PETS CARING

One of the most frustrating diseases that your dog is at risk for is lyme’s disease. It is caused when your dog is bitten by a tick that is a carrier. Most often, it is in the spring, summer, and early fall that you have to be aware of these nasty creatures. However, the most important thing you can do is understand the lyme’s disease symptoms in dogs, so you can help your dog as quickly as possible.

Generally, the main lyme’s disease symptoms in dogs are fever, loss of their appetite, dehydration, fatigue, and, possibly, swollen lymph nodes. Should you see any of the signs in your dog, you should immediately check their body for any ticks, as these symptoms can start within forty-eight hours after being bitten by a tick. If one is discovered, you will need to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

Should your dog’s symptoms go ignored, your dog could become very ill. In many cases, left untreated, it could lead to kidney failure and death. In other cases, a serious infection could set in. The fact is that lyme’s disease is just as serious for a dog as it is for a human.

The best way to prevent this from happening is to try and prevent ticks from getting on your dog. Keeping your grass cut short is good, but it will not stop your dog from wandering to other areas. Therefore, they need to be on tick prevention medications.

Every pet owner should be aware of the lyme’s disease symptoms in dogs. Should you find a tick on your dog, remove it and save it in a small container. If your dog starts to show signs of the disease, you can then bring the tick to the vet, as well. They will be able to tell whether it is a tick that could be a carrier or not and will be able to get your dog the treatment it needs quickly.


by: P mills

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Weight problems are not uncommon in our canine companions, and dog owners usually find it difficult to keep their overweight pets in shape. Modern feeding methods can sometimes add extra weight, as well as the many misconceptions owners have about how much and how often they should feed their dogs.

First, you have to consider how much food your pet actually requires. To fully comprehend our canine friends’ needs, we have to look at how wild dogs survive and what they eat.

In the wild, dogs live on rabbits, rodents, berries, and by scavenging. They only eat once a day on average, sometimes two to three days between meals. Domestic dogs’ systems are built on this same pattern of eating.

If we feed our dogs every day, they will store fat for lean times. However, if there is no lean time, they will only get fatter and fatter. Hence, feeding them two to three times a day will lead to obesity.

An adult dog needs only one average size meal per day, and ideally should completely abstain from food one day per week to help burn excess fat. Canines should not be given sweets as these will only increase their risk of obesity.

Grown dogs should not be given cow’s milk, as it is far too rich and can cause gastric issues. However, if you would still like to give your dog some milk, go for the special brands of dog milk, which can be bought at supermarkets. If your pet is overweight, be aware of how much you give him.

Several folks believe that desexing causes obesity in dogs. This is not completely true, since it is only the animal’s interest in food that increases after desexing. Owners of desexed canines should keep their pets’ food intake the same as before. Instead, you can offer raw bones, which will satisfy even the hungriest dog without adding any fat.

Various brands of diet dog food, which can help your pooch lose weight, are also available. Bear in mind that dogs that are the right weight tend to live longer and have a more active and enjoyable life.


by: Porch Potty

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This is the story how Toby met a policeman.

One day, my car was rear ended at a very busy intersection near my home. The other driver was a very young man, only sixteen years old. He was very sweet, and had genuine tears for fear he had hurt me. As a matter of fact, he had reason to cry because he had knocked me a full two car lengths ahead, and his 1971 VW Classic Rabbit, well, it would have to be picked up in paper sacks! The back end of my nearly new Honda laid in the middle of the street, also in pitiful pieces. He had no insurance.

I was shaking and crying when I called 911. I’m ashamed to say that when they answered, I could only tell them where I was, but I had difficulty telling them my name. They asked me to spell it, and I couldn’t even say my difficult name, let alone spell it. I think that’s why they sent an ambulance. I then handed my cell to my new friend so he could call his mother.

The ambulance got there first. They were giving me oxygen and doing the usual agenda when the law arrived. I was all right, and I knew it by this time, but the medics were making sure and they asked me to stay where I was and let the law “do their job”. So I stayed where I was.

The policeman was a tall, big man, with a ‘no nonsense’ kind of a face; all business. He was the kind that you would hoped to heaven would be on your side. He asked me for my driver’s license and proof of insurance. I started stammering, again, but managed to tell him that they were in my purse in the front seat of my car. Then I managed to tell him that I had two dogs in there, and when I left them they were fairly calm, but I didn’t know how they were now. I couldn’t guarantee it.

“How big are they?”

“Well, the fat one is 23 pounds, and will possible lick your hand, if he is not too upset. The other dog weighs 10 pounds, and is not friendly.”

He snickered. I could hear him snicker!

As he turned away, he said, “No problem”.

I then went back to the business at hand, letting the law “do their job”.

Soon after, the ambulance driver tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Look over there!”

He was pointing in the direction of my car.

The officer had a very, very long stick in his hand and was trying to get my purse out of the front seat. My little dog, Toby, was up on the back of the seat, just waiting for him to make his fatal move. Her little ears were laid back, her hackles were raised and she was crouched ready to spring. Her teeth were bared and she was growling so loud I could hear her as far away as I was sitting.

My little spotted heathen had waited her whole life long for an opportunity like this!

But that wasn’t the only reason the policeman’s face was red. He was embarrassed. As people will do, a crowd gathered to watch this show, and they were enjoying it immensely!! They were stopping to watch. Several were telling Toby, “Stick to your guns, little dog!” Some were asking the law if he was going to arrest her, and one man driving by, hung out his car window and shouted, “CALL FOR A BACK UP!”

Soon after, the policeman walked over to me and asked, “Lady, how much did you say that dog weighs?”

“She weighs 10 pounds. Did she bite you?”

“Yes she did, in two places!” He showed me his hand and forearm. It looked ugly! It really did. Of course, I told him how sorry I was, in all sincerity.

“Has she had her shots?”

I felt PANIC, but I told him the name of our veterinarian, and that she had just received all of her shots. Fortunately, that was the truth, and she also had her two year license. Thank the Lord, we were legal.

On our way home, I bought Toby a pork chop.

A few days later, I received a letter in the mail from the County Health Department, informing me that they had checked Toby for a previous record and had found her ‘clean’. At the bottom of the page, someone had drawn a smiley face and had written, “Have a nice day”. I was so relieved. I bought Toby another pork chop.

I’m getting old, and Toby is getting old too. I have visions in my mind of Toby and me growing old together, with me going on welfare trying to keep Toby in pork chops. I see her growling at every squad car she sees. I know she will never forget THAT policeman.

But she and I will be very happy together, I don’t have a doubt.


 by: Lori Kniff


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My mom has taught me many things over the years, not the least of which is the importance of having a clean house. Not just because it looks nice-but because it helps keep you from getting sick! Not surprisingly, Mom's advice translates to fish homes, too. Good fish aquarium maintenance doesn't have to be a huge time commitment-it's mainly a little elbow grease and a lot of common sense.

Here are some simple tips to keep your fish happy and healthy:

Keep the water clean. Water is a fish's air, and when it isn't clean it's very difficult for them to get the oxygen they need. A water filtration system helps keep it the water pure on a day-to-day basis, but to really ensure a good environment for your fish, change 20% of the aquarium's water twice a week.

Clean the tank monthly. Once a month, do a complete deep-clean of your aquarium. Completely replace the water, wash the gravel, change the filter and thoroughly clean every inch of the tank. Do not use soap or detergent to clean the tank-hot water works just fine and won't make your fish sick.

Check the temperature and pH regularly. Too much fluctuation in water temperature can be very stressful for fish. Make sure your aquarium is in a stable place away from A/C vents or direct sunlight. Test the pH of the water when you're doing your twice-a-week replacement, and if it's off, you can add chemicals to balance it (you can find them at your local pet store).

Watch your fish. If your fish are sick, they'll show it. Watch for patches on their scales, sliminess, clamped fins, erratic behavior...just about anything that doesn't look normal. If you have a fish you think is sick, quarantine it while you figure out what's wrong with it. There are a lot of good websites out there to help diagnose fish diseases and appropriate treatments. And of course, be sure to feed your fish regularly!

Finally, don't get suckered into buying expensive chemicals or treatments that you really don't need. The best way to keep your tank clean and well-maintained is by doing it yourself using the steps above.


by: Holli gayle


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Do you really care for the sake of your pet dog? Most of the time, pets are best friends who help make our lives sweeter. Hence, if you would like take care of your best friend, give him the right dog supplements which will make him healthy and happy.

Dog supplements are generally extra vitamins added to any dog food. Therefore, it is possible to help your dog grow strong and healthy and by improving his immune system. If you care enough for your best friend, you’ll offer the best food nutrition. Minerals and vitamins are usually basic additives and together with regular food will make you’re your pet live a healthy, long life.

Dog supplements come in various sorts available in any pet store. You’ll probably decide powder, to mix it with regular food, or liquid to mix it with your dogs water.

Choose the best treatment for your pet and give him the right attention. Hence, you will keep him energetic and healthy. His hair will certainly glow with his fantastic bone structure will stay strong if you buy the right dog supplements.

Think about his best interest by simply taking care of your pet dog. Select the right diet and keep him energetic and lively.

Due to the fact that normal dog food doesn’t have the right quantity of vitamins and minerals you must find the perfect solution to maintain your dog healthy. Therefore, dog supplements will be the right decision. Now you are able to pay attention to your pet and give him the right treatment. You can make his life much better and longer where he can be happy and stay healthy.

Extend your canines life and keep him energetic. Pay for the sufficient dog supplements and create a safer environment for your pet. The Right vitamins can create balance for his immune system which will definitely make him stronger.

Why disregard your pets wellness when he is part of your family? Now you are able to help him and treat him like your own. Supply him the right dog supplements; improve the quality of his life and he will continue to make you happy.


 by: Thomas Jens


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Taking along man's best friend on your boating trip could be a great adventure for both you and him/her. For your furry friend boating is like riding in his dream convertible with a blast of sun and fresh air from all directions. Nose in the air, ears blowing in the wind and his/her favorite people; what could be better!

Most all dogs have mastered the famous "Doggie Paddle" but it's always important to stay as safe as possible. Your dog should always wear a life jacket when both in and near the water. That holds true even for breeds of dogs that traditionally love the water and take to swimming quite easily. Such breeds include the following: American Water Spaniel, Barbet, Boykin Spaniel, Bedlington Terrier, Cantabrian Water Dog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly Coated Retriever, Epagneul Pont-Audemer, Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Lagotto Romagnolo (a.k.a Italian Water Dog), Münsterländer (large and small), Nova Scotia Duck Toller, Otterhound, Portuguese Water Dog, Spanish Water Dog, Standard Poodle, Newfoundland , Puli, Wetterhound

When taking your dog on water related outings it's important to keep the following five items in mind.

• A towel just for your dog

• A shirt or sweater made out of water-resistant material

• A non - spill water bowl and lots of fresh bottled to put in it

• A pooper-scooper and a trash bag or two

• A life jacket for your dog

Another tip to consider is shade for your friend. Even though your dog may have many opportunities to jump into the water, it's important he/she has a cool relaxing place for resting. Boat surfaces, such as fiberglass, can get extremely hot in the sun. Dogs absorb heat through the pads on their feet so be sure to protect them. Your dog will surely be enjoying himself/herself so much that excitement could hide the fact he/she is overheated.

Now that you have most everything covered pick the perfect day to go have that amazing adventure with your whole family! Always keeping safety first, your dog is bound to have the time of his/her life. Enjoy your trip!


by: Ed Conroy


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Dog aggression can begin as young as about six weeks of age, a crucial age when a puppy should be socialized to many other dogs and supplied the necessary training that keeps them from biting on other people. This phase of socialization will last till the puppy turns fourteen weeks of age and can increase further beyond that.

This indicates a number of things. First, do not take a pup outside of its litter prior to 8 weeks of age. Never use severe discipline with the new puppy in between 8 and 10 weeks and be sure the puppy is very softly dealt with in that time frame. Hitting, yelling and other hard punitive measures at a young age can easily breed aggressive behavior within dogs as time passes.

Your pet will need to have been properly socialized together with people and also other dogs as soon as your dog got to fourteen weeks to stop any future aggression problems.

Actual aggression can be brought about from several factors. Inheritance along with genes are certainly reasons - some breeds can certainly be far more aggressive than the others - however it's in no way a hard fast rule. Additionally, dogs which have never been neutered or spayed tend to be at risk from aggressive behaviors.

By far, however, the key factor in creating aggressive tendencies in dogs is environment. A dog that has terrible living conditions, harsh owners, zero socializing, or that's terrified or assaulted by a different dog is far more likely to be aggressive as it ages.

Aggression can build from the need to create a pack pecking order. Biting, posturing, along with other aggressive tendencies in many cases are the effect of a dog testing to get dominance. You will need to create dominance at a young age and maintain that role throughout the dog's adolescence to ensure it won't get a chance to take control over the family unit.

Curtailing and Managing Aggressive Behavior in Pet dogs

When your pet dog exhibits aggressive behavior after 14 months old, when it has hit sexual maturity, particularly after it has been nuetered altered, make sure you address the case right away. First, ensure you established yourself as the pack leader. Don't reward the dog for aggressive behavior, even if it is fearful (particularly in this case).

Train your pet to respond to your instructions, control feeding and walking time, and make certain the dog has got a strong alpha dog inside your home. When you defer towards dog or allow it to take liberties at home, it is going to present stronger aggression toward others.

In case your pet dog is defensive-aggressive, it's possibly that they strike out at a person in fear. These dogs might possibly not have been adequately socialized. Keep them faraway from young children (which they may see as direct threats) and attend a dog training program or behaviorist who can gradually adapt your pet to a social atmosphere.

Aggressive behavior in your dog has become a concern that a great many puppy owners have, but it could in fact be managed, even as the dog gets older. If your aggression ever advances to violence, consider employing a skilled professional to intercede before somebody gets harmed and your pet dog will be held accountable.

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We have all done it, gone out shopping or seen something we like and we buy it disregarding the cost of keeping it and especially in a recession.

Why do we do it?

Because the urge to own what we like is greater than the urge to be sensible.

That is okay if it is an object we can stick in a shed or outhouse and forget it for a while , but if the object is a living breathing Dog then we are in trouble. That is all about commitment for the next ten to fifteen years.

“Oh no! I didn’t expect that. I’ll take it back,” you quickly retort. Your family disagrees and begs and pleads with you to keep it. eventually against your better judgement to give in.

Everyone is happy, you are happy because you made your family happy. Your family thinks you are great, but underlying this is a sneaking suspicion that you can only just afford the upkeep.

Anyway the years pass and your dog has grown into a large dog, along with a large appetite. Your family is also growing with the added expense that comes with having to buy more expensive clothes, food, equipment ect.

You have been able to just keep your head above water as far as money is concerned and everyone is happy. Then suddenly prices begin to rise and everyone including the government tells you that the country is in a recession and jobs may go. Your not unduly worried, because you know you job is relatively safe.

One morning you get a letter from your bank saying the mortgage repayments are being increased, your wife tells you she needs more money for the shopping, your dog is sick and you take him to the vet. He needs a scan costing over a thousand dollars. Your credit card is taking a bashing. How are you going to pay your debts?

You have to make a terrible decision:

Struggle on and hope things get better financially

Let your dog go and cut some of the expense in one go.

You know that the last decision is going to be unpopular and cause trouble in your family. It can even cause the break up of your marriage. Don’t make hasty decision without exploring all the possibilities.What can you do to cut the cost of keeping a dog?  Here are some suggestions:

Prepare your own food.

Ask friends and family to help look after your dog when you go on holiday.

Don’t let your dog become obese. (Health and extra food issues)

Use alternative veterinary services like the PDSA(UK)  and American Animal Hospital Association in the US.




Do an inventory of where your dogs main expenditure is like food, vets bills, kennelling, grooming, ect.

Try and find cheaper alternative sources for your dogs food without compromising on quality.

Stop buying tip bits for your dog like hide chews( they are expensive) look for alternative there are plenty about.

Stop buying expensive play toys and concentrate on cheaper alternatives.

Do not let dog food manufactures persuade you that you want their new product when your dog is doing okay on the old one.

What ever you decide if you are faced with this situation it takes great strength of character to keep your dog. The only way you can do this is to have the full backing of your family. Without their help and commitment you can have even more problems that just debt.

Remember there are organisations that can help you before making a rash decision. I hope you are never faced with this dilema because it can be heartbreaking.

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