Inactivity in dogs can certainly have the potential to lead your dog into becoming overweight or even obese. When dogs weigh more than their target weight, it can have adverse effects on their heart, lungs, joints and other vital organs. If you suspect your pup is getting a little too pudgy, go ... Views: 1797
Deciding to switch your dog over to a raw diet is a scary proposition. There are so many variables and you're responsible for all of them. There is no AAFCO looking over your shoulder, handing you little packets of pre-fab nutrients. You can't count on your vet for information most of the time, ... Views: 1318
Cats scratch. It is completely natural, and they scratch for a number of reasons. Excessive scratching, however, can be a big problem for you and your furniture. There are a couple of methods you can try to discourage your cat from scratching. In some cases, you may be able to easily stop ... Views: 1649
In today’s day and age, it is common for two families to join together and become one (think the Brady Bunch). Or maybe you have recently become engaged to your significant other and you both own dogs. How do you cope with having two dogs under the same roof? They are both used to being ... Views: 699
There comes a time when we must let go of our pets. There are many reasons why our beloved companions must be euthanized, but knowing the reason doesn’t always help with the grief. Before you go to the veterinarian to have your animal put to sleep, it’s a good idea to have an ... Views: 3503
Maybe you do not mind your dog licking your hand when you come home. That is perfectly fine. But, what about when you invite company over and he tries to lick them? Not all people are okay with being licked by a dog. Your pet needs to be able to control his interest in licking. Before you ... Views: 13635
Having more than one pet in your home is a wonderful experience. Two or more pets become companions and enjoy spending time together. They keep each other from being bored when you’re away and can be fun to take to the park. Having one dog in your home requires a certain amount of ... Views: 1109
Your pooch is a part of your family, and he deserves the best. Everyone else gets a birthday party, and so should your pet. There are many great ways to celebrate his birthday, and you can bet he’ll love the attention!
First, you need to figure out when you should celebrate your ... Views: 1505
Taking a dog on a trip can be a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get some pooches to the destination. Some dogs are fearful of car rides, while others are overly excited. Both extremes can lead to carsickness, which isn’t fun for anyone.
In February of 2007, the ... Views: 1734
You have been working with your pooch, and he is ready for the road trip. You have made sure he is healthy enough to travel, caught him up on his vaccinations, and helped him get accustomed to being in his carrier. Now, it is time to pack up the car and go! Whatever you think your dog needs ... Views: 1293
All animals are at risk of hosting parasites, though some parasites can only survive in certain animals. Parasites can lead to health problems and can even be fatal if not taken care of properly. There are ways to prevent and rid animals of parasites. A parasite infestation should not be ... Views: 998
You want you child to have a companion, a friend to play, and a way to teach him responsibility. You also want your child to be safe and protected. If you’ve considered a dog as an addition to your home, then you’ve probably weighed the advantages against the disadvantages. A dog ... Views: 603
With summer months comes more time spent outdoors. You’re more likely to play outside with your pooch or take him on an open-air adventure. You may also be more likely to bathe him when it is warm outside. Depending on the frequency of bathing and your pooch’s skin and coat, there ... Views: 1039
While economic conditions have caused many entrepreneurs to pack up shop, it might be a good time to open a pet care business. With so many American’s out of work and jobs becoming scarcer, opening a home based business seems like an attractive option. While home based businesses have high ... Views: 1538
Almost everyone loves new babies. However, sometimes it can be difficult on the family dog when Junior is introduced into the world. The family pet has been considered the family child for so long, until the baby shows up. So, what you do, as a parent, that will help your dog adjust to having a ... Views: 671
You’ve had a cat for years. She has become such a part of the family that you can’t imagine living without her. But, now you want something more: an animal less independent that needs extra love and attention. Should you get a dog? Will the presence of the dog make your cat ... Views: 8317
In an age where luxury sometimes seems more valued than a good hard days work, each living being seeks ease and comfort in some form or fashion. Not only do people want to have an easy life, they want their pets to have a comfortable and easy life as well! People love their pets, and they desire ... Views: 1074
Dog are susceptible to health problems, just like their human counterparts. Many problems are genetic and are associated with the breed of the dog. Other problems are caused by unhealthy eating habits, animals and insect bites, or lack of exercise. Diabetes is a growing health concern that ... Views: 627
Often in the spring, when pollen is floating freely in the air, humans find themselves sneezing and blowing noses, and often forget that seasonal allergies can affect their beloved canines as well. Airborne irritants such as dust mites, mold spores, and pollen are inhaled from the surrounding ... Views: 965
Springtime is almost here, and the spring and summer seasons generally mean more severe weather as the air becomes more warm and humid, thus making conditions more susceptible to thunderstorms and severe weather. Depending on where you live, tornadoes may be a somewhat common occurrence. As you ... Views: 911
Many people decide to get a dog before they have children. It is always wonderful getting a new baby and it sometimes may take time and patience to help your dog adjust to the adorable new family member. However, once the baby grows up into a toddler, many dogs find that they need to have ... Views: 994
You are planning a trip, and it is impossible to take your pet. What do you do, now? Call your family members or neighbors to see if they can take care of your pet? This is okay for a short trip, but anything longer may aggravate your friends. If your pooch does not socialize well with other ... Views: 1264
As the warm weather comes nearer and nearer, it is important to remind ourselves that caring for ours dogs in the spring and summertime is different than the way we care for them in the fall and winter seasons. The weather gets hot and humid, and there are gorgeous days and dangerously hot days. ... Views: 540
When most people think of kittens, they think about their tiny size, their endearing faces, and their love of play. Kitties are known for their playful and curious nature. As kittens grow, they begin to act on their developing instincts, which is the primary cause of their playfulness. They ... Views: 3202
A sad reality of this world is that there are lonely people everywhere. In this high technology world that we live in, so many things are digital and online. Don’t get me wrong, the Internet is amazing; however, it allows people to distance themselves from other human beings. People even ... Views: 1018
Like humans, dogs are affected by many types of illnesses and diseases. Some afflictions are easy to treat and cure, while others require more invasive or long-term measures. Canine hip dysplasia is a common health problem found in a variety of dog breeds. With a little time and care, the ... Views: 1455
Most people know when their puppy needs a bath—their nose tells them! Though it is nice to take your dog to the groom so you don’t have to worry about the mess, sometimes it is just easier to do it yourself in your own home. With a few easy tips and a little planning ahead, you will ... Views: 869
Your dog growls constantly. He growls at the mailman; he growls at you when you get home; he growls at the neighbor; he growls at the birds in the backyard; he growls at other pets in your home; you name it, and he growls at it. Growling can be an annoyance, especially if you can’t ... Views: 6681
Agility training has many benefits; it teaches and reinforces obedience training, while providing extra exercise for you and your pooch. Purchasing agility equipment is a great idea if you want your dog to compete professionally or if you are just looking for something to fill your time at ... Views: 1346
Treadmill training is on the rise. More and more people are teaching their pooches the ins and outs of indoor exercise. There are videos all over YouTube of dogs walking and running on treadmills. The funny thing is that they seem happy and are not being forced by the owners. The reasons why ... Views: 5302
Cancer is a devastating disease to humans and canines alike and presents in similar ways among both species. Some of the most common canine cancers include osteosarcoma or bone cancer, lymphoma, head and neck cancers, bladder cancer, mammary carcinoma, testicular cancer and malignant brain ... Views: 1403
Myths, legends, and folklore will always be present in any society or culture. Today, there are myths about almost anything. A popular myth subject that reoccurs often are those that has to do with dogs. As with any medium, there are misconceptions and blanket generalizations or beliefs that may ... Views: 1387
You enjoy interactions with other people. Often, it’s a breath of fresh air to be in public and see someone you know. Dogs can benefit from the companionship of other dogs. You can have play dates and take your pooch to the dog park if he gets along well with others. However, most dogs ... Views: 1032
It is one of the most dreaded pet problems around. Your veterinarian has stressed the importance of preventing heartworms since the first time you took your pooch in for a checkup. Now, your pet is exhibiting the signs of a heartworm infection, and you don’t know what to do. You must ... Views: 3431
Often when people go looking for trainers they ask a few questions before making their decision. Sometimes the questions asked involve pricing and scheduling and rarely go beyond that. Achieving the appropriate training goals for your dog can be a daunting process; however, if you find the right ... Views: 1015
Dog food ingredients have been a popular topic in the news as of late and not for any good reasons. Recent contamination has occurred in a large number of dog foods causing widespread illness and even death in family dogs across the country. The alarming recalls that ensued were quite scary for ... Views: 1271
Raison d'etre
n. French: reason or justification for existence (Merriam-Webster) Or, what is that breed for? Sometimes a more logical question seems to be “what were they thinking, anyway?”
In the modern world we mostly take for granted that dogs are here to be companions,
best buddies, the ... Views: 1544
Arthritis is a condition that many people experience in their older age. Cats can also get arthritis. Though arthritis more often manifests itself in humans and dogs, it can be a feline condition as well. Arthritis cannot be prevented, but with early detection, it can be alleviated by your help ... Views: 1085
Why these breeds top the list
Earlier this year, the American Kennel Club released its list of last year’s most popular dog breeds. Although the list was categorized by large cities (each breed was ranked based on the city’s registration statistics), many dogs showed up numerous ... Views: 2790
Working dogs work. It is that simple. Dogs take on a number of jobs, and normally perform those jobs with or under the supervision of a human counterpart. Often, extensive training is necessary to get the pooch in tiptop occupational shape, but many duties come naturally to a working dog. ... Views: 3236