Canine Distemper
October 31, 2007
What is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease caused by a virus (paramyxovirus) which attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervus systems of dogs. Although dogs are the most commonly affected, Canine Distemper is also seen in foxes, ferrets, mink and many other carnivores. These infected animals are often the cause of the spread of this disease to domesticated dogs.
At normal temperature the virus can remain active in infected tissue for several weeks, provided the infected source does not dry out, or become exposed to ultraviolet radiation (sun light). At below zero, the virus can remain active for several months. At temperatures of 32°C or greater, the Canine Distemper virus will be destroyed very quickly.
How can the Virus spread?
Canine Distemper is spread through bodily secretions (nasal fluid for example} The most common form of transmission is airborne. Dogs become infected by breathing in particles secreted by infected hosts. For several weeks after recovery, a dog will still carry the virus which can lead to further contamination if not properly quarantined.
What are the symptoms?
Reuniting Lost Pets With Their Owners
October 30, 2007
Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially on children who are close to the lost pet. But, one in three pet owners fail to take the steps needed to ensure that this tragedy does not occur in their home. These steps can be as simple as providing a pet identification tag with up-to-date contact information in the event the family pet ever gets lost, so that the finder of the pet will have a resource to contact the pet owner.
Because a majority of pet owners fail to take this step, their family pet usually ends up in a shelter, or just released to wander around. One of the biggest concerns for pet owners on the upwardly mobile move is the cost associated with constantly purchasing a pet identification tag every time their contact information changes. To alleviate this situation , a company called RecoveryPets.Com provides a pet tag with a unique tracking number that links to their website, where the owners contact information can be updated for the life of the pet.
How to Raise a Healthy Kitten
October 29, 2007
Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your kitten from the whole litter, choose the frisky playful, friendly kitten that is confident and happy to approach you rather than the one that hangs back and is shy. The best time to take your kitten home is between 7 and 8 weeks old. Some pedigree breeders like to keep the kittens until 12 weeks old so they can have their initial vaccinations. Some things you have to look for when choosing a new kitten or cat are:
How To Care For your Pet Dog
October 28, 2007
He will be there by your side, as your loving companion ? he will offer you protection if ever the need arises. Pet dog owners in turn must know how to look after their pet dog, and be responsible for it. The dog’s needs are simple and easy to follow. When puppies come home they need lots of love and attention. They may stress a little at first, as this is probably the first time they are away from their mother and their littermates. It is important that you begin the process of socialization, generally integrating your new pet into your family and teaching it to relate to people and other animals through gentle play, interaction and having pleasant encounters with family friends and pets
A stress free environment for your puppy
Try and avoid sudden loud noises such as children screaming or doors slamming. Also limit the visitors your new puppy has ? gradually allowing it to get used to more and more strange faces.
Is your Dog Malnourished?
October 27, 2007
Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our pets … particularly with regard to the ingredients in their food. We would want the ingredients in our pets’ food to be acceptable for human consumption.
After all, If byproducts are not tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets’ food? We’re also starting to realize that our dogs and cats need daily supplements the same way that we do, in order to take care of their bodies for the inevitable ravages of aging. In the span of an animal’s life, an early start at good health ensures less vulnerability to degenerative diseases, joints that are less likely to creak with pain and a healthier heart. Naturally we want our dogs and cats to live with us for as long as possible.
Renowned holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks says that when looking at dog food, one should be be weary of dyes, chemicals and artificial preservatives as much as possible. For example, BHA … one of the most common synthetic antioxidant preservatives mainly used to prevent food discoloration and rancidity … has been found in scientific studies to cause stomach cancer in lab rats at certain doses. In lesser doses, the preservative doesn’t have a cancerous effect but there is no telling what BHA can do to the body in small doses over a long period of time.
Tips For Traveling With Your Dog
October 27, 2007
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort, or just visiting the in-laws for the weekend, many people are choosing to take their dogs with them when traveling. Land or air, there are many things to take into consideration. The best advice is simple; be prepared. Below are some great tips for traveling by air and land.
Tips on preparing rover for air travel
Unless your dog is a frequent flyer, air travel is likely to be a very stressful experience, so you might want to think twice about subjecting them to the friendly sky . Each airline is going to have their own set of rules for traveling pets. Be sure to know the details prior to making any arrangements.
- Have your vet sign a document (health certificate), stating that your dog is healthy, and free of disease.
? Make sure he is up-to-date with a flea tic program
- Do not feed your pet within 6 hours (some wait even longer) prior to departure. And no water 2 hours before takeoff.
- Make sure you have proper identifaction tags on him. This includes his name, and ALL your information…address phone number
Finding A Reputable Dog Breeder
October 26, 2007
Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed, and in turn call themselves a "breeder." However being called a "reputable" breeder encompasses far more than that. You wont find a reputable breeder trying to sell their dogs to local pet stores, or advertising in the classified section. A good breeder does not need these "gimmicks." Instead, they rely on the quality of their dogs. Breeding is a practice that should be done with a sense of pride, and a feeling of fulfillment.
So once you have decided that a pure bred dog is right for you, how do you go about the overwhelming task of choosing the perfect breeder? Well ideally there are several key things to look for. Below is a simple check list to follow when looking for your breeder.
- Who is the breeder? It is very important to find out who the breeder is. One way to find out, is checking references. If the breeder is unable to provide written references, you should move on. Snoop around a bit. Talk to other breeders, rescue groups, veterinarians, anyone who can give you some information.
Characteristics Of The Boxer
October 25, 2007
Is A Boxer Right For You?
Country of Origin: Germany First Registered: 1904 Colors: Fawn, brindle with white markings Coat Type: Short, glossy and smooth Height: 21 - 25 inches Weight: 66 - 70 lbs. Life Span: 10 - 12 Years Average Litter Size: 5 ? 10 Health Concerns:. May have problems with heart murmurs, skin tumors, digestive problems and hypothyroidism Temperament: good-natured, affectionate, sociable, headstrong, high-energy
Active, playful, loyal, family oriented, are just a few of the characteristics of the boxer. A breed full of love for people and a zest for life, the boxer can be an ideal family dog. The boxer is unlike any other breed. Often discribed as the "clown," of the dog cummunity, boxers are a class all their own.. Those who own boxers can attest to their unique characteristics.
With their lean muscular builds, smooth coats, and square stance, the boxer is truly an impressive looking animal. Being a working class breed, the boxer domonstrates an instinctive willinness to please, while at the same time showing an alertness, caution and courage in the face of the unknown.
However, the boxer is NOT for everyone. Being a breed of high-energy, they require plenty of love, and even more patience.
Dog Training Collars: Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience and Breaking Bad Habits
October 24, 2007
Dog Training Collars
Having a pet means having to provide for the pet’s safety. But, that is not all a pet owner is obligated to do. People, mainly neighbors, do not appreciate noisy animals or animals that provide any type of nuisance to them. Basically, the neighbors don’t want someone else’s pet to interfere in any way with their lives. It is the pet owner’s responsibility to ensure this. One method for training animals to obey is by using dog training collars.
While there are many types of training collars for dogs, the main goal of any of them is to ensure that the pet follows the rules. Like any creature, learning the rules takes practice. Dog training collars allow pet owners to teach their pets which behaviors are acceptable and which are not. Dog training collars provide this service to the pet owner.
There are many types of dog training collars on the market. Each provides its own methods and outcomes. Some dog training collars use electric shock to discipline an animal behaving in an improper manner. One way pet owners can communicate with their pet is to use a training collar that causes as small amount of discomfort to the animal. Although they sound harsh, the reality is that they are basically harmless to the animal. Dog training collars such as these help show the animal that they will be punished for doing something bad.
Buy Dog Travel Supplies Online
October 23, 2007
Dog Travel Supplies
The shopping part along for dog travel supplies is amusing for sure. The trinkets, toys and accessories for pet product travel are a blast. Grab your favorite drink, your mouse and grease up that shopping finger and off we go to review those dog travel supplies.
We found, while shopping for Charlie pet harnesses that combine safety with convenience. The step-in padded harness is easy to fasten to your best pet friend and can also be used as a walking harness. The strap plugs into the car’s seat belt buckle receptacle. It’s recommend that for all pet travel you harness your doggie while driving for the protection of passengers and your little best pet friend.
Then add a nice durable car seat cover to protect your upholstery and everyone’s a happy camper. These covers fit most vans, trucks, SUV’s and cars with bench or fold-down seats. The outer shell is 100% polyester with a layer of foam for cushion and comfort. One side is a tan, soft pile and reversible to a durable gray polyester weave. Easy to care for, simply hand wash with a mild detergent soap and line dry. Measures 48″x 60″.
