Understand Boxers And Their Health

Article Title: Understand Boxers And Their Health
Author: Shareen Aguilar

Boxer dogs may not be the most adorable looking breed of dogs
but they know how to keep an eye on their masters whom they
treat as friends. They know how to give you that look with
caring eyes and they certainly know how to comfort you during
your sad moments. Humans are certainly not sure how they do it,
but boxer dogs are just the terrific type of breed if you are in
the lookout for a dog that's athletic, cheerful and comforting.

The traits of a boxer dog may surprise you especially if you
are new to the idea of adapting a new dog for a pet. A boxer
dog's trait, for instance, is sometimes considered unlikely for
a dog. But since a boxer dog usually has a short muzzle and the
lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw, this makes it possible
for them to snore when they are asleep. An undershot for this
type of breed though is normal.

You must know also that boxer dogs are very sensitive to
extreme temperature. In times when it is too hot or too cold, a
boxer dog will need extra care from you. Be mindful of this
because boxer dogs have difficulties in maintaining their body
temperature. In times of hot or cold weather conditions, its
best to let your dog stay inside the house. Disregard the walks
for the moment.

When you let them stay inside the house though, the challenge
of keeping them happy and behaved is going to be your main
concern. Naturally, boxer dogs are the intelligent ones and they
also need to be active. Play with them when you can or if not,
give them toys to play with, but it's not a very good idea to
leave them alone too long on their own. They will, while they
still can, follow you and play with you and your family.
Sometimes, simply sitting down with them and talking to them
about anything is enough in keeping them still. Above all, your
boxer pet will always need to know and feel that you love them,
so do what it takes to let them know that you do. They will
thank you for it.

Boxer dogs are fun-loving and intelligent breed of dogs. As
much as possible, boxer dogs love to be always around people,
and even friendly strangers. Unfortunately for everyone, bad
days do come up and boxer dogs are not exempted from it.
Sickness is usually the main enemy of boxer dogs, it actually
goes out for any type of breed or any living thing here on
earth. Thankfully enough, there are ways an owner can partake to
battle the bad bacteria out of the boxers' way.

A boxer dog's health heavily depends on the pattern of eating
and the food and diet he's eating. When a boxer dog is
constantly being fed each day more than what he needs, a deadly
health disease called Bloat may occur. To avoid this from
happening, make sure that you feed your boxer dog with just the
premium brand dog food. Anything spicy shouldn't be fed to your
boxer pet. Also, be sure that your boxer dog only gets to feed
twice a day which, is already the maximum number. Though bloat
may still persist or occur at any given time, another good
approach is to allow your dog to digest what he has just eaten
before you take him for a walk or a physical activity. Asking
for a vet's advice about this health problem is also a good
idea.

As a responsible pet owner, you should always keep in mind the
important factors that are allowed and the ones that are not for
your pet. If you could, before adopting one, make sure that the
breeder have presented all sides of the story to you. Ask for
the healthy histories of both parents of the pup so you'd also
have an idea what to do exactly in case of emergencies.

Don't ever think, just for one moment that boxer dogs are not a
good type of dog breed. Don't worry too much about spending on
medication in case a health problem occurs. What is important is
that you adopt a boxer dog because you want to, and nothing else
is greater than offering a love to this wonderful breed of
animals.

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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How To Protect Your Pet From Being Lost Or Stolen

Article Title: How To Protect Your Pet From Being Lost Or
Stolen
Author: Melissa Turner

If you are worried about losing your pet, new technology allows
for biologically safe microchips to use in the place of, or in
addition to the classic dog tags. Microchips are an excellent
option for a form of identification, and it is rapidly becoming
popular in families throughout the country. Here are a few
answers to common questions people might ask in relation to the
use of these microchips.

What exactly is a microchip? A microchip is a small device that
is comparable in size to a grain of rice. This device has a
special identification number that helps animal shelters and
local humane societies get in touch with the pet's owner.

How does this microchip work? As stated earlier, a microchip
has a specific I.D. number, which allows shelters and humane
societies get in touch with the pet's owner. The I.D. number is
transmitted through an all-purpose handheld scanner, which
relays the number to a computer screen. The handheld device
transmits radio waves at a frequency of 125 kHz, which is
completely safe and non-harmful to your pet. Depending on the
brand of the microchip (the two most common brands are AVID® and
HomeAgain™), the animal shelter or humane society will go to the
registered microchip databases, and they will either contact you
or the microchip company should your pet be found.

Where do they place this microchip? On cats and dogs, the
microchip is placed in the fleshy part between the shoulder
blades on their back. They cannot feel the microchip, and once
it is in, it should give them no problems.

Could my pet have an allergic reaction to a microchip? It is
highly unlikely. The microchip is made out of an outer shell of
extremely tough glass, and has safe biological contents inside.
Because of the way the chip is made, your pet will quickly
develop connective tissue that keeps the chip in place.

How is the microchip inserted? The microchip is simply
administered like a shot. Though the syringe may be slightly
larger than that of a common vaccine shot, it will not hurt any
more or any less. Your pet will not react any differently than
they would if they were receiving a routine shot. Anesthesia is
not necessary, nor is it recommended for this procedure.

What kind of animals can be microchipped? Almost any animal!
The most common uses are dogs, cats, birds, horses (other
livestock, such as pigs, sheep, or cows), and even fish! Many
farmers or animal breeders microchip their animals as an easy
form of identification; this takes the place of branding or
tagging.

You never know when a natural disaster may befall your area.
With hurricane Katrina and earthquakes, many animals have been
misplaced and lost their homes. With the aid of a microchip,
thousands of pets have been reunited with their loving families.
Microchips are safe, beneficial, and the cost is definitely
worth the security of knowing your pet has a chance of being
found should they become lost.

About The Author: http://www.dog-bed.org/
http://www.lveproductions.com/

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Is The Chihuahua The Celebritiy Dog Of Choice?

Article Title: Is The Chihuahua The Celebritiy Dog Of Choice?
Author: Melissa Turner

They've been spotted everywhere, the streets of Hollywood, the
beaches of Miami and the hotels of New York and London. Have you
noticed the global spurt of celebrities' fascination (or
possibly obsession?) with Chihuahuas? At first it was thought to
simply be a phase; either it's a short phase, or the
Chihuahuadom in Hollywood has begun for the long haul.

Who own these dogs? The list is endless, but here are some of
the celebrity biggies: Paris Hilton's Chihuahua, Tinkerbell;
Britney Spear's Bit Bit and Lucky; Hilary' Duff's Lola; Scarlett
Johansson's Maggie; Sandra Bullock's Chihuahua mix Poppy; and
Demi Moore's Yorkie-Chihuahua mix, Louie.

Why do Chihuahuas appeal to celebrities? First, Chihuahuas are
normally 6-9 inches in height and 2-6 lbs in weight. This equals
a teeny tiny full grown pup. Because celebrities are always on
the move, they have a perfectly portable pet in a Chihuahua,
they can easily be taken nearly anywhere: the spa, the film set,
a private airplane, a shopping spree, a sporting event…you name
it. Also, celebrities seem to love buying accessories and items
for their precious pooches: carrying bags, jeweled (yes,
jeweled) personal collars, doggie sweaters and outfits, custom
made leashes, etc. Celebrities have money to spend; why not
diffuse cash on their peppy companion?

These dogs have not only grown in popularity because they are
owned by celebrities; they now stand on their own four feet.
Consider Paris Hilton's Tinkerbell, who seemed to have been the
groundbreaking pup which was first in the Chihuahua trend.
Tinkerbell even has her own doggie diary that is titled "The
Tinkerbell Hilton Diaries: My Life Tailing Paris Hilton" by
Tinkerbell Hilton. A doggie author? This book is 112 pages full
of Tinkerbell's first-person (or is it first-canine?) thoughts
as she trails Paris around the world.

Are these celebrity pooches only as popular as their owners, or
can they exceed the fame of their mommies? Britney Spear's pup,
Bit Bit, is only popular because of the struggle between Britney
and Kevin; Kevin thought that Britney's Bit Bit might be harmful
to their children. Britney agreed to get rid of Lucky after she
snapped at Kevin one day in May, but Bit Bit remained. Are
Chihuahuas aggressive pups?

Chihuahua's are known for their extreme loyalty to their
owners. They are loving pets who demand attention from their
owners, yet they freely give it as well. They are wary of dogs
other than Chihuahuas, primarily because they are tiny and
sometimes are easily scared. If a Chihuahua is well-socialized,
they are happy to be dotted upon and passed around from person
to person. They are not recommended for children because
Chihuahuas are naturally nervous and edgy dogs, and the teasing
actions of a child may cause them to become afraid and nip with
their sharp teeth. Chihuahuas are energetic, dotting, and saucy
pets; they know what they want, and they plan to get it. Compare
their temperament to that of a celebrity; there seem to be a few
similarities. Is the primary appeal to a celebrity of owning a
Chihuahua because they can keep up with the fast and famous
lifestyle? Quite possibly.

About The Author: http://www.dog-bed.org/
http://www.lveproductions.com/

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Just Great, My Dog Has Worms, Now What?

Article Title: Just Great, My Dog Has Worms, Now What?
Author: Nicholas Scoville

It can be a devastating and disgusting diagnosis when a
Veterinarian tells you that your dog has Worms. Even worse, you
may actually see the Worms coming out of your dog or in their
stool, if they have Roundworms or Tapeworms. Trust me when I say
that that can be a nearly traumatic experience. Also disturbing,
some of these Worms can even be transmitted from your dog to
you, which is called zoonosis. These include Roundworms and
Hookworms, so you should take extra precautions and follow your
veterinarians advice to the letter, if you dog has one of these
parasites.

Each type of wormy parasite requires a different treatment or
medication, and will display different symptoms. Every dog owner
should at least have a working knowledge about the warning signs
of a Worm infestation and the treatments involved. Here are the
five types of Worms that may infect your dog.

1. Roundworms - There are two types of Roundworms and they are
the most common Worm infestation in dogs. The symptoms of
Roundworms include: pot-belly appearance, diarrhea, vomiting,
dull coat and weight loss. You may even see this type of Worm in
your dogs vomit or feces. They look like pieces of spaghetti up
to 6 inches long or longer. This type of Worm is usually treated
with oral medication, with follow-up fecal screenings. This is
one of the types of Worms that can be transferred to humans, but
good hygiene will usually eliminate this threat.

2. Hookworms - Hookworms can not be seen with the naked eye, so
they are usually diagnosed by your Vet with a test. The symptoms
of Hookworms include: bloody stool, anemia, weight loss, pale
gums, diarrhea and low energy level. This parasite is usually
treated with oral medication, follow-up fecal screenings, and in
the worst case, a blood transfusion. This is the other type of
Worm that can be transmitted to humans. Good hygiene and
cleaning up after your infected dog can prevent a human
infection.

3. Tapeworms - Common Tapeworm symptoms include abdominal pain,
nervousness, severe itching around the anus, vomiting and weight
loss. You may also see this Worm in your dogs feces. The broken
sections, which may still be moving, will give the dogs stool a
rice like appearance. Tapeworms must usually be treated with a
prescription oral or injection dewormer medication.
Over-the-counter dewormer medication is usually not strong
enough to clear this kind of Worm infestation.

4. Whipworms - This Worm can not be seen by the naked eye, and
must be diagnosed through testing. Symptoms of a Whipworm
infestation include anemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhea
with blood or mucus in the stool and lack of energy. These Worms
can be difficult to treat with over-the-counter medication, but
there are very effective prescription treatments.

5. Heartworms - Although easily preventable, untreated
Heartworm infections are potential fatal. The symptoms usually
do not show up until the last stage of the disease, and include
pot-belly, coughing, lack of energy and dull coat. Because
symptoms do not appear until its too late, it is best to use a
over-the-counter preventative medication to stop these Worms
before they endanger your pets health.

Having a Wormy dog can be an unpleasant experience, but in
almost all cases there is an effective treatment available to
help your favorite dog live a healthy and Worm free life.

About The Author: Go to http://www.Dewormed.com to learn more
about dog Worms types and treatments. If you think you have the
stomach for it, go to http://www.dewormed.com/page.cfm/id/14861
to see pictures of Worms in dogs.

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Keep Your Boxer Fit Enough To Avoid Chewing

Article Title: Keep Your Boxer Fit Enough To Avoid Chewing
Author: Shareen Aguilar

Boxer dogs, by nature, are very energetic and playful. They
have all the vitality of life in their body structures and this
allows them to exert a very strong personality among other breed
of dogs. Though boxer dogs do have a strong body built, this
doesn't prevent them from mingling and socializing with their
human friends and other dogs as well. They have a very fun
disposition and views in life that's why they are a good breed
of dogs and a good choice as pet, nevertheless.

A typical day of a boxer dog consists of two meals a day, walks
in the park, exercises and excessive socialization with other
human friends other than the dog's main man. In terms of
training and obedience, this breed passes with flying colors.
They are the intelligent breed which makes them easy to obey
whatever that is taught without any hesitations on their part.
They also are very much willing to accomplish a day's work with
so much eagerness. It just takes a lot of perseverance to have
this kind of dog exposed to everything that is wonderful and
soon, their natural way of adapting to their surroundings will
surface.

But boxer dogs doesn't always live a life of vitality; they
too, experience bad days and even get sick. Since a boxers'
basic needs are a set of nutritional food, water and exercise in
a lush green garden; depriving them of any of these mentioned
elements can cause their health to falter. In terms of food
regulation, boxers; compared to other breed of dogs doesn't just
eat all the time. You can ensure your boxer's good health
condition by simply preventing him from overfeeding. Once or
twice of your boxer's lifetime; they may experience sickness and
for this; don't forget to give them fresh water all the time.
Also, when your boxer gets better, wait for couple of days
before letting him out to mingle with other breed of dogs.

Another thing that you should look out for is the changing
weather conditions. Excessive heat or cold can cause health
problems to your dog, so do the best you can not to expose them
to extreme weather conditions. If this is the case, you would
have to forgo the usual walks in the park with your boxer and
schedule it some other time.

If there is anything you would love about having a boxer dog
for a pet in the house is their natural likes for having you
around where they can see you. A boxer dog is typically fond of
humans and they have a special way of listening and cheering you
up on your sad days. As for meeting strangers, a boxer can
easily tell if a friendly stranger is to be trusted or is just
faking it. They can communicate freely with you and just sits
with you during your most quiet moments.

Boxers also have an annoying habit.

All dogs have their cute moments and days when you just cant
seem to get upset at them. But when their young, boxers most
especially; have a habit of biting almost anything that they
come across with. Though this is a natural ability and way how
they response to their surroundings, it's better that you keep
them company while they are out and about as they explore their
surroundings. Never let them out unsupervised. The thing with
boxer puppies is that they could get too curious which could
lead harm to themselves or to others.

Put them to safety.

When you can't keep your eyes on your puppy or puppies; be sure
to put them in a crate. Put toys as well so they don't get bored
easily. There is a possibility though, that even on toys, boxer
dogs will continue to bite and it may not be as pleasant as
biting is seems, they may take biting to the next level which,
could mean that biting arms, hands, feet and even chewing on
your bare skin could become a habit.

Never yell at your dog.

Since boxer dogs are an intelligent breed, you can train them
early on about when to bite and when not to. The key is for you
not to scold and yell at them when they continue to chew or bite
other things aside from what is given to them. Make sure that
you are firm in letting them understand that there are different
ways of biting. Simply stop playing with them or return your
boxer dog to his crate when he starts his biting habit. Do this
repetitively and when he is already able to get an idea of what
you are trying to do, praise him. Any dog, when praised loves to
obey just to hear you praise them again.

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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Stress And Anxiety Ruling Your Life? Try This Furry Solution!

Article Title: Stress And Anxiety Ruling Your Life? Try This
Furry Solution!
Author: Elise Rogers

You've seen the commercials for anti-depression medications all
over television. Because these commercials are so rampant, I
believe it is safe to say that depression is a fairly common
illness that affects thousands of people each year. Of course,
there are many causes for depression; a hormonal imbalance,
stress, chronic illness, the loss of a loved one, or it may
simply be due to a lack of friends or daily interaction with
loved ones. Sometimes depression can rear its ugly head even
when things seem to be going perfectly fine.

Though the primary cause of depression is greatly unknown,
there are many remedies to fighting depression. Not all of these
solutions or aides need to be medical prescriptions. Probably
the first action is the admission of depression. From there,
positive steps can be taken to ease the symptoms and heal a
person emotionally and physically from the illness of
depression.

A person suffering from depression has the tendency to latch on
to dependency on the people around them. Without proper support,
this dependency may just worsen the depression. Giving people
who suffer from fits of depression and anxiety responsibility,
like owning and caring for a pet allows them to anchor on their
accomplishments as a pet owner. Cure through pet owning may seem
slow yet the results are apparent and long lasting. A fantastic
benefit for someone who is experiencing depression (whatever the
cause) is owning a pet. Pets provide companionship, love, and
innocent physical contact that help a person cope throughout
many seasons of their life. Pets are always there for their
owners, and they are able to give that special silent care that
humans are sometimes unable to give.

Studies have shown that owning a pet relieves stress and
anxiety. Petting a dog or stroking a cat helps lower a person's
blood pressure and improves over-all cardiac health. Also,
caring for a pet adds purpose and intention in a person's life.
When owning a pet, a person feels needed, because they are
needed. Their pet relies on their owner for food, exercise, love
and care. Taking a dog out for a long, brisk walk in the morning
and evening also helps ease stress, and the cool air almost
always does a body good. It also gets a person who is dealing
with depression out of the house to do something somewhat
active, which will ultimately benefit their over-all mental,
physical, and emotional health.

Pets just may be the perfect non-prescriptive anti-depressant
for an unhappy person dealing with emotional gloominess. People
need interaction daily; who says it needs to be human
interaction? Pets, especially dogs, make wonderful companions.
They love and care for their owners, they play and their energy
is infectious; they are loyal and desire to see their friend
happy just as happy as they are themselves.

The emotional, mental, and physical benefits of pets are many;
however, considering adopting or purchasing a pet is a wonderful
antidote for depressed persons. A pet will always be there for a
person in need. Cats, and especially dogs, have an innate sense
on how to perfectly comfort those who are sad or upset. The
slogan "prescribe pets, not pills" can sound cheesy, but it just
may ring true.

About The Author:
http://www.discount-pet-mall.com/pet-supplies/dog-beds/
http://www.discount-pet-mall.com/pet-supplies/elevated-dog-feeders/

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Some Basic Pet Supplies for Your New Pet

Title: Some Basic Pet Supplies for Your New Pet
Author: Elyse Grau

Some Basic Pet Supplies for Your New Pet
There are some basic supplies that you will need before
getting a new pet. You want to prepare your home for your
pet just as you would if you were about to bring home your
first child.

You will definitely need dishes for your pet's food. These
don't have to be made just for dogs or cats, but it is a
good idea to designate certain dishes for them.

Bowls made for pets do have some advantages. Many have
rounded bottoms, and often these are the easiest for pets
to eat from, especially if they are eating canned dog or
cat food.

Some pet dishes have rubber feet or rings around them to
make them "skid-proof", which is also a bonus. The
round-bottom design makes the dish tip-proof as well.

When choosing pet bowls, stainless steel or ceramic are
preferable to plastic. Plastic can leach toxic chemicals as
they age. They are also harder to sanitize, as bacteria can
invade the plastic as it wears. Plastic also scratches
easily and cracks, and soft plastic can be chewed up.

A collar and leash is a necessity for dogs, and an option
for cats. Cats can be taught to walk on a leash, and if
you are planning on traveling with a one, then teaching it
to do so can be a good safety measure. If you plan to let
your cat go outside (not recommended), than a collar is a
necessity, not an option.

Identification of some kind should be firmly attached to
collars of both dogs and cats. Be sure to include at least
your phone number and the name of the pet.

Another item you will want to provide is a bed. This may
mean a place on your bed, or a bed made especially for
them. Older dogs and cats might benefit from orthopedic
bedding. This is usually made from "egg-crate" foam. You
can buy a premium bed, or make your own from a piece of the
foam and an old sheet or blanket.

Cats will often ignore any bed you buy for them and choose
their own spot - usually your favorite chair or the middle
of your bed. However, there are a number of cat beds
available that made for the way cats like to sleep. They
provide small, snuggly spaces, or are tent-like, offering a
nice place to hide.

Most dogs will benefit from having some toys, and for
puppies they are a must. Interactive pet toys allow you to
spend "quality time" with your dog or cat while providing
the animal with some exercise. These would include balls
for dogs and wand-type toys for cats.

Chew toys are essential for puppies. They need something to
ease the discomfort of teething and to satisfy the natural
instinct to chew. Here is one area where buying new is
preferred. It is not a god idea to give the puppy an old
shoe, for example, to chew on, as that would imply that all
shoes are puppy chew toys.

Squeaky toys can drive owners crazy, but they are good toys
to leave for your dog when you go out. Many dogs enjoy
throwing these toys up in the air and then pouncing on
them. Just be sure your dog cannot easily chew the toy up
and swallow the squeaker. Always supervise your dog when
giving them any kind of new toy, and make sure that it is
appropriate for that dog.

If you are planning on getting a new dog or cat, it is wise
to have all the necessary pet supplies on hand before you
bring the animal home.

About the Author:

Elyse Grau is an herbalist and a long-time pet owner,
well-versed in pet nutrition and feeding. She is the author
of Pet Health Resource, your web guide to a healthy, happy
dog or cat. The website strives to answer your holistic pet
health questions through a large collection of articles.
http://www.pethealthresource.com

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What Every Dog Owner Should Know About An Ir Dog Door

Article Title: What Every Dog Owner Should Know About An Ir Dog
Door
Author: Natalie Williams

Once a homeowner has decided to give the freedom of a pet door
for their pet, the journey of picking just the right model
begins. A variety of considerations often arises when
approaching the purchase of a dog door, as one starts to mull
over security issues and wondering if a stray animal will find
its way into their home. With the purchase of an IR (infrared)
dog door, various models offer coded locks that keep children in
the house and other animals on the outside.

The shielding barrier associated with an IR dog door is
important to not only enclosing dogs, but also safeguarding the
safety of a home. Many pet owners have delay the installation of
a dog door because they are not completely sure on the idea of
having an unrestricted entrance to their house. While dogs can
easily come and go as they please, wild rodents like raccoons,
curious cats and stray animals are kept outside. Preventing
these kinds of situations, an infrared locking dog door with
barriers becomes an effective solution.

An IR dog door is comprised of a self-closing magnetic cover
that allows only a dog wearing a collar with an attached
digitally coded infrared key to gain access to a home. Since the
door only communicates with this key, entry to the home is
restricted to appointed pets. The collar key is powered by a CR2
lithium battery. The pet door also requires four AA 1.5V
alkaline batteries in order to work.

The collar key sends out a digitally coded infrared signal so
that when dogs come near of the door (about 24 inches), they are
able to pass through with the door locking behind them.
Consumers are also able to customize the length of time that the
door will automatically latch. Depending on the IR pet door you
pick, a consumer may encounter a variety of locking systems,
including In Only, In and Out, Out Only or Locked.

Depending on the model and brand, the typical IR dog door may
come with a door (interior, exterior with flap, and sometimes a
tunnel), locking barrier; one key, one key ring, CR2 lithium
battery for collar key, mounting materials, 2 four-way locking
handles, warranty card and instructions.

Benefits of Using an IR Dog Door

Pet owners like pet doors because they allow their dogs the
freedom of coming and leaving as they please. They also don't
have to worry about letting the dog in and out of the home or
forgetting to let them in from the cold. When pet owners and
dogs are not on the premises, a consumer may place a barrier
(offered with most models) to prevent any entrance into the
home.

Since the opening to the home is magnetic – rain, loss of heat,
and drafts do not become a problem when compared to the
traditional dog flaps. The magnetic locks effectively keep
meandering cats and wild creatures out of the home.

Possible Disadvantage of IR Dog Doors

Some pet owners are worried that the cost of an IR dog door
will cost an arm and a leg. However, most units are priced
around $185 to $300. Pet owners are also worried about the size
of an IR dog door, as most models work well with dogs between 30
and 100 pounds. Smaller breeds may work best with a cat door
with infrared lock.

Since most IR pet doors require AA batteries, some consumers do
not want the hassle of constantly changing these items. Luckily,
there are some models that work with an A/C adapter, which uses
the batteries as backup. Some consumers have also reported about
the noisiness of an IR dog door, which has a knack of creating a
banging sound when the magnets and plastic come together. When
installing, it is recommended to avoid attaching to doors
located close to bedrooms.

About The Author: Natalie Williams is the creator of
http://www.PetDoors101.com. Visit her site to get more free tips
on selecting the right pet door for your pet.

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How Owning A Pet Teaches Your Children Responsibility And Builds Confidence

Article Title: How Owning A Pet Teaches Your Children
Responsibility And Builds Confidence
Author: Elise Rogers

Some people say that every boy should own a dog. It certainly
agrees with the classic American family: Dad, Mom, Son,
Daughter, and their dog. Though not all families are able to own
a pet, children benefit in many ways because of this canine
familial addition.

To begin, owning a dog benefits the physical health of
children. How? Scientific studies have shown that when a person
pats a dog or strokes a cat, their blood pressure lowers. This
helps relax the child and relieves stress after a long day at
school. Some studies have also shown that children who own a
pet, particularly a dog, have more highly developed immune
systems than children who do not own a pet. This is most likely
because children are not afraid to hug their dog and smother
their face in the not-always-clean coat of their dog; by doing
this, children are able to slowly build and strengthen their
disease and sickness fighting abilities.

Next, children whose families own pets have been shown to
display higher levels of empathy and kindness in comparison to
children who do not have a pet. Children with pets also display
higher confidence levels; this may be because dogs are
confident, non-judgmental creatures, and children unconsciously
copy their dog's finest traits. Also, studies have shown that
children who own pets possess an affinity for understanding and
communicating non-verbally. This is most likely because children
talk to their dogs, and Rover in turn communicates through his
body language, which kids learn to understand.

Here is a positive benefit to owning a pet that may interest
parents: owning a cat or dog teaches children responsibility.
When owning a dog, a child realizes that dogs have needs that
must be met. Mom and Dad can help by teaching the children to
put dog food in Rover's bowl, let the him out into the fenced
backyard to do his business, and taking him on walks for
exercise. Kids realize that responsibly includes taking care of
others, not simply brushing their teeth at night, doing their
homework, and cleaning their room. Eventually, children will
have families of their own to take care of; start them early by
helping them take care of the family dog. Also, children are
able to understand that if they do not take proper care of their
pet, they will lose their best friend. The responsibility of
caring for a pet fosters lifelong benefits for growing children.

Finally, many parents believe that owning a pet simply
increases the quality of life for their children. Children who
have pets often grow up with them because the dog acts as a
member of the family. A pet provides an at-home friend, someone
to greet them when they get home from school, someone to play
catch with, watch TV with, and someone who is there for them
when they are sad or hurt. Dogs certainly are a comfort and a
joy for children. The benefits of owning pets for a child's sake
are endless. Who doesn't want their child to experience the best
life has to offer?

About The Author:
http://www.discount-pet-mall.com/pet-supplies/dog-beds/
http://www.discount-pet-mall.com/pet-supplies/elevated-dog-feeders/

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What Everybody Needs To Know About Pet Safe Plants

Title: What Everybody Needs To Know About Pet Safe Plants
Author: Darlene Berkel

What Everybody Needs To Know About Pet Safe Plants
House plants and pets sometimes do not mix very well. If
you love to have your home in bloom all year around, then
you need to be careful about the plants you select if you
intend to also keep a pet. Some plants can make pets ill
if they eat the leaves some can even be fatal.

There are plants that are relatively safe for animals, you
just need to do a little research before you buy. Choose
only plants that are relatively free from insects, and that
are in good condition. Try to buy only from nurseries that
do not use pesticides, or at least that try to use as
little pesticide as possible.

Extra caution is required since many common species that
you may assume to be pet friendly plants are actually
potentially harmful to animals. There is a large number of
plants, actually more than eighty varieties of common
plants, shrubs, and trees that are potentially harmful to
your pets. Popular and attractive plants such as lilies,
tulip and narcissus bulbs, azaleas, rhododendrons and yew
are actually harmful for your pets. If a pet chews on the
branches, stems or roots of plants like these, then they
can suffer some rather unpleasant symptoms.

Seasonal Decorations Aren't Always Pet Friendly

Pet friendly plants are a welcome addition both inside and
outside of the house. They add grace and beauty, and serve
the purposes of making a house a home, but it is important
to ensure that they are not harmful in any way. Warning:
Do not grow any member of the chili pepper family if you
have pets. The reason this may be harmful for your pets is
that they all contain capsicum, the chemical that makes
peppers hot, and which is an irritant to skin and eyes.

The holiday season can be a dangerous time for animals too.
Holly, while attractive to humans, can make animals ill if
eaten in large quantities. Mistletoe is also bad for pets
causing nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes hallucinations and
even death. If you have a pet, take extra care and use
fake plastic mistletoe instead of the real thing.

Try not to grow thorny or spiny plants if you have pets, as
these can cause injury. Also, keep your pet away from
indoor lime trees as their foliage contains terpene.

The best thing to do would be to keep plants high up, away
from pets or not have them at all if your pet likes to try
to jump or climb.

About the Author:

Visit http://www.every1loves2travel.com for great pet
travel resources and helpful tips for finding pet friendly
lodging. Remember: pets love to travel too!

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Labrador Puppies For Hunting

Article Title: Labrador Puppies For Hunting
Author: Anna Hart

Labrador Retrievers have become the most popular dogs in the
United States. Having reached the top, they have stayed there
for a number of years, and seem reluctant to relinquish the
crown.

Many of the Labradors that have found homes as a result of the
breed's popularity have become pets, but this dog was, and
continues to be bred as a retrieving gun dog.

Labrador Puppies Hunting Homes

Visit a breeder or animal shelter, and you find many Labrador
puppies hunting homes. Some will be purebred, AKC-registered
dogs. Some will be mixed breed. Some will be bred for pets,
while others will be bred for show. If you want Labrador puppies
for hunting, however, you will want to look for specific
characteristics.

Breeder

The best Labrador puppies for hunting are probably those that
come from a good breeder. The breeder should be acquainted with
the standard for the breed. More importantly, though, the
breeder should be dedicated to, and passionate about, training,
breeding, and hunting Labrador Retrievers.

Ask basic questions. Does the breeder use only breeding stock
that comes from the finest field trial and hunt test lines
available? Ask to see pedigrees of the breeding dogs. Ask to see
proof of awards won.

Does the breeder monitor the health of breeding dogs? Are their
Labs' eyes and hips screened for genetic disorders before
breeding? Will they guarantee the health of the Labrador
puppies' eyes and hips for a period of time? Do they keep
kennels clean, clearly disinfected?

Are testimonials available from customers who have purchased
Labrador puppies for hunting? Is there a possibility of talking
directly to any of those people to learn more?

Labrador Puppies

Observe the puppies carefully, and ask questions. It won't be
too hard to choose the puppies that look nicest to you, but
there are more important matters at stake if you want Labrador
puppies for hunting.

Run through the following check list. Labrador puppies that
have all or most of these 7 features are likely to be the most
trainable for hunting. The 7 features are not necessarily listed
in order of importance.

1. The Labrador puppies have been well socialized, including
learning to be comfortable with children as well as adults:
learning to get along with other dogs; introduction to birds;
crate conditioning; and kennel conditioning.

2. The Labrador puppies have been introduced to water if the
season permits.

3. They are obviously intelligent.

4. They are bright and alert when playing.

5. All of the Labrador puppies have respected pedigrees.

6. All of the Labrador puppies have had quality veterinarian
care, being wormed, and receiving necessary shots.

7. They are clean and shiny.

New Owner

No matter how wonderful the Labrador puppies hunting homes are,
if they are going to be Labrador puppies for hunting, the new
owner will have a lot of responsibility. You will have to take
those intelligent, energetic, eager Labrador puppies and teach
them to retrieve birds for you. To do so, you may want to
consider the following points.

1. It is a fallacy that your Labrador puppies must stay outside
in a kennel if they are going to be good hunting dogs. Labrador
puppies bond with their owners better, and develop much better
temperaments if they are permitted to live indoors with the
family.

2. For the first 5 or 6 months, you may want to teach your
Labrador puppies little else than retrieving. That is, you may
want to teach them to come when called. This is of topmost
importance in retrieving. It is also important when an emergency
arises, such as an unexpected vehicle, a snake, etc. It is a
lesson that human children also should learn from a young age.
You want your Labrador puppies to learn that "Come" means
immediately running directly to you.

3. Some puppies are taught to sit when they are very young, but
they receive so much praise, all they want to do is sit. Some
are started out with an obedience course that would be used for
any pet dog. They learn to obey many commands, but end up not
wanting to add retrieving to the list.

4. Keeping Labrador puppies in the house allows you to use the
hallway as an early "retrieving ground" for the puppies. When
you throw a dummy down the hall, they have nowhere to go but
back to you. As the puppies learn, you can sit to one side of
the hallway, making them come directly to you. If they try to
run past you, you can easily capture them.

If you are not experienced at training Labrador puppies for
hunting, you may want to enlist a trainer who is, or follow use
of the many books that offer complete training programs.
Finally, even though you got your Labrador puppies for hunting,
enjoy their undying affection and humor.

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

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Finding Pet Friendly Colleges and Universities

Title: Finding Pet Friendly Colleges and Universities
Author: Darlene Berkel

Finding Pet Friendly Colleges and Universities
It may seem like a strange idea at first, but pet friendly
colleges and universities are on the increase. There are
still many student accommodations that do not allow pets,
but if the thought of leaving your beloved pet at home for
months on end while you are at university is something you
cannot accept, then you should be able to find a university
or college that offers the course you want, and will let
your pet stay with you.

Just about every college has the policy of disapproving of
students keeping pets This is so for a number of reasons.
Pets are usually considered to be smelly, noisy, and
capable of biting, or scratching. Another major concern is
that some students may be allergic. Also, there is the
possibility that once the novelty of having the pet has
worn off, and the students get busy with their academic (
and social) activities, they may neglect or abandon their
pets. This would not be beneficial for other students, and
certainly neither would it be beneficial for the pet.

Thankfully, many authorities are starting to realize that
pets can be a great stress reliever, and that pet owners
tend to be happier and more relaxed than non-pet owners.
Pets can help students cope with the stress of exams and
the initial feeling of homesickness at the start of term.

The Biggest Pet Friendly Colleges and Universities

The closest to being pet friendly colleges and
universities as far as most are concerned, is to allow
fish or small reptiles. That seems "safe" enough, doesn't
it? Naturally, guide dogs and other service animals are
allowed. However, in recent years, many more colleges and
universities are permitting certain animals on a trial
basis. This is good news for college bound students who
would prefer to head off to college with their pets.

The two major universities MIT and UCLA will allow cats
that have been spayed or neutered. They also require that
the animals innoculations are all up to date, and that the
animal be registered with the campus housing office. Every
resident on the floor has to approve the cat before it can
stay there "" to avoid issues with allergies, for example.

Eckered College has special 'pet dorms' where cats and dogs
are allowed, although they have to weigh less than 40
pounds, and again, all vaccinations have to be up to date.
Stephens College will allow cats, dogs and rabbits in one
of its halls, but only on the first floor, so pet friendly
'places' are limited.

Vassar College have had a pet friendly policy since 1971,
although they operate a voting system and require that at
least 75% of the residents in a dorm vote in favor of
allowing pets before the dorm becomes a 'pet dorm'.

CALTEC will allow cats in their dorms, as will the State
University of New Your. The University of Pennsylvania
will allow hamsters, birds, and rabbits.

As you can see, many prestigious colleges and universities
will allow pets. Many more consider the possibility each
year, so ask about pets when you apply, and you may find
that you can take your four legged friend with you when the
term starts.

About the Author:

Pets loves to travel too! Visit
http://www.every1loves2travel.com for great pet travel
resources and a wide variety of pet friendly lodging.

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