May
31
2009
0

Animal Hospitals Pounce on High Tech Canine Treatment

Human beings are privy to the most scientifically sophisticated processes of treatment that the world has ever known. Diseases that were at one time believed fatal are now combatable, and even curable, thanks to the inquiry and evolution of innovators in the health field.

Just as impressive is the high tech equipment hidden within the walls of animal hospitals around the world. That equipment is identical to the devices used to contend with human illnesses. Thanks to this equipment, and to the veterinarians that use it, the diagnosis and treatment of dog illnesses has proven to be astonishingly successful.

No matter if your dog is unhappy from irregularity, tumors, heartworm, cancer, or any number of added illnesses, his or her vet can present the most effective treatment, as long as high tech equipment like the following is available:

Echography, or ultrasound, equipment for diagnosis of heart and abdominal concerns.

Electrocardiogram for detection of troubles with heart function.

Radiography, or X ray, for capturing still images of a dog’s internal structure.

Fluoroscopy Radiography, or X ray, for viewing instantaneous, real time images of a dog’s internal structure.

dog scan, for viewing 3D and cross sectioned images of a dog’s organs and bones, and for determining tumors and diseases.

MRI, for applications similar to that of a dog scan, only with more effective tissue screening contrast. It’s particularly useful for watching over the brain, heart, muscles, and any tumors that may exist.

Photodynamic Therapy, for the targeted removal of tumors.

BICOM machine, for the strengthening of a dog’s immune system, in the battle against toxins, cancer, and parasites.

BFS machine, for bringing back your dog’s body’s inherent rhythms, and to elevate blood counts, circulation, and immunoresponse.

Endoscopic surgical gear, for biopsies and surgeries with minimal intrusion and scarring.

Surgical microscope, for a higher level of precision during veterinary surgery.

Anesthesia equipment, for the finest administration and supervising of your dog’s state of consciousness and vitals during veterinary surgery.

Your dog’s greatest chances for a long and strong life can be achieved when his or her veterinarian makes a plan of care. That plan needs to incorporate the most highly developed, sophisticated diagnostic and treatment equipment; dog medication as needed; extra attention to dog diseases, pregnancy, and kitten care; and a plan of attack that appreciates that your dog’s symptoms are sign posts of larger issues.

Veterinary medicine frequently lays the groundwork for human medicine’s developments, so it’s only reasonable that your dog should gain from those advancements.

Your part in your dog’s care includes making sure that he or she is examined annually by a veterinarian, gets appropriate and timely pet vaccinations, and that his or her teeth are kept clean with regular brushing.

To give your friendly canine still more, ask a vet in your district if their animal hospital takes advantage of the latest medical equipment for the care of your dog. Doing so will make certain that your dog is given optimal care, and that he or she can join the animal doctor in pouncing on, and capturing, robustness.

About the Author:
 Mail this post

Popularity: 16% [?]

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Written by Dr. N.J. Omaboe in: Dogs | Tags: , , , ,
May
31
2009
0

Dog Biting Problems-As Serious As It Can Get

Of all of the dog behavior problems there are, biting is probably the most serious. If your dog pees on the rug, runs away, or goes on the couch it probably won’t be a big deal. If you dog gives someone a serious bite, however, many communities require that it be put down. Dog biting problems can literally mean the end of your dog’s life, so it is important to train your dog to never bite anyone.

Of course, puppy biting problems are normal. When puppies are teething, they naturally chew on everything and everyone. Although a puppy can give you a nasty enough bite to break the skin, you probably won’t be seriously injured by anything your puppy dog can dish out. Nonetheless, teething is probably when you should start tackling your dog biting problem.

Training doesnt mean that you have to be harsh or met out some cruel punishment. All you have to do is tell him a firm No! whenever he takes a hard bite on you. Use phrases like Bad Dog! or something that has the tone of reprimand to let him know that you are hurt from his bite.

Most often, biting problems in dogs are caused due to psychological problems. Mostly, dogs do not bite just to hurt someone. They try to bite when they want to hold on to something or they bite to warn someone of something. They also take a bit just to play. If you do not take the effort to correct the biting problem when your dog is still a puppy, then this problem might escalate to cause grave problems

Of course, some dog biting problems occur because of aggression. You might just have a temperamentally difficult dog that gets angry and tries to hurt. If this is the case, you really need to send him to obedience school. These sorts of dog biting problems often lead to another dog being seriously injured, or even a person being hurt.

If your dog shows biting tendencies then you have take it very seriously and get help as soon as possible from a professional dog trainer, as an average pet owner is not equipped to address this serious problem.

If one of your neighbors owns a pooch with dog biting problems, the best thing you can do is to prepare yourself. Buy some strong pepper spray formulated to take care of dogs. If the dog tries to bite you, don’t hesitate to spray it in his eyes. You could also try a more friendly approach. When you run into aggressive dogs, simply give them a piece of beef jerky. If you can make friends, you can avoid being bitten.

About the Author:
 Mail this post

Popularity: 17% [?]

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

May
31
2009
0

A Look into the Breeding of Dogs

Like people, dogs are also made with its own unique characteristics. Every individual has its own distinct characteristic that may in reality vary from another and the differences in temperament and personality between the ranges of dog breeds may also differ.

You should be able to discover and determine what dog breed can be a great match to your lifestyle or to your household so that you will have no regrets of bringing home a dog. There are a lot of different dog types that are known to the world, not to mention those produced as cross-types like in the form of Labra doodle which is a fusion of a Labrador retriever and a Poodle.

Is your home suitable enough for a large dog? Obviously, knowing the size of dog that your household can handle is one thing that you should be able to think about. A large dog can have sufficient space to run and play when placed in a household in the suburbs with a large yard. You might want your children to have a pet that could be their cuddly playmate but is also sturdy enough.

Does your home or business need a watchdog thus you want to get one? Do you want to produce a show dog to enter competitions? Or do you just want a loyal companion, small enough to be comfortable in an apartment and calm enough to sit with his head on your lap in the evening? In searching for the kind of dog breed that may be right for you, these things are in reality practical enough to be considered.

How many people live in your home? If you are a single person, you might want a pet that needs not much of an attention and can be left alone inside your house while you go working all throughout the day and he would just keep himself busy by playing with his toys or sleeping all day.

A medium to large-size dog is what a family with small kids might need since most of them are gentle and patient with kids by nature. For small youngsters, a dog is like a toy – the fact that a dog is one of the pets that they might get hurt with their rough kind of play is not something that they are truly aware about.

The behavior of small youngsters is not something that some dog breeds can handle and would endure with but being with older kids can be a good choice for them. Dog types which would not demand so much attention or maintenance and can be as calm as the keeper are dogs than can go well with older adults.

Dogs can also be divided into two fundamental classes – there are those that shed their coat or hair and those that don’t in reality lose hair at all. Dropping hair is a huge complaint of dog owners. May it be to your clothing, furniture or even to your guests who would tend to sit in any part of your house, dog hair is more likely to be found clinging on. Short haired dogs may look easier but they can shed, too. Dropping hair can be divided into those that barely shed, seasonal shedding only or constant shedding.

You must remember that when you are choosing the size of the breed, both the height and weight matter should be considered. The sizes of the dog types in terms of their weight come in the ranges of under ten pounds for smaller dogs, 11-25 pounds is the typical weight of medium dogs, large dogs may weigh twenty six to fifty pounds and the weight of about 51-80 pounds is for extra large dogs. There are extremely large dogs which can weigh up to 100-180 pounds such as the Mastiffs and St. Bernards.

Does your house have those well-built furniture and furnishings that can stand any accidents dogs may cause up against them? When you are trying to make a decision with regards to the perfect choice of the dog breed, expand your view of the dog in terms of its potential size and not only as you see him as a pup. Anticipate big dogs to eat a lot of food to satisfy themselves. Bringing home a dog like a Mastiff means having to deal with a costly dog food and care so you may need another job to pay off your bills or be able to give him what he needs.

Another important thing to consider is the essence of care demands. When it comes to grooming and care, some dog types may need to have a great deal of it compared to other breeds. Dogs that have fancy trim, like poodles or show dogs may spend more time in the spa than you do.

A weekly or even daily grooming should not be deprived to ordinary household dogs since they might need it to untangle their coats and to keep themselves in a good physical health. Before you go shopping for a dog, make thorough study about the dog’s size, temperament, grooming requirements and other fundamental details concerning the breed. It is only you who can offer the basic needs as well as the kind and quantity of love and attention that the dog of your choice may need, so you better be aware of the things that you should know and give to live prosperously with your dog.

About the Author:
 Mail this post

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: , ,

Written by Calvin Wapasa in: Dogs | Tags: , ,
May
31
2009
0

The Airedale Terrier: King of Terriers

The terrier group of the canine kingdom is notorious for their viciousness and fearless disposition when it comes to defending their dignity. It’s surprising to learn then that this group has a particular breed that they hail as the king. Being a king, however, does not mean that this breed is the most vicious and cruel but instead, it is the largest in size, warmest in devotion, and highest in intelligence and versatility.

The terrier group of the canine kingdom is notorious for their viciousness and fearless disposition when it comes to defending their dignity. It’s surprising to learn then that this group has a particular breed that they hail as the king. Being a king, however, does not mean that this breed is the most vicious and cruel but instead, it is the largest in size, warmest in devotion, and highest in intelligence and versatility.

The Airedale Terrier came from the valley of Aire, England during the 19th century. The breed was the result of cross breeding between small terriers and Otterhounds by the Yorkshire men of the area. The result of this effort was the Airedale that possesses the terriers’ ferocity and keen hunting instincts and the Otterhounds’ magnificence in the water.

The first years of this breed revolved around tasks such as vermin and bird hunting, otter catching and shot game retrieving. Inside the home, it was the very reliable companion, devoted pet and the outstanding watchdog. During World War I, however, the breed became more than just working dogs because they were enlisted to become instruments of peace and triumph.

During the war, the Airedale became a military dog, peace keeping aid and many other positions in the armed forces and medical organizations. Two great nations, Great Britain and Germany, became the first two countries to use the Airedale as their police and military dogs. All in all, the breed served as guards, messengers and ambulance during the chaotic years of war.

As a messenger, the Airedale was often successful in delivering parcels because even if it is heavily wounded, it would still courageously and adamantly fulfill its duties. The many wounded soldiers lying amongst the dead in the battlefield were rescued though the help of the Airedale’s sniffing ability. Additionally, this breed’s courageous and unwary disposition made it an outstanding watch dog of many important military posts.

These successes of the Airedale werent kept from the masses and so it became popular among citizens including presidents Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge. People also added the title King of Hearts to this brave and devoted war hero and up to this time, the title remains unchallenged. Moreover, since the war ended, the Airedale has been rounding up the dog sports circuit and has won many awards since then.

The Airedale Terrier is a medium-sized dog that possesses a double coat of wiry, coarse and dense undercoat and a softer and smoother undercoat. It has a distinct bearded muzzle and densely long-haired legs. When this creature stands, it stands majestically and emits a recognizable pride that no wonder the title “king” suits it perfectly.

About the Author:
 Mail this post

Popularity: 25% [?]

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

May
31
2009
0

Food For Fido

Educating yourself on what to feed your dog can be very confusing. Every expert out there has his own favourite canine diet and there is such a vast selection of dog food available that it can be quite confusing for the first time dog owner to decide what to feed.

In fact lets be honest even us seasoned dog owners get caught up in all the different opinions and who knows what is what? Think of it—-Fresh, tinned, dried, vacuum-packed ..the list is endless. Obviously a puppy has a different food requirement from an adult dog so make sure that you feed the puppy the correct puppy diet from the range of food available.

The majority of pet shops and many vets will probably advise feeding your new puppy or dog on a complete dried food which is considered nutritionally balanced. Some will suggest tinned food or vacuum packed meat products. These types of food are many and varied and are advertised as suitable for most dogs. In fact most of the advertising will suggest that it is the only way to feed your dog if you want him or her to have a long and healthy life. To discuss each and every type of manufactured food product would be a major book in itself so lets look here at another choice…the Natural diet.

This diet is structured on what your dog would eat in the wild and what wolves eat in the wild today. It is a diet based on raw meaty bones and what most people fed their dogs until the dog food manufacturers got into action about 30-40 years ago. It is the diet that your dog is designed to eat. They have the teeth to tear,shred,rip flesh and crunch bones and their stomachs are designed to digest both raw meat and raw bones. Remember that dogs are carnivores and their diet would be mostly meat and bones. They may eat the stomach contents of prey ,that is the vegetable matter but it is not a vital part of their diet and they do not need it.

Most vets will recommend one of the commercial diets as the instructions are on the packet and they do not have the time in a normal consultation to go into the benefits of natural feeding and the quantities needed. Some vets sell dried dog food and so will recommend it. Some pet food manufacturers sponsor Vet colleges so therefore the alternative ways of feeding are not given priority or even discussed and veterinary students do not learn them.

In fact to be honest many dog owners are told that raw uncooked bones are bad for their dogs. The convenience of opening a tin,or scooping out a couple of mug fulls of dried food is simple, requiring little or no thought which suits the busy lives that many owners now lead. The fact that there is now a massive multimillion pound industry which effectively tells dog owners that they the owners couldn’t possibly work out how and what to feed their dogs on their own,has lead to increasing numbers of dog owners accepting that the manufacturers must know best and being drawn into buying commercially prepared food and artificial bones.

All tinned and processed foods have been cooked and the resulting changes in the structure of the food means that the dogs digestive system has to work much harder as it was designed to digest raw ingredients. Then there is the major effect that cooked processed food has on the dogs teeth. The majority of dogs fed on an artificial diet will have to have their dirty teeth and infected gums attended to by a Vet several times through their lives.The processed food gets stuck in the teeth causing infection. Just take a look at at your own teeth after you have eaten a biscuit…..that’s what your dogs teeth look like after eating dried pellets. Even using artificially produced teeth cleaning products will leave a deposit on the dogs teeth.! Bacteria enter the body through the diseased and infected gums and teeth and this can set up chronic infections which later may result in liver,heart or kidney problems.

Cleaning your dogs teeth is not going to remove all the gunge and honestly who is going to clean their dogs teeth twice a day! By eating raw bones the dogs floss their own teeth in the ripping and shredding action. The only teeth that need to be artificially cleaned are the canine teeth which are the teeth designed for killing the prey and are not involved in the ripping and grinding motion. Try cleaning your dogs teeth with an electric toothbrush …not as bad as you think! If you start when they are a puppy I can assure you they will get used to it.

About the Author:
 Mail this post

Popularity: 28% [?]

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

May
31
2009
0

Dog Food Recipes Tailored for Your Dog.

Before using dog food recipes you might find on the Internet you need to understand how to determine if they meet the nutritional needs of your dog.

It has been proven that a homemade dog food diet can help your dog live up to 8.3 years longer, but before you use a dog food recipe there are things you need to learn.

The basic nutrients needed for a healthy dog is a balanced amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and water. It is important to educate yourself and learn how to provide a balanced diet that includes the nutrient listed above.

Every dog is different and that is why commercially processed dog food fails miserably when it comes to keeping our dogs healthy. There is no way they can come up with a commercially made dog food recipe that will be right for every dog.

Depending on your dog’s age and current health condition you are going to want to learn how to tailor the dog food recipes for your particular dog. It’s easy to make a weeks worth of food and put a days meal in freezer bags to freeze. No need to worry about toxic preservatives anymore.

Below I have listed a few dog food recipes,but you should take the time to learn how to select the once that would be best for your dog before you make any.

Canine Meat and Grain Menu 2 cups cooked brown rice 2/3 cup Lean beef 2 teaspoons lard — or veggie oil 1/4 cup vegetables –no onion *Supplements Mix the above. You can cook the meat if you want to, use your judgment. Serve slightly warm. *For supplements, add 2 tsp. powder and 1 tsp. oil to feed daily- now this is for a 5-15 lb. dog, and the book instructs to use double supplements for a puppy.

Doggie Quiche 4 whole egg 1 tablespoon cream 2/3 cup milk, skim 3 ounces meat –*see Note 2 ounces shredded lowfat cheddar cheese — or other type 1 whole pie crust (9 inch) 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder –optional 1 sprig parsley — chopped fine Preheat oven to 375F degrees. Wisk egg, cream, milk together, then pour into pie crust. Add meat, cheese evenly Bake for 30-45 min. Till done. Let it cool. Sprinkle fresh parsley. Note: fine chopped, any type of meat they like. Pre cooked, unless you use liver. Fresh shredded veggies can be used as well.

About the Author:
 Mail this post

Popularity: 15% [?]

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Written by Michael Considine in: Dogs | Tags: , , , ,
May
31
2009
0

Animal Hospitals Speak Language of Dogs, with English as a Plus

Nearly all veterinarians understand the language of dogs. He or she will be familiar with a wagging tail as a gauge of the greatest happiness, the patter of paws as enthusiasm, a tilted head as an effort to hear and comprehend, and a guttural snarl as a forewarning to stay back.

A dog’s body language and other spontaneous messages put forward a wealth of information to his or her veterinarian. That line of communication will likely be open continuously.

However, when communication between the veterinarian and dog owner is impossible, any riveting conversation initiated by the dog is deemed useless. For this reason, fluid human language is precious.

When a veterinarian speaks your own language, you can feel confident that he or she fully understands your dog’s battle with constipation, allergies, heartworm, or any number of other dog illnesses. You can offer details about your dog’s pregnancy and be well received. You can express concerns about puppy care and know that you’ve gathered good information. You can ask dog health questions and get answers that not only make sense, but are fully understood.

Additionally, when providing critical care, like veterinary surgery, or administering pet medication, it is imperative that you, the pet owner, understand directives for preparation, aftercare, and dog medicine dosage. If there is a gap in communication between you and your pet’s veterinarian, your dog may suffer serious consequences.

Dog health problems are frequently discovered following a complete consultation, in which the dog’s symptoms are outlined. If you cannot feel confident that your dog’s animal doctor has understood every each, single symptom that you’ve presented, then you cannot feel confident in the care your dog will get.

Don’t be hesitant. Ask a vet and the veterinary clinic’s employees if they speak English fluently. Begin a discussion that will ascertain their claims; before making your dog’s initial consultation.

A veterinary check up or sick visit is no time to brush up on your French, or to learn some practical German. Instead, it should be a channel with one purpose in mind; your dog’s continued good health or healing. And that can only be accomplished when your communication with the veterinarian is just as fluid as the messages your dog is sending. Woof, woof!

About the Author:
 Mail this post

Popularity: 15% [?]

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

May
30
2009
0

Information on Different Dog Breeds

Fortunately, not all canines are made the same. Every individual has its own distinct characteristic that may actually vary from another and the differences in disposition and personality between the ranges of dog breeds may also differ.

You should be able to discover and determine what dog breed can be a great match to your lifestyle or to your household so that you will have no regrets of bringing home a dog. There are a lot of different dog types that are known to the world, not to mention those produced as cross-types like in the form of Labra doodle which is a fusion of a Labrador retriever and a Poodle.

Is your home suitable enough for a large dog? Obviously, knowing the size of dog that your household can handle is one thing that you should be able to think about. A large dog can have sufficient space to run and play when placed in a household in the suburbs with a large yard. You might want your children to have a pet that could be their cuddly playmate but is also sturdy enough.

Are you the competitive type of individual that you even want to train a dog that you can compete with others as a show dog? Perhaps you would want to pick out a pet that can be your best buddy as it can go with your simple way of relaxation such as watching Television all day and with size suitable enough in your apartment. In searching for the kind of dog breed that may be right for you, these things are actually practical enough to be considered.

How many people live in your home? A single person who works long hours needs to select a dog breed that can manage with lots of alone time indoors – perhaps a dog that enjoys toys and entertains himself.

A dog which can be gentle and patient with youngsters, usually with the size ranging from medium to large is a kind of dog that a home with small children is best to have. For small youngsters, a dog is like a toy – the fact that a dog is one of the pets that they might get hurt with their rough kind of play is not something that they are truly aware about.

The behavior of small kids is not something that some dog breeds can handle and would endure with but being with older kids can be a good choice for them. A dog for older adults needs to be low maintenance, calm and undemanding.

Dogs can also be divided into two fundamental classes – there are those that shed their coat or hair and those that don’t in reality lose hair at all. Dropping hair is a huge complaint of dog owners. May it be to your clothing, furniture or even to your guests who would tend to sit in any part of your house, dog hair is more likely to be found clinging on. Short haired dogs may look easier but they can shed, too. Dropping hair can be divided into those that barely shed, seasonal shedding only or constant shedding.

Both the height and weight issue are important things that you should think about when choosing the size of the breed. Smaller dogs weigh under 10 pounds, medium dogs weigh 11-25 pounds, large dogs weigh 26-50 pounds and extra large dogs weigh fifty one to eighty pounds. There are exceedingly large dogs which can weigh up to 100-180 pounds such as the Mastiffs and St. Bernards.

Does your house have those well-built furniture and furnishings that can stand any accidents dogs may cause up against them? When you are trying to make a decision with regards to the perfect choice of the dog breed, expand your view of the dog in terms of its potential size and not only as you see him as a pup. Anticipate big dogs to eat a lot of food to satisfy themselves. Bringing home a dog like a Mastiff means having to deal with a costly dog food and care so you may need another job to pay off your bills or be able to give him what he needs.

Catering to the required care of your dog is another important thing that you should think about. When it comes to grooming and care, some dog breeds may need to have a great deal of it compared to other types. Show dogs like poodles may call for a great deal of time spent in the spa as well as getting the fancy coats that even you won’t have. Even ordinary household dogs may need weekly (or even daily) grooming to keep their coats from tangles and to preserve good physical health.

A weekly or even daily grooming should not be deprived to ordinary household dogs since they might need it to untangle their coats and to keep themselves in a good physical health. Before you go shopping for a dog, make thorough study about the dog’s size, temperament, grooming requirements and other fundamental details concerning the breed. It is only you who can offer the basic needs as well as the kind and quantity of love and attention that the dog of your choice may need, so you better be aware of the things that you should know and give to live prosperously with your dog.

About the Author:
 Mail this post

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: , ,

Written by Calvin Wapasa in: Dogs | Tags: , ,
May
30
2009
0

The Important Role You Play in Stopping Animal Abuse

Hey you, yes, you! Do you know the signs to look for when it comes to animal abuse?! Do you do your part when it comes to protecting our furry four-legged friends? Unfortunately, animal abuse still exists in our world today but with education and team work, maybe, just maybe, we can make it a thing of the past.

Recognize that there are resources available to help you recognize the signs of animal abuse and to help put a stop to it. In 2008, the ASPCA, for example, partnered with a program called Do Something! Aimed at educating teens, Do Something provides an online community where teens can gather and discuss ways in which they can help make the world a better place. One of the topics covered and discussed on a daily basis is animal welfare.

Do Something provides teen friendly resources and content about animal welfare. The program is quite popular and is a huge success! Since the beginning of the program, the ASPCA has awarded ten $500 grants to teens that have taken action and implemented their very own animal welfare projects. Protecting animals is not just a job for adults; it is a job for young people as well!

If you’re wondering what “humane education” is, the ASPCA and Do Something teach us how to care for animals both in our homes and in our communities. The premise fosters respect, empathy and kindness for all beings (on two feet, 4 feet or more), and teaches responsible stewardship for the environment and its inhabitants. The one overriding goal of humane education is to make our planet a more humane and kind place to live.

Ultimately, making a difference requires action by people just like you. Does the idea of making the world a better place for animals appeal to you or your kids? Are you up to the challenge? Are you wondering what you can do to help? Every one of us can make a difference. If you’re wondering where to begin, consider some of the following ideas.

Knowing who to call if you witness or suspect animal abuse is perhaps the most fundamental step in making a difference. Take the time to find your local Humane Society number and keep it handy. More useful in a general sense is your local police non-emergency number.

Once you know who to call, know what circumstances warrant calling. Obviously, witnessing a dog being beaten represents a justifiable situation for calling, but dogs left chained outside without adequate food or water, for excessive durations or for hours during cold winter months also warrant a call for help. All you need do is youre your eyes open for issues of clear neglect or abuse.

Education starts at home! If you have children, talk to them about the importance of treating animals (all animals!) with kindness and respect. Teach them that animals are living creatures that have the ability to feel pain, joy and sadness. Educating children about the importance of humane treatment is VERY important, after all, they will take these valuable life lessons into adulthood!

Call for help if you see a person physically abusing or striking an animal! Never approach an abuser, instead, call one of your local agencies and file a report. Many, if not all agencies, will allow you to file an anonymous report. Though it is important to help animals that are being physically abused, you should NEVER put yourself in harm’s way.

Get involved in programs and activities geared towards the creation of stronger penalties. While laws may stop the abuse after it has begun, harsh penalties act as deterrents to prevent abuse in the first place. As an advocate for animal welfare, you can do your part by joining such movements as the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade and writing to your local legislators and representatives. If you are a real go-getter, start your own community action efforts and get some petitions under the noses of those who can make a difference.

A real difference can be made by ordinary people just like you. It costs little or nothing to be a part of something bigger. Be aware, educate yourself and your children, know what action to take and get involved in programs that can change the lives of animals for the better. They give us so much love and friendship and do so much to make the world a beautiful place to live. Don’t you think they’re worth the effort?

About the Author:
 Mail this post

Popularity: 14% [?]

Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,

Written by Ulf Merkheimer in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , ,
May
30
2009
0

The Basics of Dog Grooming

Dog grooming can be very expensive if you visit a pet grooming salon. However, you must not compromise your pet’s hygiene and overall physiological and psychological health by ignoring its need to be well-groomed. Similar to humans, dogs need to be pampered occasionally so that they not only look better but feel special.

Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on dog grooming. There are various ways in which you can take care of your pet by yourself in your own home. All you have to do is purchase some pets grooming tools and supplies and follow these tips on how to properly groom your pet.

The first thing you have to consider is your dog’s coat. Cleaning and grooming your pet’s coat is essential if you want to keep pests such as fleas from making their home in it. A critical pet grooming tool is a brush with soft bristles. You have to make sure that you brush your dog’s coat every day to prevent it from becoming tangled. Regular brushing will also make the coat shiny because it stimulates and spreads the natural oils found in the coat. By getting rid of the hair that’s dead or dying, it will cut down on the amount of shedding your dog does.

As well, you need to have your dog’s coat trimmed every month or two, depending on the breed. If you plan on doing this yourself, you’ll have to get some clippers, scissors, a brush and a comb, all designed for dogs, not humans. You’ll also need a blow dryer and towels.

Next, when it comes to bathing your dog, you need to get a good dog shampoo and soap, towels, comb, and brush. Prior to bathing, brush out the coat so it doesn’t get hopelessly tangled in the water. Your dog needs a bath once a month if it has long hair, and every two months if it has short hair. Sometimes it will need an extra bath if it’s been engaged in particularly messy activities. Regular bathing will prevent your dog from getting fleas and other skin diseases. And your dog will smell fresh and clean.

Nail clipping is another important component of grooming your dog. A dog’s nails are continuously growing, and if they’re long they can more easily do damage to your carpet and furniture. They might also break off, which would be painful for your pet. So you need to trim your dog’s nails on a monthly basis. This isn’t like clipping your own nails because a dog’s nails are shaped differently and are much thicker. You’ll need to use a dog nail trimmer. You should also have some blood-clotting powder handy if the need arises.

Every couple of weeks, inspect your dog’s ears to see if there are any open sores or fleas. Then clean them using cotton balls, warm water, and mineral oil.

Lastly, it’s not just humans who need to keep their teeth clean. Your dog can also develop cavities and other diseases of the mouth, teeth, and gums. You need pet toothpaste and a toothbrush to clean the mouth twice a week.

About the Author:
 Mail this post

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: ,

Written by Kim Archer in: Dogs | Tags: ,
Wireless Dog Fence