Posts Tagged ‘home’

Homemade Dog Biscuits Are Easy to Make

Thu ,31/12/2009

Want to know how to literally get your dog eating out of the palm of your hand? The secret is scrumptious homemade dog biscuits made with careful preparation and love. If you’re thinking this is way too much trouble to bother making, think again. With these easy to follow dog food recipes, you will be a doggie connoisseur before you can say, “Good boy!”

I don’t know if you know this but pooches just love the taste of peanut butter. I have often been bewildered with the many intricacies of the baking world but this recipe is fool proof, even for me. Combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 cup of all purpose flour, 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of oil with 1 cup of smooth and creamy peanut butter. Blend the mixture well and scoop into bite sized treats onto cookie sheets. Bake them for 20 minutes in 350 F and you have yourself the keys to Fido’s heart.

Anyone up for delectable oatmeal chews? Take 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 3 cups oatmeal, 2 tablespoons honey and mix it all together. Fold in 2 egg yolks and 1 cup of cold water to bind it all together. Ensure the smooth consistency of the batter. Bake this for 15 minutes in a 350 F temperature. Once these chews are sufficiently cooled; cut into bite size pieces for your dog’s snacking pleasure.

For older dogs with a less than sturdy set of teeth, you can serve them these soft cookies as snacks. In a bowl, mix 1 cup dry milk powder, 1 cup wheat germ and 2 1 oz jars of flavored baby food thoroughly. Roll into coin sized mounds and bake in a pre heated oven for 15 minutes at 350 F. After cooling, you can serve as snack or refrigerate for future use.

Some cringe when we have live ron our dinner plate but this is actually a great treat for canines. It’s economical and really easy to make. All you need to do is to simply combine 1 lb liver (chopped and pureed) with 2 cups cornmeal, 1 cup of flour and 1/3 teaspoon of salt. Roll out onto a greased cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes in 350 F. When done and sufficiently cooled, cut in small squares for quick snacking.

If you know how to bake, you can switch up some ingredients to make it interesting for your pet. Use apple, carrots, parsley or other pieces of meat. Make sure when you come up with your own dog food recipes that you research on the food that are harmful to canines. Some of these include chocolate, onion, grapes and most nuts. Too much liver is also harmful to them.

Now that you have read and are armed with these delicious doggie treats, commence the baking! Never was there a man’s best friend luckier than your Fido today.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)

Common Dog Diseases

Mon ,28/12/2009

Dogs are the best pets and we all enjoy our carefree time with them. There are times though that they fall sick with common dog diseases; and we must be aware of these to be able to handle the situation appropriately. Listed are several dog diseases and symptoms you will do well to watch out for for early detection and treatment.

Heartworm is a common ailment that besets canines, especially puppies. It is primarily caused by mosquitoes and the infection it brings is transmitted in the bloodstream and enters the vital organs like the heart and lungs. When this is left untreated, it could eventually lead to congestive heart failure. Watch out for unusual cough and lethargy in the animal.

Parvovirus attacks the intestines of the canine and is considered one of the most fatal and common dog diseases for them to have. Dogs that catch this are usually those that are often in dirty and unsanitary places. Virus enters their system through fecal matter and its symptoms manifest quickly. If the canine have a decreased appetite, is vomiting, has severe bloody diarrhea and is lethargic, have him checked immediately. Parvovirus is a dangerous and fast acting disease which can cause death within a few days of contamination.

Another extremely harmful disease caused by unsanitary surroundings is distemper. There is no cure found for distemper yet and there is only a fifty percent survival rate for adult dogs that catch this ailment. Symptoms that follow distemper include diarrhea, coughing, chest congestion and abnormal discharge from the eyes and nose of the dog.

A canine viral disease that most people fear is rabies. Although it is more commonly associated with dogs, raccoons, bats and even cats are also susceptible to this disease. Rabies assaults the animal’s nervous system and is spread through saliva. During the first stage the dog will be feverish and have slower eye reflexes. It will advance to aggressive behavior and the eventual failure of the canine’s motor movements. When they do have rabies, you need to put them to sleep immediately.

Bloat is a canine disease that is the result of overeating or consuming food too fast. Overeating causes twisting of the stomach which in turn, cuts off the blood supply and traps gas. This is very painful for the dog and usually leads to a quick death. Be alert when your pet eats too fast and too much and look out for depression, dry heaves and restlessness.

Findings show that a majority of dogs are inclined to be obese as they grow older. While obesity is not really fatal in itself, it is a complication to many medical conditions. Dogs that are too fat will suffer stress in their heart, liver and lungs. They will also be a high risk during surgery. A nutritional diet will benefit their over-all health.

The aforementioned dog diseases and symptoms will help you treat your canine’s need appropriately. However, it must be said that preventive measures is far better so your pets do not have to undergo through discomfort at all. Exercise, diet and environment are factors to watch to keep them as healthy as possible.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Basic Dog Training Guide

Sun ,27/12/2009

Most dog training professionals agree that the best way to train any dog is by a process called positive reinforcement training. This is a technical term for a very simple theory:

Rewarding the desired behavior you want your dog to repeat, while ignoring the undesired behavior, is positive reinforcement. This method has replaced the now outdated old world of dog training that at times could be very cruel. Inflicting physical pain and intimidation, such as choking an aggressive dog or using shock collars as corrective techniques.

Positive reinforcement works with your dog. Her natural instinct is to please you – the theory of positive reinforcement recognizes that lessons are more meaningful for dogs, and tend to “stick” more, when a dog is able to figure out what you’re asking under her own steam (as opposed to, say, learning “down” by being forced repeatedly into a prone position, while the word “down” is repeated at intervals).

When you use positive reinforcement training, you’re allowing her the time and the opportunity to use her own brain. Some ways for you to facilitate the training process:

- Rewards that mean something. A little rub on the head and a “good girl”, gets pretty boring for a dog. (some dogs don’t even like being rubbed on the head.)

- You can tell if a dog doesn’t like its head beaning touched, does he or she cower or bark when a hand comes down to them? It is better to use “primary intensives”, such as food or a more physical reward.

- In other words, they’re both significant rewards that most dogs respond powerfully and reliably to.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Dog Training Basics – Teaching your Dog to be Social

Sat ,12/12/2009

Dogs and puppies enjoy social interaction, much as humans do. Dogs are generally friendly and do enjoy interacting with other types of animals from canines to reptiles. Of course, dogs are different just like people are different. Some dogs can be hostile with other animals including other dogs.

If you are an animal lover, then you know the value of having several dogs, regardless of their species. This makes it very difficult to keep your house in order, and then you have the fact that your dogs will want to defend their territory. If you have ever seen a canine territorial conflict, then you know what a headache can be. We’ve all had the experience of walking the dog in the middle of the night, and watching a rival dog wander into the yard. Have you ever managed to make it back inside without the entire front of your body covered in wet grass?

There are ways to remedy this. Your dog needs to be taught social behavior as soon as humanly possible. They’re like children, and as children, their minds are more susceptible to learning. You remember how easily you accepted things when you were a child, right? They have not established the line between a friend and an enemy; they’re just trying to learn, and you need to take advantage of that.

If you have decided to have just one dog, then in it’s young years you need to introduce it to other dogs. This way it will understand that not all dogs are enemies. It also needs to become used to being touched. This will make it friendlier around other people, and of course will keep it from biting every hand it happens to see.

While introducing your puppy to other dogs, keep a tight grip on the leash, until you are sure they are not going to fight. Sure, this is controlling, however, your puppy needs to learn between what is right, and what is not.

Puppies and dogs love to play, which includes biting, jumping and shoving one another. However, you can teach them not to do such things. They do these things while playing with one another; it is part of their nature. You just want to be sure that they are not really, hurting one another while playing together. Another distraction is having your dog or puppy jump on you continually, whether or not it is a lap dog.

Dogs bark, it is just part of their nature; however, it can get on your nerves when they bark continually. You can teach them not to bark all the time or you may want to distract them with a dog treat. It may not work to begin with, however you should keep trying. Teach the dog that you will give it a treat if it will stop barking. The dog will learn only to bark when necessary, when you use this method repeatedly.

Train a puppy or dog to be quiet by placing the animal on its back and then yell into his or her face. It does not look so pleasing to others; however, it is a good working method many professional dog trainers use to train a puppy or dog to be quiet. This method works well with rescue animals as well to help teach him or her to be quiet.

When you train a puppy as early as possible, he or she will make a wonderful friend and companion for many years. Remember this when you are raising puppies or a dog.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Training A Puppy Can Be Entertaining For The Whole Household

Thu ,10/12/2009

There is nothing more exciting than bringing a new puppy home. There is just something about puppies that makes them adorable to everyone. Nobody can resist their charm. That is, nobody can resist their charm until they have a little accident on your living room carpet. Then you have to think about training a puppy!

Many people find toilet training a puppy to be a frustrating and maddening experience, but it needn’t be. If you educate yourself about dogs and their behavior, you can learn how to train your dog without causing either the puppy or yourself too much anxiety.

All dogs have certain instincts that they are born with. One of these instincts is to not soil their sleeping den. In their natural environment they will know to immediately head outdoors if they feel an urge to urinate or defecate. But they may not have that option in the confines of your house. Your puppy will show signs of anxiety before it “does its duty” in your home.

Your puppy will be instinctively hesitant to relieve itself inside the house, but will not be able to control itself. It will sniff around the house, trying to find the place where others relieve themselves before it finally gives up and does it on the floor. It is important not to punish it for this, because it hasn’t done anything wrong. It is just as important to teach it that the place it chose is not the right place and to show it where the right place is.

Do not loudly scold your puppy, hit it or rub its face in its mess. Immediately clean up the area and take the waste matter outside and put it where it belongs. Take the puppy with you and let it see and smell where its waste belongs. Then go back and clean up thoroughly. Take special care to use a cleaning solution that completely eliminates the odor, remembering that your dog has a keener sense of smell than you do.

You will have to keep your eyes open for a few days or weeks if you want to successfully toilet train your puppy. Look for those behavioral signs that tell you it needs to go. Take it outside and wait for it to finish and then offer it a reward for good behavior. You will not only have shown your puppy the appropriate place to go, but have established yourself as the leader of the “pack.”

Teaching the puppy who is boss is as important as toilet training itself. Dogs are pack animals, which means that they either follow the pack or lead the pack. Your puppy must know from the beginning that it is living in your home and that you are the leader of the pack. You need not be a harsh leader. In fact, benevolent leadership is a far better way to lead.

Training a puppy from an early age is best for everyone. You will have a happy, well-adjusted pet and your life together will be satisfying for both of you.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Acupuncture Treatment For Pets

Wed ,09/12/2009

Many diseases related to animals today are solved in a more conventional way of medication and other usual medical treatments. But there is a more satisfactory and a simpler way to address those animal related health problems and diseases.

Veterinary acupuncture is regarded as one of the oldest forms of medications in the world although it has been appearing in the scene only in the recent past. More over for animal treatments the use of veterinary acupuncture has been introduced very lately. Veterinary acupuncture is now being used effectively all over the world.

It is accepted that veterinary acupuncture is a single component of the traditional Chinese veterinary treatments. Usually herbs, diets and various other forms of medication form an integral part of usual Chinese veterinary treatment. For more than 3000 years, this method of veterinary acupuncture has been effectively carried out in China and that alone will give you an impression of the degree of effectiveness in veterinary acupuncture. Veterinary acupuncture will enhance the flow of energy in the body and will give better ability to fight against the disease.

Internal organs of the body could be controlled from outside by the use of veterinary acupuncture. Although the western implementation of the method has adapted in to a few minor changes the method is still the same which was brought forward from the ancient Chinese. The pain can be eliminated through the use of veterinary acupuncture and will give better control over the animal which has been suffering from that pain and was not able to treat due to its hostility brought about by the pain.

Many pets today including dogs, cats and also larger animals like horses and cows are also treated with veterinary acupuncture. The method does not have any surgeries or any other hard to do so stuff which will be a little tough to practice on an animal.

Now you would find thousand of veterinary acupuncture centers all over the country so an online search would be adequate in order for you to find the centre that is closest to you. Many of these veterinary acupuncture services do have their own website and will give their services and contact information to those interested in getting their pets to a treatment. Make your pet happy and healthy through the use of veterinary acupuncture. It is less complicated and it is faster while being successful as well. Make yours and your pets life that much easier with the use of veterinary acupuncture.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Incontinence in Dogs is a Problem

Mon ,07/12/2009

Dog urinary tract infections are common among the dog population in the entire world. The culprits behind dog urinary problems are bacteria which have infiltrated the dog?s body. Bacteria enter the dog?s internal system through the food it eats and the water it drinks everyday. In some instances, bacteria gain access to the dog?s urinary system through its external urinary openings. This is most common in female dogs because they have shorter urethra than their male counterparts, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate.

Like humans, dogs are prone to health problems. One health condition which poses a great risk for dogs is the urinary tract infection (UTI). Yes, you got it right! Dogs are also prone to urinary tract infection. You may not know it but your dog may be suffering from this health disease.

If you are hesitant to bring your dog to a veterinarian for financial or whatever reasons, you may use natural remedies to try to minimize your dog?s infection or better yet, cure it. There is a very effective natural remedy for urinary tract infection in dogs.

Homeopathy is a natural remedy for urinary tract infection in dogs. Unlike antibiotics or the conventional mode of treatment, it is 100% safe and has no danger of side effects. Moreover, it is affordable and can prevent recurrence of infection.

As in the case of humans, female dogs are more likely to develop UTI than male dogs. This is because bacteria can develop more rapidly in female dogs because they have a shorter urethra compared to their male counterparts.

Although dogs are bound to suffer dog urinary problems in any given time of their life, it is still important that owners know how to at least minimize the possibilities of their dog contracting such a disease. Some of the ways to prevent this from happening are the following: giving the dog enough clean water to drink everyday, giving the dog a regular bath and shampoo, giving the dog proper nutrition and diet, bringing the dog to the vet regularly for check-up, and giving the dog citrus juices and vitamin C.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, then chances are your dog has UTI. In such cases, it is best to bring your dog to the veterinarian so that it will be given proper medication. Do not try to give your dog antibiotics from your shelf, which are usually prescribed for humans as such medicines may not be advisable for dogs. It is always best to consult a veterinarian before giving your dog any medication.

Indeed, UTI is a rising health problem for dogs in our modern society. However, there are ways to prevent this condition from occurring in your dogs. One way is to give your dog enough water to drink everyday. Water helps to flush out bacteria our of your dog?s system. Another way is to bathe your dog regularly. Regular bathing helps to ward off bacteria from entering your dog?s body. As the famous saying goes, ?prevention is always better than cure?.

If you are looking for a solution to urinary tract infection in dogs or searching for a remedy for dog incontinence, look no further.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Dog Information – Homemade Dog Food

Sun ,06/12/2009

Dogs are considered to be like best friends to many pet owners. These pet owners might not even think about the quality of the food that they serve their dogs. Many pet owners are confused by the health issues that their dogs face. A lot of times the owners have no idea why the health problems occur.

If you want a healthier dog, and are trying to improve your dog’s energy level and appearance, you should try flint river ranch dog food. Or, you could opt to make your own dog food. This can be done using the same foods you prepare for yourself and your family. For dog information, most people turn to veterinarians.

A number of people will turn to professionals for dog information. Sometimes, the first suggestion will be supplements or pharmaceuticals. However, this may be unnecessary. If you have been feeding your pet grocery store brands, all you may need to do is switch to a premium food. The results will be quickly apparent. Many dog foods contain the scraps and waste left from food processors. It doesn’t sound very appetizing, and is not considered the healthiest type of food.

There are alternatives for those dog owners that are seeking dog information regarding a healthy diet. One option is to make your own dog food. You can use the foods you prepare for yourself and your family. Simply cool the food to room temperature in the refrigerator before feeding it to your pet. However, there are several drawbacks to this arrangement.

The most important one is that unless you are well versed in dog information and nutrition, you will not be able to guarantee that your dog is getting the proper nutrients from your diet. Also, feeding an extra mouth at the table can be expensive and time consuming. It would be far preferable to discover a dog food product made with organic ingredients fit for human consumption. Flint River Ranch manufactures their pet foods under rigorously controlled conditions.

This food is digested easily and contains high degree of important vitamins and minerals. The dog food prepared by Flint River Ranch is of good quality that a person’s dog would enjoy eating. Consider Flint River Ranch pet foodstuff if you want to perk up your dog’s physical condition, liveliness levels and looks. The owners of Flint River Ranch not only offer superior product quality but also have solutions and give support to pet owners who want the most excellent, healthiest existence for their pets.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Dog Mouth Health Problems

Sat ,05/12/2009

Dog teeth cleaning should be something which is done regularly as a part of your pet care routine. If possible, your dog’s teeth should be brushed daily, or least every other day. Dogs are just as susceptible as we are to tooth disease, so it is important to make sure that our dog’s teeth are kept clean and free of tartar.

Dental Disease and Your Dog’s Health

Diseases of the mouth, teeth, and gums can be very painful for your pooch and because they aren’t able to tell us when they have a toothache, as pet owners we must be diligent in keeping up with our dog’s dental care. If left untreated, a tooth infection may develop into serious complication for your dog and affect vital organs such as their heart, liver, or kidneys.

Your dog’s diet definitely has a direct effect on their dental health. Choosing foods and treats that are fortified and designed to keep their teeth and gums healthy are an easy way to implement dental hygiene into your dog’s life. Although professional cleaning by a veterinarian is an option, this should only be considered in extreme cases as unnecessarily having your dog anesthetized is not only expensive, but it also puts undue stress on your pet.

Getting Started with Dog Teeth Cleaning

Even if your dog is no longer a puppy you can train them to accept having their teeth brushed with some patience and perseverance. Both dogs and puppies alike can be acclimated to having the toothbrush in their mouths simply by starting out using your finger and a dab of peanut butter.

As your pet licks your finger and the peanut butter, begin rubbing the teeth and gums while offering plenty of praise. After a day or so of this, or as soon as your dog begins accepting this new process, use a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger and do the same thing as above. Rub the gauze around the teeth and gums using a circular motion as you would with the toothbrush. Once they are used to this, it’s time to introduce them to the real thing.

You should not use toothpaste which is made for humans, as this will cause your dog to have an upset stomach. There is toothpaste designed for dogs which have a taste and smell which appeal to your pet. Let your dog lick a little off of the brush and then add more and start brushing.

You’ll need to lift up your dogs’ gums to be able to reach their upper teeth -the canines especially. To get the best results, hold the brush at a 45 degree angle; this lets you clean teeth and gums simultaneously. Use a circular motion and pay special attention to your pets’ back teeth, which are especially subject to tooth disease.

Make dog teeth cleaning a happy occasion for your dog. Keep low key to prevent your dog from getting too excited to hold still. You should only need abut a minute to get your dogs’ teeth clean and make sure that they stay healthy and happy.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)

Knowing Your Own Dog Health Symptoms Could Save His Life

Fri ,04/12/2009

Nothing is worse than discovering your pet has a serious illness, and finding that if you had gotten attention earlier, it would have been less severe. Sometimes the smallest change in personality or behavior can signal the onset of an illness, so knowing what is and is not normal for your pet can be essential. When you see something abnormal, it can be helpful to know some basic things to watch for.

Being attentive to your dog’s normal behavior can be the best thing you do in discovering symptoms of ill health. The better you know your pet the more likely you will be to see the early signs that he is in trouble. You are the first line of defense for keeping your dog healthy. For instance if you have a well trained pet who never has an accident and suddenly your slippers are soggy in the morning it could be the first indication that you need to seek veterinarian assistance.

Blood in your pets urine or feces is always a serious problem so even though it may seem somewhat gross to inspect it is a good idea to check it every once in awhile. Viruses such as parvo present in bloody stool and bloody urine can indicate kidney disease or failure. When you are talking about these types of illness time is of the essence so do not delay. Your attentiveness and quick action could very well save your pet’s life, get her to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Another common complaint among pet owners is vomiting. Dogs will do this mildly when they have eaten something that does not agree with them. Like the time my mini-pin ate a battery. However if you notice repeated vomiting with fever or pain symptoms it is more than likely a health issue. Nausea and vomiting can be a sign of stomach ulcers or a more serious ailment. No matter the cause, the effect on your pets’ health can be devastating since she could dehydrate very quickly. In severe cases, pets have died from dehydration.

Last but not least never overlook the obvious, your dogs’ hair. A dogs’ coat whether longhaired or short should be thick and relatively glossy. If the coat looks or feels unhealthy then your pet is likely unhealthy also. Examples of an unhealthy coat would be excessive brittleness or coarseness. The only exception would be in the wirehair terrier breed. Bald patches and rashes can point to something as simple as an unbalanced diet or something more serious such as allergies. All of which are treatable when caught before complication arise like secondary infections from scratching irritated skin.

These are only a few basic health problems that your dog might be facing, so take the time to figure out what is normal for your dog and what is not; this is the best way to figure out how healthy he is!

Discover the facts about dog health symptoms and dog information to maintain your dog’s health, go to HealthierDogs.com

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)