When water intake does not equal water output, your pet can become dehydrated. Dehydration can cause serious complications for all living things, including your pets. Water makes up about 80% of your dog's body and needs to be replenished daily to maintain health. Water dissolves natural and unnatural substances and is necessary for proper circulation, temperature control, saliva, transportation of nutrients throughout the body, digestion, and waste removal.

Dehydration can be caused by reduced water intake or the increase of fluid loss. Reduced water intake can happen due to drinking less water, hot weather, strenuous exercise, or even high altitudes. Excess fluid loss can be caused by vomiting or diarrhea, especially in puppies.

Some of the symptoms of dehydration in dogs include:

• Sunken eyes

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Dry Mouth

• Depression

You might be able to detect dehydration in your dog by lifting the skin on the back of the neck to see if it returns to the original position quickly or not. This is equivalent to gently pinching the skin on a person's wrist or hand to see if it stays pinched (dehydration) or returns to normal quickly (hydration). If you suspect dehydration, you should take your pet to a veterinarian as it may be indicative of underlying problems.

Dogs at risk for dehydration are similar to people. Various illnesses such as kidney disorders, cancer, diabetes, and infection can cause dehydration. Older dogs and pregnant or nursing dogs are more susceptible to dehydration. At the vet, your dog will probably be given intravenous fluids as well as tests to find the cause.

Dehydration can be prevented with the following precautions:

• Provide clean water at all times, changing it frequently to prevent stagnation and bacteria.

• Monitor your pet's intake of water, especially if he has had vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms that contribute to fluid loss. General a dog needs about one ounce of water for each pound of body weight per day.

• Make sure his water bowl cannot be knocked over.

• Bring extra water for traveling or exercising, especially in hot weather.

• If your dog seems to be drinking less than normal, check his mouth for sores, sticks, etc.

• Avoid chaining your dog where he could get entangled and not be able to get to his water bowl.

• If you dog or cat is prone to drinking out of the toilet, keep the toilet lid closed. This water is a source of bacteria.

Many pet owners have found a solution to their dog or cat's hydration problems with a pet fountain. There are several makes and models on the market today and each has pros and cons that will help determine if it is a good fit for your pet. Lots of pets enjoy drinking water that is running and not still, dirty, and stagnant and they tend to drink more if a clean, moving water is available.

B. L. Martin enjoys large dogs, but needed to find solutions to the dirty water that has contributed to dehydration and sickness. You can check out her website on pet fountains that provided the solution she was seeking at Drinkwell Pet Fountains, where she provides additional information on the wide range of choices Drinkwell offers, including the Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain as well as the Drinkwell 360 and Big Dog Pet Fountains.

Dogs really, truly are your best friend. Not only do they make the best companions, they are actually beneficial to our lives. They play many roles in your home and are always there for you, even if there was a misunderstanding just minutes before.
They are not only the most loyal mates, they are also there to help you reduce stress, cheer you up when you are feeling blue, happy to see you all the time, take care of the children, and warn you when strangers are approaching.
There are several ways dogs can significantly improve our lives, both mentally and physically. They provide on-demand, free health care and psychological counseling to people from all walks of life and below I have listed 7 ways dogs directly benefit peoples lives.
1. Dogs have a great sense of humor
Laughter is always healthy for all of us. Dogs provide comic relief when it is most needed. They are extremely patient with people and allow themselves to be used as entertainment. Who else would let you play dress-up, take pictures, and post them all over the Internet?
Once they figure out what makes you laugh, they are very intuitive and continue the behavior, causing you to laugh even more. They love the attention they get, so they don't mind if they end up as the butt of the joke. As long as their owners are laughing, all is well with the world.
2. Dogs provide a sense of calm
Dogs have the ability to reduce stress, in turn, improving our healths overall. Dr. David Niven, author of "100 Simple Secrets Why Dogs Make Us Happy" stated that dogs reduce our stress level nine times longer than the amount of contact.
This means that for five minutes of contact, therapy time with your dog, you are improving your health for 45 minutes. These loving compadres are also known to comfort patients suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and lower blood pressure for those with heart disease.
3. Dogs are great exercise buddies
Most dogs have the need to exercise daily, helping their owners get healthy workouts simultaneously. These energetic canines are actually very powerful motivators, forcing you into a routine. Most of the time, the pace at which dogs walk meet federal criteria for moderate or vigorous exercise. The fresh air is also a bonus, benefiting the heart and mind.
4. Dogs are socially supportive
In addition to helping you find a date as a conversation starter, dogs can also be a social support, especially for shy owners. There are many social activities centered around dogs, especially in urban and suburban areas, providing both the pooches and their owners with opportunities to interact with others in the community. Social interaction is one factor that contributes to a healthier life. They have known to be great matchmakers, helping their owners find and fall in love with their soul mates.
5. Dogs build immune systems
Studies have shown that children raised around dogs have stronger immune systems than those who grow up with no pets in the home. The constant presence of the pooches' fur can help children build up their respiratory systems, resulting in lower incidences of asthma and allergies. Naturally, dirty dogs are the perfect tool to help children grow up to be healthier adults.
6. Dogs love senior citizens
Our canine friends are extremely good for senior citizens. In addition to providing older owners with a purpose to live, in caring for the dog, they also benefit Alzheimer's patients. According to Dr. Lynette Hart from University of California, Davis, Alzheimer's patients have less anxious outbursts when they live with dogs. Some insurance companies will even ask clients who are over 75 if they have a pet, as part of their screening interviews.
7. Dogs have a nose for cancer and other ailments
With their strong sense of smell, some dogs are able to detect early stages of cancer. They are able to use their powerful sniffer to smell lung and breast cancers in a person's breath. This is true for any cancers that live just below the skin as well, located throughout the body. Experts believe that dogs are able to identify chemical traces in parts per trillion, allowing them to detect skin cancer when sniffing skin lesions, as well as prostate cancer when sniffing urine.
It is absolutely amazing how many ways dogs are able to help improve our lives. They are not just loyal companions, but they are also one of the most critical caretakers a person can have. Some would argue that they are more than man's best friend; they are our saviors.

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Adopting a new dog can be stressful! Where will you adopt your dog? What breed will it be? Do you need to buy pet health insurance? All your worries will be put to ease when you meet your new furry friend. Adopting a dog is a special day that you will indeed remember. A few tips can make the transition for you and your new dog an easy one.
Clear Structure
You will want to make sure you give your dog a clear structure of his new home. This means you and your family will need to be consistent the first few days your dog arrives at home, so you do not confuse him. You will need to consider where your dog will be spending most of his time and make sure the area is dog proofed. Because he may be under a lot of stress from his move, he may forget any housebreaking he learned previously, so a kitchen would perhaps be the best area.
Upon Arrival
Upon arrival, you will need a few things for your new friend. You will need to purchase all of the following things before your dog arrivals at his new home. You will need dog or puppy food, food and water bowls, a bed for your pet, and a collar and ID tag. A couple other things you will need are a dog license and pet health insurance. By law, you must have a dog license and can acquire one at your local post office. You will also want to buy your new pet dog insurance, incase of unexpected illness or injury.
The First Couple Days
The first couple days with your dog can be stressful ones for yourself as well as your dog. Be sure your dog has plenty of time to acclimate himself with yourself and your family before you introduce him to any strangers. If you do not wait, your dog can be put under severe stress and you will be overwhelming him. When you bring him home, make sure you introduce him to his toileting area immediately. Give him plenty of time to get familiar with the area and relieve himself. You should then start your regularly scheduled training with your pet.
After a Few Weeks
Don't worry if your dog doesn't show any personality during the first few days of his arrival. Most say that the dog may not show his personality for a few weeks after the adoption. Your dog will want to get accustomed to you and your family and it may take him awhile to do so. Remember to stick to your original planned schedule so your dog doesn't get confused. After he is settled in, you and your dog will be bonded together in no time!
Remember, adopting a dog should be an enjoyable experience. Don't fret if it can be a little stressful at times. Your dog will be acclimated to his new home in no time and you can begin your lives together.

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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