Today's Inside Scoop - For Your Pet: dogs

Showing posts with label dogs. Show all posts

Monday, July 27, 2009

Is Your Dog Going Blind? Caring For Blind Dogs.

Living with a blind dog can be a challenge for the whole family. However, caring for a blind dog is not difficult if you know what steps to take to help your dog transition to a life of blindness. Visit http://www.BlindDogInfo.com/free for information about blindness in dogs and how you can help your blind dog.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Dog Care Tip: Modular Dog Kennels

I personally hate chain fences, they're not the prettiest things in the world and they don't offer you, your family or your home much protection. However, they became popular because they were cheap, and an easy way to keep your pet inside your yard. But no more!

Now there is new modular fencing that is affordable and safer. With chain link fences your dog's collar could get caught on a link, or might not be effective in keeping smaller breeds inside the yard. What pet owners can do is invest in modular fencing or a modular kennel ( seen above) , both are easy to install and available in custom sizes to tailor to your pet's specific size.

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Friday, August 22, 2008

Dogs May Cause Snoring... and Early Death!

I came across a pretty interesting story in The Times of India.

A recent research study has linked snoring with dog owners! Kids who grew up with a canine are more likely to be heavy snorers as adults.

The study was conducted in Sweden, and statistically, growing up with a dog can increase your chances of snoring by a quarter. Not so bad right? Unfortunately, snoring is also linked with early death, heart disease and stroke.

What's the connection?

"Dogs may increase airborne particles that would encourage inflammation and thereby alter upper airway anatomy early in life, causing an increased susceptibility for adult snoring," said lead researcher Karl Franklin of University Hospital Ume.

But not to worry! there are more studies still being conducted by the likes of India-based doctor SK Dasgupta.

"The man's best friend cannot be blamed for snoring. It is vibration of respiratory structures, and the resulting sound is because of obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping." Which Dr. Dasgupta claims can not be caused by a dog. I hope he's right!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

The Answer to Your Pet's behavior Problems may be in your Backyard!

The great outdoors can make your pet healthier and happier!

Dog's dig holes, it's just what they do, but there are certain things you can do so your dog digs a hole in a designated area, and not where you just planted $250 worth of plants from Green Thumb. Dogs and cats both need to stretch their legs, so if they're having behavioral problems, it might be from being cooped up in a house all day.

Give your pet a designated play area outside. Remove plants that are toxic to pets such as tiger lilies, rises,ivy and ornamental grass. Instead, use Pyracantha or barberries which are resistant to dogs. Use plastic or rubber edges to outline planting beds, steel ones can cut your pet's paws.

Taking into consideration what materials you use in your backyard can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly emergency vet visits when your pet gets sick after eating something toxic after playing in your yard. Not only can it resolve potential medical risks, but also fix behavioral problems too!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Pet Grooming Tips from Experts!

Want the secrets of pet stylists?

Here are some tips from some of the top pet groomers to give you an idea of how you can get that "fresh from the salon" look for your pets.

* How often should I bathe my dog?

Almost everything we do with or to our pets should be carefully considered along with what breed it is, but commonly a pet should be bathed every 6 weeks, more than that and you can leave the dogs hair and skin dry.

* Is it OK to bathe the dog outside with the garden hose?

Would you like to get washed with a garden hose? Give them a nice luke warm wash in a tub. And always keep the water out of their ears, and don't spray them in the face. Always wipe down their face with a wet cloth, and do the rest of the body with a sprayer.

* Do I have to use a special shampoo for my pet, or can I just use my own shampoo?

DO NOT use human shampoo on a pet. Keep in mind that anything you put on a pet's coat goes in their mouth because they lick themselves. There's dog shampoo for a reason.

* Is it OK to dry my pet after a bath with my hair dryer?

Only if you keep is far away and at a very low level. Be very careful not to burn them.

* Can I just let the sun dry the dog without using a dryer?

If it's hot outside why not? A good rule of thumb is if you would be comfortable drying off in a wet t-shirt outside-don't make your dog do something you couldn't stand.

* Does my dog really need conditioners or finishing sprays?

If you're talking about a NEED and not a WANT, then no, finishing sprays are not a need, but conditioner is. Think of it as lotion, and how much damage can happen to skin when it's not moisturized for long periods of time.

* How often should I bathe my cat?

Lucky for all cat owners, cats clean themselves, so if your kitty is has a clean bill of health it should have no problem taking care of the hygiene issue. However, as they get older they're going to start needing more help.

Remember, cats are not dogs, so bathes aren't so important as brushing is. Brushing distributes the cat's natural oils evenly. Depending on whether you cat is a short hair or long hair, brush it once or a couple times of week.

* What's the best way to give a cat a bath?

Did you know that cats really aren't scared of water? It's the SOUND of the water that freaks them out. So try to gently cup the water over them until they're fully wet ( loud splashing note allowed).

Now that you know some of the tricks of the trade, prepare with a well-stocked home pet grooming kit: remember, depending on whether you have a dog or cat you may not need all the things listed here.

* Slicker brush: An all-purpose brush with wiry teeth that's ideal for brushing most dogs' coats between visits to a professional groomer.

* Nail clippers or nail grinder

* FURminator tool and de-shedding shampoo and solution: The FURminator de-shedding tool removes loose hair and undercoat. The shampoo and solution help loosen the undercoat for easier removal. (Note: The FURminator is not recommended for use with all dog breeds, including many terriers, or naturally curly-haired breeds such as poodles and bichons.)

* Shedding comb: A comb that penetrates into the undercoat to loosen mats and to collect loose top hairs.

* Bristle brush: For finishing; a soft brush that stimulates the skin and helps distribute oils evenly.

* Flea comb: Small comb with fine teeth to trap fleas.

* Toothbrush and toothpaste: Dogs will appreciate the beef- or chicken-flavor toothpaste made just for them.

* Dog shampoo and conditioner: Make sure to get products made just for dogs, with appropriate pH-levels for canine skin.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

New Technology by Eureka for Pet Owners

So you want to have some fun in the sun while your cat stays at home? Of course, like any responsible pet owner you get someone to look after your cat, pet it, feed it, make sure there's water in their bowl, but do you ever ask a pet-sitter to vaccuum while you're away?

Chances are probably not, so while you still have a healthy little kitty you now also have a huge furball that used to be your home. That's exactly why Eureka will be introducing the Boss 4D Pet Fresh Vacuum. A 25 pound high-powered upright with rubber teethed "Pet Power Paw" power brush to removing pet hair from furniture AND a sealed HEPA filter removes 99.97 percent of dander and dust with Arm & Hammer baking soda embedded into the vacuum's filter helps combat pet smells.

Definetely a high-end product--with a high end price: $125

Sound worth it?

Monday, July 7, 2008

CBS New Reality TV Show: Greatest American Dog

The new reality show on CBS "Greatest American Dog" has proud pet owners of all different background competing for a cash prize of $250,000. These owners include an owner with a degree in zoology, a bartender, a dog trainer ( there was bound to be one in the cast) a film producer, an apparel designer.. and the list goes on and one!

It's definitely nice to know that great animals don't have to be trained by world renowned trainers, who dedicate their lives to animals. Most of the contestants are just enthusiastic pet owners, which gives the show a nice little edge.

Don't forget to tune into the premiere on Thursday, July 10, 8pm et/p

However, I do think the dog trainer has an unfair advantage over the other contestants.

What do you think?

Thursday, July 3, 2008

4th of July!!!... almost

Petfinder.com is a great place to go if you're looking to buy a pet, they also give some great advice on how to keep your pet safe and calm during the fireworks this year:

Keep your pets indoors with the windows closed and air conditioner running or a radio on to help mask out as much noise as possible.

Allow your pets the freedom to seek refuge under the bed, behind the toilet or in the back of the closet without dragging them out to stroke them and murmur "it's okay." For many animals, that well-meant reassurance is the first step in establishing a serious phobia.

If your pet gets especially stressed or your neighborhood is particularly noisy, you may wish to talk to your veterinarian about the practicality of using tranquilizers or homeopathic remedies such as rock rose, mimulus or rescue remedy. In severe cases, you might consider sending your pet to a nice quiet country boarding kennel for the worst of it.

Have a good one!!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

New Technology To Control Barking Dogs

This definitely sounds like an interesting new idea...

Ispwich City Council has moved for a new collar, that records the time and frequency of its wearer's barks, to be included in council by-laws. This happened after receiving up to 1,000 per year complaints about barking dogs.

With these collars, it will no longer be a case of she-said-he-said, and provide concrete proof of whether the barking is a nuisance, or if a neighbor is being overly sensitive.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Upcoming Movie: Hotel For Dogs

The Los Angeles Times was recently on the set of the upcoming family movie: Hotel for Dogs. Here's what they had to say about the movie:

Photographer David Strick spent literally a few dog-day afternoons capturing the canine action on the set of the family film “Hotel for Dogs,” which is slated to open Jan. 16. Emma Roberts and Jake T. Austin star in the comedy adventure about two orphans -- a teenage girl and her younger brother -- who learn that their new guardians won't allow them to bring their beloved dog, Friday, with them to their new home. But they find the perfect solution when they discover an abandoned hotel and transform it into a doggy Plaza Hotel for Friday and his four-legged buddies. The film, based on Lois Duncan's 1971 children's book, marks the feature debut of director Thor Freudenthal, who admits he is more of a cat person than a dog fanatic. "But I have to tell you I was very tempted during this shoot to take one of the [dogs] home with me. They are so well behaved and beautiful." Nearly 90 dogs appear in the movie, with seven pooches playing the leads. Before production began, Freudenthal spent two weeks with the trainers to select the perfect hounds for the film. "It was important for me in the hero group of dogs to have a variety of types," says Freudenthal, who picked a huge mastiff and a teeny Boston terrier to play best friends Lenny and George. And Friday is played by a Jack Russell terrier.

Would you see this movie?

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Toy Poodle Becomes Poster Dog for Puppy Mills

Judith Davidoff for The Capital Times in WI, wrote a great story about how a rescued toy poodle became the posterdog for puppy mill dogs. Here's the gist of it:

Shortly after losing her nearly 9-year-old standard poodle to cancer, Jana Kohl decided she wanted her next dog to be small and portable. Like many others, she turned to the Internet in search of a purebred toy poodle.

One especially cute puppy from a breeder in Texas caught her eye. Kohl called the breeder and mailed a deposit. A friend warned her of the horrors of puppy mills, but Kohl admits she only "half-listened."

"What I discovered was a house of horrors," says Kohl, who lives on the West Coast. "Barns and sheds filled with rows and rows of caged dogs who had never walked on grass, had never seen the sun, who were locked in cages their entire lives and used like breeding machines -- treated as if they were inanimate objects."

Kohl left without a dog but with a new mission in life: "I remember standing there that day, saying to myself, 'You will never be the same.' Because I knew I had to do something about it."

A few months later Kohl adopted "Baby," a 9-year-old toy poodle that had been rescued from a puppy mill, and the two have been inseparable ever since. Together they travel the country drumming up support to outlaw the inhumane practices and conditions found at thousands of puppy mills around the country.

A chronicle of their travels -- with heart-melting photos of Baby and her conquests -- is contained in "A Rare Breed of Love: The True Story of Baby and the Mission She Inspired to Help Dogs Everywhere," a new book out from Simon and Schuster. Baby and Kohl will be in Madison on Monday, June 30, at Barnes & Noble as part of a 25-city tour to promote the book.

"We just don't have laws on the books to protect these dogs from inhumane abuse," says Kohl in a phone interview from her tour bus, which is wrapped with photos from the book and a plea to "Boycott pet stores and Internet breeders -- adopt insteadI think the public is increasingly outraged and is demanding that we treat the animals in our midst with humanity and compassion."

She was in college when she heard a speech by Rabbi Marvin Hier, who was in the process of founding what would become the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights organization headquartered in Los Angeles.

"I went up to him that night and said, 'I want to help you,' " recalls Kohl.

Looking back on the last several decades, Kohl says a common thread has run through her work.

Kohl dropped out of college and volunteered at the center for about six months before joining the staff. In the early 1980s she opened the organization's Chicago office.

"For whatever reason, I've always been concerned about how society sanctions cruelty," she says. "There's probably no more hideous example of that than the Holocaust."

Kohl eventually went back to school, earning a doctorate in psychology. Yet right after finishing her degree, she chose animal welfare work instead of a counseling practice.

She says she learned about inhumane factory farming practices by reading literature from the Humane Society. At the time, her standard poodle, Blue, was still alive.

"It was my relationship with that dog that really sensitized me to the sentient nature of animals," she says.

Kohl says that is a common trajectory for people with family pets.

"The dog was the ambassador who opened their eyes," she says.

The bigger question, says Kohl, is whether it is responsible for anyone at all to breed dogs when between 4 million and 5 million homeless pets are euthanized every year, according to Humane Society statistics.

"To me, it's irresponsible," says Kohl. "I say, 'Find another hobby.' "

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Take Your Pet to Work Day Holiday

This Friday is the 9^th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day

Petfinder.com (a great database for adopting pets) discovered that this policy decreases stress, improves peoples' moods, and brings smiles to almost every client that walks through the door.So ask your boss if your company recognized Take Your Dog to Work Day THIS FRIDAY, June, 20, 2008.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Fun Videos: Skateboarding Dog

This is Pete now famous skateboarding dog RIPPING the ramps at the SKATELAB in CALIFORNIA.These are just a few of the tricks that he can perform. He was trained with positive reinforcement, never abused in any ways, and he loves to do everything that you see on this video

Come join us in the web's most dynamic and fun online pet community at http://www.planet-pets.com/ and keep your finger on the pulse by signing up free to our monthly online newsletter, The Scoop today!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

South Korea's Jindo Dog

What dog breed is this?

It is South Korea's JINDO! Never heard of it? There's a reason why.

The Jindo is in a very peculiar situation. In South Korea the Jindo is a certified national treature. There are even government facilities for breeding and caring for the Jindo. However, this breed is not recognized anywhere in the world except Korea.

Because they are a national treasure, pure bred Jindos must stay on the island of Jindo, where they are bred. So if dog breeders in Southern Korea try to export pure breeds, they get they risk breaking export control laws. If they try to smuggle them overseas without proper papers, they can't be recognized by international kennel clubs.

What a conundrum!

Come join us in the web's most dynamic and fun online pet community at http://www.planet-pets.com/ and keep your finger on the pulse by signing up free to our monthly online newsletter, The Scoop today!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Cats, Dogs, Birds or Fish?

The question every parent asks themselves when their child is begging for this, this, this or that. "What's the cheapest thing that will make them happy?" (It's ok, don't feel guilty!)

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has come to your rescue with an assessment on how much each pet costs at a basic ( but very acceptable) level of care.

So the list from MOST expensive to LEAST expensive is....

1) Dogs( especially larger breeds)

2) Rabbit: their food is actually very expensive and they have special needs like a hutch, toys to keep its teeth healthy, a litter box, bedding, plenty of hay AND pelleted feed.

Annual care for a rabbit estimated at $730

3) Cats

Annual care for a cat estimated at $670

4) Birds: A small bird ( not including spaying or neutering) ranged in the 200s

5) Fish: The best bet! Heck, go to a carnival and you can get one for a dollar if you can get that darn ring around that coke bottle! While equipment for aquarium and such can cost $200, thier food only costs $20 a year.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Videos: The Most Amazing Dog!

She was born with no front legs but is able to walk like a human...you have to see it to believe it!

Come join us in the web's most dynamic and fun online pet community at http://www.planet-pets.com/ and keep your finger on the pulse by signing up free to our monthly online newsletter, The Scoop today!

Monday, June 2, 2008

Non-Profit Event: Dogs Deserve Better

Who: Dogs Deserve Better: Sixth Annual Chain Off, National Main Event
Where: Dupage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton
When: From 11:15 a.m. June 28 to 11:15 a.m. June 29, 2008

What is it?

Animal activists, dog lovers and concerned owners will chain themselves to doghouses in designated locations across the United States as a protest/performance art to raise awareness of the suffering of millions of dogs who live their lives chained.

This may seem normal, since who hasn't seen a "Beware of Dog" sign, and walked past a house with a dog chained to a pole, tree or house? But what many don't realize is that an estimated 6 million dogs will never know life without a chain and this results in aggression, anxiety and even insanity. This event aims to raise general awareness of all inhumane treatment of dogs.

For more information: www.dogsdeservebetter.org or www.unchainourworld.org.

Come join us in the web's most dynamic and fun online pet community at http://www.planet-pets.com/ and keep your finger on the pulse by signing up free to our monthly online newsletter, The Scoop today!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Health Tips: Overcoming Fat and Diabetes in our Dogs and Cats

Obesity in pets is a rising cause of health problems in the US today. What can you do to make sure your pet stays healthy? Here are some pet health care tips.

Dogs:

Slow and Steady Wins the Race:
Be careful not to get excited when your pup goes through a growth spurt and over feed him. Slow and steady is best for a dog's orthopedic health. Instead of feeding your growing puppy nutrient-packed food, vets recommend adult food instead.

Too much of a Good thing can be Bad:
Vitamins and supplements always sound like a good idea, but giving your dog too much may cause nutritional imbalances.

Dieting Tips:
If your dog is already overweight, and you want to help him shed sound pounds, help your dog feel full by substituting part of his meal with green beans or plain canned pumpkin. Both are rich in fiber, not in calories.

Cats:

The "Catkins" Diet
To ward off diabetes in your feline try "the catkins diet." 40 to 45 percent protein, 40 to 45 percent fat, and only 3 to 5 percent carbohydrates. You can also try canned cat foods which are closer to this ratio than dry. It may be more expensive than dry food, but your cat's health is worth it!

No Crash Dieting!
Never make your cat "fast." Not feeding your cat within 24 hours may result in a life-threatening situation.

Come join us in the web's most dynamic and fun online pet community at http://www.planet-pets.com/ and keep your finger on the pulse by signing up free to our monthly online newsletter, The Scoop today!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Dog Care: Signs of Stress

I was reading Pet Age magazine and I found this great little pet care tip.

It's important to recognize when your dog is stressed. It can avoid an attack, bad behavior and even medical problems. Here's what Pet Age magazine said are some signs of canine stress:

Licking the Lips

Yawning

Closing the Mouth

Stiffening of the body

Flashing the whites of the eyes for more than 15 seconds

Nervous clawing or jumping on the supervisor

(in play groups)

Thursday, May 15, 2008

News: Look Out Dog Breeders Of Vermont!!

Two pending bills might put new restrictions on dog breeders in Vermont:

First:

House Bill 769 will:

-deny a kennel permit to anyone who sells 20 or more litters or 100 or more domestic dogs or wolf-hybrids in any 12 month period

-require permits for anyone who owns or keeps two or more domestic pets or wolf-hybrids 4 months of age or older for sale or breeding purposes

Second:

Senate Bill 341 will:

- limit the number of dogs a breeder can sell in one year
( under this bill a "dog breeder" means anyone who sells a litter of puppies per year for money)

Dog Breeders must:

-immunize each puppy with distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenze, parvovirus and coronavirus vaccine between 7 and 8 weeks of age
-certify each puppy by a vet on a state-prescribed form, as fit and healthy and received appropriate vaccinations before 8weeks old

Dog Breeders must not:

- donate, sell or separate a puppy from the litter until at least 8weeks old
- sell or donate more than 19 litters or more than 100 dogs in any calendar year

Come join us in the web's most dynamic and fun online pet community at http://www.planet-pets.com/ and keep your finger on the pulse by signing up free to our monthly online newsletter, The Scoop today!