English and American Labrador Retrievers

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular pet dogs in North America and in the UK. But not all labs are the same - there are different body types, different personalities, different colors and more. One of the most common divisions in kinds of labs is by breeding origin. These are generally referred to as English Lab Retrievers and American Lab Retrievers.

While all labs are originally from North America, via their origins in the St. John's Dog, they've been bred in the UK for long enough that there are now some differences. English Labs have a solid coat, just like American dogs, and come in the same range of colors (chocolate, yellow, black, and sometimes dilute chocolate and black, or "silver"). But they're not really shaped the same, and they have slight differences in temperament.

English Labrador Retrievers are more solidly built than their American cousins, with wide heads and muzzles, blocky bodies and a solid shape. They also have a more docile personality and are less excitable. These dogs have shorter bodies, too, and have been show and pet dogs longer. They're also called bench, conformation, or show labs.

American Lab Retrievers are taller and usually more lightly built than English Labrador Retrievers. They're often called field Labradors or working labs. For much of their history, these dogs have been hunting animals. They have narrower heads and longer noses, as well as a more lively personality. They're just as friendly and easy going as an English lab, though.

To make matters more confusing, both kinds of Labrador Retriever can be found all over the world. The term "English Labrador Retriever" just means that the dog's ancestors were from England. An American lab's ancestors came from North America. There's also an Australian line that's not common in the UK or US, but can be found in many places in Asia.

The AKC and other registry organizations don't really differentiate between English Labs and other body types. Instead, they judge all labs by the same standards. A Labrador has to meet certain personality qualifications, and has to look a certain way to be considered "on type." Dogs shouldn't be thin and willowy like a Doberman, for instance. Whether the animal's ancestors came from one place or another doesn't really matter to the judges.

So which kind of Lab Retriever will be best for you? It depends on what you want out of your dog. There are a few differences. An English Lab Retriever is generally more solidly built and more docile, while an American lab is more energetic and may be a better hunting animal. Both types are good family pets and eager to please. Just take the time to meet a few dogs, and see which ones you prefer.

How to Clean Canine Teeth

Brushing your teeth is a normal part of your everyday routine, and it should be exactly the same for your dog or puppy. Unfortunately this is not always the case, simply because people either don't have the time or don't feel that it is important. Below we have provided a complete guide to brushing dog’s teeth, why it is important and how best to do it.

Sometimes people find it more difficult to train their dog to accept a toothbrush in their mouth simply because their dog has not been used to it from a young age. Use the following techniques to get your dog used to a toothbrush.

1. Put some peanut butter (or something that you know your dog likes) on the end of your finger and gently put it into your dogs mouth. Don't use chocolate as it is toxic to dog and will cause all kinds of problems.
2. When your dog has got used to you putting your finger in his mouth with the peanut butter on it or whatever it is that your dog likes now place some gauze around your finger with the peanut butter rubbed on it as the gauze will get your dog used to the sensation.
3. Rub the gauze around your dogs mouth until it feels quite natural for your dog or puppy. Keep doing this until your dog or puppy doesn't mind you doing it.
4. Ok now it's time to start brushing your dog's teeth. Purchase a toothbrush that is specifically designed for dogs and don't use a brush used for humans.
5. Use the techniques mentioned above but speak to your vet and purchase toothpaste that is flavored with beef, poultry or fish.
6. Use the techniques above and get your dog used to the brush with the chosen toothpaste.
7. Now angle the toothbrush as about 45 degrees and brush the teeth in a circular motion.
8. Keep brushing your dog's teeth on a daily basis so that he gets used to it. Remember that dog's lack certain enzymes that fight the build up of plaque, this is why dog's tend to get a build up of plaque and tartar on their teeth. This build up can lead to bad breath and tooth loss and is why canine teeth cleaning is so important.

Four Tips to Train Puppy

You can only avoid the issues relating to a dogs' behavior, if you can resolve to go for an already trained dog. But how will you cope with a dog that you are not familiar with? I guess you might have to face some challenges on how to bring the dog home and how make him stay. Because who trains a dog and the environment the dog is trained, plays a big roll when it comes to where the dog will naturally like to stay.

We all know that puppies are not born trained. They are most likely taken from their siblings and the environment they are used to, into a new place that will probably be strange to them. Being completely away from their comfort zone, where they were born, they will first be confused to find themselves in a different environment, they will also be lonely and reluctant to respond to any interaction with you.

Most dog owners become bewildered at this point, forgetting that sooner they could win over the dog and make them their best friend. In training a puppy, the following are the things you should expect at the beginning:

1. They will be frightened at every little thing, and this may lead to low receptive to learning.
2. Dog peeing in the house could be inevitable.
3. Unnecessary barking that may cause disturbance in the compound.
4. Illness due to a change of environment and a change in diet.

You will be so amazed with the level of success you can achieve, when you properly apply this four tips that I am about to share with you now, which in essence will enable you become a coach to other dog owners.

Firstly: You must exercise patience with him. This is a puppy that is new to an environment, and still confused with the whole new process and changes, any action you take to be harsh on him can only result to getting the little puppy scared the more, and will make it almost impossible for you to relate with him, because you make him feel insecure. Being very patience with him will help to make him feel at home and thereby begin to learn fast.

Secondly: You must take out time to build his confidence in you. You may be a kind of person that does not tolerate nonsense. I put it to you, that as long as you keep a hostile attitude toward a puppy, you will delay the level of progress you can make on the things you expect the puppy to learn from you. Avoid being upset with the puppy' bad habits at the moment; instead give him sometimes to improve.

Thirdly: Ensure that you take him to a veterinarian for check up. Your puppy' good health should be a primary issue to you, especially at the early stage, to make sure that your puppy is not carrying any kind of disease in his body, due to the change of environment and a change in diet. And also to eliminate any form of existing health problems that may be present in the dogs' body. Some dogs do experience some form of diarrhea when they undergo process of sudden change in their usual diet habit.

Finally: Learn what diet to give to your puppy at various stages of his life. You must understand that top quality commercial canned dog food that is highly enriched with proteins and mineral to supply nutrient, and build a strong bone to keep your puppy healthy and fast in learning, is a fundamental to keep you on your way to success in your dog training endeavor.

You can equally get more help by visiting the links below.

Maintain Your Dog’s Health

Having a puppy in the house will likely be a pleasurable time, and bonding with that brand new puppy is one thing that many of us, as owners, really delight in. It is necessary, however, that you should make sure that you are attending to your dog's health early in their life so that you can have a happy and lengthy relationship together. Looking for top dog food puppy food that is available is one method for us to be able to make this happen, but there are a number of various decisions that should be made to be able to make a smart selection.

The first factors you will want to understand is that the best canine puppy food that is available is not typically likely to be the evident choice. Most of the commercial companies that claim that they can take care of your puppy from a young age are not actually likely to supply you with the very best dog food which is available on the market. As a topic of truth, you might find that most of this pet food is made up primarily of substances that are not necessarily the most beneficial option for your new dog. Always be certain to examine these businesses beforehand and to check the content label carefully.

For anybody who is having a hard time determining the best commercial dog food puppy will benefit from, you may even like to contemplate asking your veterinarian for some serious suggestions. Generally, vets are extremely interested in the health and well-being of your dog but they are usually in dealings to make capital. Pet food corporations will frequently contact vets to get them to specifically provide a particular kind of dog food in exchange to get a percentage or perhaps other considerations. It may not be the fact that the food that your chosen vet proposes is not good for the puppy, it just might not be one of the best dog food your dog should consume.

A lot of the good quality dog foods that happen to be in the marketplace commonly are not likely to be bought at your local pet store. A little bit of research on the internet can help you to identify higher than normal top quality pet food items, and you will often find a distributor close to you. Occasionally, you will be able to utilize the identical pet food throughout the lifetime of your puppy and in many cases straight into adulthood, but sometimes there can be unique necessities and the best commercial dog food dog might consume can shift when they get older.

When all else does not work out, and you are nevertheless concerned with the kind of diet that you are feeding your pet, you should not overlook the potential for preparing your very own new pet food in your house. This is not merely destined to be the best pet food puppy can consume from a early age, it really is something that can follow them through all of their existence and cause them to become as healthy as they can. Even when you have loads of products so far as dog food is involved, creating a smart decision will reward everyone involved.

Try to Stop Your Dog Barking with Citronella Bark Collar

A citronella bark collar certainly is not the only way to stop your dog from barking. It offers some advantages though and may be a useful tool for training your dog to be quiet. We tried one on our loud spaniel and saw immediate results.

Dogs bark for all kinds of reasons. Often the reasons are good ones. Sometimes they reasons are hard to understand and the barking just turns to wild, uncontrolled noise. Maybe the noise stems from boredom or loneliness or maybe it's just the result of too much energy. In any case, the noise causes trouble and often must be stopped.

In our case, we tried many avenues to keep the noise down and nothing we tried had much positive result. We then looked for a tool to help with the training. The tool we choice was a MultiVet citronella bark collar. Here's how it works.

The actual unit is a cube that slips on a collar and fits against the neck just under the dog's jaw. The instructions say to put it on and leave it turned off for a couple of days. That's to let the animal become accustomed to the feel, I'm sure. It contains a sensor to detect the barking and a pressurized can containing citronella oil. The unit requires a battery to operate and a pressurized can to charge the oil reservoir in the unit.

When the dog barks, the sensor triggers the spray device and the nozzle sprays. What issues forth is a cloud of oil mist that completely surrounds the dog's head. With the collar we have, the oil mist cloud is about 18 inches across and is mostly ball-shaped. Not really harmful to the animal, the mist is quite smelly as well as coming as a complete surprise. There is also a slight noise to the puff which may add to the startle factor.

At least for our spaniel, just a couple of squirts was all it took to make an impression. The mist is smelly, yes, and probably shocking as well, in a startling sort of way. That's what the expression on our dog's face suggested. Who knows, why, maybe it's just the distraction of the whole experience, but the collar stopped the uncontrolled barking almost immediately.

A citronella bark collar administers a negative consequence to barking. The oil mist cloud comes suddenly and as a complete surprise, at least for the first time. It may not work for all dogs but it certainly does for some.

Stopping Dog from Barking

Discovering how to stop your dog from barking may just take some time and thought. Of course most dogs bark, but the wild uncontrolled barking that drives you to distraction must be stopped or all kinds of bad results. Consider these three steps to stop barking before you resort to other steps.

Consider that dogs are often trained, accidentally, to expect attention. It isn't just that attention is expected, it's demanded. Even from a puppy, many pets are petted and catered too to the point where the dog demands immediate attention and often gets it. That barking may simply be a demand for attention and the problem is that's,often what the dog gets.

Even hollering at the dog for quiet actually rewards the undesired noise. The shouting is the attention that the dog demanded. Loud shouting may be seen as a great idea by a dog. At least it's some kind of response.

That means that often the barking dog must learn that the barking will not get it attention, at least not attention that's fun for the dog.

Besides trying to attract attention, barking often results from boredom. Dogs that are left long alone often make noise simply out of loneliness and boredom. This is related to desiring attention but a little different. This may be overcome with more exercise and even more play objects. The exercise needs of many dogs is far higher that you might expect or hope.

Ultimately though, t may be practically impossible for you to spend enough time with a dog to completely satisfy the dog's desire to run and play. At some point a dog must learn some control and act responsibly. That may mean some negative consequence must be linked with too much barking.

The challenge though is linking a negative with the barking quickly enough so the dog gets the message. Also, as already suggested, what you perceive as a negative, hollering, may be seen by pet as a positive, attention.

Often a tool can help with linking a negative with uncontrolled barking. One way to train for bark control is a training collar. At least three types of collars can be used in training. Each type rewards barking with a shocking response of some sort. Some rely more on a psychological shock and other use more of a physical shock. In each case, the collar works to teach the dog that certain behavior, wold barking, will be rewarded with unpleasant consequences.

Learning how to stop your dog from barking may take time and attention. Often careful observation can quickly pinpoint the cause of the noise and then you can take steps to correct the problem. Sometimes the right tool can help you get some peace and quiet quickly and with a minimum of fuss.

Give Your Dog Some Supplement to Improve Its Immunity

All pet owners are concerned about the health of their dogs. But just like humans, dogs get older and their immune systems get weaker. When this happens, your pet will be more prone to getting sick. If you want to prevent this from happening in your dog, there are a few things that you can do. Let's first talk about simple practices that you can do everyday, and then we'll talk about what a dog supplement product can do for you and your best friend.

If you want your dog to stay healthy, you have to do a few things. One of the most important things for good health in a dog is exercise. This works the same way as it does in humans. If you are active you will develop a strong heart and a strong immune system. This is why it is so important that you get your dog outside as often as you can so they can play and get exercise.

You also have to make sure that you give your dog a good diet. There are many theories on what a good diet consists of for a dog. The best thing that you can do is give your dog all natural dog food. The problem here is that some dog foods claim to be all natural when they are not. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian to get a good recommendation on a pet food product. Other people feel that the best way to feed their dogs is by giving them scraps from the table. The problem here is that people do not always eat the healthiest foods. Whatever you choose to do, natural food and clean water is a huge part of your dogs health.

Many people use a dog supplement to go with their dogs meals. This is a great way to make sure that they get the vitamins that they need. Natural dog supplement products, like C-Caps, contain many natural herbs that can promote good health in your dog. These ingredients can boost energy levels, improve your pet's immune system, and make sure that they maintain a healthy appetite.

How to Stop Your Dog Barking at Night

Understanding how to train your dog to stop barking at night is about understanding why your dog is barking in the first place. There are several reasons why dogs bark, most of the time he or she is trying to communicate something to you. It is not healthy for your dog if you completely forbid him to bark as it is a natural way for him to vent and some barking is to be expected.

On the other hand there are times when your dogs barking is incessant, repetitive and never ending and it can drive you and your neighbours up the wall. This isn't something you should just put up with and there are several things you can do to minimise your dogs barking.

A big reason your dog barks continuously is because he knows he will eventually get something out of it, be it attention, food or the thing he is barking at to go away. It is important that you never reward your dogs barking. That includes shouting at him to shut up. This is still attention to your dog. Do not talk or shout at him, do not make eye contact. By continuously ignoring your dogs barking he will learn that his attention seeking isn't working.

Probably the main reason your dog is barking is boredom, lack of exercise and stimulation. It is important that we walk our dogs every day or at least play Frisbee or football with them for a half an hour a day. If you drain your dog's energy during the day he is much more likely to sleep through the night and will not need to bark to vent his pent up energy.

Crates and Accessories for Your Dog

Dog crates are an important part of responsible dog ownership. They give your canine companion a nice safe place to call his own. These crates also give your dog a place where he can be if you need to secure him for any reason. They not only come in fixed and folding styles, but also have many accessories that can be added. Let's take a closer look at some of the different options.

As a pet owner myself, the favorite thing I like about dog crates is that when I need to put my dog somewhere where I know he will be safe, or out of the way, his crate is easy and convenient. My hound is not aggressive, but if yours is, then having somewhere like a crate becomes increasingly important when people come over to visit. Nobody likes how it feels to arrive at someone's house only to be met by a barking dog who "has never hurt anyone". Yeah right, I've heard that one before. Out of courtesy for others, just put Fido away if you know someone is coming over.

There are many sizes of dog crates on the market to choose from. It is always better to have a larger, rather than smaller one. Just use common sense when choosing one. If you have a small poodle you obviously don't need a monster sized one. However, if you have a Wolfhound or a Dane then you need a huge crate. What's important to remember is the comfort and safety of your pet. Canines like to den by instinct. If the crate is just the right size they will feel safe and protected.

Dog crates that fold are wonderful. They allow you to store it away when not in use. When these are assembled and in use they do take up quite a bit of space. So, being able to collapse them and store them away flat is really convenient. When we got our last pup we bought a folding crate that we used to house train him. This particular dog crate had a plastic tray as the base. This was wonderful when it came time to clean it. Easy spray off and that's it. After the pup was grown we no longer used the crate for housing as we had other arrangements. We simply folded it up and slid it behind some other things in the garage.

One accessory for dog crates that many people don't even think about is a divider. These allow you to buy a larger crate when you first get your pup. You simply insert the divider, which in effect, makes a smaller useable space for your pup. Having a smaller space in the crate makes puppy training much easier. Another accessory that is good to know about is a replacement crate pan. These come in plastic and metal and make cleaning much easier. They come in a wide variety of sizes, so if you already have a crate and just need to replace the pan, it should be no problem to find just the size you need.

Dog crates make for both happier dogs and even happier dog owners. I wouldn't go without one. It's not like you need to put your dog in it all the time. It's just that when you do need a convenient place to have your dog stay for awhile, dog crates are ideal. Easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to store.

English Bulldog, the Most Popular Breed of Domestic Dogs

The bulldog is one of the most popular breed of domestic dogs. Ask random people to name dog breeds and you will probably see bulldog in their list. Of course we can still be more specific with the breed as there are French and American bulldogs that look the same. But the truth is the name "bulldog" would directly point to the English or British bulldog.

Bulldogs are naturally stubborn with a very passive attitude to the simplest of instructions. Together with the seemingly sour face, you can not help but think that the dog is mocking your authority. To compensate this sourpuss expression, bulldogs are gentle and mild tempered with a tendency to overly depend to their human companions for walks and excursions around the neighborhood. They are a hit to kids because of their kind and stable temper.

Appearance is shared among all the bulldogs around the world, which actually made it a well known breed. It has broad shoulders with a complimenting large head. The signature folds in the face and on top of the nose are standard physical attributes. A naturally short tail adds to its charm together with its round and curious looking eyes widely set in its face. And of course how can you miss the flabby skin hanging in their necks with the drooping lips and crooked pointed teeth. Some sees bulldogs as downright ugly, and to some just plain and simple adorable. The fur is short with irregular stripes of red, fawn or white as a common description of its color.

Even in its unique looking features, it does not at all resemble a bull. So what is with the name? The word "bull" was coined because of the bulldogs' ancient purpose in England - bull baiting. This sport is ferocious and the bulldogs we know today are a far cry to this ancestral origin. Through generations of breeding, the aggressiveness of the original bulldogs is eliminated. Some dog lovers in England see this as a necessary step in preserving the breed, which at that time were beginning to fade away in the banning of a sport they were originally associated with.

The English bulldog is an icon today. Thanks to its distinct appearance and to its rich history. People around the world could never miss the bulldog - ever.

How to Choose Suitable Gifts for Dog

Man's best friend deserves the best treatment we can give them. After all they are always there for us and never complain. Show them how much you appreciate them with one of our dog gift ideas.

1. Dog Bed. I know that they will already have a comfortable dog bed or they may be allowed to sleep on the sofa or your bed. But all dogs especially as they get older will benefit from pet orthopaedic beds. These will support them in the correct places and help all those aches and pains. We all appreciate a good night's sleep and your dog will too.
2. Ball Thrower. Do you suffer from an aching arm after a few throws of that ball, and the embarrassment of not being able to throw it far enough? A must for all owners with ball chasing obsessed dogs is a ball thrower. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes but your dog will thank you for that endless stream of far flung balls for them to chase; you will not even have to break into a sweat.
3. Dog Flap. Do you sometimes find yourself at the beck and call of your dog, opening and closing that door as they come in and out of the garden? A dog flap is your ideal solution. Very similar to a cat flap but available in a variety of different sizes this will give your dog more independence. There is a variety on the market so shop around, our favourite are the ones with enhanced security features which will deter other animals and unwanted guests entering your house.
4. Pooper Scooper. All dog owners need to be responsible for picking up their dogs' poop. Make it easy for yourself by having an easy carrier so you won't be swinging that bag of poop during your walk. Your dog will be happy too as you will have both hands free to throw that ball or stick.
5. Extendable Lead. Dogs love the freedom to run around when they get the chance but there are many areas where they will need to be on a lead. Make this a more pleasant experience by investing in an extendable lead and they will not constantly be pulled around by a restrictive short lead.
6. Dog Chew. Visit your local pet shop and you will see a truly astonishing array of pet chews. Look for recyclable, non-toxic versions and you will be doing your bit to helping our environment.
7. Another Dog. One of the best presents for your dog and your whole family. Whilst your dog is very happy with human company; Dogs are pack animals at heart and they will appreciate another dog's company when you are not at home. You will see many old dogs having a new lease of life when a puppy is introduced into their environment. Do some research beforehand to see what breed of dog will compliment your current dog. There are many rescue dogs looking for homes so check this out at your local centre first, they will also be able to give you help and advice about a new dog.

Flea and Tick Treatment

Dogs deserve the best treatment. They are considered members of the family and should only be treated just as well. When it comes to flea and tick control, dog lovers do have a lot of options. Sometimes, going to a pet store can be truly overwhelming. Hundreds of pesticides are available and promise to save our dear pets from these parasites. However, even the most commercialized pesticides do not guarantee toxic-free ingredients.

Parasite control does not necessarily me relying on chemicals to get rid of the unwanted friends. Many products do contain a relevant amount of potent chemicals that pose risks and adverse effects on the pet itself as well as to the kids and pet owners.

Specifically, a number of flea collars still have amounts of propoxur and even tetrachlorvinphos. These are two among the most toxic chemicals that are no longer allowed to be sold to the public.

They cause chemical residues to stay on the fur of the dogs. And once touched by human, the chemical can be absorbed immediately through the person's skin. Worse, it can even be accidentally ingested.

Going green these days is a trend even in flea and tick control. These are even healthier alternatives that can be dome if the owner opts not to use, pills, injections and even sprays. One of the suggested tips is the use of herbal powder that controls flea. Even flea collars now come is 'herbal' type and this is even better than using the commercial flea collars.

The application of skin tonic such as manages treatment and parasite repellent is also another option. You may also use other techniques such as treating your carpets using mineral salt.

This substance has an anti-flea effect and is found to be incredibly effective. Adding garlic and yeast to your pet's diet is also advised. Lastly, don't forget to use your good old flea comb.

If your infestation cannot be fixed by any of the above natural remedies, then it is time to move on to the more effective tick and flea control products available on the market today.

Some Herbal Remedies for Your Dogs

Herbal remedies for dogs have been used for thousands of years but they are still confusing and controversial for many owners. The use of herbs and the benefits they offer are starting to gather new momentum in many parts of the world as natural ways to build your dogs immune system. While the uses of drugs in modern medicine have shown tremendous advances in recent years, there are still many who believe that they can and do alter your dogs natural immune system.

But there is one very important thing to understand about herbal medications; they can also have some very damaging side affects if not used properly. In all cases where you are going to use herbal treatments, you should do so under the direction of a professional. If your veterinarian does not fully understand or accept herbal remedies for dogs, find one that does.

For every one professional that does not believe in this ancient form of treatment, there is one that not only understands them, but they can fully explain and utilize them. What is also important to understand, is that most all of today's new drugs were discovered and than isolated from plants. They are than purified and concentrated, and as a result act very quickly in most all cases but they also have the potential for very serious side affects.

The entire idea behind herbal remedies in dogs is to have your pet ingest either an extract form or a dried form of the same plant, but in much smaller concentrations. It is strongly held in several circles that this will produce the same desired affects of many of today's modern medications, but without the potential of side affects. It is almost impossible to get any type of treatment that will totally safe for your dog, but if herbal remedies are taken with the assistance of professional guidance, they may be as close as you will ever come to being completely safe.

Black Walnut:

Herbal remedies for dogs will almost always begin with black walnut as it is perhaps the most powerful and natural remedy for your dogs biggest enemy; worms, especially heart worms. However, it can be cause complications if not given in the correct amounts by a professional as it may cause diarrhea and vomiting. There are several very effective herbal supplements that will utilize black walnut, but in lesser amounts and will combine it with barberry, cascara, chapparal, cloves garlic, berry, milk thistle, sage, and slippery elm.

Red Clover:

This herbal remedy has been used in several cancer formulas because of its diuretic qualities as well as its blood cleansing and anti-neoplastic affects. However, it is much safer when combined with other ingredients. If your dog has any type of a blood clotting disorder it is not recommended as it contains very small amounts of Coumadin. It also contains very small amounts of salicylic acid, the main ingredient in aspirin. However, it would have to be given in excess to have any adverse side affects.

Echinacea:

This form of herbal remedies for dogs is very well known for its immune modulating qualities and is very effective in immune system disorders, diabetes, as well as immune deficiency conditions. It helps to stimulate your dogs immune system but is not recommended to give to your dog for more than six to eight weeks. Because it is so powerful, it is recommended to stop it for a period of time and then reintroduce it slowly. Most veterinarians will use this herb very early in treating this very wicked set of conditions as it is that effective.

Ephedra:

This herb has a very long history and is one the most common herbs in traditional Chinese medicine and is used for respiratory disorders in dogs. It is most commonly used for asthma, but it can potentially cause high blood pressure if it is not closely monitored by your veterinarian. But again, it would have to be given in very high dosages to cause complications.

Garlic:

This form of herbal remedies for dogs has also been used for centuries, but is still controversial. It is extremely effective in treating parasite infections, microbial infections, as well as treating cancer. Garlic in very large amounts can cause anemia in dogs, and if your dog does have anemia, it is not recommended. But it does not justify the criticism, as in must be given in excess before it causes any side affects. The best way to use it in your dog is to carefully control the amounts. The rule of thumb is to give one garlic clove per every ten pounds of dog body weight.

Ginkgo:

This herb is very well known for its use in treating dogs with mild forms of cognitive disorders. It is extremely effective for improving memory and is often used in working dogs, hunting dogs, as well tracking and military dogs.

Milk Thistle:

This form of herbal remedies in dogs is very well known for its usage as a treatment for liver disease of any kind. However, it is so powerful that owners should be very cautious in using it in normal dogs for extended periods of time, as it may depress some liver functions.

Tea Tree Oil:

This is perhaps the best form of herbal remedy in controlling fleas in your dog. It is used topically and is extremely effective at controlling itching as well, but should be used moderately in small breeds. This herb is at its best when properly prepared and diluted by a professional.

Other Herbs:

There are several other herbs that are extremely beneficial for dogs. Raspberry is very effective in assisting pregnancies in protecting both the mother and the litter, and Chamomile helps with both wound healing as well as respiratory diseases. Lavender is a natural sleeping aid for your dog if they are having trouble sleeping, and oats helps to reduce itching when your dog is bathed in it. Yeast is a natural skin supplement as well as a treatment for diarrhea, and flax-seed is used very effectively for both constipation as well as irritable bowel syndrome in dogs.

Summary:

Herbal remedies for dogs will always be somewhat controversial, but if you fully understand and do the research, it becomes oxy-moronic to suggest controversy. These treatments have been used for dogs for thousands of years and almost every medication, even the newest forms, are derived from herbs and plants. You almost have to ask yourself why they would be controversial. They have a much lower chance of side affects and are natural. Perhaps hampering large drug companies is where the controversy comes from.

How to Buy and Choose a New Dog

Choosing to buy a dog is a huge commitment, so it's important to take the time to choose what type of dog is best for you and your family and how each member in the family will be caring for your new pet. If it's just you, then the answer is obvious, as you will be doing all the work. Yet if your new dog will be welcomed by a family, make sure that everyone is willing to pitch in and provide care for the new pet. After all, your new family member will need a lot more care beyond just feeding and walking.

First thing is first when buying a dog, you must choose one that fits into your lifestyle. If you are active and enjoy running or bike riding, getting a dog who can come along with you would be most beneficial, such as an active Border Collie. If you prefer a more sedentary lifestyle however, or don't have a fenced-in backyard, choosing a lapdog will be best. Doing research either online or at the library will help you determine the breed for you.

Each breed also has different responsibilities in terms of maintenance, as some dogs require monthly grooming, while others need to be brushed daily. Also consider the medical issues that go along with buying a dog, as some are prone to ear infections or heart murmurs, while all dogs will need routine shots and doctor check-ups.

Before buying a dog, also think about the time that you will be committing to your new pet, as puppies require a lot of training and socialization when they are first welcomed to the family. Your new pet may need professional training lessons, as well as daily walks, feeding, and play time. Also consider the costs before buying a dog, as you will be responsible for paying for veterinarian visits, food, and puppy gear, including toys, a bed, cage, and food - to name a few.

Although it's important to know that you and your family are ready to buy a dog, most families find that when they're ready, they automatically know it. Dogs are a wonderful way to improve your lifestyle and the loyalty you receive from your beloved pet is priceless. Keep in mind that there are many places to purchase your pet from, preferably from a shelter or adoption agency. If you want a purebred, opt for a pet breeder that allows you to come to the home and see the condition of the pets, as well as a background of the puppy.

Avoiding Dog Biting Problems

Small puppies usually undergo the teething stage, that's why they bite a lot. So, if you have chosen to acquire a young dog, you better prepare yourself for frequent biting. Ready yourself for the dog biting problems that you have to face. However, you do not really have to worry because even if puppy bites may be a little painful, they don't cause any serious injury. Nevertheless, it is best to start training a puppy. Puppies are easier to train compared to older dogs. But it is more preferable not to take the puppy away from its mother until it is ten weeks old. At this age, it is only beginning to learn painful and non-painful biting. So, you better let it play-fight with its siblings first.

Then, once your puppy is old enough for training, you have to tour it around your house and your neighborhood. It needs to become familiar with its surroundings so it will know that it is secured. As you know, unfamiliar surroundings can prompt aggressive behaviors in dogs such as biting, gnawing, and barking. And you and your neighbors will not be pleased if it develops dog biting problems. So, you really have to introduce it to people and places around. You must also allow it to be touched and patted by your family and friends so it will know that these people are allies. Dogs have this predator kind of mentality, and it sees you as its ally. But you must also let it know that you are, in fact, the leader of the pack. So, it must listen and obey you at all times.

Then, you must prevent your dog from being stressed as stress can cause dog biting problems. You have to avoid leaving it alone in your house often, or leaving it in an unfamiliar place. However, leaving for work or travel is inevitable. So, be sure that you train your dog to become used being left in the house. You must also make sure that it does not get into fights with your neighbors' dogs because this might also cause it to become stressed. In addition, you have to show that you love and care for it. You must give it enough attention everyday. It will appreciate even just a simple pat on its head or a rub on its tummy. But you must also walk it regularly and play with it often. You must talk to it and praise it, as well.

Moreover, you have to feed it everyday with nutritious foods. You can buy dog foods in supermarkets. These goods are especially formulated with the necessary nutrients that dogs need. But you can also feed it with cooked meat. Then, you must also not forget to reward it with delicious treats. Hot dogs or cooked pieces of chicken are recommended. So, if you follow these suggestions, you and your dog will have a harmonious relationship. And you will be able to avoid dog biting problems in general, as well.

House Training for a Dog

Dogs are intuitively clean. You may or may have not observed this with your own dog, but the knowledge will hopefully help you better understand why your dog displays certain apparently unpleasant traits. All dogs have their own definition of cleanliness and they instinctively act to maintain that standard. Dogs do not intentionally soil themselves. In fact, they have various inbuilt ways of avoiding doing so. Some dogs prefer to dispose of their waste on the grass, while others prefer to use gravel. You may not have noticed, but in this mannerism they are very similar to cats. It is best to consider these dog habits to be a positive element that can be worked on. A useful way to start training a dog, is to take advantage of these natural habits as a basis for fast and successful house training.

There are two essential steps when training a dog within your home. The first is to set up a specific living area for your dog. This can be set up in relatively little space in such places as the garage or the bathroom. Some people use a small area of the kitchen. It might not be such a good idea though to utilize any part of your living room for your dog, as it might be quite difficult for both you and he to accept that as his private space. It is highly advisable to spend some quality time with your pet in his own living area. The living area should be chosen as a potential place to play with your dog. Your dog should also be free to sleep and eat in that area. It will be more satisfactory and motivating for your pet if you also provide them with their own bed in the designated area. Have patience in dealing with your dog in the 'his' living area. Your dog may pass waste in there at first but later, will realize that it is their own living area and will then make an effort not to mess in there again.

Once your dog becomes familiar in sleeping in his specialized bed, it is then no longer a problem to transfer the bed to any part of the house, or anywhere you wish. If you move the bed outside your dog's living area, you will need to ensure that you confine your pet to the bed. If you are using a crate as his bed, make sure to close the crate's door. If you are using a towel as your dog's bed, place it behind particular furniture and harness your dog so he will not stray from the bed.

It is not advisable to leave your pet unattended while they are leashed, so you may well consider having the leash attached to yourself. You may for instance, clip one end of the leash to your belt loop. This would allow you to keep an eye on the dog and constantly supervise his conduct and activity.

The second step in house training a dog, is to set up a toilet area. You will then need to train him to pass waste in your prescribed toilet area. If your dog shows signs of wanting to, or actually starts, to do his business, then immediately take him to this area. Stay with your dog during this process each time until he finally establishes the habit of only passing waste in his own toilet area.

The steps outlined here are practical, yet have a significant impact on your dog's disciplinary behavior. Once your dog develops such habits, moving on to a higher level of training should become much easier.

Four Tips to Choose the Perfect Dog Food

As a pet owner, did you ever take the extra time to really look into what you're feeding your beloved pet? If you answered no, then chances are, your dog may not be getting the proper nutrition it needs. The sad truth is, most pet owners make the mistake of choosing dog food on the basis of price rather than nutritional value. If you want to change all that, then its time for you to start paying close attention to your dog's diet. Here are 4 tips on how you can choose the perfect dog food for your pet.

Make it a habit to check the labels

This is the first step in ensuring that your dog gets the proper nutrition from the food that you put in front of it. Just by checking the labels, you'll be able to get a clear idea on what you've been feeding your dog all along. Make sure to choose food that has a large percentage of meat and vegetables. Stay away from soy or any other common meat substitutes that cheaper dog food have as it's been scientifically proven that these ingredients can trigger allergic reaction in dogs.

Choose a brand with the most nutritional value

Before you settle for a food brand, you need to thoroughly investigate the different brands that are available to you. This step will help you seed out the reputable manufacturers from those that are really just producing subpar food products. Don't hesitate to check out online reviews on the different food manufacturers so that you can have a better idea on which dog food brands are packed with the most nutritional value.

Give your dogs food that is suitable to their age

It's also important that you choose dog food that is suitable for your dog's age. Dogs, just like humans, have different needs as they age which means you shouldn't feed a puppy just any regular dog food. You need to give it food that is suitable for its sensitive digestive system. If your dog has special needs, then you should probably be much more critical with what he or she eats since the wrong kind of dog food will often cause more harm than good.

Always remember that proteins and carbohydrates are essential

The key to a healthy dog diet is dog food that has the right balance of protein and carbohydrates. Protein is a must as it helps develop and maintain your dog's muscle mass while carbohydrates is essential in ensuring that your dog has all the energy it needs to go about its day. Don't scrimp on these two vital ingredients and always aim for a high percentage of the two when looking at your labels. If you see that a certain dog food that has an unreasonable amount of water in them, disregard them immediately. It's just a tactic for cheaper manufacturers to bulk up their products.

Now that you know how you can choose the perfect dog food for your pet dog, make sure that you put these tips into practice starting today. Always remember to give your dog the proper care and attention it needs. Since they are considered to be man's best friend they deserve to be treated in such a way.

Breed for Your Dog

You have decided you need a dog. You should not just buy the latest fashion accessory, unless you are filthy rich and can pay someone to look after it when it is no longer fashionable. Even then, you should not have a dog. Get yourself a handbag or a pair of shoes instead.

If you are going to take on the responsibility of a dog, you need to be aware that all dogs have needs. All dogs need to be exercised and trained. They all need some form of grooming. All dogs need companionship.

You need to decide whether you have time to exercise, train, groom and play with your dog.

You need to decide the right breed of dog for you, based on what you can provide for the dog and what the dog can provide for you.

If you are older and frail, you need think about a breed that does not need a lot of exercise or grooming. A smaller companion breed would suit you best. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a good breed for less active people.

If you have babies or young children, you need a low maintenance dog that will not get over-excited and bite. You will not have time for grooming the dog. You will probably want a breed like a Labrador or golden retriever. A smaller breed like a Pug or Maltese would be good too.

Remember that even the best dog will bite when provoked. All children should be supervised at all times with a dog. I have heard of a dog biting a child after getting a pencil embedded in its ear. Always supervise children and pets for everyone's safety.

If you have older children, a more active breed would be able to keep up with them. A border collie would be good as long as the children were very active. Collies are good for older children although they need more grooming. You cannot depend on children to groom their dog. You will need to supervise them.

Some breeds are more independent than others are and can be left in the backyard for most of the day and will not fret. They still need companionship and exercise. They need the stimulation of a walk and they need to please you. If you only want a guard dog, you would be better off buying a CC Camera security system and a burglar alarm.

Some breeds need constant companionship to be happy. They are best for older people who are home during the day. These dogs will fret without their master, so if you plan to be away often you should reconsider these breeds.

All dogs need to be trained to be well-mannered pets. Dogs that nip or bark excessively are not happy dogs. Dogs need a master and they will be happier if you give them one. Do not let your pet rule the household. He will become stressed and snappy if you do.

A dog is a great responsibility but he can also be a rewarding companion. Be your dog's best friend and train him well, care for him and understand his breed's special needs.

Training a Siberian Husky

There are a few things to know when figuring out how to train a Siberian Husky. They are very independent thinkers and this can really be a thorn in your side while you try to train them. This breed of dog was bred to to run, run, then run more.

Siberian huskies are independent thinkers.

If they see something that touches their interest (bird, bike, ball, you name it!) they will want to go chase/see/grab that object.

This is tied with a very strong hunter instinct, and was crucial to Siberian huskies survival when living on the frozen tundra in Siberia.

This can't be trained out of a husky, however you can use it to train them! if you have something they want because of their hunter instinct (This can be anything from a treat to a favorite toy), you can keep their attention, and once you have their attention it is insanely easy to train them.

Siberian huskies have an insatiable desire to run.

The breed was bred to run for upwards of 12 hours a day pulling a sled across huge expanses of land. Exercise will be absolutely crucial to training your Siberian husky.

If you exercise your Husky you will find that they are one hundred, no, a thousand times easier to train. They must have that need met in order to be well behaved. If that need isn't met, or you can't meet it, training a husky could be a very difficult thing for you to accomplish.

Old Dogs’ Health Problem

It's...OBESITY! Just like in humans, the side-effects of obesity are deadly. But why are senior dogs more likely to become obese? While getting spayed/neutered does NOT cause obesity, hormonal changes and age affect metabolism. Senior dogs (who are more likely to be spayed and neutered) have slower metabolisms and require less calories, more fiber and less fat. In addition, they need a higher quality of protein. However, as owners, we often fail to make the necessary adjustments in their diets. Consequently, our dogs gain weight.

What is considered obese? Just like with humans, you can easily tell by looking. While you shouldn't be able to see a dog's individual ribs, you should be able to feel them. Other things to consider are whether there is a visible waist indention and a thick tail. Does your dog have a large, wobbly belly? Even a thin fat layer greater than.5 cm is the start of obesity.

While all senior dogs are at risk of obesity, certain breeds are especially at risk. These include labs, beagles, basset hounds, cocker spaniels, chihuahuas, pugs, dachsunds and herding breeds.

So you dog has a little bit of a belly. What's the big deal? The wear and tear on the body from carrying all of that extra weight leads to other deadly medical conditions. Excess weight not only causes wear and tear on the ligaments, it can make a dog more prone to ACL strains, tears and worsen/cause osteoarthritis. In fact, osteoarthritis is one of the first signs of obesity. It worsens other pre-existing conditions, too, such as hip displaysia, collapsing trachea, and luxating patellas.

But it also affects a dog's quality of life. Being overweight makes it harder to breath because excess fat around the chest area makes it harder to fully expand the lungs and get a good breath. It's harder for the dog to move around. It causes cardiovascular stress because the heart has to pump harder to get blood to the extra tissue, resulting in hypertension. It leads to diabetes. Digestion is impaired. Even decreased liver function - fat is stored in the liver, and when a dog is overweight the liver becomes overloaded with lipids. In fact, excess weight is harder on ALL organs because it forces them to work harder. Consequently, the body becomes more susceptible to other illnesses and disease.

One of more unknown problems relating to obesity in dogs is that is creates a higher risk of death and complications while under anesthesia. Anesthetics are absorbed by fat, so obese dogs end up absorbing more of them and have a harder time coming out of anesthesia. Since the liver is already strained by built-up fat, it has a harder time breaking down the anesthesia.

But perhaps the scariest potential side effect of obesity is an increased risk of cancer. Studies suggest obese dogs are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer, mammary cancer and lipomas. Lipomas are those fatty nodules you can see and feel under a dogs skil that are usually benign.

Can you believe that there are even behavioral side effects to being obese? If your dog is overweight (whether a senior or not) chances are your dog sleeps excessively, is anti-social, and generally lethargic.

Training Your Puppy

One important area of training that all puppy owners must focus on is housebreaking, also called house training, toilette training and potty training. A dog that knows where (and when) to go to the bathroom becomes more of a valued member of the family and less of a nuisance. After all, nobody likes to clean up after a dog that leaves his mark anywhere and everywhere except in his designated toilette area.

Starting them young

The best time to start house training your puppy is when he is still a puppy. This way, you can use your pup's natural instincts in teaching him where to do his business. Dogs are instinctively clean animals that do not want to soil the area where they eat and sleep. They are also animals of habit that build routines as to when and where they want to relieve themselves. If you have had dogs before, you will notice that they generally go in the same area. One style of housebreaking is using the training area/toilette area method.

The training area and toilette area

Before even getting a puppy, you should already know which areas of your home will be designated as the training area and the toilette area. The training area is any confined space like a bathroom, part of the kitchen, the den or the garage. Next, you should also designate where you want your puppy to do his business. For bigger homes, they have the benefit of the backyard. For compact homes, identify the area which you find most suitable to be used as your puppy's potty place.

Training your puppy

Once you have the puppy at home, restrict his movements to his designated training area first. His comfortable bed, water bowl and toys should be placed here. Allow him to sleep, eat, and play here. Spend quality time with you puppy in his training area so he can easily call it his own. At the beginning, expect your doggy to relieve himself in his training area. As days go by, you will notice that your puppy will be reluctant to use the area for potty because he knows that it is his special spot in the house. When you feel that your puppy has adjusted well to his bed (sleeps in it without prodding), relocate this bed together with his other things to different areas of the house. Here, you are trying to establish in the puppy the fact that other parts of the house are not for potty, but for rest and relaxation.

Together with training the puppy to keep his training area soil free is training him to use his toilette area. The toilette area you have designated should be accessible to him when the need to relieve himself arises. You should accompany your pup to his toilette area each time. Once you are confident that your puppy knows where to do his business, you can now leave him to his own devices.

Establishing a regular potty schedule

Puppies generally go potty once they wake up from their long sleep and naps. They also tend to go after meals. Guide you furry pal to the toilette area upon waking or after eating. To help you establish a more regular potty schedule, you need to establish a regular feeding schedule first. Once you see signs of your puppy wanting to relieve himself, bring him to his designated toilette area. Some signs you need to watch out for are: your puppy turns in circles or sniffs around.

Once your puppy has established a regular toilette schedule, always make sure that he has access to the toilette area at those times. If he doesn't, your puppy may not be able to hold it, and thus have an accident. This will make it more difficult to continue the house training.

Tips in house training your puppy

Praise your pup when he successfully eliminates in the toilette area.

Never punish or scold him for any slip ups that may occur. Quietly clean up the mess.

Stop feeding the puppy two to three hours before bedtime. Fresh water should be available the whole day but should be taken away an hour or two before he goes to sleep.

Having a new puppy in your home is a great source of joy and frustration, especially if you are a first time parent. At the top of your list should be training your puppy where to go potty. Housebreaking takes patience and commitment not only from you but from other members of the household. Scolding your new bundle of joy because he had to relieve himself will not do any good; after all, he is just following nature's call. It is your responsibility to train him where to go and even when to go. With the right training and positive encouragement from you, your puppy can learn exactly where it is proper to go potty.

The Newfoundland Profile

Description: The Newfoundland is a large, massive dog of immense strength. It is said to be even stronger than such dogs as the Great Dane and English Mastiff. The Newfoundland dog measures 27 to 29 inches at the withers, with the bitch 2 inches less. The male will weigh 130 to 150 (or more) pounds with the female weighing 100 to 120 pounds. The Newfoundland has a long, heavy, water-proof coat that is usually black, but sometimes brown or grey. The feet of this dog are webbed, to aid in swimming, as it is a dog that loves the water. The Newfoundland usually lives for only 8 to 10 years. It is also called the Newf or the Newfie.

History: The Newfoundland had its beginnings in Newfoundland, Canada. It is believed to be descended from an indigenous dog, the St. John's Water Dog, and the black bear dog that the Vikings brought to the New World with them. It is known, that whatever its early ancestry, it did cross with Mastiffs brought over by fishermen from Portugal. Used to help the fishermen, the Newfoundland would haul in heavy nets and help bring boats to shore. This dog has excelled in rescuing people from the water and is powerful enough to swim in heavy tides and high waves. The Lewis and Clark Expedition was accompanied by Lewis' Newfoundland, Seaman.

Temperament: The Newfoundland is justly famous not only for its strength, but also for its loving and gentle disposition. This is a calm dog that is quiet in the house. The Newfoundland is very good with children, although some care should be exercised because of the dog's great size. It is very loyal and devoted to its family and is easy to train. This dog is not likely to initiate a biting attack with an intruder, but will content itself with holding the person or positioning itself between the intruder and its family. This is a Mastiff breed characteristic. The Newfoundland will get along without problems with other household dogs or other pets.

Health Issues: The Newfoundland can be subject to hip and elbow dysplasia. This breed can also develop bladder stones, which will usually have to be removed surgically. The most serious health problem is subvalvular aortic stenosis, a serious heart condition that can affect even young dogs. As with most large dogs, the Newfoundland can be stricken with bloat. A quiet time after small meals can help prevent this, but if it does occur, the dog must be taken to a veterinarian immediately to save its life.

Grooming: The thick coat of the Newfoundland must be carefully brushed every week. During the spring shed, the heavy undercoat must be brushed out. The volume of hair produced will often be astounding, almost taking up as much space as the dog itself. The dog should not be shampooed as this might remove the oils that contribute to the waterproof coat.

Living Conditions: While it is said that the calm and gentle Newfoundland can live in an apartment, the size of the dog and the fact that it prefers cold temperatures should provoke thought. This dog will probably be best suited to living in a house with a yard. While not the most active dog, the Newf does need daily exercise. This dog bonds strongly with its human friends and does best and is happiest when with its family. A family that enjoys outdoor activities, especially those involving water will probably be the best owners for this dog. Fishermen or hunters or people engaged in winter sports will find this dog a perfect companion.

Fish Oil, the Supplement for Dogs

Fish oil for dogs may be one of the beneficial supplements that you could give ever your pet as it will help all breeds in any age group in ways that most owners may not be aware of. Owners have been using fish oil for years as a supplement for hair coats and improving the gloss in the coat, but it has benefits that far exceed just protecting your dog's coat.

There are also very few side affects of fish oil, except in very rare cases where extreme dosages may be used as it could possibly cause pancreatitis. However, it is extremely rare and has only been documented where the dosage has been extremely high for a prolonged period of time.

Fatty acids are essential for all pets, especially dogs, and the richest forms of fatty acids are found in three major sources; beef fat, sunflower oil, and fish oil. Although beef fat does contain fatty acids, it is has a very low percentage, while on the other hand sunflower oil and fish oil have much higher percentages. But even sunflower oil does not come close to the benefits of fish oil.

Dogs can produce some of the needed fatty acids, but not all of them, and as a result they must be obtained form their diet or supplemented. Fatty acids in foods are also subject to degradation, as overcooking can virtually destroy these very important nutrients and can actually cause a deficiency. Supplementing fish oil drops or supplements into your dogs diet can do wonders for your loyal companion.

Benefits of Fish Oil

Allergies and Autoimmune Conditions:

Most all allergies as well as autoimmune conditions are the result of your dogs body over reacting to something. Autoimmune conditions are especially dangerous as it is your dogs own system actually attacking itself. There are two primary forms of fatty acids that your dog needs in their diets, omega-3 and omega-6. However, what is not well known is that there is a third type of fatty acid, omega-9.

Omega-9 is found primarily in animal fat as well as vegetable oil, and actually decreases the concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 in your dogs skin as well as their blood. Fish oil helps to bring the balance back into full strength and protect your dogs system against both allergies and autoimmune conditions, as most all skin conditions are caused by a lack of enough omega-3 in your dogs system.

Arthritis:

The next major benefit of fish oil for dogs is that of fighting inflammation. Both forms of fatty acids are incorporated in your dogs cell membranes, and when a cell becomes damaged, the substances of omega-6 are released from the cell membranes and are metabolized by enzymes. When this occurs, it actually causes both inflammations as well as itching in your dog. However, the major substances of omega-3 are also affected, and fish oil can do wonders in correcting the situation. If your dog is battling arthritis, a few drops of fish oil or one tablet daily can be extremely helpful.

It may take four to five weeks to become fully effective, but it most all cases it helps to reduce the inflammation. Fish oil will also help other inflammatory conditions such as colitis, inflammatory bowel disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is extremely effective in neutralizing the enzyme metabolism that cases this chain of events.

Eyes:

Omega 3 fatty acids, enriched by fish oil, assist in developing a strong immune system but is also very effective at strengthening your dogs retina as well as their visual cortex. Your dogs visual cortex, also known as V1, transmits information to two primary pathways essential for vision; the dorsal stream and the ventral stream. It basically aids as a lubricating tool to enhance your dog's vision.

Yeast Infections:

Fish oil for dogs also helps to slow down the growth of the most common cause of yeast infections which usually attacks your dogs skin as well as their ears. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are often used for treatments of yeast infection and it only makes common sense that if they are successful in treating yeast infection, they would also be just as effective in preventing this painful infection.

Atopy:

Atopy is an allergy, but it is a form of allergy that is caused by your dog inhaling substances such as mold or pollen. There is a long held theory in the medical community that fatty acid supplements become deficient in mothers that have developed atopy. Once this occurs, it will naturally affect the entire litter. Since fish oil in dogs is by far and away the most powerful form of fatty acids, it is believed to aid in releasing several of the necessary acids to help build the immune system in the battle against this type of allergy.

Heart Problems:

There have been several documented cases where fatty acids high in fish oil have helped to correct and in several cases prevent ventricular arrhythmias in dogs. High blood pressure has also been reduced by utilizing fish oil for dogs. It has also been extremely effective in helping with anti-clotting effects on the platelets in dogs.

Triglycerides and cholesterol:

Fish oil for dogs is also extremely effective in one of the faster growing concerns for your pets overall health; high cholesterol levels. It is especially effective at reducing the levels of both triglycerides and cholesterol in your dogs blood. If your dog is undergoing any type of retinoid therapy, which is a form of synthetic vitamin A, fish oil helps to enhance the benefits and as a result, controls both the triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Summary:

Fish oil in dogs does much more than just providing a shine to your dogs coat; it is critical in several of their most important body function. Your dog could not survive with out fatty acids, and fish oil is the most potent form of fatty acid supplements. A few drops of fish oil daily in your dogs food or one daily supplement as recommended by your veterinarian could do wonders for your dogs overall health.

Why Dog Chews up Your Precious Possessions

Keep Them from Chewing Up Your Precious Possessions.

Dogs acts of chewing can be for many reasons. They just like it - a natural chewer. Bored? Teething? Nervous? Lonely?

Wrongful chewing or better known destructive chewing is the kind of chewing habit that is focused on your own possessions and household items, instead of on the designated toys and chews you gave your dog. Just about anything your dog chews on is going to show quickly the effects of its powerful jaws and sharp canines.

Why dogs chew? Here's three main reason...

1. They don't get enough exercise often use chewing as a way of burning up nervous energy, giving themselves something to do.
2. Chewing provides a lonely, bored, or nervous dog with an outlet for her emotions. The repetitive act of chewing is comforting to your dog.
3. They have a natural tendency to chew. The tendency to chew can be viewed as fun, a tasty treat if smells and taste delicious, or just to pass the time away.

How to STOP Your Dog from Chewing Items Your Precious Belongings.

First you must dog proof your home by keeping out of reach anything that you do not want them to get a hold of. They are curious and even the most well behaved ones can get into mischief. Keep in mind their size, agility and reach. Some common items that fall victim are slippers, shoes, cell phones, cameras, and remote controls.

Furthermore, food, human food is always a favorite for dogs so: 

1. Never leave food on low tables, countertops. 
2. Put all food away and out of reach. Use containers and store in the pantry. 
3. Clean your dirty plates of any food scraps and try not to leaving them by the sink.

Second, never give them items too similar to items that you don't want them to chew. That'll be like setting them up for failure. For example, do not offer them old clothes, slippers, or any other old items to chew and play with. They will not know the difference between your new item and old item.

Third, correct your dog immediately when you catch them chewing something inappropriate by interrupting them by making a loud noise. It can be as simple as a clap of your hands, NO command, or just something of verbal like "Ehhhhhh or Aaaah!" Soon after follow it with by handing them the item you prefer or allow your dog to chew, an appropriate alternative. This could be a frozen rawhide bone or other chew toy. Praise them as soon as their jaws close around the alternative chew item.

Fourth, supervise your dogs as much as you can while they are loose and about. This will allow you to correct them immediately and reinforce the behaviour that you desire. You must be patient and consistent. 

This will prevent your dog from wrongful chewing, learn your house rules, in an environment that's been dog-proofed. You can continue to crate train (for travel purposes) until you’re comfortable to leave them alone.

Fifth, having lots of alternatives for them is a plus. Keep in mind, dogs when teething have a need to chew. Provide them with tasty alternatives to keep them from targeting your possessions. Get enough toys and chews and rotate them to keep your dog interested and occupied.

Always keep a productive and positive attitude. Don't aim too high remember to keep your expectations realistic. Nobody's perfect, and neither is your dog. Be patient and consistent while training your dog.

Happy Tails....