Pets Caring Information

How to Choose a Dog for Children

2007-03-18T09:45:00.002-07:00

Since having a dog is such a common thing, do you really need to know anything more than how much it costs?
Well, how did you choose your car, or your home? Did you consider the cost, safety and suitability for your family? Of course you did. If you heard stories of a particular car that was susceptible to causing accidents or that a neighborhood was known for its rough occupants you would find something that was safer.
If the car or home was too expensive to maintain, it would impact your decision, as would the size of the vehicle or how many bedrooms the house had.
However, many people bring home a dog that they have spent no more time in choosing than selecting oranges at the grocery store. Although we hear stories of dogs attacking children and perhaps know of people who got rid of dogs after they grew too large for the apartment or destroyed property, as a group, parents still choose to bring dogs into their families with little instruction or research.
The truth is, most families with a dog will never deal with the terrible situations we hear about on the news. Dogs love people. Most dogs love children. Children and adults love dogs and it is very doubtful that after thousands of years the connection between canine and humankind will be broken.
What does need to be considered is how to make the best possible environment for your children and dog so that you don't need to worry about unexpected tragedy or the sad disappointment of giving your children's pet away.
There are many experts with various views, but several points can be generally agreed upon when choosing a dog for your family.
Find a dog that is good with children.
Don't all dogs love children? The answer is simple ? NO. Some breeds, and even individuals within a breed, are more or less tolerant of children and the rough handling that usually ensues. Selecting a breed that enjoys the rambunctious atmosphere of a family home will go far in ensuring that the children have a willing playmate and the dog is happy.
Choose a dog that is the right size or energy level.
Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a large, fenced yard? Considering the size of home or yard you have should influence your choice of dog. Some breeds are naturally larger than others. Some smaller breeds (like Jack Russell Terriers) are small but have an enormous amount of energy that can be difficult to control in a small home.
Decide on a trained or untrained dog.
Perhaps you plan to train the dog yourself. You may choose a puppy so the children participate in the training process. But how much do you know about training dogs? Are you ready for the hassles of housebreaking and obedience training? Perhaps selecting an older, trained dog might suit your family better.
The decisions you make before bringing your dog home and selecting the best dog breed for children will help your family enjoy their new pet for a very long time.
Shannon Emmanuel is a freelance writer and the author of 'How to Select the Best Dog or Puppy for Your Children'. Find out more about safely raising a family dog at http://www.best-dog-breed-for-children.com

Choosing A Rottweiler Puppy? What You Need To Know

2007-03-18T09:45:00.001-07:00

So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general tips to help you choose a healthy, happy Rottweiler puppy.
Note: These are only general tips to help you choose - especially for first-time owners. (There are always exceptions to the rule and I believe every Rottweiler should be given a chance to show that he/she can be a well-adjusted, happy dog.)
#1) Choose one that approaches you or doesn't shy away when you approach.
Don't choose one that seems overly fearful or aggressive. Don't choose one that shrinks back when you come near it or nips your hand. Choose one that seems friendly, lets you hold him/her and handle him/her.
When we went to choose our first Rottweiler puppy, I was convinced that I wanted a female Rotti. When we got to the breeder's home there were 3 females and 1 male puppy available.
All of the females however, shrank back when I put my hand near them. The male puppy walked right up to my hand and began to happily chew on my diamond engagement ring. I fell in love on the spot and have never since regretted choosing my male Rotti.
#2) Insist on meeting the parents if possible.
Meet the parents first and observe their behavior before getting attached to a puppy. Do they seem friendly, well behaved, easy to touch and get along with?
If the parents are well adjusted chances are high that the puppies will turn out the same way with proper training.
#3) Ask the breeder how many times the mother has had puppies.
The general rule seems to be that a female rottweiler should have at most only 3 litters in her lifetime for optimal breeding results. And, as our breeder told us, it's also best that she is given adequate time to recover after having a litter, before she is bred again.
If she is being overbred, you might run into some problems, health wise and behavior wise with your Rottweiler.
#4) Examine the back legs.
Rottweilers - and large dogs in general - can have problems with their back hips (hip dysplasia). Hip problems can be extremely costly to fix and heart-breaking, both to the dog and to you.
To find a dog that is less likely to have these problems, examine their back legs. The legs should not be grossly turned out (or in) but for the most part, face forward. (Again, this is a general rule)
Also, ask the breeder about the parents. Do either of them have a history of hip dysplasia? Since experts say hip dysplasia is hereditary this will give you a good idea of whether the puppy you are looking at will run into these types of problems later on in life.
#5 Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Most reputable breeders will be helpful, eager to answer your questions and know many of the above facts already (without you telling them). They will allow you to ask questions and (if possible) meet the parents to assess their traits.
They will not be pushy (if any breeder is pushing you to buy their dogs, ALWAYS be suspicious) and may even be a bit cautious about allowing YOU to take one of their precious puppies!
Ask the breeder about any health problems in general in the parents or in the breeding line, not just in regards to hip dysplasia. Heart problems? Cancer? Temperament problems? Don't be afraid to ask.
#6 Keep An Open Mind
When we went to purchase our rottweiler puppy, the breeder was - to the human eye - slightly eccentric. He was more of a dog-person than a people person and we were a little thrown off by his appearance and the state of his home in general.
But he loved his dogs.
And it was plain that he knew more about rottweiler breeding and training than most rotti owners put together. Once we got over our initial reaction and saw the way he treated his Rottweilers and the puppies, we knew that we wouldn't have any problem with our chosen sweetie.
Make sure you keep an open mind when choosing a puppy. You might walk into something you don't expect but you also might find the best companion you'll ever have!
Those are 6 tips to keep in mind when choosing a Rottweiler puppy. Good luck and remember - although they are cute now, Rottweilers grow up to be VERY large dogs. You absolutely MUST start a good training program with them while they are small (and controllable).
It will save you a lot of time, trouble and stress. For more training tips and information, check out our website at: Rottweiler Training
Good luck and have fun!
Kathryn O'Neill is a Rottweiler lover, owner and chief editor for Rottweiler Training . For more tips and information about training your Rottweiler, check out:

Lower Your Veterinarian Costs And Increase the Longevity of Your Pets Lives

2007-03-18T09:44:00.001-07:00

What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating, prevention medicines, and premium kibble was natural preventative care. Hardly.
Unfortunately the pharmaceutical companies and the pet food industry have really pulled the wool over everyone's eyes -but the wool is coming off! People are frustrated with the way traditional care has let them down and are seeking alternatives to help them not only give their pets more quality of life but longer lives. It seems as though we barely get our pets to a "settled" place in our lives before they're gone. It doesn't have to be like this.
Please don't misunderstand, mainstream care does have its place but it should not be the only choice people and their pets have. In fact, I think it's the imbalanced lean towards allopathic medicine rather than including homeopathic and naturopathic and alternative therapies that is a big part of the problem. At some point where do we stop and say, what happened to "first do no harm"?
Okay, so let's start with what preventative, natural, holistic care means with a definition of the words holistic, preventative and natural which I obtained from my American Heritage Dictionary: 1. Holistic: ?2) emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts. 2. Natural: 1) present in or produced by nature; not artificial or man-made; 3) pertaining to or produced solely by nature or the expected order of things 3. Preventive: 1) designed or used to prevent or hinder; acting as an obstacle; precautionary. 2) Thwarting or warding off illness or disease. When we put all these definitions together: the whole of the parts working interdependently, without artificial ingredients or synthetics, in the natural order of things you will then ward off illness or disease! Now that we have the definition of natural pet care in place, let's go deeper into the how to do this and thereby lowering the costs of your pet care and increase the longevity of your pets lives.
The first place to always start is with nutrition and that starts with what you are feeding your pets. My initial answer will be as species specific as you can get in a domestic setting. For dogs and cats that means that meat needs to be the primary ingredient of their food. Not kibble. Kibble isn't fit for anything or anyone to eat. There a couple I will recommend in the light of a very reluctant pet owner not being able to stomach the idea of feeding raw meat to their dog or cat, but I will say that as long as you adhere to kibble your pets will experience the problems associated with food that their bodies weren't designed to digest.
There are many different forms of feeding natural for example in dogs you can choose a B.A.R.F. diet which translates to Biologically Appropriate Raw Food and can also stand for Bones and Raw Food. This diet consists of all raw meats, veggies, dairy products, and nuts. Some adhere to strictly feeding raw meat. Some to a cooked diet of meat and vegetables. I think that you've got to decide what will work in your household and do that and any of these, including the cooked diet is far better than any form of a kibble diet. Think of animals in the wild ? they do not get kibble or pellets. Our domestic pets don't need those things either!
I feed my dog a cooked meat diet along with a natural whole food liquid supplement. I also use essential oils to thwart parasites and help with the pain in his forelegs. He came to us as a very abused, starved, neglected nearly 5 month old puppy. Through trial and error we've found what keeps him healthy, strong and happy and he is completely natural. We do homeopathic for heartworm prevention. He actually runs with me and traditionally his breed is not a running breed ? or so it's thought! So you also need to include some precautionary nutrition along with natural feeding. For horses you always need to be concerned with worms but there are natural ways like using food grade (ONLY use food grade) diatomaceous earth ?this also works well in cats, dogs and other warm-blooded animals but I prefer to use essential oils in my dog.
Next I would consider why vaccinating seems to be so important to your pets health. Let me give you just a few examples of why that could be the very thing that is harming your pets rather than helping them (information from www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com):
"Routine" vaccination has adverse side-effects, either short or long term. With vaccines that are repeated year after year, the frequency and severity of these side-effects in our pets has increased dramatically. Most of the problems involve the immune system. After all, the immune system is what vaccines are designed to stimulate. But they do so in a very unnatural way that can overwhelm and confuse the immune system." Donna Starita Mehan DVM. I believe that Dr. Mehan is saying here that while vaccinations stimulate the immune system and that is supposed to rev it up, the vaccine actually not only does this unnaturally as Dr. Mehan stated but it also causes so much confusion in the immune system that much more harm than good is done by vaccinating.
Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, Ph.D..- "Annual revaccination provides no benefit and may increase the risk for adverse reactions. The percentage of vaccinated animals (those vaccinated only as puppies) protected from clinical disease after challenge with canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus and canine adenovirus in the study was greater than 95%." Current and Future Canine and Feline Vaccination Programs. Dr. Ronald Schultz is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine, UW-Madison. Schultz, R.D. - Current & Future Canine & Feline Vaccination Programs. Vet Med 3: No. 3, 233-254, 1998 more. A chart provided in the report shows immunity levels for all vaccines currently given to dogs lasting a minimum of 5 years with most lasting 7-15 years! Don Hamilton, DVM -Yearly "boosters" are unnecessary, provide no benefit if given (will not increase immunity). Thus boosters are either a legal issue (Rabies) or a manipulation issue (inducing clients to come in for examination rather than directly suggesting an examination). Charles E Loops DVM - "Homeopathic veterinarians and other holistic practitioners have maintained for some time that vaccinations do more harm than they provide benefits. Vaccinations represent a major assault on the body's immune system.... Vaccine induced chronic diseases range from life-threatening conditions such as auto-immune crises to conditions destroying the quality of life of an animal as in chronic skin allergies."
These are just a few examples with veterinarians leading the way in sharing this information which I find interesting since vaccinations and surgeries are their bread and butter. A few of the holistic/homeopathic vets I know started in mainstream medicine and became frustrated and moved into the holistic arena so they could do their patients the most good. Feed correctly with proper back up supplementation and your pets will have natural immunities that protect them naturally from disease.
Another thing to do is to keep your pets stimulated mentally through exercise, play and training. Animals love to have a job and they love to be useful. The key to a good interaction here is training according to the natural interaction of the animal you own. What does that mean? For a dog it means approaching him or her using the "pack" mentality. For the horse it means approaching the horse the way another horse would. It all makes common sense really. Good practical common sense, do away with all these synthetics, using the natural order of things, and all the parts working together means you don't treat an illness, you treat the pet. I like what I saw Dr. Shawn Messonnier write recently to one of the groups I belong to, "I don't treat crystals in the urine, I treat the pet". That's what holistic means: all the parts working together interdependently. So not treating the symptoms but caring for the entire animal is the answer to lowering your veterinarian costs and increasing the longevity of your pets lives.
Article originally published on and for http://www.Suite101.com under the Holistic Pet Care topic.
Kim Bloomer is a preventative pet care consultant. She offers natural products and a business opportunity. She is partnered with a dog breeder and internationally known master dog trainer in their online audio pet care classes, All God's Creatures. Visit her website for details Aspenbloom Pet Care and her dog's blog Bark 'n' Blog

Different Dog Foods For Different Dog Ages

2007-03-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They also have different nutritional requirements as they age. Choosing the right type of dog food for your pet will help to keep it healthy and happy as it ages. Here are some guidelines to follow when choosing the proper dog food for your dog's breed and age.
Puppies
Most dogs are considered puppies from birth to age 12 months. However, large breed dogs (such as Newfoundlanders, Great Danes, etc.) are considered puppies up to the age of 18 months. It's important to choose the right puppy food depending on the size of your dog.
"Normal" puppies require puppy food for the first year. This type of dog food contains extra protein and fats to help with muscle and skeletal growth, ensuring optimum nutrition during this fast growth stage. Large breeds, on the other hand, require puppy food specifically made for large breeds. That's because the "large-breed puppy foods" are designed to help reduce hip and joint diseases often associated with fast growth in large dogs. Remember...large breeds should be fed puppy food for 18 months.
Adult Dog Food
Once your dog has reach adult hood (12 months for most dogs, 18 months for large breeds), it's time to switch to Adult Dog Food. Depending on your dogs size and activity level, you'll need to choose the proper food to fit your dog's lifestyle. Adult dog food should contain the proper levels of protein, fat and carbohydrates that your dog will need to maintain a healthy life. However, if you dog is very active and has a lot of high energy, you may want to feed him on of the high-energy, high performance foods. These contain extra calories to supplement the calories your very active dog burns off.
Calorie Reduced Food
Humans aren't the only ones who tend to put on weight. Dogs who are less active and don't get as much exercise as they should will also tend to become "heavy". This can cause stress on your dog's joints and muscles. "Diet" dog foods are strictly regulated by the industry and must contain no more than 1409 calories/pound of food. Don't confuse this with labels that say "reduced calorie" or "reduced fat". This type of labeling is misleading, as the dog food may still contain a lot of fat and calories. Only "lite" foods fall under industry guidelines. Read your labels carefully.
Senior Dog Food
Once your dog reaches the age of 7 he enters his "senior" years. At this time, you should probably switch to the Senior Dog Foods. You will probably notice that your dog is becoming less active, sleeps more and may have more stiffness in his joints. Senior Dog food contains reduced fat, increased fiber levels, and additional Glucosomine, along with reduced salt and phosphorus levels.
Choose Your Dog Food Brand Carefully
No matter what age your dog is, be sure to take the time and research the best types of dog foods on the market. Many cheap commercial dog foods found on grocery store shelves can actually cause more harm than good over the years. To help you make a better, informed choice, be sure to read ingredient labels, compare dog food brands, and do further research on this important topic. Your dog will love you for it.
Rose Smith is the author and owner of Caring For Canines, a web site that provides information on natural dog health care. To learn more about dog nutrition, please visit us at: http://www.caringforcanines.com/canine-nutrition.shtml

Pet Peeve: Dogs Doing Business Where Not Wanted

2007-03-18T09:40:00.002-07:00

We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really is much like a resort. We don't have to maintain the lawn, handle any maintenance problems, or deal with unruly neighbors. We can use the pool without having to clean and maintain it, we can work out in a gym without the added monthly expense, we can play pool without going to a bar, and we can enjoy many sports such as racquetball, tennis, volleyball, and basketball.
So why with all this "luxury" surrounding us would I already be in a tiff? Dogs! That's why. Many of the renters own dogs and instead of taking them for a walk on the "pet walks" which were meant for their feces. These pet owners think its okay to walk their pets around the apartment complex, let them do their "business," and then walk away without cleaning it up!
I've learned that not cleaning up after their dogs is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. First, I consider it rude to let your dog use the bathroom on someone else's property. Okay, so we don't own the lawn in front of our apartment, but we sure do pay a lease for it as well as the public areas! Second, I think it is inconsiderate and shows a lack of respect for others. Third, I think it makes the property look bad.
I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to go up to a dog owner as the dog is doing his/her business and give the owner a piece of my mind. But instead, I bite my tongue and say to myself, "As long as they aren't doing it on my property I have no right to say anything. I just hope if they do it on my property I find the right words to say without letting all my frustration out on one person."
I've even considered going up to management and making a fuss, but what can they do? They can't "police" every pet owner as they leave the house. There are signs posted through out the complex, they've mentioned this area of concern in the monthly newsletter, and it's in the apartment rental contract.
If you're a pet owner who lets your pet "do business" on someone else's property, think about this:
How would you feel if you woke up one morning and stepped on something squishy as you walked to your car? Doesn't sound bad? What if you looked down to find that squishy mess was actually a pile of dog poop? Would you be angry, irritated, or disgusted? Or would you think it was okay and just walk back in the hose to change your shoes?
Now take that stop a step further, what if your little one was playing outside on his/her front lawn and thought that pile of dog poop was mud and put it in his/her mouth? Would you still be okay with someone else letting their pet "do business" on your property?
Final Thought
Take the time to respect your neighbor today. You just never know when that respect will come back to you ten-fold.
About The Author
Alyice Edrich is a freelance writer specializing in helping small businesses succeed-on the web. Visit her at http://thedabblingmum.com for free business-related articles and information on how she can help you succeed, today. Don't forget to join her free e-zine!
Publishing Guidelines: You may freely reprint this article in a print or online magazine, e-zine, or newsletter provided you leave the byline intact, don't change the content, and make The Dabbling Mum web address clickable.

5 Surefire Ways to Show Your Dog You?re The Boss

2007-03-18T09:40:00.001-07:00

You Must Be The Alpha Dog
First, let's take a look at what a "pack mentality" means. Dogs are born into packs ? in the wild, packs are the essential social order. Unlike humans, who use a variety of political processes to determine leadership and rank, dogs sort out their social order by dominance and power. In a wolf pack, there is a Top Dog ? a clear leader who is the dominant, Alpha male. He's the Big Dog, with pride of place at the dinner table (well, if wolves had a dinner table!), first in mating, first in decision making for the pack.
Whether you realize it or not, your dog views your household as his own personal wolf pack. The pack mentality is so engrained in your dog's psyche that he will either view you as a leader - or a follower - depending on your actions. If you are to have a well-trained dog, you must establish that you are the leader, and he is the follower. Your dog has to know in his heart that you are the Alpha Dog, the Head Honcho, the Big Dog, the Top Dog ? call it whatever you want, but your dog needs to know you're in charge.
Dogs are a little like children in one respect ? they're looking for someone else to be the leader ? they want rules and regulations because that makes their role in the pack more clear-cut and understandable. It's scary being the leader ? if you're not up to it, your dog may assume the role ? because someone has to be in charge!
If that's what's happened at your house, you need to re-establish your position as the Top Dog, or "Leader of the Pack." But here's an important note: being the leader of the pack has absolutely nothing to do with harsh punishment. It has everything to do with consistency and setting limits.
A simple rule to remember (and one people have great difficulty keeping in mind) is that you are the leader, not your dog.
1. You Go Through The Door FirstEven something as straightforward as who walks through the door first can reinforce your position as "dominant dog." Leaders lead. Followers follow. If you allow your dog to charge through the door ahead of you, he perceives that as asserting his dominance over you. Put your dog on the leash, and make sure you're the first one through the door.
2. You Eat Before Your DogWho gets fed first in your house ? you or your dog? In a wolf pack, the leader eats first, and when he is done, the rest of the pack can dine. Do you feed your dog first because he pesters you when you're cooking your dinner, and it's simply more convenient to have him quiet and out of the way when you're eating?
Food is a powerful motivator that can be used to clearly demonstrate who is the ruler of the roost at your house. In no way, shape or form am I suggesting that you withhold food from your dog ? that's cruel and unusual punishment any way you look at it. What I am suggesting is that you control the timing of the food ? you should eat first, your dog second, after you're done with your meal.
3. Don't Walk Around Your Dog
Does your dog lie on the floor and expect you to walk around him? In the wild, dominant dogs lie wherever they want, and dogs lower in the social order go around so they don't disturb the Big Dog. If you walk around your dog, he will assume this to be an act of submission on your part; therefore he must be the leader, not you.
If your dog is lying in the middle of the hallway, or right in front of your easy chair, make him move. If he's on the couch and you want to lie down, make him move. Don't step over him. Just gently nudge him and make him get out of your way. You're the Big Dog, remember?
4. You Determine When Your Dog Gets Attention
Even asking for attention or affection can be seen as an act of dominance from your dog's point of view. Dogs that demand attention are asserting dominance, so if your dog gets pushy, ignore him. When you're ready to give him attention or affection or pet or play with him, ask him to sit first.Don't run after him just so you can pet him. Make him come to you when you're ready to give him attention, or play with him. And when you play with a toy, make sure that you end up with possession of the toy, and then put the toy away when you're done. (Note: I'm not talking about his favorite toys that you leave in his crate. I'm talking about play toys that the two of you use for games.)
5. Don't Let Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed
This is a tough one for a lot of people, but when you let your dog share your bed, at best you're making him an equal to you. He should have his own bed, either a dog pad or his crate that he feels comfortable in ? you can even put the dog pad next to your bed if that makes both of you happier ? but don't let him take over the sleeping arrangements. Before you know it, he'll be trying to make you sleep on the floor!
Again, reinforcing or retraining your dog to recognize you as the Head Honcho has absolutely nothing to do with harsh discipline. These are changes you can make that will change the way your dog thinks about you. And making even small changes like these can have an enormous impact on the way your dog views the social hierarchy in your home ? all without a harsh word being spoken!
Charlie Lafave, author, "Dog Training Secrets!"To transform your stubborn, misbehaving dog into a loyal, well-behaving "best friend" who obeys your every command and is the envy of the neighborhood, visit: http://tinyurl.com/6u2cj

Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog

2007-03-18T09:39:00.001-07:00

Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to take for granted that are potentially very hazardous to yourdog's health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as you know, dogs are very much scavengers and will often eat whatever they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is more like a mobile garbage disposal. It is also very important to be aware of these items since their sense of smell is so well developed that your pooch will be able to find what you may think is well hidden.
One of these dangerous household items, it turns out, is simple chocolate. While chocolate has been reported recently to be high in human-friendly antioxidants, it appears to be potentially lethal for our pets, and particularly for our dogs. Cats are mostly unaffected since they do not care for the taste of chocolate, but dogs tend to be crazy about it. Certain breeds of dogs react indifferently to chocolate. The root of the problem is that chocolate contains various chemicals which are called methylxanthine alkaloids(sometypes have more of these chemicals than others)
Sadly, relatively miniscule amounts of these chemicals are capable of causing such serious problems as constriction of the arteries and an increased heart rate. Large amounts may cause even more dire symptoms and a pound of milk chocolate could possibly kill a sixteen pound dog.If you find that your dog has eaten chocolate then by all means take note of the it's type and try to estimate the amount eaten. Then get on the phone with a veternarian or an emergency facility. Be sure that your children know how important it is to keep chocolate out of your dog's reach.
If you are not aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, the consequences could be severe. If consumption is not found within 4 to 6 hours without the right treatment, cardiac failure, seizures, coma and death could result, according to veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks.In addition to seemingly innocent chocolate, there are a number of other common household items that may seem safe for our dogs but that can be downright dangerous.
Some mushrooms, for example, can produce abdominal pain, liver andd kidney damage and amenia. So be aware of wild mushrooms when you are out walking your dog in wooded areas. Garlic may seem benign but can cause vomiting, liver damage, anemia and diarrhea so do not give your pet baby food since it can contain garlic.
Anti-freeze can shut down your dog's kidney and they tend to love the taste. Miscletoe can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and depression. Onions can causeliver damage, anemia and diarrhea. Onion can also sometimes be found in baby food. Cats are actually somewhat more sensitive to this one so keep out of the reach of both.
Coffee, like cocoa, is especially dangerous, and may cause heart rate increase, diarrhea, seizures, coma, death. Caffeine just does not have the same effect in dogs.
When outside be careful around apple and cherry trees. While the fruit is safe, the leaves and roots are not.
And be very careful about Moth Balls. it's primary chemical naphthalene is extremely toxic to dogs and can result in tremors and seizures.Concerning dog food, you should be looking for dyes and other chemicals, according to Dr. Jane BHA, for instance, which is one of the main synthetic antioxidant preservatives used to prevent food discoloration, has been observed to cause cancer in laboratory rats at certain doses. Small doses are as yet unclear but since dog food is eaten every day caution is advised.Many conventional dog food brands have large quantities of sodium to make them palatable, and this can be quite harmful to a dog. Other ingredients to wary of are dairy, by-products, chemical preservatives and artificial colors.
Ryan Joseph is a write and researcher of Pet health issues. For more information visit: http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/

Goldfish Tips - Finding Out The Gender of Your Goldfish

2007-03-18T09:38:00.004-07:00

Boy or Girl?
How can you tell whether your Goldfish is male or female? You might want to know because you want to breed them, or give them the right name before Jack turns out to be the mother Goldfish! Here are some clues that might help you sort out the Goldfish boys from the Goldfish girls:
* The female Goldfish are slightly bigger than the males and look even heavier in the abdomen when they are full of eggs.
* Male Goldfish develop white spots on their gills and pectoral called "breeding tubercles" during spawning time.
* Males have midline ridges on their undersides beginning from the back of their pelvic fins and ending at their vent opening. This feature can be absent or smaller in females.
* Males have firm abdomen while in females; the area between the pelvic fins and the anal fins is more pliable.
* Male Goldfish have longer and pointed pectorals as well as stiff fin ray, while females have more rounded pectorals and shorter, finer front fin rays.
* Male goldfish have smaller and more oval anal openings and the anal fins are not as thick as that of the female goldfish who has a larger and rounder anal opening with a slight protrude. The anal fin is also thicker.
* The spawning time is the easiest time to distinguish the boys from the girls. The female opening will look larger and more swollen as the eggs begin to ripen. She would look big and heavier. Since fish reproduce through external fertilization, you can make out when a male is ready by the white breeding tubercles and you can actually push out the milt through his ventral opening by running a gentle finger along his sides.
* There is one more obvious, but kind of time taking way to make out which one of your fish is male and female. Find out who is chasing who ? the chaser will be the male and the chased and tired out one will be the female! It's the natural tendency on part of the male goldfish to chase and nudge at a female's rear part.
Dane Stanton - www.goldfish-secrets.com
Dane Stanton is an expert on goldfish health care. To visit his website visit http://www.goldfish-secrets.com for more information on Goldfish care and other aquarium related topics.*Recommended*

The 5 Things You Should Know Before Breeding Cats

2007-03-18T09:38:00.003-07:00

The cat population is astronomical. Most experts agree that average cat owners should spay their cat, not breed. Still there are people who want to have a litter from their pet. But there's a lot to think about before planning a feline family.
Here are five things you should know:
1. It takes time. You'll have to clean the nest every day, for two months. You should keep an eye on the kittens and watch their development ? you won't have time for a holiday.
2. It takes space. It's not a good idea to breed if you have a 3-room apartment. Your family members should agree with your plan of having kittens. You can't lock up these little balls of fur. They'll go everywhere - in your partner's study, in your baby's bedroom, your kitchen, your bathroom.
3. It takes responsibility. Do you know beforehand that you will find a good home for your kittens? Some of your friends or relatives will say 'Yes, lovely, I'll take one of them'. But one or another may change his/her mind once the moment is near. Are you willing to keep the kitten that nobody wants?
4. It takes education. Have you thought about what could happen at birth? Do you know how to cut an umbilical cord? What to do if a newborn remains in its fluid filled sac? What supplies you need? How to know when a c-section is necessary? What to feed a pregnant cat?
5. It takes money. Kittens cost more money than you probably think. It's not only the food. Even if you go through pregnancy without a vet's help, you need to have them vaccinated and dewormed.
Yes, there's a lot to think about! However, if you really want to breed, make sure you get the right information, so you are prepared for the best and the worst.
ABOUT THE AUTHORMarc de Jong runs an acclaimed web site on cats and is the author of the book How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat, available through http://www.pregnant-cat-care.com. The book is filled with insider tips and tells you how your cat can deliver and raise a healthy litter - with your help.

The 5 Things You Should Know Before Breeding Cats

2007-03-18T09:38:00.001-07:00

Pet Ear Infections

2007-03-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do you spend time and money at the veterinarian's office trying to bring relief to your beloved pet, only to find that another infection appears over time? If so, you may want to try some more natural approaches to preventing and treating your pet's ear infections.
Dogs and cats have an incredible sense of hearing. To protect their hearing and prevent damage to the ear drum, their ear canals are L-shaped. The problem with this design is that it allows the ears to trap parasites, moisture, debris, and earwax, and any of these can lead to ear infections. Up to 80 percent of ear problems in dogs are linked to allergies, and earmites are often the cause of infection in cats.
The traditional treatment for ear infections is to give antibiotics, antifungal medications or other drugs. The problem with this approach is that drugs upset the normal chemistry inside the ear and can possibly turn a simple infection into a long-term problem. It makes more sense to deal with underlying allergies and strengthen the immune system so that it is able to fight bacteria and other germs BEFORE they cause infection. Also, there are many natural treatments for cleaning the ears and stopping infections without using drugs.
These are the Signs of an Ear Infection:
*Pet shakes head or holds it to one side.
*Pet scratches or rubs ears, or rubs head against furniture or carpet.
*There is a yellow, brown or black discharge in one or both ears.
*Ears smell bad or are tender or red.
The Solutions
*Clean the ears with vinegar - If your pet's ears are filled with brownish-pink wax, there is a good chance that allergies have caused a yeast infection. To clear up yeast infections, clean the ears thoroughly. Veterinarians often recommend using white vinegar, also called acetic acid, because it removes dirt and debris and helps restore a healthy chemical balance in the ears.
Diluted vinegar works well. When using vinegar, pour a small amount into the ear canal, massage the area, then gently wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton ball. Do this once a day until the ear is better.
*Stop infections with pau d'arco - The herb pau d'arco, which comes from the inner bark of a South American tree, is a natural antibiotic that quickly kills fungi and bacteria. At the first sign of infection, mix equal parts pau d'arco tincture and mineral oil and put several drops in your pet's ears. Give the drops two or three times a day for several days.
*Reduce inflammation with vitamin C - The adrenal glands produce a natural steroid that can help reduce inflammation when ears get infected. Giving pets vitamin C can help the adrenal glands work more efficiently. Pets weighing under 15 pounds can take between 100 and 250 milligrams of vitamin C a day. Cats and dogs 15 to 50 pounds can take 250 to 500 milligrams a day, and larger dogs can take 500 milligrams two or three times a day. Vitamin C can cause diarrhea, so you may have to cut back the dose until you find an amount that your pet will tolerate.
*Eliminate toxins with a healthy, all natural diet - Giving your pet a healthy, homemade diet or high quality commercial food that doesn't contain corn, additives or preservatives can greatly reduce the amount of wax that the ears produce, while also helping to boost the immune system.
*Air out the ears - Increasing air circulation inside the ears can control the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi. Trim or pluck hair inside the ears periodically to allow more air to get inside.
*Strengthen the digestive tract - Supplements such as bromelain and quercetin (with bromelain) can help prevent an allergic response in the gastrointestinal tract, making food allergies less of a problem.
*Stop ear mites with oil - When an infection is caused by ear mites, putting a few drops of almond oil or olive oil in each ear will smother the mites and may allow the infection to heal. You usually need to continue the oil treatments for three to four weeks, putting three to seven drops of oil into the ear canals each day. To help the treatment work more efficiently, clean wax and other debris from the ears before using oil.
*Try an over-the-counter remedy - One of the best ways to stop ear mites is with over-the-counter products containing pyrethrins. Made from chrysanthemums, pyrethrins are natural insecticides that are very safe to use. Just follow the instructions on the label.
When to Call the Vet
Ear infections can look and smell awful, but they usually affect only the outer part of the ear and aren't too serious. If you're unable to get to the source of the problem (especially if your pet is still scratching a lot), you will want to see your veterinarian to find out what is causing the problem. Vigorous scratching can break blood vessels in the earflap, causing the entire ear to swell like a balloon. This condition is called hematoma and must be drained by a veterinarian to prevent permanent damage.
Other symptoms to watch out for include head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes. These are signs of an inner-ear infection, and must be treated by a vet. Your pet will probably need antibiotics to knock out the infection. In addition, your vet may need to drain pus and other fluids from inside the ear!
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet productsHelps pet owners create healthy, happy pets.To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to:http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com deecaruso@cox.netPh: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665

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Pet Ear Infections