Puppy Training and Potty Training Made Easy!

By Anita L. Platt

Perhaps one of the most important things that you will teach your new puppy is where his potty is - outdoors. Potty training should begin as soon as you have your puppy home. There will be accidents and many moments of frustration; however, you and your puppy can succeed at this necessary life lesson by following some tested and proven tips.

An actual potty spot should be chosen to be puppy's potty. In order to make the potty area more attractive in your yard, you can place potted plants or flowers around where your puppy goes to poop and pee. This will also probably help the dog to remember and easily recognize the location of his potty.

Teaching the command "outside" is very important. You should say this command loudly to your puppy whenever he pees or poops inside. Then you will have to pick him up and run outside with him to make him finish going potty in his puppy training area. Then you will praise him for actually going on the potty.

Believe it or not, eventually you will teach and enable your puppy to use the potty on command. Puppy training on command also calls for another command word of your choice.

Praise should be given every time your puppy asks to go outside and actually uses his potty. Tell your friends and family to be sure to praise him in these cases as well.

A common misconception is that an accident calls for punishment. This is not the case. Oftentimes, punishment may actually cause more accidents because it will only frighten and confuse him. Some puppies will even begin to potty in areas where it is hard to see the pee and poop if they are punished for potty training accidents.

Again, potty training your puppy requires determination and patience. The more consistent and calm you are, the more likely your puppy will be to finish his potty training quicker.

By maintaining consistency, tempered with equal parts firmness and love, you will have succeeded at potty and puppy training before you know it. Your puppy will respond well to your firmness and love. He will endeavor to please you by learning to potty sooner. Then you will have puppy training success.

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How to Neutralise Doggie Breath

By Geraldine Dimarco

Dog teeth cleaning should be something which is done regularly as a part of your pet care routine. If possible, your dog's teeth should be brushed daily, or least every other day. Dogs are just as susceptible as we are to tooth disease, so it is important to make sure that our dog's teeth are kept clean and free of tartar.

Dental Health and Your Dog

Dogs can be subject to the same diseases of the mouth, gums and teeth as can their owners. Since you dog has no way of telling you that is has a toothache, dog owners must take care to look after the dental health of their dog. An untreated tooth infection can lead to very serious problems with your pets' vital organs.

You dog's diet has a real impact on their dental health. Dog food and treats which are fortified and made specifically to keep your dogs' teeth in good shape are a healthy choice for your pet. While you can have your dogs' teeth cleaned by your vet, this is very expensive and since your dog must be anesthetized for this to be done, can actually be dangerous for your pet! Professional cleaning should only be done in extreme cases.

Getting Started with Dog Teeth Cleaning

Even if your dog is no longer a puppy you can train them to accept having their teeth brushed with some patience and perseverance. Both dogs and puppies alike can be acclimated to having the toothbrush in their mouths simply by starting out using your finger and a dab of peanut butter.

As your pet licks your finger and the peanut butter, begin rubbing the teeth and gums while offering plenty of praise. After a day or so of this, or as soon as your dog begins accepting this new process, use a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger and do the same thing as above. Rub the gauze around the teeth and gums using a circular motion as you would with the toothbrush. Once they are used to this, it's time to introduce them to the real thing.

You should not use toothpaste which is made for humans, as this will cause your dog to have an upset stomach. There is toothpaste designed for dogs which have a taste and smell which appeal to your pet. Let your dog lick a little off of the brush and then add more and start brushing.

Lift your dogs' gums so that you can reach their teeth, especially the canines. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle for the best result. This lets you clean the gums and teeth at the same time. Brush using a circular motion and don't forget your dogs' back teeth, which are more susceptible to disease and decay.

Make dog tooth cleaning time a happy time for your dog. Stay calm so your dog won't get too excited. It should only take about a minute a day for effective dog teeth cleaning and maintain their good health.

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Dog teeth cleaning is imperative to overall dog health, and canine teeth cleaning can be done in several ways. So keep your dog's teeth clean by brushing your dog's teeth, by a healthy diet, and by adding a canine teeth cleaning agent to your dog's drinking water. All can play a part in keeping your dog's teeth healthy.

Deciding on Pet Insurance

By Geraldine Dimarco

Pet insurance definitely would have solved the problem. I confess - I had doubts about treating our dog some time ago when he was involved in an accident. The agony of making a decision like that is something I hope not to repeat. Medical science cannot cure everything, and pets are vulnerable too. Operations on animals can go wrong sometimes.

Keeping your pet healthy is a large financial responsibility, and these additional costs can place a person in debt. If your credit card is at its limit then often a bank loan is the only answer.

The financial aspect of looking after a pet is something that must be considered carefully. When money problems occur, temporary or otherwise, this causes further worries. If your credit card is at its limit then often a bank loan or a loan from friends or family may be the only answer.

It is a strange fact that most pet owners do not bother obtaining pet insurance; this is peculiar when they are generally loved like any other person in the home. When it comes to looking after our own health needs, we do not forget how important it is; with this being the case, looking after our pets should be equally important.

Although there are a large number of pet owners in the States, most do not see a reason to have pet insurance; the reason for this remains a mystery. The average American will have health insurance; so we should do the same for our pets.

Considered by many as an unnecessary expense, however, pet owners soon realize that vets bills are costly and it doesn't take much treatment for them to enter into four figure bills. No area is immune for price increases and vets fees are no exception; many people have seen their pet insurance premium increase as a consequence.

The last thing you should have to deal with is the stress over the expense of saving your animal.

You can choose from a range of pet health insurance services, and perhaps incorporate more than one pet on the same plan. Pet insurance plans come in all shapes and sizes. There are even plans analogous to pet insurance that actually cover items that insurance doesn't. To my mind, they are a type of insurance, although they market themselves as pet assurance rather than pet insurance. Either way, they could save you a lot of money, and a lot of heartache.

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Prior to thinking about selecting pet insurance, find out the facts about pet health insurance at HealthierDogs.com

Proper Veterinary Care For Older Dogs

By William Renfro

When it comes to the need for medical attention, your pooch is like a human. As a puppy, he needed vaccinations and frequent check-ups. When he became an adult, routine exams were still important, but could be performed less frequently. As he grows older, his need for ongoing veterinary care becomes greater. His health - and by extension, his happiness - is heavily dependent upon the prevention of diseases, and early treatment in the event they are diagnosed.

Because canines are living longer, it is more important than ever for owners to arrange for their veterinary care. Below, we'll provide a brief overview of the types of services and examinations older pooches need from their veterinarians.

Weight Control And Nutrition Advice

Weight and nutrition play key roles in your canine's long-term health. One of the most prevalent conditions that have afflicted dogs over the last ten years is obesity. Left unchecked, it can lead to joint pain and long-term health issues.

Your veterinarian can help design a meal and exercise program that will help you control your pooch's weight while making sure he receives the vitamins and nutrients he needs. If necessary, the vet can recommend supplements to compensate for any nutritional deficiencies.

Medical History And Physical Examination

A key to effective veterinary care is to start a medical history on your dog as soon as possible. That way, the vet can track symptoms and identify the onset of any health-related problems.

Periodic physical exams are an integral part of compiling this history. Normally, adult canines should undergo a full examination once per year. As your pooch grows older, your veterinarian may suggest he undergo exams twice or even three times per year. This is especially true if your dog suffers any serious health conditions that require regular monitoring.

Other Types Of Exams

Your vet will examine your canine's teeth, gums, and mouth during the course of a routine physical examination. This can help prevent gum disease and other dental issues. If your pooch is unaccustomed to having his mouth opened by someone, he may need to be sedated.

Another important examination that your veterinarian will perform is a rectal exam. This too, is a regular component of the physical exam. The vet will take a look at your dog's colon and prostate (in the case of a male). The lymph nodes and urinary tract should also be examined.

As canines age, they become more susceptible to problems that inflict their eyes. For example, they can develop cataracts and glaucoma. Your veterinarian will want to examine your pooch's eyes in order to identify such issues early - before they can cause permanent vision impairment.

There are several additional services that your vet may want to perform to help ensure the long-term health of your dog. These might include treatment for parasites and heartworms, urinalysis, thyroid testing, blood pressure testing, and a complete blood count. In the end, trust the veterinarian and follow his or her recommendations. By doing so, you'll help your four-legged friend live a long and happy life.

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Top 7 Pet Travel Tips For Car Rides

By Tim Lambert

No Sticking Their Heads Out The Window: Although most pets will take great enjoyment from spending the entire road trip with their head out the window, it's not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris from the road not to mention other cars. Along this same tip, I hope that it should go without mention that traveling with your pet in the back of the pickup truck is also a definite no-no! Some states even have laws restricting this type of animal transport because it is always dangerous.

Stop Frequently: You should take frequent stops to let your pet walk around for a few minutes and use the bathroom. Most rest stops and travel assistance areas will have specific areas for you to take your pet. Always pickup after your pet and try to stay in the designated "pet zone" when walking your pet. Always keep your pet on a lease and make sure that they have proper identification on their collar whenever they are outside of the car.

Keep Them Hydrated: During your rest stops make sure to provide your pet with some fresh water so that they can re-hydrate themselves. Occasionally, traveling in a car can upset your pet's stomach and keeping them hydrated will work to help prevent any 'accidents.' Another trick is to bring ice cubes for your pet as it's easier than having to bring large amounts of water (plus by the time you're done with the trip it IS just water).

No Feeding Your Pets Fast Food: It's a safe bet to refrain from feeding your pets anything extra on long road trips. Just stick to their regular amount of food at their regular feeding time. Try to refrain from letting them eat any leftovers from your own meals, especially if they're from a fast-food restaurant. Greasy food and pets aren't a good mix.

Don't Leave Them Stranded: Never leave your pet by themselves in a parked vehicle. On average warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even if you have the windows slightly open. Another reason to not leave them in the car is it sometimes can act as an open invitation to pet thieves.

Keep Them Restrained: Make sure that your pet is safely restrained while in your car. Using a pet safety-harness or travel kennel are the easiest ways to keep your pet safe. These will not only protect your pet from harm, but they also help by keeping them from distracting you while you are driving. A pet safety harness acts the same way as a regular seatbelt does. While your typical pet will not find any problems adjusting to it, you may want to let them test it out by wearing the harness by itself a few times before using it in the car. If your dog prefers a travel kennel, make sure that the kennel is well ventilated and stabilized. Many pet owners prefer vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets. Vehicle barriers are best suited for SUVs or other cars with large connected storage areas. No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet than in the passenger seat.

Comfortably Safe: Keeping your pet comfortable during the trip will go a long way in not having to deal with any flare-ups or 'accidents' during the getaway. Just as it's important for your seat to be comfortable, it is important to keep their area of the car pet-friendly. The easiest way to do this is by bringing along their favorite toy or blanket, sometimes even a travel bed.

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To read more pet travel tips visit the Online Pet Vet and get answers to your own pet questions.

Common Dog Health Symptoms

By Jennefer Poultson

Nothing is worse than discovering your pet has a serious illness, and finding that if you had gotten attention earlier, it would have been less severe. Sometimes the smallest change in personality or behavior can signal the onset of an illness, so knowing what is and is not normal for your pet can be essential. When you see something abnormal, it can be helpful to know some basic things to watch for.

Always remember that early detection of health problems is a key in successful treatment. To detect things early pay attention to even small changes in personality or behavior. For instance if your pet is normally outgoing and friendly and all the sudden is hiding beneath the furniture or whining when you pet him that is a good indication he may be sick. The better in tune with your pet you are the better health detective you will be. You will also be prepared with times and dates should your veterinarian need them.

There are a few symptoms that unquestioningly need medical assistance and one of them is blood in the urine. Blood in your dog's urine can be an indication of kidney disease or failure. If that is the case, he will need immediate medical treatment. Your quick action could save your animal's life so do not delay even a moment. Similarly, blood in the feces can point to a common illness called parvo. This virus if caught early can be cured but if left to long will be fatal.

Another common complaint among pet owners is vomiting. Dogs will do this mildly when they have eaten something that does not agree with them. Like the time my mini-pin ate a battery. However if you notice repeated vomiting with fever or pain symptoms it is more than likely a health issue. Nausea and vomiting can be a sign of stomach ulcers or a more serious ailment. No matter the cause, the effect on your pets' health can be devastating since she could dehydrate very quickly. In severe cases, pets have died from dehydration.

When looking for symptoms of poor health in your dog do not overlook their coat. A dogs coat should feel thick and look relatively glossy. If you reach down to pet your dog and find that the coat is oddly dry and brittle or there are bald patches you should check into the cause. One common cause of a bad coat is worms; this parasite robs the dog of nutrition and therefore leaves the coat unhealthy. Of course, if you have a dog whose hair is naturally coarse, like a wirehaired terrier then this rule does not apply.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible health problems your dog may face. So always, take the time to examine what is normal for your pet and what is not. This will keep you leaps ahead of the game and could possibly head off serious issues.

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For information on dog health symptoms and dog health diagnosis to maintain your dog's health, visit HealthierDogs.com

How to Deal with Dog Heart Failure

By Jennefer Poultson

When a dog has a heart murmur, what this indicates is that there is abnormal blood flow within the dog's heart. This can be caused by a change in the heart valves and their function, or a number of other potential causes. Dog heart murmur symptoms may be caused by an abnormal communication between the left side and the right side of the heart. There are a number of things that may cause this, as they may be congenital or present from birth, or acquired which means the heart was affected after birth because of age or disease. There are two types of heart murmurs in dogs, benign murmurs which do not concern the health of the dog, and much more serious heart murmurs which may indicate the development of congestive heart failure in dogs.

Dog heart murmur symptoms often include coughing, poor exercise ability, bluish tinge to the gums or tongue, labored breathing and even fainting. While some of these symptoms can be linked to other health issues, and the symptoms are the same between benign heart murmurs and the more severe forms, you should consult a veterinarian any time you have a concern about your dog's health. Some of these symptoms can be easily missed, including poor exercise ability and even a bluish tinge to the gums. If you have any suspicion that your dog may be suffering from issues relating to a heart murmur, canine heart disease or the development of congestive heart failure, contact your vet immediately for an official diagnosis.

There are a number of symptoms that are indicative that your dog may have serious health problems. The best way to identify the source and severity of your pooch's heart murmur is to have your dog checked out thoroughly by a veterinarian. Some additional tests may be required such as an EKG, chest x-rays, a heart ultrasound and blood testing. The ultrasound may be of a particular benefit because your vet will be able to measure the extent of your dog's heart murmur. It will be a definitive test to see what the cause of the underlying heart disease may be. It is extremely important to have the cause of your pooch's heart condition diagnose because there are some instances where heart murmurs are treatable by either surgery or medication. You will have to find out just how expensive these various treatments may be so that you will not be surprised by a very high vet bill. You may be pleasantly surprised at the prices some vets have.

If your dog has a congenital heart murmur, surgery may be a viable solution to eliminate the problems it creates. On the other hand, specific types of medication may be necessary because non congenital heart murmurs are often an underlying symptom of congestive heart failure in dogs. You cannot be sure about which treatment is going to be the right path to proceed with until you have consulted the right veterinarian and received advice regarding the health of your dog. You should never leave symptoms like these to chance, because not every heart murmur is benign, and serious changes could be occurring in your dog's heart.

It is very important that you share any questions or concerns with your vet especially when it comes to your pooch's lifestyle and physical condition. If the diagnosis from your general veterinarian does not suit you, perhaps you should seek out a specialist for your dog. You could either go to an internist or a veterinary cardiologist. These vets have specialized training and they probably have a great deal of expertise in this field and other issues that you may have with your dog.

About the Author:

For information on dog heart murmur symptoms, heart disease in dogs of various types, and congestive heart failure in dogs, you will find a great information resource at HealthyHappyDogs.com