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2008-05-07

The Critical Facts You Need To Know When Training Your Dog : pet store

The Critical Facts You Need To Know When Training Your Dog
by Dr. Mayra Alfonso
plug itOnce you get a new dog, you often think that everything ends then and there. Actually, it doesn't. Ask yourself first why you opted to get a dog in the first place. Did you get your pet to have something to smother with care or did you get a companion who will not be such a pain? You should remember that dogs are living creatures and they have their own sense and nature. They will not operate like some robot creature, bidding your every desire for them to do.
This is the primary thing why you should consider dog training. Dog training helps enforce hard and fast rules on your pet. See, your dog will have to live with you in such a way that he understands that he has to abide by some rules. But of course, since your pet is a dog you can't expect him to understand rules as you say them. Chances are, their own nature will still take over and before you know it, you're left totally exasperated because you had to tend to unwanted things here and there.

Dog training exists not to alter the nature of your dog's habits. Puppy training exists so that you can communicate to your dog the rules and regulations which you want to impose. Apart from that, dog training also helps establish your roles with each other. It helps your dog understand that he is answerable to you meaning, you are the master and you should be listened to. Without training your dog, you will find yourself having a totally frustrating experience with your dog unless he already had a previous master before you.

It's also a good way of bonding with your new pet. Of course, authority is not the only thing which you should impose upon your new dog. You should also make him trust you and this is the most important thing which can be built through dog training. Trust is important because this is what makes your dog listen to what you have to say and to abide with your commands. Dog training helps strengthen that trust. For your part, you will also get to know your dog more through the training and you will be able to judge for yourself his inherent strengths and weaknesses.

Dog training is not that difficult to do and it does not really require someone with some form of doctorate credibility to be able to do so. Even you yourself can do some basic dog training especially if you just want your dog to learn some simple tricks. However, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a professional if you would like to get your dog into more advanced training programs.

You can choose to do some dog training on your end if you wanted your dog to learn basic commands based from your own bidding. It is also a better alternative because it is rather more inexpensive. All you need to do is purchase some dog training accessories and you can already start off with teaching your dog some neat tricks.

Got An Active Dog? Start Him On Agility Training

Got An Active Dog? Start Him On Agility Training
by Dr. Mayra Alfonso
plug itIf you have a very active dog, you know first hand just how stressful it can be sometimes to have him in and around the house with his boundless energy. Your dog may have had obedience training, but he may need further training, such as agility training, which is actually perfect for active dogs.
Dog agility training involves having your dog going through an obstacle course. The primary goal is for your dog to finish the course in less time with the fewest mistakes possible. The dogs that undergo dog agility training learn to go through the obstacle course without expecting to be given treats or rewards by their trainers. Dog agility training teaches your dog to successfully accomplish tasks without incentives. Dogs go through the obstacle course by responding to body signals and specific voice commands. Dog agility training, in order for it to be a success, requires dedication and commitment from both the dog and his trainer.

An obstacle course has different types of obstacles for your dog to go through. Some of these obstacles include jumps, teeter totters and poles that your dog needs to run in between. If you're priming your dog for an agility competition, his obstacle course would consist of obstacles that are typically present in actual dog agility competitions. At the competition, a judge decides on the course your dog will use. Both you and your dog will be watched carefully by judges. You and your dog are marked based on your performance. Because not all dogs are the same, agility competitions group dogs based on size and breed.

If you and your dog both love spending time doing outdoor activities, your dog is perfect for dog agility training. Agility training is actually recommended for dogs that are very active and also show some aggressive behavior. However, before you start your dog on agility training, make sure he is pretty good at taking directions, or shows potential for doing so. Be aware that agility training requires high level of discipline; for the agility training to be deemed successful, your dog needs to be highly trainable. Make sure your dog is happy with what he is doing, once the agility training is in motion. Keep an eye out for signs that your dog isn't enjoying it anymore. The last thing you want is to force your dog into doing something he will not enjoy.

Dog agility training is one sport that you and your dog can get involved in. But when is the best time to start your dog on agility training? Experts recommend starting as soon as you see your dog display an interest in obeying challenging commands. Dog agility training requires discipline and commitment, not just from your dog, but from you. It's another great opportunity for you and your dog to form a closer bond.

So, the next time your pet gets on your nerves, instead of getting upset with your dog consider taking him for some dog training and have some fun with him.

Proven Techniques For Toilet Training Dogs : pet store

Proven Techniques For Toilet Training Dogs
by Dr. Mayra Alfonso
plug itHumans are taught by their relatives in the home. Parents or guardians teach us the basic behavior to conform. In the same way, owners of responsible dogs should be the ones to train their pets, starting from the moment they arrive at home. Like children, puppies demand a lot of attention from their owners. They are all cute in the beginning and they require a hell of a lot of supervision. That means your time, total devotion, and patience. As pups, they still have to learn to control their behavior in the context of your life together as owner and pet. It is going to be your job to teach your pup everything from not chewing the house furniture, to not chewing the neighbor's roses, to not peeing and pooping all over your house.
As with young children, the first thing to introduce the idea of control is through a routine. One such routine is to leash your pup. He'll get used to the leash in time. He'll whine and cry and try to claw it but he'll soon give up. The more important routine is to let him potty after eating, after some play time, or after he wakes up form his nap. You call also instill a potty routine when you bring him outside the house when you walk him. Instill this potty behavior using the same spot inside or outside the house. Outside, choose a tree or bush and tug him there: this is where the leash comes in handy. You have to make sure you bring your dog to the same spot when he poops and pees so he will associate this behavior with a certain event like or time of day. This spot should not be too far from your house that he has an accident on the pavement.

Every time your puppy goes potty, pat him on the head, say "Good doggie," in a nice way and see him wag his tail. He will associate these rewarding moments with his behavior of making potty on his spot. Or you can give him some food. The point is to establish a reward system so he'll look forward to being rewarded after pooping or peeing on his spot, and not in other spots, like inside your house, or on your neighbor's driveway. A pup is still young and this kind of associative training is what will teach him toilet behavior. You can also establish some verbal commands. You will notice when he arches his back and walk in circles, these are signs he will potty. Tell him to go outside, or to go potty, and open the door. This way he'll associate your commands and the door's opening with his need to potty. Feeding him periodically will also teach him when to potty and allow the both of you to instill a potty time.

Some people place paper towels on the floor inside their house to mark the puppy's potty spot. This doesn't work very well. The dog tends to get confused, as the paper towel can be moved around. His learning to potty is therefore just delayed. The most effective way of training is to just observe the puppy for potty behavior, like arching and walking around in circles, and letting him out or bringing him to his potty area. In time, you can even teach your pup to hold it in.

Dog Training Methods : pet store

Dog Training Methods
by Daniel Waser
plug itNegative Dog Training Methods Of 30 Years Ago
I know it is hard to believe that your tiny, adorable, and helpless little puppy may grow to be 30, 40, or up to 100 more pounds of rambunctious flesh in just a few months from now. Of course this all depends on the type of breed, but the point here is that if you allow your puppy to get away with behavior issues early, such as jumping up on people or laying his paws all over you, these actions will become a nightmare when he is full grown.

The best thing you can do to avoid these issues from coming up is to start training your puppy correctly from the very first day you bring him home. Proper manners begin with you, and puppies that do not understand the importance of respect from the time they are small will end up being a huge burden to you and the rest of the family.

It wasn't too long ago when dog training included harsh methods that were more punishment-oriented instead of the positive training protocols that are standard today. However, it was a basic rule of thumb that dog trainers could not work with puppies until they were at least six months old.

The reason was because harsh, physical corrections could not be bestowed upon puppies that were too young or too small. Ironically enough about dog training in the old days is that by the time a puppy reached six months of age, they were already equipped with bad behavior and obedience problems.

Cleaner Training Methods
Fortunately for the industry, and for the benefit of our beloved pets, dog training has embraced a more positive, loving approach to teaching dogs and young puppies obedience lessons.

Unlike dog training from 20 or 30 years ago, today's trainers have classes that except puppies as young as eight weeks old. Puppy kindergarten and socialization classes are offered in practically every city across the United States.

Instead of the old-school methods of harsh and negative reinforcement, positive dog training includes your basic commands such as sit and stay, in addition to leash training, and other fun tricks such as raising the paw to shake your hand, how to calm down and relax, and greeting people politely, without jumping up.

Today, More Dog Owners Are Personally Involved With Training Their Pets
Also observed as a major change in the dog training world over the past 20 years is that it has become more and more common for pet owners to become heavily involved in training their dogs. The reason for this is largely the result of the information age and an abundance of dog training magazines, books, and online articles.

In addition, many of these dog training publications include teachings that are based on scientific principles of animal behavior, instead of just plain old negative training from yesteryear. Such breakthroughs in dog training protocols includes clicker training, which uses a small clicking device to replace a reward, and luring training, which is simply to use a tasty snack or treat to lure the dog into adhering to a specific rule or act in a specific way.

Cutting Pet Care Costs-Without Sacrificing Their Health

Cutting Pet Care Costs-Without Sacrificing Their Health
by Lucy Barnett
plug itLiving a simple life sometimes can revolve around reducing costs. And having a pet, regardless of size or species, can often be a big drain on financial resources. Though there are some that see a pet as a frivolous indulgence, many people feel their animal relationships are the most rewarding. If you love animals and feel that you're up for the responsibilities, their companionship can fit into almost any budget.
There are fixed costs beyond the initial purchase price of Fido or Felix. Before buying a specific breed of animal, consider checking out public or private animal rescues to find your animal friend. Regardless of budget, here are some points to consider.


Food. Buy the best you can. Good quality food plays a significant role in maintaining your pet's health currently and long term. Making your own food can give you the best value between food quality and cost but it depends on how sensitive your animal's stomach is. Also, making your own food requires a fair amount of research and prep time. A high quality food will keep your pet healthy and ahppy.

Grooming. Spending a little time daily taking care of your animal's nails and coat can minimize long term problems. Your pet gets the benefit of some one-on-one attention and you have the chance to keep your pet in tip-top shape. Cats benefit from daily brushing to combat hair balls and dogs will have less matting and a better coat. Physically handling your animal daily will make you aware of any marks, bites or other physical issues that need attending to and help prevent any serious infections.

Education. A hundred years ago, most people had some level of skill with animal husbandry. Everyone who wants to have animals should visit the library and be prepared to learn the basics. Having some knowledge of your animal's systems and health needs can help to identify the small problems from the big. Obviously, if your pet has experienced trauma or can no longer move, eat, drink, pass urine etc., it is time to consult a veterinarian. However, in terms of daily care and smaller health issues, there is no reason why you can't be proactive and assume care for your pet.

Shop around. Prices for vaccines and spaying or neutering can vary dramatically from clinic to clinic. Lower price doesn't always mean lower level of care. Call around in different areas to see how prices change and always ask your friends and family for recommendations.

Care. this should be common-sense but keep your animals in places where they are safe. Cats have significantly longer lives if they stay indoors (or are only let out if they are supervised). Dogs should always be secure on a leash or in a fenced area they can't escape from. Smaller animals need to be kept in spaces where the possibility of being attacked or stepped on is reduced. Accidents can cause financial hardship in addition to leading to the loss of a beloved pet.
Preventative care is essential to keeping pet costs low. Spend the time now to save the dough later.

Copyright 2008 Lucy Barnett

2008-04-13

Show Your Pet You Care With Luxury Dog Beds

Show Your Pet You Care With Luxury Dog Beds
by Steve MadiganAs in the old days, dogs are used for many different purposes. These include some of the following:As guard dogs Bringing home cattle Travel, pulling sleds in AlaskaThere are some people who keep their pets outside. There are many reason's why this happens and some of them are the dog sheds, or the dog smells or any of the other bad habits that dog's have. When the animal is living outside, it is a good idea to make sure that the pet has cover to protect them from the elements. A nice dog house can serve this purpose. There are many different types of dog houses that you can get. Visit our site for some ideas on them.Now there are some who treat there pet as one of the family and would never think of leaving the dog outside to live. It is a part of the family and lives with the family all the time. The pet goes outside to take care of business and then comes back in. Now our dog's come in all shapes and sizes. The same thing as with us human's dog's require a good nights sleep. So luxury dog beds have come into the fold. Some of the luxury dog beds are so luxurious you would not believe it. It would seem that some of the dog beds are nicer than some people sleep in, but that is the way it is. People can afford these luxurious dog beds, they will buy them.A Look at the Designer Luxury Dog BedIf you are thinking of getting a luxury dog bed, you would want to shop at a designer store. There are many people who are willing to spend a fortune on there pets. They are willing to show they care by purchasing them designer luxury pet beds. There are many large name designers that have added designer luxury dog beds to there catalogs. Some of these designers are Louis Vuitton and Burberry, just to name a few of them.Luxury dog beds will come in a wide variety of designs, shapes and colors. There are many different types of materials these beds can and will be made out of. The beds can just about fit any decor that you may have in your home. You can find chaise, long sofa, with the actual bed made out of your choice of wood. There are many fancy shapes like a cradle, car and more other shapes that the list would be to long to mention.There are Custom Luxury Dog BedsThe best part of custom luxury dog beds is you can order and match your own personality and style. There are some manufacturers that will take orders from their patrons. You can customize your bed to make your best friends sleeping area a thing of beauty. You are able to choose the type of bed, the color, size and many other features when you place your order. So the custom luxury pet beds can get quite expensive and quite beautiful.Now you have to understand that with all the accessories and types, styles and materals that these luxury dog beds are being made out of, they can cost a small fortune, but the dog will be pampered to the max. The latest designs and styles are what the custom luxury dog bed is all about. You will be providing your pet with the utmost comfort.Some Helpful TipsYou can find really cool luxury dog beds online, and be able to choose from a large variety of styles, designs, colors. You then can compare the prices of the different types of beds. You will enjoy shopping for luxury dog beds online. Visit DogGone Good Beds for more information.

2008-03-19

How to find a good dog breeder? : Dog cat and bird and fish pet store shopping sale online

How to find a good dog breeder?
by Nightingale Bullies

Generally people are very keen on animals, dogs especially,wanting to have one in their apartments or houses. The dog breeders are the persons you can contact whenever you want to take a pure breed dog. Yet, the problem of the dog breeders's reputation arises and you need to be sure that this person is indeed looking after his animals that they are healthy and so an. It is easy to check the advertisements in your local newspaper but it would be advisable to make sure that the dog breeder you have chosen is reputable. The purpose of this article is to suggest some ways by which you can find out whether that particular person is responsible and trustworthy or not.
Try to reach his references
Generally, responsible and professional dog breeder are very careful with their references: if this can be extended, any person characterized be professionally should be interested in that. The good dog breeder will provide you some information regarding his past 'collaborations' and will give you the telephone number or any other contact mean by which you can observe his success. You can always contact a dog breeder who has helped some of your friends because you can be told by them exactly how responsible that person was.
You will be asked several questions
A good dog breeder is likely to be fond of many of his animals and might ask you more questions than you will. They want to make sure that the animals are placed in a correct environment with the correct people because this is very important. They will need details of your life and finances: whether you have children or not, the size of your house and garden and other questions to make sure the dog is sent to the right place, with the right family. If your dog breeder doesn't ask all these questions, is definitely interested in your money and might not have looked after the dog properly.
Risks and guarantees
A professional dog breeder will have had all the dogs and puppies passed through medical analysis before selling them.Yet, there are some problems which can be seen after several moths or maybe years. For instance the golden retrievers may have this problem called dysphasia, a genetics flaw in the animals' hip joints, which cannot be seen until the animal is several months old. In this case, a good dog breeder should have no problem in giving your money back despite any unfortunate situation. These genetic problems can be avoided by means of selective breeding, yet many puppies have it as consequence of an hereditary genetic disorder, while some of them gain it not as an hereditary effect.
Other ways of reaching a dog breeder
The Internet and local newspapers are only some of the places where you can find a dog breeder. You can also try the veterinary offices and pet shops as well as dog exhibitions. The last mean is indeed trustworthy as the dog breeder is giving off his success and love for his dogs as well as the performance he has reached.

Home Based Business - Ornamental Fish Culture : Dog cat bird and fish pet store shoppig sale online

Home Based Business - Ornamental Fish Culture
by Yasir Wazir
Engage in a Home based business and you will have more time for the family. Teach your children the rudiments of the trade early in life so that they would be prepared when the time comes for them to be on their own. Save on rental cost having your shop in the garage. Have more time for work and family. Time is not wasted commuting or dressing up. Do you have the passion for breeding fish? Turn that passion into a home based business.
Ornamental fish culture means breeding aquarium fishes as decorative displays in homes or establishments. A garage is a perfect place to put up one. Fabricate a metal rack where you could put 3 rows of 50-gallon aquariums. Build a pond at your garden for pond fishes like Japanese carp or koi. Put water in the tanks and pond. The water should be free from chlorine, check to be sure. Install aerator and filter pumps to introduce oxygen in the water and maintain purity of water. A tank can hold more fishes if properly aerated.
The venturi type aerator is designed for loading more fish. A fountain or waterfall is best suited for garden ponds. Aside from the mechanical filter that removes solids in the water, utilize a biological filter to remove harmful ammonia and nitrite. Biological filters usually consist of many small pebbles or plastic, which gives a large surface area for bacteria to thrive. These bacteria break down ammonia and nitrite to harmless nitrates, serves as food for water plants. Buy the ornamental fishes you are interested in breeding. After buying the fish do not put it directly on the tank, acclimatize it first. Accomplish this by letting the plastic containing the fish float on the aquarium for about 5 minutes before letting it out. Feed the fish with commercial fish food and live feed occasionally.
Clean the live feed before giving it to the fish to prevent disease. Live feed is better to maintain cleanliness of the water. Do not overfeed the fish; give just enough food that they can consume in 5 minutes. Remove excess food, this could decompose and affect water quality. Change 5% of the water daily and ensure that it is at the right pH level. Fish gasping at the surface is a sign that there is low dissolve oxygen level in the water and the fish could not breathe. Change about 50 to 70% of the water to remedy this situation. It's possible that the tank is overstocked or there is not enough aeration for the tank. Now that you are running the fish shop, it is time to do some marketing. Introduce yourself to pet shop owners; you can probably supply them ornamental fishes. Put up a display of colorful or bestseller fishes in your shop. Install a signboard. Join koi competitions. Buy fish supplies in bulk and sell it to your clients. Things like filter media, a few filters, aquarium, decorative aquarium pieces, aerators, even live fish food like mill worms. While breeding koi, fingerlings with unfavorable color patterns may be culled and sold as fish food.
This type of home based business usually begins as a hobby. Your kids would enjoy taking care of the fish while learning about the business. Watching the fish swim in their tanks has a calming effect on its audience. A nice hobby earns money.

Anesthesia, Surgery and Your Pet : Dog Cat Bird and fish pet store shopping sale online

Anesthesia, Surgery and Your Pet
by Paul Skellenger
As pet owners, we are all concerned about the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. Anesthesia and surgery is a more exact science than you might expect. The safety of general anesthesia is dependent upon the anesthetic agent, the equipment used, the methods of patient monitoring, patient status, and the expertise of the people involved. In fact, the safety of general anesthesia is dramatically improved by giving adequate attention to each of these areas.
To the doctors and staff of Research Pet and Bird Hospital, nothing is more important than taking steps to maximize the safety of a procedure. In fact, our core values demand that we use only the safest anesthetic agents, precise delivery systems, intense patient monitoring, and all measures available to improve the patient’s status to make the procedure a success. For us, it is a mission. Our focus and intensity does not wane until the patient is fully recovered and ready to go home. Anything else is a complete failure in our minds and hearts.
If you are planning to have your dog spayed, cat neutered, your bird’s broken leg fixed, the mass in your ferret biopsied, or the teeth in your rabbit floated, these procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Your pet’s safety is our greatest concern.
Our goal is to minimize the risks associated with anesthesia. In order to make anesthesia as safe as possible, we use some of the safest anesthetic agents available. The use of precision vaporizers allows a constant and exact amount of anesthetic to enter the patient and allow rapid adjustments of anesthetic depth and rapid elimination of the anesthetic agent permitting quick recoveries. Our anesthetic machines also deliver 100% oxygen to provide adequate oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Our surgical nurses are the best in the business. They are hand picked to take on this profound responsibility. They understand this tremendous responsibility and they take it very seriously. We charge them with caring for the most important animals on the planet, your pet. To them, guiding your pet through the procedure to a successful conclusion is their single most important task. We train them to be the best. They are so good, our doctors ask for their assistance on their own pets. Our surgical nurses are intensely trained and care so much that often it may seem they are making too many recommendations. The reason is simple, your pet’s safety is their responsibility and they want every advantage.
If you have ever seen us working on your pet under anesthesia, you would notice all the devices connected to your pet. We use state of the art monitoring equipment to provide up to the second information about patient status. Continuous cardiac and respiratory monitoring is performed and adjustments in anesthetic depth are based on objective measurements such as pulse rate, respiratory rate, % saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen (pulse oximetry), blood pressure, and electrocardiographic tracings. These measurements are balanced along with our assessments of patient status.
We take into account variables such as patient age, size, weight, and health as well as the nature and expected duration of the procedure and make adjustments according to changing observations or expectations during the anesthetic period. Without a doubt, one of the most important keys to the safe conclusion of an anesthetic event is understanding patient status. What we learn during your pet’s history and physical help us identify the three greatest risk factors: the presence of pre-existing illness, organ dysfunction, or sensitivity on the part of an individual to a particular anesthetic agent. In addition, we strongly recommend pre-surgical blood screens or profiles for all patients for all anesthetic procedures. In some cases, we are already aware of a pre-existing condition that should be monitored by these tests. In other cases, these tests may reveal a hidden illness or problem that could increase the patient’s anesthetic risk. Complications to anesthesia are rare, but some are serious and may result in patient death. Under no circumstances do we want to jeopardize your pet’s health if we feel the risk is too high.
Pre-surgical testing decreases the overall risk of anesthesia and helps prevent unexpected complications to anesthesia and surgery. This helps to decrease the risk of anesthesia by identifying problems before the procedure, instead of finding out about them afterwards. Typical tests are a complete blood count (CBC) to identify hidden infection, anemia, potential bleeding problem, or immune suppression. It also includes chemistry tests to avoid stumbling into situations where inadequate organ function impairs anesthetic elimination or increases the likelihood of complications. An EKG is a simple way to screen patients for heart disease and potentially life threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. The testing is designed to complement the doctor’s assessment of patient status and risk of the anesthetic procedure. It is used to uncover undetected illness or to monitor known problems. It provides valuable information that may prevent us from unnecessarily endangering our patient. The likelihood that the findings will impact our decision to perform a procedure in healthy adults is small, but this does happen and there is no question those patients will be better off in the long run with that information. In some cases, a decision is made to postpone the procedure and try to resolve the problem first. In other words the pre-surgical testing decreases the overall risk of anesthesia and helps prevent unexpected complications to anesthesia and surgery. This type of testing is needed and is extremely important for any patient that will be anesthetized.
Intravenous catheters are always recommended to provide immediate access should emergency measures or other medications become suddenly necessary during the procedure. The administration of intravenous fluids during anesthesia is known to improve patient recovery and is a wonderful way to improve patient status.
If we made the recommendation for your pet to have something done with general anesthesia, you can be sure the benefits outweigh the risks and that we will do everything possible to bring about an uneventful recovery.
Some of the agents we use for anesthesia are Sevoflurane and Isoflurane (anesthetic gases) and Propofol (an intravenous induction agent to take the patient from awake to anesthesia).
Some of the other medications we use before and during surgery are sedatives, tranquilizers, and pain medications may be given alone or in combination. We use tranquilizers such as valium or acepromazine; pain medications such as buprenorphine, morphine, butorphanol; and non steroid anti inflammatory drugs such as Rimadyl or Metacam. Patients are maintained on anesthesia by driving the anesthetic agent with oxygen through an airway tube known as an endotracheal tube.

Species of animals we perform anesthesia and surgery on include dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, and chinchillas, lizards, snakes, and turtles.
Common procedures include spay, neuter, endoscopy, lump removal, tumor biopsy, intestinal biopsy, liver biopsy, pancreatic biopsy, intestinal obstruction, foreign body removal, mass removal, tumor removal, fracture repair, bone plating, knee surgery, ACL repair, tracheoscopy, esophagoscopy, rhinoscopy, nasal biopsy, lymph nod biopsy, radiography, contrast studies, dewclaw removal, abscess surgery, urethral obstruction, bladder stone removal, fustula removal, resection and anastamosis, intussusception, perineal adenoma, perineal urethrostomy, perineal hernia, abdominal hernia, diaphragmatiac hernia, inguinal hernia, dentistry, dental cleaning, dental prophy, tooth extraction, oral surgery, periodontal therapy, root planing, gingivoplasy, external fixation, vaginoscopy, urethroscopy, cystoscopy, cysotomy, gastropexy, gastrotomy, feeding tube placement, jejunostomy, mast cell tumor removal, bile duct surgery, gall bladder surgery, corneal and eyelid surgery, enucleation, bulla osteotomy, lateral ear resection, total ear canal ablation, pelvic surgery, correctional osteotomy, and surgical sexing of birds.

2008-02-02

Steps To Better Dog Care :Dogs pet

Steps To Better Dog Care
by Orlando Smith

When was the last time you were minding your own business walking your street and came across a stray dog. What would your initial reaction be? Would your state of mind allow you to make an educated choice or not? You could always avoid the situation completely, act in an apprehensive manner believing the dog meant you harm or have the dog be your new pet and take them home with you. Your choice will of course depend on your level of comfort. In this situation you have a few good choices. The choice you go with will really depend on if your proclaim yourself to be an animal lover or not. The assumption for this article will be that you are an animal lover. Which means you will naturally take the dog home as a pet. Read more about this . . .
General Tips Dogs need to wear a collar ID tag at all times, even during bathing.
Your Pet Needs There are two important decisions to be made at this juncture regardless of the dog's breed. You can choose to temporarily shelter the dog by taking it in out from the elements and at the same time look for it's rightful owner. Or you can keep it for your own pet. Again your choice will probably depend on how good of an animal lover you are. Providing proper care to a stray dog will not be an easy task no matter how rosy it may sound. You will have to insure that the dog is provided with adequate medical care treatment, food, shelter and animal medical insurance. You should also plan to have it get some veterinarian care just in case.
You will also want to maintain your dog's health while it is in your care. To do this you should perform all of the necessary daily duties required to prevent your pet dog from falling prey to illness. This includes providing adequate and comfortable shelter and food.
Dog Diet Tips Eating habits are still based on the instinctual habits of the dog's wild counterparts. some dogs feed on a "stuff-yourself-or-starve" mode and tend to eat more than they need when food is made available to them. for this reason, owners must be in control of their dog's food intake. obesity is very harmful to your dog's health at any age. it puts undue stress on vital organs that can lead to serious health problems.
Conclusion Your next step? To take what you've just learned and apply it the best way you see fit. The only other thing to do is remember that your new companion is also a potential new guardian that can provide protection for you and your family. Just remember to give your new pet comfortable and adequate dog care, shelter, food, attention and love. By following these easy steps you and your family should enjoy your new furry companion even more.

2008-02-01

Orthopedic Dog Beds - Comfort for Dogs that are Hurting : Dog pet

Orthopedic Dog Beds - Comfort for Dogs that are Hurting
by Steve Madigan

Over time just like with humans dogs develop different types of disorders. As our pets get older and many times they are going to require some type of special care and comfort. We like to be able to treat our pets just as they would be part of the family. We want to keep them happy and healthy just like the rest of the family. Here are some ways that an orthopedic dog bed can provide that dog the extra care and comfort that it needs.
Foam orthopedic dog beds and the comfort bedding
Sometimes man's best friend has trouble just like man getting in and out of their bed that is why orthopedic dog beds were designed. There is a variety of material that you can choose from. There is fleece, foam, luxury and even fancy materials. All of these add comfort to the orthopedic dog bed. There are other types of beds that are quite comfortable for pets. Some of these all are quilted memory foam or even heated orthopedic dog beds. Both of these ease the pain and suffering that our dog may be encountering. One of the things that we want to try to avoid the most just like in humans is having to have surgery.
When is the right time for your dog and the orthopedic bed
As your dog gets older it is going to start to slow down and not take part in the activities that it once did. Running, jumping and chasing the Frisbee all may be things of the past as the animal starts to get older. The hard part is knowing when our animal is suffering. That's the thing about our friends that he can't tell us when he is hurting from pains such as arthritis and other joint problems. that is why it is important to make sure that our pet gets checkups regularly. The thing about arthritis it can attack our large and small animals. Neither are exempt from this awful disease.
The event will keep a great medical history for our pet and that will help us to determine any disorders that he may get in the future. Our vet can actually help us in determining when our pet is not feeling his or her best. They can also help us determine if they are in need of the orthopedic dog bed. Old age is not the only time when our dog may require this type of bed. These pads work great if the dog has just had surgery, or has been in an accident or is handicapped.
The right way to shop for orthopedic foam dog beds
One of the best places to probably shot for our orthopedic fleece dog bed is a pet store. In our vet's office sometimes even stock these types of beds for when their patients get sick. They may even be able to suggest a good store that carries such a bed. If you're not having any luck finding knees in your pet store, you may want to start to check online for these types of beds. They are on line you will find a large selection of orthopedic dog beds, and a wide variety, colors, material and sizes that you will require for man's best friend. You can find orthopedic dog beds at our site so feel free to visit right now.
Just because your pet can tell us when they are hurting they sure can let us know when we have done something nice for them. And getting them a comfortable orthopedic dog bed can be one of the nicest things you can do for your pet.

2008-01-24

Obesity in Cats and Dogs

Obesity in Cats and Dogs
by KiyaSama

Obesity in cats and dogs comes from the same cause as in human beings ĂŻ¿½ĂŻ¿½" the body takes in more energy than it puts out. Life is too easy, food too available. Too much food and too little exercise, along with a low metabolism rate, can make your pet balloon up fast. One cat in every 10 is overweight. Four dogs in every 10 are overweight. Why is this cause for worry? You love your pet fast as much as thin. But a fat pet has greater risk of diseases of the skin, heart, stomach, liver, and kidneys. Overweight can contribute to diabetes. It puts a burden on joints and contributes to osteoarthritis. And it increases a tendency to suffer from heat stroke and lengthens recovery time from surgery. As anyone who has had a fat animal knows, treating pet obesity is harder than preventing it. If your pet has a tendency to put on pounds, try the following:
1. Check your dog or cat for extra weight by feeling its sides - you should be able to feel the ribs easily. If there is more than Ă‚¼ inch of fat between fur and ribs, the animal is overweight. You should be able to see a waistline from above on a dog.
2. Know what your pet weighs, and keep track of it. Most vets have a scale on which you can weigh your dog. You can also weigh your pet at home if it is light enough to pick up easily in your arms. First weigh yourself. Then hold your pet in your arms and step on the scale. Subtract your weight from the combined weight of you and your pet.
3. Check with your veterinarian before putting your dog or cat on a diet. In general, reduce caloric intake to 75 percent of what an animal of its weight should normally eat. Buy food that is low in fat ĂŻ¿½ĂŻ¿½" compare labels. For dogs, add fiber, like a bulking agent (Metamucil), bran, or canned vegetables (to 10-15 percent of the animal’s food). Commercial diet foods come with instructions on how much food to give to animals of various sizes for safe weight loss. Change the diet in increments (shift foods) rather than all at once, otherwise the animal may get diarrhea. Supplement with multivitamins. Most important, discuss your animal’s diet with your veterinarians.
4. Try feeding an overweight dog or cat more often. Take the daily ration and divide it into three meals, for instance.
5. Give your dog plenty of exercise, but increase it slowly. Don’t exercise the animal within an hour after eating. Small dogs may need only the exercise they get in the house or yard. Older dogs may need only to be taken for walks. Other dogs can chase balls or sticks. You can take your cat for a walk on a leash, too, if you use a harness rather than a collar, which might choke it.
6. Don’t feed your animal from the table, and try to stop feeding snacks like kitty treats and dog biscuits, which are high in fats. Animals are very good at begging, and all your efforts to help your pet lose weight may be foiled by one tender-hearted but unenlightened family member who slips the pet treats on the sly. Convince the members of the family that it is a kindness to help the animal lose weight. Be hard-hearted. If you do feed treats, figure in the calories.

Show Your Pet You Care With Luxury Dog Beds

Show Your Pet You Care With Luxury Dog Beds
by Steve Madigan
As in the old days, dogs are used for many different purposes. These include some of the following:
As guard dogs Bringing home cattle Travel, pulling sleds in Alaska
There are some people who keep their pets outside. There are many reason's why this happens and some of them are the dog sheds, or the dog smells or any of the other bad habits that dog's have. When the animal is living outside, it is a good idea to make sure that the pet has cover to protect them from the elements. A nice dog house can serve this purpose. There are many different types of dog houses that you can get. Visit our site for some ideas on them.
Now there are some who treat there pet as one of the family and would never think of leaving the dog outside to live. It is a part of the family and lives with the family all the time. The pet goes outside to take care of business and then comes back in. Now our dog's come in all shapes and sizes. The same thing as with us human's dog's require a good nights sleep. So luxury dog beds have come into the fold. Some of the luxury dog beds are so luxurious you would not believe it. It would seem that some of the dog beds are nicer than some people sleep in, but that is the way it is. People can afford these luxurious dog beds, they will buy them.
A Look at the Designer Luxury Dog Bed
If you are thinking of getting a luxury dog bed, you would want to shop at a designer store. There are many people who are willing to spend a fortune on there pets. They are willing to show they care by purchasing them designer luxury pet beds. There are many large name designers that have added designer luxury dog beds to there catalogs. Some of these designers are Louis Vuitton and Burberry, just to name a few of them.
Luxury dog beds will come in a wide variety of designs, shapes and colors. There are many different types of materials these beds can and will be made out of. The beds can just about fit any decor that you may have in your home. You can find chaise, long sofa, with the actual bed made out of your choice of wood. There are many fancy shapes like a cradle, car and more other shapes that the list would be to long to mention.
There are Custom Luxury Dog Beds
The best part of custom luxury dog beds is you can order and match your own personality and style. There are some manufacturers that will take orders from their patrons. You can customize your bed to make your best friends sleeping area a thing of beauty. You are able to choose the type of bed, the color, size and many other features when you place your order. So the custom luxury pet beds can get quite expensive and quite beautiful.
Now you have to understand that with all the accessories and types, styles and materals that these luxury dog beds are being made out of, they can cost a small fortune, but the dog will be pampered to the max. The latest designs and styles are what the custom luxury dog bed is all about. You will be providing your pet with the utmost comfort.
Some Helpful Tips
You can find really cool luxury dog beds online, and be able to choose from a large variety of styles, designs, colors. You then can compare the prices of the different types of beds. You will enjoy shopping for luxury dog beds online. Visit DogGone Good Beds for more information.

2008-01-18

Bull Dog : Dogs-pet

Bull Dog
by Mary Rose

The Bulldog is one of the most popular purebred dogs.It is popular among celebrities and families.The broad shouldered,stocky bulldog with it characterisitc under bite and pugnacious gait has long been a mascot of sports teams and military units. But their docile,even tempered personality that belies their tough guy image makes them good pets for families with young children.The personality of Bull dog is unlike any other dog.They are so expressive.If one looks into their eyes one can almost see what they are thinking.Their growing popularuty with celebrities have added to their publicity.The breed is the second most popular dog in Los Angeles.
An English bull dog puppy makes a great companion.A prominent characterisitic of this breed is that they are attention seekers and get along well in a home with children and other pets.If they are given proper care and attention ,you are ensured of a very loyal and loving pet in return.Nevertheless,the care of an English bull dog puppy requires a bit of firmness. It will be difficult to deal if you spoil them. In case they are used to a lot of attention and loses it ,for instance,when its owner's have a baby, it can act out by barking or biting. Therefore, attention needs to be consistent and firm, so that the dog senses its place in what it sees as its group.
It must be remembered that an English bull dog they become less interested in exercise as they age. While these dogs are short and stocky they should be put through regular exercise on to prevent obesity. As they are exhausted by exercise they should be given water often. Another pecularity of an English bull dog is that it has so many folds .Therefore,its cleanliness is really important. If not cleaned well it can cause bacterial or fungal infections.
On the other hand,an American bull dog is a breed of working dog developed for catching livestock and for protecting property. Though larger in size, they are the closest surviving relative of the o ld English bulldog. There are generally considered to be two types of American bulldog, the johnson type and the Scott type, named after the breeders who were influential in developing them, John D. Johnson and Allen Scott. These are more commonly known as Classic or Bully type and Standard or Performance type.The American Bulldog is a stocky, strong-looking dog. Its coat is short and either white or white with patches.
The growing popularity of bull dog has a downside.They can suffer from breathing problems and should only be treated by experienced veterinarians.Bull dogs are also unable to swim.Breeders use artificial insemination and caesarean sections when breeding the dogs to reduce the high risk of injury caused by the large size of the dog's head in proportion to its hips.The elaborate precautions required when breeding bulldogs puts the cost of a typical purebred bulldog puppy on the higher side.

Spaying And Neutering A Labrador Dog : Dogs-pet

Spaying And Neutering A Labrador Dog
by Richard Cussons

One way of helping your Labrador dog live a healthy and happy life is through neutering or spaying. In the United States alone, there are more or less 70,000 puppies and kittens being born daily. If having a single dog as pet also means costly foods, veterinary bills, endless list of supplies and so much responsibility, how much more if you have a couple or more new puppies? How are you going to properly care for all those innocent dogs especially if you have a tight budget? The world is facing not just over population among humans but also among animals. More and more animals are neglected, left astray and worst being euthanized because of this problem. There is no space for new puppies that is why they resorted to killing the aged and sick ones.
Some people hesitate in having their dog spayed or neutered because maybe they don't quite understand the importance of this procedure. Neutering is the process of removing an animal's reproductive organ. The organ can either be removed all or just a part of it and can be done in puppies more or less six months of age. The process is also called spaying in females. Other than a birth control method, there are still other reasons why spaying and neutering is good for your pet. The process has health benefits, preventing or reducing the risk of hormone-associated diseases such as benign prostatic hypertrophy to occur. Female dogs and even cats are less likely to develop mammary tumors if they are spayed before their first heat cycle. Spayed female dogs have also less possibility in contracting pyometra, a common uterine infection. Uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers are as well prevented. Neutering in male dogs eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of contracting prostate cancer.
Once neutered, you won't have to deal with a Labrador dog digging the yard or breaking through leashes and fences in search of a mate. They are also less prone to escaping the yard and running away from home, urinating in inappropriate place, getting into fights with other dogs and are also less likely to be lost, stolen or hit by a car.
Spaying and neutering not only benefits the pets and owners but the community as well. Government will not be burdened with trying to control wandering and unwanted animals. There will also be a decrease in the number of homeless pets being dropped or turned over in animal shelters.

Dog Obedience Training : Dogs-pet

Dog Obedience Training
by Megan Morris

Dogs can be cute, cuddly and loyal. They can be fun to have around and to play with. But behavioral problems can be a struggle to deal with. Have you ever come home to find your favorite pair of shoes all chewed up and slobbery? Your furniture has become their new chew toy? And the unsightly pet stains. Does your dog bark too much and not obey your commands? You can build a better relationship between you and your dog by teaching it to obey your commands and learn fun tricks. All you need is some free time, a little bit of patience, a pocket full of treats, and the right guidance. I have found a program that can teach anyone how to train their dog today. Go to my webpage for more information:
http://megan112682.blogspot.com

Dog Carriers Demystified: How To Select The Perfect One : Dods-pet

Dog Carriers Demystified: How To Select The Perfect One
by Ruby Fayed

Dog carrier fashion is the hottest thing to hit the runways of Tokyo, LA, and Milan. But what does that mean to you and how do you select the best one for your canine friend? A dog carrier is your best choice when it comes to traveling long distances with your little friend. It is basically a padded bag with sufficient space to accommodate your pet comfortably. They are of varied sizes, shapes and styles. The market is flocked with different types of dog carriers like dog strollers, dog crates, designer dog carriers and the newly fashionable dog backpack. Which one you choose depends largely upon the size and the breed of the dog you have; and the lifestyle you wish to include your dog in.
First, try to acquire as much information as possible from the manufacturers or retailer before making your purchase. Safety, security and comfort - are the three most important aspects you should look for when choosing a dog carrier. The type of dog carriers that you purchase depends on size, length and the weight of your dog, not all dog carriers may work for your pooch. A big dog may not fit in the standard size strollers, backpack and most designer carriers; your choices would be limited to carriers and crates to transport your dog. Small dogs on the other hand can comfortably fit into any carrier or stroller, but again you should be vigilant about the attributes of the carrier and your intention for its primary use.
A comfortable dog carrier gives your pet sufficient room to move around yet not big enough to allow him to rock around inside especially if you intend on rigorous activity while carrying your dog such as jogging and hiking. The most vital characteristic you should always check for is that the carrier has good ventilation to allow for fresh air to circulate. Your dog can easily dehydrate in a poorly ventilated dog carrier, especially on those hot summer days. If you wish to pamper your pet then make sure that the carrier is comfortably padded and has a seat belt - of course there is nothing wrong with making sure you look good while carrying it around too! Also check out other points like durability, detachable shoulder straps, rubberized fabric and four mesh viewing panels. Let me point out from personal experience that you should also look into the cleaning directions of the dog carrier; some have machine washable linings that can easily be cleaned.
Those on the look out for trendy and chic dog carriers will have no problem locating fashionable and pocket friendly dog carriers at most pet stores. For those that want maximum indulgence for dog can browse the many styles from the best designer houses in the world. Remember, that the dog carriers are not only for the fashion conscious but can also be used if your dog is blind, too old to walk or has hearing problems. A good idea is to try to reflect your dog's personality and taste have some fun with it.
Initially your dog may be reluctant to sit inside the carrier, but this depends entirely on your skills to compel him/her to venture into a small case. Start with a bone shaped biscuit or fake bacon strips to urge your little friend towards the carrier. Your next other option is to entice the little pet with an endearing smell or a favorite toy kept in the vicinity of the carrier. This will tempt the dog to step inside the carrier, though it may show some hesitation. Nonetheless, keep in mind to always place the dog carrier on the ground. Never force your dog in the dog carrier; this will likely cause anxiety and an irrational fear of carriers. Take your time and be patients, your rewards will make it all worth it.

2008-01-11

Simple Guideline For Caring For The Older Dog

Simple Guideline For Caring For The Older Dog
by Andy Mannion

It is sad but inevitable that the best friend which once had boundless energy and agility will eventually succumb to old age. With that in mind here are some simple recommendations designed to help extend the health and happiness of your dog in their latter years :
A general loss of your dogs hearing ability is inevitable at around 10 years old and allowances should be made for this. Show patience with your dog since the simple fact is that they may no longer be able to respond as promptly to obedience commands as before. Develop alternative means of communications such as arm and hand signals to replace verbal commands.
Proper dietary care is essential for the older dog. Low cost bulk foods, scraps and leftovers whilst less of an issue for the younger dog are unlikely to provide the correct nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed to keep your ageing pet healthy. Although it will cost more treat the older dog to a high quality commercial dog food from one of the well known established manufacturers.
The older dog is likely to lose muscle as the natural part of the ageing process which results in them being less able to support their bodies when at rest. This muscle wastage results in extra pressure on their elbows and hocks resulting in aching limbs and disturbed sleeping patterns. A simple but effective solution is to introduce more deep and softer bedding which will now tend to mould itself around the dog’s body contours and provide welcome support to those aching limbs.
It maybe all the rage but polished wooden floors are a slipping hazard and a potential source of muscle and tendon damage to the older dog. It may look funny seeing Bobby sliding and legs splaying on the shiny surface but this is definitely no laughing matter for the older dog. If possible such areas most frequented by your dog should now be avoided or at least areas covered with a carpet runner.
The older dog particularly those suffering with arthritis may find difficulty in bending to access their feeding bowl making eating an uncomfortable experience. If you observe such a problem a simple remedy is to raise the bowl on a stand or box to allow the dog to eat at their normal standing height.
Stair falls are one of the most common sources of injury to the older dog. Once you notice that your dog has difficulty in negotiating the stairs then serious consideration must be given to restricting him to the ground floor permanently. A child safety gate at the foot of the stairs is ideal for this purpose .
The smell of food is major factor in enticing a dog to eat. Since as a dog gets older so to will their sense of smell reduce which in turn may impact on their appetite and lead to malnourishment. One simple trick worth trying is to slightly warm the food before serving it. Warming the food produces a stronger aroma which may compensate for the dogs reduced smelling ability and encourage more normal feeding.