Savvy About Beagles?

Love the Beagles? I know they are a favorite among many people. I've never had a beagle but you can learn a great deal about them at this site. Sometimes it's a good idea to do a little research before settling in on a breed.

Informative Beagle Site-Beagle Savvy

Possible Treatment for Dog Hot Spots

Pharmacologist Joe Graedon and his wife Theresa report simple ingredients that can possibly cure "Hot Spots" on dogs. A chronic problem for many dogs. The article also gives out possible cures for human physical problem also.

Hot Spot Cure Info Here

4 Basic Eye Care Tips For Your Dog

4 Basic Eye Care Tips For Your Dog
By Darren Lintern

Once it comes to caring for the family pet, don't ignore the appropriate eye care and safety. Some pet owners forget the small aspects when it comes down to grooming the dog which might lead to health concerns in the future. Below are four useful dog eye-care pointers.

1. On a daily basis, inspect your pup's eyes and clean away any "morning crust" that might have build up overnight. If this crust is ignored, and builds up, your pup may endure a very painful and irritating reaction. Use a soft cloth and warm water to wipe the eyes clear.

2. If your breed of dog has extremely long hair, do the best to clip near her eyes. Although, there are a few breeds out there that are meant to have long hair overlapping or covering their eyes, this can result in irritation if this hair is constantly itching close to the eye. Simply use your judgment and attempt to err on the side of your pet's health instead of her appearance.

3. If bathing your four legged friend, aim to avoid squirting shampoo and flea chemicals on top of her head. Even if you're being really careful, there's always a risk that some of this substance might spray in her eyes. Lightly rub the shampoo onto your hands and then across your pet's scalp and adjacent face areas. This can prevent possible eye annoyance.

4. When taking your doggy along for a car journey, avoid the temptation to allow her to stick her head out of the windows. It can be a joy to admire your dog having a lot fun as you're are driving about, but there is the risk of a critical eye injury, or even the risk of loosing an eye as a result of being struck by a pebble.

If you're interested in getting a more detailed look at dog ownership, including a huge variety of detailed information on canine problem behaviors, dog psychology, and the most effective ways to train your dog, take a look at http://www.dogs-for-all.com

Boston Area Dog Saves Family From Fire!

Here's another dog-as-hero story (there are many!). This little pet saved his family from a fire:

Boston Family Saved by Pet Dog

The Challenges of Modern Dog Owners

Check out this cute New York Times Article on the challenges of modern life as it relates to doggie care. The family in question has a cute four year old King Charles spaniel named Steffi who needs extra attention and care when it comes to bathroom duties. The family debates if they should take the advice of two differing trainers. The point of the article is that the current climate we must live in creates situations that forces us to deal with problems the best way each of us can. Seems we must always comprise when it comes to responisbility vs needed comfort.

Need to Socialize Your Pup?

Here's some useful info on how to socialize your new pup. Be careful of the health aspects of socializing though. I was advised to not let my pup come into a lot of close contact with the germy hands of people for the first few months of the pup's life. Their immune systems are more fragile when they are this young and can't handle every germ/bacteria out there until they're older.


://www.canismajor.com/dog/sochow2.html

Bichon Frise Skin and Coat Care Info

Because Bichons are so susceptible to skin problems and allergies, good grooming practices are very important.

Bichons being shown in conformation (i.e., in dog shows such as the Westminster Kennel Club show) have their coat styled in the full-volume cut required by most show standards. Bichons not being shown are more often kept in a "puppy cut," which is shorter and requires less maintenance.

Like all dogs that require frequent grooming, Bichons should be accustomed to grooming from a young age and care should be taken to keep grooming pleasurable. Bichons should be brushed several times a week to prevent tangles. Frequent grooming creates a puffier coat. To prevent matting, the coat should be kept clean, brushed thoroughly before bathing, and brushed and completely dried after bathing. Hair dryers designed for dog grooming are generally preferred over human hair dryers. Dog dryers are cooler and blow air with more force than human hair dryers. Some breeders use products such as baking soda or cornflower to dry the hair but this can lead to the hair becoming brittle. Excess hair should be removed regularly from ears and between foot pads. Owners should clean their dog's hind (anal) area with a damp cloth after each bowel movement to keep feces from sticking to the hair.

The fur on the face of a Bichon Frisé should be kept clean and trimmed, as eye discharge and mucus tend to accumulate in the hair that grows in front of their eyes. In common with most white dogs Bichons are prone to tear-staining around the eyes. Tear staining may be caused by allergies, infections, blocked tear ducts, stray eyelashes, or foreign material in the eyes. It is generally good practice to wipe away the tears on a daily basis. A saline solution may help. There are topical wipes available from pet stores that have been shown to help some dogs..

If skin problems develop or if eye discharge is excessive, a veterinarian should be consulted. Problems due to allergies may be require medication or a change in diet.

Medications, Precaution Can Help Pets Survive Halloween Night

Medications, Precaution Can Help Pets Survive Halloween Night


(ARA) - It was early November, and Dr. Gregory S. Hammer, a veterinarian in Dover, Del., was treating a miniature poodle that was very sick. So sick, in fact, that it was suffering seizures. After a detailed examination of the pet and a conversation with the owners, Dr. Hammer determined that the cause of the animal’s problem was chocolate poisoning.


This case occurred a few days after Halloween, and the pet had been left at home all day with ready access to Halloween candy. Dr. Hammer estimated that the dog consumed the candy that morning, and, by the time the pet owners returned home, it was already too sick to recover. The dog died a short time later. This isn’t the only patient that Dr. Hammer has lost due to chocolate poisoning, especially after Halloween. Sadly, it’s relatively common.


That’s why Dr. Hammer, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), advises all his clients to take caution during holidays when there may be sweets around the house, particularly Halloween. Holidays are a lot of fun for families, but may be dangerous and stressful for animals, particularly dogs.


Dr. Hammer says that Halloween candy is unhealthy for dogs in two ways: chocolate toxicity and bowel obstructions. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more deadly it is. That’s because it’s the cocoa -- which some researchers say is beneficial for people to consume -- that is the deadly ingredient for dogs. Baker’s chocolate is the most dangerous because it has the highest cocoa content. But even if candy isn’t chocolate, it can still be potentially deadly for dogs. For instance, an over excited dog may swallow a candy whole, resulting in a bowel obstruction a few days later.


“Obviously, the solution for that is to put the candy up,” Dr. Hammer says. “Many children like to come home after going house to house on Halloween and dump their bags out on a coffee table or on the floor to see what they’ve got. Put the candy away in a cabinet. Don’t leave it unattended.”


Dr. Hammer notes that among his clients he’s noticed that dogs most commonly suffer unduly with stress on Halloween. Naturally protective of their home, dogs are sensitive to having many strangers stop by for a short visit on the front stoop and ring the doorbell.

Cats, alternatively, may be a little scared on this holiday, but they generally deal with it by hiding until it’s over, Dr. Hammer explains.


For dogs that do find Halloween overwhelming, Dr. Hammer said that there are medications available. “Sometimes I advise clients that an anti-anxiety medication is a good idea for a dog that is having troubles on Halloween, and sometimes a tranquilizer can help the animal deal with it,” Dr. Hammer says. “Sometimes to avoid a problem with a dog that gets into property damage due to stress, it’s advisable to board a pet on Halloween to avoid that anxiety. If you know your pet is prone to problems on Halloween, speak to your veterinarian now and make plans to help relieve the stress on your pet, or, if necessary, to remove your pet from this stressful environment for a day.”


The AVMA Web site, www.avma.org, offers a great deal of information on this and other health issues for pets.


Courtesy of ARAcontent

Protect Your Dog and Family from Ticks This Fall

Protect Your Dog and Family from Ticks This Fall

(ARA) - Spring and summer are often thought of as peak tick seasons, but fall is actually when adult ticks are most active. Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and pet owners who spend time outdoors with their dogs in the cool fall weather need to stay vigilant to ticks and tick-borne diseases until temperatures remain below freezing.


This fall, new areas of the country will experience surges in tick activity as a result of climactic changes, wildlife populations and conservation efforts. Veterinarians across the country are citing an increase in tick-borne infections in recent years, according to Michael Dryden, DVM, a Kansas State University professor of veterinary parasitology.


Researchers attribute tick migrations to warmer temperatures, increasing white-tailed deer populations, reforestation and urban sprawl. Advancements in diagnostic screening have allowed veterinarians to easily track the rise in canine exposure to tick-borne infections around the country. Data compiled by the veterinary industry shows that dogs in 48 states already have tested positive this year for Lyme disease exposure.


“Whatever you considered about ticks, their location and tick-transmitted diseases five years ago, it is going to be different today and continue to be different in five years based on these factors,” says Dryden. “Reforestation, changes in agricultural practices and wildlife conservation efforts have contributed to an explosive growth in deer populations -- a key factor in the expansion of several tick species’ habitats.”


More Ticks, More Disease


As tick populations continue to migrate, new diseases are introduced and ticks become more likely to carry and transmit multiple diseases. Matt Eberts, DVM, who practices in the tick-endemic area of Brainerd, Minn., is seeing a rise in coinfections, when dogs are infected with more than one tick-borne disease.


“Medical doctors and veterinarians are finding that coinfections in both humans and pets are making treatment for tick-borne diseases more difficult,” says Eberts. “With more ticks carrying more diseases, screening your pet becomes all the more important.”


Elimination and Prevention


Tick-borne disease incidence also is rising because people and their pets are spending more time outside, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dogs are also a link between ticks and their human family members because dogs often play in wooded areas, increasing their exposure to ticks and the chances they’ll carry the ticks into the home environment.


“As family pets, dogs have followed a trend in moving from the backyard to the bedroom in recent years,” explains Eberts. “Dogs and their owners share more of the same space in the home, creating opportunities for ticks to move from pet to owner.”


The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends year-round heartworm, flea and tick preventatives for the life of your dog, for all areas of the country. Eberts recommends tick checks each time your pet comes in from the outdoors, as well as yearly screening. Dryden adds that pet owners can help protect their families and pets by making sure their homes aren’t attractive to wildlife or ticks. Reducing animal harborage, such as keeping wood piles away from the house, can prevent a tick host, like a rodent, from being close to your home.


Dog Owner Tips


Dog owners can help protect their pets from tick-borne illnesses by taking these simple steps:


* Talking with their veterinarians about tick-borne diseases in their area;
* Becoming aware of the common signs of tick-borne diseases;
* Asking their veterinarians to make screening for tick-borne diseases routine during annual exams;
* Checking their dogs’ coats daily for ticks and removing them promptly; and
* Using a tick-prevention medication.


Pet owners can learn more about tick-borne diseases and their dogs’ risks at www.dogsandticks.com.


Courtesy of ARAcontent

Garden Plants That Can Poison Your Dog

Here's a good article on how to have a garden and a garden obsessed dog as well. Good info on certain types of plants found in a typical garden that are at worst poisonous to your dog and at best cause an upset belly:

Don't Let Your Dog Around These Garden Plants

Tillman The Skateboarding Dog!!

Here's a Hillarious video of a Bulldog named "Tillman" who absolutely loves to skateboard. You can tell he's quite bright as he just naturally knows how to manipulate it for his purposes.

Treating Dog Skin Problems Naturally And Effectively

Treating Dog Skin Problems Naturally And Effectively
By Janie Knetzer

Dog skin problems have a variety of different causes, and when you figure out which one is causing your pet's itches and irritations, you'll be well on your way towards solving the problem for good. Probably the most common dog skin condition is irritation caused by fleas or other parasites. Despite being completely treatable, far more dogs have fleas than you might believe. Fleas and other similar parasites can definitely get out of hand when they are treated incorrectly. When you are spot treating your pooch, give yourself a reminder stating when the next dose needs to be.

A single round of flea removal will certainly lessen the intensity of the problem, but remember that you can only be sure that they are gone after a full run of treatment. Don't risk them coming back by only giving your dog one round of treatment. Fleas and other parasites are a situational issue when it comes to dog skin problems. What happens if the condition is chronic, or worse, even permanent? While a vet can run a few tests and let you know what might be going on with your dog, you can often tell what is going just be watching closely.

First think about what kind of dog skin condition your dog might have. If your dog is chewing her skin excessively and you find a thick, odorous brown film on the skin or inside the ears, "yeast" is most likely the problem. If your dog has small red raised bumps on her skin, it could also be a bacterial infection.

Some examples of the most common causes of dog skin conditions are environmental and/or poor diet. It can be difficult to pinpoint where allergies stem from. However with a little observation as well as fine tuning the diet, most skin conditions can be corrected. Dog skin problems can be evidenced by chewing or overly-vigorous scratching at the skin. Allergies are the most severe when the immune system is low. Scratching, chewing and rubbing of the face are often allergy symptoms that also indicate that a dog is not receiving everything he needs nutritionally.

A dog's digestive tract has a very important role in keeping the dog healthy, and it could be that the digestive tract isn't serving her as well as it should. Do you solely keep your dog on a diet of kibble? If so, her digestive tract can be working overtime to provide her body with the digestive enzymes that her body lacks. Because the pancreas can only make so many enzymes, it will be weakened and thus weaken her entire immune system.

Dogs are omnivorous and part of the enzymes they use should come from their food. Unfortunately the enzymes they would get from eating things like meat or vegetables are destroyed if the food is heated, something that happens when kibble is processed. One easy solution to this problem is to make sure that your dog gets the enzymes she needs. While some people do this by switching over to a raw diet of meats and vegetables, you can just as easily do this by placing your dog on a premium dog food and adding a "live" enzyme to his daily diet.

A purely kibble diet can actually reduce your pet's ability to bounce back quickly from things like surgery and illness, while a premium dog food will get her back into shape in no time at all. Many people have seen their pet's health improve exponentially when they start paying more attention to what they are feeding them. Check to see if the food that feed your dog is a premium food. Meat (not meat byproducts) should be the first ingredient. Although all kibbles pretty much look the same, they are not. For a dog to function at high efficiency, diet is critical.

Dogs that are fed "Live" digestive enzymes regularly are healthy and full of life. A healthy diet slows the aging process and allows owners quality time with their best friend. Enzymes for dogs can be purchased in tablet or powder form. Most dogs eat these amazing proteins willingly when sprinkled on top of their food or given in the form of a treat. Adding digestive enzymes to your dog's diet can go a long way towards making sure that she has a healthy happy life.

Along with her three dogs and husband, Janie resides in the Pittsburgh area. With over 25 years of dog handling experience, she shares many articles on the importance of dog care and canine nutritional health.

Visit us here to for more information on dog skin conditionshttp://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com

Learn more about enzymes for dogs here http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com

Nothing Can Beat a Happy Puppy!

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. - Ben Williams

Just Labs

Here's a fun site just for Lab Fans, includes videos:

Just Labs Site

Tips for a Healthier Pooch

According to this "TimesOnline" story there's an epidemic of obese or just plain fat dogs. The experts quoted in this article give some good advice to owners who just can't say no to poochie when it comes to giving them fattening treats.

Instead of treats when a dog does something good-take if for a walk or play with it's toys. That conditions the dog to expect physical activity for good behavior instead of goodies. One expert says dogs should be walked 4 times a day to take off and maintain weight. Their main meal should be given during the early part of the day and a lighter meal toward evening.

I've seen several examples on the Animal Planet Network of very overweight dogs who with some discipline and dedication from their owner lost a good amount of weight in just a few weeks. All it takes is a little tough love to get your poochie back on track and living a longer healthier life!

Good Commentary on Abusive Dog-Fighting Freaks

Here's a Good Commentary by Georgie Anne Geyer on the "Vick" story of incredible wicked and sick cruelty to helpless dogs. Fascists indeed! It's sick not macho to force-breed and torture-train dogs to fight to the death. It's too bad that these dogs don't turn on their torturers more often.

Ordering Dogs Around?

"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around."

2,000 War Dogs in Iraq

Approximately 2000 "war dogs" are "serving" in Iraq right now. They are trained to sniff out explosives and to freeze-and-stare at suspicious objects. They actually go through "basic training" like their human counterparts and learn to tolerate the horrible noises of war such as helicopters and gunfire. Some wear backpacks, radios and are trained to react to voice commands on the radio.

The breeds most commonly used are German Shepards and Malinois.

They act as companions and protectors releaving stress and loneliness. But, the ugliness of war dictates that the main reason they are there is to take the bullet before the soldier.

Dogs are an uncommon blessing from God, serving us as companions, entertainers, and for some-martyrs.

Enjoy the "United States War Dogs Association" Site dedicated to Dogs who exhibit uncommon courage and loyalty:

http://www.uswardogs.org/

Solar Dog House - How to Choose a Solar Dog House

** This cute photo is of a retail "Solar Light" you can buy for your front or back outdoor area. You could put this solar light right next to your dog's solar palace!

Solar Dog House - How to Choose a Solar Dog House

By: Petplace Staff

Introduction

Dogs need to feel warm and secure, and a solar dog house meets both of those needs. Dogs and a patch of sunlight were made for each other. Dogs seek out the sun, and they like to have a warm place that's theirs and theirs alone—a comfy den where they feel safe. A solar dog house is designed to capture the sun's warmth in the winter, and reflect it in the summer. A solar dog house could be the answer to your dog's natural desires. So what do you look for in a solar dog house? What will it cost? How is it different from any other dog house? Here are some answers.

Features to Consider in a Solar Dog House:

Consider the size of your dog, and the size of your solar dog house. Bigger is not necessarily better. Dogs prefer to be in smaller spaces, which make them feel more secure and also stay warm in cold weather. However, the solar dog house should be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around. There should be no sharp edges and if your dog is going to be tied to it, the solar dog house should be set up for minimal leash or line tangles.Materials matter.

A solar dog house made from cedar will withstand weather, and it's a natural deterrent to fleas and ticks. Make sure the solar dog house is insulated, top, sides and bottom, to retain heat and keep out the cold. Look for a roof that's removable for easy cleaning.

Often, a solar dog house will feature a vent fan, to help keep your pet cool, and a light, to make it easier for you to look inside, and be sure that all is well.

But What Will a Solar Dog House Cost?

A solar dog house can have a sky-high price. You could easily spend more than $1,000 on a good-quality solar dog house. Yes, you could spend less on a conventional dog house. Making the choice to buy a solar dog house is one that should be considered carefully.

The Ideal Solar Dog House

The ideal solar dog house will be made of wood, preferably cedar, to naturally resist weather and to repel fleas and ticks. It should be insulated on all sides, and feature a vent in the roof, which may, or may not, be fan-powered.

A solar dog house should be attractive, easy to assemble, and easy to maintain and clean. It should be sized to accommodate your adult dog, while still being small enough to give your dog the feeling of a comfy den. It should have no sharp edges, and it should keep your dog cool in summer, warm in winter.

Solar Dog Safety and Shopping Tips

It is not only important to decide on the features of your doghouse, but also to consider why you are getting it. Putting the dog outside is not the best way to solve behavioral problems. Giving a dog that sleeps outside a solar dog house, however, is an excellent reason to give your dog some shelter. So find the solar dog house that works for you and give your dog a home!

Legal Disclaimer

If your pet is showing any signs of distress or you suspect your pet is seriously ill, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN immediately.All of the information presented on this website was developed by Intelligent Content Corporation staff members and is the sole responsibility of Intelligent Content Corporation.See the legal terms on the website for additional legal terms.

Come To The Zoo Before The Zoo Comes To You

Here's a marketing strategy that will appeal to some people but no doubt some dog fans will find distasteful:

http://www.spinwall.com/funny/croceatdog.html

Beauty and The Beast

An Average Dog's Lifespan Should Be 25-30 Years Mostly Disease-Free, Here's How

* Editor Pat: This is very good info. Dogs should eat the way he recommends here. I have taken my dog to a "holistic" vet for years and he recommends the same diet.. Dogs should be living into their 20's if they eat right and get out and exercise regularly.

An Average Dog's Lifespan Should Be 25-30 Years Mostly Disease-Free, Here's How
By Rick London

By now, many of you who have followed my writings know that I am The Dog Man Of Hot Springs (I also love cats), but I tend to adopt stray dogs. I would adopt the cats but most are feral and remain untouchable so I leave food out for them.

You may (or may not) have heard about my twenty year old dog “Thor” and how he became to stay so healthy so long. If not, I will not go into detail here as I don't want to be repetitive, but will simply say he nearly died several times along the way, I now know after talking to numerous holistic vets, due to processed dog food. This was many years before “the scare”.

For the past eight years he has been on the b.a.r.f diet (bones and raw foods) and again, I won't go into the details of that diet (except that it is all raw human-grade meat, bones fruits and veggies (and herbal tinctures). For more information on it, simply google the b.a.r.f diet. It works great for dogs and cats as well. Thor, is finally reaching the age where he is experiencing a few health issues (at an age when most dogs do who eat processed foods at about age six-to-ten.

I am angry that more nutrition is not taught in vet schools. But I have read from several vet journals and was not surprised to see, for instance, that there is no minimal nutritional requirements for grains of any kinds for dogs or cats. But look at the processed foods. It is loaded with them; even the more “socially acceptable expensive quality foods” even if meat or meat by-products are the main staple.

One vet told me, “But dogs will choke on the bones...some dogs have died.”

That is true.

But hundreds of thousands of less dogs (even given percentages of which dog is fed what) have died from choking on raw bones than processed kibble. Never give a dog a cooked bone, not chicken, not beef, not ribs. Cooking changes the molecular structure making the bones brittle. Thor has eaten raw bones of all types from chicken to rabbit for ten years without one problem.

Let's face it. Seventy years ago, there was no such thing as “dog food”. People fed their pets what was left from the table, raw foods from the gardens, etc. The catastrophic diseases we see today, began at the same time processed dog food was introduced to the market.

A few months ago I was flying to Charlotte, N.C on business and to see friends. I was talking to a young woman before takeoff, sitting next to me who had two yellow labs. They were both constantly sick. I told her about the b.a.r.f diet and how most vets don't know about it, because they are educated by the dog food industry salespersons.

A woman in front of us turned around abruptly and said, “Sorry to interrupt. I am a vet in Sterling, Va, an alopathic one. But I know as much as anyone about the b.a.r.f diet and I would never recommend feeding a dog or cat processed food.”

I was in shock. I asked, “How do you make a living, then with so few sick animals?” She said she works on word of mouth, volume patients. They usually only come in every few years and that is mainly for accidents. I smiled and was instantly educated. There are some very good honest vets out there who really do care about their patients, I thought to myself.

Rick London is a writer, cartoonist, e-entrepreneur and pet lover in the Ouchata Mountains of Arkansas. He was the founder of Londons Times Cartoons in 1997 which remains one of the most visited sites on the Internet. Recently he launched Londons Times Tees http://www.londonstimestees.com which features a section of hilarious cartoon tees, totes, aprons, coasters, etc with dog and cat cartoons. His main website has received about 7 million visitors since 2005 http://www.londonstimes.us

I recommend Dr. Ian Billinghurst's “Give Your Dog A Bone” book and for a great website resource, Shirley's Wellness Cafe.

The Dangers of Summer Heat and Your Dog!

Do You Have a Cool Dog or a Hot Dog? The Dangers of the Summer Sun
By Rose Smith

Summer is usually a time of rest, relaxation, vacations and fun activities for the whole family - which often includes the family dog as well. However, just like any other season, summer has its own hazards which you need to look out for such as sunburn, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. These are specific hazards that can threaten not only humans, but animals as well.

Unfortunately, many dogs are exposed to these serious dangers all too often. Dogs often get locked up in cars while their owner just "runs into the store for a minute". That "minute" (which is usually more like 10 to 20 minutes) can mean the difference between life and death for your pooch.

Don’t be regretful after something horrible happens. Take some simple precautions and actions to prevent these hazards from happening to your pet.

• Never leave your dog in the car without an air conditioner on. On a sunny day with an outside temperature of 77F (25C), the interior vehicle temperature can reach 96F (35.6C) within ten minutes. It’s the same even if you’ve parked your car in the shade with the windows cracked open. In twenty minutes it will reach a temperature of 106F (41.1c) and 110F (43.3C) within half an hour. No matter how good your intentions, most errands often take at least 10 minutes. While you're in a cool, air-conditioned environment, your dog could be dying of heat stroke. Leave your pet at home or leave the car running with the air conditioner turned on. (Carry an extra set of keys with you).



• At home, make sure your dog has a shaded area to lie in outside. If you're using a dog house, make sure it is also shaded and well ventilated. Any dog house will become extremely hot inside within a short period of time if the sun is beating directly upon it.



• Keep your dog in the house during the hottest part of the day.



• Make sure your dog has access to cool, clean drinking water during the day. Place the water dish in the shade, not in direct sunlight. Change the water often as you don't want it to become stagnant.



• When traveling, even for short distances, bring a dish and some fresh bottled water to give to your dog as needed.



• If you tend to leave your dog outside most of the time, then provide a small child's wading pool filled with water. Place it in the shade as well. In this way, your pet can jump in and cool off as needed.



• When taking your dog for a walk, keep him on grassy areas. If you stop for any reason, make sure your dog stays on a grassy surface. Surfaces such as sidewalks, paved roads, rocky areas, and beach sand become extremely hot under the direct intense heat of the sun. You know how much these surfaces can burn your own feet. They can also burn your dog's pads as well!



• Don't travel with your dog in the back of an open truck. The surface is often metal and can seriously burn your dog's feet. On top of that, the metal gives off additional heat making it very hard for your dog to cool down. With the sun beating down on him severe sunburn can result, along with heat stroke. Put your dog in the cab of the truck or leave him at home.

Signs of Heat Stroke And What To Do About It

Taking these simple, common sense measures can make a huge difference for your dog. If your pet reaches a body temperature of between 105 to 100 degrees F you will most likely see signs of potential heat stroke. Here's what to watch out for:

Extreme panting

Labored breathing

Gums or eye membranes become a bright red

Highly fatigued

Possible collapse and unconsciousness

Potential seizures

If your dog displays any of these symptoms, get him out of the heat immediately and into the shade. Use cool wet towels to bring down his temperature. If possible, place him in a tub of cool (NOT COLD) water. Do not use very cold water or ice as these will constrict the blood vessels and won't allow your dog's body to release the heat. Take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Heat stroke is very serious and should be considered an emergency situation.

(c) 2007, Rose Smith. Explore the benefits of natural dog health care. Find information on topics such as: dog nutrition, dog health problems and solutions, grooming, behaviour training and more. Be sure to visit us today at http://www.caringforcanines.com

Elwood The Ugliest Dog in America!

Elwood, a Chinese Crested/Chihuahua mix is the "World's Ugliest Dog"-Good for Elwood!

Elwood escaped being put down because his breeder thought he was too ugly to ever be able to sell him. His current owner rescued him and entered Elwood in the contest for the second year in a row. Last year Elwood came in a decent second.

Most of the Ugly Dogs are the Chinese Crested variety because of their unearthly looks and floppy tongues.

We'll see how long Elwood can remain King of Ugly dogs!

Idiots Stealing/Selling Dogs on the Net

News blurb about some crumbs who think it's fun and profitable to steal dogs off the street and sell them on the net-be careful of who you buy your next dog from. Do research and check out the seller/breeder for legitimacy!

http://www.wnbc.com/news/13541283/detail.html

Video Tutorial on Clicker Training Your Dog!

If you're interested in "Clicker Training" your dog here's a good video on how to teach your dog to lay down. There are also other videos there in the "Clicker" training series:

http://video.google.com/url?docid=6515593034463177418&esrc=sr9&ev=v&q=dog+clicker++training&vidurl=/videoplay%3Fdocid%3D6515593034463177418%26q%3Ddog%2Bclicker%2B%2Btraining%26total%3D371%26start%3D0%26num%3D10%26so%3D0%26type%3Dsearch%26plindex%3D8&usg=AL29H22RfZ7u42rAIKyOLxKiyLiKrkOqhQ

Dogs-Links to Paradise

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." - Milan Kundera

The Most Popular Dog Breeds 2007

The 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the USA (according to the new inscriptions per year in the AKC)

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Dachshund
7. Boxer
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10.Miniature Schnauzer

Who's In Control?

Dogs are the leaders of the planet. If you see two life forms, one of them's making a poop, the other one's carrying it for him, who would you assume is in charge. - Jerry Seinfeld

Buckle Up Pets in Front Seat!

I buckle up my Havanese girl when riding in my truck. Dogs like anyone in the passenger seat can get severely injured or killed by flying forward into the dashboard or through the window if the impact is hard enough.

Story Link:
http://www.mininggazette.com/stories/articles.asp?articleID=7221

Comprehensive Article on Best Way to Move with Your Pet

If you're going to be moving soon with your pet in tow, you would benefit by reading this informative article. Covers all the do's and dont's of transporting your dog and any other type of pet. Knowing how to lessen the stress of moving for a pet will make the move a little easier on everyone involved. Remember to always include your pet's favorite toys, blankets, dishes, and treats in the crate, kennel or container in which their taking their journey.

http://www.move.com/rentals/renting-with-pets/how-to-move-with-your-pet.cms?gate=ibs_mia&source=a11443

Miniature Poodle Wins World Dog Show!

A French Poodle, Japanese born, named "Smash" has just won the "World Dog Show" in Mexico City. It's a male miniature poodle and he beat 5000 rivals to be the best of the best.

Story Link:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21813327-1702,00.html

Dog Clicker Training History and Basics

Here's a little blurb about "Clicker Training". Some people swear by this training method and some feels it's not neccessary, the dog becomes too dependent on hearing the clicker.

Wicki Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clicker_training