Archive for November, 2009

All dogs can be potentially dangerous, however some dogs are more dangerous than others. Various types of breeds can be considerably stronger and larger than a person of average size. This is why most apartment properties with many families living close together use a list of restricted breeds to approve new tenants and their animals. From my experience, the following breeds are almost always on restricted breed lists of most apartment communities.

10. Dalmatian

Weight: 40-70 lbs.
Origin: Yugoslavia

Dalmatians are very protective dogs and can be aggressive towards humans. They are very active and need lots of exercise. They have very sensitive natures and an excellent memory. This bred is famed for their intelligence, indepedence, and survival instincts.

9. Boxer

Weight: 50-70 lbs.
Origin: Germany

Unlike their name suggest, these dogs are not typically aggressive by nature. They are bright, energetic and playful breed. Boxers have been known to be “headstrong”, which makes it a bit difficult to train them but with positive reinforcement techniques, Boxers often respond much better.

8. Presa Canario

Weight: 80-115 lbs.
Origin: Canary Islands

Originally bred to guard and fight with cattle, an attack by this dog has been described as hopeless for the victim. They are a guardian breed with man-stopping ability, incredible power and a complete lack of fear.

7. Chow Chow

Weight: 50-70 lbs.
Origin: China

These dogs can be aggressive if poorly bred. The Chow Chow may appear to be independent and aloof for much of the day but needs constant reinforcement.

6. Doberman Pinschers

Weight: 65-90 lbs.
Origin: Germany

Dobermans are great guard dogs for their alertness, intelligence and loyalty. They can be aggressive dogs when provoked. The typical pet Doberman attacks only if it believes that it, its property, or its family are in danger.

5. Alaskan Malamutes

Weight: 75-100 lbs.
Origin: Nordic

These dogs are very energetic and active. If they are bored, they can become destructive. That’s why this dog needs lots of exercise to be happy.

4. Huskies

Weight: 44-66 lbs.
Origin: Alaska

Very energetic and intelligent dogs. Not considered a good guard dog because of its personality characteristics and gentle temperament. A 2000 study of dog bites resulting in human fatalities in the U.S. found fifteen such fatalities (6% of the total) were caused by “husky-type” dogs between 1979 and 1997.

3. German Shepherds

Weight: 70-100 lbs.
Origin: Germany

These dogs are intelligent and very alert. They are highly used by local authorities such as the police K-9 unit. German shepherds are known to be fearless and confident dogs.

2. Rottweilers

Weight: 100-130 lbs.
Origin: Germany

Rottweilers are known to be very aggressive dogs because of their keen territorial instincts. That’s why they make great guard dogs.

1. Pit Bulls

Weight: 55-65 lbs.
Origin: United States

A pit bull is a fearless dog that will take on any opponent. They will lock their jaws onto the prey until it’s dead. Pit bulls have a reputation of mauling people to death and they are highly sought for dog fighting.

Dogs most often make wonderful pets, however in certain circumstances, any type of dog can be dangerous. Even friendly dogs, may cause harm in the wrong circumstance.

Not all apartment properties have breed restriction lists but this is not something that is commonly known. Your best bet is to contact an apartment locating company in your area to obtain a list these properties and their current availability.

Lyndsee Rothenburg works as a residential placement specialist at Texas Apartment Center, a free apartment locating service in Dallas, TX. She may be reached at Lyndsee@TexasApartmentCenter.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/top-ten-dog-breeds-on-apartment-restriction-lists-1524437.html

Poodle Grooming - How It’s Done

One of the most expensive things about owning poodles is keeping them well groomed. If you learn to do this yourself, you’ll develop a better relationship with your pet, and you’ll save a lot of money in the long run. Grooming poodles might seem hard, but it’s actually a task that just about anyone can learn to do. You just need patience and the willingness to practice your skills.

When you are looking into grooming standard poodles, you will find that the process will generally take around three hours once you have had some experience. When you are just getting started, you may find that you need to spread the grooming out over several days, to give you and your dog a bit of rest. After a few sessions, you’ll get the hang of it, but if the time commitment isn’t really for you, you’ll find that you can get a dog groomer to do it for you.

Remember that you have a choice of trims available to you when you are thinking of grooming poodles. You’ll find that the poodle’s curly, stiff hair will allow you to take advantage of many looks. Remember, also, though, that some looks are more care intensive and require more maintenance than others. Show poodles will certainly require more maintenance and a more conservative cut than pet poodles.

If you have a show poodle, remember that it will have a lion cut of some sort. A lion cut has three standard variations, including a puppy cut, an English saddle cut and a continental cut. You’ll find that these all have ths ame standard look and they all come from a time when poodles were used to retrieve birds that had been shot into the water, as the long ruff of fur on the chest would protect the lungs and the fur on the legs would protect the bones.

If you are not going to compete your poodle in the ring, you’ll find that you can choose a shorter trim, which is excellent for easy maintenance and drying, especially in the colder months. You can get a longer furred look, too, but remember that it will take more time to keep up. You’ll find that there are many pictures and books that can help you out.

When thinking bout grooming poodles, remember that most people will clip the fur at the base of the ail, on the feet and on the face very short, to make sure that it does not get very dirty and to make the dog easier to care for. Remember that the shorter you keep the fur clipped, the less dirt will get into your househhold, and the less the dog will need to be brushed over all. Remember to wash your poodle before you groom them, and make sure that if you clip yourself that you use high-quality tools that are kept sharp.

For more on grooming poodles as well as information on toy poodle nutrition, you can’t go past Poodle Breed Information.

Dog tracking collars are utilised by hunters who use their dogs to track game, usually birds. They can be used on all gun dogs and are mostly used on pointers as they normally cover the most ground when it comes to hunting. There are several different types of dog tracking collars available. The 2 most commonly used today are those that emit signals through radio frequency and GPS tracking collars that emit signals from satellite transmissions.

There are 2 parts to all tracking collar systems - the receiver and the transmitter. The transmitter is affixed to your dog’s collar. Most receivers today are a collar with a small antenna. This is very light weight and are just as comfortable as a regular collar on your dog. The antenna will broadcast the signal to your receiver when your dog is hunting.

Radio frequency dog tracking systems work by sending signals to the receiver through radio frequencies. You normally have to adjust the receiver as it can tune on a many channels. Radio frequencies can be transmitted around buildings and trees, but they do get weaker when challenged with these obstacles. When you are hunting, you are most likely to run into trees, ravines and other areas where the signal will get weaker.

As your dog moves, you will be able to track him by getting signals from the receiver. The signals will get stronger as you get close to your dog. If you have a GPS dog tracking system, it’ll tell you the precise distance of your dog. Traditional radio frequency dog tracking systems will not be able to tell you the distance but offer more of a range and distance than their GPS counterparts. Most radio frequency tracking systems have lights that blink to let you know when you are getting close to your dog so that you do not have to employ a beeping sound, which can scare away birds and confuse your dog.

it is a good idea to be familiar with using a dog tracking system before you take your dog out and go hunting. Hunters who aren’t familiar with this kind of system may have a tough time using them to track their dogs. It’s a good idea to practice tracking the transmitter before you really put it on the dog. You can do this by putting the transmitter somewhere that you can track it using the receiver before you use the system to track your dog.

When your dog is out on the hunt for birds and game, he does his job. You have got to let him out of your sight so that he can go about his business. But that being said, you don’t wish to lose your dog. And this could happen if you are hunting in dense woods or massive open spaces. When you use a dog tracking system, you won’t only be in a position to find your dog when he has retrieved or flushed game and birds, but you will be better equipped to find him if he gets lost.Dog tracking Collars
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Rest assured knowing that your dog is well behaved. Dog Training Collars
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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-does-a-dog-tracking-collar-work-electric-dog-collars-1519404.html

Why Holistic Dog Health?

Many pet owners are turning to holistic health care as an alternative to help their well-loved pets live healthy, long and happy lives.

In considering a dogs health,maybe nutritional needs are the most important aspects,a dogs nutritional needs are somewhat different from a humans and need a certain balance of nutrients,vitamins,and minerals to make sure everything from their digestive systems to the skeletal system, joints,and organs also the skin and coat are kept as healthy as possible. Holistic dog diets usually require proteins, veggies, and grains minus extra fillers and over-processed foods.

Your Dog’s Health and Herbal Remedies.

Using a combination of various essential oils, flowering essences, plant extracts, and certain herbs, people have been treating a host of ailments and health conditions for the last few thousand years. As of recently, these ancient healing practices have found their way into pet care and are now becoming increasingly popular as more and more dog owners are looking for safer, healthier, and less invasive alternatives to treating their pets.

Some plants commonly used for treating ailments in dogs include calendula and chamomile. Both help heal wounds, and chamomile is also helpful in treating respiratory issues too. To help your dog to recover from constipation or bowel disorders, you can try crushed flaxseed mixed with lot of water. For dry, sensitive skin, oats are helpful for dogs’ skin as with humans, and if your puppy cannot sleep well, the smell of lavender may help them relax so they may sleep soundly.

Before concocting any type of herbal remedies of your own, make it a point to do plenty of research and be absolutely certain that what you’re giving your dog isn’t toxic or harmful in any way, as not all herbs and flowers are safe for pets, or even people for that matter. It is always wise to consult with your veterinarian about the proper care and possible remedies for holistic dog health.

Holistic Veterinary Care.

Nowadays, many veterinarians are developing faith in a holistic dog fitness approach, and are using it as a way to augment their practices. A veterinarian who practices holistic pet care treats animals as a whole, rather than identifying a certain problem and prescribing one type of treatment related to that specific injury or illness.

For example, your dog has suddenly come down with a red, irritating rash and has started losing some fur. A “regular” vet would most likely prescribe a topical ointment and an antibiotic medication to stop the infection and itching.

A holistic veterinarian will place more emphasis on determining the cause of the rash as the source of the infection before prescribing those two remedies. Before coming to a conclusion or offering treatment, the dog’s entire lifestyle are taken into account; his living environment, nutrition, exercise and all habits.

With pet food recalls, vaccination and immunization questions, and overmedication fears on the rise, effective ways to keep our furry friends in the best health is a top priority.

If you’re keen on holistic dog health as a manner of improving the health of your dog, the top holistic dog health online resource is www.HealthyHappyDogs.com

Paracord is a really great cord to use for braiding and knotting projects! It’s strong, durable and washable, too! The goal of this tutorial is to teach you how to easily make a dog leash with parachute cord by using the double tatted chain knot.

Supplies And Tools You Will Need

You’ll need a few basic tools to make this project. A C-clamp, hemostat clamps, scissors, a lighter, a flexible measuring tape, a dog leash snap and paracord.

Parachute cord shrinks by 10% when it gets wet, so it is very important that you preshrink it!To preshrink the paracord, soak it in hot water for 5 minutes and then hang it to dry.

To determine how much paracord you will need, the project length must be broken down into inches and multiplied by five. We are making a four foot leash with a five inch allowance to make a handle loop. Therefore 53″ X 5 = 265″. For making this leash you will need TWO cords that EACH measure 265″ long.

STEP 1 - Arranging The Cords On The Snap

Fold both of the cords evenly in half and run the loop of each cord through the eyelet of the snap. Take the loose ends of the cords and run them through the cord loops.

STEP 2 - Clamping The Snap

Clamp the snap to a steady surface like a table top The clamp will keep the cords from twisting, which can be very frustrating for the novice knotter.

STEP 3 - Making The First Knot

To make the seesaw knot, we will be knotting alternating half-hitch knots. Take the first colour of cords, bring it behind the second set of cords and through the loop that you have just created. Gently tighten up your knot. Don’t tighten too much since your work will start to twist if you do.

STEP 4 - Making The Second Knot

You will now take the second set of cords and make a half-hitch in the OTHER direction

STEP 5 - Making The Third Knot

Take the first set cord and make a knot in the same direction as you did with knot one. Keep knotting until you make a cord that is 53″ long. You can measure it with the flexible measuring tape

STEP 6 - Starting The Handle Loop

From the END of the knot work, measure out five inches and fold it over on the leash.

STEP 7 - Finishing the Cord Ends Part One

Find the closest spot where the first set of cords cord goes under the second set of cords cord. Poke the hemostat clamps under set two, grasp set one and pull it through. Repeat this for the second set of cords. Repeat this “back knotting process once more. Stretch the leash out with your hands, this will allow the cords to settle properly into place. Now trim the cords relatively close to the leash.

STEP 8 - Finishing The Cord Ends Part Two

*NOTE* The melted ends of the paracord get really hot and a hot plastic burn can be really serious. Please be careful!

With your lighter, place the flame as close to one set of the cut ends as you can. When the paracord gets all brown and bubbly, take the flat side of your knife & press is against the same coloured cord that is directly below it. Repeat this for the second set of cords. If the ends are a little rough and not to your liking, you can do another pass with the lighter.

Your leash is now finished, so you can go walk the dog.

Karen Friesecke is the author of Bloggie Stylish a DIY pet blog, where you can see this tutorial complete with pictures.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-make-a-paracord-dog-leash-using-the-seesaw-knot-1518216.html

An Introduction to the Wireless Dog Fence

Have you noticed that your neighbor’s dog do not run into your property anymore? You have also noticed your neighbor walking around with his pet toward some flags in their yard and that their dogs would turn back and not cross the boundary. To end your curiosity, your neighbor has recently begun using a wireless dog fence. It attempts to keep dogs within their owner’s property without any physical barrier involved.

No Physical Barrier?

You heard it right. The system does not put anything to physically prevent the dog from crossing over. You may have known many pet owners who are getting frustrated when their dogs leap effortlessly over newly built fences. On the other hand, putting them on a leash or inside a pen does not give them any freedom at all. The wireless dog fence will allow your dog to roam around, but his will not attempt to cross because of the barrier that has no physical form and is also invisible.

How Does It Work?

The secret lies in the radio signals coming from a transmitter from within the house. The radio signals will encircle the house and will determine if the dog is still within the owner’s vicinity. If you had the system, your dog will be made to wear a special collar that contains a receiver. When the dog walks in the boundary or beyond, the signal becomes weak, and the receiver will sound a warning. If the dog could not come back to signal-rich area (dubbed the “pet area”), the receiver will send a mild static correction.

The mild static correction is never meant as a punishment and is guaranteed safe. It can be adjusted so that the temperament and size of the dog can be matched accordingly. Besides, only dogs weighing more than seven pounds can wear the system. It would even be better if he can follow certain commands. Furthermore, as an early warning device, there are flags along the boundary zone.

Adjustable Range

The system can work to provide a pet area and boundary to properties of all sizes. The transmitter’s signal can be adjusted to create invisible barriers from as small as 10 feet in width to as expansive as 180 feet. Just remember to place the transmitter without any signal interruptions like metallic objects. Further, since the transmitter is very light, you can bring the system to another house or even the outdoors. Now you can bring your dog to go camping or fishing with you without the fear of him getting lost.

Training

Perhaps the best reason to have the wireless dog fence is the chance to train your dog to stay on his own. Sure, you can simply use the receiver as a form of containing your pet, but you are not using the true power of the system.

After a few sessions with your dog, he will be able to realize the purpose of the flags and the warning sound. In less than a month, you can test him to see if he would cross the boundary. Surely, though, he will not. There will be a point where you will not need to run the transmitter anymore in order to keep your pet safe.

Wireless dog fence are very durable & reasonable available at http://www.petdepotonline.comArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/an-introduction-to-the-wireless-dog-fence-1514710.html

More About Flint River Ranch Dog Food

Family dogs in America, like their human counterparts, are becoming more obese and less healthy. This is primarily because of diet and decreased activity. Many people research dog information sources to learn what dogs need to eat and how much they should eat. If you are one of the people who want to make your own dog food at home, do the research carefully.

If, however, this is not appealing to you, consider a provider such as flint river ranch dog food, which manufactures human grade dog food. Many safe dog treats are also available that are safe for humans to eat. Some dog owners have started their pets on diets that are tailored to meet their pet’s special dietary needs.

Once the owner knows this dog information, they can be certain they are giving their dogs the nutrients they need. Concerned owners have started to use their dog information to cook and/or bake their own dog food and snacks. Use caution! If you make your own dog food the wrong way, you can end up harming your dog more than helping them.

For instance, there are certain meats and fats that your dog might have trouble digesting. There are some foods that are harmful to dogs and can cause illness. Some of these foods are chocolate, grapes and/or raisins, and dough. Like humans, dogs should never eat moldy food. The makers of all natural dog food have done the research and know the dog information about the vitamins and minerals needed to keep your pet healthy and happy. This research also tells them what could make them sick and this allows the company to avoid using these items.

Some companies, like the one that makes flint river ranch dog food, make their food to be human grade. This means that a person could eat it without fear of illness. Today you can buy dog treats that are safe enough for people to eat. Specialist pet bakeries create these snacks and bake them just as if they were cookies or bread. Ask your pet bakery if you can bring your dog in for samples so you may buy the dog treats he loves most. No matter which diet you choose for you dog, remember that exercise, rest, and plenty of fresh water are also needed to keep him healthy.

Whatever food you decide to give your dog, remember to research it so that you are giving your dog the best possible life. Every dog needs enough water, rest and exercise in order to stay healthy. Don’t forget that we are supposed to be our dog’s best friends, and we need to make the right decisions for them.

The health habits of dogs in America are mirroring those of the American people. Today, family dogs are fatter and more unhealthy than just a decade or two ago. This is mostly attributed to being less active and eating less healthy diets. This trend leads to more illnesses, higher veterinarian bills, and shorter life spans.

When thinking about the kind of dog food you’d like to give your dog, consider homemade dog food. And for other kinds of dog information you’ll find it at www.HealthyHappyDogs.com

The Dog Training Tips Professional Trainers Use

The best person to train your dog is you. Whoever said you can’t do it probably failed themselves because they do not have the right techniques and enough perseverance to see their endeavors through. Dog training puts your patience into high gear and many times it’s just plain frustrating. But if you stay on course no matter what you will reap fruits of your efforts before you even know it. You will have a cleaner home, your social life will be fuller and you will enjoy a stronger and richer bond with your pet.

To understand more the groundwork of basic dog training tips, let us see the world through the eyes of our pet. Humans are sensible and cognitive beings equipped to correctly assess situations through logic, assumptions and basic reasoning. Our dogs are not as fortunate. They are lovely pets yes, but their comprehension is only derived from simple reactions and a consistent pattern of training they get from us. ‘Come!’ is completely different from ‘Let’s go!’ and ‘Come here!’ from a dog’s perspective. He might go to you after several tries but it’s probably just luck and not real understanding you can work on.

Thus, you will have to be consistent in the exact words and phrases you use in training your dogs the basic commands. This will apply to everything relating to him.

The core of a healthy man-canine relationship is the understanding of your position as the dog’s undisputed master and leader. Mind you, this doesn’t mean to treat the dog in a violent and harsh manner. Being firm and strong every time is enough to cement your leader status over him. If your pet understands this, he will strive to do things that will please you like be on his best behavior and obey your commands.

A simple tactic to impose your leadership is to rub his belly. This puts the dog in a position of submission and by licking your hand he accepts your authority over him. Never give in to growling and whining dogs try to get their way. It is important to set good habits early without ever straying from it.

There is a trick professionals use in training dogs and it is this: allow the canine to teach himself. What does this mean? If a dog is doing something that demands correction, you should reprimand him immediately and replace the wrong behavior with a better one through inflicting either pleasant or less than desirable sensations.

When he starts chewing your shoe, give him a sharp blast of cold water from your squirt gun. If he resumes his shoe chewing, squirt him again. Place a favorite toy in front of him and encourage him to pick it up. When he does, shower him with praise. He will associate unpleasant feelings with the wrong behavior and good ones with the right behavior.

Do not forget to bring him up properly with socialization. It is an often overlooked but very important aspect of dog training. Establishing social skills is best during the first three months of the puppy’s life. However, adult dogs needs and would benefit from regular interaction with people and other animals. Make socialization an integral part of his life by introducing your pet to vaccinated dogs, different kinds of people and crowded places whenever you can.

As any parent would know, you discipline that which you love and care for. The dog training tips as outlined above will greatly help your dogs become the happier, best version of themselves. Nobody said it would be easy, but it will always be worth it.

Geraldine Dimarco is pleased with the benefits of dog training her brood of dogs. Check out informative articles on Dog Training Tips you can use for you own pets at home.

How To Stop Dog Aggression

All dogs have the tendency to develop aggression. It can be true that some breeds develop this dog aggression easily. But the dog breed should not be the only basis on telling if the dog will become aggressive or not. This is because all dogs can develop this behavior no matter what the breed is.

Development of dog aggression mainly depends on the treatment and handling of the dog. The way owners treat and train their dogs will tell whether the dogs will develop good or bad behavior in the future. Even playing and teaching commands to dogs done inappropriately can lead to development of aggression. The dog’s behavior can also be affected by factors like past experiences.

One of the most common ways for how to stop aggressive dog behavior is to teach your dog some gesture or word commands. The commands will help you in keeping a handle on your dog later on when it behaves badly. Do not forget to give your dog treats and rewards when it is able to follow your commands. This is your way of encouraging him to always obey.

Do not promote games that provoke strength competition or dominance. When your canine gets too excited it may get out of control and show aggression toward you or the one it is playing with. Stop the game right away if you noticed that your dog gets too excited or aggressive. If you’ve taught the dog some commands like sit or stop, this is the time to use them. Avoid pulling or touching the dog’s hind legs or tail when you are not visible. Since the dog can’t see you from behind, it may instantly attack and hurt you.

Dog Aggression Training

Let the members of the household, including the children, know about these guidelines in stopping dog aggression. Proper information to all family members and other people staying in the house will not only help in preventing the dog’s aggression, but this will also save the people from possible harm caused by the dog.

Take extra safety measures by using a leash when you take the canine to places where there are many people. The leash allows you to limit the dog’s reach and movement. You can also use a muzzle when the dog is expected to have close contact with humans. You have to control your canine but still be able to allow it to socialize. Canine’s with very limited contact with people and other animals have the tendency to show aggression when they come near. Because of the unfamiliarity to the people or animals around, your pet can become defensive or protective. This situation maycause him to act aggressively towards them.

There are many techniques you can use to stop dog aggression. Exert more effort and time, and involve all the family members during the training. Not long after, you will see that you stopped your dog’s aggression and you improved your relationship with your dog at the same time.

How To Stop Canine Aggression

Gerald has been in the dog business for a number of years. He enjoys sharing his knowledge in the hopes of improving your relationship with your dog. Visit My Dog Training Advice

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-stop-dog-aggression-1513797.html

Dog Information - Dog Health Symptoms

If you are a loving pet owner, your dog’s health is extremely important to you. You will notice things in their behavior before anyone else, almost like one of your children. Keeping a close eye on changes and determining if they are acting abnormal can quickly pinpoint key health symptoms. Having some, basic knowledge of common illnesses will let you know more quickly if a trip to the veterinarian is in order.

Being attentive to your dog’s normal behavior can be the best thing you do in discovering symptoms of ill health. The better you know your pet the more likely you will be to see the early signs that he is in trouble. You are the first line of defense for keeping your dog healthy. For instance if you have a well trained pet who never has an accident and suddenly your slippers are soggy in the morning it could be the first indication that you need to seek veterinarian assistance.

When it comes to dog health blood in urine is something that you should keep an eye out for. This can be be an indication of kidney disease or kidney failure, and as such, requires immediate veterinary assistance. If you notice that there is blood in your dog’s urine, you’ll find that you should take him to the veterinarian immediately. Quick action at this point can save your dog’s life, so don’t delay.

Another common complaint among pet owners is vomiting. Dogs will do this mildly when they have eaten something that does not agree with them. Like the time my mini-pin ate a battery. However if you notice repeated vomiting with fever or pain symptoms it is more than likely a health issue. Nausea and vomiting can be a sign of stomach ulcers or a more serious ailment. No matter the cause, the effect on your pets’ health can be devastating since she could dehydrate very quickly. In severe cases, pets have died from dehydration.

When thinking about dog health symptoms, you’ll find that one thing that you can keep in mind is to check the coat. Remember that a dog’s coat, whether it is thick or thin, should be relatively glossy and healthy looking. If you pet your dog and realize that he or she is a lot rougher or that there are some bald patches underneath your hands, you need to think about what might be causing it. In many cases, you may find that there is a problem with your dog’s diet or a skin problem.

These are only a few basic health problems that your dog might be facing, so take the time to figure out what is normal for your dog and what is not; this is the best way to figure out how healthy he is!

For information on dog health symptoms and dog information to maintain your dog’s health, go to HealthierDogs.com

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