Unique Gift Ideas For Dog Lovers
Run out of ideas and trying to find that extra special gift for the dog lover in your life? Don't worry any longer. Have a look at these unique dog lover gifts and let them spark your creativity. You could even combine a few ideas and make a personalized Pet Grooming Boarding, Pet Related Services Online Directory! Give a door bell cover emblazoned with a particular dog breed. For the dog lover who has practically every other dog breed gift, this unique door bell cover is a great way to show who helps "rule the house". Is your dog lover also a computer enthusiast? Then consider a mousepad adorned with their favorite dog breed. This gift would get lots of mileage and is very practical too. Combine a mousepad with a screensaver of their pet to complete the "Dog Grooming Animal" of their computer area. For the dog lover and avid golfer, golf club covers in a dog breed theme would be a great touch for any golfer's bag. What about a golf towel personalized with their pet's picture and name? Consider a gift for both the dog lover and their dog. What about a beautiful set of dog breed wind chimes? Make sure to throw in a new ball or chew toy for their dog too, so they can enjoy being outside together. To help carry all those doggy accessories like leashes, snacks, and water, consider giving a tapestry tote bag with the dog breed. Or get 2 tote bags, one for the dog lover and one for the dog! Another great and unique idea is a garden flag of their favorite dog breed. Some of the more expensive dog breed gifts are outdoor statues. You can find nearly every kind of dog breed in the form of a statue and some are so life-like it is difficult to tell the difference! Of course, every dog lover appreciates a frame to hold their beloved pet's picture. Have a frame engraved with the dogs name for an extra special touch.

Obesity In Dogs
Numerous studies have shown that more Americans are obese today than ever before and, interestingly, we’re not the only ones. Not only are Americans fatter than ever, so are their dogs; and the phenomenon can have serious ramifications for both groups. Obese dogs run a lot of the same risks that obese people do. When a dog is over weight it is at higher risk for heart disease, respiratory ailments, weak joints and other problems. In short; it is every bit as dangerous for a dog to be carrying extra weight as it is for a person – perhaps more so due to the shorter lifespan that dogs have. An overweight eight year old dog is akin to an overweight fifty-six year old man and subject to many of the same health risks. Fortunately for us and our dogs; the equation is associative and works the same in the opposite direction. Just as a healthy diet and plenty of good cardiovascular exercise can trim down a chubby man; it can take the extra weight off of a dog. Doggie Diets: To reduce the overweight or obese dog’s body weight, a program of diet and exercise should be introduced. It is important to visit a veterinarian as the doctor can determine whether the dog’s obesity is simply due to high caloric intake or some other medical concern like diabetes. The vet can also give you the best suggestions about diet and exercise. There are many brands of dog food on the market that are specially balanced to help a dog lose weight. Despite what food or dietary supplements you’re using, there is no substitute for the support and commitment of the family. Each member must agree to help control the dog’s caloric intake, feeding exact amounts at exact times and limiting the intake of snacks. Feeding the dog extra treats or table scraps on the sly will not be doing the pooch any favors. Doggie Exercise Programs: Exercise is important for any dog. A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise quickly gains weight and may become extremely keyed up or very lethargic. Fortunately, most dogs love to exercise by nature. They love to run and play with their people. The overweight dog my be reluctant to exercise at first, but if you persist in taking him for walks or to play games like “fetch” (most dogs love to run after a thrown tennis ball or other object), the pup will soon come around and start exercising more frequently and for longer periods of time. It Takes Time: People don’t get to their ideal weight overnight when dieting and neither will a dog. Remember that Rover didn’t put on those extra pounds all at once and they won’t come off that way either. Most dogs take between ten and twelve months to reach their ideal weight goal, depending upon how much extra weight must be lost. --- information on grooming your pet, breeding, feeding, supplies and equipment

Natural Dog Joint Health Supplement - Velvet Antler
ust as we take supplements to stay healthy, our dogs need nutritional supplements to help prevent the damage caused over time to joints, bones, and cartilage and to improve mobility, flexibility, and promote overall energy and well-being based on dog’s veterinarian. Most dogs who are diagnosed with arthritis or hip dysplaysia are prescribed non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Many of these drugs actually prevent the growth of collagen in joints, causing further cartilage degeneration. These drugs can also produce other serious side effects such as deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract lining, liver and kidney damage, even death. There are many “natural” joint care supplements on the market with the main focus being on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which, conventionally is derived from swine, cattle, and shark cartilage and shellfish remains and requires the destruction of the animal. Velvet antler, however, is an all natural supplement derived from the antler of the male elk. Velvet antler contains 40 key compounds that research has shown rebuild cartilage and bone, build cells and boost energy, reduce infection and inflammation, and protect blood cells, the heart, liver and lungs safety of the animals. The antlers are harvested when they are in the soft or “velvet” stage. It is at this stage when the antler has the most nutrients. After the velvet antler is harvested it is wrapped and frozen. It is then taken to a special facility where the whole antler is freeze-dried and made ready for processing. Male elk regrow a new set of velvet antler every year making it the only renewable source of glucosamine and chondroitin, essential nutrients for cartilage and joint support. For more information on velvet antler as an all natural joint health supplement for dogs visit www.bonusvelvetantler.com.

New Designer Dog Breed - The Roodle
Celebrities like Paris Hilton may carry their dogs in their Gucci handbags, accessorized to the glittering collar. But the recent trend in designer dogs seems to suggest that everyday people are catching this unfortunate trend. Instead of simply buying diamante collars, however, people are demanding cross bred dogs with catchy marketing names. We've had the Spoodle, the Groodle, the Labradoodle, the Spanador, the Cavador, and the Retrievador. Now folks, meet the Roodle. The roodle is a cross between a poodle and a rottweiler. They are the successful creation of a breeder from Melbourne, Australia. Fred Freeman has successfully bred 3 litters of roodles, some going as far afield as Hawaii. Roodles have the crinkly coat of a poodle, but larger. They are quite stocky, and fairly big, with long floppy ears. Mr Freeman describes the dogs as having the intelligence of a rottweiler, yet docile and easy to train. His roodles are also non aggressive, do not moult, don't smell, and are low on the allergy scale. The idea of creating a non allergic dog was what started the original breeder of the labradoodle, Wally Conran. Wally was the Manager of the Royal Guide Dog Association in Australia at the time. Someone needing a guide dog who was non allergenic contacted the Guide Dog Association, and Wally successfully crossed a labrador with a poodle that fitted this purpose. So, the origins of the labradoodle were quite in keeping with the way many of what are now considered pure bred dogs were created. That is, they were created with a specific purpose in mind. But the popularity of the labradoodle has created a new set of problems. Namely, many unscrupulous people, some with no experience breeding dogs, and others with none, or little, experience breeding labradoodles or other similar crosses, jumped on the bandwagon. Demand meant that these dogs were expensive, supply was short, and this attracted many into this new field. But breeding dogs, especially across different breeds, is not simple. In Wally Conran's original efforts, not all labradoodles were low in allergy. And when it comes to trying to come up with new mixes, a lack of knowledge can produce disastrous results. For instance, breeding two dogs with similar genetic weaknesses can lead to the new litters born with an increased chance of the health problems associated with those breeds. Other factors include disposition. If people are expecting certain traits based on what decent breeders have produced, and they pay a lot of money for a dog that turns our to be completely different, those dogs may well end up being abandoned. In the case of a dog bought to be low allergenic, this likelihood is higher, and this is exactly what is happening to many of the labradoodles being bought in the US now. They are ending up in shelters because they do not have the characteristics of the carefully bred stock the variation originated from. And given that badly bred rottweilers can be very aggressive, if the roodle trend takes off in the same way, this could be a disaster all round. Especially so if a family with children bought one expecting the docile nature of the roodles created by Mr Freeman, and end up with an aggressive, large dog. Labradoodles are not consistent breeds. And given that ten years was spent trying to get a rottweiler poodle cross, there is every indication to think that roodles are not a consistent breed either. That means that simply mating a rottweiler with a poodle is not going to automatically get you certain characteristics, especially in temperament. Normally, contacting an association for a recommended dog lethargic would solve this type of problem. But in this brave new world of designer dogs, this may not always be the case. Especially if the experience with the labradoodles is anything to go by. The breeders at Rutland Manor and Tegan Park in Australia started their stock from labradors, poodles and labradoodles from Don Evans, another breeder who had discovered the breed independently of the Guide Dog Association. Those labradoodles were legitimate labradoodles, and they kept records of all subsequent breeding. They also determined which coats were low allergenic. They conducted extensive research and breeding programs to arrive at the dog that has become characterized as a 'labradoodle'. Contrary to popular knowledge, they are not the product of exclusively mixing in labradors and poodles. Other breeds were used occasionally, for certain characteristics. The breeders at Rutland Manor and Tegan Park began calling their dogs, and those descended from that stock by reputable breeders, Australian labradoodles, to distinguish them from the labrador-poodle mixes that were being indiscriminately produced. The mixes were not quality controlled, many were allergenic, yet people with allergies were misled into buying them, expecting not to get allergic reactions. The International Labradoodle Association was set up originally to help maintain the quality and characteristics of this new designer dog. Yet they now are seeking to call all labrador-poodle crosses 'Australian labradoodles'. If this is successful, consumers will have no way of knowing whether they are buying what they think they are, and what their health requirements determine they need. The end result will be more abandoned dogs being euthanased because of a careless association and even more careless breeders. It does not bode well for the roodle.

Looking After Your Dog, Part Ten - Health Problems
Dogs can be inflicted with ailments, which can prove fatal if not apprehended early and treated in an appropriate manner. As far as canine health care is concerned, you need to have a proactive approach. You must look for ominous signs, which indicate that the dog’s health is probably deteriorating. Timely care and treatment can save your dog from the fangs of death. Preventive health care is crucial in order to avoid any grave health disorders. Fortunately, the advances in veterinary science have led to a significant reduction in the occurrence and effects of several dog diseases. Common viral diseases in dogs include rabies, parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, distemper and coronavirus among others. Bacterial ailments may include leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and a type of kennel cough. However, all these perilous diseases can be prevented through discreet vaccination of pets. Dog vaccinations work in much the same as vaccines administered to humans. They stimulate the dog’s immune system to produce specific antibodies in order to fight a possible subsequent attack by the pertinent pathogen. In general, vaccines have led to a decrease in the number of disease occurrences. However, some dogs are known to have an undesired reaction to vaccines, and veterinarians now question the act of overloading a puppy’s immune system with multiple vaccines within a short interval of time. But there are no proven vaccine substitutes, and vaccination still remains the first line of defense to the debilitating diseases in dogs. Dogs may also suffer from skin infections and allergies. One such prominent skin infection is pyotraumatic dermatitis, which is commonly known as hot spots. Hot spots are surface skin infections caused due to an overgrowth of skin bacteria, which overwhelms the resistance mechanism. In general, hot spots are circular patches that lose hair and can be swollen. They can be agonizingly itchy, causing the dog to scratch, lick, or bite to the point of causing self-injury. Hot spots must be treated immediately, since they may spread to an alarming proportion. External parasites can be warded off by proper grooming. However, an internal parasite called “heartworm” is now recognized as a fatal pest affecting dogs worldwide. The disease gets its name due to the related growth of worms inside a dog’s heart. Heartworm disease has a traumatic progression – each activity or exercise is accompanied by respiratory distress, and an overgrowth of worms may eventually lead to congestive heart failure. The above information explains the possible ailments that might endanger your dog’s health. However, your dog can enjoy great health through proper canine care and regular checkups by a professional veterinarian.

Looking After Your Dog, Part Six - Dog Health Insurance
Pet health insurance is not a novel idea by any means. The concept has been around for 15-20 years. Many people believe that having medical insurance for a pet is not justified, and is rather something that depicts indulgence. However, the truth is that pet health insurance has nothing to do with being lavish. It purely depends on how much you care for your pet. It is the question of whether you consider your pet a part of your family, and therefore, would want to have it insured. Pet health insurance plans take several aspects into consideration before awarding an insurance cover. The decision may be based on several considerations - species, age, pre-existing health conditions and lifestyle of the pet (i.e. a docile one compared to one of a sports dog). A few of the pet insurance companies don’t have an age limit. However, it’s easier to get pet health insurance if your pet isn’t too old. Therefore, insurance schemes typically start off at an early age of around 6 weeks for a dog. The decision to have pet health insurance also depends a lot on your pet’s current health. If, God forbid, your canine is suffering from a fatal ailment, then there is no point having him insured. Moreover, getting insurance in such a case is all the more difficult to say the least. Pet health insurance costs vary widely owing much to the broad variety of insurance packages available. Comprehensive pet health insurance schemes cover the costs of annual checkups, vaccinations, routine care and preventive medications, and spay/neuter surgeries. Partial plans only cover accident and illness costs. Insurance schemes are not for everyone. It might be the case that your dog’s current health condition does not satisfy the requirements of the insurance company. But you should not be disheartened in such a scenario. Some medical facilities offer pet wellness packages, which allow you to avail vaccinations and pet health checkups at discounted prices. You could go ahead for one such scheme in Sacramento Classifieds cars, pets for sale, personals.

Looking After Your Dog, Part Eleven - Older Dogs
The advances in medicine, Veterinarians and Animal Clinic have significantly improved the life expectancy of pets. And this entails a rather new aspect in canine care - how to care for older dogs. Since the life expectancy of dogs is typically 15-20 years, the transition from one life stage to another appears rather rapid to humans. You must recognize the signs of your dog getting old so that you can provide it the much needed extra care.
As with humans, aging in pets is a gradual process. It entails a gradual deterioration of organs, waning of sensory perception, and flagging of energy and strength. However, with a few precautionary measures and adjustments, you can keep your dog happy in the last years of its life.
The first signs of aging may appear at different times for different breeds. It also varies from one dog to another. A strong, healthy dog will probably age later than a dog that has constantly suffered from various ailments early in its life. The first sign of aging is a gradual decrease in the activity level, depicting loss of strength and energy. Older dogs have a tendency to sleep longer than usual and depict a loss of excitement for a long stroll or other fun games and activities.
Hearing impairment and a reduced visual acuity are a result of aging. Skin and coat, which once used to be lustrous and shiny, looks pale and rigid in older dogs. Oil producing sebaceous glands are weakened. Non-malignant tumors may appear under the skin, which are noticed when you rub your hand through your dog’s skin. The organs in older dogs lose their efficacy and the immune system is unable to ward off bacteria and viruses.
Although aging is an inevitable process, dog owners can delay its deteriorating effects through discreet canine care. Periodic visits to the veterinarian and administration of vaccines can help prevent common diseases by the Veterinarians and Animal Clinic. Annual checkups for intestinal parasites need be done. A nutritious diet is essential at all stages of a dog’s life. Therefore, you must purchase the best dog food available even if your dog has grown old.
Exercise is a must for dogs. Dogs with a protruding belly are more likely to fall ill and suffer the consequences of aging much earlier than a slim and active dogs sale. Therefore, take your dog for a casual stroll and make it do a few exercises. This would help it stay agile and in shape even in the later years of its life.
There are many products now available that will help your dog, and you, enjoy her senior years.

Letting Your Dog Choose His Own Food


Spend time at any pet store and the choice of dog foods to feed your dog is in abundance. How do you know which to choose and which is good for your dog? The answer to that is simply, you do not, let your dog choose. Although there are some basics that are recommended when dogs sale.


If you have purchased your dog from a breeder, ask the breeder what they recommend to feed your new pet. A good breeder should be able to tell you what has worked best for their dogs. This is a good place to start. However, if you have adopted your new dog, then it will be up to you to figure out what is good for your dog and what is not. The dog will certainly help you in determining the right food for him.


Always read the labels on a dog food package. What you want to look at is the first ingredient. You do not want to see meat meal, this can be anything within the food including road kill. Chicken Meal or Lamb Meal is a good start. You also always want to see the word meal; whole meat without the Meal is mostly water. Most nutritionists prefer chicken based dog foods as they are easier to digest.


You may see corn or a type of corn product in the Animal Welfare Groups, Pet Cemeteries Web Guide. Corn is a protein source the dog food makers use to keep the price reasonable. Some dogs like corn and others do not. If you see your dog start itching, licking his feet, scooting his butt, or getting frequent ear infections, this could indicate a lack of tolerance for corn. Beware of wheat in a food. Wheat tends to be more of an irritant in dogs than corn is.


You need to inspect the label for the sentence "AAFCO feeding trials confirm that (dog food brand) is complete and balanced for adult dogs or all life stages". This sentence alone will tell you that the dog food was fed to any number of dogs and was determined to meet the Directory of animal, hospitals, medical centers & health systems needs for all life stages of a dog.


When it comes to feeding your dog there are certain guidelines that should be followed depending on the age of your dog. For instance, puppies should be fed more regularly than adult dogs. Puppies should be fed as often as four times per day and with a quality dog food geared towards puppies specifically. Adult dogs should be fed twice a day.


In general, feed puppies and adult dogs separately so you can be sure the amount they are eating each time and to prevent fighting. Set a feeding schedule for your dog, but not one to where they become anxious if you happen to be late. It is a good idea to teach your dog to sit before placing the dog food in the bowl; this will prevent them from jumping to get the food.


Nutritionists suggest only allowing your dog 15 to 20 minutes to eat then removing and disposing of the remainder.

Kennel Cough In Dogs
The condition commonly known as “Kennel Cough” is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases that dogs can contract. The disease is not serious in most cases, however, and often resolves itself after one to two weeks. The accepted medical term for kennel cough is tracheobronchitis, indicating a form of bronchitis that affects the dog’s trachea. Kennel cough can be caused by several airborne bacteria and viruses. It is generally accepted that most cases of kennel cough are caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica but it has also been associated with the canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine parainfluenza. It is the general consensus of the veterinary medical community that in order to cause the illness, an animal must be virtually bombarded by multiple versions of these pathogens at one time. For this reason it is dogs that spend a lot of time around other dogs that are most at risk for the disease. Dogs that participate in dog shows or spend a lot of time in kennels are the highest risks for kennel cough. The primary symptom of kennel cough is a dry, spasmodic cough which is caused by the inflammation of the dog’s trachea and bronchi. Coughing spells will often result in the dog coughing up a white and foamy discharge. Some dogs will also develop conjunctivitis – an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids. Nasal discharge may also be present. In effect, the dog appears to have a very nasty cold or flu. As stated above, the disease is rarely serious and almost never life-threatening. Still, if you have seen any of these symptoms or have reason to believe that your dog has or has been exposed to kennel cough, you should consult your vet immediately. Your vet will be able to diagnose kennel cough with a physical examination and medical history. The cough associated with the ailment is very characteristic and a simple massage of the dog’s throat can usually cause it to cough on cue. In some cases, such as if the dog is depressed or feverish or expelling a yellow or green discharge, the doctor may require additional diagnostic tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and laboratory testing of microorganisms in the dog’s airway. These tests will help the doctor rule out other infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, or canine distemper. Immunization can help prevent kennel cough and is recommended. When kenneling your dog or traveling it may be required before your dog will be admitted. Effective immunization can be difficult, however, because the disease can be caused by so many different pathogens. Active prevention on your part can be accomplished by not allowing your dog’s toys or water and food bowls to be accessed by unfamiliar dogs. If participating in dog shows make sure that the area is well ventilated to assist with the expulsion of airborne pathogens. Kennel cough is treated with antibiotics in most cases. Antibiotics will help prevent any secondary illnesses from developing while the dog gets over its case of kennel cough. -- Pet Health Care, Kennel, Animal Training

Keep Your Dogs Safe
Dogs have been "man's best friend" for thousands of years. Since dogs watch over their owners, it's only right that dog-loving humans keep their pets safe in return. And now, dogs need our extra attention more than ever. With a little thought, you can easily create a safe home for your precious pups. As you know, dogs have a keen curiosity. Take a look at your home from your puppy's perspective and you'll likely find all sorts of interesting items to check out. You may not realize that dog care, then mouth things to inspect them. So it's especially important that you keep the following out of your dog's reach:

• insect traps
• phone and electric cords
• ashtrays and cigarettes
• open doors and windows
• rubber bands
• housecleaning chemicals
• candles
• Christmas tree ornaments
• uncovered trash cans
• medications
• foodstuffs like: chocolate and grapes
• plastic bags
• batteries
• anti-freeze
• valuable items, like jewelry, photos, and books

Don't forget the great outdoors when inspecting your dog's area. Dogs, especially puppies, find plants fun playthings. They love to dig in the dirt or pull branches off shrubs. Because of this, make sure the plants in and around your home aren't a health risk to your dog. The following common house and garden plants are toxic to dogs:

• English ivy
• dieffenbachia
• mistletoe
• philodendron
• elephant ear
• caladium
• boxwood
• holly berry
• azaleas
• chinaberry trees
• oleander
• wisteria
• hydrangea

Other ways to protect your pup include keeping him or her safely confined to your home. Wandering dogs are more likely to be injured by vehicles or meet up with unkind people. Make sure your yard is fenced and the fencing is tall enough and strong enough to keep your dog from roaming. Many dogs try to dig out under the fence, so it's crucial you regularly check for gaps around the fence perimeter. Teach everyone in your family to carefully close doors and keep gates latched. Additionally, it's important that your pet wears a collar with an identification tag at all times, in the event he or she gets lost. In fact, most cities require that all dogs wear a collar and tag. This way, it's more likely your dog will be returned home safely to you. You may also consider microchipping, where a small silicone chip containing your contact information is painlessly inserted under the dog's skin. Most animal shelters and Pet Clinic for Dog automatically scan lost pets in search of a microchip. However, an identification tag will be useful if your puppy is found by an average citizen. If you reside in an area prone to natural disasters, keep an emergency pet supply kit handy. Include a week's worth of food and water, as well as any medication your dog needs in veterinary clinic routine care and specialized vet services. Don't forget a photo of your pet too, in case you're separated at any time.