Friday, May 16, 2008

Dog Nutrition: My Puppy Won't Eat. What Do I Do?

Title: Dog Nutrition: My Puppy Won't Eat. What Do I Do?
Author: Sylvia Dickens

Dog Nutrition: My Puppy Won't Eat. What Do I Do?
Good dog nutrition is crucial to your puppy's overall
growth and health. When he stops eating, it's important to
determine why. Fortunately, in most cases it's a temporary
situation that will clear on its own. When it lasts more
than a day or two, it's time to find out what's going on.
There are a few important things you can do at home.

Contrary to what you might believe, dogs don't get bored
with their food. They stop eating for a number of other
reasons, including stress, too much activity in his dining
area, and new surroundings. Of course, there's also the
possibility of illness, but before seeking veterinarian
help, give it a few days to see if your puppy begins eating
again.

A puppy does most of his growing in the first year, so any
dog nutrition issues must be addressed quickly. Your dog's
nutrition will not suffer if he doesn't eat for a few days,
but if his refusal to eat persists, it could jeopardize his
proper growth.

When your new puppy arrives at your house, he'll be a
little disoriented, confused, and worried because he was
recently taken from his mother and siblings. Dogs are
social creatures, so this separation can be distressing to
a young puppy. By making sure he gets a lot of attention
from your family and is successfully introduced to and
accepted by any other household pets, you can help him to
adjust more quickly.

If he stops eating, the worst thing you can do is to hand
feed him, as tempting as that can be. This can trigger a
behavior you don't want to have to address later on. The
only time you'd hand feed him is if your vet suggests it.
Otherwise, you want to feed him at a regularly scheduled
time every day. If he doesn't eat the food in 15 minutes,
remove it and leave only the water. Put his food back down
at his next regular feeding.

While it can be upsetting to see your puppy not eating,
there's little concern at this stage about lack of dog
nutrition. He will have sufficient reserves to keep him
healthy for the short term. Still, you'll want to take a
look at possible causes of his eating problems to shorten
the delay in his getting proper nutrition.

Here are a few things you can do.

If your puppy has diarrhea, keep your eye on him to see how
bad it is. If it is severe or if it doesn't stop after the
first day, take your puppy to the vet quickly as
dehydration can become a very real threat to your puppy's
health.

Always put his food and water in the same place to avoid
disruptions in his behavior. Dogs like stability, and
moving his pot around will not help.

Avoid feeding him table scraps as this can disturb his
digestive system and lead to certain behavior problems
later on.

Make sure that his dining area is quiet during feeding
times. It's difficult for a puppy to concentrate on eating
when kids are running around, vacuums are running, and
people are walking back and forth.

If other pets in the household are showing aggression,
bullying or jealousy against your new puppy, keep them out
of his eating area until he's finished his food. Nothing
can jeopardize your dog's nutrition intake faster than
animals trying to attack him or take his food while he's
eating.

After you've ensured his dining area is free of
distractions and disruptions, and if he's still not eating
after a few days, take him to your veterinarian. He
probably has a treatable condition such as worms that is
causing him not to eat.

Apart from affecting his food intake, worms prevent your
puppy from getting proper dog nutrition because they get to
any food he's eaten before he can digest it. If left
untreated, worms can cause more serious problems for your
puppy. The sooner the condition is treated, the sooner your
dog will recover and begin eating again.

A puppy's growth rate and long term health are influenced
by his food intake. Because your puppy uses a lot of energy
and resources during his growing process, his body demands
more nutrients by body weight than an adult dog.

During his first year, feed him a good quality commercial
food that has been specially formulated to meet the
nutritional demands of your growing puppy. By following
these simple steps, you can ensure your puppy grows healthy
and strong. It's all about making sure he gets good dog
nutrition right from the start.

About the Author:

More dog training and dog nutrition information is
available at http://www.ebook-haven.com/dogtraining.htm .
Sylvia is a retired journalist who has been a dog lover all
her life. She writes and publishes articles and reviews of
dog-related products on her ebook web site. See her recent
book, "Healthy Dog Nutrition Secrets" available at
http://healthydognutritionsecrets.com

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Beagle Puppies Like To Have Fun

Title: Beagle Puppies Like To Have Fun
Author: Michelle A Adams

Finding a pet for a family can be a fun experience and beagle
puppies have the disposition to fit right into a human family
and make friends with children as well as the adults. Provided
they have had the opportunity to socialize with other animals
and people, they can feel right at home once they arrive. Their
small stature and friendly nature make them an ideal peat for
children and they tend to repay the love offered by a family by
showing off all the new tricks they have learned. There may be a
few health problems associated with the beagle breed, but with
proper care and attention, can live beyond their anticipated
12-year life expectancy. When choosing a new beagle puppy there
are some health problems that may not be obvious or known at
such as young age, but a breeder should be able to offer
warnings of potential issues. There are a couple of problems
that potential owners should be able to determine simply by
looking closely at a new puppy.

As puppies, beagles are born to hunt, but with socializing
beginning at a young age, they can quickly learn to get along
with other beagles, other animals as well as with humans. They
are especially fond of young children and make excellent pets
for families. Although small in stature, beagles have a big
heart and have a friendly disposition and exceptionally loyal to
their family.

Beagles seem to have an endless supply of energy and will need
plenty of space to roam and run, however they can be happy as
part of a household, provided they can get out an run once or
twice a day. One of the things people need to consider when
looking for a beagle puppy for sale is the availability of the
animal having its needed space. If the home and adjacent
property is not large enough, a nearby area should be available
for the owner to help the dog get its needed exercise.

Children are especially fond of the beagle breed due to its
calm demeanor and ability to treat children as part of its
family. This small dog, usually between 13 and 16-inches tall
will grow to weigh between 18 and 35 pounds, making it an ideal
size for small children. Beagles are also highly intelligent
animals, willing and able to quickly be trained and their
willingness to please their owners make them easy to train new
behaviors. However, they do have a short attention span and can
quickly lose interest if they discover a new scent they want to
follow.

There are numerous sources for finding a beagle puppy for sale
and although some owners may have provided an ideal environment
for their pets, breeders are possible one of the better sources
for a healthy animal. A qualified breeder has probably
recognized some of the health issues the puppy may have and will
be able to advise the new owners on any medical care the dog may
require.

One average the beagle can be expected to have a life
expectancy of about 12 years, which is typical of this size dog
breed. However, the breed does have a tendency to develop
thyroid problems and if not able to receive appropriate exercise
can become obese, especially if they have a sedentary lifestyle.
Epilepsy is another common problem, but if caught early in the
dog's life can be kept under control with medication.

When looking at a beagle puppy for sale, there are a couple of
things that can make its health condition obvious. A condition
known as Chinese Beagle Syndrome can make its eyes appear
slanted as well as it having underdeveloped outer toes. Although
this affects its appearance, it will have no bearing on its
overall health. Having crooked legs indicates another ailment,
known as funny puppy. This can also cause the animal to have a
crooked back and make it susceptible to other ailments.

About The Author: Michelle Adams has studied the beagle breed
and is well-versed on identifying potential health problems with
this breed. They have experience training beagles as well as
helping potential new owners find healthy animals. This author
often offers their expertise in helping families find
http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle_Puppies/index.php beagle
puppies that will meet their needs for a great pet. While a
beagle's immediate health may be a concern for some folks, those
who study the docile nature of the breed will accept and love
the dog regardless of its health. When a family is buying a new
pet, there will be certain
http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle_Puppies/Beagle_Puppy_Care.php
beagle puppy supplies they will need and by noting information
from careful research, the puppy can have everything it will
need in its new home. Having someone with the right experience
as well as understanding of the breed can help all families make
an informed decision on their new pet beagle.

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Havanese Puppies: The Perfect Close Quarters Dog

Title: Havanese Puppies: The Perfect Close Quarters Dog
Author: Fiona A Kelly

People around the world are just beginning to understand what
it is that makes the Havanese puppy so appealing. With its small
stature and extremely affectionate personality, it is quickly
becoming one of the most popular dogs for both families and
competitors alike. It is, however, important to know what to
look for when choosing between the many Havanese puppies
available today. When choosing Havanese puppies from breeders
and private owners, there are certain signs that one should look
for, in order to be certain that the puppies have received only
the very best in care, prior to being made available for sale.
Otherwise you could be in for a rather nasty shock. There are a
great many things about Havanese puppies that make them so
desirable for anyone living in confined quarters. This article
will show you all of the wonderful reasons why a Havanese puppy
may well be the perfect pet for you and your family.

If you live in a small house or apartment, but you really want
to have a dog, then Havanese puppies may be an option you might
want to consider. Typically standing less than a foot in height,
the Havanese breed is a very small, compact dog that fares well
in a smaller home environment. Loosely related to the Bichon
Frise variety of dog, these small canines rarely exceed a weight
of more than ten or fifteen pounds.

It is important that you understand that Havanese puppies are
typically very energetic, however, and do require quite a bit of
exercise. If you are able to "baby proof" your home, this
probably won't be a problem, as most Havanese puppies are just
as happy to run laps around your living room as they are
outside. If you are lucky enough to have a small yard that they
can run in, it is important to make certain that it is enclosed
as Havanese puppies love to run, and will take full advantage of
any space they see.

One of the things that makes Havanese puppies so popular among
people who live in small houses and apartments, is the fact that
they can actually be trained to use litter boxes, just like
cats. Although it isn't recommended that a litter box be used on
a regular basis, it does allow people living in apartments the
peace of mind of knowing that they won't be coming home to
puddles on the living room rug.

The second thing that makes these little dogs so very popular
amongst those living in small homes is that they are very
affectionate, and are more than happy to curl up beside you on
the sofa if you let them. With their small size, Havanese
puppies are perfect lap dogs and they make wonderful companions
for both children and the elderly alike. A Havanese is by its
very nature an affectionate and loyal dog, and should be treated
with the absolute utmost in care and affection.

In all, choosing the right Havanese puppies doesn't have to be
a difficult process. As long as you make certain that they have
been well cared for by their original owners or their breeders,
you can find a puppy that will provide you and your family with
many years of love and affection. If this is a dog for your
children, you should let them know the importance of caring for
their new friend, as these dogs will be around for a large
portion of their lives.

In short, Havanese puppies are a wonderful addition to any
family, and can be one of the most beautiful dogs to enter into
shows and competitions. Their beautiful fluffy coats make them a
popular choice among judges, and their sweet temperaments make
them a special favorite in shows across the country. There's
simply no better choice for families and competitors than the
amazing Havanese puppies.

About The Author: A long-time advocate of small breed dogs,
Fiona Kelly is a particular fan of the Havanese breed. This
loyal and affectionate dog is among the most popular of small
breeds. Parents who want a good dog for their children, but
don't want the hassles of a larger dog should consider
http://www.havanese-puppy-guide.com/Havanese_Puppies/ Havanese
puppies as they make wonderful pets. For anyone who wants to
have a puppy, but lives in an apartment or small house, this
article will show you
http://www.havanese-puppy-guide.com/Havanese_Puppies/Havanese_puppy_care.html
how to choose the right Havanese puppy for you.

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Training Your Dog To Use His Dog Carrier Comfortably

Title: Training Your Dog To Use His Dog Carrier Comfortably
Author: Ruby Fayed

The time for travel has come. Have you packed your toothbrush,
your swimsuit, your wallet? Have you taken out the kitchen
trash, watered the plants today, fed the dog…wait…the dog. The
dog is going with you. That means you have to put Peanut in his
dog carrier. Have you prepared yourself for this task? Peanut
hates to be locked up and there is no knowing how ballistic he
will go in his dog carrier. He will bark, cry and probably bite
any unsuspecting fingers that come his way. Is this Peanuts
fault or your own?

Training your dog to behave in a dog carrier will help to avoid
any last minute disasters if you have to spontaneously take him
on a trip. A well-trained dog will allow you to feel more
confident in his social interactions and ultimately result in a
higher mutual respect. Existing problems only worsen without
proper training, but it is important to know that it is never
too late to begin teaching Peanut how to act appropriately in
his dog carrier. It is important to remember throughout this
process the more calm and in control you are the more calm and
receptive Peanut will be.

If you practiced crate training for your dog at an early age,
then he is much more equipped to adapt to dog carriers. Many
people crate train their puppies with the motive of teaching
them not to defecate or urinate in the house. The idea is to
keep them in their crate for several hours at a time while they
are still being potty-trained and then to allow them to go
straight outside once the crate is open. That way the owner will
always be available to positively reward the puppy every time he
releases himself outside. A Dog carrier will remind your dog of
his crate and it will take minimal training for him to become
accustomed to it.

Even if you have not crate trained Peanut when he was a pup,
there is still hope. The most important aspect of training your
dog to be comfortable and feel secure in using a dog carrier is
to always emphasize it as a positive place to go to. Never scold
Peanut and send him to his dog carrier. This will make him
connect negative emotions to his dog carrier and he will get
nervous and confused when you later try to get him prepared for
travel. Use the dog carrier in more situations then just going
to the vet. This way he does not associate his dog carrier with
solely that experience. There are many daily opportunities to do
this. Utilizing the dog carrier to take Peanut to the dog park,
beach, and nature trails are just a few of those.

Getting Peanut to enjoy his dog carrier is only half the battle
in ensuring smooth traveling. Next, you need to rid him of his
excessive barking and aggressive behavior toward strange noises
and people. The whole airport experience is filled with mystery
voices and sharp clatter. The best way to desensitize him to
alarming noises is to always play with him by rewarding him for
his tricks when loud noises are going on in the background. If
you play with Peanut during a thunderstorm or give him treats
for sitting while someone vacuums, then he will be less inclined
to connect fear with loud disruptions. If new faces commonly
surround him then he will be less impressed with strangers and
thus less likely to react negatively. Try carrying Peanut
through crowded areas in his dog carrier before letting him
frolic in the park. Take him on walks in areas with a lot of
social activity. Give positive reinforcement to him every time
he lets a stranger pet him.

Next time you are confronted with the last minute need to put
Peanut in his dog carrier you will be prepared and there will be
no reason for fear of his ballistic behavior again. You will
both be grateful knowing that Peanut will be capable of acting
appropriately in his dog carrier anytime the situation for use
should arise. Training your dog will benefit you as much as it
does him. Your dog is only as well behaved as you train him to
be.

About The Author: Ruby Fayed is an avid dog lover and premier
article author for http://www.tailoredtail.com. For more
information on dog carriers, dog strollers, and pet carriers
visit http://www.tailoredtail.com/dog-carriers.html

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