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Sunday, September 30, 2012

Dogs With Allergies - Their Causes and Natural Solutions

Dogs with allergies are common. It wasn't always like this. But with the 'improvements' in veterinary care and commercial dog food, allergies, and many other health problems, have exploded. To a thinking person, this trend should set off alarm bells.
Acute allergic reactions can take many forms. For example, sneezing is the most common and immediate reaction to an allergy. This can be followed by a clear nasal or eye discharge. There may be difficulty in breathing, as the tissue around the throat swells up, occluding the air passages. Hives or other skin problems are a common reaction to an allergy, which is often itchy or irritating.
Anyone suffering with allergies has a very low immune system. A healthy dog, with a strong immune system, will never be affected with allergies. So something is undermining your dogs immune system.
There are at least three critically important areas that can do this.
Diet is probably the most important, simply by its daily consumption. It is doubtful that there is a commercial dog food that is not low in quality protein and natural nutrients, but high in toxic chemicals. Commercial dog food is made by corporations whose only interest is their bottom line.
Cheap ingredients are the order of the day. The money s spent on pretty packets, convincing advertising and psychological tricks. It is very easy to trick people today as the current educational system has killed the ability to question and to think for oneself. Most people follow the herd and their nose, with scant thought to the consequences.
The second area that has contributed to an enormous increase in dogs with allergies is veterinary medicine. No longer are vets trained to search for causes. Now, the colleges are run by the pharmaceutical industries, whose only interest is their bottom line. Vets are not the same as they once were. Now, if they don't tow the line of pushing vaccines and drugs, they are prevented from practicing.
All drugs, and perhaps particularly vaccines, meddle with the DNA, suppress the immune system and load up the toxins. No wonder there are increasing numbers of dogs with allergies. A weak immunity leads to more ill health.
The third important area that can contribute to ill health generally is how much stress your dogs has. Stress comes about from poor living conditions, living outside their natural living conditions, angry people within the family, discordance within the neighbourhood, and so forth.
Animals dislike anger. They know it weakens them, so they will do their utmost to avoid it and those people who express it.
Dogs are pack animals, so can't live happily without company.
A fearful dog will be constantly unhappy, eventually leading to ill health.
A dog who is not protected from the elements will be very stressed.
The best ways to contribute to your dogs good health and longevity include:
feeding your dog a quality, natural diet
conforming to the canine pack mentality and showing real leadership qualities
using holistic health care, especially homeopathy, for all your dogs ailments
This means that it is possible to have a healthy dog, whatever he is currently suffering with. Use the problem to move forward. Problems are simply challenges for you to work out or find a better way.
Dogs with allergies can be very successfully treated, rather than simply managing the effects, by searching for the cause and mending that.
To find out more, click on the link below.
Single Deadliest Mistake
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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

5 Tips to Keep Your Pet Warm in the Winter

Summary: Winter can be a harrowing time for a pet's health if certain precautions aren't taken. Illness and worse are just a few minor mistakes away. Take our five best tips for managing your pet's wellbeing and make sure that you keep veterinary calls at a minimum this winter season.We're rounding the seasonal corner into the fall months, which means that winter is just a ways away. With the winter come the usual maladies like sniffles, flu and colds that are expected for humans; however, winter is especially a tough time for pets that spend any regular amount of time outside. How can an owner effectively protect their pet from the harsher climate without compromising normal behaviors such as regular walks and outdoor independence?Few people realize this, but winter has the same impact on our pets that it does to humans. A coat of fur can only do so much; precautions must be taken to protect the health and wellbeing of your best friends in the chilly winter months ahead. To avoid a trip to the veterinarian, the following are some points and precautions a responsible pet owner should make for ensuring health in low temperatures.Age
A pet's age is a definite deal-breaker on the extent and frequency that they should be allowed outdoors in cold weather. Especially young dogs and cats should not be kept outside for extended periods of time. Also, elderly pets are equally vulnerable in the cold. Young and old pets do not have the required body fat, metabolism speed, and fur to be properly protected in low temperatures; they should be kept inside for their own good. Clothing
Pet clothing is adorable, right? A puppy wrapped up snug in a miniature Bill Cosby sweater? Awww. But, be responsible with it. While clothing is a popular way of warming up your pets in cold temperature, it is counter-effective if utilized incorrectly. If a piece of clothing becomes wet, remove it. Wet clothing is as counterproductive for an animal as it is for a human. Also, pet clothing will not make the weather more bearable for elderly or young pets. Pet clothing is for pets of a healthy outdoor age, and is not a suitable substitute for a full coat of fur or insulating body fat.Foresight
Aside from the cold, there are certain other seasonal behaviors that a pet owner should look out for. Always know where your pet is and what they are doing. Underneath a car is a popular place for cats to hide in cold months. The lack of frost and the warmth above is most appealing. Always check under your car and maybe even honk the horn a few times to scare any hiding animals away. Also, spilled antifreeze should be cleaned up immediately. Its sticky sweetness will be alluring to animals that could seriously poison themselves by attempting to eat it. If your pet does ingest antifreeze or any similar chemical, veterinary attention should be taken immediately. Take your pet to the nearest animal hospital; it doesn't take very much to be a fatal dose.Treatment
This brings us to treatment. If your pet experiences a negative reaction to the cold (stiff muscles, weak appetite, shivering, lethargy), there are some quick measures you can take. Bring the pet into a warm room and wrap them with dry, warm blankets or towels. Rest a warm water bottle, wrapped in a towel, at their abdomen, and immediately call the veterinarian. A vet will be best able to tell you the next course of action and if you should risk traveling to a vet clinic.Empathy
Above all, have empathy for your pet. The best rule of thumb is that if the weather is too cold for you, chances are its too cold for your pet in extended exposures. Give them a safe spot in the home, hallway, or well insulated garage to retreat to during extreme temperatures, and your pet should stay healthy and incident free during periods of cold.

author: by Linda Kane
article found at: www.goarticles.com
Friday, September 21, 2012

Puppy Power! Tips for New Puppy Owners

Expert Author Casey Kanode
Check out these great tips for new puppy owners, or those who are considering getting a new puppy. There are, of course, many more things to consider with a new puppy than what is listed here, but these tips should help give you a good start!
1. Do some research to determine the best diet for your puppy. Make sure to start a regular feeding regimen and minimize any excess snacks.
2. Look into puppy training courses. Puppy training courses are a great way to teach your new pup the basics, and they also help your pup begin to socialize with others. Many local vets and organizations provide these courses at a reasonable rate.
3. Make sure you spay or neuter your new puppy. There is much debate as to the proper age for spaying and neutering your pet, so consult with your veterinarian before making a decision.
4. Take advantage of crate training at an early age. Crate training does wonders for teaching your pup not to use the bathroom in the house, and it often provides your puppy with a special place they can call their own.
5. Take pictures! Your puppy won't be a puppy for long, and you'll wish you had more pics of him/her when she/he was little.
6. Keep your puppy on a consistent and frequent potty schedule. Puppies have small bladders, and need to go out frequently while they are young. If you work during the day and aren't able to take your puppy out every few hours, consider hiring a dog walking / pet sitting service to help your puppy get some much needed breaks.
7. Love, love, love! Puppies need a ton of love and attention, so make sure to give your puppy as much quality time as you can!
8. Start leash training / walking training early. It's a good idea to get your pup used to walking on a leash at an early age so that they walk properly on a leash as they get older. Determine whether or not you'll be using a harness with your pup, and try to avoid retractable leashes, as they provide less control over your puppy's walking behavior.
9. Bring your new puppy in for a complete physical. They'll need to be examined to make sure they're in good shape, and they'll need some frequent vaccinations for the first few months.
10. Make sure everyone in the family is following all the rules. If you have a specific routine, training keywords, feeding rules, etc. it's important that everyone who interacts with your puppy follows the same approach. Consistency is key, and different approaches will only confuse your puppy and prevent them from learning quickly.
11. Socialize! Your puppy will grow into a more approachable and better behaved dog if you begin socialization at an early age. Make sure they get as much human interaction as possible, and as they get older, keep them involved with other four-legged friends in a safe environment (make sure to keep a watchful eye on your puppy when around other animals, and avoid dog parks until your puppy is at least 16 weeks old).
12. If it's around, they'll eat it. Do your best to pick up anything in your home that your puppy could get into and chew/swallow/tear up. Puppies will eat just about anything they can find, so be mindful of what is available to them.
13. Stay strong. Puppies will often cry through the night at an early age, or whimper when you head out the door. Like with human babies, the best thing to do to avoid dependencies or separation anxiety is to stay strong, and to not make it a "big deal" when you leave or come home, or when you head to bed.
14. Don't encourage any behaviors you won't appreciate when your puppy is older. Jumping on you, carrying your shoes, chewing your fingers... these may be cute when your puppy is small, but could be less so when your puppy gets to 80 lbs!
15. Consider microchipping your puppy. At a minimum, you should make sure your puppy has all his/her relevant tags, as well as clear contact information in case they get lost. Microchipping is a great way to keep your puppy safe in situations where their tags come off or go missing.
16. Always use positive reinforcement. Never hit or scream at your puppy for inappropriate behavior. Instead, provide positive reinforcement when your puppy does something good. A firm "No!" or "Bad!" is necessary in some situations, but for the most part, puppies learn best through encouragement for good behavior, rather than discouraging bad behavior.
17. Groom your puppy at an early age. If you get your puppy used to brushing, nail clipping, teeth cleaning, etc. while they are young, it will be significantly easier to perform these activities when they get older.
We hope these tips help you to raise a happy and healthy pup. For assistance socializing your puppy and getting your puppy outside for consistent potty breaks, contact us at Fairfax Pet Care ( http://fairfaxpetcare.com ), and we'll get you started. Our dog walkers and pet sitters are friendly, professional, and reliable pet care workers who are ready to give your puppy the love and attention they need!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Casey_Kanode


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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Investigating The Differences Between Spray Collars and Bark Collars

It may be surprising for many to learn that the one of the biggest complaints local police departments receive is dog barking! Unfortunately for the dog owner, they must then deal with warnings, possible eviction, lots of fines and damaged relationships with neighbors.
It may be our first instinct to blame the dog for the problem, but in reality, it is just their way of communicating. Your dog may be barking for a multitude of different reasons. Most of us humans prefer our canine friends to act as guard dogs; barking only when there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Incessant barking is not exactly something most of us want to put up with.
Bark collars are really great ways to control barking and are completely safe to use. These collars do not actually hurt the dog and tend to work rather fast. Because it can be difficult to correct a dog's barking habits after they have been allowed to bark for long periods of time, it is a good idea to get the situation under control as soon as you possibly can.
Bark collars are great tools for dog owners who are stressed for time. Many people are under the impression that bark collars are painful or inhumane, but that is simply not true. They are very safe to use and usually use sound to modify the dog's behavior.
In today's market, there are plenty of different bark collars to choose from. Bark collars are available for dogs of all shapes, sizes and demeanors. I personally used bark collar reviews to help me make a decision on which collar to buy.
Modern day bark collars use either a gentle shock or ultrasonic sound to correct a dog's behavior. Correction levels are usually adjustable and work automatically according to your dog's habits. Some collars have a lot of correction options, but most have just a couple of basic ones. Look for a collar that will fit into your dog training needs. These types of collars are highly effective and often only take a few days to work. Sometimes, the results are immediate. Bark collars are really great for people who have major issues with their dog barking excessively. Not only will you be able to enjoy peace and quiet, but so will your neighbors.
Aside from collars the give off vibration when a dog barks, there are ones that spray the dog to correct behavior. Whenever the dog barks, the collar sprays them with a harmless squirt of citronella. Dogs are not particularly fond of its scent, but it doesn't actually harm them in any way. Because it makes them uncomfortable, this collar can be quite effective.
This type of anti bark collar is also a great dog training tool and works especially well with smaller dogs. It affects your dog's senses, so it is highly effective. Every time you dog barks, the collar will detect the vibration and spray your dog with citronella. It does not hurt the dog in any way shape or form. Adverse reactions to this type of collar are very rare. In many cases, the collar actually calms the dog.
Finding the right collar for your dog can be a difficult task. Luckily, bark collar reviews make the process much easier. They allow you to confidently purchase the best collar and oftentimes save money in the process.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Hillman


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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Do Online Vets Really Help?

When you have questions about your cat, dog or other animal companion, it can be hard to know where to turn. If you are worried about odd behavior or have a simple question, you may not want to take your animal to a vet and pay for a full exam or a vet's time just to have your quick question answered. Likewise, if it is an evening or a weekend or your vet doesn't have an appointment available, you may want to get fast answers about something going on with your animal. The Internet can provide you with a place to do that, but you need to make sure you are actually asking experienced online vets so you get fully informed answers to your questions.Getting Help from Online VeterinariansTo get help from online vets, it is important to first make sure that the veterinarians are actually licensed experts. You can browse the website where the service is offered to find out whether the vet you are working with is licensed or not.As you are browsing the website to learn about the services offered by the online vets, it is also a good idea to look at the features and functionality of the website itself. Does the site offer a lot of good information that seems accurate, relevant and timely? Those who are serious about providing information and care to pet owners will generally have an informative site where there is lots of detailed information about symptoms, diseases and other relevant issues affecting animals. You can tell a lot about the type of information you will receive based on the quality of the website as a whole so be sure that you check out the accuracy and readability of the information before you decide to trust the advice of a vet.Is There a Cost?Typically, in order to find an online vet that will actually be able to give you a thorough and professional answer to your question, you will need to pay at least a small fee. Any answers to specific questions that are offered for free might not come from a true licensed veterinarian and you may not be able to trust the information that is provided to you.To make sure you find online vets that will provide you with the real help that you need in answering your questions or dealing with problems with your animal, look for a site that allows you to pay based on what the advice is worth or that offers some type of guarantee that you pay if you are satisfied with the accuracy and professionalism of the answers.Online Vets Can HelpProvided you find a truly licensed, educated and experienced vet, the online vet can help you to get the information and details you need. An online vet can give you details on simple questions and medical issues and can let you know when problems or symptoms are cause for concern so you will be better equipped to know when to take your pet to the vet for an in-person check up.Learn more about Veterinarian Questions and Dog Symptoms at Web-dvm.net.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_WeltonArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7282128
Monday, September 17, 2012

How To Easily Deal With Beagle Separation Anxiety Issues

Are you having problems with your beagle every time you leave your home? Chances are you are facing separation anxiety issues. Read on to discover how to handle it and what mistakes to avoid.Beagles don't like to be left alone at home. Therefore, separation anxiety is a problem most beagle owners might face. Initial problems may be feeling pangs of anxiety and barking whenever you attempt to leave your home. Considering separation anxiety normal is a big mistake. Your beagle might begin to get more aggressive and may damage or bite into costly objects at home. It may resort to barking continuously for long periods of time (and beagles can bark). However, the most important thing to consider is that your beagle is suffering.Why Beagles Get Anxious At TimesA beagle develops attachment to their owner, who is also the leader of their pack. When you make an attempt to leave the pack and move outdoors, agitation sets in. Your dog is dependent on you and just does not want you to leave.A big mistake to avoid is to shower your beagle with attention immediately before you leave the house or after you return. In doing so you are creating a behavioral pattern that is difficult to dislodge leading to anxiety every time you depart.Decreasing Beagle Separation AnxietyPeople adopt different methods to reduce pet anxiety while they leave their homes. Some easy methods are listed below.Preparing Your Beagle With Increasing Separation Time - Anxious dogs need reassurance you are going to return. The easiest way to train your dog is to slowly increase the time you are outdoors. For example, begin by leaving for a few minutes at the start before you return. Increase the time slowly once you notice the dog stops barking. Your beagle learns not to anticipate your return, and pangs of anxiety begin to recede. On seeing you return at different times, they are reassured you are not going to leave them forever.Adjusting Your Daily Routine - If you move out of the house early in the day, change your routine to reduce beagle separation anxiety. You can do so by choosing different tasks to be performed. A set pattern like getting up to an alarm clock must be avoided. Changing the way you complete tasks at home before you drive off to work will make your departure unpredictable.Stop Trying To Comfort Your Beagle When You Leave - It is very likely you may be the one missing the dog when leaving the house. It is advisable not to pet your dog when you are ready to leave. You are only confirming your absence to your beagle. Make a conscious effort to distract your pet by literally ignoring your dog for around 15 minutes or so before you depart. Pay no attention to their instinctive cries. Respond with a matter-of- fact attitude by using crate training techniques or keeping them in a separate room.Severe beagle separation anxiety problems must be dealt with as early as possible. Your beagle is actually suffering but proper training can really help.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7282641