3 Good Companion Breeds For Seniors

Companionship With Low Maintenance Dogs For the Elderly
By T Halsell

Studies have shown that pets greatly help the elderly with the need for companionship. While pets can take various forms, dogs consistently rank at the top of the list of favorite pets for the elderly. In unofficial polling upwards of ninety percent of seniors say that they are less lonely and much happier when they have adopted a pet. With this train of thought in mind, the question becomes, are some dogs lower maintenance for the elderly than others.

A consideration in selecting a dog as a companion for a senior is the actual size of the dog.  Large dogs who need a lot of space and require a good amount of exercise are not the best choice for the elderly.  A small dog on the order of a "lap dog" who desires to be handled and petted is often the first place to start looking for a good match.  Also, consider that if a trip to the vet is necessary, a small dog is easier for the elderly person to handle.

Dogs reported to be tolerant and yet very attentive to the elderly are the following breeds.  A pug is reputed to be very loving and yet able to calm itself just to lay on the owner's lap.  These dogs need attention but give as much and more as they receive.  Short-haired and a bit of clown, the pug is a great companion for the senior citizen.

Another popular small breed for the senior ready for a lively companion is the Pomeranian.  These little dogs have a lot of personality and with their "fuzzy" good looks very cuddly.  As is often true of small dogs, the Pomeranian has quite a personality and will interact with the senior owner as a good loving little companion.

Finally, the last of the breeds I will mention for consideration is the "ferocious" and very noisy but very cute little Chihuahua.  Weighing almost five pounds soaking wet, and somewhere between 6 to 9 inches tall, the little Chihuahua will be the companion who sounds the alarm anytime someone come near the house.  The little dog with the big bark is also very affectionate and a good little guard dog.

Any of the breeds mentioned above are a good starting place for an elderly, who may well be limited as to space.  In any event, these are low maintenance dogs who can provide good companionship for the elderly given a chance.

T Halsell is a writer who grew up in Kentucky and relocated to the Washington DC Metro area in the mid 70's. During this time she worked in many areas but began to write various articles about experiences with animals out a love especially for dogs. The Dog Training Academy is a website hosted at http://www.learnhowtotrainadog.com and will give the reader more information especially on training puppies. Take time to become an effective master for your dog's sake.

Tips for Buying a Dog or Puppy Online

How to Buy a Dog Online?
By John Cvetkovic

The usage of online medium for picking the best dogs that are available in the market is really catching up like never before. The best part is using this medium is that just about anybody can try it out at no great cost and also go through plenty of options before zeroing in on any breed of dog. However, with this medium, you really need to be patient to buy the best one from the dogs for sale place. Only by doing this, you are likely to select a dog that will be truly dedicated to you and will serve you like one else. There are many guides on how you can buy dogs through internet. But you needn't go through all of them. Following essential tips should easily work for you.

Long gone are the days when you had to post an ad in your local daily newspaper regarding dogs for sale and wait for its results to pour in. Today, all this and more can be done in a more efficient and easy way, right from the comfort of your home. And, guess what? You don't have to rely on any newspaper to get the response you needed. All the work can be done via internet. You will be interested to now that there are plenty of websites online through which you can always get the breed of dog you wanted. But before you proceed to make a choice you need to exercise a bit of caution.

As a prospective dog buyer, you would love to make sure that the dogs for sale place is a legitimate one and they will offer you with all kinds of services related to this business. There are obviously different tricks how you can find if they are genuine or not. As a rule of thumb, you need to understand that genuine websites will only provide you with relevant information pertaining to selling and buying of dogs and nothing extra. So, if you come across a website that gives a lot of information pertaining to some other subject then you quickly need to eliminate it. Also, genuine online sites will offer you with plenty of choices that other sites find it hard to deliver.

Once you have chosen the right website for dogs for sale, half of your task is completed. You are then required to go through different options and see which one of those will work for you and which won't. It is important here to get your priorities right. This will, in fact, make your decision making process a lot easier. First, make sure that you go through different sections of classifieds and see what different sellers have on offer with regards to their dogs. If any of these ads attracts you, make sure to get the owners details and contact them directly. Fix an appointment to meet both the dog owner and the pet. This is important because you don't want to get foxed later. This step will assure you that you will get what you saw on the website. Dogs for Sale website is great solution to buy a puppy online. Check are there any Pomeranian Puppies for sale! Or maybe you are looking for Siberian husky puppies for sale!

How Spaying Helps Your Dog

Spaying Her Before You Have Grand Pups
By Ricardo Lumbardo

Spaying is the process of removing the reproductive system of your female dog to keep it from reproducing. This process is also known as ovariohysterectomy, which involves the removal of the uterus and the ovaries. In some cases, however, a hysterectomy is done, which means that only the uterus is removed. Ligation can also be performed on dogs, but the most common procedure is complete spaying or ovariohysterectomy. If humans have birth control methods, spaying is the birth control method for dogs. The process is done through a surgical operation, to be performed by your veterinarian.

How does spaying help?

Spaying has benefits on both the micro and the macro level. In general, spaying will help keep the dog population under control.The dog population is actually already out of control as it is, and it only keeps getting worse because dogs can reproduce pretty fast. To decrease the number of homeless strays and dogs in animal shelters, spaying are being done. On a personal level, spaying can help you avoid the unnecessary burden of taking care of little puppies that you're just not ready for. When you don't spay your female dog, you just might be faced with a number of puppies when you just want one pet. Aside from benefiting you and the society, spaying also provides benefits for the spayed dogs themselves. Spaying can actually keep your dog safe and content. How so? For one thing, dogs in heat usually wander out to look for a partner, and wandering around can be pretty dangerous for your dog. Aside from that, spaying your female dog can also keep it safe from certain diseases, such as kidney and urinary disorders, and cancer as well. Dogs in heat also tend to be discontent and uncomfortable, so spayed dogs will be easier to deal with. Spayed dogs also exhibit a more balanced temperament, and are known to be more behaved and easier to control. On top of that, since spaying can remove the possibility of pregnancy, your female dog will not have to go through the complications of pregnancy.

When and why should get your dog spayed?

The recommended practice in spaying dogs is to do the surgical operation early on, even before the female dog experiences its first heat. Most dogs are spayed before it reaches its eighth month. Thus, spaying will not really change your dog's temperament, and it also has no other known effects in the dog's overall growth, aside from favorable benefits. Claims that spaying dogs can make them gain weight faster have not been proven. Spaying is a very safe procedure that's even better than the birth control medications made especially for dogs. These medications often result to negative side effects. The best way is still to get your dog spayed, but before you do so, make sure that you have your veterinarian explain the entire process to you. Ask questions about the anesthesia that will be used, and how to ensure your dog's safety throughout the procedure. A spayed dog might also need to stay in the veterinary clinic for about a day after the operation. In most cases, the younger the spayed dog is, the faster it recovers from the operation.

To learn more about American Bulldog and to find other high quality breeds, please visit http://www.11-peaks.com.

Types of Dog Collars...

* Editor: We're a big fan of harnesses here. Collars around the neck of an out of control dog can hurt the dogs throat.

Types of Dog Collars: How to Choose
By William M Springer

For the most part, dog collars are pretty simple. Grab one at the store, wrap it around the dog's neck, and call it good! As it happens, though, there are actually several distinct types of dog collars, made for various purposes. Let's have a look at how each one is used.

Most dogs wear the traditional collar: a nylon or leather strap around the neck. This suffices for most purposes.

Less convenient, but better for the dog's health, is a harness; this holds the dog's entire upper body rather than his neck. As a result, it avoids putting pressure on his throat and trachea when he pulls on the leash, and avoids hurting his back if he jerks suddenly. It can also make the dog much easier to keep a hold of!

Unlike the other types, a dog halter is not meant to be worn at all times, but is only used when the dog is being walked. It includes a band around the dog's nose that redirects his force; if he tries to pull on the leash it pulls his head to the side, annoying but not hurting him. This makes it easy for even a small person to control a large dog. Naturally, the dog should wear one of the other types of collars when he is not being walked.

Of course, once you've decided on the type of dog collar you want, there are a huge number of choices so far as color and style; it should be easy enough to find one that fits your needs and personality.

For more information about dog collars and related topics such as dog kennels, be sure to check out collarthedog.com, your site for all things dog-related.

Your Pet's First Grooming

Helping Your Pet Have An Enjoyable Grooming Experience
By Byron Cole Smith

Your groomer will give you a time to return to pick up your puppy, or will call you when he is finished. Make sure to give a contact number where you can be reached at any time. Whatever you do, do not come back early. Wait to be notified that your puppy is ready. If your puppy sees you or hears your voice, he could become so excited that it may make it impossible to finish his groom.

How to prepare for the big grooming day.

1) Set aside time every day to brush and comb your puppy. Make it your special 'together' time. Reward your puppy with plenty of praise and some treats.
2) Take him for short rides in the car to get him used to travelling.
3) Be sure to exercise your puppy right before his grooming appointment to allow him to relieve himself. Be sure to bring along one of his favorite toys.

You need to help your puppy enjoy his first grooming experience. On your way to the pet groomers you need to display an attitude of happiness. If you feel stressed and nervous, your pet will pick up on your feelings and may become fearful and apprehensive.

Your pets grooming salon is his special place. Allow him to anticipate and associate the professional pet grooming experience with fun and enjoyment.

The main objectives of your puppies first grooming experience are simple. The most important accomplishment of your puppy's first grooming session is...that he likes it. His first experience must be positive if at all possible. His first experience will last in his mind forever, positive or negative. Columbus Pet Grooming Professional Pet Grooming.

Miniature Dog and Teacup Puppy Tips

Secrets Revealed About Miniature Dogs and Teacup Puppies
By Ken Ninelover

Small dogs, teacup puppies and miniature dogs are all definitions of dogs which are smaller than their regular breeds. The fact that the dog is classed as a true miniature dog breed is down to whether or not it is a recognized dog breed by the various dog breeder societies around the world who maintain the definitive lists of dog breeds. They hold important information regarding size, weight and features of the dog which set it apart from its larger brothers.

Teacup puppies or teacup dogs are actually the runt(s) of the litter. These runts were given the affectionate name of teacup to enable unscrupulous breeders the ability to sell what would otherwise be a dog they could not sell and they would usually sell them for a premium price as well!. Note these animals would not be classed as an official breed as their tiny traits cannot generally be reproduced with any certainty.

Nevertheless Teacup puppies can actually be the offspring of breeders breeding two runts from different litters in an attempt to try and produce an even smaller version of their parents as I said earlier though the results can be rather unexpected!

These animals can often have health issues including the tendency to them breaking their bones in what would be classed as normal activity like jumping off the sofa, they can also display uncharacteristic behavioral traits that the full sized animal does not normally have.

True miniature dog breeds have been around a long time and have even been found mummified in Ancient Egyptian tombs. These animals can be bred consistently and their offspring are true to the breed-type.

In more recent times around the 1600′s, the miniature dog breeds were also very popular you may know King Charles loved his small spaniels and the breed was actually named after him. Many of the gentry of the time would have one or more of the miniature dogs as they were so popular.

Many small dog breeds survive today and are the favorite of city dwellers as they do not need the same space that a large dog needs. You can just about walk the dog by going around the block or over the local football field as they are so tiny.

Food bills can be lesser of course than feeding a large dog and of the mess that comes out the other end is not as much a hazard as that of a big dog just make sure you do not stand in it though.

There are of course many many specialist shops and businesses built on providing services, specialist food, clothing and play items for the smaller dog so you would not have to look too far to make your small pooch happy and comfortable in your apartment.

All in all there are many breeds of small dog available to be chosen as your favorite. As always with any pet it is important that you care for your animal well and love them, they will return your love with undying loyalty.

Often it is a god idea to shop around for some doggy insurance for your miniature dog, those vet bills are still going to be much larger than your dog and can actually be higher than you might pay for a regular breed of dog.

Ken is a lover of animals in general. He is particularly fascinated by the whole story of the miniature breeds and Teacup puppies. His particular favorite is the miniature Beagle with their big brown eyes and friendly loyal disposition.

He would love to hear from any other lovers of these smaller dogs - please go and have a look at his blog site at Miniature Dogs.

Pacemakers for Dogs

If you have a dog who has a defect in the function of it's heart you might want to know that human quality pacemakers are available to help your dog. The average cost to install a pacemaker is $2,000.

Medical device makers take pacemakers that are no longer suitable for humans and sell them to vets. There are approximately 200 veterinary cardiologists in the U.S. that do these operations. About 500 pacemakers are implanted in dogs each year.

Here's a list of U.S. vet cardiologists at Cavalier Health.

Read more about Canine Pacemakers at KUSI.com.

Cauda Equina Syndrome Info

Cauda Equina Syndrome in Dogs
By Frank Will

Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs is an extremely painful disease that can be congenital, where it is present at birth, as well as acquired. If it is acquired, it can show up at any time in your dog's life. If you start to see your dog nails suddenly wearing down, this is the first real warning sign of what is about to occur. If this disease becomes severe enough, your dog will not be able to move their tail, get up or lay down, and may start to lose control of their bladder.

What is it?

Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs goes by several other names, with the most common being Lumbo-sacral disease. It is most commonly described as arthritis of your dog's joint between their last lumbar vertebra and their sacrum. The sacrum in your dog is one of the bones that make up their pelvis. This form of arthritis causes a narrowing of the canal through which both the spinal cord and the nerves pass through.

However, there is another complication with this disease; the intervertebral disc is often affected as well. When this occurs, the intervertebral disk between the vertebrae and the sacrum may also become abnormal, which makes the disease even more painful for your dog as it further narrows the canal. When all of this comes together, it causes a compression of the nerve roots and the spinal cord, which will affect the lower back near the hips, as both the arthritis and the disc disease is placing pressure on the nerves coming from the spinal cord. As a result of this pressure, your dog will start to show some very distinctive symptoms.

Symptoms:

Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs most commonly affects larger breeds, but it can also affect middle sized breeds as well. There is a misconception that it only affects German shepherds, which is the breed most affected, but it can and does affective other breeds as well. Males and females are affected with the same symptoms, as this disease plays no favorites.

The first and the most common symptom that your dog will show is pain. However, it is very important to understand that this will not be mild or moderate pain in most cases. In fact, if it passes what is considered the mild stage, the pain will be absolutely excoriating to your dog. Once this starts to occur, they will have a very difficult time lying down, and have even more difficulty in getting up. If it is mild, your dog will show these first signs, but once up, they will be able to work out this stiffness, although it is usually temporary.

As it progresses, your dog may develop muscle loss in one or both if their rear legs. Some dogs may also lose the ability to move their tail, while other dogs may be able to move their tail, but it will be very painful to any type of touching. Because of the pain and the area that it is located in, your dog may also start to have a very difficult time urinating or defecating. But this may be only the beginning of their problems, as they may do the complete opposite and lose total control of both processes.

One of the first signs that you can watch for with Cauda Equina Syndrome, is in your dog's nails. Some dogs in the very early stages will start to develop a shuffling gait, and when this occurs, they will naturally start to scuff or wear down their nails. In some dogs the pain will become so overpowering that they will begin to chew on their pelvic area, their hind legs, as well as their tail. Because the pain is so severe, they may also mutilate these areas which cause several other problems to develop.

This disease is often mistaking identified as hip dysplasia, and as such, it will be very important to watch for the signs in their nails. The earlier you can catch this very damaging disease, the better the chances of your dog surviving it as once it affects their bladder; it is a whole different ball game.

Treatments:

Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs has two types of treatments; nonsurgical and surgical. The actual form of treatment with this disease, however, will depend on several factors. The first will be the amount of pain your dog is experiencing as well as their overall general health. If your dog is older and is not in good health, you may have to make a very difficult decision. The other factor that will have to be considered, as cold as it may sound, is your financial position as surgery can be quite expensive.

Non-surgical treatments:

Cauda Equina Syndrome can be treated without surgery if the disease is considered to be mild. However, there is one decision that will have to be made and strictly adhered to; your dog will need complete bed rest for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisolone is often used by your veterinarian is this disease, but it will be very important to understand that if your dog becomes active again without the proper rest, the symptoms will almost always return.

In cases where the nerve compression is mild and the cost of the surgery is prohibitive, this same treatment may be tried for the same time frame. However, if it does not improve, your dog can never lead a normal life again and the only humane thing to do may be to put them down.

Surgical:

Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs using surgical treatments, in most cases, can be very effective. You will need to discuss this in detail with your veterinarian as there are generally two types of surgery that they will do. The first is to fuse the bones together to a position that is as normal as possible. This will greatly reduce any type of abnormal friction or motion, and as a result, it dramatically reduces the risk of any further type of arthritis from developing.

The second method involves your veterinarian removing part of the bone as well as the intervertebral disc. This technique will immediately remove pressure from your dog's spinal cord as well as their nerves that have become affected. In either of the surgical processes, your dog's bladder will also have to be addressed. If they have any difficulty in urinating or were unable to urinate, the bladder must be treated every day to avoid other complications.

Both of these procedures will also require complete bed rest, but not as long as the non-surgical methods. The bed rest required in these cases will only be between 2 and 4 weeks, not the 6 to 8 weeks.

Summary:

Dogs with Cauda Equina Syndrome overall chances of recovery are very good if it is caught early. However, even with surgery, if your dog's bladder has been severely affected, the outlook is considered to be guarded at best. The key is catching it early and looking for the symptoms. If your dog's nails suddenly start to wear for no apparent reason, this may the early warning you need and may just save your dog's life.

I am an avid lover of pets and my wife and I have had several pets throughout our years. We are especially fond of dogs, and we have a 12 year old Dalmatian (our 3rd) and a "mutt" that we rescued when someone threw him away to die in a vacant field.

He found us, nearly starved to death, and weighed about 2 pounds.

After severe bouts of mange and severe dehydration, and over 1,000.00 in veterinarian bills, we saved the little guys life, and he is one of the best, if not the best, dogs we have ever had and today is a muscular, fit, and firm 70 pound best friend.

After finishing my MBA, which at middle age was not easy, I decided to keep the research work ethics that I acquired, and devote about two hours each night in understanding the health benefits of supplementation for both humans and pets and how they might strengthen our, as well as our pets, immune system in a pre-emptive approach to health rather than a reactionary approach.

Both of my daughters are avid cat lovers, and asked me to help them with health concerns and challenges with their cats.

I am not a veterinarian nor claim to be, just a lover of pets that loves to research and pass on some knowledge that might be helpful, or at least stimulating to the thought process.

Several of the articles that I have written can be found on my website;

Liquid Vitamins & Minerals for Humans & Pets http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/

Alternatives to Dog Insurance

Top 5 Alternatives to Dog Insurance
By Sasha Rae

Any pet owner that has ever considered buying pet health insurance knows that dog insurance can be expensive. Premiums can vary widely based on the health of your pet and the level of coverage you choose, but even the cheapest monthly premium is going to add up over the life of your pet. Many pet owners feel that most pet health insurance policies do not offer adequate coverage for their needs and just adds unnecessary expense to the cost of having a pet. So how can you make sure your dog is cared for without buying an insurance policy? Here are the top 5 alternatives to dog insurance:

1. Pet Savings Account
Open a separate savings account at your bank, and use this fund to pay for your dog's expenses. The biggest benefit of having a pet emergency fund is in being able to use the fund for anything your dog may need. From vaccinations and vet bills to accessories and toys, one could consider a pet savings account to be the only true "full-coverage" dog insurance.

2. Holistic Pet Care

An increasing number of veterinarians are now recommending holistic care for dogs as an alternative to pet health insurance. Holistic pet care uses a variety of herbal supplements and a natural pet diet to help prevent disease and treat illness. Using a holistic approach to pet care can eliminate the need for dog insurance and help your pet live a longer, healthier life.

3. Discount Pet Programs

There are several companies that offer discount programs that can give you a 10%-30% savings on vet services, boarding, grooming, and other pet needs. These programs are generally available for all pets, regardless of age or health status, and there are no restrictions on coverage. These programs cost on average about $100 per year, which makes discount pet programs cheaper than most pet health insurance, but you have to use a participating provider to enjoy the discounts.

4. Prepaid Veterinary Services

A large number of veterinarians and animal hospitals offer prepaid services packages to their regular clients. You can arrange a prepaid custom medical care package that is suited to your pet, including check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, and other vet services. This is a lot like the pet savings account in that you have control over the services that are covered in the plan.

5. Pet Care Credit
Several companies today offer lines of credit to cover emergency vet expenses. While this can be a true lifesaver in a real emergency, you'll want to read the fine print carefully before signing up. Watch for high interest rates and hidden fees, and make sure that you can afford the payments on the credit line. Some pet owners will also keep a dedicated credit card for emergency expenses, which could offer lower interest rates than many of the pet care credit companies.

Although these pet health insurance alternatives can be used independently, you can combine them to get even greater health benefits for your dog. For example, you can use a holistic approach to keep your pet healthy, and still open a pet savings account as a cushion for any unexpected emergencies. No matter which alternatives to dog insurance you choose, you'll sleep much better at night knowing that you're prepared to handle anything your pet may need.

Visit for Dog Training and Dog Care articles. I highly recommend this fun and interesting post on http://www.halleballedog.com/real-thoughts-on-top-dog-insurance/for info on Top Dog Insurance!

Slim Down Your Pets with These Secrets

Slim down secrets for pets



(ARA) - Humans aren't the only ones fighting the battle of the bulge. The number of overweight dogs and cats in America continues to rise. Nearly half (45 percent) of dogs and 58 percent of cats are overweight or obese (at least 20 percent above ideal weight), according to a recent survey of veterinarians by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.



"Many owners don't realize that excess weight puts their pets at greater risk for developing serious health problems, including arthritis and diabetes," says Dr. Grace Long, a veterinarian with Nestle Purina. "While those health conditions can be nutritionally managed, obesity can be reversed."



Fortunately, help exists for concerned pet owners. Dr. Meredith Rettinger, a veterinarian with Laurel Pet Hospital in West Hollywood, Calif., recently supervised a series of eight overweight pets and their owners as they participated in Project: Pet Slim Down - a 90-day weight loss journey documented online. Project: Pet Slim Down is a nationwide program from Purina Veterinary Diets that unites pet owners and veterinarians in helping pets lose weight.



Dr. Rettinger offers five simple "Slim Down Secrets" to help you - working with your veterinarian -  help your pet live a leaner, healthier life.



Secret 1: Have your veterinarian rule out medical reasons for excess weight.

Some conditions can lead to weight gain. Your veterinarian can screen for these and help to manage them before starting a weight loss program.



Secret 2: Don't say "I love you" with food.

Instead, spend quality time with your pet. Take your dog for a walk or play with your cat using a fluffy tail wand.



Secret 3: Increase your pet's activity level.

Be sure to consult with your veterinarian first, so you keep the exercise safe and appropriate for your pet's age and health status.



Secret 4: Make portion control a priority.

Your veterinarian can tell you the exact amount of food to feed your pet each day to achieve a healthy weight, so you don't need to guess. Track intake carefully, and make sure everyone in the household knows not to exceed the daily volume of allowed food.



Secret 5: Treats count, too.

If you are feeding your pet treats, these calories need to be subtracted from the total calories allotted for the day, and they shouldn't exceed 10 percent of that allotment. Consider low-calorie treats, or break treats into smaller pieces for more rewards with the same amount of calories.



For more information on Project: Pet Slim Down, go to projectpetslimdown.com.