Should You Buy Discount Pet Medications Online?

Pet medications are very expensive, just as our human medications. We try to save money anywhere we can for our own medications and we should extend that to our pet medications. So, it is a given, that you should purchase your pet medications for as little as possible, while still maintaining the highest of quality. The good news is that the internet is host to a myriad of websites, that can fulfill your every need. The question is, not whether you should buy online, but from which website. Like anything else, there are the good and the bad merchants catering to this need to purchase your online pet medications.

I am sure, if you are like me, that you regard your pet like one of your children. In fact, they are our children; just as precious and loved. The only difference is that our pets cannot tell us what is wrong with them, or what their needs are. They rely on us to see to it that their health care is provided. In this article, I will explain how to find the most appropriate website to offer you the highest quality products, at the lowest prices. NOW THATS REAL VALUE.

Online purchases, can not only save you money, but most will offer free shipping, and in most cases, your purchase will be free of sales taxes. Throw in the highest quality, cheapest prices, no sales tax and trusted major brands, and you have a winning formula.

Why is it possible to buy such products online at a discount? The answer is simple, online discount pet medication websites, have much lower overhead, elimination of many of the fixed payroll costs, administration costs, no normal advertising campaigns, large physical facility warehouses and buildings, property taxes and employee health costs. None of these high overhead costs are added on to the cost of their medications. Even if they did have both an online business and a store front business, their websites would still offer discount pet medications at a significant reduction in cost over their store front business.

Like anything else in life, proper planning and some thought given, will further add to your ROI (return on investment), as it relates to your overall expenditure. Such things as planning your pets medications, scheduling their re-orders, will add up to further savings. Ordering all of your pets products at the same time, cuts down on handling charges, shipping costs (if there are any, as most will offer free shipping). This will avoid you from running out of any medications, causing you to run to the local store, or ordering online and having to upgrade your free shipping to overnight or second day, which would surely eat up all of your savings, and then some.

So you are now convinced to purchase your pet medications online. Now what. Well, it would seem that the next logical step would be to decide how to pick out your online website.

Examine the sites text or verbiage, is it written by someone professional, someone educated, and do you get a good feeling when you read and review the sites content. Are the products on their site well know national brands with good reputations? Are their products they are selling somewhat competitive. You want the best deal you can get, but you don't want the ridiculously low give away prices that usually result in an inferior product or maybe even the use of some placebos. Remember, you wouldn't take these medications yourself, or give them to your "other" children, so why give them to your pet.

Follow these guidelines, and you will save huge amounts of money, while obtaining the highest quality of pet medications.

I hope the information contained here has been helpful and meaningful in your decision as to whether or not you should buy your pet medications online. I also encourage anyone to use this information in this article on their web site as well. I only ask, that you don't plagiarize its content. Please, keep the author box and backlink in tact.

Ways of Low Cost Pet Neutering

Neutering a pet is the process of making it neutral without a gender. In other words, it means castrating (removal of testicles) the male and spaying (removal of ovaries) the female. Many people resort to finding ways of low cost pet neutering due to tough economic times. This is to bring about a relief to the pet owners, who do not want their pets to be mating and littering. However, the process of neutering could be an expensive one that can again be against their financial budget.

Therefore, the low cost pet neutering is all that these people would come in search of. It can be done in two ways. The first option is to neuter in cost effective pay and castrating clinics. There might be a problem of untrained veterinarians who are just from their veterinary schools, handling the pets. Another option is to go to a regular vet, which might as usual have high prices. Though the prices are high, there is complete safety assured. These veterinarians are known to be practicing with their clinics for several years.

Most of the vets are practicing the low cost pet neutering. The payment can be further reduced with the help of sponsors or government grants meant for the pets. These veterinarians take this as a good opportunity to gain experience in their relevant fields. One of the major risks of the low cost pet neutering is that, these inexperienced veterinarians are safe from any kind of malpractice or mistakes while neutering the pets as they are considered to be "legally inexperienced" by the law. So any kind of legal actions pursued against them for the damage or the loss of life of the pet shall be forgiven by the justice system.

There have been cases of people taking their pets to the private vets for neutering for the second time, after they failed to neuter for the first time in a clinic. This has become a very common practice in many low cost pet neutering centers. There are even instances of the loss of life because of injecting the pet with a wrong medicine.

It is always advisable to think twice before deciding to neuter the pet in a low cost pet neutering clinic as it could even result in the pet paying the price with its life. Sometimes the corrective surgeries could cost double the price due to the wrong neutering services.

Even Animal Lovers Need an Animal Repellent at Times

Most of the time it is man that attacks man for greed or selfishness or malice. However, there are times when we can be exposed to an animal attack too. This is not something that is uncommon for hikers and campers and it is essential that some kind of protection be invested in. And then there are joggers who are attacked often by dogs who have been able to tear away from their leash or those that escape from the house in some manner.

The fact is that it is always better to be prepared for any such event rather than wait for a situation that becomes ugly. Even if you are an animal lover, you may have to ward off a bear when you are camping or shoo away a dog that seems to have taken a fancy to your track pants. And there is a humane and effective way in which you can do so.

There are products in the market like the bear spray or the canine repellent that can keep these stray animals away from you. If you have an attack situation, you can spray the pepper spray towards the bear or the canine to avoid any further problems. Keep in mind that the regular pepper spray should not be used for the same and you should make sure that you have one that is meant for bears or larger animals. This is mainly because the product contains the right amount of OC in the can depending on the expected use.

There are also more humane dog resellers. These are electronic resellers that emit a sound of high frequency that the dogs cannot tolerate. This makes the dog move away from the place that the sound is coming from and therefore keeps you safe.

Crazy Crabs - 10 Ten Top Tips to Keep Your Hermit Crab in Tip Top Shape

Introducing coenobita variablis, Crazy Crabs! Better known to us as hermit crabs, these wonderful creatures come in all sorts of colours from white and cream to orange and deep reds, and they make for an inexpensive, easy to look after pet.

There are 15 known species of terrestrial shell carrying land hermit crabs, and are native to the northern parts of Australia. They live near the salt water and generally only move about 500m inland. Fully grown they are 6-7cm across or about as big as a tennis ball, and can live for up to 20 years.

Far less demanding than a cat or dog, they can be a very good educational tool for teaching responsibility to an older child. Crazy Crabs are easy to look after, but have some specific requirements to keep them happy and healthy.

Here are my 10 top tips for keeping Crazy Crabs:

1. Create a 'crabarium' (crab tank). A great activity for kids to do with their parents. You need be able to control the temperature and humidity, and have a place for the Crazy Crabs to dig and take a bath.

2. Have a bunch of crabs, not just one. Crazy Crabs are social creatures and are best kept in groups.

3. Keep them active with things to do. Add some driftwood and hollow logs or coco huts to your crab tank for your Crazy Crabs to climb on, and munch on occasionally. They are very good climbers so watch out that they do not escape!

4. Keep them warm. Crazy Crabs like warmth and are most active when kept at 28-30°C, but they do not like to get cold. Keep them in the 'crabarium' whenever the temperature is less than 20°C, and use an under tank heater, hot rock or reptile type heater to keep them warm.

5. Humidity needs to be kept high. Your Crazy Crab must be kept moist to breath, with the ideal being 60% humidity in the air. Add a moist sea sponge and keep a lid on the tank to increase humidity.

6. Salt water pool. A salt water pool is compulsory for keeping Crazy Crabs as they cannot survive without it. They use it to flush their shell and maintain their salt balance. Make it deep enough so they can submerge their shell, with a ramp or stairs so they can climb out. Collect seawater and store it for use in a light proof container, or make up synthetic sea water as per instructions from your local pet store. Make sure you change the water in the salt pool regularly.

7. Fresh water pool. Provide a second shallow dish of non-chlorinated fresh water that the crabs can climb in and out of easily. They use this for drinking.

8. Provide shells to grow into. Spare shells are required to allow your crab to grow and replace damaged ones. Shells like Tonna, Nautica and Babylonias are tough but not to heavy. Snail shells can be used but they are light and not very strong. Paint and decorate the shells to add interest and easily identify each crab. Watch out, if you do not provide enough shells the crabs will attack and kill each other in order to steal a new shell.

9. Vary their diet. Feed your Crazy Crabs an alternating diet of lettuce, coconut, breakfast cereal, fruit and the occasional small piece of meat. Feed small portions and always remove any old stale food.

10. Substrate on the base of the tank. Crazy Crabs bury themselves depending on the conditions (e.g. to keep warm or moist). The substrate on the bottom of the tank needs to be deep enough so they can cover themselves and can be sand, coco fibre, saw dust, wood shavings, straw or chaff. Coarse material works best and is ideally located at the other end of the 'crabarium' from the water bowls.

Utilize the Natural Methods For Caring Your Pet

Pets have taken the important part in every person life from the decades of year. Earlier the common pets are buffaloes and the cows; this is because they are the source of them previously. These days many pets are common such as dogs, cats and fishes. Special type of care should be taken while providing the food to your pets. Let us first start with the very common animal friend dogs.

They are omnivores in nature that is why they can eat both the vegetables and the meat in their diet. To give them the proper food you should make the balanced diet for them. Next we can talk about the fishes, the natural diet which they eat are blood worms, brine shrimp and the zucchini. Zucchini is the kind of vegetables which are mainly for the fishes to eat.

When it comes to mingle with your pets then always be calm and quite in front of them. Never show your aggression towards your animal friend. There is the great increment in the health care f the pets. Most of the owners treat their domestic animal as their friend. They gave them the special treatment like the massage, acupuncture, herbal medicine and the homeopathic therapy whenever their friend gets injured. The caring of the pets naturally is widely in the progress there are many natural healing methods. This method will give your animal friend a natural care.

The natural pet care helps you to give your friend a proper and the most promising care. Try to provide them the meals which are homemade add the proper vitamins and the nutrition while cooking the food for your pets. Try to avoid giving the market food to your friend daily. Give them but not in so much quantity. When your domestic friends are suffering from any sort of pain and then never give them the so much of medicines and injection. Try to give the massage so that thy feel much relief then from the chemical medicines.

For the other domestic animal provide them the hygienic food and always be careful while making the food. Always try to provide the lots of natural air to your pets so that they feel pleasant. Have the special pet grass for the dogs because by this they can save from the many diseases.

This is all about the natural pet care, I hope after reading this article you will love to take concern for your pets naturally and more carefully.

How to Throw a Party For Your Pup

Dog parties are becoming a popular event for pets and their owners. Although it may sound silly, throwing a party for your dog can be a good experience for your pet and a great opportunity for you to socialize with your fellow canine enthusiasts. From canine cakes to dog treat goodie bags, you can go the whole nine yards. It doesn't have to be your dog's birthday, either! Throw a party for any occasion themed around your favorite furry companion. Follow these helpful tips to get started with the right dog treats, hors devours and decorations.

Dog Decorations for your Party

You can do quite a lot with only a little when decorating for your canine-themed event. Try cutting colored paper into dog treat shapes. A few streamers are nice, but not necessary. Paw prints are another easy choice that can really dress up the party area. If you have spare dog beds in your home, consider dusting them off and getting them out for the visiting canines to use. Although seating for the four legged party goers is not required, the gesture will be appreciated!

Party Refreshments for Two and Four Legged Guests

Next, plan your menu for the event. For the dogs, colorful dog treats are a great choice. You can often buy a bag of multi-colored biscuits or a similar treat. If you want to get fancy, visit a local gourmet pet treat store and order enough fancy dog cookies to go around! For the human visitors, the refreshments are entirely up to you. Adding a dog theme will help tie each item in with the party. For example, if you make finger sandwiches, try cutting them into dog bone shape.

If you like, you can also make up party favors for your furry guests. A colorful baggie with a few dog treats inside works well. If you want to get more elaborate, consider combining a small chew toy or a few different dog treats.

Activities for the Guests

Depending on the occasion, you can plan your dog party however you like. It could be a strictly socializing event, or you could plan a few activities. If you have a fenced in back yard, rounds of fetch are a great choice. Make sure you supply plenty of Frisbees and tennis balls. Remember, these items may be destroyed during the party because of busy canine chewers. Also make a point to leave plenty of water bowls outside when hosting an outdoor party during warm weather months. A few candy dishes of dog treats are also a great addition!

Party Safety Tips

Include a note with your dog party invitation requesting that all canines in attendance be up to date on vaccinations as well as spayed or neutered. This is important to avoid any mishaps. Also plan to blockade any off-limits areas in your home. Create perimeter for the party to take place within. Closing doors is a good way to start and baby gates can help block off any hallways. If you have other pets, it might be best to put them in a separate area until the part has concluded in case any of the dogs present might be encouraged to chase them. And remember to have plenty of spare dog treats on hand!

Flea Control Methods - Is My Pet Safe Now?

If you are fond of pets, then there is definitely no need to introduce you about the flea problem. They are source of permanent fatigue and tension for those people who have dogs and kitties in their houses as a pet. These fleas mostly likes to sit on dog's and cat's fur because they are closer to the ground as compared to humans and also they seek more protection and ambush in these animal's skin. Also, dogs and cats body temperature is warmer than human beings. According to modern scientists, these fleas are the second oldest creatures after cockroaches. They might look small but they are very tough in nature. People who are dealing with this flea problem definitely agree with me on this.

An average flea lives for two to three years having capable of laying one million eggs in its life span. It sucks blood from the animal's body and after feeding itself with blood, the next step is to lay eggs. The egg's size is equal to the size of a salt grain. These eggs remain within the environment of your house for months until the right time for the larvae to come out. They are very resistant to extreme temperatures and also from different types of pesticides available in the markets. These larvae are then feed on the flea dirt spit out by the parent flea. Then these larvae began to spin a protective cocoon called pupae around themselves which are then transformed into young fleas having capable of becoming a perfect parasite.

Now, comes the basic question. What is the most effective way to kill these fleas and prevent them from attacking on your animal again? It is more recommended that you first consult with a veterinarian doctor. Most of the people purchase insecticide products on their own based on their knowledge which contain a high level of toxic elements in it. Dogs and cats usually have that habit of licking their fur. So they also lick that pesticides by doing so which causes them several types of internal diseases as well. Therefore, before purchasing any such sprays or powder you should conduct a brief survey for your pet's security.

There is a wide variety of insecticides are available among which pyrethrins and pyrethroids have the lowest mammalian toxicity. They can be found in the form of shampoo, powder, sprays and aerosol etc. Remember that puppies and kittens need a lesser amount of these insecticides dose as compared to adult dogs and cats. The insecticides bottles are labeled with the complete prescriptions. One should carefully read this material before any further actions. There is a common observation that only the animal is treated with these insecticides which is not the right thing the do. Also the surroundings of the animals should be considered equally important because mostly these fleas lay their eggs under carpets or small pores in your doors. There are many types of carpet shampoos available in the market which rids the carpet of blood feces an important food for larvae.

Apart from this, there are many other types of medicines known as Novartis, Bayer etc which claims to kill adult flees within 24 hours. There are also some ultra-violet technology which is recently introduced these days to kill these fleas. The veterinarian doctors don't recommend that so it is not wiser to use any such product. Moreover, these fleas become resistant to these insecticides over the course of time which is a problem of course. So, try to treat them in their different life cycles.

What Shaking and Shivering Can Mean in Dogs and Cats

It is not unusual for a dog or cat to occasionally shake or tremble. This behavior usually occurs on a normal basis when the pet is enduring a behavior which makes it uncomfortable and anxious such as going to the vet or being bathed. But the shivering should cease after the anxiety provoking experience is over. It is only when a dog or cat has long bouts of shaking or trembling for no apparent reason that it may be necessary for the animal to be checked out by a veterinarian.

Shaking can be a sign of a number of issues in dogs and cats. It is very difficult to know when the behavior is something to worry about and when it is nothing, but it is always better to be safe than sorry so if a pet is shaking when there is no obvious anxiety trigger, it should be taken to the vet.

The Main Causes of Shaking and Trembling in Pets

There are a number of things that shaking can indicate. Some of the more common issues that shaking may be a result of include:

• Hypoglycemia-hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. This is perhaps the top cause of shivering or trembling in dogs and cats and occurs when the animal has gone for an extended period without food.

• Metabolic abnormalities-digestive upset such as vomiting can result in shaking.

• Elevated body temperatures-shaking can be a sign of a serious fever in a pet. If the pet is also sleeping on the bathroom floor or other cool surfaces, there is an additional call for worry.

Small dogs and cats often shake routinely for no evident reason.

Training a Puppy - The Earlier the Better

Dogs are pack animals which explain a lot about their behavior. They bring their relationships with people as they would with other dogs. The key is to establish you dominance as pack leader. Dog training is best done while he is still a puppy. This establishes his place in your home early on. He must learn that people are above him in pecking order for proper behavior.

Feeding
It is better to let your puppy come to you for his food. Wait until you are ready and allow him to sit first before putting the bowl down. This teaches him to be patient and to avoid jumping or running across the kitchen at the first sight of food.

Nipping
This is just normal behavior as your puppy is curious about the world around him. However, it can get annoying and if not corrected might carry onto adulthood and progress to biting. Tap his head immediately and say "No" with authority.

Games
Playing games are all fun and part of your puppy's education. But try to keep it low key and avoid contests as he may think of it as a test of dominance.

Fetching a ball is a good idea but teach him to give it back to you. If he does not, do not make the mistake of running after him to get the ball back. Training your dog as early as possible can prove beneficial in the long run. Remember your role as pack leader to earn his respect.

Sit and Down Exercises For Your Dog

So you can walk your dog now without bad behavior? The next thing you should work on is to teach him to sit and stay down.

Teaching your dog to stay put is a valuable skill that can help in making your home nice and quiet. The last thing you want is the neighbors complaining about the noise your dog makes.

As you have observed in dog training, passing a treat over your dog's head causes him to sit down while chasing it. Give him the treat and you have already started teaching him how to sit. A good idea is to associate this behavior with the "sit" command so he will still comply without the treat.

An alternative would be to push his hinds down until he sits. Whichever method you choose, remember to keep teaching your dog until he gets the hang of it.

The "stay down" is by all means an extension of the "sit" command. When he has learned to sit, your next step is to encourage him to stay put.

While your dog is sitting, keep him steady and offer another treat while saying "down." At the same time, push him down gently so he knows what you want him to do.

At a more advanced stage, you can also use hand signals to teach your dog to sit and stay down.

All other obedience training exercises are based on these principles. As with any other tricks, this takes time and patience to pull off.

Are You a Responsible Dog Owner?

You may have a dog and you may not. But you know that dogs are good at one thing, and that's pooping. If you live in a neighborhood that has dogs, you might find an unpleasant surprise in your lawn next time you go to mow it. It might even be hiding in your rocks. Yet all you can think is, "This could have been prevented with the proper poop bags."

That's right, it's all about the poop bags. Nothing is more frustrating than either finding remains of the neighborhood dog or having you be the proud owner of that dog. You need to make sure that you are prepared every time you go out because dog's bowel systems are unpredictable. Not only that, dog poop that has been sitting out for a long time can lead to bacteria and disease. This can be harmful to your own family as well as the families around you. Rather than take that chance, you should make sure you have doggie bags at the ready each time you take your canine out.

Poop bags have been around for years, saving lawns from yellow spots and other over fertilization. Dog waste bags come in all shapes, sizes, scents, and colors, but the key to a good dog waste bag is its strength and durability. No one wants to be on a walk to find that his or her recently stuffed poop bag has developed a snag that is allowing the contents to escape. This is not a pleasant surprise for anyone.

So next time you're out and about with your dog, don't forget to bring the dog waste bags along for the ride as well. Don't embarrass yourself by leaving your dog's mess for someone else to deal with. And make sure that your poop bags can get the job done right, looking good and staying strong.

What Should I Do If My Dog Whines All the Time?

Do you get irritated when your dog starts to whine? This is a common issue for many dog owners. Worst of all, it often seems like your dog waits until you are comfortable in bed at night, trying to go to sleep, before it decides to start waking up the neighbourhood!

There could be numerous reasons why your dog whines. So, in order to stop your dog from whining frequently you will first have to learn the cause behind it.

It is very important to remember that a dog whines because it is trying to express its emotions to you. It is like a baby in a lot of ways. It wants to communicate with you to tell you what is wrong, but it can't Talk! So instead, it whines.

Your dog could be feeling pain, excitement, anxiety or some kind of fear. Even if you feel that your whining dog is only trying to get your attention, you must not avoid this situation. This is an indication that your dog probably is afraid that you might abandon it, and you need to take action.

The longer you leave this situation unresolved, the worse it will become!

One must never punish a whining dog thinking this might treat the pet. There is nothing more depressing and cruel than punishing your dog instead of helping it. It will leave both you and your dog hurt. Instead you must train your dog by teaching it different methods to respond to various situations. A whining dog is not an incurable dog. All kind of dogs can stop whining if they are taught what kind of behavior is expected of them.

The first thing to do is start to think of your dog more like a human baby. For example, your dog might whine as it knows when it has done this in the past you have given it a treat, played with it or taken it for a walk.

First and foremost you must learn to stop reacting immediately to your whining dog. Instead you could train your dog to sit obediently till you are free and then entertain the pet's request. This would give the dog an impression that you are actually giving it a reward for its obedient behavior. This type of training is essential to teach your dog that you are the master and must be obeyed.

Another reason for the anxiety of your whining dog might be that it is left alone at home for long hours. If you are a person who has to stay out of home or travel long distances then it is compulsory that you efficiently treat your dog to face such situations and enjoy them. There is nothing more heart breaking than a whining dog looking at you with longing eyes while you leave your door step.

In a lot of cases, a whining dog is a sign of a condition known as Dog Separation Anxiety. An adequate discussion of this condition is beyond the scope of this article.

The good news is that Dog Separation Anxiety expert Stephanie Abel has written a book on the subject. The book is full to the brim with ideas and techniques that are guaranteed to stop your dog whining FAST.

Keep Your Best Friend Pain Free With Dog Arthritis Treatment

When joint pain is a problem for your older dog, arthritis treatment will provide relief from stiffness and aching. Improved veterinary care and dog arthritis medicine can help your pup live a long, healthy life.

Stiffness, difficulty getting up, or an unwillingness to run or play may be signs your dog is suffering pain when he moves. There may not be a pronounced limp and your pet can't tell you when he is in pain.

Canine arthritis isn't confined only to senior dogs but can be a result of a joint injury or be common for the breed. Large breed dogs frequently suffer from the disease due to the weight their joints support. Hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition not unusual for large breeds and may require the same dog arthritis treatment. It is normal for your canine companion to slow down a bit as he ages but there are symptoms to watch for that may indicate dog joint pain.

Your dog may seem slow to stand after lying down or be reluctant to jump or fetch or to climb stairs. He may show a decrease in activity and tend to remain in one place rather than follow you from room to room. The dog may be reluctant to sit on command or seem to favor one leg when he walks.

If your dog has painful joints, he may gain weight due to decreased exercise and play. He may seem less alert and sleep more than usual. If the pain is severe you may notice a difference in his behavior if rough housing or massaging causes additional pain.

A slight limp may be a sore joint cause by a mild injury but any change in mobility of your pet that last longer than a couple weeks should be checked by a veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment will slow the progression of the disease and extend the years your pet can remain lively and pain free.

Do not give human medications to your dog for joint pain or stiffness as they can be toxic to canines. Although dogs can tolerate baby aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be toxic and dosages must be carefully monitored. Aspirin or other canine pain medications should only be given on the advice of your veterinarian.

The best course of action for a pet owner is a diagnosis by a veterinarian followed by dog arthritis treatment with medications specifically designed for dog joint pain. Your vet may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as an over the counter treatment for pain.

Prescribed medications may also carry a recommendation that your dog be put on a diet to control weight gain or to reduce his size. Excess weight adds more strain to joints already stressed by aging. Cutting back on treats and changing to a high quality food designed for dogs with weight management problems will help shed the extra pounds.

Rimadyl for dogs is the medication most often recommended by veterinarians for dog arthritis treatment. The chewable pill form of Rimadyl has a taste most dogs seem to like and chances are your dog will look forward to his daily dose of dog arthritis medicine. The difference in the activity level of the animal is often amazing after only a short time on Rimadyl for dogs. Don't be surprised if your old dog begins to act like a pup when his joint pain is eased.

Exercise is another important component of dog arthritis treatment. Running and jumping may be too hard on the joints but regular walks are recommended to maintain flexibility. If your pet has been sedentary in past months, it's best to start with short walks and let him choose the pace. Don't overdo it, but increase the distance and speed of your walks as your pooch responds to dog arthritis treatment. The combination of canine pain medication, weight management and regular exercise for dog arthritis treatment will help your older dog enjoy life to the fullest.

What Should I Do If My Dog Whines All the Time

Do you get irritated when your dog starts to whine? This is a common issue for many dog owners. Worst of all, it often seems like your dog waits until you are comfortable in bed at night, trying to go to sleep, before it decides to start waking up the neighbourhood!

There could be numerous reasons why your dog whines. So, in order to stop your dog from whining frequently you will first have to learn the cause behind it.

It is very important to remember that a dog whines because it is trying to express its emotions to you. It is like a baby in a lot of ways. It wants to communicate with you to tell you what is wrong, but it can't Talk! So instead, it whines.

Your dog could be feeling pain, excitement, anxiety or some kind of fear. Even if you feel that your whining dog is only trying to get your attention, you must not avoid this situation. This is an indication that your dog probably is afraid that you might abandon it, and you need to take action.

The longer you leave this situation unresolved, the worse it will become!

One must never punish a whining dog thinking this might treat the pet. There is nothing more depressing and cruel than punishing your dog instead of helping it. It will leave both you and your dog hurt. Instead you must train your dog by teaching it different methods to respond to various situations. A whining dog is not an incurable dog. All kind of dogs can stop whining if they are taught what kind of behavior is expected of them.

The first thing to do is start to think of your dog more like a human baby. For example, your dog might whine as it knows when it has done this in the past you have given it a treat, played with it or taken it for a walk.

First and foremost you must learn to stop reacting immediately to your whining dog. Instead you could train your dog to sit obediently till you are free and then entertain the pet's request. This would give the dog an impression that you are actually giving it a reward for its obedient behavior. This type of training is essential to teach your dog that you are the master and must be obeyed.

Another reason for the anxiety of your whining dog might be that it is left alone at home for long hours. If you are a person who has to stay out of home or travel long distances then it is compulsory that you efficiently treat your dog to face such situations and enjoy them. There is nothing more heart breaking than a whining dog looking at you with longing eyes while you leave your door step.

In a lot of cases, a whining dog is a sign of a condition known as Dog Separation Anxiety. An adequate discussion of this condition is beyond the scope of this article.

The good news is that Dog Separation Anxiety expert Stephanie Abel has written a book on the subject. The book is full to the brim with ideas and techniques that are guaranteed to stop your dog whining FAST.

The Dog Language

It may sound a bit different that there are people who understand the dog's language. This is what creates a difference between seasoned dog owners and the novices. The seasoned ones develop a bond with their dogs much deeper and they are the ones who can conveniently understand the dog language. Most of the times it is body language, barks or growls. The important thing is that you can only have a healthy relationship with your dog when you understand him the way you want him to understand you.

So, how can you understand what your dog is saying to you? The barks or the growls may sound just like senseless noises, but the gestures with the barks or growls, when understood by you is the actual essence of relationship you want have with your newly brought in dog.

• Wagging the tail - When your dog is happily wagging his tail and his tongue, he is in a playful mood. He may even lower the front of his body to the floor and raise his little hind end in the air. He is probably full of energy and ready for play time.

• Ears standing up - Something has caught his attention. He may stop wagging his tail and even lean his head to the side to pay closer attention to whatever is catching his eye. This does not always mean that there is some danger it might mean he has found something new.

• Bearing his teeth - This is considered a show of aggression. He possibly will do this with strangers or when meet an animal that he feels vulnerable by or that may be intimidating you.

• Lying on the ground with tail down when he greets you - This is a way of greeting you that shows loyalty also. When you walk into the house, he may lower himself to ground. This pose is also referred to as an "active submission." He doesn't feel threatened or fearful. It is a way to express his friendship, accepting that you are the boss and a friend.

Now, your dog makes other noises besides barking. Barking can have many meanings in itself, so we are going to talk about other sounds that your dog may makes which you may like to be aware of.

• Growling - Your dog shouldn't be growling at you, but he may growl at strangers. It could also be in response to his sensing that you are uncomfortable with someone. If your dog does growl at you when you take something away from him, it could be a play for the alpha position.

• Whining - This is such a cute gesture. Sadly it can be annoying as well if you are trying to get him to do something that he doesn't specifically like to do, like to go to the vet. In these times, ignoring the whine lets him know that it won't get him out of doing his duty. Droning can also go along with their show of loyalty and greeting.

Choosing the Right Puppy Online For Your Family

You've found puppies for sale that are just adorable, and you've decided to purchase one. Before you make that purchase, however, are you certain that you are choosing the right puppy for your family? There are still many, many things to consider once you've decided that a puppy will make a wonderful addition to your family. Here are some things that should not be overlooked.

Breed - Will your puppy just be a member of the family, or might he or she also double as a show dog? Will the puppy eventually be used for breeding purposes? All of this plays a vital role in determining which puppy you purchase.

Size - while puppies are typically small and cute, they do grow. Some grow to be quite large and heavy. What is the appropriate size of the full grown dog that your puppy will eventually be, in terms of available space? This must be considered whether the puppy will be an indoor or outdoor dog.

Potential Illnesses and Conditions - Certain breeds of dogs are at a higher risk for potential illnesses and conditions, and this can not only be costly, it can also be heartbreaking. Take the time to be aware of the potential health concerns of the breed of puppy that you are considering before making a final decision.

Personality - All dogs have their own unique personality, but some breeds have expected personalities. Do you want a watchdog? Do you want a puppy that will grow with your children and love them? Do you want a lap dog? Do you want a highly social dog, or a dog that isn't quite so social? Research the breed that you are considering to find out what you can expect - generally - concerning that breeds personality.

Your family - What type of puppy will be best for the people and other pets that live in your home? For example, if you have small children, you will want to select a breed that is known for being good with children specifically. If the puppy that you select will require special care, beyond that of most puppies, how well prepared are other family members to help out? If you have young children who tend to play rough, a small delicate dog may not be advised. Consider the needs of the puppy, as well as the needs of your family, and try to visualize the puppy being in your home, around your family members in day-to-day life before making a decision.

Although experts will say that dogs live to be an average of fifteen years, you may want to select a certain breed that is known to live longer, on average, or for a shorter period of time, on average. Remember that you are making a lifelong commitment to the puppy - meaning that you are committed to keeping and caring for the puppy for his or her entire life. Are you ready to invest fifteen years?

Determine which family member the puppy will actually belong to. This is the person that the dog will form the deepest bond with, and it is very important. For example, if your child will be leaving for college in four or five years, this can be very traumatic for the dog, which will be left behind. This may mean that you don't want to get a puppy of a certain age, or that you want to get an older dog.

Consider the puppy carefully before making a decision. There may be other considerations pertaining to the selection of your puppy that are specific to you and your family. Never make a puppy purchase on the spot, without putting a great deal of time and thought into the decision.

Give Pets a Place in Your Home

If you love pets, naturally you would want the best for them. You see to it that you provide them food and ensure that they receive the right nutrients. You even provide them with their own sets of toys.

This is the reason why you should give your pets their own place in your home. This is easily said, but harder to do. It is hard to restrict your beloved pets from invading your home. Many people consider pets as part of the family and they don't mind them around the living room, kitchen and even the bedroom. Nonetheless, the dirt they bring indoors and other places in the house could cause more work and problems.

The kind of space or place you give your pets will depend on their type. Most people have fish, birds, dogs and cats in the house. They have various needs that should be addressed separately.

For instance, your dog or dogs need a dog kennel. There are various kinds of kennels available in the market, or you could make and assemble your own. Consider the size of your dog and its activity level when choosing a kennel. Dogs are naturally active and they need a bigger space to move around. While a kennel may appear restricting, this will not always be the case if you regularly walk your dog and play with it. If you have a limited space, you can consider taking your dog indoors and give it its own bed.

Cats also need their own space. If you are having a cat for the first time, make sure to cat-proof your home. Cats are inquisitive creatures and they do not just look at items that trigger their curiosity. Therefore, keep all breakable items out of your cat's sight. Aside from that, you may also protect your furniture since cats love to climb on your furniture and scratch them as marking to their territory. Cover your furniture to protect them. Get your cat its own space by giving it a small box with soft base to give it a sense of comfort and security.

Be informed that there are hazards for your cats such as poisonous plants. Remove these plants from the house. Cords are also harmful to cats because they can be entangled, the same thing with cords.

You can use a bowl or an aquarium for your fish. You can put oxygen and pump to help the fish to survive its artificial habitat.

A birdhouse or birdcage is perfect for your birds. Make a space for them and give them roof and all accessories that helps in taming them. You can construct birdhouses that look like tiny houses and situated in a cool and shaded area in your house.

You should also provide your pets their own area for feeding. Their water bowl and feeding dishes should be cleaned regularly. The space you give your pets is not just an area where they can do their own stuff, but it should be a place that helps them and make them healthier. The items in that place should keep them preoccupied while you are not around and should contain things that will help them relax and sleep better.

Pet Wellness 101

It's no secret that Americans love their animals. It's estimated that there are over 75 million pet dogs in the United States. Well over a third of all households own at least one dog and a quarter of households own two or more. Pet owners spend a considerable sum of money on their pets also. The average dog owner drops about $225 per year on their dog, not including food. Multiply this by 75 million and you see why the pet care industry is big business.

Cats are even more popular than dogs. There are about 95 million pet cats in America and their owners too spend over $200 annually on the pet. A full 1/3 of American households own a cat. Pet owners are often closer to their pets in many ways than they are with members of their families. Once an attachment like this has formed, the owner will spare no expense in caring for their pet and ensuring its wellness.

Because of the large number of pets and the care their owners want and expect, vet services have changed over the years. Many of the same high tech procedures that are common for humans are now offered in vet clinics. Pets are living longer and healthier lives than ever before.

Just like human health care, these high tech treatments come with a hefty price attached. Fortunately pet health insurance has become much more popular and can offset the costs of pet medical care. Insurance plans can be for routine care such as shots, teeth cleaning and other routine services or they can be full coverage plan that offer protection for catastrophic injuries and illnesses. Many pet owners take solace in knowing that their pet will be treated should they ever become ill.

Pet food has also improved greatly over the years. These days owners can find a food specially formulated for their particular breed and age of their pet. Supplements are also common and more people than ever are giving their dogs and cats daily vitamin supplements. These supplements can give your pet energy and help their immunity against some common diseases and ailments.

Don't forget water. It's common to think that if a pet is thirsty it will drink. But the truth is that pets often are affected by dehydration just like humans. Water can get boring and dogs might only drink when they are absolutely parched. Encourage them to drink more by adding variety. Give them a little milk. Add a little juice to their water. Also, if your water is so terrible that you won't drink it yourself, consider at least investing in a filter to make the water more palatable and healthier for your pet.

We love our pets; of that there's no doubt. Fortunately for both owners and pets, there is more in the way of care and nutrition than ever before and as a result pets are enjoying life spans much longer than pets just twenty years ago.

Dog Information - Should I Spay Or Neuter My Dog?

When it comes to dog health and the most reliable dog information available today the best answer to "should I spay or neuter my dog", rests within your understanding of the canine and the world we both share.

There has been a lot of controversy over fixing pets in the past few years and with both sides having strong arguments it is likely to continue for years to come.

Many dog owners consider spay and neuter requirements to be an infringement of their rights. Some owners think that sterilization is cruel. Others complain that the cost of surgery is too high. Many believe that the health of the canine will be at risk.

All these are legitimate concerns and we as dog owners need to take them seriously. There are certainly health risks associated with spay and neutering. However with a little education you may find the benefits out way the risks in most cases.

At the other end of the spectrum there are very extreme views that oppose all pet breeding. Their view is that breeders are puppy mills and just add to the over population of homeless animals.

To the best of our knowledge somewhere around 2 to 3 million dogs are put to sleep in the United States each year and the far majority of these dogs are homeless. So yes there is an overpopulation of unwanted dogs and every dog owner needs to do their part, get involved to end this problem.

We do not advocate the extreme view that no dog should be bred, or that the government create laws making responsible dog breeding all but impossible. We believe this will open the door to even worse problems for the canine.

Our belief is that everyone should have their dogs spayed or neutered if they are not a responsible, dog breeder. A responsible dog breeder dedicates their life to the dog breed of choice, normally just one breed. They devote many years educating themselves and others about the breed. Professional breeders work hard to eradicate defects within the breed, they do not breed sick or problem dogs. A good breeder will always interview potential owners and only release pups to good homes. A responsible breeder will always take back any dog that, for whatever reason is no longer wanted. Most even adopt unwanted dogs because they care so deeply about dogs in general.

So should you spay or neuter your dog? For us the answer is clearly yes, unless you want to devote your life to the entire dog breed and take on the responsibilities required. If you are or are thinking of becoming a dog owner please take the time to educate yourself and get involved. We share more, a lot more dog information and dog health facts on our website. With a little love, education and interaction we can make this world a better place for our canine companions.

Dog Training Schools - How They Can Help Fulfill a Dream

Dog training schools are great not only for dogs but also for people who want to make training dogs their lifelong career. These schools offer dog owners assistance in training puppies and adult dogs. They help make dogs become more obedient and more lovable to their owners. In addition, they may offer programs to people who want to learn the different techniques of canine training.

Being a professional dog trainer is a fulfilling and exciting career, particularly for those who are extremely passionate about dogs. With the right skills and knowledge, an individual can significantly make a good living out of this career. Pay range for training puppies and adult dogs may range from $100 to a thousand dollar or more for a four-week session alone. Many highly skilled and reputable dog trainers have enjoyed great financial stability with this kind of career.

To become successful in this type of venture, a person has to have the right combination of skills and knowledge required for training different kinds and breeds of dogs. There are certain techniques used by professionals to train the dogs and puppies of their clients. There are CDs sold online that offer individuals information on canine training but oftentimes, the techniques included in the CDs only cover basic techniques. There may also be institutions offering people online tutorials, but the knowledge that may be learned in these types of learning process may be limited.

For people who want to become real professional dog trainers, enrolling in a physical or actual dog training school is the way to go. In these schools, they are guided by real professionals in the field. They are able to see with their very own eyes how the dog is trained, and therefore learn from it. Moreover, they may be given the opportunity to learn by actually training a dog themselves. In addition, they may be closely guided by their instructors on the technical aspect of dog and puppy training. The guidance and close monitoring offered in actual schools is what is missing in online institutions. With actual schools, instructors are there to oversee and correct a trainee if what he or she is doing is wrong. With online tutorials, actual training cannot be done.

There are three types of training programs that may be offered by these training schools to aspiring dog trainers. These are group classes, one to one sessions, and in-kennel training. These programs offer comprehensive training to students so they can become excellent dog trainers upon completion of the course.

Mutts As Family Dogs

What is a "Mutt"?

• A mutt is a dog that is not a purebred.
• A mutt may have parents from two different breeds or parents who were already a mix of many different breeds themselves. In contrast, purebred dog is a dog whose parents were both the same specific breed.
• Therefore, a mutt does not carry a specific breed name, and that is where the term "Mutt" comes from; a dog that is a mixture of many different breeds.
• Mutts may also be referred to as cross breeds, half-breeds, mixed breeds or Heinz 57

When to consider a "Mutt" over a Purebred?

• Determine what your dog-owning, long-term goals are.
• I would recommend a mutt for people generally looking for a family dog. People looking for a companion for themselves and their children.
• A dog you can walk anywhere, take anywhere and do anything with! Anything you would do with a purebred, that is.
• Mutts can usually be more affordable than purebreds
• They have more variation in their genetic makeup. No two mutts look the same or act the same, making your mutt much more unique than any purebred
• Mutts gave people the chance to mix two dogs together with two or more great qualities to create a dog that could function to his or her maximum potential. In contrast, purebreds might have one great quality or skill only, making some people believe that mutts are "smarter" than purebred dogs.

Purebreds are for people and families who:

• One day want to show and breed their dog. Only purebreds will be accepted for membership groups such as the American Kennel Club which is essential to keep the bloodlines up to breeding standards
• Want their dog to have "pure" blood lines and the best physical qualities
• Want the notoriety of owning a purebred
• Are willing to spend more money for a similar breed they could probably purchase as "pet-stock"
• Prefer a dog that has been specifically bred to maximize one specific trait or skill such as hunting, working, herding, etc.

Dog Information - How to Keep Fleas and Ticks Off My Dog

If you have ever experienced flea and tick infestation with your canine companion than you are likely know how difficult they can be and how it can affect overall dog health.

A single female flea can lay more than 2000 eggs and can jump about 100 times its own height. Fleas need blood to complete their reproductive cycle. Even though fleas prefer dogs and cats blood, human blood is OK too. Fleas cause mild to severe skin reactions, tapeworm infestation and a host of other nasty problems.

Ticks are well known for spreading disease, as they feast on blood. They can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, encephalitis, tularemia, tick paralysis, and Lyme disease, so it is very important to prevent tick infestations in dogs.

When it come to fleas and ticks and ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Therefore to prevent these attacks we prefer using a natural approach, we simply add garlic to our dogs food. This prevents fleas and ticks due to the odor released through the dog's skin as the compounds in garlic are metabolized. Don't worry about odor, by using the proper amount you very unlikely to smell it.

Garlic has many other health benefits for your canine like boosting the Immune System, preventing blood clots, lowering blood cholesterol and the list continues to grow.

We recommend the following amount of fresh garlic for dogs:

- 10 to 15 pounds - half a clove

- 20 to 40 pounds - 1 clove

- 45 to 70 pounds - 2 cloves

- 75 to 90 pounds - 2 and a half cloves

- 100 pounds and over - 3 cloves

This is important, at least one to two days off per week or two weeks on and one week off from garlic, is the proper recommended dosage. We also recommend that you should always consult your vet when adding anything to your canine's diet. There has been some controversy lately over garlic in a dog's diet.

A compound found in onions and in smaller amounts in garlic named n-propyldisulfide could, in large doses cause oxidant damage to red blood cells thus creating Heinz bodies and triggering the body to reject the cells from the bloodstream. If large doses of this compound are ingested on a regular basis the process can lead to Heinz-body anemia and even death.

Does that mean garlic is unsafe for dogs? Not really. The key to safe use of garlic with dogs is the dosage level and frequency of use. The benefits way out way the risks providing one follows the suggested amount vs. body weight. One clove of fresh garlic per 10 to 30 pounds of canine body weight a day.

We at dog information hope this helps you and your canine get relief from fleas and ticks. As always we welcome your comments and suggestions to better understand dog health.

Shopping For Pet Supplements Online

When ordering animal supplements or wormers online, you'll quickly learn that every product promises good health and increased well-being for your pet. Let's face it, when it comes to our pets where more than happy to purchase anything at whatever cost to make our animals happy but a lot of the time the products we purchase just means we're throwing money done the drain as they are no more beneficial then giving them a bone. If you're new to the concept of purchasing wormers or supplements for your pet online, or you're looking for a product that you haven't used in the past, you may find significant benefit to checking legitimate reviews and comments left by customers who have already purchased and used a product.

This will give you a good idea of which pet supplement promises you can rely on and when you'll need to continue your search for higher quality. Also check reviews for customer service policies and product guarantees to be sure you have recourse should a problem arise. Many blogs and non-affiliated websites offer objective product information without actually selling the product. This type of information is great may offer a more accurate portrayal of which supplements could be most beneficial to you without feeling like you're being sold the product.

Return Policies

In addition to checking reviews and blogs, you'll also want to be aware of a websites return policy when purchasing supplements online. Despite the results any particular product provides for others, your experience may be completely different. If you need to return a product for any reason, knowing the policies and instructions ahead of time can lessen the time and effort it takes to receive a refund or replacement for your purchase. Also check for contact information, preferably by email and telephone. Should the need arise, you'll want to make sure you can contact someone directly with questions or concerns.

Why You Should Treat Your Pet With Healthy Food For Dogs

There are still too many pet owners who are under the impression they can feed their pet anything. Their dogs subsist on leftovers and scraps. These are pet owners who actually love their dogs and believe what they are doing is normal. Many of these dogs end up with a variety of diseases because they are not eating a balanced diet suitable for dogs.

Dogs are the same as humans when it comes to correct diet. People get heart disease, diabetes and obesity because they have unhealthy eating habits. The same happens to dogs. Like people, dogs must have a healthy balanced diet to have the best chance of being disease free. Healthy food for dogs also ensures an animal has a balanced nature.

It is important to remember, a dog living in the wild would eat raw meat that would include bone, marrow, fat, hide and hair. Like humans, dogs are omnivores. This means they eat meat but also need to eat vegetables, fruit, grain and even fish. Fortunately, nowadays, you can simply buy a complete balanced food your dog.

There are many different kinds of dog food on the market. It would be fair to say some are better than others. It is necessary to buy dog food that is manufactured by a reputable supplier. Such a food would contain all the nutrients your dog needs to maintain good health and therefore be in optimum condition. Healthy food for dogs is evident in a dog that has a shining coat, bright eyes and a wet nose. The most common form of such a food is pellets. Remember, fresh water is an essential part of your dog's daily diet.

One of the first questions a dog behaviourist asks if a dog is behaving badly is what the dog eats. The reason is because a dog not getting the right nutrients or enough nutrients can be aggressive or highly strung or lethargic. Very often, pets hard to control are not being fed healthy food.

If you choose to put together your dog's diet it must have fifty five percent of protein. The protein can come from red meat, chicken, fish and eggs. There must be fourteen percent carbohydrates. You can include brown rice, grains, green vegetables and yellow vegetables. You can also feed your dog tiny amounts of fruit. Vegetables and fruit provide antioxidants and help your pet fight disease. If your dog chews on grass don't stop it. Grass provides anti-bacteria for a dog's intestines.

It is far easier to make use of a good quality dog food because it already has the perfect balance of nutrients. A top quality dog food contains nutrients from both animal and plant sources. A commercial dog food is the easiest and most reliable means for your pet getting a proper balance of nutrients. Healthy food can assist in curing a dog of certain diseases. Healthy food for dogs should be regarded as medicine that keeps a dog in good shape both physically and temperamentally.

Online Pet Stores Save You Time and Money

If you are constantly shopping for supplies and want to find a way to spend half the time and save hundreds of dollars you should really consider shopping at online pet stores.

One of the greatest things that people have discovered from shopping online is that there are literally hundreds of different stores available right at their fingertips. These stores most generally will be able to provide you with a much wider selection than the stores in real life. In knowing this you will find that you will be able to quickly find what you are searching for and you did not have to fight traffic and search for a parking space because you never left the house. Just think about the time that you usually spend on commuting to the store and fighting for a parking space you will use half that time with an online store.

When you choose to go to an online store you will also find a huge selection of a variety of different pet products at very reasonable prices.

All you simply have to do is type in what you are searching for and you will find it in a matter of minutes. One of the best reasons to shop online is that once you have narrowed down your search you can also comparison shop to get the best deals for your money.

Another great reason why you should choose to shop online is that you will be able to view various product reviews before you purchase. This allows you to discover what others are saying about a particular brand which will help you in your purchasing decision.

Online stores are also one of the best ways that you will be able to save money. You will be able to find a variety of different stores that are all competing for your business. Once you know what you are searching for all you need to do is do a search in your favorite search engine and you will be presented with hundreds of stores that offer that product. If you take the time to do this you will be able to find the one retailer that is offering you the best deal for your money.

Also the online pet stores have a much smaller overhead than the stores of real life. Due to this fact they offer you a much lower mark up value which will mean a great savings to you. You will also be able to find a great selection and be able to save time and money.

So if you are tired of all the hassle of traveling to these real life stores you really should consider giving one of these great online pet stores a try today. You will be amazed at all the time and money you are going to save. Never again will you have to fight traffic and spend hours searching for a great parking space. All you have to do is power up your computer and shop away.

A Healthy Pet is a Happy Pet!

Everyone loves their pet. Whether it's a cat, dog, hamster, or even a scaly snake, pets are an enormous part of our daily existence. So, when your pet gets sick you try to do everything and any thing to make him better. There are two ways to insure our pet's health is good as it can be. One is by observing their behavior and appearance, and the second is scheduling regular vet checkups.

When you have lived with your pet for any length of time you become aware of all their quirky habits, good and bad. A cat may decide he wants attention at three a.m. by sticking his wet nose on your face. Dogs drool piles of sticky saliva on your end tables. Your parakeet sings at the top of his tiny lungs just when you have drifted off to sleep. These are small things that make your pet unique.

But if you begin to notice subtle or blatant changes, such as the cat is no where to be found, the dog's mouth is dry and appears chalky, your bird huddles on his perch and refuses to sing a note, then pet health may be at risk.

Not only are habits important to note, but also their appearance should be closely observed. Changes can be subtle as cat's eyes may appear to have a film over them, or obvious when you see a beautiful yellow canary suddenly loses all the minuscule feathers from its head. If this behavior or different appearance doesn't clear up shortly a visit to the vet is a must.

Regularly planned vet visits are also important to pet health. Most veterinarians' offices keep hours that work for busy schedules. Habitual trips to the doctor are important for many reasons. A main basis is keeping their shots up to date, especially if your pet comes in contact with other animals.

Rabies, feline leukemia, and heart worms are just a few of the contagious diseases pets are faced with that can be prevented. Other reasons for regular checkups are so your pet and vet can become familiar with one another. The more your doctor understands your pet's individuality the better he can make observations and catch anything subtle that could be wrong. Regular teeth cleanings and nail clippings can also insure your pet's good health continues.

A long, healthy life is what everyone desires for their pet. Be vigilant to their nuances, and make those regular doctor visits to insure they live to a happy, old age.

Great Tips For Washing a Dog

Having a clean and healthy pooch is a must for both you and your dog's happiness. Cleaning the ears, teeth and their coat, while keeping their hair free of ticks and fleas are for sure the essentials to washing a dog.

Dogs doing need to be bathed nearly as much as people do, and sometimes they will not think that its very pleasant, but afterward will typically feel really good and be very joyful.

This is also a great time to brush their teeth, clean their ears and check for ticks and fleas, because considering that dogs don't like to sit still for a good bath, when washing a dog it makes much more sense to do it all together.

Cleaning Dog's Teeth

Most veterinarians would recommend that you brush their teeth twice a week, but that's not a rule of thumb, and it does not mean that washing a dog in general has to be done this often.

You can pick up special toothpaste and brushes made for dogs at your favorite pet store. The paste alone is designed to be tasty to our canine friends, so they shouldn't give you any fuss.

Use small circular strokes on the main teeth, and an up and down motion to take care of their pointier teeth.

If for some reason cleaning dog's teeth does not sound like your cup of tea, you may also try dental treats or biscuits which can do the trick, but are by far not nearly as good as the real thing.

Checking For Ticks And Fleas

When washing a dog, its very important to take this precautionary step. Ticks above all are the nasty little blood suckers that can carry diseases and make your dog very unhealthy to say the least. A canine will typically pick these up in a wooded area (humans too), but you should do a thorough routine check throughout the warmer months of the year anyways.

Check under the collar, the belly and deeply into the coat. They are very good at hiding in unusual places. If you do locate one, you can use your hands to remove them, but you will want to wash your hands afterward, and you will have to be very careful. You may perhaps use a pair of tweezers instead. Always remove a tick by its head, and not the body. If not you will end up with a nasty mess.

You can locate fleas when washing a dog by one big give away - their droppings. Flea poop looks like little flecks of black pepper. Fleas can vary in size, but they cannot be removed like ticks by simply picking them off.

You will need a good plan of action for this if you do find one. You can buy flea shampoo, but never ever start shampooing anywhere until you've started with the head FIRST. If you don't - they will "flea" to the dog's head and scramble into their eyes. Make the head a no-flea zone first by shampooing it before any other area.

There are also programs for treatment that are typically little droplets that you can apply to the coat of flea killer. Consult a vet or expert first before using these. Too much can be harmful when washing a dog.

Cleaning a Dog's Ears

Ear mites can be a real problem for dogs. They literally live off of the waxy secretion in a dog's ears. They have a short lifespan, and over time their bodies start stacking up, which creates a thick black dirt-like substance.

You can also pick up cleaning solution for ears at a pet supply store. Use a cotton swab that has been dipped into a little bit of the solution, and gently swipe the ear. If when washing a dog they try to resist this process, hold them down and do it anyways - it goes by very quickly, does not do any harm, and will keep them healthy and ear mite free.

If not, your dog could end up with an ear infection or ear aches. As you have noticed by now, taking the time to do a little extra pampering can make all the difference in the world.

Keys to Healthy Dog Food

1. Make sure you know what your dog can't or shouldn't have! This is a crucial step that takes only a few minutes of research to figure out, and one that many people skip. Many people give table scraps to their dogs that can actually make the dog quite sick, so it pays to put in a few minutes and learn as much as you can. Your dog will appreciate it, and you will have a much less lethargic pup as well.

2. Don't over-feed your dog! We all love our pets dearly, and especially when they are learning a new trick, we just can't help but give them one more treat. The problem is that obesity is just as big a problem for canines as it is for humans, perhaps even more so. Especially for larger breeds or breeds that are genetically predisposed to hip or joint problems, obesity will make their problems (or risk for problems) much higher. If you aren't sure, ask your vet if your dog is getting too heavy.

3. Know the golden ratio for dog food! The simple ratio that will work for any well balanced dog food is this: 1 part cooked protein, 1 part cooked whole grain or starch, and 1 part raw vegetable (by weight). What's great about knowing this ration is that it is extremely flexible, and allows you to use leftovers to make the food.

Just to give an example and make sure you know how to make your own dog food, here is a simple recipe:

1 pound cooked chicken
1 pound cooked brown rice
1 pound raw celery

Just combine all ingredients in a food processor until it is the consistency of wet sand. You can make enough for a week and refrigerate it, or you can make a large batch and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just pop some in the microwave whenever your pup is hungry, and you're done!

Choosing the Right Kind of Dry Food For Your Pet Dog

Gone are the days when as a consumer, we had a very narrow choice on products. Sometimes as few as two or three brands per item were acceptable as we didn't really know any better. Having said that, we knew exactly what to buy but these days even the most hardened consumer would be flummoxed by the sheer volume of products fighting the 'brand war' so it makes the dog owner's task slightly more time consuming to ensure that they really are purchasing the best dry dog food.

Naturally, you are looking for quality, nutrition and a product that is competitively priced and one of the best avenues to go down here is to sound out your local pet food supplier. As a starting point, you cannot do better and whilst you may not make a purchase on the first visit, you will be a in very good position to glean new information from them as they will have a lot of experience in this field and will not blind the prospective customer with facts and figures.

Write down a simple 'plan' marking your dog's breed, (or as close as you can if it is mixed) age, state of health, kind of lifestyle and what the ideal weight should be taking all these factors into account. Now that you have decided to use dry dog food let's look at the ingredients which need to contain protein, carbohydrates, roughage and of course vitamins and minerals. We are lucky these days that food laws demand that manufacturers comply with the regulations and that all the separate components must be listed on the packaging so it is relatively easy to cross check that a particular product will meet all your dog's needs.

What you definitely don't want is a product which is laced with calories so never let yourself become brainwashed with fancy marketing techniques and bold advertising as these tactics can mask a product which is of inferior quality. So, you are looking for a well-balanced, additive free dry food and it is vital to check out if this is a Complete Mix (this means that it contains everything you dog needs in one meal) or is it simply a Dry Mix which needs extra supplementation with meat, fish and vegetable products. If the latter is the case, use this as a daily base and you can add your chosen proteins to it as well as the multi vitamin supplement which you can easily buy from your local pet shop or veterinary clinic.

As a convenience for you, why not buy your dry dog food in bulk as not only will it be more economically sound, it will also save you time providing you have a dry and well ventilated place to store it. This method of feeding is a sound choice for both you and your dog so once you have found your perfect mix you can be sure that your dog will stay healthy and happy.

Training Your Dog to Stop Pulling on the Leash Starts From You

Pulling on the leash is a common problem among dogs regardless of their size. Each of them learns to pull on the leash at an early age. This behavior takes all the fun out of the leisure time when you walk out with your dog and it becomes one of major reasons why people stop taking their dog out for walk. The main reason dogs pull on the leash is because they get where they want to go. When you have no control over your pet, it reinforces the behavior.

Tips #1 - Define Your Term And Keep Consistent With What You Want
Sit and think of what you want from your dog. Imagine what kind of behavior you would like your dog to follow. Keep asking questions for yourself:
- Do you want her to walk on your left side or on right side?
- Do you want your arm to be relaxed or extended while walking with your dog?
- Would you allow your dog to sniff while walking on the street?

Tips #2 - Get Enough Physical Activities
Each dog needs exercise at least 30 minutes to one hour depending on what kind of breed she is. Some of very active dogs require 3 hours of physical activities. Exercise is a very important element for your dog in order to release her energy. You can expect a calm on-leash companion when your dog has enough exercise. If she does not get enough physical activities, she will do anything to release her energy. Physical activities could be walking, playing with other dogs, playing fetch, running and many more.

Tips #3 - Focus On Your Dog Attention
You will not be able to change your dog's behavior overnight, it requires patience and practice. Once your dog is well behaved in one location, move on to a more distracting place. Your dog can practice how to deal with the distraction. Walk briskly to a crowded place and change direction frequently, this way makes your dog pay attention to where you are going.

Remember that you are building a relationship with your dog and your dog's reinforcement history for an easy loose-leash walking.

Training your dog is to develop a trusting relationship through a line of communication. No matter whether you teach her simple tricks or the most complicated ones, you enhance a special bond that you share with your dog. It makes a better quality of life for both of you.