Everything You Should Know About CARING For Animals

Photo   by Dawn Ashley 

Most of us have had pets of one kind or another. If you have a dog or you think that you may need one in the future, you have got to think about some things first. This article will supply you with superb advice on caring for your dog.

When you have a dog, make certain that you give him enough water. Water should be provided to your dog at all times of the day, particularly in the summer. Put his water bowl somewhere where nobody will trip over it, otherwise, you will be cleaning your floors all day!

If your puppy dog is teething and chewing at everything, buy him an exciting gnaw toy and keep it in the fridge. Not only will this provide him with a good substitute for your furniture, but the cold will help to make his gums feel a bit better. Most younger dogs nibble out of necessity, not poor manners.

Pup

If you're brooding about adopting a dog, try taking one or two weeks off work so you can spend some time with your little dog and teach it one or two good habits. Coaching your little puppy and helping it become used to its new environment will be way easier if you're home.

When clipping a puppy's toenails, start slow. Introduce your tiny dog to them prior to beginning cutting. You'll only be well placed to get a single nail done in a sitting. It might take a while for puppy dog to become ok with the concept of nail clipping, but shortly, you'll be able to get through it all at once.

Treatment

When taking your senior dog to the vet for a once a year visit, be sure to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to identify any kidney, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is typically minimally invasive and less pricey. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy for many years to come.

When you train your dog, you'll always need to use positive reinforcement. Rewards and praise make your pet learn quicker than threats and violence. Tolerant coaching is better for several years to come and it's better. be kind during training; you will get better and faster results.

Care

Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by vehicle. Even with your air conditioning on, the dog may become overheated in his pet carrier. An easy and lower cost dog ringworm home-based treatment and freezing one or two-gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he will curl up and chill.

If your dog is really rowdy or simply excitable, gurus recommend that you don't bring them along on vacation. Many times the thrill and misunderstanding of a new area full of strangers are too much for the hyper dog and unpleasant events may occur. Find a great dog house to look after your pooch as an alternative.

These pointers may help you become a better owner for your dog. Use these different tips and do more research on the things you have got to know about to correctly take care of your dog. Read this draft over as many times as you need to.

Author: Lisa Thomas

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The 5 Different Kinds Of WORMS That Can Harm Your Dog

Ancylostoma caninum, a type of hookworm, attached to the intestinal mucosa.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are 5 different kinds of worms that can hurt your puppy or dog, and here is a list of them, and what they can do to your dog. There are many different types of medicines and antibiotics for your dog, and not all of them work on each symptom, so it is best to consult your vet for the proper treatment.

One of the easiest ways for puppies and dogs to pick up worms is by them playing or eating their feces matter. It is important to pick up your dogs' poop in the backyard all the time, on a regular basis, can keep it clean and safe.

Hookworms: Hookworms are not visible to the naked eye. Hookworms hide in the intestines and can be transferred to humans. Hookworms are small thin worms that hook onto the intestinal wall and they suck the blood from the puppy or dog, which can cause anemia and even death.

These worms actually have teeth, that cause bleeding in the intestines. Hookworms will grow to full maturity in the intestines. Hookworms can be spread from the mothers' mile right to the pups, to the whole family needs to be dewormed.

The worms like to live in feces matter, and contaminated soil, like the dirt you might have in your backyard your dog likes to play in maybe. If your dog has hookworms, some signs might include anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stools and very low energy. Hookworms could be present, and you won't be able to see them so you would need to take your pet, or a stool sample to the vet for a diagnosis.

Roundworms: Roundworms are the most common type of worms in puppies. Just like hookworms, roundworms attack the intestines and can cause a pot-bellied look, on your puppy or dog.

Puppies can get roundworms from their mothers' milk, or even from the uterus, before birth. They can also pick up the eggs from the contaminated soil outside since roundworm eggs can live up to several years outside in dirt and soil.

Roundworms can be transmitted to humans, just like hookworms, so it is vital to eradicate them as soon as practical. Roundworms will live in the intestines, and will grow to adulthood, and lay eggs that will produce more roundworms.

Roundworms can be seen by the eye in your dogs' vomit or stools, and is up to 7 inches long, and will resemble spaghetti somewhat. When your puppy or dog starts to get to many of these roundworms, you will see the pot-bellied appearance on them, and you may notice vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Whipworms: Whipworms are one of the more harder worms to kill. Whipworms are long skinny shaped worms that live in the dog's colon, and you can not see them with your eyes.

Whipworms will also attach to the intestines, and cause intestinal bleeding inside your dog. Signs of whipworms could be weight loss, anemia, diarrhea with some blood or a gooey mucus type substance in it, and just a lack of energy.

Tapeworms: Tapeworms get their name because they look like flat Scotch tape. Tapeworms attack the intestines and can be seen by the naked eye. The tapeworms will look like a rice appearance in your dogs' stools.

Tapeworms can be broken into pieces, and sometimes you can see the worms on your dogs' anus and stools, still moving around, with your naked eyes.

Tapeworms are not transmitted directly to humans from dogs, but a human could still be infected. Some signs your dog might have tapeworms would be weight loss, uncontrollable itching around the anus area, lots of pain if your touch their abdominal area, and vomiting.

Heartworms: Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, when mosquitoes are active, and go from one dog to the next. Heartworm can kill your dog if left untreated, and it is easily preventable. There are no symptoms of heartworms until it is almost fully advanced.

The heartworms destroy the muscle and tissue of the heart and can cause heart failure, and kill your dog. One of the best measures these days is to consult your vet for heartworm guard, and you can easily find medications online for your dog's heart since starting them on a medication is the best practice.

By Vince Stead Vince Stead is the author of over 20 books. He has been raising dogs for over 25 years. You can find his books at places like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even his own website at http://www.vincestead.com You can get every one of his books as a book at regular price, and you also get them as digital downloads for only $2.99 each. Article Source: EzineArticles

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DEVON REX Cats - Genetics

Brown and white Devon Rex (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Genes account for things like eye coloring, the color of the coat, physical characteristics and sex determination.

Rex is the name given to gene mutations which are responsible for the guard hairs on the coat to be missing. The Rex cat has only the curly undercoat hair present. This breed of cat first made an appearance in Cornwall, England. The name of this cat was Cornish Rex. Then, just a few years later, in Devon, a kitten was born, from a litter of foreign-type kittens. This gene mutation gave life to the Devon Rex.

Where the Cornish Rex is warm and soft to the touch and has a slightly woolly feeling coat, the Devon Rex has a closer coat which feels more crisp and short. In the beginning, the coat of the Devon Rex was sparse and not very nice looking, but gradually, over time, cat breeders have managed to eliminate this feature and now it has an adequate covering making it that little bit more attractive!

Cat breeders are now able to transfer the Rex coat to any color or type of cat, and so although there are two standard types of Rex, any other breed can be produced with the typical wavy coat with the guard hair missing. The standard for Russian Blue cats set out by the American Cat Fanciers Association, states that it is a dainty cat distinct from all other breeds with its soft, lustrous, bright blue double coat, and that handling it feels like running a silk scarf through your hands.

By Loretta Kay For more information on Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, please visit http://www.allthingskittycat.blogspot.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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The LEONBERGER DOG - A Detailed Description of the Breed

Photo by rebekamusprime

The Leonberger is first and foremost a family dog. As such, the Leonberger temperament is one of his most important and distinguishing characteristics. Well socialized and trained, the Leonberger is self-assured, insensitive to noise, submissive to family members, friendly toward children, well composed with passersby, and self-disciplined when obliging his family or property with protection. Robust, loyal, intelligent, playful, and kindly, he can thus be taken anywhere without difficulty and adjust easily to a variety of circumstances.

The Leonberger appears majestic in a generous double coat. He is a large, muscular, and elegant dog with balanced body type, medium temperament, and dramatic presence. The Leonberger's head is held proudly and adorned with a striking black mask which helps to protect the breed's distinct expression of intelligence, pride, and kindliness. Remaining true to his early roots as a capable family and working dog, the agile Leonberger is sound and coordinated, exhibiting strength in bearing and elegance in movement. The Leonberger possesses either a strongly masculine or elegantly feminine form, making gender immediately discernable. When properly trained and socialized, the Leonberger is vigilant, loyal, and confident in all situations. Robust, obedient, intelligent, playful, and kindly, the adaptable Leonberger is an appropriate family companion for modern living conditions.

The Leonberger is a very large dog. For a mature specimen, the height at the withers is ideally the median of the breed's range- 28 to 31.5 inches for dogs and 25.5 to 29.5 inches for bitches. The weight of his trim, well-muscled body is in direct proportion to his size. Elegantly assuming a rectangular build, the Leonberger is a well-balanced dog in form and function; the proportion of his height to his length is at about nine to ten. Necessary for efficient movement and providing for a harmonious silhouette, his front and rear angulation are moderate and balanced. Capable of demanding work, the Leonberger is a dog of ample substance. His frame is effortlessly supported with well-muscled, medium to the heavy bone in direct proportion to his size. A roomy chest is sufficiently broad and deep for the purpose of work. Seen in profile, the chest curves inward from the pro-sternum tangentially joins the elbow to his underline at fifty percent of the withers' height and then continues slightly upward toward the stifle.

Correct head and expression, in harmony with overall size and coat, are hallmarks of the Leonberger and are always appropriately masculine or feminine. The head is well balanced in proportion to the size of the dog and is deeper than broad with the length of muzzle and the length of skull approximately equal. The head is painted with a striking black mask that extends above the eyes; the Leonberger's good-natured expression is elegant, intelligent and confident. Likewise, the nose and lips are black and effortlessly blend with his mask. With close-fitting eyelids, the eyes are elegantly set into the skull upon a slight oblique; the eyes are medium sized, almond shaped, and colored a rich dark brown. Integral to the head's silhouette, the ears are fleshy, moderately sized, and pendant shaped, with sufficient substance to hang close to the skull and drop the tip of the ears level with the inside corners of the mouth. Vigilantly set slightly forward, when alerted, the Leonberger's ears rise from halfway between the eye and the top of his skull to level with the top of his skull. True to his refined nature, the upper lip fits tightly and seamlessly around the lips of a strong lower jaw, effortlessly preventing drooling under most circumstances. Though level bites and slight anomalies not affecting the robustness of the lower jaw are common, the ideal Leonberger capably possesses a strong scissor bite with full dentition.

Holding the head proudly aloft, the Leonberger's neck is well muscled and flows elegantly from the backskull into well laid back shoulders, blending smoothly into withers on the top line and flowing cleanly through the underline. The backline remains strong and levels through the rump. Coupled with a pronounced pro-sternum and conducive to strenuous work, a well sprung, oval-shaped rib cage supports a moderately broad and roomy chest, achieving a depth sufficient to meet properly placed elbows. Back and loin are broad and strongly coupled with a slight tuck-up. The croup smoothly slopes into his tail which is set just below the level of the back. The tail is comprised of tailbones sufficient to reach the hock of a properly angulated rear assembly; the tail is well furnished and blends harmoniously with rear feathering. Denoting their confidence when in repose, the Leonberger's tail hangs straight down. Though showy males may adopt a sickle tail in the ring and Leonbergers' tails commonly manifest excitement or rise toward the level of the back in movement, the ideal tail carriage is always relaxed.

The Leonberger has a generous, water resistant, double coat on his body that is complemented by the shorter, fine hair on his muzzle and limbs, making the coat both well suited for work and a defining attribute of the breed. The long, profuse, outer coat is durable, relatively straight, lies flat, and fits close, strengthening his silhouette. Mature, masculine Leonbergers exhibit a pronounced mane which proudly parades the entirety of his neck and chest, helping to define a lion-like outline. The Leonberger is harmoniously festooned with distinct, ample feathering on the back of his forelegs and breeches. Similarly, his tail is very well furnished from the tip to the base where it blends harmoniously with the breech's furnishings. Climate permitting, his undercoat is soft and dense. Apart from a neatening of the feet, the Leonberger is presented untrimmed. Accompanying his striking black mask, a variety of coat colors are acceptable, including all combinations of lion-yellow, red, red-brown, and sand. His coat may be highlighted with black tippings which add depth without ever dominating the overall color.

With an efficient, balanced, ground-covering gate, the Leonberger is effortless, powerful, free, and elastic in movement. A well-built Leonberger is always balanced and controlled at the trot, maintaining a level topline. Viewed from the front or from behind, forelegs and hind legs travel straight. Increasing reach and drive, his legs tend to converge toward the centerline of the body as his speed increases. Asleep on the couch, working on his legs, or trotting in the show ring, the Leonberger is an impressive, elegant, and dramatic dog!

By Matthew Townsend - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Are MINIATURE PINSCHERS and DOBERMAN PINSCHERS Related?

Photo  by jacilluch 

Doberman Pinschers are known for being energetic, determined, alert, fearless, and aggressive dogs. Also lauded for their speed, endurance, and intelligence, Doberman Pinschers are easily trainable which is why we see most of them being part of the police or army excursions. However, this is not all Doberman Pinschers are good for. Doberman Pinschers have their soft side too as these dogs have proven to be trusty companions and guardians as well.

Miniature Pinschers, also known as "Mini Pinschers" on the other hand, are known for being alert, spirited, and fearless dogs. Miniature Pinschers are relatively small in size, ranging from 10-12 inches tall. They have easily recognizable docked tails and cropped ears just like Doberman Pinschers.Truthfully, it may seem like the only difference between Miniature Pinschers and Doberman is their size. Miniature being the Doberman's seemingly smaller counterpart, have also earned themselves the title the "King of Toys" being that they are considered toy dogs but are larger than most and are physically quite similar in appearance to Doberman Pinschers.

However, contrary to popular belief, Miniature Pinschers and Doberman Pinschers are not actually related. While it is true that Miniature a lot of similarities to Doberman in terms of their disposition and appearance, Miniature Pinschers are not just smaller versions of Dob Pinschers. They have a lot of traits and qualities that are unique distinctly unique to their breed.

The Miniature is a dog breed that traces its roots to early Germany. Several hundred years ago, these dogs were specifically bred to be barnyard ratters. It was the primary goal of Miniature Pinschers to keep rats and other rodents away from horse stables. Miniature count Daschunds, Italian Greyhounds, and Terriers as their ancestors.

Doberman Pinschers, on the other hand, were bred in the late 1800s by a German tax collector named Louis Doberman. Basically, he wanted a dog to serve as both his protector and companion. Dogs of this breed count Short-haired Pinschers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Greyhounds as their ancestors.

So now we see that the uncanny similarities of Miniature Pinschers and Pinschers should not be that big of a mystery. Both Mini and Doberman share the same ancestors. And since both dog breeds originated in Germany, some may easily assume that Miniature Pinschers and Doberman are directly related. Perhaps it would be a good compromise to say that the two dog breeds are distant cousins. However, the bottom line is that Miniature and Pinschers are both unique in their own right. Perhaps their similarities stem from a lucky coincidence but it is still important for owners of both Miniature and Doberman to know what makes each of their loyal companions or each dog breed distinctly unique from the rest.

By Lea Mullins Lea Mullins discusses whether Miniature Pinschers and Doberman Pinschers are related. Visit TrainPetDog.com to learn about different dog breed. Article Source: EzineArticles

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WEIGHT PROBLEMS In Dogs: Is Your Dog Fat?

Photo  by Mr. TGT 

People may not be aware of this, but obesity is one of the greatest problems dogs are dealing with these days. Obesity, like humans, is also caused by excessive eating and unhealthy binges. Mostly, this situation is triggered by some environmental factors that when not controlled may just lead to more problems.

Like humans, dogs develop certain diseases too when they are overweight. These diseases will lead to more serious complications including death. So for people who wish to know the repercussions of obesity in dogs, here are some of the known consequences:

1. Arthritis

Obesity in dogs tends to put extra weight on their bones. In turn, the joints and other parts of the dog’s bones develop arthritis.

Excess weight in dogs may also initiate the development of other muscle and joint problems like spinal disc disease, hip dysplasia, and cracks in the joint ligaments.

2. Diabetes

Like humans, dogs can get diabetes too. We all know for a fact that overweight cause diabetes in humans, this can also happen in dogs. This is because the more fat is stored in the dog’s body, the greater its system will generate insulin in order to cope up with its growing mass. Hence, dogs have the tendency to resist too much insulin in the body. The end result is diabetes.

3. Skin problems

Obesity in dogs can cause some skin problems. This is because excess fat deposits are being stored in their skin; hence, their owners are having a hard time grooming them. When dogs lack proper grooming, there is a tendency to accumulate bacteria, dirt, or other elements that could cause harm to your dog’s skin. In the end, they develop rashes, skin ruptures, and infections.

4. Capacity to tolerate heat

With too much fat deposits accumulated in their skin, dogs are more inclined to problems concerning heat tolerance. This is because dogs find it hard to tolerate heat due to the build-up of fats in their skin. That is why most obese dogs are prone to heat stroke especially during summer time.

5. Respiratory problems and other heart diseases

Like humans, obese dogs have also the tendency to develop respiratory problems and heart diseases. This is because the chest cavity is already covered with thick fat deposits. Hence, whenever the dog breathes, the lungs are having a hard time to expand, so does the heart. The problem starts when the heart and the lungs can no longer produce the right amount of oxygen and circulate it within the dog’s body.

6.  Gastrointestinal problems

Obesity in dogs causes some problems in their intestines and pancreas. This problem results in the inflamed pancreas, which, in reality, is very painful to the dogs and can also cause death among them.

7. Liver problems

Fats are harder to strain and this can pose a great problem to the dog’s liver. Hence, when the liver can no longer function well because of the fat deposits that accumulated in the area, liver problems may occur and may even cause the death of your dogs.

These health problems are indeed life-threatening. And so, it depends upon the owner how to combat these problems in order to keep their dogs healthy.

One of the greatest ways in solving weight problems is a strict exercise schedule. So, it is a must that owners should create a healthy exercise schedule for their dogs. This can be done by tagging them for a walk every afternoon or letting him run through a field.

The best thing about this program is that not only the dogs get the chance to exercise but their owners as well. So, it’s a double result with just one purpose.

Next is to create a healthy diet for your dogs. Diet meals are extremely important for dogs so that they can still obtain the necessary nutrients they need in order to stay healthy. This should include the right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.

However, dog owners should always keep in mind that when their dogs are taking fiber, more water should be employed so as to prevent constipation.

Alternatively, dog owners should also remember that before incorporating all of these things to your dog, it’s best to consult the veterinarians first. In this way, only the proper methods of dieting for dogs shall be employed.

So, for healthier and happier dogs, give them the best love and care you can give plus a great dietary regimen. As they say, a healthy dog is a happy dog.

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TURKISH ANGORA - Kittens of the World

Turkish Angora - Kittens of the World

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Is A SHAR PEI The Right Breed Of Dog For You?

Photo by danja.

Shar-Pei is a large breed of dog that originally descended from China. Even though they nearly went extinct, they have enjoyed a comeback since the beginning of the 20th Century. They are now a favorite among families that want a quiet and reserved dog that is still a good guardian.

However, prior to considering investing in a Shar-Pei to be part of your family, here are seven facts that you need to consider this beautiful and wrinkly dog.

They Aren't Overly Affectionate

If you are the type of family that loves a demonstrative dog who gives lots of kisses, then this breed is not right for you. The dog is loyal and devoted to families but they are also independent, quiet, and sometimes even aloof.

They Don't Trust Strangers

These dogs do not trust strangers whether animal or human. While they are a bit more aggressive with strange dogs, they may also attack other animals including cats that may roam into their territory. Shar-Pei puppies should be totally socialized with different kinds of people before they are sold or adopted out.

Their Wrinkles Can Cause Skin Infections

Shar-Pei's wrinkles are a big part of their personality but they need to be kept clean. The wrinkles trap dirt as well as skin oils which may cause infections. You need to ensure that you clean the wrinkles by wiping them down at least a couple of times a month to prevent this from happening.

They are Naturally Clean Dogs

This breed can prove to be stubborn in most of the areas of training, but you can easily housebreak them. They take care of their own grooming and aren't as prone to rolling in the dirt as other breeds.

They can overheat

Shar-Pei flat faces make them more prone to overheating. Look out for any signs of dehydration or heat prostration such as panting, twitching, or unconsciousness. Ensure that you always have fresh water available for your dog.

They are Not Suited to Living Outdoors

In spite of their size, Shar-Pei isn't suited to life in the backyard all alone. If they are left completely alone, they can get moody and aggressive, even towards members of the family. Even though quite independent, they still love and enjoy human company.

They are Prone to Ear Infections

Shar-Pei has small ear canals that keeps them moist, which may lead to ear infections. You can often identify the infections due to their yeast-like odor.

In conclusion, those are the things you need to know about Shar-Pei. You should consider each and every factor before getting yourself one.

By Wayne Booth Wayne Booth is the owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Giving Your Cat A PILL

Giving a cat a pill can be a nightmare.  No cat wants something shoved down his throat, and he will fight you tooth and nail to prevent it. Although most cats are small in size, you’d be quite amazed by how much power they actually have.  There are ways that you can get your cat to take his pills, which we will cover below.

The easiest way to give a cat pill is to crush the power into a powdery form by putting it between two spoons.  Once the pill is powder, mix it in with some wet cat food.  Cats that are used to eating dry cat food will see the wet food and think of it as a treat.  They will normally eat it up, unaware that they just took their medicine.

If the medicine happens to be in capsule form, all you have to do is pry the capsule apart then sprinkle the medicine on some wet food and serve it to your pet.  If the food also contains the pill or if your pet is sick, chances are he won’t eat it.  In this event, you should look into a pet piller.  You can get these handy devices from your veterinarian.  They are plastic rods that hold the pill until you press a plunger.  When you get one, you should always get a long one with a softer tip.

When you get your gun, your vet should show you how to use it.  The most difficult aspect of using the gun is getting your cat to open his mouth.  The gun will more or less shoot the pill in the cat’s mouth, and down his throat.  You’ll need to hold him tight, to make sure that he doesn’t wiggle his way lose.  Once you have his mouth open, you’ll need to squeeze the trigger and pull the gun away quickly.  After the pill has been inserted, make sure you give your cat a treat.

If you aren’t comfortable using the gun, you can always try giving your cat his pills by hand.  To do it this way, you’ll need to hold your cat still and open his mouth with your hand.  Once you have his mouth open, you should aim for the back of his throat and throw the pill in.  Once it is in his mouth, you should close his mouth with your hand and hold it shut for a few moments.  This way, your cat will swallow the pill if he hasn’t already.

If you can’t get any of the above techniques to work, you can always go to a local pharmacy and get them to a make flavored gel or liquid using your cats' medication.  You should use this as a last resort though, as it can tend to get expensive.

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BRUSSELS GRIFFON

Photo by Ger Dekker

Group: Toy
Weight: 8-10 lbs
Height: 7-8 inches

Overview
There are three types of the Griffon, the Brussels Griffon, the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Griffon. The Brussels Griffon was first revealed at the 1880 Brussels exhibition and can also be seen in the paintings of Van Eyck, a Flemish painter. Originally these dogs were kept to keep vermin away, but today these dogs are companion dogs due to their charming character. This breed is well-known for it human-like expression and is also very cheerful.

Temperament
The Brussels Griffon is a very bright dog that is also very alert. This is a pleasant toy dog that makes an ideal companion dog. These dogs are spirited and curious, and they can also be very amusing and entertaining when they want to be. But they will also enjoy just lying on the laps of their owners. This is a very independent dog that also has a controlling streak if they are not rightly taught when young. At the same time, the Griffon is also very receptive, sharp and enjoyable to be around. The Brussels Griffon likes children - but is better if the children they are around are older. Children that are energetic and younger could put this dog in danger seeing that they are so small. This is not an outwardly aggressive dog, but they can be shy with new people and situations. The Brussels griffon prefers a calm setting and will try to avoid confrontation to the best of their ability.

Care
The Brussels Griffon is not a heavy shedding dog and shed very little hair. This is a low maintenance dog that does not require a lot of maintenance. A daily brushing is sufficient to keep their coats in a good condition and to prevent any mats from forming. It is important to also clean the beard around their mouths to avoid cakes from forming.

Training
It is important to be very consistent when training the Brussels Griffon. These dogs lose interest fairly quickly, and obedience classes are very important for these dogs at a young age. A good idea is to make the training sessions fun as this will help to keep the attention of these dogs.

Health problems
The Brussels Griffon does not suffer from canine conditions more or less than any other dog breed. Some of the conditions they have problems with include narrowed nostrils which can sometimes hinder their breathing, prolapse of the eyeball, eyeball lacerations, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

By John M Williams - Article Source: EzineArticles

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HEARTWORM Treatment For Cats

Photo  by Austin Community College 

As most pet owners already know, heartworm treatment for cats and dogs isn’t the same. Never, under any circumstances, should you give your cat heartworm treatment that is designed for a dog – or vice versa.  Even though you may own both dogs and cats, you should always give them medicine that is designed for their species.

No matter how you look at it, heartworm treatment isn’t easy.  Your goal is to get rid of the heartworms, although there are several factors that you’ll need to consider.  The first thing to do is take your cat to the vet, as he will be able to run tests to determine just how many heartworms your pet has.  He can also find out how the worms are affecting your cat and if your cat can deal with any side effects that the treatment medicine may impose.

Heartworms are a very serious condition, as the worms will feast on the vital areas around your cat’s heart.  Treatment can be serious as well, especially if something goes wrong.  Veterinarians are trained to deal with heartworms though, in both cats and dogs.  Even though you may be able to buy treatment medicine at your local department store, you should always consult with your vet before you give anything to your pet.

Treating your cat for heartworms may indeed be no treatment at all, as cats are extremely difficult to treat.  The dying worms have side effects as well, often times causing more than 1/3 of the treated cats to end up with serious problems.  Dying worms can become lodged in the arteries of the heart, which are already inflamed due to the worms being there.  When a lodged worm starts to decompose, it can lead to very serious problems.  Pets that have a serious infestation with heartworms may need to spend some time at the hospital, to ensure that they are properly treated.

Some cats may not be able to take a certain type of heartworm treatment medicine.  Depending on the side effects and how the medicine affects the cat, some breeds may not be able to take some of the better medicines.  To determine the best treatment options for your cat, your vet will need to run several tests.  Once the tests have concluded, your vet will be able to tell you the best options available for treatment.

With all diseases, prevention is a lot better and safer than treatment.  Be sure to talk to your vet and find out what heartworm prevention medication is the best to use.  Your vet can tell you what you need to get, and how to use it.  This way, you can prevent your pet from getting heartworms – and the serious side effects and life-threatening issues that go along with them.

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Some Tips for Keeping Your AIREDALE TERRIER Dog Well-Behaved

Photo by cazstar

Here are some tips you can use to keep your Airedale terrier pet dog well-behaved:

1) Can’t teach an old dog – You have to start training your Airedale terrier pet dog as early as possible. This is because of the fact that the earlier an Airedale terrier pet dog learns a trick, the faster they will be able to learn it. This doesn’t just apply to tricks. It also applies to general behavior. When your Airedale terrier pet dog is still just a puppy, you need to start training it. This way, the behavioral training that you give it will be ingrained into the Airedale terrier pet dog’s brain. This way, proper behavior becomes almost instinctive to the Airedale terrier pet dog.

2) Use, don’t abuse – Various training methods are made available to you by various experts. However, there’s one thing you should know: they only work with proper use. Some people make use of the leash or of the crate to abuse their animals. What you need to know is that each method of training can only be effective if used in a way that will not harm the animals. You need to be firm but gentle with your animal when you are trying to train it.

Use the various implements humanely in such a manner that will encourage your dog to behave well and not scare it from behaving badly.

3) Habit inside, habit outside – Before taking your Airedale terrier pet dog outside, try to observe its behavior inside. This will give you a clue as to how the Airedale terrier pet dog will act outside the house. Many people say that a dog’s behavior inside a house is very different from the way that the same dog will act in outside environments. This is not true. By observing the inside behavior of your Airedale terrier pet dog, you will realize how it will respond to you outside.

If your Airedale terrier pet dog does not listen to your commands inside the house, how can you expect it to listen to your commands outside the house where there are things a lot more interesting to a dog than your commands are?

4) Keep your temper – Training an Airedale terrier pet dog can understandably be very frustrating. However, you should not lose your temper. Negative actions such as hitting or shouting at your dog will not accomplish anything positive. Sometimes, we have a tendency to take out our frustrations on helpless pets. Do not blame your problems on the dog. If you know that you are having a bad day, do not even think about training your dog. All that you might get from the ordeal is a bad case of hyperacidity. Your dog will learn nothing and that would only increase your frustration.

5) Timing – Timing is always important. You need to make corrections regarding your Airedale terrier pet dog’s behavior while those corrections are still relevant. If you praise or correct the wrong timing, you would only end up confusing the dog. Actually, the best timing you can use is to correct the Airedale terrier pet dog before he or she even starts to misbehave.

These five tips can help you a lot in keeping your Airedale terrier pet dog’s behavior in check. By following these tips, you can make training your dog an easy task.

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CATS BONDING With Their Owners

Photo  by Banjo Brown 

There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals.  These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival. Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well – although those that agree are normally those in the percentile who don’t agree with cats.

Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular.  Normally, a cat will choose someone in the home that he bonds with.  You’ll know when a cat wants to bond with you, as he will hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping.  Purring is a strong sign of affections, especially with cats that are looking to bond.

Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with.  It could be the individual’s manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat.  Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful – bringing the best out in the cat.

There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take this subject, one of which being psychic.  Some say that cats bond with someone due to a “psychic aura” that is compatible with both the person and the cat.  If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person.  Although this can be true in a sense for some, a majority of those who own cats will tell you that this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans.  There’s little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival.  Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed.  They love to be pampered by their owners and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance.

Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different.  Cats are different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond differently.  Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention.  The more time you spend with your cat, the more he will bond with you.  Over the years, you’ll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong – and simply cannot be broken.

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Why Some Dogs Eat HAMBURGERS

A hamburger  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you ask my family or friends, they'll tell you my dog is a carnivore. He'll rip apart anything that's meaty; rib-eye steaks, Angus beef, ground pork, turkey all the meats of the world is my dog's buffet and it's all thanks to me. I love giving my dog meat; anything meaty in my hands, my dog will devour; anything meaty I have for leftovers, my dog will suck it up like a vacuum. It's conclusive that my dog is a carnivore thanks to me. Don't worry, he eats his regular dog food.

As you may know, beef patties are human food. They're used for hamburgers in most fast food restaurants and in barbeque cookouts. Beef patties are made of ground beef and are molded into the shape of patties. There's a heavy consideration to be feeding this to dogs because there are different types of patties that may be harmful to dogs. Some patties are made with preservatives; some patties are made with all-natural ingredients. There's not a single generic type of patty because people make all kinds of patties with a different recipe.

Raw food is what should be given to dogs. While it's just human food, giving dog's raw food is safe. They'll still be able to accumulate the protein from it. Also, tearing and ripping meat will strengthen the teeth of the dog so go for it. Don't be too sure about all patties. Some of them might be already expired. Some patties fed to dogs could cause the dog to vomit or poop out blood in their stool. The reason for this is there might bacteria left in the patty. Unlike humans who may be able to fight off the bacteria with their immune system, the dog's immune system might not be prepared for the bacteria so it will not be able to fend off the bacteria right away.

He suddenly groaned and moaned. I didn't understand at first then all of a sudden, I realized: he wanted the ham. He was sniffing out the ham. I took the ham and out of curiosity. I gave it to him. Miraculously, the Husky ate it. Then I gave him another slice and he ate it. Fast. From then on, I learned that Husky is a meat eater.

Depending on the factors and consideration, you may or may not give your dog patties. Always think about the kind of patty you'll give. If you want to let your dog live a healthy and happy life, always give him the best food that will nurture him without any complications.

About the Author: Lisa Jazmina Our company does medical billing for organizations in the United States. We love dogs and enjoy writing about them as well. Ideal Billing Solutions was founded over 10 years ago and we enjoy helping doctors to get higher returns. Please visit our website atwww.idealbill.com.

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HUNTING DOG Breeds: Not as Fierce as They Seem

Hunting Dogs - Photo: Wikimedia

HUNTING DOGS as their name suggests, are simply those dogs that have been bred - and trained - to assist human hunters in their activities. Originally, these dogs were responsible, at least partially, for bringing home the meat for the family's dinner and, without them, the job of hunting was much more difficult. The dogs assist the human hunter to scent and track, retrieve, flush, point or even chase down the game. 

The skills developed will be specific to each breed, depending on the type of game that the dog has been trained to hunt, and the hunting style used with that particular type of game. Hunting dogs love to be outdoors and work with their owners. They usually become noticeably excited and active when they notice that preparations for the hunt are getting underway.

Since each breed of hunting dog has unique skills and attributes, we shall look at each general type of hunting dog separately. It is important to remember that hunting dogs are not aggressive by nature and are actually some of the best natured and calm mannered of all the breeds of dogs.

Hounds

Hounds, used as hunting dogs, can be subdivided into two types: scent or sight hunting dogs. They are used to hunt many types of mammals such as raccoons, coyotes, and other larger mammals. As you might imagine, sighthounds hunt by visual contact with the game. They are very fast and tend to be relatively smaller than scent hounds - although this does not mean that all of the breeds of sight hunting hounds are small dogs. Sighthounds include:

· Whippets

· Greyhounds

· Rhodesian Ridgebacks

· Saluki

· Afghan hound

· Basenji

· Irish Wolfhound

Scent hounds tend to be heavier-set, deeper-chested hunting dogs that excel for their endurance rather than their speed. Their voices tend to be deep and baying and in this way, hunters can follow them to where they have tried or cornered the game. Scent hounds include:

· Bloodhounds

· Bassets

· Beagles

· Coonhounds (all varieties)

· Foxhounds

· Scottish Deerhound

Some hounds are versatile and can track using both sight and scent.

Water Dogs

The name "water dogs" is the original name for a large group of hunting dog breeds that are now often referred to as gun dogs. These dogs were bred to go into the water and retrieve or bring back game, to flush and point, and to show where waterfowl may be located on the shore areas in rushes and weeds. Some of them are also used for on-land game bird shooting, a type of hunting in which setters and pointers have become specialized. These dog breeds are very patient and will wait, without moving, for long periods of time until they are finally told to do so by the hunter. They are also used to swimming great distances into the water and back to retrieve a duck or goose without damaging the bird or even piercing the skin with their teeth.

Dog breeds included in the group of gun or water dogs are:

· Retrievers - Labradors, Golden, Chesapeake Bay

· Spaniels - English, Cocker, Water, Brittany

· Setters - English, Irish, Gordon

· Pointers - Pudelpointer, German Short Haired, English

It is interesting to note that the standard Poodle is an excellent gun and hunting dog, although nowadays it is rarely used as a hunting dog anymore.

Terriers

Terriers are a group of hunting dogs, mostly developed during the industrial revolution, in the United Kingdom and Europe, to kill the vermin in houses, factories, and farms. These small- to medium-sized dogs are energetic, lively and very independent. These dogs are a little different, in that they are actually trained to kill their prey, unlike the hounds or water dogs listed above. For that reason, they tend to be a bit more aggressive towards other animals if not socialized properly. The most common terrier breeds include:

· Jack Russell

· Cairn

· West Highland White

· Skye

· Boston

· Yorkshire

· Fox

· Airedale

· Scottish

However, there are many other types of terriers, all with unique coat colors and characteristics.

If you are looking for a hunting dog, you need to bear in mind, first, exactly which breed is best suited to your requirements. As a hunter, be sure to research each breed and talk to dog owners to find which will most closely match your needs. However, remember that you needn't be a hunter to own one of these dogs - hunting dogs can make excellent, good-natured companions. If that is the case, simply make sure that the breed you choose fits in with your present - and projected lifestyle.

By Terence Roberts - Article Source: EzineArticles

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