Dogs are just about the most intelligent of household pets. If you take the time to look, you will see that they have the ability to communicate with humans, other dogs and even other species. They do this with body language and voice. Their signs are made with the their eyes, ears, eyebrows, head, mouth and tail.

Their voice is obviously not the same as ours, but they use pitch in their barks, whines, whimpers, pants, growls and howls and their gestures are made with their whole body and every part of it.

You can always tell a self-assured and therefore higher ranking dog, because they hold their tails aloft. Dogs, like all other animals, including we humans, have an inborn sense or their place in society. This is because dogs evolved in packs in the wild, just as we evolved in communities. which is why they fit well into our human society.

There is a hierarchy within their group, as within human society. The weaker dogs submit themselves to the stronger dogs, which is why dogs lower their tail when they feel insecure. When dogs fight for dominance, the fur on their tails stands up and they have this trait in common with other animals. They do it to show that they are being serious in front of their adversary.

A dog that is uncertain what to do will wag its tail slowly. A bit like you or I might give a weak smile, unsure whether to smile openly or glower. They are in a process of working out whether they should accept the status quo or fight. Excited dogs wag their tails very fast and if the dog's hip wiggles along with its tail, it means that the dog is in submissive mode to a higher ranker. A pet should do that to its owner, as you have become the leader of its substitute pack.

When dogs get aggressive they show their fangs, the same as humans. If all of the teeth are visible, it means that the dog is prepared to bite or attack. We do the same unconsciously. People often bare their teeth and snarl insults, before a fight. However, they also show teeth when they smile but this is an indication of submissiveness, again as we do - compliance here meaning a recognition that a fight is superfluous.

With a dog, the number of teeth on display shows the difference between a smile and a snarl. In a smile, a dog only reveals the front teeth, but in a snarl the dog reveals all his teeth and gums and makes an aggressive noise.

Ears are a good indication of the dog's level of attention. When the ears are erect and forward facing, it means that the dog is concentrating. But if the dog is stress-free, its ears will lie flat. However, some breeds do not have as much control over their ears.

Dogs bark to protect their territory, which comes to mean their boss' territory, which should mean your property. However, barking is their normal speech so you will have to learn the difference between friendly play barking and aggression in your dog. It is pretty apparent though.

Observation of your pet is the key, because, although all dogs are the same as in all humans are the same, there are small differences. They are not difficult to learn, just spend some time with you dog and keep your mind open and it will become very apparent to you.

If you are interested in dogs or Welsh corgi puppies, or even Wales in general, go to our website at Welsh Products Online

• Dog Mange and How to Diagnose It Mange is a problem that many animals experience in particular dogs and cats. It is surprisingly often seen, but is also easy to diagnose. Here we take a look at the way in which mange occurs, how to understand mange in pets and how it should be dealt with.......
• The Importance Of Dog Dental Care by Moses Wright Dog dental care is often ignored by dog owners unless the dog develops a dental problem. Routine dental care can prevent dental problems. A dogs teeth should be brushed every day. Like humans, dogs can develop dental problems including dog dental disease and infections due to a......
• Prevention Of Common Dog Illnesses by Moses Wright Many common dog illnesses can be prevented. Some common dog illnesses are prevented by vaccinations that dogs normally receive. Other common dog illnesses can be prevented by the dog owners vigilance. While not all common dog illnesses can be prevented, getting the dog the proper vaccines can......
• Dog Knee Arthritis Arthritis in dogs can be due to sever different factors, particularly common are injuries, congenital defects and simply getting older, just as in humans. In dogs, even a minor injury can lead to arthritis later in life. The conditions to which some breeds of dogs are predisposed, such as......

• Key Differences Between Dog and Puppy Training [/caption]"But puppies are dogs." Many people have the same reaction to the question of whether or not puppy and dog training is really all that different. Yes, puppies are simply young dogs, but like any other animal, they are not born with a healthy set of habits and behaviors. If......
• The Different Categories of Dog Training [/caption]For many of us, the phrase "dog training" is typically associated with images of dogs jumping through hoops, shaking on command, or responding to bellowed-out German words. But this kind of "dog obedience" only represents part of the world of dog training, and doesn't really present an accurate picture of......
• Whew! A $42 office visit is a whole lot cheaper than the $600-$700+ we thought we'd need to spend on surgery for our dog. My husband took him back to the vet's last night for a follow-up visit, and it turned out that the steroids they gave to reduce inflamation actually......
• Humour in Spirituality A lot is said about humour in a limited way, but in fact humour like beauty is truth. We can find humour in all things, because in fact there is truth and beauty in all things. Just some might not be to our personal taste. In fact, when we call......

Written by Owen Jones using tags: animals, communication, Dogs, education, environment, evolution, fauna, happiness, history, how to, mammals, other, uncategorized

Border Terrier's are known for their jumping ability and agility. They are very intelligent with a level temperament. Many times you will see Border Terrier's as therapy dogs due to their capacity for independent thinking.

Border Terriers have an amazing ability to jump to great heights despite the shortness of their legs. They were long time foxhunters used for flushing fox out of their holes. They are natural born runners and need to be exercised regularly and love to be active.

Beware of these little runners, they have been known to chase many a small animal like cats, mice and others. It's in their blood but you can break the habit if the Border Terrier is raised with the animal. But when you are outside your domain, keep an eye on them because they can disappear in a flash if something catches their eye.

Keep an eye on your Border Terrier when it comes to small toys around the house. They are known to chew, destroy and consume these little stuffed toys. Watch out for them become lethargic, they may be unable sleep or aren't interested in affection. These can be signs that the dog has ingesting something.

There are times with these dogs when they just love to sit and watch all the activity going on around them. You can be out for a leisurely walk and suddenly your Border Terrier will plop down and refuse to continue. Tiredness can often bring this type of behavior on as well.

There are a few health problems common to the Border Terrier such as seizures, juvenile cataracts, hip Dysplasia, retinal diseases to name a few. They can also be slow to anesthetize even though they are sensitive to anesthetics. They can also have a very high threshold for pain.

Border Terrier's fall in the medium size category weighing in at between 11 and 15 pounds with the females usually weighing the least. Their coats are dirt and weather resistant that requires a weekly brushing. They do shed but the weekly brushing can help with this issue as well as hand stripping a couple of time a year.

Command training with these dogs from an early age on will allow you to have better control over your overly impulsive pup. Being consistent and providing them with adequate exercise can keep them in line. Their eagerness to please and love for people makes them a good dog for family pets.

There are times with the Border Terrier where they can become confrontational although this is not typical behavior. They get along well with other animals in the house and like with most dogs, socialization at an early age can help with aggression issues. Border Terrier's have limitations that can be pushed so keep a close eye on them with other around.

Have a Dog that you Love? Check out Catherine's recommended Pet Supplies for Dogs website that only uses nature's best ingredients. They carry the most wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.

• The Little Stubborn Dog From Scotland, The Scottish Terrier by Jason McFly Originally from Scotland, the Scottish terrier is a small breed of dog that's famous for being unusually hairy and turbulent. As fanciers put it, this breed is rather unique in physical profile and very typical as a terrier. Other nicknames for this breed are Aberdeen Terrier, Scottie......
• From A Gypsy's Poacher To The World's Favored Pet by Dennis Silva In 17th century, the Gypsies and tinkers are well-known to have with them in their travels a dog that's dependable and amusing. This dog is called a Lurcher and it is not a breed but rather just a type of dog. This dog resulted from the crossbreeding......
• Protecting Your Dog with A Dog Fence Most animals have the instinct to chase after things when they see them and this can lead to injury, death, and in today's world, lawsuits. A dog owner must keep their dog on their own property and secured if they want to avoid any of this and a pet......
• Socializing Your Puppy Effectively Dogs and puppies enjoy social interaction, much as humans do. Dogs are generally friendly and do enjoy interacting with other types of animals from canines to reptiles. Of course, dogs are different just like people are different. Some dogs can be hostile with other animals including other dogs. If......

• What I'm Thankful to Have To all my American readers, by the time this column goes up, you've probably had your fill of turkey, stuffing, assorted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and of course, pumpkin pie.  I hope everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving, filled with family, food and the other simple pleasures of life.  To celebrate......
• Three Health Benefits Associated With Running [caption id="attachment_510" align="alignleft" width="160" caption="Running is good for you!"][/caption]Running isn't always easy, but the people who enjoy running do it for the great rewards: not only do they feel great at the end of the day, they keep their weight stable (or lose weight if need be), they keep getting......
• Save Time, Money and Space in Over 80 Ways If you're looking for handy gadgets, tools and various items that can save you time, money or space (or all three!) this list of more than 80 top products is just what you need. Everyone's got saving money on their minds these days. Some of us are always looking to......
• Teach Your Dog to Sit and Shake Hands [/caption]One of the most popular and common tricks to teach a dog is to get it to sit and shake your hand. Of course, a dog doesn't really shake your hand - it just presents its paw and allows you to grab hold of it. This is one of the......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative medicine, animals, Dogs, dogs and cats, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

Is your dog's constant itching and chewing getting on your nerves? Well, did you know that your dog could actually be allergic to fleas? Their chewing and scratching is a nuisance but can you imagine how uncomfortable they must feel?

This allergy can start as early as a puppy but can also manifest itself at any time in a dog's life. Adult fleas do the biting but they cannot live for long if they are not on your cat or dog. Well, that makes me feel just a little bit better.

Did you know that adult fleas are the only ones that bite? Once they fall off the host dog or cat, they don't live. That's good to know, however, the process continues because the adult flea leaves behind eggs that will hatch and continue the process.

If you want to keep your dog flea free, then you need to continue treatment. The symptoms can be painful to the dog and an annoyance to the owners. This chronic condition left untreated can lead to behavioral problems in your pet as well.

Symptoms of an infestation will include chewing and scratching. Check your pet for signs of fleas or flea dirt by using a flea comb. If there are no visible signs of fleas, your vet might recommend testing for mites.

Fleas can also bite humans so if you think you might have an infestation in the house or yard, it's best to treat those areas as well. Really it only takes a couple of bites to set your dog's flea allergy in motion. Treating the dog without treating the home or yard can just lead to another infestation.

As you can imagine, this condition can be very painful for your dog with the chronic itching. Diagnosis and immediate treatment is critical to relieve these symptoms. Flea dips and shampoos can be used as well as a topical applied to the knap of the neck used monthly are extremely useful.

Quick diagnosis and treatment will help relive your dog from his suffering. Chewing and itching along with hair loss are sure signs of a flea allergy. Additionally you might see lesions in numerous places over the dog's body.

Remember that continuous treatment is necessary to keep your dog flea free. Initially you might have to give your dog a couple of dip baths before you notice the fleas disappearing as well as treating the interior of you home. You owe it to your pet to be diligent in the battle to rid them of fleas, and they will appreciate you for it!

Have a Pet that you Love? Visit Catherine's favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs online store that uses nature's highest quality ingredients. They have the most wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos available.

categories: dogs,dogs and,cats,pets,mammals,animals,recreation,alternative,medicine,medicine,animals

• Phobias And Anxieties In Dogs As humans, when we are faced with an outside danger we tend to do one or all of three things. Our first reaction is to fight, flee or freeze. These are basic survival instincts that we are born with, just like our pets. Does you pet exhibit any of these......
• How To Rid Your Dogs And Home Of Dog Fleas by Ferdinand Emy Dog fleas are excellent jumpers, which allows them to hop onto a new host animal easily. There are numerous ways to remove dog fleas from your home if you find yourself facing an infestation. There are many species of dog fleas, although the most notable type to......
• Treating Dog Fleas by Moses Wright Dog fleas are perhaps the most common dog health condition. Treating dog fleas can be difficult especially if the treatment of the flea infestation has been delayed. Dog fleas are parasites that bite the dog in order to feed. Fleas can be picked up by the dog......
• 5 Ingredients For An Improved Life With Your Dog - From Fetch to Food to Frontline Flea Medicine by Jessie Wales From special time and exercise, to proper grooming, medical aid and proper treatments, like Frontline flea drugs, dogs have certain wishes that you, as the owner will have to take care of. Make the maximum of your relationship with your pet by committing the time and money......

• The Puppy in Chief - a Portuguese Water Dog? [/caption] The Most Anticipated High Level Position in the White House... The most anticipated cabinet position in the Obama white house isn't chief of staff. It isn't Secretary of State, or Secretary of Defense. This one even trumps Vice President. Yes, you guessed. Chief mutt. There has been some......
• When to Bring the Dog to the Vet [/caption]The old saying that dogs are "man's best friend" certainly holds true, and that's never more apparent than when your dog needs medical help. But there's a fine line between taking care of your dog when it needs help and worrying too much about its health. Where exactly is that......
• 3 Tips to Stop Dogs from Begging [/caption]You've had enough. Every night as your family sits down to dinner over a well-earned meal, your dog seems to forget its place and walks all over you, crowding the foot room under the table and climbing up when it sees you have some food. Why do dogs do this,......
• 3 Common Dog Training Mistakes [/caption]Although there are plenty of strategies that have been formed to train dogs, many people agree that there are a few principles to follow in almost every case. As our awareness of dogs and their behavior expands, these principles are reinforced, but we also learn some of the wrong ways......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative, animals, Cats, Dogs, dogs and, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

Mange in dogs is also known as Demodicosis. It is an inflammatory disease caused by a mite called Demodex. The type of mite can determine the severity of this disease.

There are several side effects of mange again, depending on the type of mite inhibiting the hair follicles and skin. Mange can cause genetic disorders; immune system problems and lesions just to name a few. Mange is not only a condition known to affect dogs but cats as well.

Demodectic mange comes in two forms. It can be localized to a particular area of the body or can be general and cover the dogs entire body. Making a determination as to which type your pet has will determine the treatment your vet will administer.

While many vets will say they do not know what might cause mange, some believe that dogs can be predisposed to this disease due to an immune system problem. Generalized mange will appear as redness of the skin and patches of lesions over the entire body. Localized mange will be around the face, trunk or legs of the dog.

There are three identifiable mites that are known to cause mange. While transmissions of two are unknown, Demodex canis has been determined to get into the hair follicle. It is assumed that this is transferred from the mother to the newborn through nursing.

Diagnosis can be made in two ways. First it is ruled out that your dog does not just have an infection of the hair follicles. The vet will take a scrape of the skin and test that or if possible, test a urine sample.

It is very possible for the localized type of mange to cure itself over time. However, the generalized mange can require a lifetime of medication and lime-sulphur dips are used to relieve symptoms. There are some cases that are just so severe that treatment is not an option, therefore it is best to evaluate this with your vet in order to do what would be best for the dog.

Once a diagnosis of mange is determined, treatment will be advised. It is important to remember that you will need to be diligent with treatment upon diagnosis to keep the disease from spreading. Skin scrapings will need to be tested until it is determined that mites are no longer found.

Remember that if your pet has generalized mange, it's best that you not breed it. Prevention can be simply maintaining a healthy diet for your dog. Regular grooming and good health may be all you need to keep your dog free of mange.

Have an Animal that you Care For? Visit Catherine's favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs website that uses nature's highest quality ingredients. They have the most wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.

• Diagnosing and Treating Dog Allergies There are a number of symptoms that are indicators of dog allergies. Allergic reactions can be caused by a variety of environmental factors, and it can be difficult to tie the symptoms to an exact cause. If you notice a change in your dog's coat or appetite, it may......
• Dog Skin Diseases -- Figure out how to Win The War On Health Of Your own Dog's Skin Dog skin diseases can also happen simply because of fungal infections and when this happens it's known as ringworm. It is possible to easily detect ringworm mainly because there are going to be a substantial quantity of hairloss and it will be circular. Dog skin diseases are also quite......
• Dog Mange and How to Diagnose It Mange is a problem that many animals experience in particular dogs and cats. It is surprisingly often seen, but is also easy to diagnose. Here we take a look at the way in which mange occurs, how to understand mange in pets and how it should be dealt with.......
• Dog Ear Infection - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention All ear infections, regardless of the cause, may have the same symptoms. Some symptoms to watch for at home that might mean your dog has an ear infection are: Shaking of the Head Scratching at the head or ears Constant rubbing of the head and ears on the floor......

• Understanding Five Different Types of Hiking [/caption] When it comes to hiking, most people don't always have the most ambitious plans. They imagine hiking as a tame sport in which you're simply crossing up a trail on a slow hill, using a hiking stick to keep your balance. But when you really get into the great......
• Hunting and Hunters Lexicon Avoidance - This is commonly perceived as a reaction by a dog to a presence or a stimulus where the dog is avoiding a task by a number of behaviors including but not limited to looking away or traveling in the opposite direction and so on. Axle - The axles......
• Global warming, Copenhagen, and risk management The Copenhagen Summit is happening right now. In view of the controversy over whether or not human activity is responsible for global warming, or if they're is in fact a global warming, both controversies having been raised by scare tactics orchestrated the conservatives, I thought it would be a good......
• Breast Cancer Diagnosis Guide Understanding what the symptoms are for breast cancer is one of the first and most important steps in obtaining a breast cancer diagnosis. There are a number of common breast cancer symptoms that can lead to a breast cancer diagnosis, including: A change in how your breast feels, or how......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative, animals, Cats, Dogs, dogs and, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

Dermatophilosis is a skin disease that animals can get no matter the age or gender, although the symptoms may vary. Usually contracted from farm animals like sheep, cows and horses, it is more prevalent in humid and warm climates. Typically, dogs with wet skin that have infestations like fleas and ticks have increased risk.

If you start to notice a yellow-crusted spot around your dog's body or head, he may suffer from Dermatophilosis. This condition is very common in cats and dogs but is treatable. Usually when you remove a crusty area, you will see a cluster of hairs underneath due to the impacted follicle.

Testing from the vet is necessary for a diagnosis. If the dog is scratching a lot and you notice pus from this area, it more than likely is Dermatophilosis. Proper diagnosis is needed to determine treatment.

Diagnosis it most important if your dog is exhibiting symptoms associated with Dermatophilosis. Take your dog to the vet so a sample can be taken and tested. If it is determined to be Dermatophilosis, the vet will prescribe medication for your dog.

The vet will recommend a topical medicated shampoo for the dog to be bathed in. Read the directions thoroughly before you begin. We also recommend that you wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

In order for medications to be effective, we must be consistent with administering them. If the Dermatophilosis is severe, the vet may prescribe an antibiotic to be taken orally. Penicillin is the norm but it could be amoxicillin or another type of antibiotic as well.

It is likely that the vet will schedule a follow-up appointment to check the dog's progress. Usually they will give about 2 or 3 weeks for the medication to take affect. Continue to watch your dog during this time to make sure that the condition does not worsen.

It is not impossible for a family member or caregiver to contract Dermatophilosis from the infected dog. If you are living with a person with a low immune system, you might want to quarantine your dog until its condition clears. If you just want to be on the safe side, it would be best to keep the dog away from the rest of the family for a time.

There are precautions you should take when dealing with topical medications. We suggest that you wear rubber gloves while shampooing your dog to protect you against the transfer of this condition. Following the logical steps will keep you and your family safe.

Have an Animal that you Love? Check out Catherine's recommended Pet Supplies for Dogs website that uses nature's highest quality ingredients. They have the most amazing Natural Organic Dog Shampoos available.

• Pet-Friendly Communities - How To Find Them Many people love having pets. These creatures can bring great advantages for his or her owner. Each time when you are stressed, their presence help you calm down. They have the power to take away your loneliness. When no one is at home, they can be the right company.......
• Dog Harnesses or Dog Collars? Which Works Best? As a dog owner you may be wondering whether the dog collar or dog harness is best. There always seems to be a question of which tool is best for walking, training, etc. They both have benefits, but which one is the superior of the two? There are several......
• Pet Stairs: Not Only For Old Or Disabled Dogs! by Bella Holly In America alone, do you know how many households have dogs? About sixty three percent. If you think about it, that equals to about seventy million households! Yes, there is no denying that dogs are our best friends. They constantly crave attention from their family and they......
• How to Recognize if Dog Coughing is a More Serious Illness If you hear your dog coughing it may or may not be a significant sign. If however that coughing is prolonged and / or followed by the production of mucus, then it might be a warning sign indicating that your dog might be infected with kennel cough. This is a......

• Benefits of Using a Personalized Dog Collar Personalized dog collars are now becoming quite a trend for dogs because of the many benefits they offer. With a personalized dog collar, the owners can look after their dogs much carefully and will not allow them to be lost easily. Finally, your dogs will become part of your family......
• College Savings Plan Contributions Instead Of Gifts Grandparents have a unique way of spoiling their grand kids. I can't say much; my grandparents doted on me quite a bit when I was young. Now that I am a father, I can certainly understand why. But in our efforts as parents and grandparents to give our kids everything......
• Animal’s Power We can all learn from animal’s power and to be more like the traits in the animals as they are in their pure form. It brings out good things in us as we have similar power in ourselves. Thus we were able to domesticate previously wild animals. When you sought......
• The Basics of Dog Training [/caption] For those of you who are considering getting a dog or who have recently brought a dog into your home, it's already time to start wondering about dog training. But in order for you to effectively train and raise your dog, you're going to have to know the fundamentals......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative, animals, Cats, Dogs, dogs and, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

Making the decision to have a dog or cat is a big step. As pet owners, most of us treat our pets like our children. If we don't have children, then for most of us, our pets are our children.

I have known many people over the years that have had pets prior to kids as a trial run before children. When you think about it, pets can require a much longer commitment just because they don't grow up and move out. This sheds a whole new light on getting a pet right?

I don't think people think about how long of a commitment it is to raise a cat or dog. Some can live 20+ years. That's sometimes longer than our children stay with us and you are feeding your pet, taking them to the doctor and boarding them when you take a vacation.

At least with children, there comes a time when they can stay on their own. Then they move away and go to college, eventually marrying and finally starting their own life with someone else. Well, I know that children do come and go and are always going to need us to some extent, but cat's and dog's can't survive without us.

Loving your pets is what we do unconditionally. But had we realized that we were actually taking on a longer commitment then our children per say, this might have made us rethink that decision. Our pet can bring us great joy and companionship, but they are always there.

Don't' get me wrong; I would not trade either my cats or dog for anything. But when my daughter wanted the cats, little did I know that she would be gone before they were. Now, here I am, my daughter's off and enjoying her life of carefree comings and goings and I have to hire a pet sitter.

I never realized it until now. It's funny to me remembering when my daughter was becoming increasingly independent and getting ready to venture out on her own. I felt sadness that she would be leaving soon, but now realizing I have the cats to keep me company is a blessing.

All our pets desire is food, affection and a warm lap to sit in. Love your pets like you've loved your children and they will be there for you when the kids have come and gone. They are all gifts and we can't keep them forever, but we are lucky enough to have them for a time and that is the true gift.

Now this should make you think long and hard about your decision to get a pet. As long as you realize that getting a pet is just like a child, a lifetime commitment, then you can make the responsible choice for you and your family. Just remember that the pets can last longer then your kids, but the kids will always come home.

Have an Animal that you Care For? Check out Catherine's favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs online store that uses nature's best ingredients. They have the most wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos available.

• Choosing A Pet GPS System by Adam Webster A pet GPS system is a worry free way to ensure that your pet is safe. Each day the newspapers are full ads from people who have lost a cherished pet and are willing to do anything for help in finding them. It is a sad situation......
• Here is a Method That is Helping Dogs to Live Longer You now have had a dog for about 2 years you say. So you are fairly accustomed to giving it good care. You water and also feed it on a daily schedule, and you take good care of its coat too. But you are asking for advice on how......
• Smart And Uncomplicated Tips For Choosing A Kid-Friendly Dog Getting a family dog is a very big and important decision and not one to be taken lightly. One needs to think about a whole range of different characteristics of the type of dog that will fit into the family as well as protect the family from harm. You......
• Pet Steps - A Necessity For Cat and Dog Owners by Bella Holly The health of your pet is very important to you, right? You worry about their teeth, their diet, and make sure that they get adequate exercise. If you are like many people, you consider them a natural extension of your family. If this fits your feelings toward......

• Third Edition of Your Pet Monthly: August 2009 [/caption] Welcome to the third edition of your pet monthly. We have several great articles to share with you today. Be sure to check them out! Family and Pets GP shares wag the dog posted at Manely Montana, saying, "life lessons learned from our dog" Jeffrey F posts the......
• How can You Apply Your First Aid Training on Dogs? No one wants to get involved in any emergency case. In fact, this is something that is never wished for and appreciated. After all, who would want to see blood dripping, witness someone who gets broken bones, or even for a short while entertain the thought that someone has just......
• what lies before us "An individual’s life is made up not only of experiences and events but also of ideas, dreams and possibilities." I came across this great quote in an odd place:  a review of "Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten" on the New York Times. Does this make sense?  Is it......
• Starting Kids Out on the Right Financial Track Many of the best lessons we can learn about personal finance are taught when we are very young. By laying a strong financial foundation for your children, you can help shield them from making catastrophic financial decisions in the future. There are some great options available out there that can......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative, animals, Cats, Dogs, dogs and, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

Is your new puppy or adult adopted dog having a problem with uncontrollable peeing during play, while excited or when it's scared? Well, this is not uncommon in puppies or adult dogs that have been abused. Submissive or excited peeing is easy to cure but you have to be consistent.

After first taking your dog to the vet for a checkup to make sure there are not medical problems; then we know that your dog suffers from submissive/excitement issues. This is very common in puppies and very submissive adult dogs so don't worry, it can be fixed. You will be surprised at how fast we can correct this behavior.

Being dominant over your dog or looking into its eyes without any peeing we can determine that your dog's issue is with excitement. However, if you are noticing that the peeing is occurring when you are scolding the dog or it's in a dominated situation then it is safe to say your dog suffers from a submissive issue. Many dogs have these problems but they are easily dealt with.

As with children, dogs work well with praise. Teach your dog a couple of tricks like sitting, stay or roll over and then reward him for his success. With a submissive dog, approach at their level, pet under the chin not on the head and naturally, no yelling.

If there are accidents with the peeing, don't respond, just clean it up. But remember to praise the dog when they pee in their appropriate spot. Rewards and positive affirmation are always the best medicine.

Having a puppy that pee's from excitement during their first year is not uncommon. Adult dogs will get excited too when you arrive home from work or have guests, but just don't react to the accident. Keep a calm tone, clean the mess and remember to make a big deal when they do go in the right place.

While playing with your puppy, he can get excited and pee so make sure you do all the playing out in the yard or in a protected area. As we mentioned before, if there are accidents, do not react and eventually you will see this problem subside. We can't use the word praise enough so remember to make sure you acknowledge the good deed.

High energy greetings upon arrival home can also set off the excitement peeing. If you arrive home and the dog is excited and jumping around, we suggest you ignore him until he calms down. Keeping the excitement to a minimum can help correct the peeing problem.

Most dogs greet you at the door with an overwhelming excitement. Do not encourage this behavior, instead ignore the dog and only greet him when he is calm. Therefore you are sending him positive affirmation that calm is better than excited, eliminating the excitement peeing.

Have a Pet that you Love? Check out Catherine's recommended Pet Supplies for Dogs online store that uses nature's best ingredients. They have the most amazing Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.

• Great Tips For Bringing A New Pup Home When individuals decide to bring a new pup home, there are a number of things that they need to consider regarding the security and comfort of puppies. A new puppy means new duties, excitement and new happenings. However, before bringing a puppy home, individuals should think about all the......
• Choosing Designer Dog Collars For Your Precious Pet You may have seen pets on television or in pictures that are presented in fancy dog collars and leashes. This is because many pet owners consider their four-legged friends as more than a pet, and more like a bona fide member of the family. With this in mind, they......
• The Easy Way to Stop Your Dog Pulling on The Leash by Craig Clemins One of the more common problems with dogs is that they want to escape. So when they are on the leash they will try to pull away from the leash. In some cases, especially with puppies you will see them trying to pull their owners along for......
• Arthritis In Dogs by Gloria Gangi When a dog gets older they have a tendency to form arthritis. Arthritis occurs when you have inflammation of the joints.Some of the things that can cause this problem are earlier injuries such as torn ligaments. You will know if your dog has arthritis as they have......

• Five Reasons You Should Treat Your Dog Like...A Dog [/caption]For many people, "man's best friend" can be like a real best friend - always keeping you company, giving you affection, and being around all the time. But there can be a negative consequence to this type of friendship in that some owners start to treat their dog like a......
• How to Really Correct Your Dog [/caption] When it comes to dog training, perhaps the most overlooked aspect of working with a dog is understanding how to correct it. It takes more than simply knowing the right way to do something; you have to be able to "translate" what you know into something that the dog......
• Boar Hunting Dogs If you ask someone that specializes in boar hunting what the best dog breed is for the job, you are going to get a differing opinion than when you ask the next boar hunter that you come across. There are a number of different characteristics that need to be combined......
• Five Tips for Increasing Obedience in Your Dog [/caption] One of the most common questions asked of dog trainers is simple: how do you get your dog to actually listen to you? Dog owners notice that while their dog certainly seems to understand some words (such as its name), it doesn't always respond to commands unless there is......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative, animals, Cats, Dogs, dogs and, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

Many new dog owners are totally unaware of the needs of their pet. They feel like they need to feed them, let them out in the yard and give them a little love and that's all. Well, there is a lot more to it then that.

New dog owners many times have one main complaint. Their new puppy is keeping them awake at night. Their solution is to put the puppy in the bed with them and off to sleep they go. First big mistake made as a new dog owner.

As we try and eliminate the problem of loosing our bed to the new dog, we are faced with another issue. The dog is not sleeping at night and spends it's time roaming around whining, barking and keeping everyone awake. Everyone is crabby and the house is up in roars.

Sometimes these dogs that bark continuously when they are not with you are suffering from separation anxiety. One easy solution is to put the dog's bed in the room with you or a family member. Moving the dog's bed or crate into a room where he is sleeping with a family member should fix the problem.

Sleeping problems can be eliminated if you will crate your dog. Training them from the beginning that the crate is a safe place for them to go at bed time is a good thing. I know you feel bad doing this but remember is a good place for the dog and can help with the sleeplessness.

If you have a dog that you just can't cure of the separation anxiety issues, some vets suggest getting the dog a friend. Getting another dog can give the anxious dog a companion and tends to help relieve the separation issues. They will play during the day while you are at work and tire themselves out.

Exercise is a key part of a dog's day and should not be avoided even if they have a yard to run in. Walking the dogs for about 30 minutes and give them some socialization which they enjoy, just as we do. Hyper dogs really do need to be worn out and playing with them in the park is a good way to do this.

Many people feel that since they have a nice big yard for the dog to run around, that they are getting their exercise. Actually the opposite happens. As you are working during the day, it's more likely that your dog is laying in the sun or shade sleeping all day.

Younger more active dogs are in definite need of exercising. As dogs get older, they will slow down but you still need to take them out for walks and socialization. Being a responsible pet owner will provide your dog with a happy and healthy life and afford you a good night's sleep!

Have an Animal that you Care For? Visit Catherine's favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs website that uses nature's best ingredients. They have the most amazing Natural Organic Dog Shampoos available.

• Mastiff Dogs Rule by Eric Salson The Mastiff dog has a long history; these dogs have been domesticated for more than two thousand years. The Romans bred the ancestors of modern Mastiff dog breeds for use as guard dogs and hunting dogs and in brought these dogs to the British Isles in the......
• Got a Pooch with Style? Get Her a Pink Dog Bed Are you getting a puppy soon? Do you already have a dog that you love and want to pamper and spoil? Do you want them to sleep comfortably while in a bed that looks as good as they do that matches their personality? If you said yes to any......
• Ingredients That Make For A Healthy Dog Food Mixture Dog food you find in stores isn't always the best for your four legged friend. Cheap dog food has been known to be more filler than substance, and can lead to problems down the road in the health of your canine. Knowing what your dog should be eating will......
• Pamper Your Dog With a Spa Day by Chucl R Stewart A dog is mans wonderful little buddy, and often times, many people like to give their dogs special treatment like like they are a human member of the family. Dog grooming is one treat but treating your dog to a full spa day is a fantastic......

• Are You in a Sleep Debt? Are you in debt? Sleep debt, that is? The average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep - a night.  Most of us get 6 hours or less. Yes, some of you need fewer hours to function at optimal level, and I wish I were in this group!  Generally speaking, though, most of......
• The 5 Fundamentals of Dog Training [/caption]While many of us enjoy the thought of being good at training our dogs, it's admittedly a lot easier to "pretend" to know what we're doing than to actually do the research. After all, we've all been exposed to the basic tricks, such as using food and treats to bribe......
• Four Tips to Get Your Dog to Actually Respond to You [/caption]If you've ever tried a dog training tip or tactic that you saw on television and realized that it's not as easy as it looks, then you're probably wondering why your particular dog doesn't seem so responsive. In some cases, it may be an issue with the dog, but more......
• Procedures To Getting Your Ex To Return Whenever a separation in a relationship occurs, there are no doubt going to be hurt feelings for both partners. You may feel sad and gloomy, and you will miss them. "How can I get my ex back?" may be a question you may be asking constantly. While there are many......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative, animals, Cats, Dogs, dogs and, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

As many of us probably already know from experience, there is a common bone and arthritic condition that larger and giant dogs are prone to. This condition can present itself early in a pup's life, especially between the ages of 4 to 10 months. This abnormal growth of bone, cells or tissue can be managed but it requires a vet's intervention.

This Dysplasia is most always found in the giant and large breed dogs. Usually Chows, Retrievers like Labradors and Goldens, as well as Rottweilers. There is a similar condition more prominent in males then females.

Males and females as we said can both be afflicted with Dysplasia. More common though in males more then female is the condition where the bone fragment is found in the inner surface of the upper ulna. This condition will be found in the foreleg just below the elbow joint.

If your dog is showing signs of forelimb lameness after exercising which in turn causes stiffness, they might suffer from Dysplasia. They can also show signs by extending or flexing their elbow away from their body. However, not all dogs will show signs or symptoms for Dysplasia.

Whatever the reason for this condition, we suggest that you seek out a professional for their opinion. This condition can be genetic, caused by nutrition or during development. That's why we suggest you carefully observe your pup to see if it begins to display signs of Dysplasia.

The symptoms can mean a number of things like joint trauma, possible infection or even some sort of arthritis. The Doctor will take x-rays of the affected limb as well as the other and run more tests before coming to a conclusion. If it is determined to be Elbow Dysplasia, then surgery might be recommended.

After the surgery, you should apply ice compresses throughout the day to help with swelling and additional medications might be prescribed. You should keep your dog contained to minimize any movement for the first couple of days. Give assistance with movement to the dog and encourage some movement.

For future reference, you can take preventative measures for this condition by not promoting rapid growth of your dog. Manage their weight gain as they grow and feed them accordingly. In addition, do not breed a dog that has been diagnosed with this condition since it is genetic.

Large dogs are prone to this condition so it's not anything to be overly worried about. However, if you purchased your dog from a breeder, better to let them know about the condition. Dogs with Dysplasia can live long happy lives; just remember to keep up with their yearly checkups.

Have a Pet that you Care For? Visit Catherine's favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs online store that uses nature's highest quality ingredients. They have the most wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.

• Signs and Symptoms Of Dogs Cushing's Disease-Have You Got A Beagle with A Pot Belly? What is dog's Cushing's disease? Dogs Cushing's disease is a common problem that affects senior pets, and is caused by overactive adrenal glands. This condition can easily be confused with premature signs of aging in dogs. Cushing's disease symptoms include: * weight gain * hair loss * urinating in......
• Black Cocker Spaniel - Important Information by Donald Russo The Cocker Spaniel is a beautiful, sweet dog that loves people. He makes an excellent pet, but presents a few challenges to the owner. General Appearance and Description The American Cocker Spaniel was originally developed through breeding of the English Cocker Spaniel. The American Cocker is smaller......
• English Cocker Spaniel: The World's Merry Cocker by Michael Berry Surely, most people can distinguish the cocker spaniel from other breeds but everyone should know that there is an English Cocker Spaniel and an American Cocker Spaniel. These two cockers may be similar in form but they are officially separate breeds. However, both of these cockers are......
• Do Turtles Make Good Pets ? Turtles fall under the class reptiles. Turtles have a total of 313 species and 200 subspecies. Though turtles can't hear, the have other forms of defense like their shell that helps in thermoregulation. The turtles mostly live in hot and sultry areas, and many of them are close to......

• Let's Stop Puppy Mills! Right, Wrong or Indifferent I am not a person who stands up for many causes. I donate money to some charities...mainly St. Jude's as well and the Brain Aneurysm Foundation...but I don't find myself being passionate about it. Recently I have been hearing more and more about the awful living......
• Seven Tips for Preventing A Dog from Biting Your Children [/caption]Even if your family already has a child-friendly dog, this doesn't guarantee that your children won't face an aggressive dog and the potential for a dog bite some time in their life. That's why it will be important to not only have a dog around the house to let your......
• Dog Breeding – Genetics Suppose breed x and breed y were mated. Both dogs are purebred and were able to meet with their specific health standards. Do you think that the breeding will result to healthier pups as compared to breeding them with the same breed? In dog breeding, this question is often......
• Working Out with Your Dog Both you and your dog need exercise in order to live long, healthy lives. You can kill two birds with one stone by adapting a workout routine that works for both you and your four legged companion. There are a wide variety of different ways that you can work out......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative, animals, Cats, Dogs, dogs and, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

Taking care of our pets to the best of our ability is the responsibility of any pet owner. However, sometimes we are not always certain what is best for our pets. One thing we do know that is very important is our pet's diet.

Dog, like humans have needs where their diet is concerned. But also like humans, some might need more or less of certain things so it's always best to check with your vet once you decide on a certain diet. With dogs having a major part in our family's lives, we need to make sure we provide the proper nutritional needs.

Something that we don't think about is that dog food for dogs have certain requirements. Being the carnivores that they are, we forget that they also need vegetables and grasses as part of their diet. Get familiar with what your dog's dietary needs are to make sure that they are being fed a healthy diet.

Back in the times when dogs were responsible for their own nourishment, their diets were different than from today. They hunted live prey and ate it uncooked coupled with a little grass and whatever the fruits and berries of the season were. Today, can you even conceive of your dog eating fresh game?

Today it is not near as socially acceptable for dogs to eat their kills. I know that it's hard for us domesticated humans to understand but dogs and cat as like most animals are born hunters. We have, over the centuries, trained them to rely on us for their nourishment.

Another thing to consider when choosing a dogs diet is the breed of your dog. In addition to breed, the function of the dog in regards to working can influence the nourishment your dog needs. Lap dogs have a different dietary need than a working farm dog or a dog breed that is from the North Pole.

There are commercial brand foods that are good for dog but be sure you buy the premium top brands. These brands are tested on dogs and they are monitored throughout various stages of their lifetime. The important thing is that they are manufactured with the right dietary needs for dogs.

Some of the downsides to commercial processed foods are that they do contain preservatives that will break down some of the nutritional value of the food. Additives are usually added to meet certain nutritional requirements as well. If you are uncertain about the food, your vet will usually carry good premium brands so check with them.

Man's best friend, that's what our dogs are. Supplement their diet with a daily dose of meats and vegetables if they are on a dry food diet. Diet, exercise and love is all it takes for a long and healthy life and we owe that to them.

Have an Animal that you Care For? Check out Catherine's recommended Pet Supplies for Dogs website that uses nature's best ingredients. They have the most wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.

• Reasons Why A Dog May Be Aggressive We've all seen excessive aggression in dogs. It can strike fear into small children and adults alike. Some breeds are more prone to aggression than others but there are usually underlying reasons for excessive aggression in dogs and your training methods will be more effective if you take these......
• Shopping for Helpful Dog Grooming Supplies Grooming your pet dog is a must especially if you consider yourself a dependable dog owner. Although grooming is often viewed to be a practical task, it also offers excellent results as far as improving the behavior and temperament of your pet are concerned. Buying dog grooming supplies allows you......
• Simple 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......
• Does Your Pet Need to be Healthier? There are many responsibilities that go into owning a pet of any kind. Many factors play a part in your pet being healthy. If your pet has ever been ill you know what heartache you feel. I remember how I felt the time my dog was ill; all I......

• Why Won't my Dog Eat Dog Food? [/caption] One of the most perplexing behaviors that new owners see in their dogs is the dog's unwillingness to eat the dog food in their bowl. While many people believe that this is simply because the dog is holding out for a better treat, like bacon, we have to remember......
• Eating Healthy Fat for a Healthy Body Being healthy is a really important component in a healthy lifestyle. What many people do not realize is that one of the most important components in a healthy lifestyle is eating healthy fat. You may not previously have been aware of the fact that healthy fats exist, but they do.......
• No Cooking?! No Problem!!! It is OK to have a busy lifestyle and no time to shop for fresh groceries and cooking from scratch. It is also okay to have absolutely no idea how to cook an entire meal. (relax, many of us simply don't have that talent..) However, It is NOT ok when you`re......
• Healthy Eating Plans for Increased Nutrition When it comes to getting healthy and losing weight, one of the best things that you can do is to add healthy eating plans to your lifestyle. If you want to lose weight, build a healthier body or just improve your general health, then healthy eating plans are going to......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative, animals, Cats, Dogs, dogs and, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

There is a condition prone to puppies called malocclusion, which means that their bit does not fit right. This misalignment of the teeth is common and usually does not affect the dog's ability to eat. However, as the dog grows older, the condition can get worse or could correct itself.

By the time a puppy is about 6 months old he should have about 28 teeth. Those teeth are sharp and pointy so make sure your small children are careful while playing with a puppy. By the time the puppy reaches adulthood, he should have 42 teeth.

This condition has minimal risks to your dog but can cause some discomfort and infection if it is a severe case. Usually malocclusion affects the dog's ability to chew or pick up the food. Causes of this disorder are mouth injuries and wear on the teeth.

We have all heard of an overbite, underbite. You will notice this mostly when your dogs closes his mouth and his teeth do not meet which creates a gap. However, the scissor bite malocclusion is one that you will not see in the flat faced dog family.

A common malocclusion in most dogs is the scissor bite. However, the Shih Tsuz, Lhasa Apsos and the Boxer breed are born without the scissor bite. Therefore, when looking for a dog like this, you definitely want to make sure they do not have the scissor bite.

It is not uncommon for puppies to be born with gaps in their teeth. These gaps will usually correct themselves as the puppy gets older and his adult teeth come in. If the problem does not correct by around the 10-month mark, it likely will not correct itself.

Your dog's overbite may worsen as the permanent teeth come in because they are larger and can damage the soft parts of the mouth. Teeth extractions are sometimes necessary. Just check with your vet if you are concerned or notice that the dog is not eating.

Depending on the severity, you might just want to consult your vet for their opinion. I have heard of situation where puppies have been fitted with braces, but I do not think I am ready for that. What will they think of next; contact lenses?

I do feel we owe it to our pets to make their life comfortable. Be consistent with their checkups and vaccinations to extend the life of your dog. After all, they are your family too.

Have an Animal that you Care For? Check out Catherine's favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs online store that uses nature's best ingredients. They have the most amazing Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.

categories: dogs,dogs and,cats,pets,mammals,animals,recreation,alternative,medicine,medicine,animals

• Professional Dog Training Will Ensure Happiness In Your Home by Chuck R Stewart Getting a puppy for your home is one of the most exciting moments for a homeowner, but once one gets past the cute factor, puppies can be more of a handful than you think. Dog training NJ style can take care of that problem solve that......
• American Cocker Spaniel: The Long Furred Gun Dog And Pet by Meredith Blake The American Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog that is a relative of the English Cocker Spaniel. This breed has developed from the United Kingdom and was originally used to hunt for woodcock, therefore the name cocker. In 1940s, this gun dog has been further......
• Dog Skin Diseases -- Figure out how to Win The War On Health Of Your own Dog's Skin Dog skin diseases can also happen simply because of fungal infections and when this happens it's known as ringworm. It is possible to easily detect ringworm mainly because there are going to be a substantial quantity of hairloss and it will be circular. Dog skin diseases are also quite......
• The Importance Of Dog Dental Care by Moses Wright Dog dental care is often ignored by dog owners unless the dog develops a dental problem. Routine dental care can prevent dental problems. A dogs teeth should be brushed every day. Like humans, dogs can develop dental problems including dog dental disease and infections due to a......

• Do You Need a Big Yard for a Big Dog? [/caption]When many people are considering getting a new dog, they have a number of things to consider, especially as it pertains to a dog's specific breed. If a dog will grow up to be big, how will it interact with the rest of the family? Is it a "country" dog......
• When is a Dog Bite Malicious? [/caption]For many families or couples, getting a new dog isn't always just fun - it can also be a learning experience. This is particularly true if you find a new dog or puppy that exhibits some behavior problems. It's not fun to have to explain to your children that the......
• Hunting Glossary Continued Choke Collar -This is a collar that is made out of leather or chain, and that is applied to the dog's neck in such a way that the collar can be loosened or tightened based on how much tension is exerted by the owner's hand. Clips (E-Clips) - These are......
• Working Out with Your Dog Both you and your dog need exercise in order to live long, healthy lives. You can kill two birds with one stone by adapting a workout routine that works for both you and your four legged companion. There are a wide variety of different ways that you can work out......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative, animals, Cats, Dogs, dogs and, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

Who would think that your job as a dog owner would involve brushing your dog's teeth? Well, dog's can have bad breath just as people do. When you brush your dog's teeth, then you can enjoy those little doggy kisses with fresh breath, not doggy breath.

Keeping your dog free of plaque and tartar buildup is very important. Also, it helps with the small of your dog's breath, which is good for us as the receiver of those sloppy kisses. Brushing weekly can work wonders on your pretty canine's smile so brush away.

One thing you might be thinking is "how am I supposed to brush my dog's teeth?" Well, since you can't teach your dog to rinse and spit, you use a special doggie toothpaste. Also, you can purchase a finger toothbrush in the dog pet supplies section of your local pet store.

Exercising our dogs usually involves playing with a Frisbee or tossing a ball or sticks. Well, these things can break your dog's teeth. It's a good idea to check your dog on a regular basis for broken or chipped teeth so you can eliminate infections which can result in large vet bills. Keeping our dogs healthy will extend the life of our beloved friends.

Catching a dog's teeth problems early can eliminate having to have the tooth pulled. Infection can lead to other medical problems for your dog so make sure that all infections are addressed early. Your dog can't tell you when he's sick or injured so be proactive with your pet's health.

Broken teeth can cause infections in the mouth that can also lead to bad breath. Remember that when you are brushing your dog's teeth, that you check regularly for anything that doesn't look right. Act immediately to make sure that the infection gets under control quickly.

Make sure when you are playing with your dog, you are using appropriate doggy toys. Teeth can get broken when you are using things that are not dog friendly for your dog to catch or retrieve. Always make sure that the item you are throwing for your dog to catch is size appropriate for your dog.

Check out the dog pet supplies section at your local pet store or ask your vet which are the best toys to get for your dog. There are many soft toys that are easy on the teeth that your dog will love. As many dog owners can tell you, for a dog, it's all about destruction.

As your puppies grow and their adult teeth start coming in, they will become big chewers. Rawhide bones are great for this time in a puppies' life. Changing out the toys as they start to get torn up is safe and will eliminate the risk of choking for your puppy.

Have a Pet that you Love? Check out Catherine's favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs website that uses nature's highest quality ingredients. They have the most amazing Natural Organic Dog Shampoos available.

• Shopping for Helpful Dog Grooming Supplies Grooming your pet dog is a must especially if you consider yourself a dependable dog owner. Although grooming is often viewed to be a practical task, it also offers excellent results as far as improving the behavior and temperament of your pet are concerned. Buying dog grooming supplies allows you......
• Symptoms and Care for Canine Dental Disease Dental disease is one of the most common problems that dogs have. Up to 85% of dogs over the age of three years usually have some degree of tartar and gingivitis. The symptoms that owners notice most frequently include: Halitosis or Bad Breath Bleeding of the Gums Display of......
• Dog Teeth Cleaning - What You Need to Know Dog teeth cleaning is something which should become a daily part of your routine of caring for your pet. Just like us, dogs can develop tooth disease; making it very important to make sure that you care for your pet's health by keeping their teeth clean and tartar free. Dental......
• Horrible Problems A Dog Training Book Will Not Describe by Steven K Jerome A quick scan through any dog training book will reveal to you that they do not tend to talk about the nasty habits your pooch will have. In my opinion there are three horrible habits that dogs have and they are discussed below. Excessive Licking Already......

• Target Clearance Finds For July 8, 2007 - Patriotic Decor, Toys, Kid's Clothes I made my regular weekend trip to Target and was pleasantly surprised to find quite a few markdowns. Now I expected the patriotic decor to be on sale since the July 4th holiday is over. I found American Flag sets including the mounting brackets and poles for $5! Also found......
• Dental Care Dogs are truly a man's best friend. We treasure their loyalty and affection. It is just as important that we care for our pet's health as it is our own. With the advent of the vaccinations and treatments available today, most dogs live long and happy lives. One area of......
• Money Saving Tips: 75 Ways to Survive Recession Regardless of how economists refer to this economy, recession or no recession, people are hurting, financially. Unemployment, flat wages and rising costs for food and gas have many hurting. Check out these great money saving tips to help your family survive these tough times. Here are a few money saving......
• Let's Stop Puppy Mills! Right, Wrong or Indifferent I am not a person who stands up for many causes. I donate money to some charities...mainly St. Jude's as well and the Brain Aneurysm Foundation...but I don't find myself being passionate about it. Recently I have been hearing more and more about the awful living......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative, animals, Cats, Dogs, dogs and, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

When your dog is experiencing minimal or extensive hair loss, it's best to have him checked for alopecia. This disorder is also known as hair loss and is common in dogs. Left untreated it can cause total hair loss and infection so early diagnosis and treatment is necessary.

Delaying treatment can affect the dog's lymphatic system or their immune system. Alopecia can affect dogs and cats alike. No matter age, breed or gender and it can be gradual so if you notice something out of the ordinary, get your pet to the vet.

Excessive chewing and symmetrical patches of hair loss are early signs of this condition. The areas can get infected quickly so you need to be diligent in seeking treatment for you dog. Early detection can keep this disorder from spreading.

One of the most common causes of hair loss or alopecia is mange. We have all heard of mange which is caused by the mite Demodex. Regular bathing of your dog and thorough checking can help control this nasty disorder.

Alopecia can show itself in many ways and for many reasons. A number of missing patches can be the result of an inflamed hair follicle. Extensive hair loss can be a more serious issue and you might need to have the dog tested. Unfortunately there is not a lot that can be done to prevent this.

Several remedies might be involved in treating your dog's condition. Everything from medical shampoos to topical creams and they must be maintained in order to control the problem. Some additional testing might be required such as checking your dog's hormonal levels to see if there are underlying problems.

Dogs are also prone to ringworms, which cause patchy hair loss and reddening of the skin with chaffing. If you suspect that your dog has ringworms, get him to the vet for treatment. Additionally, ringworms are extremely contagious so wash your hands after touching your dog's affected area.

If you are just unsure and want to research these problems first, check the pet dog supplies section at your local pet store. With so many different types of hair loss, it's best to be informed prior to administering treatment.

Our pets can't tell us when something is wrong. Let' be conscientious of our pet's health and watch for early signs of alopecia. Early detection can eliminate the unnecessary discomfort our dogs may experience with this disorder.

Have a Pet that you Love? Check out Catherine's favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs online store that uses nature's best ingredients. They have the most wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.

• Dog Allergies to Food - The Common Culprits Dog allergies to food can make a dog itch, scratch, and it cause much discomfort. All the reasons that this happens could be a mystery, but we can easily take a look at the symptoms, diagnosis the symptoms and get rid of the aggravating source in order to help......
• Dog Dry Skin - Making Your Dog's Skin Soft Like A Infant's Bottom Dog dry skin has a low level of sebum and an inability to retain moisture. Normally the skin color will feel tight and if cracked, shows a severe case if dehydration. Dog dry skin is a common difficulty and it tends to get worse in the winter months. One......
• Diabetic Dogs: Keeping The Disorder Under Control by Robert Runkel In the same way that millions of people cope with diabetes, so too, does the disease affect canines. Specifically, the disorder is called diabetes mellitus (DM). An insulin deficiency prevents your pooch's body from metabolizing glucose effectively. There are two varieties of DM: Type I and Type......
• Proper Veterinary Care For Older Dogs When it comes to the need for medical attention, your pooch is like a human. As a puppy, he needed vaccinations and frequent check-ups. When he became an adult, routine exams were still important, but could be performed less frequently. As he grows older, his need for ongoing veterinary......

• Why to Avoid Negative Reinforcement Training for your Dog [/caption]It's one of the most common mistakes someone without a lot of dog training experience will make: trying to get the dog to "avoid" a behavior by punishing them for it. But does this really work, and if it did, wouldn't it be much easier to train dogs? One of......
• Instead Of Money, My Wife Gave Her Hair To Charity. To Locks of Love, that is. And although you cannot really "write off" your donation on your taxes, this was worth way more to her than any amount of money. Her hair was really long and she was looking for a change - so she had it all cut off......
• Saving in 2007 on your pet costs, Part 2 Did you make a resolution this year to save extra money for reducing debt, building up an emergency fund, or investing?  One place to look might be pet expenses.  MSN has an article with 13 tips for keeping pet costs in check.  This post continues with the last seven tips......
• There's One Less Pop Culture Dog in Our Household The Pop Culture Curmudgeon household experienced a loss over the weekend. Our miniature dachshund, Heidi, succumbed to the treatment for Cushing's Disease. If you have an older dog who shows any symptoms of Cushing's, please get them tested. Early detection offers more treatment options and a stronger dog to undergo......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative, animals, Cats, Dogs, dogs and, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

As humans, when we are faced with an outside danger we tend to do one or all of three things. Our first reaction is to fight, flee or freeze. These are basic survival instincts that we are born with, just like our pets.

Does you pet exhibit any of these reactions to certain situations? Responding to fearful situations is a normal, routine behavior. If your pet exhibits an abnormal behavior, this can be a unlearned through training over a period of time.

There are a few ways to know whether your dog is suffering from anxiety. Excessive barking or licking; loss of bladder control or whining are some of the most popular symptoms. Separation anxiety tends to be the most common stress for dogs.

Constant and unwarranted fear of a certain sound that can cause your dog to react such as fireworks or thunderstorm is considered a phobia. These are the most common fears that are associated with a phobia for dogs. They may have experienced something in the past and are associating that with a memory causing a response.

Between the ages of 8 and 10 months your pup will experience some severe withdrawal which is normal. Dogs between the ages of 12 and 36 months can begin to start showing signs of anxiety. As your dog matures he might suffer some separation anxiety due to memory loss.

Some signs that your dog might be suffering some phobias or anxieties can vary. Tails tucked, withdrawn behavior or trembling can be identified as signs of mild fear. Some fears and anxieties are hard to diagnosis due to no identifiable stimulus.

What causes your dog to develop these conditions? Illness or a physical condition that causes pain can contribute to the development of phobias, fears or anxiety. Puppies not given proper social exposure until the age of 14 weeks may become fearful.

If you adopt a dog that came from a prior abusive situation, they might suffer some form of anxiety. Separation issues can be the cause of a previous abandonment experience. Whatever the issues are, be sure that you continue to nurture the dog and work on positive affirmation when you see efforts being made to curb the behavior.

Not to worry, most of these behavioral issues can be treated with medication and behavior modification. However, some dogs may not respond to the behavioral modifications. Additionally, medications can take up to 2 weeks in some cases before you will see results.

Have an Animal that you Love? Check out Catherine's favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs site that only uses nature's best ingredients. They carry the most wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.

categories: dogs,dogs and cats,pets,mammals,animals,recreation,alternative medicine,medicine,animals

• Reasons Why A Dog May Be Aggressive We've all seen excessive aggression in dogs. It can strike fear into small children and adults alike. Some breeds are more prone to aggression than others but there are usually underlying reasons for excessive aggression in dogs and your training methods will be more effective if you take these......
• Dog UTI - Natural Remedy For Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs by Kate Rieger Are you one of the ever increasing number of dog owners wondering how to treat and prevent a dog urinary tract infection at the same time? If you have tried traditional medicines out there only treat the symptoms and do not get to the real problem in......
• Stop Hostile Behavior at its Beginning When Dealing with an Ill-behaved Dog The new puppy was a beautiful specimen and reflected the best qualities to be found in a golden retriever at least in appearance. But attempting to reason with the ill-mannered puppy was turning out to be trying at best and miserable on the days that she would mind nothing that......
• Professional Dog Training Will Ensure Happiness In Your Home by Chuck R Stewart Getting a puppy for your home is one of the most exciting moments for a homeowner, but once one gets past the cute factor, puppies can be more of a handful than you think. Dog training NJ style can take care of that problem solve that......

• Should You Really Be the "Leader" For your Dog? [/caption]With the success of Cesar Millan's "The Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic channel, a lot of people are taking to the idea of becoming the "pack leader," which is a way of viewing human-dog relationships. From this perspective, your house or family is actually a pack, and you -......
• When is a Dog Bite Malicious? [/caption]For many families or couples, getting a new dog isn't always just fun - it can also be a learning experience. This is particularly true if you find a new dog or puppy that exhibits some behavior problems. It's not fun to have to explain to your children that the......
• Common Dog Behavior Problems to Watch For [/caption] If you've recently acquired a new puppy or even adopted a dog, you'll probably enter into a transition period with that dog. A little separation anxiety is normal, especially considering that you've essentially relocated the dog in a potentially permanent change of residence. But if after a while your......
• How to Have a Treat Handy for Your Dog [/caption]If you've ever trained dogs before, you know that it's difficult to "bribe" them into doing something for you. Waving around a piece of food and telling the dog a new word doesn't make a lot of sense - after all, those dogs don't speak English! Good trainers know that......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative medicine, animals, Dogs, dogs and cats, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

In this article we are going to talk about ways to cure your flea and tick problems without using harsh chemicals and over the counter methods. We will outline some choices that you can use that will work as well as chemical methods. These methods are softer and easier ways to eliminate these parasites.

For those of us who have children, we are also concerned about our children being susceptible to the dangers of the chemical flea control. When we choose to have the pets, we also need to be responsible for their welfare. Choosing a natural treatment method is healthier for your pet and your family.

You can start with an age old method of brewers yeast and a little bit of garlic mixed into their food. For cats, eliminate the garlic due to the fact that onions and garlic are toxic for cats. For a sweeter option, try squeezing lemon juice or orange juice on their fur and rub it in; acting as a natural repellent.

When you give your dog a bath, notice that the fleas will fall off? Using liquid dish soap with a citrus base and a regular brushing will keep the flea problem under control. Fleas do not take hold of the hair shaft so these solutions are relatively easy.

A good way to protect your yard is to use the "beneficial" nematode worm, which is different than the worm that causes heart worms. This worm feeds on the flea larva and will help prevent fleas from infesting your yard. For you home's interior, vacuum carpets regularly as well as furniture.

Well, we are going to get silly on you now. Ticks, the dreaded blood suckers, live in tall grass in wooded areas and are attracted to the body warmth. A good way to keep this pesky nuisance at bay is to cover your dog. Grab an old T-shirt and some old socks and give your dog protection.

Puppies and babies used to be the all American "chick magnet"; but now there's another ploy for you guys to try. One way we suggest, kooky as it sounds, to deter ticks is to take your old T-Shirt and put it on the dog. And compliment that look with a pair of socks work like leg warmers to protect your dog's legs.

You can use rose geranium oil on the inside of your dog's collar and on their fur to repel ticks. It's a natural repellent for dogs but is not suggested for cats. Cats have severe reactions to all essential oils so steer clear of those for you cats.

Now that you have a few alternate means of combating fleas and ticks, you can feel confident that your pets will remain bug-free throughout the year. Summer time is a particularly hard time where fleas and ticks are concerned so keep your pet happy and critter free by using these safe and environment friendly tricks. Just remember that proper removal of ticks is essential.

Have an Animal that you Love? Visit Catherine's recommended Pet Supplies for Dogs site that only uses nature's best ingredients. They carry the most wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.

• Natural Flea Remedies For Your Dog All natural flea remedies would not be needed if pet owners would just use some all natural flea control techniques. Fleas are a headache. The best way to deal with fleas is to prevent fleas. The best way to prevent fleas is to use natural flea control methods. People......
• Learn How to Communicate With Your Pet - Animal Communication Pets and Animals: How They Can Be the Start of a Tail Wagging Business Idea We all love our fuzzy friends. Whether it is our funny dogs or our aloof cats, most pet lovers around the world will go the extra mile to make sure that their pets have......
• What You Can Do to Stop Aggressive Dog Behavior by Aleesha London As a responsible dog owner, it is your duty to stop aggressive dog behavior, should you find one in your dog. Not only will you be saving your own dog's life from danger, you'll also be preventing any untoward incident from happening between your dog and other......
• How You Can Win The Dog Flea Battle by Jane A Moore Fleas have to be the most annoying thing that most pet owners inevitably deal with at one time or another. The hardest part of getting rid of fleas is that they seem to just keep coming back. Most often the reason that fleas "keep coming back"......

• How to Have a Treat Handy for Your Dog [/caption]If you've ever trained dogs before, you know that it's difficult to "bribe" them into doing something for you. Waving around a piece of food and telling the dog a new word doesn't make a lot of sense - after all, those dogs don't speak English! Good trainers know that......
• Simple Steps In Developing Your Idea Work on developing your idea step by step. Here's how: 1. Write down everything you know about this idea Let's say you've decided to write a book on natural healthcare for pets. You own several dogs and a cat, and are an enthusiast for natural healthcare because it's worked for......
• How Much Does A Dog Cost? [/caption]My wife and I have been thinking about getting a dog for over a year now. It seems that whenever we think about it seriously, we have an important trip planned. (Case in point, I'm writing this flying somewhere over Kansas - I think). We've started to begin the search......
• How to Diagnose Dog Mange Mange is a illness that many animals contract in particular dogs and cats. It is surprisingly prevalent, but is also easy to diagnose. Here we take a look at the way in which mange occurs, how to spot mange in pets and how it should be approached. The value......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative medicine, animals, Dogs, dogs and cats, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

In today's day of natural medicines and herbs to cure human ailments, why not try them for dogs. Growing your own herbs at home allows you some options to treat certain issues for your dog. Save money and help your pet, enough said.

The use of Aloe Vera as a medicinal purpose has been going on for centuries. People have been using it for scrapes, burns and other injuries. Our pets can also benefit from this for stomach ulcers, wounds and burns.

We have all used Aloe Vera for one thing or another on ourselves and our children. We have now learned that we are able to use this amazing cure on our pets. From cuts and scrapes to stomach ulcers, this is a great remedy for your dog.

As an anti-inflammatory or antifungal medicine, the calendula herb's uses continue to be discovered. It's also used as a dressing for any wound or cut. Grow your own remedies for your and your pet, right in your own back yard.

The calendula herb's flower petals can be applied as a dressing for a wound. Additionally they can be made into a tea that will act as an antiseptic and for the prevention of bacteria. So many uses from one herb are truly a gift for both us and our pets.

Using the ever popular ginger root as a tea or tincture for your pets upset stomach is something new. We have been using it for years for our own aliments, so whey not share the same results with our pets. Give your dog some relief from that upset tummy with a spot of tea.

If that's not enough, then how about goldensel? This potent herb aids in the prevention of bacteria attaching to the walls of cells. How about those weepy eyes your dog has. Well, weep no more with goldenseal as a tincture or tea for washing their eyes.

Try the triple action of chamomile, valerian and California poppy for your hyper dog. Only a few drops of valerian are needed combined with the tinctures, teas and extracts all serve to keep your pets blood pressure lowered asthma under control and repel those parasites!

Using the above mentioned remedies for a healthier dog is not suggested as always without the consent of your veterinarian. Herbs are a great source of natural relief from aliments and will continue to cure many illnesses. Keep your happy pet healthy with our suggested remedies.

Have a Pet that you Love? Visit Catherine's favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs website that only uses all natural ingredients. They have the most wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.

• How To Get Rid Of Dog Fleas by Ryan Williams Pet owners everywhere are at one time or another faced with the issue of how to get rid of fleas! When your pet gets infested with fleas it can be a terribly frustrating experience for both the owner and pet. Our local pet food store sells an......
• Can Your Pet Benefit from An Invisible Fence? Imagine this: you have finally closed the deal for the house that you've been wanting for so long. It has all that you wanted, including that lovely garden or lawn. However, when the next day you go see your garden, you notice that many of the flowers have been......
• Are all GPS Pet Locators The Same? by Adam Webster When the kids brought that darn little puppy home in a box you swore that you would not get attached to her. Now she seems almost as much a part of the family as they are. You just went to get her out of her kennel and......
• Dog UTI - Natural Remedy For Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs by Kate Rieger Are you one of the ever increasing number of dog owners wondering how to treat and prevent a dog urinary tract infection at the same time? If you have tried traditional medicines out there only treat the symptoms and do not get to the real problem in......

• Guide to Safe and Smart Traveling with Pets There is nothing like a vacation with the whole family. Four-legged family members add a lot of fun to the trip, but they also add a lot of work and responsibility. (I'm thinking maybe each two legs is the equivalent of one two-legged person's worth of energy.) As I mentioned......
• Cure for HIV/AIDS Is this Doctor's Therapy for Real? Michelle Callender   Media Credit: Thefigtreeonline.com It's up to you to decide. Media Credit: hiv-aids-help-desk.com HIV attacking the cell. Imagine what the world would be like with a cure for HIV/AIDS. So many people have been afflicted with this deadly disease. For those with......
• Are you a Dog Whisperer? [/caption]You've probably heard of the phrase "Horse whisperer," which refers to someone so adept at training horses that they can practically "whisper" to the horses in what seems like their own little languages. Sometimes, this is even taken literally when a trainer uses whispering to comfort a horse! But what......
• Make Your Own - Natural Petroleum Free Laundry Detergent. I hope by now everyone knows that regular old laundry detergents you buy in the supermarket are made from petroleum. Yep, the same stuff that powers your car. Why would you want to wash your clothes in that stuff? Although there are good alternatives available at stores like Whole Foods......

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: alternative medicine, animals, Dogs, dogs and cats, mammals, medicine, Pets, recreation

Parrots make amazing pets. Teaching them to sing can be a joy to listen to. They live a long time, sometimes up to 100 years. So, you can be friends with them for the rest of your life. Training these 3 parrots will achieve you the best results. Get our parrot training newsletter for more info.

The Parrot: African Grey

These parrots are medium sized and are usually of a greyish colour. Sometimes they have non standard colouring. This is best parrot for talking. Parrots speak in a multitude of voices. Unfortunately not all Grey's will speak. It has been known for Grey's not to show any sign of talking. They can be very loud and scream a lot so need much attention. Once you make friends, the bird will be the most loyal pet you could ever hope for.

The Conure Parrot

These parrots are small sized and have very big tails attached to their bodies. They come in many colours and are extremely intelligent. They love to fool around, clown others and play endlessly. They can be quick learners and good to train. They will be happy if you teach them to talk. The drawback is that they are best matched to owners who have lots of time to spend with them.

This is because they need several hours of training every day to learn how to socialize, not bite the owner and correct behavioural defects. You need to train these birds early in order to stop them screeching a lot.

Macaw

These parrots have been known to survive for about more than fifty years and knowing this you should be ready for a long relation with your bird. You will want to get this parrot a big enclosure as it is large. You need to get a high and wide cage to make this parrot comfortable. Keep this bird out of its cage as much as possible.

it has a powerful snapper and ike to bite on things. Give them lots of toys so they they dont attack your furniture and ruin it. Get a good amount of toys for this parrot to ensure it is happy.

Remember parrot training is vital, never neglect your parrot or you could end up with parrot behaviour problems.

• Dog Training Tips and Techniques by Kevin Eckstein Pets and pet owners can enjoy the benefits that are associated with dog training. There are a number of techniques that can be utilized in training the dogs so that they become obedient. All dogs should be taught the most essential trait which is obedience as this......
• Most Popular Bird Cage - The Flight Cages Some bird owners might think which cage best works the best for their bird, but they are also interested in getting a cage that will fit their convenience and then get the right bird for it. Flight cages are made specifically for birds and small parrots but can also......
• Considerations Before Adopting An Exotic Bird Some quality regarding the words \"exotic bird\" conveys to mind thoughts of tropical heavens, enveloped in abundant rain forests, with delightful birdsong infusing the air. Because of this a large number of Americans introduce these distinctive animals into their living space. Possibly this is the reason that according to......
• Petsafe Training Collars for Your Pet by Lisa Stein Teaching your dog to obey commands is essential. Doing so will give you and your dog many benefits. Basic training is good for your dog. It'll be just a big, fun game for your loved pet. Also, trained dogs know better how to avoid accidents. Owners keep......

• Antique Bird Cages Dealers -> Antiques -> Decorative-Arts Years ago, before the introduction of plastics and resins, even animals’ indoor homes like antique bird cages were considered beautiful pieces of furniture. Of course, some were plain and utilitarian, but many more were actually created in the popular furniture styles of the times. Bird......
• It's My Blogaversary! The day is finally here! February 26th, 2010 is my 1 year Blogaversary! I can't believe I have been writing on this blog for  a year already! I have brought you with me through a lot. This year has had it's ups and it's downs, and I am so happy......
• my mom is incredibly controlling, how do i deal with it? my mom is so controlling of everything i do. she's trying to tell me who i can and can't talk to based purely on age, she doesn't even know the guy. He's my ex's brother and we talk some on facebook and we text. He's 20 and i'm 16. I......
• Guide to Safe and Smart Traveling with Pets There is nothing like a vacation with the whole family. Four-legged family members add a lot of fun to the trip, but they also add a lot of work and responsibility. (I'm thinking maybe each two legs is the equivalent of one two-legged person's worth of energy.) As I mentioned......

Written by John McCormick using tags: animals, e, f, family, h, Home, home & family, mammals, o, P, Parrots, pet, Pets, r, recreation