Dog Shelter Tips

When a dog has been abandoned or mistreated the dog can be taken to a dog shelter. At these dog shelters the dogs will be cared for and they will eventually be given a new home. The various people who cared for the dogs at a dog shelter will make sure that these dogs will have a good meal.

The first thing that will happen is that a veterinarian will look after the injuries that a dog has sustained while it was being maltreated. The vet will also recommend the type of diet that will allow the dog to recover its strength. Once the dog has been cleaned up and the food that it needs to be eaten is noted down, the rest of the staff at the dog shelter will make sure that the dog has a good place to stay for the night.

Once the dog has been placed in the kennel where it will live temporarily the staff will give the dog some water and good food. The food will be filled with vitamins and other food supplements that will enhance the health of the dog.

There are different types of dogs that can be found at a dog shelter. These can be large breeds like Great Danes, Wolfhounds, Afghans and Alsatians to name a few. The medium dogs you can find in these dog shelters are Collie dogs, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Labradors and others.

In addition to these types of dogs you will find small dog breeds like that of Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Japanese Spitz, Terriers breeds, Dachshunds and many other types of small dogs. For all of these dogs the dog shelter is the place where they will stay until at good and loving family is found.

While the dog is waiting to be adopted the various requirements for a well trained dog will be fulfilled with the help of foster families. These people will help the dogs from the dog shelter regain their trust in human families and the dogs will also learn how to socialize with family members.

When all of these aspects of the dogs mental, emotional and physical needs have been readied the dog shelter will place the dog with a family who will give the dog lots of love and care. From the different dog shelter that can be found different dog breeds have a chance to live a new life. They are also provided with a family who will give them unstinting care and love.

Dogs: Selling mixed breeds

Mutts are the way to go! Heres why…

Pure breed dogs start out with the first few examples of a breed. As they have puppies unrelated puppies are breed with each other. However, inevitably farther down the blood line dogs will get breed with other dogs that are distant relatives, because they originally started with just a few examples of the breed. As this happens genetic defects are created. Eventually, pure breed dogs are more susceptible to certain illness. For example, Westies, Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels have alot of food and environmental allergies. Wiemerieners have alot vaccine reactions. Chihuahuas, Boston Terriers and English Bulldogs are more prone to skin problems. Labs are prone to ear problems. Schnauzers have sensitive stomachs and get pancreatitis easily. Dachshunds tend to have thyroid issues, and dental problems.

Mix Breed dogs have broader bloodlines. Because of this, the are prone to less breed specific health problems, and are usually heartier, healthier dogs.

Besides, Pure Breed dogs are EXPENSIVE! Why pay so much money for a purebred whatever? You can help a homeless pet that is as good or better for much less money from your local animal shelter. Reduce the number of great unwanted animals that have to be euthanised, especially those mix breed puppies!

How to Choose Healthy Dog Food for Your Pet

Is healthy dog food a myth? You’ve probably wondered, since hearing about the recent dog food recalls. Pet lovers like you fear that their dogs will suffer like so many others that ate food containing dangerous ingredients – wheat gluten and a product used in the production of plastics.

If you’re like other dog owners, you’re taking a much closer look at those dog food labels. They claim to offer the top quality, balanced diet for your pet, but how can you know if it’s true? How do you guarantee that your dog eats only healthy food? Is it even possible to get healthy dog food from manufacturers now?

It has become tougher to find inexpensive healthy dog food. They use high levels of preservatives and take a lot of processing that destroys nutrients. Many use filler to make up the quantity but it does nothing for quality. The most common fillers are wheat and corn. Dogs don’t need corn. In fact, it can be slow to digest, giving your dog no nutrients whatsoever.

Corn and wheat can also trigger allergies in some dogs. Any grain product should include the entire grain so your dog gets all the benefits including fiber, vitamins and minerals. Look for rolled oats, barley, millet and brown rice as these will provide the best nutritional value.

When you read the dog food label, look for those with the best ingredient ratio, which is 40% meat, 50% vegetables and 10% grains. The items are listed in order of quantity. You’ll want to make sure meat is at the top of the list.

Watch out for meat by-products as this can include indigestible parts of the animals such as feet and beaks. Also, be aware of manufacturers who list meat as the main product, and then follow it with meat by-products. This alters the nutritional ratio significantly.

Did you know that Vitamins A and B make good preservatives? Look for labels that list these instead of the cancer-causing chemical preservatives BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin.

Choose a good quality, reputable dog food rather than economy brands as the premium food will contain ingredients of higher nutritional value.

Keep in mind that your dog might benefit more from a specific type of dog food, rather than a one-for-all brand. While both types of food offer value, some dogs have additional needs. Factors include your breed’s inherited health risks, your dog’s activity levels and any other underlying conditions that require certain dog food nutrients.

If you want to ensure your dog receives only healthy dog food, you can make it yourself. There are many recipes available online and in dog recipe books. Run an Internet search and you’re sure to find a wealth of choices. Look for dog-related forums. People love to go online and chat about their favorite subject – their pets – and share recipes.

Knowing how to read dog food labels will help you to identify the best product for your pet, but you can’t beat homemade for your peace of mind and to provide the best nutritional and healthy dog food to your beloved best friend.

Pet Eye Health – What to Look for

Keeping eyes healthy is important both for pets and humans. The area around the eyes as well as the eyes themselves is a very sensitive area. The cleaner this area is kept the more likely an animal’s eye will stay healthy. Your pet’s eyes are crucial to their safety and well-being. There are many substances and conditions that can threaten your pet’s eye health and understanding the signs of certain problems can help you anticipate and treat these problems before they permanently affect your pet’s vision.

Red Eyes

Red eyes can signal many different inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases ranging from conjunctivitis to glaucoma. The most common conditions associated with your pet’s red eyes are below.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye. It’s the most common eye disease in all domestic animals, and it has a number of causes. Conjunctivitis might be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, by a parasite (like ticks) and by allergies. Ticks in particular can transmit a number of parasites that can cause conjunctivitis.

Treatment for conjunctivitis includes keeping the eye clean and eliminating the cause of the inflammation.

Dogs with allergies and purebred cats are most prone to conjunctivitis.

Keratitis

Keratitis causes superficial blood vessels and pigmentation on the eye. It can decrease vision if left untreated. It is a common eye disorder, especially among German shepherds, and the redness is often accompanied by a thick, ropy mucous discharge from the eyes. In severe and chronic cases, the eye surface becomes infiltrated with blood vessels, and may harden because of long term irritation. There may also be ulceration of the eye tissue due to keratitis.

Treatment of keratitis includes tear stimulants and anti-inflammatory medicines. Eye ulcers may require surgical repair.

Most external eye diseases are treated with antibacterial eye drops that must be applied several times a day. Newer technologies that treat eye infections in dogs include a bioadhesive ophthalmic drug insert which can be placed in the eye to avoid the daily treatment and make compliance with treatment easier.

Cherry Eye

Cherry Eye is a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. It is most common among young dogs, especially Pekingese, bulldogs, beagles and cocker spaniels. The gland becomes infected, irritated and inflamed.

Treatment for cherry eye is surgical replacement of the gland.

Scleritis

Scleritis is inflammation of the opaque white outer coat enclosing the eyeball. It may result from parasitic disease like Lyme disease or toxoplasmosis. Untreated, it can result in the loss of the eye. The red area around the eye may develop suddenly, and is usually hard, lumpy and immovable.

Treatment of scleritis is often topical steroids.

Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the uveal tract or tear ducts. It usually results from an underlying disease. Your pet may show signs of eye pain, overflowing tears, sensitivity to light, eyelid spasms and small pupils. Left untreated, it can damage vision and lead to glaucoma. It can also be the first symptom of a more serious, life-threatening disease.

Treatment for uveitis is dependent on the underlying cause.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an elevation of pressure in the eyeball. Just like in humans, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness. Signs of glaucoma include large pupils, cloudy pupils and redness.

Treatment for acute glaucoma should be started immediately and should be directed toward rapidly reducing the pressure before permanent damage occurs.

Breeds most prone to glaucoma are American cocker spaniels, bassets, wire fox terriers, Boston terriers, Siberian huskies, cairn terriers, chow chows, Norwegian elk hounds and miniature poodles.

Cataracts

Cataracts are white spots in the lenses of the eye that impair vision and cause blindness. Cataracts may be genetic, or they may be caused by diabetes mellitus, or by infections like canine herpes, canine parovirus-2 and canine adenovirus-1. They may also be caused by injury to the eye, poor nutrition, radiation therapy or toxins.

Treatment of cataracts is surgical removal if they significantly impair vision.

There are a number of breeds that may inherit a tendency to develop cataracts. They include Miniature Schnauzer, Boston Terrier, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Siberian Husky, American Cocker Spaniel, Old English sheepdog, Standard Poodle, Welsh Springer Spaniel and German Shepherd Dog.

Bleeding in the eye

Bleeding in the eye is usually the result of injury or inflammation. Treatment for the condition depends on the cause.

Herpes viral conjunctivitis

Herpes viral conjunctivitis is extremely common in young kittens, especially those who are dealing with other stresses to their system like fleas, environmental cold and poor nutrition. Outdoor kittens, feral kittens and kittens in shelters are especially prone to feline conjunctivitis.

Watery eyes

Watery eyes have many causes. One of the more common is entropion, a condition where the lashes turn inward. The treatment is to clean the eyes carefully with a wet cotton pad and remove any debris from the corner of the eye. The tendency to watery eyes caused by hair and lashes in the eye can best be treated by keeping the top knot tidy in breads with top knots.

Trichiasis

Trichiasis is a condition that causes some lashes to grow inward and rub on the surface of the eye. It can eventually cause scarring of the cornea and lead to vision loss.

Treatment for trichiasis is surgical removal of the abnormal lashes.

Jaundice

Jaundice is yellowness in the whites of the eyes. There are many causes for jaundice, and your pet should be seen by a vet to determine the underlying cause. Some possible causes include hepatitis, urinary tract infections, pancreatitis, gallstones, anemia, medications and viral infections.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease.

Picking-Out The Perfect Dog Breed

Here are some important thoughts and/or questions you should have in your mind before you go out & bring home your new dog, first off I will pull no punches in this regard of owning a new dog. It is a lot of work at first; here is an example, every time the new pup wakes up from a nap he or she will need to go pee and off you go outside. This new dog will be with you for the next 10 to 15 years at least. Also, this new dog can and will be a loyal, faithful and devoted companion. Bringing a dog into your home is an important step for you and/or your family. There are many breeds to choose from, how do you manage to make a decision on which one breed is best suited for you? With a little thought, you can nail down the selections & find the best-suited dog breed by following a few simple steps.

Foremost, how much space do you have. Many people tend to forget this factor. Ask yourself how much space do you have in your home. It should be the primary factor to consider before picking the dog breed. If you and/or your family live in a tiny apartment, you will want to refrain from getting a large dog. Look for dogs in the Toy group, such as Yorkshire Terriers, or Some of the smaller dogs in the Terrier group, like the Miniature Schnauzer.

With that said, if you have children, you have to think about the size of the dog, as well. Very small dogs, such as Chihuahuas or Maltese, can be very frail & are occasionally accidentally injured by very tiny children. But then, very prominent dogs, such as Boxers or the Saint Bernard, can be overly rumbustious as puppies & can inadvertently turn your infant into a human bowling pin. Consider average sized breeds, such as Fox Terriers or Lhasa Apsos, as an alternative. It’s best to consider the children rather than your own preference.

The next thing is, can you give your new dog any exercise. If you have a residence with a fenced yard, your domestic dog will be able to get some physical exercise on his own. But, dog breeds in the Sporting, Hound, & Herding groupings are very high-energy animals & you will need to have enough time to provide them with more intensive physical exercise. Plan to take a great deal of long strolls with your new hound or go for a day-after-day romp in the park. Let’s think about it, these new dog breeds were bred to work hard and don’t do well unless they have a job to do or a way to burn off excess energy.

Finally, don’t forget to look at grooming demands. Some domestic dog breeds only need a little more than a half hour or so of grooming a week, while others call for to be groomed for around a little more than an hour a day. So let’s think about it, if you are short on time, don’t buy a Poodle or a Maltese, unless, of course, you plan to take your new hound for a groom. Breeds like Boston Terriers or Whippets are fine choices for busy people who don’t have time to do a lot of grooming. Boiled down, the best dog breed is the one that fits the kind of life the future owner has.

Lastly, Most people choose their dog breed because each person has their own pre-conceived idea of what he or she wants in a dog. Sometimes its just the physical attributes of the dog, like the size, the shape of the face and/or the overall looks. Do yourself a favor and do not forget the above simple steps.

After you make up your mind on which breed of new puppy you want, you will need to consider the age of the new puppy. Many individuals opt to buy a cuddly little puppy instead of an older new hound. While puppies have not acquired any bad habits, it will be up to the new owner to be sure that the puppy becomes housebroken and obedience trained.

Whilst you’ve specified the breed options and have determined which new dog is right for you, don’t get too relaxed. After all, you still have a single more important choice to make, what to name your new puppy!

Memoirs: What my dog means to me – Part 2

I should start off by saying my family is very Scottish. Originally, my mom and dad had planned on getting a Schnauzer, but fell in love with a little Cairn Terrier (for those who don’t know, toto from wizard of oz, one of the original scottish breeds). We joke that it was because of our heritage we were attracted to cairns. I can honestly say, I’m beyond happy they decided on Cairns. In my 26 years I have had 3 of the best dogs in the world in my life.

Perky was the first. My parents had gotten him from a puppy farm. He was very abused and “didn’t trust anything on 2 legs” as my mom puts it. Perky, grew to trust his family. then I came along. I grew up with Perky…he saw me as a bit of a pest as I was always waking him up and eating his food, but never once did he bite me. I wish I had more to say on Perky, however he was euthenized when I was in Kindergarten.

Pepper was our next dog, We joke that Pepper was our aristocrat. Playing ball was too far beneath him. He was picky. But he was extremely goofy when he wanted to be.

Pepper always knew when he was needed. I am terrified of severe weather. I remember my sophomore year of highschool I got home from class and there was a tornado in the area…my mom wasn’t home. As I’m huddled in the basement, Pepper is perfectly still under my arm, licking my face.

Pepper was there at the worst point in my life as well. I had a rough time dealing with depression a few years after my dad’s death. It really didn’t help that I had some awful friends. When I was at my lowest point, Pepper, who was a bit older and had some health issues, was there. He normally slept most of the day. However, one summer afternoon when my friends had abandoned me, one even threatened to kill me, I wrote out a note to my mom. a note telling her I was going to be with dad now. I set it on the kitchen counter and got a razor. Pepper was in his bed. I remember holding the razor to my wrist and crying. Pepper came out of nowhere and was right at my side pawing my leg and crying. I dropped the razor and fell to the ground balling. Pepper laid next to me with a paw on my arm again licking my face.

Pepper died in 2001 of a heart attack. I cried for most of that weekend.

I now have Eddie. Eddie has been with me since 1999. He is the goofiest of the three dogs we’ve had! He always knows when to entertain, but knows when he needs to be serious. he’s gotten me through some hard times coping with friends and breakups, as well as getting a better handle on some problems with PTSD. He is my best friend. I would do anything for him and hope to have him around for a long long time.

Is the Schoodle a True Hypoallergenic Dog?

The Schoodle, which is considered by some to be hypoallergenic, is the result of breeding Giant Schnauzers and Standard Poodles. Depending on how they are bred, the Schoodle may or may not be hypoallergenic. This is because if two dogs that are different breeds are not of similar age or height, their offspring may not be hypoallergenic. This is because the dog may take longer to mature; their hair may be a mix of different textures and lengths, or because their skin may shed more often than other breeds.

Even though the Schoodle is not considered a hypoallergenic dog by all, you can judge for yourself by visiting a breeder to see if the dogs cause you to have an allergic reaction. Visiting a breeder is a great way to see which dogs are the right ones for you. While some hypoallergenic dogs will not cause an allergic reaction in some people, it might in others. The best way to tell if you will be able to have a dog in your home is to be around the dog before you take it home.

The Schoodle can vary in size and color. The dogs are considered friendly and intelligent. If you decide to visit a breeder, you should ask about the dogs that are bred together to see if they are using the right mix. While the Schoodle is considered to be a mongrel dog in some circles, in others it is considered a successful hybrid. Depending on which breeders you talk to, they may tell you that the Schoodle is safe from health risks that purebred dogs suffer from because of hybrid vigor. While this condition has not been proven, many breeders claim that hybrid dogs will not suffer from the health ailments that their parents will suffer from. 

Since a Schoodle can be an expensive dog to purchase, visiting a breeder is recommended. If you do not like the way the dogs are treated or if you feel the kennels are not safe or clean, then you should not buy a dog. Many dogs produced in ‘puppy mills’ are sickly are will not survive long. The demand for the Schoodle has risen in the past few years, so more ‘puppy mills’ have opened. Make sure the breeder you buy the dog from is licensed.

As your Schoodle gets older, it may suffer some health problems. Many hypoallergenic dogs suffer from muscle ailments, allergies, tumors, and other problems. There is no way to know what a dog may develop over time. It is important to treat the dog with respect at all times and also to learn as much as you can about the breed so that you can have the possible relationship possible. The Schoodle enjoys exercise, playing, and socializing. While it may be difficult to train at first, the dog will usually develop a routine. The Schoodle does not like to be left alone for long periods of time, but with a little training, you will be able to leave the dog alone during the day when you are at work.

Siberian Husky Complete Profile

Key Facts:

Size: Medium
Height: 45 – 50 cm (18 – 20 inches)
Weight: 14.5 – 15.5 kg (32 – 34 lb)
Life Span: 14 years
Grooming: Straightforward
Exercise: Medium
Feeding: Medium
Temperament: Alert & reliable
Country of Origin: Germany
AKC Group: Working
Other Names: Standard Schnauzer, Mittelschnauzer

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Wolf-like, strong and compact.
Colour: All colours and markings are permitted.
Coat: The outer coat is straight, dense, smooth and of medium length. The under coat is soft and dense.
Tail: Heavily furred, fox-brush shape and is carried over the back when active or down low when at rest.
Ears: Set high, triangular, erect and of medium size.
Body: The chest is strong and deep and the ribs are well-sprung. The back is strong and level and the loin is lean and muscular. The shoulders are well-laid back and powerful.

Temperament:
Alert, intelligent, gentle and friendly. Generally Siberian Huskys are not suited as family pets, unless perhaps with an extremely sporty family. They are natural sledge dogs and although it possible to teach them basic commands, this breed will not follow orders unless they think it is necessary. Huskies do not like to be left on their own and tend to howl or become destructive if not occupied. They get along with children and are very tolerant and friendly with people and don’t make good watchdogs. They generally get along with other dogs but should not share a home with other pets such as cats, as they do not make good campanions.

Grooming:
Occasional brushing and combing, especially when the coat is moulting is sufficient for Huskies. The coat tends to look better when the dog is kept outdoors in a kennel.

Exercise:
Substantial exercise is essential for these dogs and they are an ideal breed for anyone wishing to be involved in the sport of dog-sledging. Huskies are well known for their speed and owners usually exercise them in front of a sledge at least twice a week. An alternative activity is having these dogs run alongside a cycle to burn energy. Siberian Huskys are known to wander and need to be kept in a fenced off backyard.

History:
Much of this breed’s history is unknown, but it is fairly certain that these dogs remained pure with no outcrosses for centuries. One theory suggests that the Chukchis Eskimos had to develop a sledge dog capable of travelling great distances, for their ongoing search for food. Siberian Husky’s were greatly admired by early explorers and were used to carry life saving anti-toxins during a diphtheria epidemic in 1925, to the Alaskan city of Nome.

Additional Comments:

For anyone who is considering a Siberian Husky as a pet, it is advisable to contact a specialist in Arctic dogs and/or the breed society, to help make an informed decision.
Because Siberian Huskys do not like to be left alone, it is usually a good idea to get two of these dogs for companionship.

About the Author

This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/siberian_husky/

Dog Health Care Tips for the Cold Winter Months

There are three highly common things that threaten your dogs health in the winter months. The good news is that by taking a preventive measures and following the dog care tips below, you can keep your dog happy and healthy all winter long.

Avoid Dog Poisoning

Antifreeze kills dogs. It is reported that antifreeze has a taste that

dogs like so they are naturally attracted to it. As a responsible dog

owner, this dog care tips is one of the most important dog health care

tips that I can give you. Make sure that antifreeze is stored in a sealed

container and when flushing your radiator that you are quick to thoroughly wash

away any spills that may occur.

Protect Your Dogs Paws

Protect your dogs paws from harmful irritants such as salt when walking your dog

in the winter. You should know that both ice and salt can be harmful to

the pads on your dogs paws. Both can damage the skin leading to tears or

possible infections on the pad of the paw. Also, most dogs will lick the

salt off of their paws thus digesting the chemicals found in the road salt. pet

supply store. Your dog may resist wearing the booties at first but you

should be persistent in order to protect their sensitive paw pads. Play it safe

and train your dog to wear dog booties.

Provide Dry Bedding and Check Water Sources Regularly

If your dog spends any amount of time outdoors in the winter months

their are two things that you must be aware of. The first is providing

proper bedding and replacing it regularly so that it does not get wet and

freeze. Straw is great to use for bedding because it can easily be

replaced and it is a great insulator.

The second thing that you must pay careful attention to if your dog stays

outside in the winter months is their water bowl. A dogs water bowl will

quickly freeze in winter months so you must keep a close eye on it to assure

that your dog has access to fresh water.

By following these dog care tips for winter, you can assure that your dog

will be happy and healthy when warmer months roll around.

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Tips And Info

The American Staffordshire Terrier, also sometimes called Amstaff, is a medium-sized dog breed with good family values. It fits nicely as a pet, and works well together with older more considerate children as well as other animals. It is a relative of the American Pit Bull Terrier, and was brought to the US with the British and Irish settlers, more specifically after the Civil war. Animal fights, with larger animals such as Bulls, were popular in the 1830’s, but became illegal in old Britain and Ireland because of the Human Ethics Act.

People then began to organize rat fights and dog fights instead, since they were much easier to hide from the officials. The American Staffordshire Terrier has a very large bone structure, head size and it weighs a lot, therefore fitting perfectly in this sport. Their body is very athletic, robust and compact. Still today these fights are arranged, but they are not as common as they were before. The American Staffordshire Terrier breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. They are a member of the Terrier and Molosser groups.

American Staffordshire Terriers are confident, laid back, and easygoing. They are also in general good natured, although best for those with some experience of dog ownership. Despite their calm style of life it is important to remember that they were bred to be aggressive towards other dogs, and they may still sometimes act based upon those ancient instincts. Their attitude and reaction when it comes to strangers varies, sometimes they can be friendly, at other times they can be very aggressive. The lifespan of the American Staffordshire Terrier is around 10-12 years. There are some health problems associated with this breed, including eye problems, ligament problems, thyroid disorders, cancer, temperament problems, and cataracts.

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a broad, powerful head, short muzzle, very strong jaws. Their ears are generally cropped. Their eyes are round and black. All colours are accepted, as long as they are not more than 80% white. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a general happy, stable and confident breed, as well as loyal companion dog. As quoted from unknown source “He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion”.

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