Archive for December, 2009

Heart Worms

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 at 5:24 am  
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One of the most common ailments in dogs is worm infestations. Worms are parasites that live inside the animal and cause different problems, depending on the type of worm your pet has. Generally, there are five major types of worms, roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm, whipworm and the dreaded heartworm. All of these can cause light to serious complications and should never be left untreated. First, let’s look at the different types of parasite and what they do.

The roundworm is the most common infestation. This parasite will pass to pups from their mothers either before birth or while she is nursing. Roundworms can be passed to humans. In dogs, this worm causes a potbellied appearance and weight loss. These worms multiply at a very fast rate if left untreated. An adult female roundworm can lay up to 200,000 eggs daily for a year. This may cause an obstruction in the dog’s intestinal tract and lead to death. You should treat your pets with a regular schedule of de-wormer beginning when pups are weaned. Commercial as well as natural treatments are available.

The hookworms are like round worms in that they are an intestinal parasite. The hookworm however is smaller and feeds on blood from the intestinal wall. Since their diet is blood, the hookworm can cause anemia and occasionally death in dogs. There are few symptoms of hookworm and they will not be visible in stool or vomit. To determine an infestation, you must see your vet who will do a stool analysis. Although this is another parasite that can be passed to humans it will not cause the same problems in humans as in canines. In humans, the worm cannot penetrate much deeper than just under the skin, this causes an itchy rash with a worm like appearance.

The tapeworm is long and flat and resembles a piece of tape. It is spread to dogs by the ingestion of an infected flea. For example, the flea feeds off of an infected animal and picks up the tapeworm egg. While grooming itself, your dog eats the flea. dog worms symptoms of the tapeworm include itching, especially around the anus, abdominal pain, itching, vomiting and weight loss. If any of these symptoms appear, get you dog checked out by your vet.

The whipworms live in the dogs’ colon and are not visible to the naked eye. They too feed off the intestinal wall and cause many ailments. Symptoms of this type of dog worm are anemia, weight loss, flatulence and diarrhea which contains blood or mucous. This parasite is the hardest of the intestinal worms to remove but there are treatment options available both natural and pharmaceutical.

The heartworm is the most serious dog worm. It is passed through the mosquito. If you want your pooch to be heartworm free, you must seek prevention. People who should worry about this will live in warm, damp climates and will have a heavy mosquito population. If your dog becomes infected, there are a few treatment options available. Most of them amount to giving your canine limited doses of arsenic which can kill your pet. The heartworm will make its haven in the heart and its arteries causing it to enlarge and eventually fail. dog worms symptoms of the heartworm include coughing, weight loss and a potbellied appearance. No matter what kind of worm you may be dealing with, seek natural advice or that of your vet. Be proactive for better canine health. Your dog will give you a big lick in appreciation!

Dog worms are common in dogs. Dog worms symptoms depend upon the type of dog worms that are present in your dog. Heartworm is without doubt the most serious parasite, but all types of canine worms can make your dog sick. Discover how to prevent dog worm symptoms by preventing the worms.

Dogs Q&A

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 10:19 pm  
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A dog that visit hospices, elderly peoples homes etc?
We have a very loving and very affectionate choc lab boy. He is done, house trained, capitulation trained and only just 9 months old.I would love to hold him become one of those dogs that visits hospitals, hospices, old peoples homes, children’s homes etc as he really…

A Dream i have just about my puppy?
the other day I had a dream that I was taking my puppy out for a put your foot and when stood still I pet her very gently as she looked at me with her puppy dog look and adjectives of a sudden she was glowing like…

A examine more or less dog breeds?
I saw a dog online and under it, it said the dog was a GSD/GSDX. I know a GSD is a german shepherd,but what does gsd/gsdx mean?

A few dog question for you?
What breed of dog do you own?What breed is your favorite?How many dogs do you have?What do you feed them?What are your opinion on raw feeding?Do you prefer male dogs or feminine dogs?

A few question more or less person allergic to dogs?
When I first moved in with my husband I had 2 cats and 1 dog. Well he be allergic to them, but as the time went by he was fine with them. We made certain then animals never went in our room and never be on our…

A flawless dog naming site?
I would like to know a dog naming site with a random button so i don’t own to read all of the names plzzzzz

A flawless heading 4 a dog?
IT’s a baby laso apso.Here is a pic. /var/folders/9T/9T5-SbAOEdSjSr0QWb+0DE… 35.jpg

A grill just about low cost clinics?
Ok, so there was a Girl at my work, She had a womanly dog and was letter the dog breed with it’s babies, and afterwards just giving away the puppies, I almost threw up when she told me< so I held within my hateful comments and suggested…

A grill more or less dog agility competitions? Junior competitions?
I am 13, and I am interested in Junior Showmanship. I am getting a vizsla puppy in January, and I was wondering, how precisely do I start doing agility competitions? Is it true that I can’t show my dog if I get him or her spayed or…

A honourable dog breeder within Missouri?
Im not sure on what breed of dog i want. So i want to go to a breeder that has heaps breeds. I live in the middle of Missouri and dont want to travel to far so i can go and meet next to the puppies and…

A horrible situation happen ?
Ok, so this morning I went to school and my friends were chitchat about going to one of their friends houses and asked me would I join along. They said it wasn’t too far and it was individual a 10 minute walk. I agreed to go with…

A house of ferrell cats enjoy moved into my outdoor shed. is it OK to install an electric stove for them?
Will it make them less tolerant of the cold in the adjectives?

A little serve near my gsd?
Ok so I have a 6 month old gsd old and I involve a little help, I did research befroe I got her and I know what she was about but I could some more help.she nip at u when we wanna pet her and jumps on…

A lump on the side of my dogs snout/lip?
i just noticed she had a lump on the side of her snout by her feeler. it’s about the size of a grape. any ideas on what it could be?

A maltese dog..? (INFO)?
i need information about a maltese dog. i may get one. please dont check out of links to different sites. :] thanks!

A miserable designation to make a contribution my puppy?
Okay so Ive got a chihuahua puppy and I want to name him something mean and “tough” but i hold no clue as to what, he is a black and red brindle pup like a pit bull so maybe that will help, remember guys reflect tough! Thanks

A Pets Ten commandments?
A PET’S TEN COMMANDMENTS… 1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is promising to be painful. 2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. 3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. 4. Don’t…

A pitbull attacked a horse within my neighborhoos, what precautions should I pinch to support my animals from it?
it made in onto the news: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO_lCT1Hg… I have 2 siberian huskies, aardvark, a swordfish and a hog.. I am thinking just about buying a new animal to protect the house, such as a python

A puppie i cant stand it?
we whent 2 a animal shelter to adopet a blood hound for my big sis and ther was a lil puppie thare its a collie mix and hes a boy and my mom and dad said i cnat have him i feal sooo bad for him is…

A puppy for the Holidays?
A few days ago I made a poster that I had the intention of posting at our local “puppy selling” pet store, just to spite them. So this Pet store has be selling Ori-Pei’s which just about makes me want to throw up…because they’re recounting people that…

A PUPPY QUESTION PLZZZZZZZZ ANSWER YO?
ok so my boyfriend is gettin me a shorkie yorkie mixed with shitzu ya. i wanna kno how big its going to get as an adult cuz approaching i HATE big dogs i wanna lil dog there so kute! does the boy get bigger or the…

A query going on for person in charge collars?
Does anyone use these with their dogs?? I have an 8 month Mastiff and I recently purchased a commander collar for him( the kind that goes around the muzzle to help near pulling) my only problem is that when I try to walk him with it on,…

A Question About My Little Girl?
I have a Chow/Lab/Pit mix puppy that just turned six months yesterday. Lately she has be suffering from horrible stomach aches and gas. I mistakenly assumed that she had acquired worms because her stomach bloated up and be hard (that was a week ago). Turned out that,…

A quiz almost clicker training?
I’m confused about the purpose… The best I can come up with is that you associate the unique nouns of the clicker with treats and love, so you can approve appropriate behaviors as they’re happening because we can sometimes miss those behaviors. Am I right? Or is…

A really upright surrounded by house Kennel?
My friend has a 11 year old really sweet calm pit bull. She is one of the most docile dogs around. The with the sole purpose problem is that she is really attached to her owner. When her owner leaves the house it gets…

A registered puppy cross to describe Bella from Twilight?
I will be getting a GSD puppy next June-July. I’m thinking of naming her Bella, after Bella from Twilight. So, now all I inevitability is a registered name for her. But I don’t want just <kennel name> Bella Swan (or Bella Cullen). I don’t want her just…

A sound out for adjectives vet and vet techs…?
Actually, anyone who has an idea can answer this.When I grow up, I want to be a veterinarian. Well, start out as a vet tech, but work my way up. Is within anything I can do now (I’m in 8th grade, 13) to back me get into…

A sound out in the order of house-breaking?
We purchased a darling corgi at 4 months. She was from a puppy mill and she broke our hearts, have been crated for almost all of her life span. Do you think this is why we are having problems house training her? She goes…

A sound out nearly housetraining..?
I got my pom at 7 months (dont ask), and the breeder always left the doors depart for the dogs to go to the loo. Anyways, when we got him he would pee and poo in the house when the door be shut, but when the…

A sudden request for information for someone that know nearly dogs…?
A couple of months ago this stray dog showed up at my house, I’m not sure what she is exactly. She’s about the size of a dachshund but not as long, and she’s get long white wiry hair. Anyway, I’m not sure if she be pregnant when…

More Dog Q&A Please visit : PetsAsk.com

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Benefits Of A Pet Safe Fence

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 8:12 am  
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Dogs are some of the most playful animals out there, so it’s no surprise that they are one of our favorite pets. If you are moving to a new home that does not have a fence already put up, you may want to consider a pet safe fence to keep your pooch within your yard and out of harm’s way. Price is nothing to worry about either, as one of these fences won’t not break the bank either. They are usually much more affordable than full-sized fences, and are more likely to keep them in the yard as well.

The traditional way to keep your dog same was to actually construct a fence with a gate for your dog. These fences can either be made of brick, wood or any other building materials. Once they are properly installed and the gate is locked they will prevent your dog from running outside the boundaries of your yard. While this can keep your dog from running away or chasing after people you can not install these types of fences in every neighborhood. Putting up a standard large fence may not be an option in your area.

A pet safe fence is your only option if you can not set up a traditional fence. Basically what this system is is a set of wires placed above or underneath the ground around your yard, and they function through an electronic collar and a receiver. How the system operates is straightforward. If your pooch comes too close to the installed wire around your yard, it will send a signal to the receiver on the collar, which will in turn send a gentle shock to your dog and keep them from coming any closer to the edge of the yard.

The shock is mostly meant to keep your pooch from trying to leave the yard, rather than encouraging them to repeatedly try. These fences can be the easy to install, and can take a huge load off of your mind since you can be sure that they will not run off and possible get injured.

If you are worried that your dog may get out and either get injured or hurt someone else, then a pet safe fence is likely a good investment. This will prevent accidents from happening, and give you with a solid peace of mind.

There are just some places you can’t get a traditional fence installed. If this is the case for you, then another option is a pet safe fence.

Recognizing and Treating the Symptoms of Bladder Infection in Dogs

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 7:40 am  
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The symptoms of bladder infection in dogs can be troubling for both pet and owner.  Because their bodies are so much smaller than ours, any kind of urinary tract problem can be much more serious for dogs.  As distressing as urinary issues may be, there are ways you can treat the symptoms and ease the discomfort for your best friend and even help him to fight off any recurrence.

A build up of bacteria in the urinary tract leads to bladder infection and, if left untreated, can further lead to bladder or kidney blockage.  In order to avoid these serious and even life threatening complications, it is important to get all urinary tract issues properly diagnosed as quickly as possible.  This means you need to be aware of your dog’s regular routine and take immediate action if you notice any change in that routine.

The primary symptoms of bladder infection in dogs are fever, loss of appetite and lethargy.  These are also normally the first signs that most owners have that something is wrong.  If you notice your dog exhibiting these symptoms, you should get him to the vet as quickly as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

While most bladder infections begin with these symptoms, other symptoms can also present themselves including trouble urinating, blood in the urine, a need to urinate frequently and urinating in unusual places.  Any difficulties or changes in urination habits are a good indicator that something is wrong and the sooner you can get your dog medical attention, the less likely it is that the problem will develop into something more serious.

Once your vet has diagnosed the symptoms of bladder infection in dogs, he is likely to prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear up the problem.  While antibiotics can certainly help to ease surface symptoms, they are actually quiet ineffective when it comes to treating the overall problem because they do not address the underlying cause.  Also, many antibiotics can have serious side effects, making them a less than ideal option.

Since bladder infection, particularly recurring infection, can lead to a weakening of the immune system, it is imperative that any treatment you use also works to improve immune system function.  The best way to achieve this is with the use of homeopathic remedies.  Made from a blend of herbs and other plant based ingredients such as Cantharis, Staphysagris and Berberis, these natural products work safely and gently to address symptoms and strengthen the immune system at the same time.

Responsible pet owners should never settle for just treating the symptoms. It is also extremely important to help your dog fight off recurrence by improving overall health and strengthening the immune system.  Nothing achieves this end as effectively as homeopathic remedies.  And because they are made entirely from plant-based ingredients, these remedies are completely safe, with no harsh side effects.  It’s just the gentle, healing touch you want for your pet. In addition to treating the symptoms of bladder infection in dogs, they get to the source of the problem, restore the pH of the urine and prevent recurrences.

No-one likes to deal with the painful and frustrating symptoms of bladder infection but now there is something you can do to help your dog fight back.  Consider all your options and consult with your vet about the safe, gentle, all-natural alternative.  You and your dog will both feel better for it.

Laura Ramirez is a caring researcher of herbal remedies that heal urinary problems and keep pets vibrant and healthy. Get more information about natural remedies at www.pet-ut-health.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/recognizing-and-treating-the-symptoms-of-bladder-infection-in-dogs-1555565.html

Three ways to use clicker training to help house train your puppy

Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 5:21 pm  
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No matter how much we love our puppy, we wonder when it will ever be house broken. A new puppy has no idea about picking a place to “go.” Dogs really want to be house trained, because they want to have a clean living space. Here are three ways to use clicker training to make the house training process smoother and easier.

First, take your puppy to his potty place after eating and sleeping. After meals and upon awakening are the times that a puppy is most likely to need to go outside. Stay with your puppy and reward him when he goes where you want him to. If you’re using clicker training, click and reward his growing success.

If your puppy is not ready, give him more time. Always watch for signs — walking in circles, a certain kind of sniffing around — that it’s time. You’ll recognize the signs as you get to know your dog’s behavior. Always click when he does something you want him to repeat and reward him with your enthusiasm and a treat.

Second, set a place for the dog to go potty. If place is outside, you might want to designate a part of the yard specifically for your dog’s “business.” You’ll want to clean it frequently, because they don’t like to walk through their waste, but that will help you narrow the area you need to clean.

If the potty place is inside, find an easily cleaned space of floor and tape down an oven liner or a pet training pad. As the dog gets older and is more able to control his bladder and and bowel movements, you can move the potty place outside. You can stop clicking when your dog has mastered a behavior and go back to the training when it’s time for your dog to learn something new.

Finally, don’t punish the dog for getting it wrong. Just help them get it right. Formerly, common wisdom advised dog owners to house train their dogs by rubbing their noses in their own excrement. It is cruel and meaningless to punish him this way. By the time he is finished with his bowel movement, he has no clue why you’re doing this to him.

If you just help them get it right, they will succeed much sooner. Dogs like to get into a groove, and if you can get them to succeed — and reward their success — they’ll be more than happy to get it right in the future.

Clicker training give the dog specific feedback about what it’s doing right — and so it understands what you want from him.

Like wild wolves, dogs choose not to have their waste in their living spaces, so they are on your side in this. Your puppy wants you to be happy with him. With love, patience and clicker training, your dog will be a good companion at home and a good guest anywhere.

After living with dogs most of her life, JV Bear has seen many forms of dog training come and go, but clicker training has produced the best results with the least effort and the happiest and best-behaved dogs of all. For more information about clicker training, see her blog at the Dog Clicker Training Review http://dogclickertrainingreview.blogspot.com/

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/three-ways-to-use-clicker-training-to-help-house-train-your-puppy-1552323.html

How to Identify Kidney Disease in Dogs

Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 2:35 am  
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For an avid dog-lover, the loss of his pet is the single most traumatic experience. If this occurs due to an illness, it becomes even more tragic. Kidney disease is one such killer. It can manifest itself in two ways. One is acute kidney disease and the other is chronic kidney disease. The former strikes suddenly whereas the latter takes effect over a period of time. Either way, the result if fatal for the canine and heartbreaking for the owner.

The kidneys act as a filtration system for the body and an estimated seventy percent of their normal functioning is lost with this disease. Toxins and waste products get into the blood and build up when these do not work correctly. A variety of problems is caused by this and it eventually leads to death. Canine kidney disease has this sad outcome in reality and it is unfortunate.

As the toxins start building up in various organs, they start to ’shut down’ that organ. The owner can notice the apparent symptoms in such cases. The kidney disease hinders the body from functioning properly and the warning signals become more obvious. The signs can vary between the two types of kidney disease. Sudden dehydration is a sign of acute kidney disease. If you gently pull the skin of the stomach on your pet and it doesn’t spring back, then it could be that he or she is dehydrated.

Another telltale sign of the acute kidney disease is the extreme reduction or total stoppage of urine. Your dog would suddenly stop urinating. It is a very excruciating process as the kidneys become quite painful. This is the most obvious sign. You would notice your pet’s arched back or stiff leg movement. In such a case, you would need to rush your precious pet to a veterinarian immediately.

In the case of chronic kidney disease, the symptoms are different and they occur over a period of time. The first indicator is an increase in thirst and consequently water consumption. This is a constant indicator of the disease. The dog might lose his or her desire to eat resulting in excessive weight loss over time. Contrary to the acute kidney disease, in the chronic version, the canine loses control over its bladder function. As a result, it urinates very frequently. As time passes, the process of urinating will cause extreme discomfort and become very painful. It is possible that there might even be blood in the urine or it may become impossible for the dog to urinate completely. Since the chronic kidney disease is a fatal illness, it is advisable to rush your pet to the veterinarian as soon as you see any of the warning signs such as problem in urination, vomiting, lethargy and depression. Any combination of these signs is a sure shot reason to go to the vet. If caught in time, there is hope for cure of this malady.

If the veterinarian suspects kidney disease he will usually follow four steps to decide if the dog has the disease or not. A thorough physical examination is what he will normally do first. The dogs relevant history will be gone over with the owner next, things such as their home behavior and symptoms. A blood test and urinary test are the two steps he will take after the first two steps are done. Both tests have to be done to make sure of a correct diagnosis. Whether or not your dog has acute or chronic kidney disease will be confirmed by both of these tests.

Conventional veterinary medicine has limited answers for treating kidney disease in dogs, but the good news is that there are natural alternatives that can even reverse dog kidney failure.

How You Can Train Your Dog Successfully

Sunday, December 6th, 2009 at 9:42 am  
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When it comes to training your dog, there are a few important tips that you need to keep in mind in order to be successful.  Nothing ever comes easy and the same is true with training your dog.  Some of the most important tips to keep in mind are to be patient, be consistent, and make it fun for you and your dog.  This article will discuss some of the essential tips for successfully training your dog.

This first tip for training your dog is to be patient.  Think back when you were a kid and it was your first time trying out your new bike.  Did you learn how to ride it right away or did it take you a few tries to get the technique down?  Your dog is the same way.  It will take a lot of practice and repetition for your dog to learn what you are trying to teach so don’t give up if it doesn’t work out on the first try.

Second, it’s important that you remain consistent throughout your training techniques with everything from commands to rewarding your dog for the proper actions.  Rewarding your dog is only useful if you do it at the right time, which is when your dog is showing the behavior that you are looking for.  Never punish your dog when he is showing poor behavior as this will only reinforce the fact that you are giving him attention for that poor behavior, and they love to get attention from you however they can.  If you choose a voice command for a certain action, always stick to that command and don’t vary it.  If you vary it, this will only confuse your dog and you’ll not get the results you are looking for as easily.

Third, try to make the training activities fun and exciting for your dog.  Chances are you’re going to have more success if you have your dog’s full attention because something is enjoyable.  If the activity is not very fun and exciting for your dog, then it is likely that he will become inattentive and distracted by other more exciting activities around him.

Always show praise for the good behavior that your dog portrays by allowing him to lick the back of your hand or by rubbing his belly.  These rewards will also show that you are in charge, or the alpha dog, of the pack so they will understand that if they listen to you and behave properly, they will be rewarded.  Don’t be afraid to give words of praise too since, again, dogs love to get all the attention they possibly can from you.

Some behavior may be cute and funny when the dog is a puppy but it may not be appropriate when your dog is an adult so it is important that you correct poor behavior while your dog is a puppy.  This will prevent him from continuing to show that behavior throughout his life.

Follow these simple tips and your training experience will be much more fun and exciting, and chances are you will also be successful in your efforts as well.

Search for dog information in the dog forum, and search for dogs for sale and other animals for sale at FarmMedley.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-you-can-train-your-dog-successfully-1547353.html

Dog Insurance is a Sensible Precaution

Sunday, December 6th, 2009 at 8:46 am  
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Most dog owners never consider dog insurance until they’re faced with a large veterinary bill. And the fact is that you can never foresee when you’ll need to seek veterinary care, or how much it will cost. Not infrequently, a visit to the vet to treat an injury or an unexpected illness can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Ouch!

How easy would it be your dog or puppy to break his leg? It happens every day, regardless if these pets stay indoors or are allowed to roam free in the yard. And can you guess how much it will cost you out-of-pocket? The average veterinarian costs for a broken bone is around $900. The monthly premium for dog insurance is pennies compared to such an expense for medical care.

Dog Health Insurance

Look into the different types of dog insurance plans available. The same as with other types of insurance, dog insurance policies do vary, so it’s wise to compare a couple before you buy. All good dog insurance policies should cover the following items:

Spaying/Neutering: Unless you are a serious breeder then it is only ethical that you have your dog spayed or neutered. Your dog health insurance plan may cover up to 100% of the cost. And remember, having your dog fixed helps keep animal population under control and reduces the chances of dogs roaming the streets looking for a mate, often resulting in injuries due to fighting or other accidents.

Prescription Flea Control: Some dogs just don’t respond adequately to over-the-counter flea remedies. And fleas must be taken seriously, not only for your dog’s comfort, but because they also carry various diseases and encourage other parasites. Dog insurance plans may cover the costs of the more potent prescription flea control products.

Annual Veterinary Examination: This is essential for all dogs, even if you think your dog is in peak health. The annual checkup can identify illness and disease before it progresses into something much worse, so that treatment can start at the earliest opportunity. Many dog insurance policies cover the annual veterinary examination costs.

Heartworm Treatment: If your dog is diagnosed with heartworm, immediate treatment is required. And it’s expensive. Although it’s certainly by far preferable to avoid the heartworm infestation in the first place by using heartworm prevention, your dog insurance should in fact cover the cost of heartworm treatment should the need ever arise.

Lab Costs: Blood tests and other lab work is covered by most dog health insurance plans. You never know when your vet may want to order blood work - especially if serious diseases are suspected, such as diabetes or heartworm.

Teeth Cleaning: Having your dog’s teeth cleaned probably never occurred to you, but this service is something you can take advantage of by enrolling in a dog insurance plan. It is refreshing to know that you can have your dog or puppy’s dental work maintained and keep his gums and teeth healthy for years to come.

Hospitalization Fees: Accidents and illnesses do have a habit of occurring when you least expect them. And they can be very expensive, as already noted. There is also the possiblity of complications of other procedures, such as de-sexing procedures or even teeth cleaning. Complications of surgery may require that your dog have blood transfusions or be monitored in intensive care. Now that’s a big expense. So instead of being landed with an exorbitant vet bill, your dog insurance will cover you.

For dog insurance news and other options for ensuring your pet’s health, choose a dog insurance to suit your budget.

Dogs And Water Fun

Sunday, December 6th, 2009 at 5:27 am  
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Finding cool activities is natural in the summer months. Water activities are a perfect solution for you as well as your dog. Dogs that don’t normally take pleasure in getting wet will have a swim if they are encouraged to get wet on a hot day!

There are canines that enjoy swimming with people, retrieving toys or simply just running around in the water. Certain dog breeds have been bred to be around water. Some of these breeds are: Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundland, Golden Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Some Poodles and Spaniel breeds also enjoy the water. Don’t rule out many mixed breeds that are always ready to dive in!

Dog owners should exercise their dog daily. Exercising your pet will not only make them healthier, but calmer when indoors. Taking your dog along to your day at the lake can be an enjoyable exciting activity. Swimming with your dog and playing fetch in the water provides a lot of fun and exercise.

Another great idea for your water outing is a floating dog toy. Many floating dog toys come attached to rope handles that make it easy to play toss and tug games in or out of the water.

Drowning can be a side effect of dog swimming when they are exhausted. Therefore, pet life preservers are available at many pet stores and come in a range of sizes and styles. This will help dog owners enjoy their day at the beach, knowing their dog will not drown

If you don’t want to travel outside of your own backyard, your dog can take a dip in your pool. This is really a personal preference since some pool filters can’t handle dog hair. Even if your dog doesn’t shed, pool owners have differing opinions about pets in the pool. Sometimes dogs can rip the liner or damage the pool equipment.

An easy resolution is to acquire a pool made specifically for your dog. Most dog pools are very durable, transportable, easy to fill and empty and made of tough PVC. These pools are easy to setup in the backyard, on deck or patio. These dog pools fold up making them easy to take on a summer trip and easy to store during the cold winter season.

When Summer is here. Give your pet relief from the heat. Have a magnificent summer and share your water adventures with your pet.

Like humans, dogs also require relief from the hot summer days and a refreshing swim with your dog is the ideal solution. Joanne recommends visiting a store where Dog Supplies are sold and purchase a dog pool or dog pool ramp made especially for your dog which will provide relief from the heat as well as exercise your pet.

Dogs and Frostbite

Saturday, December 5th, 2009 at 5:11 pm  
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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 not be 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.

This article was written by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies - the leader in dog supplies, including small dog beds.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dogs-and-frostbite-1546007.html

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