While it is generally held that dogs are carnivorous, the may actually more precisely fall into the omnivorous classifications since they do not need meat in order to survive, such as their feline counterparts do. Dogs can actually survive well on alternate protein sources and also grains as well as plant foods if meat is scarce. This should not encourage you to scrap your dog’s commercially blended dog food and instead cook your own for her or him. As a matter of fact, human food can make your mutt as sick as, well, as a dog!

Foods to Avoid:

Onions:

Did you know, for instance, that onions are toxic to your dog? Ingestion of onions may result in Heinz body anemia, a condition recognized by veterinarians as the premature death and rupture of red blood cells, thus leaving the dog deficient and anemic. This illness is especially insidious since it may result from the ingestion of raw, cooked, freeze dried, or any other form of onion product. Considering how many products manufactured for human consumption actually contain dehydrated onions or onion powder, a dog that is fed from the table is likely to have onion introduced to her/his system. If the exposure is cumulative, the bone marrow may very well not have enough time to regenerate the red blood cells that are lost and a serious case of anemia might necessitate a visit to the veterinarian.

Grapes:

Another innocent looking food that may hasten your canine companion’s untimely demise is grapes. Yes, grapes are a deadly poison to your dog. The same is true for raisins. While veterinarians are still uncertain as to what exactly causes the reaction in dogs, the symptoms are repetitive: at first vomiting occurs within a few hours of ingestion of the grapes or raisins, thereafter the dog becomes lethargic and shows all the signs of abdominal pain; when veterinary care is sought, blood tests reveal that the calcium level in the blood is dangerously elevated, as are other substances that indicate that kidney functions are severely impaired; as the illness progresses, complete renal failure finally kills the little dog.

Chocolate:

Of course, most people are familiar with that great no-no in the dog-human interaction called chocolate. Chocolate contains a chemical named theobromine, which is a pleasant stimulant to humans, but to a dog it packs a serious punch to the canine central nervous system and heart muscle. You will be able to tell that your dog is in trouble soon after she or he ingests some chocolate because odds are that there will be copious vomiting and diarrhea.  Additionally, the dog will appear to be hyper, its muscles twitching uncontrollably, and its heart rate skyrocketing. In extreme cases, or in cases of a high dose of ingested chocolate, a dog may suffer from seizures, coma or death.

Macadamia Nuts:

Probably a surprising culprit in canine sickness is the highly favored treat of the macadamia nut. It does not appear that other animals are affected by this delicacy the way that dogs are. Depending on the amount of nuts that the dog has eaten, within about a half day or less, you will be able to notice unusual lethargy, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, and an overall muscle weakness with accompanying muscle tremors. Thereafter your dog will quite possibly not be able to stand or walk without your help for about another day or two. Fortunately, the effects of these nuts wear off and soon your canine companion should be back to her or his former self.

As you can see, it is best to resist the temptation to feed “just a bit” to your begging dinner guest. In the long run, he will thank you!

Source:findoutaboutdogs.com

Dogs should have a minimum of 18% protein for maintenance when they are adults, and 22% for reproduction and growth. Fat should be a minimum of 5% for adult dogs, and 8% for reproduction and growth. But the more fat that is in the diet, the more protein there should be. Fat makes dogs, as well as people, eat less by making them feel fuller. If they eat less, and there are less of other essential nutrients like protein and vitamins and minerals, the dog will not get the nourishment it needs.

Generally, commercial pet food is made according to the appropriate guidelines, but care should be taken if significant amounts of other food is added to the diet, and it is high in fat.

But whether you’re feeding your dog commercial dog food, or home made dog food, there are a few things to keep in mind so you don’t end up with a fussy dog:

• dogs should be fed once a day once they are no longer puppies, or two small meals, no more. Feeding your dog too frequently when he is older can turn him appear like a fussy eater, when he is actually full.
• feeding your dog too regularly can get him into the routine of expecting to eat at those times, too, and may lead to weight gain. Letting him get hungry, and feeding sensibly, will not harm him. In the wild, dogs would eat for once a day until they were completely full.
• Don’t stand and stare at your dog waiting for him to eat. He will likely think something is wrong, or something else is coming, and won’t eat.
• Don’t give into your dog and give him something else straight away if he refuses his meal, as he’s effectively training you and not the other way around!
• There’s nothing wrong with feeding your dog a varied diet, but don’t keep changing the food because he seems fussy and won’t eat it. Make sure nothing is wrong with him physically first, then if he is healthy, take charge of the situation. Put his food down, leave him to it, and then 30 minutes later go and check to see whether it’s been eaten. If it hasn’t, take it away, then at the end of the day put down some fresh food. Repeat the process, and take it away 30 minutes later if it still isn’t eaten. This way you’ll train your dog to eat his food, and not reinforce his behaviour.

Brian Kilcommons has a very interesting method for teaching dogs to eat their food. When the above fails, he prepared the dog food in front of the dog, making lots of ‘yummy’ noises whilst he did it. He made it slowly, and when the dog still wasn’t interested, he put it down in front of his face, then took it straight away and threw it out. He did this first at breakfast, then at dinner. At dinner, the dog in question was more interested, but he still threw it out after putting it in front of him. The next morning, the dog was jumping up and down whilst the food was being prepared. He put it down, pulled it away, then looked at him for about a minute, then left it for him to eat. That dog now eats anything put down for him.

• If your dog suddenly goes off his food, it could be because he has dental problems, or a stomach problem. Get him checked out by the vet.
• Some dogs do actually prefer a certain type of food, just as people do. Try your dog with a variety of foods, and if he only eats one type, and will starve himself if he doesn’t get it, the best solution can simply be to feed him that type of food.
• Don’t feed your dog a high fat diet, or junk food, including chocolate. It’s not good for them.

Source:findoutaboutdogs.com

If you are looking for a particular breed, the Kennel Club in your country will be able to provide you with local rescue organisations who may be able to help. Or you may not be worried about the breed, but instead determined to find a dog which will suit your family. In this case a general animal shelter (such as the very well known Battersea Dogs’ Home in London) will be the place to visit.

Why are dogs in a rescue home? Many come from happy homes, where the owners have no choice but to give the dogs up for adoption – perhaps because of conflict with a new baby, allergies, sickness, or moving. Many, however, will have been badly treated and will require much hard work and care before they are fully socialised into a new home. Only experienced dog-owners and families without young children should take a traumatised dog on.

How much does dog adoption cost?

It varies! Some animal shelters will expect nothing (but happily receive any donations you feel able to give). Other rescue centres will ask for a fee – usually relatively small – which will cover their costs.

Factors to consider before adopting:

Many of the animals awaiting adoption in shelters have had very rough beginnings.  Some were abused, some abandoned and some were “turned in” because the owners didn’t have time for them.  Many were left alone for long periods and some were never properly potty-trained.  In short, when adopting an animal you must be prepared to work with them.  They may come to you cowed or with feelings of trepidation and may be overly sensitive to your tone of voice or to any commands you might give them. You will need to be patient and loving.  When they finally realize that they can trust you they will reward you with more affection and loyalty than you can imagine.

Adopting a dog as a means of entertaining a small child is not recommended.  A dog is not a toy and should not be treated as one.  Small children should be trained to understand “animal etiquette”.  In other words, animals are not to be hit, dragged, ridden or teased.  They should understand that being overly aggressive with a new dog, especially one recently adopted, could cause the dog to react by biting or running away.  If feeding and exercising the dog is to be the responsibility of a child, an adult should follow up to be sure these things are getting done.  It isn’t the dog’s fault if a child fails to meet his or her obligations and the dog shouldn’t have to suffer for the child’s failure.

Many adopted dogs will come to the new surroundings filled with fears based upon earlier mistreatment or the harsh rules of their previous owners.  Some dogs will be reluctant to go from one room to another, will shy away when corrected and hide upon hearing a loud noise.  New owners must be patient with them and speak to them softly and affectionately.  Dogs are not stupid and they will gradually come to understand their new environment and show their appreciation for your loving care.

When contemplating adoption, prospective new owners should be prepared to deal with the fact that their new adoptee may not be completely housebroken.  Previous owners may have been irresponsible in their approach to this training; furthermore, when the dog was placed in the shelter it continued to do its “business” right in its pen.  Housebreaking is not a complex chore and should not deter someone from adopting a pet.  Some owners will use a cage to assist in this training, while others will just take the dog out for a walk several times a day.  Fenced yards and doggie doors are minimal expenses that pay extra dividends on cold or rainy days.

Adopted dogs are subject to all of the behavioral problems commonly associated to dogs in general.  These would include digging, jumping up on people, jumping fences, barking and nipping.  There are proven solutions to all of these “offenses.”  If your dog is prone to digging, and always digs in one area, there are a number of effective repellent sprays that work well.  If he digs under your fence, a little buried chicken wire works wonders in breaking that habit. Spray bottles filled with water should be kept at hand to break a dog from jumping up and to combat incessant barking.  A quick spritz in the face immediately following, or during, the offensive behavior will usually bring about a quick behavior modification.

Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for an animal lover.  It’s difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them all home.  Such feelings are understandable and commendable; however, just be sure that prior to adoption you consider all of the ramifications.  And remember, your best friend is waiting for you at your local animal shelter.

Source:findoutaboutdogs.com

Getting a new dog is one of the greatest joys in the world.  Make this great time even better by knowing exactly what kind of dog will complement your family’s lifestyle.

Before you get a dog, you will want to make sure to discuss with your family who will have the primary responsibility of taking care of and training the dog.  You will want to find a good veterinarian close by, and you will want to consider the cost of keeping a dog.  You will also want to make sure to have supplies such as bowls, a bed, a crate, leash , collar, and toys prior to your new dog coming home.

Also before you get your new dog, you will want to consider different dog breeds and their compatibility to your lifestyle.  Large dogs are generally not for apartment dwellers or the elderly.  Small dogs are not for people who want to be active with their dogs.  Temperament is another thing to consider.  You will also want to decide if you want a puppy or an older dog.  Certain breeds have inherent health problems like eye problems or hip dysplasia, so  you will want to take all of that into consideration before choosing a breed.

If you decide to get a purebred puppy, there are resources to help you find a reputable breeder. Your local breed club has access to area breeders that specialize in certain breeds.  If you are looking for an older dog, this can also be a good resource as many breeders may have adult dogs available as well.  Your veterinarian can be a great resource as well as they may have assisted area breeders.

If you are planning on hunting with your dog, you may want to consider one of the sporting breeds.  The most popular of the sporting group are the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever.  Both are relatively easy to train and are good with children.  You will want to have a more active lifestyle and ideally a fenced in yard if you are looking for a dog of this nature.

Many people prefer dogs from the AKC’s working group.  Breeds that belong to this group include the Rottweiler, the Siberian Husky, the Akita, the Bullmastiff, and the Giant Schnauzer.  Generally, these dogs require an experienced owner who can firmly establish leadership.  Many of the dogs of the working group have thick undercoats and shed a lot, so you will want to consider if this is something you want to deal with.  You also want to make sure you choose a dog in this category from a reputable breeder as hip dysplasia is common in these breeds.

Toy dogs are very popular today as you see many celebrities toting around their adorable little dogs.  But don’t let the size fool you.  Oftentimes, these cute little dogs have big personalities.  Dogs in this group include the Pug, the Shih Tzu, the Pomeranian, and the Maltese.  These small dogs still require training and a fair amount of exercise, but may be a better choice for apartment dwellers and people with older children.

If you have a farm and work livestock, you may want to consider one of the dogs in the herding group.  These dogs include the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd, the German Shepherd, and the Shetland Sheepdog.  The Border Collie is a very intelligent dog that requires a lot of exercise, both physical and mental.  If you want to spend a lot of active time with a dog, you might choose a dog like this.

You may be interested in considering a mixed breed dog.  These dogs can be wonderful family companions, as much so as purebred dogs.

Due to the large population of dogs, many people are interested in adopting a dog.  Talk to your local humane society or breed rescue organization for assistance with adoption.

The most important thing to do when choosing a dog is to take your time and get to know many different breeds of dog.  Talk to pet store personnel, groomers, breeders, and your veterinary staff for assistance.  Make sure to consider all aspects of dog care and you can ensure a happy time for your new dog and family.

Source:findoutaboutdogs.com

Knowing how to communicate properly with your dog lies at the heart of the housetraining process. Lecturing, yelling or other forms of punishment will not achieve the desired result. The key is to reward good behavior. Puppies are like babies, much too young to be held responsible for their bowel movements. Punishments are not the way to get through to your puppy.  If you are going to use the crate method it’s vital that you learn about the proper, humane method to housetrain your dog.

Choosing the right crate

This is very important when it comes to the humane treatment of your puppy. A crate that is too small is very cruel. The puppy should have enough room to maneuver around and be comfortable inside. If the crate is much too large – the puppy might even relieve himself inside the crate.

The plastic varieties of crates are much easier to clean, durable and easier to carry around than the metal varieties.

It is also cruel to leave your puppy inside the crate for too long. Night time is crate time and often even very young puppies can go the entire night without soiling their crates.

You will want to slowly get the puppy used to the crate. The idea here is to create a positive feeling about the crate. Put a nice soft blanket inside and your puppy’s favorite toys too. You can also put some yummy treats inside to entice your dog.

Never, ever force your dog inside the crate. It is his sanctuary within your home.

Tips for housetraining

- Prepare the area that your puppy will spend most of its time in with a layer of newspaper.

- Designate an official toilet area for your puppy.

- Supervise (or have the children do it) until the puppy has relieved himself.

- If your puppy starts sniffing or circling pick him up and get him outside fast!

Golden rules for housetraining your dog using the crate method:

- Take your puppy out first thing in the morning.

- Take your puppy out directly after meals.

- If your puppy has had an accident be sure to clean the area thoroughly. Use a product that will remove the odor.

- Never punish your puppy for accidents. You would never yell at your baby and put her nose in her mess. Rather use positive reinforcement when your puppy does her business outside.

- Take your puppy out just before bedtime and make sure he does his business.

- Give praise freely where it is due. Treats, walks and positive reinforcement will go a long way toward getting your puppy to understand that eliminating outside is the goal.

Housetraining your puppy will take time and patience. The kind of dog and your methods will greatly influence how long it takes for your puppy to be fully housetrained.

There is a reason that the crate method is the most widely used housetraining method. It works well. Of course housetraining your puppy isn’t your only concern when it comes to raising a well behaved dog. You will also want to set some distinct boundaries. Puppies should not be allowed free reign of the house; at least not until they are fully housetrained. Your puppy is a sponge and above all – keen to please you. You are the pack leader and the puppy will look to you to figure out what is and isn’t acceptable in your home.

By deciding early what your puppy may chew on and what furniture he is allowed on you can eliminate confusion and behavioral problems later in life.

Source:findoutaboutdogs.com

Jewelry For Dog

• In terms of appearance and the material chosen, dog jewelry is quite similar to the one meant for men and women.
• Dog jewelry is primarily made of gold and silver. There are a number of variations to the piece of jewelry. You may purchase a pendant with initials engraved on it.
• You may get bejeweled collars for your pet as well. Purchase for a soft-leather bejeweled collar, so that it looks attractive as well as is comfortable for your dog to wear.
• Apart from the traditional gold and silver, dog jewelry are also available in a variety of materials like ceramic, glass and crystal.
• Jewelry can also be tailor-made for your pet. A number of dog jewelry designers have come up from within the animal lover community to make customized dog jewelry. Designer rings for pets are selling like hot cakes.
• Anklets (paw-lets, to be precise), that make tinkling sound, is the best bet for your puppy, if it is ‘hyperactive’. This is because you can easily trace your beloved pet, wherever it goes, by making it wear a paw-let.
• People often buy charms embedded in jewelry too, to shield their pets from any adverse situations or buy their lucky gems for them to wear.
• Tags with the owner’s name and address, can also act as a piece of jewelry for your pet. The jewelry could be as simple as a necklace with the tag attached to it or as extravagant as a necklace with precious stone studded on it, to carry the tag.
• If you want to spend extravagantly for your pet, then go for high-value precious stones and pearls. Necklace made of pearl would add to the overall appeal of your dog. Silver or platinum chain with a pendant (engraved with precious stone) would look attractive for your dog.
• Hairpin, with semi-precious stones studded on it, is perfectly suitable for hairy dogs. In case your pet is possessing a glossy, shiny hair, then stylize it and accessorize it with a bejeweled hairpin.
• You may set a theme for your dog with a feminine or masculine touch. Ensure that the jewellery you choose perfectly suits your pet.

Source:pets.iloveindia.com

How To Keep Dogs Healthy

• Prepare for the visit beforehand. Jot down all the queries about your dog and seek information about potential problems, from your veterinarian.
• You may need a stool sample of your dog as well as its inoculation records. You should also be aware of flea and tick prevention and control programs, the prevention and symptoms of heart worm tests and Parvo Virus. To get all the required information, consult a veterinary doctor.
• Get prescription for a good antiseptic cream for daily use.
• You may use a syringe, without the needle, to give liquid medicine to your dog. Insert the syringe through the mouth of the dog, when it is closed, and place it behind its canine teeth. The liquid medicine should be given slowly and gently.
• The best way to give pills to the dog is to make the pet sit down upright, by tilting its head back. Lift the lips away from its teeth; hold its upper jaw by the gums behind the canine teeth. Now, push down on the lower jaw with the other hand and place the pill in the very back of its throat. Close its mouth and stroke its throat softly, until the pill is swallowed.
• You may also consider crushing the pills and mixing them with peanut butter, to make the dog swallow the medication with it.
• Dog’s normal breathing rate is 15 to 20 per minute, while normal heartbeat is 100 to 150 beats per minute. To check the pulse of the pet, place your hand under its chest or under its rear leg.
• Dog’s body temperature is checked using the rectal thermometer. The normal temperature of the dog is around 100 to 102 degrees F.
• Mucus membranes of the dog, such as the gums, tongue and inside of eyelids should be healthy pink. Any other color is an indication of sickness.
• A change in dog’s behavior and untimely laziness, growling, snarling or irritability indicates that your dog needs to be taken to the clinic.
• Dog’s ears are prone to infections quite easily because of the accumulation of dirt and debris. Therefore, routine ear care is very essential. In case your pet is suffering from infections, say, ear mites, then treat its ears with mineral oil. Soak a cotton ball in mineral oil and clean your pet’s ears with it. You may also put two drops of the oil into the dog’s ear, using an eye dropper, and massage the ear gently. Thereafter, clean the ears with a dry cotton ball.
• Dogs need proper dental care, because buildup or plaque and tartar could lead to swollen gums. Secondary infections may also arise, leading to serious health problems. Hence, brush your pet’s teeth twice a week, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Source:pets.iloveindia.com

Grooming Your Dog

Brush The Coat
Brushing the coat of the dog is the most intensive part of the grooming session. Brush the coat of your dog on a regular basis, to remove dirt. Brushing also spreads the natural oils throughout the coat, apart from detangling the hair and keeping the skin clean and free of irritation. Always apply gentle strokes. In case your dog resists brushing, reward him with treats and plenty of praise, so that you accomplish the task without much of a hassle.

Trim The Nails
Trim the nails of your dog once a month. You may trim down the nails using scissors, but clippers (designed specifically for dogs) are always better for the pet. Ensure that you do not trim the nails deep into the quick, because it may lead to the bleeding of blood. In case of an accidental injury, treat the wound by dusting the area with a blood-clotting powder. If the wound doesn�t heal after a few days, consult a veterinary doctor.

Clean The Ears
Regular cleaning of your dog’s ears is essential, in order to prevent permanent impairment of hearing ability and infections. Make sure that the skin in the inner portion of the ears as well as the flaps is pale pink in color otherwise clean the canals of your pet’s ears using a cotton ball moistened with mineral oil or warm water. However, for cleaning deep inside the ears, you need to take your pet to a veterinary doctor, at least twice a month.

Brush The Teeth
Brush the teeth of your dog, using a pet toothpaste, at least twice a week. Make use of a small toothbrush with soft bristles for the purpose. Ensure that your dog actually enjoys the process of brushing the teeth, so that the whole experience doesn’t become one that the pet dreads. Purchase a flavored dog toothpaste. Chicken flavored toothpaste would be the best bet, because your pet would be allured by its smell and taste.

Bathe Your Dog
A messy process though, bathing your dog is very important, to keep it clean. Bathe your dog in a clean, warm environment outdoors, in your backyard. Equip yourself with all the supplies needed for bathing it, including dog shampoo, towels, brush and water. Keep bathing toys by your side, so that your dog’s attention is drawn towards the toy. Be sure that the shampoo or its froth doesn’t enter your dog’s eyes, mouth and ears. Be gentle in bathing your dog, because doing it haphazardly might trigger panic in your pet. Dry your dog with a clean towel after bathing.

Source:pets.iloveindia.com

Symptoms

• Consciousness while climbing stairs or hesitancy in jumping fences etc
• Difficulty while sitting, standing or other forms of movement
• Increased hours of sleeping
• Increased lethargy and inactivity
• Less inclination towards playful activities
• Noticeable limping or pain
• Stiffness in limbs, especially during the mornings
• Sudden and unusual weight gain
• Unwillingness to be patted, touched or picked

• Diseases like Cancer might also give birth to various arthritic problems.
• Improper bone development in young dogs may give birth to arthritis.
• In some dogs, the disease may be genetically transferred.
• Metabolic disorders and other hormonal problems lead to arthritis.
• Overweight and obesity may lead to swollen joints.
• Sometimes, a traumatic injury might also lead to joint instability.

• Acupuncture techniques by a good veterinarian will also help to remove arthritic pain in your pet.
• Consult your veterinarian and give your pet anti-inflammatory and pain-relief medication when necessary.
• Give him adequate rest and provide him with a comfortable sleeping area.
• Provide him adequate exercise and help him stay fit and healthy.
• Provide your pet a balanced diet and keep a regular check on his weight.
• Surgical repair of ligaments can also be done to get rid of the problem.
• Various herbal medication are available that helps to get rid of the problem, effectively and holistically.
• Various massage therapies can alleviate Arthritis in dogs. Take the advice of your veterinarian.

Types of Aggressive Dog Behavior

Dominance Aggression
When a dog is aggressive because he demands obedience, it is dominance aggression. Here the dog loves to be the undisputed king of the household and will often be deaf to your commands. He will exhibit aggressive behavior when asked to do certain things or even when patted or groomed.

Territorial (Overprotective) Aggression
A dog might become aggressive, when he believes that someone is violating or intruding his personal space/ belongings. Sometimes, the animal gets aggressive without the presence of any actual threat. Such an animal is guided by a sense of excessive protection for his house/ owner from other people or animals.

Fear Aggression
Sometimes a dog tries to be aggressive in order to screen his own fear, nervousness and insecurities. Such a dog reacts to anything and everything. Any sort of disturbance in the surroundings alerts him and makes him exhibit aggressive behavior. He might even bite if you try to pacify him.

Predatory Aggression
This is also a potentially dangerous aggressive behavior in dogs. Here, the dog’s aggression is triggered by anything that moves. One can witness this behavior with street dogs that chase moving vehicles. Sometimes such an animal might chase playing children, joggers or even normal pedestrians.

Punishment Aggression
Some owners mete out severe punishment to their dogs that can at times turn out to be unhealthy and dangerous. Such behaviors from their owner might undermine the dog’s confidence. The dog may see his master as a source of threat, and retaliate by displaying aggressive behavior sooner or later.

Pain Aggression
}Sometimes a dog might react aggressively when you touch him in sensitive, infected or cramped areas. Various illnesses (arthritis, ear problems, and hip dysphasia) also make his temperament foul and vicious. Thus, such an aggressive behavior is the off-shoot of pain.

Maternal Aggression
Such an aggressive behavior is noticed in females, when they rear and feed their new born pups. She might instinctively exhibit aggression if any human or animal approaches the whelping area. Maternal aggression slowly disappears in the mother as her puppies grow.

Dog Aggression
Such dog-to-dog aggression is noticed in puppies while they play and learn. It should be curbed at once. Such behavioral patterns, if left unattended, give rise to adult dogs that can be highly dangerous. Dog-to-dog fights generally take place for various reasons like territory, food, dominance or fear.

Redirected Aggression
An already aggressive dog might redirect his aggression to anyone. In this form of aggression, the dog is already aroused/ agitated and tries to harm whoever tries to interfere with or put an end to his aggression. Thus, it is always better to find out what is the primary stimulus of the dog’s aggression and treat/ prevent it.

Stopping Aggressive Dog Behavior