Tag: dogs

Choosing a Great Dog to Share Your Apartment

Posted by on August 8, 2009

An apartment can get boring to stay in alone at times.Sometimes people thus get themselves a dog to keep them company in the apartment.It is obviously not possible for you to have just any dog in your apartment as some dogs are too big for them and some, need more space than the apartment offers.

The most popular options for an apartment dog are Pomeranians and cocker spaniels.These dogs are small, and are easy to maintain.Besides this, you could also consider getting yourself an Italian greyhound.

If you love greyhounds, but can’t get them in your building because of insufficient space, then you should get yourself this dog.10 pounds is the weight of these miniature greyhounds.They are not only fast at running, but are also fast learners.These dogs however love resting in their owners’ absence.

A perfect dog for your apartment is the pug, which weighs between 10 to 25 pounds.It is friendly and does not spend lots of time outside.In fact, it is quite content sitting inside all day long as long as you take it out for short walks everyday.

A miniature dog to consider for your small living space is the Schnauzer.13 to 15 pounds is the weight of the dog.It is not only a friendly and family dog, it does not require too much of grooming either. Its first priority lies in keeping the family safe at all times.

The Schipperke is a small, black dog that weighs about 10 to 18 pounds.It does not have a tail that will end up knocking things in the apartment.These dogs require everyday exercise and are very active.However they are quite content running in the park or outside your apartment for a short period everyday.

You have to make your choice of your apartment dog based on your apartment size, your budget and the amount of care and exercise you can give the dog.

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Canine Arthritis: When Your Dog’s Joints Ache

Posted by on August 8, 2009

Like people, dogs can suffer from arthritis. Normally, the bones near their joints are covered with protective cartilage. When they walk, run, or move in any way, the cartilage on the ends of the bones rub against each other. There is no discomfort because there are no nerves present in the material. However, over time, that protective covering slowly deteriorates. When that happens, the underlying bones are exposed to one another; when your pooch moves, they rub together and cause pain.

Often referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD), arthritis is a debilitating condition in canines. In this article, we'll take a look at the factors that exacerbate the problem. We’ll also explain how owners can manage the issue.

Contributing Factors And Symptoms

Cartilage that protects bones from rubbing against each other is slowly worn away as canines age. Nearly all breeds are affected by this which is commonly known as primary DJD. Many breeds are also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, genetic disorders that impact ball and socket joints. Both disorders can lead to osteoarthritis, which is commonly called secondary DJD. Other factors that can lead to canine arthritis include obesity, problems related to the metabolism, and inflammation caused by fractures.

The first sign of DJD is usually an uneven gait; dogs will shift the majority of their weight onto whichever legs are not arthritic. They will also have difficulty getting up if they have been lying down for a prolonged period. If the problem has progressed to an advanced stage, a canine might lose his appetite and become reclusive.

How To Manage The Problem

Because degenerative joint disease is progressive, the level of discomfort increases over time. That said, owners can help their dogs cope with the pain through a number of treatment strategies. Dysplasia of the hips can often be treated with a hip replacement, though a veterinarian may avoid recommending it depending on the health of your dog. Vitamins, supplements, and medications that help reduce the inflammation may also be prescribed.

Owners can also pursue a more holistic form of treatment. For example, weight management is critical for canines suffering from DJD since extra weight can place undue stress on their joints. If a dog is severely overweight, veterinarians will recommend waiting to perform surgery or prescribing medication.

Daily low-impact exercise will help control weight gain. Activities such as swimming or walking will give your pooch the opportunity to use his limbs and maintain his muscles without exacerbating his arthritis. Also, climbing and descending stairs, and jumping into and out of vehicles can worsen his DJD; a ramp can significantly reduce the impact on his joints.

If your dog develops arthritis, ask your veterinarian to recommend a treatment path. Whether through surgery, medications, exercise, or a combination of all three, you can help improve your canine’s quality of life.

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Signs Your Dog Could Have an Anxiety Problem

Posted by on August 8, 2009

As much as people use body language to communicate to others that they’re not a threat, so too, does your canine companion communicate with other animals (and often, humans). Professional trainers, behaviorists, and other experts suggest that dogs have recognizable tendencies that they use in order to calm other pets and themselves. Watch your dog when he encounters an another aggressive dog. He’ll often use body language to let the aggressor know that he means no harm. You might see him use his tongue, ears, nose, and the nod of his head to diffuse a potential confrontation.

These are signs of canine anxiety. You’ll probably notice similar behaviors when you take your pooch to see the vet or when a professional trainer reprimands him. Anything that causes stress will expose them. The good news is that owners can use these same behaviors to reduce that stress. If you can identify the ways in which your dog calms himself and tries to calm others, you can leverage those behaviors to have the same calming effect on him.

Common Signs Of Canine Anxiety

Many owners often fail to recognize the clues their dog is giving when they are feeling anxious. When your pooch interacts with another pet that is a stranger to him, observe his behaviors. He may start sniffing the floor or nearby objects. He might begin yawning (he’s not tired). He could be licking his nose. Each of these is a method he uses to communicate friendliness or a feeling of unfamiliarity.

Some experts believe sniffing is a reaction to the fear of confrontation. That is, your canine will sniff the floor when he perceives a potential threat. It’s his way of trying to soothe the other animal before the situation escalates.

A lack of familiriaty if signified when they either nod their head or turn away from a stare. Your pooch may be mildly anxious because he doesn’t know what to expect, but he’s not fearful. An example might be when a young child hugs him.

Unlike humans when they yawn because they’re tired, dogs yawn to showed they’re stressed. It may not mean that he is fearful of a physical confrontation, but he may be worried about something. He might yawn when at the vet or even when you’re disciplining him.

How Owners Can Calm Their Dogs

The signs we’ve described above are used by your canine in order to calm himself and others in times of anxiety. Often, you can use those same behaviors to comfort him when he’s worried, stressed, or anxious. Older dogs are generally more receptive to their owners acting in this manner. But, even younger canines will often respond well. The next time your pooch is showing hints of anxiety, try it. He may look at you oddly the first few times, but he’ll eventually grow accustomed to it.

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Where To Find Dog Boarding Facilities

Posted by on August 6, 2009

 

Often, you tend to become busy and simply cannot afford to have the sufficient time to spend with your pet Or you’re in vacation and may not tag your pet along with you. This in effect will become detrimental to your dog’s over-all well being as he may not be given the proper care and assistance he needs. Dogs nowadays are no longer like their predecessors (the wild dog breeds). Unlike them, they need to be constantly taken care of. Given that this factor is lacking, the dog may become too unhealthy and susceptible to the variety of diseases. But don’t worry, if you’re too busy and simply don’t have time to spend with your pet, a doggie boarding kennel is your best alternative. Sure, you would like to give your dog the best and you don’t like to worry while you’re out there doing your job and you’re thinking about your pet dog.

There are many people these days who are actually taking in consideration this kind of move as the best alternative for dogs that are being left behind all alone when everybody is out. But you have to be aware that not all dog boarding kennels has the best dog boarding facilities that will make their stay comfortable. There was even this one dog owner who filed a case against one dog boarding house because his dog was maltreated even unintentionally and it’s because they don’t have the ample and comfortable facility and provisions to make the stay of the dog comfortable. You have to bear in mind that you should try to investigate things first. If you can’t find the right dog boarding facility, then, it’s best to leave him with your neighbor or with your relative as long as he is familiar with them but never leave him alone in your house or leave him in a dog boarding kennel that feels like a dungeon. If you really would like to know the best kennel, try to look for it in a dog boarding kennel online listing.

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Now Available Right Here: The Big Book of Dog Secrets, Vol. 1

Posted by on July 28, 2009

Big Book Dog Secrets

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