Tips About Beagle Nutrition
August 13, 2008
So often the importance of Beagle nutrition is overlooked and this can lead to a wide variety of problems. The diet of your family Beagle is just as important as your own or as important as the diet of any children that may be in your home. There are many problems that come about when proper nutrition is lacking in your dog’s diet, just like bad things can happen to you with a poor diet.
The biggest problem with a poor diet is that it often leads the animal to being overweight. This causes the same type of problems that can occur in a person who is overweight. Your Beagle friend does not have the knowledge of nutrition and trusts you, the owner, to take good care of them. And that is a job that must be taken with great pride and care.
Your relationship with your vet must go beyond the yearly checkup and the occasional calls if you fear something is wrong. In order to give provide proper Beagle nutrition, it is important to speak with your vet about all of the different options available to you. While you may not have to purchase special foods from your vet, for certain breeds it may be best. Talk openly to your vet and explain your concern for your Beagle’s health.
With all of the different types of foods such as wet, dry, and mixeddoes any offer benefits that your Beagle could use? Even if you were sticking with the dry dog food, if you have ever looked close at what each has to offer, you would be confused.
You can trust your vet to know what is best for Beagle nutrition so take their advice and see how your dog does.
Beagle nutritionb is just as important when it comes to doggy treats as it is when providing them with the daily meals. You do not want to waste all of the hard work you put into finding dog food with the proper Beagle nutrition in it. So just like you will talk with your vet about your Beagle’s daily diet, you will want to talk with them about any deserts or treats that are also highly nutritious for your pup.
There are many Beagle dog food recipes out there that can supply you with easy to make treats that your dog will love. These home made recipes often times resemble human food and will allow your dog to think they are getting table food while keeping them within their good diet guidelines.
Many of these recipes are available on the Internet so talk them over with your vet to make sure which ones are or are not a good fit for your dog’s personal needs.
The Hybrid Havanese
July 29, 2008
When you decide to add a new puppy to your family, there are plenty of choices that you will need to make. One of the hardest choices will be to decide what type of breed you want to look at. For some, a purebred dog is the only way to go. With purebred dogs that come from good ancestral lines, you have a reasonable idea of size, appearance and temperament of your adult dog. On the other hand, a mixed breed dog can keep you guessing until adulthood is reached.
One of the popular hybrids today is a Havanese mix. Havanese mixes can be crossed with a number of different breeds, many of which are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. When cross-breeding is done correctly, the result can be a dog that is less prone to genetic defects and illnesses, and combines the best characteristics from two different breeds to give you the best family pet possible.
When you begin researching the Havanese mixes that are available through breeders, you may be surprised to find the number of crossbreeds that are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. Registration through this organization will give dog owners peace of mind in knowing where their dog came from in terms of the lineages of both parents. Without that knowledge, your “designer dog” becomes a plain old mutt that can be a mix of many different breeds.
You can find Havanese mixed with Shih Tzu and Yorkshire terrier as well. It is important to note that when you select a Havanese mix as your next family pet, you cannot be sure exactly what you are getting when you bring that pup home. For example, if you get a Hava-Apso, there is no way of telling whether your dog will have the sweet temperament of the Havanese or the feistier spirit of a Lhaso Apso.
When you shop for a breeder of your Havanese mix breed, it is just as important to find a reputable breeder for your mix as it is to find one for a purebred. This will ensure that the lineage of your dog is one that is not tangled with many health or temperament issues. It will also give you the assurance that you dog truly is a mix between two purebreds.
A Havanese mix breed can bring years of enjoyment and companionship to everyone in your family. There are many advantages to these designer dogs today, including the lower risk of genetic problems that will typically follow a line of purebred dogs. However, there are factors to watch out for with your Havanese mix as well.
Since you won’t know which breed’s temperament your dog might end up with, it is a good idea to prepare yourself for either likelihood. It is equally important to shop for a reputable breeder, just as you would if you were in the market for a purebred dog. Designer dogs should have an ancestry from two purebred lines, which can easily be traced through registration papers.
It is also a good idea to research both of the breeds that will be in your Havanese mix, so that you are prepared for the dog that you bring into your family.
Beagle Health Problems Every Owner Should Know About
July 29, 2008
A lot of people love the beagle breed of dog mostly for its friendly demeanor and its ability to be a good dog with children. But beagle health problems are somewhat common and can range from the regular cuts and scratches that any dog gets all the way up to ailments that are almost completely proprietary to the beagle. Keep an eye on your beagle and start to become familiar with the warning signs for beagle health problems.
Beagles will eat until they get sick and then they will just keep eating. Beagles are known for eating everything in front of them and this leads to the common problem of obesity. Any dog breed can experience obesity but a beagle is very susceptible to it because they will gladly trade exercise for food and that isn’t healthy. Be diligent about your beagle’s diet and make sure they get a lot of exercise.
One area of beagle health problems that you will need to watch for is in your beagle’s eyes. While many of these eye conditions affect a certain percentage of the beagle population they are relatively uncommon in other breeds so keep a close eye on your beagle.
This condition is treatable with surgery but you need to get your beagle to the vet right away if you notice this problem developing.
Beagles are also susceptible to renal atrophy, which is the systematic loss of eyesight due to deterioration of different parts of the eye. When the eye stops functioning properly then everything associated with it starts to experience atrophy and problems can arise. Symptoms of this are a drying of the eye or excessive tearing. If you notice either of these symptoms do not hesitate to get your beagle to the vet as soon as possible.
As if having an unstoppable appetite wasn’t enough some beagle health problems are a result of bad engineering. The beagle’s floppy ears can sometimes prevent proper airflow and if air is not getting in or out of the ear properly then moisture can collect and that is bad. Every once in a while you need to make sure there is no build up in your beagle’s ears and if you suspect problems then get your beagle to the vet immediately.
For all of the things that can go wrong with beagles they also experience some things that are exclusive to beagles that are completely harmless. Beagles sometimes experience reverse sneezing, which sounds like they are gasping for air when they are not. It is not clear why this happens but it is completely harmless.
It can be what is called reverse sneezing, which is a beagle thing and no one knows what causes it or why. But if you suspect any problems with your beagle do not hesitate to get to the vet as soon as possible.
Facts About Pomeranian Breeding
July 29, 2008
Are you thinking about adding a Pomeranian puppy to your family? If so, you will be in very good company indeed. The Pomeranian has become a popular choice in a family pet, making Pomeranian breeding a more common practice. However, when the demand for a certain type of dog is high, you will also see an increase in irresponsible Pomeranian breeding practices that will result in dogs that are not healthy or good-tempered. The good news is that there are ways to protect yourself from irresponsible Pomeranian breeding, to help ensure that you receive the healthiest and happiest dog for your family.
The first step in finding someone who practices responsible Pomeranian breeding is to stay far away from pet shops and other brokers who say they are selling dogs directly from a breeder. While this may be true, the breeders that sell through these methods are not acting responsibly.
Reputable Pomeranian breeders will only sell their puppies themselves, so that they can see that their precious puppies are going to good homes where they will receive the best care. These are the Pomeranian breeders that you will want to look for, but there is other criteria you can refer to that will help you choose the best breeder for you.
Once you have determined that you need to go to the source of Pomeranian breeding to find the best dog for your family, there is some other criteria that you can refer to that will help you choose the best breeder for you. First, a responsible breeder will be very willing to let you see the area in which the dogs live, because the environment will be clean and well maintained. He will also give you time to visit with the mother or father of the litter when possible, because this will help to give you an idea of what your puppy might look and act like when he is full grown.
This contract will state that if you are no longer able to take care of your Pomeranian at any time and for any reason, you will return the dog to the breeder. Breeders want to know that their dogs will have good homes for a lifetime, even if it means taking the dogs back themselves.
Finding someone who practices responsible Pomeranian breeding is the first step in becoming a responsible dog owner yourself. By taking the time to research the breeders in your area and visiting the ones on your list, you will be much more likely to find a puppy that is healthy, happy and well cared for.
If you are unsure of where to start to look for breeders, your veterinarian, local breed club or the American Kennel Club may have some names to help get you started. There is also plenty of information on the Internet about where to find responsible Pomeranian breeders.
Don’t cut corners when it comes to selecting your Pomeranian puppy. By taking your time to do the research and visit with the breeders that you are considering, you are much more likely to end up with a dog that is healthy and a good fit for your family. Your hard work will be richly rewarded by the companionships of this furry critter for many years to come.
Mean German Shepherd Dogs? Don’t Believe The Hype!
July 29, 2008
What qualities would you look for in a friend? You would hope they would stick by your side through good times and bad. You pray that they will never betray your secrets. You wish that they would help you out when you needed help. You can find all of these qualities in a German Shepherd dog. And, as added benefit, they won’t sue you, either.
German Shepherd dogs do, indeed, live up to the fictional resume of Rin Tin Tin. They are noble, loyal, brave, friendly and eager to please. Yes, you read that right — they are incredibly friendly. However, because they are so eager to please their people that they will quickly learn to attack if that is what their people want. At one point a few decades ago, German Shepherds were as feared as Pit Bulls are today.
German Shepherd dogs worship the human beings they either live with or are ordered to protect. They would rather hang out with their people than with other dogs. The approval and affection of their people is vital to their sense of well-being. These are not dogs that like to be alone, chained out in the yard. Any German Shepherd left to this fate will overcompensate with hyperactivity in order to get his people’s attention. Since they are such large and powerful dogs, even playful boisterousness can possibly hurt someone.
German Shepherds excel when given specific jobs to do. This is why they are often one of the first breeds of choice for police dogs, search and rescue dogs, assistance dogs and for working in entertainment. Throughout the centuries, they have also played the roles of sheepherders and draft animals as well as their more familiar roles as guard dogs and military dogs.
The German Shepherd dog has been described as embodying all of the noble characteristics of human beings. They are problem solvers, want to get along with others and will sacrifice themselves when protecting their family.
A German Shepherd dog looks to you as a worshipper looks to God. Don’t abuse this trust and devotion. You don’t like it when God rains bad situations down on you through no fault of your own. This sadly happens to many German Shepherds who are abandoned because their owners did not take the time to learn basic German Shepherd information about their care, needs and personalities.
German Shepherd dogs are very hard to distinguish from human beings in terms of their needs and personalities. They need attention, want to know when they’ve good job and need a reason for being alive. In their world, they want the good to be rewarded and the bad to be punished.
Some are more timid than others. Some are more serious than others. Some seem more psychic than others. But they need a lot of activity and attention in order to really become a member of your family.
Pet Store Allergies With Shar Peis
July 29, 2008
There are many Shar Pei allergies that can be overcome with some careful thought. Unfortunately there are also a number of autoimmune problems that your Shar Pei will face that may end in medical problems requiring professional medical care. Special veterinary care is usually required for some of the allergic skin conditions and even when treated will require constant future management by the pet owner. Combined with strong behavioral tendencies the Shar Pei is not a low maintenance pet and it is also quite an expensive pet to own.
Pet lovers need to carefully consider ownership of a Shar Pei. Similarly to owning any of the more aggressive dogs the commitment to bring them into your family should only be with the full buy-in of all the family members who will be involved. Furthermore, as allergies tend to worsen as the dog ages and the treatments get more costly, it is important to get a full record of their illnesses if you are considering an older dog. Many Shar Pei allergies are treated with routine bathing and proper care.
However, the Shar Pei was bred as a fighting dog in China, and it is interesting that the wrinkles of the skin may have been a defense mechanism initially. In fact the wrinkles result from an overabundance of a chemical known as mucin. This compound also most interestingly serves to assist in the healing of their wounds.
The Shar Pei even has a form of fever known as “swollen hock fever” that is episodic in nature and peculiar to them. Unfortunately it can be fatal. On the other hand there are some common Shar Pei allergies that are associated with their skin can simply be managed by frequent weekly bathing and the use of good grooming habits.
Routine care and pet maintenance problems such as these make the Shar Pei an expensive and high maintenance pet. Preventative home care is important for this reason.
It is unfortunate that such an unusual dog is hard to take care of in this manner given their tendency to exhibit certain health problems. A Shar Pei is clearly not your traditional pet. With a documented history going back hundreds of years in China they have largely been bred for their temperament and not for their robust health. Although Shar Peis can live to the age of fifteen most live for eight to twelve years.
Although the Shar Pei has some very well documented problems, all pets do as they are after all simply animals, lower in the food chain than homo-sapiens. Despite their aggressive behavior with a tendency to some unusual Shar Pei allergies and tolerance issues they are very lovable and friendly to those that they trust.
Furthermore, their mysterious origins appear to compensate for many of their shortcomings, and there is an obvious demand in today’s pet markets for their very unusual look. However, the need for training and the unusual nature of the health of this animal would nominally indicate that this is one pet that needs a truly committed dog owner and not a part-time pet lover.
My Dog Has Diarrhea! Now What Do I Do?
July 29, 2008
Dogs actually have a well functioning digestive system and dog diarrhea is not a common experience. But I know that when my dog has diarrhea I can usually attribute it to something that could be an avoided. Some of the common causes of diarrhea in dogs are:
Change in diet - If you change your dogs food suddenly it could cause diariea. Makes sense doesnt it? Your dog is used to an eating and then all of a sudden a totally different food is in his bowl. His digestive system might need a few days to switch tracks and get used to the new food. Of course you can an avoid this by gradually changing the food - mixing the two together using less of the old food and more and more of the new. This is particularly important with puppies are whose digestive systems are very delicate.
Worms - Worms can cause diarrhea and is a common cause of it in puppies. If this diarrhea is frothy this usually an indicates internal parasites. Get treatment for this at your local Vet.
Stress- Stress and mental upset a long trip or change in daily routine could cause dog diarrhea
Illness - An illness in some cases your dog might just have a virus or an illness. Although this doesnt happen in dogs as often as people you should have your Vet check him out if you suspect this is the case so you can get him the appropriate treatment.
Bad Food - Meat that has spoiled can cause diarrhea in your dog in the same way it does if you were to eat it. You need to be as choosy about what you feed your pet as you are about what you feed the rest of your family.
Here are some things you can do to help when your dog has diarrhea:
A little castor oil may help if your dog’s diarrhea was caused by eating spoiled food. If you need a stronger remedy, you may have to switch to feeding him plain rice.
Another remedy is milk stiffened with arrowroot flour.
Don’t be too hasty about resuming your dog’s normal diet. Keep him on the milk and rice diet for a few days to let his intestinal system get over the problem.
Try slowly getting your dog back to his normal food. Mix boiled hamburg or white fish with rice and milk and gradually add in his regular food. Cut back on the regular food if the diarrhea re-appears.
I am always worried first and foremost about my dog’s health when my dog has diarrhea, so my first step is always to call the vet. I advise that any pet owner do this. Your dog might not be happy about a visit to the vet, but better safe than sorry. Your vet can give suggestions about how to help your dog and may even prescribe medications to speed recovery along.
Locating Shar Pei Breeders
July 29, 2008
One of the most rare dog breeds in the world is the Shar Pei (pronounced Shar-Pay). This ancient Chinese breed’s name translates to “sand skin” after its short, coarse coat. The Shar Pei faced extinction and was named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s most rare dog in 1978. The breed has gained popularity since that time and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.
The American Kennel Club registered the Chinese Shar Pei as a breed in 1992. The name is a bit of a misnomer since the version registered is really the westernized Chinese Shar Pei. It is ironic that the breed was registered so recently since it is considered one of the fourteen most ancient dog breeds. A Shar Pei breeder in China pushed for Americans to become interested in the Shar Pei since the breed almost became extinct in the 1970s. Though only a few Shar Pei were shipped to the U.S. at that time, the breed has now gained in popularity and numbers.
Finding a good Shar Pei breeder may be a daunting task at first because the breed is so rare. Potential buyers can utilize the Internet, the local ASPCA and word of mouth to find a good breeder. Most breeders also run or are at least affiliated with rescue centers that save purebred Shar Pei from abuse and neglect. Buying a rescued Shar Pei may be a good option for some buyers.
It is important for buyers to know that the breed is prone to certain health problems such as entropion (eyelashes curling into the eye), severe skin infections and renal failure from too much protein build-up in the kidneys.
It is also important that buyers prepare to mesh with the temperament of the Shar Pei, which is loyal and protective but also independent. Shar Pei dogs do not take kindly to strangers and bark at new people. They can become aggressive if not trained properly. The Shar Pei’s ancestors were trained to fight and that strong spirit can be unleashed at a detriment to owners and other animals if proper discipline is not taught from birth. Buyers should research breeders and make sure the Shar Pei breeder they buy from can provide advice on raising and training Shar Pei puppies.
A good Shar Pei breeder will never sell Shar Pei to a pet store. There are several reasons for this. First, pet stores sell animals just like any other merchandise. Puppies are shipped from one place to another and put on display for hours at a time.
Backyard breeders or puppy mills mass produce puppies in unhealthy conditions. The puppies produced by these places are sickly, poorly bred. Then these puppies are shipped to pet stores all over the county to be locked up in display cases with very little exercise and not properly socialized for living with a family.
The worst breeders sell to pet stores. Most consumers don’t realize the terrible cycle they continue every time they buy a puppy from a pet store. The demand causes backyard breeders to continue breeding the parents to make a profit. These bad breeders may also be puppy brokers who make deals with pet stores for puppies they haven’t even seen. Puppies are shipped just like merchandise and sold to anyone with a credit card. Never buy a puppy at a pet store, buy only from reputable breeders and maybe we can end the puppy mill practice.
The Dapper Boston Terrier
July 29, 2008
The Boston Terrier is a truly an American breed of dog. It is the result of cross breeding an English White Terrier and an Old English Bulldog, whose offspring was bred to a smaller female, and then to a French Bulldog. This breeding practice resulted in what is today’s Boston Terrier.
Today a Boston Terrier makes for an excellent buddy. It has been bred down to become companionable, as it was originally bred as a fighting dog. The breed is very decorous, gentle, yet alert and quite intelligent as well. They socialize well with children, and the elderly, this type of dog adores attention, which makes them a perfect family dog. A Boston Terrier will only bark when necessary, so they make for an excellent pet if you live in an apartment or condo.
Boston Terriers only bark when necessary, in fact some females rarely bark at all. This breed is a rambunctious one, although males usually retain the spunky terrier attitude. Unfortunately the friendly nature of Boston terrier extends even to strangers so you must give them a secured area to play in.
Because they don’t need too much exercise, not having a yard and living in an apartment is suitable for this breed of dog. Boston Terrier should be fed with a dry kind of dog food to make sure that their teeth will be well maintained. They should also be fed twice daily, to provide them with ample nutrition.
If you don’t have a Boston Terrier yet, you better be sure that you really want one because they need a lot of time and affection. Boston Terriers hate being left alone. They should be fed twice a day for them to get good nutrition and the food must be dry to prevent tooth decay.
Even though Boston Terriers were bred to become fighting dogs, they have been bred down for companionship. It is an incomparable companion because of its being highly intelligent, alert, kind, gentle and well-mannered. Boston Terriers on the other hand are difficult to housebreak, so it is very important to start training tem while they are still young. A Boston Terrier will make a fine addition to your family. If you are single, it will make for an excellent friend. They are very loyal. This breed loves to learn, so you can train them quite easily. They have a bit of a personality and can be a bit willful. The nice thing about Boston Terrier is that they only bark when necessary, so they are not very noisy.
If you love kids, then the Boston Terrier is the perfect pet for you. They are like babies that need time, care and constant interest. Boston Terrier is a little difficult to house break, so while its still a puppy train it, they have the tendency to be willful so it’s best to start early.
Boston Terrier have high degree of intelligence, they are very keen to learn so training them will not be so difficult for you. If properly housebroken, and well trained to obey, Boston Terriers are also good with children and other non-canine pets. So if you want terrific company, then the Boston Terrier is good for you. If you are having difficulty training your dog, contact your local kennel club for more Boston Terrier information.
German Shepherd Health
July 29, 2008
Often the German Shepherd is a very healthy breed that is capable to living an average of 12 to 16 years. For those with a well-bred German Shepherd it is unlikely that they will have any major health problems. However, all German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions. This includes Canine Hip Dysphasia or CHD in which the skeleton has a developmental problem and the femur doesn’t sit correctly within the hip socket. Another condition is Von Willebrand’s Disease, which is a blood disease that affects the ability to the dog’s blood to form clots. Without proper care and regular baths a German Shepherd can also develop skin allergies.
An important part of caring for your German Shepherd’s health is a balanced diet. You need to give them fresh food in order for them to have a long and happy life. Fresh meats such a turkey, chicken and beef are okay. Although you should also mix in some vegetables, rice and eggs for a balanced diet.
By feeding a good and healthy diet, brushing the teeth as often as possible, regular grooming and providing plenty of exercise and attention you can make sure you keep your German Shepherd in excellent health. In order to spot any common German Shepherd health conditions before they become serious it is a good idea to perform a weekly home health exam. This can also help you to easily detect any changes that can occur due to injury, disease or dog related emergencies because you will be aware of your dog’s body.
The best way that you can care for your dog is by taking them to the veterinarian on a regular basis. A veterinarian will make sure all vaccinations are current while performing a regular physical and health exam. You want to have a veterinarian that is familiar with the health problems of a German Shepherd and can successfully deal with any hereditary disease common to the breed.
When it comes to German Shepherd health, diet plays an important part. An adult German Shepherd will eat about forty pound of dry dog food each month. Although this amount will depend largely on the metabolism of the individual dog and how much activity it does.
Younger dogs that are more active will require more food for fuel than older or inactive dogs. It is best to feed a high quality commercial food and supplement it two or three times a week with a small amount of meat. While the activity level of the dog will determine the amount of food you give the dog, most will take two cups of food a day and you should remove any uneaten portions after thirty minutes.
Although the activity of your dog will determine the amount you give them. The best food to choose for you dog is one that is high in protein. Instead of wheat, rice or corn your food choices should contain more lamb, fish or chicken.
While meat based foods can be more expensive they will have long-term benefits on German Shepherd health. If possible avoid feeding your dog any food that contains additives.
