A constant supply of fresh water is essential to your dog's good health and comfort. Water is very important, representing and estimated 70 percent of the dog's weight. Like man, a dog can go without food for a surprisingly long time, but if he is deprived of water, he can't survive for more than a few days, or even hours, in a hot, dry environment.
A dog's water consumption varies according to the climate to his activity, and to the composition of his meals. Heat and exercise dehydrate him quickly. He gets very thirsty in cars or any confined space. However, excessive thirst for not good reason should be reported to your vet, because it may be an early symptom of diabetes or kidney trouble.
At home he should have a clean, full water bowl next to his food dish, another in his play area, and possibly a third one that is accessible at night. Away from home the problem is more difficult. A thirsty dog is attracted to water in the gutter, in stagnant pools and rain puddles. Clean rain water is fine, but hard to find.
Caustic chemicals used to melt snow on streets and sidewalks, weed-killers and insecticides on lawns and golf courses contaminate most standing water and should be avoided. Try to train your dog to drink only from his own bowl or what you offer him. Try to keep a water-filled plastic container with you or in your car, especially if you plan on a lot of walking or running during hot weather.
Milk is the only liquid, aside from water, that appeals to dogs and still agrees with them, (although it may cause loose stools). They are seldom tempted by other drinks and particularly dislike carbonated drinks. Milk is always another good source of protein but should not be used as a substitute for meat. Most any flavored drink should be avoided, as it only tends to irritate the kidneys, causing frequent urination and dehydration.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Dog Health
The first rule in taking care of your dog is: When your dog is sick, take him to a veterinarian! Use with caution advice of friends or people who are supposed to be "old, experienced dog breeders." Only a veterinarian is qualified to diagnose trouble and prescribe treatment.
However, it is your job to keep your dog from getting sick. Let us assume you start with a puppy. You should know something about "shots", worm medications, flea powders, and poisons.
While a puppy is nursing, it may receive protective antibodies in its mother's milk. As soon as the puppy is weaned, this natural immunity will begin to disappear and may be gone within two weeks. Many puppies are susceptible to diseases at this young age. Your veterinarian may prescribe a vaccination program beginning at 6 to 8 weeks, so it is important that you contact him/her immediately.
Distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis are common and serious diseases which destroy many pets each year. Rabies is also a threat which should be guarded against in rural as well as metropolitan areas because of the possible chance of exposure to bites of infected animals.
The only satisfactory method of protecting your dog is by vaccination. Your veterinarian may want to give your puppy immediate temporary protection at the time of purchase or adoption with a "puppy shot" of antiserum which contains antibodies against distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis as well as some of the other common diseases. Vaccinations provide long term immunity and most puppies will be started on a series of vaccinations on their first visit to the veterinarian. Booster vaccines are then advisable on a regular basis for adult dogs, to maintain his overall health for years to come.
However, it is your job to keep your dog from getting sick. Let us assume you start with a puppy. You should know something about "shots", worm medications, flea powders, and poisons.
While a puppy is nursing, it may receive protective antibodies in its mother's milk. As soon as the puppy is weaned, this natural immunity will begin to disappear and may be gone within two weeks. Many puppies are susceptible to diseases at this young age. Your veterinarian may prescribe a vaccination program beginning at 6 to 8 weeks, so it is important that you contact him/her immediately.
Distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis are common and serious diseases which destroy many pets each year. Rabies is also a threat which should be guarded against in rural as well as metropolitan areas because of the possible chance of exposure to bites of infected animals.
The only satisfactory method of protecting your dog is by vaccination. Your veterinarian may want to give your puppy immediate temporary protection at the time of purchase or adoption with a "puppy shot" of antiserum which contains antibodies against distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis as well as some of the other common diseases. Vaccinations provide long term immunity and most puppies will be started on a series of vaccinations on their first visit to the veterinarian. Booster vaccines are then advisable on a regular basis for adult dogs, to maintain his overall health for years to come.
How Inspiring Dog Tales Can Be
There could be no better way of inspiring people than to use some of the inspiring dog tales. In this way, people will realize how dogs are so important in a man’s life and how reliable dogs can be especially if they are well trained.
In reality, dogs are marvelous canine mammals because they are endowed with remarkable senses and skills. They can almost do anything especially if they are properly trained to do such a thing.
In fact, dogs are considered to be intelligent species. Anecdotal facts implied that dogs have a rationally high rate of intelligence.
Dog intelligence refers to the ability of the dog to do certain things that cannot be done by other animals. Dogs have the innate ability to think, learn some tricks, and the ability to solve some problems like rescuing a person who is in danger.
This dog intelligence is, in fact, the main reason why people are fond of reading some inspiring dog tales. They used to think that these canine mammals are only animals and are not capable of thinking what to do in case somebody is in trouble. Now that a lot of inspiring dog tales have emerged to prove the reality of a dog’s intelligence, many people now believe how dogs can really be reliable enough to trust our lives to them.
Take for example the guide dogs. These dogs are trained to help other people who have impairments such as visual and hearing.
Learning a lot of skills to be able to take such great responsibility takes a certain amount of intelligence just to obtain the skills. Moreover, there are dogs that were able to serve their masters even up to the time that they need to rescue them from imminent danger.
An example of this is the tale of the two guide dogs that rescued their masters as they were trapped inside the building of the World Trade Center Towers during the September 11 attack.
This is an inspiring tale of two guide dogs that remarkably guided their masters out from the fury of the blazed trade center and were able to save their lives.
Another great example is about a black and white English Pointer who had been donating blood for almost 11 years of his dog life. The donated blood is to be used on dogs that were seriously injured and need blood transfusion.
These inspiring dog tales will not only touch the hearts of the most dog lovers but everybody who realizes that dogs know how to help others too.
In reality, dogs are marvelous canine mammals because they are endowed with remarkable senses and skills. They can almost do anything especially if they are properly trained to do such a thing.
In fact, dogs are considered to be intelligent species. Anecdotal facts implied that dogs have a rationally high rate of intelligence.
Dog intelligence refers to the ability of the dog to do certain things that cannot be done by other animals. Dogs have the innate ability to think, learn some tricks, and the ability to solve some problems like rescuing a person who is in danger.
This dog intelligence is, in fact, the main reason why people are fond of reading some inspiring dog tales. They used to think that these canine mammals are only animals and are not capable of thinking what to do in case somebody is in trouble. Now that a lot of inspiring dog tales have emerged to prove the reality of a dog’s intelligence, many people now believe how dogs can really be reliable enough to trust our lives to them.
Take for example the guide dogs. These dogs are trained to help other people who have impairments such as visual and hearing.
Learning a lot of skills to be able to take such great responsibility takes a certain amount of intelligence just to obtain the skills. Moreover, there are dogs that were able to serve their masters even up to the time that they need to rescue them from imminent danger.
An example of this is the tale of the two guide dogs that rescued their masters as they were trapped inside the building of the World Trade Center Towers during the September 11 attack.
This is an inspiring tale of two guide dogs that remarkably guided their masters out from the fury of the blazed trade center and were able to save their lives.
Another great example is about a black and white English Pointer who had been donating blood for almost 11 years of his dog life. The donated blood is to be used on dogs that were seriously injured and need blood transfusion.
These inspiring dog tales will not only touch the hearts of the most dog lovers but everybody who realizes that dogs know how to help others too.
Dogs: Man’s Best Friend Or Best Meal?
While Americans are at home treating their dogs as part of the family, in some portions of the world, dogs are caged, beat, killed and cooked. Are they made to be both pets and menus?
In some countries like Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam, dog meat eating is common. Opposite to what is happening in the western. They are being pampered and even trained. History tells that eating of dog meat was most common in Korea. The older generation ate dog meat due to different reasons: improving virility, cure for summer heat, cure for some illness, and recovery aid after an illness and improving good skin for women.
According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, therapeutic claims about eating dog meat are all folklore and it has really no truth. Until now, there are no scientific evidences which prove all of these. If the reason of those who eat dog meat is achieving the mentioned reasons by the Koreans, the IFAW discourages them to continue that belief.
In the past, restaurants fabricated stories stating the benefits derived from eating dog meat. These caused people to believe such hearsay and it went on even until the modern days.
There are different means of killing a dog and many critics find it as an act beyond being humane. Some are caught, caged, hung, and boiled. Some are even beaten so hard that too much pain is being inflicted to the animal. However it is not realized by many that food dogs are not pets and they have no names. They are bred in farms, just like pigs, beefs, lambs, chicken and other animals. They are probably bred in cages, which may be cruel but is common in farms anywhere in the world. They are put down "humanely" just like any other animal used for food, usually by slitting the throat and bleeding the animal until it passes out.
The emotional pinch upon hearing dogs being butchered is because people have been domesticating it and they have been receiving the “man’s best friend” treatment. Though they are just animals, dogs are known to be sensitive. Which animal wags its tail as you call its name? Which will look guilty when you scold it? Only dogs, don’t they?
For those who are open-minded, they think dog eating is a part of advanced culture. They believe nothing is wrong with it.
Professor An Yong Kun has studied dog meat's nutritional aspects and is its greatest booster. He has developed processed dog meat products and even dog meat oil-based cosmetics. He says he regrets that dog meat is so expensive he can't eat it everyday. Dr. Dog Meat is furious at foreigners who complain about eating dogs in Korea, where dogs are livestock, not pets. He says the French ate dog through the 1800s, and the U.S. even today kills up to 3,000 dogs a year to use in puppy food.
An has developed dog-based kimchi, soy sauce and he is developing a Website "Globalization of Dog Meat," in four languages. An met foreign reporter in Seoul on May 25 to announce his new dog meat products. He called on Koreans not to be embarrassed over eating dog meat, and said he will lobby for formal legalization of dog meat.
There are really different sides of this issue. Questions rise but they remain unanswered. The point is culture around d the world is really of variety. Respecting each other pays.
In some countries like Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam, dog meat eating is common. Opposite to what is happening in the western. They are being pampered and even trained. History tells that eating of dog meat was most common in Korea. The older generation ate dog meat due to different reasons: improving virility, cure for summer heat, cure for some illness, and recovery aid after an illness and improving good skin for women.
According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, therapeutic claims about eating dog meat are all folklore and it has really no truth. Until now, there are no scientific evidences which prove all of these. If the reason of those who eat dog meat is achieving the mentioned reasons by the Koreans, the IFAW discourages them to continue that belief.
In the past, restaurants fabricated stories stating the benefits derived from eating dog meat. These caused people to believe such hearsay and it went on even until the modern days.
There are different means of killing a dog and many critics find it as an act beyond being humane. Some are caught, caged, hung, and boiled. Some are even beaten so hard that too much pain is being inflicted to the animal. However it is not realized by many that food dogs are not pets and they have no names. They are bred in farms, just like pigs, beefs, lambs, chicken and other animals. They are probably bred in cages, which may be cruel but is common in farms anywhere in the world. They are put down "humanely" just like any other animal used for food, usually by slitting the throat and bleeding the animal until it passes out.
The emotional pinch upon hearing dogs being butchered is because people have been domesticating it and they have been receiving the “man’s best friend” treatment. Though they are just animals, dogs are known to be sensitive. Which animal wags its tail as you call its name? Which will look guilty when you scold it? Only dogs, don’t they?
For those who are open-minded, they think dog eating is a part of advanced culture. They believe nothing is wrong with it.
Professor An Yong Kun has studied dog meat's nutritional aspects and is its greatest booster. He has developed processed dog meat products and even dog meat oil-based cosmetics. He says he regrets that dog meat is so expensive he can't eat it everyday. Dr. Dog Meat is furious at foreigners who complain about eating dogs in Korea, where dogs are livestock, not pets. He says the French ate dog through the 1800s, and the U.S. even today kills up to 3,000 dogs a year to use in puppy food.
An has developed dog-based kimchi, soy sauce and he is developing a Website "Globalization of Dog Meat," in four languages. An met foreign reporter in Seoul on May 25 to announce his new dog meat products. He called on Koreans not to be embarrassed over eating dog meat, and said he will lobby for formal legalization of dog meat.
There are really different sides of this issue. Questions rise but they remain unanswered. The point is culture around d the world is really of variety. Respecting each other pays.
Choosing Healthy Foods For Your Dog
Today’s pet food market is larger and more diverse than ever before. While this offers a large number of choices in various types of pet food, it also presents a dilemma in choosing the healthiest food for your dog. Are generic or store brands suitable for a dog? What about familiar name brands like Purina and Alpo? Are the pricier brands that advertise specially formulated ingredients (Science Diet, Eukanuba) really living up to their claims and worth the extra money? All of these are valid questions that loving dog owners deserve to have answered.
Dog Food Considerations
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right food for your dog. Different dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages in their lives. Some things to consider when selecting the food you’ll give your dog follow.
• The Dog’s Age
Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs just as human children have different needs than adult people. Senior dogs also have different requirements than younger adult dogs. Make sure that you select a food that is appropriate for your dog’s stage in life.
• The Dog’s Health
Does your dog have a specific medical condition? If so, the food you choose may need to be partially dictated by that condition. Diabetic dogs need low-glucose foods and dogs with specific allergies (yes dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, just like people) may require certain foods as well. Your veterinarian can help you choose foods that are appropriate for a dog with a specific medical condition.
• The Dog’s Size or Body Type
Some dogs are overweight. Some dogs are underweight. Some have a natural tendency to get lots of exercise while others tend to prefer to lie around a lot. There are, of course, small, medium, and large dogs as well as the ultra-tiny “toy” dogs. All of these different types of dogs will have different requirements for the type of food they need as well as how much of it.
• Your Budget
Dog food can be expensive, there’s no doubt about it. And where dog food is concerned, the rule really is “you get what you pay for.” Low cost generics and store brands will lighten the burden on your wallet, but may not be the healthiest choice for your dog as they are made with cheap ingredients and lots of fillers. You should buy the best dog food you can on your budget to help ensure your dog’s nutrition.
Dog Food Considerations
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right food for your dog. Different dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages in their lives. Some things to consider when selecting the food you’ll give your dog follow.
• The Dog’s Age
Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs just as human children have different needs than adult people. Senior dogs also have different requirements than younger adult dogs. Make sure that you select a food that is appropriate for your dog’s stage in life.
• The Dog’s Health
Does your dog have a specific medical condition? If so, the food you choose may need to be partially dictated by that condition. Diabetic dogs need low-glucose foods and dogs with specific allergies (yes dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, just like people) may require certain foods as well. Your veterinarian can help you choose foods that are appropriate for a dog with a specific medical condition.
• The Dog’s Size or Body Type
Some dogs are overweight. Some dogs are underweight. Some have a natural tendency to get lots of exercise while others tend to prefer to lie around a lot. There are, of course, small, medium, and large dogs as well as the ultra-tiny “toy” dogs. All of these different types of dogs will have different requirements for the type of food they need as well as how much of it.
• Your Budget
Dog food can be expensive, there’s no doubt about it. And where dog food is concerned, the rule really is “you get what you pay for.” Low cost generics and store brands will lighten the burden on your wallet, but may not be the healthiest choice for your dog as they are made with cheap ingredients and lots of fillers. You should buy the best dog food you can on your budget to help ensure your dog’s nutrition.
Adopting A Dog
If you have been thinking of getting a new dog, have you considered all the options available to you? The obvious choice people make, when considering a new dog is to go to a specialized dog breeder. A good dog breeder will be able to sell you a puppy that has been checked for genetic problems, diseases etc and will very often provide you with a high quality pedigree dog that should be free from problems that plague a lot of dogs.
This is ideal for a lot of people but of course will come at a price. There is an alternative - adopting a puppy or adult dog.
There are lots of dogs that are without homes at animal shelters or humane societies. These animals are often a victim of circumstance. Either an owner has died, or an elderly person cannot cope any more. Sadly through no fault of their own, they have ended up homeless. Adopting a dog, may be a great way to offer a loving home to one of these dogs.
A lot of people are concerned that they may end up with an unhealthy dog, or a dog that may be aggressive by getting one from a shelter. Most animal shelters will check a dog for good health and good temperament, so if there are any problems you will be told about them. Also, a lot of shelters offer in-house training to increase the chances of a dog finding a new home. Which is great for everybody!
The best way to go about adopting a dog is to pay a visit to your nearest animal shelter. Explain to the staff there, what kind of dog would suit you and your family. Bear in mind that if you have very small children, getting a large dog may not be a good idea. Similarly if you have an apartment, maybe think about getting a small dog that doesn't require vast amounts of exercise. A bit of forethought before you arrive will make finding the perfect dog for you that much easier.
When you bring your new dog home, try and imagine things from her perspective. Your new dog has probably been through a lot in the past so bringing her to yet another new home may well be overwhelming. The best thing to do is keep her on a leash at first, and gradually introduce her to your home letting her sniff each room until she has got a feel for her new surroundings. Also take her to relieve her bladder outside if she has been on a long car journey with you.
Once she has settled down, allow her to walk freely off the leash inside your home (not outside off the leash yet). This will give her a chance to find 'her' spot. By this I mean her favorite place. We all have a favorite spot where we like to go, dogs are no different. If you have bought a new dog bed or blanket for your new arrival, this may be the place to put it. She will naturally go to that spot so having a comfy new bed there will help her settle in.
Your new dog may be very quiet for the first few days but don't worry, this is part of the settling in process. After a short while your dog will be a fully settled in new member of the family.
Adopting from an animal shelter is a great way to get a new companion and a great way to make a new and happy future for your dog.
This is ideal for a lot of people but of course will come at a price. There is an alternative - adopting a puppy or adult dog.
There are lots of dogs that are without homes at animal shelters or humane societies. These animals are often a victim of circumstance. Either an owner has died, or an elderly person cannot cope any more. Sadly through no fault of their own, they have ended up homeless. Adopting a dog, may be a great way to offer a loving home to one of these dogs.
A lot of people are concerned that they may end up with an unhealthy dog, or a dog that may be aggressive by getting one from a shelter. Most animal shelters will check a dog for good health and good temperament, so if there are any problems you will be told about them. Also, a lot of shelters offer in-house training to increase the chances of a dog finding a new home. Which is great for everybody!
The best way to go about adopting a dog is to pay a visit to your nearest animal shelter. Explain to the staff there, what kind of dog would suit you and your family. Bear in mind that if you have very small children, getting a large dog may not be a good idea. Similarly if you have an apartment, maybe think about getting a small dog that doesn't require vast amounts of exercise. A bit of forethought before you arrive will make finding the perfect dog for you that much easier.
When you bring your new dog home, try and imagine things from her perspective. Your new dog has probably been through a lot in the past so bringing her to yet another new home may well be overwhelming. The best thing to do is keep her on a leash at first, and gradually introduce her to your home letting her sniff each room until she has got a feel for her new surroundings. Also take her to relieve her bladder outside if she has been on a long car journey with you.
Once she has settled down, allow her to walk freely off the leash inside your home (not outside off the leash yet). This will give her a chance to find 'her' spot. By this I mean her favorite place. We all have a favorite spot where we like to go, dogs are no different. If you have bought a new dog bed or blanket for your new arrival, this may be the place to put it. She will naturally go to that spot so having a comfy new bed there will help her settle in.
Your new dog may be very quiet for the first few days but don't worry, this is part of the settling in process. After a short while your dog will be a fully settled in new member of the family.
Adopting from an animal shelter is a great way to get a new companion and a great way to make a new and happy future for your dog.
3 Easy to Teach DogTricks
To teach your dog tricks even easy ones you need to have some small reward treats, be in a quiet suitable place and keep the training sessions to 10 - 15 minutes or your dog will start to get board, remember when he gets something right lots of praise and a reward treat, just be careful not to get him over excited or he will loose concentration.
Getting your dog to give you his paw, first get your dog to sit, then as you say the word 'paw' take your dogs paw in your hand, give the dog a treat, repeat this, after a few times do not take his paw so quickly, say the word, count to one then take it, you should notice he is bringing his paw up as you say the word if he does not go back to saying it at the same time, do it a few more times then slow your response again. After 2 or 3 sessions most dogs pick this one up quite happily.
The high five, like a lot of tricks the high five is a progression of an earlier trick, in this cast the paw trick. Hold a treat in your fingers and raise your hand slightly higher than you would for the paw trick. You dog will think you want to do the paw trick and will reach for the treat with his paw as we taught him earlier, as he reaches up you say “high five” and give him the treat. Once your dog has mastered the paw trick this one should be very easy to learn and with just a few sessions he will be doing it on hand signal rather than voice control.
Getting your dog to jump through a hoop, before you start this one I would just like to ask you to be a little sensible and not hold the hoop too high as you do not want your dog to heart himself while doing the trick. Sit your dog on one side of a hoola hoop, get the dogs attention on your hand on the other side of the hoop take a treat in your hand and give the dog the command to release him from the sit, at first he may attempt to go around or under the hoop, if this happens start again, your dog wants the treat and will soon learn that going around or under does not get it so he will soon start going through it, when he does say hoopla and give him the treat. He will soon be jumping through the hoop on the command of hoopla. When I started doing this trick I had a medium sized dog (a Labrador) so I started with the hoop 6 inches from the ground and slowly raised it to waist height, if you have a smaller dog you might want to start with the hoop touching the ground so the dog just goes through the hoop and then slowly raise it as he gets used to the trick.
Getting your dog to give you his paw, first get your dog to sit, then as you say the word 'paw' take your dogs paw in your hand, give the dog a treat, repeat this, after a few times do not take his paw so quickly, say the word, count to one then take it, you should notice he is bringing his paw up as you say the word if he does not go back to saying it at the same time, do it a few more times then slow your response again. After 2 or 3 sessions most dogs pick this one up quite happily.
The high five, like a lot of tricks the high five is a progression of an earlier trick, in this cast the paw trick. Hold a treat in your fingers and raise your hand slightly higher than you would for the paw trick. You dog will think you want to do the paw trick and will reach for the treat with his paw as we taught him earlier, as he reaches up you say “high five” and give him the treat. Once your dog has mastered the paw trick this one should be very easy to learn and with just a few sessions he will be doing it on hand signal rather than voice control.
Getting your dog to jump through a hoop, before you start this one I would just like to ask you to be a little sensible and not hold the hoop too high as you do not want your dog to heart himself while doing the trick. Sit your dog on one side of a hoola hoop, get the dogs attention on your hand on the other side of the hoop take a treat in your hand and give the dog the command to release him from the sit, at first he may attempt to go around or under the hoop, if this happens start again, your dog wants the treat and will soon learn that going around or under does not get it so he will soon start going through it, when he does say hoopla and give him the treat. He will soon be jumping through the hoop on the command of hoopla. When I started doing this trick I had a medium sized dog (a Labrador) so I started with the hoop 6 inches from the ground and slowly raised it to waist height, if you have a smaller dog you might want to start with the hoop touching the ground so the dog just goes through the hoop and then slowly raise it as he gets used to the trick.
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