Wednesday, March 26, 2008

dogs love letter

my dear master,

I know only you , you are my WORLD.
I LOVE YOU so much and let you know this by wagging my tail.
I love you so much because you give me food at the right time.
I love you so much, because you take care of my vaccines at the right time.
I love you so much, because you take me at the right time to my rest-rooms.
I love you so much, you take care of my health, take me to my pet doctor.
I love you so much, you bath me, groom me and make me feel pride.
I love you so much, you take me for a morning and evening walk.

with love,

jack and jimmy

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

home made Dog shampoo

Keeping your dog clean and healthy is very important. Your dog needs to be groomed regularly, regardless of hair length. This keeps his coat clean and you can check for burrs, ticks, parasite or any matting. A long-haired dog should be groomed and brushed every day to distribute the oils that accumulate in their skin right down to the ends of their hair.

Frequent bathing is not necessary for most dogs. If a dog has a skin irritation, bathing too often can make it worse. Dogs can suffer from sunburn, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and grass pollen allergy so sometimes a cool bath might alleviate the suffering. Heat, temperature changes and chemically treated sidewalks and roads can also bother a dog.

You can easily purchase dog shampoo from a veterinarian or from a pet store. Alternatively you can make it yourself. If you choose to use homemade shampoo on your dog, you will know exactly what it is in it and that it does not contain anything harsh or artificial.

The recipe for a homemade dog shampoo is as follows. There are several slight variants of this recipe around but they are pretty much the same. You should mix together a pint of liquid dishwashing soap (Ivory, Dawn or Dove are gentle enough), a pint of water, a pint of apple cider vinegar and 4 ounces of glycerine. You can buy glycerine at the pharmacy.

Combine the ingredients until everything is mixed together well. Keep it in an airtight, easy to pour container and clearly label it. You can use one of your old shampoo bottles if you like.

If you want to make more at once or if you have several large dogs, you can make two or three times the amount at once, to save time. This recipe is very cheap. Soap, vinegar and glycerine should only cost a couple of dollars, if that, and water is free! Not only is this recipe easy to make and cheap, but you are using natural ingredients and not adding any chemicals which might cause skin reactions on your pet.

Many shop-bought dog shampoos contain harsh detergents such as SLS or SLA and artificial fragrances which might result in skin irritation. Shake the homemade dog shampoo before use to ensure the glycerine is mixed thoroughly. When your dog is in the tub, you should start washing the dog from the rear and move towards its head. If you start on the head, the dog will begin shaking and you (and the bathroom) will end up drenched before you have even started! Get the dog wet all over. Apply the homemade dog shampoo, lather it and rub in thoroughly making sure you don’t miss out any creases or rolls.

Do not apply your homemade shampoo or any shampoo in the ears! In fact, never poke anything into a dog’s ear. Make sure you rinse him thoroughly after the bath because any leftover residue might cause skin irritation. Also, a well rinsed coat will be shinier.
The dog should then be towel dried. No matter how well you towel dry him, he will still insist on shaking water all over the place so you might want to keep him in the bathroom for a few minutes!

Jeremy C.W is a dog lover and owner of http://www.dognpuppies.com. Visit www.dognpuppies.com for more Homemade Dog Shampoo related aticles, information and pooch fun!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Wong

Dog Days of Summer times

Dog days of summer are the muggiest days of the summer and generally are considered to occur from July 2 to Aug 11.

Wonder where that term came from? Ancient Egyptians. Before smog, lights and construction obscured the night sky, people used to watch the stars and imagine the constellations formed pictures of common items.

Among those common items were dogs. Two of those constellations became known as Canis Major and Canis Minor. The brightest star in the night sky and one which was part of Canis Major was called Sirius, the dog star.

During July/August, Sirius rises and sets with the Sun at times. Our ancient forefathers believed the star’s heat added to the sun’s which created 20-days of hot and muggy weather. This period became known as “dog days” after the dog star.

Whatever the scientific background of the term, there’s no denying July and August can be beastly hot – for us and our dogs.

You must know the prime rules of summer – never leave a dog in a parked car! and see he has plenty of water to drink but here are three tips that are not so obvious.

1. Prevent sunburn
This is a major problem for hairless dogs such as Chinese Crested, for dogs with bare skins such as Maltese with their parted hair exposing bare skin and for any dog’s exposed ears and nose. Be advised that an overdose of sun may be associated with cancers of the nose and ears.
Don’t let your dog out in the sun, especially on a beach, for long periods of time and use a safe-for-dogs sun block on him.

Remember your dog will want to lick any suntan lotion off so you must be sure it is non-toxic to him. Your vet can recommend a brand or use a product made for babies. Doggles, the company that makes sunglasses for dogs, has come out with a sunscreen safe for dogs called Doggles Pet Screen. It’s available at http://www.entirelypets.com/petsunscreen.html $8.99 for a 2-oz spray.

I prefer to use stick sunscreen as it’s harder for a dog to lick off. If you use a sun block for babies make sure it doesn’t contain any lanolin or baby oil.

2. Protect his paws
Hot pavement and unclean grass can be hard on a dog’s paws. I like to use all-weather Muttluks on my dog while other people try something like Vaseline on their paws.

If it’s too hot or you don’t like paw protectors, there are two products to consider:
1. Shaws Paw Wax which is very popular at dog shows to prevent dogs from slipping on the floors. The Paw Wax will help protect your dog’s paws from the heat as well as gravel, asphalt and all hard surfaces. Shaw's Paw Wax is $5.95 for a can.

2. Musher’s Secret is a popular product that protects paws from hot concrete as well as icy pavement. Apply a thin coat on pads and between the toes. You only use this product once a week unless your dog is out in extreme conditions. It’s $9.95 for a jar.
Both products are safe for dogs and available through the Internet.

3. Beware your own backyard
Along with all the dangerous plants and diseases hiding in the grass, don’t forget about your garden hose. It is NOT advisable to let your dog drink from a hose.
Standard vinyl garden hose has substances in it to keep the hose flexible. These chemicals, which get into the water as it goes through the hose, are not safe for humans or pets and there's also no way to tell what's inside the hose.

The outside thread opening at the end of the hose could be contaminated, covered with chemicals or germs or bacteria from a previous use, dirt, insects, or rodents.

A more current problem is West Nile virus which dogs can get from mosquitoes just as we can. Officials say pet owners should avoid walking dogs especially older dogs in areas with a lot of mosquitoes and should keep them indoors in the evening.

Never use insect spray on dogs because the dog can lick it off and ingest it. As a general preventive, take a few minutes daily to run your hands, or a comb, through your dog's coat to look for ticks and other insects.

Most of all, enjoy the summer sun and vacation time with your canine companion. Just make sure it’s a safe summer for both of you.

Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and creator of the popular website on small dogs, http://www.ToyBreeds.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Louis

dog hair care

A dog is one of the favorite pets that people love to have in their homes. Families that keep dogs, often treat them as a member of their family. A dog's hair is an important factor that has to be given regular attention, as it enhances their beauty. A dog's hair should be kept clean to avoid being infected with diseases. Different breeds of dogs have different texture, color and length of hair and have to be given appropriate attention accordingly.

Hair loss in dogs can occur for many reasons. A thorough veterinary examination is necessary to find the cause. Dogs lose hair because of excessive scratching, brittle hair that falls off and sometimes for no reason at all. There is also an endocrine gland disease that can account for hair loses in dogs.

Different breeds have different needs in terms of the number of times they require bathing and with what type of pet shampoo. If a dog spends a lot of time outdoors, chances are it will require more baths using a flea protection shampoo. A veterinarian-approved dog shampoo should be used because it reduces allergic reactions. The other requirements for dog hair care are mineral oil for hair massage, cotton balls to clean areas around eyes, washcloth or sponge and towels.
When a flea bites a dog, a small amount of saliva is injected into the skin, which prevents blood coagulation. A number of dogs become sensitized to this saliva. In highly allergic dogs, the bite of a flea can cause severe itching and scratching. Fleas cause the most common skin disease of dogs - flea allergy dermatitis.

After bathing a dog, tick powder should be evenly applied on the coat and brushed with a soft brush all over. It is essential that a pet dog be seen by a good veterinarian regularly to check the hair and skin, as well as receive necessary vaccinations.

Some breeds, especially longhair breeds, require more bathing than shorthair breeds like German Shepherds. Dogs with smooth coats generally require fewer baths. Too much bathing will remove vital oils from a dog's coat, causing the skin to dry out. Unless the dog is dirty, regular grooming can reduce the number of bathes required.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole

dog hair care

A dog is one of the favorite pets that people love to have in their homes. Families that keep dogs, often treat them as a member of their family. A dog's hair is an important factor that has to be given regular attention, as it enhances their beauty. A dog's hair should be kept clean to avoid being infected with diseases. Different breeds of dogs have different texture, color and length of hair and have to be given appropriate attention accordingly.

Hair loss in dogs can occur for many reasons. A thorough veterinary examination is necessary to find the cause. Dogs lose hair because of excessive scratching, brittle hair that falls off and sometimes for no reason at all. There is also an endocrine gland disease that can account for hair loses in dogs.

Different breeds have different needs in terms of the number of times they require bathing and with what type of pet shampoo. If a dog spends a lot of time outdoors, chances are it will require more baths using a flea protection shampoo. A veterinarian-approved dog shampoo should be used because it reduces allergic reactions. The other requirements for dog hair care are mineral oil for hair massage, cotton balls to clean areas around eyes, washcloth or sponge and towels.
When a flea bites a dog, a small amount of saliva is injected into the skin, which prevents blood coagulation. A number of dogs become sensitized to this saliva. In highly allergic dogs, the bite of a flea can cause severe itching and scratching. Fleas cause the most common skin disease of dogs - flea allergy dermatitis.

After bathing a dog, tick powder should be evenly applied on the coat and brushed with a soft brush all over. It is essential that a pet dog be seen by a good veterinarian regularly to check the hair and skin, as well as receive necessary vaccinations.

Some breeds, especially longhair breeds, require more bathing than shorthair breeds like German Shepherds. Dogs with smooth coats generally require fewer baths. Too much bathing will remove vital oils from a dog's coat, causing the skin to dry out. Unless the dog is dirty, regular grooming can reduce the number of bathes required.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole

Pet Friendly Travel Tips

Basics to remember:
• Make sure you bring enough water for your pet to drink on the trip. Packing your pet’s favorite foods is also a good idea as it may not always be readily obtainable at your holiday destination.
• Use your leash to keep your dog with you whenever you leave your car.
• Make sure you use wither a purpose built pet carrier or pet harness while driving.
• Update your pet’s identification tags in case you and your dog become separated whilst away from home.
• Pets should never be left in closed cars.
• Always supervise your pet when initiating contact with strangers, particularly children.
• Make sure your pet has been treated for fleas and ticks prior to traveling
• Clean up after your dog at all times.

An increasing number of places throughout Australia, and even worldwide, have accommodations which cater for pets as well as people. Although they are increasing, when preparing to take a pet friendly holiday with your dog, it is always wise to plan ahead. Most accommodation destinations urge travelers taking a pet friendly holiday to book ahead. The facilities for dogs can vary greatly between each venue so determining exactly what is provided will make your pet friendly holiday a more relaxing experience for both you and your pet.
Driving to your selected pet friendly holiday destination is another area where it is wise to take some care. Many times there have been dogs traveling loose in the car or even on the driver’s lap when a sudden stop or an accident has caused the pet to sustain injuries due to traveling unrestrained in the car. There are several harnesses and carriers made specially for pet friendly traveling, which can lessen the risk of injury. When traveling in your car with your dog on a pet friendly holiday it is also important to take plenty of water for your pet to drink and never to leave your pet in a closed car.

Once you travel to your pet friendly holiday destination, it is important to ensure that you follow the conditions set out by the venue. These are likely to include keeping your dog on a leash whilst out and about, cleaning up after your dog, keeping your dogs quiet to avoid disturbing other guests & there may be designated areas to stay away from with your dog. Many pet friendly holiday destinations now allow dogs to be inside. There may be provisos to this, such as not leaving your dog alone in the room 7 keeping them off the furniture.

To make your pet friendly travel as comfortable as possible, it is always a good idea to take any special bedding and toys that your pet may be used to. Also, ensure that your dog has an ID tag with your name and phone number in case you were to be accidentally separated. Planning ahead for your pet friendly travel will result in a great time for both you and your dog and as the accommodation for pet friendly holidays increase, more of us will be taking our four-legged friends along.

For more information, articles and great pet resources, visit http://www.PetTravelGuide.com.au a comprehensive guide to traveling with pets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesley_Komlos

Only ticks can transmit this disease :Piroplasmosis disease

What do I get to know after reading this article:

  • what is Piroplasmosis and how it is related to my pet
  • How Piroplasmosis is related to ticks
  • How important is preventing Ticks
  • treatment for piroplasmosis
  • prevent piroplasmosis
  • Is there any vaccine for this

Piroplasmosis is one of the diseases, sometimes fatal, most frequently seen in dogs. This disease, which destroys the red cells, is due to a parasite of the blood, transmitted by a tick bite. The treatment is effective on condition it is set up in time, but the complications can be serious.
Which are the symptoms which one can observe?

The dog is laid low, it refuses to take nourishment, vomits and has a strong fever. Its urine takes on an abnormal colouring. The symptoms are not always easy to detect and it is advisable to consult a veterinary surgeon in case of doubts.

How is piroplasmosis transmitted?
Only ticks can transmit this disease. In order to be able to drink the blood of the dog, the tick injects an anticoagulant saliva, which contains the parasites of piroplasmosis. Once in the blood these penetrate in the red cells, multiply there, and make them burst. A dog affected by piroplasmosis is not contagious, to other dogs, to other animals, or to man.


What is the treatment for piroplasmosis?
The treatment is very effective assuming it beings rather quickly.
It is advisable to monitor the appearance of the symptoms well.
According to the stage of evolution of the disease, the veterinary surgeon will set up a treatment program in the form of injections which make it possible to destroy the parasite and of infusion, intended to rehydrate the animal and to fight against the hepatic and renal complications.
The animal will be also transfused to compensate for the lack of red globules.


How to prevent piroplasmosis?
wo techniques exist. First there are pesticides, which is the surest way to etablish real prevention. The product must destroy the tick before it has time to puncture the skin. It is thus necessary that it is poisoned in contact with the dogs coat, in a few minutes. The pesticides are in the shape of collars, pulverizers or pipettes.


The other method is that of vaccination. There is a vaccine which protects from piroplasmosis, but it is not 100% effective and appears very expensive.


For more dog caring tips and suggestions, visit my site at http://webbiz99.com/dogtraining/index.html
Steve Cowan is an Asia based businessman and writer,as well as an international racing driver and full time father.To discover more,visit his blog -What’s New Today,Stanley?- at http://webbiz99.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_John_Cowan