Don't Get A Pug Dog...

Article Title: Don't Get A Pug Dog...
Author: Michelle Arthur

...until you've read this article, chock full of expert Pug
information to help you decide if a Pug is the right dog for you
and your family!

Here's the vital 411 you need to know on Pugs, from their
history to upkeep and health issues, before you bring one home.

Pugs are small in size and are members of the toy dog group.
But don't be fooled...though small in stature, these are quite
powerful and often heavy dogs! Adult pugs vary in weight from
approximately 15 to 25 lbs, with females weighing on the low end
and males on the high end. Pugs are "a lot in a little package"
and you shouldn't be afraid to horse around with them – they're
not delicate creatures, so feel free to play tug and roughhouse
around a bit!

Don't get a Pug if you want a silent dog...Pugs make a lot of
funny sounds, many of them quite loud! They will snort and snore
and make other wheezing noises due to their squished-in
noses…but they tend to not be barkers, so you'll be spared the
yipping characteristic of most other small breeds.

In terms of personality, Pugs are affectionate, loyal, playful
dogs with wonderful personalities. They love to keep your
attention and will do almost anything to keep you entertained.
Many people think of them as little clowns.

Do you have children at home? If so, good news...Pugs get along
very well with children and are ideally suited for a family's
home. Our two Pugs are terrific around our 6-month-old baby, and
they've also played well with our friends' toddlers. They are
not aggressive with other people – far from it! As far as other
dogs, Pugs usually get along well but just be careful as you
would with any breed until you and your Pug get to know the
other dog.

When it comes to training a Pug, be warned, this is a stubborn
breed! They're intelligent dogs and they aim to please, but once
a Pug has something in their minds, it can be tough to change.
The best bet is to use treats as an "ethical food bride" in your
training efforts and to try a positive training method such as
clicker training, which is ideally suited for this sensitive,
affectionate breed.

Don't neglect exercise for these dogs. Pugs need to have plenty
of exercise on a daily basis despite their small size. Daily
exercise will often do a terrific job of helping your Pug stay
healthy. And just a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes would be
ideal, so don't worry about running marathons with `em. Just
build some time into your schedule to let these dynamos stretch
their legs every day.

Here's some more good news...Pugs have a life expectancy of 12
to 15 years when healthy, and many live longer! So this means
you can look forward to a long time together with your Pug.
There are two major health issues that you need to keep an eye
on, however -- CHD and Pug dog encephalitis. Check with your vet
for more info on both issues.

This is all the Pug information you need to decide whether this
is the right dog for you...good luck to you!

About The Author: Michelle Arthur is a Pug owner, trainer and
lover. For free videos, training tips and expert advice on Pugs,
see http://www.UltimatePug.com

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Dog Training Tips

Article Title: Dog Training Tips
Author: David Beart

Everyone with a dog can offer you dog training tips. Often,
people in the street or at the puppy park believe they already
know everything there is to know about training a dog, after
all, look at their little precious. Well behaved or not, this is
the apple of their eye, and because they love them and think
they understand them, they believe their behavior to be just
normal, everyday dog behavior that is acceptable. Of course,
after you get through wiping the muddy paw prints off your shirt
that their large lab just mottled you with, you might be polite
and agree for argument's sake.

Training a dog is not a once and done deal. When you train a
dog, you are asking them to communicate in a language that is
foreign to them. If you've ever learned a foreign language you
know how impossible it is to retain the information if you never
use it. Your pup has the same issue. If you train him once to
sit and roll over and then ask him to do it again a year later,
he probably won't get it. He might sort of remember. But that
Johnny on the Spot immediate reflex we all admire in other
people's dogs doesn't come without constant work.

Dog experts and regular dog owners alike will never truly
understand the great depths of their dog. In fact, one of things
that attracts us most to them is their humanistic qualities
wrapped up in a package we can't completely understand. And when
we get a fleeting glimpse of it, such as their massive and
impenetrable devotion to their humans, we feel magically
connected to them on a deep emotional level. We want the best
for them, and so we convince ourselves that allowing them their
"spirited antics" is part of loving them. This is both true and
untrue.

You never want to "break a dog's spirit." You want to guide his
spirit so he can channel it into good, even great, behavior.
That's exactly why it is so important to pick and choose which
dog training tips you listen to. Anything that implores violence
should be discarded (that includes a well known television
program that attracts more attention than necessary) and softer
and milder methods can be used.

Your desire is to instill leadership in your dog, not fear or
threat. A dog will follow a good leader, and work hard to please
a good leader. Think about your daily routine. How often does
your dog take the leadership position? Every time you let your
dog scurry out the door in front of you or walk paces in front
of you, or cut you off as you try to make your way into the
kitchen, he is dominating you and you are permitting him to take
a leadership position. Simply making a concerted effort to be
ahead of your dog will start sending him a clear message.

Don't make it a race. You won't win. He is faster than you.
Instead, use verbal commands, like "wait," or "halt," when you
want him to let you pass. Release him when you're sure you will
arrive at whatever your destination may be before he does.
You'll notice he will try to beat you if he can figure out where
you're going. He'll speed up or down the steps just to get there
first. He is trying to take your leadership.

As your leadership skills improve, you should never have to use
your hands or even a leash to get your point across. Using your
hands to discipline you pup may give him issues. You want him to
associate your hands with good things like being loved and fed.
Use your vocal tones. Use disapproving guttural tones when your
pup is messing up and use high pitch happy tones when he's doing
a good job. You don't even have to use words, beyond those
necessary for commands, just tones.

When you and your pal embark out into the world on a walk, it
doesn't matter where you're going or how happy he may be to get
there, the leader's place is in front. If you want him to be the
leader, then allowing him to walk ten paces ahead of you will
suffice. If you want to be his leader, then he should remain in
a "heel" position throughout the entire walk, and even into the
home. Remember, you don't want him to be ahead of you when you
go into or out of the home.

Think like a pack animal for a moment. If there's danger to the
den, or there's suspicious behavior lurking about the den, the
leader goes first. The leader asses the situation. You need to
let your dog know that you have it under control, and that he is
to remain passive to your judgment. It may take a little time,
but these simple dog training tips will go a long way in
establishing your dominance. As he accepts your leadership, you
should begin to notice a marked improvement in the way he
responds to other, simple commands, like "sit."

There's nothing quite as pure and simple as the love of a dog.
They tend to bring out the best in us, even when we feel our
worst. The more you seek better ways to train and handle your
friend, the stronger your relationship with him will be. Being
cautious about the dog training tips you abide by is just
another part of being a diligent and thoughtful owner.
Considering all we expect of them and how little they expect of
us, it really isn't so much to put a little forethought into
their daily lives. After all, they live for ours.

About The Author: David Beart is owner of the
http://www.professorshouse.com , a site dedicated to dog
information, family, relationships and household issues.

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Breed Dogs, Earn Money - It's Not That Easy!

Title: Breed Dogs, Earn Money – It's Not That Easy!
Author: Moses Wright

Breed Dogs, Earn Money – It's Not That Easy!
The idea of surrounding yourself with cute puppies and dogs
all day and earning a living off it might seem enticing.
Dog breeding is a serious business and carries serious
responsibility. There are risks and surprises around the
corner for even the most experienced breeder. There are
many dog breeding concerns and considerations you should
think about before you decide to become a dog breeder.

To begin with, you must have high-quality parents when you
begin to breed. There are already an abundance of unwanted
mutt dogs in the world. Though some find places to live,
many of them end up being put down because there isn't
enough room in the shelter. Only by choosing high-quality
parents, you can ensure that your puppies offer the best
qualities of the breed and have better chances of finding
excellent owners for each litter.

The best way to find good parents is to review their
medical histories. The parents should both be free from
hereditary diseases and have been tested for infectious
diseases. Finally, the dogs should both display a good
temperament. You don't want to have puppies that are
unfriendly and unaffectionate towards their potential
owners.

Breeding is always risky for both the mother and the
father. E. Coli, strep and other bacteria can be common
problems when breeding in the country or on a farm. You
will need to take extra effort to ensure healthy mother and
puppies from these bacteria strains.

Not all of the puppies are sure to survive the birth or
time thereafter. Some puppies die during whelping, which
can be emotionally difficult. The effects of dying puppies
and sick moms are a risk that comes with breeding animals,
but should not be an overall deterrent.

Breeding and whelping the puppies can take time and cost
money. A whelping box is needed for the puppies, as well as
heat lamps, thermometers, hemostats and other medical items
to help the puppies and the mother during this vulnerable
time. You will need to practice using these instruments
before your new puppies arrive.

After the puppies arrive, the mother will look after them
for roughly 3 weeks. The mother will bathe and feed them,
generally keeping them out of trouble. The new puppies,
however, will need a safe and private place to stay during
this time so that the mom feels that her babies are
protected. She will also need access to go outside whenever
she wishes to avoid accidents. If she is housetrained and
on a schedule, it may be disrupted during this time and
sometimes, she will just need time away from the puppies.

You will need a lot of fresh newspaper or similar material
to keep the puppies and the area clean. The material will
need to be changed frequently in order to keep the area
safe from bacteria and other messes.

Puppies need to stay warm at all times. Hypothermia is the
leading cause of puppy mortality, so heat lamps with an
automatic thermostat are important equipments during the
upbringing of the puppies. You will need to keep the
puppies around 75 - 80F although the mother may get
uncomfortable and move farther away from the heat.

Most breeds will be continually attended by their mother,
but they often whine and bark at night. They will sleep an
hour, get up to go the bathroom and then want to play. They
will settle down, but you might be cleaning while they are
sleeping and not get any rest for yourself. Typically, this
pattern starts at the second or third week and lasts up
until the eighth or ninth week. If you ignore them all
night, you will have a large mess on your hands in the
morning and a higher risk of infection in the puppies.

You will need to bring the puppies in to be in to get their
shots and be checked by the vet. Then you will need to find
the puppies good homes. Be ready to experience some
emotional loss when you say goodbye to each puppy as they
venture off to their new homes. It's a bittersweet time for
puppy and owner.

If you can deal with all of these issues, being a dog
breeder is a rewarding experience. You can take pleasure in
the joy of adding a new member into a new family, as well
as create lifelong friendships.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a pet lover and loves to help new pet
owners deal with their pet problems at home. You can find
more pet problems and solutions for free here:
http://www.petquery.com/

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Dog Food: Choice Is Important

Article Title: Dog Food: Choice Is Important
Author: Franske Nieuwenhuis

When feeding your dog, think about the following:

- The size of your dog
- The daily activity level of your dog
- The life stage of your dog
- Any health conditions that your dog may have.

If you don't take into account all of the above, you can be
setting your dog up for a major crash that you could surely
avoid by being smart and attentive to your dogs needs.

Too many dog owners care little about the foods they supply.
They buy the cheaper brands, which have little nutrition. They
feed their dog table scraps, which are poisonous to their dogs
and they just don't seem to care, either.

When your dog is fed all of these substandard foods, they are
set up for all kinds of sickness. Your dog can become lethargic
and lack energy. They can be listless and stop being frisky. You
might think your dog is tired, so resting more when in fact your
dog could be sick. It is so important that you feed your dog
right if you want your dog to be healthy.

The size of your dog will determine greatly the amount of food
that you should feed him. For proper feeding regulations the bag
will list approximate amounts, however if you are an experienced
dog owner you will find that these recommended portions are not
always appropriate for your specific dog. The label on the bag
is just a guide, a little more, or a little less will not hurt
based on your opinion. Trust your judgment when reading the
label and do what you decide is best.

Your dog will have individual needs. No two dogs are exactly
the same.

Certain breeds of dog have specific nutritional requirements
that must be met in their diet for them to live an optimum
lifestyle. Knowing this, dog food manufacturers have started to
produce breed specific dog foods. Royal Canin is the leader in
this regard and have a great line of breed specific dog and cat
food products on the market.

A high energy dog will need a high energy diet. Calorie rich
food will benefit a dog that is highly active, for example a
working dog, needs a high calorie diet, due to their active days
assisting their masters to perform important daily tasks.

Choosing a dog food according to your dog's stage of life is
very important to your dog's health. Your dog's nutritional
needs will very depending on his stage of life and depending on
your dog's size. Puppies need a high protein, high calorie diet.
Adults need a balanced blend of all of the necessary elements,
and senior dogs have specific food products with extra additives
to take care of their special needs some of which being but not
limited to joint maintenance, immune boosters, and ostio
strengthening.

Regardless of what your dog's special needs are there is a dog
food that fits. Your job is to find the food that is the best
for your dog.

About The Author: Frans Nieuwenhuis is the author of this
article. For more dog related articles please visit
http://www.petcarewatch.info

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Reasons To Train Your Dog

Article Title: Reasons To Train Your Dog
Author: Darnell Symington

So you have decided to get a dog. A canine can be a wonderful
companion that will be with you for many years to come. But
dogs are inherently wild and will require dog training to make
them comfortable in an urban setting. Many people choose their
pet based on the attributes that they like and the training will
bring out those instinctive actions and mold them into
acceptable behavior for an urban life. Individuals find that
pet being properly trained is very important to the
communication between pet and master.

Purpose Of Training

Even though your pet will need many dog supplies, there is
nothing as important as a properly fitting collar and leash.
Training your pet would be next to impossible without these
items. These items are used to guide the dog during the
training and should never be used for punishment. The purpose
of training is not to make the dog submissive, it is to treat
him which behaviors are acceptable and which ones are not.
Trust is an integral part of training and if your pet does not
trust you, he will not listen to you.

When To Train

The best time to train your dog is while he is a puppy.
Lessons learned in this stage of development are retained
throughout the life of the canine. In this stage, pets are
eager to learn and eager to please so they can grasp new
techniques pretty quickly. This is especially important when
dealing with the larger breeds of dog, as they can quickly
become too big to manage during training. When animals are
young, they look up to the one that feeds them and gives them
shelter. They try to learn everything that they can from their
provider and trust that their provider will teach them about the
world. This is why training a canine at a young age is so
effective.

Training your dog is one of the best gifts that you could give
your dog. Proper training will keep him out of trouble, keep
him safe, and keep him healthy. If unsure how to proceed on
your own, enlist the help of a professional trainer or enroll in
some pet training classes. These classes are very popular and
they help the dog learn commands at a faster pace because he can
observe other animals doing the same task that you are
requesting of him. With proper training, your pet will be
happier because he will know exactly what you are expecting of
him.

About The Author: Darnell Symington is an avid dog enthusiast
and enjoys writing about her experiences with her favorite pets.
She shares insights and experiences in a easy to understand way.
You can find more of her writings at
http://all-about-dog-training.com/dog-supplies/

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What Dogs Should Not Eat

Article Title: What Dogs Should Not Eat
Author: Dave Jackson

Dogs, especially puppies, are so innocent to their surroundings
that they'll experiment anything once, even if it's harmful.
Even this morning, as I was spraying an organic insecticide made
from flowers, my miniature schnauzer took a few licks to see
what is was. Just like snakes, dogs use their tongues to test
the environment. This spray isn't that bad because it's all
natural. Still, even natural repellents are pretty hard on the
kidneys.

Dogs will try anything, even more than cats, which seem to be
the most finicky pets you could own. So when you are putting
out the dog food, chances are, even if there is something bad in
there, if it tastes good enough, they'll eat the whole bowl and
look at you to see if more is coming. And by the way, make sure
you're not overfeeding your puppy. Don't feed them scraps or
your unfinished food. That's a lot of food for an animal that
doesn't get out very much. With nowhere to burn off the food,
your pup will put on the pounds.

So if dogs can't tell you how the food tastes, or read the
label to see if there is anything in their food that might be
rough on the kidneys or digestive tract; it is up to you, their
caretaker, to carefully check what is in that big bag that sits
in the pantry. With the recent horror of the Chinese putting
anything in mix, it is time for you to do a little label
investigation to make sure you are not slowly killing your dog
with ingredients that still make it onto American shelves.

First, a little lesson in economics. Dog food manufacturers
are in business for one, primary reason - and it isn't to make
dog food! It's to make a profit. Dog food is only the vehicle
to get them profitable. This being the case, know that if they
can save money on manufacturing and beat the competition, they
will. They don't do this because they want to hurt your pet.
They do this because if they don't - the way their business
model works - they will lose money and sell less dog food.

Have you been to the dog food aisle lately? Some stores have
two or three aisles. There is huge competition on price and
ingredients. You'll find your normal dog food; names you've
grown up with, and then you'll find newer, organic or special
diet dog foods. So know that there is not a lot of concern
going on for your dog - just marketing what may catch your
fancy. But you need to be aware of what to look out for on
those labels.

Since Fido will probably eat the same food day in and day out,
it is important to look past the attractive labels and clever
marketing. Current pet food regulation allows manufacturers to
use ingredients you wouldn't feed your pet in you knew. Look
for the word "by-products" on the label. This can mean feet,
bones and intestines.

Because dog food manufacturers have to make sure the product
won't spoil, typically 12 months, they include preservatives.
Fats used in dog food would go rancid, so they use synthetic
preservatives called butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and
butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, propylene glycol
which is also used as a less-toxic version of automotive
antifreeze, and ethoxyquin. Look for these on the label. There
is not much information documenting their toxicity, safety,
interactions, or use in pet foods that may be eaten every day
for the life of your dog. Propylene glycol was banned in cat
food because it causes anemia in cats, yet it is still allowed
in dog food.

These potentially cancer-causing agents such as BHA, BHT, and
ethoxyquin are allowed at pretty low levels. Using these
chemicals in dog foods has not been thoroughly studied, and long
term build-up of these agents could be harmful. Because of the
questionable data in the original study on its safety,
ethoxyquin's manufacturer, Monsanto, was required to perform a
new, more rigorous study in 1996. Monsanto didn't find
significant toxicity associated with its own product, but in
July 1997 the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine requested
that manufacturers voluntarily reduce the maximum level for
ethoxyquin by half, to 75 parts per million.

The ball is in the air on ethoxyquin. Some pet food critics
believe that ethoxyquin is a major cause of disease, skin
problems, and infertility in dogs, others claim it is the
safest, strongest, most stable preservative we have for pet
food. And ethoxyquin is approved for human foods, preserving
spices such as cayenne and chili powder, at a level of 100 ppm —
but it would be pretty hard for even the most hard-core spice
lover to consume as much chili powder every day as a dog would
eat dry food. Ethoxyquin has not been tested with cats. Still,
it is commonly used in veterinary diets for both cats and dogs.

What is the answer? What I suggest is that you contact
suppliers who make dog food in small batches and ship them to
your door. These companies are few and far between, but they do
exist and they have higher quality ingredients with none of the
dangerous preservatives. I discuss this in detail on my
website.

About The Author: Dave Jackson lives in south Florida with his
miniature schnauzer. He has great tips on how to care and feed
your dog on his website http://www.ThreeBestDogs.com

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Keeping A Boxer For A Pet

Article Title: Keeping A Boxer For A Pet
Author: Shareen Aguilar

Keeping a dog for a pet and companion is fun to do. Though it
seems that there isn't much about keeping dogs for a pet, it
actually takes more than feeding, grooming and keeping your dog
happy. There is even a lot of thinking involve the way you train
them and keep them fit. Aside from the daily nutritional needs
of your pet, you also have to make sure that they have their
regular check ups.

Choosing the breed of dog you would love to keep involves
thinking. And if you are the type of person who would like to be
keeping a dog for life, then looking at specific areas of
concern other than how a dog looks have to be considered. Ask
yourself important questions first and whether you can be
capable and worthy to be called a responsible pet owner.

But what about Boxers? What about them? These are dogs that
doesn't are considered as guard dogs for they symbolize
strength, agility and awareness when strangers are around. They
are highly recommended for security purposes. If you are eager
to make sure that an attentive pet is around for you, Boxers are
a great choice.

During World War I, Boxer dogs were used as military dogs.
Primarily, a Boxer dog's task was to be the guard dog but other
military works such as being the messenger and attack dog was
also common. Because of this, their strong and athletic physique
remains incumbent up to now. These dogs physical attributes have
made this breed important in aspects where help is important.
Throughout history, the Boxer had been counted on for jobs such
as, other than being in the military, guide dogs for the blind,
herd dogs (usually for sheep and cattle), and even as police
dogs.

In domesticating a Boxer, it is important not to deprive them
of their physical activities. Any dog needs physical exercises.
Walking at the park is one simple way to do this but a Boxer dog
would appreciate it if you run alongside them. This isn't only
to maintain the athletic state that your Boxer has, but, it's
most valuable to maintain their health in good state.

Keeping a Boxer dog for a pet involves a lot of work but it
doesn't mean that it's not fun. Just like us, these dogs have
their own needs and it goes out to all the other breed of dogs
in the world.

About The Author: Click http://www.boxer-dog-secrets-guide.com
to find out more about making your Boxer happy, healthy and
obedient.

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Which Puppies Are Good With Kids?

Article Title: Which Puppies Are Good With Kids?
Author: Dave Jackson

Ready for a puppy? Great! If you are looking for a dog that
will work best with your family, consider the fact that dogs
between the ages of 1 and 5 are best with children. This is
because dogs in this age range aren't as excitable and wanting
to play rough as puppies do. Small dogs at this age aren't old
enough to suffer health problems that make older dogs cranky.

The best way to find a puppy good with kids is to adopt one
from an rescue center. And there you can ask them what kind of
temperament the puppy has. Many shelters test puppies to see
how they react to a child environment. Puppies from shelters
normally live with volunteers who train them to get used the
experiences they'll find in their permanent home. Ask for a pet
that has lived with children.

When at the shelter, test for yourself how the small dog reacts
to a gentle touch to his ears. Touch the paws and try putting
your finger in his mouth to see what he does. On the floor, try
running around and make some noise. Watch the reaction. You
are looking for a puppy that accepts the same behavior you will
have around your house.

Did you know you can adopt dogs from guide-dog training
programs? These are pups that didn't make the cut as a
seeing-eye dog, but make wonderful pets.

If your heart is set on a purebred dog, my advice is to look at
the mother and father of the puppy you're interest in. Their
temperament will tell all. If they are sweet, the puppy will be
as well. It would surprise you to find many dogs considered
good with kids are mean spirited because of the parents.

That said, there really are some breeds better than others for
homes with children. For example, the sporting breeds of
retrievers and spaniels are known to be gentle. They enjoy to
be touched and their bite is generally soft. They are high
energy, however, and as puppies can have sharp teeth that can
hurt when they nip.

As the world now longs for toy breeds, believe it or not, these
aren't the best with children. The are more self-preserving and
can get hurt much easier than a large breed. Dogs that were
bred to herd, like border collies, can chase children and bite
them.

If you are serious about finding if the dog will be best with
your family, you can employ the services of a professional dog
trainer in your area and have them run a temperament assessment.
They charge around $75 an hour - but it may be worth it. If
you use the trainer later with your dog, they will probably do
the assessment for free.

In a 2006 study on dog bites by Pediatrics, they recommend that
parents wait until children are of school age before getting a
dog. Babies were the most likely to be bitten by dogs they
knew. Always supervise interaction between dogs and kids.

About The Author: Did you enjoy these tips? There are many
more at my site about the Three Best Dogs on the planet. As
always, do your due diligence and find the puppy that is right
for your lifestyle. Please visit http://www.ThreeBestDogs.com
for Dave Jackson's look at the best dog for you.

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Pets Are Afraid Of Vets. Why Are You? Bills? Veterinary Pet Insurance S The Answer

Article Title: Pets Are Afraid Of Vets. Why Are You? Bills?
Veterinary Pet Insurance S The Answer
Author: Wade Robins

The consultation fee of doctors is very high and in case of
vets it ca be a real bother for you. The treatment of pets is
not only expensive but complicated as well, since the ailment
has to be pin pointed by various tests, making the cost shoot up
northwards. With the inception of Veterinary pet insurance, it
has now become an affordable exercise. Each policy should be
closely read and its provisions discussed with the vet, as he
may give a kind advice on the subject. The insurance cover is
designed to your specific need hence is a reliable product to
have, if you own a pet. This insurance cover not only covers
treatment cost but hospitalization cost can also be covered
under its scope, as a rider on paying more premium.

Right Ingredients of A Veterinary Insurance

Insurance companies offer different kind of covers according to
the animal you have as a pet. So now you can even take an
insurance cover for your bird or a rabbit that you own. An
online research could be done before zeroing in on the best
available options. The ratings for these insurance covers can be
surfed through which make the decision making a more systematic
process. The more research you do the more you will know about
the provisions and exclusions of an insurance cover, atleast you
will know what you are buying and save your self from unpleasant
surprises that might pop-up at the time of the claims. This
small investment can save you from exhausting a considerable sum
in the future, in the form of heavy vet bills. For more info see
http://www.knowpetinsurance.com on Pet Insurance.

The veterinary insurance is theme that is keenly followed by
the insurance companies through their associates to target pet
lovers and pet owners. In this era when the cost of treatment of
not only humans but also the animals have gone high it puts you
in a precarious situation where in you will like to attend to
the problems of your pet and get him the best treatment but the
cost of treatment might even surpass the monthly savings of the
owner. Well, cheer up now, you have a way out, veterinary
insurance is designed to acknowledge this issue only. The part
of the cost of treatment will be borne by the owner the rest
will be reimbursed by the insurance company. The premium for the
insurance cover can also be customized keeping in view the
financial background of the owner of the pet. The insurance
cover also ensures better treatment to the sick pet. The
veterinary insurance is a welcome relief to the pet owners in
this age of inflation and high living cost.

About The Author: You can also find more info on
http://www.knowpetinsurance.com/Pet_Sitter_Insurance on Pet
Sitter Insurance and
http://www.knowpetinsurance.com/Travel_Pet_Insurance on Travel
Pet Insurance. http://knowpetinsurance.com is a comprehensive
resource to know about pet insurance.

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Are You Feeding Your Dog Quality Food?

Article Title: Are You Feeding Your Dog Quality Food?
Author: Joann Henry

Vitamins and minerals are essential to a healthy diet, not only
for humans, but for our dogs too. Are you feeding your dog
quality food? How does a pet owner decide which food on the
market is best for their beloved dog? In addition to vitamins
and minerals, dogs require the proper intake of fats, proteins,
carbohydrates and water in their daily diets. Just as human
beings benefit from eating healthy foods, dogs will be healthier
and more active if they are eating a quality dog food containing
everything they need.

Luckily, there are several top-notch commercial dog foods on
the market today from which to choose. Look for a quality food
that is nutritionally complete; meaning that it will provide a
balanced diet for your dog. If you are unsure of which dog food
is high quality, your veterinarian is sure to have a few
recommendations. The least expensive dog food, while still being
healthy, is dry food or kibble, which is nutritionally balanced
and it will help to keep your dogs' gums and teeth in good
shape. Many pet owners supplement their dog's dry food with a
canned, wet food, but if the dry kibble is of good quality, it
should be sufficient.

There isn't any proof as of yet that organic dog food is any
better than the high quality commercial brands, but if cost
isn't a concern and you feel better about it, that is another
avenue.

As you look for a dog food for your pet, make sure to read the
labels on the bags and understand what it is your pet requires
in his diet. Some dog foods use preservatives that are
unhealthy, so be on the watch for those as you read the list of
ingredients.

Your dog's age may determine which food you choose too. Puppies
obviously have a different set of needs than middle-aged or
mature dogs. Puppies are growing, so they require a higher level
of calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D with protein that is
easily digested. As an adult dog, a few vegetables now and then
(no more than 10% of their diet), would be beneficial since they
contain fiber and vitamins and dogs typically love them. A
senior dog will have more of a restricted diet, but still needs
protein that absorbs easily, a good level of carbohydrate for
energy and possibly a small amount of glucosamine to help with
joint function. Get a quality dog food that meets them where
they are nutritionally and they'll be healthier for it
.
The healthier your dog is, the less money you'll give your
veterinarian each year. If your pet gets the vitamins, minerals
and other content he needs from a good dog food, the only time
you'll need to see the veterinarian is for yearly check ups and
necessary shots.

Overall, do your research and get recommendations from other
pet owners and your veterinarian, and choosing a high quality
dog food won't seem like such a difficult task. By giving your
dog the food that is best for him, you are helping him to live
longer and be healthier all the way around.

About The Author: Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care"
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com, a blog all about our pooches
health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, & not only will you
get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED
TIME, she'll give you a FREE ebook.
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com

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The Importance Of Spaying And Neutering Your Dog

Article Title: The Importance Of Spaying And Neutering Your Dog
Author: Joann Henry

If you knew that you could possibly extend your pets life span,
you would do anything you could to make that happen, right? The
good news is that pet owners can give their pets a chance at a
longer, healthier life if they simply spay or neuter them. There
are several other benefits as well, both for the pet and you,
the pet owner.

Did you know that pet overpopulation in the United States
results in nearly 4 to 6 million pets being euthanized each
year? This is probably the best reason to have your pet spayed
or neutered, but let's look at the other reasons too. Spaying
and neutering your dog prior to six months of age may prevent or
reduce the risk of a number of health issues that could occur
later in their life.

These health problems could either be very difficult or very
expensive to treat, not to mention the stress your pet(and you)
will face. For female dogs, spaying greatly reduces the
possibility of contracting breast cancer, uterine cancer, or
ovarian cancer. For male dogs, neutering eliminates the risk of
testicular cancer and reduces the possibility of contracting
prostate cancer.

As the dogs owner, you will appreciate that your pet will be
more affectionate and obedient after they are spayed or
neutered. For female dogs, spaying removes her heat cycle, which
will eliminate the incessant crying and nervous behavior female
dogs will sometimes exhibit while they are in heat. She will not
be so likely to attract unwanted male dogs anymore either. If a
female is spayed at the right age, she will be less likely to
end up getting pregnant. With an unplanned pregnancy, you will
have several puppies for which you will have to pay medical
expenses. They will also each need a good home and that will be
up to the pet owner once again.

A male dog that is not neutered will do nearly anything to get
to a female who is in heat. They will dig up the yard or break
through fences and rip leashes, causing property damage and
possibly injuring themselves(or you)in the process. After
neutering him though, he will be less likely to roam or run away
from home, mark his territory or all of your possessions with
urine, get into fights with other animals, or to bite someone.

Not only do pets and pet owners benefit from the spaying and
neutering procedures, but the community as well. Many times,
cities and towns will spend up to millions to control animals
that are wandering or unwanted. Animal shelters are completely
overwhelmed with the number of pets who are found or dropped off
daily. Homeless or stray pets can get into trash containers and
make a mess or do their business on private lawns or in public
areas. When stray dogs breed, sometimes it can contribute to the
problem of dog bites and attacks. Some pets who wander the
neighborhood will kill or frighten birds and other wildlife.

About The Author: Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care"
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com, a blog all about our pooches
health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, & not only will you
get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED
TIME, she'll give you a FREE ebook.
http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com

.

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Labrador Puppy Accessories

Article Title: Labrador Puppy Accessories
Author: Anna Hart

Labrador puppies, especially little black ones, have become
very popular in the U.S. Breeders, pet stores, animal shelters,
and humane societies are good places to get Labrador puppies. If
you do not need an AKC registered puppy, you might consider
giving a loving home to one of those in a shelter.

Cost of Labrador Puppies

If you decide to get Labrador puppies from a breeder or pet
store, be prepared to pay $400 or more for each puppy. Show
quality Labrador puppies may cost as much as $1,000 each.

That is, of course, only the beginning of expenses involved in
raising Labrador puppies. There are accessories!

Labrador Puppy Accessories

Labrador puppy accessories can cost a great deal or they can be
minimal. You should determine your budget and actual needs
before visiting the pet store to avoid buying unnecessary
accessories for your Labrador puppies. The list below is meant
only as examples of Labrador puppy accessories you may want.

1. Collars: Labrador puppies need collars, but be aware of two
things. Labrador puppies outgrow collars rapidly. You should not
use a chain collar on a young puppy, as it could damage his
windpipe. Choose flat fabric or leather collars until your
Labrador puppies are at least 5 months old.

2. Leashes: You should train your Labrador puppies to walk on
the leash, even if they have plenty of space to run in safety.
There will be times, such as visits to the veterinarian's office
when you will be glad they are accustomed to the leash. Unlike
the collars, leashes for Labrador puppies should be chain so the
puppies will not chew them.

3. Crates: It is a good idea to have crates for your Labrador
puppies before you bring them home. Crates become the puppies'
dens. If you are away from home during the day, you can leave
your Labrador puppies in their crates to keep them safe,
comfortable, and relaxed. Since they will be relaxes, they will
not need to relieve themselves as often. The crate will be sure
they do not use an inappropriate spot when they do relieve
themselves. At night, Labrador puppies in crates sleep better –
and stay out of mischief. Select crates that provide just enough
space for a full-grown Labrador to stretch out when lying down.

4. Bowls: You can spend a lot of money on fancy bowls for your
Labrador puppies, but it really is not necessary. Plain steel
bowls are sturdy, unbreakable, and can be cleaned well. If you
use plastic containers, Labrador puppies will chew them,
possibly ingesting pieces of plastic. Some feed and water bowls
are said to be spill proof. This is a good idea when you have
energetic Labrador puppies.

5. Toys: Resist buying chew toys simply because they are cute
to humans. Your Labrador puppies will chew aggressively. They
can easily destroy plastic pet toys and, if no one is there to
watch carefully, could choke on small pieces. Give your Labrador
puppies sturdy Kongs and Nylabones to chew.

6. Playpen: Since Labrador puppies will try to eat anything
they find, it is a good idea to provide a playpen while they are
young and learning. This is especially recommended if the
puppies are to be outside unattended for any period of time.

7. Brush: Until your Labrador puppies are older, and begin to
shed more, use a bristle brush for weekly grooming. The brush
will remove dirt from the puppies' coats and keep them smelling
good.

Puppy Food

Food cannot really be classed among Labrador Puppy Accessories,
but it is one more cost to anticipate when buying Labrador
puppies. Ask the breeder or pet store clerk what food is best.
If you know what the puppies are accustomed to eating, you may
want to use that kind at first until they are comfortable in
their new home.

There are many other accessories available for Labrador
puppies, and if your budget will stretch you may want to
consider some of them, but these should get you started.

About The Author: ©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to
read more of her articles about lovable Labrador puppies at
http://www.lovablelabradors.com. Anna has posted additional
information about this popular breed on that site. If you want
more information on preparing to bring home Labrador puppies, go
there now and get Anna's perspective on the subject.

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