Friday, May 24, 2013
Must-Have Accessories for Your Dog
Considered by many "man's bestfriend," dogs are wonderful pets to have at home.
Responsible owners know that their duties with their pet go beyond merely feeding them and giving them shelter. Additionally, buying the right accessories is important not only to pamper the dog but to meet other basic needs.
Dishes for Food and Water
Having dishes for your dog's food and water is necessary. This is a good way to make sure that your house stay's tidy even if you have a dog. Get a dish that depends on the right size for your dog. As the owner, you know your pet's eating and drinking habits so consider that as you choose a dish.
Collar
All dogs deserve to have their own collar. This will be most useful if you often walk with your dog. This is also a great way of keeping your dog in style. You have plenty of collars to choose from such as those made from leather, nylon, plastic, and metal, among others. When buying one, make sure that you get the right size for your dog.
Bed
Purchasing a bed for your dog is highly recommended especially if you don't want the dog to sleep on the floor or on your sofa. While it may require a little training before your pet finally grasps the idea, dog beds are definitely worth-having.
Coat
What better way to show your dog's fashion sense than with a wonderful coat? Your pet will be the most adorable in the neighborhood if you use the right coat. More than that, coats also provide protection for your dog's body.
Toys
Pretty much like kids, dogs also love playing inside the house and this could be a problem if you don't do something about it. Thankfully, you can buy dog toys to keep your pet occupied. These toys are great to play with because they are made out of the materials that are safe for dogs.
Grooming Kit
Keep your dog neat and clean with the help of grooming kits such as ear cleaner, flea comb, fur clipper, grooming spray, toothbrush, dog toothpaste, dog shampoo, and many more.
Most of these items can be directly purchased from your local pet stores. You can visit such stores and even ask them for any recommended items for your dog. Other than that, you can also try online retailers that sell dog accessories via their web-based shops.
Responsible owners know that their duties with their pet go beyond merely feeding them and giving them shelter. Additionally, buying the right accessories is important not only to pamper the dog but to meet other basic needs.
Dishes for Food and Water
Having dishes for your dog's food and water is necessary. This is a good way to make sure that your house stay's tidy even if you have a dog. Get a dish that depends on the right size for your dog. As the owner, you know your pet's eating and drinking habits so consider that as you choose a dish.
Collar
All dogs deserve to have their own collar. This will be most useful if you often walk with your dog. This is also a great way of keeping your dog in style. You have plenty of collars to choose from such as those made from leather, nylon, plastic, and metal, among others. When buying one, make sure that you get the right size for your dog.
Bed
Purchasing a bed for your dog is highly recommended especially if you don't want the dog to sleep on the floor or on your sofa. While it may require a little training before your pet finally grasps the idea, dog beds are definitely worth-having.
Coat
What better way to show your dog's fashion sense than with a wonderful coat? Your pet will be the most adorable in the neighborhood if you use the right coat. More than that, coats also provide protection for your dog's body.
Toys
Pretty much like kids, dogs also love playing inside the house and this could be a problem if you don't do something about it. Thankfully, you can buy dog toys to keep your pet occupied. These toys are great to play with because they are made out of the materials that are safe for dogs.
Grooming Kit
Keep your dog neat and clean with the help of grooming kits such as ear cleaner, flea comb, fur clipper, grooming spray, toothbrush, dog toothpaste, dog shampoo, and many more.
Most of these items can be directly purchased from your local pet stores. You can visit such stores and even ask them for any recommended items for your dog. Other than that, you can also try online retailers that sell dog accessories via their web-based shops.
You can check out some of the best dog accessories in AussieVetProducts. This is a great website that offers many high quality products for pet lovers.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaan_Berg
Friday, May 17, 2013
Managing Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Do you come home to find that your furniture and possessions have
been destroyed by your dog while you were gone? Do your neighbors tell
you that they hear your dog barking all day long while you are at work?
If so, your dog could be suffering from separation anxiety - a condition
where dogs exhibit destructive behavior, house soiling and excessive
vocalization when left home alone.
Distress over being left alone is not always separation anxiety, so it is important to try to identify what is really causing the problem.
Does your dog soil the house when you are gone? This could be a symptom of separation anxiety OR there could be several other things to consider that could be the cause such as, incomplete house training, not having access to an appropriate area to eliminate, unreasonable expectations (you should not expect your dog to "hold it" for 10+ hours), marking, submissive elimination, or physical incontinence. If elimination accidents are also occurring when the owner is home, it's more likely a house training issue rather than a separation anxiety problem.
Destructive behavior can be the result of separation anxiety OR it could be play behavior due to boredom, or a reaction to outside noises, or an outlet for excess energy. Destructive behavior related to separation anxiety is usually directed toward the dog trying to escape by chewing or scratching at doors, walls or windows. However, if the destruction is throughout the house, there could be other possible causes. It can be very helpful if you have access to a web camera, video camera or sound activated tape recorder to help identify if there are activities occurring outside the house while you are away that are triggering the dog to react in a destructive manner.
Separation anxiety is also frequently the cause of excessive barking and whining OR the dog could be barking because of sounds it is hearing outside of the house; mail/delivery person, children playing in the neighborhood (or in your yard), traffic sounds, etc.
Here are a few things that can be helpful to try for dogs with separation anxiety:
Distress over being left alone is not always separation anxiety, so it is important to try to identify what is really causing the problem.
Does your dog soil the house when you are gone? This could be a symptom of separation anxiety OR there could be several other things to consider that could be the cause such as, incomplete house training, not having access to an appropriate area to eliminate, unreasonable expectations (you should not expect your dog to "hold it" for 10+ hours), marking, submissive elimination, or physical incontinence. If elimination accidents are also occurring when the owner is home, it's more likely a house training issue rather than a separation anxiety problem.
Destructive behavior can be the result of separation anxiety OR it could be play behavior due to boredom, or a reaction to outside noises, or an outlet for excess energy. Destructive behavior related to separation anxiety is usually directed toward the dog trying to escape by chewing or scratching at doors, walls or windows. However, if the destruction is throughout the house, there could be other possible causes. It can be very helpful if you have access to a web camera, video camera or sound activated tape recorder to help identify if there are activities occurring outside the house while you are away that are triggering the dog to react in a destructive manner.
Separation anxiety is also frequently the cause of excessive barking and whining OR the dog could be barking because of sounds it is hearing outside of the house; mail/delivery person, children playing in the neighborhood (or in your yard), traffic sounds, etc.
Here are a few things that can be helpful to try for dogs with separation anxiety:
- Exercise - play with your dog or take him for a walk. Try to do this 15-30 minutes before you plan to leave so he has time to settle down. An exercised dog will be more content when you leave.
- Always leave your dog with a food toy. Stuff a hollow bone or Kong with his dog food and mix some squirt cheese or peanut butter in with the kibble. Adding squirt cheese or peanut butter will make it more challenging for your dog to get the kibble out. There are many interactive food toys that your dog can spend time with. The "buster cube" was always a favorite with my dogs. Search for "food dispensing toys" on websites like http://www.petco.com or http://www.drsfostersmith.com
- Make your departures and returns completely calm and emotionless. No big hugging, kissing or petting scenes whey you leave or return home. If your dog gets excited and jumps all over you when you come home, just ignore him and walk away. Greet him calmly after he settles down.
- On days when you are home, don't spend all day with your dog. Use this time to work on helping your dog with his separation anxiety. Practice leaving and coming back several times during the day. Remember to play with them and give them a food toy every time before you leave. Start first with a short interval of time. Leave for 5 minutes then come back. Don't lengthen the time too quickly. If he is quiet and calm while you are gone for 5 minutes, then only leave for 5 minutes for several days then try 10 minutes for a few days. Do not try to advance too quickly, take it slowly and you will have more success. Once the dog understands the routine he can become more accepting of it. Don't forget to always be emotionless when greeting them when you return.
- Check into dog sitting alternatives - do you have a neighbor or friend that would enjoy some canine companionship during the day? How about doggie day care or a dog walker who can take your dog for a mid-day walk?
- Does your dog enjoy the company of other dogs? If you only have one dog you may want to consider adopting a second dog. Some times canine companionship can be the answer to separation anxiety. If you have a friend with a dog, have them bring their dog over to your house and leave the dogs together indoors while you step outside. Did your dog continue to play with the visiting dog or did he still become anxious and stressed when you left? With a little work you may be able to find the perfect companion for your dog at your local shelter or rescue. It is always a good idea to bring your dog with you to meet any dog you are considering adopting to make sure they like each other before bringing the dog into your home. Any animal rescue or shelter will allow you to do this.
- Crating is NOT a good solution for dogs with separation anxiety. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety can seriously injure themselves if they panic in a crate.
- Leaving on the TV or Radio is NOT a good idea. You are never sure what random startling sounds (sirens, gun shots, animal noises) can come from the TV or radio so it can actually do more harm than good.
http://www.dogaware.net has many other information articles related to dog health and dog training.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J.A._Taylor
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Fleas and the Flea Life Cycle
f you own a pet, you are probably familiar
with fleas and how these parasites can be very harmful to your pet. They
are the most common pest's cats and dogs encounter. Understanding what
fleas are, their breeding life cycle, how to get rid of them and prevent
them from coming back may be your long term solution to you and your
pet living in a flea free environment.
What are fleas?
Fleas are small dark brown parasites which prefer to live in high temperatures and humidity. The perfect environment for a flea to live is on the skin under your pet's fur allowing them to feed and breed. They cannot fly but have large hind legs allowing them to jump on their hosts. The flea's diet consists entirely of blood and although partial to cats and dogs, they can also bite humans. The continuous biting of your pet causes unbearable itching and irritation where your pet can develop a hypersensitivity skin disorder called flea allergy dermatitis, also known as summer eczema which affects both dogs and cats. It is basically an allergy to the flea saliva where successive feeding activity of fleas on pets may elicit this disorder. The symptoms include frequent scratching, biting and licking of the affected area causing scabs and redness resulting in damage to the skin and hair loss. They can cause anemia to kittens and puppies while they can also transmit tapeworms and bacteria that can cause serious diseases.
The flea life cycle
A female flea needs blood to produce eggs and she can lay up to 50 eggs per day. The flea eggs fall off the animal into the surrounding environment including your carpet, bedding, furniture etc. Flea feces are called flea dirt which is essentially dry blood that also falls off the host animal. The eggs will hatch within 2 - 5 days into larvae which prefer damp dark places. The larvae feed on the flea feces and other debris. The larvae will start to spin a cocoon after approximately a week which it pupates. The pupae fully develop within 5 - 8 days but the flea may not emerge for months if environmental conditions are not right. While in the cocoon the flea has a protection against cold, dryness and even insecticides. The flea will emerge from the cocoon hungry for blood when it senses a nearby host and the cycle begins again. The cycle can be as shot as 12 - 14 days.
There are a variety of products available which will break the flea life cycle and recommended the following company due to their cheap prices, worldwide shipping and huge range of flea products.
What are fleas?
Fleas are small dark brown parasites which prefer to live in high temperatures and humidity. The perfect environment for a flea to live is on the skin under your pet's fur allowing them to feed and breed. They cannot fly but have large hind legs allowing them to jump on their hosts. The flea's diet consists entirely of blood and although partial to cats and dogs, they can also bite humans. The continuous biting of your pet causes unbearable itching and irritation where your pet can develop a hypersensitivity skin disorder called flea allergy dermatitis, also known as summer eczema which affects both dogs and cats. It is basically an allergy to the flea saliva where successive feeding activity of fleas on pets may elicit this disorder. The symptoms include frequent scratching, biting and licking of the affected area causing scabs and redness resulting in damage to the skin and hair loss. They can cause anemia to kittens and puppies while they can also transmit tapeworms and bacteria that can cause serious diseases.
The flea life cycle
A female flea needs blood to produce eggs and she can lay up to 50 eggs per day. The flea eggs fall off the animal into the surrounding environment including your carpet, bedding, furniture etc. Flea feces are called flea dirt which is essentially dry blood that also falls off the host animal. The eggs will hatch within 2 - 5 days into larvae which prefer damp dark places. The larvae feed on the flea feces and other debris. The larvae will start to spin a cocoon after approximately a week which it pupates. The pupae fully develop within 5 - 8 days but the flea may not emerge for months if environmental conditions are not right. While in the cocoon the flea has a protection against cold, dryness and even insecticides. The flea will emerge from the cocoon hungry for blood when it senses a nearby host and the cycle begins again. The cycle can be as shot as 12 - 14 days.
There are a variety of products available which will break the flea life cycle and recommended the following company due to their cheap prices, worldwide shipping and huge range of flea products.
Where to buy flea control products?
We recommend visiting www.vetnetsupplies.com a discount online pet shop who stock a full range of flea control products for dogs and cats.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robbie_Nashed
We recommend visiting www.vetnetsupplies.com a discount online pet shop who stock a full range of flea control products for dogs and cats.
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