Tips to Caring for a Puppy

Your new puppy needs to be stimulated both mentally and physically, which means regular exercise and learning should be an important part of his/her everyday life. It’s essential that you walk your puppy at least twice a day to promote coordination and learning, but make sure that he/she has adjusted to a collar and is comfortable wearing it before proceeding. Play, pet and talk to your puppy to encourage both social and people skills on a daily basis. When company visits, you will want your puppy to be on his/her best behavior and the proper social skills will go a long way in making both your guests and your pup feel more comfortable.

Growing puppies have a healthy appetite and, as such, you will need to be ready for a picky eater. Most puppy food manufacturers offer feeding guidelines on both dry and canned food, which are essential in making sure your new friend has a healthy eating pattern. If possible, keep the feeding times on a regular schedule so that your puppy will begin to develop a familiar routine. Always make sure that your puppy has fresh, clean drinking water and a dry place to sleep. Cold drinking water is the norm for those hot summer days, but many pups prefer warm water in the winter.

An important part of caring for a puppy is proper veterinary attention, which includes vaccinations and regular checkups. Some states require that puppies receive a rabies vaccination when they reach the appropriate age and are required to receive a booster every two years after that. For your state laws regarding animal vaccinations, consult with your local veterinarian and always keep a written record of your puppy’s medical history, vaccinations and other important facts relating to his/her healthcare.

Speaking of health, one of the most common problems that many puppies face is that of tapeworms, which look like rice, and roundworms, which look like long pasta noodles. If you notice anything out of the ordinary in your pet’s stool, consult with a local veterinarian for treatment. In many cases, over-the-counter liquid worm medicine can be purchased at pet stores and local retailers for the purpose of ridding your pet of these unwanted parasites.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional veterinary advice and/or recommendations surrounding puppy care. For additional information, consult with your local veterinarian.

Dog Grooming Tips

When it comes to grooming man’s best friend, some dogs are naturally easier to care for than others. A dog with long hair, for instance, requires daily brushing while a dog with shorter hair may only require brushing several times each week. The best way to approach dog grooming is to assess what your dog needs and find the most effective way of keeping him/her looking fluffed and fabulous.

The first step to grooming your dog is to find the right brush for the job. You should start by letting your dog sniff the comb or brush before beginning with gentle strokes that will allow your pet to get acquainted with the feeling of being brushed. Although this may promote a nervous or anxious feeling at first, your dog will soon adapt to the process. You should always brush in the direction of the hair growth and be aware of any knots or tangles that may be present. If you find any problem areas that are resistant to regular brushing and/or an anti-tangle comb, you can carefully remove the tangle with scissors.

Every dog owner’s approach is different when it comes to bathing their pet, but it’s an important step that must not go overlooked. Despite their fascination with dirt, dogs don’t want to stay dirty and they rely on us to make sure they are clean. In the beginning, most dogs will be resistant to the idea of a bath, which is why it’s important to get them used to the process as early as possible. If you teach him/her how to act at a young age, bath time will be a breeze by the time your pup reaches adulthood. Depending on the size of your dog, you may need an extra pair of hands to hold him/her while you proceed with the bath. It’s important that your pet not slip away until being fully rinsed of any shampoo.

The final step to grooming your dog is clipping and filing his/her nails. It is important to use only those trimmers that are specifically designed for this purpose. While holding the dog’s paw firmly in your hand, cut the tip of the nail with a single stroke making certain to stop before reaching the quick. This area is most visible immediately following a bath, but can also be enhanced with the use of baby oil. After clipping your dog’s nails properly, using a file will help to smooth over any rough areas that may be left behind.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional veterinary advice and/or recommendations surrounding dog grooming. For additional information on techniques, safety and health concerns, consult with your local veterinarian.

Tips to Caring for a Kitten

What's soft, cuddly and needs all of the attention that you can possibly spare? If you are the proud owner of a kitten, you already know that he/she is all of this and more. To put it simply, your kitten is probably the cat's meow and it's your job to make sure that this energetic little ball of fur enjoys a happy and healthy life.

When you bring a new kitten home, you can expect a certain level of anxiety as he/she gets used to the new environment. By the time they reach the age of 6-8 weeks old, kittens will begin to eat on their own. They will still need warm milk, which you can heat on a kitchen range or in a microwave, and will begin to eat kitten food at an age that is specified by manufacturers and/or a veterinarian.

Like puppies, kittens must be groomed regularly to ensure a healthy and shiny coat. This includes bathing and brushing, which can either be done in your home or at a local pet grooming center. An essential part of caring for your kitten involves making sure that he/she receives the proper vaccinations, especially any that may be required by state law. When it comes to health, a combination of regular checkups and vaccinations are important to your kitten's life and health.

Regardless of whether your kitten becomes an indoor or outdoor pet, it is important to make sure that he/she has fresh drinking water and eats on a regular schedule. When it comes to feeding guidelines, every food manufacturer suggests something different according to your cat's age and/or weight. In order for your feline to maintain a healthy diet, it's important to follow these suggestions precisely unless your vet recommends otherwise.

If your kitten will be living indoors, litterbox training is a must. The most important aspect of this training approach is placement of the litterbox, which should be easily accessible and private for your cat. Your kitten's litterbox should not have so much litter than it feels like quicksand, so go sparingly as you prepare the area for use. After your kitten eats, take him/her to the litterbox until he/she has made use of the facilities. After a while, your kitten will get used to the space and will gain an understanding of how it is to be used.

When it comes to playtime, your kitten will be full of energy. Cats love to pounce, so anything that moves or has a bell attached will be a big hit. If you want to keep it simple, kittens love to chase a strand of yarn and will be more than happy to spend time playing with their new family. Plush mice, catnip and other similar toys will keep your kitten entertained for hours.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional veterinary advice and/or recommendations surrounding kitten care. For additional information on training techniques, safety and health concerns, consult with your local veterinarian.

Dealing With Your Dog's Behavioral Problems: Barking & Biting

All puppies are rambunctious and love to chew on everything from shoes and toys and, at times, even their owner. While these are normal activities for a pup, the greater concern is to correct this behavior before your little one matures into a disobedient dog. In addition to biting, some dogs do not understand the limit when it comes to barking. All dogs bark, but how much is too much and what can be done to correct the problem? If your dog's bark is worse than his bite, that's a good thing, but what happens if both are equally troubling?

When it comes to behavioral problems, there are a number of factors that may be contributing to your four-legged friend's unruly actions. Health problems are a common reason why some dogs act out with aggression in the form of barking and/or biting. If a dog suddenly begins to demonstrate any type of negative behavior that has never before been an issue, consult with a veterinarian as these issues may be related to a health problem that needs a proper diagnosis and/or treatment.


If your dog is still small or young enough that he/she is easy to control, it's important to begin obedience training to help eliminate aggressive behavior. Not only can barking and/or biting be stressful to visiting guests, it can also be a potential warning sign that your dog is asserting dominance and may not be safe to be around.

When your dog barks, pay close attention to his/her demeanor. Is it a playful bark or one that is followed by a snarl or growl? If you don't sense any danger, you can begin to train your dog to stop barking on command. By using positive reinforcement, your pet will learn to obey your instructions. Place your hand up and open as though you were about to wave at someone, but make sure that your hand is in front of the dog, but not too close. Bring your middle finger and thumb together in a swift motion as though your hand were a closing mouth. As you do this, say it in a firm voice. If your dog stops barking, reward him/her with a treat. Repeat this step until your dog learns to obey your command.

When it comes to a dog that bites, the corrective training approach must be handled very carefully. If your dog simply likes to chew or believes in playing rough, giving him/her a chew toy to redirect their attention may be the answer. If your dog is especially aggressive toward you, your family or visitors to your home, it's important to deal with this issue quickly. The best approach is to have your dog examined by a veterinarian and, if advised, enroll him/her in an obedience training course. If your dog is able to develop the right social skills, he/she will likely be more relaxed around people.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional veterinary advice and/or recommendations surrounding aggressive behavior, including barking and/or biting, or the corrective approach required to reduce such actions. For additional information on training techniques, safety and health concerns, consult with your local veterinarian.

FITNESS FOR LIFE ::

Physical fitness for dogs and humans has rewards that far outweigh the struggle that's required to become fit.
“Nugget” was a Golden Retriever… and a member of our family for sixteen, memorable years. And one of the fondest memories I will carry with me the rest of my life is of the innumerable early morning runs we took together along the old forested logging roads just outside our door in northern Wisconsin. Her enthusiasm for the forty-minute exercise sessions sparked my commitment to good health, especially on those mornings when I’d rather have skipped our run and she just wouldn’t allow it. Until kidney disease claimed her at age sixteen, her state of health was excellent and despite an arthritic spine, her mobility was always very good
Far outweighing the inconvenience of committing time and effort to achieve physical fitness, the rewards of being physically fit, for man and dog, will last a lifetime. And those rewards can actually be felt physically and emotionally. Deep inside every canine brain there exists what I call a Joy Center. (It’s actually a structure called the Hypothalamus!) That’s where nerve impulses of happiness and pleasure set the dog’s tail into motion, crank up the heart and breathing rate, and propel the dog into all sorts of body language that signals excitement and enthusiasm for whatever wonderful thing is about to happen. And since all dogs are born to run, anticipation of an exercise session really sets off that Joy Center. Running is a naturally rewarding emotional and physical experience for any dog and is a natural fitness enhancer.
ADVANTAGES OF KEEPING FIT
The primary outgrowth of keeping your dog physically fit will be a substantially improved quality of life throughout the aging process. And when old age does come knocking, your dog will be much better equipped to continue to be mobile, alert and enthusiastic throughout the day. You have to decide if the goal of a higher quality of life, throughout life, is worth the effort for you and your dog. Even in the presence of such age related debilitation as arthritis, circulatory inefficiency, or cognitive dysfunction, any physically active dog will be far better off than one that has led a sedentary life. When thinking of how physical fitness impacts your dog, “quality of life” are the key words. Robert Gillette, DVM, MS, has published numerous articles on canine sports medicine and exercise physiology and is the Director of the Sports Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. Dr. Gillette states “Fitness and exercise have the same beneficial affects in the dog as they do in the human. It helps to keep unwanted weight off the dog and improves the overall physical health. One of the most important benefits that exercise has on the dog is the positive effect on its psychological well-being. And sedentary canines have a much higher risk of health and medical problems than active dogs. This parallels the same health issues seen in humans.”
HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG FIT
Not all dogs are able to run free with their human companion along deserted logging roads every morning. And most dogs are tightly constrained by their environment and the responsibilities and limitations of their human keeper. But there are ways all of us can contribute to our dogs’ quality of life through physical fitness no matter where or how we live. And the foundation upon which any fitness goal rests is high quality nutrition. More than anything else, what you feed your dog and how much of it you feed will impact the dog’s level of fitness. Simply stated, do not allow your dog to become overweight. And you must fight the urge to chose your dog’s food based upon price, and instead base the purchase decision on quality. If you do nothing else to improve your dog’s fitness, choose a high quality, meat-based food and avoid feeding too much of it. You have total control over what your dog eats; that’s a big responsibility and it impacts the dog’s physical fitness every single day.
Physical activity is a very close second when it comes to keeping fit because every tissue in the body needs to be worked for optimal function to be achieved. An overweight, sedentary dog will have little enthusiasm for getting off the couch for a walk around the block because exercise is not comfortable and is not immediately rewarding when the level of fitness is low. Fitness must be earned.
What is a good way to get started on a fitness program for your dog? Dr. Gillette suggests “Initially it is best to assume the dog is not conditioned or fit. Have the dog checked out by your veterinarian to be sure the dog is healthy enough to participate in an exercise program. You should choose an appropriate exercise that allows the dog to participate. A few examples of these types of exercise are jogging, biking, hiking, roller blading, cross-country skiing, playing fetch plus many more. The dog can run with the owner during some of these types of activities, but for safety reasons keep in mind the need for leash restraint.“
Obviously, you need to tailor the activity to the breed because that little overweight Dachshund will have a much different ability level than the neighbor’s Akita. Dr. Gillette believes running is an excellent way to keep a dog fit and says, “Begin by taking the dog for a one mile run, no longer. Assess the endurance and how the dog reacts to this distance. Signs that are indicative of fatigue are panting, dry mouth, attempts to find shade, stopping to drink water, abnormal gait, and reluctance to continue. The workout should stop when these signs appear. We do not want to create a medical emergency! Determine at what distance these signs first occur and that will be the beginning distance. If the dog does not show any of these signs during the run, observe it for a few hours after the run and again the next morning. If the dog shows any discomfort then cut back the distance by one half. If the dog shows no problems then increase the distance using a weekly stair step program. Increase the distance by one-half to one-mile increments. Use the same signs as described to determine the dog’s ability to handle increases in exercise. Always check the dog’s paws and pads at the end of every workout session and if any lesions or lacerations are present consult your veterinarian.”
In addition to Dr. Gillette’s suggestions about running consider joining a local dog club. There all sorts of fitness activities such as showing, obedience training, and agility exercises and competitions that are fun and provide mental and physical stimulation. Even something as simple as a walk around the block every day will have a beneficial health impact on you and your dog. Other things you can do to improve your dog’s fitness relate to keeping health maintenance updated through an annual veterinary physical exam. Thyroid Gland function should be checked in any dog that seems sedentary and overweight. Always bring in a urine sample to be checked, too, because an underlying bladder or kidney infection will create a continuous drag on your dog’s health. A Blood Chemistry Panel, which analyzes a multitude of biochemical parameters in your dog, is an excellent way to monitor invisible organ function status and should be done annually. Be sure to check the gums and teeth regularly, especially the difficult-to-see molars where abscessed roots are common. Poor oral health is a major cause of debilitation in older dogs and next month’s column will explore that topic in depth. If your dog develops arthritis there are a number of products including non-prescription dietary supplements such as Omega Fatty Acids that often greatly improve function, mobility and comfort.
In summary, there are two main factors you need to address if you are to keep your dog physically fit. One is nutritional… high quality, meat-based food in amounts that keep your dog slightly thin rather than slightly (or grossly) overweight. The other is physical activity… in amounts that stimulate the mind and heart of your wonderful canine companion. The rewards for fitness are there for you and your dog to achieve. Is it time for you and your dog to “Go For It”?

Pet Insurance & Pet Health Insurance:

Pet Insurance & Pet Health Insurance: Financial Security in Pet Care

Most Pet owners who don't have kids treat their pets like kids, So when their loved ones is sick or unwell , many owners don't hesitate to get the best care for their best friends. Being a pet owner can add a lot of friendship towards another living being & security to ones life.

Being a pet owner also means taking care of your pet's health & caring for your pet. Just as human insurances save a lot of money during sickness, pet insurance are a best way to save money on your pet's health care bills & some pet insurance are applicable for online pet supply purchases.

Just like a family's health insurance plan, most pets are now covered by Pet Insurances or pet health insurance plans.The best way to you're pets good health is by buying pet insurance. Pet Insurances are helpful to most pet owners when they first adopt a pet, Health Insurance for Pets will greatly reduce the various pet care schedules be it immunizations on a regular schedule or a monthly veterinarian visits. Without pet insurance the veterinary bills can quickly add up, not to mention the impact of an accident or a serious illness within the family. Health Insurance for Pets also provides emotional relief & reduces the cost burden.

Pet Health care includes, vaccinations, medications and surgical procedures. But all these procedure could put a dent in pet owners finances.

To financially protect your family from all of these costs and to avoid making difficult decisions, pet owners should consider purchasing Health Insurance for pets. Pet Insurances plans cover the medical costs of catastrophic accidents and illnesses. Some insurance plans even help to reduce the cost of routine care. Pet insurance does not normally provide coverage for the loss of a pet. However, people who own exotic pets, award winning pets or pets that help the owner with daily living (performance or circus dogs) can obtain such coverage by purchasing special private property insurance.

PET MEDICATIONS:

PET MEDICATIONS: Pet Medications consist of prescription and non-prescription medication to treat common pet symptoms.

Pet Medication is not a substitute for a veterinary doctor visits, but should be used in conjunction with veterinary doctors consultations. Most online pet med stores or a veterinary hospital, usually fill pet prescriptions. Pet owners should be well knowledgeable in terms of use for effective pet care.

Pet Medication ads on TV tend to catch the pet owners attention by showing a dog or a cat which cannot walk or showing symptoms of arthritis or ads which are emotionally attached. These type of emotionally attached pet medication ads are effective because because people are very close to their pets and most treat them as their own kids , so pet owners go any extent to keep their pets happy and anxiety-free.

Most Pet owners now have the choice of visiting online pet medication stores, which dispenses the most common pet medications. Most online pet med stores now accept pet health insurance also.

Symptoms of Good Pet Health

Symptoms of Good Pet Health: Most pets health can be identified by pet behavior patterns, pet exterior & pet food habits. Some of the best symptoms of good pet health are as below. Most pet owners need to be aware of these good health symptoms to ensure that their pet is healthy.

a) Soft Shinier Coat

b) No Digestion Problems, this can be identified when pet owners are dog walking

c) Pets teeth have no or very less tartar formation

d) Strong Bones & healthy Muscles

e) Pets which are healthy have more energy & higher activity levels

Pet owners need to constantly monitor these pet health patterns during daily activity & quickly identify if there is a need for a trip to the veterinary hospital