Showing posts with label Dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dog. Show all posts
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Product Review - Jolly Pet Tug-n-Toss
As a dog owner, I'm always on the lookout for new and fun toys that my dog's won't destroy within a matter of minutes. One of the finer examples of quality dog toys that I've ever found is the Jolly Pet Tug-n-Toss Ball.
The Tug-n-Toss is made of a high quality plastic that is durable as well as flexible. Unlike hard rubber toys like Kong Brand Dog Toys, the Tug-n-Toss has some give to it, so it flexes in your dog's mouth, and provides resistance for a different feel than most dog toys. Because of it's larger size, your puppy will have difficulty getting it's entire mouth around it, providing hours of mind stretching fun. It's rugged handle, allows you or your dog to carry the ball for fun times throwing and retrieving.
The Tug-n-Toss feels like an inflatable ball at first glance, but because it is molded plastic instead of actually inflated, it won't collapse if it is punctured. It retains its shape no matter what abuse your canine can dish out. I think the fact this company makes larger versions of this same toy for large cats and bears at zoos, is a testament to it's durability.
These dogs are playing with the 10" size, I've found the bigger the better. Even small dogs enjoy the larger size. There is even one for horses! For hours of fun and exercise, I highly recommend the Jolly Pet Tug-n-Toss Ball. It will, without a doubt, help to keep you and your dog happy!
The Tug-n-Toss is made of a high quality plastic that is durable as well as flexible. Unlike hard rubber toys like Kong Brand Dog Toys, the Tug-n-Toss has some give to it, so it flexes in your dog's mouth, and provides resistance for a different feel than most dog toys. Because of it's larger size, your puppy will have difficulty getting it's entire mouth around it, providing hours of mind stretching fun. It's rugged handle, allows you or your dog to carry the ball for fun times throwing and retrieving.
The Tug-n-Toss feels like an inflatable ball at first glance, but because it is molded plastic instead of actually inflated, it won't collapse if it is punctured. It retains its shape no matter what abuse your canine can dish out. I think the fact this company makes larger versions of this same toy for large cats and bears at zoos, is a testament to it's durability.
These dogs are playing with the 10" size, I've found the bigger the better. Even small dogs enjoy the larger size. There is even one for horses! For hours of fun and exercise, I highly recommend the Jolly Pet Tug-n-Toss Ball. It will, without a doubt, help to keep you and your dog happy!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Product Review - FURminator deShedding Tool
As the weather warms up and the summer heat comes, our pets begin to shed their winter coats. There are lots of products out there to remove pet hair from your clothes, upholstery, and flooring but they can be expensive and only mildly effective. Even a few hours after you clean your personal items of pet hair, you can see it needs to be cleaned again. The FURminator deShedding Tool takes managing your pets shedding to a new level. The FUrminator deShedding tool attacks shedding at its origin, your pet.
At first glance the FURminator appears to be just an overpriced brush, but the price is well worth it. The FURminator can do what no other shedding tool can do, it can get to the source of the problem. With just a few swipes across your pet, you can manage to brush out entire handfuls of your dog's undercoat. Within 15 minutes, you can fill an entire garbage bag with the hair. Don't believe me? Check out this video.
Although the FURminator can be one of the priciest hair care products for your pet, the money it can save you on lint roller refills will more then pay for itself. It's sturdy design can withstand dropping or sitting on it, and the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip for brushing your dog or cat.
As the seasons change, your pet no longer needs this insulating undercoat and it dies and begins to fall out. FURminator doesn't hurt your pet, it merely pulls the dead undercoat out from underneath the top coat of fur. It's long metal tines, have the ability to get through a thick top coat and massage the undercoat out from underneath it. There is nothing comparable on the market. So if you have a seasonal shedding problem, check out the FURminator to cleanse your pet of it's thick undercoat. Your pet will be cooler and happier, and you'll be happier with the time you save!
At first glance the FURminator appears to be just an overpriced brush, but the price is well worth it. The FURminator can do what no other shedding tool can do, it can get to the source of the problem. With just a few swipes across your pet, you can manage to brush out entire handfuls of your dog's undercoat. Within 15 minutes, you can fill an entire garbage bag with the hair. Don't believe me? Check out this video.
Although the FURminator can be one of the priciest hair care products for your pet, the money it can save you on lint roller refills will more then pay for itself. It's sturdy design can withstand dropping or sitting on it, and the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip for brushing your dog or cat.
As the seasons change, your pet no longer needs this insulating undercoat and it dies and begins to fall out. FURminator doesn't hurt your pet, it merely pulls the dead undercoat out from underneath the top coat of fur. It's long metal tines, have the ability to get through a thick top coat and massage the undercoat out from underneath it. There is nothing comparable on the market. So if you have a seasonal shedding problem, check out the FURminator to cleanse your pet of it's thick undercoat. Your pet will be cooler and happier, and you'll be happier with the time you save!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Product Reveiw - Pedipaws Pet Nail Trimmer vs. Dremel
I received not long ago the Pedipaws Pet Nail Trimmer as a gift from a family member, for our two dogs. The late night infomercials had been convincing! It appears to be a Dremel type tool that can safely grind down your pets nails, without having to worry about cutting too close to the quick. I always cut our pets nails with traditional scissor style pet clippers, but our two black labs have black nails. As anyone who has cut black pet nails knows, its almost impossible to tell where the quick is. It seemed the Pedipaws Pet Nail Trimmer had come up with the perfect solution! I was sure the plastic nail guard would keep my pet's nails safe, and it seemed the high powered sander would make quick work of my dog's nails.
As it seems, this particular infomercial was deceiving. After opening the box and inserting the batteries, I was pleasantly surprised at the quietness of the device. I could hardly hear it running and thought this was going to be a breeze, I knew my dogs would not be afraid of such a small sound, and I was right. Unfortunately, this was the last feature of the Pedipaws Trimmer that I would be pleased with.
When I attempted to use the trimmer on my dog's nails, I found that two of it's best features are flawed. I have always used scissor style nail trimmers, because I've found that it's always difficult to get my dog's nails into a guillotine style nail trimmer. The Pedipaws saftey guard proved to have the same issue. If I was able to get the dog's nail into the guard at all, I wasn't able to keep it there.
The Pedipaws trimmer uses sandpaper instead of stone like a traditional Dremel. After just a few seconds my dog's nail began to tear the sandpaper, and I'm not even sure if the paper was a coarse enough grade to make any headway on the nail at all. It did come with another finer grade head for detail work, but I didn't even attempt that, as the first head was already destroyed by my dog's nail.
If I wanted to use a Dremel style trimmer for my pet's nails, I would definitely opt for the brand name Dremel. It's got the motor power to get the job done, and the heads are quality material that won't be damaged within a few second's of using it. It might be a little louder, but that's only because it has a motor that can actually do the job. It is slightly more expensive, but the Dremel name guarantees you'll get what you pay for. Dremel 7300-PT 4.8-Volt Pet Grooming Kit
At the end of the day, I always go back to my scissor style nail trimmers. They are simple, durable, and easy to use. They get the job done, with little inconvenience to you or your pet. They won't break, and they always have the power to get the through the nail.
Trimming your pets's nails can be a daunting task for some, and many groomers offer a nail trimming service for around five dollars, if you truly feel uncomfortable doing it yourself. If you do choose to do it yourself, the simplest solution is usually the best. I'd stay away from the fancy items that seem too good to be true, and stick with the tried and true. This will help keep you and your pet truly happy!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Product Review - Fooey and Bitter Apple Biting/Chewing Deterrent
Chewing or biting by your pet can be an unpleasant habit that at times seems impossible to break. Some animals, such as dogs, chew objects to ease stress. Birds, ferrets, and other small animals bite objects to get a sample of their smell, taste, and texture. Biting and chewing is a natural behavior of our pets that helps them to perceive their world. 
Unfortunately, when they are trying to perceive your finger, or your kitchen table's legs, the results can be pain or the destruction of your prized possessions. There are many products available that claim to deter your pet's natural behavior. The most effective of these are the sprays Bitter Apple and Fooey.
by Bukowsky18
The first of these, Bitter Apple, is a spray that you apply to any object you don't want your pet to chew or bite. It is non-staining and can be applied to almost any object. It's secret is it's ingredient, pure alcohol. There can be a slight odor when applied, but it dissipates quickly as the alcohol evaporates. The evaporation rate of alcohol is also this product's downside. While the taste is unpleasant, it doesn't last long. If the animal is curious enough to try and put the object in their mouth a second time, it's likely they will learn the taste starts to go away.
In my opinion, a more effective deterrent is the Fooey Ultra Bitter Spray. I have personally tasted both of these products, and I tell you from experience, Fooey is exponentially worse tasting. It still has a bitter taste, but it doesn't evaporate like Bitter Apple. Once the taste gets on your pets tongue, beak, or lips it is there to stay. Some dog owners have found that their dog actually enjoys the taste of Bitter Apple, but this will not happen with Fooey. Fooey is not made with alcohol, but grapefruit skin extracts. It also has no odor, and won't stain. Fooey can even be used topically on a dog that may be chewing at itself, and it won't burn an open sore like the alcohol in Bitter Apple could. If I have had to choose between these two products, I would definitely choose the Fooey for every occasion.
While it may be impossible to prevent your pet from biting and chewing, it is possible to deter them from biting or chewing certain objects. Both of these sprays are effective at making your pet think twice about chewing anything the spray is applied to, including fingers. By directing you're pet's chewing behavior to more acceptable objects like toys, you'll be able to make both you and your pet happier!
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Unfortunately, when they are trying to perceive your finger, or your kitchen table's legs, the results can be pain or the destruction of your prized possessions. There are many products available that claim to deter your pet's natural behavior. The most effective of these are the sprays Bitter Apple and Fooey.
The first of these, Bitter Apple, is a spray that you apply to any object you don't want your pet to chew or bite. It is non-staining and can be applied to almost any object. It's secret is it's ingredient, pure alcohol. There can be a slight odor when applied, but it dissipates quickly as the alcohol evaporates. The evaporation rate of alcohol is also this product's downside. While the taste is unpleasant, it doesn't last long. If the animal is curious enough to try and put the object in their mouth a second time, it's likely they will learn the taste starts to go away.
In my opinion, a more effective deterrent is the Fooey Ultra Bitter Spray. I have personally tasted both of these products, and I tell you from experience, Fooey is exponentially worse tasting. It still has a bitter taste, but it doesn't evaporate like Bitter Apple. Once the taste gets on your pets tongue, beak, or lips it is there to stay. Some dog owners have found that their dog actually enjoys the taste of Bitter Apple, but this will not happen with Fooey. Fooey is not made with alcohol, but grapefruit skin extracts. It also has no odor, and won't stain. Fooey can even be used topically on a dog that may be chewing at itself, and it won't burn an open sore like the alcohol in Bitter Apple could. If I have had to choose between these two products, I would definitely choose the Fooey for every occasion.
While it may be impossible to prevent your pet from biting and chewing, it is possible to deter them from biting or chewing certain objects. Both of these sprays are effective at making your pet think twice about chewing anything the spray is applied to, including fingers. By directing you're pet's chewing behavior to more acceptable objects like toys, you'll be able to make both you and your pet happier!
Subscribe in a readerSaturday, May 28, 2011
Product Review - Ethical Pet Laser Pet Toy
What is the most fun you could have with your pet for under $5.00? The Ethical Pet Laser Pet Toy is! I have never found a toy that can provide so many laughs, and hours of entertainment for you and your pet as a simple laser pointer.
There's something about a little red dot that can instantly capture the attention of any four legged animal you may have in your home. The erratic movement inspires your pet's instinct to hunt, and their inability to ever catch their "prey" provides the mental stimulation that our pets so desperately need.
The Ethical Brand Pet Laser Toy comes with 5 interchangeable lenses so you can change the appearance of the dot. One of them is even a mouse for your cat to practice it's killer instincts around your home! The Ethical Pet Laser Toy comes with it's first set of batteries, so the fun can start as soon as you receive the product.
If you're still not sold on a the most fun for your buck that you can find anywhere, here are some satisfied customers.
This dog loves it so much he even asks for it by pressing a switch!
So if you're on a budget and tired of buying toys for your pets that seem to just get destroyed within a few days, or you just want something new to entertain your pet, try the Ethical Pet Laser Toy. They are cheap, last forever, and will provide hours and hours of happiness for you and your pet!
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There's something about a little red dot that can instantly capture the attention of any four legged animal you may have in your home. The erratic movement inspires your pet's instinct to hunt, and their inability to ever catch their "prey" provides the mental stimulation that our pets so desperately need.
The Ethical Brand Pet Laser Toy comes with 5 interchangeable lenses so you can change the appearance of the dot. One of them is even a mouse for your cat to practice it's killer instincts around your home! The Ethical Pet Laser Toy comes with it's first set of batteries, so the fun can start as soon as you receive the product.
If you're still not sold on a the most fun for your buck that you can find anywhere, here are some satisfied customers.
This dog loves it so much he even asks for it by pressing a switch!
So if you're on a budget and tired of buying toys for your pets that seem to just get destroyed within a few days, or you just want something new to entertain your pet, try the Ethical Pet Laser Toy. They are cheap, last forever, and will provide hours and hours of happiness for you and your pet!
Subscribe in a readerThursday, May 26, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Nervous Scratching and Biting
Everywhere you turn there is a product to keep your dog from itching. We all know from experience how frustrating it can be to have an itch you can't scratch, and we feel helpless when our puppy is biting or scratching itself. In some instances the dog can bite at itself so intensely as to cause an open wound around the base of the tail or its hind legs. There's hype about flea treatments, skin sprays, and the newest avenue is all about food allergies. True, all these things can contribute to a dog scratching or biting itself uncontrollably, but the most common cause is a lack of exercise or mental stimulation.
by orphanjones
All modern domestic dogs can trace their lineage back to the wolf, and this is important to know as we begin to understand and decipher some of their behaviors. A wolf's life is not an easy one. They must travel several miles a day to find food, and they must use their intelligence to catch that food and find shelter. Wolves have evolved to accomplish these goals. They have tremendous amounts of energy, and their ability to be insightful and solve problems is almost unparallelled in the animal kingdom. Its hard to picture your cute puppy bringing down an elk with those puppy eyes and hanging tongue, but his body and mind are designed to do just that. Those same attributes that help a wolf to survive in the wild, have been passed on through the generations to the dog sitting in your living room. These qualities are half the reason we love our dogs so much!
Like the wolf, your dog needs exercise, and lots of it. A dog's body stores energy for when it is most needed, like catching and tracking food. Your dog does not have that outlet. Fido merely has to walk across the room to it's food bowl and gorge itself. This sounds like a pretty good life for a dog, and it is. But, it's need to travel and run are still there. When your dog cannot satiate this urge, it will start to bite and scratch at itself, unaware that a little exercise would make it feel better. Without your help, this urge literally becomes an itch your dog can't scratch. The urge is so strong, that it clouds their mind, and even basic obedience can go out the window. A dog should be walked at least once a day, some breeds require more. There are always exceptions but, generally the larger the dog, the more exercise it needs. Sporting and hunting dogs do better with two walks a day.
One of the things we love most about our dog is it's ability to learn. They seem so smart and intuitive at times, you wonder if there's not an actual person under all that fur. Your dog's ancestors, needed this ability to become creative and work as a pack to catch food and find shelter. Your dog doesn't have to worry about any of these things, but it's smart mind is still there. Your puppy's brain is designed to run at full throttle, but in your home, it's got no where to go. Not much changes within your home on a day to day basis, and your dog has no problems to figure out! The joys of being domesticated! You must give your dog something to keep its mind entertained. Walking can help tremendously, but sometimes they need a little more. Many toys are designed with this in mind, some more complex then others. It's important to keep a healthy selection of toys for your dog to play with, and provide him with something new from time to time. Another great way to exercise your dog's mind is with training. Even basic obedience training can stretch your dog's brain and give him some relief. Without mental stimulation, your dog can frequently destroy things in your home, or even turn that anxiety on itself in the form of biting and scratching, anything to relieve the boredom.
Many dogs scratch for many reasons. It's important when trying to decide how to give your pet some relief, that we don't forget the most basic and obvious causes. No flea treatment, itch cream, or food can stop your dog from itching if a few of it's most basic needs are not met. So walk your dog! Test your dog mentally! It will make you and your pet happier!
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by orphanjonesAll modern domestic dogs can trace their lineage back to the wolf, and this is important to know as we begin to understand and decipher some of their behaviors. A wolf's life is not an easy one. They must travel several miles a day to find food, and they must use their intelligence to catch that food and find shelter. Wolves have evolved to accomplish these goals. They have tremendous amounts of energy, and their ability to be insightful and solve problems is almost unparallelled in the animal kingdom. Its hard to picture your cute puppy bringing down an elk with those puppy eyes and hanging tongue, but his body and mind are designed to do just that. Those same attributes that help a wolf to survive in the wild, have been passed on through the generations to the dog sitting in your living room. These qualities are half the reason we love our dogs so much!
Like the wolf, your dog needs exercise, and lots of it. A dog's body stores energy for when it is most needed, like catching and tracking food. Your dog does not have that outlet. Fido merely has to walk across the room to it's food bowl and gorge itself. This sounds like a pretty good life for a dog, and it is. But, it's need to travel and run are still there. When your dog cannot satiate this urge, it will start to bite and scratch at itself, unaware that a little exercise would make it feel better. Without your help, this urge literally becomes an itch your dog can't scratch. The urge is so strong, that it clouds their mind, and even basic obedience can go out the window. A dog should be walked at least once a day, some breeds require more. There are always exceptions but, generally the larger the dog, the more exercise it needs. Sporting and hunting dogs do better with two walks a day.
One of the things we love most about our dog is it's ability to learn. They seem so smart and intuitive at times, you wonder if there's not an actual person under all that fur. Your dog's ancestors, needed this ability to become creative and work as a pack to catch food and find shelter. Your dog doesn't have to worry about any of these things, but it's smart mind is still there. Your puppy's brain is designed to run at full throttle, but in your home, it's got no where to go. Not much changes within your home on a day to day basis, and your dog has no problems to figure out! The joys of being domesticated! You must give your dog something to keep its mind entertained. Walking can help tremendously, but sometimes they need a little more. Many toys are designed with this in mind, some more complex then others. It's important to keep a healthy selection of toys for your dog to play with, and provide him with something new from time to time. Another great way to exercise your dog's mind is with training. Even basic obedience training can stretch your dog's brain and give him some relief. Without mental stimulation, your dog can frequently destroy things in your home, or even turn that anxiety on itself in the form of biting and scratching, anything to relieve the boredom.
Many dogs scratch for many reasons. It's important when trying to decide how to give your pet some relief, that we don't forget the most basic and obvious causes. No flea treatment, itch cream, or food can stop your dog from itching if a few of it's most basic needs are not met. So walk your dog! Test your dog mentally! It will make you and your pet happier!
Subscribe in a readerSaturday, May 14, 2011
Product Review - Gentle Leader Head Collars
Walking your dog is an essential job of any dog owner. Dog's need their exercise on a daily basis, but many people can't or won't walk their dog because their dog seems uncontrollable. An uncontrollable dog can not only be an irritation, it can be dangerous. It is important that your dog be in your control when walking, otherwise we would have no use for a dog leash.
One of my favorite dog training tools is the Gentle Leader Head Collar. I've used it myself on many dogs, and for me it is the only option to stop a dog from pulling when walking on a leash. The Gentle Leader is safe and easy to use. It's a safer alternative to a choke or pinch collar, and it's more effective.
A dog does not wear a Gentle Leader like a normal collar around it's neck. The Gentle Leader wears around the snout and the back of the head, these are often referred to as "head collars".
The use of a Gentle Leader differs from a traditional choke or pinch collar. Where a choke collar is intended to hurt or restrict the breathing of a dog, the Gentle Leader uses the dog's own momentum to stop it from pulling in a safe way. When a dog pulls on a leash attached to a Gentle Leader, the dog's mouth is pulled close, and it's head is pulled down, by the dog's own force. This essentially forces the dog to run itself into the ground, though I've never seen one pull this hard. Dog's tend to get the idea quickly.
Besides the safety advantage of the Gentle Leader, this collar is also extremely easy to use. Large dogs can still pull an unwilling person while wearing a choke or pinch collar, if the dog can stand the pain. With a Gentle Leader, any size dog is completely unable to pull, no matter how strong the person holding the leash is. I have seen small children able to control dog's twice their size in a matter of seconds after attaching the Gentle Leader.
The Gentle Leader brand also comes in small, medium, and large with an instructional DVD, that shows how to properly attach the head collar, and training tips for walking your dog.
If you find yourself unable to take your dog for walks because you always feel like the dog is in control, then try a Gentle Leader. It will put the control back in your hands, and make you AND your pet happier!
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One of my favorite dog training tools is the Gentle Leader Head Collar. I've used it myself on many dogs, and for me it is the only option to stop a dog from pulling when walking on a leash. The Gentle Leader is safe and easy to use. It's a safer alternative to a choke or pinch collar, and it's more effective.
A dog does not wear a Gentle Leader like a normal collar around it's neck. The Gentle Leader wears around the snout and the back of the head, these are often referred to as "head collars".
The use of a Gentle Leader differs from a traditional choke or pinch collar. Where a choke collar is intended to hurt or restrict the breathing of a dog, the Gentle Leader uses the dog's own momentum to stop it from pulling in a safe way. When a dog pulls on a leash attached to a Gentle Leader, the dog's mouth is pulled close, and it's head is pulled down, by the dog's own force. This essentially forces the dog to run itself into the ground, though I've never seen one pull this hard. Dog's tend to get the idea quickly.
Besides the safety advantage of the Gentle Leader, this collar is also extremely easy to use. Large dogs can still pull an unwilling person while wearing a choke or pinch collar, if the dog can stand the pain. With a Gentle Leader, any size dog is completely unable to pull, no matter how strong the person holding the leash is. I have seen small children able to control dog's twice their size in a matter of seconds after attaching the Gentle Leader.
The Gentle Leader brand also comes in small, medium, and large with an instructional DVD, that shows how to properly attach the head collar, and training tips for walking your dog.
If you find yourself unable to take your dog for walks because you always feel like the dog is in control, then try a Gentle Leader. It will put the control back in your hands, and make you AND your pet happier!
Subscribe in a readerTuesday, May 10, 2011
How to Evaluate a Shelter Dog
There are millions of dogs in animal rescues and animal shelters all over the world. This is a great option for someone looking to add a new member to their family. It is my personal opinion that this is one of the best ways to acquire a new dog. That being said, many dogs in shelters have behavioral issues that may not fit into your lifestyle. It's important to make sure a new dog is a good match with it's new family, to ensure the puppy does not get returned. How do you tell what behavioral issues a dog may have with only a few minutes to interact? Here are some clues.
Does the dog guard resources? While playing with the dog, pay attention to how it reacts to you touching it's food bowl or toys. If it bares teeth, emits a low growl, or acts anxious this can be a sign of resource guarding. While it may seem innocent at first, this can lead to aggression problems if you have other animals or children at home that may try to play with anything the dog considers it's own. This is an issue that can be fixed with some extensive training and time, but don't expect it to go away overnight.
Another issue that may not be discovered until several days or weeks into owning a new shelter dog is separation anxiety. A dog with separation anxiety is not for the faint of heart! Dogs with this condition do not handle being by themselves very well. Even in a crate they can damage your home or hurt themselves. So how do you tell? In a shelter, if it generally appears clean and well managed, has the dog used it's cage as a bathroom? Are there small wounds on it's face and paws from trying to escape? If it comes from a rescue where it is allowed to be with other dogs, see if you can get the dog alone, and gauge it's reaction. It should not be whining, drooling, or generally anxious. A dog with separation anxiety must go to a home that can provide the dog with companionship all day every day. This can be a home with more dogs, or even a family that has opposite schedules so there is someone home with the dog all the time. In severe cases of separation anxiety, the dog cannot be left alone for even a few minutes.
Is the dog "hand shy"? Watch the dog's reaction when you reach to pet it's head, or even raise your hand to your own head. If the dog becomes nervous or shy's away from you, this could be a sign that the dog was beaten in the past. It is sad, but it's something you should be aware of. Dogs that have been severely beaten tend to be nervous and scared of sudden movements. This should be a sign that the dog may become scared enough to become aggressive. A behavior like this is fairly simple to fix, but it takes a long time to earn your dog's trust. You should always be cognizant of your dog's past, and realize that in a new home or new situations in the future, it may lash out from fear.
Dogs from shelters, rescues, or humane societies can be some of the best pets. But it's important to know of behavioral issues, before you adopt. Most dogs in shelters are put there by owners who couldn't deal with these issues, and it's important you don't make the same mistake. If you're aware of what you are getting into, it makes a happier life for both you and your pet!
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Does the dog guard resources? While playing with the dog, pay attention to how it reacts to you touching it's food bowl or toys. If it bares teeth, emits a low growl, or acts anxious this can be a sign of resource guarding. While it may seem innocent at first, this can lead to aggression problems if you have other animals or children at home that may try to play with anything the dog considers it's own. This is an issue that can be fixed with some extensive training and time, but don't expect it to go away overnight.
Another issue that may not be discovered until several days or weeks into owning a new shelter dog is separation anxiety. A dog with separation anxiety is not for the faint of heart! Dogs with this condition do not handle being by themselves very well. Even in a crate they can damage your home or hurt themselves. So how do you tell? In a shelter, if it generally appears clean and well managed, has the dog used it's cage as a bathroom? Are there small wounds on it's face and paws from trying to escape? If it comes from a rescue where it is allowed to be with other dogs, see if you can get the dog alone, and gauge it's reaction. It should not be whining, drooling, or generally anxious. A dog with separation anxiety must go to a home that can provide the dog with companionship all day every day. This can be a home with more dogs, or even a family that has opposite schedules so there is someone home with the dog all the time. In severe cases of separation anxiety, the dog cannot be left alone for even a few minutes.
Is the dog "hand shy"? Watch the dog's reaction when you reach to pet it's head, or even raise your hand to your own head. If the dog becomes nervous or shy's away from you, this could be a sign that the dog was beaten in the past. It is sad, but it's something you should be aware of. Dogs that have been severely beaten tend to be nervous and scared of sudden movements. This should be a sign that the dog may become scared enough to become aggressive. A behavior like this is fairly simple to fix, but it takes a long time to earn your dog's trust. You should always be cognizant of your dog's past, and realize that in a new home or new situations in the future, it may lash out from fear.
Dogs from shelters, rescues, or humane societies can be some of the best pets. But it's important to know of behavioral issues, before you adopt. Most dogs in shelters are put there by owners who couldn't deal with these issues, and it's important you don't make the same mistake. If you're aware of what you are getting into, it makes a happier life for both you and your pet!
Subscribe in a readerSunday, May 8, 2011
Picture of the Week! Mother's Day!
It's Sunday and Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day to our two legged and four legged mom's out there!
Funny Animals
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Happy Mother's Day to our two legged and four legged mom's out there!
Funny Animals
Subscribe in a readerSaturday, May 7, 2011
Product Review - Kong Dog Toys
Dogs will chew, always. They do it to relieve boredom and reduce stress. It is the eternal struggle of every dog owner to find something their puppy can chew, and not destroy. Everyone wants a dog toy that can be chewed, and survive to be chewed another day. The Kong company has done just that. I have not ever seen a dog toy that can withstand the abuse the standard Kong rubber chew toy just shrugs off and says "Is that all you got?"
It is made of a durable hard rubber that is soft enough it won't damage a dog's mouth, but tough enough that a few puncture holes won't damage it's integrity. Many toys have an air filled pouch of them, to provide some sort of resistance and push back from the toy. Those sorts of toys are easily punctured, and immediately lose their appeal. Not the Kong, it has an open cavity that provides that same unique resistance, yet there is no air filled bladder to puncture.
Another really nice feature of the Kong, is the open cavity. The size of the cavity allows the dog to be able to get it's tongue in, but not it's teeth. This is an excellent device to provide mental stimulation. Dogs crave a challenge, and by putting treats or, my personal favorite, peanut butter in the Kong's hole, the dog must work to get the tasty tidbits out. This literally can provide hours of fun and mental work for any dog.
Kong has also provided a selection of tasty treats to put in it's Kong toys. These pastes work just like peanut butter, except they have different flavors. They even have one for bad breath! Search Amazon.com for Kong Stuff N Easy.
I give the Kong line of toys and treats a big two thumbs up and 5 stars! Many companies will make similar items, but they never seem to hold up as well as the original. Kong toys are always reasonably priced as well. Often times you can pay double the price that you would for a Kong, for a toy that will only last a day at best.
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It is made of a durable hard rubber that is soft enough it won't damage a dog's mouth, but tough enough that a few puncture holes won't damage it's integrity. Many toys have an air filled pouch of them, to provide some sort of resistance and push back from the toy. Those sorts of toys are easily punctured, and immediately lose their appeal. Not the Kong, it has an open cavity that provides that same unique resistance, yet there is no air filled bladder to puncture.
Another really nice feature of the Kong, is the open cavity. The size of the cavity allows the dog to be able to get it's tongue in, but not it's teeth. This is an excellent device to provide mental stimulation. Dogs crave a challenge, and by putting treats or, my personal favorite, peanut butter in the Kong's hole, the dog must work to get the tasty tidbits out. This literally can provide hours of fun and mental work for any dog.
Kong has also provided a selection of tasty treats to put in it's Kong toys. These pastes work just like peanut butter, except they have different flavors. They even have one for bad breath! Search Amazon.com for Kong Stuff N Easy.
I give the Kong line of toys and treats a big two thumbs up and 5 stars! Many companies will make similar items, but they never seem to hold up as well as the original. Kong toys are always reasonably priced as well. Often times you can pay double the price that you would for a Kong, for a toy that will only last a day at best.
Subscribe in a readerSunday, April 17, 2011
Drunk Doggies, Crocked Cats, and Plastered Parrots
Your puppy is an alcoholic! Every time you break out the spirits your pet wants a drink. What's the harm in it? Everyone likes to cut loose every once in a while, and who better to have a beer with than your best friend? Well you better cut off Fido before the first one.
Alcohol when used in moderation can be a pleasant experience for humans. But that "buzz" we chase after to forget our woes, is actually the result of your body being poisoned. In smaller animals this can lead to some unpleasant results. There's no need to panic if your pet ingested a small amount of a forgotten beer. Alcohol is a naturally occurring substance, and many wild animals actually ingest it from time to time in fermented fruit. But don't ever intentionally give your animal a drink from your glass.
Dogs are probably the best equipped to handle a little alcohol, but the effects are greatly magnified, both psychologically and physically. For us, a little disorientation in a crowded dance club can be empowering, but we bring that feeling on ourselves, and know what to expect. From your dog's perspective it could be quite scary. Dogs can become easily confused and the result would be aggression. Their sudden loss of balance would be absolutely terrifying, and I'm sure they would feel as if they are fighting for their life. The physical effects of alcohol on a dog are much worse than a human. As little as a beer or two could lead to severe alcohol poisoning and even death, in even a large dog. Like in humans, alcohol is weight dependent, and in a smaller dog, maybe even a few sips could be very dangerous. We have adapted over thousands of years to be able to process alcohol, dogs have not, and with their increased metabolism, things can go from bad to worse very quickly.
Cats are no different then dogs when it comes to the devil water, with one exception, its worse! Cats are usually much smaller then dogs and as true carnivores, they just do not have the capacity to process grains, which alcohol is made from. A wild canine may run across some fermented fruit from time to time, but your kitty's ancestors never even tried the stuff. A few sips can lead to kidney failure, and it would be a good idea to get your cat to the vet immediately if even a small amount is ingested. A cat's body processes alcohol differently then a dog or human and it can cause some severe damage pretty quickly.
Lastly, I've seen more people try to give their birds alcohol then any other pet. Maybe it's because parrots tend to be more curious then other pets, or maybe because birds tend to be a bit more entertaining and we think they'd be hilarious if drunk, but as they are as bad at handling alcohol as humans are good at it. Even a large bird can not handle more then a few sips. Birds maintain an extremely high metabolism. Their bodies run at a hundred miles an hour all day every day, it's crucial for their survival. Aside from the toxicity of alcohol, it's a depressant. Birds can not handle having their heart rate slow down even slightly.
Alcohol poisoning can happen in all animals just as humans, only much quicker, and with less alcohol. The symptoms are the same, vomiting, frequent urination, confusion, and loss of balance. The best course of action if you think your pet has gotten into some alcohol and showing these symptoms will be to get them to a vet, immediately.
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Alcohol when used in moderation can be a pleasant experience for humans. But that "buzz" we chase after to forget our woes, is actually the result of your body being poisoned. In smaller animals this can lead to some unpleasant results. There's no need to panic if your pet ingested a small amount of a forgotten beer. Alcohol is a naturally occurring substance, and many wild animals actually ingest it from time to time in fermented fruit. But don't ever intentionally give your animal a drink from your glass.
Dogs are probably the best equipped to handle a little alcohol, but the effects are greatly magnified, both psychologically and physically. For us, a little disorientation in a crowded dance club can be empowering, but we bring that feeling on ourselves, and know what to expect. From your dog's perspective it could be quite scary. Dogs can become easily confused and the result would be aggression. Their sudden loss of balance would be absolutely terrifying, and I'm sure they would feel as if they are fighting for their life. The physical effects of alcohol on a dog are much worse than a human. As little as a beer or two could lead to severe alcohol poisoning and even death, in even a large dog. Like in humans, alcohol is weight dependent, and in a smaller dog, maybe even a few sips could be very dangerous. We have adapted over thousands of years to be able to process alcohol, dogs have not, and with their increased metabolism, things can go from bad to worse very quickly.
Cats are no different then dogs when it comes to the devil water, with one exception, its worse! Cats are usually much smaller then dogs and as true carnivores, they just do not have the capacity to process grains, which alcohol is made from. A wild canine may run across some fermented fruit from time to time, but your kitty's ancestors never even tried the stuff. A few sips can lead to kidney failure, and it would be a good idea to get your cat to the vet immediately if even a small amount is ingested. A cat's body processes alcohol differently then a dog or human and it can cause some severe damage pretty quickly.
Lastly, I've seen more people try to give their birds alcohol then any other pet. Maybe it's because parrots tend to be more curious then other pets, or maybe because birds tend to be a bit more entertaining and we think they'd be hilarious if drunk, but as they are as bad at handling alcohol as humans are good at it. Even a large bird can not handle more then a few sips. Birds maintain an extremely high metabolism. Their bodies run at a hundred miles an hour all day every day, it's crucial for their survival. Aside from the toxicity of alcohol, it's a depressant. Birds can not handle having their heart rate slow down even slightly.
Alcohol poisoning can happen in all animals just as humans, only much quicker, and with less alcohol. The symptoms are the same, vomiting, frequent urination, confusion, and loss of balance. The best course of action if you think your pet has gotten into some alcohol and showing these symptoms will be to get them to a vet, immediately.
Subscribe in a readerSunday, April 3, 2011
Everybody Poops, But Not Everybody Eats It.
Its called Coprophagia. Its common in most dogs at some time or another. It's disgusting. It's eating poop! Why would they do that?! Believe it or not, it's not a bad thing.
To lessen the disgust factor, lets look at what poop is. It's what gets left over after a body digests food and takes out what it needs. A body doesn't take everything out though! This is why our dogs eat it. What's better then food? Food that's already halfway digested! In survival mode, this makes sense. Someone else's body does all the work of digesting, and all you have to do is eat. It's practically free energy, and it's instinctual for your dog. As domesticated, and sometimes "human" as your dog may seem, its ancestors were still wild animals that had to fight every day for survival. This was just another trick of the trade.
Puppies in particular can actually be healthier from it. Puppies will eat their mother's feces to gain much of the beneficial bacteria they need in their stomachs. Without this crucial step in their development, many puppies would fall ill or even starve at a very young age.
I know what you're saying, "This is great and all but it's still gross! How can I get my dog to stop?!" Its actually very easy. There are a few great products out there that make the feces taste bad, or at least taste worse. One of these is called Deter by 8in1. I've used it myself and it works after only a few days. As a bonus, it's also the cheapest one on Amazon. But it can only be used on dogs.
If other animal's feces are the problem then a little creativity is needed to make it stop. Cat tootsie rolls are also a very common treat. Covered litter boxes hidden where the dog can't get to them usually stop it. Another trick is to face the covered litter box toward a wall, the cat is usually small and agile enough to still get in, but the dogs are usually stumped.
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To lessen the disgust factor, lets look at what poop is. It's what gets left over after a body digests food and takes out what it needs. A body doesn't take everything out though! This is why our dogs eat it. What's better then food? Food that's already halfway digested! In survival mode, this makes sense. Someone else's body does all the work of digesting, and all you have to do is eat. It's practically free energy, and it's instinctual for your dog. As domesticated, and sometimes "human" as your dog may seem, its ancestors were still wild animals that had to fight every day for survival. This was just another trick of the trade.
Puppies in particular can actually be healthier from it. Puppies will eat their mother's feces to gain much of the beneficial bacteria they need in their stomachs. Without this crucial step in their development, many puppies would fall ill or even starve at a very young age.
I know what you're saying, "This is great and all but it's still gross! How can I get my dog to stop?!" Its actually very easy. There are a few great products out there that make the feces taste bad, or at least taste worse. One of these is called Deter by 8in1. I've used it myself and it works after only a few days. As a bonus, it's also the cheapest one on Amazon. But it can only be used on dogs.
If other animal's feces are the problem then a little creativity is needed to make it stop. Cat tootsie rolls are also a very common treat. Covered litter boxes hidden where the dog can't get to them usually stop it. Another trick is to face the covered litter box toward a wall, the cat is usually small and agile enough to still get in, but the dogs are usually stumped.
Subscribe in a readerSaturday, April 2, 2011
What Did You Eat?!?!
Your dog just came in the house and after relaxing for a minute, vomits all over the new carpet. Gross! Get the carpet cleaner before it stains! Is our puppy ok? Should I rush it to the vet? When a dog becomes ill, it can be a roller coaster of emotion and confusion. This should not be the case. As disgusting as it can be at times, your dogs bodily functions can be a great way to asses their health.
Vomiting is one of those functions that can be very scary. It's one of the first symptoms of poisoning or severe infections, and you're right to be concerned. However, at the most basic level, it is just a bodies way of dealing with foreign objects that it cannot digest. Dogs in particular, seem to eat anything sometimes, and any dog owner will tell you vomit is on the agenda quite frequently. So how can you tell if you should be concerned or not? Look at the contents of the discharge and it can tell you the story of whats going on in your pets life.
If Fido just threw up a giant pile that's actually a good thing. I've seen dogs throw up pounds of food, or gallons of water, particularly right before or during exercise. This is most likely just the dogs body preparing itself to run. It's normal. The dog's body is just trying to shed excess wait that might slow the animal down. It's not pleasant, but it's also not a sign that something may be wrong with your dog. The best thing to do, is just make sure the dog has access to food and water after the stress or exercise is over with, and the the pup has had a chance to calm down.
Many times a dog may throw up pieces of objects. Shoe laces, couch cushion foam, or pieces of your child's favorite toy. This is also good, these objects are not digestible, and the body regurgitating them keeps them from getting lodged further in the digestive system, which can cause impaction and become a serious health issue. Things to look for that could be dangerous include plant matter, glass, or pieces of anything else that could be sharp. If you see anything like this a vet visit may be in order. Some plants can be poisonous and you definitely don't want the dog passing anything sharp.
The third situation I've seen is when a dog vomits virtually nothing. We call it the "dry heaves". This is probably the one that should cause the most concern. When a body tries to vomit but nothing comes out, the body is trying in vain to expel something that could be dangerous for your pet. Whatever that object or substance is, it is probably passed to far in to the digestive tract, and could become a danger rather quickly. Infections can also cause this as the body makes any effort to get the disease out. Infections will usually be accompanied by other symptoms such as trembling, drooling, heavy panting, and lethargy. This definitely requires a vet visit to get the problem fixed and should not be taken lightly.
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Vomiting is one of those functions that can be very scary. It's one of the first symptoms of poisoning or severe infections, and you're right to be concerned. However, at the most basic level, it is just a bodies way of dealing with foreign objects that it cannot digest. Dogs in particular, seem to eat anything sometimes, and any dog owner will tell you vomit is on the agenda quite frequently. So how can you tell if you should be concerned or not? Look at the contents of the discharge and it can tell you the story of whats going on in your pets life.
If Fido just threw up a giant pile that's actually a good thing. I've seen dogs throw up pounds of food, or gallons of water, particularly right before or during exercise. This is most likely just the dogs body preparing itself to run. It's normal. The dog's body is just trying to shed excess wait that might slow the animal down. It's not pleasant, but it's also not a sign that something may be wrong with your dog. The best thing to do, is just make sure the dog has access to food and water after the stress or exercise is over with, and the the pup has had a chance to calm down.
Many times a dog may throw up pieces of objects. Shoe laces, couch cushion foam, or pieces of your child's favorite toy. This is also good, these objects are not digestible, and the body regurgitating them keeps them from getting lodged further in the digestive system, which can cause impaction and become a serious health issue. Things to look for that could be dangerous include plant matter, glass, or pieces of anything else that could be sharp. If you see anything like this a vet visit may be in order. Some plants can be poisonous and you definitely don't want the dog passing anything sharp.
The third situation I've seen is when a dog vomits virtually nothing. We call it the "dry heaves". This is probably the one that should cause the most concern. When a body tries to vomit but nothing comes out, the body is trying in vain to expel something that could be dangerous for your pet. Whatever that object or substance is, it is probably passed to far in to the digestive tract, and could become a danger rather quickly. Infections can also cause this as the body makes any effort to get the disease out. Infections will usually be accompanied by other symptoms such as trembling, drooling, heavy panting, and lethargy. This definitely requires a vet visit to get the problem fixed and should not be taken lightly.
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