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/

.

__,_._,___

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/

.

__,_._,___

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.

.

__,_._,___