Top 5 Organic Snacks for Dogs

Top 5 Organic Snacks for Dogs
By Jon J Alfonso
If you have joined the organic revolution, why not extend this to the health of your dog as well? You can feel good about buying organic for your dog. Buying organic foods and dog treats means that you are investing in your dog's health by leaving out the chemicals. The following dog treats are the best-selling on the market.

Wet Noses Organic Dog Treats

Wet Noses apple and carrot organic dog treats are sure to be a hit with your precious pooch. They are USDA certified organic and are made with human grade ingredients in a United States facility. They smell great and are full of wholesome ingredients and organic flours. Their ingredients include organic rye flour, organic oat flour, fresh apples, fresh carrots, organic whole oats, apple juice, olive oil, molasses and ground thyme. They do not contain any corn, wheat, soy, chemicals, preservatives, animal by-products or dairy.

Plato Small Bites

Plato Small Bites Organic Chicken Dog Treats are designed for dogs that have had skin issues, allergies, food sensitivities or weight problems. These treats are cooked and not freeze-dried. They do not contain allergens such as grain, gluten, soy, wheat, corn and fillers. They also don't have any added sugars, artificial preservatives, by-products, artificial colors, or protein meals. They are single-source novel protein treats made from 75% organic chicken. These treats are fortified with antioxidant vitamins and zinc.

The Honest Kitchen Smooches

Smooches Chicken & Cranberry Recipe Dog Treats are made with all human-grade ingredients. These homemade dog treats come in the shape of a little heart. Their wheat-free formula is popular with even the most finicky of dogs. They don't contain any corn, what or soy. These treats are perfect for dogs that have a weight problem as each one only contains 2.3 calories. They contain barley flour, chicken, molasses, water, eggs, coconut oil, cranberries and parmesan cheese.

Castor & Pollux Organix

Castor & Pollux Organix dog cookies are chicken flavored. These all-natural dog treats feature 95% USDA certified organic ingredients. Organic, range-free chicken is their primary ingredient. Made in the USA, these organic dog cookies have a crunchy texture that dogs love. They are also low-calorie, with only 8 calories each. They contain no corn, wheat or soy. Its organic ingredients are produced without chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, artificial preservatives, added growth hormones or antibiotics. Its organic ingredients include chicken, peas, brown rice, oats, barley, chicken fat, natural chicken liver flavor, flaxseed and rosemary extract.

Newman's Own Premium Dog Treats

Newman's Own Premium Dog Treats are also flavored like chicken. They are made with all natural and organic ingredients. They do not have any wheat, corn, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Their organic ingredients include barley flour, ground chicken, cane molasses, carrots, apples, chicken fat, rolled oats and rosemary extract. Another benefit of buying Newman's Own treats is that they donate all their profits on the product to charity.
Jon Alfonso is a writer and electric dog fence expert for Flexpetz.com, A dog fence wire manufacturer and dog fence system reseller. We love dogs and write about dog breeds, dog training, health and other animal news.
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Doggie Daycare Is Your Dog's Day Out

Doggie Daycare Is Your Dog's Day Out
By Jill Manty
Doesn't it feel great when you come home after spending an exhausting day of fun-filled adventure with friends? And don't you look forward to the next time you get to do it? After all, it was so much fun! And let's face it-we need days like that. Your dog needs days like that too, but with other dogs. For dog-owners who do not have regular playgroups with other dog-owners, taking your dog to a doggie-daycare can be an excellent choice. Once a week is a good low-end goal to aim for, but even just twice a month can be helpful. And with prices typically being significantly less than boarding, it can be surprisingly affordable.
Benefits for your dog.
Taking your dog to doggie-daycare provides several benefits for your dog.

• Mental Stimulation

If you have ever had too much time on your hands, you know how it adversely affects your mind. It's that "I'm so bored it's driving me crazy!" feeling. In our crazy busy worlds, it's easy to envy our dog's easy-going life. But put yourself in their paws for a moment and consider how frustrating too much idle time can be. Your dog needs the mental stimulation that comes from playing with other dogs.

• Physical Stimulation / Exercise

A tired dog is a happy dog. While those with toy or small-size dogs may be able to wear them out with a good jog around the neighborhood, many breeds have been bred to work all day-and they can outlast most of their owners. Other dogs can keep up with them and wear them out in a fun way.

• Socialization

I'm referring to exposing your dog to new experiences, including environments, people, and dogs. While this is especially important for puppies, it is good for dogs of any age. The more they are exposed to, the better equipped they are to handle other new experiences. It is one of the most important parts of training a dog to live in a human world.
Benefits for you.
Yes, your money isn't just going to the dog-you get some great perks, too.

• A Better Behaving Dog

One of the leading causes of behavioral problems in dogs is simple boredom. Just like kids (and even adults), they are going to try to find something to do just to have something to do. Too often, what they find manifests itself in destructive behavior (chewing, digging, etc.). Doggie-daycare relieves boredom, and because of the socialization, also helps reduce behavioral problems resulting from a dog that does not know how to handle a new situation.

• A Calmer Dog - Just like a person, a worn-out dog is going to want to relax after a tiring day. It can make for a nice, relaxing evening for both you and your dog.

While not every dog is suitable for doggie-care, most are. And with many doggie-daycare programs costing well under $15 per day, it is an affordable, good time for both your dog and you.
Written by Jill Manty for the owner of http://www.meadowlakepetresort.com/. This article can be reproduced in whole or in part, providing this byline is included along with a followable link to http://www.meadowlakepetresort.com/.
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Dog Micro Chip - Dog Training

You'd be surprised how many dogs go missing each year around the world when their perfectly good owner has a brief laps in concentration and the dog ends up running away after a squirrel or other animal never to be seen again.

You might think that it will never happen to you because you're too careful and never take your eyes of the dog, but believe me it will happen a lot quicker than expected and could have devastating consequences.

Although your dog might have run off and disobeyed your commands when they went this doesn't mean that you're a bad trainer or have no control over your dog, but these things do happen and unless your dog is an extremely well behaved and trained dog not much can stop them from chasing something when they're in the mood.

This is where the micro chip comes in; the dog micro chip is a small soda limed glass tube that gets inserted into your dog containing a chip, antenna, and capacitor. These are used together to hold vital information about your dog or the dog in hand so that people all over the world can trace the ownership of this dog back to you at your home.

The chip does not hold a complete profile of your dog but only a I.D. number that then gives access to the information via a database which can be reached from the majority of pet and dog specialists, kennels and shelters all over the world.

It takes just a few seconds to insert the chip and it hurts your dog no more than a regular vaccination procedure and for this your get the security and ease of mind knowing that your dog can be reached and found anywhere in the world, and for me that's worth it.


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About the Author

For more information on dog training and health, or web link exchanges visit the dog-behavior-training.co.uk website at this link...Dog Training.

Cool Tools for Pet Pests

  
By Gregory Franklyn

There are LOTS of products to protect your dogs, cats, ferrets, mice, rats etc., and if you give me a minute I'll be more than happy to sell you all of them, but today I'm out to save you some money, get you much closer to your pet, and eliminate the need for my own Flea & Tick products. Here's a few tips you can easily use to deal with Ticks, Fleas and other small insect parasites that, literally, LIVE to hitch a ride on your little loved ones.

Eucalyptus: I've had 2 separate successful incidents of eliminating a flea infestation in my home using this common tree. By Infestation I mean fleas jumping on my bare feet while just walking through a room. It got that bad because we did NOT want to use an insecticide at all, let alone INSIDE our house! I did a lot of research on natural methods of dealing with fleas and ticks. Most were a bust, but we did find a write-up in Jethro Kloss' "Back to Eden" that suggested using Eucalyptus.

Here's what we did: There happened to be a grove of Eucalyptus trees just across the road from our house. We went over there and picked up a bunch of fallen branches and cut a few down too. We took them all across the street, took all the leaves off and spread them all over the house. About 48 hours later, there wasn't a flea or tick to be found, not even on Disco (the cat) or Toke (The dog). As it turns out, most insects, including fleas and ticks, are not particularly fond of the scent. They simply left on their own. We were delighted that we didn't have to harm anything, including the pests we wanted to be rid of, while solving a real problem with no cost what so ever.

Years later I had the same problem with a roommates' Cat. My roommate insisted her name was "Sly" but I called her "The Evil One"! That's a story for another day, however. This time there were no Eucalyptus trees to be found and we didn't have the luxury of raiding a nearby grove. So I tried the next best thing. I learned that it was the scent that the nasty little buggers didn't like, so I went to "the Body Shoppe" at the Mall and got some Eucalyptus oil and put it in a spray bottle with a bunch of warm water and walked through the house spraying every carpet and rug I could find. Furniture too! Sure enough, about 48 hours later, we were free of fleas and ticks.

Love that Jethro Kloss! He also suggested making a shampoo for furry animals that includes good concentrations of Pennyroyal. It's as effective as any current meds available today but it's a lot more labor intensive. You have to shampoo your pets regularly, about every 5-7 days in some cases. The labor comes in when you have to negotiate with a cat to give them a shampoo ONCE let alone every 5 days. The Dogs had fun with the whole operation, though. When they got out of the tub naturally they would run through the house shaking the water off their coats (Pennyroyal and all) all over the house. Immunizing the rugs and furniture in the process. How thoughtful!

Lastly, and this one works for Ticks much better than fleas, you can pick up some "Brewer's Yeast" or "Nutritional Yeast" in the bulk section of most grocery stores these days and certainly at any natural food store. Just sprinkle a little bit on your dog or cat's food every so often. When a tick bites your loved one they don't like the taste and start looking for another host to hitch a ride on. Don't over do the yeast sprinkling even though you dogs and cats love the taste. It gave Disco and Toke the runs because I started out thinking I had to use a heavy concentration. Just a little will do the trick and you'll save yourself the nasty chore of cleaning up runny,,, um,,, well, you get my meaning!

As an aside: A little Brewer's Yeast and soy sauce on your popcorn and/or your baked potatoes is a real delight at my house and it DOESN'T give us the runs. Since you already have some in the house now anyway…..

So if you don't want to go to all the trouble of using these "Back to Nature" tricks, we have a variety of solutions for your pets that are also natural, but we do all the work FOR you. Stop by and see what we have for you and your funny furry freaky friends at http://www.gonatures.com

Much Love,
Gregory

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About the Author

Gregory Franklyn is a 50 something native of Detroit who currently calls the Pacific Northwest his home. He has studied and applied Natural and Alternative remedies for common ailments for over 15 years. He currently operates a website dedicated to information and products that naturally enhance the human body's ability to heal itself. Franklyn is NOT a medical health professional. Visit http://www.gonatures.com

All About Helping Dog Separation Anxiety

By Joe R. Maldonado

If you have a pet that goes bonkers when you leave the house, he may be suffering from dog separation anxiety. Dogs have feelings just like people do, and when you have one with separation anxiety, this becomes all too clear.

There are cases when a dog becomes so used to having their owner present that when the dog is alone it is desperately searching for its master and wondering why he or she is not there.

There are certain identifiable signs and symptoms of dog separation anxiety that you should learn about in order to help you begin to remedy this problem for your dog.

Separation anxiety occurs most often in dogs that have spent time in a shelter or a pound. These are places where your dog may have experienced high levels of stress. When a dog undergoes periods of high stress followed by the huge relief of adoption into a loving and safe environment, this leaves a lasting effect on their minds and personalities.

Since you are the person who has brought them such relief, your dog has become very attached to you. When you leave your home and your dog is once again alone, this triggers the feelings that he or she once felt back in that stressful environment. Fear and anxiety is instilled in your dog that you will never return, and they will be stuck once again in a horrible situation for good.

Your dog’s natural response to this fear is to demonstrate destructive behaviors. They will scratch, chew or bite things just to feel secure once again. This is why it becomes so important to identify this problem in your dog right away so that you can work toward a remedy for the situation.

You can begin to treat dog separation anxiety by giving him or her regular daily exercise. Sometimes dogs have extra pent up energy that needs to be expelled from time to time. Take them outside to play fetch with a stick or Frisbee. Even by just giving your dog some wide open space to run around in you can help him be better equipped to handle situations in which you are not there with him.

Of course you should always be sure that your dog’s needs are going to be completely taken care of in your absence. Make your dog’s food and water bowls easily accessible, and make sure that they are completely full right before you leave the house. Leave plenty of toys and entertainment behind to keep your dog occupied. Some dog owners even find that their dogs have responded to them leaving the radio on when they leave. The constant background noise is similar to what it is like when you are home, and it helps to soothe them by making them feel like all is normal at home.

As long as you work to effectively understand and help your pet through dog separation anxiety, you will be able to come through it together with a new appreciation and love for your dog.



About the Author: Next, find out more about dog with separation anxiety in the best specialized website available on such delicate topic.

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Leather Dog Collars-A Classic!

By Max Allen

Leather dog collars have been around for many, many years. When I was a small lad of about eight, my dad got my dog "Corkie", a toy collie mix, a leather dog collar. Even back then dogs had to wear a collar with a license attached.
Nowadays dogs need a tag with ID attached so you can be notified if your beloved pet ever gets lost.
I like leather collars because they are tough and durable. They can last a long time.
Back when Corkie got his collar the only color you could get was black. A plain black collar at that. No other color and no decorations were available.
Times have changed and now you can get all types and colors of leather colors. You can still get plain leather collars if that is what you really want, but why not live a little and show off your dog with a colorful, fashionable leather dog collar.
Standard leather collars now come in a variety of styles and more than one color.
Both the standard leather and the fashionable leather collar can come adorned with spikes, studs, rhinestones, or flowers. Plus you can also get bones, stars, and hearts or paw emblems sewn into the collar.
Leather dog collars come in all sizes that will fit the small Chihuahua breed all the way up to the English Mastiff.
You can get your collar in many different widths to match the size of your dog. A 3/8" wide collar wouldn't even begin to fit the neck of the Mastiff, and the 2" wide one would probably be bigger than the whole Chihuahua.
The only drawback to the leather collar is if your dog loves to swim. A lot of water on a leather collar will sometimes make the collar brittle and weaken it and it might even shrink a little. Keep the collar dry and it should last for many, many years.
If your dog is a 'water dog' then a good nylon or waterproof collar is what you need to get them when you take them to the beach or lake. Put on the tough leather collar when your dog is strutting around the neighborhood.
This season think leather because a leather dog collar is classic! It has been around for decades and will still be around years from now.
Come on over to our website at http://www.mytopdogjewelry.com/ where you will find all kinds of leather dog collars, pet jewelry and dog products. Get the right leather dog collar for your dog at My Top Dog Jewelry and discover how you can earn a free gift.


About The Author:
Max has two dogs, a Chocolate Lab and a German Shepard puppy along with 2 cats. Our lab, Belle, just loves it when we put some Bling on her. The puppy, not so much yet, but he is growing every day. Jury still out on the cats. We love our pets and our customers.

How To Stop a Chihuahua From Whining

By Lea Mullins

A whining Chihuahua is quite common; it is a way for them to communicate with their owners and families. This is the same when they communicate with their mother, is they cold or need some attention, hungry or fear they might be left behind. Generally the mother gives her pup what they need. So it's expected that your pup will communicate to you in the same way.
There is a way you can break your Chihuahua's habit of whining. The best way to tackle this problem is by taking away their reason for whining and by refusing what they require when they whine.
If their needs are adequately met then their need to whine is eliminated. This can be done by feeding your pet at regular intervals that meet their nutritional requirements and fresh water every day. Remember not to feed whenever they whine as it only reinforces their reward for action. Instead feed them when they don't whine and about the same time everyday .You will then be rewarding them for their good behavior.
These breeds love spending time and playing with their owner throughout the day. This prevents the reason for attention whining. If they start to whine ignore it and refuse to play till the whining ceases. This will also teach positive reinforcement when they behave well. Another thing you may need to consider for the times when you cannot play with them is investing in a few toys to keep them from becoming bored and whining for attention.
Dog training for your Chihuahua will also help them accept when you need to leave them alone but without them feeling abandoned. You can also do this at home by providing a room full of toys to play with. Spend some time in the room then leave for a few minutes giving them some free play time. Return after a little and sit quietly in the room and eventually work on increasing the time you are out of the room for until they begin to understand that you'll always return to them and will accept the times when you're away.
By providing your Chihuahua with all their needs is fairly simple process and will eliminate their need to whine. They soon learn that their whining gets them no where but when quiet they accumulate all the rewards.

About The Author:
Lea Mullins narrates how to stop a Chihuahua from whining. TrainPetDog.com provides several tips on stopping bad behavior in your dog and imparitng positive dog training.

When A Dog Bites Get A Personal Injury Lawyer

by Nick Messe

Every year, millions of people throughout the country suffer from dog bites. In our society, many people have come to think about their pets as people with fur or hair, forgetting that they are still animals and do not have the capacity to reason and think like humans. For this reason, the law holds the pet owner responsible for the actions of their pets.

Injuries can range in severity from a mild bite that doesn't even break the skin, to a vicious mauling that can cause severe injuries and even death in the most extreme cases. Some dogs, such as pit bulls, have even been banned in some areas due to their violent tendencies and propensity to cause serious damage when attacking individuals.

Many of these deaths are handled in criminal court where precedents have been set for sentencing owners to many years in prison. In addition, a victim can file a civil lawsuit seeking to recover costs from medical bills and punitive damage. In order to get the compensation that they deserve because of a dog attack, victims need to consult with a personal injury lawyer or a wrongful death attorney.

Hiring a personal injury attorney or a wrongful death lawyer can allow victims to understand whether or not their case has merits and can be successfully argued in court. In many areas, there are clear laws and regulations that govern whether or not a victim of a dog attack can win damages from litigation. In order to prove culpability, a judge or jury must consider a number of factors. The first issue that will have to be determined is whether or not the dog in question actually caused the injury.

Next, the owner of the dog must be identified. Only then can a lawsuit be filed against that pet owner. Another consideration that a judge or jury has to make is whether or not the attack was the result of provocation from the victim.

If the attack was a result of the victim having provoked the dog, the case may not have merits and may not result in an award of damages. If, on the other hand, a person was walking by and minding his own business when attacked, a personal injury award may be granted. Finally, it must be determined whether or not a person had the legal right to be in the same area as the dog when the injury occurred.

Pet owners have a responsibility to keep the public safe from their pets. Owners of any dog, particularly dangerous dogs like pit bulls, should secure their yards with fences and make sure that their pet habitats are enclosed. Signs should also be posted to warn the public about potentially dangerous dogs.

Many jurisdictions also have leash laws that require any dog in a public area be fitted with a collar and leash. Not only does this protect the public, but it is also important to ensure the safety of the pet.

Dog bites happen all the time and often result in severe and painful injuries or even death. The law holds dog owners responsible for the behavior of their pets and provides methods of receiving compensation for injuries that result from attacks. Consulting a personal injury lawyer or wrongful death attorney is the only way for victims to make sure that they receive fair compensation for their injuries.

About The Author:
At the Shea Law Group we are experienced and highly effective Chicago personal injury lawyers. We understand the financial, emotional and physical toll that an accident takes on you and your loved ones. For free initial consultation visit SheaLawGroup.com or call us at -1-877-365-0040.

The 9 Secrets To Great Puppy Socialization

By Sam Carter

Teaching a puppy or a dog proper socialization skills is vital to the safety of both your dog and other dogs and people with whom he comes into contact. A properly socialized dog is a happy dog, and a joy to be around for both humans and animals. A poorly socialized dog, or one with no socialization at all, is a danger to other animals, other people and even his own family. Socialization is best done when the puppy is as young as possible The socialization lessons a young puppy learns are difficult to undo, and it is important to remember that the socialization skills the puppy learns will affect his behavior for the rest of his life.

A dog that is properly socialized will be neither frightened of nor aggressive towards either animals or humans. A properly socialized dog will take each new experience and stimulus in stride, and not become fearful or aggressive. Dogs that are not properly socialized often bite because of fear, and such a dog can become a hazard and a liability to the family who owns it. Improperly socialized dogs are also unable to adapt to new situations. A routine matter like a trip to the vets or to a friends house can quickly stress the dog out and lead to all sorts of problems.

Socialization is best done when the puppy is very young, perhaps around 12 weeks of age. Even after 12 weeks, however, it is important that the puppy continues its socialization in order to refine the all important social skills. It is possible to socialize an older puppy, but it is very difficult to achieve after the all important 12 week period has passed.

The following text describes how to properly socialize your puppy.

*Make each of the socialization events as pleasant and non-threatening for the puppy as possible. If a puppy's first experience with any new experience is an unpleasant one, it will be very difficult to undo that in the puppy's mind. In some cases, an early trauma can morph into a phobia that can last for a lifetime. It is better to take things slow and avoid having the puppy become frightened or injured.

*Try inviting your friends over to meet the new puppy. It is important to included as many different people as possible in the puppy's circle of acquaintances, including men, women, children, adults, as well as people of many diverse ethnic backgrounds and ages.

*Also invite friendly and healthy dogs and puppies over to meet your puppy. It is important for the puppy to meet a wide variety of other animals, including cats, hamsters, rabbits and other animals he is likely to meet. It is of course important to make sure that all animals the puppy comes into contact with have received all necessary vaccinations.

*Take the puppy to many different places, including shopping centers, pet stores, parks, school playgrounds and on walks around the neighborhood. Try to expose the puppy to places where they will be crowds of people and lots of diverse activity going on.

*Take the puppy for frequent short rides in the car. During these rides, be sure to stop the car once in a while and let the puppy look out the window at the world outside. *Introduce your puppy to a variety of items that may be unfamiliar. The puppy should be exposed to common items like bags, boxes, vacuum cleaners, umbrellas, hats, etc. that may be frightening to him. Allow and encourage the puppy to explore these items and see that he has nothing to fear from them.

* Get the puppy used to a variety of objects by rearranging familiar ones. Simply placing a chair upside down, or placing a table on its side, creates an object that your puppy will perceive as totally new.

* Get the puppy used to common procedures like being brushed, bathed, having the nails clipped, teeth cleaned, ears cleaned, etc. Your groomer and your veterinarian with thank you for this.

* Introduce the puppy to common things around the house, such as stairs. Also introduce the puppy to the collar and leash, so he will be comfortable with these items.

For information on training visit Dog Training

About the Author

Sam Carter has produced a Dog Obedience e-book that will help solve the most common dog behavior problems quickly & easily, thanks to this powerful insider information thousands of dog owners worldwide have been successful with their dog training, and solved their dog's behavior problems.

To download it instantly visithttp://www.dogobedienceexpert.com

A Death Of A Beloved Pet

Written By BETTE J.

I have, like everyone that has ever had a pet die, felt the loss of a dear friend of so many years of faithful companionship. I have lost my dear pets of a cat of two years, a cat of 13 years, a dog of 13 years, and a dog of 15 years; all within the last two and half years. It seems as through the hurt will never end but I know it will in time.

The house seems so empty without them now. My other pets are still searching for their friends. They will also adjust to the loss and once again become their fun loving selves.

As I look back over the years, the number of family pets that have past from this world is actually very high in numbers. Our family has always had special pets to each of us. They may have been cats, rabbits, gerbils, dogs, iguana, frogs, newts, fish, and snails. They all had their own personalities and supplied much entertainment for each of us to enjoy throughout their lives with us.

My children learned to care for the pet they choose to get. And each had a lot to learn about taking care of their chosen animal. The time spent with their pet was worth all the training that the child and pet received by living in the same house.

I think people are better off with pets than not having any pet to share their life with. Animals can be a great companion. Animals seem to except you with all your faults and short comings. They love to be with you no matter what is going on around them. Most pets only want to please you and make you happy.

They seem to get into your heart and share feelings that a member of your family most likely would share. When an elderly animal passes away, the loss is felt very deeply to the persons around them. The other animals also grieve for their missing friend and companion.

As time goes by, the pet is never forgotten, but the hurt and emptiness is less and less. Soon life will be back to normal. The memory of your pet will never be forgotten, but the good times and the fun time will be remembered forever. The process is continued with new pets that are loved just as much as all of the older pets that have pass in time.

Dogs and Frostbite

By Kelly Marshall

Pet owners don't always realize that dogs can get frostbite. However, they can suffer both hypothermia and frostbite if outside temperatures drop below freezing. Although not every breed of dog will be affected as quickly by the cold, most breeds will suffer from frostbite if there is not adequate protection from the cold. Even Alaskan Malamutes curl up together to help prevent frostbite during bitterly cold weather.

Hypothermia can be the first sign of frostbite

Before frostbite strikes, hypothermia may set in. This is a vital warning sign. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, trouble breathing, weakness, blue gums and progression to a comatose state. Alert pet owners can warn off frostbite by wrapping the pet in a blanket or cloth and taking them immediately to a veterinarian's office for treatment.

How to prevent frostbite

Dog owners should take special care with puppies as well as elderly dogs whose bodies may nobe in optimal condition. Listen to weather forecasts because some mild days can quickly turn to dangerously cold temperatures later. Also, don't assume sunny days prevent frostbite, especially if the temperature is below freezing or the wind chill makes the outside temperatures feel like they are below zero. Always err on the side of caution.

If salt or any chemicals are used to melt ice on driveways, make sure the ingredients are not dangerous to dogs. Consider buying booties designed to protect a dog's feet as well as a blanket or coat for those breeds with thin fur.

What if a dog accidentally gets outside and gets frostbite?

If the pet owner is not at home but arrives home to find that a pet has gotten outside, what are the warning signs of frostbite? To understand this, it is important to realize that frostbite is caused in a similar way to frostbite in humans - by death of body tissues when ice crystals form in body cells. Dogs are particularly susceptible to frostbite on their ears, feet and tails as well as any body part which stands out from the main trunk of the dog's body. Remember, a dog which has frostbite is suffering from damaged skin tissue and it is important to get appropriate medical treatment!

Does frostbite show up immediately?

Not necessarily. Damaged tissue may not show signs of interrupted blood flow right away. If your dog has been outside and shows any signs of hypothermia, call a specialist. Be clear about your dog's symptoms and follow the vet's advice. If a dog's legs start to swell or the skin changes color and the animal is clearly in pain, don't hesitate to get help. Be particularly careful to check the dog's ears, feet, toes and tail. If not treated immediately, it is possible that a dog may have to have a limb amputated. Proper care and immediate treatment can prevent this.

Does this mean that dogs can't live outside in the winter?

For the best advice concerning particular breeds, it is best to consult a veterinarian or specialist. Some dogs may be able to live outside, perhaps in a sheltered and heated garage. Others may be able to live in a protected area of the yard, as long as the dog house is designed to maintain safe body temperatures and retain heat. If the temperature drops below freezing, pay attention to weather reports which indicate that dogs should be brought inside. A dog will not get "spoiled" or used to being in the house if taken inside once in awhile - for the dog's protection.

About the Author: This article was written by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies - the leader in dog supplies, including small dog beds.

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Dogs and Hot Summer Days

By Patricia Ellison

If you’re having sunny weather it can be oh-so enticing to get outside with your dog and have a good time. There are so many things you can do from throwing a Frisbee or stick to hanging out at the beach. But, are you aware there is a danger that your dog will get sunburn, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. The good news is that you can prevent these things from happening to your dog.

Sunburn Protection

You might not have even thought it but the sun can burn your dog. Particularly sensitive areas are the nose, ears, and lips. If possible keep your dog in the shade between the hottest hours of the day. These are usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If there is no shade available you can put sunscreen on your dog’s nose and other sensitive areas.

It is not safe to put sunscreen on your dog’s lips. Just keep an eye on them to be sure there is no sunburn. Any blistering needs to be examined by a veterinarian.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Have you ever left your dog in a parked car? If so, it’s definitely time to stop. In fact, leaving a dog in a car is the number one reason that dogs get heat stroke. They can also develop it if they are too active on a very hot day and don’t have a shady spot to go to.

If your dog is overweight or has a history of lung or heart disease you need to be extra careful. Older dogs are particularly susceptible to getting heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Leaving your dog in your air conditioned home is best if you are going to be out running errands. If you must take your dog with you, leave them in the car with the air conditioner still running, preferably with a human with them.

Try not to take your dog exercising with you. Some people like to take their dogs power walking, jogging and cycling. Call it a day if your dog falls behind or seems overly hot or tired.

Be especially careful with dogs that live outside, these owners need to provide a shady area for them to go during the day. Ventilated doghouses and umbrellas that can do the trick.

It is best to keep older dogs inside no matter what when it’s very hot. You might even want to keep a fan on your dog to make sure he stays nice and cool.

Finally, keep an eye out for danger zones such as hot, black pavement, the bed of a truck, or beach sand. If you allow your dog to be on these areas he might get blisters. Stick to grassy areas if at all possible.

Water is Essential

Be sure there is clean, cool water available at all times. Giving your dog water is one of the number one way that you can prevent heat problems. This will stop dehydrations and other heat problems in their tracks.

Enjoy The Season But Use Caution

Yes, we all look forward to summer days and enjoying the sun after the chilly days of winter, but it is entirely up to us to use caution and keep our children and pets safe from the dangerous effects of the summer sun.

About the Author: Patricia Ellison is an experienced Chihuahua Breeder and dog lover, her kennel is located in Chiloquin, Oregon. Patricia provides vital dog care and training information to dog lovers worldwide at Patz-Dogs.com Although she exclusively breeds and sells Chihuahua, info is provided on many breeds

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Protect Your Dog From Lyme Disease

By Jeff Nenadic

Lyme disease is a disease that affects the pets. It has recently been accepted and recognized and infects the pets. It is a dangerous disease which is known to cause paralysis in advanced stages. Hence, one should be aware of this disease so that timely medical help can prevent your beloved pet from further suffering. Humans too can be affected by this. Pets are more prone to this disease from spring through fall.

The Lyme disease is common in Northwestern and Midwestern parts of US. Over 40 states have reported numerous cases since 1975. The carrier of this disease is deer tick which is transmitted to pets from white-tailed deer and white-footed mice. The deer tick can not hop or fly on its own and needs to be carried over. It waits on the grounds among the plants in wooded areas or tall grassed areas where the deer, mice and ticks are found in abundance. The ticks then stick to the bodies of these animals whenever they pass by.

These ticks generally stick and bite the head, ears, feet and neck of the dog. Unfortunately, the bite is not like the bees and mosquitoes and causes no pain. Thus, it is difficult to detect the disease until advanced stages. At times, the full bodies of the pets can be infested by ticks and yet the pets do not show any sign of pain. Hence, one has to be alert and get the dog regularly checked up.

Lyme disease symptoms include fever, sluggishness, plus sudden lameness accompanied with pain, warmth and swelling in the joints of the pet. At times, the tick bite can cause inflammation of the skin and round areas around the bite are formed. However, this can go unnoticed due to the thick fur and coat of the dog. If you suspect anything amiss, consult the vet immediately as an early treatment is good and beneficial for the dog. As the disease advances, both rear and front limbs are attacked. Later on, both the chest and respiratory muscles are attacked. At times, the respiratory muscles can become non-functional which can suffocate the dog. As the disease progresses, paralysis occurs and the hospitalization of the dog is inevitable in the advanced stages.

You can always learn more of this disease from the amazon.com site which has a host of books, literature by using search phrases like Lyme disease dogs. You can also modify your searches by your choice like rank, name, price etc. This can be done via the drop down option available on the search page. In case, you are short of money, you can always note the names of the books you liked from the Amazon site and search your public library for them or even more books. You can then borrow them and read them in the spare time at home or office. You can also search ebay.com for a host of information (books, cassettes, videos etc.). You can check out the prices at the price comparison site, MySsimon.com. Besides, you can also perform an online search via google.com.

About the Author: Written by Jeff Nenadic from My Dog Shop - check for current specials on chew toys online.

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Names For Kittens - 15 Ways To Choose The Perfect Name

By Jenny Jackson

Choosing a name for your beautiful new kitten or cat can be difficult - especially if you want an interesting name or one that has particular meaning.

Try to avoid choosing a long name, as it is likely to be abbreviated. Consider how the name would be shortened and whether you like the shortened form.

It is also important to consider whether you will be comfortable calling out the name, or if not you, other members of the household.

1. Appearance

Looking at your kittens coloring or coat pattern, what words come to mind? Grey cats might suggest Smokey or Misty. Calico cats might suggest Patchwork or Cookie.

2. Books and Film

Who are your favorite book or movie characters? Who are your favorite authors? Names like Sherlock or Agatha may appeal if you like mysteries. Dickens or Bronte? Harry or Hermione? If you like older films, maybe Groucho or Harpo. You could surely create a huge list of possibilities here.

3. Cartoons

Cartoon cats to consider are Tom, Sylvester or Garfield. Disney and Dreamworks films offer a plethora of character names...Ariel, Bambi, Aladdin, Shrek, Mulan, Woody, Buzz.

4. Gods/Goddesses

Some examples are Aurora, Zeus, Aphrodite, Venus, Mercury and Apollo.

5. Philosophers

Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Descartes, Nietzsche, Voltaire...

6. Musicians

Classical music lovers might like Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven, Brahms, Bach, Vivaldi, Chopin or Puccini. Modern music lovers might like Elvis, Zeppelin, Dylan, Joplin, Madonna or Bowie.

7. Pairs

If you are naming a pair of kittens, consider famous couples or duos such as Sonny and Cher, Oscar and Lucinda, Simon and Garfunkle, Napoleon and Josephine, Torville and Dean, Rain and Bow, Adam and Eve, Fish and Chips, Salt and Vinegar, Abbott and Costello.

8. Sport

Sport stars offer lots of name possibilities. If you're into tennis, you might like Sampras, McEnroe, Agassi, Stefi or Martina. Boxing fans might like Ali or Hurricane. Soccer enthusiasts might like Beckham or Pele.

9. Fashion

Fashion designers and models provide good possibilities for your kitten's name. Dior, Chanel, Coco, Armani, Tyra, Claudia, Giselle, Prada, Hugo, Gucci, Cartier, Fendi, Dolce, Tiffany, Zegna, Ray Bands, Hermes, Lacroix, Givenchy, Hermes.

10. Food

The possibilities are endless. For sweets, there is Baci, Sugar, Toffee, Fudge, Choc and Biscuit. Herbs and spices are another helpful category - Basil, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Sage, Ginger, Pepper, Saffron and Vanilla.

11. Places

What's your favorite city or town? Sydney, Melbourne, Paris, Milan, London, Aspen, Cairo, China, Vienna, Congo, Giza, Kashmir, Reno.

12. Historical

Mythology, politics and science could give you some great ideas, like Nightingale, Avalon, Aztec, Camelot, Delilah, Evita, Godiva, Sheeba, Einstein, Freud and Edison.

13. Titles

Is your kitten rather regal? Countess, Duchess, Fraulein, Senorita, Dame, Madam, Duke, Earl, Baron, Viscount, Queen, Princess, Prince, Lady to name a few.

14. Nature

Inspiration can come from gems, flowers, trees, animals and weather. Bamboo, Amber, Crystal, Blossom, Bonsai, Buttercup, Coral, Cosmic, Tempest, Daisy, Firefly, Cougar, Nimbus, Nova and Opal.

15. Alcohol

Wines, spirits and beers offer lots of inspiration...Amaretto, Baccardi, Vodka, Whisky, Brandy, Champagne, Daiquiri, Kahlua, Madeira, Margarita, Moet, Moonshine and Shiraz.

About the Author: You are welcome to reproduce this article on your pet or family related web site, as long as you reproduce the article in full, including this resource box and link to http://www.great-pictures-of-cats.com which features photo and video galleries of beautiful cats.

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Heated Sleeper For Your Cherished Home Pet

By Trevor Price

Heated pet beds aren't just an indulgence - they're often a necessity, particularly for old dogs with sore joints or arthritis, whelping puppies or animals that are sleeping outside, in a basement or garage.

There are three specific styles of electric pet beds. These are mats, insert warmers and complete, full-sized heated beds. To learn more about each kind of bed, keep reading.

Heating Mats for Pet Beds

Pet owners love heated mats because they're versatile. Whether you want to position them in a kennel, slap them on the bottom of a dog house or just lay one over a favorite sleeping surface, you can do it. They're also flexible for size, meaning they can fit different sizes of animals.

Before you use a heated pet mat outside, make sure it's certified for outdoor use. So, if you're planning to use your pet mat in a damp garage or dog house, look for one that's made with waterproof plastic and has an outdoor-graded power cord. Outdoor models typically come with fleece covers, which are fine. Just make sure you wash and dry them if they get wet or soiled.

Pet Bed Warmer Inserts

A pet bed warmer is great for pets that like to move around. The small insert can be moved from one bed to another. And because it's small, it uses a lot less power than a full-sized heated pet bed.

Pet bed warmers are small and portable, but that also means they don't hold up well under heavy conditions. So, if you need a warmer for the outdoor dog house or a cold basement, you may want to invest in a heavy-grade, heated mat.

Before you buy a pet bed warmer, make sure it has a temperature control - you want to be able to adjust the warmth so that it doesn't get too hot. Also, look for one that can handle a little scratching and biting.

Full Heated Pet Beds

A full-sized heated bed is the right choice if your pet likes a cupped bed, typically referred to as a "snuggle bed." They're sold in a range of styles and grades, depending on the size of your animal and whether it's staying outside or indoors.

Obviously, if you're buying a heated bed to keep your Chinese Crested Dog warm at night or you're buying one to soothe your Great Dane's arthritis, you'd size your snuggle bed accordingly.

When it comes to purchasing heated pet beds, no one model is better than the other. If you're looking for small and portable, opt for the insert. On the other hand, if you prefer durability and power, go for the mat. And if you just need a basic bed with a little bit of added warmth, then choose the full-sized bed.

Remember, your beloved pet has needs for warmth in cold, damp places much like people. A heated mat or bed is really a small cost to provide a little extra comfort.

About the Author: For helpful information about pet supplies, please visit petsuppliestips.com, a popular site about needs for your beloved pet, such as cheap dog crates, health care for pets, and many more!

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How Not to Catch a Bat in Three Days

By Kim Pearson

Day One, evening

It is dark when I get home. I am tired. I go into my office to check my email. I turn on the light and find a bat swooping through the room. Swoop swoop swoop.

Yes, I know bats eat insects and are harmless. I'm afraid of them anyway.

I shut the office door. I'll deal with the bat in the morning. In daylight the advantage will belong to me. I hope.

Day Two, morning

Armed with a broom and my Tupperware critter-trapper, I tiptoe up to the office door and press my ear against it. I hear nothing. I squeak the door open and peer through the crack. I see nothing swooping through the air. I open the door wider and look high on the walls, in corners, behind the blinds and pictures. Nothing. It looks like the bat is gone.

But I know it can't be gone because I don't believe in disappearing ghost bats.

I invite the two cats, including Mab the Mighty Hunter who has been known to bring down crows and squirrels, to check out the office. They come in, yawn, and Mab cleans her face. I call for my beagle Goody, hoping she will smell the bat. Goody wags her tail and asks to go for a walk. Clearly the animals know no more than I do about the bat's whereabouts. Or they don't care.

I sit at my desk. I wonder when and where the bat will appear. My peripheral vision is on alert. A surprise bat is much worse than a swooping bat. I feel like I'm in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. I know the bat is here. It is lurking in a place no one would ever suspect - an innocent, everyday sort of place. As soon as I let down my guard and relax into my working day, I will move a piece of paper or something and - SWOOP!

I don't know how much work I will get done today. Suddenly it seems like a nice day to work in the garden, despite the rain.

Day Two, afternoon

The bat is still at large. I could not find it even when I shined a flashlight into every corner of the room.

It's starting to get dark. Soon it will be Bat Time. It will have to come out because it will be hungry. So I have made a plan. I take the screen off the office window and open the window as far as it will go. Turning off the lights, I leave the office and shut the door. Surely the bat will fly out on its own as soon as it gets dark.

Day 2, evening

It's been dark for some time now. I squeak open the office door and turn on the light. No bat. I breathe a sigh of relief. My plan has worked and the bat is now off enjoying a healthy dinner of mosquitoes.

I make a big mistake. I go into the living room to watch a little TV - leaving the office door open. All is peaceful for an hour but then, in the midst of Biography on A&E, the bat bursts into the living room, with two cats in hot pursuit.

Swoop swoop thunder crash. The bat flies over the dining room table and the cats follow, knocking the candles over. Luckily they're not alight. The bat flies into the living room and the cats skitter across a whatnot table with the whatnots hurtling after them. The bat swoops down the hallway, and the cats make amazing leaps and twirls that would qualify for Olympic Gold.

They are accompanied by a hysterical beagle, having the absolute time of her life and barking her head off. She hasn't the least idea of what they are chasing but it's a great game and she wishes we could do this every night.

Meanwhile I rush for my broom. I hold it aloft while chasing the bat/cats/beagle, ducking when the bat swoops toward me. I emit high pitched squeals which I don't seem to be able to control. This is not fun. If bats use echolocation, then it must know it is swooping straight at my head. Clearly it is OUT TO GET ME.

Finally, Mab the Mighty Hunter leaps at least five feet into the air and her claw connects with the bat. It sails into the bathroom and lands with a soft thud. It feebly twitches its strange webbed wings, then lies still. I think the bat has resigned itself to death. I put the broom down and get the Tupperware. I tiptoe up to the bat, bend over and position the container to trap it. Just when my face is inches away, the bat springs to life again and SWOOP off it goes down the hallway.

The crazy chase begins again. I open the front door and back door, with a vague idea of "herding" the bat outside. But bats are not herd animals so this does not work.

I give up. Evidently the bat has chosen this difficult way to die. Who am I to deny it its right to choose?

I shut all internal doors, close and lock the front door but leave the back door ajar. I leave the bat and cats in the front of the house, to their fate. I know this is the coward's way out, but I go to bed anyway, locking my bedroom door.

If burglars choose my house tonight, they will have deal with the bat.

Day 3, morning

I open my bedroom door and creep down the hallway into the kitchen. I steel myself to find a bat corpse on the floor. But no. No signs of a bat, not even guano. The cats are asleep on the sofa. There are no traces of blood on their whiskers.

I make another traipse through the house with the flashlight. I find nothing. Did the bat fly out the back door?

Maybe. Maybe not. I guess I'll find out tonight.

About the Author: Kim Pearson is the author of five books, including Dog Park Diary, and a ghostwriter of more than thirty non-fiction books. Dog Park Diary is the first she has ghostwritten for a dog. For more about Dog Park Diary, visit Dog Park Diary, and for more about Kim’s ghostwriting services, visit Primary Sources.


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Tips When Traveling With Your Dog

By Geoffrey English

Traveling with a dog can be tough. Dogs can experience apprehension, over-excitement, dread, nausea and downright fear when they are forced to travel. Some dogs actually are nomadic in nature, and so might love to travel, but bark at people or other animals, are restless, or attempt to escape while traveling. Planning your trip carefully will enable you to relax and enjoy your trip more fully, and enable your dog to be secure and happy for the duration of the ride.

It is always wise before traveling to have your dog seen by a veterinarian. This is especially true if you are traveling across state lines or into other countries. Your vet will check for illnesses, injuries or conditions that might preclude your dog from travel. Upon request, your veterinarian will provide you with a certificate of health, and a copy of your dogs’ Rabies vaccination. These documents are necessary to gain entry into other countries. While receiving vaccinations, you should also ask your vet to vaccinate your dog against Bordatella and parvovirus, as some areas that you may be traveling to may have outbreaks of either or both.

If you will be flying with your dog, it is vital to have a clear understanding of the airline’s regulations concerning dogs. Most airlines insist that you use only airline-approved travel crates, that your dog’s documentation be posted to the side of the crate, and that the crate have 24-48 hours worth of food, and any needed medications. Beware that a large percentage of airlines have the 80 degree rule: if the temperature at any point along the flight is projected to reach eighty degrees or higher, your dog will not be permitted to fly.

Traveling by car with your dog can be a lot of fun. Ensure that you have all documents related to your dog on hand. Whenever traveling, be certain that your dog has a sturdy collar on, with at least one identification tag, and one registration or medical tag. The smart thing for both you and your dog while being transported in a car is for the dog to be secured. This prevents injury to the dog should you have to stop abruptly, and it prevents the dog from becoming airborne and smashing into you. It is not recommended that a dog ride in the back of a pick-up truck unless he is in a crate that is secured to the truck itself. Never leave a dog in a hot vehicle or crate.

Remember that when in the car, your dog should not be allowed to thrust its head out the window, as airborne particles of any nature could cause severe injury to your dog’s nose, eyes, or ears. If your dog is a nervous flyer or rider, you can obtain sedatives that aid in keeping your pet calm and cozy. Throughout the entire trip, make sure to help your dog feel as comfortable as possible; bring their toys and bedding with you, and adhere to their otherwise normal eating, exercise, and bathroom routine.

Do your research- educate yourself on places you may be able to visit with your dog, and also the places that you cannot. Some state parks, for example, do not allow dogs to be admitted. Many hotels, however, are quite pet-friendly, and will even make special accommodations for your dog.

Make certain that, when traveling with your dog, you take frequent breaks. Dogs need to stretch and take time out from being cooped up in the car, just like you do.

About the Author: Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to gun dogs. Vistit their site for Innotek dog collars, Tri-Tronics dog collars, and sport dog training collars.

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How Low Cost and Poor Grade Crates Can be Unsafe For Your Pet

By Trevor Price

Cheap dog crates can do more than save you money - they may actually kill or injure your dog. Poorly constructed metal and plastic crates cause over 100 dog deaths every year due to cuts, infections and even strangulation. Before you waste your money and possibly your dog's life on a cheap crate, keep reading.

Not Good Enough for Air Travel

There's a reason most cheap dog crates aren't cleared for air travel - they're unsafe and not suited for air travel conditions. Typically, most air crates need to be easily opened and closed from the outside and provide the animal with enough ventilation and protection. More important, a good carrier needs to be made from heavy-dutyplastic. Last year, over 5 dogs were hurt after cheap plastic dog crates cracked because of pressure changes. The cracked and chipped plastic either cut or hit the animals. Obviously, their injuries were not noticed or treated until well after the plane landed.

Collapsing Crates

Stay away from low-quality, wire crates that are collapsible. Numerous consumers have complained these crates do not hold up and can simply collapse on the animal without warning - ascenario that can be deadly for small puppies. While adult dogs typically won't be severely injured by a collapsed crate, being trapped for possibly hours is stressful and causes anxiety.

Poor Ventilation

Cheap dog crates that are made from plastic or fabric tend to not offer enough ventilation for your animal, making them feel trapped and as though they're not getting enough air. Several years ago, dogs in a California kennel were found dead after being kept in cheap, plastic kennels that were too small. The dogs suffocated.

Another danger associated with poorly ventilated fabric or plastic dog crates is overheating. Without sufficient ventholes, your dog can quickly be overcome by heat on a hot summer day spent inside a plastic crate.

How to Find a Good Crate

Look for a high-quality crate that is easily opened from the outside, provides sufficient ventilation and is large enough for the animal. While high-quality wire crates aren't cleared for air travel, they are great when coupled with a crate mat for the bottom.

Other Crate Safety Rules

It doesn't matter if you're buying a cheap dog crate or the most expensive one in the store. There are some basic safety rules that apply to all:

1. Take off the dog's collar before you put it in the crate since the collar could get caught and choke the dog.
2. Provide your dog with toys and water while crated.
3. Never leave a dog in a crate for more than four or five hours - it's cruel and unhealthy.
   

It is easy to take a beloved canine for granted and assume that since it's an animal, it will be content in confined and uncomfortable settings. However, the choice of a crate goes beyond mere comfort to your pet's safety and (potentially) survival. You should make your selection on a purchase accordingly.

About the Author: For information on pet supplies, seehttp://www.petsuppliestips.com, a popular site about needs for your beloved pet, such as alternative medicine for dogs -http://www.petsuppliestips.com/alternative-medicine-for-dogs.shtml, pet treatments, and many more!

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Diagnosing Dog Health Problems at Home

By Garry Neale

Dogs are no different from humans in the way their bodies respond to disease and changes in their environment. When exposed to contaminated food, extreme cold, or infectious disease they can get sick. Dog illness symptoms can usually be diagnosed by changes in behaviors. Weight loss is also an indicator that something is wrong. Although it may be something minor, anytime you notice your dog losing weight, it's best to take them to a vet and let them deal with this problem. Since weigh loss could be a sign of a serious problem, don't wait long to make an vet appointment if you notice a sudden reduction in weight.

Dog illnesses can be separated into two different categories; 1) chronic dog illnesses like skin rashes and dog allergies which can be easily treated; and 2) acute illnesses that are life threatening like poisoning, Parvo or heatworms, which you can't do much about and require veterinary assistance as quickly as possible. Loss of appetite is another dog illness symptom. If your dog suddenly stops eating, it may be a sign your dog is in substantial pain. Dogs are a lot like people in terms of illnesses. Well, more like toddlers because they can't really explain what's wrong. So that's the way you need to treat them.

Just like people, dogs can suffer from a fever. A fever is usually a sure indicator that there is some type of internal body malfunction. If this symptom is left untreated, it can turn into a high fever and become life threatening. A fever is also a key indicator that your dog may have Parvo. A dog infected with this disease will also show signs of nausea, malnutrition and dehydration. If these signs are present, you need to get them to a vet or pet hospital as soon as possible. Once the disease has been treated and your dog is feeling better, you will still need to administer antibiotics to help prevent other infections. Parvo wrecks the immune system for several weeks.

Food or other dog allergies are another common problem dog owners have to deal with. Chronic scratching is a sure indicator that allergies are present. Dogs with food allergies will scratch year round, while dogs with other types of allergies, like grass and tree pollen, will usually only start scratching during certain seasons. Some dog will even display symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss if the allergies are severe. Food allergies are slow to develop because a dog's body must be exposed to the allergen long enough to build up a sufficient number of antibodies to trigger the dog's symptoms. With food allergies, most dogs will have been eating the offending diet for months or years before your dog's symptoms start to appear.

If your dog is over 7 years old and you see it limping, especially after climbing stairs or sleeping, it might be a symptom of arthritis. The AKC recommends your dog have a comprehensive examination once every year to check for liver, kidney or heart problems. Older dogs also are likely to develop vision and hearing problems and this will be discovered during an annual exam.

An yes, dogs can also have heart attacks. The are several various cardiac and pulmonary problems that can cause major heart attacks in dogs. If a heart attack is detected early, the problem can be treated and the dog can live a normal healthy life. Heart attacks should be a special concern for owners whose dogs are obese or very old.

You should always keep an accurate vaccination history of your dog in case treatment by a professional is ever needed. Remember, our dog's health depends on us.

About the Author: Garry Neale is and avid dog enthusiast and creator of the popular e-book, "The Dog Lovers Guide", a FREE dog owners handbook you can download at no cost from his Dog Lover Website.

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