3 Must Know Dog Health Care Tips

I am going to share with you some do health care tips that can save you hundreds of dollars just by knowing how to treat the most common dog illnesses at home. The most amazing thing about these dog health care tips is that you can treat most common dog health care concerns with things that you already have in your medicine cabinet.

Tip #1 Vitamin E pills can be used to treat most common skin ailments in your dog. This is one of the best dog health care tips because Vitamin E pills can be purchased at most any drug store and are very reasonably priced. The Vitamin E pills can either be given to your dog whole or you can pierce the coating and apply the Vitamin e oil directly to your dogs skin. This is a great way to treat your dogs dry skin and many other common skin ailments in dogs.

Tip #2 Another great dog health care tip involves the old stand by Pepto Bismol. Pepto Bismol is a great home remedy for your dogs mild case of diarrhea or an upset stomach. Of course it is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to see what dosage is safe for your dog. If your dog is dehydrated from a bout of diarrhea or vomiting, Pedialyte can be used just as you wold for a baby.

Tip #3 Tip number 3 is one of the best dog health care tips because it is all about preventive medicine for your dog. Did you know that the live acidophilus that is found in yogurt is actually just as good for your dog as it is for you? Puppies are often susceptible to many illnesses such as a yeast infection or issues with their digestion. Yogurt will assist with your puppies digestion and keep the natural yeast found in the body to a balanced level. When purchasing yogurt for your puppy or full grown dog, it is important to get the plain white yogurt with live acidophilus.


These three dog health care tips are only a few of the many things that you can do at home to keep your dog healthy and happy. By looking at alternative health care remedies for your dog, you can save a trip to the veterinarian and promote long term health in your dog. On a closing note, it is always important to inquire with your veterinarian before using any over the counter medication for any other use than what the label states. For more free dog health care tips, check out the dog health care blog.



By K. Taylor

Read More

All About Heart Disease in Dogs

Unlike ailments you can see, such as sores or swelling, heart disease is a silent killer of pets as well as humans. People have no way of knowing that their pet might have heart disease unless a regular checkup at the vet catches the problem. Heart disease, left untreated, can cause your dog everything from being inactive to death.

Some signs that your dog might have heart disease include coughing, wheezing, lack of energy, edema, abdominal bloating or poor circulation. Some people take their dog to the vet for one of these problems, only to discover that the dog actually has heart disease. If the problem is detected early enough, though, there are treatments and medications that can help.

Heart worm, one of the leading causes of heart disease, is treated as a matter of preventive measure by most vets, so be sure that your dog is receiving regular heart worm treatments. Other things that lead towards heart disease include obesity, lack of exercise and poor diet. Should your dog begin coughing after exercising, or seems more tired than usual, schedule an appointment for him to be examined.

Certain breeds of dogs are more likely to develop particular heart problems. For example, cocker spaniels, poodles, schnauzers, dachshunds, chihuahuas, and pomeranians are most likely to develop heart murmur. Congenital heart problems are more likely to take place with collies, shepherds, bulldogs, pointers, and Irish setters.

Should your dog be diagnosed with heart disease the first test that is done will eliminate the possibility of heart worm. Secondly a blood test is often done and a screening to see if the heart disease is in association with other ailments like kidney or liver diseases.

A radiograph is done to see if the heart has enlarged and to locate any existing tumors. It also helps to discover fluid around the heart or in the lungs. EKG is performed to check for blocks and can also indicate enlargement of the heart.

Heart disease is more common in dogs than people realize. Be sure to give your dog a lean diet, heart worm medicine, and plenty of exercise. Have regular checkups at the vet to detect any problems that might be present.


By Emma S.,

Read More

Dog Training Behavior Tips Secrets from the Experts!

Dog Training Behavior Tips -

Do you have a dog that needs training? Do you need some essential tips from a dog expert?

Well; these tips are going to help you turn your mischievous dog into a well-behaved and obedient dog!

However, it should be noted that to train your dog you need patience and perseverance; but aided with the following tips; you will find it much easier than you initially thought!

These are the key 4 key essentials for training a dog that most dog experts use:

1.Get your dog's attention

This may sound a little obvious but you'd be surprised how many dog owners try to train their dogs without actually having the dogs attention! A great way to get your dogs attention is to simply offer him a treat after he has responded to you. Dogs grasp this reward-giving, in exchange for his attention very quickly.

2.Give praise

Give your dog praise for doing good things!

Again, this is very obvious and very simple, and yet some people overlook this when training their dogs. By you praising him when he does something good, you are helping him to link your voice tone to his behavior.

Every time your dog complies with you, ensure you give him plenty of praise! This will result in one of his most visible behavioral changes you will notice over a short length of time.

3.Reprimanding

So, following my last step, you need to make sure as well as giving him praise at the appropriate time also let him know when he is the wrong too!

A firm reprimand is just as essential as praising him. Both will help him distinguish your tones of voice to his behavior! Do not feel bad for telling him off as he needs to be disciplined otherwise he will continue his behavior because he will know no different!

Use short, sharp demands such as STOP or NO! These commands will tell him he is doing something wrong and his behavior will begin to improve because he is now being shown right and wrong.
Last but not least;

4.Do a little training every day

Don't hurry dog training; trying to train him too quickly will just confuse him because there will be too much information going into his head too quickly.
Instead he will probably just retreat and start to disobey you! Instruct one command at a time, and don't move on until he learns it. Just be a little patient.

On a final note, just make sure you stick to this dog behavior program, and be firm.

These are the 4 key elements to training your dog successfully.

His behavior will improve dramatically and just remember; dogs need discipline to understand what's right and wrong, so don't feel bad.

These tips will ensure you get the best behavior out of your dog!






By Terri Bennett

Read More

What to Do when You Find a Lost Dog

We've all seen them, poor, lost dogs wandering around, begging for help. You don't want to leave them where they can get hurt, and so, as an animal lover, you just might find yourself in the possession of a lost dog.

Safety rules for strange dogs:

A lost dog will typically have a collar, although that is not foolproof. Puppies are exceptionally good at getting out of them, and that just might be how they got away in the first place. The first rule on any strange dog encounter, collared or not, is to keep your distance, do not make eye contact and see how the animal reacts to your presence. If they look less than happy to see you, if their hair bristles, they show their teeth or they utter a growl, get away from the dog and call your local animal control. If the animal seems timid or shy, shakes or avoids looking at you, you will want to call animal control as well as scared dogs are often unpredictable. If, however, the dog shows a friendly interest in you, you can then approach the dog slowly, again, without making eye contact. Speak in gentle, soft tones and allow the dog to sniff your hand and initiate the first contact. Again, any signs of aggression at this stage, back away slowly with your eyes on the ground and call the professionals. Never let children approach a strange dog. If you have any doubts at all about the dog, or are just not comfortable approaching a strange dog at all, you can always call animal control.

Reading the collar:

Once you have made contact with the dog and earned its trust, you can check the collar, if there is one, for tags and identification. If the dog has a custom tag with his name and owner information, your job is easy. But there are also two easy identification tags you can use as well to determine the owner. In most states, dog licenses will have an individual number and owner information is registered with the state or county of the license. It's often as simple as a phone call to find the owner. The owners may have participated in a national database of dogs, in which case you will find a tag with a number and instructions on how to identify the dog.

Bringing home a lost dog:
If you have determined the dog is friendly and you are concerned about its well being, you might end up taking the dog home with you to start your own search for the owner. If you have children or other pets, make sure you have an area to seclude the dog from them, as you will not know how the dog will react or if it is carrying any illnesses. If you do not have the means to keep the dog for a short period of time in your home, you can drop the dog off at most veterinarians or, if it is a specific breed of dog, you can often find people involved in breed rescue willing to take it in.

Scanning for microchips:

With all of the new technology available today, it is very likely if you have a lost pet that the dog has been embedded with an identification microchip. Sometimes injected by breeders and rescue centers, these chips hold a unique number for the dog which is tied into a database including medical information, owner information, and occasionally even the breeder's information. If you take the dog to a veterinarian with the capability to scan and read these chips, they will alert the database that the dog has been found. These chips are very effective tools for pet identification and have returned animals to their owners miles apart and after months of going missing.

Announcing a found dog:

Although dogs have been found states away from their homes, chances are good that the dog's home is close to the area where you found it. Printing found dog posters is a good start, and while canvassing the neighborhood you can also talk to the neighbors and see if they recognize the dog. You can also take out a found dog ad in the classified section of your local newspaper, many offer this service for free. Include pictures and a description of the dog, but keep at least one distinguishing characteristic to yourself. Sad as it may be, especially with purebred dogs there are people who will try to take advantage of a lost dog and steal it. Whenever someone inquires about the dog, ask them to tell you the unique attribute to make sure the dog really belongs to them. You can also call your local animal shelters and leave a description of the dog in case anyone has reported it missing.

What to do with a homeless pet:If you have tried all the methods of dog recovery and you still haven't heard anything from the owner, you could have a homeless pet on your hands. An unfortunate reality in our world is often people will buy a puppy and, when the dog starts to grow up and get big or the work involved in being a pet owner gets too difficult, abandon the dog. The first option is for you to keep the dog, and after this long of a time and effort you may have grown attached anyway. If that is not possible, you can try to find an adopted home on your own among your friends and family. Local veterinarians and dog kennels might also be able to help you locate a new home for the pet, as can any one of the breed rescues. If you can not find a suitable home or rescue, you can take the dog to your local animal shelter and see if they have any luck placing the dog. If you are concerned about the dog's well being, you can leave your number with the shelter. They will call you in the event the animal is not adopted and you can adopt the dog yourself and continue the search for a new home.

Reuniting a lost dog with its owner is a very rewarding act. Hopefully these tips will help you return the dog to its family, a happy ending for you, the pet, and everyone else.


By Laura Hetzer

Read More

Can't Decide on What Breed of Dog You Want Attend a Dog Show

You've decided to buy a purebred puppy but haven't quite figured out which breed would be the best for you and your family. One easy and fun way to do this is to go to an AKC all breed Dog Show! At the larger shows, most of the AKC recognized breeds will be represented. A dog show is exciting, and full of energy and comradeship! You will love getting a chance to talk to all of the doggy people about their precious pooches! Be warned though, dog breeders are extremely proud of their breed, and their kennel. Every one will tell you that their particular breed is the best! You will definitely get a good education of the many breeds of dogs, and have a lot of fun at the same time! You will also meet lots of friendly helpful people, and be able to watch the exciting competitions in the ring first hand!

The easiest way to find out where the local shows near you are going to be held is by going to the AKC website, www.akc.org. Click on future shows, and a list will come up describing all of the shows within a time frame of several months. Look up where the closest shows are located, along with their dates and directions. Another way to find out about the shows is to call your local obedience club, or a dog breeder who shows their own dogs. They should be able to give you the information that you need.

Usually in the winter the shows are held indoors in athletic complexes, schools, arenas etc. In the summer and spring they are mostly held outdoors. When you have located the show you wish to attend, make sure you check to see if will be an outdoor or indoor show, so you can pack the right things you will need for your day trip. Also, make sure you understand the directions to the show from your location.

The day before the show, you will need to get ready. The weather will play an important part in the choice of gear you will need to bring. A folding chair, sun umbrella, warm jacket or sweater for the early morning chill, a sun hat and sunscreen are the basics for an outdoor show. An indoor show usually has seating, but bring a folding chair just in case. Fill your ice chest with bottled water and soft drinks. Also, take along any snacks you like. There will be food venders at the larger shows selling food and drinks, but they can be expensive. You can always brown bag it if you want to. Don't forget a camera if you want to take pictures of a particular dog. (You will not be allowed to take pictures of the dogs being shown in the ring). Bring a notepad and pen to jot down peoples' names and numbers, and any notes on the dogs you like. Don't forget your cell phone.

Dog shows start early in the morning, usually at 8:00am. There normally isn't a fee to attend the show, but sometimes (although not often) you will have pay a small parking fee. You probably will want to spend the entire day at the show, so it's a good idea to remember exactly where you parked! The last event is the best-in-show competition which is the culmination of the entire day's competitions. This is the most exciting part of the show, and you don't want to miss it!

After you arrive at the show site, park and lock your car, and walk over to the show and find the superintendent's table. There will be a sign at the table so it should be easy to find. When you get there, find the show catalogs and purchase one. You will need a catalog, because this book will guide you through the entire show. A catalog normally costs $5.00 for a two day show and $10.00 for a four day show. All of the rings at the show are numbered, and in the catalog it will tell you which breeds are being shown in which ring, what times they will be judged, how many dogs of a particular breed are at the show and the name of the judge. Look up in your catalog what number ring or rings the breeds you are interested in are going to be shown in, and the time they will be judged. Depending on how the show is set up, you usually can bring your chair, cooler, umbrella etc. close to the ring but not at ringside. This space is reserved for the handlers that are showing.

Once you set up your headquarters, you can now relax and enjoy the show. You can wander along the rings, using your catalog as a guide and watch the judging. This is a good time to talk to some of the breeders and handlers about their dogs. Most everybody is very helpful and friendly. Also, don't forget to check out the venders. Just don't leave any valuables at your headquarters such as a purse or wallet, a camera, or cell phone, etc., for safety reasons.

Enjoy the show, talk to as many people as you can, take notes and phone numbers, and be sure to watch the best-in-show competition! By the end of the day, you will surely have learned much more about purebred dogs, and might even have an idea of which breed you would like to bring into your home!


By Diane Gray

Read More