Archive for ◊ March, 2009 ◊

Author: guest
• Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

Good grooming practices are essential for maintaining health and happiness for you and your dog.
Healthy skin, hair, nails and teeth are what define a well-groomed dog. Dog-grooming is the practice of caring for the appearance of a canine for personal or showing purposes. Dog-grooming rituals include washing, hair clipping and cutting, nail clipping, powdering, hair styling and teeth cleaning. Grooming is important for your pet and is aesthetically pleasing to owners. It helps cut down on shedding and smelling, but will also lead to healthy skin, hair, nails and teeth for your dog. Grooming is also a great way to cut down on allergies and infections for both pets and their owners.
Grooming is sometimes difficult. Cleaning, brushing and clipping your dog while also trying to keep them calm can be a challenge for any dog owner. However, sometimes a good set of grooming tools can make the job much easier. Look into a good dog brush that thoroughly brushes as well as trims out excess hair. This will help you get to tasks done at once. If you don’t feel up to Grooming your Dogs yourself, there are hundreds of dog groomers who would love to pamper your pooch for an afternoon.

But it’s better to do and do your own pet grooming. This is a great way to bond with your pet as well, and if they like the whole grooming thing then they’ll be your slave every time you even bring up mention of the words pet grooming.
It is a special bonding time between you and your dog. You can also use this time to check your dog’s health. Look carefully for signs of fleas, ticks, skin irritations, lumps or painful spots. Check your dog’s eyes, ears and teeth regularly. Consult your veterinarian if you find anything unusual or concerning. It’s important to get him used to it from an early age. Many dogs learn to see their routine brushing as an alternate petting, another source of affection and attention. A good quality Dog brushes and comb will help you with your dog’s coat, but also remember that your dog’s eyes, ears, and nails require attention as well.
The main reasons for daily grooming include:
• Enhanced health of the skin and coat
• Reduces the chance of various health problems such as thrush, scratches, and other skin problems
• Make the dog hygienic
• Allows the groomer to check the dog’s health, such as looking for cuts, heat, swelling, lameness, or a change in temperament (such as depression) which could indicate the dog is sick
• And the important reason is it helps to form a relationship between dog and owner

Category: Pets  | Leave a Comment
Author: guest
• Monday, March 30th, 2009

Obedience training is much easier and more effective if you have a dependable, safe hunting dog supplies that are easy to use. Dogtra offers products that fit this criteria cost-effectively. Dogtra has training collars for multiple uses such as hunting dogs, pets, and service dogs.

Dogtra , as a brand, is very well known and is one of the famous brands when it comes to electronic dog training collars. Thanks to its great quality, Dogtra products are durable, have multiple benefits, and are waterproof. No matter what kind of dog you’re training, products like Dogttra Obedience and Service K9 Series offers many features that will help you train your dog.

One of the best features of Dogtra collars is their low profile, which makes it hard for most people to identify it as a training collar. This can save some lengthy explanations to those who have no understanding of how electronic collars work. They are also waterproof and especially well-sized for small and medium-sized dogs. These are the collars of choice for training both service dogs and household pets.

Dogtra collars have many stimulation levels from the proprietary “nick” feature that lasts a fraction of a second to the longer levels that last several seconds. Another exclusive feature is the “pager” feature that allows you to signal your dog without any electric stimulation at all. All features are fully programmable from the remote, which allows for the trainer to use whatever best suits the situation at hand, giving full flexibility for the training and correction process.

For the best value and all the great features, you should consider training your dog with the Dogtra 200NCP Gold, which is very cost-effective but still offers all the features you need to successfully train your dog. With the Dogtra 200NCP Gold, you can expect the following benefits:

NiMH long-life batteries included
Collar expands up to 18”
Operates at a range of up to half a mile
Light weight receiver and transmitter
Optional car charger
Dummy collar available
Both print and electronic manuals
2 year warranty

Whether your dog is a pet, show animal, or a working hunting dog, Dogtra has dog training collars that fits your needs to effectively train your dog.

Category: Pets  | Leave a Comment
Author: guest
• Sunday, March 29th, 2009

There are several types of dog crates to choose from. It all depends on what you need the crate for and how big your dog is. There are a few things that you must keep in mind while shopping for a new crate for your dog. Are you traveling and how? How big is your dog? Is your dog scared of people? Does your dog like to bark a lot? What can you fit in your budget?

There are crates that are more like fence material. There is also plastic that you may want to choose from. There are some that you would have the convenience of collapsing and storing easily.

Remember that puppies grow. So if you invest in a small crate or kennel for your small boxer puppy, keep in mind the cost of the crate and the fact that the puppy will get bigger. Are you willing to invest in something that he will outgrow in a couple months?

Is this something that you are wanting your puppy to stay in during the day while you are at work? Keep in mind that if it is enclosed, your puppy may be uncomfortable and scared. Perhaps a larger fence like crate may be in his best interest. That way he has room to roam a little. It is an open crate to where he can see things around him. Also there is plenty of room for him to grow.

There may be times when you need to travel on an airplane and need to bring your pet with you. In this case, you may consider a light plastic crate because it is easier to carry and it is enclosed to where other animals won’t cause him to bark or he won’t get nervous. Not to mention you want one that he can just fit in and be secure. There are certain requirements for traveling on an airplane with dogs as well. Be sure to check with the airline to see about their guidelines and rules.

If you plan to use a crate on a regular basis, the best thing to do is to make sure that he starts out using it as soon as possible so that he can get use to it. For instance, if he needs to be puppysat, it is best that he gets use to the crate because as he travels to other places and sees other people in a strange environment, he would be familiar with the surroundings within his crate.

It would be (to him) a lot like home. It would provide him with the security that he would need so that he feels much more content. A lot of people would want to use a crate for the purpose of keeping him contained at night. In this case the crate is his ‘bed’. It should be a place where he is comfortable and secure. It is not recommended to use it for punishment and security, because that would be two separate purposes and may even confuse the puppy.

When shopping for a crate, keep in mind whether or not you would want plastic or metal. Some puppies like to chew a lot and that can even be the case as they get older. In this case the best type of crate would most likely be a metal crate versus the plastic type. When this happens, be sure to include toys and raw hide bones. Not to mention they can be very lonely and bored all day in a little confinement. Eventually they will get use to it but it is still good to make sure that they are as comfortable as possible.

Some dogs have separation anxiety, such as a Mastiff, so purchasing the largest crate is the best. The reason being is so that they have some space to move. Definitely start them out as soon as possible so that it becomes part of their everyday routine.

Another good thing to remember is that dogs that are being house broken may have a hard time being broken. Therefore, you may want to put them in a crate. Dogs are less prone to pottying in their bed area. They are less likely to dirty it up and will wait as long as possible before pottying. With that said, crates are good for house breaking dogs.

You may consider a large crate and in this case it is best to get one that is collapsible so that you can store it when you are through with it. They have some that are stainless steel so that they will last a long time. Then for moving and traveling or for your smaller dogs. The choice is up to you so keep all of these tips in mind. There are many benefits for you, your dog and even your home, in using a crate. You can find them in pet stores and even online.

Be sure to visit our cheap pet supply store for your dog supplies store.

Category: Pets  | Leave a Comment
Author: guest
• Saturday, March 28th, 2009

The Timberwolf dog food is part of the Timberwolf Organics brand name which is a well known entity in the Dog Owner%s circle. Contrary to the brand name though, the Timberwolf dog food is not actually organic. It does have a few organic ingredients, true; however in order for any product to be recognized as organic, minimum 95% of its ingredients need to be organic, which is not the case with the Timberwolf dog food.

The Advantages Of Using A Brand That Is Trusted

If you are an owner of a pet, you would know how important it is to know that you are giving the best there is to your Pregnant Dog. With time, your dog becomes an integral part of your family and just as you would look after your children, you would feel responsible for your dog as well. Many people cease to see their pets as dogs and treat them just as an equal part of their family. No wonder that such dog owners would want to pamper their animals with the best food and care.

The advantages of using Timberwolf dog food is that they have behind them a legacy of trust that instills confidence and high expectations from its customers. People who buy dog food of this brand know that they are getting meals which have been tested for purity and which are free from any allergens, carcinogenic preservatives, antibiotics or hormones. In other words, the Timberwolf dog food offers the best nutrition without any shadow of risk to the dog’s health.

The Timberwolf dog food offers high quality ‘meals’ which are made by grinding the carcass of animals butchered for human consumption. As the dogs are basically carnivores, such food is excellent for providing them with all that they need for staying healthy. These meals have about 28 – 69% protein which is excellent. Other ingredients are carbohydrates (oats and brown rice) which are both nutritious and easily digestible and vitamins and minerals in the form of special medicinal herbs mimicking what the dog would have eaten in the wild to sustain its health.

The Disadvantages Of Using Timberwolf Dog Food

Fortunately there are very few disadvantages from this dog food. The dog would be and look healthier after you change the diet to Timberwolf dog food without any doubt. However, the food is costly and it might not be feasible for everybody to feed their dogs on this food, though it is wonderfully combined for optimum results.

The price, though indicative of the high quality on which the Company would never compromise, does act as a barrier from allowing the regular dog owners from using this food as often as they would have wanted. However, if you real want value for your money – the Timberwolf dog food is a sure-fire choice - expensive or not expensive to avoid dog health problems.

Category: Pets  | Leave a Comment
Author: guest
• Friday, March 27th, 2009

It really is quite simple to litter box train a dog. Most people dread this aspect of being a dog owner. Training a puppy or older dog is as easy as training a cat to use a litter box. Before reviewing the 3 steps to successful litter box training for your pooch, there are a few things that you always need to keep in mind when training or disciplining a dog. Always consider the previous training level and habits of your dog. Always know that trainability does range by a dogs breed. Some breeds are willing to train while others are somewhat stubborn and a bit more difficult to train. Many dogs may take a bit more work but they are trainable.

Lets start with litter box training dogs with the system itself. The Ugodog dog litter box is constructed of sturdy material that is capable of handling a respectable amount of weight. What sets this system apart from other potty systems is that its grates are specifically designed to be kind to sensitive doggy paws. The way the grates are designed is innovative as to not cut into the bottom of the paw pads. Also, the grate holes are small enough to prevent small puppies from having their paws get stuck. The grates also are two separate pieces to allow for easier clean up. This system is environmentally friendly, durable, low cost and no replacement parts needed! The best reasons why this is my pet potty pick.

Age always needs to be considered when trying to potty train your dog. That said, even older dogs can be trained to use dog litter boxes. All you need for this system to be effective is the system itself, some newspaper or paper towels. Some owners may choose to use pee pads underneath the grates but this is expensive and not very environmentally friendly. Newspaper is a much better choice. When your dog learns to use the potty well, newspapers are not even necessary. At your convenience, you can flush the pee down the toilet in the evening and through out the poo that sits on top the grate.

Training tips as simple as 1-2-3:

1) Put the dog litter box in a spot where your pooch is use to going on pee pads or if they are use to going outside, place it in a convenient area.
2) Use a paper towel or newspaper that is soaked with you dogs own urine and place it underneath the grates.
3) The moment your dog needs to use the bathroom lead them to the litter box and they will recognize their own scent and start using the potty very quickly!

Do not use negative reinforcement with your dog when training them. Use the same words repeatedly that you use to command them to go potty. Some dogs may be shy at first and have accidents. If they do, when you clean up the accident use that urine soaked paper towel to put under the grate and lead your dog over to litter box after an accident. This should make for an easier life for you and your pooch. You will not be dealing with pee soaked paws or ripped up pee pads. Even though this is a great dog potty, it is not meant to substitute taking your dog for a walk.

Category: Pets  | Leave a Comment
Author: guest
• Thursday, March 26th, 2009

Your dog’s health is one of the most important things you can monitor. Unlike a person and very much like a child, they are helpless in that they do not have any control over their own health. Whatever you feed them, wash them with and add to their diets is what they are stuck with - so you want to be sure you provide the very best at all times.

Three of the most important things you can monitor for your dog’s health are flea treatment, shampoos and supplements. Here are some tips on choosing the right dog health care supplies for your furry friend.

Flea Treatment

Flea treatment is incredibly important and there are a ton of options out there so it is no wonder that this might become a tough one to answer. Some flea medications are unsafe for small breeds while others may not work as well. The most common flea treatment is a simple drop that goes onto the back of your dog. Companies like frontline and Advantage both offer treatments that provide spot treatment. The only thing to keep in mind with these is to ensure the dog does not lick anywhere on their body where the flea treatment has touched (hence putting it between their shoulderblades).

Also, it cannot be used more than once every 2-3 months because of how toxic it can be. For other flea treatment options, you should see your vet who can provide a long list of additional methods for pest control.

Dog Supplements

dog health care products also market to those whose dogs are not getting enough nutrients. Different nutrients that a dog might need to add to their diet include antioxidants for skin care, calming supplements for overly aggressive dogs, heart support, dental supplements, dewormer, digestive aids, immune support, joint supplements, liver support, and most commonly coat supplements. Just like humans, there are many parts of a dog that need to be maintained and without the right food (first off), you will need to start supplementing some of those.

A good product like Terrabone for dental health or something simple with the right omega acids for shiny, health coats should be included with every dog’s diet. For more specific health related problems you should see your vet.

Dog Shampoos

Shampoo for your dog should focus on being soft and comfortable for their skin while providing a cleansing, conditioning formula for their coat. Brands like Rio Vista provide multiple vitamin laden shampoos for healthier coats while other brands like John Paul Pet offer moisturizing shampoos for rough skin or problem hair.

By using the information above and making sure to match the right dog health care products to your pet, you can be sure that your dog’s health is taken care. Also, don’t forget to maintain the regular schedule of vet visits, keep your household safe of things your dog might get into (they don’t know what will hurt them) and always watch out for signs of illness, you and your dog can enjoy many healthy years by each others’ sides.

Category: Pets  | Leave a Comment
Author: guest
• Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

You have a variety of options when it comes to healthy dog food. If you love your dog and want them to live the longest healthiest life possible, it is critical that you take the time to choose the food that is going to be best suited to your dog. This will depend on a number of factors, including their breed, age, and nutritional needs.

If your dog is underweight or overweight for instance you are going to need to feed them a specialty food, one which will help them to achieve and maintain an ideal weight.

How to Choose Healthy Dog Food

One of the first things you need to do when choosing healthy Science Diet Dog Food is make sure that the first ingredient listed on the label is a form of protein. This could be chicken, lamb, venison, or a similar meat. You want to look for a dog food that excludes corn, cornmeal, and wheat. This is because all of the lower quality dog foods will typically have a list of byproducts and fillers as its main ingredients.

Also when trying to decide on a healthy dog food you want to be aware that while some preservatives may be necessary in order to keep the food edible, there is a line that must be drawn. Preservatives do not have to be artificial chemicals, especially since these chemicals might be cancer causing agents and are in no way healthy or beneficial for your pet.

Basically if there is a dog food that contains ingredients that you would not want to eat, you should not be feeding it to your dog. In fact, if you have a bit of time to spare a great idea is to make your own dog food. This is very quick and simple, and by making your own dog food you will be aware of every single ingredient going into it, and therefore will be doing the best for your dog’s health.

Healthy dog food is just one aspect of your dog’s health and wellbeing. You also need to ensure that they are drinking plenty of water and getting lots of regular exercise. You should take your dog out for a walk at least a few times a day, and they should have chew toys that are designed to help keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Taking your Diabetic Dog to the veterinarian regularly is also of great importance, as you will want to make sure they are always in good general health and be notified if there is anything you should be concerned with.

Category: Pets  | Leave a Comment
Author: guest
• Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

Has your adorable little bundle of joy turned into a monster that is constantly tearing up your house and making a mess on the floor (I’m talking about your puppy)? puppy training classes can help you train your dog to interact with other dogs and people in an acceptable manner, teach your puppy to go for controlled walks on a leash, stop a barking problem or at least reduce it, and fix any number of other behavior problems. You can save yourself a lot of time and money by training your dog at home instead of using a professional. If that is the route you want to go, check out the links in the article for a great resource.

I had a dog that I was ready to drop off at the dog pound because of bad behavior, but after going through puppy training classes he is a near perfect pet. We had a tiny little miniature schnauzer that weighed less than 10 pounds, but thought he was king of the world. This was a real problem with our young daughter who he was very aggressive with. He didn’t hurt her, but he thought he was her boss and we were afraid that he eventually would hurt her. After going to puppy training classes and being put in his place by another, larger dog, he has been a great pet.

You can check your local pet store to see if they know of any good training classes or see if they actually host some. Many of the bigger pet stores like PetSmart and lots of smaller ones have in house training classes. They aren’t necessarily put on by employees of the store, but they provide the facilities for a trainer to come in and facilitate the training of your puppy. In most cases, the training won’t be done for you, you will have to do it. The trainer will help you do the right things and also make sure your puppy interacts with the other dogs. The puppy training classes will usually be once or twice a week for a month or two and at the end, you should have a well behaved pet for life.

Puppy training classes will help you form an unbreakable bond with your pet in addition to teaching them how to behave. After spending quality time with your pet and watching them get better, you can’t help but form a lasting bond. This goes for home training as well as professional puppy training classes so you really can’t lose either way.

When you are ready to have a perfect pet, head over to ObedienceTraining4Dogs.info and learn how easy it can be to have a well behaved dog by learning the secrets of dog training.


Category: Pets  | Leave a Comment
Author: guest
• Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Some dogs, like some humans, also experience allergies and Dog Diseases. Humans often avoid the food that causes us allergies and at the same time, we opt for hypoallergenic food and other products to prevent allergy outbreaks. It is but natural that dog lovers and dog owner%s would also choose to buy hypoallergenic dog food for their animal companions to keep them in good health.

Category: Pets  | Leave a Comment
Author: guest
• Saturday, March 21st, 2009

Another major player in the dog food industry is Iams that have been the subject of dog food recall which has made them worried because of reports that Iams dog food has serious problems with its nutritional content. Worried by such reports about its Science Diet Dog Food products, the company has begun damage control operations and has since issued statements refuting the charges leveled against the company.

Complies With AAFCO Minimum Requirements

One of the defenses put forth by Iams regarding Iams dog food is that their products have ingredients that exceed AAFCO minimum requirements which ensures that their dog foods will not affect the wellbeing and health of your dog and that they use only the best quality of ingredients in their foods that are obtained from suppliers that have been inspected by the USDA.

Critics of the company however contradict the defense put up by Iams and point out that AAFCO standards are meant only to ensure that your pet dog will not suddenly fall over itself and die because of consuming dog foods, and in fact these standards do not ensure that your Healthy Dog won’t suddenly fall ill as a consequence of eating particular dog foods.

As for Iams dog food containing ingredients supplied by USDA inspected suppliers, critics point out that the meat supplied for use in such dog foods is obtained from the rendering industry that does not get quality assurance from USDA as claimed by Iams and in fact the company has for long been using what are known as ‘4-D meats’ or meat that is obtained from dead, disabled, dying and diseased animals.

It is thus pointed out that apparently the makers of Iams dog food are simply not confronting the consumer with the proper facts and are in fact avoiding telling the truth which is that Iams dog food contains insufficient amount of nutrition and thus owners of pet dogs would do well to avoid feeding their pet dogs with Iams dog food.

To support its case about lack of proper nutritional content in Iams dog food, there are certain worrying statistics provided by critics of Iams such as the case of twenty-seven reported violations against Iams since 1999 in only one state in the US – Texas. Furthermore, the FDA has recently reported that Iams dog food contains dangerous levels of amino acid DL-methionine that in fact led to the FDA having to recall 248,000 pounds of Iams dog food from many states in the US.

Thus, before you feed your Iams dog food, it would pay to heed these warnings and look for more nutritional food to Feed The Dog.

Category: Pets  | Leave a Comment