This article is about animal collectors, otherwise known as animal hoarding. It's about the signs and symptoms of animal collectors, the personality profile of an animal collector, and ways to deal with this issue. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of animal collectors.
An animal collector is someone that has more animals than they can possibly care for properly, and the animals are suffering from various types of neglect. Often the animal collector will be in denial, and believe they are saving the animals. Further, they may continue to bring in more animals, or allow the animals they have to continue to breed. While many animal lovers tend to rescue a lot of animals, at some point, they have to put up the no vacancy sign. It's a realization that if they take in more, they won't be able to take care of the ones they have. Animal collectors never put up the no vacancy sign. The animals that live in these conditions, are typically living in filth -- many sick animals, and often dead animals have been found in these houses.
There are some people that say animal collecting is a mental disorder. It seems to relate to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, control issues, and addiction disorders. Yet, it's still difficult for experts to say exactly who will become susceptible to this type of behavior. Many animal collectors start off with good intentions, and yet end up being the cause of animal suffering. Some of them are just crazy. I read about a lady who had almost 1000 animals, and claimed she was an animal rescue. There were people that trusted her, and surrendered animals to her premise. It was discovered later, the horrible conditions these animals lived in -- there was a large amount of animals found dead in her home. There are others that are just overwhelmed. Such as a man who could barely take care of himself, who took in two dogs that needed a home. He couldn't afford spaying or neutering, and soon enough he had 36 dogs.
The ways to deal with animal collectors are based on the individual circumstance. Some of them deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. In some cases, no prosecution is recommended, but instead a support system. For example, the man that ended up with 36 dogs -- he may be guilty of neglect, but what he really needs is help to get his life back on track. Identifying the problem, working through the issues that caused it, and making sure the animals don't suffer because of it --is the answer. Every animal lover should be aware of their limits. There are so many homeless animals that need help, but at some point there is not enough room for one more.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
How to prepare for a new puppy
Making the decision to adopt a new puppy or an adult dog can be very exciting. This decision is sometimes made at the spur of the moment, when we find a stray that needs our help. If you've never had a dog, this might be a bit daunting. On the bright side, dogs are not that demanding. They need love, nourishing food, a fresh bowl of water, and shelter. Those are the basics. In this article, I've broken down a list of basic pet supplies you'll need, along with some advice to help things go smoother.
Collar and leash: Look for the most comfortable collar you can find, and make sure it's not too tight. You can get your puppy accustomed to wearing it early on, and even practice walking. It's important to make the experience of wearing the collar positive, so they want develop any fears of the collar and leash. My advice is to stay away from the cheap "Made in China" retractable, and go with a regular leash.
Food and water bowl: Something they can't easily pick up, or knock over. No aluminum, or coatings that rub off. You want a bowl that is easy for your dogs height, without straining to reach. Bowls intended for human use work fine.
Dog food: Get a food that is specifically for your dogs age, and make sure you read the label. Two favorites of mine that are moderately priced, include Halo Spot Stew and Castor and Pollux Organix. Look for food with meat as the first ingredient and avoid by-products.
Brush: The type of brush you buy, depends on your dogs coat. If your dog has an undercoat, as with the Pomeranian, you'll need a slick wire brush. Even when puppies are young, it's a great idea to get them used to the brush so that they won't be afraid of it later on.
On that note, you may decide to get your new puppy accustomed to you clipping his nails and brushing his teeth. Most of us wait too long to try, and when we do, our dogs understandably get a little nervous. If you try these things when they're young, making sure it's a positive happy experience, they will cooperate more when they're older.
To puppy proof your home, you should know one thing. Dogs, especially puppies, like to chew. Keep all toxic substances out of reach, including medicines and pesticides. Same with electric cords, and anything they could possibly choke on. You may want to invest in some chew toys as well! Additional questions you may ask yourself to prepare are things like, "Where is the puppy going to sleep?" "Do I have a veterinarian I can trust?" "Do I want to join a dog training class?" "Do I have a housebreaking plan?" "What about vaccinations?" Further, you may want to take some time off when adopting a new puppy or dog. It will make the transition a bit smoother if you have more time to spend.
If you've never had a dog you might think this is a lot to do. If you've ever had a dog, you'll understand that it's all worth it.
Collar and leash: Look for the most comfortable collar you can find, and make sure it's not too tight. You can get your puppy accustomed to wearing it early on, and even practice walking. It's important to make the experience of wearing the collar positive, so they want develop any fears of the collar and leash. My advice is to stay away from the cheap "Made in China" retractable, and go with a regular leash.
Food and water bowl: Something they can't easily pick up, or knock over. No aluminum, or coatings that rub off. You want a bowl that is easy for your dogs height, without straining to reach. Bowls intended for human use work fine.
Dog food: Get a food that is specifically for your dogs age, and make sure you read the label. Two favorites of mine that are moderately priced, include Halo Spot Stew and Castor and Pollux Organix. Look for food with meat as the first ingredient and avoid by-products.
Brush: The type of brush you buy, depends on your dogs coat. If your dog has an undercoat, as with the Pomeranian, you'll need a slick wire brush. Even when puppies are young, it's a great idea to get them used to the brush so that they won't be afraid of it later on.
On that note, you may decide to get your new puppy accustomed to you clipping his nails and brushing his teeth. Most of us wait too long to try, and when we do, our dogs understandably get a little nervous. If you try these things when they're young, making sure it's a positive happy experience, they will cooperate more when they're older.
To puppy proof your home, you should know one thing. Dogs, especially puppies, like to chew. Keep all toxic substances out of reach, including medicines and pesticides. Same with electric cords, and anything they could possibly choke on. You may want to invest in some chew toys as well! Additional questions you may ask yourself to prepare are things like, "Where is the puppy going to sleep?" "Do I have a veterinarian I can trust?" "Do I want to join a dog training class?" "Do I have a housebreaking plan?" "What about vaccinations?" Further, you may want to take some time off when adopting a new puppy or dog. It will make the transition a bit smoother if you have more time to spend.
If you've never had a dog you might think this is a lot to do. If you've ever had a dog, you'll understand that it's all worth it.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Why Organic Dog Food is Better for Your Dog
Many health conscious individuals carefully consider what they eat, and it's only natural they would want to feed their dogs the healthiest diet. Many people are understandably skeptical about the quality of mainstream pet food brands, for some, the answer is a high quality natural organic dog food. This article is specifically about what qualifies as organic dog food, brands of organic dog food, and the possible health benefits of organic dog food.
Dog food manufacturers are not allowed to display "USDA Organic" on the packaging without becoming certified. This requires following certain standards such as ingredients that have not been genetically altered, or exposed to ionizing radiation. The label "organic dog food" indicates that the ingredients don't contain the pesticides, antibiotics, and growth hormone that are often found in regular dog food. The organic label is significant, and often indicates a higher quality food.
These are examples of quality brands of organic dog food on the market:
Castor & Pollux Organix Adult Canine Formula Dry Dog Food
Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Chicken Meal, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Peas, Organic Millet, Organic Oats, Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (a natural source of Vitamin E), Natural Chicken Flavor, Organic Quinoa, Organic Dried Eggs, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Apples, Organic Broccoli, Organic Carrots, Organic Pumpkin, Organic Pears...
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Organic Formulas Dog Food
Ingredients: Natural Chicken, Organic Brown Rice, Chicken Meal, Organic Oats, Organic Millet, Organic Barley, Organic Sorghum, Organic Potato, Organic Peas, Organic Canola Oil, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Carrots, Organic Spinach, Organic Cranberry, Organic Tomato, and Organic Parsley
Dr. Harvey's Canine Health-The Miracle Dog Food
Ingredients: 6 certified organic grains, 9 vegetables and 14 herbs (You add the meat to the dry mix)
The Honest Kitchen's Verve Dehydrated Raw Dog Food
Ingredients: Organic rye, organic barley, hormone-free beef, organic flaxseed, organic oats, carrots, alfalfa, potatoes, eggs, red and green bell peppers, spinach, apples, cranberries, chicory, parsley, peppermint and rosemary.
Karma Organic Dry Dog Food
Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Rye, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Flax Seed, Yeast Extract, Organic Carrots, Organic Beets, Organic Sunflower Oil, and Salt
What you'll find in common with all these brands, is that they are all made of high quality ingredients. In fact, many of them claim to have human grade ingredients. Why feed your dog something that you would refuse to eat yourself? When you avoid feeding low quality ingredients, it only makes sense your dog will be healthier. Many dog pawrents have reported an end to skin allergies, higher energy levels, and less digestive problems.
With all the by-products, meat meal, and preservatives in regular dog food, organic dog food is a healthy alternative. While it may be a bit more expensive than the typical supermarket brand, many pet owners are happy to pay the extra price. Now that you're aware of what qualifies as organic dog food, the different brands that are available, and possible health benefits, you may want to purchase organic dog food for your dog too.
Dog food manufacturers are not allowed to display "USDA Organic" on the packaging without becoming certified. This requires following certain standards such as ingredients that have not been genetically altered, or exposed to ionizing radiation. The label "organic dog food" indicates that the ingredients don't contain the pesticides, antibiotics, and growth hormone that are often found in regular dog food. The organic label is significant, and often indicates a higher quality food.
These are examples of quality brands of organic dog food on the market:
Castor & Pollux Organix Adult Canine Formula Dry Dog Food
Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Chicken Meal, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Peas, Organic Millet, Organic Oats, Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (a natural source of Vitamin E), Natural Chicken Flavor, Organic Quinoa, Organic Dried Eggs, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Apples, Organic Broccoli, Organic Carrots, Organic Pumpkin, Organic Pears...
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Organic Formulas Dog Food
Ingredients: Natural Chicken, Organic Brown Rice, Chicken Meal, Organic Oats, Organic Millet, Organic Barley, Organic Sorghum, Organic Potato, Organic Peas, Organic Canola Oil, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Carrots, Organic Spinach, Organic Cranberry, Organic Tomato, and Organic Parsley
Dr. Harvey's Canine Health-The Miracle Dog Food
Ingredients: 6 certified organic grains, 9 vegetables and 14 herbs (You add the meat to the dry mix)
The Honest Kitchen's Verve Dehydrated Raw Dog Food
Ingredients: Organic rye, organic barley, hormone-free beef, organic flaxseed, organic oats, carrots, alfalfa, potatoes, eggs, red and green bell peppers, spinach, apples, cranberries, chicory, parsley, peppermint and rosemary.
Karma Organic Dry Dog Food
Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Rye, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Flax Seed, Yeast Extract, Organic Carrots, Organic Beets, Organic Sunflower Oil, and Salt
What you'll find in common with all these brands, is that they are all made of high quality ingredients. In fact, many of them claim to have human grade ingredients. Why feed your dog something that you would refuse to eat yourself? When you avoid feeding low quality ingredients, it only makes sense your dog will be healthier. Many dog pawrents have reported an end to skin allergies, higher energy levels, and less digestive problems.
With all the by-products, meat meal, and preservatives in regular dog food, organic dog food is a healthy alternative. While it may be a bit more expensive than the typical supermarket brand, many pet owners are happy to pay the extra price. Now that you're aware of what qualifies as organic dog food, the different brands that are available, and possible health benefits, you may want to purchase organic dog food for your dog too.
Do dogs suffer from depression?
Do dogs suffer from depression? Absolutely. Dogs are intelligent, sensitive beings that are capable of feeling sadness. We may not hear of sessions in which dog psychotherapists turn to the canine stretched out on the couch to ask, "...and how did that make you feel?" But yes, dogs can suffer from depression. If you want to know what causes this, symptoms to watch for, and how to treat dog depression read this article.
Dogs can get depressed for a variety of reasons. Loss of a loved one, loneliness, medical conditions, neglect, abuse, frustration and anxiety can be leading causes. What if you had an old dog for years and neglect him after adopting a new puppy? What if your dog is accustomed to you staying at home, and you suddenly get a new job with demanding hours? What if your dog has shared his life with a litter mate who passes away? What if your dog has a chronic medical condition and often doesn't feel very good? What if your dog gets locked up at a kennel and doesn't know if your coming back?
What are the symptoms of depression in dogs?
* Wanting to sleep all the time
* Lack of appetite and thirst
* Lack of enthusiasm for play
* Loss of interest in toys
* Weight loss
* Moving slowly
* Withdrawing from activities
If your observant of your dogs behavior, you can easily spot depression. It's just like depression in people. You need to identify that there is a problem, find the cause of the depression, and then look for ways to find a solution.
Are you aware there are actually veterinary drugs to treat depression in dogs? I read about a dog on prozac. This poor little baby had been attacked by a wolf, and barely escaped with his life. That event was so traumatizing, he suffered with anxiety issues that would not subside. At least for the time being, his owner claims that prozac is helping him cope. Generally speaking, I'm against the use of anti-depressants in dogs. I would probably try everything before resorting to psychiatric drugs. In most cases you can easily find the reason, and there's always a reason, and then deal with it directly.
If your not sure why your dog seems to be suffering from depression, you'll want to take him into the veterinarian for tests. You'll be better able to help your dog if you know what causes depression, the symptoms to look out for, and how to treat depression in dogs.
Dogs can get depressed for a variety of reasons. Loss of a loved one, loneliness, medical conditions, neglect, abuse, frustration and anxiety can be leading causes. What if you had an old dog for years and neglect him after adopting a new puppy? What if your dog is accustomed to you staying at home, and you suddenly get a new job with demanding hours? What if your dog has shared his life with a litter mate who passes away? What if your dog has a chronic medical condition and often doesn't feel very good? What if your dog gets locked up at a kennel and doesn't know if your coming back?
What are the symptoms of depression in dogs?
* Wanting to sleep all the time
* Lack of appetite and thirst
* Lack of enthusiasm for play
* Loss of interest in toys
* Weight loss
* Moving slowly
* Withdrawing from activities
If your observant of your dogs behavior, you can easily spot depression. It's just like depression in people. You need to identify that there is a problem, find the cause of the depression, and then look for ways to find a solution.
Are you aware there are actually veterinary drugs to treat depression in dogs? I read about a dog on prozac. This poor little baby had been attacked by a wolf, and barely escaped with his life. That event was so traumatizing, he suffered with anxiety issues that would not subside. At least for the time being, his owner claims that prozac is helping him cope. Generally speaking, I'm against the use of anti-depressants in dogs. I would probably try everything before resorting to psychiatric drugs. In most cases you can easily find the reason, and there's always a reason, and then deal with it directly.
If your not sure why your dog seems to be suffering from depression, you'll want to take him into the veterinarian for tests. You'll be better able to help your dog if you know what causes depression, the symptoms to look out for, and how to treat depression in dogs.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Methods of housebreaking your puppy
If you're looking for ideas on how to housebreak your new puppy, you'll want to read this article. It's frustrating to try to keep your house clean, when your dog has daily accidents indoors. The great news, is that housebreaking a dog is not that difficult. In this article we'll discuss common housebreaking methods such as taking your puppy outside frequently, the use of crate training, wee wee pads for housebreaking, and kitty litter boxes. After reading this article, you will be able to housebreak your puppy/dog.
The first method to housebreak your puppy is frequent trips outdoors to go potty. From my experience, this is by far the most direct and effective method. Puppies have a natural instinct to want to do their duty outside. The only downside, is that it's time consuming. A young puppy may only be able to hold their bladder for 3 hours, so it's recommended to take them out every few hours. It's especially important to make a trip outside right after your pup has finished eating, and immediately after he wakes up from a nap.
Crate training is a popular method for housebreaking. The idea is that a puppy does not want to soil their own bed. They will try harder to hold it, and wait for the next trip outside to go potty. It's not a substitution for taking your puppy outside, it just prevents the possibility of an accident on the expensive carpet or furniture. Some people will use the crate exclusively at night, allowing them to get 8 hours of sleep, while eliminating the chance of accidents around the house. When I got my first puppy I listened to all the "dog experts" and bought an expensive crate in preparation. The first night I placed him in the crate, he cried so much, and I took him out after only 10 minutes. After that I got rid of the crate, and my puppy slept on the bed with me every night.
The idea of Wee Wee Pads is that you train your puppy to go potty on them indoors. The instructions on the box say that you can keep moving the location of the Wee Wee Pads closer to the door, and then finally outdoors. To be honest, the concept of Wee Wee Pads is totally confusing?! Why not just take your puppy outdoors to go potty in the first place? How can you expect your dog to only pee on Wee Wee Pads on the floor, and not your brand new newspaper? The only value I see in these is if you just don't have enough time to take your puppy outside.
Puppies and dogs can use kitty litter boxes just like cats. My dog was trained to use the litter box by watching the cats. He kept watching them. One day he decided to try it, and thought it was a lot of fun. Needless to say, results can vary depending on the size of your dog. My dog doesn't always climb in all the way, sometimes he just stands on the side, and uses his aiming skills.
In conclusion, every dog can learn to go potty outdoors. They want to by natural instinct. If they don't, it's not an obedience issue. If you catch your dog in the act of going potty indoors, there is no reason to raise your voice, scream, hit, or rub your dogs nose in it. If you find it after the fact, just clean it up. If you're consistent with your dog, take him for walks, and praise him lavishly for going potty outside - your dog will learn to be housebroken.
The first method to housebreak your puppy is frequent trips outdoors to go potty. From my experience, this is by far the most direct and effective method. Puppies have a natural instinct to want to do their duty outside. The only downside, is that it's time consuming. A young puppy may only be able to hold their bladder for 3 hours, so it's recommended to take them out every few hours. It's especially important to make a trip outside right after your pup has finished eating, and immediately after he wakes up from a nap.
Crate training is a popular method for housebreaking. The idea is that a puppy does not want to soil their own bed. They will try harder to hold it, and wait for the next trip outside to go potty. It's not a substitution for taking your puppy outside, it just prevents the possibility of an accident on the expensive carpet or furniture. Some people will use the crate exclusively at night, allowing them to get 8 hours of sleep, while eliminating the chance of accidents around the house. When I got my first puppy I listened to all the "dog experts" and bought an expensive crate in preparation. The first night I placed him in the crate, he cried so much, and I took him out after only 10 minutes. After that I got rid of the crate, and my puppy slept on the bed with me every night.
The idea of Wee Wee Pads is that you train your puppy to go potty on them indoors. The instructions on the box say that you can keep moving the location of the Wee Wee Pads closer to the door, and then finally outdoors. To be honest, the concept of Wee Wee Pads is totally confusing?! Why not just take your puppy outdoors to go potty in the first place? How can you expect your dog to only pee on Wee Wee Pads on the floor, and not your brand new newspaper? The only value I see in these is if you just don't have enough time to take your puppy outside.
Puppies and dogs can use kitty litter boxes just like cats. My dog was trained to use the litter box by watching the cats. He kept watching them. One day he decided to try it, and thought it was a lot of fun. Needless to say, results can vary depending on the size of your dog. My dog doesn't always climb in all the way, sometimes he just stands on the side, and uses his aiming skills.
In conclusion, every dog can learn to go potty outdoors. They want to by natural instinct. If they don't, it's not an obedience issue. If you catch your dog in the act of going potty indoors, there is no reason to raise your voice, scream, hit, or rub your dogs nose in it. If you find it after the fact, just clean it up. If you're consistent with your dog, take him for walks, and praise him lavishly for going potty outside - your dog will learn to be housebroken.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Does your dog eat poop?
Do you have a dog that likes to eat poop? It's a gross subject, I know, but I feel that it's important to talk about. This article is about why dogs eat poop, why you shouldn't allow it, and how to stop it. After reading this article, you should be able to cure your dog of this disgusting habit.
Why do dogs eat poop? Since there are so many possible reasons, a better question would be, why is your dog doing it? Here are some possible reasons:
* If your dog is suffering from a nutritional deficiency, they may try to compensate by eating poop. The deficiency could be caused by parasites compromising the health of your dog, or just not getting an adequate diet.
* You know how a mother dog will eat the feces of her puppy to clean up? Sometimes dogs will do the same when left in unclean crates and enclosures in an attempt to clean up the place.
* If you punish your dog for going potty in the house, they may get in the habit of eating it (to avoid punishment).
* Emotional issues such as stress, boredom, anxiety, and lonliness.
* Your dog may be copying the behavior of other dogs.
The first course of action should be to put your dog on a high quality diet, and have him checked for parasites. It's important to stop your dog from eating poop, this behavior can cause health issues, as parasites and bacteria can be transmitted to your dog. Besides, you don't want your dog eating poop, and then coming over to give you wet puppy dog kisses.
To stop your dog from eating poop you have many options. Though it would be helpful to try to understand why your dog is doing this. Do you need to change the diet? Get rid of parasites? Address emotional issues such as stress or boredom? If you're not sure, start with making sure your dog is eating a high quality dog food. Make sure you clean up poop in the yard, keep the kitty litter boxes clean, and eliminate the opportunity. Teach your dog the "leave it" command. There are even commercial products for this such as Forbid, Dis-taste, and Deter. The commercial products are probably ok, but I can't personally recommend them, since I haven't actually tried them. If you put a bit of spinach or pumpkin in your dogs food, it will also deter them from eating it.
Remember not to ever punish your dog for eating poop. There is a reason they are doing it. If you figure out why they are doing it, the problem is halfway solved.
Why do dogs eat poop? Since there are so many possible reasons, a better question would be, why is your dog doing it? Here are some possible reasons:
* If your dog is suffering from a nutritional deficiency, they may try to compensate by eating poop. The deficiency could be caused by parasites compromising the health of your dog, or just not getting an adequate diet.
* You know how a mother dog will eat the feces of her puppy to clean up? Sometimes dogs will do the same when left in unclean crates and enclosures in an attempt to clean up the place.
* If you punish your dog for going potty in the house, they may get in the habit of eating it (to avoid punishment).
* Emotional issues such as stress, boredom, anxiety, and lonliness.
* Your dog may be copying the behavior of other dogs.
The first course of action should be to put your dog on a high quality diet, and have him checked for parasites. It's important to stop your dog from eating poop, this behavior can cause health issues, as parasites and bacteria can be transmitted to your dog. Besides, you don't want your dog eating poop, and then coming over to give you wet puppy dog kisses.
To stop your dog from eating poop you have many options. Though it would be helpful to try to understand why your dog is doing this. Do you need to change the diet? Get rid of parasites? Address emotional issues such as stress or boredom? If you're not sure, start with making sure your dog is eating a high quality dog food. Make sure you clean up poop in the yard, keep the kitty litter boxes clean, and eliminate the opportunity. Teach your dog the "leave it" command. There are even commercial products for this such as Forbid, Dis-taste, and Deter. The commercial products are probably ok, but I can't personally recommend them, since I haven't actually tried them. If you put a bit of spinach or pumpkin in your dogs food, it will also deter them from eating it.
Remember not to ever punish your dog for eating poop. There is a reason they are doing it. If you figure out why they are doing it, the problem is halfway solved.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
How to choose the best dog food
Confused about which dog food to buy? This article can help you to choose the best dog food. Specifically we'll cover why you get what you pay for, what to look for in the ingredients, and the different forms of dog food that are available for purchase.
A trip down to the supermarket pet food aisle, will show that you get what you pay for. If you compare the prices versus the ingredients, you'll see what I mean. The cheapest dog foods will typically have a grain, such as corn, as the main ingredient. The lowest price dog food will typically contain by-products, meat meal, preservatives, and possibly other ingredients that are not that nutritious for your dog.
The ingredients are the most important way of evaluating a dog food. Dogs are meat eaters. If the first ingredient is not meat, then it's not the best choice. Look out for meat by-products, chicken by-products, meat meal, these are all indicators of a low quality food. The protein in these ingredients are not as digestible, and may contain things such as heads, eyes, feet, ligaments, and other poor quality ingredients that would never be approved for human consumption.
There are forms of dog food besides the standard, canned or dry. You can also purchase dog food in pre-prepared dog food rolls. An example of this is Dick van Patten's Natural Balance Dog Food Rolls, with a variety such as duck and potato, lamb, beef, and turkey. A different type of dog food is a dehydrated dog food that you just add water to. The Honest Kitchen makes a high quality dehydrated dog food called Force, with human grade chicken as the first ingredient.
Whatever type of dog food you purchase, make sure to read the ingredients. The price can indicate that it's higher quality, but it's not always a guarantee. Spending more on dog food now, or even making a high quality dog food at home, can save money in the long run.
A trip down to the supermarket pet food aisle, will show that you get what you pay for. If you compare the prices versus the ingredients, you'll see what I mean. The cheapest dog foods will typically have a grain, such as corn, as the main ingredient. The lowest price dog food will typically contain by-products, meat meal, preservatives, and possibly other ingredients that are not that nutritious for your dog.
The ingredients are the most important way of evaluating a dog food. Dogs are meat eaters. If the first ingredient is not meat, then it's not the best choice. Look out for meat by-products, chicken by-products, meat meal, these are all indicators of a low quality food. The protein in these ingredients are not as digestible, and may contain things such as heads, eyes, feet, ligaments, and other poor quality ingredients that would never be approved for human consumption.
There are forms of dog food besides the standard, canned or dry. You can also purchase dog food in pre-prepared dog food rolls. An example of this is Dick van Patten's Natural Balance Dog Food Rolls, with a variety such as duck and potato, lamb, beef, and turkey. A different type of dog food is a dehydrated dog food that you just add water to. The Honest Kitchen makes a high quality dehydrated dog food called Force, with human grade chicken as the first ingredient.
Whatever type of dog food you purchase, make sure to read the ingredients. The price can indicate that it's higher quality, but it's not always a guarantee. Spending more on dog food now, or even making a high quality dog food at home, can save money in the long run.
Friday, January 15, 2010
How to socialize your puppy
If you want to learn about socializing your puppy, then you'll want to read this article. Specifically we'll discuss why it's important to socialize your puppy, how to socialize your puppy, and how to handle adult dogs that have not been socialized. After reading this article, you should be prepared to get your puppy off to a great start.
It's important to begin socializing your puppy immediately. Socialization will lay the foundation for a happy life over the course of your dogs life. Puppies that are not socialized will usually grow up to be dogs that are fearful of people, aggressive towards other dogs, and excessively frightened of new surroundings. The most critical age for puppy socialization is the first 16 weeks of his life.
I would like to offer some tips that will help you to socialize your puppy. The main method is to expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, different surroundings, various noises and objects at an early age. This is the time to get your dog accustomed to grooming tools, the sound of the vacuum, animals in the household, and other things that you do not want your dog to be afraid of. Socialization is important, but protect your puppy from dangerous situations. For safety, it's really not a good idea to introduce your puppy to dogs you don't know.
Adult dogs that have not been socialized at an early age may have a difficult time. Puppy mill dogs, rescue dogs, shelter dogs - any dog you did not adopt as a puppy, may not have been socialized. This is difficult, but not impossible. Dog training and behavior modification help, but is not always completely effective. You may find yourself with a dog that is sweet and affectionate to you, but does not play well with others.
A well socialized puppy will grow up into a dog with fewer behavioral problems. It's important to take the time, specifically within the first 16 weeks, and you will be rewarded with a confident, well-adjusted dog.
It's important to begin socializing your puppy immediately. Socialization will lay the foundation for a happy life over the course of your dogs life. Puppies that are not socialized will usually grow up to be dogs that are fearful of people, aggressive towards other dogs, and excessively frightened of new surroundings. The most critical age for puppy socialization is the first 16 weeks of his life.
I would like to offer some tips that will help you to socialize your puppy. The main method is to expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, different surroundings, various noises and objects at an early age. This is the time to get your dog accustomed to grooming tools, the sound of the vacuum, animals in the household, and other things that you do not want your dog to be afraid of. Socialization is important, but protect your puppy from dangerous situations. For safety, it's really not a good idea to introduce your puppy to dogs you don't know.
Adult dogs that have not been socialized at an early age may have a difficult time. Puppy mill dogs, rescue dogs, shelter dogs - any dog you did not adopt as a puppy, may not have been socialized. This is difficult, but not impossible. Dog training and behavior modification help, but is not always completely effective. You may find yourself with a dog that is sweet and affectionate to you, but does not play well with others.
A well socialized puppy will grow up into a dog with fewer behavioral problems. It's important to take the time, specifically within the first 16 weeks, and you will be rewarded with a confident, well-adjusted dog.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
If your dog gets sprayed by a skunk
If you would like to know what to do if your dog ever gets sprayed by a skunk, then you will want to read this article. I'm going to discuss steps you should take if your dog interacts with a skunk, and how to get that terrible smell out of your dogs coat. After reading this article, you should be able to get through a skunk spraying episode with relative ease.
If your dog is sprayed by a skunk, the first question is, how do I get rid of this smell? Tomato juice is an old home remedy, but it doesn't completely get rid of the odor. There are over-the-counter products, but it's inconvenient to run to the store, and you want to help your dog as quickly as possible. You can keep a product such as Miracle Skunk Odor Remover on hand, or you can make an effective skunk odor remover from products you already have around the house.
The sulfur in skunk oil is what causes the strong smell, and the following is a recipe that will neutralize the sulfur. What you need to do is mix about a quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap together. This mixture may bubble, it's a reaction of the chemicals. It's considered safe, but take care not to get the mixture in your dogs eyes. You may want to apply eye lubricant, eye drops, or mineral oil around your dogs eyes before starting. You want to rub this mixture into your dogs coat, in the area that was sprayed by the skunk. Keep it on for at least five minutes. If the smell remains, you may need to follow this procedure a few times, but the smell will come out.
Besides dealing with the smell, you'll want to make sure your dog hasn't suffered any injuries. Examine your dogs entire body to ensure the skunk didn't leave any scratch or bite wounds. If so, you may need to take your dog to the veterinarian.
If your dog is sprayed by a skunk, the first question is, how do I get rid of this smell? Tomato juice is an old home remedy, but it doesn't completely get rid of the odor. There are over-the-counter products, but it's inconvenient to run to the store, and you want to help your dog as quickly as possible. You can keep a product such as Miracle Skunk Odor Remover on hand, or you can make an effective skunk odor remover from products you already have around the house.
The sulfur in skunk oil is what causes the strong smell, and the following is a recipe that will neutralize the sulfur. What you need to do is mix about a quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap together. This mixture may bubble, it's a reaction of the chemicals. It's considered safe, but take care not to get the mixture in your dogs eyes. You may want to apply eye lubricant, eye drops, or mineral oil around your dogs eyes before starting. You want to rub this mixture into your dogs coat, in the area that was sprayed by the skunk. Keep it on for at least five minutes. If the smell remains, you may need to follow this procedure a few times, but the smell will come out.
Besides dealing with the smell, you'll want to make sure your dog hasn't suffered any injuries. Examine your dogs entire body to ensure the skunk didn't leave any scratch or bite wounds. If so, you may need to take your dog to the veterinarian.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Separation anxiety in dogs
If you would like to learn about separation anxiety in dogs, then you'll want to read this article. Specifically we'll cover the definition of separation anxiety, what causes it, and how to alleviate the symptoms. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of separation anxiety in dogs and be able to alleviate the signs of separation anxiety.
What is separation anxiety in dogs? It's an anxiety many dogs feel when left alone. It's a combination of loneliness, panic, fear, and boredom. It may result in excessive barking, chewing on furniture, accidents in the house, eating the plants, and all kinds of mischief. If you can imagine having just one person in the world that you are totally dependent on, having them disappear can be stressful. A dog that suffers from separation anxiety will exhibit distress whenever they are separated from you.
There are many causes of separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs that have been traumatized by being left at a shelter, rescued from homes of neglect, and victims of natural disaster are at a high risk. They may be appreciative you saved them, but afraid when your not around. It's not always that. There are dogs that are just by nature, high strung and nervous that tend to worry. Separation anxiety can be caused as well by changes in the routine. If your suddenly leaving your dog alone, especially if they are accustomed to having you home, there will probably be some anxiety.
To alleviate separation anxiety in dogs, you have to address the feelings. Ideas to alleviate the anxious feelings include:
1. Get an additional pet to keep Fido company.
2. Try not to make a big deal when you leave or return.
3. Play the radio.
4. Get your dog some fun toys.
5. Feed your dog before you leave.
6. Lavender is calming (put a few drops on a sock)
7. Have someone check on your dog.
8. Consider doggy daycare.
Separation anxiety in dogs can be alleviated. It's easier when you identify if your dog truly suffers from it, know what causes separation anxiety, and follow the tips to alleviate separation anxiety in your dog.
What is separation anxiety in dogs? It's an anxiety many dogs feel when left alone. It's a combination of loneliness, panic, fear, and boredom. It may result in excessive barking, chewing on furniture, accidents in the house, eating the plants, and all kinds of mischief. If you can imagine having just one person in the world that you are totally dependent on, having them disappear can be stressful. A dog that suffers from separation anxiety will exhibit distress whenever they are separated from you.
There are many causes of separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs that have been traumatized by being left at a shelter, rescued from homes of neglect, and victims of natural disaster are at a high risk. They may be appreciative you saved them, but afraid when your not around. It's not always that. There are dogs that are just by nature, high strung and nervous that tend to worry. Separation anxiety can be caused as well by changes in the routine. If your suddenly leaving your dog alone, especially if they are accustomed to having you home, there will probably be some anxiety.
To alleviate separation anxiety in dogs, you have to address the feelings. Ideas to alleviate the anxious feelings include:
1. Get an additional pet to keep Fido company.
2. Try not to make a big deal when you leave or return.
3. Play the radio.
4. Get your dog some fun toys.
5. Feed your dog before you leave.
6. Lavender is calming (put a few drops on a sock)
7. Have someone check on your dog.
8. Consider doggy daycare.
Separation anxiety in dogs can be alleviated. It's easier when you identify if your dog truly suffers from it, know what causes separation anxiety, and follow the tips to alleviate separation anxiety in your dog.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Ear Infections in Dogs
If you want to learn about ear infections in dogs, then you'll want to read this article. Specifically we'll discuss why dogs get ear infections, how to detect an ear infection, and what to do about it. After reading this article, you should be able to figure out if your dog has an ear infection and know the best way to handle it.
The first subject I want to cover, is why dogs get ear infections. There are some dogs that live their entire life, and never suffer from an ear infection. There are others where ear problems are a constant battle. The dogs that have the most problems, are those with the long droopy ears like cocker spaniels. With these types of dogs, you'll need to keep the ear hair trimmed, and clean out the ears on a regular basis. Additional predisposing factors to ear infections in dogs include food allergies, infections, and mites.
Detecting an ear infection is usually quite easy. If you look into the ear canal you may see excessive dark waxy buildup, inflamed red ear, and frequently cheesy discharge. You can also smell an unusual odor from the ear, healthy ears don't have a strong odor. Your dog may rub his head on the carpet, scratch at his ear, and shake his head.
It's always easier to prevent an ear infection, rather than treat one. If you've determined your dog has an ear infection, the first thing to do is trim all the hair around the ears for proper circulation. The next thing to do is determine if there are mites causing the problem, which appear as reddish brown or black buildup in the ears. With mites, you'll want to clean out the ears with mineral oil and follow up with an ear drop specifically for ear mites. If it doesn't appear to be mites, a good general ear solution is a half and half mixture of white vinegar and water. Make sure it's about room temperature, and apply it by placing the mixture in a squeeze bottle.
If the problem persists, it's best to get your dog to the veterinarian. I hope this information has been helpful to understand why dogs get ear infections, how to detect an ear infection, and what you can do to treat an ear infection at home. If your dog doesn't have a predisposition for ear infections, make sure that you still check them regularly to catch any problems early on.
The first subject I want to cover, is why dogs get ear infections. There are some dogs that live their entire life, and never suffer from an ear infection. There are others where ear problems are a constant battle. The dogs that have the most problems, are those with the long droopy ears like cocker spaniels. With these types of dogs, you'll need to keep the ear hair trimmed, and clean out the ears on a regular basis. Additional predisposing factors to ear infections in dogs include food allergies, infections, and mites.
Detecting an ear infection is usually quite easy. If you look into the ear canal you may see excessive dark waxy buildup, inflamed red ear, and frequently cheesy discharge. You can also smell an unusual odor from the ear, healthy ears don't have a strong odor. Your dog may rub his head on the carpet, scratch at his ear, and shake his head.
It's always easier to prevent an ear infection, rather than treat one. If you've determined your dog has an ear infection, the first thing to do is trim all the hair around the ears for proper circulation. The next thing to do is determine if there are mites causing the problem, which appear as reddish brown or black buildup in the ears. With mites, you'll want to clean out the ears with mineral oil and follow up with an ear drop specifically for ear mites. If it doesn't appear to be mites, a good general ear solution is a half and half mixture of white vinegar and water. Make sure it's about room temperature, and apply it by placing the mixture in a squeeze bottle.
If the problem persists, it's best to get your dog to the veterinarian. I hope this information has been helpful to understand why dogs get ear infections, how to detect an ear infection, and what you can do to treat an ear infection at home. If your dog doesn't have a predisposition for ear infections, make sure that you still check them regularly to catch any problems early on.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Loss of a pet
If you want to learn more about pet loss, then you'll want to read this article. Specifically we'll discuss how difficult it can be to lose a pet, stages that you may go through, and how to create positive memories of the time you had with your pet. After reading this article, you should be better able to assist a friend that has lost a pet, and know what to expect during the grieving process.
The loss of a pet can be devastating. For many of us, a pet is a member of the family. Sadly, there are people that just don't understand. For those that don't "get it" they may think getting another dog as a replacement is the answer. It's hard to feel that kind of sadness of losing a best friend, especially when those around you don't understand. Sometimes they may have feelings of guilt as well, and wonder if they did the right thing. Such as whether they could have detected the medical condition earlier, did their pet have the right medical treatment, and if they should have put their dog to sleep.
When dealing with pet loss, most of us go through different stages. The stages are denial, anger, guilt, depression, and acceptance. All of these stages are considered normal and healthy to experience. Denial is a coping mechanism, when the pain is too difficult to bear. It's not an outright denial of the death of a pet, it's more of a desire to not deal with that reality at the time. Once the realization sets in, you may experience anger. You may feel genuine anger at why this happened to your well loved pet. Guilt is when we wonder if we did everything we could to save our pet. Depression where you may withdraw and lose your appetite. After that, usually comes a sense of acceptance.
When we think about a pet we have lost, it's comforting to recall happy memories. When you finally reach the acceptance stage, hopefully the positive memories of your pets life will dominate, instead of the pain of losing your pet. One way you can remember is with memorials of your pets life. Things like photographs taken over your pets lifetime, paw prints in clay, creating a memory box with favorite dog toys, and even donating to a dog charity in your pets name.
It's difficult losing a pet. If you are supporting someone during the grieving process, your function is not to make it all better. You can't. Just be there for them, and don't trivialize the pain they are feeling. Be supportive while they are going through the different stages, and consider creating some type of memorial to remember their pet.
The loss of a pet can be devastating. For many of us, a pet is a member of the family. Sadly, there are people that just don't understand. For those that don't "get it" they may think getting another dog as a replacement is the answer. It's hard to feel that kind of sadness of losing a best friend, especially when those around you don't understand. Sometimes they may have feelings of guilt as well, and wonder if they did the right thing. Such as whether they could have detected the medical condition earlier, did their pet have the right medical treatment, and if they should have put their dog to sleep.
When dealing with pet loss, most of us go through different stages. The stages are denial, anger, guilt, depression, and acceptance. All of these stages are considered normal and healthy to experience. Denial is a coping mechanism, when the pain is too difficult to bear. It's not an outright denial of the death of a pet, it's more of a desire to not deal with that reality at the time. Once the realization sets in, you may experience anger. You may feel genuine anger at why this happened to your well loved pet. Guilt is when we wonder if we did everything we could to save our pet. Depression where you may withdraw and lose your appetite. After that, usually comes a sense of acceptance.
When we think about a pet we have lost, it's comforting to recall happy memories. When you finally reach the acceptance stage, hopefully the positive memories of your pets life will dominate, instead of the pain of losing your pet. One way you can remember is with memorials of your pets life. Things like photographs taken over your pets lifetime, paw prints in clay, creating a memory box with favorite dog toys, and even donating to a dog charity in your pets name.
It's difficult losing a pet. If you are supporting someone during the grieving process, your function is not to make it all better. You can't. Just be there for them, and don't trivialize the pain they are feeling. Be supportive while they are going through the different stages, and consider creating some type of memorial to remember their pet.
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