Archives for December, 2009
Anyone who has been to a CPR class is familiar with the basics of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. First youll check to be sure the patient has a clear airway, then check to see if the patient is breathing, check whether the patient has a heartbeat and, if the patient awakens during the process, be careful that you dont get bitten by the patient.
The American Red Cross has been instructing people in CPR for pets for quite some time now and has classes that include all manner of first aid, including mouth-to-snout resuscitation. You read that correctly; mouth-to-snout.
The procedure is similar to traditional mouth-to-mouth resuscitation between humans, the chief difference being that the person performing the procedure will close the dogs mouth and instead provide breaths into the dogs nose. The process sounds humorous in theory, but it works and knowing how to perform mouth-to-snout resuscitation on your pet could literally save its life.
According to a March 2002 story from The Scoop, a website that reports on dogs in the news (you know the theory DOG BITES MAN is not news while MAN BITES DOG is), a dog in Walla Walla, Washington that was accidentally choked nearly to death was saved by a quick-acting Good Samaritan who was trained in mouth-to-snout.
After being revived, the dog was treated at the Walla Walla Associated Veterinary Clinic and released.
In addition to the mouth-to-snout procedure, dogs can have chest compressions performed in an emergency where the heart stops. Learning and knowing these techniques can save the life of a dog in distress and let him live to chase rabbits or play fetch another day.
The concept of pet CPR is gaining much notoriety and is starting to be taught by organizations all over the country that formerly provided traditional CPR training and certification. If youre interested in taking these classes yourself, contact your local Red Cross. The life you save may be your dogs.
Tags:
American Red Cross,
Breaths,
Chest Compressions,
Chief Difference,
Cpr Certification,
Cpr Class,
Cpr Training,
Dog Bites Man,
Good Samaritan,
Heartbeat,
Man Bites Dog,
Mouth To Mouth,
Mouth To Mouth Resuscitation,
Notoriety,
Pet Cpr,
Quite Some Time,
Rabbits,
Snout,
Veterinary Clinic,
Walla Walla Washington
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Dec 31, 2009 | | Dogs
Birds are one of the top problems of the agricultural production in the country. Not only do birds interrupt crops, they can also ruin your garden, the schools playground, the parking lot in your work, and many more locations where birds exist.
There are many products that could help you with your problem. There are a number of pesticides and other machinery that could be used to prevent pest birds. But there are also many good birds that do not cause damage, and may even help to pollenate your crops and garden, or control smaller pests such as bugs. What, therefore, is the safest way to control the population of problem birds without interfering with the populations of the good birds? Bird netting is your answer.
Bird netting has many advantages, such as –
1. Health Issues
There have been studies that birds could give illnesses when droppings get in contact with peoples skin. Pigeons for example, carry infectious diseases. These pigeons could give people tuberculosis, flu, paratyphoid, Lyme-disease, Toxoplasmosis, and Encephalitis. By making sure that these pigeons do not spread their diseases, bird netting could put an end to your health worrying.
2. Protecting Plantation
Most birds tend to peck on your fruits, vegetables, and plants because they know that these are food. Do not underestimate the birds. Protect your plantation with bird netting, so your plants are fenced safely away from their prying beaks.
3. Save The Birds
The best advantage bird netting has is it is environmentally friendly. By making use of bird netting to protect your property, you are not killing the birds. You are simply covering up the location with a net for the birds to stay away. Unlike other methods of pest control, bird netting does not harm the birds. Pesticides and aroma repellants terminate the birds permanently. Plus, there are laws regarding the harming of birds like robins and blackbirds. Using bird netting, you are abiding the law!
4. Bird netting is versatile
- Large spaces such as buildings parks, and plantations
- Small spaces like backyard or a rose garden
- Agricultural farms and plants
- Impressive variety of bird netting products
- A single bird net can be used for as long as ten years
- Variety of colors
- Variety of materials available (usually polyethylene strings or steel, to withstand extreme weather conditions)
- Prices of bird netting range from $150 to $8000 dollars
Bird netting is the smartest and most affordable way to repel birds on your area. One final note – be aware that an absence of birds may cause your garden to be a safe haven for bugs and other smaller pests that would otherwise have been controlled had the birds have access to the area. Bird netting does not 100% guarantee the livelihood of your protected area.
Tags:
Agricultural Production,
Aroma,
Beaks,
Birds Robins,
Blackbirds,
Crops,
Encephalitis,
Fruits Vegetables,
Health Issues,
Illnesses,
Infectious Diseases,
Lyme,
Lyme Disease,
Pest Birds,
Pest Control,
Pesticides,
Pests,
Pigeons,
Problem Birds,
Toxoplasmosis
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Dec 30, 2009 | | Birds
Could Your Dog or Cat Be at Risk for Kidney Disease?
Just like people, animals are susceptible to illness and stress. And, just like people, there is a lot you can do to keep them healthy.
Julie noticed her dog, Zac, was drinking more water. Not just once, but several days in a row. She knew that excess thirst can be a sign of illness, so she took Zac to her veterinarian for tests. Blood and urine tests showed that Zac was in the early stages of acute kidney disease. But Zac was lucky. Because his problem was caught early, Julies veterinarian was able to treat the disease successfully and Zac made a complete recovery.
What Is Kidney Disease?
Briefly, kidneys filter and remove waste material from the blood stream. They also regulate the volume and composition of your pets body fluids.
There are two types of kidney disease:
Acute a sudden loss of kidney functioning which is sometimes reversible, and
Chronic a loss of kidney function that occurs gradually over time. Chronic kidney disease is often progressive, but, depending on the underlying cause and with careful management, animals often live comfortable lives for many years.
The causes of kidney disease can include inherited defects, infections, toxic substances and simply aging. Although the cause of kidney disease can be difficult to determine, with careful testing by your veterinarian, the disease can often be managed. Most treatments are aimed at decreasing the workload of the kidneys, reducing the severity of symptoms, and slowing the progression of the disease.
What Are Its Symptoms?
If kidney disease has undermined the kidneys ability to perform properly, waste materials accumulate in the blood. Signs that could indicate a potential kidney problem include:
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination or increased volume
- Poor hair coat
- Depression and/or vomiting
What You Can Do To Prevent Kidney Disease?
While kidney disease is most often found in older dogs and cats, even young animals can be affected. And while the disease is not always preventable, there ARE things you can do to help minimize the chances of your dog or cat developing the disease, such as:
- Feeding the best quality dog or cat food you can
- Providing continual access to clean, fresh water
- Eliminating toxic materials from the home
- Maintaining a low stress lifestyle
- Regular veterinary care to detect potential problems as soon as possible
You are your animals daily detective and advocate. You are your animals best chance for receiving medical treatment when the problem is still at an early stage and treatment is most successful. It is always better to prevent a disease, or to treat it early, than to have to treat it after it has become advanced.
Tags:
Blood Signs,
Blood Stream,
Body Fluids,
Careful Management,
Cat Kidney,
Causes Of Kidney Disease,
Chronic Kidney Disease,
Complete Recovery,
Dogs And Cats,
Frequent Urination,
Hair Coat,
Kidney Problem,
Kidneys Filter,
Loss Of Appetite,
Loss Of Kidney Function,
Poor Hair,
Types Of Kidney Disease,
Urine Tests,
Waste Material,
Waste Materials
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Dec 30, 2009 | | Dogs
What is anemia? It is a serious condition caused by red blood cell loss. Lack of iron in the diet is usually the culprit. However with animals, anemia is usually caused by parasitic worms or fleas that feed on blood and tissues. On occasion, it can also be caused by a toxicity from exposure to certain drugs.
Find The Cause First
Is it possible that your dog has anemia? Symptoms to watch for are pale or white gums, signs of weakness and a fast pulse.
The first step in reversing this condition is to remove the cause. If your dog has fleas or intestinal parasites, start on a program to rid your pet of these pests as soon as possible.
Is your dog on any medications? Just like people, certain drugs can cause side-effects, such as anemia. If you suspect that this may be the cause of your dog’s anemia, you will need to consult your veterinarian about switching your pet to a new medication.
Treatment For Canine Anemia
The good news is that anemia is a condition that can easily be treated by providing your dog with a diet rich in iron, protein and vitamin B12. Here are some especially iron-rich foods and supplements that should boost the growth of his red blood cells:
1. Beef liver is rich in iron, protein, B complex, and B12. It’s one of the best ways of supplementing your pet’s diet with iron.
2. Kelp powder is another good choice to add to your dog’s food, as it contains iodine and other trace minerals.
3. Dark green vegetables contain a good source of iron as well. Just be careful about feeding too much gassy vegetables such as broccoli.
4. Vitamin B12 along with nutritional yeast can offer many of the same benefits as liver, although a natural food source is always a better pick. However, if you just can’t stand the thought of cutting up liver chunks for your pet, this is a good alternative.
5. Providing Vitamin C (between 500 mgs to 2000 mgs per day, depending on your dog’s size) along with 200 mg to 400 mg of Vitamin E helps with the absorption of iron within the intestinal tract. This combination is also a very good antioxidant. Give one Vitamin E a day, but divide up the dosage of Vitamin C to 3 times a day. Vitamin C is water soluble which means that it is quickly absorbed by the body. It needs to be replenished throughout the day to be most effective.
Be sure to check with your veterinarian if you believe your pooch has the signs of anemia. Get proper blood tests done to rule out any other possible problems or causes as well. Following the above dietary recommendations should help get your dog back to replenishing and increasing his or her red blood cells once more.
Tags:
Anemia Symptoms,
B Complex,
Beef Liver,
Canine Anemia,
Dog Fleas,
Gassy Vegetables,
Green Vegetables,
Intestinal Parasites,
Iron Rich Foods,
Kelp Powder,
Lack Of Iron,
Medication Treatment,
Natural Food Source,
Nutritional Yeast,
Parasitic Worms,
Red Blood Cell,
Red Blood Cells,
Trace Minerals,
Vitamin B12,
White Gums
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Dec 29, 2009 | | Dogs
Dogs were traditionally working animals. They would have expected to be active all day, every day. However, in these modern days a dog’s life can often be confined to indoors and with very few physical activities.
Dogs are animals that need exercise on a regular basis; in fact it should be daily. There are many reasons for this. For example, it can help to control the dogs weight its appetite. It can also help to insure good quality mental health as well. If you do not provide for the dogs daily exercise, she will likely find it in her own way, which may be a destructive manner. A dog that is bored is one the can become destructive digging up the yard and chewing on shoes. But, when you take this energy that the dog has and apply it correctly through various toys and exercise, great things can happen.
One game of catch a day is not enough exercise for your pet. Quantity and quality are quite important. For example, you can provide your pet with a daily walk. If you do so at the same time of the day each day, the pet will begin to look forward to it. And, take them to someplace different as often as possible. This will help your pet to explore with his senses. It is also a special time of bonding between you and your pet. Take your pet to a dog park where the leash can come off and he or she can do some socializing with other animals.
Sports for dogs?
Did you know that dogs can do sports as well? There are many things that you can teach your dog to do that will be fun to play and provide them with the exercise that they need. For example, Frisbees are a great choice as is flyball and agility. There are Frisbee competitions that your dogs can participate in. In this case, youll see pets flying into the air to catch the Frisbee that an adult is throwing. You may see the dog twist and jump at the same time. In fact, some of them are choreographed routines that are nothing short of amazing but they are fun and exercising for the pet.
Flyball is another choice. Here, there is team play. Four dogs per team take turns running through a course. They may have hurdles in them as well. When the dog completes the course, he will trigger a box to will force a tennis ball into the air. The dog catches it and races back through the course again. Then, once the dog gets through, the next team mate goes. A team will win based on time and the fewest errors.
Agility is another sport for dogs. Here, the dog is to run through an obstacle course. The goal is to be done in the fastest amount of time. In this sport, though, the owner will run alongside the dog encouraging it over the hurdles and other obstacles. The goal is for the dog to obey the owners commands and directions. A good doggie workout will include things like tunnels, see-saws and a wide variety of jumps. All of these sports allow for the exercise of the dog as well as the mental fitness he needs as well.
Alternatives to sports?
Not sure if the sport is right for you? You can keep your dog going by giving him toys that will help to stimulate not only exercise but also mental challenges. For example a dog puzzle places a treat for the dog into a hollow container that he will have to work off to get to the treat. Through nosing it around and rolling it, the dog gets the treat and the reward.
Tags:
Adult,
Agility,
Animals Dogs,
Appetite,
Competitions,
Destructive Manner,
Dog Sports,
Flyball,
Frisbee Dogs,
Frisbees,
Fun,
Game Day,
Many Things,
Pets,
Quality Mental Health,
Senses,
Shoes,
Special Time,
Sports Star,
Time Of The Day
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Dec 29, 2009 | | Dogs
Could Your Dog Have Whipworm? How To Detect And Treat Whipworm In Your Dog
When it comes to keeping your canine companion healthy both inside and out, it’s important for owners to know which parasites see your dog as the perfect host.
One of the lesser-known parasites that pose a danger to dogs is the whipworm. Whipworms, like most parasites, are resilient. In egg form, their hard shells allow them to survive outdoors in the soil for years in the time. In many ways, whipworms are like hookworms, but instead of ending in a hook shape, one end of this worm tapers to a narrow, whip-like point.
Unlike hookworms, whipworms can’t enter the body through the skin. The only way for your dog to contract them is by eating the eggs. Whipworms exist throughout North America, and transmission is easy if your dog has any contact with other dogs. The long-lived eggs can show up in the soil, dog toys, discarded bones and water dishes. Once eaten, whipworms then grow to maturity inside your dog’s digestive system.
When they reach maturity, the adult worms fasten themselves to the large intestine and the cecum, a transitional pouch between the large and small intestine. Here, these nasty little parasites slash and puncture the intestinal walls in order to feed. The female starts to lay her eggs, which the dog excretes through the feces.
Symptoms for whipworm resemble those for other worms, such as hookworm. Many dogs can carry a certain number of whipworms without showing distress, but past a certain point, your dog may begin to exhibit signs such as a dull coat, anemia, rapid weight loss, and a loose and bloody stool. He may also begin vomiting up a yellow-green substance. In very severe cases, the worms may begin to puncture the intestinal wall, to the degree that the intestine begins to stick to the body wall. In this case, you might see your dog licking and worrying his right flank.
When you take your dog to the vet, it may take some time to diagnose him with whipworm. Whipworms lay eggs only intermittently, and even when theyre actively releasing eggs, any diarrhea in your dog can make the eggs hard to find. Typically, vets will perform four stool samples over four days before ruling out whipworm.
If your vet finds whipworm eggs, she’ll administer a potent dewormer. But all whipworm dewormers on the market are only effective against worms in their adult form. As a result, you’ll probably need to re-treat your dog.
There are no simple and effective ways of removing whipworm eggs from the soil around your house. However, a contaminated environment can infect your dog over and over again. The best way to combat reinfestation is to make sure your dog’s quarters are sunny and dry, since whipworm eggs require moisture. Try to place him in an area of fresh new gravel, pavement or soil.
Tags:
Adult Worms,
Anemia,
Bloody Stool,
Canine Companion,
Cecum,
Digestive System,
Dull Coat,
Flank,
Hookworm,
Hookworms,
Intestinal Walls,
Large Intestine,
Maturity,
Parasites,
Rapid Weight Loss,
Shells,
Small Intestine,
Water Dishes,
Whip,
Whipworms
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Dec 29, 2009 | | Dogs
A good formula for a homemade diet is one half cereal, rice, or kibbles, and one half meat, including its natural fat, with green or yellow vegetables added from time to time. Since they can be made to measure for each individual dog, these combinations would be ideal if they weren’t to much bother. Aside from taking more time and trouble than the other methods, a homemade diet requires a sound knowledge of canine nutrition.
Table scraps are definitely insufficient for modern pets who we want to thrive, not merely survive. They are often the direct cause of obesity and various allied skin disorders too. Dogs with unusually big appetites or with a tendency to obesity will keep their figures if you cut down on the starch and increase the vegetables, to the proportion of one meat, one fourth kibbles, and one fourth vegetables. Older dogs may need reduced protein to spare their kidneys the task of nitrogen elimination.
Build your dogs meals around the foods that are highly recommended for dogs:
Beef: (ground or chopped for puppies in chunks for adult dogs, raw or cooked. Dogs prefer their meat a little tough, and they need the fat found in cheaper cuts).
Lamb and mutton
Chicken
Horse Meat
Beef Hearts and Kidneys
Beef Liver (no more than once a week, as too much or too often causes loose stools.
Eggs, hard-boiled or scrambled (The yolk may be given raw, but not the white, which in its raw state destroys biotin, a useful vitamin in the dogs intestine).
Rice, whole wheat, barley, oats, buckwheat
While wheat biscuits or toast
Carrots (cooked or raw, grated and mixed with his meal, or whole for chewing)
String Beans, spinach (chopped or mashed)
Cottage Cheese (excellent for weaning puppies)
Unfermented natural cheese, such as Swiss and Edam Apples and Pears
On the other hand, certain foods should be considered taboo:
White commercial bread
Cabbage (which causes flatulence and is difficult to digest)
Potatoes (hard to digest and not very nourishing)
Starchy Vegetables, such as dried beans
Spicy dishes and sauces
Uncooked egg white
Processed cheese
Pork (unless it is lean, well cooked, and served infrequently)
Raw fish
Delicatessen meats
Unboned chicken, rabbit and fish
Cake and candy
Alcoholic beverages
Chocolate of any kind
Which ever method you choose for feeding your dog, it is best to stick to it. Once he has become accustomed to a certain diet, he will be upset by any sudden change. The upset is apt to take the form of constipation if you change from prepared products to fresh ones, and diarrhea in the opposite case. If a change is needed, make it gradual by mixing the old with the new until his body adapts to the change.
Tags:
Adult Dogs,
Apples And Pears,
Beef Hearts,
Beef Liver,
Canine Nutrition,
Cause Of Obesity,
Cottage Cheese,
Homemade Diet,
Horse Meat,
Kibbles,
Loose Stools,
Natural Cheese,
Nutrition Table,
Raw State,
Table Scraps,
Weaning Puppies,
Wheat Barley,
Wheat Biscuits,
Whole Wheat,
Yellow Vegetables
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Dec 28, 2009 | | Dogs
Correct any kind of upsetting behavior with dog training collars
Using a dog training collar is an efficient and safe way to correct your dogs unpleasant behavior. There are several types of dog training collars on the market, but they all operate according to the same system. The dogs learns in time to associate the unwanted behavior such as barking or going places it does not have permission to with a harmless yet unpleasant reaction generated by the training collar.
Initially, people developed dog training collars for hunting dogs. Those were shock-training collars. Such collars released a high level of electric current each time the dog misbehaved. These shock collars have undergone many modifications to be less cruel and painful to animals, but the controversy remains. Although such collars are not recommendable and are even under ban in some countries, they still exist on the market and are capable of releasing different levels of current. There is a lot of controversy surrounding shock-training collars and many people suggest to owners to try them on themselves before putting them on their dogs.
Recent studies have shown that dogs subjected to wearing an electric training collar have high levels of stress and are nervous around people, sometimes even attacking out of fear of shock. Since the apparition of electric dog training collars, many developments have taken place, which no longer hurt the dog physically, but make him uncomfortable by spraying a jet of scented air or water into the animals face.
Your pet will be so amazed and startled by the noise and sensation released by the dog training collar that it will stop barking. Barking is the dogs natural way of noticing against potential dangers and scaring off threats. Dogs also bark to communicate with other dogs or with their owners. However, such behavior can become upsetting if every little thing triggers it.
Dog training collars are available for small or large dogs and the jet spray can have an unpleasant odor such as lemon, citronella or mustard. Some dog training collars do not have unpleasant odors because they emit a cold jet onto the dogs neck to distract it from the unwanted behavior.
The market has seen the development of a new kind of dog training collar that emits sounds that only dogs can hear and that bother them. These ultrasonic collars are just as effective as citronella collars and electric collars and gradually replace electric collars.
These canine training collars use either sound or vibration to determine whether the dog is barking or not. The best ones use both types of sensors, so they do not accidentally release the spray because of outside sounds. You can use such training collars to confine your pets access to particular areas of your yard such as flower or vegetable beds. These invisible fences are very successful and your dogs behavior will meet its adjustment in no time.
If you have tried everything to stop your dog from barking or digging up your flowers and nothing has worked, you should try a gentle dog training collar that just takes your dog by surprise and stops it from misbehaving. Improve the behavior of your dog by training it with the aid of a dog training collar that you can choose from a wide range of harmless and yet helpful dog training collars.
Tags:
Animals,
Apparition,
Controversy,
Dog Collar,
Dog Collars,
Dog Hunting,
Dog Training Collar,
Dog Training Collars,
Electric Collar,
Electric Current,
Fear,
Going Places,
Hunting Dogs,
Levels Of Stress,
Many People,
Safe Way,
Sensation,
Shock Collars,
Training Dogs,
Unwanted Behavior
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Dec 27, 2009 | | Dogs
I have been a pet owner nearly all of my life and a veterinarian for almost half of my life, so I have seen my fair share of animals and animal owners. One of the biggest things I hate is to see people jump into the decision of buying a dog without taking time to think through the decision. When the decision to get a dog as a pet is made without care, the owners and the dog suffer equally from it.
Before you run out and purchase a dog, take time to carefully consider your decision. Think about your current lifestyle. How would bringing a new dog into the picture affect things? Do you have enough time, energy and money to adequately support bringing a dog into your family? Sure, the idea sounds great now, but is it a wise choice?
If you are sure that you can handle bringing a dog into your home and you are sure that you have what it takes to really care for your dog, then move ahead with caution and begin to research what kind of dog might be best for you. A dog is not a dog is not a dog. I hate hearing people talk about not really caring about what kind of dog they get. Each variety of dog is different and requires vastly different care. Learn what you can about the dogs you are interested in before making a purchase.
It is great to visit people who own the kinds of dogs you are interested in. See what their lives are really like with a dog in the picture. The more research you do, the better off you will be when you finally bring a dog into your home. Learn all you can from other dog owners and get their wisdom for you. I guarentee you that having a dog as a pet is a wonderful but hard thing.
Prepare your family before bringing a dog into your home. Talk honestly about the responsibilities that bringing a dog into your home will mean. Divide up those responsibilities so that everyone feels like they have an important part to play. A family will always do better with a dog when they have a right understanding of the work and commitment it will take to keep the dog alive and well.
I love seeing families bring a dog into their homes. I am insistent, however, on seeing the process done well. Please use caution and wisdom as you seek to make a dog part of your family.
Tags:
Animal Owners,
Animals,
Buying A Dog,
Caution,
Dog Owners,
Dog Picture,
Fair Share,
Family Dog,
Kinds Of Dogs,
Lifestyle,
Money,
New Dog,
Pet Owner,
Taking Time,
Time Energy,
Variety,
Veterinarian,
Wisdom,
Wise Choice
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Dec 26, 2009 | | Dogs
There are generally three ways to select the family dog:
-Many people select the family dog based on their experiences with dogs from their past. They may have a fond memory of a dog once owned by someone they knew or of a family dog owned by their family when they were children, and that’s it –the selection process is over! That’s certainly one way to do it.
-Another way many people select a family dog is by going to a pet store or an animal shelter and taking a walk past the cages; they’re all so special, its almost guaranteed that you’ll fall in love with one of them. This method, as easy as it is, is so much easier when you have your children along; dogs seem to know just how to behave to steal a child’s heart.
-The third method is less heart-warming but it’s probably the surest way to select a family dog that is just right for your family — its called ‘considering all the factors.’
Considering All The Factors
Before deciding on the dog that will become a part of your home and family there are several questions that you’ll need to ask yourself and honestly answer:
How much time do you have for a dog? Some dogs require a lot of attention — they get very nervous if there is no one home with them and when they get nervous it usually winds up either with a mess to clean up or with something chewed up or scratched up. Some long-haired dogs need daily grooming or that beautiful coat will be a tangled mess in just a very short period and every dog, especially a dog that spends any time in the house, should be bathed, brushed, and have its teeth and ears cleaned about once-a-week. Every dog also requires some degree of one-on-one attention every day; talk to them, scratch their head, feed them, walk them and generally treat them like they are family.
How much space do you have for a dog?
Dogs need space to move around in and, most importantly, to get the exercise that they need to stay healthy. If you have a large house and yard almost any dog will fit in fine. Larger dogs take up space and eat a lot; also requiring lots of exercise. There are many smaller breeds, however, that are known to be ‘apartment dogs;’ these smaller dogs can get all the exercise they need in a one bedroom apartment — but they still need to be walked at least twice a day to take care of their biological functions.
Do you have very small children?
Sometimes younger children are a little rough with their pets; they’ll want to carry them around and squeeze them and play dress up and expect full cooperation from the dog. Some dogs have the ‘laid back’ temperament that allows them to tolerate these things; some breeds even seem to thrive on the attention. There are some small breeds, however, that are too delicate to be handled as roughly as children are likely to handle them, some breeds of all sizes that just don’t enjoy being picked up and carried around or being hugged and other larger dogs that have both the patience and the temperament for life around small children, but are also large enough that they might unintentionally hurt a small child. Any dog under 7 lbs is not suitable for children under five. Any dog 10 lbs and over are usually suitable for all ages.
Do you have room in your budget for a dog?
Dogs have needs just as people do — adding a dog to your family will add expenses. Some of these are: the initial purchase of the dog; the shots that are required by the city or county where you live; the grooming needs such as brushes, shampoo and etc.; professional obedience training is required for some dogs; of course every dog needs food — the bigger the dog, the bigger the food budget; don’t forget water and food dishes and collars and leashes; and, as the dog ages, there are sure to be some additional medical expenses. Some medical expenses will be necessary just because of the breed, for example, big dogs have a tendency to develop hip and bone problems just because of their size and some smaller breeds, especially the ones with the short muzzles and large eyes, develop eye problems and respiratory problems.
Are you ready to do some research?
Obviously, the Considering All The Factors method of selecting the family dog will require some research. There are many books in the library, many Internet resources and many experts (breeders, pet shop owners, etc.) that can make your selection process easier.
In the end, however, any choice will be a gamble. Every dog is an individual and the ‘breed characteristics’ you get from your research will only be guidelines. And in the end you may select the family dog by using one of the other selection methods mentioned before or you may have some other criteria but hopefully the information presented here has helped you understand that owning a dog is more than just buying a dog. Owning a dog is a responsibility and a commitment.
Tags:
Animal Shelter,
Ears,
Exercise,
Experiences,
Family Dog,
Fond Memory,
Heart Warming,
Long Haired Dogs,
Love,
Many People,
Pet Store,
Selection Process,
Short Period,
Tangled Mess,
Teeth,
Three Ways
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Dec 26, 2009 | | Dogs