Caring For Your Home Aquarium

By Amanda Lesserberg

Compared to other things, aquariums usually require very little care and daily attention. In fact, if you started maintenance on your aquarium by the time you begin reading this article, you will probably have been through before you even finish the article. So what is involved in aquarium care? We are going to look at four aspects of aquarium care that you will find very beneficial.

One has to do with the lighting. One thing you have to remember is that aquarium light does not need to be on at all times except when observing or feeding the fish or if the aquarium contains any live plants. The room light is generally considered sufficient and will keep the finish fairly active. In fact, leaving the light on for long periods can even cause algae growth explosions which of course you do not want. So how can you ensure consistent light and dark cycles are maintained, especially if you are a forgetful aquarium owner? You can install an inexpensive electrical timer that will turn the lights on and off and this will probably leave you with peace of mind knowing that your fish are getting the right doses of light.

Good aquarium care also means that you feed the fish two or three times per day and for only two or three minutes per feeding session. If you are a beginner, this may require some practice until you know the correct amounts of food to give. Do not overfeed the fish. The side effects are obvious; the water quality deteriorates, there is increased algae growth, the water gets cloudy and this often results in fish being prone to infections and diseases. This is as a result of uneaten food that accumulates in the aquarium.

Good aquarium care also means taking the time to simply observe the fish behavior especially during mealtimes. Look to see if every fish has got something to eat. Look out for fish that are picky about their food. Of course, each type of fish acts differently and it may take some time to determine 'normal' behavior for each fish type. If you take time each day to make this observation, your experience will grow.

Also do not forget to check the aquarium equipment and ensure that everything is working as it is supposed to. Consider the various pumps, heaters and filters as the life support system of the fish. This should be done daily. Excellent aquarium care takes some time and experience and is also a source of joy when you realize that your fish are safe and happy in their aquarium habitat.

About the Author:

I like writing about pets and christian books on my literature or book reviews website daily.

Water Cycle Of Fish Tanks

By Roshan Goodman

Many fish such as Cory cats and neon tetras can only live in a certain range of hard water. Hard water is water with more minerals and can harm some fish. There is a solution that can be purchased to clean the water if it is hard, but is best used only when first filling your aquarium for the first time

Many fish such as Cory cats and neon tetras can only live in a certain range of hard water. Hard water is water with more minerals and can harm some fish. There is a solution that can be purchased to clean the water if it is hard, but is best used only when first filling your aquarium for the first time.

Before you regularly change your tank's water they type of fish your own should be assessed. If you have a variety of fish that cannot live in hard water it is best if you fill your tank with just soft water. Having a little bit of soft water can be good for the fish. Fill the tank with a fifth of hard water and the rest soft.

Filling your tank regularly is very good for the cycle of water. The fish get fresh water twice a week will increase their health. Fill the tank after the waterline recedes to an inch below the lid. When you fill the tank do not fill it above the lid cap. If you fill the tank water too high then the air will not flow and the fish will not get enough oxygen.

When filling your tank, most fish can handle a little of hard water. A little hard water is good for the fish. When you fill your tank I would suggest filling it with one-fifth hard water and the rest with soft water. If you have fish that like hard water I would suggest some hard water but never more than half hard water.

Knowing the types of fish in your tank can help your weekly water changes be very smooth and easy. Finding the type of fish that you have and separating them if they can or cannot be in the same tank with the same type of water. These tricks and tips can help your tank be happy and healthy.

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Roshan Goodman will help you with how to start an aquarium and starting a fish tank.

Symptoms of Dog Arthritis

By Jennefer Poultson

Dog arthritis can be due to a number of causes, chief among them congenital abnormalities, injuries and of course, the effects of the aging process. Even minor injuries can result in arthritis in dogs. Certain conditions, such as hip dysplasia are more common in some dogs than others and this predisposition can also indicate a higher likelihood of arthritis in dogs. Of course, older dogs who have never suffered an injury may develop the ailment as they get older.

Dog arthritis comes in various forms. Just as in humans, arthritis is an inflammation in the joints. A dog may develop arthritis anywhere that they have a joint. The cartilage in the joint may be inflamed or it may be synovial fluid which is at issue in some cases. The most common types of dog arthritis are osteoarthritis, infective, immune mediated and idiopathic arthritis.

Arthritis in dogs is usually fist manifested as a slow and gradual limpness in the limbs. Lameness will be the result and may reach the point where the dog has a hard time walking. This will lead in most cases to the dog being less active in play, walks and even moving about the home. Stiffness is likely to be more severe in the morning or after a nap; the stiffness is often minimal in the daytime, however.

To understand the treatments for arthritis in dogs you must also understand the causes. The causes are normally because of injury to the affected area, obesity, or a result of a genetic or other disease such as hip dysplasia. Most of the younger dogs have issues with failure in the bone development causing the inflammation.

Dogs with arthritis can be treated with medications which are available to help manage the inflammation. However, a lot of dog owners prefer to take a more natural route for the treatment of their pet's dog arthritis. In a lot of cases, these treatments are more effective for the animal. The most popular natural remedies for arthritis in dogs are Glucosamine and MSM. Many experts believe MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin to be the three essential ingredients in a dog arthritis treatment regimen.

Depending on the cause of the arthritis in dogs you may need to have medication for your pet. Some types of arthritis can be taken care of with a healthy diet and exercise. Obesity in dogs is one cause of arthritis. By helping the dog to maintain a natural weight for their size and eating a healthy diet you can eliminate the pain of arthritis. The joints may still experience some lasting effects; however this is minimal damage that can be treated with more glucosamine in the diet as well as other herbs.

In many cases, a change in diet may be sufficient to alleviate arthritis in dogs. Some arthritic conditions will respond to this step in conjunction with exercise. Obesity can be a factor in the development of arthritis; by keeping the animal at a healthy weight, the aches and pains of arthritis can be taken away, as well as keeping the dog in a better overall state of health.

However, arthritis remedies of various sorts may be needed along with a change of diet in order to manage the pain and other symptoms of dog arthritis.

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To find out about arthritis in dogs and how to treat pet arthritis, you will find all you need, as well as purchasing pet arthritis supplements online, at www.HealthyHappyDogs.com

How To Filter Out Your Fish Tank

By Wendy Napier

It must make any aquarium enthusiast cringe, having to feed his fish every day in the same water that they swim in, breathe in and release their bodily wastes in. If it were not for reasons of yuckiness that that such a situation could not be allowed, it would certainly be objectionable for the way this would poison the water and make it incapable of sustaining aquatic life. How do you treat your fish to a better life then? If the fish lived in a natural water body, a pond or stream, there would be enough clean water in the system that all the bodily waste would not make a difference; in a closed water body like an aquarium, it comes down to the owner of the aquarium to do something to constantly clean and freshen the water the fish live in, to give them a reasonable standard of living. Aquarium filters are the answer; though there are so many, they can hardly be called one answer.

The empathetic aquarium owner must worry most about the health implications of having his fish swimming around in a weak solution of their own bodily waste. What must all the bacteria and other pathogens in the water do to the fish? Do their eyes sting; do they breathe with difficulty in such a toxic water cocktail? Biological aquarium filters are the solution to such concerns. A biological filter is a unit that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria inside it. These bacteria subsist on the bodily waste of fish; and they break down the poisonous ammonia in the waste into nitrogen compounds, nitrites and nitrates and these are a great way to take the sting out of the problem.

Under-gravel filters are a great example of biological aquarium filters; they're not marketed as effectively these days, owing to the fact that they are simple to build, and offer no opportunity for a killer markup, but are very effective. The idea is that the filter is placed under the bed of the aquarium; water is drawn through the gravel over the bed; the gravel filters out a large part of the suspended debris, and the bacteria that live in the gravel take care of the ammonia. The water is drawn down and sent back up after purification by message of an air stone or a powerhead.

One of the best options that modern aquarium filter technology provides is the canister filter. Canister aquarium filters force the water in an aquarium through a variety of filters and cycle the entire contents of an aquarium every hour. The result is a visibly bright and clean and aquarium that manages to be free of most kinds of impurities. A minor drawback to this type of aquarium filter is the way it keeps drawing all the water through its system constantly; this action creates quite a strong current in the tank that can be annoying to some fish.

One of the most satisfying kinds of aquarium filter to use is the sump variety. Basically a sump aquarium filter is a large aquarium-like tank by itself, used exclusively for water purification in the main tank. The sump is sectioned off into three or four areas, each one installed with a different kind of water purification system. These aquarium filters are mostly the domain of experienced do-it-yourselfers; you could have a sump with a compartment for beneficial plants, one for gravel and charcoal purification, and so on. It is easy to be bitten by the purification bug and let it run away with you though. The final test of how successful your attempts are, rests in the health of your fish population. If your veterinarian certifies them to be as healthy as can be, there's no reason why you should not congratulate yourself on a job well done.

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I like blogging about pets and christian books on my interracial romance book reviews website daily.

Animals, Fleas, Ticks and Worms

By Owen Jones

Fleas and other parasites have always to be awarded the top priority by dog owners. The all too common occurrences of flea bite allergy in the case of dogs causes worry to many dog owners every year. This is because flea bites can induce allergic reactions in the area bitten by the fleas. In these cases, the affected area becomes hairless due to the dog scratching itself vigorously.

Heavy flea infestations can cause severe dermatitis in dogs, because the dog will scratch and scratch the area until he bleeds and can also introduce infection. If the flea bites produce an allergic reaction or even dermatitis in your dog, he/she really ought to be taken to the veterinary doctor as soon as possible, because usually, the dog will be experiencing severe discomfort by this time.

The vet will provide you a cream to ease the itching and reduce the inflammation and some powder or a spray to kill the fleas. Prevention is better than cure and medicated collars are available to treat and prevent an infestation of external parasites like ticks and fleas.

Besides fleas, other parasites like ticks and lice in addition to the internal parasites like hook worms, round worms, whip worms etc. can affect the health of your dog. For example, if hookworm infects a dog, that dog will usually suffer from anaemia. The signs of anaemia become more prominent depending on the degree of infection by the hookworm.

Hookworm larvae will pass directly through the skin into the internal body and cause severe problems inside the affected dog. These dogs may show lesions on their paws and on their skin because of dermatitis. Often, skin rashes result too in these cases and the affected animal may also have diarrhoea, which is flecked with blood.

Most dogs and all puppies get round worms, which is why dogs can often be seen rubbing their bottoms along the floor. However, if round worms are present in large numbers, infected puppies show a pot belly, which is easily recognized by dog owners themselves. Piperazine salts are given orally for the treatment of this condition. However, broad-spectrum anthelmintics like pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole etc. are also used to treat this condition.

There are many drugs on the market to treat fleas and other parasites these days, although medications including the drug 'ivermectin' seem to be preferred by many dog owners to clear up fleas and other parasites in dogs. This drug is available for injection or oral use but is now even available for external application too.

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If you are having problems getting rid of fleas on your dogs, please follow the previous link or if you want to read more about dogs, please go here: Man' Best Friend - the Dog

How To Care For an Aquarium

By Chase Levy

To any aquarium hobbyist, the exciting and creative time to be had building your own little underwater fantasyland often can feel let down by what follows: watching a week's pall of dirt and dullness settling over everything that you prized for its clear color and healthful liveliness. The joy of building and owning a beautiful aquarium asks of only a small sacrifice: the will to work some regular time for cleaning into your schedule, as you would to walk your air breathing pets. Aquarium maintenance as it happens, deals with more than merely a good scrubbing for everything in sight that is slimy; you need to know any little about water chemistry and the biological requirements for healthy fish life as well.

To any aquarium hobbyist, the exciting and creative time to be had building your own little underwater fantasyland often can feel let down by what follows: watching a week's pall of dirt and dullness settling over everything that you prized for its clear color and healthful liveliness. The joy of building and owning a beautiful aquarium asks of only a small sacrifice: the will to work some regular time for cleaning into your schedule, as you would to walk your air breathing pets. Aquarium maintenance as it happens, deals with more than merely a good scrubbing for everything in sight that is slimy; you need to know any little about water chemistry and the biological requirements for healthy fish life as well.

The typical aquarium needs a little hands-on time about twice a month. The maintenance routine usually begins with switching off electricity to the tank, for safety's sake. Aquarium maintenance shops typically get a lot of business from first-time hobbyists who scrub their tanks without thinking about how today's tanks mostly come in acrylic and not glass. Replacing sccratched panes can be a tidy business. Acrylic needs special cleaning techniques. A good way to go, cleaning the algae film off the front of your aquarium would be to use an improvised plastic scraper, an old credit card for example. Cleaning the salt deposits off the front window in a saltwter aquarium, is important too. When you clean out your aquarium filter, do no more thorough a job than rinsing it in any water you took out of your tank. The filter's medium holds a valuable collection of friendly bacteria; if you just took it out to clean under the tap, you would waste a lot of it.

Most of the uneaten fish food and water, bodily waste and other debris collects in the gravel and substrate that lines the bottom of your tank. There are special aquarium vacuum cleaners available that can help you with this part of your aquarium maintenance routine. Cleaning your aquarium each time, you'll find that you need to bail out and replace no more than about a quarter of its water capacity to keep things fresh. If you have a saltwater aquarium, you will need to put on your chemist's hat and make sure that you have exactly the right level of saltiness to the water.

But freshly-made saltwater can sometimes sicken your fish, and you need to use water prepared a day in advance. You need a hydrometer to check for the right level of saltiness, you need to make sure that you use water with no chlorine in it; your aquarium supplies dealer will have the chemicals you need to clean the chlorine up out of the water that comes out the tap. It doesn't take much more than that to keep your aquarium clean and your fish happy. Aquarium maintenance is not really difficult; it's just that there's just something about it that upsets even the most stable among us.

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I enjoy writing about pets and christian books on my best book reviews website daily.

Keeping Your Aquarium Cold

By David Rice

People have owned home aquariums for centuries, and arguably, their fish and aquatic setups got along very well without aid from the modern contraptions you would find at any self-respecting aquarium supplies dealer today. These new devices available today, the aquariums chiller, the powerful lighting or the protein skimmer, were not just thought up by bright marketing departments to part you from that last dollar; these were made for the true aquarium enthusiast, one who tries to expand his aquarist's horizons delving into areas of aquarium-building heretofore unexplored: raising saltwater coral reefs, or raising exotic fish from cooler climes.

Building a coral reef in your home is no easy matter; these reefs occur naturally close to the water surface out in the sea, and are accustomed to receiving the full benefit of a day's sunshine. There is no way you could keep these at home illuminated with just a couple of florescent lighting fixtures. Successfully raising coral reefs and the life forms dependent on them requires that you invest in lighting technology that's really out there- metal halides, Very High Output fluorescents and so on. These do solve your lighting issues raising corals and other tropical life, but not without raising a problem or two of their own. Intense light will always come with intense heat. In the ocean, the heat, as much of it as the sun is able to supply, is pretty much lost in the vast volumes of the ocean's waters.

An aquarium tank has just so much water, and can be heated up a degree or three with just a few hours of intense artificial lighting. When you switch off the lights at night, the small body of water that the aquarium is, it can hold the heat for only a couple of hours before the temperature in the tank plunges. The temperature swings can be distressing to your aquarium's inhabitants, for the discomfort they cause and also for the amount of oxygen that warm water will quickly lose. And here enters the aquarium chiller.

Aquarium chillers can be quite expensive, running into hundreds of dollars for a reliable unit. You might think that using a fan would cool your tank adequately: there is a little added wrinkle to the problem though. To have a fan constantly playing on the top of the water will certainly cool it a couple of degrees; the fan will also hasten evaporation. It won't be easy to top up the water levels either. In some cases you will need to spring for a special reverse osmosis filterto easily do this all the time.

It's not really difficult buying a chiller; you just measure your tank for volume, and you buy a unit in proportion to the size. If you don't live in a particularly hot desert-like area, a midsize 30 gallon tank will require a 600 BTU aquarium chiller and a large tank will require as much as 4000 BTU. Think of an aquarium chiller as an air-conditioner for your aquatic friends. Aquarium chillers can often be quite noisy, and can turn out to be stress contributors themselves. Check out online forums for the best brands to buy, and the best feature-choices to make.

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I like blogging about pets and christian books on my book reviews massachusetts website daily.

How To Decorate an Aquarium

By Wendy Lucie

Making up an aquarium at home used to be so simple; any hopeful aquarist who could put together a reasonable arrangement of aquatic plants, a few funny pebbles and a little plastic castle in a glass box could end up looking like a sensitive guy for his trouble. If you have ever seen the ethereal and exquisite effects of Japanese aquarium decor though, you know how real the artistry involved in aquascaping is. The organic and harmonious look achieved in Japanese aquarium decor principles often makes people imagine that these are actual attempts at re-creating a biotope, the habitat of an actual ecological community. As tempting as it is to imagine that, these are as man-made as anything you would see in any modern aquarium, and sometimes they are inspired by landscapes you would see above water to boot.

There is something about a living environment: the harder you try to artificially replicate it in your own aquarium, the more elusive it becomes. But if you are lucky and if you try, you may end up with aquarium decor that you find more beautiful than the original. The Japanese aquarium styles sees the fish and the environment they live in as equally contributors to the final effect, after the philosophy that the frame can sometimes be considered to be as important as the painting itself.

The first step to designing your Japanese aquarium would be to pick the general shape of the landscape you want within the tank; popular landscape shapes include arranging for a generally concave look, where the surface rises all around a central valley, and a convex look where the landscape rises from the peripheries of the aquarium to a central prominence. The ideal aquarium decor layout would place before the viewer no more than one or two areas of focus, of something good and catchy to look at. There shouldn't be lot of stuff thrown in there, each piece competing for attention.

Japanese aquarium decor philosophy places some value in imbuing tank designs with a sense of depth. The most popular way to do this is to use lowrise aquarium plants and not bushy ones. The larger shapes in the aquarium need to be the rocks and the driftwood you bring in, and not the plants. Riccia and hairgrass are great choices; for a neat look with excellent depth, try using contrast - plants of different colors, some close-cropped and tidy, others that hang a little more free, and so on.

A natural underwater vista would include a number of rocks and pebbles of the same type. It might be tempting on your visit to an aquarium supplies store to pick a couple of all the best-looking rocks around for a Technicolor effect; while that might be the way to go for Vegas-like glamor, you must remember that you are going for the natural look, for Oriental restraint. Try to pick all your aquarium rocks, as many as you get, to belong to the same geological type, more or less. When you arrange them around the bottom of your tank, the placement that should work best is usually where the action of water currents would kick them around. The natural look is best achieved by rolling the rocks around and letting them rest where their center of gravity dictates.

Of course the aquarium you dream up can never be precisely to your standards; an aquarium is a living environment, and is a place of free biological growth. If you can somehow factor that into your core philosophy, you should be ahead of most first-time designers and perhaps you could say something grand to people who come in to admire your handiwork, like "According to ancient Japanese wisdom, the earth that supports life and the life that lives on it must all be free".

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I like blogging about pets and christian books on my book reviews new mexico website daily.

Trendy Dog Names

By Marion Jones

Fashion appears to decree everything these days. From what you wear to what you name your dog, everything you do is decreed by the need to be fashionable. Cute dog names are hard to come by and even harder to choose. This is because no sooner is something in fashion, than it is out again.

Who would want to choose a cute dog name that may not be fashionable tomorrow? People usually play it safe as a result, hence why the same names have been so popular for so long. To try and break that cycle, five cute dog names are given below with the reasons why you should choose one of them for your dog.

Phoenix: What could be cuter than a bird that goes up in flames and then rises from the ashes? Phoenix is one of the cool dog names that will never go out of fashion because it is rooted in mythology. It has a timeless quality which has surprisingly failed to boost its popularity.

Star: Star is one of the cute dog names because it has so many connotations that you can have a hard time finding out where to start. A star in the sky is a phenomenon and a star can refer to someone that excels in a particular field. It is indeed a high form of praise and so is definitely a cool dog name.

Lady: Lady is one of the most popular dog names but it is also one of the cool dog names because of Disney. Lady and the Tramp was a huge hit and made the name popular but also gave it some credibility. In this case popularity is second to coolness.

Elvis: The coolest of cute dog names. Elvis Presley was undoubtedly cool and remains cool today even after his death. It is infinitely cool to call your dog after an icon who never goes out of fashion.

Shadow: There is a dark and ethereal quality about Shadow that makes it a cute dog name. It would be best used on a large breed of dog though, because it wouldn't have the same strong effect with a small breed.

Whatever cool dog names you use for your mut, it is one sure way to give your dog an identity of their own and make your dog unforgettable to others.

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Does your dog require training? If you require more details on dogs in general, then visit our web site entitled Successful Dog Training

Doggie Tricks of the Trade

By Geraldine Dimarco

Most people would agree that dogs are a man's best friend. So why doesn't every animal lover who want one adopt one? Because training them seems too tedious a chore. Luckily, there are some simple tricks that you can do to get you on your way to a having a more enjoyable experience with your dog.

First thing you have to remember is that you have to establish your authority with the dog. He is after all an animal and will instinctively follow you better once he realizes this. Set ground rules that will allow him to acknowledge you as his superior. During meal times, let him watch you eat first then feed him afterwards. When you are crossing the room and he is blocking your path, dont go around him; instead push him gently out of your way. You are the leader of the pack and this is how it goes in the animal world. The earlier he learns you are his boss, the easier to teach him later on.

Dogs can pick up your emotions even as you handle them. Use a firm and authoritative voice in training. However, it is also important to note that dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. Give him doggie treats every time he correctly accomplishes a command. If he makes a mistake, you have to correct him during the time it happens not after. Train him for ten to fifteen minutes several times a day and be effusive in your praise with his performance.

You will find that all dogs have consistent behavioral patterns that are a reliable index to their state of mind, so to speak. Happy dogs have wagging tails, a joyful bark and an open expression. Angry dogs will bare their teeth, snarl and tense up, ready to attack. Recognizing particular signs and correctly responding to it will help you in training him successfully.

Training dogs requires patience. It's best to start them as young as six weeks but you can still teach an old dog new tricks. Remain calm and patient when things don't go well at first. Be consistent and he will be able to follow in time. Don't confuse your dogs by changing training time or systems. You might find yourself backtracking because this gets your dog confused.

When teaching your dog, do it in a place with no distractions. Colorful and moving objects can distract him and it will be harder to refocus his attention to you. A quiet backyard or any indoor fenced-in area works well.

Most importantly, remember why you got your pet in the first place. Have fun! Training can be tedious and when that happens, just take a break to play and have a romp around the backyard with him. Dogs are special because they have a special ability to take your mind off pressing details and lavish you with love however bad you look or smell. The best dogs are not only those that are trained but those that make for a faithful and constant friend.

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Instead of enrolling your pet in dog obedience school, get free information today on dog training and caring for your dog.

Treat Y our Pet and Help Homeless Pets this Holiday Season

You can purchase your pet supplies at PetEssentialsDepot.com online pet store, and help homeless pets too!

PetEssentialsDepot.com offers more than 15,000 top quality pet supplies for your dog, cat, bird, aquarium, or other small animals. Best yet, a portion of every sale is donated to homeless animal rescue shelters nationwide.

Why not treat your pet this holiday season, and know that you are helping homeless pets at the same time.

Caring for Your Small Dog Breed

By Geraldine Dimarco

Owning a small dog really isn't that much different to owning a large one. Having said that, there will be some things that will need to be changed for it to be a success. Illustrated below are some points you will need to consider for the daily requirements for a tiny breed of dog.

What are you going to feed your dog?

Of course eating is the most obvious daily activity but the average kibble available from the grocery may be over-sized for your dog. You have to ensure that the kibble is convenient to be used by his minute mouth and these are easily procurable among some of the premium brands of dog food. It is also recommended to offer the Lilliputian canines some canned soft foods.

Where they will stay - safely:

All dogs need exercise and a safe place to potty outdoors, and a fenced-in yard provides all the security they need, right? You need to be careful here as the large fencing used to protect a larger dog may just be too big for a small dog, since there are convenient gaps below and in between making it easy for the smaller dog to kneel down and escape through it. An important safety concern is that no fence would protect your tiny pet from the prying eyes of hawks flying overhead as they are famous for stooping down to snatch away the Lilliputians and smaller puppies. An answer to this might be to have a fully enclosed run or area for them to run around in.

Training your dog:

Though teaching larger dogs is as easy or as hard as their tinier counterparts, according to pet experts, it is common to find the diminutive canines are thoroughly smothered to be taught any discipline. No matter if he fits in a purse or a pocket, your small dog still sees the world in terms of pack behavior, and if you're not leading the pack, he is. It is important to remember that the pet must under any circumstances be house trained even if the confusion looks small and it really does not matter. To make the dog obey your commands, dog experts recommend that the dog must be made to work for you. for a small reward or treat.

His appearance:

Small dogs have some particular requirements when it comes to grooming you need to bear in mind. One such specific need for a minuscule pet is that he needs more frequent nail trimming than his larger counterpart since he hardly walks or runs on uneven surfaces which would have naturally shaped up his nails. Brushing his teeth twice a week is mandatory, especially if he is on soft canned foods. Small dog care is not that different for a large one except you have to be aware of certain needs that will affect a smaller animal. The differences may seem like minor details, but paying attention to them can make a big impact when it comes to meeting your pet's special needs.

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For dog care information, and tips on how to care for your small dog breed, the premier site on caring for your small dog is HealthierDogs.com

What Kind of Fish to Get for Your New Aquarium

By Leonard Boyler

If you have just decided to set up an aquarium, the number one question on your mind must be what kind of fish should I get? When you look at your choices in the pet store, you realize that it will not be easy to make that decision.

This can be a daunting experience for new fish keepers. Of course, you want fish that appeal to you and have the right 'look,' but when selecting fish for your new aquarium, there are three important questions to keep in mind. First, how large will this fish grow? Second, what are the fish's water quality requirements? Finally, how well will this fish live with the other fish I want?

Community fish are fish that are usually about one inch or less. Fish keepers usually choose to populate their tanks with groups of similar community fish. Some examples of community fish are sword tails, guppies, Dwarf Gourami and Platies. When you have chosen a variety, find fish that are close to the same size. Get some advice on which varieties get along well with each other if you want to mix them. Avoid getting just one community fish because they are used to swimming in schools and will just be lonely in your aquarium. As a rule of thumb, provide one gallon of aquarium water for every inch of these fish.

Most other species of fish will grow much larger, anywhere between six inches and several feet. With a few exceptions, these are best kept alone, as they will attack smaller or weaker fish. If you do select one of these larger species, you'll need an aquarium size to match. Keeping one of these species in a ten gallon tank is possible when they are very young, but you will need to upgrade eventually.

It's best to just buy the appropriate aquarium for their adult size when you first get the fish. Select the species you want, and then determine the aquarium size requirements for this fish at its adult size. This is not always one gallon per inch of full-grown fish, like it is for the smaller community fish.

There are some varieties of fish that will survive almost any water condition. A popular example of these is the goldfish. They have a reputation for being almost invincible. They will most likely flourish even without lighting or filter, but this is not good aquarium practice.

The slightly more picky tropical fish need a narrower water temperature range, as well as high-quality water. To achieve the water quality these fish need, test your water frequently, use a good filter on the aquarium, and consider products like the EcoBio-Block, which improves your aquarium water quality and reduces maintenance. Some fish need a specific pH, or have other water quality requirements. Be sure to do your research so that the fish you choose have similar water requirements.

The last category of fish includes saltwater or marine varieties. These are tricky to keep, and are best left until you have fishkeeping experience with freshwater fish. In addition to temperature, light, and water quality requirements, you must also keep an eye on the salt levels in the aquarium. These beautiful fish require a lot of work to keep them healthy, and you cannot mix freshwater fish with saltwater varieties.

And lastly, examine every fish closely before you buy them. Check that they have healthy bright eyes, intact tails and fins, no missing scales or injury of any kind. Observe if they have healthy appetites and a high level of activity. Choose only bright and healthy looking fish.

Deciding on what fish to have should really be a matter of careful consideration. A well thought out selection will definitely provide you with many years of enjoyment with your pet fish and aquarium.

About the Author:

Leonard Boyler has been keeping fish for more than 20 years. His favorite products make aquarium care and maintenance very easy from start up to clearing up cloudy aquariums. To find out more about having an aquarium with clear water and healthy fish please visit ONEdersave.com.

Is There A reason For Your Dog's Whining?

By Sonia Kekkonen

Having a dog that barks and whines incessantly can put strain on even the most loving relationship between a dog and her owner not to mention the complaints and problems that can arise from your neighbors. Now, some barking will happen even with the best behaved dog, but those who have lived with a dog that barks in excess have a few tips on what to do.

1. Become familiar with the different tones of voice of your dog. Dogs will have a range of variations of their bark and their whine. Remember, a dog will never bark or whine without a reason. Your job is to find out what the reason is.Does your dog want food? Has someone invaded his territory? Perhaps another animal or a person?

2. Whining is a distinct sign that your dog is in distress. Many alert owners have saved their dogs from harm by investigating when their dog was whining.

3. Dogs whine when they are feeling lonely. Dogs are very social animals, in their natural settings they live together in packs. If you have been gone all day your dog may be whining out of loneliness. Set aside the first 10 minutes when you get home from work to play and socialize with your dog and you will stop the whining in it's track. It is also a stress relief for you to interact and love your dog after a stressful day at work.

4. having your dog locked out in the back yard is a surefire way to make him whine, and to make your neighbors hate you. Your dog wants to be with you and misses your companionship which is had inside the house. Your dog may be whining until you take him in whether that happens within the next 10 minutes or 10 hours. For the sake of your dog and your neighbors, leave your dog inside the house when you are away.

5. Should you discipline a dog that is whining? No, whining is always a sign of distress and punishing a dog that is stressed can make the behavior even worse. Hitting your dog or putting him outside as punishment is the wrong course of action.

About the Author:

Training a miniature dachshund puppy? or need help training your dog not to bark? Dog and puppy training can be a lot easier with the right information. Visit us at catsdogsandpets.com for the resources you need.

How To Choose Dog Grooming Kit For Your Dog

By Joann Breen

Every pet dog, or for that matter, every pet, needs some amount of grooming. Grooming a pet is the core duty of the pet possessor. and it is very important to know the correct process of grooming your pet in order to have a pet which is happy & which you can be proud of.

The first step towards selecting a dog grooming kit for your little darling would be to decide why you wish to groom it. If you wish to participate your prized canine in a dog show, you would clearly want many more dog grooming tools than you would if caring for your dog is your motive for grooming it.

When you buy a dog, collect as much information as possible on the specific grooming demands of the specific breed, if any. It is not adequate to purchase a dog's grooming kit. It is significant to buy one that is desirable for your dog.

A dog grooming kit usually comprise of the following tools: fur clippers, clipper blades, clipper cooling tools, boxes for storing, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, grooming sprays, flea combs, kind of brushes, ear cleansers, cotton swabs to clean ears, rakes, nail cutters, styptic pencils (to clot blood in case the dog starts bleeding during nail cutting) etc. Make sure the dog grooming kit you select comprises of these basic things. Check to make sure that the comb has fine and open teeth. A fingertip toothbrush works best. Special toothpastes are obtainable for dogs. Never, ever substitute them with man's toothpaste. It might be a good idea to consult a vet with regard to the best brand of shampoo suitable for the unique breed of dog you own. In case your dog has leaky tear ducts, you would need spot removal items to keep the area around the eyes free of buildups. A dog grooming kit may or may not contain a towel. It is best to prefer a towel that is soft & absorbent. Some dog grooming kits also include a pair of scissors to cut hair every now & then. A grooming table is normally essential only in case of dogs groomed for shows.

One of the most important tools in a dog grooming kit is the clipper. The clipper you prefer would be directly dependent upon the fur quality of your dog. Basic clippers with single speed mechanisms are normally adequate for dogs with thin & short fur. On the other hand, those with thick, curly fur need clippers with higher speed. Furthermore, if your dog demands to have its fur clipped oftentimes, most vet and groomers advocate dual speed clippers. In fact, if your dog has thick and wavy hair and you are not very positive or knowledgeable about clipping, it is wise to let a professional groomer take over.

You would require a variety of brushes in your dog grooming kit to groom your dog. A slicker brush is very usable to whisk off dull hair while a rake is most essential for brushing the underfur. While dogs with long hair need pin brushes, bristle brushes are suitable for those with short fur. A mat comb is required for dogs that have a problem with tangling.

About the Author:

I have seen some huge deals on almost all dog merchandises, including dog grooming kit, dog medications and even dog grooming kit e-books. Try the internet site and check out for yourself.

Something Smells Funny - The Puppy Potty Training Guide To A Poop Free Home

By Geraldine Dimarco

Everyone loves a doe-eyed golden-haired puppy, who doesn't? You bring them home and everyone is vying for the most puppy time. Then after a few weeks when you need to house train the little guy you look around and nobody is there. Yes, it's time for the less than popular puppy potty training.

This special time will also be the beginning of many unique bonding moments you will share with your furry friend. Sure, potty training can sometimes be inconvenient, but it is small change compared to years of cleaning up the surprises your dog will leave in the future. Here are some puppy training tips to help you and your home stay poop free.

Understand that the young puppy has limitations that are not his fault. One of them is the inability of controlling bodily wastes well for long periods of time. There will be a couple of nights wherein you will need to wake up twice to bring him out to his toilet spot. This may be a little irritating but do not rush the puppy to go when he is not ready yet. What is important is setting of good habits he will carry as he grows older.

Schedule the puppy's intake of food and water and follow it as closely as possible every day. You want to train his body to remember certain periods in the day when to eat and eliminate. Take him out for a walk and potty first thing in the morning and before you sleep at night. Fifteen minutes after meal times bring him outside in a designated area to do his business. As you walk around the spot keep saying a phrase you want the puppy to associate with toilet urges like 'go potty' until he does.

After he finishes eliminating on the right spot and with the right phrase, lavish him with praise. Let the puppy know how pleased you are and that he is the best dog in the whole world. Do the same thing again in an hour just in case another round is in order. Remember, right now the most important aspect of puppy potty training is the establishing of good habits.

After setting a pattern of toilet practices he is learning to follow, you can now teach him how to ask to go outside. No, not audibly with words but with a bell. Tie a rope by the door with a bell dangling at the end of it. Give the bell a light push and say 'go potty' loudly for the puppy to hear on your way out for your special walks. After two weeks of doing this consistently, say 'go potty' by the door but don't do anything. If all goes well the dog will nudge the bell himself and when he does, be sure to praise him well. If he doesn't understand fully yet, gently guide him to move the bell and say 'go potty'.

Repeat this process every single time the puppy uses his toilet privileges. Your dog will catch on and understand this as his signal to want to go out. Before long, he will know enough to tap the bell or door by himself whenever he needs to unload.

When done properly and without fail, these puppy training tips will have successfully potty trained the dog. Enjoy this moment"before long its time for another episode of you and your puppys adventure!

About the Author:

Geraldine Dimarco gets free puppy training tips that has helped her tremendously in raising her pets. Find great articles on Puppy Potty Training today.

How To Make The Most Of Your Pet - Crate Training Dogs

By Geraldine Dimarco

What exactly is crate training dogs? It sounds like something you do to a bad doggie for doing a no-no on the living room carpet. But its not. Crate training is actually based on the principle of the dogs' innate need for security.

It is said that wolves are the dogs' ancestors of old. This may or may not be factual but it still stands true that dogs are animals that lived in the open spaces before we adopted them into our homes. In the wild where there are dangers and perils at every turn- these dogs found caves and dens as a shelter and nesting area. This is the foundation of training dogs to use their crates in stressful and overly busy environments

This method greatly helps in house training dogs by containing them in their own area - thus minimizing the possibility of them causing any damage to anyone or anything including themselves. Crate training not only give the dogs a haven from a busy household, it significantly decreases inconvenience and stress of their human counterparts. They can put the dogs in the crates during long travels or trips to the vets without much trouble.

Not all animals should be crate trained. Some dogs have had serious trauma in homes before and will get hysterical when placed in a confined box. It is advisable to not follow through if this is the case. Other dogs that are large will break the crate they are contained in and hurt themselves in their panic. There are some pet owners who are still uncomfortable, no matter what facts are presented to them, with the thought of putting their living pets inside a box.

Crate training dogs depends largely on how the dog owner feels about the matter at hand. If a dog in a box is distressing to you then don't push through with this. However, if you feel that you and your dog will be better off having some space and disciple that crate training can give you, then continue reading this article for helpful tips on the best way to go about doing this.

Find a spot that is close to where people would be hanging out often. Ensure that the crate is a comfortable size that can hold the interesting things for the dog to play with. When he is inside, do not close the box just yet. Talk to him and pet him through his crate. Feed him inside. When it seems alright, start closing the door of the crate for several minutes while you are still in the room. If the animal starts to whimper and complain loudly, let him quiet down first before you let him out. This is of course a little frightening for the little pet so do not hurry him this whole process.

Never use this as a form of punishment for the dog. He should associate the crate as a calming and safe place for him to be in. If the animal is not getting upset being left alone in the crate, leave the house in short periods to gauge his reaction. If everything works out, you have accomplished the important task of crate training your dog. This will free you from worrying about your pet all the time. Moreover, you have given your dog his own special space of peace from the world.

About the Author:

Geraldine Dimarco is knowledgable of training dogs. Get the experts' advice on Crate Training Dogs the best way possible today.

The Secrets of Professional Trainers Revealed in Dog Training DVD

By Geraldine Dimarco

If you are like me, you want a well-trained, good-mannered dog who can sit, heel and fetch on command. You want the best for your dog, unfortunately best comes with a steep price. Dog schools are excellent but often times expensive. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't have your pet be trained. All dogs need to be trained even the most basic of dog manners. Now, with the many dog training DVDs out in the market, prime canine education can be yours to own.

A professional dog trainer will usually be the face on a dog training DVD. Keep in mind though that just because a dog sits when told does not mean he is an expert. The person tutoring you in the video is most likely licensed and has graduated in a veterinary school to get the required courses for his field of expertise. Use the search engines to look for reputable trainers who may have the training resources you need available.

Before you plan to get a product like this, ask yourself what it is your dog needs training for. If he is puppy or a newly adopted dog with no training whatsoever yet, then purchase a product that will teach the basic obedience commands. If there is a specific area you want to improve on, then you will need to find a site with a large collection of training materials. Look for the appropriate title you will need from their product offerings.

So if I want to buy a tutorial on dog training where do I go? Well, nowadays video shops are few and far in between. In fact, if you find one you will probably not find a good compilation of animal related DVDs. Your best source will be the Internet. There are niche sites that cater to pet owners who look for the same things you need. These sites will most likely have a resource page with product offerings you can select from. Amazon.com is a trusty site for educational materials which includes animal related videos. You can also try some buy and sell sites but their reliability is dependent on individual sellers so be careful with this.

Most dog training videos in the market are valued at approximately $20-$50- depending on the number of discs or literature included. Websites will often give discounts and gifts if you order within a specified period of time. If the DVD you are eyeing will be a much used and referenced in your teaching, then purchase the product as soon as you are able. It will be worth it. However, you should hold off if you are only lured by free gifts and great bargains. There might be a better use for your money.

A well-trained dog is an affordable luxury any pet owner can get. With dog training DVDs, you can have professional trainers teach your dog right in your living room for a fraction of the cost. Fido may not be trotting the grounds of any prestigious dog academy anytime soon -- but thanks to the internet, the dog academy can now go to him.

About the Author:

Geraldine Dimarco likes watching dog training DVDs that help her train her dogs better. Click here to find out how you can get the best deal on one of the best Dog Training DVD out in the market today.

Don't Buy Aquariums - Untill You've Seen This Sensation of Aquariums For Sale

By Mike Marvel

Fish aquariums are fun to take care of and make a great hobby. The aquariums for sale these days are very different from the basic rectangular tanks that most of us remember. You can buy aquariums that are very unique and in many different sizes and shapes.

Aquariums today can be coffee tables to wall mounted works of art. You can also find ones made from acrylic instead of glass. The acrylic can be shaped in unusual shapes easier than glass can. Let's look closer at these unique aquariums for sale that you will find when you go to buy aquariums today.

If you have an limited amount of space the look for the BiOrbs. These are not very big and easy to place in a limited area. The BiOrbs are made for acrylic and comes in 4, 8, and 16-gallon sizes. These are shaped like a globe and have the appeal of all the aquariums down through the years, along with up-to-date filtering system for ease of maintenance.

Today you can even see coffee table aquarium when you go to buy aquariums. Your living room will definitely be the talk of the town with of these. Whether you place it in front your couch or in the middle of your living room this type of aquarium will have people marvel at it. These can be different shapes from round to octagon.

You might want to buy aquariums to spruce up a drab corner of your home or office. There are many attractive models that are designed for a corner space. They look like towers and enhance a corner beautifully. These are some of the best aquariums for sale to solve a decorating problem.

Desktop aquariums show exactly how versatile aquariums can be. When you buy aquariums you have to think about how much space you have available. If you want to dress up your desk space in your home or office, a desktop model may be perfect. They hold about 1-2 gallons of water, take up very little space, and look great. If you buy aquariums that are small, be sure you only put as many fish in the tank as it will support.

The Fluval Edge fish tanks offer a smooth look in aquariums. These aquariums have sides that are specially sealed to give an uninterrupted view. When you buy aquariums like this you will have one that's properly sealed and offers an easily accessible top port. You can see the fish from all sides, including the top.

You will find oceanic aquariums for sale that make you fell like you are in an underwater world that's inhabited by mermaids. You may feel like you should be looking for underwater castles and shipwrecks instead of exotic fish. When you are ready to buy aquariums that appeal to you, make sure to check these out.

Let's not forget about the wall-mounted aquariums for sale. Yes that is right you can buy aquariums that mount on your wall like a picture! Just think a piece of artwork that is living hanging on your wall, talk about "wow factor". Just think you can find all these aquariums and more online.

About the Author:

Learn more about Unique Aquariums. Stop by Mike Marvel's site where you can find out all about Aquariums For Sale and what it can do for you.

5 Great Gift Ideas For Pet Lovers

By Brittany Garner

With the holidays just around the corner, it's time to begin thinking of gifts to give your acquaintances and loved ones. Finding unique gifts can present a challenge, and most people never believe in giving pet-related presents. Since the opportunities are great that more than one person on your vacation gift list has a pet that he or she adores, why not give a distinctive gift that your receiver will appreciate? Here are five great gift ideas to get you started:

1. Superfine Art Animal Prints

Dogs may come in vaious shapes and sizes, however each has a personality all its own. One of the most fabulous gifts you can give to a pet lover is a fine art print of his or her breed. One of the most notable artists offering fine art animal prints is Lorena Pugh. Her print, "Princess," for instance, shows a white toy poodle placing atop a stack of 12 colorful pillows, while "Angel Face" showcases a gorgeous pug who has just snagged a bunch of grapes off of a dining room table. In "Chocolate Craving," she realistically seizures the languishing of a chocolate lab as he reaches for a tennis ball against a glorious background of blue sky. These unique edition animal prints are sure to be valued, as each comes with a consecutively numbered dog tag to match the tag in the print.

2. Crystal Animal Statues

Whether your gift recipient has a dog, cat, horse, or rabbit, he or she is sure to enjoy an exquisite crystal animal statue. Typically made from 24 % lead crystal, hand-finished animal statues are beautiful still impulsive. Crystal animal statues can depict a good variety of pets, from a sitting cat to a dog with a bone; from a turtle to a frog; from a horse to a mouse; and from a duck to a dove.

3. Stone Animal Statues

Who wouldn't love a playful stone animal statue showing their beloved pet? Animal garden statues are perfect gifts, as are stone animal statues for the home and office. While some statues - like a sleeping spaniel puppy or an eager dachshund - make you feel warm inside, others - like a cat holding a pair of binoculars up to his eyes, ever watchful for a bird - make you laugh softly. Stone animal statues are obtainable for virtually any type of pet, and are certain to be cherished.

4. Animal Posters

If you've ever owned a pet, you know how unusual they can be. Animal posters pets in a variety of flaky positions (remember the cat in "Hang in There"?), and are eminently affordable. An animal card is sure to bring a smile to your receiver's face.

5. Amusement

When it comes to gifts for pet lovers, there's nothing more unusual that pet-related entertainment. There is actually a music company that creates music for animals, so think giving a gift of music about and for cats, dogs, or birds. Otherwise great gift idea is to buy a DVD or video that is designed to entertain your receiver'sdog or cat. Your friend or loved one can play the DVD or video while he or she is at work or out running errands - guilt free!

It is both original and thoughtful to give a present that recognizes your receiver'spet as a essential part of his or her life. Pet lovers will value and treasure your gift, whether it is a fine art animal print or an entertaining DVD.

About the Author:

I have received some special deals on nearly all dog products, including dog grooming kit, dog medications and even dog grooming kit e-books. Sample the website and check out for yourself.

Setting Up A Safe Chinchilla Cage

By Dirk Hoshaw

When you are getting a chinchilla, the cage and its contents will be an important part of keeping your pet healthy and safe. A chinchilla can overheat very easily so it is important that the chinchilla cage not be in direct sunlight or a place that gets too warm.

Chinchillas like space. If the cage selected is tall and has a 24" x 24" floor, your pet will be comfortable. Remember that if you add toys and a wheel, you will need a larger floor space and more height. Your chinchilla cage needs to be made of wire. A chinchilla will nibble on everything and plastic, vinyl, and small parts are not healthy for this pet.

Put shelves and ladders in the cage for the chinchilla to climb on. This will be how they get most of their exercise and they like to climb. Be sure to put thin wood planks on floors and shelves, if they are made of wire, so that the feet of your pet will be protected.

Using wood shavings or newspaper to line the cage will help to keep it clean and allow your pet to nest. Adding a wooden nesting box that has newspaper in it will also be a good idea. Chinchillas like to have places that they can hide when they want. The best shavings to use for your pet will be made of aspen.

Using glass water bottles with chew guards on them is an easy way to keep your chinchilla hydrated. The feeder should be a hopper style that hangs in the cage. If you are going to use a bowl for water and a bowl for food in the cage, they will need to be made of a heavy ceramic and be thoroughly cleaned every day.

In the wild, chinchillas chew on small rocks and stones to keep their teeth ground down. You will need to add a pumice block in the chinchilla cage to accomplish this for your pet. If their teeth get too long, it can be very uncomfortable and unhealthy for a chinchilla.

About the Author:

Find out why it's especially important to have a large chinchilla cage if you have two chinchillas, and things to be aware of when making your chinchilla cage plans.

Incontinence in Dogs is a Problem

By Geraldine Dimarco

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs has become common. This condition arises when bacteria gains access inside your dog?s body and overcomes its immune system. As a responsible dog owner, it is our responsibility to ensure that our dog is in top shape and free from health risks such as this.

Dog urinary tract infections happen at the parts where urine forms and is excreted out of the body. A mild case of infection is not easy to detect. That is why in most cases, dogs are treated only when the infection is already on its advanced stages.

If you are hesitant to bring your dog to a veterinarian for financial or whatever reasons, you may use natural remedies to try to minimize your dog?s infection or better yet, cure it. There is a very effective natural remedy for urinary tract infection in dogs.

How can your dog contract UTI? Dog urinary tract infection could arise when any of these types of bacteria get into your dog?s body and overcome its immune system: proteus mirabilis, escherichia coli, pseudomonas, coagulase positive straphylococcus, esterococcus, or klebsiella. These types of bacteria could get into your dog?s system through the food they eat and the water they drink everyday. Likewise, dogs can develop UTI through an instance called ?ascending UTI?, a condition which occurs when the bacteria had gained access into the dog?s internal system through its external urinary openings.

Using natural substances or herbal medicines to help cure urinary tract infection not only works well for humans but for dogs as well. Herbal medicines are as effective as the best antibiotics in the market. A number of herbs that have beneficial properties and effects for dogs and which are excellent natural remedies for urinary tract infections for canine patients are the following: 1. Staphysagris 2. Berberis vulgaris 3. Uva ursi 4. Cantharis 5. Goldenrod 6. Juniper berry

A combination of these natural ingredients can bring effective relief to canine urinary tract infection.

Clean water is essential as it helps flush out unwanted organisms and bacteria out of the dog?s body. Proper nutrition and diet also helps to keep your dog healthy. Bringing your dog to the vet for regular check-ups helps to determine early signs of dog urinary problems and thus minimize the chances for bacteria to cause greater harm to your dog?s internal system. Citrus juices lessen the presence of bacteria by making your dog?s urine acidic. Vitamin C helps to keep your dog in top shape by strengthening its immune system.

Indeed, UTI is a rising health problem for dogs in our modern society. However, there are ways to prevent this condition from occurring in your dogs. One way is to give your dog enough water to drink everyday. Water helps to flush out bacteria our of your dog?s system. Another way is to bathe your dog regularly. Regular bathing helps to ward off bacteria from entering your dog?s body. As the famous saying goes, ?prevention is always better than cure?.

About the Author:

If you are looking for a solution to urinary tract infection in dogs or searching for a remedy for canine incontinence, look no further.

GPS Dog Tracking: Never Lose Your Dog Again!

By Adam Webster

Many would say that finding the right GPS dog tracking collar to help you find your pet dog should he stray away from your home is going to be a real challenge. The simple truth is that no two dog owners are going to have the same needs and so no one particular GPS pet tracking system will fit the bill for every dog owner. However, with some tips and advice it is possible to zero in on the best option.

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

A second important consideration is the durability of the GPS dog tracking collar. This is a factor that you must evaluate very carefully and in fact it is the biggest concern for those who are looking to keep tabs on their hunting dogs.

The better such devices even come with extra antennae that can receive signals emanating from a base station that is in most cases the dog owner's home. The signals sent out can be modified and in fact, as soon as the device fails to receive the signals then the GPS dog tracking will immediately set about the task of locating your errant pet dog that has broken out from the Virtual Fence.

The better GPS pet tracking devices are even equipped with strobe lights that are visible from more than one hundred yards distance and in addition the device also has a special mode that is used to inform the owner through fax, SMS or even email whenever the devices' batteries start losing their charge.

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

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

You can also use your GPS dog tracking device to create a personalized GPS Fence. Then, as soon as your dog breaches the GPS Fence created by his master, the GPS pet tracking device will immediately alert the pet owner about the fact that his dog has escaped the GPS Fence.

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

About the Author:

GPS Dog Tracking systems don't have to cost hundreds of dollars. Learn why our system is better at http://www.LoveMyPetsGPS.com.

What To Look For In A Dog Training Video

By Geraldine Dimarco

Isn't it amazing what you can do with a camera and computer nowadays? You can shoot a video, post it in the World Wide Web, and have a few hundred thousand people access it within the end of the day. Many people seem to share this sentiment and have taken it upon themselves to shoot and star with their pet in one of those dog training videos. One asks oneself, with all these wannabe producers, how do you weed out the average from the best?

First of all, the recorded clip should be of excellent quality-visual and sound elements play a major part in the watchability of the tutorial. It must also have a point of view successfully conveyed by the producers. Focus and organization is integral in achieving that. Off tangent topics should be edited out and a theme that ties the whole presentation together will make it neat and easy on the eyes to watch.

Who is the face of the video? We have seen celebrities endorse products that sell because of the sheer force of their star power. For things that require a specific field of expertise though, credibility is the number one qualification. In this case, certified trainers usually lend their face and personality to the dog training videos. People want to get expert opinion and insider tips from those who would know best. Joe Smith may be a cool, successful pet owner who trains; but without the weight of authenticity a professional career gives, it won't be as well-received and trusted.

Successful dog training DVDs being sold usually have a great bargain attached to it that makes it much more appealing. For instance, a $40 DVD, with book (valued at $xx) and a special gift (valued at $xx) will fly off the shelves faster than a single $20 tutorial video. While this in no way guarantees the quality, it certainly gives an extra sheen to the product. The more added value given to customers, the better returns the sellers are likely to receive.

Excellent products are properly marketed by the producers. No matter how great a canine training video you may have, having no exposure will make it next to useless. It will help if you have endorsements from well respected establishments from the industry. Examples would be esteemed veterinarians, national animal associations and licensed colleagues. The key is when people start talking about it. Strategic partnerships and tie-ups with complementary companies will help make it a success.

Once the marketing machine is running smoothly, it follows that a well planned network of distribution channels are set in place. Popular specialty dog sites that have the videos in supply imply that the sites endorsing the product can guarantee its quality.

More than anything else, the number one hallmark of an excellent dog training video is how it is received by owners with beloved dogs in their care. Forums will be busy, blogs will be occupied and shelves will be empty with what people perceive to be a truly great doggie find. Any child can press the record button; but it takes careful planning and sincere efforts to produce and promote a worthwhile video. If you ever find yourself in possession of one, you know it is money well spent.

About the Author:

Geraldine Dimarco likes learning from dog training videos that help her train her own pets. Find out more about this excellent Dog Training Video available today.

Five Steps to a Better-Behaved Pet

By Nancy Williams

Want to live a healthier lifestyle? Get a dog.

Analyses show that pet possession helps reduce stress, brings down blood pressure and resists off feelings of loneliness and depression.

While nothing can top the love and fellowship of a dog, there are some unpleasant behaviors that just won't do - from barking all night to wetting the floor to chewing on your shoes when you are not looking.

If your dog is presenting this type of behavior, it may be acting out due to boredom, suppressed aggression or because of lack of training. With particular lifestyle adjustments and diligent training, you will be on your way to having a happy, well-behaved pet. The following tips will help your furry fellow become more obedient:

* Spay or neuter. The Humane Society of the United States of America says that this common routine can help your dog live longer, be healthier and have less behaviour problems.

* Help your pet slacken. Just like individuals, dogs can get anxious, disturbed and stressed. That is why some veterinarians advise giving your dog a calming product, such as Pluto Pet's Pet Calming Spray, to help relieve hyperactivity.

Made with natural components, Pet Calming Spray acts quickly to alleviate impatience, fearfulness, jitteriness and aggression and helps antsy pets sleep through the night, according to the manufacturer.

* Have a physical exertion routine. Give your canine companion with regularly scheduled walks two times in a day. This will help your dog avert tedium, which can lead to blasting behaviour.

* Go to school. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Harshness to Animals, enrolling your dog in an obedience class will teach you how to master your dog's conduct both safely and humanely.

* Be tolerant. Though teaching your furry friend to be more dutiful may take determination on your part, it's worth it. After all, as man's best friend, your dog will apprise bonding with you during the process.

About the Author:

I have received some special bargains on nearly all dog merchandises, including dog grooming kit, dog medications and even dog grooming kit e-books. Try the internet site and find out for yourself.

Potty Training Dogs 101

By Geraldine Dimarco

Are you loving your dog only until he plants another bomb in your immaculate living room carpet? It seems that your home can benefit greatly from some potty training dogs tips. Here are some simple techniques that will keep you and your pet's love fest undisturbed in a few short weeks.

Hearing the obligatory chores in house training dogs is enough to make the best of us cringe. Some don't even bother to make an effort. As a result, many dogs have never learned the basics on toilet training. It may be easier to teach puppies good habits, but adult dogs can still learn to do their business outside properly.

It is much simpler to train a dog how to do something than to guide him in unlearning wrong habits. A lot of times, you will end up feeling frustrated. What you should do instead is to teach him a new way of doing things in place of the former. In this case, its using an outdoor area for relieving himself.

Look for a spot outdoors specifically to use for his toilet needs. The dog will feel like eliminating ten to fifteen minutes after eating. Take him out to the designated area around that time. As you walk to his spot, keep repeating a phrase he will associate with this activity like, 'go potty'. When he finally does, lavish him with praise so he will understand that what he just did was good. Keep doing this process for several weeks, using the same spot each time. You need to be consistent in house training dogs.

Dog accidents can still crop up even when you are in the middle of potty training him. If you catch in the act, quickly stop him and take him outside to finish his business. Give him treats and play with him right after he successfully finishes doing it outside. If you find the mound of poop alone with no dog in sight, do not look for him and start yelling. He will not understand that you are getting mad because of this particular action. Be vigilant to the dog right after his eating time to avoid future similar incidents.

When the accidents do happen inside your home, make sure you clean up the mess thoroughly with a deodorizing antibacterial solution immediately. This will get rid of stains and more importantly, any smell it will leave behind. The principle in potty training dogs is that they will return to their spot to do it again and they will find it by sniffing the place out. Make the canine's cage as small as comfortably small as possible to avoid more accidents to occur indoors.

Do not bring food and water to your pet two hours before sleeping or else you might find yourself sleepily leading him out at night for toilet breaks. Take him out to walk early morning or right after he finishes nap time. When you have successfully accomplished training him to go potty outdoors, ensure that going outside is accessible and convenient for him. An open back door will encourage him to continue his newly found talent in discharging outside.

Potty training dogs is every responsible pet owner's priority. This will keep your dog disciplined and mentally stimulated- a good preparation for other obedience tasks. More than that, your home will welcome the change and thank you for it.

About the Author:

Geraldine Dimarco enjoys house training dogs. Get the best tips for Potty Training Dogs today.

Are You Feeding Your Cat Safe Cat Food?

By Christine Pinkston

Even if your cats food has not been recalled that does not necessarily mean that it is safe cat food. The majority of the cat food on the market today might not only be nutritionally void but it may even be dangerous to your cat.

Most of the cat foods that we feed our cats have no nutritional value at all. What is wore is that you might unknowingly be poisoning your cat. Poisoned cats and dogs from the pound is one of the many cat food ingredients you might find in your felines food.

The problem with this is (other then the obvious that your cat is not a cannibal) is that the poison they use to put the animals down does not cook out when they cook the meat.

Anything that is on the dog or cat is also considered fair game to use as a meat source. This includes any metal id tags, flea collars, and even hair and teeth. Another meat source that is used is road kill that is to big to dispose of by digging a hole in the ground.

When they process meat at processing plant any parts of the cow that are not edible for humans goes in a big barrel. This includes any parts of meat with puss, cancer, or other disease's.

Basically they gives us diseased, dying, or dead animals as the meat source for cat food and the meat by products are not any better. That might be a very good reason why most cats die well before they should.

The more I looked into the ingredients of store bought cat food the more appalled I became, to the point that I did not even want to touch my cats food to feed it to him.

All cat foods are not created equal. To insure that your cat is getting the nutrition he needs to live a long and healthy life it is suggested that cats should eat a combination of safe commercial cat food and a healthy homemade food.

About the Author:

Feeding your cat homemade cat food is a great way to make sure your cat is living his life to the fullest. Don't forget about your dog either. Make sure he is receiving homemade puppy food!

Transport Dog Crates and Stylish Pet Carriers

By Geraldine Dimarco

An alarming number of dogs and other pets become injured, lost, or even die on board an airplane when traveling in transport dog crates. Compared to the number of successful animals transported from one location to another via the airlines, this number is low. But dog enthusiasts and breeders routinely fly their dogs in transport dog crates or pet travel carriers without having any trouble at all. The airlines claim to make every effort possible that dogs that travel on-board will be perfectly safe.

It is sensible to take as many reasonable precautions as you can to avoid any mishaps. After all, you would never forgive yourself if something terrible occurred and it was avoidable by you having taken some simple precautions.

The first thing to consider is whether your dog needs to travel at all. The second thing is whether your dog needs to travel by airplane, or whether dog transport via train or car is a possibility.

The most important precautionary measure to take for the safety of your dog, if you do decide that the only dog transport available is to fly your dog, is to take him to the vet for a complete checkup to avoid complicating a pre-existing medical condition.

If the trip will take a few hours, try not to have your dog travel during the heat of the day. An early morning or an evening flight will be far more comfortable for your dog so as to avoid hot weather. If cold weather is the issue, then the middle of the day is fine, and in fact preferable.

It may seem like common sense to advise this tip, but it does happen at times where puppies are loaded in a crate and do not handle the flight very well. Always fly your puppy with you in the cabin area so that you can keep the dog comfortable with small treats and affection. A puppy's early weeks (and months) are a very crucial time in its life. Everything that the dog experiences becomes downloaded into its memory. It's called socialization and a traumatizing flight that keeps a puppy in a constant state of shock and anxiety for hours on end may have disastrous results that could last a lifetime for the pup.

Dogs of any age can suffer from separation anxiety, and some are much more prone to this than others. If your dog has ever shown signs of separation anxiety in any situation, you can be fairly certain that such a condition will be exacerbated if he is locked into a transport dog crate and left alone in the cargo section of the plane.

Separation anxiety is a real condition that should not be overlooked. It is estimated that almost 20% of all dogs suffer at some level from separation anxiety. These personality types make very poor candidates for dog transport by airplane, unless they can travel in the passenger cabin with you (which medium and large dogs obviously cannot). Such dogs should not be left alone and when their condition reaches elevated levels, it is not uncommon for a dog to literally chew through a metal cage in the attempt of trying to escape, causing severe injuries that can cause the dog to bleed to death. It may be possible to treat your dog with natural anxiety remedies, or you may even want to talk to your vet about a sedative if you think your dog will react badly to being transported.

About the Author:

Luxury pet carriers are popular these days. But if you're doing any serious traveling around with your dog, or dog transport, you may want to forego stylish pet carriers for heavier duty transport dog crates.

Why You Need Dog Insurance

By Geraldine Dimarco

Most dog owners never consider dog insurance until they're faced with a large veterinary bill. And the fact is that you can never foresee when you'll need to seek veterinary care, or how much it will cost. Not infrequently, a visit to the vet to treat an injury or an unexpected illness can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Ouch!

And how easy is it for a dog to break his or her leg, do you think? Well, just as with humans, bone breakages in dogs happen every single day, and they can occur in your back yard and inside your house, as well as outside while exercising your dog in the park or at the beach. So how much do you think that broken bone might cost in veterinary fees? Well, the average vet cost for a broken bone is $900.00. By comparison, the monthly premium for dog insurance is just a few dollars, and you're covered for every eventuality.

Dog Health Insurance

As with any type of insurance, dog insurance types vary from company to company. Some label their products as pet assurance, as opposed to pet insurance, but it's pretty much the same type of cover. Either way, you can expect most dog health insurance plans to provide coverage for the following:

Spaying/Neutering: Unless you are a serious breeder then it is only ethical that you have your dog spayed or neutered. Your dog health insurance plan may cover up to 100% of the cost. And remember, having your dog fixed helps keep animal population under control and reduces the chances of dogs roaming the streets looking for a mate, often resulting in injuries due to fighting or other accidents.

Prescription Flea Control: Most dogs remain flea-free with Frontline and similar flea control products that are available over the counter at your veterinarian (or at pet stores or online). But a few dogs have ongoing problems with fleas such that prescription flea meds may be required. Most dog health insurance plans cover these prescription flea control meds.

Annual Examination: Whether or not your vet has conned you into thinking that annual vaccinations are essential for your dog, the annual examination is a necessity. It will identify minor health problems before they become major health problems, and treatment can start while there's still a good prospect of success. Your dog insurance policy should cover the annual exam.

Heartworm Medication: Should your dog be diagnosed with heartworms, the medication needed may also be covered by most dog insurance plans.

Lab Costs: Blood tests and other lab work is covered by most dog health insurance plans. You never know when your vet may want to order blood work - especially if serious diseases are suspected, such as diabetes or heartworm.

Teeth Cleaning: If your dog suffers periodontal disease, or you are unable to keep his teeth clean by other means, surgical teeth cleaning is often required. And because it's performed under anaesthetic, it's pretty expensive. Good news - your dog insurance should cover this, too.

Hospitalization Fees: Accidents and illnesses do have a habit of occurring when you least expect them. And they can be very expensive, as already noted. There is also the possiblity of complications of other procedures, such as de-sexing procedures or even teeth cleaning. Complications of surgery may require that your dog have blood transfusions or be monitored in intensive care. Now that's a big expense. So instead of being landed with an exorbitant vet bill, your dog insurance will cover you.

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For dog insurance info and its alternatives, choose a dog insurance for every financial circumstances.

Getting Your Dog Started on Advanced Obedience Training

By Geraldine Dimarco

Advanced obedience training-don't let the name daunt you anyone who is willing to exert patience can do this. It is one of the most fulfilling things you can experience with your pet. Not only will you enjoy the company of the best version of your dog, you will be doing Fido a favor as well. Successfully trained dogs are well-adjusted, confident and mentally quicker. You can leave him alone in a roomful of strangers without worry on him inflicting harm to anyone.

First and foremost in canine training is the establishment of hierarchy between you and your dog. You need to set your position as the leader early on. As soon as the dog understands this, the simpler it will be to train him. Neglecting to do so can spell trouble. There will be a struggle for dominance and aggressive behavior will ensue. Be strong and firm in teaching. When you see the beginnings of the alpha dog coming out, correct it immediately but do not be overly severe and mean to him.

Use a strong and sure voice when you give your commands. If you tell him to Sit!, carefully bring him your dog to the appropriate sitting position as you speak out the command. It will take a few times especially at the start of your training. But as the dog develops from basic to advanced obedience training, the dog begins to understand the patterns in your sessions with him and teaching him becomes much easier.

Operant conditioning is the best way to train dogs. This is done by rewarding animals with accolades and treats to let them know that their behavior is good. Remember to praise your dog each time he does something right. If he does the same thing and it goes unnoticed- this will throw him off as to what you want from him. Make an effort to remember and reap the benefits in the future.

On the other hand, do not neglect to reprimand the dog for wrong behavior. Do this at the time he is committing the mistake not after so he will know that action is wrong. Chastising the animal will also emphasize right from wrong. For example, if he eats dirt in the street scold him immediately. Right after put dog food in front of him and enthusiastically praise him wen he eats the latter.

Dog obedience training should only be done in 15 minute sessions for maximum efficacy. Be repetitive and consistent in the commands you teach him. Also, make sure you don't keep a strict schedule in your training. If training is done only at a certain period in the day, the animal will put on the obedient mode during that time alone. Teach him in sessions interspersed throughout the day.

People find the stunts that dogs pull in movies amazing. But remember, they all started with the simplest command too. You can start the same and work your way up. Be patient and consistent and you will see your pet advance to trickier commands like fetch, roll over, attack before long. Employ the same principles as outlined in this article and you will succeed in the harder tasks as you did in the basic ones.

There you go, the basic and fundamental tools you will need in advanced obedience training for dogs. There's nothing left to do now but start training!

About the Author:

Geraldine Dimarco can attest to the many benefits of dog obedience training. Find out more about how Advanced Obedience can help you today.