The question many non-dog owners ask during colder months is this 'Why does a dog need a coat?' However, many dogs are simply not built to cope with colder temperatures, snow and ice, and any responsible dog owner will take steps to ensure they do not suffer when outdoors. The main reason some dogs need extra protection while others don't is that the layer of fur they possess is of differing lengths and thicknesses. For example, a Siberian Husky is much better suited to cold conditions than a Greyhound with an extremely short coat.
Deciding whether a dog needs a coat or not is down to owner discretion, although vets may also be able to advise if one is required. One of the most obvious signs is that your dog shivers when you go outside; in this case you should definitely invest in a coat to keep them warm and protected. Even if your dog does not shiver when outdoors, there are certain cases where they require some extra help to keep warm. A good example here is older dogs - they often require extra help to keep warm as their tired and worn down bodies struggle to maintain warmth on their own.
At this point it is also worth pointing out that some dogs shouldn't be made to wear a coat as it could actually do more harm than good. For instance, larger breeds with thick coats do not require a coat and if made to wear one would likely be uncomfortable.
Now we have covered why a dog may need to wear a coat when the temperature drops, let's move on to how to choose the right one. First of all you will need to measure your dog; to learn how to do this there are many size guides available to help you. Getting this right is beneficial for both you and your dog - you want them to be comfortable and if it's too big they may be able to pull it off.
The second factor to decide upon is what material the coat should be made of. Do you want a purely cotton sweater for medium warmth, or do you want a partly-acrylic option so that it's waterproof? As well as being able to protect your dog, it's also worth thinking about how often you're willing to wash it and how often it might need replacing. Most owners will go for a suitable waterproof option as it can be worn in all conditions.

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If you are like most pet parents, your treat your dog with utmost care. You are concerned about their overall well-being. When the inevitable situation of sickness happens to your favorite animal, it is your responsibility to make sure he is nursed back to health. Take the time to do what it takes for your pet dog to become lively and beautiful creature that it has always been.
How do you care for your pet animal when he is ill? With your pet doctor's advice, make sure you know what your pet is going through and what to do to alleviate his condition. Your dog will love you even more for it.
1. Keep your canine friend comfortable.
You need to make sure he is not disturbed when experiencing an illness. He needs a quiet room without a lot of people coming by to be able to get all the rest he can have. If necessary, you can set up a "recovery bed" for him with a pillow or soft bedding. You can also give him a blanket and his favorite toy by his side.
2. Give him easy access to food and water.
Your dog needs all the nourishment to recover quickly. Make sure you are able to give him something so he doesn't sleep hungry. More often than not, a sick animal refuses to eat, so you can cook up something creative that will "tempt" him to take a few bites. Treats are often effective, and so are homemade recipes. Most dog owners and experts recommend skinless chicken and rice that are easy on your dog's stomach. Keep your pet hydrated too, with clean drinking water.
3. Always monitor.
Throughout the period of sickness, your beloved animal will not be able to care for himself. Check his vital signs at least thrice each day and take note of the results. Make sure you give him proper medicine, as recommended by your vet. Remember that giving your dog the wrong dosage can be potentially fatal, so always pay attention to your vet's instructions.
4. Keep a log of the animal's condition and progress.
Make it a habit to always take important notes when it comes to taking care of your sick pet. All the information will be useful to gauge whether your dog's condition will need professional attention. You can also report this to your veterinarian who will shed light on the real situation and inform you of the actual solution that will help.
5. "No, he cannot play with you. Yes, it is a bad time."
Here's an important tip many pet owners forget: Your dog doesn't feel well, which means he isn't exactly up for some fun time. Instead he wants and needs to rest in order to recover. Let the kids understand that your dog does not want to play or run around. A sick dog is often irritable, but if you let him rest and gain back his strength, this shouldn't be a cause for concern.
6. Take note of this situation; take preventive measures so it doesn't happen again.
Prevention also matters. Protect your dog from parasites that weaken him or cause other problems to crop up, Give him trusted Aussie vet products that are formulated to protect him against parasites that affect him inside and out.

Your dog will get sick at a certain point of his life. With your vet's supervision, you can effectively deal with minor food allergies, slight stomach pain, mild fever and other non-threatening health situations. If your pet dog is still having health problems, be sure you don't waste a minute and take him to the vet right away.

With such a wide range of pet products available today, it can be tough to figure out exactly what are the most important supplies for your dog, especially if you have just brought home a puppy for the first time. That is why we have created this checklist of ten essential pet supplies for your dog.
1. Dog Bowls
One of first things you need to buy, dog bowls come in many shapes and forms. From simple ones to the automatic combo feeder types, which solve the problem of buying separate bowls for food and water and worrying about your dog when you're away from home.
2. Dog Food
Speaking of food, often times people give their dogs table scraps and random treats. However, what they might not understand is that they may be actually harming their furry friends, as dogs are allergic to many ingredients. Proper dog food is essential, because it contains all the required nutrients for your dog to have a healthy life.
3. ID Tags
ID Tags are very important to keep your dog safe, if he spends a lot of time outdoors or during a trip, for instance. They can be very stylish as well.
4. Flea and Tick Control
A flea and tick control product is an essential pet medication. Make sure you buy the appropriate products, because they are available in several versions, depending on the dog's age and size.
5. Dog Beds
Your dog probably won't mind sleeping on your couch or bed, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't appreciate having his own bed. There are several types of dog beds available: from the standard ones to the cooling and heated beds.
6. Leash
A leash is a must have for any dog owner, but with the constant fear of choking and causing their dogs suffering, many dog owners have restrained from using leashes altogether. Find one that is comfortable and safe for your dog, so that you both can have a nice walk in the park.
7. Brushes
It is important for you to brush your dog's hair on a daily basis, even though some breeds require more grooming than others. That is why grooming brushes are available in several types, depending on the dog's hair.
8. Chew Toys
Constant chewing is a fact that many dog owners know all too well, which is why giving your dog a chew toy is necessary to keep him from chewing off everything you own. You can even fill a chew toy with tasty treats, so that your dog is deeply engrossed in them rather than your shoes.
9. Dog Bones
Giving your dog a good dog bone not only keeps his teeth healthy, but it also prevents that awful breath which can make even the strongest fail. There are several healthy and affordable options to choose from.
10. Kennels
Kennels are a good option to keep your dog from wandering off or running a rampage in your house, but without a sturdy kennel many times it becomes extremely difficult for dog owners to achieve that.
Now that you know these ten essential pet supplies, don't forget the most important thing your dog needs: love.

Raul Alencar is the editor and creator of http://www.petsfanatic.com, where you can read more about Pet Supplies and many other subjects related to our pets.

With the first autumn frost nipping at our fingers, our thoughts turn to keeping our dogs warm, comfortable and healthy through the colder weather ahead.
Most healthy dogs love the outdoors, even when the temperature plummets, but older dogs, puppies and dogs recuperating from illness might need special care and attention before exposing them to very poor conditions.
If you're in any doubt over your dog's health, or if he seems reluctant to venture outside in colder weather, it's worth a quick visit to your vet before winter sets in to rule out any reason that needs medical intervention.
Tips to keep your dog warm and healthy this winter
Warm Coats: Lean, smooth-coated dogs such as whippets may feel the cold more than bigger, rough-coated or long-haired breeds, so think about an extra layer for your dog when you venture out on walks.
There's a huge range of waterproof, windproof and well insulated dog coats on today's market, made from the same technical fabrics that are used for humans. Dog coats can also be bought in reflective materials for extra visibility at night. Invest in a quality brand such as Hurrta or Back on Track for the best protection against the weather.
Shelter: Make sure your dog has somewhere warm and cosy to settle down in winter. If he's an outside dog, adequate shelter from the elements is an obvious requirement, but give some thought to extra insulation for even more warmth. Hay and blankets are good and some kennels even have central heating!
Indoor pets also need a place to snooze in comfort, especially if you have stone, wood or tiled floors. Even carpets, though softer, don't really give your dog a comfortable space of his own. There are many excellent dog beds to choose from in a variety of styles, from padded blankets and fleece-lined, quilted round beds to beds with technical, thermal properties.
A quality dog bed not only keeps your dog warm in winter, it provides support and comfort.
Protect their feet: If your dog gets a bit hairy between his toes he could collect ice-balls and packed snow, which will make him very uncomfortable. Have your dog groomer clip the hair short in this area or invest in some boots for your pooch.
Diet: Humans tend to comfort eat in the cold weather, but try not to indulge your dog in the same habit - the results, combined with a tendency to not get quite as much exercise as usual this time of year, are predictable!
If your dog lives outdoors, however, he'll be burning more energy to keep warm, so you might actually need to feed them a little more. Also check water bowls regularly for outdoor dogs to make sure they haven't iced over in extreme weather.
With these basics covered, you and your dog are set for a happy and healthy autumn and winter.

Agility World is an expert on dog care, selling a wide range of insulated dog beds and quality dog coats from Hurrta and Back on Track. For more information see www.agilityworld.co.uk.

Many times, humans confuse pet happiness with their own. The fact is it does not take too much to keep your pet's tail wagging. Make sure that you are meeting the needs of your pet with these 5 happy pet secrets.
Basic Needs
Pets have basic needs the same way human beings do.Your pet needs secure shelter, water and food. As a general rule, your pet will be happier the more secure and safe your pet feels. While this sounds simple enough, some folks still get confused about a pet's needs. There are a few things you can do to ensure these are met.
Get on a feeding schedule for your pet and keep this routine. Knowing that food comes routinely every day will keep your pet secure and happy.
For your pet, always keep water that is clean available for your four legged friend. Make sure it is full and fresh by checking it twice a day.
Weather considerations are important as well. A home that is too hot in the summer or not cold enough in the winter can spell disaster in terms of your pet's need for a secure habitat.
When you have to be away, you might want to take your dog with you. By doing this, your dog will be spared from separation anxiety and destruction that is induced by boredom.
Play and Exercise
Think about critters such as squirrels and birds that run incessantly around in natural habitats. This indicates that happy creatures are active ones, regardless of what their species is. It is unfortunate that many folks buy pets that need minimal exercise. To keep your pet happy, make sure there is time carved out daily for play and exercise.
Boundary Setting
Knowing what the boundaries are keep pets happy. When you teach your puppy to sit before you go out doors or when your cat learns about litter boxes, you will not only feel better, but your pet also develops better self-esteem.
Entertainment
Pets that are unchallenged and isolated daily are more likely to feel unhappy. Engaging your pet's brain by providing pet toys, a cat tree or even treats now and then will help keep your pet in good spirits. Teach your pet new jobs, skills or tricks. The more opportunities you provide for stimulating your pet's brain, the less likelihood there is for your pet to act out due to boredom.

Mark Perissinotto has been a practicing veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders of Vet Shop Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet supplies Australia.

When trying to gather information about how to train a Beagle, be aware that most Beagle owners, as well as dog training experts, use any of the two basic approaches. These approaches are the self-training which involves correcting the behavior of your puppy personally and professional training which involves seeking the help of professional dog trainers. It is vital to determine which of the mentioned approaches suits the lifestyle of both you and your Beagle.
Beagles are among the most preferred breeds of dogs because of their loving and gentle behavior. The most endearing qualities of this breed include their attentiveness, their eagerness to explore and learn new things, and their intelligence. All these qualities make the process of training him easy when compared to the other breeds.
Basics of Personally Training or Self Training a Beagle
Some Beagle owners, particularly people with enough time to bond with their dogs, choose to self-train their pets. If you are thinking of training your dog personally, then consider gathering information about the whole process by researching about the topic online. There are also plenty of dog training books and materials designed to help a dog owner understand everything about correcting their pet's behavior.
One benefit of self-training is that it raises awareness regarding the level of training that your dog has already received. It involves doing your personal assessment. For instance, if your assessment shows that he still needs to be trained when it comes to his potty habits, then consider extending his potty training by a few more weeks. Make sure to do the training consistently until he gets used to the procedure.
Take note that deciding to self-train your Beagle also requires a substantial amount of time and a generous dose of commitment. Make sure to have enough dedication in order to make the process of training him effective, especially in terms of calming him down and going to potty. Another tip is to make your research as extensive as possible, especially when trying to teach him new skills and tricks. Consistency is also the key towards achieving success in self-training your Beagle. Positive reinforcement characterized by giving him treats and rewards can also produce favorable results when trying to get rid of his unwanted behavior.
Seeking the Help of Professional Dog Trainers
Professional dog trainers are people who have enough expertise when it comes to performing various how to train a Beagle tips and methods. Getting the help of these experts is beneficial because they already have extensive experience in the field. This offers an assurance that they know exactly how to make your Beagle grow into a well-behaved dog. Since professional dog trainers already have a lot of experience in the field, they can also produce results at a fast pace. The good thing about hiring these trainers is that you can also raise questions about the breed and get relevant and expert answers.
However, getting their help also has some downsides. One of these is that professional training involves a lot of money. The amount charged by a trainer will be dependent upon his experience, the skills you want your Beagle to have, and the length of the training. If you have a hectic schedule, finding a training center might also help. These centers provide short courses, probably around one or two weeks each. Completing this short course can play a significant role in having your dog's unwanted behaviors corrected.

If you like this article and are interested in learning more, check out articles on how to stop a dog from digging. You can also check out other related articles at http://www.dogpluspuppy.com.

Originally designed for military purposes, the technology offered by Global Positioning System (or GPS for short) has made it much easier to locate any GPS-equipped person or object in real time via reliable satellite navigation system.
In our time, GPS is widely used across the world for numerous reasons. In fact, many pet equipment manufacturers have started offering dog tracking systems with GPS capabilities. Locating a missing dog will no. longer be difficult if you take advantage of this amazing technology.
Despite its hefty price tag, many dog owners are grabbing the chance to provide adequate protection for their pet by purchasing these trackers.
It is a fact that you need to deal with - your dog will wander off, whether you like it or not. Sometimes, there's even a tendency for dogs to wander too far and that can be alarming. Besides, it is reported that only about 15 to 20% of lost dogs are recovered. If your pet has the tendency to roam too often, then dog GPS tracking can be exactly the thing you need.
You have two options when checking out tracking systems. First, there's GPS that offers tracking via cellular carrier then there's tracking via radio waves. Either way, you will be alerted each time your dog strolls too far. Through transmission, you will be able to find your dog's location and avoid any potential problems in the first place.
If you love your dog enough, investing in this equipment should be seriously considered. This gadget presents you the excellent opportunity to keep track of your pet at all times. A missing pet can be a huge heartache. Fortunately, you can have greater peace of mind as you take full advantage of this tool.
Before making the purchase, wise buyers will consider researching information about different products. There are a lot of reviews out there and you should access the available details for your own good. Reading what others have to say about certain brands and models will help you decide which one is a better choice.
Performance is always crucial ad so you have to find out which tracking system can promise longer battery life and stronger coverage in your location. Other factors you should consider include the actual size and weight of the gadget. You don't want to get something too huge and too heavy for a small dog.
With all their advantages, these GPS dog tracking systems should really be a must-have for serious dog owners. Ask your local pet stores about them or browse online retailers to see various options for you to choose from.

Go check out Dogmaster for a wide array of GPS tracking systems.