It is true that elevated feeders provide a decorative look, but that's not necessarily the reason you may want to use one for your pet. Veterinarians and dog experts recommend elevated feeders for pets for several reasons:

• Promote hygiene and cleanliness
• Provide easier eating and drinking for dogs and cats with arthritis or neck or back problems
• Aid cats and dogs with megaesophagus, that have difficulty swallowing, or other digestive problems
• Help owners who have physical disabilities
• Keep your dog's eating areas clean

Elevated feeders keep the feeding area much cleaner by keeping the food and water in the bowls and not all over the floor. Dogs tend to lift their heads after taking a drink to facilitate swallowing. As the dogs raise their heads, water that does not make it down their throat often ends up on the floor. Over time, this can ruin your floor. With an elevated feeder, dogs do not have to raise their heads as far and the water usually drips right back into their water dish. Pets are far less likely to drip water on the floor when drinking from an elevated water bowl. Many elevated feeders come with removable ceramic or stainless steel bowls that can be placed right in the dishwasher.
Elevated feeders are more comfortable for older pets. For example, pets with arthritis benefit from elevated feeders because bending over to eat is not comfortable for pets with stiff muscles or sore joints, particularly for pets with neck or back problems such as intervertebral (IV) disc disease. Older pets often eat less, which means they may not get the nutrition they need. When eating is painful or uncomfortable, they are likely to eat even less. If drinking is painful, they can more easily become dehydrated. Using raised feeders encourages eating and drinking.
Elevated feeders can help in caring for pets that have megaesophagus or other conditions that make swallowing difficult because an elevated feeder will allow gravity to help get the food down to the stomach rather than allowing the food to accumulate in the weak and dilated esophagus, which can lead to regurgitation and vomiting. Furthermore, raised feeders minimize the amount of air dogs swallow while gulping and chewing food. They can also help prevent choking.
Your pet is not the only one that benefits. Some pet owners really appreciate not having to bend over as far to pick up or fill up water and food dishes. For the elderly, handicapped, or persons with arthritis or back problems, elevated feeders can make a huge difference.
Selecting the right elevated feeder
When selecting a dish or bowl, it's important to keep in mind the diameter, depth, and also the capacity of the bowl. Dogs with long, floppy ears do well with deep bowls with a smaller diameter because it helps keep their ears from getting wet in their water bowl. Think about your dog's average portion size and make sure bowls can hold enough water to keep your dog hydrated all day if you're away at work.
If you have a new puppy, consider an adjustable feeding station that will accommodate his or her growth. Many raised bowls are of such high quality they will literally last a lifetime. If you are thinking long-term, be sure the feeder you select can accommodate your dog's needs throughout his or her lifecycle.
Consider your dog's unique physical features in addition to his or her size and age. For an Irish setter or an Afghan hound for instance, a single raised feeding bowl that stands separately from a water bowl will probably be more practical for your dog. Single feeders allow long ears and facial hair to drape over the sides of the bowl to prevent messes and keep your dog more comfortable. For a dog that has a short compact face, choose a broad rather than deep bowl so that your dog can pick food up more easily. Bowls featuring rims that turn inward are helpful for toothless or older dogs that tend to have trouble ingesting food.
Single-bowl raised feeders provide much more flexibility. Single bowls allow you to keep your dog's food and water bowls in different areas of the house. Some pet owners prefer to offer water in more than one location throughout the house or keep one outdoors. For these types of situations, single feeder stands are ideal.
Your new dog feeder should also match your dog's eating style. Some dogs are playful eaters and enjoy dumping food bowls or tossing them to the floor. If this describes your dog, choose heavy ceramic bowls instead of stainless steel and solid stands with non-skid feet. If your dog prefers to drink water while eating, a double style raised feeder is perfect.
Last but not least, consider how convenient the bowls will be for you to fill and clean. Bowls that sit flat into raised feeders may be held in place securely, but they are not always easy to lift out for cleaning. For example, pet owners who have arthritis or limited hand mobility may find them inconvenient for various reasons. Similarly, ceramic bowls are much heavier than stainless steel options and may break if dropped.
When selecting the ideal dog feeder, balance your own preferences with the needs of your dog. For example, your dog's eating habits might make a ceramic bowl the best choice for feeding, but you may be able to use lighter weight, unbreakable stainless steel bowls for watering.
Many dog owners have heard about the benefits of raised dog bowls or "feeding stations" but think they're only necessary for large breeds. The fact is eating and drinking from bowls placed at an appropriate height will aid any size dog with digestion. Not having to lean, bend or stretch for food and water contributes to good posture and puts less strain on your dog's neck, joints and hips. Insects, rodents, dust and dirt are also less likely to reach food and water raised off the floor or ground.
Raised dog feeders come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials that allow you to truly customize your dog's eating area and enhance his or her eating experience. Choosing an attractive design that suits your home's décor is easy with wooden, wrought iron, stainless steel, rustic and trendy designs to choose from. Look to suit your dog's needs as well as your personal tastes to make the most of your new raised dog feeder. Explore and enjoy the bowl and stand combination that will work best for you and your dog!

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Animals are peculiar creatures and the more you get to know them is important. The same principle applies with having a baby. You learn from other mothers. You learn from your doctor. You learn from experience, and you inform yourself by reading. Your dog is just as valuable, so, you need to inform yourself accordingly.
There are some illnesses that you may experience with your dog, which may simply require you to visit your veterinary clinic. Here are some signs to look for:
• Allergic reactions to certain foods. If he is experiencing this, he is unable to speak to you about it, but you will notice these symptoms. He will be vomiting, losing hair, has diarrhea, scratches a lot and looks lethargic. Then he has some allergic reaction to a particular food or foods. It maybe that he is allergic to some meat product, or a particular vegetable, or a combination of both. The only way you can tell is with a process of elimination and lots of help from your vet. He will advise you on what to do.
• Gastro Intestinal problems are another one. Some of the symptoms are similar to food allergies, so you need to be keen in your observations. He may vomit, have diarrhea, or is constipated, show signs of weakness, has regular bouts of flatulence and or regurgitates his food. If you are experiencing these problems with your dog, then, getting him to the vet is important. He will be able to diagnose the type of illness which is associated with these symptoms.
• Heart Disease in your dog. This is one illness that most pet owners get nervous about. This is understandable, but your dog can still live a fairly normal life. You will know if he is refusing to go for his normal exercises if he gets winded quite frequently if he starts to lose weight, and if he has a funny cough. These are symptoms that are telling you that your dog is getting old, and there needs to be some adjustments to his routine. The vet will give you a proper diagnosis, and treat accordingly.
• Bad breathes in your dog. This is caused by not brushing your dogs' teeth. We don't normally do this, so, it is essential that we pay special attention to what he is given to eat. You will notice the bad breathe as mentioned. There maybe swelling of the gums or there maybe some plaque on the teeth. These can cause breath problems. Getting your vet to recommend the best food for your dog will help in illuminating this problem.
Having a dog takes a lot of work, love and care. This should not be a deterrent to having one. They are great to have around and the more informed you are about some of the possible illnesses, will help you to have him around for a long time.

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Often one of the most frustrating issues we have to deal with when we get a new puppy is housebreaking or potty training. If we could just get through that stage, our life would be so much easier.
This is also one of the first routines we engage in with our dogs which builds the foundation for all future training. If we let our frustrations turn into anger and then yell at he dog or even hit him, it will affect our future efforts in training our pet in other areas. If we stay calm and rely on consistency and patience, we will find it easier to teach our dog other important behaviors.
Now, with those key words - consistency and patience - ringing in your ears, let me give you 7 tips for successful potty training.
1. Keep your puppy in a controlled area.
Unless your puppy is with you in the house, you need to confine him to a controlled area or a crate. The area should be small and contain a place for the pet to rest. A dog instinctively does not like to soil his personal area, so if you follow this, along with the other suggestions here, it will make your life easier.
2. Maintain a strict schedule.
Your dog needs the structure of a schedule and it will prove to be a major piece of the puzzle in housebreaking him. Get him up and take him outside the first thing in the morning - the same time each morning. The puppy does not know the difference between a weekday or a Sunday. Then, after the first potty in the morning, if he is very young, he needs to be taken out about every 2-4 hours, depending on his age.
When you put food down for him, if he does not eat it right away, take it up after 20 minutes. Do not give him snacks during the day.
In addition to this schedule, or coordinated with it, you should take the dog out:
· After feeding him
· When he gets up from a nap
· Immediately after a play-time
3. Clean up mistakes.
If he "goes" in the house, clean it up immediately. You mist get rid of the smell or he will think that is the place to go again next time. There are plenty of stain and odor removers on the market, both for soft fabrics like furniture and for floors or carpet. Never clean up with an ammonia product. It will be an invitation to your puppy to pee there.
4. Command and reward.
When you take him out it is best to go to the same place every time. Create a command for potty. You could just say "potty." However, I heard renowned dog trainer Brian Kilcommons teach the command "Hurry Up" for the potty command and thought that was a little more sophisticated. That's what I use. It doesn't matter what you say as long as you are consistent the dog will recognize and associate that word with that task. When he has done his thing, praise him. I prefer not to use a treat for this, but rather just reward with praise.
5. Deal with mistakes calmly - use them as training.
When you catch him "going" in the house it presents a great time for training, if you handle it right. Don't yell or get upset. The objective is to instill in him the idea of what you want him to do. He wants to please you and he will do the right thing if he knows what it is. When you catch him, make a loud "uh-uh-uh" to stop him (that's better than saying "mo") or even clap if necessary to get him to stop. Rush to him, scoop him up, and take him outside. There give him the potty command and praise him if he does it.
6. Be sure the whole family is on the same page.
The whole family has to be consistent, using the same methods. If you are not there to implement the schedule, someone else needs to do it. They need to use the same commands and procedures. They all need to understand to remain calm and in control, yet to act decisively when the need arises. It needs to become the pattern that the training of this puppy is a family affair, though one person may have the primary responsibility for it.
7. Be watchful. The light will come on.
Out of sight is trouble. When you are with him in the house, if he likes to run off, keep a leash on him to control him. Watch him. When you see him try to potty inside, it is a golden training opportunity. There will come a magic moment when the light comes on and he will "get it." Then you will find it is no longer an issue. You will have won!
Always remember, if your puppy potties in the house, it was YOUR fault, not his. If you are going to scold or punish anyone, it should be you. If you will consistently follow the schedule and the procedures, mistakes will be rare. And they are only that, mistakes. He is a baby and he is learning. Stay calm, stay consistent, and stay patient. This part of your life will soon be over and you will have developed a wonderful rapport with your dog that will last the rest of his life.

Glenn Fox is first of all a dog lover, and then a student of dog psy-chology and training. For well over 30 years he has studied what the foremost dog trainers say and do and refined it and applied it to his pets. His website http://ffdogtraining.com/free.html offers free resources and more dog training tips.

A birthday party is a wonderful way to show your best friend how much you love him or her. Show the world what your dog really means to you. Remember that your canine friend is probably the only being in the world which will give you unconditional love and affection always and forever. For that reason alone it is worth making the effort to throw a dog's birthday party. Your dog may not know that today is its birth or adoption day, but it will certainly enjoy all the fuss made of it.
Themes
One fun idea for your dog's birthday party is a theme. Like many human parties, it is possible to set a theme and build the party around that. It will certainly amuse your guests and encourage them to turn up, if only out of curiosity. When choosing a theme you have to consider your dog's personality and tailor it to that.
Recording the Event
A camera is a must. Just like any other birthday, you want to record it so you can look back in years to come and remember all the fun you had with your chum. As most pets are considered part of the family, photos of them are a requirement, the same as any family member. A dog's birthday party is no different from any other type of party. You will want photos for your album. To video tape the party would probably be an even better idea. Dogs don't like to sit still while you figure out camera angles and correct lighting. A video recording is just the job.
The need for Toys
To keep all the canine guests occupied at your dog's birthday party it is recommended to have plenty of toys. Games of fetch using balls or Frisbees will not only dampen the restlessness of some dogs, but also help to involve the human guests too. It is likely that there may be some friction between some dogs, so it is a good idea to distract them by using the toys. Make sure that there are plenty to go around, so there aren't any fights over them, as that is one thing you need to avoid.
The Birthday Cake
No dog's birthday party would be complete without a dog's birthday party cake. It is quite easy to make them, just be careful with the ingredients. It is even easier to order one. There are online bakeries that will deliver the cake to your door. A variety of cakes are on offer, made to order.

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Dog fleas and ticks are not an inevitability, but are sometimes a consequence of summer, when a dog might be more likely to be running through long grass and mixing with a lot of different dogs on their sunny day excursions. There are several different methods that can be used to remove fleas and ticks but one where you give a spot of medication on the neck is very effective.
Necessary But Rewarding
A dog that is clean and fresh smelling is a joy to have around, and not an embarrassment when friends call and wish that they had a peg to put on their nose. Regular brushing and occasional bathing will keep dog moulting and smelly odours to a minimum. Not only is this ritual a benefit to keep the coat in good condition but also gives you the opportunity to check for lumps and bumps where they could go unnoticed if this wasn't performed.
Keeping the skin and fur of your dog in a healthy condition has benefits for both you and your canine companion. By grooming your dog on a regular basis it has the advantage of lessening the annoying dog hair attaching itself to your clothes and furniture. Also you will become aware of any unwanted guests in the guise of dog fleas and ticks. Regular brushing, combing and stroking is also another very enjoyable way of bonding with your four-legged friend.
Oh! The Stench
The more smelly and putrid the object, the more the chance it is that your faithful Fido is going to want to roll in it, and if you take your eye off only for a second, that is exactly what is going to happen. Dirty puddles, grass seeds and insects can cause irritation or possible allergic reactions, not to mention tangling and matting to your dogs fur.
So it would be a comfort if you knew that you had the perfect way of dealing with it on your return home, by using a specific dog shampoo for the job, leaving their fur looking shiny and smelling fresh. It is advisable to use a proper dog shampoo so as not to strip the essential oils from their coat and possibly irritate their skin further.
OK, so you might not feel like bathing your dog when you get home, but just stop and think. They are happy, they've had a great time, and it really won't take that long to bath them, and afterwards they're going to smell so gorgeous that you're going to be happy too.
Be Prepared
So with that in mind, gather everything you're going to need before you start, for example, towels, dog shampoo, dog hair dryer, comb, deshedding tool, dog brush, and a rubber bathmat to stop them slithering about.
A lot of dogs are fearful of having a bath and it is down to you to make them feel less stressed, if you make sure that you are prepared and have everything to hand then you won't get anxious. Don't make a big deal of it, if you stay calm then that will relay to them. Don't coax or plead, just put a lead on them for ease of control, and take them to the bath in a no-nonsense fashion to instill confidence in them. If you stay composed and positive then it will show your pooch that there really is nothing for them to fear.
There is no hard and fast rule as to how often you should bath your dog, it really is up to the individual.
There's something really satisfying about having a fresh smelling dog, although I'm not so sure that they would agree.

Come to http://www.dog-lovers.co.uk to find lots of informative and fun articles. Articles on health, news, dog benefits, problem solving, products and training for example. Information on dog friendly holidays and eating out, boarding kennels, walkers and groomers as well. Plus you'll also find loads of cute pictures of dogs and pups at http://www.dog-lovers.co.uk

Are you are looking for a new family dog? If so, you should seriously consider a "rescue dog". Where you live will determine if you have several choices in shelters, or if you are limited, to only one. It is worth your time to check out each shelter that is available to you.
When you have a number of shelters available in your area, you should check out each one to see how they are operated. Are they clean? Is the staff friendly and helpful? Do the animals look healthy? There are many things to consider when choosing a shelter for adopting your new dog.
Don't go to a shelter with a closed mind. You might only be looking for a specific breed of dog, and miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. You need to be open-minded when choosing your new pet. You may leave with a dog that wasn't what you envisioned having, that turns out to be the best dog you ever had.
Of course you will have to determine the size of dog you want for your specific living situation. If you live in a small apartment, or house with no yard, you may need a small dog that will spend the majority of its time inside. A large dog is probably not the best choice for apartments or tiny yards.
Sometimes only a very small dog will do, but even a medium size dog might turn out to be as good a choice, even with smaller living quarters.
If you have more room, or a large yard, a bigger dog may be what you are looking for. There is nothing like watching your children play with a big lab, or other "kid friendly" dog. These larger dogs can be very protective too.
If a purebred dog is a must for you, check a shelter anyway. Chances are they have one that is there because an owner could no longer care for it.
With so many unwanted dogs in shelters these days, you should be able to find a dog that will be perfect for your lifestyle. You will be giving a dog a chance at living its short life surrounded with love. All a dog wants in life is a little food and water and lots of love and attention from his human companion. Living in a shelter, even a great shelter, is no life for a dog. Face it, they don't have that many years compared to humans, and you can make that life special.
You will feel so good about yourself knowing you have given a good dog a stable and loving home. The enjoyment you can get from having a dog is amazing. The happiness they display when you come home is unbelievable. You are the most important thing in their life, and no one misses you when you have been gone than your dog.
Besides all the pleasure you will get from your new dog, there are other benefits to getting your dog from a shelter. They will usually have all their required shots. They may already be spayed or neutered. This saves you the time of having to get that done.
With a shelter "rescue dog" adoption, you will have fees, however, it will be cheaper than buying a dog from a pet store. Buying a purebred dog from a puppy mill will also be expensive.
When you adopt from a shelter, your dog will know you rescued it from a life in a kennel. That dog will always know it owes its better life to you. You will be rewarded with loyalty that knows no bounds.