A DOG Is For Life Not Just For Christmas

My family run an animal sanctuary in Birmingham, England. Even though we love what we do, we feel that some people need to realise that a pet should be a long term commitment. They should not be seen as just a bit of fun which they can then get rid of when they get bored.

A stray dog finds shelter from the monsoon, in a cybercafe at Khar, Mumbai
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many people arrive at the animal sanctuary with their pets, which are mainly dogs, with many excuses as to why they are no longer able to look after or care for them. I am sure many of their reasons are valid but am also aware that many others are just an excuse to offload them.

The excuses they give are varied:

• I have recently divorced from my husband and can no longer afford to keep this dog as a pet
• The dog has started to bite my children
• The dog is too difficult to handle and is destroying my furniture
• We have recently moved into a flat. One of their rules is that no animals can live in these flats
• The dog barks to much and it is upsetting the neighbours
• Our other animals do not like the dog
• The dog is affecting my health
• I am too ill to look after my dog

It is not our role to question these reasons but what we then need to do is to find another suitable home for the dogs. This is easier said than done as we need to ensure that the new owners will be able to care for them, for hopefully the duration of their life.

We also keep many of the dogs as our own pets, especially the ones which nobody else seems to want. One such dog is called Cassie. She is full of life and has been ill treated it seems when she was a puppy. Half of her left ear is missing and she is seemingly quite afraid of men.

Cassie is need of a huge amount of care and attention. She can be too lively at times which is possibly why three people who attempted to re-home her, have bought her back. She is not aggressive in any way but does tend to jump up at people.

What we did with Cassie and what we will continue to do, is to give her lots of love but also a little bit of training of what is good and what is not acceptable. It takes a long time, but she is now able to understand that the jumping is not wanted and that she needs to chill out at times.

Cassie is turning into a wonderful dog to have around the house and now feels for the first time as part of a family.

With a little more patience most other dogs can turn out this way. This is why we want more people to take more responsibility and to give their animals more of a chance to settle into their homes, and to get used to a new set of rules.

Having animals as pets can be very rewarding, nearly as rewarding as having a child. A dog however will rarely answer you back.

If you are having problems with your animals you can always phone up animal sanctuaries for advice and to hear about possible solutions. The people who work there are animal lovers and will help you as much as they can.

If you are unable to continue looking after the pet, the sanctuary should be able to take them off you.

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Ways For Choosing The VETERINARIAN

Pets are very in trend these days. Even before, many individuals already have their own pets. This can be done for various purposes and you can choose the type of animal according to your preferences. But you must think about this decision since it entails various responsibilities and other things. It would just be like taking care of a baby but their development is not as advanced so there is a need to always look after them and take care of them as well.

A veterinarian stitching a dog, after surgery. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Their health is a priority especially since they could get sick as well. You should properly think about how you could easily take care of it as they could also get sick like other people and it could also be worse or a normal type. But despite the differences, you will still see changes in their behavior. Aside from personally taking care of them, you should also inquire about professional help by going to a veterinarian (Melfort SK).

Veterinarians are doctors that specialize on the health and conditions of animals instead of humans. They will be needing checkups from time to time and these people are the ones legally allowed to do it. Because of the fame of having pets these days, you can also see that various clinics and professionals are surfacing which means you will have various choices as well.

Because of this, it is necessary that you have standards in order for you to easily choose. Several factors can be utilized as indications in order for you to know the necessary features which could be advantageous or helpful. You will also knot the things that might not be very helpful through properly observing these things. It makes things easier and easily narrowed down.

One thing that could be considered a major factor when choosing is the comfort and feeling of your pet. Once your choices are narrowed down already, try to take them to visits and decide if they feel comfortable. They are after all, the ones being services. To make processes easier for both the doctor and the animal, this has to be done.

Well experienced staff is a must. When you take care of animals that have various temperaments, sometimes the same method would not be effective for the other especially during the services. Their ability to handle and make sure the job is done could only be developed through training as well as experiences.

One other thing that you should think about is their establishment and how it looks. Appearance is not a really necessary thing. However, it is necessary that the place be properly clean. Sicknesses and different conditions might be acquired when you are in a dirty place. Aside from that, this would also make your dogs more uncomfortable which you do not want to happen.

Some processes and services require the assistance of devices. And if this is the case, you must observe the machines present in that place. Some have more devices being utilized. This could potentially be dangerous for your pet particularly when their devices are not that functional. It has to be in good condition before you allow your pet to be serviced by the establishment.

Reviews can be your best guide. These are comments and opinions of the previous and current clients. Through their reviews, it would be easy for you to gain insight regarding how things are working. It would also be a good way for you to know more about the different sides of each clinic.

About the Author: Mattie Knight You can visit northeastvet.com for more helpful information about The Proper Veterinarian For Your Pets.

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DOG SHEDDING

Puppy shedding might be a real problem. A lot of pets will shed their coats completely twice in a year's time. Once in the spring and once in the fall season. This is known as 'blowing off'. There's nothing you can do about this seasonal hassle other than to smile and tolerate it and prepare yourself.

Puppies which are frequently coming in and outside of the home will usually not develop as heavy a winter fur as the ones that spend almost all of their time outdoors. That being said the indoor outdoor canine will tend to shed more inconsistently than a canine that is always in the garden.

Lhasa Apso EL Minja's Aisha (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Regular brushing of your puppy will surely assist. Use a hair brush which is able to get right down to the pet's skin. Just brushing the top certainly won't help. Do not be too abrasive, you do not want to hurt the animal's skin, but you do need to brush the under coat and eliminate as many loose hairs as possible. This won't help to handle the shedding but will certainly aid in reducing the possibility of your dog getting mats.

Brushing will in addition give you the chance to do a quick check of your dog. You need to make certain that the shedding isn't attributable to anything besides regular seasonal changes or just    normal hair loss. Abnormal shedding can be the result of a variety of different things you'll want to be familiar with. Pets may loose fur if they have a skin irritation. Irritations may be a result of anything from, unwanted organisms to allergies.

Dogs do have allergies. They can be allergic to everything from cleaning soap products to rug cleaning solutions. A few dogs sometimes loose fur if they've experienced a recent shock that could be brought on by anything from a move to a new person in the family.

If you see that your pet is losing hair in certain areas, and is appearing patchy you need to investigate. You should also be certain to look for any abnormal itching that your pet is doing. This might be an indicator that his epidermis is irritated and if left without treatment might cause sores along with fur loss.

Fur loss is something that every dog owner will need to deal with and while your pet is going through his regular seasonal hair loss, put a protective cover on your sofa and invest in the best vacuum. 

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Advantages Of Alternatives To ELIZABETHAN COLLAR

As a pet owner, you have to be able to do everything for your buddy even if that means that you have to consider replacing the cone of shame. When that happens, then you could have the benefits below. So, be able to do this not only for the canine that you love the most but for yourself as well.

To begin with, you will be away from the curious stares of strangers. With the right alternatives to Elizabethan collar, you shall no longer be drawing attention everywhere you go. You shall have that privacy which you have always been craving to achieve during the past few weeks and that could be a great gift to yourself.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

They are going to be very flexible. That means that your dogs would still have the freedom to move their neck. In that way, they would not look awkward in front of a lot of people and this cannot cause any tarnish in your reputation. So, simply do what is needed to be done in here since that is for your own good.

These products have a foam inside them. That signifies that they will not be a torture to your animals. On the contrary, they shall be an essential part in this recovery of your canines and this is what is vital as of the moment. You are not allowed to lose sight of that goal as you move along the way.

You would provide safety for your dog as well. The new collar can prevent it from running into sharp objects. So, it is perfectly safe for you to leave them at home as you head off to work. When that happens, then you can still have a normal life which is very important in here in the least.

You even have nothing to complain about the size. You can just bring your pet along when you are shopping and the attendant in the store will measure it up. Thus, go ahead and make this happen while you still have the time of the day because of your busy schedule. This is the right flow in here.

Your dog would feel normal and that can really help in its recovery. As you can see, everything is starting to fall into place. When that happens, then you shall be able to do the usual morning rounds with your buddy and nothing can get any better than that.

Everything can be washed by a washing machine. This indicates that your life is still yours to have. So, go ahead and be sure that everything is going fine with the machine. When that happens, then you can already seal the deal.

Overall, you just have to get the best out there. This would be for the good of your lifetime partner. Be a concerned pet owner and you shall reap the fruits of your hard labor. This is really the path that you have to be in right now.

About the Author: Della Monroe Read more about Benefits Of Alternatives To Elizabethan Collar.

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Beyond Washing The DOG

Keeping your dog clean is an important responsibility for every dog owner. Fido depends on you for general hygiene. Clean ears, teeth and a coat free from fleas and ticks are all the conditions you check for a healthy pet. Bath time is a great time to bond with your dog as well as check his well-being.

Photo by moria

A healthy dogs actually don’t need to be washed all that often, but humans prefer to bathe them so that they smell fresh and clean and not like...well…dog. Although most dogs don’t like to be washed, they will appreciate the contact and attention that they receive from their owners during a bath. It is also a good time to perform some other necessary “dog maintenance” such as cleaning the ears, checking for ticks and fleas, and brushing the teeth. Since many dogs do not like to sit still for any of these activities, it can be a good idea to do them all at once.

Brushing your Dogs’ Teeth

Brushing your dogs’ teeth is just good dental hygiene. Most vets recommend that it be done at least twice a week to ensure your dog maintains healthy teeth and gums. If you’ve have been doing this, it’s never too late to start. The dog should have its own toothbrush and special toothpaste designed for dogs. You pick up everything you need at your favorite pet supply store. Make sure you brush the back teeth in small circles, the same way you would your own, and brush up and down the length of the “pointy” canine teeth. Dog toothpaste is made to have a pleasing taste, to dogs that is, and this should help make your dog willing to let you perform this activity. If you cannot brush his teeth, the next best thing would be to give him teeth cleaning dog biscuits but brushing is definitely preferred.

Checking for Ticks & Fleas

Ticks are nasty little arachnids (they’re eight-legged creatures like spiders, and therefore are not insects) that will latch onto your dog’s skin and feed on his blood supply. They are most common in wooded areas, but your dog should be checked for them regularly because they can carry a number of diseases. The best place to look for these bugs in under the collar or on the dog’s underbelly, buried in the fur. If you find a tick, be sure to use tweezers and remove the tick by its head.

Fleas can be found in the same places, under the fur. The presence of fleas can be betrayed by the sight of their droppings on the dog’s coat. They look like flecks of pepper. The fleas themselves can vary in size, from tiny infants to larger adults, which are about an eighth of an inch long. They can’t simply be picked off the dog like ticks can, they will jump before you can catch them. If you do find a flea or their droppings, you know it’s time to start the dog on a program to control and eliminate these pests.

Cleaning his Ears

Pet supply stores sell special solutions for cleansing a dog’s ears. Dogs can easily get ear mites. These small insects live in the ears and feed of the waxy secretions there. Over time, the bodies of these short-lived creatures build up and form a black, dirty substance. Using a cotton swab dipped in a bit of this solution, gently clean the inner ear. It may be difficult to hold the dog still for this procedure, but it doesn’t take long. The result will be clean ears and the avoidance of potential infection and earaches for your dog.

So you see, the quality time you spend bathing your dog will not only make him smell great to you but it will make him FEEL great.

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Adopting A PROTECTION DOG

Mackie writes:

My good friend who is a dog trainer offered me his 5 year old Belgian Malinois for adoption. He is trained as a protection dog so he can guard his master, bite on command, release the bite on command, stay until released and others. He has a trophy as third placer in Level 1 protection in a protection dog competition. I have two dogs at present: A one year-old and a nine month-old Labrador... both are females, obedience trained and not neutered.

Two Belgian Malinois playing in snow in Ohio. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I would like to adopt him and I know I can take care of him. Will he accept me after being my friend's favorite dog for 5 years? My friend assured me that he can transfer the loyalty of the dog to me. He is a fierce dog when in competition but a very quiet dog when outside the training ring. In fact my friend brings the dog with him all the time and I know of several occasions that the dog is off leash. He is giving him up because he wants to replace him with a younger dog.

Should I take him up on his offer?

Dear Mackie:

Yes... the dog will transfer his loyalty to you.

Here are two major issues you should consider before adopting this dog:

1. The Belgian Malinois (especially one that is bred and trained for bite work and protection dog sports) will require a lot of work ON YOUR PART to learn how to handle this dog. You're going to need a lot of training... one-on-one style... to successfully integrate this dog into your life. It's like driving a Ferrari or a race car. The car already runs great, but if you don't learn the right way to drive it, you'll end up killing yourself. And just because you already know how to drive a Subaru doesn't cut it... we're talking Ferrari, here. And the Belgian Malinois is a Ferrari with the tricked out Turbo engine.

2. The breed is an extremely HIGH DRIVE breed. This dog needs TONS of exercise and mental stimulation. TONS. Please take the time to recognize that adopting this dog will be a major responsibility.

If you decide to do it, and you are successful, you'll have an amazing companion. The breed is quite healthy and you can be content in knowing that you own a KING OF KINGS as far as working dogs are concerned.

Part of me has always wanted what you're thinking about getting. But my lifestyle and dedication to the exercise and training requirements are something I do not have at this current point in my life.

P.S. Make sure that the dog isn't dog aggressive before you decide to take ownership.

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Picking out a Pet DOG LEASH

Pink Puppy Designs,

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When you own a canine, a leash will be a big part of both your lives. The times of permitting your furry friend to wander gladly by your side have for the most part disappeared. In many metropolitan areas it is the law that you have your pet on a leash constantly. Therefore it is essential you that select the correct leash for both you and your companion.

You'll find countless leashes which are available on the market today. Have you any idea how to pick one? Sure, a fancy leash and one with a adorable saying is great but it might not be useful or practical. When you decide to go to get a lead there are many things that you really do need to think about when you make your selection.

The first factor to consider is the weight and size of your dog. Almost all leashes have labels on them that indicate just how much the dog ought to weigh.

You should consider the fabric that the leash is crafted from. Leather or nylon tend to be the very best choices. You do not want a leash that may cause rope burns if it becomes twisted or pulled. You should have something that is resilient and strong. Chain leashes aren't terrific. A puppy can potentially chip or damage a tooth on a lead created from chain.

Washing is another factor many people do not think of although it is very significant. The lead is in many instances going to get dusty, this is unavoidable. Are you able to thoroughly clean it?

Just how long of a leash do you need? In numerous places you will discover constraints on how long the leash can be, you should know these rules if they may have an impact on you and your puppy. You do not need a leash that's more than six feet, for day-to-day walking. Anything longer might be more of a hindrance than anything else.

Another thing that lots of individuals forget to look at is the way the leash works. You want to have a fastener that's relaible. You do not need something which could break if it is abruptly pulled. Additionally you want something that will hook on / off quickly and simply.

It's also advisable to have a look at how the leash is produced. A sewn lead is often the very best. Leashes which are glued, might after a while loose their strength. Anything that is glued onto the lead may look adorable but might end up being a choking threat to the animal if it comes off.

Be careful when choosing the leash for your furry friend, you will be utilizing it a lot and for years. When you have decided on the best lead you may even wish to get two. Having a back-up lead is extremely handy.

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BOREDOM and variety

Boredom and variety are always inter connected in case of dog misbehaving. Yes. This is true. Many a times, boredom can be managed with variety of materials that will distract the animals to a greater extent.  Hence, the dog may not do the abnormal or unwanted activity arising out of the boredom experienced by it. 

Boredom experienced dogs may have different types of behavioral patterns.  For example, some dogs will be seen barking continuously and some may be engaged always in some digging activities. 

There are many ways to get your dog out of its boredom activities. Many toys are available which simulated duck, dog, rodent etc. 

These may be kept inside the crate and in particular, puppies love these items.  A buster cube with multiple treats may be placed in the dog’s shelter and the animal soon understands on how to roll the buster cube to get the treats it prefers. A Buster Cube is an ingenious toy use for simulating and activating your dog during play and feed time.  Instead of placing the food monotonously in one place, change the place of feeding suddenly. 

Such actions will be helpful for removing the boredom like activity in your dog. Activities pertaining to boredom need to be redefined well by the dog owners.  This will help them to a greater extent to drive away the unwanted behavior patterns in their pet dogs. 

For example, some dogs may often have destructive biting characters and will be seen biting chair, cloth, mats, and everything that can see. After ruling out the teething problem if it is a puppy, provide it with some large sized balls, mineral mixture based bone materials, etc. Such variety of materials help to reduce the boredom related activities.   

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