Kennels

Image : http://www.flickr.com

When people think of grooming their dogs, very rarely do they think about clipping the nails of the dog as a part of that. While brushing the coat of the dog can be fun and a wonderful bonding experience, it is extremely important that the nails of the dog are not forgotten about. Many people tend to forget about the nails of the dog simply because they have no desire to try to clip them on their own. Instead, they prefer a professional dog groomer to do it for them. This is generally because of a fear of clipping dog’s nails.

But why would anyone be fearful of clipping a dog’s nails? The main reason is because there is a vein that runs into the nail of the dog. If the nails are clipped too short, then excessive bleeding could take place. Also, your dog would be in a lot of pain and many people would just rather let the nails grow long then to try and clip them on their own. But when the nails are allowed to grow out of control, many bad things can happen, even if you do not realize it.

To start with, dogs that live inside nice carpeted homes due not have the chance to run around on hard ground, gravel, or rocks that would naturally file the nails down. In nature, this is how the nails of the dog would be taken care of. Inside a comfortable home, this is not something that is going to take place. When the nails grow out of control, many dogs may find that they have a little trouble walking as their nails are pushing their feet into a position that they would not normally be in when walking.

Also, overly long nails on a dog allow the dog to be subject to snagging their nails on fabric and other things around the house that could cause it pain. In order to make sure that none of these things happen to the dog, it is vital to make sure that the dog’s nails are properly clipped at all times. In order to ease any fears that you may have in regards to doing the clipping yourself, just purchase a clipper with a guide. There are many nail clippers for dogs that have a stop, or barrier, on them that will prevent you from over clipping the nails of the dog.

If you are still a little worried about the whole situation, there are powders on the market sold for the purpose of stopping bleeding that comes as a result of over clipping the nails of a dog. This powder would simply be placed on the cut area and it would stop the bleeding right away. By having this type of product on hand you will know that you are not only properly clipping your dogs nails but that you are also prepared for the worst. After a few times clipping the nails on your own you will be so used to it that you will not even remember why you were so worried in the first place.

Thanks To : Emerald Cut Refinance Home Loan Nutrilite Depreciation Neutrogena

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Aging is something that happens to all of us. Whether you like it or not, it’s going to happen but how you deal with it is up to you. So, you can age gracefully and in the healthiest way possible, or you can take the approach that it doesn’t matter because you can’t control it. Personally, I would advise you positively deal with it each day to make the rest of your life more enjoyable, for you and for everybody else.

Now, if you’re sick, that’s a different story. Obviously it will be much more difficult for you to continue to age gracefully, because not only are you dealing with natural effects, you’re also having to struggle with an illness. In my opinion, it’s best to find as much information as you can about living with whatever illness you may have. This could mean going to several doctors and getting several opinions, it could mean going online and reading up on the information, and it could mean other things. What I advise is that you join forums and groups of people with similar illnesses as yourself and see how they’re doing with it. Not only will this give you a good idea of how to deal with it, but you can all encourage each other as you go through your struggles.

It’s very powerful to have people around, whether online or off-line, that are going through the same things as you. You need to build up a support group of people that understand how you’re feeling in order to combat illness and to continue to age gracefully.

My Links : Lecithin Home Refinance Napa Valley Racquetball

Image : http://www.flickr.com

House training a puppy can be quite a challenge. It requires a lot of patience on your part because it won’t be easy at the start. You will be going after your dog and watching every corner he or she goes to to check if that area has been soiled accidentally. This has been a cause of frustration in most dog owners.

However, house training a puppy can be made easier if you have a dog kennel in your house. You see, dogs are naturally attracted to den-like environments. Thus, a kennel that allows him to have this den-like feel will give off the signal that this is the only place for him or her to relieve himself.

There are basically two types of dog kennels: the wire kennel and the plastic kennel. Wire kennels are more convenient for some dog owners because it has better ventilation and gives a better view of the puppy. Wire kennels are also easier to clean and maintain, compared to plastic kennels. All you need to do is place it on top of old newspapers. You don’t have to do much scrubbing.

Plastic dog kennels also have its share of positive attributes. For instance, if you travel with your pet frequently, plastic kennels are required, as per mandated by law.

Plastic dog kennels, some owners believe, also give a greater sense of privacy and security to dogs, as opposed to wire kennels that leave them very exposed and visible. Your puppy might want to have some alone time sometimes, and a plastic kennel will fill this need. Some would argue, though, that placing a cloth over a wire kennel will create the same effect.

When choosing the right kennel for your puppy, you also have to consider the size. The appropriate kennel size is one that is wide enough for the puppy to roll just a bit and high enough to accommodate his or her height almost exactly.

You might think that your dog has a pretty cramped space if this is so, but dogs don’t really see it that way. In fact, this is better for them, because it will help teach them that there is one and only one place they can relieve themselves. If your kennel is too spacious, you dog might just get confused.

When you buy a plastic kennel, remember that you might have to buy another larger one in the future when your puppy grows larger. If you have a wire kennel, you can just place dividers when the puppy is still small and adjust accordingly as he or she grows.

In short, wire kennels have a longer use-life compared to plastic dog kennels, which will need to replaced eventually (if your dog has a tendency to grow big, of course). If you have a toy dog, or a dog that doesn’t grow, then it’s okay to use a plastic kennel.

Kennels are useful during the puppy stage not only to teach the dog where to soil, but also to prevent him or her from chewing off your furniture upholstery, knock your stuff over, and, basically, run madly around the house. Because puppies generally have uncontrollable behavior, it is good to introduce a sense of privacy at the onset, so that when they grow, they have a concept of where they are supposed to place themselves for particular activities.

Friends Link : Prudential Insurance Interest Rate Swap Retinol Products Structured Settlements

Image : http://www.flickr.com

There has always been a degree of controversy, regarding the use of dog kennels. While many understand in situations where space is limited, the use of a kennel within a fenced yard often raises the hackles of uninformed individuals. “How can you confine him to a cage,” they often ask, “when you have a fenced-in yard that he can run around in?” The answer is simple; for the dog’s own safety.

The outside world is a dangerous place for any dog, especially one that has been raised with people and brought up in a home. Whether they are tied up or surrounded by a tall fence, chances are that your determined dog is able to dig his way out, climb the fence or find some means of escape, if he truly wants to. Unfortunately, even the gentlest, best-trained dogs can be tempted to see if the grass is really greener, over on the other side, should the opportunity prove tempting enough.

There have been countless horror stories about chained and tied dogs that, in an attempt to jump fences, end up hanging themselves. Equally horrific, are the tales of people who deliberately poison animals or the stories of dogs accidentally getting into the antifreeze. The use of dog kennels also helps to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases, such as Parvo, by ensuring your pet does not come into contact with another animal’s waste or, if he is sick, that he does not pass it on to others.

Certain precautions should be taken, however, to ensure your pet’s well-being, while he is in the kennel. Dog kennels should always offer shelter from the elements, in the form of a dog house or indoor access, should he be left outside for a period longer than 15 minutes. Additionally, your dog should have access to water at all times, and food, should he be left in the kennel for an extended period of time. A comfortable place to lay down will also be appreciated and, during hot summer days, always be sure to check solid kennel floors. If it’s too hot for you to walk on the pavement in your bare feet, imagine what a hot concrete run can do to his soft pads.

Letting your dog enjoy some time outside is very beneficial to his health and, provided his basic needs are met, he will enjoy the special time, out, where he can see the world. Remember, however, that dog kennels are no substitute for the warmth and care of a loving family; while he will enjoy his outing, he will always be happier when he can spend quality time with his people. Always be sure to give him lots of love, when he comes back inside.

Visit : Summer Fragrance Diamond Earrings Liposculpture Landscape Construction

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Considering getting a puppy? Having trouble training a puppy where to potty? Tired of coming home and having your things chewed up? You need a dog crate.

Crates are used by trainers, groomers, veterinarians, and sitters. If you ever leave and board your dog, they will be using a crate.

We have had four dogs in our home. I have used crates with three of them and will forever more!! I was in the mind frame that a crate was cruel; I quickly learned that that was not at all the case. It has turned out to be more like a playpen for our pups. I used a playpen to keep my daughter safe and to give her a place to nap; a crating is the same concept. I have been pleasantly surprised with each dog we used it with. My house can get a little crazy. I only have one child, but we always have neighbor kids, friends, and church family members over to our home. The Cavaliers tend to go nap in their crates (all by themselves) when our house gets loud and crazy.

Dogs by nature look for dens to sleep in and have their puppies in. Mother dogs teach their puppies not to go potty in the area they sleep. This is an instinct. Have you ever noticed your puppy sleeping under a piece of furniture?

Reason to use a crate:

Keeps puppy safe when no on can supervise them

Keeps puppy from chewing on your property

Safe place for dog to rest

House training

Travel

Types of crates:

There are many types of crates on the market. Plastic, metal, and wire tend to be the most popular. I prefer the wire crates. I like the fact that the wire crate is open on top and the sides for ventilation and are easy to clean. The crate folds down for easy storage and transportation.

Size of Crates:

Dog Crates come in many different sizes. The height and length of your adult dog will determine what size kennel to purchase. Your dog should be able to stand up, without hitting it’s head on the top, turn around, and lie down stretched out to the full length of its body without being cramped. Most wire crates come with a divider. This allows you to make the crate smaller when the dog is a puppy and larger as the puppy grows. You will only need to purchase one crate instead of different sized crates as the puppy grows.

What to put into the crate:

Make the crate inviting. Put in the crate a washable pad, blanket, or a pillow. Put items in the crate that is puppy safe. Just remember, the items will more thank likely be chewed on by the puppy. Never put food or water into the crate.

Placement of the crate:

The placement of the crate varies depending on the purpose of the crate. I keep our Cavalier’s crate in the bedroom. The purpose of the crate in our home is for sleeping, holding the dog while we are away from home or are unable to supervise, and a quiet place for them to retreat to. Other dog owners will put the crate in the room where the family spends most of their time.

How to introduce your dog to a crate:

1. Make the crate comfortable and appealing

2. Put treat/toy in the crate

3. Sit by the crate with the door open

4. Let the dog wonder in and out of the crate, find the treat, and play with the toy

5. Do not force the pup into the crate when you are introducing it

6. After about 20 minutes, put the dog in and close the door

7. Stay by the crate, put your fingers in and praise the dog, letting him know that everything is ok

8. Let out after a few minutes unless whining

9. Never let the dog out if he is whining

10. Do not make a big deal out of letting the dog out of the kennel

11. Put puppy into the crate while napping, leaving the door open

12. Make it clear to all family members that when the pup goes into the crate by himself to leave him alone. The crate is HIS domain for privacy and relaxation.

Crating during the night:

o Allow the puppy to go potty

o Play with the puppy to wear him out

o Expect whining for the first few nights. It is a new experience.

o Put the crate close to your bed.

o Put your fingers in the crate so the puppy knows you are there

o Usually if he whines for more than 10 minutes, I will take him outside to potty, bringing him back and returning him to his crate. Do not play with or cuddle him.

Whining issues:

The pup is going to whine. He likes to be with you. Before leaving the pup in the crate for more than a few minutes, allow the pup to empty his bladder and bowels. Exercise the pup until he is worn out will cut down on whining. Never yell at the dog or hit the kennel. I never let the dog out of the kennel when he is whining. Always wait until he stops.

Amount of time a puppy can spend in a crate before needing to go potty:

o 2-4 months – 2-3 hours

o 5-6 months – 4 hours

o 6-12 months – 5-6 hours

o 12 months plus – max of 8 hours

Crates are not to be used as prisons. They can be easily abused. But if used properly, crates are a great asset to you and your puppy!

For more information on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, visit: mycavalierkingcharlesspaniel.com

Recommend : Fragrance Oil Emerald Cut Refinance Home Loan Industrial Designer Kubota Engine

Image : http://www.flickr.com

One of the first things to look for in finding a good kennel is the size of their kennels. You will find that each kennel has different capacities. Since, not every dog can fit into every kennel you will need to be diligent in your research to find one that is equipped with adequate facilities.

You can expect that your dog may experience separation anxiety and stress from all the new faces. Being in a kennel can be a very difficult experience for your Mastiff. Choose your kennel carefully to ensure your Mastiff comes out of the boarding experience as unscathed as possible.

Since Mastiffs are known for their guarding skills they will continue to guard their new space at the kennel. Understand that this may be rather stressful for your pet. Your Mastiff will suddenly be in contact with strange people and dogs during his stay. As you know, Mastiffs do not warm up to strangers very easily which is why it is important to be sure the staff has handled Mastiffs before and are prepared for their personalities. If they haven’t dealt with Mastiffs before, keep looking. You don’t your dog to be the one that they learn on. If they have had Mastiffs stay there before then make an appointment to visit the kennel.

When you visit a kennel, check to see that it is clean. It should not look clean, but it should also smell clean. See what kind of bedding they have for your pet. Does it look clean and comfortable? The sleeping areas should be dry and draft-free.

Ask them if you Mastiff will have outdoor access during the day. This is important. You don’t want him cooped all day and night. Be sure that the water is changed daily and refilled as needed so your dog has access to a full water bowl at all times. Ask about their feeding schedule as well. Ideally, you would a feeding schedule that is close the one at home that he is used to.

The next area of discussion should be about the staff at the kennel. While it isn’t always possible to have a full staff of experts, the staff should all at least love dogs and have some general knowledge and experience of dogs.

If you are worried about leaving your Mastiff dog at a kennel because he has never been to one before, then try leaving him there for a day while you are still in town. By doing this you will find out if he gets too stressed and how he is treated by the staff. You also will be able to pick him up if there is a problem.

Once you find a kennel you really like then be sure to keep using it so you dog will get used to the kennel environment. He will get to the place and people and they will get to know him. Eventually it won’t be so stressful for you to go out of town and leave your pet there.

When searching for a Mastiff kennel don’t cheat your pet. Find the best you can to ensure that it is a safe place for him to be. Finding a kennel that understands Mastiffs is worth the time and energy you give to see that your dog will be properly cared for.

My Links : Lecithin New York Jets Armani Sunglasses Pleural Mesothelioma

Image : http://www.flickr.com

So you’ve got your summer vacation plans all made. You’ve got a checklist to remind you to stop the newspaper delivery, hold your mail, drop the dog off at the kennels, and something else. Something that you’re forgetting. Oh yeah, the pond. What are you going to do about the pond?

If you’re going away for a long weekend then your pond won’t even miss you. Check your water levels and make all of other normal tests, feed your fish, and hit the road.

However, if you’re going away for a longer period, say a week or two, then you’ll need to take some extra measures to ensure that your pond stays safe and happy and that it doesn’t miss you while you’re gone. Here’s a few more items to add to your vacation checklist:

1. Filter

About a week before you pack the kids into the SUV clean all of the mechanical parts of your filter and pumps. This includes brushes and settlement chambers and all of the pre-filter parts. You want to do this a week in advance so you can keep an eye on the resulting water quality, after the cleaning, to make sure that everything is in balance.

2. Change your water

Dump about 20-30% of the existing pond water and replace it with clean and chlorine-free water. This helps to dilute any build up of nitrates or ammonia. Fill the pond to the top to compensate for evaporation while you are gone. This is a good time to check your oxygen levels as well as perform all of your other water balancing tests.

3. Place a moratorium on new fish

This is not the time to add new fish to your pond. You won’t be there to monitor their progress and there’s no telling what kind of problems you will face when you return.

4. Predator Protection

Figure that your heron, raccoon, and other neighborhood predators are going to rush to your pond the moment that your taillights disappear and plan accordingly. If you do not already have natural hiding spots in your pond then cover it with a secure pond net that is made especially for this purpose.

5. Feeding

If you’ll be gone for two weeks or less, feed your fish their normal amount just prior to leaving and don’t worry about it again until you get back.

Your average koi can get along just fine without being fed for two weeks or less. They’ll find plenty of algae and the occasional wayward bug to snack on and their metabolism will adjust quickly to a reduced diet for a short period of time.

If you plan to be gone for a longer time then your only alternatives are either having someone come and feed for you, or getting an automatic fish feeder. Fish feeders can be expensive, they can break down and stop feeding, and they are also subject to malfunctioning and overfeeding. Your best bet is a friend or neighbor.

If you are going to depend on human help make sure that you leave very explicit feeding instructions and tell them not to deviate even a tiny bit. Make sure that they know that overfeeding fish is not a “treat” and that they could end up killing the fish while trying to do a good deed. Also let them know that if they miss a feeding day not to feed twice as much the next time to make up for it.

Now here are some tips for when you return:

1. Check to make sure that all of your fish are present and accounted for and that they all appear healthy.

2. Perform all of the usual water tests and adjust anything that is out of balance.

3. Clean your filter and pumps just like you did before you left for vacation.

4. Resume your normal feeding schedule.

Owning a pond doesn’t mean that you have to give up your well-deserved vacation. A little planning and common sense goes a long way.

Thanks To : Prudential Insurance Source Dedicated Server Young Drivers Car Insurance Lynyrd Skynyrd

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Ask any Vet. He will almost certainly tell you to neuter your male dog. Unfortunately, it seems their motivation is profit, and not the health or temperament of your dog.

They will tell you that neutering controls dominance and eliminate unwanted puppies. Under very specific circumstances these can be valid considerations. What they don’t like to tell you is that neutering will only have an effect on dominance and aggression if its done between 6 and 9 months of age.

Often times, prey drive is mistaken for dominance and aggression. They are not the same, and neutering your dog will not diminish prey drive. It’s unfortunate, but no surprise, that the same people who drug their children into zombie-like submission because of “ADHD” also want zombie-like dogs.

These people should not own dogs.

Aggression towards family members is often the catalyst behind neutering adult dogs. The fact is, neutering adult dogs has little or no effect on dominance or aggression. These actions towards the dog’s family or handler are the result of a lack of a clear hierarchy in the pack, and neutering isn’t going to change this – no matter what your Vet tells you.

These problems need to be corrected by establishing a social structure within the pack with you as the leader. Through obedience training and subtle body language cues that establish your dominance, most behavioral problems attributed to non-neutering can be corrected.

So what dogs should be neutered?

Older dogs that develop prostate problems, as this may prolong their life significantly.
Inexperienced owners adopting strong, dominant breeds like Rottweilers, Akitas, Chows, and Pit Bulls IF the dog is solely to be a pet should consider neutering the dogs at 6 months old to help tame the dominant temperament. With that said, my 5 year old Rotti is intact. He is not shown and is not a working dog….but I’m not an inexperienced owner.
Working dogs that are born with one testicle should be neutered but not until after they are 2 years old. If these dogs are not neutered they run the risk of developing testicular cancer around 5 years of age.

And that’s it. I firmly believe that neutering is uncalled for in most cases, and it is often detrimental to the dogs.

But what about all the poor, unwanted pets in the world?!?!

Please. Spare me.

The fact is that most unwanted and abandoned dogs came from intentional litters. Yes, you read that right – intentional. These dogs were allowed and encouraged to breed, had pups, and the pups were either unable to be adopted out or were adopted out, and then given up by their new owners.

Accidental breedings do occur, and they are 100% the fault of the irresponsible owner. If you take the time to train your dog, keep him or her under control, and don’t allow intact males and intact females to interact unsupervised, you won’t have any barking little accidents running around your kitchen.

Neutering is a barbaric and often unnecessary practice. It is not a decision to be undertaken lightly. It has significant psychological and physiological consequences for your pet, and will greatly affect their sexual maturity.

You owe it to your dog to do your research before sending him under the Vet’s knife.

Friends Link : Diamond Earrings Summer Fragrance Inpatient Hospital Interest Rate Swap Collagen Filler

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Two types of dog ticks are commonly found in the United States. These are the American dog tick and the brown dog tick. Their scientific names are Dermacentor variabilis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus, respectively. The brown dog tick does not pose a threat to humans, as it rarely feeds on them.

American dog ticks are reddish-brown. The female has a silver spot, while the male has silver lines on the body. They are found in grasslands and woods. Larvae and nymphs feed on mice, squirrels, and other small animals, while adults feed on cattle, deer, raccoons, dogs, and humans. Adults are active between April and June. These ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia to humans.

Brown dog ticks are unique in the sense that they can live and grow indoors. They are found in kennels or in homes where dogs stay and can cause canine babesiosis, canine ehrlichiosis, and tick paralysis. These ticks are also reddish-brown and their preferred host is a dog. To prevent brown dog tick bites, it is necessary to treat the dog, kennel, and home with tick-killing pesticide. Outdoor pesticide treatment is also crucial.

Dog ticks must be removed immediately if found attached to a host. Tweezers or commercial tick removal aids should be used for this purpose. Gloves must be worn during tick removal. Ticks should never be touched with bare hands because they can transmit infections. The correct method is to slowly pull the tick out from the point of attachment, ensuring that its mouth is not embedded in the skin of the host. The tick should not be crushed in the process. After removal, the bitten area and the tool used to remove the tick should be cleaned with antiseptic. Vaseline, alcohol, nail-polish, or glowing match should not be used for removing ticks.

To conclude, dog tick bites need to be prevented at all costs as they have the potential to infect people and animals with serious diseases. People living in tick-infested areas need to examine themselves and their pets regularly to rule out ticks.

Visit : Prudential Insurance Home Refinance Microwave

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Seeing newly born baby dwarf hamsters can be a very inspirational thing. From the right perspective, they are like reminders of the miracle of life. Just imagine, a mere two weeks prior, these tiny hamsters did not exist. Like any baby animal, baby dwarfs need special care. But unlike most baby animals, they are extremely small (about the size of a quarter) so you should pay extra attention not to harm these delicate creatures. When caring for baby dwarf hamsters, it is not only important to know what to, but it is also very important to know what not to do. The smallest mistake could potentially kill one of them. Two things you should never do are handle a baby dwarf too soon or feed them anything that isn’t healthy, not even a drop (this even includes some foods that would be considered safe after they’ve grown).

The most important thing to avoid with baby dwarf hamsters is handling them too soon. If you touch a dwarf baby too soon, the mother might even eat the baby because he’s been marked with your scent. Yes, just by touching a dwarf hamster baby, you could be marking him for death (I know, that sounds very dark and ominous). The mother is already confused enough having gone through the birthing process and it is already a normal occurrence for them to eat their young so you don’t want to increase the odds of this happening by disturbing the babies (or the mother). You can begin to handle the babies when they are about two weeks to 16 days of age, after they’ve opened their eyes and have a coat of fur.

Another thing to be aware of when caring for baby dwarf hamsters is that you should be very careful what you feed them. Now you won’t start to feed them until the same time you start handling them. At about two weeks of age they’re able to handle solid foods. Do not feed them anything that’s unhealthy. No treats, just solid, healthy foods. Foods with protein are especially good. Dwarf hamsters are already prone to diabetes so you don’t want to endanger a baby dwarf hamster’s health with anything remotely unhealthy.

Thanks To : Lecithin Fragrance Oil Sharp Appliances