Identifying Dog Illness A Herculean Task

Writen by Senthil Kumar

Signs of dog illness have to be identified as early as possible in order to avoid excessive damage to the internal organs of your pet. Once the signs become more pronounced, then it is really difficult to cure the disease.

To recognize the signs of illness in your dog, first you should aware about the signs of good health.

Dog health care measures require observation of a dog in closer range. You should see whether it moves freely and wags its tail normal as usual. Also see whether the dog is able to climb up the stairs and get down the stairs without any discomfort.

A Dog can be called as healthy one when there is no deviation in the routine activities like feeding, breeding,urinating posture, defecation activities,barking, running activities etc.

As soon as you enter your house, just closely observe the dog and this will help to identify any abnormalities in the behavior of your pet. Such things will help in revealing the signs of illness in your dog at the earliest possible time.

The common signs of dog illness includes vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bleeding related injuries or wounds, abscesses on skin, etc.

Dog's health-problems include derangement in the eating habits, digestive sequences including absorption of nutrients and excretion of digested materials. Signs of illness in your dog some times comprise the encountering of blood in the stools (Melena).

Similarly, the dog may pass worms in the motion and even sometimes your pet may reveal worms in the vomitus. Hence, do pay maximum importance to the signs of dog illness.

Signs of dog illness need to be specified in any occasion to your veterinarian. Similarly, the breathing rate and pattern may be observed closely and any deviations are to be reported to the veterinarian.

Dogs with illness signs may be immediately consulted to a veterinarian for an early treatment. If not, the signs of illness in your dog may get aggravated. There may be occasions that due to the delayed identification of very serious signs, some irreversible changes may occur in the body. Hence, the treatment might become less effective particularly when the dogs are taken very lately.

Senthil Kumar is a writer for dog care tips and advice. If you would like the latest information on dog rearing , or find more of his personal articles like the one you just read, visit his site at http://www.edogadvice.com

Beware The Attack Cat

Writen by Vivian Gilbert Zabel

Cats have been a part of my household for over forty years; no, not the same cats, but various ones over the years. Many have been protective of their kittens or litter mates or even of their human family members to some extent, but none have been attack cats like Funny Face.

Funny Face choose me; I did not choose him. We had a spayed female named G.G. when my husband brought two kittens home from an auction as a favor for a friend. A brother and sister left from a litter of twelve kittens needed homes. My husband offered help. Funny Face decided that he had found a home and a person of his own.

The first time Funny Face showed protective tendencies, my husband was gone overnight, and the cat, who slept by my feet, jumped from the bed, growling. He ran to the front door, still growling. He rushed to the kitchen and followed the path inside that someone took around the outside of the house, growling constantly. He stood at the back door listening for a couple of minutes, and we both heard someone climb over the back fence. Funny Face ran back to the bed, hopped in his regular spot, and immediately went to sleep. After that, anytime my husband wasn't home, Funny Face became the protector. When my husband was home, guess the cat decided protection was the man's job.

One night, we heard Funny Face yowling outside. Thinking he was hurt, I ran to the door, switching on the light before going out on the porch. I called Funny Face, and he sped to me, his fur and tail literally standing on end. He stopped in front of me and turned to face the blackness beyond the light. My husband joined me before we saw the dog, a broken chain dangling from his collar. Robert sat on the bench on the porch and called the dog to him, hoping to find a phone number or something on the tag which also hung from the collar. Funny Face pressed against my legs as I told him everything was okay.

My husband grasped the dog's collar, trying to read the tag, but he couldn't hold dog and tag. He asked me to see if I could read it. I moved toward the dog, and Funny Face leaped toward the dog, growling and spitting. I scooped the cat into my arms, but he didn't calm down until I moved back into the house. The dog took off, never to be seen by us again.

One time I was in the back yard, and a dog on the other side of the solid wood fence started barking. Funny Face took a defensive stance, once again putting himself between me and the perceived danger, growling and ready to attack.

Researching has not helped me discover if Funny Face's behavior is common. I cannot find any information about a cat acting as he does. Perhaps no one has told him that he is a cat, not a dog. Aggression that others write about concerns cat versus cat or cat aggression toward a person, even its owner, but no word about a protectiveness toward its person.

Funny Face, though, is my attack cat, and anything or anyone who might try to harm me would have to go through him. Here, pretty kitty. That's a good boy.

"To gain the friendship of a cat is a difficult thing. The cat is a philosophical, methodical, quiet animal, tenacious of its own habits, fond of order and cleanliness, and it does not lightly confer its friendship. If you are worthy of its affection, a cat will be your friend, but never your slave. He keeps his free will, though he loves, and he will not do for you what he thinks is unreasonable. But if he once gives himself to you it is with absolute confidence and affection!" Theophile Gautier, 1850

After teaching for years, Vivian Gilbert Zabel became an author on Writing.Com, http://www.Writing.Com/authors/vzabel, and with books, Hidden Lies and Other Stories and Walking the Earth found through Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

The Sloughi North African Sighthound

Writen by Michael Russell

North Africa is home to the Sloughi, a sighthound believed to be one of the ancient breeds still in existence today. The Sloughi was the most treasured dog of the Northern African Bedouin tribes, kept within their tents and cherished for their steadfastness and speed on the hunt. For many centuries this is the dog that supplied the Bedouins with their food supply, for they are skilled hunters of the gazelle and the ostrich. This breed also served as a protector of the Bedouin flocks, warding off the hyena and jackals. The nature of the sighthound is that of a dog that will give chase to anything that moves and the Sloughi is no exception. Consequently they have good vision and exceptional speed besides of course the sense of smell which also plays some part in their hunting skill.

The Sloughi is a desert dog with a smooth dense coat that is the color of the desert, thus he is naturally camouflaged. He may be brindle or solid color in sandy or tawny variations and darker colors such as deep blue black or red black. His ears are fold over "lop" ears and the muzzle is long and triangular with only a slight stop. The Sloughi has what is known as a straight shoulder which means that there is not a lot of angulation in the front shoulder and this allows the dog to move with an easy loping gait and corner tightly. This is a breed that will extend his movement at the full gallop but can also cover a lot of ground at a lope. He is a tall dog carrying very little fat, presenting a streamlined appearance. The standard calls for a height at the shoulders is 27-29 inches. The breed is recognized by the F.C.I. and is a member of the F.S.S. service of the American Kennel Club, which is the precursor to the breed being admitted as a member of the Miscellaneous Class in A.K.C. shows. In the United States there are two groups which are eligible to register and keep the stud book, the American Sloughi Association and the Sloughi Fanciers Association of America.

This is a breed that loves to be outdoors and experience the joy of a good run but also loves to be a house dog and can turn into a real couch potato if given the opportunity. He is good with children, wary of strangers, alert and yet calm, energetic but also mannerly. As a general rule he gets along well with other dogs and when in a "pack" situation the Sloughi tends to develop a hierarchy of behaviors and rituals similar to that presented in wild packs of wolves or jackals. It is never wise to own a sighthound such as the Sloughi without also maintaining a well fenced property for the dog will immediately give chase to distant running or moving creatures and he will not respond to commands to stop when he is in the mood.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs

Black Phantom Tetra

Writen by Gary Bolton

Family: Characidae

Species: Megalamphodus megalopterus

Size: 5cm (2 inch)

Diet: Omnivorous

Tank levels: Middle

Habitat: Streams in Bolivia and Brazil

Remarks: This species needs soft, acidic water for general well-being and breeding. Captive breeding can be problematic as the parents tend to eat the eggs, which are light-sensitive and prone to distintegration. A separate species tank for these tetras is advisable, although they will co-habit with smaller fishes.

Comments: The Black Phantom Tetra is a transparent grey-silver colour, with a dark distinguishing mark on the shoulder. Its eye has a gold rim around the iris. Unusually, the female of this species has a more colourful red adipose fin.

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This fish comes from the "Tropical Fish" family species of fish. I hope you enjoyed this fish profile that I put together to help people to choose the right fish for the right aquarium tank setup you may own, or be thinking of buying in the future. If you require more information about keeping fish in general and what are the right fish to choose for your tank setups, you can always visit my site called "GB Aquarium" and see what's posted new there and also join in the discussion taking place.

http://www.garybolton.co.uk

You Cant Fool A Horse

Writen by Jeffrey Rolo

By Jeffrey Rolo
copyright 2004 AlphaHorse

In the dating world many men and women put their potential partners to a "dog test," whereby they introduce their date to their dog and see how the dog reacts to the stranger. If the dog reacts badly towards their date then a red flag is waved, whereas if the dog accepts the stranger instantly the opposite holds true. While many people look upon this test in a tongue-in-cheek manner, many dog owners actually do take it seriously. As they probably should!

Many animals, including horses, possess an uncanny ability to detect emotion as well as the inner nature of an individual. Whereas you may be able to slap a forced smile on your face and hide powerful negative emotions such as stress or anger from fellow humans, you won't find it as easy to fool a horse! In fact I consider horses to be natural truth detectors due to their ability to read a person's emotional state as well as their sincerity when it comes to a love for equines.

If one of my naturally friendly horses takes an instant dislike to someone out of the blue, 9 times out of 10 I'm going to respect my equine partner's instincts. Horses generally do not possess vendettas or have reason to target anyone for no real reason – they tend to call them as they see them. If a horse usually takes a liking to visitors but holds a sudden aversion to one in particular, clearly the horse sees or detects something that I may not have initially caught.

When a horse enjoys your company, you'll know it. When a horse trusts you, you'll know it. And when a horse actually dislikes you, he will make sure you know it. I often state that the world would be a much better place if people were as brutally honest as horses. But I digress…

A proficient horseman at work should be cool, calm and collected, three essential qualities to maximize the productivity of a training session as well as create an all-around positive aura over human-horse interactions. Keep in mind that you are the horse's leader, and as such the horse will take his cues from you. If you are agitated the horse will recognize something is wrong and either feel you are angry with him or you are annoyed with something else he cannot detect but probably should be also be concerned about. The horse will not be able to focus on the lesson or your requests well at all, nor will he be able to draw strength from you when he becomes concerned about a foreign object or behavioral request.

It is essential that you try not to visit or work with your horse when you are in a negative frame of mind since these undesirable emotions will disturb your equine partner. Try to take a few minutes, or even hours if necessary, to collect your emotions and clear your mind of life's daily irritants.

When we see a loved one is feeling down, it often puts a damper on our day too since negativity tends to breed negativity. The same will happen with your horse, so do not underestimate your horse's ability to detect your feelings.

Visit http://www.alphahorse.com/horse-training.html to view more articles about horse training.

Jeffrey Rolo, owner of AlphaHorse and an experienced horse trainer and breeder, is the author of the above article.  You will find many other informational articles dealing with horse training and care as well as games and other horse fun on his website:  http://www.alphahorse.com

Bringing Home A New Kitten

Writen by Cathy Kinser

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! The first thing you want to do with your new pet is to take him or her to the veterinarian. Always have a new pet checked out by a vet in the first few days after getting them. You want to make sure they are healthy and also get them started on preventative medicine right away. Make sure that they are started on there kitten vaccinations, they will need 2-3 vaccinations as kittens depending on there age and the recommendations of your veterinarian. Also make sure you have them test for intestinal parasites and have them dewormed as a precaution. Intestinal parasites can be very dangerous for the growing kitten and can also be transmitted to humans. The second thing you want to do is get them started on a high quality diet, there are many types of foods on the market today, discuss the best type and brand with your veterinarian. Your kitten will need to be started on flea and heartworm prevention, these preventions can also be started with your veterinarian.

Your kitten may already be started on litter box training and very familiar with using the litter box. This behavior often comes naturally for kittens and cats. So all you need to do is make sure they are aware of where the litter box is located. When you bring them home put them in the litter box so they can walk around and smell it and remember its location. In the first two days you have them make sure you occasionally take them and place them in the litter box so they become familiar with its location.

Scratching objects is a very common behavior in kittens and adult cats. Start them off young with a scratching post. Rub cat nip on the scratching post so they are aware that this a good place to scratch. If you catch your cat in the act of scratching the walls or your furniture discipline them. If you have not caught the kitten in the act but have found evidence of scratching on the furniture rub something that would taste bitter to the pet on the area they had been scratching once they get this taste on there paws and lick at it the bitter taste will deter them from scratching there again. You can either use something from you kitchen that tastes bitter or purchase a bitter apple spray from your local pet store.

Getting your kitten use to going on car rides and being in a crate will be very helpful to you in the future when you need to take them to the veterinarian. So as a kitten occasionally put your kitten in his or her carrier and take them on short car rides. Also getting your kitten use to being handled in different situations will make the veterinarian visits much easier on your cat and the vet staff as your kitten becomes an adult. In order to get your cat use to being handle put them in different positions such as on there backs and do a small physical exams by checking there ears and mouth. Doing this occasionally will get your cat prepared and use to it when they need to visit the veterinarian. Following these easy steps will help ensure that your experience as a new kitten owner will be a good one. Good luck with the new addition to your family!

Cathy's website Paw Prints Boutique is dedicated to pets and their owners. Providing pet lovers with the most fabulous Pet Accessories, including Cat beds, cat activity centers, cat scratching post and more. This articles co-author is Cathy's daughter Rachel she has a bachelors degree in Zoo Science. For the last two years she has been working as a small animal Veterinarian Assistant and is currently going to school through Purdue University for her Veterinary Technology degree.

Doggin Kansas City Where To Hike With Your Dog When In The City Of Fountains

Writen by Doug Gelbert

If Loose Park were a dog, it might be a poodle. The centerpiece of the 80-acre park at Wornall Road and 51st Street donated by Ella Loose in 1929 is an elegant rose garden encircled by classical walkways. The manicured grounds are a far cry from October 22, 1864 when the Battle of Westport - "the Gettysburg of the West" - was fought near here. That day the greatest clash of Civil War troops west of the Mississippi River ended the Confederacy hopes in the West. Today, markers describe the battle. You can exercise your dog on a rolling path around Loose Park and in the large, grassy center of the greenspace.

Twenty minutes to the northwest you can hike with your dog for hours at Weston Bend State Park. When Lewis and Clark reached the Weston area on July 2, 1804, the rich soils on the banks of the Missouri River had already been under cultivation by Indian tribes for hundreds of years.

The piers in the Missouri River were so busy shipping hemp that by 1858 Weston was considered the largest hemp port in the world. It has been tobacco, however, that has driven the area economy from then to now. The park contains five tobacco barns and an interpretive display on the history of tobacco production in the community.

Fires and floods retarded the development of Weston following the Civil War and Lewis and Clark might recognize the same scenic views from park bluffs today as the same ones they saw 200 years ago.

The sporty canine hikes in the 1,133-acre park run up and down hills that formed on the edges of retreating glaciers. There is a cornucopia of interesting trails to choose from.

The dog-friendly park's multi-purpose trail is a 3-mile asphalt loop through wooded corridors. Energetic hikers will want to jump onto the dirt paths of the Harpst Trail when it intersects the paved trail. This one-mile loop traipses along the Missouri River bluffs until reaching the remains of the famous Harpst Orchards that once produced peaches for English royalty.

The Missouri River Trail takes your dog directly to the edge of the Missouri River and the Bear Creek Trail explores the former channel of the Missouri before a major shift in the river in 1858. Both trails are less than one mile.

Two more short trails worth checking out are the Barn Trail and McCormick Trail, both mown areas near the park office. The McCormick Trail leads to a warehouse of a distillery in continuous operation since 1858.

Weston Bend State Park is on the west side of Highway 45 heading out of Kansas City.

copyright 2006

Doug Gelbert is the author of over 20 books, including The Canine Hiker's Bible. To subscribe to his FREE Newsletter on hiking with your dog and receive a copy of Rules for Dogs in 100 of the Most Popular National Park Service Lands, visit http://www.hikewithyourdog.com In the warmer months he leads canine hikes for hikewithyourdog.com tours, guiding packs of dogs and humans on hiking adventures. Tours, ranging from one-day trips to multi-day explorations, visit parks, historical sites and beaches.

Dogtired Getting Through The First Night Home With Your New Puppy

Writen by Lisa Pallardy

Opinions vary over the best place for your dog to sleep. The best advice: start a puppy off in the room you eventually want him to sleep in.

Want to let your new puppy sleep in your bed? Lots of people do, but be warned: This will very quickly become a habit! If Fido gets to sleep with you as a new puppy, plan on having Fido in your bed for life (unless, of course, you want to retrain a grown adult dog!).

Many experts recommend that your puppy sleep in a crate. For a puppy, a crate really is the best sleeping place because it dramatically reduces house-training problems and destructive chewing until your puppy has grown into a dependable adult.

Your little guy is going to be terrified the first few nights -- he's missing his mother and siblings, and he hasn't bonded yet with you. So, yes, he's going to cry and whine, and there's a good chance neither one of you will get much sleep for a few nights! One solultion is to try putting his crate next to your bed so you can put your fingers into his crate to calm and soothe him.

Another good place for your dog's bed is the kitchen because it's quiet at night. A basement is also a good place (if it's not too cold), especially if your puppy is going to grow into a large dog!

Wherever you decide will be the sleeping place for your puppy, be sure it's safe, comfortable, and warm, and that it's not near any drafts.

Please don't yell at your new puppy when you get tired and cranky and he's whining in the middle of the night. Be calm, gentle, and reassuring with him as he bonds with you and adjusts to his new sleeping arrangement, and soon you'll both be sleeping through the night. Zzzzzzzzz.

Lisa Pallardy is the owner of http://www.BarkTalk.com an interactive site for dog lovers to find articles and information on dog training and care, post photos of their pets, and talk with other dog-lovers. She is also the mother of 6 children and lover of 3 dogs. In her spare time, she makes greeting cards from children's artwork at http://www.MyLittleRembrandt.com

For more articles like this one on dog care and dog training, or for links to resources where you can purchase dog supplies, visit http://www.BarkTalk.com

Garbageraiding Dogs One Simple Solution To The Problem

Writen by Dina M. Giolitto

Got a mischevious mutt on your hands? Then you may know this scenario. You walk in the door and your pal greets you with elated tail wagging, wiggling and sloppy doggy kisses. Then suddenly, he's overcome with a guilty look and it's off to cower behind the couch. Uh-oh. You know what this means. Sure enough, a telltale trail of eggshells, coffee grinds, grease stains and tattered wrappers leads you to the scene of the crime: the kitchen. Your dog's done it again, raided the garbage.

You've tried whacking him, you've tried gating him, you've put him in dog house solitary for a few hours as punishment. Still, no matter how much you holler and scold, your dog's still up to his no-good hijinks with that darned kitchen trash pail every time you leave the house. What's a frustrated dog owner to do?

First of all, let's think about who we're dealing with here. It's a DOG. He might be your lovable pal, and at times he seems smarter than your husband, but the truth is, here's an animal that's at least two steps down on the food chain. Just remembering that fact alone may help you realize that your dog does not have advanced reasoning capacity.

Okay: now that we have the pooch perspective on higher learning, we can reason out the situation in a way that your dog will never be able.

If your dog is home alone, bored out of his doggy mind, he's eventually going to find his way into the kitchen. Sniffing around for a dropped crumb under the table, maybe doing a little counter-surfing on the sly. Then, he follows his nose to the fermenting dog buffet that you call garbage... and, half crazed from having to beg for his every meal, he immediately begins harfing down every delicious morsel. He can't help himself!

When you come home hours later and push your dog's nose into the mess while spanking his fanny, his limited brain is not ever going to master the long-term cause-and-effect of why garbage-raiding is bad and leads to a beating. In this immediate situation: he knows three variables: him, you, and the garbage. From that simple vantage point, your pushing his nose into the garbage equals a scolding.

However, when you're NOT there, that's only TWO variables: him, and the garbage. To him, that means "Let's chow down!" Later, when you come home, he's well-forgotten the garbage-raiding spree and only knows that 1. he's happy to see you, 2. there's garbage around, and 3. you're yelling at him. But he doesn't ask "Why?" because he has no ability to reason.

How are beatings and scoldings going to keep him from going on his trash rampages? They're not!

You can use simple Pavlov-style behavior conditioning to make your dog behave through positive reinforcement. The trick to this is repetition of a single stimuli: Command, execute, reward. All of this is immediate. It's also the reason dogs bark every time they hear a doorbell on the TV. But we'll never be able to explain to the dog that the doorbell on the TV is not the real doorbell. And you'll never convince him that if he stays away from the garbage he won't get a walloping. If you can, then I suggest you have him join MENSA, because that is one genius dog!

So, the real solution to the garbage raiding predicament is this: you're going to have to move the garbage out of your dog's reach. It's a simple fix for an annoying problem, and probably the only reason why you haven't done it already is because you don't want to change your stuff around for a dog. Well, you're not doing it for the dog! You're doing it for your own peace of mind.

Now, where can you move the garbage to? You can pick it up and place it on top of the washing machine, if that's behind a nearby door you can close. You can rearrange the cleaning products under your kitchen sink and fit it under there, and then buy or fashion a lock for the cabinet door. You can shut it in the garage on your way out. You can hoist it up on a countertop that your dog can't jump up on. You can stow it away in the bathroom.

There now, was that so hard? You didn't have to spend tons of money on dog obedience classes. You didn't have to go through the heartbreak of laying into your little pup when he's giving you those big, sad eyes. And best of all, you didn't have to come home and Febreeze the living heck out of your livingroom rug.

Move the garbage. For the love of dog!

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

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Stop Cat Scratching Today

Writen by Brad Knell

Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves are frayed. Your cat thinks you have morphed into someone he doesn't know and you need a solution to his inappropriate scratching behavior now! Sound familiar? Well, this was our situation a few months ago until we got a handle on a strategy that works.

Cats need to scratch! It helps them excercise their front leg muscles and tendons. It helps to shed old outer layers of the nail sheath. It helps alleviate frustration and boredom and it marks their 'territory' in your home.

Once you realize this it is much easier to arrive at an equitable solution. Rather than concentrating on eliminating the problem ( which isn't going to happen ) you need to find a way to redirect the behavior to an appropriate area in your home.

There are many products on the market which offer a solution. We found a combination of a good quality scratching post wrapped in sisal rope and a set of clear, acrylic shields which fasten to the corner areas of your couch and chair work best. If you need to learn where to purchase these products, visit our website listed below.

The shields are used to cover up areas your cat has already been scratching, in order to redirect him to the post. The scratching post should be tall and heavy enough so your cat can extend his full torso up high enough to offer a good stretch. Most cats are vertical scratchers. They reach up, extend the front arms, claw the scratcher and pull downwards towards the ground. If the post moves around too much they will likely not use it again so make sure it is stable.

If your cat likes catnip, rub some into the sisal rope on the post. Hanging his favorite toy on the top of the post will help get his attention also.

The first time he uses the post you need to heap lots of praise on him, pet him, give him a treat and let him know that he is a 'good boy.' Cats do not relate punishment to the behavior they are engaged in but they do understand very well when they have done something that pleases you if you communicate that effectively. It shouldn't take long for your cat to figure things out if you use this strategy.

Our cat Milo is hillarious! Now when he needs to scratch he sits in front of the post, reaches up to scratch, stops and turns to make sure we are watching him and then does his business. Then he turns to us as if to say, 'hey, aren't I a good boy?'

Brad Knell is the webmaster at http://www.stopcatscratching.com which is one of a series of websites created to help people with their pet problems.

Express Your Pets Personality Through Creative Art

Writen by Anthony Palmieri

People find many ways to express their personality, whether it is through sports, music, art, or another outlet. In any case the creative nature that we have comes to the surface once we have the tools and have developed ability to accomplish this. One area that has continued to grow as a result of technological advancement is with computer enhanced graphics. Faster home computers coupled with programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator have taken the high end graphics work once limited to corporations to smaller businesses. The most basic photo manipulation is to correct flaws in the picture, which can be expanded to the more advanced creation of fantasy scenes, such as overlaying multiple images and the addition of special effects.

These changes have enabled businesses to start in the areas of custom portrait and pet photography, to wildlife and even automotive areas. Turn on your television and I am sure that you will find numerous dog shows. The market has continued to grow as a result of the many pet owners. These pet owners often treat their pets better than some do their own children. Being a pet owner for many years, and having a wife who has helped me to enjoy this even more has resulted in a better understanding of what pet owners strive for. For those of you who are per owners can recognize that your pets coupled with this level of creative photography and graphic arts is a natural fit. In my travels and research over the past 20 years, I have learned quite a bit about pet owners and how their pet is often an extension of themselves.

There is that adage that there a pet and its owner do resemble one another! As with an artist holding a paint brush, these owners look at their pets as the canvas, and leaving nothing overlooked. If you go to a dog show, attention is taken by these owners to ensure that the dog is groomed perfectly, any bows are straight, and even to the point where the dogs happy personality is obvious. Now as you walk into the home of these individuals, I am sure there is a wall of photographs that show little Sophia as a puppy, all the way to the present, and even beyond. Christmas cards, notepaper and anything else that you can think of will have images of these beloved pets.

This desire for creativity by these pet owners has spurred an industry that caters directly to them. The pet lover is a proud group that loves to express their love for their pets. These owners take their pets to the experts for advice on how to train them, expert groomers for that perfect coat and the list goes on. Now another option that expends beyond standard photography provides a second level of creativity. One company that understands this area extremely well is www.PalmieriConcepts.com. Besides the founders being a pet owners for many years, and having a house full of pets, this company has spent years talking with owners and listening to them to understand their needs and wants before it even became a company. Often the owners knew they wanted something different, but was not sure exactly what or how to accomplish it. By listening to them, and understanding what could be done, their needs were met. Some of the non-traditional examples included the idea of having fantasy backgrounds such as a dog floating on a rain bow, to taking a color photograph and making it look like an old black and white.

For the serious owner, most have a special wall in their house or office with pictures and posters of their pets and even similar ones. Often these pictures were done in the traditional style of "point-shoot-develop-print-frame". The custom graphics companies that specialize in the photography industry have now taken the "develop" stage to the next level with custom image enhancements. These enhancements could be as simple as a picture of your pet overlaid on a family photograph, or even a key element such as the dog tag with their name on it. By combining this level of graphics, a plain photograph is transformed from just a photograph to an expression of personality.

There are many examples of what I have described on line and www.PalmieriConcepts.com in the Pets section has a selection of examples that will give you many ideas that you can incorporate into your own works.

Anthony Palmieri founded Palmieri Concepts, http://www.PalmieriConcepts.com after 20 years of creating custom art work for his own pleasure and enjoyment. This business grew out of a love for pets and vehicles and was started to share with others what started out as a hobby. After taking how his own pride and joys (yes this really started with family pictures) and combining them with creativity, it became obvious that many others would like to have pet pictures as he has done.

The Manchester Terrier Black And Tan Terrier

Writen by Michael Russell

For more than a hundred years the Manchester Terrier, originally called the "Black and Tan" Terrier, has remained true to type. It is a sleek and elegant looking little dog, with tan "thumb marks" over the eyes and on the cheeks and black "thumb marks" in the tan above the front feet. Because of his stability of temperament and consistent type this terrier was used in the development of several breeds, among them the Doberman Pinscher, the Pinscher and the Airedale terrier. One can trace the origin of many of the breeds who have this type of tan marking in the "thumbprint pattern" back to the Black and Tan Terrier. He is generally about 15-16 inches at the shoulder with a compact appearance, his body making a square proportion when measuring from height to shoulder and back of neck to base of tail. The tail is not cropped and the ears have a natural lop at the top half of the ear.

The Manchester Terrier carries the recessive gene for Von Willebrands, which is a condition similar to Hemophilia or "bleeder's disease" in human beings. Other than this, the Manchester Terrier is a long lived and healthy dog of great agility and endurance. Like most of the dogs of terrier origin, it is a ratter and rodent killer by nature. This terrier's natural abilities extend to above ground work for the most part, although there are terriers who "go to ground" the Manchester is one who does not. He is great as a vermin hunter in both households and on the farm . He does need human companionship however and would not do well at all as a kennel dog.

The Manchester is not as well known as some of the other terriers in this country, he is listed as 104 in the rankings of the popularity of the breeds for 2005 in the American Kennel Club. In the United Kingdom, his country of origin, he remains as one of the favorite all time terriers.

This little terrier is a great household pet, being friendly and outgoing with children and the elderly alike. He excels as an obedience dog and in the sports of agility and flyball. One sees more Manchesters in the conformation ring however than in any other part of an A.K.C. dog show. He is not difficult to train, being willing and responsive to his human Master. As for exercise, he will do well to get a daily walk if he is an "apartment" dog but does not need a huge amount of exercise as he is not hyperactive in his behavior. The coat is quite glossy and sleek, there is of course some shedding but baths are usually only necessary when he has decided to roll in something... a brisk rubdown with a towel is enough to keep this dog clean. All in all, he makes a good companion and does not make a lot of demands on his owner. Neither is he especially dog aggressive as are many terriers.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals

Crate Training Your Puppy Or Dog

Writen by Amy Dunphy

Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy and fun process. First, start by putting the crate somewhere the puppy enjoys being. Try the family room or wherever everyone "hangs out". Open the door and just let your puppy explore at his own pace. Reward him for going near it by tossing a cheerio or some other small treat.

To teach the words "kennel" (I use go to bed) Just toss in a treat and say the word. Don't shut the door everytime.

Never shove your dog in a crate. Your dog will quickly learn that kennel means get in your crate.

If your dog doesn't go in after the cookie, then toss it closer and closer until your dog does go in. Then let him come out on his own.

You dont want your puppy to learn that everytime you say it you mean you are going to be leaving him. Otherwise he might avoid getting in!

You can also feed your dog in their kennel. If everytime you reward them for going in, they will begin to enjoy it and have a positive association to the crate.

Finally, when you do leave your dog leave a stuffed kong to keep your puppy busy. If they do whine or bark, never let them out. Wait until they are quiet. Teach your dog to sit patiently while waiting to leave the crate. Starting manners early will eliminate common problems.

Amy Dunphy
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Zoonoses Diseases Defined And Explained

Writen by Debbie Ray

Zoonoses is the term applied to a grouping of diseases that are transferable from canine/feline to human. Basically, these diseases fall into three groupings based on their means of transmission. This also groups these, ideally, in the means of treatment and control. The three groupings of diseases are as follows -diseases spread through :1) urine or feces, 2) hair and skin contact, or 3) bites and scratches.

Zoonoses - Spread through Urine or Feces

Hookworms

Hookworms enter the German Shepherd's body in the area that directly comes in contact with the feces-contanimated soil. Seen more commonly in the South, these parasites are unsuited to ideally live in human beings. Traditionally they die after crawling several inches underneath the surface layer of the skin. Inflammation usually occurs as a result of these parasites in humans and causes a condition called "creeping eruption" which may last several weeks or months depending on its severity.

Leptospirosis

German Shepherd's may come in contact with this disease through swimming, drinking, licking their fur, or by eating food contaminated with animal urine. Many animals may carry this, though rats are most often the culprit.

This zoonoses symptom in humans include flu-like including chills, body aches, vomiting, fever and headache. Sometimes kidney damage may occur or the membranes covering the spinal cord or brain may become inflamed. This disease is not usually fatal though it does make its host miserable for weeks at a time.

Roundworms

If these parasites are swallowed by humans they migrate into the body tissues and may cause damage, including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length.

These parasites are most commonly found in small children (2-4 yrs. of age) who mistakenly swallow the eggs and become infected. Children playing in an area in which an animal has defecated in the past, who do not wash their hands after coming in contact with the eggs and inadvertently sticks their hands into their mouth are the most common receptors of roundworm. Only rarely fatal, the disease is traditionally mild though it may be long lasting.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms can easily be ingested by any German Shepherd who swallows a flea carrying the infected form when biting at or chewing their coat. Children may get it virtually the same way- minus the coat chewing.

Tapeworm infestation in humans this way is actually quite rare when compared to infestation from eating undercooked pork or beef.

Toxoplasmosis

Rarely this may cause death in humans since most people develop a resistance to it during normal exposure. It can cause many types of birth deformities in children born to mothers who have been infected for the first time without having developed an immunity before becoming pregnant. Most commonly this is "picked up" through contact with infected cat feces or in contact with contaminated soil.

Zoonoses - Prevention of Waste Transmitted Diseases

There are a few basic precautions everyone should take to prevent transmission of any of the above mentioned diseases - zoonoses. First, clean up all pet droppings and wash your hands each time you any come in contact with contaminated soil. It is extremely important to teach children these steps. Also, if your German Shepherd has gone wading or swimming in any water which may have become contaminated with animal urine, bathe it at once when you return home.

Zoonoses - Spread through Skin/Hair Contact

Fleas

Fleas prefer feeding on your German Shepherd though they will not turn up the chance of of making an occasional meal on humans as well.

Ringworm

Most commonly found in children (though anyone may be infected), this disease is caused by a skin/hair eating fungus which first appears on people as a round, red, scaly area. It grows outward in a circular formation and is the most common fungal disease currently reported.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Tick borne, this disease or Zoonose can cause symptoms such as fever, chills and headache though it is not usually fatal. Symptoms may last many weeks and it can be treated with antibiotics.

Most commonly this disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Also, you may become infected while pulling a tick off your German Shepherd. It is best to wear gloves when removing ticks.

Scabies

The less commonly found version of mange (as opposed to the demodetic version), this may still cause intense itching, irritation and thickening of the skin. Animal mange may live in human skin though it cannot reproduce there. Humans have their own version of the scabies mite.

Zoonoses - Prevention of Skin/Hair Contact Diseases

Overall, proper nutritional care and health of your German Shepherd is the best defense against the chance of your dog harboring any of these diseases.

Frequent grooming and herbal repellents are good choices in combating most of these diseases or Zoonoses before they become major. Stress, roaming and contact with other dogs are the three most common points of transmission among the previous diseases.

Wash your hands after dog contact and minimize contact with any infected pet until the problem is cured.

Zoonoses - Diseases Caused by Bites and Scratches

Cat Scratch Fever

Some people will develop a fever, enlarged lymph nodes and malaise near the area of a bite or scratch from a cat a few weeks after the occurrence. Though not fatal it can be very uncomfortable and can be followed by complications. Infected cat bites may become infected with an entirely different bacteria though the symptoms are similar.

Probably best, is to thoroughly wash an area bitten or scratched by a cat and to clean it liberally on a frequent basis to prevent, hopefully, infection.

Rabies

Virtually 100% fatal once the clinical symptoms appear, this disease is carried by a virus transmitted through the saliva of an infected biting animal. Symptoms include frothing at the mouth, extreme behavioral/personality changes and convulsions which usually ends in the aggressive, staggering and bleary- eyed condition.

If you happen upon an animal showing any of these disease symptoms, get away from it as quickly as possible and call your nearest animal control unit. If by chance you are bitten, try to follow it to where it lives (if it is a stray) so that the proper officials may capture it for testing. If you do kill it, do not injure the head as this will be needed for verification. Also, if you are bitten by an animal exhibiting any of the symptoms above, thoroughly wash out the wound as quickly as possible and contact your personal physician immediately. Overall, your chances of getting rabies are rare though you can never be over cautious.

Zoonoses - Prevention of Bite and Scratch Transmitted Diseases

Best advice, keep your German Shepherd in tip-top physical condition through exercise and proper nutrition to reduce its chances of picking up any diseases or parasites from less healthy animals. Also, try to minimize your pets contact with wild animals or sick pets.

The author, a lifelong dog lover and German Shepherd owner, has been a German Shepherd breeder for over to 15 years. For more information and articles covering other German Shepherd related topics, feel free to visit: total-german-shepherd.com

Interested in other purebred dog breeds? Visit: pedigreedpups.com

How To Provide First Aid For Your Horse

Writen by Michael Colucci

If your horse is in the field, and it suffers a severe cut, you will want to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. You will need to make a call to your vet, and there are steps you also need to take in order to provide first aid to your horse as soon as possible. You will want to stabilize the horse prior to the arrival of the vet.

The first thing you want to do is make sure you have a first aid kit available for the horse in advance. The first aid kit should have all the important constituents necessary for emergencies and small cuts. You always want to make sure that you have first aid readily available. You will want to make sure you have all the important tools you need, and you will want to know how to use them.

A commercially available first aid kit for horses will cost between $39 and $80. You will want to make sure the kit has a thermometer so that you can check the temperature of the horse. All horses should have a standard temperature of 99 to 115 degrees. The first aid kit should also come with a stethoscope so that you can monitor the heart rate of the horse. You can listen clearly to the heartbeat just under the elbow on the left side of the horse.

All first aid kits should have a flashlight, in case you have an emergency in the dark. You will also want to have electrolytes in case the horse becomes dehydrated. Warming up water and adding a small teaspoon of electrolytes can encourage water consumption by your horse. The first aid kit should also have neosporin, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide. Avoid using the hydrogen peroxide on wounds as it will destroy benign tissue.

You will also want to have wire cutters handy in the event the horse gets stuck in a gate or wire. You will also want to use a twitch which can calm your horse and keep him controlled in situations where it will be in great pain. You will also want to make sure you have a knife cutting bandages and other materials. You will want to make sure you don't injure your horse when handling the knife.

You will want to use the iodine solution to clean out any thick wounds. Any wounds which will be treated by a veterinarian within a hours of the injury should not have medications applied, and should only be flushed with iodine or clean water to prevent them from drying.

Michael Colucci is an experienced horse competitor and writes articles for HorseGathering.com and HorsePasture.net

Persian Cat Care

Writen by Michael Russell

Persian Cats are the most popular cat breed today. They are known for having gentle, sweet personalities and also for their beautiful long hair. They make great companions and are not very demanding.

The Persian cat is one of the oldest cat breeds in history. Other names for it include "Persian Longhair" or "Longhair". The ancestors of today's Persian cats were brought into Europe in the 1600s. Traders would come from Persia and Iran with jewels, spices and occasionally a longhaired cat. This is where they get the name Persian. However, there are even hieroglyphic references to these cats that date as early as 1684 B.C. During the 1800s, this cat became a symbol for wealth and prosperity among the Europeans. The Persian was also one of the first cats to be in competitions and to be registered. They were not called Persians until 1960; before that they were just called Longhairs.

Even though the white Persian is the color that is usually photographed and seen on television, Persians come in uncountable numbers of colors. For competition the colors are divided into seven divisions, which are the solid color division, the silver and golden division, the shaded and smoke division, the tabby division, the particolor division, the bicolor division and the Himalayan division. Their coat is very long and flowing.

This cat should be kept inside or their coat will quickly become damaged. Persian cats need to be combed every day with a metal comb. If they are not brushed regularly, the coat will quickly become tangled and develop hairballs. To keep the coat as clean as possible, it is also recommended that you give an occasional bath. Try to start bathing the cat while they are young so that they can get used to it. This will keep the coat healthy, clean and beautiful. Please remember that this cat cannot maintain their fur by themselves; it is too long and dense. It needs to have daily grooming.

These cats are extremely sweet and gentle. They adapt easily into even the most boisterous households. Persian cats have a beautiful melodious voice that is very pleasant to hear. They communicate very well with their owners using their voice and their enormously expressive eyes. Persian cats are playful but not overly demanding of their owners. They seem to love to pose and look like they are trying to be beautiful. This cat absolutely loves to be admired and pampered. They are also not destructive cats. They don't like to climb and jump very much like other cats do, because of their short legs and mass. Most of the time they just like to show off how beautiful they are!

Keeping this cat inside is not only good for their coat, but it is also good for their health. This will keep disease and parasites away from the cat as well as everyday dangers such as cars and dogs. You should bring your cat to a vet once a year and keep your cat inside for optimal health. Persians can live for 15 to 20 years if cared for properly. However, they do have one health problem that needs to be looked after. Because their eyes are so large, the cat may have trouble keeping them cleaned. Therefore, you should check their eyes regularly for problems.

Compared to other cat breeds, this cat is very easy to keep. You won't have to worry very much about this cat jumping and climbing onto things. The only thing you will have to be sure to keep up with is daily grooming. Many people don't want to brush their cat everyday and if you feel this way then this isn't the cat for you.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Cats

The Problem Of Processed Food

Writen by Grant Carroll

When you're walking down the supermarket aisle looking for a good dog or cat food, you have no choice but to rely on what advertisement looks best or what food is cheapest. Unfortunately, neither of these tactics will get your pet the proper nutrition because pets digestive systems were never meant to eat processed foods in the first place.

In fact, if owners knew exactly what went into making dog and cat chow, they'd never let their pets touch the stuff again. For example, the fat in food is often left over cooking grease that's been sitting in 50 gallon drums in the sun. Vets say the processed food can lead to serious health problems, such as skin and digestive conditions.

Processed food has other issues with its quality as well. The ideal food for any dog or cat is raw meat. This is what their ancestors and wild cousins eat, and it's what their intestinal tract is made to eat. Pet food companies have to cook their meat before turning it into chow. They must also add preservatives to prolong the shelf life of the product. Imagine how healthy you would be if all you ever ate was processed, preserved food in pellet form.

Grant Carroll proud father of four dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters

Visit Elizabeth Austin Wholesale for Wholesale Dog Clothes and Wholesale Pet Supplies

Invisible Fences Help Keep Your Pet Safe

Writen by Steve Miers

If you have a dog that has a problem staying in your yard, then you are probably worried about them wandering off or getting into traffic. You want your dog to be able to run freely in your yard but at the same time you don't want them to be hurt in anyway.

A relative cheap alternative to fencing or putting your dog in a dog run is to have a professional company install an invisible fence. Depending on the size of your yard, installation can start at approximately $500. This is a small price to pay when it comes to the safety of your dog. Some electric fences that you install yourself are priced cheaper but without the professional training they are often not as affective. This can end up costing you more money in the long run to switch to professional installation.

The first thing you need to do is to find a professional installer in your area that is ASPC approved to be sure that the product is humane to your dog. Most places will come out to your home and give you a free demonstration and estimate for installation. You can show them what areas you want fenced in, including around swimming pools, the woods or just specific parts of the yard.

Once the fencing is installed, the company will mark the fencing with flags so that your dog can begin to associate the flags with the boundaries. They typically have a professional dog trainer on staff that can train your dog to know where they can and can't go. Your dog will wear a collar that will emit a tone when they are too close to the boundaries. This way they will learn to stop when they hear the sound rather than experiencing a shock. You can request them to send you batteries throughout the year so that you won't have to worry about the batteries running out.

The average time it takes dogs to respond to the fencing and understand their boundaries is approximately 3-4 weeks. It can take more or less time depending on the dog and how much fencing is installed in the yard. Once your dog learns the boundaries, you can remove the flags. If your dog ever crosses the boundaries, you can call the company and have them come out to retrain, often free of charge.

Safe for your dog and family, the invisible fence allows you to keep your dog in your yard without changing your landscape. It does not give your dog the harmful shocks that many electric fences can give. You can search on the internet for more information or for invisible fence companies in your area.

I enjoy writing and creating websites. For more of my websites please visit my mideval clothing, bactiria, riskmanagement websites.

The Coton De Tulear

Writen by Michael Russell

The Coton De Tulear is a Bichon type dog which is descended from the small white dogs of Madagascar which were believed to have been brought to the Mediterranean region by a shipwreck in 1665. These small white dogs existed in Europe as early as the 1500s according to written references of the time. Often these were the little dogs which were carried on ships as companions of the passengers and also as a ship's dog to rid the ship of rats and vermin. These early Bichon type dogs, as they were dispersed around Europe by sailors and travelers, began to be named mostly after the region in which they flourished and each type, though basically from similar origins, developed along lines which were sufficiently different that most of these small white fluffy dogs are now compartmentalized as separate breeds and registered as such by the F.C.I. (the European counterpart of the A.K.C.)

The Coton De Tulear is distinguished by it's silky long single coat which is quite fine and cotton like in texture. The coat is white although there may be slight biscuit or lemon markings on the ears or feet and rarely one can find specimens which are black and white. The coat length is about three inches and the standards require that it not be scissored but left in a natural state. It is a small dog standing no higher than 10-11 inches at the withers. The head has a well defined stop and the untrimmed hair should be left in a "fall" over the eyes, often covering the eyes completely. The tail is not curled too tightly but should be loosely curled over the back.

The Coton is a breed which is quite friendly and has enjoyed a popularity amongst the upper classes of Madagascar as a status symbol. The small white dogs ran wild in packs on the island. When they became "socialized" they became favorites of the nobility. For many years it was outlawed for a member of the lower classes to own a Coton.

This little dog has a sweet but also playful demeanor and is a gentle and affectionate little dog. He would be considered a "lap dog" even though early in his origins he was also quite useful as a ratter. The Coton does have a distinctive growly "talk" which is unique. He is a good watchdog for setting up an alarm even though he is a small dog. Also this is a highly intelligent dog that is easily trained.

The Coton de Tulear is becoming more popular in the show rings of Europe. It has recently joined the list of dogs registered in Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel club, this is usually the first step towards eventual registration in the A.K.C.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs

Shih Tzu The Canine Flu Outbreak Of 2005

Writen by Connie Limon

The canine flu outbreak in the summer of 2005 can be thought of as equivalent to colds and flu that people get. It spreads much the same way, through direct contact, through the air, and through exposure to whatever the virus touches. The symptoms are similar as well, with infected dogs or shih tzu developing a runny nose, fever, and a persistent cough that can last for two to three weeks. The severity of symptoms varies because there are two forms of the illness. The mild form can come and go unnoticed, but the dog or shih tzu will still be a carrier. The dog or shih tzu can look and act normal and still have an active infection. The more severe form of canine flu is obvious with acute symptoms that can turn into pneumonia.

The canine flu's signature cough is different from kennel cough. Kennel cough is a hacking cough, and the dog or shih tzu usually feels fine otherwise. With canine flu the cough is a soft, moist cough. There will be a high fiver, nasal discharge, rapid, shallow breathing, loss of energy and loss of appetite. These last symptoms appear when the illness has progressed to pneumonia. Canine flu does not normally produce vomiting, diarrhea or other intestinal problems in dogs or the shih tzu.

The canine flu virus is not related to human flu or to the avian (bird) flu that has killed people in Asia. No humans have been infected with the canine flu.

The canine flu's mortality rate is very low with estimates of about 5 percent. Those at greatest risk of developing complications are older dogs or older shih tzu, young puppies or young shih tzu puppies, and any dog or shih tzu with a weak immune system. The canine flu is NEW, but not that new. The canine flu was first identified two years ago.

Which dogs or which shih tzu are at risk? All dogs and all shih tzu are at risk. Some areas have been hit harder than others. It is estimated that the odds are very high your dog or shih tzu has already been exposed or soon will be. Wherever you live, this flu will eventually arrive.

The virus is airborne and spreads easily. Dogs or shih tzu who develop symptoms will do so within 24 to 72 hours of exposure. The exact incubation period is unknown. A infected dog or shih tzu will be contagious for at least a few days and possibly weeks. No one knows how long the virus is viable on surfaces, but it probably survives at least 24 hours and may live even longer.

Can the canine flu be prevented? Everything boils down to the individual shih tzu or dog's immune system. There is no vaccine for the canine flu.

The other key factor is diet. You can do a lot to improve your shih tzu or dog's immune system just by improving the quality of his food. One supplement that may be helpful for preventing viral infections is Thymex, which is a thymus gland supplement that stimulates an immune response, and Cataplex A-C-P, which is antioxidant-bioflavonoid blend that increases white blood cells and improves lung-related respiratory diseases. HealthyPetNet Life's Abundance dog food and daily supplement is an excellent choice for improving the immune system in dogs and the shih tzu.

An herbal classic from Juliette de Bairacli Levy, the famous herbalist whose Natural Rearing philosophy has improved the health of dogs and the shih tzu for more than 60 years is an Herbal Compound supplement that contains garlic, rue, sage, thyme, eucalyptus, and wormwood – all serious infection fighters – in a base of vegetable charcoal.

Coconut oil is recommended to dogs and the shih tzu as a flu preventive. Feeding your dog or shih tzu coconut oil everyday, preferably two or three times per day is an excellent way to prevent infection. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil kill most strains of flu virus and, taken daily, should be effective against the canine flu.

Do not panic! As the canine flu virus spreads across the United States and the world, it will continue to cause shih tzu and dog owners confusion and stress. Headlines in the news and rumors always paint a worst than really is picture of anything that makes the headlines and news of our world. The worst case scenarios does not have to happen to your dog or shih tzu. With a little help, your shih tzu and dog's immune system can respond efficiently to any contagious disease, including canine flu.

Connie Limon is a shih tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Feline Immunization And Why It Is Important To You

Writen by Brent Jones

A cat's natural immunization program may begin before birth, if the mother has her immunizations on schedule. The mothers immunizations can be passed to her kittens through placental membranes before birth, and through colostrums, (milk), after birth, referred to as passive immunity. Cats are susceptible to a host of contagious and fatal diseases and it is very important to maintain protection against these diseases with routine vaccinations.

Kittens are generally given a series of two modified live vaccines, the first at eight weeks for feline panleaukopenia (FPL), Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, (FVR), and Feline Calicivirus (FCV), repeated again at twelve weeks along with the first inoculation for the Rabies virus. The latter dose is then boostered after one year. Female cats should be current on immunizations before breeding, and any vaccinating done during a pregnancy should only be done with a killed virus vaccine as modified live vaccines could potentially damage the fetuses.

No matter what age or type of cat involved, all domestic cats should be vaccinated yearly. Even strictly indoor cats need immunization, as they still run the risk of coming in contact with contagious outdoor cats. Owners can unknowingly handle a contagious cat and carry a virus home to their unimmunized pets. Cats that spend any time outside run even greater risk of exposure. There are other diseases and ailments that can affect your pet. Those listed here are the worst and usually the most fatal. Please contact your veterinarian for any additional information to keep them healthy.

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed the website http://joncopets.com/ on the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest trendy items for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at http://joncopets.com/.

Leaving Pets Alone For Long Periods

Writen by Vivian Gilbert Zabel

The time always comes when two-legged beings must leave their pet or pets behind as they venture out into the world. The adventures may be trips, vacations, or a long-hours shift at wok that mean pets can't go, too. So how long is too long for a pet to be left alone? What can a person do to be sure a pet doesn't suffer ill effects?

When my husband and I took a long trip in our ancient, but still moving, motor home, we took our two cats with us. But one of them did not adjust to traveling well; and we decided, after two trips close by and the one over 2,000 miles one way, that if we traveled any more, she couldn't go. Since G.G. couldn't go, then Funny Face needed to stay with her because the two don't like to be separated. The two cats can manage quite well on their own at home with automatic water containers and feeders, a clean litter box, and no outside access. However, unexpected things can and usually do happen. Therefore, we always had someone who knew the cats check on them at least twice a week or more.

What difference does making arrangements for pets left for long periods make? Let's look at some of the problems that might arise if pets are alone and unsupervised.

Pets left alone longer than normal can cause stress or behavior problems. Cats and dogs left inside have been know to become destructive or to eat indoor plants, actions not usual. The destructive behavior not only results in a mess awaiting owners to return, but may become a regular type of behavior. Eating house plants often leads to poisoning. Pets may revert to less socially accepted behavior, too, as a result. Injury, heat stroke, or illness due to tick or snake bites are dangers awaiting pets left outside for a lengthy time.

Even if automatic waterers and feeders are in place, they could clog or malfunction, leaving an animal without water or food.

Therefore no animal should be left without human supervision longer than an hour or two longer than what the owner would be gone normally. Someone should check on the animal regularly, give some attention, make sure water and food are sufficient, and allow the pet to feel as if not abandoned. If no one is available that can be trusted and who knows the pet, consider placing the dog, cat, or whatever in a boarding facility that you have inspected and know is reputable.

Taking on a pet is a commitment a person makes for the lifetime of the animal's life. Therefore extra time and effort is needed when the owner must leave the pet for extended periods of time.

Vivian Gilbert Zabel, an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ , has two books available through Amazon.com and most book stores, Hidden Lies and Other Stories and Walking the Earth: Life's Perspectives in Poetry. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

Choosing The Right Dog Breed

Writen by Andrew Strachan

Were you aware that there are literally hundreds of distinct dog breeds? When you decide to get a dog, choosing the right dog breed for you and your family is essential. With so many different dog breeds available, this can become a very daunting task. Luckily, there are ways in which you can narrow down your options somewhat, making the whole thing a lot easier.

First and foremost you should be considering one major factor..... How much space do you have? If you live in an apartment there is little point in getting a large dog that takes up a lot of room and may also need a lot of exercising. For living areas with limited space, consider the Toy group of dogs such as the Terrier Group or Miniature Pinscher. Also the cost of keeping your dog should be evaluated. Very large dogs may eat significant amounts of food whereas smaller dogs will eat very little in comparison. Try doing a rough calculation of cost for several different dog breeds over a twelve month period. Take into consideration food and regular visits to the vet for inoculation, worming etc. You will see that larger dogs are very often much more expensive to keep.

If you have children, you may want to consider what dog breed would suit them. Children can be quite heavy handed with pets sometimes; getting a Chihuahua for example may not be such a good idea as they are delicate animals. Similarly, having a Great Dane or Saint Bernard marauding around the house could be dangerous for a child. The age and number of children you have should definitely be considered as this will affect what type of dog would best suit your circumstances.

Another major point to consider is how much exercise you can offer your dog. If you have a reasonable sized yard, fencing it off will provide a good space for your dog to exercise itself. If you live in an apartment, consider getting a dog that requires very little exercise. An excitable Border collie would be a poor choice for an apartment life. Also, how much exercise can YOU put up with? There is no point getting a dog that requires lots of exercise such as a Hunting or Sporting dog breed if you cannot keep up the exercise regime. Try and get a dog that suits your lifestyle.

Grooming you dog is something to think about. If you do not have a lot of spare time in your life try to avoid dog breeds like the Standard Poodle which will need very regular grooming sessions. The short haired Terriers or Whippets make a good choice for somebody who has little time to sit and groom for hours at a time. Conversely if you have a lot of free time, regular grooming sessions with your dog will provide you both with a lot of quality time that you will both enjoy.

When choosing your dog, take a look at the bigger picture. Try to resist the temptation to go for the cutest, cuddliest, adorable dog you can find. Consider your lifestyle, your home, your family and try to find a dog breed that fits best with your life. After all, your new dog will be sharing your life with you for many years to come so making sure that you are both happy is an important thing to consider.

Article By Andrew Strachan. Find lots more information about choosing the right dog breed and different types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com Lots of help and advice too.

Caring For Your New Puppy

Writen by Laura Anderson

Caring for your new puppy can be challenging. Before you bring your puppy home, make sure you have already taken care of some very important things.

Make sure you have checked the house and yard for hazards.

Hide electrical cords behind furniture.

Pick up anything you don't want eaten.

Hide cleaning products,pesticides,insecticides,anti-freeze, and rat and snail baits.

Check to make sure the yard is enclosed completely.Look for loose boards and clearance under fences.

Close off pools or ponds.

You should prepare a place that will be just for him. One of the best investments you can make is to purchase a crate. It will greatly ease the process of house breaking, and it will give you a safe place to leave him when you can't watch him. You will want to protect your home from puppy, and puppy from the home. The crate should be big enough for him now and later.

If he is a large breed dog and will grow quickly you will probably need to block off part of the crate while he is small. A crate shouldn't be too big or it defeats one of the main purposes, which is to work with his instincts of not wanting to soil where he sleeps. If he can get far away from an 'accident' he will have little reason to 'hold it' for very long.

His crate should always be a happy place to be. You can give him treats there, feed him, give him favorite toys in there. This should NEVER be a place he's put when scolded. A very young puppy might benefit from an alarm clock wrapped in a towel, or a warm bean bag to curl up by. Just make sure he won't chew on anything that is in his bed.

There will be plenty of things that you won't want the puppy to do, so make sure you have plenty of things around that it is alright for the puppy to do. There should be all kinds of toys and chew things available. Stay away from rubber toys that are easy to chew up and swallow. They pose a threat if ingested. Plush squeek toys are much more advisable, as well as tennis balls, tug toys, and nylon bones...but not rawhide, this also can create huge problems when swallowed.

You should schedule a first puppy exam within a few days of bringing your puppy home. You will want to have him checked over to make sure he is healthy and free from congenital defects. The veterinarian will look for juvenile cataracts, hernias, a cleft palate, deformities, heart murmurs, parasites, and general body condition. These are things you want to rule out right away.

If your puppy has a clean bill of health you will probably start him into his series of vaccines and deworming at this time, depending on his age. Puppy should have his first set at six weeks old and will continue about every three to four weeks until he gets his rabies shot at four months old. Be sure to follow the schedule as closely as you can, a break in vaccines can render him much more susceptible to viruses as his immunity will be compromised.

Your puppy should NOT go out in public until he has completed his vaccines. Parks or anywhere other animals might go are potential hazards as viruses will be prevelant.

Deworming is also a very important part of the necessary schedule of things to do. 98% of all puppies are born with intestinal parasites, and you probably won't see them so don't be fooled. Intestinal parasites create many problems such as malnutrition, a supressed immune system and poor body condition. They will not allow him to grow well or be very healthy so be sure to deworm him at least two times, two weeks apart.

Unless you plan to show the puppy, you also need to schedule either HER spay or HIS neuter by the time the puppy is six months old. There are serious medical and behavioral concerns that associated with un-altered dogs. Problems range from aggresion and territorial marking to ovarian,mammary,uterine,or prostate cancer. Pyometra is another dangerous condition which effects un-spayed female dogs. These are potentially fatal and completely avoidable conditions so be sure you make these are some things you keep from happening.

Feeding is another big question that new owners have. The best plan is to either continue with what the breeder was feeding or slowly wean to a high quality food of your choice. Make sure you look for one that is formulated for puppies, and look for quality. Pet stores are usually good places to look, avoid the grocery store aisle. A young puppy should eat 3-4 times a day for the first couple of months, and decrease to twice by six or eight months.

He should be allowed to eat about as much as he wants in 10- 15 minutes at a time. Don't leave left over food down. It will attract animals or bugs, and it will spoil. Make sure puppy eats on a regular schedule so you can monitor his appetite. It is often the first thing to go if he gets sick. Don't just leave food out.

There are often special conditions to consider with giant breeds of dog and with toy breeds of dog, make sure you avoid adding anything to their diet unless you clear it with the vet first. Also, when you decide on a food, stick to it, changing his diet can wreak havoc on his digestive system.

Mostly, remember enjoy him. There will be plenty of time to learn all the rules. Be consistent with him and set clear expectations but remember he is a baby and it will take time. Love him, play with him, talk to him and make sure he knows he's special. He will always have your back.

http://www.puppys-place.com/index.html

Defend Your Dog And Stop That Hurting Paw

Writen by Blake Kritzberg

Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet. We insist on it! But dogs usually don't have that luxury, and routinely walk over ice, rock, grass, cement and soil on their bare paws. Their paws' thick pads give them protection we don't have, and that's why they're less susceptible to cuts and grazes. But this doesn't mean a dog's paws are indestructible. In fact, the areas between the pads are very sensitive and can suffer from cuts, burns, and other ailments.

One of the clues to a paw problem is when your dog comes back limping or favoring only one of its legs. The only way for you to narrow down the issue is to check his paw for any visible and physical signs of bleeding, swelling, redness or blisters.

Some dogs are very protective of their paws and don't like people touching them -- and they'll let you know! Keep persisting. One of my dogs, who just hates having her paws touched, will usually relax when I gently reassure her that I'm only trying to help. Although dogs don't understand many of our words, they do just fine at detecting our emotions, and sometimes intentions, from our actions and tone of voice.

If your dog has a cut, wash the wound with an antiseptic solution and apply a layer of antiseptic cream. Check the wound again the next day to see if it's getting better. If it looks infected, you should bring your dog to the vet. I was once shocked to discover maggots wiggling inside a paw wound on my dog -- ugh. Needless to say, we went to the vet immediately (she was fine after treatment).

In certain breeds, hair mats may grow between the pads, which can cause irritation. In these breeds, it's essential to trim regularly between the mats to keep the paws in good shape. Even in other breeds, dogs that run outdoors can get mud trapped between the pads. Again, this will irritate the paw, so it's best that you clean up with soap and water when you see mud between the toes.

Just as we humans get dry and cracked heels, dogs also experience dry and calloused paw pads. The solution for them is similar to ours -- apply moisturizers. In fact, you can even use your hand moisturizer on your dog! But there's a challenge involved: stopping your dog from licking it away after you apply it. A good trick is to apply the moisturizer right before your dog has his meal. This way, you can allow a little time for the moisturizer to settle in. Otherwise, you can play with your pooch to keep him occupied and restrain him if he starts licking his paws.

Finally, you probably have seen dogs in dog boots and wondered if these boots would effectively protect your dog's feet. But your dog may be better off without them, as they can easily walk out of these boots -- active, athletic dogs in particular. In the end, your dog will enjoy himself more walking on his own paws, with some occasional care and maintenance from you.

Blake Kritzberg is editor of FavorIdeas. Stop by for continually-updated celebrity wedding news, remarkable beach wedding favors, exclusive hairstyling articles and gorgeous and unique wedding favors.

Does Size Matter For Dogs

Writen by Jake Rose

Dogs are one of the best kind of pets you can have. But there are so many choices in types of dogs out there that it can seem confusing which to pick. Not only is breed important, but the size of the dog does matter. Considering there are too many different breeds of dogs to look at in full detail in one article, the size of the dog will help provide good insight when determining the exact breed. There's a big difference between small and large dogs.

Dogs can provide a lot of things. They can provide happiness when someone is down, a friend when someone is lonely, exercise when someone wants to go outside, a companion for walks, security, or even a family member to spoil. All of these can be possible for all dogs, but not every dog can fit quite as well. For example, who would get a chihuaha as a guard dog? Or who would get a mastiff to dress up in cute clothing and rich accessories? That is why size of the dog matters.

Small dogs can generally be looked at more as a child. In this sense it is that they are usually more spoiled and pampered. Just look at all the people that dress them up in little clothing and jewelry, that carry them around like a baby, and just overall treat them more like a doll or child than an animal. Their size also means they eat and drink less, usually make smaller messes, and less dangerous if they become aggressive.

Large dogs can generally be looked at more as a friend. In this sense it is that they usually do more activities with the master like a friend would. Examples can be walks and runs, swimming, and other more physical and active behaviors. They generally prefer the rougher forms of play like tossing around a ball, Frisbee or Kong, unlike little dogs that usually aren't quite as active or built as solid. Large dogs are also great for security, whether trained physically to be dominant or just precautions to scare away any intruders with their frightening barks.

Both can be great replacements for children if the person or couple is not looking to have children. But they fill different voids. A small dog can be pampered like a small child, dressed up and carried around. They become a baby in the family. A large dog can is more active like an older child, generally more into roughhousing and outdoor activities. They become a more friend and companion in the family.

All dogs provide something unique to the families that adopt them. It is not determined solely on size, but is also factored by breed, genetics, and personality. Whether it is a small chihuaha or large mastiff, a well-loved dog will become a great family member and a friend for life.

Jake Rose is an artist and an author from Massachusetts.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com which is a site for Pet Forums.

5 Thing You Should Know Before Choosing A German Shepherd

Writen by Tommy Davis

German Shepherds are an incredibly loving, intelligent breed of dog and are the ideal pet for active families. They love being with people and are generally extremely eager to please their human companions.

There are 5 things you should know before you make your decision.

1. Appearance and Size. The German Shepherd is a medium to large size dog. Height: 22-26 inches. Weight: 65-95 lbs

2. Personality. The German Shepherd dog is extremely intelligent, easily trainable, loyal and faithful throughout his life. The breed is popular for being a police dog, and often used in search in rescue missions. He is also a popular companion dog, a part of the family, and a guard dog.

3. Home and Family Relations. German shepherd are extremely tolerant by nature. For this reason they are excellent pets for children, and a natural protector. And with the proper obedience training they can be an imposing guard dog.

4. Training. Training should begin early in life. Untrained German shepherd have a tendency to be difficult to handle and/or control. German shepherd training is a process that can take many hours of work on both your part and that of your dog, but the rewards are certainly worth it. Basic training of your German shepherd will take anywhere between a few weeks to several months, depending on the amount of time you have to put in to it. You will find that it is time and effort very well spent.

5. Health. Most common diseases are Hip dysplasia, bloat, aortic stenosis.

A German shepherd in your family will require a lot of your time and careful training. They require daily exercise, if not, they will want to jump all over you and your guests in their excitement, especially when they are still young, and can also be aggressive towards other animals.

Tommy Davis

For more information on dogs, and submit your own dog story. Visit http://www.dog-basics.info

Ferrets The Ideal Pet

Writen by Susan Jan

If you love pets that are quiet and cute, then ferrets will be the right choice. Because by their very appearance, many people tend to mistake them for rodents but they are actually more like a cross between a cat and a dog.

During earlier times ferrets were used to hunt down, or dig out rabbits from their burrows. But nowadays they are mostly kept as pets. If you are thinking of buying a ferret, you should buy one from reputable shelters or breeders or from the Humane Society.

Before taking your ferret home, make sure that your ferret has been given the necessary vaccinations. It is also a good idea to consult a local veterinarian for information on common ferret diseases and their cure. Ferrets live roughly for about 7 to 10 years. A ferret costs around $75 to $120, depending on its age and from where you buy.

Contrary to common belief, ferrets can be trained effectively though it may not be as easy as training cats or dogs. Training ferrets to learn the rules of the house will be a gradual process. The best way to reward a ferret for positive behavior is by giving it food. For behaviors that are not acceptable, paying no attention to the ferret or confining it in the cage will work wonders. As ferrets move around a lot, they tend to mess up the rooms. Nipping is also a major problem associated with ferrets. Nevertheless they can be trained to use the litter and not to nip.

Good ferret care is important for raising a healthy and happy ferret. Frequent interaction with their owners help ferrets get used to their new homes. It is also a good idea to spend a lot of time with your new pet ferret especially during the early days of domesticating. Ferrets that are used to playing with people since their baby days tend to be more friendly and playful. Though ferrets sleep almost 15 to 16 hours a day, they are very active the rest of the time and love to play with toys and frolic around.

Ferrets are carnivores by nature and require a diet rich in animal protein and low in fiber. Ferrets were generally given cat or dog dry foods before, but nowadays specially packed ferret foods are available in pet shops. Totally Ferret, Ferrotone and Zupreem are the most common ferret food brands among ferret owners.

A variety of ferret accessories are now also available on the market, which include toys, cages and other innovative items. Large cages should be bought complete with floors, stairs and tunnels. If you have enough space in your backyard, you can also make a natural abode for your pet, including hammocks, hanging bunks, cozy beds and custom litters.

For a more in-depth look at ferrets drop by Susan's sites Ferrets and Ferret Food, and also at Shopping and Society.

Pets Is There A Cure

Writen by John Gibb

Keeping pets is strange when you think about it – you get an animal to come and stay in your house with you, you feed it, you give it everything it needs, and you even clean up after it. Yet, since prehistoric times, people have kept pets. What do they get out of it?

People's reasons for getting pets vary widely, but there are a few main reasons you can identify. Children are often bored and want a pet to play with, while older people can get lonely and want a pet to keep them company.

So which pet is right for you? Well, the pets that people tend to get on with best are the ones that are most like them.

The biggest division is between 'dog people' and 'cat people', and it's a definite question of personality. Dogs are loyal creatures that want to depend on you and be taken care of, while cats are more independent, giving affection on their own terms. If you like to give and receive unconditional affection then you should probably get a dog – and if you think what I just said was stupid and sappy, then the chances are you're more of a cat person.

Of course, there are plenty of other animals to choose from. Birds like budgies, for example, are very playful and interesting, while not requiring you to take on as much responsibility as you would with a dog, for example. If you just want your pet to look nice and not to very much, then you can get tropical fish – a good pet if you're busy, although hardly the most exciting thing to own.

Finally, if you're a bit of a quirky sort, then you might consider a more unusual pet. All sorts of strange animals can be kept as pets, from lizards like turtles and snakes to insects like slugs and snails. Little rodents like hamsters are popular, and there are plenty to choose from – ever fancied having a chipmunk? If you get a wild animal licence, you might even be able to keep big zoo animals like tigers and monkeys… scary, I know. Really, the only limit is your imagination.

John Gibb is the owner of pet cures guide. For more information on pet cures please check out http://www.Cure-Your-Pet2000.Info

The Attitude Of A Toy Breed

Writen by Connie Limon

Does your little toy dog know who is in charge? Or do they think they are in charge? Some people are not bothered that their little toy dog seems to run the household and may mistakenly call this being "spoiled." A better description would be lack of training or failure to set limits. The life of a little dog can become dangerous without some official "human" rules.

Dogs have excellent ability, senses and ways of communicating with us. They do need to learn the limits of living in our human society without allowing them to be "little people" who can just do as they please. Dogs are like children. They feel more secure and understand how they fit into the world around them when rules and limits are set for them.

Because small dogs are less dangerous and are capable of doing less harm, aggressiveness is often overlooked and uncorrected. People often put up with a small dog's aggressiveness. However, all dogs are much more enjoyable when they are well mannered. A toy dog with good manners is an ideal companion. Teaching good manners to your small dog will allow him to be welcome everywhere he goes.

Obedience commands are the ideal way to teach small dog manners and prevent or correct problems. The first thing any dog or puppy should hear when he is headed for trouble is a stern "NO!" He must learn this word means to stop immediately whatever naughty thing he is doing. That "NO" should always gains his immediate attention. Remember to praise him when he does the right thing.

For a puppy to remain safe he needs to learn four or five commands. Teaching him the command "Wait" will keep him from jumping out in front of a car. Sit, Stay and Come are the other important commands to teach your toy puppy for his own safety. The commands of "Leave it" and "Out" are also important commands for the curious toy puppy. Begin training your toy puppy as soon as he has settled into his new home. Buy a good training book especially for the toy puppy and look for the gentle training methods. Even better is training classes with a professional trainer. Definitely learn whether or not the trainer has ever worked with toy breed dogs and puppies.

A toy puppy should also be taught to lie on his side at a very young age. This training is especially valuable for the toy breeds that have a lot of hair and will require regular brushing.

Even though your toy breed puppy is very small, and quite easily to pick up, and carry around, train him to wear a collar and leash as soon as possible.

Connie Limon raises Shih Tzu Puppies. Buy Designer Dog Clothes and accessories made especially for any toy breed dog are offered at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

Your Dogs Health May Be At Risk

Writen by Brigitte Smith

Dogs should be living to age 20 or more. That's their natural lifespan. But it's being cut short by chemical toxicity in your dog's environment and in commercial petfood, which is fed (to a greater or lesser extent) to over 90 per cent of pets in modern society.

Whether you feed your dog fresh meat or home prepared food as your primary food source, if you're giving ANY commercial petfood to your dog, the chances are that you're cutting your dog's life short. Add to this the toxicity of most veterinary-prescribed and over the counter drugs, including your dog's vaccinations, cortisone (given for a multitude of problems), and parasite treatments (worms, fleas, ticks, mites and so on), and you've got a chemical cocktail which is causing premature ageing and death in companion animals all over the industrialized world.

Does it have to be this way?

Pollutants affect us all to some degree, but there ARE a number of steps that you can take to minimise your dog's exposure to toxic compounds that affect your dog's health and longevity. There ARE chemical-free dog food programs. There ARE natural alternatives to most toxic drugs routinely given to your dog. And you CAN reduce the pollutants and chemicals that your dog is exposed to on a daily basis.

(c) 2005, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs

Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free dog health report, click here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com

For info on detoxifying your dog's system, click here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/RemoveToxinsNaturally