Proper Dog Illness Diagnosis

By Moses Wright

Dog illnesses cause a large variety of symptoms. When the dog owner tries to identify what is wrong with the dog, the symptoms can be misleading. Symptoms can be physical and behavioral.

The dog may exhibit a behavior that a dog owner may not realize that the behavior is related to a dog illness. For example, if a dog that is usually active and tireless suddenly stops running and playing after a brief time, the dog owner may consider it a sign of aging when it could be due to a serious dog disease.

When a dog owner notices physical or behavioral changes in the dog, the dog owner should consult a veterinarian. Dog illness diagnosis relies on extensive knowledge of dog anatomy and physiology and the ability to run any necessary diagnostic tests.

Dog owners may attempt to diagnose the dog. Many websites offer information to help dog owners diagnose a dog illness. This is not necessarily detrimental, but a dog owner should understand that the diagnosis that they identify could be wrong. Even veterinarians are sometimes wrong about a dog illness diagnosis, but the veterinarian is able to do tests to confirm a diagnosis.

The dog owner has important contributions during the veterinarians examination of the dog. The dog owner can inform the veterinarian of the symptoms that they have observed in the dog. This is important information for a proper dog illness diagnosis.

The veterinarian takes the information provided by the dog owner and does a physical examination of the dog. If the veterinarian suspects a dog illness that can be identified by blood tests, the veterinarian will perform those tests and possibly other tests to rule out other disorders.

Blood tests are only one type of diagnostic test that veterinarians use. The dogs urine and feces are sometimes used to identify the dog illness. X-rays and other testing may be done.

Once a proper diagnosis has been achieved, the veterinarian may discuss the illness and treatment options with the dog owner. The dog owner should be able to ask questions to the veterinarian about the illness and treatment.

About the Author:

Are you faced with common dog health problems which you do not know what to do? Ask Moses, the dog specialist, on what dog illness signs symptoms and help your dogs.

What Is A Cat Food Recall?

By Moses Wright

A cat food recall indicates that the cat food poses a health risk due to a problem with the contents of the cat food. In some cases, cat food is recalled before reports of cat illness from the cat food. Sometimes, the cat food recall is in response to the illness or even death of cats that ate the cat food. During a cat food recall, the cat food is removed from the retailers shelves and customers are asked to return the food for a refund.

There was a cat food recall in recent years involving cat food and other animal feed that contained wheat gluten that was tainted with melamine. The wheat gluten was imported from China and used by at least one pet food manufacturer. Melamine is used in the production of plastics, filters, tiles, and many other products.

After some cat illness and death was attributed to the melamine-tainted cat food, a cat food recall was issued. The people who were determined to be responsible for the presence of melamine in the animal feed were indicted.

In addition to contaminating wheat gluten, some rice gluten imported from China has also been found to be contaminated with melamine. The tainted rice gluten causes many cat food recalls in 2007.

A cat food recall may be a voluntary action of the cat food manufacturer if they discover a minor flaw in the quality of the cat food that does not pose a serious health risk to cats. If cats become ill from cat food, the Food and Drug Administration may issue a cat food recall.

One recent cat food recall was a voluntary recall involving cat food that contained incorrect amounts of zinc and potassium. The NUTRO Natural Choice Complete Cat Care dry cat food with best if used by dates of May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010 was voluntarily recalled. There have been no reports of cats becoming ill due to this cat food.

When a cat food manufacturer makes a new cat food, it is not required to get approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unless it contains certain ingredients that require testing by the FDA. Colorings and additives must be deemed safe by the FDA.

Cat food recalls are often announced on television news programs and other news media. The FDA website has information as recalls. Customers can ask the retailer for information about the cat food recall.

About the Author:

Find free cat food samples information at your favorite cat diet resource site now. Do you also want some make your own cat food information? Come join us for a healthier cat diet for your precious kitties.

What Causes Obesity In Cats And Dogs?

By Moses Wright

Obesity in cats and dogs can cause health problems. The pet owner may not be aware of the health risks associated with obesity. Pet owners may even think that their pets look cuter being overweight and that there is no cause for concern.

Obesity in cats and dogs increases the pets risk of certain diseases like diabetes and arthritis. Pet owners should consult a veterinarian for treatment for obesity. If a cat develops arthritis or diabetes, losing weight can help reduce the symptoms of the condition.

The veterinarian may do blood tests to rule out possible medical causes for the obesity. There are medical conditions that may contribute to the pets obesity and can cause other health problems.

Metabolic disorders like thyroid conditions can contribute to obesity. If the pet has a condition that has affected their weight, treatment for this condition may help with the treatment of the obesity and any symptoms the metabolic disorder has caused.

The pet owner may have done things that have unintentionally contributed to the pets obesity. Many pet owners make the mistake of leaving food out for the pet at all times. This type of constant feeding, called free range or free choice feeding, can cause obesity. It makes it easy for the pet to eat too much.

Pet owners may be giving the pet too many table scraps or pet treats. The table scraps are often high in calories or carbohydrates which are problematic for pet weight control. Carbohydrates and fat are especially problematic foods for a pet's weight.

Many pets do not get enough exercise. Obesity can be caused by not getting enough physical activity. The pet owner can help reduce the pets weight by increasing the pets active play. Daily walks are very important for a dogs health.

The pet owner should feed the pet a low calorie diet or at least food that is low in carbohydrates. The pet owner may want to consult the veterinarian about the best pet food for the treatment of obesity and the proper serving size.

About the Author:

Moses Wright has been a pet lover since young. He started this site to provide pet lovers with free pet advice and tips on homemade pet food.

Dog Brush - Some Crucial Information

By Gregory Park

Introduction:

If you are thinking of buying a brush to groom and brush your dog, you must remember that, when it comes to those different types of grooming and combing, one-size-fits-all is not what you should be looking for.

Pet Zoom Video

Tools that are used for grooming a dog has their own individual functions and an understanding of which dog brush is best for the particular breed makes grooming your dog easier for you at home.

If your dog sheds hair, undercoat rakes grooming brush is the one you should have, which would help to stop your dog from shedding. The undercoat rakes have one single row of metal prongs, just like any other rake, and these are quite effective in removing the dead fur from your dog's undercoat.

Dog grooming is an expertise which is best left to the professionals, since no matter how hard you try you can never achieve the expertise that a dog groomer has. Professional dog groomers have access to tools, including various types of dog brushes which you do not have, and these people would have the skill and experience relating grooming which would keep your dog's fur healthy and attractive.

Professional dog groomers ensure that your dog remains clean, and the fur remains in good condition. A groomer spends a lot of time caring for your dog's fur which you might not able to do, and during this time he would be also looking into the skin condition of your dog and take proper care if needed.

Thoughtful consideration of Pet zoom by looking at a proper review is always recommended.

There are several types of dog brushes available, each having its particular use for the kind of dog you have. Some of these are as follows:

Bristle brushes:

You can use bristle brushes on all type of coats. The brushes vary in its use depending upon the spacing between the bristles and the length that each bristle has. If your dog has long coat, you should have a brush which has widely spaced and longer bristles. With coarser hair the brush you use should have stiffer bristles.

Wire-pin brushes:

For curly or woolly coats you should use wire-pin brushes which may have or may not have rubber-tipped ends. This kind is also the preferred choice for dogs having medium to long hair.

Slicker brushes:

Slicker brushes are used for removing mats and tangles from your dog's coat, and these brushes, with their fine wire bristles, are especially made for the purpose.

You would be using slicker brushes to remove mats and tangles from all coat types. These brushes remove dead hairs, both, the undercoat hairs as well as the coarser hairs from the dog's outer coat. You would be using a slicker brush after you have removed a significant portion of the dead hairs from the dog's undercoat with the help of a pin brush.

Summary:

When you are brushing your dog, you should always be using the right type of dog brush, taking your time and being gentle as you brush, taking special care as you remove mats or tangles. Your pet must feel comfortable as you use your dog brush to groom, and it should not be that painful which would make your dog avoid being groomed. Brushing your dog often, preferably daily, would help you in preventing problems with mats and tangles.

About the Author:

For more information and professional FREE advice on Pet hair brush, please visit us today and read our extensive unbiased review. Our detailed and expert review will assist you to make the most informative and wise decision for your dog.

Anti Barking Collar

By Hannah Scott

There is nothing worse than a dog barking, except for when its your dog barking and annoying your neighbors. There is the added stress that your neighbors will complain and that complaint can result in an unwanted visit from animal control. And if your dog is really bad then it can lead to your dog being removed from your home.

There are many reasons your dog is barking. There can be things in your dogs life that are bothering your animal, and will keep him barking until you remove these annoyances out of his or her life. Stranger alerts, excitement, anxiety and boredom are the main causes to why your dog will be barking. The best way to stop dog from barking is to remove the reasons why he or she is barking in the first place.

Anti barking collars can be used as corrective behaviour methods, to stop dog from barking. Stop barking collars are designed to be used as a corrective method only, they are not designed as every day apparel. You do need to consider the mental health of your dog before you decide to use an anti barking collar. This is because the buzzing of the collar may trigger your dog to react in a odd way, and he or she could hurt themselves trying to remove the collar.

A citronella collar is a collar that does not use a vibration, instead it releases a spray of citronella in front of the dog. Dogs do not like the smell of the citronella and will soon teach the dog that when he barks it releases the smell. The other type of anti barking collar is a static collar. A static collar is activated by the dog barking and sends off a vibration, this is unpleasant to the dog, and he or she will learn fairly quickly that it will keep happening when he barks.

Anti barking collars are not as cruel as you would think. They are not electric by any means and the shock that is being sent off to the dog is a vibration that will not send your dog off whimpering into the corner in pain. If you use a stop barking collar correctly then its a really great way to stop dog from barking, and start to restore peace in your neighbourhood again.

About the Author:

Hannah Scott is an expert in her field. Her Website has all the information you need to know about Anti Barking Collar. Hannah had reviewed the best Barking dog collars on the market, you can find this at Anti Barking Collar

Plants Poisonous To Cats

By Moses Wright

Cat owners can put their cats health at risk by having plants poisonous to cats on the property. While many people choose plants based on how they look and if they are easy to care for, cat owners have the additional responsibility of making sure none of the plants on the property are poisonous to cats.

The plants poisonous to cats are often plants that are sold for seasonal decoration. Mistletoe and poinsettias can cause the cat to have vomiting and diarrhea. These plants can also cause difficulty breathing and blistering in the mouth.

Easter lilies, lily of the valley plants, and tulips are another seasonal decoration that is poisonous to cats. Cats that eat any part of an Easter lily can develop kidney failure.

Many plants poisonous to cats can be found on many farms and in gardens. Apple seeds, cherries, rhubarb, tobacco, eggplant, peach leaves and peach pits, tomato plants, green tomatoes and avocado are poisonous to cats.

Common garden plants can be poisonous to cats. Geranium, marigolds, daffodils, chrysanthemums, morning glory plants, and many types of ivy are plants poisonous to cats. Aloe vera, oleander, sweetpea, and evergreen are plants poisonous to cats.

Flower arrangements can contain plants that are poisonous to cats. Some plants commonly used in home dcor are poisonous. Eucalyptus, bird of paradise, iris, and babys breath are plants poisonous to cats.

Hydrangea, ferns, azalea, and philodendron are poisonous to cats. Philodendron can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing if a cat ingests it. Ingesting parts of azalea can cause trembling, loss of coordination, and collapse.

While most danger from plants to cats occurs if the cat ingests the plant, a cactus plant has a risk of causing a puncture wound. Puncture wounds are a type of wound that is susceptible to infection.

Numerous plants not included in this article are poisonous. Before adding a plant to the house or property, a cat owner should ask a veterinarian if it is a plant poisonous to cats.

If a cat has ingested a poisonous plant, the cat owner should contact the veterinarian immediately. The cat owner should let the veterinarian know what plant was ingested if the cat owner knows. Poisonings can be serious and sometimes fatal.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a pet lover who can help answer your cat health problems and maine coon cats problems. Check out his cat related website for the whole range of cat breeds today.

Southern Marin is a Doggie Paradise with Dog Walking Parks and Open Spaces

By David DuPont

To the dog owner and his dog, there is almost nothing more fun than being outdoors. And with over 70,000 dogs in Marin County, local officials and dog lovers have responded to this by creating a plethora of parks, including specifically designated dog parks and other areas that allow dog walking. This is a great way for dog owners to get their exercise, chat and make friends with other dog owners.

Perhaps the most astonishing thing about Marin County for dogs and dog walking, are the liberal expanses of land given over to Open Spaces. The ordinances for dog walking are amazingly liberal as well. Basically, the Marin County Ordinance on dog walking in Open Space areas is as follows:

"Unless signed otherwise by the District, dogs are permitted on open space lands when restrained by a 6' (maximum) long leash. Dogs are allowed off-leash on fire protection roads only when under the direct and immediate control of a responsible person. Sensitive wildlife areas may have additional restrictions. Three dogs per person are permitted at a time on open space. Commercial dog walkers require a special permit from the District. Dog owners or persons accompanying dogs on District lands are required to clean up and remove dog wastes. Control and clean up after your pet(s). All persons bringing dog(s) on District property must possess a leash no longer than 6 feet -- one for each animal."

According to Marin Countys Humane Society, a dog park is a locale where dogs can socialize and run in a safe, secure environment off their leashes. But, we certainly wont ignore the many parks that welcome dogs on leashes! Of the numerous dog parks in Southern Marin, we will focus on Sausalitos Remington Park and Mill Valleys Dog Run and other parks that permit dogs on leashes. One of Marin Countys premier pooch places since 1999 is located at 100 Ebbtide Avenue at Bridgeway, in the Martin Luther King Open Space. It is called Remington Park or to the group of volunteers who use it, Sausalito Dog Park. The mission of this group, who formed the Friends of Sausalito Dog Park, a non- profit organization, is to maintain, support and foster leash-free, clean and protected dog parks for exercise, socialization and education in Sausalito in partnership with the City of Sausalitos Department of Parks and Recreation. Started in response to Sausalitos strict leash laws by a local resident, the Remington Parks Sausalito Dog Park provides a clean, protected area for both dogs and owners for the dogs to exercise freely off the leash. Sausalito provides garbage pick up, water and electricity to the park and volunteers do the rest. For more information, call 415-846-8323.

Mill Valleys premier dog park facilities are found at Richardson Bay at Bayfront on Sycamore, east of Camino Alto. In addition to a 3-acre dog park, Bayfront provides access to the Bay for dogs that swim! Let your spaniels, poodles, and retrievers go swimming! If they arent busy running and playing with other dogs, your non-swimming dogs will enjoy the small agility course.

Other parks and places in Mill Valley that welcome dogs on leash are Blithedale Park, Ernest Bloch Memorial Park, Boyle Park, Cascade Park, Freeman Park, Hauke Park, Lytton Square, Miller Grove, Old Mill Park, Park Terrace, the Plaza, Scott Highlands Park, Skate Park, Sycamore Park and the various steps, lanes and paths throughout the City of Mill Valley.

About the Author:

David DuPont is a principal with The DuPont Group, a residential real estate firm in Marin County, California specializing in Marin County real estate and Sausalito,CA homes for sale. David is a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and has consulted more than 50 individuals and families in buying and selling real estate in the Bay Area.

Magnetic Dog Collars For Arthritis Pain

By Moses Wright

Magnetic dog collars are collars that contain magnets to treat dog pain. Though there is no scientific evidence that the collars work for dogs, many people claim that magnets have treated their pain. So, it is thought that magnets would also work for dogs.

It is not uncommon for an alternative treatment to be used on pets based on how the treatment works for people. Alternative treatments like acupuncture for dogs and the use of some supplements are used to treat dogs by how they work for people.

Magnetic dog collars come in a variety of styles and sizes. Some magnetic dog collars are leather with embedded magnets. Magnetic dog collars can also be made of nylon and other materials.

Used mostly for arthritis and joint pain, magnets are thought to have anti-inflammatory abilities. Many people believe that magnets have detoxifying power and can improve circulation. The use of magnets to treat medical conditions is sometimes referred to as magnotherapy.

Some magnetic dog collar retailers claim that magnetic dog collars repel fleas. Since reviews from customers are on the websites that sell magnetic dog products, the reviews may be biased and only positive reviews are shown. Therefore, it is difficult to judge what dog owners experiences have been with magnetic dog collars.

Some dog owners have asked other dog owners if the magnetic dog collars work. Many dog owners recommended the use of chondroitin and glucosamine instead of a magnetic dog collar. Dog owners may want to ask the veterinarian for an opinion on the effectiveness of magnetic dog collars.

Other pet products have been designed to use magnets for the treatment of dog pain. Dog beds that contain magnets are sold. Some dog pads containing magnets are designed to be placed under the dogs regular dog bed. Magnetic dog vests are similar to dog sweaters, but they contain magnets.

These products can be found on the websites of Internet retailers that specialize in magnet pet products. Some websites that sell magnetic dog collars claim that the magnets of the collar do not interfere with the micro-chipping of pets.

About the Author:

Trendy motorcycle dog carriers matched with cute dog collars will absolutely make you precious doggy the talk of the town wherever you bring it to. Let your precious baby be the centre of attraction at dog gatherings.

Quickly Master the Art of Puppy Housebreaking

By Help Your Pets

Many of us love the idea of a cheerful, playful puppy, but reality often checks in when we're cleaning up puppy mess. While potty training difficulty differs between dog breeds, there are a few tips that can often be applied to potty training any dog breed.

We need to realize that puppies are like children in that they are needy for attention and require a routine. The best thing you can do to ease the potty-training process for your pup is to make sure that you establish the "sleep-eat-potty" routine.

There of course will be times when accidents happen-which is completely normal. There will be times when we don't always hear our pup's whimper in our sleep or are unable to let him outside at the exact moment when he needs to go. It could really help out to have a newspaper pallet on the floor. If your pup begins to potty inside, run him over to the newspaper. This is a good alternative option to use until your pup develops better bladder control.

Understand that a puppy's system is like clockwork. When you feed or water him, he will be ready to potty about 15 - 20 minutes later. The key is to make sure your pup has access to the yard (or wherever you're teaching him to potty) when the time comes. Arranging your puppy's routine to match your own is the easiest way to expect when he's hungry or needs to potty.

Be sure that you separate "potty time" from "play time." Puppies love to explore. It's natural and should be encouraged, but only when it's the appropriate time. Nothing is more frustrating than to be up at 2 am with your little guy running around the yard for twenty minutes, only to potty as soon as you get back inside.

Now would be a great time to teach your puppy the praise and discipline phrases you intend to use throughout training. Many people use terms such as "good boy/girl" and "no." Just remember that while puppies require a firm hand and patience, this is also a time to enjoy your puppy while he's young and full of energy!

About the Author:

Get more great articles like this from Help Your Pets and prevent pet injury with our Dog Stairs and Ramps.

The Excellent Fox Hunter, The Fox Terrier

By Vincent Allen

Before the establishment of the perfect dog breed to accompany hunters during fox hunting, it was almost impossible to capture foxes that run back to their lairs. Even the Fox Hounds that are reliable and keen hunting companions were not courageous enough to chase after these preys in to these dark burrows. Because of this concern, the Fox Terrier has been developed and fox hunting since started to be much successful than before.

The Fox Terrier breed is very popular as superb and fearless fox chaser. With its small body, ferocious power and brave spirit, it is able to chase down foxes. Using these intrinsic abilities, the Fox Terrier was able to crawl down to the Fox's burrow and fight there one on one until the prey gives up.

In the latter part of the 19th century, the name Fox Terrier was used to refer to a group of dogs developed for hunting. In today's time, however, Fox Terrier is a collective term to mean two varieties, the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. In Australia, they avoid confusion by calling these varieties as the Standard Fox Terriers.

The pedigree does not end with the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers, however, because since the introduction of this breed as a superb fox hunter, many variations have been developed in different parts of the world. Today, breeds such as the Japanese Terrier, Chilean Fox Terrier, Tenterfield Terrier and Brazilian Terrier are among the offset of this breed. Moreover, smaller versions of the Fox Terrier have also been developed and these are the Miniature Fox Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier.

Collectively, the Fox Terriers are known quiet dogs with excellent characters. They are "jumpy dogs" meaning they love to jump on to surfaces and in to human's arms as they enjoy being hugged and carried around. They are hardheaded and fierce hunters but they are also gentle and get along with other animals such as cats and other dogs.

The Fox Terriers are also known for being excessively playful, loving, and enthusiastic. They are always in a sunny mood, are brave and highly docile since they can learn tricks pretty fast. Looking at them, they show off an elegant, stylish and intelligent aura.

The two varieties have different coats but aside from that, they are notably similar with each other. The Smooth variety have a smooth, hard, flat and dense coat while the Wire variety have wiry, rough, and dense coat. These two have strong jaws and powerful teeth, and fierce strength and courageous spirit.

The height for this breed ranges between 13 to 16 inches and the weight ranges from 13 to 20 pounds. The coat colors are often seen in tan, black and tan, black and white, and markings of white to any of these combinations. The first listed Fox Terrier in a kennel club was Foiler in 1875.

About the Author:

Vincent Allen is a writer and prime breeder of the Fox Terrier breed. Check out his website for more helpful information on Wired Fox Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Miniature Fox Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier, and more!

Oh, No! It's Fleas! Get Rid of Fleas With Frontline For Dog Fleas, K-9 Advantage, Or Advantix Flea Control

By Patsy Lemmon

When warm weather is here, the last thing you want to do is worry about fleas and ticks. You want to be out enjoying walks, hikes and frolics with your dog in what ever natural spaces happen to be close at hand (even if that's just the back yard). But, the facts are - fleas are out there - and as a responsible pet owner, you want to do something to protect your dog.

Before I started using Frontline for dog fleas on my guide dog puppy in coaching, Kera, my paranoia about dog fleas and ticks was constant!

Just think about it for a minute... When do you stress about fleas on your dog? Is it when you snuggle with your dog on the settee or in bed? Is it when you see your dog scratch-scratch-scratching at that same place all of the time? What about when you go out for walks and your dog brushes against some tall grass or shrubs?

There are lots of good flea and tick products available in the market, including Frontline plus, dog Advantix and Advantage for dogs... If you have been wrestling with dog fleas and ticks, you might want to test out a flea repellent of some sort.

So, ask : What do you want in a flea or tick treatment for your dog?

* Stop the itching for your dog or cat

* Kill the fleas and ticks that are plaguing your pet

* Break the flea life cycle so they don't come back!

* Safe flea control for my pet and my folks

Name brand products like K-9 Advantix, Advantage, or Frontline for dog flea Problems, are proved to be both efficient and safe. In fact, they're sold and endorsed by veterinarians across the country.

Not only do these products eliminate flea and tick Problems, but they can stop the growth of the dangerous diseases ( like Lyme illness and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ) that these parasites help to propagate.

It is important to use your flea and tick control continually. This not only guarantees continued flea and tick relief for your pets, but helps dodge breeding resistant strains of bugs in your household.

Don't let your pet suffer with itching that leads to scratching and irritation. Do not be disturbed if the bugs and their offspring are spreading to your furniture, carpet and yard.

Instead, get assurance and protect yourself with a good, safe flea control product. Learn if your vet counsels Advantage, Advantix or Frontline for dog flea issues, or another product altogether - you'll be glad you asked so you do not have to fret any more!

About the Author:

Battling dog fleas can be an ongoing fight. I have found Frontline for dog fleas for dogs to be one of the best remedies on the market.

Protecting Animals with Your Personal Checks

By Alan Plastin

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the United States' first humane organization. Its motto is to ""to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States." It began more than one hundred years ago in 1866 and today its 750,000 members have helped prevent animal cruelty through education, awareness, and passing legislative bills.

It's very easy to find ASPCA logo-themed items. Not only are they attractive, but you can also feel good about yourself knowing that for every product you buy with an ASPCA logo, 6% of the retail price goes towards one of its humane programs. Even personal checks now contain images from ASPCA.

Profits from sales of these items benefits such programs as an animal hospital, an adoption facility, and the Humane Law Enforcement Department, which is located in New York City. The ASPCA even has a poison control hotline for animals.

One of the reasons that the ASPCA is so popular is that they prevent animal cruelty primarily to animals that function as pets. Many dog and cat lovers appreciate this, as pets can become part of your family and you want to protect them.

There are several different types of images available on ASPCA checks. For instance, you can generally find checks that have both cat and dog pictures, depending on the pets that you prefer. There are at least 5 different types of dog breeds available to choose from.

In addition to checks, you can also purchase coordinating ASPCA accessories. You might want to check out matching address labels with your favorite pooch's image, or a canvas checkbook cover. The matching accessories will also give a percentage of the retail price to the organization so you can give even more of a donation.

Along with the dog and cat images that you have on your ASPCA personal checks, your checkbook cover might feature a set of paw prints marching across the cover. You can expect to find orange somewhere on the checkbook cover since orange is the ASPCA's official color.

You can also order duplicate checks with the ASPCA logo and animal images on them. If you haven't considered purchasing duplicate checks before, then you should. They leave behind a copy of the check that you have written so even if you forget to record the checks that you are writing you still have a record of them.

Plain white checks can be boring and uninteresting, but purchasing the ASPCA checks also give you the incentive of supporting a good cause.

Ordering your bank checks online can be a great way to save money. As a matter of fact, you can save around 50% by ordering online than if you ordered them from your local bank. You can also expect your checks to be delivered in around 5 days, which is probably faster than you would receive them if you ordered them from you own bank.

About the Author:

Before you purchase ASPCA checks, go to ASPCAchecks.com to get coupons and to save up to 50% off your next order of ASPCA personal checks.

Buying a Guinea Pig Cage? Here are the Essentials you Must Look for

By Teri White

Your guinea pig will be spending most of his day in his cage. Be sure to read the following tips to be sure that you make the best home possible for your guinea pig. One of the most important things is the amount of space that he has, but there are other things to consider as well.

With the most important consideration being space, what you want to look for is about 2' x 3' size, or about 6 ft.. This will be sufficient for a single guinea pig, but they will still enjoy being able to get out and get exercise each day.

Next, let's discuss the sides of the cage. The most important thing regarding the sides of the cage is that there is air circulation. It is important not to use a fish aquarium for your guinea pig's home. This will cause the air to become stale and can cause respiratory problems.

Next we'll talk about the top of the cage. Especially if you have other pets in the home, or small children, you want to be sure to keep a top on the guinea pigs cage at all times. Again wire is recommended, although a sturdy plastic top will suffice just as well. The main idea is to protect your pet guinea pig.

While wire is ideal for the top and sides of the cage, this is not what you want for the bottom. You want a smooth, preferably plastic material for the bottom of the cage. It will need to be easily washable and not absorb water.

Most guinea pig cages that are available at stores such as Petco or PetSmart are designed to be ideal for guinea pigs. They include the plastic bottom pan, wire sides in usually a wire top. They also include a large door opening for ease in removing your pet.

Once you have the perfect cage picked out, then you need to pick out the perfect place to put it. Choosing a sturdy table or shelf that is at least as large as the cage base is the best selection. For the health of your pet guinea pig, it's best not to place the cage directly on the floor, where there can be drafts.

We have discussed all of the things that you need to keep in mind when purchasing your first guinea pig cage. All of these guidelines will help you to pick just the right one, and you'll be well on your way to a happy healthy guinea pig.

About the Author:

Terri has had pet guinea pigs for many years and enjoys caring for them. Take the absolute best care of your guinea pig by visiting her guinea pig blog for more tips, reviews, and care information. There, you can get loads of free information, including what your furry friend is letting you know when he or she makes all those adorable guinea pig sounds.

An Owner's Duty For Owning A Compliant Dog

By Nathan K West

There in fact is no excuse for a inadequately behaved dog. Most dogs are somewhat trouble-free to train when you make a commitment to it. A dog's activities is the liability of the owner.

The very most important thing that you must do as a dog owner is to prove the pack order. As the owner you must be the leader. Dogs are in nature pack animals and they react to pecking order. Every human member of the family unit must rank over the dog in the pecking order. When a human being family member speaks the dog needs to conform.

Opposing to what many dog lovers may think, dogs do not have human characteristics. They cannot analyze and they do not realize minutiae in communication. You are doing your dog a favor when you persist that he obey your instructions. Your dog will adore and respect you if he knows you are the boss.

You need to be able to control your dog in order to keep him safe and to keep your family content. He needs to respond to all of your commands. He will at all times act in response to you if he sees you as the boss of the pack.

There are a couple of guidelines that are essential to think about when training your dog. First off, dogs act in response to affirmative support. You can always get improved outcome with approval and treats than you can with downbeat reinforcement, such as anger and yelling.

It is best to disregard wayward behavior while rewarding pleasant activities. If you act in response to derogatory manners you could end up creating anxiety in your dog rather than respect and submission. Also, again keep in mind that dogs cannot rationalize. They truly do not comprehend why you are mad at them.

Another concern is timing. You must bolster preferred manners immediately if you want your dog to associate the reward with the preferred conduct. Your dog does not have a perception of time; he only lives in the minute. If you don't reward him for his good behavior instantly, he doesn't get it. A reward can be treats, praise, toys, playtime and even just a hug or a pat on the head. Dogs respond to encouraging reinforcement no matter what form it takes.

As soon as your dog starts doing the wanted manners more or less on demand, you need to limit your rewards and only reward him sporadically. This type of reinforcement actually cements in the good behavior better than steady reinforcement.

If you are dependable with your guidance labors, your dog can turn out to be well trained instantly and simply. Just be sure that you are the leader and that you time and again demand the finest results from your dog.

About the Author:

Discover essential information about dog training course at http://universitydog.com

Top Five Cat Breeds

By Bella Holly

It can be a little tough to choose a cat we think we could get along with"and also one which will get along with us! Understanding the different personalities among cat breeds can save a great deal of unhappiness between owners and their cat. We will go over the most favored breeds of cat, both for personality and physical characteristics, and give you an idea of the lifestyle requirements for the most popular cat breeds.

The Oriental breed is known for being a very sharp-minded and curious breed. They have a fragile bone structure, but very lithe muscles to compensate. Orientals are very devoted to their owners, so if you want a strong bond with your cat, this would be a great breed to go with.

One of the most popular family cat breeds is the American Short-hair. They are quite muscular, but are versatile in lifestyle. They do not require a great deal of exercise, and can be content as lap cats; however they can also adapt to an active lifestyle if you encourage such. They are known to be an extremely loving breed and can live happily with doting families.

One of the most popular cat breed by looks alone is the Birman. They have characteristic bright blue eyes, a white body, and darker patches on the ears, tail, legs, and face. While they enjoy a good romp, they do not require a great deal of attention from their owner. They will take affection when you're ready to give it, but are happy to lounge quietly.

If you're looking for a very affectionate, cuddly cat, then a Sphynx may be the breed for you. Although they look like they have no fur, they actually have a peach-like fuzz all over their body. As they don't have much hair to protect their skin, they should strictly be kept indoors. This breed does require a bit of extra care, particularly with room temperature, as this breed can easily become too cold.

If you're looking for an extremely laid-back, docile cat, the Ragdoll breed would be an excellent choice. They love people and tend to follow their master around from room to room, similar to a puppy. They love to play, but remain very gentle during playtime. They are not very vocal creatures, but they are intelligent and love to please their owners.

You should now have a better idea of the sort of cat that you will want to include in your family. Just remember that your lifestyle will ultimately be imposed upon your cat, so try to choose a breed whose lifestyle traits mesh the best with your own.

About the Author:

Welcome your new cat to the family with a quality cat house, steps, or perch tower.

Requirements For Testing Water In A Freshwater Aquarium

By Anika Woods

Testing of water in a fresh water aquarium involves two steps, the first is when you first start an aquarium and the second stage is when the tank has already been established and you have fish in them.

Fish thrive or die, depending on the water quality, so it is imperative for their health that you understand the sort of conditions and the quality of water that your fish need to live healthily. This is not uniform for all fishes, so a bit of study is necessary.

Procedure for a new fish tank:

You first need to establish that the nitrogen cycle has taken place. This is important because after this cycle has occurred it is safe to add fish. Fish waste and undigested food lead to an ammonia spike. This is the first stage of the nitrogen cycle and you can detect this by an Ammonia test. After this friendly bacteria called Nirosomonas start to breed, causing a nitrate spike. This is the second stage of the nitrogen cycle.

The third stage occurs when nitrospira bacteria breed converting the dangerous nitrite into less harmful nitrates. Once this occurs it is safe to add fish. Add the fish gradually, testing the water every couple of days, partially changing the water if there is too much ammonia or nitrite in it. This cycle takes place over a few weeks so it is important to keep testing the water so that you know which stage of the cycle you are on.

There are three test kits that are a must for any fish tank owner, to monitor the nitrogen cycle, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate testing kits. You also need a pH testing kit to check the water for acidity. This is important because if there is too much of a difference in the acidity level of the tank they lived in before you bought them, they may die of stress or shock.

Once your tank is established you do not need to keep on testing all the time. However, you still need to check the water for nitrates. Even though nitrates are not as harmful as the nitrites and ammonia, too much nitrate can also be detrimental to the health of your fish. To avoid any kind of problems, make it your habit to check the water quality and carry out regular water changes so that your fish are healthy and active. You can control the nitrate build up by adding plants and nitrate eating fish to your tank and monitoring the quality of water.

About the Author:

Visit our site to learn more about maintaining a healthy freshwater aquarium and for information about the different water requirements of specific species of tropical fish.

Pet Zoom Review - The Authoritative Facts!

By Graham Larsen

Introduction:

Brushing and grooming a dog is not as simple as it sounds. If you think you can use any of the several types of brushes available to groom and brush your dog, you will be so wrong. Each of the grooming tools available in the market is meant for a specific use, and a good understanding about the specific application is necessary to make grooming easier for you.

Pet Zoom Review Video

Professional dog groomers have the expertise to groom your dog in a better way than you can manage. The expert dog groomers would use slicker brushes to remove knots, mats and tangles from the dog's fur for all types of dog coats. A slicker brush would remove dead hairs from the undercoat and the coarser hairs from the outer coat of the dog's fur.

There are various kinds of brushes which are used for grooming and brushing:

Undercoat rakes:

Undercoat rakes are useful for dogs that shed. The brush has one row of metal prongs which remove the dead hairs from the dog's undercoat. To remove hairs from the soft loose undercoat of your dog, you should use an undercoat rake which is especially designed for this purpose.

Undercoat rakes remove the loose hairs without disturbing the longer hairs in your dog's upper coat. During the time of the year when your dog starts to shed, an undercoat rake becomes very useful to keep your dog from shedding, and it also helps to maintain skin health by gently stimulating circulation to the skin and removing dead skin.

Thoughtful consideration of Pet zoom by looking at a professional review is always recommended.

Wire-pin brushes:

The wire-pin brush is an excellent tool for general grooming of small to large dog breeds. The loose hair in your dog's coat is lifted out smoothly by this brush, taking out the debris from the fur. Brushing your dog every day, or atleast every alternate day, keeps the skin of your dog healthy, while distributing the oil present in the hairs evenly through-out the dog's coat.

You can also use the wire-pin brush to remove the fluff from your dog's coat by brushing against the direction of hair growth. Wire-pin brushes are available with or without rubber ended tips, and these brushes are mostly preferred for dogs with medium to long hair and those with curly or woolly coats.

Slicker brushes:

These brushes are essentially used to remove mats and tangles from your dog's coat, and as you brush your dog the brush helps to remove dead hairs. Slicker brush gently stimulates the skin of your dog as the layers of the dead skin are taken out leaving the blood to circulate evenly. A slicker brush is often used at the end of grooming and brushing, giving a finished shining appearance to your dog's fur.

There are various sizes of slicker brush available for the larger to smaller dogs. Slicker brushes are generally made from thin metal wire mounted on a soft padded material, looking somewhat like a hair brush. The soft padded material on which the wires are mouthed ensures that the dog does not get hurt as the brush is used.

Summary:

Brushing your dog helps to remove dead hairs from your dog's coat and clean the surface free of parasite as well. Brushing also helps to keep away fleas, and while you brush you can check for the physical appearance of the animal.

While you groom and brush your dog you can easily find out of presence of any unusual bundle, or bald spot which you may take care of immediately. As you brush your dog as frequently as every day or every other day, you slowly build up a bond between you two, and brushing would become a friendly invitation for your dog.

About the Author:

For more information and professional FREE advice on Dog brushes, please visit us today. We will assist you to make the most informative and wise decision for your dog.

The Dangers Of Heartworm Disease In Dogs

By Moses Wright

Heartworm disease in dogs is caused by tiny, parasitic worms. The worms are transmitted by mosquitoes and live in the right ventricle of the dogs heart. The heartworms are thin, strand-like worms that look like thin spaghetti.

Heartworm disease in dogs can compromise the function of the heart and cause death. Heartworm disease in dogs can happen anywhere in the world. Heartworm medication can prevent heartworm disease.

The preventative medication for heartworm disease in dogs can be given to puppies that are at least eight weeks old. Adult dogs need to be tested for heartworms before given the preventative medicine.

Symptoms of heartworm disease may not develop until the disease has progressed to a severe heartworm infection. Many times, the first sign of heartworm disease in dogs is a decrease in activity. Jaundice, convulsions, coughing, shortness of breath, and vision problems can be signs of heartworm disease.

Severe heartworm disease can cause an enlarged liver, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, and loss of consciousness. As the heartworm disease progresses, the dog may succumb to congestive heart failure.

Heartworm disease is diagnosed with the use of blood tests. The blood tests check for the presence of heartworm larvae in the blood sample. X-rays are also used at times to check for heartworms.

In addition to the danger of heartworm disease, the treatment is also potentially fatal. The more advanced the heartworm disease is, the more dangerous the treatment for heartworm disease is.

The harsh chemicals used to treat heartworm disease kills the adult and immature heartworms. There is also danger of a large collection of heartworms being killed in the heart and blocking the blood flow. A veterinarian may not recommend heartworm treatment for dogs with severe heartworm disease or other health problems.

Other animals can also get heartworm disease including domestic cats, foxes, and raccoons. Heartworms do not pose a threat to humans.

About the Author:

Moses Wright has been a lover of dogs for many years. He set up this site to provide information on non allergic dog breeds and signs of dog diseases to help fellow dog owners learn more about their pets.

5 Ingredients For A Better Life With Your Dog - From Fetch to Nutrition to Frontline Flea Meds

By Sarah Michaels

From quality 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 best of your relationship with your pet by committing the time and money he requires to make certain he lives a long and healthy life.

Take a look at the large picture of what makes a dog content, and work out tiny things you can do on a consistent basis to make certain the quality of his life is high and stays high throughout his years as part of your family. Gain control. Dogs have easy wants you can meet with a little time and planning.

1. Good training / Communication - Dogs are social animals and they covet leadership and structure within the pack or family. Make sure you know how to communicate with your dog to show him that you are the leader of the pack. He should willingly do what you assert each time. If not, it's time to brush up with a dog training manual or dog coaching video that may train YOU to train your pet.

2. Good Food / nutrition - As we learned a few years back with the dog food shocks and deaths, we want to keep a watch on our dog's nutrition. Tragically and unexpectedly, my Aunt Patty lost her poodle Jazzbox to poisoning from tainted dog food. While it might not be practical for everyone to make their dog's food each day, it actually is understandable to find a brand of food you can feel snug feeding your dog. Talk to your vet about ingredients and nutrition standards from the brands you are considering.

3. Love and friendship - Dogs are not play things that are content to be ignored like a bicycle in the garage or a Monopoly game in the closet - only to be taken out at your convenience. Dogs want and need your attention. Try to plan your day so that you may have some time to spend with your dog before and after work. If the dog must be alone all day while the family is gone, think about another animal companion or a pet sitter / dog hiker to look in on your pet and break up the monotony.

4. Tons of Exercise - Different breeds of dogs have varying levels of exercise needs. However, I'll go out on a limb and say most breeds of dogs need a lot more exercise than they are getting on a consistent basis. A rigorous exercise program can help curb behavior Problems inside the house and make your dog ( and you ) more fit. If you can't muster the energy to fully exercise your dog with a 5-mile run each day, look into toys and games that may supply a physical and mental challenge. A game of fetch, a play-date with another buddy's dog, a swim at a beach or lake - all of these can be effective forms of exercise. There also are a number of fantastic dog hobbies, like agility competitions, which can offer exercise, special time, and mental challenge - what a great combination!

5. General medicare - although it's never any fun for us to consider going to the doctor, it's important to take our dog to the vet on a constant basis. The vet will confirm your pet is entirely immunized, and check his teeth, coat, feet, eyes and ears to make certain he continues to be in good health. Nowadays, many veterinarians also recommend a routine course of flea and tick treatment with a product like Frontline flea medication. Dogs benefit from flea and tick sprays like Frontline flea medicine, canine Advantix or Advantage for dogs, because these products reduce and eliminate uncomfortable itching due to parasite infestations. Similarly, keeping fleas and ticks off your dog can help forestall the spread of these insects to you and your other pets and family members, as well as slow the spread of contagious and dangerous illnesses like Lyme illness and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

If you are unable to do a coaching session with your dog each day, or run him round the block, it's not the end of the world . However, it is vital not to skip out on applications of Frontline flea medication, or whatever product you are using. Most such flea and tick sprays have to be applied monthly and won't be effective if you skip months

Our lives are made from habits, and if we have pets, our habits should include making the time to meet their wants on a regular basis. Recognizing your pet and meeting his emotional and physical wants does not have to be hard. It should be a satisfying part of pet ownership... In fact , isn't taking the chance to do lots of these activities one of why you got a dog in the 1st place?

I regard myself as a writer, dog lover, and owner of http://www.Gifts-For-Dog-Lovers.com, a site with tons of great ideas for coaching your dog and looking after her health.

About the Author:

One component of your dog's healthy lifestyle is staying free of parasites like fleas and ticks. You can use Frontline For Pets or Canine Advantix to rid your dog of fleas and ticks.

What Can A Talking Dog Collar Do?

By Moses Wright

A fun novelty item for dog owners is a talking dog collar. Some dog owners enjoy surprising their friends with their talking dog. The Hound Bytes talking collars are activated by the use of a remote control.

The talking dog collar is used to make it seem as if the dog is talking. Hound Bytes talking dog collars have six different phrases that are designed to be funny things that a dog might say.

A regular version and x-rated version of the Hound Bytes talking dog collars are available. The X-rated version contains some phrases that are inappropriate for children. Families with children may want to purchase the regular talking collar.

The Hound Bytes talking dog collars come with six phrases. Im a lover, not a biter and Hey, does this coat make me look fat? are examples of phrases on the regular version of the Hound Bytes collar. The dog owner presses the button that corresponds to the phrase the owner wants to hear.

The cost for a Hound Bytes talking dog collar is around fifteen dollars. A dog owner can purchase one on Internet websites that have pet supplies or novelty items.

A different kind of talking dog collar is the Bow-lingual Voice Translator. This product claims to be able to accurately translate a dogs barking. The Bow-lingual is produced by Takara Tomy, a Japanese company.

A Bow-lingual Voice Translator has an LCD display on the dog owners handheld control. A slender device containing a microphone is attached to the dogs collar. This talking dog collar claims to be able to identify which of six different emotions that the dogs bark is expressing.

Bow-lingual Voice Translators have a recording device that allows dog owners to record any translations that occur while the dog owner is not in the presence of the dog. The English version of the Bow-lingual translator is priced around one hundred dollars.

Video demonstrations of how this device works are featured on YouTube.com. The Bow-lingual collar is available at some pet stores and online retailers.

About the Author:

Trendy motorcycle dog carriers matched with unique dog collars will absolutely make you precious doggy the talk of the town wherever you bring it to. Let your precious baby be the centre of attraction at dog gatherings.

Selecting The Best Free Dog House Plans

By Moses Wright

Free dog house plans to create a variety of doghouses can be found through a search engine search. The dog owner building a doghouse may not know which plan will best suit their needs.

Every dog house plan should have certain features. Since doghouses are outdoors and exposed to moisture, the doghouse needs to be raised from the ground. It should also have a slanted roof to encourage rain from pooling on the roof and rotting the wood.

A free dog house plan can be simple or complicated. The dog owner should feel comfortable with their ability to understand the instructions or blueprint and their ability to do the necessary woodworking and building.

The resulting doghouse of some free dog house plans is a decorative doghouse while some are for plain, basic plywood doghouses. Some dog owners may not care how the finished dog house looks, but some dog owners may require that the finished doghouse is aesthetically pleasing.

The cost of supplies can be a deciding factor when choosing a free dog house plan. A dog owner can get the prices for all the supplies before deciding on a doghouse plan. If the cost of the supplies is too high, the dog owner may decide to buy a doghouse instead or chose a different doghouse plan.

Insulation should be included in the doghouse plans if the dog owner lives in an area that has cold temperatures, ice, and snow in the winters. The dog owner may want to cover the entrance to the doghouse by attaching a piece of burlap above the opening to the doghouse.

A dog owner may be tempted to add carpeting on the floor of the doghouse, but carpet can hold dirt, moisture, and bacteria.

Whatever paint or weatherizing stain used on the exterior of the dog house should not be toxic to animals. The interior should not be painted.

About the Author:

Moses Wright, an expert in dogs can definitely give you tips on unique dog houses and building dog houses with dog house plans. Constructing your dog a diy dog habitat is not that difficult if you have the proper instructions. Let us help you build one today.

Chihuaha Care Guide

By Amber Jane

Being informed when you are looking at owning a Chihuahua is the one thing that will be the difference between having a wonderfully behaved Chi or a terror. Chihuahuas are a sensitive breed. Whether you are looking at taking on a puppy or an adult it does pay to know what you are in for with your Chihuahua. They require a lot of time, love, patients and special training.

There are many things you need to take into account when you are considering owning a Chihuahua. Chis love a lot of attention from humans, so if you are planning on being away from home a lot, it may pay to look for a different breed of dog.

Chihuahuas are very temperamental dogs; I know this because I have two of my own. If you don't raise them well, they do quickly become little terrors and will cause you to pull your hair out. Making sure you are well informed on how to raise your new Chihuahua will be the best insurance you can have to make sure your Chihuahua is a delight not a terror.

As your Chihuahua is a very small dog there are many things out there that can threaten your Chis life. If the temperature is too low or high it can end their life. Chis suffer from low blood sugars so there are many things that can cause their blood sugars to drop, and fairly soon the Chi will be in a coma. Knowing what can harm your new precious Chi is the best insurance against their life.

Investing in a good guide, is the best insurance against your Chi's life. There are so many things out there that do not effect bigger dogs, but can take your Chis life. As an owner for many years the one piece of advise I would give to any new owner is to do your research and know how to train them properly and to care for them well. Don't be one of those people who own a little terror.

About the Author:

Make sure you have everything you need to know about owning a chihuahua. Get Amber's information on Owing a Long Chiwawa. Not having all the correct information can lead to an early death. Find out what to avoid hereOwing a Long Chiwawa TODAY.

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 if it's a male, and Aggie or Abbie if it's a female.

The Scottie, along with the Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, West Highland White and Skye terriers, is one of the first and original terriers of Scotland. In 19th century, this breed has been fondly called the little diehard, in the instigation of the Earl of Dumbarton, which was said to own a pack of Scotties. This moniker gave way to the term Dumbarton Diehards in reference to the Scottish Royal Scouts.

Today, the Scottish terrier is ubiquitous as it is often seen in the arms of many people, famous and infamous alike. In appearance, this little breed shows off a small yet muscular and hardy body. It has a barrel of a chest and long head as opposed to its tiny frame.

This breed has legs that are sturdy and short, and paws that are very capable of digging. Its eyes are small, almond-shaped, and black or dark brown in color. The coat is wavy, shaggy and low set, while particularly long on the beard, eyebrows, legs and lower body.

The Scottish terrier has a double coat that is tough, long and fuzzy on top, and soft and dense underneath. This pelt commonly comes in color black, dark grey, and brindle, which is a mixture of black and brown. Wheaten color is also acceptable but a Scottie in this shade is often mistaken for a White Highland terrier.

The Scottie can be stubborn but it is also very affectionate and protective. Training, however, can be quite a challenge but patience and positive reinforcement is needed from the master. It is also best to socialize this dog during puppyhood as it tends to be aloof and unfriendly to people it does not know during adulthood.

Inside the house, this breed can be quite turbulent as it loves to be active yet it can also be sensitive, loyal and affectionate to the family. Usually, this dog will only attach itself to one or two people within the home but it makes a good watchdog for the household since it barks whenever a stranger is approaching. Also, although small, the Scottie is fast, active and alert and needs daily exercise to remain in tiptop condition.

The Scottie was originally developed to dig, flush out and chase vermin such as rats and other small creatures like squirrels and rodents. Today, the Scottie still possess that hunting instinct that's why when it is being taken out for a walk or exercise, it must be kept on a leash. The Scottie rose to fame all over Europe during the reign of King James VI and it is during the 1890s that it reached the US.

About the Author:

Author Jason McFly is an expert breeder of the Scottish Terrier. Check out his website to discover some of his articles about Scottish Terriers such as Scottish Terrier breeders, Scottish Terrier puppies, Scottish Terrier rescue and more.

Yorkie - Warning About Important Information You Need To Know

By Louie Lindsay

The Yorkshire Terrier makes a wonderful companion for most people, as they are loyal, friendly and amusing to be around.

Yorkshire Terriers Video

General Appearance and Description

Yorkies are popular with people who enjoy being able to take their dogs with them everywhere.

It's believed that the Yorkshire Terrier was originally a much bigger animal than the tiny dog that's so popular today. Likely there was some selective breeding that went on and the dog gradually become smaller and smaller over the years. The first Yorkie who looked like the dog we know today was introduced at a dog show in 1870.

The Yorkie has a long, fine silky coat that is very straight and falls straight down from the spine on each side. Yorkie puppies are usually tan and black, while adult dogs are mostly steel blue on the tail and body and tan everywhere else.

Most owners who are not showing their Yorkies will keep the hair long and shaggy, but if the dog is shown, his hair will be clipped shorter and given more structure.

The hair on the top of the head gets very long, so most owners will pull it back into a distinctive ponytail on the top of the head, while others will clip the top hairs so they stay out of the dog's face.

Yorkshire Terrier breeders will tell you there's no true Teacup Yorkshire Terrier. All Yorkshire Terriers are small and the teacup is not an official designation at all.

Basic Temperament

Yorkie dogs are entertaining for many reasons but one favorite character trait of many owners is the dog's obliviousness to his size. He thinks he's a bigger dog and will enjoy any adventure that a larger dog might enjoy.

Always energetic, the Yorkie is brave, extremely loyal to his owner and clever. He's intelligent and a willing companion on any adventure.

Because he's somewhat dismissive of his tiny size, the Yorkie will be willing to take on any challenge, and sees himself as a watchdog. He generally does a fine job of it, but his size ensures that he's not a terribly good match for whatever walks through the front door.

Like most small dogs, the Yorkie needs clear direct leadership. You must lead the Yorkie with a firm but gentle hand.

If you establish that you are the leader of the pack, the Yorkie will submit to that, but if you don't, he will exhibit troubling behavior problems like jealousy, aggression, barking, snapping and separation anxiety.

Care Required

All that fur means that some grooming is essential. The Yorkie's coat needs to be combed or brushed at least weekly. If you keep the long hair on the top of the head tied back, you should replace the elastic or ribbon weekly.

The Yorkie develops plaque easily on the teeth, so they need to be cleaned regularly.

Good for allergy sufferers, the Yorkie sheds little.

When looking at know more about Yorkie breeders, read and learn as much as you can because this is truly a incredible little dog.

Exercise Requirements

While he might not be able to walk too far, the Yorkie likes s a daily walk, as well as regular play (but you should never substitute play for the daily walk). If you don't give your dog a daily walk, he will be more likely to display behavior problems.

If you notice that your dog is running around the house in a bit of a crazy fashion, that's a sign that he needs more exercise than he's getting.

When you do take him out, be cautious of the conditions outside. Yorkshire Terriers are very sensitive to cold and prefer warm areas, as in warm climates, or simply being indoors on a cold day.

The Yorkie Dog is truly a very special dog.

Training

The Yorkie is easy to train, but he can be stubborn, so be sure to establish yourself as the pack leader and give him clear boundaries when you're training him. That will pay dividends when you try to train him.

Some Yorkie dogs can be hard to housetrain.

Height and Weight

The Yorkie will be about 6 to 7 inches tall and will weigh right around 7 pounds.

Health and Longevity

While most Yorkies live long lives, they do run the risk of several health problems.

Most Yorkies suffer poor digestion and the owner should avoid giving too many special treats. Yorkshire Terriers should also be given dry food only, because they run the risk of serious tooth decay and dry food keeps their teeth sharp and strong.

Yorkie dogs can also run the risk of bronchitis; fragile bones can easily lead to fractures.

Most Yorkies will live to be 12 to 15 years old.

Suitability

If you have an apartment, the Yorkie is an excellent choice. They enjoy being indoors and will find their activity inside happily.

Because the Yorkie considers himself a companion pet, he enjoys senior citizens and people who will be happy to take him on adventures. If possible, he should not be placed in a house with young children who might be a little too rough with him.

Yorkies can make surprisingly adequate watchdogs.

More Information

Further information about the Yorkshire Terrier can be found here.

About the Author:

To find out more of the important things you need to know about Yorkie dogs, try our special complimentary Yorkie newsletter. It's packed full of helpful Yorkshire Terrier tips.

Preventing 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.

Vaccines and responsible dog ownership cannot prevent all dog illnesses. However, getting the dog properly vaccinated can prevent some potentially fatal dog illnesses. Some of the common dog illnesses that are prevented by dog vaccines are rabies and parvovirus.

Rabies can infect humans if the person is bit by an infected dog or other infected animal. The viral infection rabies has become less common since vaccines are routinely given to puppies.

Parvovirus is another potentially fatal viral infection. Parvo, as it is commonly called, is highly contagious. It attacks the gastrointestinal system causing bloody diarrhea and may attack the heart in a young puppy.

Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by other illnesses besides the parvovirus. Ingesting rotten food or other viral infections can cause diarrhea. By eliminating a dogs access to garbage, the dog owner may prevent some causes of diarrhea in dogs.

Vomiting is another common cause for a veterinary appointment. Vomiting can be caused by the same things that can cause diarrhea in dogs. If the dog has both vomiting and diarrhea, has blood in either one, or if either persists for more than a day, the dog owner should contact the veterinarian immediately.

Ear infections are another common cause for dog veterinary visits. Prompt treatment of any ear mites can reduce the risk of ear infections. Also, keeping the ears clean can reduce the risk.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dog diseases that can be prevented. Many dog owners neglect their dogs oral health. If a dog owner does not brush the dogs teeth daily and take the dog to the veterinarian for regular cleanings, tartar builds up on the dogs teeth and causes infections.

About the Author:

Are you faced with common dog health problems which you do not know what to do? Ask Moses, the dog specialist, on what dog illness signs symptoms and help your dogs.

Arthritis in Dogs - Effective Natural Ways to Help

By Helga Schmitt

A slow and debilitating disease of the joints is what Arthritis is all about. A dog can suffer from pain in the joints as it ages. This is due in large part from the inflammation and degradation of the cartilage which in turn causes disabilities along the way. The joint capsule needs to heal and nourish itself continually. It cannot do this if the cartilage has been injured and is releasing inflammation-causing enzymes, disrupting the elasticity of the joint.

Most dogs do not vocalize when they are in pain from arthritic joints. The common signs will be a dog that's reluctant to go on long walks. They may circle endlessly before lying down or really struggle when getting up. They may avoid stairs, refuse to jump up or down from couches or beds, and may limp.

Dogs can get arthritis in the hips, knees and elbows. Once a puppy is a year or two old, dysplasia which is a developmental disease, can be diagnosed. Arthritic symptoms can be lessened but they will however, never go away. Once the damage is done, it needs to be managed. By following three steps, a dog's quality of life can be enhanced and the progression of arthritis can be slowed down. The three actions to take are weight control, exercise and pain management if necessary.

The elements of a normal joint are made up of a joint capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage and subchondral bone. The soundness of the joint capsule is very important for a smooth gliding function, for the production of hyaluronic acid and defense mechanisms. To provide proper metabolic waste removal from the cartilage in addition to supplying nutrients and lubrication, adequate synovial fluid production is needed.

A familiar term for Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear disease. Further pain and damage in the joint is caused by the subchondral bone becoming thicker and placing a heavier load upon the cartilage. This joint capsular thickening from the low-grade inflammatory process, ends up creating a decreased range of motion and reduction in functioning.

Popular for treating dogs with arthritis are the Chondroprotectants and Nutraceuticals. To utilize a comprehensive treatment plan it would combine the use of the following: exercise modification, weight loss, physical rehabilitation, nutritional therapy, pain management and possibly surgery.

Weight loss reduces the forces placed upon the abnormal joint surfaces. For dogs with hip dysplasia, reducing their body weight has enormous benefits. The most perfect exercise for dogs with arthritis is swimming. This moves all of their joints through a good range of motion without placing the stress and impact of the weight upon them.

One substance that is very beneficial for dog arthritis pain is Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids prevent abnormal cell growth and normalize the immune system. They also prevent inflammation and degeneration of the joint. When looking for sources of Omega-3, look at green leafy vegetables, flax seeds/oil, green-lipped mussels and cold water fish oils. Be sure to purchase organic cold pressed oils packaged in light resistant containers. The quality of oils will vary.

Nutraceuticals such as chondroitin and glucosamine also have anti-inflammatory properties. They are effective in slowing the progression of arthritis and can be used with other products. It has been shown that they reduce the swelling and help with the pain. Glucosamine HCL is one of the best since it is easily absorbed into the joint.

Boswellia, Tumeric, Ginger and Devils Claw, have been used for centuries by people in India. They all naturally fight joint inflammation and reduce pain associated with arthritis.

Acupuncture is another treatment modality for arthritis. Not only can it change the course of the disease, but it is powerful in alleviating the pain associated with it.

Homeopathy offers a few treatments to look into. Rhus Tox, is good for joints that are worse in cold, damp weather and stiff upon arising. Bryonia is for when the arthritis is worse with exercise and warm weather. Causticum is useful for the older dog that has less pain with heat. Check with your Holistic Veterinarian as to the correct dosages for your dog.

Very effective results can be gained from simple modifications of your home. If you have lots of stairs, ramps are very helpful in going up or down. To minimize neck and back strain use elevated food and water bowels. Beds that are heated help with painful and stiff achy joints. There is a multitude of things you can provide your dog that may be suffering from arthritis pain. As a last resort use surgery and drugs. For the best care for your dog, utilize all other avenues first.

www.treatment-for-dogs.com

About the Author:

Helga Schmitt has been keenly exploring and researching dog health, physiotherapy and rehabilitation actively for the past 20 years. She is a Chartered Herbalist, Holistic Nutritionist and she holds a Certificate in Homeopathy. She strives to educate dog owners about healthy choices. For your Free dog Health Book and to read more on dog arthritis, go to www.treatment-for-dogs.com.

American Bulldog: One Of The Less Tampered Bulldogs

By Troy Richardson

The American Bulldog is a famous pet among the experts of breeders and canine fanciers not only in the United States but around the world as well. This breed is a descendant of the bull baiting breeds and is the closest living relative of the now extinct Old English Bulldog. Unlike its extensively altered relative breeds in Europe, the American Bulldog remained as close to its original appearance.

This breed has two types and these are the Johnson type and the Scott type. The developers of these types were well-known and highly regarded breeders, John D. Johnson and Allen Scott. Additionally, these types were also referred to as the Classic or Bully type and the Standard or Performance type.

The American Bulldog is often mistaken for a white Boxer because both hold a striking resemblance with each other. But describing an American Bulldog alone, its body is stocky, powerful-looking, well built and with jaws that possesses exceeding strength. It weighs from 60 to 125 pounds and stands 20 to 28 inches at the withers.

Commonly, the coat of this breed is smooth, short, and is a light to moderate shedder. It often appears in colors of solid white, solid white with black markings, red, brown, brindle and fawn. Brown is the standard eye color while the mouth drools especially on dogs that have looser lips.

The Johnson type, compared to the Scott type has bigger and heavier body and shorter muzzle. The Scott type is simply described as a leggier and bigger Pit Bull. In general, the American Bulldog breed is more agile, has longer legs, and is faster than its English relatives.

The mood of the American Bulldog is always sunny and friendly and it does not mind acquaintances from strangers as long as it does not sense a threat. This breed strongly bonds with the master and may get along well with other animals as long as it is trained and socialized during puppyhood. This dog should not be left alone all the time because neglect causes it to develop negative behaviors.

The American Bulldog is an energetic working dog that's why constant activities will suit it best. A wide yard is also sufficient enough for its activities such as running or chasing. This breed also requires daily exercise such as walking in order to keep its mind and body healthy.

The ancestors of the American Bulldog are the bull baiting breeds from England. As bull baiting died out, breeders developed gentler, tamer, and friendlier versions of the fighter dogs. These breeds were then brought to the United States where they were further developed and one of the results is the current American Bulldog.

About the Author:

Troy Richardson is a leading breeder of the American Bulldog. Learn his other articles such as American Bulldog breeders, American Bulldog puppies, American Bulldog adoption and more so check out his website now.

Puppy Dog Food The Truth Exposed

By Rudy Steven

Feeding your dog can be filled with stress.

Many dog owners take a zealous approach to how they feed their dog and can be judgmental of other dog owners when the issue of a dog's food comes up.

Dog Food Brands Video

The reality is that what you feed your dog is your decision. It will be guided by how you have always fed your dogs and what you think is right for your current dog or dogs.

A dog's food is only one part of raising a healthy and happy dog, but it's a very important part, and worth some careful consideration.

How to Choose a Dog Food

If you go shopping for dog food, you quickly see that there are many options. There's premium dog food, low-cost dog food and so many dog food brands your head can spin.

Here are some tips for finding the right dog food:

* Begin your search before you go the store. If you make your choice in the store, it could easily be the wrong one. * Ask friends and family for recommendations. If they use a particularly good dog food, consider that as one of your viable choices. * Ask your vet for a recommendation. Based on your dog's age and health, your vet may have a specific recommendation for your dog. * Remember that the best dog food for one dog isn't necessarily the best for another. Consider your own needs and budget before settling on a dog food choice. * Read dog food reviews. If they are reputable and published in well-known publications or web sites, you can generally trust them. * Remember that puppy dog food is a completely different beast than food you feed an older dog. Don't feed a puppy regular dog food, and don't feed an adult dog puppy dog food.

When looking at learning more about Premium Dog Food, read as much as you can.

The health of your dog depends on it!

What About Homemade Dog Food?

Recently, the safety of pet food was questioned when many dogs became sick and died after eating commercial dog food. Some of the brands in question were even considered premium dog food brands, so it seemed that no brand was safe.

This safety scare led many people to decide to give their dog a homemade dog food diet. It's an excellent option if you have the spare time and money. Feeding a dog a homemade dog food diet can be expensive and somewhat time consuming, though it does get easier the longer you do it.

If you are thinking you might skip the dog food brands and go for the homemade dog food, consider these tips:

* Make sure the dog food you make is nutritionally balanced. Dogs need a good amount of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Do some reading ahead of time to make sure that you get just the right proportion of nutrients for your size and breed of dog. * Be willing to cook animal body parts that you might not consider desirable. Dogs can eat organs, necks and legs. In fact, many believe that one of the main advantages of a homemade dog food diet is that your dog can get more raw meat and bones, which many consider to be the ideal dog food diet. * Remember that if you start Fido on a homemade dog food diet, it can be hard to switch to a more traditional diet. You can't just put a bowl of kibble down because you are too tired and can't be bothered to make your dog's dinner. To that end, it's best to do a lot of preparation ahead of time so there are packages in the freezer you can pull out and thaw.

Conclusion

The best dog food diet for your dog is the diet that proves to be best for you. Depending on your budget and time available, you might make a choice that's different from your neighbor. The key is to find dog food brands that are accessible, affordable and that feed your dog healthfully. Or make your own. It's truly your choice.

More Information

Further information about Dog Food or Dog Food Reviews can be found here.

About the Author:

Find out more of the vital things you need to know about dog food. Our complimentary Healthy Dog Food newsletter is available for a limited time from our website.

What Do Maine Coon Cats Look Like?

By Moses Wright

Maine Coon cats are sturdy, longhaired cats with thick coats. They are native to North America. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the Maine Coon cat is it bushy, brush-like tail.

Many legends tell stories about the origin of the Maine Coon cat. One such legend is that the Maine Coon cat breed originated from the mating of raccoons and feral domestic cats. This is not genetically possible.

The physical characteristics of the Maine Coon cats seem well adapted to the winters of Maine. Maine Coon cats have thick, long coats and tufted toes that have been compared to snowshoes.

Maine Coon cats have rectangular bodies. They have large, round eyes. Maine Coon cats can be either copper, green, gold, green-gold, blue, or odd-eyes. Blue eyes and odd-eyes are only acceptable for white or bi-colored Maine Coons.

The ears are wide at the base and rather large with tufted tips. Maine Coons have medium-sized heads and may have a frontal ruff. The frontal ruff is a described as a desirable characteristic by the breed standard.

Solid-colored Maine Coons can be white, blue, black, red, or cream. In addition to solid colors, Maine Coon cats can be tabby, calico, bi-colored, shaded, smoke, and tortoiseshell.

Maine Coon kitten are one of the slowest developing cat breeds. Maine Coon kittens reach adult size when they are three to five years old. Many kittens of other cat breeds are full size by the time they are eighteen months to two years old.

Maine Coon cats are medium to large sized cats. Adult Maine Coon cats typically weigh twelve to twenty pounds with the females being smaller than the males. Maine Coon cats are broad chested and are heavily boned.

For the purchase of a Maine Coon kitten, the prospective cat owner should consult a reputable Maine Coon breeder. A cat breeder should be able to answer questions about Maine Coon cats.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a cat specialist who can answer your cat health questions and perhaps also give you hundreds of cat names for you to choose from if you are getting a new cat. Visit his cat health resource website now.