Here are the five keys to being a responsible pet owner with happy, healthy dogs:

1. Consider Adopting a Shelter Dog

A sad reality of life is that there are thousands of dogs, and cats, just sitting and waiting in shelters for someone to adopt them and give them a loving home. Shelters are overcrowded, understaffed, and homeless animals abound in alarming numbers all around the world. Consider adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue facility before buying one from a private seller or breeder.

2. Always Spay or Neuter Your Dogs

Doing your part to help control the population of homeless dogs is of the utmost importance. All dogs should be spayed or neutered unless you have real intentions, and the means, to breed them. Spaying and neutering not only helps control the unwanted number of pets who are ultimately euthanized but it also helps to prevent or minimize the risk of certain diseases such as cancer.

3. Dogs Deserve to be Clean

Always provide your dog with clean bedding and keep them brushed and bathed as necessary. Their water and food bowls must also be kept clean and anywhere your dog goes to the bathroom should be kept well maintained so they have a nice, neat place to explore.

4. Dogs Must Be Kept Safe and Protected

Although we often look to our dogs, at least the larger breeds anyway, for protection and reassurance, they, too, need protection and it is our responsibility as pet owners to do so. Much like babies and children, a dog will need to be kept safe from toxins and hazards like chemicals or foods that are harmful to their very different systems.

In addition to making sure your dog doesn’t have access to the cleaning supplies or the garbage can you must also consider other matters of safety as well. Microchipping your dog is one way of making sure they can be tracked down if they are ever lost or stolen and always make sure your dog has a collar with clear identification tags. They should also be provided with a safe, enclosed space outdoors to roam and play as well as the appropriate shelter.

5. Remembering Your Dog is an Animal

While we should shower our dogs with the love and affection they deserve and need, keeping in mind that they are animals and not human beings is definitely a part of being a good pet owner. It’s rather easy to project human feelings onto our dogs, who often act as if they are in fact people, but we still cannot expect them to understand nor behave as we would. Because of this, all dogs need discipline, boundaries, and a regular routine to be happy members of a household.

A well behaved dog who knows his role in the home, which is not the alpha member of the pack as that part is reserved for you, will become a much beloved member of the family.

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Regular Vet Visits

Your dog needs regular vet visits throughout his life. He not only needs to see the vet for necessary shots and vaccines as well as heart worm tests, but a vet may also spot a potential health problem while it can still be treated early enough to avoid affecting your dogs daily health and activities.

Spaying or Neutering

Spaying or Neutering your dog at the appropriate age will not only prevent unwanted pregnancies but will also help protect your dog from other problems as well. A male dog that is neutered is less likely to become aggressive and a female dog who is spayed is less likely to get breast cancer and other illnesses.

Good Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential to keeping your dog healthy. Do your homework and find the diet that gives your dog the perfect balance to keep him healthy and fit. Keep in mind that his dietary needs may change as he ages and that adjustments may have to be done with his diet. Avoid unhealthy snacks and treats.

Regular Flea Treatments

Making sure your dog is treated regularly for fleas is important. Not only don’t you want your house infested with these menaces but flea infestations can make your dog miserable as well as ill.

Proper Socialization

Properly socializing your dog will make him less anxious and more well behaved. It will also help to stem any aggressive tendencies that arise from your dog being introduced to new situations or people that make him nervous or threatened. It also will make traveling with him easier for both you and your pet.

Basic Training

At a minimum your dog should sit, stay, and come on command. He also should be trained to a leash. By training your dog to follow these basic commands you can maintain control which will help keep your dog safe and secure and by your side.

Proper Grooming

Make sure you keep your dog properly groomed. Brushing, bathing, nail clipping and teeth maintenance are all important to keeping your dog comfortable and healthy.

Exercise

Exercise helps your dog keep in shape and helps prevent boredom which can result in negative behaviors. The amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on the breed of dog and its size. Make sure that it has the required amount of daily exercise.

Attention and Affection

Dogs, like people, need attention and affection to be happy and well adjusted. Spending time with your dog and playing with him will help the bond between you grow stronger and will result in a much happier and well behaved dog.

Follow these 9 simple tips and your dog will stay active, happy and healthy for many years to come.

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Problems associated with cold weather. Cat care questions – where to go? Here is one of the answers.

Often people forget to take their cats inside in cold weather because they believe cats are adapted to live outdoors. However, cats prefer the warmth of the indoors just like people do in specially made for them – cat gifts. Leaving a cat outside in the cold for a longer period of time can endanger the pet seriously.

One of the major problems is hypothermia. This is a condition which occurs when the body temperature falls below the normal. Cats can develop hypothermia if they are left in the cold for a long time. Less serious cases of hypothermia may be manifested by shivering, signs of depression, lethargy and weakness. However, if the condition progresses, the cat?s muscles may stiffen, the breathing and the heart rates may slow down. The cat may even stop responding to different stimuli. If you notice these symptoms, you should warm your cat as soon as possible and take the animal to a veterinarian.

Another problem that can occur because of cold is frostbite. It can result if the cat is left outdoors for a long time in cold weather. In case of frostbite, remember to never rub frozen tissues because this may cause extra tissue damage. If you can?t take your pet to a veterinarian, you should quickly warm the affected areas. You should do this by immersing the areas in warm, but not hot water. Another way to warm the affected tissues is to put over them warmed moist towels and change them frequently. The warming should be discontinued as soon as the affected areas become flushed. Then you should dry these areas and cover them with a clean and dry bandage. Cat gifts such as cool cat houses a great way to provide you cats with home of their own.

Helpful tips and guidelines

The following advices and guidelines may be helpful to keep your cat healthy, warm and safe during winter:

?You can fortify your cat?s coat by providing it with essential fatty acids included in their diet. This will stimulate the growth of thicker coat during the cold months. Fatty acids may be provided with the addition of canola oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, butter and fish oils in the cat?s meals.

?You can increase the amount of protein in the cat?s food in order to keep its fur thick and healthy. You can also give your cat more food and treats during winter if the cat doesn?t have weight problems.

?Provide the cat with vitamins E and B-complex in order to make the tissues stronger. The cat will also become more cold-resistant. However, be careful about the dosage of vitamins because they may cause medical problems.

?Older or arthritic cats should be provided with addition care because the cold can make their joints very stiff and tender. Make them a thick and soft bed in a warm room and modify their environment to facilitate their movements.

?Prepare a warm place for your cat to sleep, for example a basket or a cardboard box with a warm blanket.

?In case you have to take the cat to the vet, put a hot water bottle in the carrier to keep the animal warm.

?Groom the cat?s coat very well because matted fur cannot protect the cat from the cold in a proper way.

Taking care of outdoor cats

Here are some tips that are very useful if you allow your cat to go outside or if the cat lives outside permanently, even if they have cool cat houses:

?You should let your cat outside as the weather starts getting colder. The cat needs to adjust to the cold, to grow thicker coat and to develop a cold-resistance.

?Cats that live outdoors will need more food in the winter.

?Make sure the food and the water of the cat are not frozen. If the water is frozen, the cat may drink from puddles or gutters which may be polluted with various chemicals, for example oil, household cleaners, etc.

?Outdoor cats should have a shelter during winter. Provide them with a house to keep them warm and to protect them from cold weather.

?Do not use newspaper, towels or blankets for the inside of the cat?s shelter because they will retain the cold and will become stiff and hard. You should use straw instead.

Thanks for taking this cat care questions seriously, you will can see that is important to you as well.

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One of the primary reasons you want to take your pet with you is because you can’t bear the thought of him being lonely at home or in a boarding facility. Is that the dog’s fault or your own because of faulty training? If you train your dog properly from a young age, he will be content as long as you leave him in good hands like at a day care facility or a top quality kennel.

Traveling with your dog might be stressful for everyone and can even cause your dog a lot of stress even though he does get to enjoy your company. To keep him safe you must place him in a secure dog carrier and most hotels require that your dog be kept inside a crate when he is alone in the room.

How will your dog react to being alone in a hotel room while everyone else is out having fun? Unless you are going on a camping vacation, there will be plenty of times you must leave him alone so you can dine in restaurants and see the sights. Dogs are not welcome in most establishments so you can’t take him everywhere you go.

If you are going to your relative’s home, do they really welcome your dog, or do they just tolerate him so they can visit with you? Your dog will sense if he is not welcome and may even act out in ways you don’t expect. What about the people with dog allergies that will be affected by coming into contact with your dog in places they don’t expect it?

There are a lot of disadvantages to traveling with your dog but there are also plenty of advantages. Your dog loves to be in your presence and you won’t have to worry about him while you are gone. With careful planning it is possible to take a trip and take your dog too. There are many hotels today that cater to dog lovers and welcome your dog and even provide day care for him so you can leave him behind worry-free.

Before even considering taking your dog with you on a trip, make sure he is accustomed to traveling and is well trained so his behaviors will be predictable. He should also have proof of up-to-date vaccinations in case the hotel or day care center needs it before allowing him to stay.

Of course, the best trips for dogs would be those that involve the great outdoors where your dog can roam and experience new smells and sights. However, with some careful planning, you can take your dog on a trip to the city or a tourist destination and ensure that he will be safe and have a good time.

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One of the most common complaints about dogs is their bad breath. You can help combat that as well as tooth decay with regular brushing that keeps food particles, plaque, and bacteria cleaned from the teeth. Foul breath is commonly caused by the buildup of bacteria so after regular brushing your dog’s breath may not be quite so noticeable.

However, don’t think you r dog will initially go along with the act of brushing his teeth. He probably won’t like it a bit since it is an unnatural thing for him to experience. But just like other tasks you train him to do; you can train your dog to quietly accept teeth brushing and maybe even look forward to it. You should be patient and gentle when introducing him to it and always go easy on him once he is a regular brusher because the last thing you want is to have to fight him and accidentally hurt him because he won’t hold still.

First of all you need the proper equipment. You must get a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs. Only use products you obtain from a pet store or your vet. Those designed for humans could harm your pet; they may be toxic and do more harm than good. Your veterinarian can supply you with soft bristle brushes that are effective yet gentle. In addition, he will give you toothpaste that not only is safe for your dog to swallow but it tastes good to him too.

Remember that brushing your dog’s teeth is a process you must work into gradually. The first time you attempt it, simply introduce the brush to him. Let him smell it and try to put it inside his mouth if he will let you. Only after he has become accustomed to the toothbrush and taste and smell of the toothpaste should you actually attempt to brush his teeth. You don’t have to brush a long time. Just a few seconds at first and work up to a maximum of about thirty seconds. The key is to be consistent and do it everyday.

When the brushing session is complete, give your dog a treat and reward him for being a good dog. When he is trained to expect a treat afterwards, he may begin to actually look forward to his tooth brushings. Establish a routine so there are no surprises for your pet. Brush his teeth at the same time each day and follow the same pattern when you brush. Soon enough the procedure will become second hand and your dog will think the only thing to get excited about is the treat he will get afterwards.

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Vaccinations

All dogs are susceptible to various diseases such as parvovirus, heartworms, distemper and rabies just to name a few. This is why it is very important to get your dog on a regular schedule of vaccinations. The first shots are usually given at 6 weeks of age and continue routinely over the following 16 weeks. After the initial round of vaccinations, your dog should only need a yearly booster to keep them protected.

Know Breed Specifics

If you have a purebred dog, you should know what diseases are specific to the breed. Some breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia, cleft pallet, blindness, deafness and trick knees and you will want to know the specifics for your dog so that you can watch for early warning signs. You can best protect yourself from dogs with potential health problems by being very careful when you purchase the animal. Check the reputation of the breeder and watch for signs that the dogs are poorly cared for.

Observation

You are your dog’s first line of defense when it comes to their health. Since they cannot communicate verbally that, they are not feeling well you will have to know what to watch for. With most breeds of dogs, the skin will tell you a good deal about their health. Healthy skin should be soft, smooth and free of scabs or growths. Watch for rashes, bites and scaling of the skin, which are indicators that something is definitely wrong.

The nose is another good indicator of your dogs overall health, it should be cool and moist most of the time with little or no drainage. Any discharge from the nose should be clear and not thick, yellow or foul smelling. While a warm, dry nose is not a definite sign your dog is sick, it is a good reason to watch their behavior for other indicators.

Call the Vet

Some situations call for immediate veterinarian care. If your dog is suddenly unsteady on their feet, vomiting a lot, shivering, constipated or lethargic you should make an immediate call to the vet. Poison and even some illnesses can take a dog’s life quickly so you want to be proactive in seeking medical attention.

Food

What type of food you should feed your dog is a hotly debated topic in some arenas. There are those who believe a raw diet is the best and veterinarians who will swear by one brand of dog food over another. The best choice is probably somewhere in the middle of all the controversy. Look at the ingredients on the label and choose what you and your vet feel is the best combination for your particular dog breed. Be very conscious of potential pet food recalls and act accordingly.

Many people like to feed their dog’s table scraps, which for the most part will not hurt. However, there are two things you should never give a dog, chicken bones and chocolate. The bones can splinter into dangerous slivers while your dog is chewing and chocolate can be fatal even in small amounts.

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Oral disease is one of the most prevalent medical issues suffered by pets throughout the country. For this reason, we’ll take a closer look at common dental problems experienced by dogs and the steps you can take to prevent them. We’ll explain why regular trips to your veterinarian are critical and describe how to care for your canine’s teeth at home.

Common Types Of Dental Problems

While cavities are rare among canines, plaque buildup is common. It typically forms as the result of small bits of food that accumulate between the teeth and gum line. If the food is allowed to remain there for prolonged periods, plaque will eventually form.

Over time, minerals in your canine’s saliva will transform the plaque into tartar. Tartar is a bigger problem because it is much more difficult to remove. Moreover, unlike plaque, tartar causes inflammation to the gums, a condition known as gingivitis.

If your dog develops gingivitis, you’ll noticed the gum line next to his teeth becoming red. You’ll also notice that his breath is bad. If the tartar is allowed to remain, it will continue to build underneath your pooch’s gums. Small spaces will eventually form between the gum line and teeth, which promote the growth of bacteria. This is the onset of periodontitis; it cannot be reversed. Your dog will likely begin to develop abscesses, infection, and other problems, including lost teeth.

It’s worth noting the factors that contribute to periodontal disease. First, some breeds are more susceptible to developing the problem than others. Second, genetics play a role. Third, your canine’s diet, age, and the dental care you provide for him at home also have a significant influence. Many owners would be surprised to learn that even the manner in which they groom their dogs can promote the accumulation of tartar.

Regular Trips To The Veterinarian

Proper dental care for your pooch should involve a two-pronged approach. You should make regular appointments with his veterinarian while also providing ongoing care at home.

The veterinarian will perform oral exams and cleanings, when necessary. The oral exams can help the vet identify problems before they worsen. For example, he or she can examine your pooch’s teeth and gum line for evidence of plaque and tartar. If gingivitis or periodontitis has already formed, the veterinarian can take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue.

Dental cleanings should be done on a regular basis for your dog. While it’s important to do them at home, the veterinarian will have the necessary tools to remove tartar buildup (brushing is insufficient). He or she will also have access to scalers that are necessary to remove tartar from beneath the gums. Once the tartar has been removed, your dog’s teeth should be polished.

Caring For Your Dog’s Teeth At Home

Home dental care for your canine involves two important tasks: brushing and examining. Ideally, brushing should be done each day, but even three or four times each week is valuable. It helps to remove food particles that become trapped between your dog’s teeth and gums. That prevents their setting the stage for plaque buildup.

You should examine your canine’s teeth once a week. Check for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Look for redness along the gum line. Check for bad breath. Take note of any tenderness your canine displays when you touch his mouth. If you notice signs of dental problems, make an appointment with the veterinarian.

Your dog relies upon you to help keep his teeth and gums in good condition. The more you and your veterinarian do to prevent dental problems from developing, the happier and healthier he’ll be.

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There are several different ways to give a dog behavior training. Some pet owners choose to train their canine themselves. This training takes place at the dog’s home. Other people are more comfortable having a professional trainer teach their dog. These masters take their pet to a location for classes. Those that are looking for intensive training or special areas of training often send their dog to obedience school. The dog may stay at the school for a specified amount of time and then return home when the training is complete.

No matter which type of session you choose, obedience training can help your pet learn how to properly act around people and other animals. Most all classes teach the dog basic manners and commands such as stay, sit, and walk. In addition to learning commands that are desired, some classes address behaviors that dogs need to stop. Annoying behaviors such as barking, chewing, house potty habits, aggression issues, and separation anxiety are a few.

Once basic training is complete, a dog may enter a more advanced stage. During these sessions dogs primarily focus on one skill. These skills are often used by work dogs. The canine may learn to search vehicles, lead the blind, herd livestock, or do tricks for an audience. Classes may also be developed to accommodate a certain breed of or size of dog.

No matter who is in charge of your dog’s obedience training, it is important that they handle the pet with care. The first step in getting any dog to carry out a desired action is to build trust. An animal will not perform for a person that is not trusted. The leader must work to build a relationship with the animal. Using cruel techniques will only create a more aggressive dog. The pet should be praised and rewarded for good work rather than given harsh punishments for bad behavior. When it is necessary to correct the animal, the correction should be an action that the animal recognizes as negative but does not hurt. Many people use a strong voice, give a pull on the leash, or refrain from giving the animal affection.

Pet owners can learn training basics for their dogs through researching websites, books, and canine magazines that offer advice. Many veterinarian offices also have resources of information to help dog owners train their pets.

If you decide to enroll your dog in a behavior course, consider one that both you and your pet can attend together. This will help increase the bond that you share and inform you of the appropriate handling actions.

If you leave your dog with a trainer, always seek references from others on the location and personnel. Ask about the training methods used and ask to view the kennel where your dog will stay. Leaving your pet in the wrong hands can lead to more behavior problems than you had in the beginning.

A well-trained dog can be a true joy. Obedient dogs are often welcomed in many businesses and public areas. Giving your pet the proper skills that it needs to successfully interact with the human society is a gift you will both cherish.

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A middle or inner ear infection is a condition that needs to be given attention and treated promptly. If left untreated for a lengthy amount of time, the condition can worsen. It is extremely important to take notice of any signs that your dog exhibits that may indicate a problem with the ear.

There are several different indicators that may lead one to suspect that a dog is experiencing pain from an ear infection. Many dogs will shake their heads in attempt to knock out the agony. Others may scratch at their heads and ears to try to comfort them. In extreme cases, you may even notice a discharge coming from the ear or the head may appear swollen and inflamed. The ear may even have a bad odor from the infection build-up inside of it.

When a dog has a middle or inner ear infection, it is usually caused from an problem that began outside of the ear and progressed inward. For this reason, it is critical to quickly treat any types of infections that are visible on the outer ear. These infections can be contributed to ear mites, poor hygiene, allergies, or filthy living conditions. Most ear infections in dogs are not bacterial as those found in humans.

Dogs with ears that flop over are especially susceptible to getting infections of the ear. If you own a pet, such as a cocker spaniel, that has floppy ears, it is important to keep the ears properly groomed. During each cleaning, check the dog’s ears for any signs of infections. You will also want to carefully clip the hairs around the inner ear to prevent debris from becoming trapped.

If you believe that your canine may have an infection in his ear, you should contact your vet. The doctor will give the dog an otoscopic exam to confirm the problem. An x-ray of the dog’s head may also be needed. In some cases, the dog may need to be sedated in order for the doctor to give a thorough exam and flush the ear.

Most vets will treat an ear infection in a dog with a form of oral antibiotic. In some cases, a cream or ointment that is either antibiotic or anti-fungal will also be prescribed. It is typically suggested that you put drops in the dog’s ear to control the discomfort. It is extremely important to clean the ear before applying medicines. Ear mites will also need to be treated if present.

Ear infections can lead to very serious conditions if left untreated. In some cases, these conditions call for treatment though surgery. To prevent your pet from getting an ear infection, keep the pet properly groomed and treat ear mites as soon as they are noticed. If you feel that your pet may have an ear infection, contact your vet as soon as possible.

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A happy healthy dog deserves the best dog care you can afford to give to him or her. Of course, you will need to consider the type of dog you have in order to care for it properly. Different dog breeds have different vises and virtues in temperament, personality and character traits. Some dogs make excellent family pets, while others are more apt to bond with only one person for their entire life.

If you own a dog, you more than likely took the time to determine the right dog breed for you and your family. However, if you do not already own a dog and would like to have a dog, you need to do a bit of research on the various breeds of dogs in order to make the best choice for a canine companion. In order to give the dog you choose as a pet the best home you will need to consider various things. For instance, you need to determine the amount of time you and or your family members will be able to spend with your dog.

Just considering the basics your dog will need a nice warm and safe place to sleep, your dog needs its own space. Your dog will also require food and water. The amount of food and water your dog needs every day will depend on the size and breed of the dog as well as the amount of exercise it gets daily. A dog also requires the services of a veterinarian to attend to any shots and vaccinations as well as its health care whether it is during regular check-ups or during an emergency. You will need to consider your lifestyle as well as your budget when your have a great desire to have a dog as a companion.

Another thing you need to consider when you have a dog is its grooming needs. You can choose to groom your dog yourself and save money. Dog grooming tools are available and affordable in the marketplace today. On the other hand, if you do not feel secure about grooming your dog, you can hire a professional dog groomer to do it for you. Eventually, you will also need to consider having your dog spayed or nurtured. Then again, you may face the decision of whether or not you should allow your dog to breed and produce a litter.

There are many more things to consider when it involves proper dog care, when you choose to include a dog in your family and into your home. Responsible dog owners make all of these decisions. Be sure to make the best decisions for your dog and its dog care needs.

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