack animals, they naturally want to be with us. If your dog is normally an outside dog, and prefers to live outdoors, that is fine, but make sure you check on it frequently rather than just assume it is okay. Feel it for signs of being underweight, which is going to make things very hard on an outdoor pet.

This pup looks like he loves winter! Photo from Wikimedia

Written by Brenda Nelson
Pet and Animal Expert

Dog Bite Wound Care- How To Cut Down The Cost

admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:21:37 +0000

Dog Bite Wound Care- How To Cut Down The Cost

Taking care of dog bite wound is very important and it is one of the primary reasons why dog owners schedule emergency appointments with their veterinary doctors. With the costs of medical care increasing for the six-legged as rapidly as for the three-legged, now is the time for canine parents to take charge, action and treat their animals including their dogs at home as appropriate.

Medical Care and Dog bite

First of all, let me stress that there are cases where dog bites and medical care go paw in hand. Please make sure you take your pet to the vet for a bite wound the minute you see these following signs, such as: not eating, not drinking, a heavy swollen area which is not draining or lethargic.

It is really bad. I get to know this because it happened often enough to my feline brother, and every time he would rush down to the vet’s to have his wound drained. When an pet’s teeth puncture the skin, a mouthful of bacteria would end up in the wound.

Should in case the wound is allowed to close, that virulent bacteria will immediately multiply and discharge their toxic products, and an abscess will form. Yet it doesn’t end there: those bacteria can spread throughout the body and develop blood poisoning in your puppy. Left unattended, septicemia can result in multiple organ failure and death.

Dog Bite Wound Care –At Home

In case you are dealing with a small bite wound or open abscess that is draining, then some immediate dog bite wound care at home can solve the problem and save your pet a lot of pain and frustration. Even it happens to your child, you would do no less for him or her, would you?

If you observed that your pet limping, look for puncture marks or swelling and maybe bleeding and immediately start treatment. Dogs often get bitten at the base of their tail as they run away from their attacker. You will need to focus your efforts on disinfecting the wound and keeping it clean and open in so that it would drain completely.

Health Advice on Dog Care

You should Conduct a thorough examination of your pet on a regularly, this will help you spot any sign of trouble and allow you to take the necessary action before the situation get worse. When you are taking care of a bite on a dog or your pet, always remember that you can support your treatment by using some herbs.

Herbs such as barberry root, goldenseal and oil of oregano have antimicrobial properties, while ginseng, astragalus and echinacea stimulate the immune system in slightly different ways. Keep in mind that some of these herbs can be given orally, while others are applied topically.

Your veterinarian has no vested interest in training you to deal with dog bites. In fact, financially speaking, it would be a very poor tactic. But you know your pets and you live with them. Learning about canine health will allow you to take charge and handle this dog bite wound care business like a pro.

Finally, remember that prevention is the name of the game, and the cards are in your hands. You can play roughly with your pet’s health, or would take control and not will only save money, but save yourselves a lot of stress. Take care of your dog bite wound.

Written by LindaYoung
Linda Young runs A Dog Bite Prevention and Help at: http://dogbitehelpcenter.com AND Weight loss natural blog at: http://weightlossnaturalremedies.com