Great Watch Dog Rusty!

Last night my daughter, her friend, myself and my husband where watching American Idol, my daughters friend (Mary) said to my cat “Spooky what are you doing, you’re acting strange Stop it.”  Well there goes a mouse scurrying across the living room floor.  The girls jumped onto the back of the couch , including myself, while my husband went to capture the mouse. Rusty the dog was sleeping, he finally gets up, now my husband has the broom and dust pan trying to sweep the mouse.  Rusty sees what’s going on and he runs to the top of the stairs.  My little King Charles Spaniel thinks he’s an elephant and the mouse is going to kill him.  The mouse is out of the house and things are back to normal. 

Rat Poisen

Rat Poisen found in the dog food that killed and made so many dogs and cats sick. Thats horrible.  How in the world did it get into SO Many Foods? I think everyone who had an animal get sick from this should go after that company.  There is no reason for that.

Makes me wonder what’s in our foods. EWWW! I am not going to think about that.

Dog Food Recall

Hi Everyone,

I haven’t been here in a while.  There is a lot to say about all these cats and dogs getting sick from their food.  It’s just terrible. My dog and cat are fine. I feed my dog Cesar wet food and Iams dry. My cat always get dry food, she doesn’t like the canned food.

How many actual cats and dogs got sick from this. The poor owners not only is upsetting when your pet is sick but the vet bills can be very pricey also.

I hope all your animals are ok.

Ten Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat

As a dog owner, we all want what’s best for our dog. With the newest reports about the proper diet for your dog, they should have carbohydrates, vegtables, etc., more and more dog owners are giving their dog table scraps without realizing that there are certain foods a dog should never have.  Before you put your leftovers in your dog’s bowl be sure to read the top ten foods they shouldn’t eat.

1. Chocolate
To dogs, chocolate acts as a stimulant, making your dog’s heartbeat accelerate or beat irregularly, leading to seizures and even cardiac arrest. To compound things further, it also acts as a severe diuretic, causing frequent urination, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If you even suspect your dog has consumed chocolate, take him to an animal hospital immediately.

2. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins create havoc with your dog’s kidneys and digestive system. What’s worse is that the amount of grapes needed to cause problems can vary greatly among individual dogs. Symptoms include frequent urination, vomiting, and diarrhea.

3. Onions
Onions cause the breakdown of a dog’s red blood cells, which deprives his cells of much-needed oxygen. If you’re in the habit of feeding your dog table scraps, make sure the dish was not prepared with onions, as the effects can be cumulative over a period of time. Symptoms can vary greatly, ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to loss of appetite, fever, or exhaustion.

4. Macadamia Nuts
While the exact chemical compound is still unknown, even a small amount of macadamia nuts can cause fever, irregular heartbeat, seizures, or mild paralysis.

5. Alcoholic Beverages
Dogs’ physiologies are not equipped to handle alcohol consumption. They are extremely susceptible to alcohol poisoning, and even small amounts can lead to digestive problems or even death.

6. Bread Dough
Because it is soft, dogs will often swallow the dough without chewing it. When the dough hits your dog’s stomach, his body heat will cause the dough to rise inside his stomach. This rising action can cause bloating or vomiting. To compound things further, the rising action creates alcohol as a by-product, and your dog may experience the symptoms listed in the previous paragraph.

7. Caffeinated Beverages
Similar to the effects of chocolate, caffeine is a stimulant and can negatively impact your dog’s heart rate, causing seizures or heart attacks.

8. Avocadoes
Avocadoes are toxic to many animals. The offensive chemical damages heart, lung, and other essential tissues. Be aware since guacamole’s main ingredient is avocado, that you keep any such dips well out of your dog’s reach.

9. Pitted Fruits (Peaches, Pears, Cherries, and Apricots)
The pits of these fruits contain small doses of cyanide, which can be fatal to smaller dogs. Also, if the pit is swallowed whole, it may become lodged in the intestinal tract, where the blockage will have to be surgically removed.

10. Raw Fish
Raw fish, especially salmon, can contain parasites, usually fluke larvae. The dog consumes the fish, and the larvae hatch in your dog’s digestive tract, attaching themselves to his intestinal walls. Symptoms can take up to a week to exhibit and usually mimic other canine diseases, such as distemper or parvovirus. The hazard here is misdiagnosis by the veterinarian, leading to an improper or ineffective treatment. If you choose to feed your dog fish, be sure to cook it thoroughly to kill any bad critters that could be hiding inside.

This is of vital information for your dog care. If you want your dog to have the proper diet, take a small amount of what your making before you add the onions and the extra spices and make him up his own little plate and add it with his dog food.

Remember a good dog is a happy and healthy dog.

Dog Supplies Buying Guide

Dog Supplies Buying Guide

Just like a baby who needs utmost attention and care, the best supplies for your dog needs some major consideration, too. Here’s how you can ensure that your pet gets the best toys, food, and other necessities.

Dog Food and Treats

Your dog’s needs should be the emphasis when considering what food or treat to buy him. The proper balance of vitamins and minerals should be given, particularly to growing puppies. Sporting and working dog breeds need to eat something that will sustain their hyperactive lifestyle. Dogs that aren’t getting any younger need low-calorie food to avoid weight gain.  Don’t scrimp on the budget here no matter how compelling it might be.  A healthy dog is reflected by the food he eats.

Dog Leashes and Collars

The size and weight of the dog should be taken into account in choosing the right dog collar. The collar’s material needs attention too. Nylon is good for water-loving dogs since it is more durable and light. For a tougher look, leather collars are a lot better since they are more durable and can even be accessorized with spikes.

Dog leashes come in cloth, nylon, retractable, and leather styles.

Dog Toys

The safety of your dog should be the top priority in looking for a dog toy. What fun could be derived from a toy if it will endanger your pet’s life, right? A dog toy should be large enough so that it can’t be swallowed by your pet. However, it should be small enough for your dog to be able to grip it well.

The durability of the toys will need major consideration too, especially for dogs that are serious chewers. Light chewers can settle for vinyl and latex dog toys.

Training Guides for Your Dog

Dog whistles, dog harnesses and bitter-tasting sprays compose the wide array of dog-training guides that will keep a dog from chewing. If the chewing problem is a lot more serious, you may want to use a dog bark collar or an electric fence. It is advised that you remain consistent and humane when training your dog.

There are many dog training books available that can be helpful when training your dog.

Dog Health Items

Tick and flea infestation control medications are available to ensure that your dog’s health is secured against these pests. Brands like Advantix, Advantage and Frontline are some of the popular flea and tick drugs in the market.

Your dog’s dental health should never be taken for granted either. Dog toothbrushes and toothpastes, and even dog toys are now made available to support the dental health of your pet.

Following these guidelines will definitely help you have a happy, healthy pet!  For  http://www.tailwaggingprices.com Remember a good dog is a happy and healthy dog.
 

I went away for a few days.  It was great.  I went with my daughter, it was nice to spend time with her. She’s a teenager now so the only time we spend together is in the car when I am driving her to a friends house.  I’ll be posting new things probably tomorrow (friday) I’m really tired today. 

Thanks

Dog Care – Obedience Training

Dogs that simply just don’t listen can be a handful. We all have encountered them at some point, whether it is our own dog or a dog belonging to a different owner. The owners yelling at their dog, doing every thing they can just to get the dog to listen. When all we (the dog owners) and the dog needed is obedience training. Obedience training is a way of communication between the owner and the dog. Obedience training doesn’t cure all of the dog’s bad behaviors but it is a start. They teach the basics sit, stay, come and lay down. Depending on the course you choose. The basics are for safety issues also, you don’t want your dog running out every time someone opens the door or jumping all over your guests as they enter your home. Obedience training is a terrific way to start training. After he conquers the basic commands then you can train him to do other things such as tricks, agility whatever you may choose. It is suggested that all dogs should go through obedience training, even if you have the time to put in with your dog to train him yourself. By both using the trainer and the owner it is a fact that it is more effective.

There are a lot of obedience training classes in your area. Some pet shops even offer them. If you would like to have your dog obedience trained in your home, their are plenty of trainers who will come to you. You should research all of the trainers whether they are in home or training classes. Some trainers can be very expensive find out if they have referrals, ask your veterinarian or if your friends have used some one. You know the saying you get what you pay for so do your research. Make sure they are professional enough to know how to deal with your dog’s behavior and how to train them properly. The training should be fun for the dog, remember it is a learning process. Praising the dog when he listens to a command is up to the trainer he/she may opt to give him a treat or just lots of love.

Consistency and patience is of vital importance. You must follow through with what the dog has learned when the trainer is not around. If you don’t follow through your dog may never learn to listen to you.

Obedience training will ensure a happy and healthy relationship between the dog owner and the dog. This is just another example of how important dog care is.

Remember a good dog is a happy and healthy dog.

Dog Care – Beagles

There are over one hundred different dog breeds to choose from. It can be difficult to choose the right breed for your lifestyle. For the dog to be a purebred it must be proven that mating two adult dogs of the same type would have passed on their exact same characteristics, both appearance and behavior to their offspring. In this article I am going to discuss the Beagle.

Their are two different variates of the Beagle. The thirteen inch Beagle and the fifteen inch Beagle. They have a strong sense of smell, therefore they are used for hunting animals like rabbits. Their colors vary they are white, black, brown, or a combination of both. They have big ears that are low set. Training might be a little difficult due to the fact these dogs are very stubborn. Despite their stubbornness they are known for their very good temperament. Their coats are a close, hard coat of medium length. Beagles do not drool or have a doggy oder and shedding is minimal.

Remember a good dog is a happy and healthy dog.

Choosing The Right Dog Breeder

Deciding to own a dog, whether it is a big dog or a small dog involves a lot of responsibility. There is more to having your dog greet you at the door and giving you unconditional love and the dog owner giving that unconditional love in return. It’s about caring for your dog, making sure he has a proper diet, grooming, cleaning up after them, taking them to the vetrinarian for their health check-ups shots. Before finding the right breeder you must decide on the right dog breed for you. A breed that will fit into your lifestyle. If you have young children you want a breed that is good with children. Your living enviornment (whether you live in a house or apartment), does the dog need to run alot or are they good apartment dogs. To research any type of breed I recommend going to the American Kennel Club website (http://www.americankennelclub.org/) they have all the information you need for every breed type.
Finding the right breeder for the dog depends on the breed you choose. A professional breeder will only breed healthy dogs to insure that they will produce a healthy offspring. Most reputable breeders may choose to evaluate your home. Making sure their puppies will have a safe, healthy and loving home. Before purchasing the puppy the breeder will sometimes have you sign a contract, be sure to read the contract thouroughly before signing. This way if there are any health problems you will not be held responsible for the care.

The breeder should have their pair of dogs tested for all possible diseases as well as knowing each dog’s parents history. This should be kept on file for you (the buyer) to review. Do not be shy to ask to see the health record of the parenting dogs and their parents history. This could be a very important factor as most breeds to have some sort of health problems whether they are puppies or adult dogs. Again, research your breed before purchasing.

After giving birth, try to visit the breeder frequently so you can see how well they are taken care of. The puppies should be taken to the vetrinarian for a health check and to administer their first shot by the breeder before you take him home. You also want to see how well the mother reacts with her pups and how the pups interact with each other. After visiting a few times you will be able to see the temperment of the puppies.

When the puppies reach six to eight weeks of age you will be able to take him home. Have them checked out by your vetrinarian as soon as possible. Therefore, if there are any health issues you will be able to discuss it with the breeder. Before taking them home make sure you know from the breeder what food to purchase, you will need a crate to train him, toys and more. Visit http://www.tailwaggingprices.com for all of your puppies needs.

Remember a good dog is a healthy and happy dog.

Dog Care – Fighting Fleas

Fighting Fleas can be very frustrating. They multiply very quickly and if not caught early enough they will infest your dog and your home. Once infested it is not easy to get rid of them. If your dog is constantly stratching himself that is a sure sign that he does have fleas. Check his skin that is were you will be able to find them. There are different remodies you can try to kill or keep the fleas at bay. Bombing your house is one of them but you have to cover the furniture, leave the house for a few hours, who wants to do that? Luckily there are a few ways to stop the fleas before they get to the infestation point.

There are many different types of medications that can be applied to your dog, chewable tablets, the old fashion pill form , prescriptions that you may get from your veterinarian and in powder form. Flea and tick collars are also very helpful in keeping the fleas at bay. Here are a few examples: Advantix -A dog will be free from fleas in just a few days. Veterinarian recommended. Frontline – Lasts up to four months. Biospot – Kills up to 75% of fleas, eggs and ticks. It also repells mosquitos, which causes heartworm in your dog. There are other flea killers that you can use, Hartz, Seargents and many more. Many repellents you just reapply directly to the skin. You can get up to six months supply. Remember to check with your veterianarian for recommendations. Dogs just like humans have allergies so be sure to use the one that is best for your dog.

There are natural ways to help fight against fleas. Vacuum your home frequently. Before disposing of the bag make sure you seal it tightly and be sure to double bag it because fleas will jump out. Flease tend to breed in your dogs bedding. You must keep it clean, washing of the bed once a week with warm soapy water, vacuum the bed frequently and you may also srpay the bed with cedar oil to keep the fleas at bay. Cedar is an excellent repellent against fleas and insects. Bathe your dog weekly with a mild flea and tick shampoo or use cedar shampoo. Fleas are attracted to dry skin, try using Linatone Oil mixed in his food. Not only will it keep the fleas off but it is also good for dry skin. Brewers Yeast and Garlic creates an oder in pets that fleas are sure to avoid. Sold in any pet store in tablet, chewable tablet and powder form. Be sure to plant plenty of marigolds around the outside of your home, it repells fleas along with other types of bugs.

The breeding season for fleas is in the summer months. If you see one, you know there are many more. Be sure to use one or more of these ideas to keep the fleas at bay. Remember you do not want your dog or your home to become infested.
If you are conserned about the mosquitos causing heartworm in your dog, there are different sprays that you can buy from your pet store. Some are to be applied once a week, some may be applied more or less, be sure to read the instructions on the bottle or speak to your veterianarian about preventative medication. Heartworm can lead to different health problems and sometimes can be fatal. It can be detected by simple blood work.

Keeping your dog healthy is your responsibility as a dog owner. Keep them save, happy and healthy.