Oct
31
2009
0

Selecting A Veterinarian For Your Dog

When your dog suffers an illness or accident, you should already know the professional to whom you will take him. Too often, people wait until the last minute before looking for a qualified veterinarian. By the time they take their pets into a vet’s office, a health problem will often have gone past the point of treating. You can avoid these heartbreaking circumstances by searching for a veterinarian long before your canine requires treatment.

In this article, we’ll describe the preliminary steps that you should take and the questions you should ask when looking for a vet for your pooch. We’ll also explain why it’s important that you take the time to get to know his or her office staff.

First Steps Toward Finding A Vet

One of the most productive ways to start your search is to ask friends and neighbors where they take their own pets. If you’re the only person in your neighborhood with a pet (that’s unlikely), you can also ask the local animal shelters for recommendations. Chances are, they’ll have a list of qualified professionals to whom they trust the canines at their facility.

Another resource you can use is the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). They will be able to suggest a number of local veterinarians who are members. The AAHA can even make recommendations of their members based upon their respective proficiencies in specific areas (for example, surgery). You can also search for a vet online, but it’s far better to have a personal recommendation from a trusted source.

Getting To Know The Team

Few veterinarians work alone. Animal hospitals will typically employ a staff, including one or more technicians, employees who prepare pets for the vet, and others. Invest the time to meet everyone in a veterinary hospital. If an employee is too gruff or doesn’t seem to care about the animals in the facility, you might want to continue your search elsewhere. Or, if the hospital seems dirty or unhygienic in any way, that might suggest a poor level of care and attention will be given to your canine in the future.

Being A Good Customer

Experienced vets often complain that pet owners wait far too long before bringing their animals to the veterinary hospital. In some cases, a sickness has progressed so far that there is no way to treat it with any lasting effect. Being a good customer translates into being a good caregiver for your canine. Make (and keep) appointments for routine checkups throughout the year. If the veterinarian suggests specific medications or medicines for your dog, act on his or her suggestions.

It’s also a good idea to ask your vet to recommend another professional as a backup plan. After all, he or she will not always be available. Plan ahead for emergencies.

Finding a reliable veterinarian for your dog before he needs treatment or medical attention will help to ensure his health. And that means you’ll enjoy his companionship longer.

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Written by Lawrence Reaves in: Dogs | Tags: , , , ,
Oct
31
2009
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An Introduction To The GPS Dog Tracking Collar

GPS dog tracking devices help dog owners to find their dogs should the latter get lost somewhere. Because modern GPS receivers have been miniaturized to a great extent and thanks to the minute sized mobile phone modems that are being sold on the market today it is now very easy to attach a GPS pet tracking system to your dog’s collar and in this way keep track of your pet at all times.

The GPS pet tracking device is the result of advances made in Global Positioning Systems (GPS) that were developed as well as promoted by the Defense Department in the US. Such systems are able to pinpoint the location of objects (and obviously dogs as well) with extreme precision and for this to happen the system makes use of satellites.

The options open to dog owners in regard to buying a GPS pet tracking device may be limited but that is not to say that whatever is available is not very useful. In fact, some of the options available are very smart and power saving which means that you at least will not need to worry too much about high operating expenses.

Ideally, such a device must be waterproof and in fact it should be handle more than just mildly wet conditions. Hunting dogs are going to put the device to severe tests and will in fact test the device’s resilience to the maximum. So, it pays to use the most robust and durable device.

A third important consideration is understanding the location of the antenna. This is especially important because a GPS pet tracking collar can have issues with its signals; more so when the antenna is located in the chest region of the dog. Ideally, the antenna must be located at a higher level because only then will it be able to send stronger signals. So, review various options before making your final decision.

The base station doubles up as a battery charger and when it receives information that the batteries in the GPS pet tracking device have started to run low will immediately turn off all components barring the antenna in order to conserve power.

Other GPS pet tracking devices might even come equipped with the ability to operate in a radius of a mile in each direction and in addition they will even be operable in any part of the world – even when there is no cell phone coverage in an area. Still other devices are able to display information on an LCD screen that informs the dog owner about the dog’s precise location that is displayed along with his current activities and also the velocity at which your pet dog is moving.

For the GPS dog tracking device to work you will need to ensure that your pet dog wears a collar into which a transmitter has been fitted in it. This transmitter will send an alert to the dog owner whenever the dog strays out of a pre-designated area.

A dog is a man’s best friend and he does (unquestioningly) brings much joy to every home; spending some money on buying a GPS dog tracking collar is but a small price to pay for all the love and company a dog provides.

Get the truth before you put a microchip in you dog! Learn why a GPS Dog Tracking is much better than a microchip. To learn more visit http://www.lovemypetsgps.com

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Oct
31
2009
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Benefits Of A Pet Safe Fence

Dogs are some of the most playful animals out there, so it’s no surprise that they are one of our favorite pets. If you are moving to a new home that doesn’t have a fence already put up, you may want to consider a pet safe fence to ensure that your pooch remains safely within the confines of your yard. Price is nothing to worry about either, as one of these fences will not leave a big dent in your wallet either. They are generally much more affordable than full-sized fences, and are more likely to keep them in the yard as well.

One of the most effective solutions is to actually construct a fence with a gate for your dog. These fences can either be made of brick, wood or any other building materials. Once they are properly installed and the gate is locked they will prevent your dog from running outside the boundaries of your yard. While this can keep your dog from running away or chasing after people you can not install these types of fences in every neighborhood. Putting up a standard large fence may not be an option in your area.

A pet safe fence is your only option if you can not set up a traditional fence. Basically what this system is is a set of wires placed above or underneath the ground around lawn, and they function through an electronic collar and a receiver. How the system operates is straightforward. If your dog goes towards the border the wire, it will send a signal to the receiver on the collar, which will in turn send a gentle shock to your dog and keep them from coming any closer to the edge of the yard.

After some time, your dog should stop trying to get outside of the yard. This can be reinforced if you take the time to train your dog not to attempt to leave the boundaries of the home. These fences can allow your dog to feel free and can take a load of worry off of your shoulders since you will not have to worry about their safety.

If you are worried that your dog may get out and either get injured or hurt someone else, then you should invest in a pet safe fence to keep them safe. This will prevent accidents from happening, and give you with a solid peace of mind.

There are just some places you can’t get a wooden fence installed. If this is the case for you, then another option is a pet safe fence.

categories: pet safe fence,safe fence,pet fence,fences,home improvement,animals,pets,dogs

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Oct
31
2009
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DIY Dog Training

Looking after a new dog not only entails giving it food and shelter, but also being able to train it to adjust to its surroundings. It should be able to coexist peacefully with you and even the strangers it meets on the street when you take it out on walks. Dogs are not born with good behavior. It has to be instilled upon them. There are only a few basic rules when it comes to teaching dogs to be good pets in and outside the home. These are guiding principles that should show you how to help your dog learn.

There are about four kinds of thinking when teaching dogs. The first one is to leave it to do as it please when you’re out for a walk provided it cooperates. Guess what? It’s unreasonable to leave it to the dog to know better. It will walk you instead. You’ll find yourself following a dog that goes to any direction. That is fundamentally wrong because as the pet owner, you should assume authority and responsibility for your dog. You are supposed to be the one leading and not the one following. You can’t just let your dog do whatever it wants. It will try to push the limits every chance it gets.

Trainers would encourage good behavior by positive reinforcements such as the use of praise and treats. Praising a dog that deserves it is good and encouraging. Doing it too much would be distracting if you are still in training. It would make the dog forget you’re still in the serious business of training it.

Giving treats is a classic and works pretty well with animals that exert a lot of energy doing tricks such as seals and dolphins but you’re only teaching a dog to sit or behave a certain way around people or other dogs. It may not have a voracious enough appetite to find the treats rewarding especially when you’re training it after dinner.

The best way to teach your dogs is to first assume the alpha dog position. Dogs do have a sense of hierarchy in a group. When you are the group leader, you have the authority to tell the dog how to behave and watch itself. Remember, you have to be seen as the leader so it follows your verbal and non-verbal commands. No amount of begging would bring a dog back when it places itself in danger such as running into the traffic on the road.

Find out more about dog training problems to easily and effectively train your dog. James K. Bosley will give you many more potty training problems & essentials about training your dog correctly.

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Written by James K. Bosley in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Oct
31
2009
0

Dog Food Labels – What Are We Really Feeding Our Dogs?

All commercial pet food is regulated by the AAFCO. This agency sets the standards and does the testing on the ingredients that pet food manufacturers use in their food products. Because of the number of different food products and ingredients used, these standards can be somewhat vague. This gives manufacturers much leeway in meeting up to these standards. So having the AAFCO stamp of approval on a dog food label does not mean that the ingredients used to make that product are good for our dogs.

There is much information found on a dog food label. Much of which is difficult to understand. So how are we to know what we are actually buying? How can we tell what is the best dog food and what is a poor quality product. In order to tell the difference we must learn how to correctly read what we are being told on the label.

Because of the constant exposure to the marketing tactics of pet food manufacturers, many of us have are loyal to a certain dog food brand or product name. We have been led to believe that this brand has high quality food products. The first rule to remember when reading a label is that if the product label mentions an ingredient such as “beef chow” for example, then that product must contain 95% of that ingredient by weight if the product is a dry product and 70% if it is a wet or canned product. If the label includes words such as “dinner” or “formula” then only 25% of that ingredient is required.

The ingredients of a particular dog food product are listed by weight in descending order. So if we were to read the ingredients of say a “chicken dinner” product, then by the percentages mentioned above, the chicken is only 1/4 of the product and therefore probably not the main ingredient. The main ingredients are more likely to be corn and bone meal. Both are undesirable as main ingredients and are mostly found in generic or discounted brands.

In many cases the main ingredient is not mentioned in the title. Instead we see such words as “flavored” as in “chicken flavored.” There is no set required percentage for these items. We will also see the words like “Premium” or “Natural” on the labels. Premium dog food is a worthwhile product to checkout. Most premium products do follow the AAFCO standards for a nutritionally balanced dog food product. “Natural” just means that there are no artificial ingredients such as colors, preservatives and flavors in the product.

An easy way to determine if the dog food you are buying is of good quality is to find the fat source ingredient on the content list. Look for such ingredients as beef fat or chicken fat. Ingredients listed before this fat source are main ingredients. If there are just a few ingredients listed before the fat source the product is good. The quality of the product diminishes with the addition of more ingredients. The ingredients listed after the fat source are just food enhancers and fillers.

Because of busy schedules many of us have to feed our dogs commercial brands. By just taking a little extra time we can prevent exposing our animals to poor quality foods. If we read an ingredient that we are unfamiliar with or that we would not eat ourselves, then why would we think of feeding it to our dogs. Lets be more careful when reading those dog food labels.

As dog owners we are totally in control when it comes to feeding our dogs. Knowing what the best dog food is, what are the right dog food ingredients and what dog food nutrition they provide can sometimes be overwhelming. Find out more about commercial and homemade dog food recipes by visiting www.onlinedogfoodrecipes.com.

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Oct
30
2009
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Should You Invest In Dog Health Insurance?

The relationships we share with our pets are often irreplaceable. Their companionship and constant presence can be both soothing and invigorating. Unfortunately, pets suffer health issues and occasionally require costly medical attention in the same way people do. When an emergency occurs and it becomes necessary to visit the veterinarian, many owners are stunned by the costs of performing tests and procedures. If they are unable to afford it, the alternative can be heartbreaking. Pet insurance was created to provide owners with an alternative.

Today’s article will focus on how this unique breed of coverage works. We’ll describe what you can expect after investing in a policy for your dog and how it can reduce the costs of veterinary care.

How It Can Reduce Veterinary Costs

Medical care for canines has come a long way over the past 20 years. Many procedures that are common today were not even possible a few decades ago. As a result, dogs can live longer, healthier lives and receive treatment for a variety of illnesses and disorders that would otherwise have deadly consequences. Of course, as with medical attention for people, the costs of veterinary care have skyrocketed.

For example, a condition called “bloat” (also referred to as gastric torsion) might cost more than $5,000 to treat. Because the condition is life-threatening, an owner who cannot afford treatment may be forced to euthanize his canine. Even a relatively minor leg fracture can cost several hundreds of dollars to set.

To be sure, performing tests and providing treatment for your pooch can be expensive. That is the reasons dog health insurance was created. It allows owners to invest in a policy that helps allay the high costs of veterinary treatment. If your dog becomes sick or is injured, the policy covers the expense.

It works in a similar manner as your health insurance policy. When you visit your veterinarian, he or she will present you with a bill covering the procedures that were performed on your canine. After you pay the bill, you would file a claim with your pet insurance provider. Your provider would then review your claim and send you a check to reimburse you for the treatment provided by the veterinarian.

Is It The Right Decision For You?

Only you can know whether your budget is able to accommodate the premiums attached to a dog health insurance policy. In truth, the premiums are usually slight, especially when compared to the amount of coverage a policy offers. Given that a large portion of veterinary care is attributed to unexpected circumstances (i.e. injuries, sudden onset of illness, etc.), it’s an investment that every owner should at least consider.

The worst possible scenario is to find yourself in a situation that forces you to choose between absorbing a significant veterinarian bill or allowing your pooch to perish. A dog health insurance policy can help you avoid that tragic circumstance.

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Written by Lawrence Reaves in: Dog Health | Tags: , , , ,
Oct
29
2009
0

Are You Interested In Potty Training Puppies?

Chances are if you are reading this article then you are trying to learn about potty training puppies. As pet owners the last thing that we enjoy is potty training puppies; however this is something that we can not ignore.

When you decide to get a new puppy then it is important that you begin learning about training her. Many people do not understand the importance of learning about potty training puppies and how it can make their pup better.

If you have joined the ranks of millions of other people who have decided to become pet owners then you definitely want to read this article. Your pet is counting on you to teach her the difference between right and wrong and it is up to you.

Unfortunately many people find themselves having difficulty with puppy obedience training. If you want to avoid any types of dog behavioral problems; then you will want to begin understanding how important this training can be. You should also consider this a great time to begin bonding with your new pet.

Every pet owner should set a time during the day that they can take their puppy out on a regular basis so that they can begin picking up on this new behavior. Eventually the pup will begin asking you that they need to go out; however it is up to you to begin training her so that she will understand what you want her to do.

Visit our site below and get some tips and advice about potty training puppies that will help make your experience a lot more easier and quicker. You will also encounter more tips and advice about other house training tips that every pet owner needs to be concerned with about their new best friend.

Indoor Dog Potty Things You Should Know! Pet Training

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Oct
29
2009
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4 Common Questions Dog Owners Ask About Their Pet’s Diet

The meals you provide for your pooch are more important than you might realize. If he does not receive the right vitamins and nutrients, his health and vitality can quickly plummet. Once that happens, his body will become far more susceptible to diseases, viruses, and other problems.

Fortunately, making sure your dog receives the food he needs is simple, especially with the packaged formulas available at most pet supply stores. Even so, many owners remain confused regarding their canine’s nutritional needs. In this article, we’ll offer simple answers to questions you might have about your pooch’s diet.

Question 1 – When Should I Transition My Pup To Adult Food?

If you own a puppy, you’ll already know how energetic they are and how quickly they grow. Puppy food is specifically formulated to give puppies the vitamins and nutrients their bodies require for that quick growth. However, it’s inappropriate once they reach a certain age. You should transition your pup to adult food once he has reached 90% of his expected full-grown weight. Usually, this happens at nine or ten months, so watch the calendar.

Question 2 – Which Brand Is The Best?

Worry less about the brand you purchase for your canine and more about whether he’s receiving the ingredients he needs. There are several popular brands (including Waltham, Iams, and Purina) that are generally considered to be good. However, it’s more important to consider the type of protein, fat, and vitamins your pooch requires. And that depends on his age, weight, and overall health. If you’re uncertain, ask your dog’s veterinarian for suggestions.

Question 3 – How Much Is Enough?

Every breed is unique and even canines within the same breed have different nutritional needs. The volume of food you give to your dog during each meal will depend largely on his life circumstances. Is he a puppy? If you own a female, is she pregnant? Is your pooch energetic, bounding at every chance to go for walks. Or, is he content to sit on the couch all day? And of course, his size and health both play key roles. Again, consult the veterinarian to design a meal plan that is appropriate for your dog.

Question 4 – Does My Dog Really Need Meat?

This might surprise a lot of owners: your canine does not necessarily need to consume meat in order to be healthy. As long as he has a plentiful source of protein, he can remain in great health as a vegetarian. Having said that, you should talk to your veterinarian before taking meat off your pooch’s menu. He may have additional insight that is specific to your canine.

Creating a nutritious menu that provides the right blend of protein, fats, vitamins, and nutrients for your dog takes planning and dedication. But, once you establish a routine, you’ll find there’s rarely a reason to change it.

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Written by Lawrence Reaves in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , ,
Oct
29
2009
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Things To Think About When Buying Dog Supplies

Pay equal attention to the food of your dog as you would do for your baby. Below are some tips that can help you in buying proper accessories for your dog.

Food

A strong emphasis has to be give to Dog’s need in buying food for him. The selected food should carry an ideal balance of minerals and vitamins for small puppies. On the other hand, sporting dog should be given a diet, which can maintain his energy and fitness. However, for older dogs, the food should have low calories so as to avoid any addition in the weight. Money should not be the first priority when you are buying food for your dog. Remember, your dog’s health will depend on the food he eats.

Leashes and Collars

Considering your dog’s weigh is a key while buying collars for him. You should also consider the collar material. You can buy the nylon collar if your dog is water friendly, since it is durable and light. Else, to provide your dog with tough looks, you can buy leather collars that are extremely durable and can also be used with spikes.

You can find the dog leashes in nylon, retractable, cloth and leather styles.

Toys for your dogs

Your dog’s safety should be given the top most priority when buying toys for him. You have to strike a perfect balance of the toys’ size, if you want to want your dog’s complete safety. Select a toy which should be of a larger size so that it can’t be swallowed by your dog. Whereas, it should not be that large that your dog can’t even grip it..

If your dog is chewer then ensure that the toy you buy for him should be durable. You can go for vinyl and latex dog toys, if your dog is not a serious chewer.

Train your dog

It is important to be consistent and humane while training your dog. If your dog has a not so serious chewing habit, you can use whistles, harnesses and bitter-tasting sprays to remove it. In case of a serious problem of chewing, use dog bark collar or an electric fence.

You can also go through various training books that are available in the market. Through these, you will get to know different ways of training your dogs.

Dogs medication and health items

In order to protect your dog from pests, give him tick and flea infestation control medications. You can go for brands like Advantix, Advantage and Frontline.

Never ignore your dog’s dental health. Keep Dog toothbrushes, toothpastes, and even toys maintain good dental health of your dog.

The above tips will allow you to take good care of your pets.

Buying the appropriate dog kennel supplies are essential for the well being and comfort of your pet. If you are thinking of having a sizable pet then a large dog kennel is the ideal choice for you.

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Oct
29
2009
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In What Situation Would I Crate Train My Puppy?

There are a lot of misconceptions concerning crate training. Many mistakenly believe that it is negligent and even cruel and that you are in essence locking your pet up in a cage. It is in reality a safe, humane, and effective way to train your dog.

Far from being “locked up in a cage,” crates provide a needed sense of safety for dogs. And they are multi-purpose. From helping with house training to quelling separation anxiety, crate training is one of the most effective training methods available.

Small dens have sheltered dogs for time immemorial. Dogs feel safe and protected, and crates recreate this feeling. It is as important for dogs to have their own space as it is for humans.

Because of this, your dog will be much less anxious when you are away from home. You will return home to find a happy dog instead of chewed on furniture.

As your dog begins to feel more comfortable with your home and with you being away, you may feel confident in leaving the dog out while you’re gone. Some dogs, though, actually prefer the crate.

Because dogs are so resistant to soiling their own sleeping area, crates can help with the house training process. If left in their crates for small increments, they will develop greater control over their bladders and bowels. If you have a puppy, remember that they may be too young to hold it, so only keep them in the crate for little stints at a time.

Puppies want to please you, but their bodies may not be developed enough yet. When you keep your puppy in his crate at night and for periods during the day, ample exercise will help with house training. They need enough time and opportunities to relieve themselves. They also need to stretch their legs and expend some energy.

When training your dog, a crate can be your best ally. If you use it correctly, you will help create a safe environment for your dog. Do not use a crate as punishment, however. It should be a safe haven, not a place for discipline.

Here are some tips to get you started on your crate training process:

You can choose crates that are made from plastic or metal, depending on how you will use the crate and what works for you. The important thing is to choose the correct size. Your dog should be able to turn around and lie down. You may think that a bigger crate is more comfortable, but it just allows him to create a space to relieve his bowels and bladder without soiling his sleeping area.

For crate training to effectively help potty train your pet, he needs room only to sleep because dogs won’t soil their sleeping areas.

Now, you have to acclimate your pet to his new crate. If you keep it in the living room or kitchen, he can feel free to explore it while not isolating himself from you and your family. Keep the door open so he can come and go. Don’t force him in at this point.

Get him to go in by dropping treats or a favorite toy inside. You can also try feeding your dog next to or in his crate so he will have good associations with it.

Allow him to explore and get used to the crate. Then, you can guide him in and close the door. He may whine to be let out, but have him stay in for a few minutes. He needs to get used to it; you are not abusing him, you are teaching him. Babies fuss when they are put into cribs – this is the same type of situation. They will adapt very quickly.

Like babies, puppies will want to get out and return to you. If you cave in with a baby, he won’t learn to sleep on his own. If you give in to your pet, he won’t learn to stay in the crate. Ultimately, it is very beneficial to him, so stick with it. When he stops whining, you can let him out for a walk or some play time. Start with several minutes of crate time and progress gradually. Always take him for a walk or let him out to play before and after crate time.

Some dogs are hesitant to go into the crate, and it may take several sessions before he is comfortable. Continue luring him in with treats. Then, sit by the crate and let him know you are there. After a few minutes, go to the next room.

After a period of about ten minutes, come back into the room. You can sit or stand by the crate to let your dog know you are back. Work on this until you are away for about thirty minutes at a time. He’ll quickly become used to you being gone, and you can put him in his crate when you leave the house.

Dogs typically respond to the safety and security of their crates very quickly. If your dog is reluctant, take the time to get him used to the crate. It will make him more happy and secure, and you’ll feel better knowing your pet is content even when you are not there. It also is tremendously helpful in several aspects of training, so it is worth the time and effort it takes to help your dog get used to his crate.

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Written by Brad Morgan in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , ,
Wireless Dog Fence