Why losing a pet hurts so much!

It’s natural to feel devastated by feelings of grief and sadness when you lose a beloved family member and to some people it is equally devastating to to lose their dog, cat, or when any of their pets die. 

Why does the loss of a pet hurt so much? This is one of the most common questions pet owners ask themselves. 

Most pet owners share an intense love and bond with their pets. For them, a pet is not only “just a dog” or “just a cat,” but rather a beloved family member, companion, giving fun and joy to our lives. Their pet can give meaning to their day, keeping them active and social. For some, their pets can also help them overcome setbacks and challenges in life and can even provide a sense of meaning or purpose. So it's natural that  when a cherished pet dies, pet owners will be tormented by grief and loss.

The pain of losing their beloved pets can often trigger different painful and heavy emotions. While some people may not understand the depth of feeling that a pet owner had for their pet, you should never feel guilty or ashamed about grieving for your beloved pet.

People respond to grief of losing a pet differently, the level of grief a pet owner experiences will vary on different factors such as age, personality, their relationship with their pet, the age of their pet and how their pet died. Usually, the stronger your bond with your pet, the stronger the emotional pain that you will feel.

Experiencing loss is an inevitable part when you own a pet but please remember that there are things that you can do to cope with the pain, lessen the grief and open your heart again to a new pet when the right time comes. 

How to Remove Pet Hair

Removing pet hair from your clothes, carpeting and furniture can be very frustrating. This article aims to give you information on how to remove pet hair from almost any surface the easy way.

What you might need: 

• Sponge
• Rubber glove
• Balloon 
• Velcro and Curlers
• Fabric softener
• Sellotape
• Rubber broom

Tip 1: Preventive measures. Place your clothing in an area isolated from your pets. Groom your pets in an area where you don’t have to worry that your things will get pet hair. Groom your pets regularly to reduce the amount of loose hair on them. Vacuum carpets and furniture regularly and always wash the throw rugs and linens that your pets have contact with.

Tip 2: Soak the palm of your hand and wipe the pet hair off your clothes in a downward motion. Let the pet fur ball up and stick to your damp hand. Once it ball up it will be easier to remove the pet hair because it becomes wet and heavier.

Tip 3: If you are removing pet hair from low-pile carpet vacuum it first thoroughly. Then dampen a clean or unused regular kitchen sponge. Use the sponge to mop and remove the pet hair from the carpet. Rub the sponge onto the fabric, upholstery, or carpet. The fur should roll or ball up into clumps that you can pick off by hand.

Tip 4: Use a latex glove and rub the surface of your furniture with it on. The pet hair will stick to the glove. You can also use rubber gloves or cloth gardening gloves and for to increase its effectiveness do not forget to dampen the glove as well.

Tip 5: Inflate a balloon and then rub it across the surface that has pet hair on it. Because of the balloon’s static electricity it will attract the pet hair onto the balloon’s surface which you can collect and dispose properly.

Tip 6: Rub the velcro curlers on the surface to catch the hair.

Tip 7: Apply fabric softener sheet that normally goes in the dryer can be used also to pick up pet fur. You can also use the fabric softener mixed with water and mist the surface to prepare the area before removing the pet hair using other methods that you know.

Tip 8: Use sellotape to easily remove pet fur from clothes and furniture. Just wrap some sellotape around your hand and let the sticky or adhesive part sticking out and tap it on the fur-covered areas.

Tip 9: If all else fails you can always rely on your old rubber broom. It’s very effectively especially for stubborn pet hair sticking to surfaces. The bristles work with static electricity and just like the effects of pet hair to the balloon, the hair jumps onto the brush because of the static electricity as well.

Tip 10: If your pet sheds too much fur, have your pet checked by a vet to know if the shedding is normal or caused by skin problem.

Are Pet Halloween Costumes Dangerous?

Most pet owners love to dress up their pets especially whenever there is a big occasion or an event. Some pet owner even spends a lot of money just to get the best kind of pet costumes for their pets.

I know some pet owners who will not stop until they find the perfect costume for their pets. They spend a lot of time scouring the internet and checking pet shops like Petsmart and other related websites to look for pet costume ideas.

But if you are one of those pet owners who likes to dress up their furry friends then you should get a copy of Shopping Sherlock. It can help you search for the cheapest pet costume online or help you find products and compare prices.

Halloween is one occasion that most pet owners become extra crazy on pet costumes. But did you know that Halloween poses dangers for our pets as well.

According to this article I read online:

“Halloween can be great fun for trick-or-treaters but family pets face some scary dangers that their humans should be careful about.”

They listed tips on how to keep Halloween safe not only for us but also for our furry little friends.

• When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that pets don’t dart outside.
• Chocolate in all forms is very dangerous for dogs and cats.
• Candies containing the alternative sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression in dogs, lack of coordination and seizures.
• You should make sure that your pets are safe and comfortable with the pet costume you bought for them.
• Dogs and cats should always have proper identification. So that if anything wrong happens, it would be easier to identify your pet. Consider pet tags like pet microchip tag that can help increase the chances of your dog returned to your home.

You can also check the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for more Information on how to keep your pets safe and secure.

Tips in Handling Cat Aggressive Behavior

Cats are great choice as pets because they are not only cute and adorable, but they are also easy to care for. However, what would you do if your cats show some aggressive behavior and they start to hurt other pets inside the house?

Cats are not only great companions to family members, but they are also source of joy and happiness as well. They are great stress reliever and great companion for elderly people. Since they are already part of the family, they are treated with love and respect just like other members of the family. However, when cats show aggressive behavior, it can be scary for everyone, especially the children.

Aggressive behavior is normal in cats, but they can be destructive in dogs because they tend to bite. Cats are different because aggression is usually shown during mating and hunting but in the case of house cats, they are manifested through the scratching of furniture pieces.

If your cat shows aggressive behavior, there is usually an underlying cause why they show such aggression because normally, cats are attentive and loving towards their pet owners and other members of the family.

The common causes of cat aggression include:

Abuse or mistreatment
Lack or inadequate handling
Injury or illness
Frightening or threatening scenarios
Diet
Old age
Stressful environment
Boredom
Lack of exercise
Temperament

Cat aggression can be handled and prevented by following the tips below:

Be sure to accustom your cat and kittens to being handled. It is easy to prevent aggression during early stage because you can give kittens extra care by providing them food and petting them in the head to relax them. Talk to them while petting them in the head.

Avoid encouraging cats to rough play because it encourages scratching and biting. Make sure to give them lots of toys to play with and a scratching post for scratching. Be sure to keep their nails clipped always.

Avoid punishing your pet for showing aggressive behavior because it would just worsen the problem. If your cat manifests hostility, withdraw your affection. By doing so, they are quick to realize that they are showing bad behavior towards you.

Make sure to build confidence and trust. Build trust by letting him go hungry and let him beg food from the person whom he is aggressive with. If he refuses to approach the person, let another member of the family whom he is comfortable with offer the food with the person inside the room.

When bringing a new cat to your home, start by introducing him to the environment and to other pets in the house. Let the new cat roam and be familiar with the house. For timid cats, you can place him inside a room for several days. You should remember that teaching them to overcome the said behavior requires lots of understanding, time and patience.

By following the tips and suggestions above, you can address cat aggression in no time and they will become loving and adorable.

How to Take a Pet's Pawprint

Most pet owners want to cherish their pets and their memories as much as they can. Some are contented with taking pictures of their pets while there are other people who are not satisfied with that and are looking for other ways to save those special memories with their pets. Here's one cool way on how to take your pet's pawprint which you can use in different projects.

Pawprints taken from our cherished dogs and cats can be used in artistic ways these days, from artwork on holiday cards to 14K gold pawprint keepsake charms. Capturing a pet's pawprints provides a sweet and memorable way to pay tribute to your dog or cat. In this article, I hope to help you learn how to take a good paw print, that can be used and cherished now, as well and perhaps even moreso after your 4-legged companion has passed away.

The shape, size, and angle of each pets toes or "pads" gives them some of their distinct personality. Interestingly, dogs and cats have different numbers of toes. Dogs have 4 toes on each foot, with a larger pad at the bottom which is called the "heel" pad. Cats have 5 toes on their front paws and 4 on their back, with one larger heel pad on each paw. To begin with, examine your pet's paws to look for any unique characteristics that you want to be sure to capture when taking the pawprint.

To take the print, first, prepare your workspace, having white or ivory paper available along with a standard ink pad (darker ink colors are best, like black, blue, or purple. You may wish to tape the paper or index card down onto the table or floor, so that it doesn't slip when you're making the print.

Second, clean your pet's paw or paws with a damp cloth. You may wish to have a 2nd damp cloth or paper towels on hand for cleaning your pet's pads after the session is over.

Third, if there is hair growing up between its toe pads, and if your pet will allow it, trim that hair. It's important that the hair between the pads isn't actually covering the pads or you won't get a clean, clear print!

Fourth, using the ink pad, gently tap the ink pad on to the paw 2 or 3 times, so that the ink is lightly covering the paw's pads.

Fifth, press your pet's paw gently on to the paper. You may want to try practicing by making a few prints on a piece of paper or index card. Once you're happy with the practice prints, re-ink the paw and make fresh prints on clean paper.

Lastly, gently clean the paw pads using a damp towel or cloth.

The variety of ways that paw prints can be used is growing with each passing month. I especially like framed pawprints, silver or gold pawprint charms, pet garden memorial stones, and pet scrapbooks, all widely available on-line.

Having captured your pet's pawprints truly helps keep their memory alive. Happy printing!

source: ezinearticles.com

12 Golden Rules for Dogs and their Humans

There are many pet owners that tend to forget that pet ownership comes with the responsibility to take care of them. Your responsible to a living and breathing creature that's why before you decide to get one you should know first the basic needs of your pet. Your responsibilities doesnt end in giving your pet food and shelter because they also need other stuff like health, attention and care.

Dogs are attentive, loyal, life-affirming, and understanding companions. But owning a dog means taking responsibility for him and making sure your relationship is built on a solid foundation. That's where these rules come into play: They can help you create a tighter bond with your pet by establishing roles, rules, and routines.

12 Golden Rules

1. Love, admire and respect your dog. Your dog is a wonderful, beautiful and intelligent member of the canine species. Be patient with him. Don't hurt, abandon, or ignore him. Get help before you give up on him.

2. Spay/neuter. Consult your veterinarian about spaying or neutering your dog if you know you will not breed him. These procedures help to control the severe pet population problem, and also have health benefits for both male and female dogs.

3. Routine health care. Provide regular veterinary care for your dog. Annual vaccinations, checkups, and dental exams are essential to good health.

4. Dog license and ID. Rabies vaccination and licensing are required by law in most states. In addition, you should identify your dog with a name tag, tattoo, or computer chip in case he gets lost.

5. Healthy diet. Feed your dog a balanced diet and provide fresh water at all times.

6. Train your dog. After all, good manners don't just happen. So be patient and follow a proper training routine. If you need help training your dog, there are many articles on this site that can help. And if you still need assistance, ask your vet to recommend a good trainer or dog obedience school in your area.

7. Keep your dog clean and groomed. Regular grooming keeps your dog looking his best and helps to detect and control skin parasites that could be passed to people.

8. Play with your dog. Playtime should last at 20–30 minutes a day. Avoid chase games, tug of war, and wrestling.

9. Exercise your dog. Depending on the age and breed of your dog, a good exercise session should last at least 30 minutes daily. And it's not just good for your dog—it's a great way for both of you to keep in shape.

10. Socialize your dog. Provide your dog with a chance to socialize with people and other dogs. Try not to keep him cooped up in the house or yard because it could lead to barking and aggressive behavior.

11. Know and obey local leash laws. When in doubt, keep him leashed when you're both out and about.

12. Scoop that poop. Always clean up after your dog in public places.

Information courtesy of Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates. All Rights Reserved 2011.

Make the best of Discounted Pet Supplies

If you are one of those committed pet owners then you should know that there many pet products that you critters needed for them to stay healthy and have long, comfortable and happy lives. But some these items are usually outrageously priced high, that's why there are a lot of animal owners who are looking for discounted pet supplies. Discounted pet supplies is your best option especially when you are really in a tight budget but still want to give your pets the best pet supplies there is in the market. Well, there is nothing wrong buying discounted pet supplies as long as it is safe and pet friendly product. Besides, just because a pet product is offered for sale or at lower price, it doesn't mean that it is not as good than those that are priced higher by other manufacturers.

Since our economy is slowly showing signs of rebounding from its downfall, it is still a very good idea to go for safe and not so expensive pet supplies. We know that it is hard to stay on top of our pets' needs. That is why we highly suggest to check out discount pet supplies. Because every penny that you can save can even make a difference of being able to keep your pet instead of parting with them. Here are several ways that a pet owner can locate a discount pet supplies. Check brick and mortar stores or discount stores that offers discounted pet products and you might see some good bargains that you will like. Keep checking their store or website because every store inventory usually changes often. Another great place to check is online discount stores. You do not need to do all the hassles of checking out every pet store you know because you can conveniently shop at the comfort of your home. Dont forget to also check pet chain store that are close to your home and sign up for any special rewards card or loyalty card that the store are offering because some of those stores not only carry a wide variety of pet supply products but also offer special low prices for member card holders. A 5% discount may seem low to you but remember that every penny you save can be used to buy another product for your loved pets.

You can also utilize the search engine like Google when you want to shop online. You will surely be amazed at how many discount pet supplies that you can find by searching the internet. Plus, you can also take advantage of comparison shopping sites that will show you where the best deals are and compare prices from your favorite stores as well. Last, keep those promotions, coupons, and free shipping options because you can also save money when you use it. Happy shopping to all.

How to compare pet insurance costs and get the cheapest one

In the event you personal a cat or even a canine then you definately possibly want the greatest for them. In this day and age pets are observed not as a piece of house, or something you personal, but as an additional member of the household. You give your pet healthy and balanced meals, they get numerous physical exercise, and undoubtedly plenty of enjoy. Unfortunately plenty of love, fantastic food, and physical exercise nonetheless could possibly not be enough to maintain your dog balanced and safe. Cats and canines often seem to obtain into difficulty, some breeds a lot more than other people, even when your pet is highly wholesome and properly behaved they'll nonetheless get ill. In these circumstances a visit for the vet is typically adequate to obtain your cat or canine again to full power, but this isn't often the case.

Existence may be extremely unpredictable, and so can your dog. This is why it is incredibly significant to have pet insurance policies. What happens in case your canine or cat will get fairly ill, or injured some how and also you do not have ample capital to spend the vet bills. You'll both need to put your pet down, or go into debt. To save lots of your self from going into personal debt you might get pet insurance plan. The only dilemma is always that some insurance policy could be high priced. On this post I will train you the right way to compare pet insurance costs.

How you can identify affordable dog insurance coverage

The trick to discovering good protection would be to discover a coverage that covers probably the most amount of claims, for your least quantity of dollars. In order to do that you need to visit every main dog insurance plan web page and overview their procedures, and their prices. You may likely also wish to call some from the agencies for any quote and attempt to negotiate a far better cope. Once you have found the companies that have the perfect coverage, you can then narrow lower which is finest for your pet, and then determine which policy will go well with your needs determined by price and protection.

Toxic Plants For Your Cats

Aspca.org has a wonderful list of toxic plants for your cats. You will amazed that some of the plants that we have inside our home or garden can endanger our pet cats. Aloe, apple, California ivy, chrysantemum, Peach and poison daisy are only some of the plants that can be harmful to them.

Check their "List of Plants Toxic to Cats" to find out if any of your plants included in the list.

Keeping a Rabbit As a Pet

Maybe you have just received it as a gift or you have wanted to have a rabbit as a pet. Whatever the case may be, rabbits do really make good pets. There are a few things that you need to be aware of before you claim to be a good rabbit keeper. Having a rabbit as a pet will make you to first have a cage. You can either buy one or build one at home. It is advisable that you observe the important one rabbit one cage rule. The reason for this rule is the fact that rabbits of the same sex tend to fight. The other reason for this rule is that rabbits of the opposite sex breed and this might give you more than you can handle.

There are food pellets that have been prepared by nutritionists and they contain virtually all the nutrients necessary for the development of a rabbit. Make sure you have a dish to feed your rabbits. The amount of the food that your rabbit is likely to eat will depend with its size. While having a rabbit as a pet, ensure that you handle them safely as failure to this can cause injury or even death. Make sure that you do not change the diet too rapidly a rabbit as a pet as this can cause severe diarrhea. The other thing you need to when you have a rabbit, as a pet is to ensure that you keep the toenails short for health reasons.

Cheryline Sashen makes sure that she does whatever she can to keep her family safe. Cheryline has written a site containing reviews on bath tub mat, as well as round bath rugs.

How to Handle Emergencies in Dogs

Emergencies in dogs occur every day and being prepared and understanding some of the basics may help to save the life of your dog. In every case that involves an emergency, you should seek professional treatment as quickly as possible, but some of the following types of emergencies and some basic understanding of them, can prepare most owners.

Abscess:

Emergencies in dogs in several cases may not originally appear to be serious, but they can become extremely dangerous if they are not treated, and an abscess is one of these conditions. An abscess in your dog is described as either a sac or a lump that contains pus. These should always be treated very seriously, but if they rupture, the pus will begin to drain and it will need to be treated. If this does occur, and the original site of the rupture is relatively small, immediately clean the area.

To clean an abscess, you can use peroxide or Betadine, and once cleaned, it will be very important to keep it open and allow it to drain. Until you can get medical attention, you will need to make sure that your dog does not lick the area. This is much easier said than done, and with most dogs the only thing you can do is to use an Elizabethan collar of some type.

Allergic Reactions:

One of the scariest types of emergencies in dogs is an allergic reaction. Most any dog will have some type of an allergic reaction some time in their life span, and when it happens the most important thing for an owner to do is to remain calm. A reaction by your dog to some type of an allergen can range from mild to very severe, depending on your dogs system and the type of allergen. It is very important to remember recent medical history, as a lot of reactions occur as the result of a new medication or a recent vaccination.

However, if it is during the spring, summer, or fall months, it can also be the result of some type of an insect bite, especially a wasp, hornet, or a bee. In the vast majority of cases, the allergic reaction will be almost entirely focused on your dogs face. However, just like people, some dogs can develop very serious symptoms. Any time your dog has any kind of allergic reaction there are several things you should watch for.

The first thing to do is check for any type of shock in your dog, and you do this by first examining their gums. If they are pale, your dog is most likely going into shock. If they are experiencing difficulty in breathing, you may have to perform CPR on your dog. If it does appear they have been stung, remain calm and look until you find the stinger and remove it. You can than apply a topical lotion such as Benadryl, but you should call your veterinarian first.

Burns from Chemicals:

This type of emergencies in dogs can be very difficult to determine unless you actually witness the episode or have a very strong inclination of what it was. If you do witness the event, immediately rinse and flush your dogs mouth with very large amounts of water. This will immediately reduce the chemicals as well as prevent any further damage. But there is one thing you should not do until you talk to your veterinarian or call the 800 number on the chemical; induce vomiting.

Most all chemicals will have instructions as well as an 800 number to call for cases like this. Do not induce vomiting until you have been instructed to as it can cause several internal damages.
The toxicity directions on the bottle or container will give instruction, and most dogs can be treated with a topical that helps with canker sores in humans. The recommend treatment is usually three times a day. But if it severe, there is absolutely no home medical treatment and your dog will need immediate medical treatment.

Collapse in Dogs:

This type of emergencies in dogs requires one very definitive thing from any owner; remain calm under all circumstances. Your first reaction is to panic, but you will need to remain calm and start planning on how you can safely get your dog to medical attention as soon as possible. But first you will need to observe your dog very closely, try to think back about what may caused the collapse, and than gather a plan to safely move your dog.

CPR in dogs can be a very important technique, but this is not the time for it. If fact, it can do severe damage if not done properly with this condition. If your dog is unconscious, feel the left side of their chest for a heartbeat. If your dog is dazed or looks lost, be extremely careful as they may bite simply out of instinct. Contact your veterinarian immediately and call someone if needed to safely move and transport your dog.

Electrical Shock:

Emergencies in dogs, especially puppies, may involve an electrical shock of some kind. Puppies love to chew anything as any owner knows and unfortunately this can have devastating results. If your dog or puppy does get shocked, you will need to very quickly turn off the main breaker.

Do not rush to your dog first and try to remove the cord as you may also be shocked or electrocuted. Once you have done this, remove the cord and keep your dog as calm as you can, but very quickly look for burns. Once you have calmed and relaxed your dog, seek immediate medical treatment.

Head Trauma:

Head trauma is one of most challenging of all emergencies in dogs as it can be life threatening. If you have any inclinations that your dog has suffered a head trauma, seek professional help as quickly as possible. During the transfer time to the hospital, it will be very important to keep your dog warm and keep their head elevated or at least level with their body. This will help to prevent any further damage to their neck, back, or the head itself. Again, you may want to seek help in transporting your dog and be very careful about being bitten.

Heat Stroke:

Emergencies in dogs will almost always include heatstroke, especially if your dog is left in a car during very hot temperatures. However, just like human, dogs can suffer heatstroke by extreme weather. If you see your dog panting excessively, get them to shade or a cool area. If they collapse, it is now life threatening. The normal body temperature of a dog is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If it exceeds 105 degrees, it has become life threatening.

If this does occur, place a cool, wet towel around them or hose them down as quickly as possible. Under no circumstance use ice; it can very easily cause skin damage to your dog. Even if you pet returns to normal, you will need to have him examined.

Summary:

There are several other emergencies in dogs that will include frostbite, parasite infection, gunshot wounds, and dog fights, just to name a few. The main thing any owner can do in any type of an emergency is to remain calm, take account of the situation, and then seek professional advice or treatment. Keeping your wits about you will help to keep your dog remain calm, and in these situations they have no where to turn other than trust you.

I am an avid lover of pets and my wife and I have had several pets throughout our years. We are especially fond of dogs, and we have a 12 year old Dalmatian (our 3rd) and a "mutt" that we rescued when someone threw him away to die in a vacant field.

He found us, nearly starved to death, and weighed about 2 pounds.

After severe bouts of mange and severe dehydration, and over 1,000.00 in veterinarian bills, we saved the little guys life, and he is one of the best, if not the best, dogs we have ever had and today is a muscular, fit, and firm 70 pound best friend.

After finishing my MBA, which at middle age was not easy, I decided to keep the research work ethics that I acquired, and devote about two hours each night in understanding the health benefits of supplementation for both humans and pets and how they might strengthen our, as well as our pets, immune system in a pre-emptive approach to health rather than a reactionary approach.

Both of my daughters are avid cat lovers, and asked me to help them with health concerns and challenges with their cats.

I am not a veterinarian nor claim to be, just a lover of pets that loves to research and pass on some knowledge that might be helpful, or at least stimulating to the thought process.
Several of the articles that I have written can be found on my website;

Source:
Liquid Vitamins & Minerals for Humans & Pets http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/

Necessity Of Good Nourishment For Your Dog

Good nutrition is a primary necessary for your dog. It influences their health and long life by contribution a vital balance of proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates and the draw nutrients and minerals their bodies must for growth, fix and maintains of sound resistant system.

Nutrition is a composite and essential part of your dog’s talent to think plainly, inferior strain levels and create soother activities.

To think takes so much force. Dogs mixed up in a training program, use wonderful intellectual power focusing on the responsibilities existing to them. If your dog begins with minimum nutrition, they become tired, anxious or hyper active when asked to carry out the simplest of tasks. They cannot focus and loss attention after a short time or become puzzled. If the dog is frequently asked to do something they cannot realize, uncertainty can guide to a hostile form of acting out.

Prestige undertaking dogs, the nonpareil organization I beholding at the dog’s nourishment. I do operation from the inside foreign. Job becomes fruitless if the fundamental basis owing to the activities is not distorted. Hyper, distracted further exterior of direct dogs recurrently are eating foods with sterling levels of cornflakes foods alike now wheat, corn, and corn meal.

Aggressive dogs eat chuck containing upper levels of variant spring protein. countless of these proteins are imperfect derbies of amino acids which win not offer befitting rack further repair of tension fiber and cell tissue.

Shy further haggard dogs get done not digest their foods positively at undivided besides oftentimes suffer from intestinal complications such because diarrhea. Their coats are usually ever desert again shed heavily.

One drawing near to dare the foods you are feeding is to permeate the ration mastery humidify as about 30 toilet paper. If legitimate swells significance size and becomes mushy, evident is primarily cereal.

Are you dog’s stools oftentimes softhearted and hospitable or is the grisly gassy? They are not digesting the mess properly.

By looking at their food, you leave carry out more to succor bill their behavior, because in fact as, hype to their health and longevity. Dash Abundance offers the cool society of larder now unbroken dogs concerned. The proteins are score besides digest easily.

The carbohydrates are streak also wind up not temperament curiosity wearisome sugars effectual life swings of highs besides depressed behaviors. The Proboscis influence the menu tally also digest additional easily, which is not characteristic follow through for the weird or throw dogs, but ensures faultless dogs are recipient the cuisine they appetite from food.

courtesy of pet-articles.blogspot.com

Five Tips to Ensure an Obedient Dog

Training a dog is one of the most important factors of ownership. A well-trained pooch is likely to be much safer, because of the reduced risk of running away from you. In addition, it is recognized by pet behaviorists that obedient dogs are far happier, as they are not stressed with the pressure of being the dominant member of their packs. The domesticated dog has been modified, through selective breeding, to accentuate its submissiveness. Therefore, your family pet is at its most content when it considers you as the alpha animal.

1. The first step in training your dog is to start as early as possible. Of course, a puppy is far easier to train. If you've adopted an adult dog, you may need to exercise more patience, but an adult can still be successfully trained. Whether you've welcomed a puppy or a mature dog into your home, its training should begin as soon as possible. For example, if you do not want your dog to sit on the couch, don't allow it to from the very beginning. Many owners make a huge fuss of new dogs and permit behavior that they later find unacceptable.

2. Similarly, consistency is key. It is always a good idea to establish a routine for your dog. In other words, he, or she, is fed and walked at approximately the same time everyday. Dogs tend to respond well to structure and deviations from this can stress them.

3. Depending on the age and temperament of your dog, you may find it beneficial to begin with small sessions of obedience training. It is important not to bombard your dog with too much information at once. Start simply with the basics, such as sit and stay.

4. Try to avoid shouting at your dog. Most dogs do not respond well to harsh criticism. Of course, if the dog is doing something unacceptable then it should be told "No" firmly. However, less destructive and non-worrying behavior should simply be ignored. The natural instinct of a domesticated dog is to please its owner. Therefore, praise for the positive behavior and a lack of reaction for the negative should be enough for your dog to understand what is required of it.

5. The single most important thing when training a dog is that it recognizes you as the pack leader. As pack animals, wolves (a domestic dog's ancestors) work as an efficient hierarchical group. Put simply, every pack must have a leader and, in this instance, it needs to be you. Some trainers and owners believe that 'alpha rolling', which mimics the behavior of dogs and wolves in the wild, is an effective way of asserting authority. However, some simple measures can have an equally successful response. For example, when your dog is young, it is advisable to remove its food bowl while it is eating. Alternatively, you may choose to take a favorite toy away from your dog. This only needs to be done very briefly, as most dogs will not react aggressively and the food, or toy, can be replaced with lots of praise. If your dog does bark or growl at you, ignore the negative response and remove the food or toys more frequently until he, or she, understands that you are the boss.

Try to remain calm and patient throughout your dog's obedience training. Remember, training a dog is an opportunity for you to bond with your pet. If you perceive at as a chance to play and have fun, then your dog will be infinitely more receptive towards it. If you're experiencing difficulties in your dog's obedience training, then there are many schools that can provide advice and support. Your local veterinarian should be able to put you in touch with a reputable obedience trainer in your area.

Samantha Markham is a professional writer who is currently working on behalf of Remmeer.com, which is a supplier of a variety of pet products including, unique dog gift ideas and backpack dog carriers with wheels.

Ten Tips For Traveling With Your Dog

Whenever possible, it is nice to include your dog during a family holiday. There can be no doubt that a dog-friendly vacation is far preferable to finding boarding accommodation. However, before setting off, it is advisable to make some provisions and you may wish to consider a few things. Below are ten tips for traveling with the four-legged member of your family.

1. Before taking your dog on any trip, it is advisable to have him, or her, reasonably well trained. To avoid a runaway dog in a strange place, it is essential that he, or she, understands the basic commands, such as come, stay and sit.

2. It is recommended that you take your dog to the veterinarian at least two weeks before you plan to travel. Your vet can ensure that your dog is in good health and has all necessary vaccinations.

3. Once you have established that your dog is in the picture of health, you should take all of his, or her, paperwork. In other words, ensure that you have your dog's license, health certificate and proof of vaccinations.

4. If your dog suffers from carsickness or travel anxiety, it is a good idea to acclimatize him, or her, before you plan to travel. At first, you may choose to let your dog become accustomed to the car while it is motionless. Then start with small journeys of approximately 10 minutes. Make sure that you take your dog somewhere fun, like the park or beach. If he, or she, associates car journeys with a treat there will be less reluctance to travel. Never make your dog's first car journey a trip to the vet.

5. Ensure that your dog is always wearing a sturdy collar with his, or her, identification attached. Your dog's ID should have all the necessary contact details. Additionally, you may choose to include contact information for the hotel, motel or house that you are staying in while on vacation.

6. If you plan to stay in a hotel, motel or bed and breakfast, it is always wise to book well in advance. It can be hard to find residences that will allow pets and places for dogs can be limited.

7. On a long car journey, make sure to bring plenty of clean water and make sufficient stops for exercise. Whenever you let a dog out of the car to relieve itself, ensure that you clean up afterwards.

8. Never leave your dog alone in the car, especially in the summer. It only takes a matter of minutes for a dog to suffer life-threatening hypothermia. If your dog must be left in the car, ensure that one member of the family stays with him, or her.

9. Your dog may experience anxiety while away from its usual environment. Subsequently, it is a good idea to recreate 'home' whenever possible. In other words, feed your dog at the same time with his, or her, regular food. Take a walk at the normal time and, if possible, bring the dog's bed. These familiarities will all help to relax your pet.

10. It is always advisable to take your veterinarian's telephone number with you. In a non-emergency situation, this could prevent you from having to make an expensive trip to an unfamiliar vet.

Many dogs find journeys exciting and enjoyable experiences, but for some it can be anxiety-ridden and stressful. A vacation can be a wonderful time for the entire family, but it is important to ensure that your dog is safe, healthy and happy while traveling.

Samantha Markham writes for Remmeer.com, which supplys an array of pet travel equipment, including backpack dog pet carriers and dog pet strollers.

Five Easy Steps to Natural Dog Skin Care

Brushing, bathing and clipping certainly contribute to your precious' silky and smooth skin and coat, but it's a little bit more than just pampering that is needed for your furry friend to sport a healthy and vibrant appearance. By just following these five easy dog skin care steps your pooch will be at the head of the posh pooch parade!

Five Easy Dog Skin Care Steps:

1. Diet: It is not just we humans who are what we eat - so are our dogs. A good nutritious diet is the best way to ensure that your dog stays strong and healthy. Select foods that mimic as closely as possible how a dog would eat in the wild: protein, carbs, vegetable and some fat. Fat is essential for a healthy skin and promotes a shiny coat.

2. Exercise: Take your dog for a daily walk - twice if you can squeeze in the time. Ideally a good, brisk walk in the morning and another in the evening, each of a half hour in length or more. Your dog will be happy and it will do wonders for your own figure. If your work schedule makes this difficult arrange for a dog walker to pop in and take doggie out for a good lengthy stroll during the day. Activity is good for circulation which in turn is good for the skin.

3. Daily Brushing: Even five minutes of gentle brushing stimulates the oil glands in the skin and nourishes the coat. A good brushing also detangles long haired coats and loosens dead hair, it is also an effective way to rid the coat of brambles, dirt and unwelcome insects and bugs that doggie may have picked up on his romp in the woods.

4. Shampoo: Use a good quality shampoo with natural ingredients such as oatmeal, papaya or aloe. If your dog has dry, itchy skin selects a shampoo that has a moisturizing ingredient. Pet shampoos with a smidgen of tea tree oil are also an effective way in keeping mites at bay.

5. Take action at first sign of a skin problem: At certain times of the year our pets are more susceptible to picking up parasites such as fleas, ticks and other nasty bugs. A dog that is flea ridden itches and scratches a lot and can develop sores which worsen as the condition continues. Take appropriate steps to rid your dog of these pests.

If you notice that your dog has developed a skin problem and is not responding to the above basic principles of good dog skin care, you may want to apply a natural pet balm to the affected area. Look for a balm with ingredients that have healing properties such as tepezcohuite and aloe. If all fails - schedule a visit to the vet.

source: www.naturaldogskincare.com

Is it o.k. to feed grains to our dogs?

Another great article i found on the net.

Why do I need to separate certain food items, like RMBs, veggies and grains, and why can't I feed them together?

In Pat Lazarus book, "Keep Your Dog Healthy the Natural Way," under the topic of food combining he states:

"How you combine food groups can be crucial to your dog's health. Why? The digestive organs secret enzymes to break down food so it can be properly used by the body. When carbohydrates and proteins are eaten at the same time, the protein enzymes go to work first, and the digestion of carbohydrates must wait. While the carbohydrates are waiting around to be digested, they ferment and release toxins in the body.

Proper food combining might more aptly be called not combining foods: Give only meat (or other heavy proteins such as eggs or milk) at one meal; give carbohydrates (fruit & grains) for the other meal. Vegetables, though may be given with either grains or heavy proteins."

He goes on to mention this can also help in preventing pancreatitus.

Also, grains and meats should not be fed together but veggies can be feed with either, with no loss of nutrients. Fruits, except apples, should be feed alone and at least twenty minutes before or after anything else. Back to top of page

Is it o.k. to feed grains?

Grains are not a natural food for dogs. It is not something they would eat in the wild. Those grains they would have access to would be in small quantities eaten from the stomachs of prey animals who had (in the right season) eaten some grasses that had seeded. These grains would also not look like our modern grains - more like wild rice (check it out at the supermarket and compare to domestic types).

Grains are also full of carbohydrates which can be easily converted to sugars. Cancer cells feed on sugars and it is believed that by decreasing the amount of carbohydrate in the diet, we may greatly reduce the risk of cancer (which is a growing problem among modern dogs).

So, in answer to your question, yes, grains can be fed; however, please keep the following in mind (when feeding grains), taken directly from a Dr. Billinghurst seminar: grains are not a natural food for dogs; dogs do not, in fact, need carbohydrates; carbohydrates are easily converted into sugars which feed cancer. Remove the carbs and the cancer has less/nothing to feed on; and grains are one of the major causes of allergies in dogs, and can also cause flatulence (gas..PHEW!!!)!.

source: i-love-dogs forum

Apple Cider Vinegar

I found this in one of the forums that i joined. Interesting facts about Apple Cider Vinegar for your dogs. read on...

Apple Cider Vinegar In their book, The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog, Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown, DVM, note that “Apples contain a large amount of potassium plus phosphorus, chlorine, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, fluorine, silicon, and many trace minerals. . . . ACV (apple cider vinegar) is credited with killing bacteria outright. . . .” Depending on the size of the dog, add 1/4 teaspoon (toy dogs) to 3 tablespoons (dogs over 50 lbs) total per day to their meals. Itchy skin is a sign that the skin is too alkaline in nature. Fleas and ticks do not find acidic skin desirable to live on, hence the importance of maintaining a slightly acidic body (for dogs, the normal pH range is 6.2-6.5). You can use straight ACV as an after-bath rinse; before going out into the country; and on beginning hot spots. If the skin is already broken, dilute the ACV 1:1 with water and spray it on the coat. As an ear rinse, use several drops of the 1:1 dilution weekly to avoid ear infections. These health conditions and others (including sore joints and the beginnings of arthritis), indicate a potassium deficiency, so ACV is a cheap way to help your animal’s health issues. For internal consumption, be sure to purchase an ACV product with the “mother” in it (i.e., should be raw unfiltered ACV), not the kind you buy at the grocery store. A good brand is Bragg’s, which can be found at health food stores. For external use such as to help rebalance skin pH and repel insects, I've found that the grocery store version seems to work fine, diluted 1:1 with water.

GPS Collars Solution to Tracking Your Lost Pets

We all know that sooner or later our pets will wander off from home. These kinds of stories are very common. There are various reasons why your pets wander and one of the most common reasons is maybe there is another dog in heat in your neighborhood but whatever the reason finding a lost pet is one of the most agonizing situations a pet owner can experience.

Whether you like it or not you will surely experience temporary losing your pet even if you don’t want it to happen. If you lost one then you know the agony and guilt that comes from this kind of experience.

This kind of situation is very hard to experience because we don’t know if your pet will be found or returned to you and if the pet is never found it can be very traumatic for the family especially for the kids. Sometimes, dog collar and tags doesn’t guarantee that your pet will be found and brought back to you.

If you are one of those people who hang posters on street signs and gathering large search parties to find your lost pet then worry no more because there is an easier and faster way on locating your pets. With the help of GPS I.D. tags pet owners can now ensure themselves of peace of mind if their pet is ever lost or stolen. You do not have to experience heartache and guilt that is usually associated with losing your loved ones. You will surely thank GPS I.D. tags in making tracking a lot pet easier.

Thankfully, technology has come up with some nifty thing that can help you locate your pets in no time. If every pet owner will just try this product it will surely wipe off this everlasting problem. It has been around for many years and lately been offered to domestic pet owners as well. What I am talking about is the GPS I.D. Tag which is a small microchip that can be embedded at the scruff of your pet’s neck. The GPS I.D. Tag microchip is as small as a grain of rice and uses silicon and non cell-eruptive materials. Like your car, the GPS I.D. Tag chip comes with a service tracker company that can inform pet owners about the exact whereabouts of their pets.

The best thing about a GPS I.D. Tag is it can provide fast identification, location tracking and condition monitoring of your pet. There are even GPS I.D. Tag manufacturers that let owners input information about their pets as well as locations where their pet can freely roam and when their pet crosses the set boundary, the GPS I.D. Tag device will instantly track the position and process the necessary information needed. There are also some GPS I.D. Tag companies that added services like instantly informing you when your pet has wandered out of its set boundaries.

Another great advantage of using GPS I.D. Tag is using it to verify identification for pet passports. Since there are a lot of information that can be stored in the chip pet verification can be easily done with the help of the data stored in the GPS I.D. Tag chipped in your pet. Information such as your pet’s breed, image, inoculation/vaccination record and medical condition or history can be easily accessed when needed. That’s why these chips can come in handy in a variety of situations aside from locating a stolen or lost pet.

10 tips for saving money on your pets

Here's a short essay i saw on the internet. For any pet lovers out there this is a must read. This is written by By Margaret Buranen.

The joy of owning a pet may be priceless, but the cost of caring for one isn't cheap.

And in these hard economic times, when health care and grocery bills for human family members are sky-high, some pet owners are having trouble paying for their animals' needs.

"We're caring for more animals than ever," said Madison Carey, director of development at the Lexington Humane Society. "About 25 percent of the animals coming in now are due to the economy."

Area shelter directors and veterinarians and the American Kennel Club offer these tips for saving money on pet care.

Veterinary care

Every pet should have a yearly vet checkup. The cost pays off, for your pet will live longer. A problem the vet finds can be treated before it turns into a serious illness and a major expense.

Many vets give discounts if you bring in all of your pets on the same day. Be sure to ask about: alternative/less expensive treatments, generic drugs, free samples, and whether the vet can meet the price of an online pharmacy.

If your pet needs regular treatment such as subcutaneous fluids, ask the vet tech to teach you how to administer the treatment at home.

Also, take advantage of pet clinics, like free rabies shots, and look for coupons at the vet's office and pet stores for flea and tick preventives.

Ask your vet which vaccinations your pet can safely skip, but remember that vaccinations costs far less than treatment of distemper and other major animal diseases, which can be fatal.

Pet insurance

Look into health insurance for your pet, but read the policy carefully to be sure it would be a good deal, given your pet's age and health and that routine vet visits and treatments are included in the coverage.

Ask your vet for advice in selecting a plan.

Food

This second major expense of owning a pet is also one where spending in the short time saves more money in the long term. Feed your animal quality food that your veterinarian recommends. Higher quality pet food has better ingredients to help your pet stay healthy.

Get a frequent buyers or preferred shoppers card, such as Incredipet's Club Paws or PetSmart's, which give discounts or free food. Watch for sales at pet stores.

Feed your animal the appropriate food for its age and don't overfeed. If your pet has gained weight, ask your vet about switching to another type of food.

Larger bags of pet food usually offer the best savings. Try to buy when the brand is on sale or with a coupon.

Exercise and play

Overweight animals are more likely to develop diabetes, arthritis, heart trouble, cancer, and other health problems that are expensive to treat.

Spay or neuter your pet

The Lexington Humane Society has a low-cost program. Animals who are spayed or neutered live longer, avoid certain cancers, and the pet owner doesn't have the expense of caring for a litter.

Keep your petconfined to home

Dogs who stay inside or in fenced yards and cats who stay inside are far less likely to be hit by a car or attacked by another animal, which can lead to lengthy, expensive treatment and even surgery.

Groom your pet

Mouth infections can spread and infected teeth or gum disease costs more to treat than preventive care. If your pet won't let you use a child's toothbrush, get a finger glove brush. Ask the vet tech to show you how to do this.

Also, save money by bathing your pet and trimming its nails yourself.

Make your ownpet toys and treats

Empty tubes from food wrap and no-longer-lively tennis balls are good free toys. Instead of buying two colorful balls for $4 to $5, buy a package of six ping-pong balls for $3.

You can find recipes online for baking healthy biscuits and other pet treats. Carrots, broccoli, or apple chunks also make healthy, inexpensive treats.

Shop at garage sales

Look for pet carriers, scratching posts, bowls and other items at garage sales and thrift shops.

Buy in bulk

Calculate the savings per item or per ounce in buying cat litter and other supplies in large sizes. Look online for bargains given for bulk buys. Use coupons when possible.

Plan ahead to ease problems while traveling with pets

As Gustav threatened many families, many people found themselves starting to turn their vehicles into a smaller version of Noah's Ark. I am sure that many pet owners are wondering how the heck Noah got all those animals to calmly board the ship when the time came to evacuate and how could he stand all those noise and smell of those animals as well as the misery of taking care of those animals. Im sure one of you pet owners out there have experienced pets reacting badly to long rides or travels especially if your pets are not used to travel often but this kind of problem can be avoided and traveling with your pets can be made easier for everyone.

If you want to travel with your pets you should always keep in mind to use a carrier. Terrified pets will try to shelter under your brake pedal if they can and this can lead to accidents and other situations you dont want your self to get involved. You should also discuss pet sedatives with your vet well in advance specially if your pets can get easily stressed to the point of becoming ill or incontinent in the car.

You can also line your pet's carriers with changing pads or newspapers to make it easy to clean when you reach rest stops. Also a hamster-style water bottles will make giving water to your pets reduces the mess. Food and water should also be limited to prevent any poop accidents. It also makes your pets feel safe when you cover the outside of the pet carrier with a sheet and giving them a toy while traveling can give them additional distraction. The soothing pheromone sprays, is one effective advice I can give if you have unhappy cat traveling with you. This is available at any pet shops and some are a little bit pricey but many owners report excellent results when using it specially traveling with their pets.

Remember to always plan ahead when you are traveling because this can help you and your pets to ease any problem that might come along the way.