The female golden weighs approximately 55-65 pounds, and stands a couple of inches shorter than her male counterpart, who stands about 24 inches at the shoulder, and weighs in at 65-75 pounds. Females tend to have smaller, more delicately-shaped heads than males. They come in a range of colors, from deep coppery auburn to light cream. Their coats also differ in appearance. Field goldens, or hunting goldens, are more likely to be darker and sleeker than show goldens, whose honey-colored coats are thick and fluffy. Goldens have two coats: their top coats are hardy and water-repellent, while their undercoats are thick and dense. These dogs shed most of their undercoat in the spring, and grow it in preparation for the chill of winter. Regular grooming can help control excessive shedding. Their ears are soft and floppy, but they perk up at the sound of, well, almost anything. Their eyes are brown and very expressive.
Their bodies are very well-engineered to excel at agility contests. Thanks to their hunting background, they're strong and muscled, yet quick and agile. Don't let their gentle nature fool you. They are also incredibly strong dogs. Seventy pounds of golden on the end of a leash can take down even the strongest person if he's not prepared.
They need plenty of regular exercise. If it were up to them, they'd walk for hours. Daily walks, romps in the yard and trips to the dog park can help it work off some of that golden energy, which is never in short supply. They rarely get tired of playing fetch. They excel at finding objects hidden in the yard. They also love to swim, and will retrieve from water all day if you let them.
From a temperament standpoint, goldens are extremely agreeable. They're neither very shy nor extremely aggressive. This tolerant nature makes them a good choice for any home, including those with children. They're loyal and loving, as well as outgoing and friendly. They thrive on human interaction, and are happiest when they're around people. They never get tired of belly rubs and head pats. In fact, if the petting stops, many of them will nudge their masters, as if to say, "Don't stop!"
Though they're usually the center of attention, they still need training. Their exuberance can be mistaken for misbehavior, and it may be a few minutes before they calm down. Consistency and firmness are important when training a golden. They need to be taught that their master is the leader of the pack. However, they are eager to please, and can learn their role quickly with positive reinforcement tactics. No one is prouder than they when they complete a task successfully. Though they love showing off their tricks, they also love learning new ones. Teaching new tricks is a great way to combat boredom during the training session. Though they'll fetch all day, they won't sit still for a training class longer than they have to. The key is to make it fun and make it rewarding, all in short bursts of time throughout the day. Goldens are game players, so if you play with it in order to teach commands or tricks, your dog won't even know the difference. It's just happy to have your attention.
This is one reason goldens are one of the most popular breeds of therapy dogs. As much as they love to play, they also love to have a job to do. Besides being fast learners, they're also very gentle. They can learn verbal commands or hand signals, and once they are on the job, they can be calm and focused. They also make good seeing-eye dogs for this reason.
This breed is not without its health issues. Goldens are prone to hip dysplasia and allergies. This is partly due to irresponsible breeding. Backyard breeders, eager to cash in on the popularity of the golden retriever, breed unhealthy dogs that pass on congenital diseases. Hip dysplasia occurs when the bones of the hip joint don't develop correctly, and they rub painfully against each other. Sitting still is not something goldens are happy doing, so though these dogs may continue to move around and play, they're in pain and should be treated.
Treatment consists of pain management, in mild cases, or in more severe cases, surgery. Though complete rehabilitation can take 12 weeks, the dog is up and moving within days. This procedure can so dramatically improve a dog's life that it's well worth the work to see your golden get its spark back, and run and play like the puppy that it thinks it is.
These dogs also suffer from skin ailments and allergies. The golden's thick coat makes it hard to see small skin irritations unless they're specifically sought out. It's important to inspect your pet regularly for any sore areas. A vet can run tests to try to identify the source of the irritation, and prescribe treatment, which might include frequent baths with hypoallergenic shampoo, oral medication and/or allergy shots.
Even though this is one of the most popular breeds of dog, thousands of them are relinquished to shelters or rescue organizations every year. Most people would never think they'd find a purebred golden at a shelter, but it's not uncommon. In fact, the popularity of the breed may be the very reason so many of them are found in shelters. Sometimes people don't research the breed, and don't know that goldens need a lot of exercise and a lot of human interaction. They're also not prepared to train a dog. Unfortunately, when people like this get goldens, more than likely, they end up surrendering them to a shelter or a rescue organization.
Though the average life expectancy of golden retrievers is 11 years, sometimes they forget they've gotten older, and maintain their puppy-like playfulness throughout their lives. As they age, they may slow down a bit, so it's important to adjust their food and treat intake accordingly. It's nearly impossible to resist their sweet faces as they come looking for a treat, but it's for their own good. As obesity rates in humans have skyrocketed, so they have in dogs. Thankfully, this is one disease that is completely preventable. If your dog is already obese, it's 100% treatable. A balanced diet and plenty of exercise will get your golden into fighting shape before too long. It might also prevent the onset of canine diabetes, joint problems and other weight-related issues.
Overall, this breed has one of the most agreeable dispositions you can find in a dog. Goldens are also gorgeous, friendly, obedient, loyal and loving. The downside, which pales in comparison to their wonderful attributes, is that this is a breed that sheds, needs a lot of exercise, and needs to be around people. If your home can handle the relatively minor considerations, the benefits you'll reap from loving a golden retriever are immeasurable.
| About The Author David Beart is owner of the http://www.professorshouse.com Professors House, a site dedicated to family, relationships, http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/dogs/breeder/dog-breeders.aspx dog breeders, and household issues. |
Feeding Time
Most pet supply stores sell specially formulated cat foods that are designed to provide proper health and nutrition to elderly cats. Some formulas assist with proper digestion, since this can often be a problem with older cats. Senior cats cannot assimilate their food in their digestive tracts in the same way that they did when they were youngsters.
Older cats can also have problems with their teeth that cause them to eat less. This is why it is important to maintain good dental hygiene in cats at a young age by either brushing, taking them to the veterinarian for a cleaning, or feeding them snacks that clean their teeth. If your elderly cat eats less, it may be due to a toothache, thus it is sometimes ideal to feed them softer foods, mostly wet, canned foods, so that chewing their dinner won't be as much of an obstacle.
Many cat owners find that their cat's coat becomes dull with age. This is due to poor nutrition. Feed your older cat a diet rich in essential fatty acids to fix this problem. When organisms, including cats, get older, they have an increased production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to the degeneration of cells in the body. Help build up the immune system of your beloved cat by increasing his or her intake of vitamin C and E.
Finally, you want your cat to remain active in old age. The more energetic activities your cat participates in the better health it will remain in. If you allow your cat to become obese it will lay around the house and have reduced quality of life, as well as a decrease in general health. Watch your pet's eating habits and assure that it is not overeating, or eating as a recreation as some cats do.
Grooming Elderly Cats
Another element of proper Elderly Cat Care is grooming. When cats age, they sometimes stop grooming themselves with the same frequency as they did when they were younger. This can create a matted fur coat that is dirty and smells bad. Bad hygiene will eventually lead to bad health. Because of this, it is important that you groom your eldery cat yourself. Purchase a good cat brush that doesn't just brush the outer coat, but one with bristles that reach down to the skin to pull up old hair.
It sometimes helps to give your cat a bath, even though most cats hate them with a passion. The best way to wash a cat is to place them in the tub and gradually introduce water. You certainly don't want to throw them into the tub with hot water running inside! You may get a deep claw mark in the arm that will never heal and remind you to never do that again. If you apply water gradually to the cat's coat until they are completely wet and then work in some shampoo quickly, you should be able to accomplish that goal.
Vet Visits and Medication
When your cat grows into old age, it may have health complications that require regular medication. You should schedule a regular vet appointment for your elderly cat to assure that you are keeping up with all details of its health regimen. In older age, cats may seem fine but still have complications. Ask your veterinarian to give your cat a blood and urine test to find out if there is anything to be concerned about to head off any future problems. Going back to dental care, most older cats develop gum disease which can lead to health problems down the line. Gum disease can be treated by your veterinarian.
Just as with a human who has to take daily medication, if your cat has been prescribed to take medications on a daily basis it is helpful to keep everything in one place as a reminder. You do not want to miss a day of any crucial medication as the system of your older cat is much more delicate than those of younger cats.
Pet Insurance
Insurance companies are coming to recognize the love that people have for their pets. Thus, there are many new pet insurance products popping up on the market. It is best to enroll your pet into an insurance program at a younger age to assure a more reasonable premium, but you may still be able to enroll your elderly cat into an insurance program where his or medical bills will be partly covered in the case of a medical emergency. Some pet insurance companies will charge anywhere from $20-$50 per month per cat, depending on their particular situation.
The costs of pet surgeries and treatments can be way out of the budget of most households, so having a pet insurance plan to back you up can be a great asset. It will also give you peace of mind about your cat as it ages.
Activities of the Elderly Cat
The activity level of elderly cats vary. Some cats become inactive and spend most of their day sleeping or sitting. But other cats can be just as active in old age as they were in their younger days. These cats may still like to play with you, run, and chase the other cats around the house, but you just need to be understanding that they may not be able to participate in these games for as long as they used to. For example, a game cats love to play is "chase their owner." Instead of letting them chase you up and down the stairs as you did when they were young, maybe you could keep the activity to one level of the house. That way you will not overexert your cat and help prolong his time spent active.
Most cat experts agree tht a cat is generally healthy and happy when they are "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed." Another indication of a healthy cat is a lustrous, shiny coat, and a tail that sticks straight up in the air when the cat is walking. Proper elderly cat care is dire if you love your senior cat and want to keep it in good physical health.
| About The Author David Beart is owner of the http://www.professorshouse.com Professors House, a site dedicated to family, relationships, http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/cats/cats.aspx cat information, and household issues. |
All bird lovers listen up!! Do you know how many bird species are there in the world? Answer: Over 9000 species. And out of which the parrot group itself consists of about 330 species and are particularly popular with pet owners.
If you are also thinking of keeping a pet parrot, read below for the tips I am going to provide for selecting the suitable parrot for yourself and the family.
Parrot Buying Tip (1) -- Buy a young parrot
Rearing a new parrot from young helps to facilitate taming. An older parrot can also be tamed just that it takes more time and patience. However, the tricky part is in determing the age of the bird. However, some basic things to look out for are the scales on its legs, color of the eye and the color of the body. A young parrot often has a dark gray iris that becomes white or brown when it grows up. The scales of young parrots are also much smoother than that of mature birds. Their body color also appears initially to be much duller than when they are matured.
The best option is to buy one which is newly born which is independent of its parent.
Parrot Buying Tip (2) -- Choose the right species of parrot
Do you know the characteristics of the parrot you are interested in buying?
Do they
-make tremendously loud voices which can cause huge disturbance to the neighbours?
-have powerful beaks that can damage your personal belongings if let free in the house?
-need special accomodation, which will potentially incur higher costs for you. Bigger birds would require bigger cages made of metal so that the parrot cannot damage it.
-need special nutritional foods? Some birds such as the lorikeets need special foods since they feed on nectar. This also relates to cost.
Parrot Buying Tip (3) -- Check the condition of the parrot
If possible, ask for a certified health certificate by the veterinary so that you have assurance of buying a healthy parrot home. If that is not available, dont worry, you can check out the below factors for some tell-tale signs on the conditions of the bird.
i) Inspect the living conditions of the bird. Dirty or poorly maintained perches, food and water containers, excess fecal wastes in the cage, all show poor management of the birds leading to bad health. The eyes should also be clear and not showing any discharge. Also look out for any swelling signs which will indicate rising health problems.
ii) The bird feathers should be tidy and clean. Any bald areas on the parrot body could indicate an infection which is very unsightly and may not be able to cure, or it may also be due to the parrot being a feather plucker which means it is getting very bored. This activity may stop when you start to show it more attention. Then again, it is better to stay clear of such birds, since they could be carrying diseases on their bodies which you dont want it to spread to your family members.
iii) Support the bird on its back and check the vent for cleanliness. Also check for any crusty appearance on and around the beak which could indicate a mite issue subjecting from unclean environments.
iv) Also feel the flesh on both sides of the breastbone, and ensure it is solid and not hollowed. If protruding, it also indicates a nutritional deficiency, and should be avoided.
v) Ensures all claws are there. There should be 2 toes pointing forward, 2 facing backwards. Check for any protruding leg scales as they could be potential sources for leg mites.
vi) Beware of birds that act aggressively towards you when you try to approach it. Symptoms include fluffing up feathers and eyes dilating when you try to move your hand close to it. These birds are probably not young birds, and they will likely bite you if you cross its safety zone.
Parrot Buying Tip (4) -- Buy from reputable, reliable sources
Buying from well-established and reputable pet shops assures you the best quality services, and often the pets you are buying through them have been certified to be in good health before they release it out for sale.
Avoid open markets, and buying through mail order. It is always good to see and feel what you are buying so that you dont regret your buying decisions later. If you dont, how do you implement parrot buying tip 3?
Conclusion
To summarize, it is great to have parrots as pets, as they can be good source of fun and companionship. However, it is important to know some essential tips on selecting and buying the right parrot, and this can be categorized into 4 great tips namely to buy a young parrot, choose the desired parrot species, check condition of the parrot, and always buy from reputable pet shops.
Hope you enjoy this article !!
Orginally Written Article @ http://parrotalk.blogspot.com/
| About The Author Jimmy Lee He is involved in article writing, publishing, and website design on a freelance basis amid a daytime job as an electrical engineer. His favourite works can be found @ http://flashgor.blogspot.com/ and http://diypc.wordpress.com/ |
But that doesn't mean that we, as dog lovers and owners, are entirely helpless when it comes to handling our dogs. There's a lot that we can do to prevent aggression from rearing its ugly head in the first place – and even if prevention hasn't been possible (for whatever reason), there are still steps that we can take to recognize and deal with it efficiently.
- Different aggression types -
There are several different types of canine aggression. The two most common ones are:
- Aggression towards strangers
- Aggression towards family members
You may be wondering why we're bothering categorizing this stuff: after all, aggression is aggression, and we want to turf it out NOW, not waste time with the details – right?
Well … not quite. These two different types of aggression stem from very different causes, and require different types of treatment.
- Aggression towards strangers -
What is it?
It's pretty easy to tell when a dog's nervy around strange people. He's jumpy and on the alert: either he can't sit still and is constantly fidgeting, leaping at the smallest sound, and pacing around barking and whining; or he's veerrrry still indeed, sitting rock-steady in one place, staring hard at the object of his suspicions (a visitor, the mailman, someone approaching him on the street while he's tied up outside a store.)
Why does it happen?
There's one major reason why a dog doesn't like strange people: he's never had the chance to get used to them. Remember, your dog relies 100% on you to broaden his horizons for him: without being taken on lots of outings to see the world and realize for himself, through consistent and positive experiences, that the unknown doesn't necessarily equal bad news for him, how can he realistically be expected to relax in an unfamiliar situation?
What can I do about it?
The process of accustoming your dog to the world and all the strange people (and animals) that it contains is called socialization. This is an incredibly important aspect of your dog's upbringing: in fact, it's pretty hard to overemphasize just how important it is. Socializing your dog means exposing him from a young age (generally speaking, as soon as he's had his vaccinations) to a wide variety of new experiences, new people, and new animals.
How does socialization prevent stranger aggression?
When you socialize your dog, you're getting him to learn through experience that new sights and sounds are fun, not scary.
It's not enough to expose an adult dog to a crowd of unfamiliar people and tell him to "Settle down, Roxy, it's OK" – he has to learn that it's OK for himself. And he needs to do it from puppyhood for the lesson to sink in.
The more types of people and animals he meets (babies, toddlers, teenagers, old people, men, women, people wearing uniforms, people wearing motorcycle helmets, people carrying umbrellas, etc) in a fun and relaxed context, the more at ease and happy – and safe around strangers - he'll be in general.
How can I socialize my dog so that he doesn't develop a fear of strangers?
Socializing your dog is pretty easy to do – it's more of a general effort than a specific training regimen.
First of all, you should take him to puppy preschool. This is a generic term for a series of easy group-training classes for puppies (often performed at the vet clinic, which has the additional benefit of teaching your dog positive associations with the vet!).
In a puppy preschool class, about ten or so puppy owners get together with a qualified trainer (often there'll be at least two trainers present – the more there are, the better, since it means you get more one-on-one time with a professional) and start teaching their puppies the basic obedience commands: sit, stay, and so on.
Even though the obedience work is very helpful and is a great way to start your puppy on the road to being a trustworthy adult dog, really the best part of puppy preschool is the play sessions: several times throughout the class, the puppies are encouraged to run around off-leash and play amongst themselves.
This is an ideal environment for them to learn good social skills: there's a whole bunch of unfamiliar dogs present (which teaches them how to interact with strange dogs), there's a whole bunch of unfamiliar people present (which teaches them that new faces are nothing to be afraid of), and the environment is safe and controlled (there's at least one certified trainer present to make sure that things don't get out of hand).
Socialization doesn't just stop with puppy preschool, though. It's an ongoing effort throughout the life of your puppy and dog: he needs to be taken to a whole bunch of new places and environments.
Remember not to overwhelm him: start off slow, and build up his tolerance gradually.
- Aggression towards family members -
There are two common reasons why a dog is aggressive towards members of his own human family:
- He's trying to defend something he thinks of as his from a perceived threat (you).
This is known as resource guarding, and though it may sound innocuous, there's actually a lot more going on here than your dog simply trying to keep his kibble to himself.
- He's not comfortable with the treatment/handling he's getting from you or other members of the family.
What's resource guarding?
Resource guarding is pretty common among dogs. The term refers to overly-possessive behavior on behalf of your dog: for instance, snarling at you if you approach him when he's eating, or giving you "the eye" (a flinty-eyed, direct stare) if you reach your hand out to take a toy away from him.
All dogs can be possessive from time to time – it's in their natures. Sometimes they're possessive over things with no conceivable value: inedible trash, balled up pieces of paper or tissue, old socks. More frequently, however, resource-guarding becomes an issue over items with a very real and understandable value: food and toys.
Why does it happen?
It all boils down to the issue of dominance. Let me take a moment to explain this concept: dogs are pack animals. This means that they're used to a very structured environment: in a dog-pack, each individual animal is ranked in a hierarchy of position and power (or "dominance") in relation to every other animal. Each animal is aware of the rank of every other animal, which means he knows specifically how to act in any given situation (whether to back down, whether to push the issue, whether to muscle in or not on somebody else's turf, etc etc).
To your dog, the family environment is no different to the dog-pack environment. Your dog has ranked each member of the family, and has his own perception of where he ranks in that environment as well.
This is where it gets interesting: if your dog perceives himself as higher up on the social totem-pole than other family members, he's going to get cheeky. If he's really got an overinflated sense of his own importance, he'll start to act aggressively.
Why? Because dominance and aggression are the exclusive rights of a superior-ranked animal. No underdog would ever show aggression or act dominantly to a higher-ranked animal (the consequences would be dire, and he knows it!)
Resource guarding is a classic example of dominant behavior: only a higher-ranked dog (a "dominant" dog) would act aggressively in defence of resources.
To put it plainly: if it was clear to your dog that he is not, in fact, the leader of the family, he'd never even dream of trying to prevent you from taking his food or toys – because a lower-ranking dog (him) will always go along with what the higher-ranking dogs (you and your family) say.
So what can I do about it? The best treatment for dominant, aggressive behavior is consistent, frequent obedience work, which will underline your authority over your dog. Just two fifteen-minute sessions a day will make it perfectly clear to your dog that you're the boss, and that it pays to do what you say.
You can make this fact clear to him by rewarding him (with treats and lavish praise) for obeying a command, and isolating him (putting him in "time-out", either outside the house or in a room by himself) for misbehaviour.
- If you're not entirely confident doing this yourself, you may wish to consider enlisting the assistance of a qualified dog-trainer.
- Brush up on your understanding of canine psychology and communication, so that you understand what he's trying to say – this will help you to nip any dominant behaviors in the bud, and to communicate your own authority more effectively
- Train regularly: keep obedience sessions short and productive (no more than fifteen minutes – maybe two or three of these per day).
Why doesn't my dog like to be handled?
All dogs have different handling thresholds. Some dogs like lots of cuddles, and are perfectly content to be hugged, kissed, and have arms slung over their shoulders (this is the ultimate "I'm the boss" gesture to a dog, which is why a lot of them won't tolerate it.) Others – usually the ones not accustomed to a great deal of physical contact from a very young age – aren't comfortable with too much full-body contact and will get nervy and agitated if someone persists in trying to hug them.
Another common cause of handling-induced aggression is a bad grooming experience: nail-clipping and bathing are the two common culprits.
When you clip a dog's nails, it's very easy to "quick" him – that is, cut the blood vessel that runs inside the nail. This is extremely painful to a dog, and is a sure-fire way to cause a long-lasting aversion to those clippers.
Being washed is something that a great many dogs have difficulty dealing with – a lot of owners, when confronted with a wild-eyed, half-washed, upset dog, feel that in order to complete the wash they have to forcibly restrain him. This only adds to the dog's sense of panic, and reinforces his impression of a wash as something to be avoided at all costs – if necessary, to defend himself from it with a display of teeth and hackles.
Can I "retrain" him to enjoy being handled and groomed?
In a word: yes. It's a lot easier if you start from a young age – handle your puppy a lot, get him used to being touched and rubbed all over. Young dogs generally enjoy being handled – it's only older ones who haven't had a lot of physical contact throughout their lives that sometimes find physical affection difficult to accept.
Practice picking up his paws and touching them with the clipper; practice taking him into the bath (or outside, under the faucet – whatever works for you, but warm water is much more pleasant for a dog than a freezing spray of ice-water!), and augment the process throughout with lots of praise and the occasional small treat.
For an older dog that may already have had several unpleasant handling/grooming experiences, things are a little more difficult. You need to undo the damage already caused by those bad experiences, which you can do by taking things very slowly – with an emphasis on keeping your dog calm.
The instant he starts to show signs of stress, stop immediately and let him relax. Try to make the whole thing into a game: give him lots of praise, pats, and treats.
Take things slowly. Don't push it too far: if you get nervous, stop.
Dogs show aggression for a reason: they're warning you to back off, or else! If your dog just can't seem to accept being groomed, no matter how much practice you put in, it's best to hand the job over to the professionals.
Your vet will clip his nails for you (make sure you tell him first that he gets aggressive when the clippers come out, so your vet can take the necessary precautions!). As far as washing and brushing goes, the dog-grooming business is a flourishing industry: for a small fee, you can get your dog washed, clipped, brushed, and whatever else you require by experienced professionals (again, make sure you tell them about your dog's reaction to the experience first!)
For more information on handling aggressive and dominant behaviors, as well as a great deal of detailed information on a host of other common dog behavior problems, check out SitStayFetch.
It's a complete owner's guide to owning, rearing, and training your dog, and it deals with all aspects of dog ownership.
To get the inside word on preventing and dealing with problem behaviors like aggression and dominance in your dog, SitStayFetch is well worth a look.
| About The Author Darrin Donaldson You can visit the SitStayFetch site by clicking on the link below: http://www.k9-secrets.890m.com/aggression |
When you get a pet home, there are some basic things that you will need and they come under pet supplies. Some of the important pet supplies include pet food, eating bowls, harnesses and pet bed among many others.
One of the important things that you need to consider while buying a pet bed is the way your dog or cat or any other pet sleeps. A pet bed is mostly required for dogs and cats only although you can buy it for rabbits and some of the other smaller pets too.
The second most important thing to understand is that a pet bed will be different for a dog and different for a cat. Normally, what you use for your dog will not be used for your cat. You can find pet beds at various stores offering other pet supplies and even online. One of the good things is that you will find a lot of variety when it comes to pet beds including the popular heated beds. The heated beds have grown in popularity because of the fact that they have a heating element that will keep the bed warm in the winters and will be comfortable and relaxing for your pet. You can choose from a heated orthopedic bed to a heated thermo pet bed. Most of the pet beds are available in three sizes, which are:
Small: 19"x24" - The small pet bed can take weights of up to 20lbs
Medium: 26"x29" - The medium pet bed can take weights of up to 40lbs
Large: 36x38" - The large pet bed can take weights of up to 60lbs
Another type of popular pet bed found in pet supplies is the round bed. This is a perfect bed for dogs that like to cuddle up when they sleep and for cats that love to sleep with their legs thrown apart. This pet bed is available in three sizes for dogs and they are:
Medium: 36 inches - The medium pet bed can take weights of up to 50lbs
Large: 42 inches - The large pet bed can take weights of up to 80lbs
Extra Large: 52 inches - The extra large pet bed can take weights of up to 140lbs
You can also get these beds in different combinations of colour and design like blue polyester suede that will look neat and even go with the overall décor of your home. The important aspects that needs to be considered while buying a pet bed include the size of your pet, the amount of space in the room, the number of pet you have, their weights, if you need separate pet beds or a single one, the colours, do you need a simple pet bed or a heated bed etc.
When you have decided on your pet bed the next thing will be to consider what other pet supplies you will require. What do I need? These items will vary depending on your pet; cat, dog or rabbit, all of which will each have its own requirements. The most important thing of your pet supplies will be food; a pet won't last very long without it. Once you have selected your food then there will be all the sundries that we spoil our pets with, like collars, lead, pet beds and clothes.
| If you need further information on finding the right pet beds visit our on line store. You will also find a large range of pet supplies which include dog collars, cat litter, dog clothes and many more for all pets. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Davies |
Business should be about doing what you love to do. And if you love being around animals then there are business opportunities that can allow you to do just that. And really what more can a person ask for except to make a good living while doing something you enjoy. Besides they say people that have pets live a longer life. So what else could you possibly ask for in a business? Here are three businesses that you can start for under $10,000.
1. Animal Grooming: This business has multiple possibilities. You can specialize in either dogs or cats. Or you can handle both but be careful if you do because they don't always get along. You also have the option of having a permanent location or starting such a business out of your home. And you can even have a mobile business as well. To keep the cost under $10,000 it's recommended that this business gets started out of your home. This way people can bring their pets to you. As an added benefit people today love to spend money on their pampered pets. So clients shouldn't be to hard to find.
2. Dog Walker: Here is a good business with the added benefit of getting plenty of exercise. Not everyone has the time to walk their dogs but they know that their pets need to get out of the house too. And that is where you come in. Most dog walkers can charge between $6 and $12 an hour but you can usually walk at least three dogs at a time. Staying in shape while earning $20 or more an hour can be a pretty good deal. And as a bonus there is virtually no overhead or supplies needed.
3. Doghouses: Put your creative talents to good use. Creating an outside home for man's best friend can be a great way to make a living. If you have a creative side and some carpentry skills then you've got the ability to prosper in this business. Because so many people are willing to spend on their pets this can be a lucrative opportunity. Many pets are kept outside and they need shelter too. Giving them a nice place to stay can make for a very nice business.
If you love animals then one of these three opportunities might be a good way for you to go. The start-up costs for these businesses are all quite low and so are the operating costs. In addition you can help out a lot of furry friends in your neighborhood get the love they need.
| Cash Miller is an expert in small business affairs. To receive more tips that can help your business and let you to crush your competition you can sign up for his FREE Newsletter at http://www.smallbusinessdelivered.com/free-newsletter-signup.html. Once you've signed up you'll receive access to 5 FREE E-Books that can help your business prosper. And as a Bonus FREE Newsletter Members can expect to receive an additional FREE E-Book each week. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cash_Miller |
Many people decide to take their pets with them when they travel rather than leave them in some kind of boarding facility. It is understandable. After all, they are family members too. If you're willing to put in the extra work necessary to bring the pets along, it can be quite a success. Hopefully you don't make the mistake of thinking it will be completely smooth sailing. There are some things you may not consider until they happen. It takes some planning and preparation to include the pets. Set aside time to do that before leaving.
Pets should always be put in a proper pet carrier that fits their body size adequately. Too little room for moving and turning around will be uncomfortable and restricting. Be sure your pet isn't crammed into a carrier that is too small. Likewise, a carrier that is too big can be dangerous. A pet can get hurt if they are flying around inside a kennel. They should be able to sit and lie down comfortably as well as turn around. However, you don't want them on their feet a lot so that they lose their balance.
Bring dishes for your pets that are travel safe. Most pet stores have dishes that are flexible and collapse when not in use. They are made from a non-breakable material so they simply fold out when you need to use them. Keep a bottle of water in the car with these dishes, especially during long trips.
Keep an eye on the time and stop at regular intervals for bathroom breaks. Don't make the mistake of assuming your four legged friend doesn't need to go. Give them the option and allow them a moment to stretch their legs. This is the best time to offer them some fresh water too. Don't give them too much though or they could get an upset stomach.
If you plan on taking your pet far from home, be sure that they have received all of their vaccinations. The last thing you want to do is unknowingly expose them to something in another place. Just like humans need certain shots before travelling to certain places, pets are not so different. It's also wise to consult with your vet first to ensure your destination is safe to bring your pets to.
Many animals are highly prone to motion sickness. Keep an eye on your pets. Some travel much better than others. It doesn't hurt to ask your vet for something you can give the animals in the event that they do get an upset stomach. Nothing ruins a family vacation quite like a pet that is vomiting or otherwise ill. If you know you have a pet that is sensitive to motion, it's best not to bring them along.
Travelling with your pets is fun for everyone when it goes as planned. Stay on top of everything from health to fresh food and you can focus on fun instead of setbacks. And the best part is that your pets can get in on the fun too.
| Enjoy your car travel and find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips, compare auto insurance quotes and helpful car insurance advice at http://www.AutoInsuranceRatesDirect.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Levi_Quinn |
Losing a Pet
By Shelley Ontis
Pets become members of our family, and quickly win our hearts. Losing a pet causes the same kind of grief as other losses, and that grief, and the resultant mourning period, should be taken just as seriously. In modern society, we have rituals and ceremonies that help us when we lose a loved one. Wakes, funerals, burial services and visits to the gravesites are important in helping us to deal with the loss. But typically, with the loss of a pet we have no such ceremonies to aid us in the grieving process, even though the grief is just as real.
In her book, On Death and Dying, Elizabeth Kübler-Ross described grief as having 5 stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Losing a beloved pet is a traumatic life moment, but time, and an understanding of the stages of grief and how to deal with them, can be important steps in healing.
1. Denial. The first stage often occurs immediately and passes quickly, but it can linger for some time, depending on the age of the pet and the circumstances. The inability to believe that a dog or cat is really gone, especially after having the pet for years, is a normal part of the grieving process.
2. Anger. Why did my pet have to die? Why did it have to happen this way? Anger is a perfectly natural reaction to losing something so dear. Understanding that all living things must die, that the only mystery is when and where, can help ease you through this stage.
3. Bargaining. This often happens immediately, like denial and anger, with pleas for the pet to live, perhaps making deals with God that if everything is okay, you'll be better, or go to church, or give to charity. Any number of bargains can come into play, depending on your lifestyle. This is a natural reaction to a trauma-somehow we try to find a way to undo what's happened, or make it okay. A part of bargaining unique to the loss of a pet is a type of bargain with yourself, in which you tell yourself that if you get another pet, you won't hurt so much. And some make oaths to never have another pet again, because it's too painful to lose them. It's common to believe that either of those things will stop or greatly alleviate the pain, but often, that doesn't hold true. A new pet might distract you from the pain for a while, but you owe it to yourself to deal with your grief as well as you can before taking on the responsibility of another pet. Conversely, there's no need to deprive yourself of the joys of pet ownership in the future just to avoid losing another pet. These extreme feelings will pass.
4. Depression. When the denial and anger have faded, and it's obvious that bargaining doesn't help, depression can set in. Depression is a normal reaction to loss. You're sad because your loved pet is gone, and the pain of that loss is terrible. Ways to cope with the depression include good nutrition, enough exercise, and enough sleep. Be around people and socialize to avoid the loneliness that can come from missing a pet, but realize that you cannot avoid the pain of the loss. Instead, try to focus not on how your pet is gone from your life, but on the joy your pet brought to your life while he or she was with you. Make a photo album or keepsake album of dog or cat pictures, a special memento that you can look at when you want to revisit specific memories.
5. Acceptance. The final stage of grief is the hardest to reach--the acceptance that what has happened cannot be changed, and that a beloved pet is truly gone. But accepting that a cherished companion is no longer with you does not mean that you'll forget the pet or the happy times you shared. Some people equate lessening grief with a sort of disrespect, but that's not so. There are many ways to honor your pet's memory and his or her importance in your life, even as the pain of loss lessens. You can place a lovely headstone at your pet's gravesite, or choose a memorial stone for your yard or garden. Keep your pet's collar or favorite toy in a keepsake box with your pet's photo on the outside. These serve as powerful symbols of remembrance and love, and can help you feel closer to your pet in a
Losing a pet is painful, but the grief and sadness you feel is necessary and
| Shelley Ontis is a freelance writer who writes for Remmeer.com Remmeer offers a wide variety of pet lover sympathy gifts, including cat memorial markers and dog memorial stones. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shelley_Ontis |
Pet Care - 5 Easy Ways to Keep Happy Pets
By Donald Mckenzie Jr
1) Create a great living atmosphere for your pet.
One of the best things you can do for your pet is to create a highly comfortable atmosphere for them. This goes for pet dogs, cats, birds, mice, lizards, turtles, rabbits, and all other house
2) Only feed them the best nutritious foods.
Your pet will only stay as
3) Shower your pet with love and affection.
The love and affection you show your pet will help it to live a long life. A few ways to do this are using low sweet voices when interacting with any pet, petting and hugging frequently, and physically playing with your pet. If your pet is a lizard, snake, mouse, or bird, you can sometime take them out of their cages to get some fresh air. If you have a pet dog, then pull off the leash and let them run around outside each day. Believe it or not, your pet will greatly appreciate this and love you in return. If they are kept cooped up in a cage or indoors each day, they will tend to grow viscous and hostile towards anyone who comes close.
4) Give your pet great baths.
Try to remember that a clean pet is always a happy pet. Would you be happy with dirty smelly skin? Although some
5) Buy your
It is always a great idea to get your pet toys and items that keep them busy. Cats seem to be fascinated by yarn and fur. They can just sit there all day swiping at it with their paws. If you can find out what fascinates your pet, it will help them to stay alert and even
| For more information visit these two websites: http://house-pets.blogspot.com and http://how-to-garden.blogspot.com - You can also get information on global warming by visiting this website: http://about-global-warming.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Mckenzie_Jr |
Pet Nutrition and Health - Continuous Learning!
By Richard Monson
When people moved from rural areas to more populated centers for job accessibility, cultural and entertainment purposes, the age old way of feeding a pet table scraps and allowing a free running pet to scrounge for food, changed. The concentration of people meant
The resulting change of humans purchasing processed foods created the processed pet food industry to begin flourishing in the 50's and 60's. Somewhere I read an estimate that over 90% of all the food
Recently the nutritional
We would all like to have pet food products that are "natural" and "organic", but must realize the major manufacturers are more inclined to cater to the "Bottom Line" which requires volume more than their dedication to nutritional quality which by government standards has only to meet the bare minimums. The words "natural" and "organic" are hard to verify in any product.
An important bit of information about pet foods is: The label does not tell the whole story. Consider this...the first listed ingredient is supposed to be of the greatest quantity, but since the ingredients are listed by weight what is the moisture content of the first item when processed into this food? Grains and meat can be 10%, 20%, 40% or? Additional items can be 5%...what is the true amount within.
What are meat bi-products? Are they the bone scrapings, cartilage, tallow and/or some unthinkable items? Why are preservatives used? Is it because such large production creates distribution problems and the pet food sacks can be in a hot warehouse or semi-trailer (parked in the hot sun) for extended periods of time (think 6 months or even a year) before being delivered or sold. Consider the processing, overheating and chemical processing destroys much that is necessary for proper nutrition.
Quality and integrity of pet foods cannot be totally determined by reading the label, it requires investigation and education found by comparing ingredients (particularly quality), asking and questioning experts in the field, veterinarians (except those well versed in nutrition) are not always the most reliable source of information.
There are good sources of information and products on the internet. Most sellers of commercial pet foods (veterinarians and store sales personnel) are coached by the manufacturers or distributors of these mass produced products. Read and read some more, then use that information to provide the best nutrition for your pet(s).
| Richard Monson is an entrepreneurial spirit with many interests. Pets are continuous companions in his life. Having lived on a farm he has concern for animals and out of necessity has studied animal nutrition and Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Monson |
Pet Poisoning Symptoms - Your Rhubarb Plants Can Be Harmful
By Elizabeth Orr
It is a well known fact to many, that a substance called oxalate is quite prevalent in the leaves of the rhubarb plant. It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream if ingested and can cause severe problems.
Rhubarb lovers and gardeners alike know that only the stems are eaten, and the leaves are cut off at harvest time. Some of us faithfully wear gloves at all times. Some do not. Some people compost the leaves. Others make a quick trip to the garbage dump. There is some debate on the severity of the dangers.
Yet, with all we know, and all we have read, how many of us put our
We consistently send our
I bet that a huge chunk of the population never really considers the danger a simple garden plant can pose to a curious animal. It isn't due to a lack of caring or concern for our beloved
Animals are so instinctively curious and notorious for getting into things they should avoid.
Humans know better, or at least we should. Animals do not, and so we should be aware that the symptoms displayed by rhubarb poisoning in
A pet in trouble will typically display the signs in the form of excessive drooling or vomiting or both. They will obviously be not too steady on their feet and appear to be staggering. Your pet may show signs of obvious abdominal pain when touched. Eventually he may even go into convulsions. Would you know how to handle this, seeing that your pet is in distress?
The most obvious thing to do I believe, would be to immediately call your veterinarian for his opinion.
You are sure to be advised to get your pet medical attention. Instructions have been published on how to give an animal ipecac to induce vomiting. I don't believe this is the best thing to do, simply because we are not qualified to determine if that is the solution. I would not use the hydrogen-peroxide and water mixture either for the same reason. Vomiting can even enhance the problem on the way back up as well.
I also don't believe this is a good idea, as it means physically forcing your pet to do this while they are distressed. I speak from experience that the worst thing you can do, is put your hands around the face of a pet who is severely agitated. If you think there is poison in a rhubarb leaf, consider the bacteria contained in the front long fangs of a cat. While trying to comfort a distressed pet, I was immediately bitten on the knuckle. My hand became horribly red and inflamed overnight. It swelled to an incredible size much to the worry of my doctor. That is a dangerous situation, and took two weeks to begin to heal.
Get some assistance, wear heavy gloves and muzzle your pet if you can. Transport them in a carrier to your vet and keep them warm with a familiar blanket. Take vomit samples with you. Have a sample of the leaf if possible.
If you are not sure to begin with how serious the situation is, call your local SPCA, or
We need to discipline ourselves as responsible pet lovers to improve our efforts to keep them safe in their own surroundings. We should be faithfully accompanying them when we put them outside to roam freely. We should be there to guide them away from any garden dangers. We need to put barriers around the dangerous parts of our gardens. Better yet, we should have specific places for them to roam where they are restricted to that one safe area only.
| Elizabeth Orr http://www.savor-the-rhubarb.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Orr | |
The Art of Avian Medicine
By Paul Skellenger
In this article we discuss the tests that should be considered in a variety of different cases, or what we refer to as a sick bird decision tree.
· First of all, is there any chance this could be a contagious infectious disease? In order for this to be the case, the bird must have been around other birds in the relatively recent past. If, for instance, the bird was just purchased from a pet store, it is very likely it came into contact with other birds before or during its stay at the store making infectious disease more likely.
· Has the bird been exposed to an environmental toxin such as zinc or lead, or an inhaled toxin such as smoke or paint fumes?
· What does the bird eat? Note that this is frequently not the same as what the bird is fed. Could the illness be diet related?
· Could this be a reproductive problem?
· Is there any evidence of organ disease such as heart, liver, kidney, or pancreas? Could there be a mass or tumor?
· If the bird has been around other birds in the relatively recent past or is from a pet store, bird auction, breeder, or aviary within the last several months then testing for infectious diseases comes first. This includes a fecal float, fecal smear, fecal gram stain, choana gram stain, Chlamydia test, bacterial culture and sensitivity when indicated, testing for other specific infectious diseases when indicated, and a blood count or profile (a profile includes a complete blood count and a complete set of biochemical tests).
· If the bird is being introduced into a home with other birds, an aviary, or a boarding facility, then testing for Polyomavirus and Psittacine Beak and Feather disease is also included. This is true for especially valuable or expensive birds also. Sexing can be submitted at the same time. Whenever infectious disease seems unlikely, the single most useful test in assessing the bird's
· Birds showing symptoms such as twitching, dizziness, lethargy, seizures, falling, or even lameness may be suffering from heavy metal toxicity. Blood can be submitted to test for Zinc and Lead levels.
· Chronically ill birds may have fungal cultures or titers run. In many cases, the use of Protein Electrophoresis is useful to characterize the nature of a chronic disease process. Whenever we notice a swelling or lump, aspiration and cytology is recommended to determine if there are tumor cells present.
· Birds who are picking at themselves or who have lesions on the skin may need a skin scraping, impression cytology, or biopsy
· If your bird has regurgitated or passed undigested food, X-rays including a GI contrast study should be performed to screen for Proventricular Dilatation Disease and other diseases that cause these symptoms.
· Birds presenting with respiratory distress should be handled as little as possible. It is possible to take X-rays, to Transilluminate the trachea, and to examine the interior of the trachea to check for obstruction.
· Sneezing, swelling or redness around the face or eyes is an indication for irrigation of the nasal cavity and collection of samples for wet mount, gram stain, culture, and Chlamydia testing. Whenever indicated, we can perform endoscopy to examine the interior of the trachea, abdomen, and air sacs for biopsy, culture, or cytology.
Whether infections or non-infectious, the most common problems we see involve the Gastrointestinal or Respiratory tract, are nutritional in nature, or have a behavior or psychological component.
| Dr Paul Skellenger is the Veterinarian for Veterinarian Care.US and has over 20 years in Veterinarian Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Skellenger |
Reach The Superior Health Level of Your Dog With a Clean Colon
By George Christodoulou
Anyone who knows anything about dogs, knows that the best way to check the stake of his or her health is to run your hand across its nose or snout as it is known. If the snout is wet it is a sure sign that the dog is healthy and everything is functioning as it should be.
There are also other external signs that a dog is healthy, if they is active or frisky or dull and lethargic, if their eyes are bright, and especially if their coats are sleek and shiny. A dog with a sleek and shiny coat is dog how is healthy. A dog that is healthy is a testament to their owners who make sure that they get the proper diet, not too much junk to eat and plenty of exercise which the average healthy dog will crave.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, whichever way you look at it human beings have neither snouts or furry coats. Despite that fact you can generally look at a human and see that all is not right with them of not. Their mucous may look dry and pasty; it may even be spotty even though they are well passed their adolescent years. What does this usually indicate? That all is not well with their digestive system, and their colon and bowel may well be clogged up with an accumulation of undigested grease and toxins. This accumulation will have been usually brought about by a culmination of three factors.
1. A highly unhealthy diet based around fast foods and not drinking enough fresh water
2. Insufficient if not total lack of exercise.
3. Exposure to toxics in the air or cigarette smoke.
The only way a person can break free of this self imposed viscous circle of a poorly maintained digestive system is to begin a new healthy diet and exercise regime. The best way to signal the start of this new regime is having the colon thoroughly cleaning carried out. This will remove all the junk that is clogging up there and set this sickly looking individual looking live the human version of Lassie the wonder dog.
| George Christodoulou For more information about colon cleansing problems, please visit ColonCleansingBlueprint.com for one of the most comprehensive colon cleansing systems on the market today. You will learn about preparing for a colon cleansing, enzymes, probiotics, hydrothrapy, fiber, dieting, and more! - http://coloncleansingblueprint.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Christodoulou |
Watch Out For These Common Household Items That Can Kill Your Dog
By Douglas Hanna
Just as you child-proof your home before the new baby begins to walk, you have to consider the fact that a new dog will go after just about anything in the house. Here are some common household items that are poisonous to dogs.
* Prescription medications that that should be kept out of the reach of dogs: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, aspirin, cough and cold syrups.
* Indoor plants can be very dangerous for dogs and should only be kept on a counter high enough that the a dog cannot reach them. If you have a large dog, you may want to get rid of these plants altogether. Plants that can cause harm to dogs are tulip bulbs, poinsettias, philodendrons, daffodils, lily of the valley, and azaleas.
* Foods: Dogs have a way of getting into cabinets where you store the "good stuff." Foods that are dangerous to dogs: chocolate, yeast, grapes, onions, and raisins.
* Insecticides: These kept in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf in the garage and not in the home: rat poison, flea and tick products, and other insecticides.
* Cleaners: If you keep these under the kitchen sink, be sure to dog-proof the cabinet. This will make sure these items cannot be taken out by your dog: bleach, detergent, furniture polish, soap, and disinfectants.
* Chemicals: These include lighter fluid, turpentine, antifreeze, gasoline, glue, paint, solvents, and any type of acids.
* Tobacco: Try to avoid leaving out a pack of cigarettes that can be easily eaten by your dog.
* Household Hazards: Ensure that there are all the electrical outlets in your home are covered. No extension cords should be in a placed where dogs can chew on them. All electrical appliances should be turned off or unplugged.
* Small collectible items that you have showcased in your home should be transferred to the top of an open bookshelf or an enclosed glass closet.
* Ensure that no bathroom items are left out on the sink or counter. If you have a cabinet under the bathroom sink, make sure it has a safety lock as well.
I am curious dog
Dogs are a curious animals and are inherently prone to forage for food or other items they consider to be chewable toys. Think of your dog as another child. As dedicated as you are to child-proofing your home, you should be just as careful about dog-proofing it. This way, there is little or no chance of an accident happening when you are not home or when you are fast asleep.
For puppies, a good recommendation is to keep them in a kennel during the night so that they can sleep peacefully and not roam around the house.
Err on the side of caution
However, always err on the side of caution. A simple test would be to get down on your hands and knees and go through your entire home. This test has been used by those who wish to child-proof their homes. It is a sound idea for dogs as well.
| Will your dog be killed by its food? Did you know that the wrong diet can cause your dog to die prematurely? The fact is, commercial dog foods that are high in preservatives can cause cancer in dogs, as well as liver failure, leukemia and even increased aggressiveness - something that can be a real problem if the dog is around kids. You can get more information on dog diets and premature dog death by clicking here Don't take a change of your dog dying young. Don't take a change of your dog dying young. Cick here to get the information you need to protect your dog from deadly preservatives. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Hanna |
8 Tips For Choosing The Right Dog Food
By Douglas Hanna
If you were told that some of your dog's diet should consist of spaghetti and meatballs (without the sauce), what would you think? Would you be amazed to learn that this can be quite good for your dog?
Here are some tips for choosing the right diet for your dog.
First, although more and more dog owners are choosing to prepare homemade dog meals, there are others who opt for the premium dog foods. Still, others simply feed their dogs whatever is cheap or on sale. The big problem with commercial dog food is that there is no set standard for what goes into the can except that it must contain vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Top #1. The only real way to determine if the quality of the commercial food you're buying is by reading the label. And in some cases, you almost need an advanced degree to understand the actual ingredients. However, try to determine what percentage is preservatives as they can have a very negative effect on the dog's longevity.
Tip #2: Selecting the right diet for dogs is similar to choosing the right diet for humans. It will depend on factors such as the dog's size, weight, allergies, etc., as dogs are as different from one another as are humans. The important thing with all dog breeds it to choose the right diet, assuring that it is well-balanced and offers the right amount of nutrients.
Tip #3. The recent recall of pet food suggests that homemade dog food might be the best way to feed your dog. However, it does take some preparation time and effort to make sure the food is fresh, prepared properly, and is well balanced.
Tip #4. There are foods that should never be given to dogs. This includes dairy products, chocolate, and foods containing sugar.
Tip #5. Many experts suggest you feed your dog a diet of protein such as meat, chicken, and turkey. While this is probably a good idea, keep in mind that the only meat not suitable for dogs is pork and pork products.
Tip #6. Premium dog foods usually contains vegetables, fruits, fat, fiber, and Vitamin E and can be a healthy alternative to homemade meals.
Tip #7. Althoug some people consider premium dog food to be too expensive, it is important to keep things in perspective -- the healthier the food, the less you will have to feed your dog in order for it to obtain all the nutrition it needs. If you feed your dog a sub-standard product, you most likely will have to give the dog more to assure it is properly fed.
Tip #8, While homemade food preparation is becoming more popular, so too is holistic diets for dogs. There is information available online about holistic dog diets, including those recipes that are available if you choose to go holistic.
| Will your dog be killed by its food? Did you know that the wrong diet can cause your dog to die prematurely? The fact is, commercial dog foods that are high in preservatives can cause cancer in dogs, as well as liver failure, leukemia and even increased aggressiveness - something that can be a real problem if the dog is around kids. You can get more information on dog diets and premature dog death by clicking here Don't take a change of your dog dying young. Don't take a change of your dog dying young. Click here to get the information you need to protect your dog from deadly preservatives. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Hanna |
How to Choose the Perfect Dog Breed for Your Family
By Lewis L
Thinking of adding a new dog to your home? Congratulations! It's an exciting decision, but also a very important one. After all, you are choosing to take on the well being of another living thing. This makes it necessary for you to make sure that you go with a dog that is right for your living circumstances. Here are a few examples of factors you should keep in mind when choosing a dog.
How much free time do you have?
One of the first considerations has to do with the amount of time you will be able to spend with your new pet. Do you work long hours that leave you with little free time? Perhaps your work requires that you travel frequently, which means you will need to place your pet into a kennel on a regular basis. If these two factors apply to you, then think long and hard before getting a dog. Pets need attention that goes beyond a comfortable place to sleep and fresh food and drink. If your pet is not likely to see much of you, then perhaps goldfish would be a better choice.
Will your new dog be comfortable?
Next, take a look around your home and think in terms of how comfortable various breeds would be in your home. If you live in an apartment and have limited space, a smaller dog might be a good option. On the other hand, if you have a home with a fenced in back yard a larger dog will do very well, since there is always the option of getting some exercise in a safe place. When choosing a dog, always keep in mind that your pet will need room to roam. Only consider breeds that will fit into your living space nicely.
Why do you want a dog?
Third, consider your reasons for wanting to own a dog. Are you mainly interested in having some company? If that is the case, then you will want to go with a breed that is very loving and will provide you with an energetic welcome when you come home. On the other hand, if the point of having a dog is to add an element of security to your life and home, you may want to go with a dog that is a little larger and tends to be somewhat territorial. Most of these dogs are still somewhat affectionate, but will tend to be somewhat suspicious of strangers in the home until they get a clue from you that it is okay for the individual to be there.
Do you have children?
Last, if you have children in the home, be very careful in your selection of a dog. Some dogs take very well to children and become playmates. At the same time, they will also become very protective of your children, which is a good thing. However, not all breeds mix well with children. When choosing a dog to be the family pet, go with a breed of dogs that is known to be children friendly.
| There's a ton of great information about dog breeds on the internet. http://www.AmazingDogBreeds.com is a great source for more information about dog breeds, including photos, videos, articles, and many other resources. Check it out today! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lewis_L |