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Why Choosing the Perfect Dog Cage is Essential For Your Pet

Pets Articles At iSnare.com — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Since your dog needs to be treated with the best of care, getting the best dog cages and dog crates for you beloved canine pet is essential Dog kennels are especially needed for a number of purposes ? whether for travel, quick transportation, home use, outdoor activities, and for safety intentions You may also want to use a large sized crate for bigger dog breeds, and small-spaced cages for the smaller toy breeds...

Dazzling dog collar charms

Puppytrends — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Diva Dog Collar Charms are for the fashion-forward dog only. Take a peek at the stunning variety of these high-quality pieces.

Http://www.BigPlush.com GIANT PLUSH STUFFED HUSKY DOG TOY

Admirable-Dogs.com — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Giant stuffed animal toy wholesale. Giant plush stuffed husky dog. Looks real! Awesome online resource for retailers of stuffed animals. I saw it at PHONE: 1-800-238-9481….

Worms: Ways to Prevent Them in Your Dog

Natural Pet Health Blog — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

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Unfortunately, dogs can develop worms quite early in life. Here are some ways to prevent them in your dog.

1. One of the major causes of tapeworms is attributed to fleas and lice. Brush your dog regularly with a flea comb and keep a watchful eye for any odd behavior exhibited by your dog. Dogs that ingest fleas, for example, can develop tapeworms. Thus, it is necessary to determine whether or not your home or yard is infested with these parasites, which will require using a variety of methods to rid them from your premises.

2. Feces are another contributing factor in developing worms. Ensure that all feces are picked up either in the back yard or, in the case of puppies, immediately after they eliminate in your home.

3. Do not give your dog raw meat. When preparing his meals, ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.

4. Most worms are transmitted through the digestion of feces. Dogs like to smell other dogs’ feces. When talking your dog for a walk, pull him aside if you find that he is sniffing or attempting to digest the feces. So too, removing your dog’s feces, either in the home or backyard, is essential in preventing worms.

5. If you acquire a new puppy, make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible so that vaccinations to prevent worms can be administered.

6. When taking your dog for walks, try to avoid wooded areas where fleas and ticks reside. When bathing your dog, examine the undercoat thoroughly to ascertain if there are any bumps, lumps or scars that are indicative of parasite infestation.

7. Certain breeds of dogs are likely to eat dead animals. This can cause the worms to infiltrate your dog’s intestines.

8. Tapeworms can be easily spotted in the dog’s stool. They are white in color and look like rice and can sometimes be detected in the area of your dog’s rectum. Take your dog to the vet immediately for treatment.

9. If you detect that something is wrong with your dog, vets advise you to bring a sample of their stool so they can determine if the dog has been exposed to worms.

10. Your vet may also recommend heartworm prevention in the form of monthly treatments.

What type of worms can inflict dogs? There are many: heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. If you notice that your dog is showing signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or has lost his appetite, this could be the result of some form of worm condition.

Worms can cause serious conditions in dogs. While parasites such as fleas, ticks, and other internal parasites can wreak a heavy toll on your pet, ensuring his safety requires constant observation and treatment.

We Recommend:

Parasite Dr is a natural, safe and proven herbal remedy for pets that is clinically formulated to effectively expel internal parasites like heartworm, roundworm and tape worm and restore your pet’s digestive health after parasitic infection. Parasite Dr. is safe, pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards and causes no side-effects.

Dog Cages, Crates, Kennels and Carriers Provide Security, Comfort and Safety

Pets Articles At iSnare.com — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A dog crate, cage or carrier is an important item for your dog to have It provides our canine companions with a safe environment inside, outside, for travel and vehicle transportation Safety is provided with vehicle barriers In vehicle collision situations, cages/crates and/or vehicle barriers provide the protection necessary for your pet?s safety...

Dog Crate Tips

Pets Articles At iSnare.com — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today, many different people have pets And of course, many of these pets are dogs or puppies In today?s society, travel has never been higher...

Environmental group has a problem with OTC flea products

Pet Connection Blog — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Shouldn’t come as any surprise that something that’s going to kill a flea has the potential to kill a lot more. That’s why the National Resources Defense Council has put up a special Web site, GreenPaws,org, to bring attention to the problems of pesticide use in, on and around pets. From the site:

Many Americans believe that commercially available pesticides, such as those found in pet products, are tightly regulated by the government. In fact, they are not. Many of the products sold in grocery, drug and pet supply stores, even when applied as instructed on the box, can cause serious health consequences to pets and humans. Just because these products are on store shelves does not mean they are safe.

In 2000, the Natural Resources Defense Council released a groundbreaking report detailing the potential health hazards to humans and pets from dangerous chemicals in flea collars and other flea and tick control products. NRDC was the first to put the individual risk assessments for pesticides from pet products side by side, highlighting the overall risks to children. NRDC found that pet products then on the market could expose adults and children to toxic pesticides at concentrations that exceed the safe levels established by the EPA by 50,000 percent. The report recommended that the EPA ban all products using organophosphates to protect children and pets from short- and long-term health effects associated with these pesticides.

At the time of the report’s release, flea control products on the market included seven specific organophosphate insecticides. Since the report’s release, six of these organophosphates have been banned and removed from the pet market: chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled, diazinon and malathion. Only one — tetrachlorvinphos — is still found in stores.

NRDC continues to pressure the EPA to ban the last remaining organophosphate insecticide and is calling for the EPA to also ban pet products that contain carbamates — a class of insecticides closely related to organophosphates. Both organophosphates and carbamates work by interfering with the transmission of nerve signals in the brains and nervous systems of insects, pets and humans alike. In overdoses, organophosphates and carbamates can kill people and pets. But even with normal use of flea-control products, pets and children may be in danger.

The site contains not only the full report on why these products — mostly the OTC ones — are a problem for people, pets and the environment, but also information on how you can avoid them and still keep your pet and home free of pests. Check it out.

Fleas and Ticks ? Facts You Should Know to Protect You and You Pet

Pets Articles At iSnare.com — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When spring comes around, you know flea & tick season has begun and it is vital to keep your pet and home flea & tick- free Don't let these pesky parasites spoil your spring and summer What are Fleas...

Halloween-themed dog toys

Puppytrends — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Don't be the last on your block to have your house haunted by Wiggle and Waggle's squeaky Halloween-themed dog toys.

Taking Care of My Best Friend

Pets Articles At iSnare.com — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Dog grooming is an essential part of being a dog owner For most it can be difficult to trust a stranger with your best friend You need to be able to trust someone to do the right job as well as treat your dog with the love, affection and care that they deserve...

Frontline/Promeris

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When I asked my vet for Frontline, he sold me Promeris. He said it was as good but cheaper. It seems to work fine, Molly has had no problems with fleas or ticks. The problem is that when I treat Molly with the Promeris, she walks around the house for the next few hours cowering, pacing, acting as if she is/has been whipped. The next day or two she is listless, doesn't care to play or go for walks. The vet says this is a common reaction. Has anyone had this experience with their lab, using either Frontline or Promeris?

Halloween dog costumes will have your four-legged fiend howling at ... - Seattle Times

dog - Google News — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Seattle Times

Halloween dog costumes will have your four-legged fiend howling at ...
Seattle Times, United States - 11 hours ago
Made by Seattle company Flights of Fancy, the bat wings are easy to put on, comfortable for dogs to wear and of course, adorable. Also at Railey's, you'll ...

Antiplasma, low positive; what to do?

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our 5-1/2 year old Yellow Lab went to his Vet Saturday, and tested low-positive for a tick borne disease called antaplasma. He said they really don't treat for a low positive as long as there are no symptons. I asked about doxycycline (I was treated for Lymes years ago), and he said "we could do that", and will give me a prescription.

Just wondering what your experience is with this topic?

Thank you,......marc, joan, and boomer

Hooves & Paws Rescue 2008 Dog House Drive - Help Us Keep Them Warm

Bark N Blog...nuttin but the dog in me! — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I’m rrreally glad I get to sleep indoors in a nice, warm, fluffy bed with LOTS of toys around but not all dogs are as fortunate or able. BUT the good news is that Hooves and Paws Rescue, a non-profit 501c3 no kill animal rescue organization that helps BIG dogs and horses, is coming [...]

Anesthesia-free dentistry for pets: Still a bad idea

Pet Connection Blog — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I was running an errand this morning, and had to park in front of my former dog groomer’s shop. She isn’t my “former” groomer for anything to do with her — she was wonderful. I just switched to a mobile groomer during the pet food recall, and then stopped getting the dogs groomed at all after the mutant germ from outer space took over our lives.

I had a very high opinion of the former groomer. She did a terrific job on the dogs, had many years of experience, and her place was spotless. And while I was parking, I noticed a sign in her window that made me laugh out loud (and hit the curb, in fact):

Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy.

But hanging right next to that sign was another that wiped the smile off my face. It was the announcement that the grooming shop was now offering “anesthesia-free dentistry” by Canine Care.

My objections to so-called “anesthesia-free dentistry” include the fact that it’s a cosmetic practice only and has no benefit to the dog’s dental health — but it will give you, the owner, a false sense of having done something beneficial for your dog, when all you did was make him prettier.

There’s also the fact that scraping the teeth without being able to completely examine them and polish out the rough patches and grooves simply allows oral disease to go unnoticed and creates a matrix for the rapid re-colonization of bacteria on the teeth.

It also fails to get at the bacterial buildup where it’s doing its damage, under the gumline.

As for Canine Care, in 2004, the Veterinary Medical Board of California ordered the owner of Canine Care, Cindy Collins, to stop “teaching, performing and directing others to perform” the procedure, after administrative law judge Ralph B. Dash said she should be “permanently enjoined” from doing so.

What’s particularly ironic is that her defense for the charges brought against her was exactly my first point: that the procedure was not a veterinary procedure — illegal for a non-veterinarian to perform in California — because it was simply cosmetic and had no health benefit. Judge Dash responded that “The fact that it fails (to help the animal) . . . does not convert a veterinary dental procedure into a purely cosmetic one.”

I was not able to find anything anywhere that suggested this ruling had been overturned or amended, so I have no idea why this company is still doing business at grooming shops all over California (because, yo, I let my hairdresser clean my teeth all the time).

Regardless of the legal issues involved, I’m sad to see this otherwise lovely, reputable grooming shop falling onto the scare-tactic bandwagon of confounding tooth-scraping with professional dental cleaning. And I’m even sadder to see people’s understandable fear of anesthesia being played on by those who want to make a few bucks.

If you want more details on the problems with these cosmetic dentistries, you can read my articles here and here.

And if you want to know what you can do to protect your dogs against both dental disease and anesthesia risk, then brush your dogs’ teeth every single day, and stop feeding them starch-containing foods (which means kibble). If you can’t or won’t do that, or if those steps alone don’t keep your dogs’ mouths healthy, then face the reality that you cannot properly clean and examine a dog’s teeth, gums, and mouth without anesthesia, and devote your efforts to finding the best, safest anesthetic protocol for your pet.

But please, don’t fall for the “anesthesia-free dentistry” pitch.

Does your dog recognize names?

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Daisy doesn't but Lola sure does. We now have to spell out Lab-adore's girl Makena's name. She's always looks around if she hears her playmates names or if I say where's Daddy, she'll go find him but today I was showing DH our pics from our hike, Kathryn brought Nittany and not Makena, and he asked, "where's Makena? "

Poor Lola jumped up, ran to the window, ran to the front door, ran out the dog door, then came back in and was crying at the front door.:( Poor Daisy could have cared less.:D

She just loves her BFF:angel:

Feel Horrible but suprised it worked...

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hudson was whining and barking in the car ALL the time and it was getting to the point where he was almost causing accidents by suprising the driver or causing the driver to turn around to correct him. It was definately not good. I stopped taking Hudson in the car with me and will only take Angus in the car.

We tried a water gun and that didn't work and we tried stopping every time to go back and correct him but it doesn't work on highways and seemed to not work in general.

DH told me he was getting a bark collar and I said no..as I have said many times before, and that I thought they were cruel. DH said he wants to take Hudson in the car again and that its cruel to leave him at home when he doesn't realize whining/barking is not good in the car.

DH bought the bark collar and put it on Hudson in the car. It shocked Hudson 3 times and we have not had to use the bark collar since. It has been 3 weeks and he no longer barks.

I am truly speechless...I thought he would have to wear it every time in the car...

Pet Dog Pets - Re-Leash All-in One (Black, One size)

Pet Dog Pets — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Re-Leash All-in One (Black, One size) - The hands-free Re-Leash adjusts to all body types for a stress-free walk with your dog. This shock-absorbing, retractable leash comes with a carabiner clip-in and quick release.

Also comes with an anti-glare swivel (for adding more dogs), reflective back padding, water-bottle and treat and baggie holders. Innovatively designed to reduce lower back stress. Gives both you and your dog freedom of motion !

Pet's Home

Dog bed...Trampoline?

Big Paws Only — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hey...i know that there are these beds called kuranda beds, but they are $$$$$ and in todays economy...does n't look like i will be getting one soon. SO...the husband suggested a trampoline (one of those small ones) instead. We would line it with lam...

Ig Nobel winner - fleas on a dog jump higher than fleas on a cat - Irish Times

dog - Google News — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ig Nobel winner - fleas on a dog jump higher than fleas on a cat
Irish Times, Ireland - 3 hours ago
... Michel Franc of École Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse, France for discovering that the fleas on a dog can jump higher than fleas that live on a cat. ...
Slime, Ovulation, Fleas and Fake Medicine The Ledger
all 3 news articles

Is my dog the only one?

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

My Bella does not have a dog bed or any kind of blanket/towel/lovey. When we first got her, we put a nice soft towel in her crate but she always drug it out and then went back in her crate, basically telling us, UMMM, GET THE HINT GUYS! :tapfoot: We haven't tried again lately but she really doesn't seem to mind sleeping in her crate with no comfort or softness (we leave a couple nylabones in there). I got her a big pet bed for Christmas (quit laughing) but I am thinking of taking it back (at almost $50 and in today's economy, I could definitely use the money on other things). I got her the pet bed for Christmas because by then she'll be 8 months old and we were going to let her sleep in our room at night instead of her crate, and just leave the crate for when we aren't at home.

Not only does she not mind sleeping in a hard cold crate, she generally sleeps on the kitchen floor linoleum during the day.

Are any of your labs like this?

Itchy

Big Paws Only — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I don't know if this is a dumb question or not.........fe el like I should know the answer. But Loki/Luke seems like he itches alot. I have never seen a flea, but he scratches and sometimes chews on his back legs. I read that a couple of you put fish oi...

Re: Dog bed...Trampoline?

Big Paws Only — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

have you had this bed before? Does it sag in the middle? this is for Titan who is at 190 pounds. I see the large, but i was wondering how sterdy it actually is!

hammock-style dog beds - anyone have one?

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

just wondering if anyone has any opinions on these:

http://dog-beds-usa.com/Best-Dog-Bed...-World-c2.html

i was hoping it would help to avoid the callous elbow problems .....

Sasha the husky eases into the role of therapy dog - Los Angeles Times

dog - Google News — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sasha the husky eases into the role of therapy dog
Los Angeles Times, CA - 3 hours ago
Sasha (above left) has become an impromptu, but patient and loving therapy dog, tagging along on visits to a senior living center in Seal Beach. ...

The Buy: Muzzle-tov Presidential dog collars - Globe and Mail

dog - Google News — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Globe and Mail

The Buy: Muzzle-tov Presidential dog collars
Globe and Mail, Canada - 7 hours ago
If you're beginning to suspect that the US presidential election is going to the dogs, you might have something. Proof positive is the popularity of hese ...

For ultimate <b>pet</b> lovers only: A preview from the latest books

Google Blog Search: pet health care — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Over time, your pet will come to associate the sights, sounds and smells of a veterinary practice with good things, not bad. It’s all here! Tags: Dog Breeds, Pet Shop Pet Health, Dog Books.

How to Help Dog With Itchy Skin

Pets Articles At iSnare.com — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Dog allergies are fairly common and can be the cause of dry, itchy skin If your dog is scratching a lot, he could be suffering from environmental allergens like pollen and dust, or even from inflammation caused by flea bites Another source of itching could be the shampoo or grooming products used on your pooch...

TransferOrbit Corporation: TransferOrbit Adds Ten California Cities to Its TU-DNRO Portable Transfer Network

Market Wire - Full Feed — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SAINT LOUIS, MO (MARKET WIRE) TransferOrbit Corporation (PINKSHEETS: TRBI) (www.transferorbit.biz) -- Following a successful pilot in Vallejo, California, and in collaboration with TU-DNRO (the exclusive provider of financial services for Dance-Concert Promoters, Flea Market Vendors, Catering Truck Vendors, Mom & Pop Mexican Stores and others), has expanded its membership initiative now to ten more cities in Northern California. The TU-DNRO powered by TransferOrbit Network will now service Stockton, Modesto, Lodi, Brentwood, Sacramento, Merced, Tracy, Fairfield Manteca and Livermore, California. This follows through

Taking better care of my dogs than of myself

Pet Connection Blog — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Around eight years or so ago, I wrote these words:

As I stood at the counter in the kitchen preparing a beautiful bowl full of range-fed meat, sprinkled with organic green veggies and nutritious supplements for my dogs, it struck me: When was the last time I’d made a meal for myself? Why was it ok for me to live on crackers and cheese, pizza, and microwaved, reheated coffee, but not ok for my animals?

Today, that doesn’t describe me at all. I’ve made a complete change in the way I eat, and lost a great deal of weight. Even in the midst of absolute crisis, I at least think about whether or not I am taking care of myself, and if I can, I do.

Which brings me to a theory I’ve had about life for a long time now, “Christie’s Theory of Ergonomic Living.” It has nothing to do with designing car interiors so you don’t have to lean forward to change the radio station, nor does it have anything to do with having a really good office chair. It has to do with adapting your life to fit yourself and how you are, rather than always thinking you need to change to fit your life, or your idea of what your life should be — or worse, someone else’s idea.

And at least for me, it has to do with my old observation that I was taking better care of my dogs than of myself. Maybe instead of being mad at myself for taking better care of them than I do of me, I could simply accept a few realities.

My dogs are the most important thing in the world to me. They are incredibly motivating. They make me feel loved and needed. They amuse me, inspire me, protect me, get me off my butt on days when I might choose to just vegetate or get lost in computerland, snuggle with me on cold nights, and have been the instrument by which I’ve learned, changed, and grown the most over the last 25 years. They have been the subject of the work by which I’ve made my living. They have been the reason I’ve met my closest friends.

Given all that, why wouldn’t I want to do things for them that are hard or challenging, that take the last bit of my strength and caring? What’s wrong with that?

Sure, sometimes we do things that hurt us for the good of our dogs. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, like when I was sitting on a cold, hard hospital floor with my dog Raven when she was on oxygen. I knew that sitting there with nothing to lean on for all those hours was going to kill my back. I made the deliberate choice to do it anyway, because I needed to be with her. When I had the choice to sit with her in the regular part of the hospital, where I could sit on a dog bed and lean on a wall, I did that. I took care of myself when I could. I thought about it. It mattered. It just wasn’t possible and so I accepted the consequences of my choice.

Then there are the other times, when you make a generally unhelpful and unwelcome sacrifice out of an unhealthy need to manipulate a situation, or because you have lost all sense of perspective from lack of sleep or some other crisis-related cause and aren’t making good decisions anymore. I hit that wall with Raven, too, when I finally realized that even though she really was better off with me sitting with her, I had to go home and get some rest. (Well, “realized” is not exactly the right word - the vet techs called my vet at home and told her I was having a nervous breakdown in their hospital and she had to get me the hell out of there. Realization on my part came much later.)

Sometimes “taking care of ourselves as well as we care for the dogs” translates into accepting that when push comes to shove, the dogs will always win, and making allowances for that. Planning for it. Living with it. Not pretending it’s not true, or going to change someday. Even realizing, as I am starting to, that there’s actually nothing wrong with it.

Because I really do love them that much. I don’t think that’s something I have to get over. In fact, I’m beginning to think it may be the single thing that’s led to most of the positive changes in my life. And what kind of idiot would want to change that?