Paws & Pesticides - A Deadly Combination

Title: Paws & Pesticides - A Deadly Combination
Author: Dorianne Schwaiger

For the sake of your pets and family, please stop using
chemical pesticides.

Toxic pesticides are considered an active poison. They are
extremely dangerous to your health, your pets health and our
environment.

Every year, thousands of domestic pets and wild life lose their
lives to the ravaging effects of pesticide poisoning. Most pet
lovers also enjoy gardening and the great outdoors. Little do
they know what caustic ingredients are in the pesticides that
are being sprayed on lawns and green areas. We take for granted
that most herbicides used by gardeners or sold in stores are
safe. Many name brands such as "Weed n' Feed" and "Round Up"
contain the same deadly cancer causing ingredients that were
found in Agent Orange. Another synthetic poison found in these
two well known garden products is 2,4-D. It is also the active
ingredient found in "Killex." It can cause loss of reflex in
humans along with comas, kidney and liver failure. In dogs it is
the number one killer causing malignant lymphomas, a form of
cancer.

Sadly, just five percent of pesticides reach their target weeds
and garden pest. The rest are absorbed into our earth, targeting
our water supplies through a process called run off or simply
just dissipates into our air. Major health damage can occur when
Toxic Pesticides are absorbed through our skin, swallowed or
inhaled. When not applied correctly, pesticides can settle on
ponds, pools, children's toys, pets left outdoors and even drift
through open windows settling on our furniture, bedding and even
our floors. This deadly poison is often tracked into our homes
by our shoes and pets paws.

We all face the continuing problem of toxic by-products through
years of pesticide residue that is in our food supply and
everyday environment. What we don't realize is how wide spread
pesticide poisoning really is. These caustic chemicals are
virtually used in all of our public buildings including our
children's schools and play yards, restaurants, hospitals,
hotels and private homes. Pesticide abuse is used in our
agriculture and forest areas.

Why are Pets Vulnerable to Pesticide Poisoning?

* Pets spend most of their time close to the ground, this is
where pesticide concentration is highest.

* Pets ingest most pesticides while grooming themselves. Any
contact with chemicals connect with their fur and paws and is
then ingested by the pet.

* Pets spend more time outside and play in heavily treated
areas.

* Pets have higher absorption rates than human systems. Animals
may be more sensitive and easily poisoned by conditions deemed
safe to people.

Signs of Pesticide Poisoning In Pets

* Excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth.

* Loss of thirst and appetite.

* Vomiting or diarrhea.

* Immune function decline.

* Convulsions and disorientation.

* Birds and fish die due to toxic runoff in our water supply.

* Feline thyroid disease.

* Dogs contract cancer (malignant lymphoma)

What Can We Do To Stop Pesticide Poisoning?

* Adapt an alternative "green" solution for pest control.

* Enjoy your weeds and bugs. They are part of nature.

* Educate yourself about pesticides used by your HOA, Lawn
Service and immediate neighbors.

* Do not allow your pets to drink from ponds or outside water
sources - always keep fresh, clean water readily available.

* Leash your pets, allowing them to run free is not a good
idea.

* Bathe and brush your pets often.

* Wash down your outdoor living area.

* Think eco-conscious when dealing with your environment.

Protect yourself and your pets from synthetic pesticides by
being an educated consumer and willing activist in our
eco-system.

About The Author: Dori Schwaiger is an expert author on health
& wellness, she is also an avid animal lover and passsionate
about animal rights. Please visit the Pet Health section of her
website, http://www.TopHealthSpot.com for all your pets needs.

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Organic Dog Treats

Title: Organic Dog Treats
Author: Martha Hemblasit

Most dog treats are not pure forms of nutrition. They are
scraps of the less than savory left overs of the commercial
farming industry. Why throw scraps away when you can sell them?
And sell them for good money at that. Harnessing their economies
of scale, pet food companies gather as much junk as they can, to
sell to you. Stop feeding this garbage to your dogs, it's not
good for them. Dogs all over the planet are getting cancer as a
results of being garbage cans for the commercial meat industry.
When meat was relatively pure, 100s of years ago, dogs were ok.
But now, animals in commercial production are run down with
hormones, and your dog eats these animals, and will contract the
same diseases they do in time. Don't buy your dog treats, if you
can't buy them healthful treats, you are doing them a
disservice. Attempt to save some money from disposable income to
upgrade your pet's diet. A dog can not make choices; they at the
mercy of their owner. Make choices that you would appreciate
being made for you by another human. Dogs deserve to be fed
nutritious meals that will allow them to lead a good life.

A good deal of pet food meat is not fit for human consumption.
Does this sound right to you? Pet grade and human grade meat.
And we are not talking about the difference between raw and
cooked here. Trust me, your dog's dry food bricks are cooked, at
a very, very, high heat. How do you think dog food supposedly
stays fresh on a self for weeks. So why would you feed something
that you could not eat to your dog? A dog should be getting food
that is the same quality as what you eat. Many people really
don't stop to think about their dog's food for a long enough
time to realize that it is garbage. It is literally something
you would throw out at your house, scraps that you would grind
down the garbage disposal at your home.

Guess what, animal processing plants should be throwing it out
too, but they don't. They don't because they know that they can
get people to buy it. Trash becomes treasure. Literal waste
becomes food. And the victim of this perpetual cycle is your
dog. In the commercial meat industry they have a horrible term
known as the four Ds. The four Ds stands for disabled, diseased,
dying,and dead. And it is the four Ds that can and will go into
your dog's food and treats.

If you spend more on your dog's treats and food, you are going
to help their health out a great deal. Organic dog treats use
meats that are raised with sustainable practices(this means that
your kids won't have to pay $15 for a gallon of water because
your purchases lead to contaminated ground water). Additionally,
100% organic animal products can not contain genetically
engineered ingredients(which will allow companies to control
food supplies like never seen before in world history). So,
something as simple as paying a bit extra for dog food, can
really have a tremendous impact on your dog's life and the
environment that you live in. Feeding your dog better treats
will also cut down on vet bills, as proper nutrition leads to a
stronger immune system, which prevents disease.

About The Author: To read more information about organic dog
treats visit http://www.squidoo.com/goodorganicdogtreats

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Pet Sedation And Pet Shipping

Title: Pet Sedation And Pet Shipping
Author: Animals Away

A major point of contention between pet owners is the
combination of pet shipping and sedation during domestic or
international pet shipping. Undoubtedly, transportation in and
of itself is traumatic for an animal, even for animals
accustomed to transportation. Every contingency needs
consideration when planning travel and that does include
sedation. You want your pet to be calm during transport and
sedation can accomplish this. Yet, you are concerned that
sedation might harm your pet. There are certainly different
viewpoints to consider before making a decision on pet shipping
and sedation during travel.

Pet sedation has serious associated consequences. The worst
consequence is obviously the death or serious injury of your
beloved pet. As in your pet's human counterparts, there is the
possibility of a negative reaction, one of which is a loss of
equilibrium. If your pet does experience a harmful reaction, you
are not physically able to be present to ease the animal's
discomfort.

The Professionals on Pet Shipping and Sedation

IPATA.COM (Independent Pet and Animal Transportation
Association International, Inc.), is a network of professional
animal shippers dedicated to the provision of "professional,
competent and caring pet transportation relocation services."
IPATA.COM is the expert authority on pet shipping industry
standards. IPATA.COM and the American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA) both stand against pet shipping and sedation
during shipment. The reason is that pet sedation causes a loss
of equilibrium that in turn raises the risk of injury to the
animal in moving about the carrier. The airlines are also
weighing in with their opinion by not accepting sedated animals
for shipment.

Alternatives to Pet Sedation

Having an alternative to pet sedation makes a better experience
for your pet and less worry for you. Professionals at IPATA.COM
and the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) recommend the
tips below. Some of these alternatives to pet sedation during
pet shipping take some planning and time before the actual
transportation, but in the end, it is worth it to have a
comfortable, calm, and happy pet.

• Acclimate your pet to an IATA-approved carrier before the
transportation. Leave the kennel door open at home with a
favorite object, such as a sock, t-shirt, or toy, placed inside
the kennel to encourage the animal to spend time in the kennel.
Put your pet in the shipping carrier and take car trips,
increasing the distance of each trip.

• Choose a shipping crate or carrier that has plenty of air
holes but will be comfortable for your pet to lie down in, as
many pets will want to lie down and sleep if they are already
comfortable in the shipping kennel. Purchasing an IATA-approved
carrier will meet all regulation specifications.

• Ask your veterinarian for over-the-counter sedation
alternatives.

Feel free to contact AnimalsAway.com to discuss pet shipping
and sedation or to address any other issues or concerns you may
have about the shipping process. Call us today at 1-800-492-7961
for detailed information on domestic and international shipping,
as well as pet sedation from the number one pet shipping company
on the Internet!

About The Author: When Animals Away was started almost
seventeen years ago our mission was to revolutionize the
http://www.animalsaway.com/ pet shipping industry. Our Personal
services are made to fit your individual pet relocation needs.
Please call us at 1-800-492-7961 for more information.

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How To Give Your Pet A Balanced Diet

Title: How To Give Your Pet A Balanced Diet
Author: Derek Rogers

Just like all other living creatures, pet animals like dogs and
cats require a combination of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins,
proteins, minerals and water. This balance can be achieved by
creating a balanced nutrition diet, providing sufficient calorie
amounts to meet the daily needs of the animal for activity,
growth and repair. While many pet food bags claim that they are
"complete nutrition" foods, this claim means absolutely nothing
unless the nutrients within are in a form that the pet can
absorb into their system.

For example, since the hemicelluloses and celluloses of plant
cells is not digestible in raw forms by dogs and cats, foods
that are based on grains as a primary source of protein and
carbohydrates absolutely must be processed in a manner that
allows the nutrients to be extracted by the animal's digestive
system. Not only do most major pet food companies work hard to
balance their pet foods, but they also make every effort to
provide ingredients in the most usable form possible.

Pet foods must contain vitamins and minerals in concentrations
that are balanced as well. If there is too much of one mineral
or vitamin, it may actually have interference against the
absorption of another vitamin or mineral. Too little of a vital
nutrient can interfere with vitamin or mineral use. Major pet
food companies generally strive to provide the most balanced
proportions of minerals and vitamins and other nutrients based
on years of studies, and most pet food companies are constantly
fine tuning their recipes to benefit the pets that their foods
feed.

There are differences in the way that each pet food maker
processes their food, and in the quality of ingredients they
use, which can contribute to the balance of the food's
nutrition. There are also finished product, storage and
ingredient humidity and temperature changes that contribute to
variation in the quality of the food. Some pet characteristics
affect nutritional needs in food, including age, breed, activity
level and level of health. More and more pet food companies are
coming out with specialized foods for certain animal breeds,
activity levels (overweight, sporting, working), size (small dog
formula, large dog formula) and age level (senior formula, baby
formula) and so on.
For some pets, a balanced nutrition requires an anti-allergen
food, such as a duck and potato blend for dogs and cats with
allergies to certain grains.

The best way to determine what the right balance is for your
dog or cat is to speak to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian
will have a good idea of the myriad of food choices out there,
and will be able to recommend a food that will offer the right
nutritional balance for your pet. It might be fruitful to
explore a second opinion, or even a third, because some
veterinarians give preferential treatments to certain food
brands and may be making a somewhat biased decision.

However, slight differences in processing temperatures, in
quality of the ingredients purchased, and storage humidity and
temperature of ingredients of the finished product can cause
variations in the quality that may affect a particular dog, a
particular breed, or a particular line of dogs within a breed.
In addition, some breeds or groups of breeds may require
slightly different percentages of particular nutrients.
Therefore, all dog foods are not perfect for all dogs, a factor
that leads to the production of a plethora of different foods,
claims, and processing methods.

About The Author: Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who
represents a number of UK businesses. For advice on pet food, he
recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of
http://www.seapets.co.uk/ pet supplies.

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Doberman Pinscher Characteristics and Health Problems Information

Title: Doberman Pinscher Characteristics and Health Problems Information
Author: Moses Wright

Doberman Pinscher Characteristics and Health Problems Information
Doberman Pinschers get a bad rap in the movies. They are
often depicted as evil, aggressive animals that run after
the bad guy (or good guys!) as the humans run for their
lives. In real life, Doberman Pinschers are family dogs
with a lot of love and affection.

History and Appearance - A member of the Working Group in
the AKC, Doberman Pinschers were originally developed to be
police and law enforcement dogs. They were often used in
the German military and can immediately fill a person with
dread upon sight. After all, they are big and
dangerous-looking creatures, and extremely powerful as well.

The Doberman Pinscher has a large, square head with a
powerful chest and bullet-shaped head. Weighing 55 to 90
pounds, and standing 24 to 28 inches tall, the Doberman
Pinscher's coat is black, red, blue or fawn with tan
markings. They will sometimes have white spots on their
chest and almond-shaped eyes. While it sounds painful and
cruel, the Doberman Pinscher's tail is usually docked. This
action is taken in order to prevent future painful
accidents. They are apt to break an undocked tail and the
pain associated with this is immense.

Characteristics - Doberman Pinschers do not have a lot of
energy, but they have a lot of endurance. These dogs do
need exercise in order to stay in shape and are not happy
in small, apartment settings. They enjoy fenced-in yards in
order to run around and explore. They also love long walks
with their owners even if they have a yard to run around in.

Doberman Pinschers get along great with other children and
other pets, despite how they are frequently depicted. It is
all about the training. They are devoted family pets and
love to please their owners. If you train your dog to love
the family, it will definitely do so. Puppies can
accidentally knock over children before they realize their
strength and are very energetic at that age, but this is a
very easy problem to fix.

Begin training your Doberman Pinscher at a very early age
and socialize them as much as possible to avoid any
problems. They are very intelligent and can get into a lot
of trouble whenever they become bored with too much energy.
Dobermans are big, muscular dogs and can require a lot of
food. In particular, they need to be fed with the large dog
formula to ensure they are getting all the nutrition that
they need.

Health Problems and Grooming - Doberman Pinschers can
suffer from hypothyroidism and a certain hereditary disease
called "Von Willebrand's disease." You will have to ask
your vet to give you more information on these diseases to
be sure your pet does not suffer from these ailments. They
can also develop heart problems. You will need to also make
sure that your dog does not become overweight as you will
have to deal with problems related to weight gain.

Grooming a Doberman Pinscher is easy. They require just one
weekly brushing and you will have to make sure their nails
are short, but that is the extent of their grooming. They
may look like tough animals, but Doberman Pinschers are
actually overgrown lap dogs with their families and love to
protect you and their homes.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a dog lover and loves to help fellow dog
owners with their dog problems. He started a dog lovers
community site where dog owners can get access to
professional dog training and health resources:
http://www.dogmunity.com/

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Shih Tzu Eating Feces: Why?

Title: Shih Tzu Eating Feces: Why?
Author: Connie Limon

If your Shih Tzu eats its own feces as well as the feces of its
companions do not be alarmed and feel as though you have gotten
a Shih Tzu from a breeder that was not reputable or some other
cause. Behavioral research now says the idea that it is a
dietary deficiency or a pancreatic enzyme deficiency is not even
the source. Dogs in general are historically scavengers and this
is believed to be a scavenger behavior.

I cannot believe how some people who have purchased Shih Tzu
will call me immediately and announce: "that dog eats its
feces," or some other negative sounding remark about the Shih
Tzu in particular and often they are also referring to me as the
breeder as something "guile" now that they witness "that dog
eats its feces." I am forever amazed at how people do not
realize dogs and Shih Tzu are "animals," and they will all have
traits peculiar to what people would do. Of course, no human in
their right mind would ever eat feces, although this has
occurred in the human race as well. A human eating feces,
however, is very abnormal and is a reason to seek help for that
individual as soon as possible. A human that eats feces is
definitely mentally disturbed. Dogs are animals. They are not
humans regardless of how much people domesticate them, they are
still animals and will always carry some of their animal
instincts with them wherever they go, and for as long as they
live.

It is important for Shih Tzu owners and other dog owners to
know this behavior is normal for a mother Shih Tzu or mother dog
with puppies. Newborn puppies have to learn to urinate and
defecate. They are not born able to eliminate their wastes
automatically as human babies are.

Honestly, sometimes I feel like saying if you cannot accept
that the Shih Tzu is an animal and accept some of its ways as
being normal to this fact, then you need to adopt you a real
live baby instead of adopting the Shih Tzu or other dogs and
then being angry at the dog or the Shih Tzu or the breeder for
that dog's animalistic behaviors. I have even had people to tell
me: "since that dog ate its feces, I have been turned against
it," and I sure don't want that dog kissing me after knowing it
eats feces." Well, if you are a person such as this, you don't
need to adopt a Shih Tzu or any other kind of a puppy. Stay away
from them, and if you must adopt something, adopt a human baby.
But, I warn you, there will be problems with that as well.

Not everyone is able to be a Shih Tzu owner or dog owner. For
those of us able to bear some of these less tasteful annoyances,
hooray for us, because there is so much more to enjoy about the
Shih Tzu and being a dog owner than there are those things that
are negative.

A mother Shih Tzu licks the bottoms of their newborns. This
licking stimulates the newborn to urinate and defecate. The Shih
Tzu mother then consumes the newborn puppies' excrement, which
in the dog kingdom and as order of Mother Nature serves two
protective purposes which are:

• It keeps the den area clean
• It removes smells that could attract a predator

A lot of Shih Tzu puppies and other breeds of puppies learn the
behavior of eating feces from their mother and will stimulate
themselves and consume their own feces. A person could go a
little further and speculate the puppy is continuing the
tradition of its mother to keep itself and its environment clean
and to help ward off predators from its immediate environment.
In the doggie kingdom, this would be considered "highly
intelligent" behavior, rather than something so very awful and
disgusting as it is in the world of humans. Most Shih Tzu
puppies will eventually stop this behavior.

Adult Shih Tzu can learn this behavior from other adult Shih
Tzu. In some cases it may also be an attention-seeking behavior,
or due to anxiety or boredom. Animal behaviorist for the most
part says though motivation for eating feces is just not known.

I have watched how my own Shih Tzu will follow me around when I
am scooping feces, and some of them will try to get the feces up
before I can get to it. In this case, I really feel they are
playing a game with me, as if to say, I can get those feces
before you get it. I can sit and look at the same section of
feces, and nobody touches it, until I grab the scoop to get it,
then there is a crew right there, ready to pick it up "first." I
call this behavior just plain "comical antics of the Shih Tzu."

Eating feces is still a problem in that it exposes the Shih Tzu
to parasites and diseases. The behavior is easier to prevent
than cure. Do not allow the opportunity to arise. Keep the Shih
Tzu's area as clean as possible and dispose of feces promptly.
This is probably the best possible solution for the problem.

You should also consult with your vet about other possible
solutions to the Shih Tzu eating its own feces, and/or the feces
of other dogs.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

About The Author: Connie Limon, breeder of pet and show
prospect Shih Tzu in a variety of colors. Website provides a
wealth of information. Please visit us at
http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our
newsletters. Puppies are sold with health guarantee and are bred
from champion bloodlines. Visit our Shih Tzu Article collection
for FREE reprints to your newsletter, website or blog at
http://shihtzuarticles.com

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Beagles Facts and Health Problems Information

Title: Beagles Facts and Health Problems Information
Author: Moses Wright


The article is preformatted to 60CPL.

Beagles Facts and Health Problems Information
Beagles are one of the most popular choices for family pets
nowadays - and for good reason. These adorable, happy dogs
make great family companions. Used for centuries as popular
hunting dogs in packs, these dogs have raced after foxes
and rabbits for years and will make great additions to your
home.

Beagles Appearance - The Beagle has a great sense of smell
and a strong instinct for hunting. Beagles can actually
come in two distinct sizes - under thirteen inches and in
the 13 to 15 inch range. They are a member of the AKC's
Hound Group. Despite a size difference, Beagles all look
the same with droopy ears, long tails and a short coat.
They are typically a combination of tan, black and white
colors, although some are orange, black or tan with white
colorations.

Beagles Characteristics - The Beagle is comfortable in an
apartment or smaller space, but they can annoy neighbors if
they frequently warn you about weird noises. Their
alertness makes them a great watchdog. They are great
hunters and need to be exercised in order to get rid of
their excess energy. A long walk or playtime outside is
perfect for them. Letting the Beagle off the leash is not
recommended since these dogs can pick up a trail and
completely forget about their owners and obedience training.

Beagles love children and dogs, although cats are not their
preferred playmate. They are very playful and very
affectionate, but they can sulk if the don't get what they
want. They can be sensitive dogs with a lot of personality,
and can have their feelings hurt if someone even laughs at
them. Children need to be careful not to hurt the Beagles
sensitive natures.

Beagle puppies should have professional obedience training
when young in order to encourage them to follow commands.
Beagles love to eat and aren't picky, which can be great
during training because they can be rewarded in a variety
of ways. Beagles have even been known to eat trash out of
trashcans because they love to eat so much.

Beagles Health Problems and Grooming - Beagles don't
require a lot of grooming, but they should be brushed once
a week for dirt and loose hairs. With plenty of exercise,
their toenails will wear down on their own, but you might
want to check on them at least once a month.

Beagles are overall a very healthy breed, although heart
disease and epilepsy can be an issue. Also, they can
experience weight-related diseases due to their love of
food. Nevertheless, Beagles are the perfect family dog who
is a happy and well-mannered companion.

About the Author:

Moses Wright has been a dog lover since young and now he
loves to help fellow dog owners solve their dog problems
whenever he can. You can join his dog lovers community
here: http://www.dogmunity.com

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Dog Emergencies

Title: Dog Emergencies
Author: Miss Debra Rae

You know your dog. You know when your dog is just not feeling
well. But when is it necessary to get them to an Animal
Emergency Hospital? First, stay calm and focus. If you panic, so
will your dog. Be gentle, loving, and compassionate. Your dog
knows you'll do your very best to care for them.

The following is a list of symptoms and/or situations that
require an Animal Emergency Hospital room & Veterinary care
pronto!

*Difficulty breathing, noisy respiration, gasping for air or
shallow breathing.
*Blue tongue.
*Bleeding from anywhere that doesn't stop. (get a clean, lint
free cloth; apply some pressure and go to the E.R.)
*Hypersensitive or a bloated belly.
*Your dog tries to go pee or poop and can't or they're in
obvious pain when they go.
*Uncontrolled urinating or pooping in an otherwise potty
trained dog.
*Bloody pee or poop.
*Heatstroke.
*Heavy panting that doesn't stop.
*They're obviously weak; your dog can't get up or falls down
when they get up.
*Fever--104 degrees Fahrenheit is a canine fever.
*Difficulty in labor or delivery of puppies.
*Contractions lasting more than an hour.
*Labor pain lasting longer than 15 minutes.
*A puppy fetus or its membrane is showing.
*Any seizure, tremors, coma, staggering, convulsions or sudden
blindness (running into things).
*Head tilting or snapping at imaginary objects.
*Sudden & severe behavior
changes--withdrawal/depression/aggression.
*Chronic crying/whimpering or obvious pain.
*Any major trauma: vehicle accident, fall, porcupine encounter,
gun shot wound, broken bone, venomous/poisonous snake bite.
*Rapid heartbeat.
*Disorientation, having a bewildered look, your dog doesn't
recognize you.
*Pupils are dilated.
*Exposure to poison: fertilizer, herbicide, certain plants
*Ingestion or exposure to common household cleaning supplies
like cleanser, pine cleaner, borax, window cleaner, and bleach.
(bring the suspected poison container or plant to the E.R.)
*Puncture wounds from a dog fight or running into a sharp
object. (these wounds can go deeper than you think & injure
internal organs. They also become infected easier than a scrape.

*Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea--especially if there's any
blood.
*Refusal to eat or drink for more than 1 day.
*Limping; can't put weight on a leg.
*Green goopy stuff/crustiness in or around their eyes.
*Swelling or redness around the eyes or snout (dogs sometimes
eat a bee, hornet or wasp and must be seen immediately).
*Redness or hotness of ears: Especially if they're scratching
or have constant head shaking (ear infections, mites and fox
tails happen fast).
*Any chronic, severe itching or patchy red spots on the
skin--self mutilation is soon to follow & can cause more
infection.
*Your dog is acting really weird.

If you're unsure of what's going on with your dog and if it's
an emergency, call your Veterinarian (many Veterinarian's handle
all their own emergencies) or call the nearest Animal Emergency
Center/Hospital.

Often times, at an Animal Emergency Hospital, you can speak
with a highly trained veterinary technician, triage intake
worker or the Veterinarian. These incredibly dedicated people
will help you assess whether your dog needs to be seen
immediately, sometime today, or if it can wait until tomorrow.

If you have any doubts, call a Veterinarian. Whatever you do,
remember you're caring for a family member who doesn't
understand what's going on. Your dog is scared and confused. Be
calm. Be brave and do the very best for your cuddly canine. The
rewards are endless.

About The Author: Miss Rae has been a poet & writer since
college at UW, class of 1996. Click on over to her site for all
your dog's needs from training programs to nutrition to choosing
a vet, dental health and books galore. Visit
http://www.goodpoopy.com/index.html.

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Dogs & Fleas

Title: Dogs & Fleas
Author: Miss Debra Rae

Fleas have been around a while now and the chances of them
continuing to be amongst us are very good. Unless you live in
Alaska, Antarctica or some other place where there's extreme
cold, fleas are nasty little blood suckers that must be dealt
with swiftly and severely. Remember, it was the fleas on the
rats that spread the black plague.

Fleas are hardy little insects that live from 6-12 months. In
only 1 year, a pair of fleas can produce millions of offspring
that jump from 15-36 inches. This may not seem so impressive
until you realize that if humans could jump like fleas, we would
be leaping over 100 story buildings in a single bound.

There are 4 stages to a flea's life. The first flea stage,
which is about 50% of the population, is eggs. A female flea
lays 15-20 eggs every day. This means she can lay 600 or more
eggs in her lifetime. Phase II of a fleas life is the "Larvae"
stage where the tiny blood sucker develops. This is about 30% of
the population. In Phase III, they're called "Pupae" or
"pre-adults" making up about 15% of the flea population. Phase
IV is full on adult flea, the remaining 5%, that lives off the
blood of your dog or any other warm blooded animal the flea can
bite into including humans. Yuck!

Fleas are tiny, relentless, disease carrying creatures. If your
dog has fleas and it's left untreated, your baby could end up
with severe skin irritations, nasty infections, anemia or even
tapeworms. Not to mention being horribly uncomfortable from the
little creatures biting all day and night.

If your dog is continually scratching, has scabs or dark specs
on their body (which may be flea dirt), has red splotches, hot
spots or obvious severe irritation, they may have FAD (flea
allergy dermatitis). This can become serious literally
overnight, so please see your Veterinarian and get the
medication your canine needs.

On the other hand, your dog may not be scratching at all, but
still may have fleas. Check your dog every day while you're
petting & loving on them. Give them a good brushing too. Most
dogs love it. This is a great way to keep on top of any
potential problems and reinforces the bond you already have with
your canine family member.

To help get rid of fleas on your dog, first give them a bath
with mild flea shampoo in cool (not cold) water (the cool water
calms down irritated skin). Spray on doggie safe hydrocortisone
(this can be purchased from your local pet store, your
Veterinarian, or online) to help with the really sensitive hot
spots and the general discomfort of having fleas continually
biting and multiplying. After your dog is dry you still need to
prevent any future infestations.

To prevent fleas, it's best to get a once per month topical
flea treatment that repels and kills fleas, tics and mosquitoes.
The topical "Advantix" works like a super star. It's placed on
the skin in a few places every month and within 24-48 hours has
completely covered your dog with a protective shield against
fleas, tics & mosquitoes. It's also waterproof after curing so
it's fine if your dog goes swimming or needs a bath. For those
who prefer a more natural approach, there are many products
available for your dog. The natural approach requires more
diligence on your part but can often work well.

Now that you've treated your dog for fleas, it's time to rid
your house and your dog's house of them. Fleas and their eggs
end up on basically everything. The carpet, rugs, beds,
blankets, clothing. Anything your dog had contact with or was
within flea jumping distance. If you don't rid your house of
them now then you have not broken the cycle of flea infestation.
So, since your dog has on their super shield flea repellent,
then the little buggers are going to start looking elsewhere for
fresh blood; like you, your guests or your children.

Generally a good washing of blankets, bedding and clothing in
warm/hot water does the trick. Get some "20 Mule Team Borax" and
mix it with your detergent (fleas don't like borax). You can
also sprinkle borax on your carpets, rugs & upholstery. Leave
for a few hours and then vacuum really well. Be sure to discard
the bag immediately. If your vacuum is bag less then clean out
the container with bleach water. Be sure to discard the filter
after your flea cleaning spree or the fleas, pupae & eggs you
vacuumed up will continue to flourish.

Remember to clean the car and the dog house too!

An alternative to borax for your furniture, carpets, etc. is
"Demize" which is an insect growth inhibitor (IGI) and can be
purchased at most home and garden supply stores or online. Be
sure to read all the instructions carefully. This is a chemical
and must be handled responsibly.

If your dog had fleas, so does your yard. The best way to rid
your yard of fleas is to destroy them with their natural enemy,
"Nematodes". Nematodes are microscopic worms (the good kind)
that kill flea eggs and larvae. This equals 80% of the flea
population. Nematodes are your friend. If you decide on
Nematodes, start in shaded areas (direct sun kills these
wonderful little creatures). You can buy Nematodes at your local
pet supply store or home & garden store. Whichever method you
choose, be sure to break the cycle of flea infestation.

The bottom line: Fleas are nasty, blood-sucking insects that
not only bite and often carry parasites & disease but they
multiply rapidly and get out of control fast. Kill the fleas
now. Treat your dog for fleas now. Do what's best for you and
all your family members. Especially the furry ones. They count
on you to care for them. Do a good job. The rewards are endless.
.

Note: Always talk with your Veterinarian before giving any oral
or topical medications. This is especially critical if your dog
has special needs or any other health issues.

About The Author: Miss Rae has been a poet & writer since
college at UW, class of 1996. Click on over to her site for all
your dog's needs from training programs to nutrition to choosing
a vet, dental health and books galore. Visit
http://www.goodpoopy.com/index.html.

.

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Your Dog's Dental Health & Teeth Brushing

Title: Your Dog's Dental Health & Teeth Brushing
Author: Miss Debra Rae

Your dog's dental care is an important part of a healthy and
longer life. If your dog isn't a rawhide bone chewer, eats a lot
of soft food or just has tarter buildup, brushing your dog's
teeth is probably a good idea. It's been shown that an unhealthy
mouth can lead to other physical problems and brushing your
dog's teeth is simply a training process.

If you're dog doesn't chew regularly on carrots or other teeth
cleaning treats and toys, then the nasty tarter and gingivitis
demons are moving in. Then there's gum disease, tooth loss, pain
and really raunchy breath. It's all ugly.

Buy your dog a tooth brush (the finger kind is easiest) with
flavored doggie toothpaste. Don't use human paste... These will
only create mouth and gum problems and could make your dog
really sick.

To begin the training, just sit with your dog and gently rub
their outside cheeks with your finger for a few seconds or
minutes depending on how your dog responds. It's best to do this
when your dog is relaxed and more likely to have little
objection. Have these rubbing sessions 2, 3, or 4 times. Every
dog is different. Dalai Lama dog only needs 2 or 3 rubbing
sessions and hurricane, frantic or anxious dog needs 5, 6 or 7
sessions. Whatever it is, it's fine. Be sure to praise your dog
after they have allowed this rubbing session whether it's lasted
3 seconds or 3 minutes. .

Once your dog is comfortable with the outside lip rubbing, put
a little doggie toothpaste on your finger and let them take a
taste. Usually they like it. Fortunately, you've purchased the
flavored paste because you're an informed human. Once your dog
has lapped up the toothpaste, praise them for a job well done.
Lots of petting and positive reinforcement is how training
works.

Your next session will be with the toothbrush and toothpaste
together. Put a little dog toothpaste on the toothbrush and
gently rub 1-2 teeth in a very slow circular motion (be sure to
include the gum area). Be very gentle. Remember this is new and
you're still in training. Be sure to praise again with lots of
positive reinforcement. Continue to brush daily adding 1-2 teeth
each session.

It's very important to pay close attention to your dogs energy
while tooth brush training. Stop the brushing session before
your dog starts to squirm. This prevents an aversion to the
training. Always remember after each session, no matter how
long, to praise your dog for doing what you've asked of them.

Over the next several days, continue your training sessions,
praising all the time and before you know it, you're brushing
all your dog's teeth. Brush for about 30 seconds on each side.
You only need to brush the outside of the teeth because dog
tarter does not flourish on inside teeth.

Remember to praise and to use positive reinforcement every time
you brush your dog's teeth. Even after the training is complete
and your dog is a superstar at teeth brushing time. Your dog
lives to please you and a loving pat on their head, a chest or
belly rub along with a "good boy/goodgirl" brings a smile to
their furry canine face.

Good dental hygiene for your dog has been shown to help prolong
life and can reduce your Veterinary bills. If you have questions
regarding your dog's dental health, talk with your Veterinarian
or Veterinary Technician.

About The Author: Miss Rae has been a poet & writer since
college at UW, class of 1996. Click on over to her site for all
your dog's needs from training programs to nutrition to choosing
a vet, dental health and books galore. Visit
http://www.goodpoopy.com/index.html.

.

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Trimming Your Dog's Nails

Title: Trimming Your Dog's Nails
Author: Miss Debra Rae

Part of your dog's good hygiene is keeping their nails trimmed.
One of the main reasons to keep your dog's nails trimmed is so
they have proper traction. If their nails get too long, your dog
may change their gait which affects their legs, shoulders, hips
and back. This may lead to other skeletal problems as well.

Long nails also scratch up the floor (even if it's carpeting).
When your dog has an itch they scratch and could lacerate their
skin, ears or bellies to bleeding. Long nails can also scratch
their human.

Many Veterinarians will trim your dog's nails for free. If it's
not free, it costs about $10-15. If the thought of trimming your
dog's nails stresses you out, take your dog to the veterinary
office about every 3-4 weeks. It's o.k. to pamper yourself and
your dog with this service. Make it a major event and take along
their favorite treat.

If you're willing to venture into the land of dog nail
trimming, here are a few tips: First and foremost, get some dog
nail trimmers. Buy the good ones. Spend the $15-$25 on your dog.
The trimmers don't need to be the platinum edition but they do
need to be sharp. Also, the better quality trimmers last longer
and many come with styptic powder (more on this later).

To get the most cooperation from your dog for nail trimming,
start out slow. Remember you're training your dog to get a mini
manicure. Have paw caressing sessions for several days to get
your dog comfortable with you touching their paws. For the
nervous, skittish or anxious dogs, take more time. Every time
your dog allows you to touch, caress or massage their paws,
praise them the entire time and give them a treat at the end.
Positive reinforcement works wonders and food is a major
motivator.

When you trim your dog's nails, take off the tip only. This is
about 1/8" TO 1/4". Start with the smaller trim size; you can
always do more. Be careful. If you trim too much and cut the
quick, there will be blood and it'll hurt (this is exactly like
cutting a human nail too short). If this happens, don't panic.
Be calm and praise your dog for trusting you. You want to get
the nail into the styptic powder immediately. Often this comes
in a container along with your trimmers. If you don't have any
styptic powder, use corn starch (put the corn starch in a
shallow cereal bowl).

To get the powder or corn starch to stop the bleeding, gently
put pressure on your dogs paw to extend the bleeding nail. Dip
it into the powder which will adhere to the wet surface. Leave
the styptic powder or corn starch on until it falls off by
itself. While you're doing this praise your dog for being such a
good boy/good girl. Remember their nail is sore and they need
reassurance that you'll take care of everything.

Don't stop your session. Finish trimming your dog's remaining
nails and take off a bit less than the one that was cut too
short. Continue to praise, praise, and praise. After you've
completed trimming your dog's nails, give them a treat. Maybe a
few treats. The association your dog makes between letting you
trim their nails and them getting a treat will make subsequent
sessions easier.

If your dog has super long claw type nails, you can either trim
every 2 weeks the 1/8" to 1/4" until they're the desired length
or take your dog to a veterinarian's office and have their nails
dremeled. (a fancy word for an electric spinning nail file).
Dremeling will cost anywhere from $45-$75. This includes the
knock out juice (puppy valium), the dremeling itself and a
kennel for a day. This is a great alternative for people who
want the nails trimmed now.

Whichever avenue you choose, be sure it's the best for your
canine family member. As always, if you have questions or
concerns regarding your dogs nail care, please consult your
Veterinarian or veterinary technician.

About The Author: Miss Rae has been a poet & writer since
college at UW, class of 1996. Click on over to her site for all
your dog's needs from training programs and nutrition to
choosing a vet, dental health and books galore. Visit
http://www.goodpoopy.com/index.html.

.

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