Animals In Haiti

We've all been affected by the tragedy in Haiti. The misery and heartache is unbearable. The plight of the people is of utmost importance, but what's happening to all the poor animals?

Aid is beginning to reach them, but more is desperately needed. If you feel you'd like to help in some way, you can find out how by Clicking Here  Thankyou. Animals are helpless in times like this. Please help if you can.

Poodles

Poodles were great duck retrievers. In France the Poodle is called the Caniche which comes from "canichon", an old French word for young duck down. The name "Poodle" comes from the German "pudelnass" or puddle.

Poodles are sensitive dogs. If you want to have a poodle, you'll need to give him / her alot of attention and affection. Take time to play with him and give lots of love. Poodles are not a breed that like to be left on their own for long periods. The Toy Poodle needs the most reassurance. If you have to go out for long periods, keep a radio on in the house for company. Poodles and children get on well together. Poodles will defend anything but tend to shy away from large dogs. They make a great pet. Just remember they need lots of love.

Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

This is a condition which is common in larger dogs. Being inherited, it means the hip joint doesn't fit together as tightly as it should. It can cause wear and tear, sometimes leading to arthritis, over a period of time.

If your dog's hind legs are stiff and sore, get him or her checked out at the vets. For an article showing a real - life case on a year - old chocolate lab. Click Here. Read about Elvis. Luckily, that case has ended well.

Elvis had both hips replaced when he was about a year old.
He's like a new dog and is doing great. The operations were about a year ago now and he runs around like a mad thing!!

One thing to bear in mind if you're thinking of not having insurance. The operations cost around £9000, so please consider taking some kind of protection.


                                                                                                 

Some tips to help:

Try to keep your dog's weight under control. By keeping to an average weight for your breed, there will be less stress on the hip joint. If your dog is overweight, try cutting back on treats and table scraps, and keep to a diet that is lower in fat, and higher in fibre to see if that helps.

It is important to take your dog for regular walks, although it is recommended that you should let your dog set the pace. Don't over- tire him because you don't want to make the condition worse. A ten to twenty minute walk in the morning and at night would be a good guideline, but each dog is different, so see how they are coping with that. Don't over-do the excercise.

Just like us, dogs need to be comfortable and warm, especially if they're in pain, so keep him warm with a blanket and a comfortable bed. Don't let him sleep outside because that will make his pain worse.

Massaging the muscles gently around the hip joint can help to ease pain, as can applying a warm hot water bottle to his hips for ten or so minutes twice a day, but make sure it's not too hot because you don't want to burn him.

Make allowances for your pet. Realise that climbing stairs or getting into a car can be difficult. Some dog's legs are short, and remember that the hip joint is having to move or rotate to make movements to manouvre into a car, or up stairs. It can be painful, so don't rush them. Getting a ramp will help.  Sticking carpet to a ramp, should stop any sliding.

Aspirin can help to relieve pain, but check with your vet to make sure it's OK for your dog, and to find out the doses you need.

And finally, if you have slippy floors in your house, lay down large rugs, because your dog doesn't want to be sliding across floors and putting any stress on the joint. Imagine the pain we feel when we stretch something, pull something or have a condition which is painful. Our pets can't tell us how much it's hurting, but it surely must be, so take precautions where possible to prevent accidents and possible pain.

Happy New Year

I just want to wish you and your pets a Very Happy New Year.
I hope you all have lots of good health, happiness and good fortune throughout the coming year.

Dogs, Dogs and More Dogs - Help and Tips

Dogs, Dogs and More Dogs - Help and Tips

Jack Russell Terriers, I Love Them So Much

Jack Russell Terriers, I Love Them So Much

Dogs, Dogs and More Dogs - Help and Tips

Dogs, Dogs and More Dogs - Help and Tips

Christmas Time

Hi
It's nearly Christmas time again and everyone is busy putting up their decorations. Cats love to climb Christmas trees, and if you have a playful puppy in the house, beware of leaving around tiny bits of decorations that could potentially get chewed and end up inside their stomachs, or worse, get stuck in their throats. Remember that chocolate is poisonous to dogs, so keep chocolate santas well out of reach.

Christmas can mean that there are lots of family together which is great, but sometimes it can be too much for dogs, especially if there are noisy, playful children around. Make sure your pet has his or her own space with bed and blanket, away from all the noise, especially if he's unwell or elderly. That means that he can just have some peace and quiet if he wants to and won't become agitated. Some pets can snap if they become fearful or nervous around children if they're not used to them. Remember that their routines may be interupted and it could be strange for them.

Some people bring a puppy into the house at Christmas time, which isn't always the best time to do so, if there are lots of people around, and it doesn't help him to settle into his usual routine. If you do decide to choose Christmas to bring him home, make allowances for him and again, give him his own area, and try not to over - power him with too much noise and attention, especially if there are small children around.

Apart from those considerations, though, have a wonderful Christmas with your pets.

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Blogging

If you love dogs, why don't you set up a blog to show people your aspect on dog care, dog photos, etc.

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Treating Our Pets With Respect

Hi
We love our pets, don't we? And because of that, we want to give them the best, just as we give our children.  Well, giving them the best means to keep them fed, warm, safe and to give love and praise. 
Taking the first, keeping them fed,

It's all too easy to keep feeding dogs the left - overs from our plates.  They sit there looking at you with those big, brown, soulful eyes, watching every move you make. Well, I'm sure it doesn't hurt now and again, but it's too easy for our dogs to become over - weight. That's a bad thing, because just like us, they can develop illnesses like diabetes or heart conditions. And don't ever feed them chocolate as it is toxic to them.  Just give them doggie choc. drops.

Keeping them warm is a natural when you think about it.  Would you like to be outside in the freezing, wet weather. A blanket or old jumper with your scent on it are ideal. Dogs like to burrow underneath to keep warm. If you're taking your dog out, a dog coat or jumper is ideal, especially for older, or infirm dogs. Keeping them warm is caring, but dressing them up in pretty clothing isn't really doing anything for them. It's just fulfilling a whim of the owner to make their dog look attractive to them.  Your dog isn't going to want to be dressed in designer fancy wear. He just wants to be warm.  He isn't going to know what it cost, so you don't need to spend a fortune.

Keeping them safe from harm is vital too, just as we would our children.  Make sure he can't get out of your garden. Don't plant poisonous plants or flowers. If you'r unsure if something is poisonous, check with your vet or garden centre. Keep all cleaning agents and poisonous slug pellets, garden feeds etc out of reach. Don't let them run off if you're out with them and they're off a lead. Be sensible and get them microchipped, or at least make sure they have a collar and name and phone number tag. I've lost count of the dogs I've found roaming around who don't have one.  And finally, don't leave your dog tied up outside a shop while you're gone for ages and can't see him.  For one thing, he could be stolen, as some pets are sold on, and for another, no matter how good a dog is with children, if he's not used to being mauled about and a child starts to stroke or pull him, and he bites that child, you may find he has to be put to sleep. Think of the heart ache that causes.  I don't agree with that at all, because sometimes a dog will turn aggressive because he's being taunted or pulled around, and it isn't his fault. The dog might not be used to strangers or could be frightened of children. Please don't leave them, because I know of one instance when a dog was being taunted by teenage bullies and had to be put to sleep, and this devastated his owners.

And last but not least, give him lots of love. Lots of praise when he does something well. And NEVER hit a dog. He won't know what he's being punished for. Training is for another day.

Dog - Related Articles

To read an article about dog insurance
 Click Here

To read an article about Jack Russells
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To read about first aid for dogs
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To read about dogs
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Dog - Training

If you're looking for products online to help you train your dog, sometimes it's best to read reviews on different ones before you part with any money. Get a feel for what is being offered in ways of training and see whether you think you are getting good value for money. To look at a review Click Here

What Should You Do If Your Dog Has A Cut?

If your dog has a deep cut or scrape you will need to get help from the vet, especially if the tendons and muscles are involved. Your pet may need to have anesthesia in order to have the cut stitched. It's bound to be really painful and if your dog is scared, he might turn aggressive, so take precautions while getting him to the vet. You might need to put a muzzle on him if he'll let you.

The main risk from cuts and scrapes is infection especially if the cut is caused by a bite from another dog or a cat, and you may need antibiotics. If it does get infected, signs are redness, swelling and tenderness.  There might be some pus.  Always see your vet to be on the safe side.

Other Poisons To Avoid

A common cause of poisoning in pets is antifreeze. Keep any locked away out of reach of inquisitive paws. It's extremely toxic, and the trouble is that it has a taste they find attractive. Less than a cup of it can kill a dog; even less for a cat. Get any leaking radiators fixed before your pet discovers the puddles on the floor and starts to lick them. Remember too that certain plants are toxic to dogs. See a list of some of them below:

philodendron, azalea, poinsettia,jerusalem cherry.

rhododendron,foxglove,holly,cyclamen.

dieffenbachia,mistletoe,spider plant.

mother - in - law's tongue

Puppies are inquisitive and may start to chew on plants in your garden, so if you're not sure if something is safe, ask your vet or garden centre.

Do Not Give This To Dogs

Did you know that chocolate is toxic to dogs? No matter how much they beg, don't give them any. It contains theobromine and can cause cardiac and central nervous system distress. Give them doggie chocolate drops instead!

For Dog - Training Products

Do you have a puppy and would like to get some information about dog - training? Or maybe you'd need a helping hand because you've got some behaviour problems to tackle. You don't want to end up with a package that's not going to help you solve the problems, so if you're going to spend money, it's a good idea to get some reviews first. Click Here for more information.

Why Does My Dog Scoot Along The Floor With His Hindquarters?

Have you noticed your dog noticably uncomfortable as he's rubbing his bottom across the floor? This means his anal sacs are probably to blame. There are two of them, one at either side of the anus.

As you know, dogs usually greet each other by sniffing each other's rear end, but did you know why? Well, these sacs have a strong - smelling liquid inside them, and this enables them to mark their territory. Whenever your pet has a bowel movement, the sacs normally release some of this fluid.

The problem starts when the sacs get clogged or the glands produce more fluid than the sacs can contain, and this means discomfort for your pet. They will need to be emptied and this is where your vet comes in. If your dog's anything like mine, there's no way he's going to let you near his rear quarters, without taking your finger off! If, on the other hand, you have a mild - mannered dog who would probably leave your fingers intact, you could do it yourself. It is best to let the vet do it though, because they know how and where to push, and you don't want to push so hard as to hurt your dog. It is a very common thing, and your dog will soon be feeling more comfortable again.

Dreading Fireworks on Bonfire Night?

It's a pity that fireworks can't be soundless. A lot of animals would be a lot happier then. All we'd have to do is stop them looking at them. The trouble is though that they're so loud and the bangs are intermittant and at differing volumes. When there's a lull and your pet calms down you think, great, everything's back to normal, and what happens? You get another round of them.

It wouldn't be so bad if it was just one evening and you could plan for it, but fireworks are let off on lots of nights leading up to 5th November. I know they're pretty and the children love them, but pets don't. And what about farm animals and wild animals? Is there anything you can do?

Well, keep animals indoors with the curtains closed and with the TV or radio on. This can help to distract them, but in alot of cases this isn't enough. Some pets respond by being scared and cowering, while some dogs bark like mad.

Try desensitising. This is a method where the sound of fireworks is played on a tape quietly at first while your pet is around. Let him get used to that so he isn't affected by it. Over a period of time gradually increase the tape so your pet is gradually becoming used to it. While it's playing, you could distract him with playing a game, or giving some chews or anything to "take his mind off the noise."

This can work and the idea is that eventually your pet won't react the way he has been. He (or she0 should be so used to the noise that they aren't afraid any more. Some people create a bed in a cosy place where their pet feels safe. They place a favourite toy with them and play some soothing music. Stay with them. Don't go out and leave them, and never leave dogs outside in the garden. Some pets are given something to help them calm down (from the vet.)

Whichever way you look at it, fireworks are a nuisance for pet-owners, and it is hard to keep your pets distracted and calm. If anyone has any other tips it would be nice to hear from you, as I know alot of people would appreciate some help.

To read an article about pet insurance Click Here

Dog Emotions - They're Just Like Us Really

We humans can be very emotional sometimes. We can feel happy or calm, angry or frustrated. Well,dogs are no different. They have their bad days the same as us. You know, there will be days when they just want to be left alone; they might not be feeling well. They'll also respond to our emotions, like being sad when we are, and playful and content when we're happy.


Alot of things can make dogs fearful. They might have been subjected to cruelty, or the noise of something could frighten them. Maybe they don't like being prodded by other pets, or children. They might not like the postman calling. Dogs will respond to kindness and love though, and they really love to be pampered. I know though, that there are a lot of dog lovers out there, including me, who are tempted to over - love, and maybe dogs become child substitutes. This is all very well, as long as you don't store up future problems for you and your dog. But I hear you say, look at the love we get in return!


Yes, it's true. Dogs are wonderful companions. Just think of the greeting you get when you come home. It's almost as if you've been away for months, and you've only been gone an hour. He loves you unconditionally and wants you to know it. You're the best person in the world; you feed him, you play with him and he wonders if you have a treat for him in with your shopping!


You can easily lead him to expect things by setting the same routines, such as times for walks, time for feeds, time for baths and time for Daddy to come home. Dogs are so clever. They seem to know the difference of you putting on your coat and going to work, or just going outside and coming back in. Our dogs always knew when it was time for me to go to work before I'd even got shoes,coat or bag together. Dogs seem to know us better than we know ourselves.


Talking of greetings, when my partner comes home, I don't get a look in. It's pure male - to - male bonding time. What with jumping on his lap, paws round the shoulders, lots of kisses and cuddles and a tail like a propeller. Maybe five minutes later, I might get a quick Hello. We wouldn't have it any other way. Toby's been with us for fourteen years now, and we know all his little ways. Of course, there are dog owners who really don't want their dogs to be jumping all over them, even though they love them, and it's only a matter of training that's needed.
It's wonderful if you decide to bring home a dog from the shelter, and to give him a home.

There are so many dogs who find themselves in kennels through no fault of their own, and they deserve to have a loving family to go to. You must understand, though, that you don't know all their history and you must be prepared to give them lots of love and understanding and to be patient with them while they adapt.
They might have been treated cruelly, or perhaps they have never been raised with children. They might not like men or other pets. They might be afraid of something you might not have thought of. You need to take these things into consideration. Also think carefully about the size of the dog you want. Perhaps you don't have time to exercise a large dog, or you only have space for a small dog. Whatever dog you choose though, you need to remember that they have been through such a lot and it will be important for them to have a settled and loving environment to go and live in.


You might have thought about how you will overcome problems, if you encounter any. Some dogs may well settle in with no problems, but if you do need help and advice on food, caring for dogs, and behaviour, there are lots of things you can do. You could talk to a vet, or buy a good book with advice on
dog-training

There's plenty of help on-line and in forums and blogs. You can overcome any problems you have; you just need to do the right things and give lots of praise, but NEVER smack a dog or punish him. That will only cause fear and make the problem worse. Be consistent and don't give up.


You could use desensitisation methods where you gradually get your dog exposed to the thing he is frightened of (like a recording of fireworks) but at the same time distracting him with a game or a chew. The reasoning is that gradually your pet becomes less bothered by the noise as he is distracted and having fun. Remember to give him praise. There are lots of methods for different problems. Just persevere and you'll have the best friend you ever had.

To view a review of dog-training products, take a look at the following link; you might be glad you did!
Click Here for information about dog - training products and advice

Dog - Training, Can You Be Consistent?

Have you found that it's one thing to be knowledgeable about something and excel in theory, but quite another when you try to put something into practice?  No matter how hard you try, it's so hard to resist that chocolate even though you know its going to add on the pounds.  You just can't stop smoking, even though you know it's no good for you.  Get the picture?

Well, it's just the same with training our pets.  You have to stick with it.  Remember that some of the problems our pets have could well have been reinforced by us without us realising at all.  Like it's too easy to give in to naughty children because if you give them what they want, they'll stop screaming in the supermarket, it's the same thing where dogs are concerned. 

Dogs learn things by association.  They get used to things happening at certain times, habits that we feed, like giving attention to them whenever they do something bad.  You know, if they bark at a certain thing and you're angry, you may shout and they know that they get a reaction to that thing  and they do it again.

They get bad habits the same as we do. If you're training your dog, you might find that you need to completely change the way you respond to their behaviour in order for them to change.  Be consistent and praise them for doing something the right way.  NEVER smack them for doing something wrong.  You'll make the problem worse and besides, it's cruel.

Don't forget, a dog may be naughty for many different reasons.  He may be a puppy who is left alone for too long and starts ripping things up because he's bored.  You may have a rescue dog who is frightened of something and becomes aggressive at certain triggers.  You don't know his history, so you have to deal with the problem and try and over - come it.  Your vet is a good choice when it comes to advice.  You must be prepared to give rescue dogs a lot of love and understanding.  After all, isn't that what we all crave?

Your dog might be in pain and become aggressive and agitated, and don't forget that they can't tell us so be alert for signs of illnesses that might cause behaviour problems.  If you love your dog you'll get to know him inside out and all of his little ways.  You can over - come problems.  You just need to be patient and learn how to deal with them as they crop up.  If you would like to learn more about dog - training please feel free to look at the website below
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Dog First Aid

Hi

You know how important it is for us to know a little about first aid.  You know, just to be prepared in case something happens to us.  Well, it's just as important for us to be able to help our pets.  After all, they can't ring the vet's or bandage their legs, can they?

I know it's all very well knowing what to do in an emergency, but it's actually being able to do it that's the problem.  Take blood, for example.  With blood I'm hopeless; I just go to pieces.  I only need to see some spurting out of a cut and that's me, on the floor unconscious. Fat lot of good I am, in an emergency.  And I always wanted to be a vet, or married to one, at least.

Well, if I can at least remember the basics, I'm hoping that should I ever have to cope in an emergency with my dog, or any dog for that matter, I'll be alright, or at least able to help someone else to cover wounds 'till we get to the vet's.

It's common sense, really.  There are some things we can do to help prevent accidents.  Oh, I know some things are out of our control, but we can try to lessen the possibility of something happening.

Take puppies.   You know they're always chewing on things.  Well, some plants in the garden are poisonous to dogs and it's best not to have them in your garden. If you're not sure which ones, you can find out online, or ask your vet or even at the garden centre.  Slug pellets can be lethal to pets.  I know I'd rather have the slugs than harm my dog.  Anyway, you can plant some flowers that slugs don't like (they always leave my geraniums and begonias alone).  If you're feeding the lawn, be careful which feed you use.  Ask at the garden centre again.

Talking about chewing things.  Well, don't give them anything that'll get stuck in their throats like chicken bones. You don't want them choking. Don't give them chocolate as that's lethal for dogs.  It's OK to give them their own chocolate drops but nothing else. For help with dog-training Click Here

Make sure they can't get out of your garden as our roads are so busy and you don't want any accidents with cars or bikes.  It's also easy to get a false sense of security when you're out and your pet is off a lead.  It only takes one time for a motorbike to speed along and your dog to run out, even if they've never done it before. 

Don't leave hot pans on the stove if you've got a big dog who can reach and put his paws up! If he's old, be careful when he goes upstairs that he doesn't fall down them.  Some pets have a tendency to run down them if someone knocks on the door.

Keep the vet's phone number and an emergency number somewhere that you can reach it quickly, like pinned to the wall.  A neighbour might need it quickly.  It helps to also have your pet's medical history kept with it as the vet might need to see it.  You see, just common sense really, and there are plenty of leaflets or articles giving help.

It's really vital though, to ALWAYS seek the advice of your vet.  It's always a good idea to ring and tell him you're on your way and then he'll be expecting you.  I know sometimes there may not be time to do that if you're panicking and rushing your pet there anyway, but you should try to.  In an emergency, you might try to do something for your pet thinking you're helping, but it might not be the best thing.  Your vet ALWAYS needs to be consulted.

If you have a dog who keeps getting out, or who gets into fights with other dogs or pets, you might want to consider Dog - Training

You're welcome to look at the review website for dog - training and behaviour products as you may well get some ideas to help.
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Does Your Dog Seem Aggressive? What Can You Do?

Your dog can be aggressive for lots of reasons.  Have you recently got her?  Is she a puppy or maybe a rescue dog?  You see, a puppy is like a new - born baby and can be trained just the way you want her to be.

If you've brought home a dog who's older, you maybe won't know her history.  She could be scared of men because maybe she's been ill - treated by a man.  She may be scared of children.  She might not like going near busy roads because she doesn't like noise.  She may be nasty because she is in pain, or she's being pulled about by other pets and she just wants to be left alone to sleep!  See what I mean?  There's lots of reasons and we need to know how to cope with that and help her.

If you have taken in a dog whose history you're not sure about, take her to the vet to get her checked over.  He may find something that is causing her to be aggressive.  If he doesn't, well, you'll soon find out what the triggers are for her aggression.

It may be other dogs you see when you're out, or the postman or anyone who visits.  It's a good idea to try to understand a bit about the dog's mind and why she is doing something you find unacceptable.

There are many e - books and articles where you can find information on behaviour and dog-training and of course, you can get your vet's help.  You can also contact a dog - trainer if you feel you need to, but maybe by your patience, love and understanding, you can find a solution to your dog's problems yourself.  You'll soon become accustomed to her little ways and can then decide what action needs to be taken.

Never punish your dog by smacking or shouting. Besides being cruel it will only make her more fearful.
Instead, praise good behaviour and try to be consistent in the training you give.  Dogs learn by association and when they understand that you are pleased when they do something and that perhaps she'll get her treat for doing that, she'll do it.  Sometimes when training, she may become confused by something.  That doesn't mean she's being naughty, it just means she's unsure of something.  Just like we get.  The only difference is that we can say what we're unsure about, but your dog can't.  So, be patient and consistent in your training habits and keep on praising for her doing something right. 

One method of dog-training can be distraction where you try to distract your dog with something like a toy or a treat when she is doing something she shouldn't, like barking at someone at the door.  Regularly do this, like creating a play time with her squeeky toy, and the idea is that she will become more willing to play than to bother with who's at the door.  Another method is desensitisation where you gradually try to get your pet used to the thing that is agrevating her, like fireworks, for example.  There are lots of things you can do to get help with your pet's problems. If you are wanting to learn more about dog - training and behaviour, you're welcome to look at the review website below to get some idea of what  dog - training packages contain.
http://colste79.bezoogle.com/pp/dog-training/