Dog Health and Your Responsibilities

There are many advantages to owning a dog. It gives you loyalty and love. Yet so many people neglect its health as a way to return that love and affection.

Preventative dog health care goes a long way to ensuring that your friend stays healthy for years to come. If you decide to get one, then do him a favor and become educated on how to protect his health.

Dog health begins the very minute you take ownership of your canine companion. Before you even think about beginning puppy training you must make sure that you know what type of medication it takes to ensure its health.

Shots such as Distemper, Rabies, and Parvo are absolutely essential to a long and healthy life for your pet. There are other medications such as heart worm medicine and flea medicines that are important as well.

If you are unsure as to what is involved in dog health, check out dog forums for answers on some common questions. The best advice before buying or getting a pet is to do a thorough research to determine if having one is right for you.

There are some questions to ask yourself before you commit to owning a dog or any animal. The first is how much time do you have to devote to the pet? Do you have enough space to accommodate one? Is its health absolutely important to you? Do you have the money to devote to puppy training and to making sure that he or she receives regular veterinarian visits to ensure its proper health?

A dog is a big responsibility. If you are unsure of any of the above questions then now is the time to carefully ponder whether or not you are ready for a pet. Dogs cost money and this responsibility lies with the pet owner.

The puppy or dog is dependent on you for everything they need. This includes their emotional well-being as well. Humans and dogs are alike in that they need love and support. You, as the owner, must be that network of love and support for them.

Dog health is important to having a fully functioning family. Dog's can bring many things to their owner. They bring love and unfailing loyalty. They deserve to have that returned to them by an owner that truly wants what is best for them.

Before you go collect your new pet, take the time to become educated. You should talk to other pet owners and then make that life altering decision.

Dog Tricks: Where To Start

When it comes to teaching your dog new tricks this can be great fun for all involved. You can start off by doing something simple like weaving in and out of your legs or fetching some article by name or teaching your dog to shut a door.

There are a few people that find it is demeaning to the dog by teaching them tricks but I can assure you that dogs love learning and especially being appreciated and by learning to do something new it will cover both of these needs. Whatever you going to teach your dog both of you will benefit from the experience and it will be a time that you will learn more about each other.

Suggested Tricks could include:

• Close the door 

• Roll over

 • Catch

 • Give a paw

 • Open a box

 • Find members of your family or toy by name

 • Bark on command

 • Weave through your legs

 • Jump over objects

 • Crawl under a low object or a chair

With any trick, split it into small sequences and teach each one a step at a time. If the task is complicated start with the last sequence first and then add the previous element to the beginning and build up from there. This method is called reverse chaining. It is excellent as it helps the dog learn as he always ends with the familiar part. Rather than waiting until the whole sequence is learnt reward every step for getting closer and closer to your goal. Each step you are asking a little more of your dog.

The use of clickers can work extremely well as you are able to reward your dog at the correct time even if he is still some distance away from his goal. While tricks can be fun they can also be a benefit to anyone that is disabled and not being able to pick something up off the ground or fetch some sort of aid to help the disabled person.

There are many people that are sight impaired that use seeing eye dogs that had started just like you are with simple to learn tricks and then graduated to more advanced training. The whole process should be imaginative, have a think of what your dog enjoys and develop this to include a whole collection of tricks.

The dog will enjoy learning something different and will certainly enjoy all of the praise in getting something right. All that is needed is a dose of persistence and time invested in her training and by doing this you will be rewarded.

Caring for Your Dog and It's Health with Massage

Canine massage? Really. It can benefit a dog in many ways just as it has been proven for helping humans. Massage once was reserved for extra pampered poochies, but now is catching on due to it's benefits. The benefits it can give "Fido" include, extending flexibility, increasing circulation of blood, relaxation of muscles and can even assist in injury recovery.

Looking for more natural ways to care for oneself has now entered the area of caring for one's animals naturally. This has been most recognized in relation to recovery from an illness or an injury. Scientific research has shown that pain relief is provided through a release of endorphins activated through massage. Canine massage has also shown to enhance blood circulation throughout a dog's body. This increase in blood flow works to promote healing, aid the immune system and even slow the aging process. Of course massage for your dog is in addition to the care your veterinarian already provides your dog. It is simply a way to add to the care given to your loyal canine companion.

Older dogs seem to benefit from massage to an even greater degree. Massage to a senior dog will ease sore and stiff muscles through relaxation, energizes and improves flexibility in joints and muscles. It has been proven that sickly newborn babies have prospered with massages and apparently this applies to puppies too. Also, puppies will get familiar with human touch sooner allowing for possible later benefits as it grows such as veterinarian visits and periods of grooming.

While the average dog loves attention with some petting, massage is another level through technique. Start on the forehead, there are two small indentations, one between the eyes and the other between the ears. Gently massage these areas with your ring finger to stimulate the sinus area and make breathing more efficient. Next there is an area of cartilage at the bottom of each ear. Making gentle circular motions on this area will activate the digestive tract and assist in gas. Another area to massage is the very tip of the ear, gently rub the tips between thumb and forefinger to release endorphins, natural occurring pain killers in the body. If trauma has occurred or is occurring this is a great tool to use. When your dog is laying on its side, move the shoulder in a circular motion. Increases deep breathing and opening the chest cavity larger as well as provides stimulation to the cardio-vascular area. This makes the dog relax, provides stress relief and provides increased blood circulation.

Humans enjoy massage, so why wouldn't your dog? Your dog gives you a form of relaxation, why not give back a little to your dog? Care for your dog by giving love, attention and health benefits all found through massaging your doggie friend. Everyone benefits from massage, let "Fido" in on the benefits too. Older dogs gain flexibility and pain relief, puppies gain health and human familiarity. All dogs benefit from relaxation, release of endorphins, better blood circulation and healing qualities. Really, canine massage can provide caring for your dog's health.

Train My Dog - How To House Train Your Dog

This article shall give a few pointers on the fundamentals of house training your dog. House training your dog can be achieved surprisingly quickly if you follow a few simple steps and take the time to be consistent.

Make sure to give your dog a routine. Always be sure to take them outside first thing in the morning, straight after meals and just before bedtime, these times are crucial.

Also within that routine you should take some time to take your dog outside every two hours, every one hour for puppies, this ensures that the message is repetitive as to where you want them to go. Routine works well with dogs, it serves two purposes, it reinforces where you expect them to go and also helps to establish you as their pack leader.

Accidents will happen, do not under any circumstances chastise your dog for this. You will only succeed in confusing them and breaching the bond between you. Make no fuss and clean up in silence. However hard you may find this.

Some think it is a good idea to lay paper down close to door to the garden. I personally have never been a great fan of this idea. I think this sends a mixed message to your dog. If you want them to go outside make the effort to take them outside regularly. If you lay paper down you are saying “I want you to go outside but here is also OK. A mixed message that will confuse you dog.

Punishment following an accident will certainly set the toilet training process back and may well lead to behavioural problems further down the line. Accidents are not a personal attack on you.

Keep a watchful eye on your dog, do not expect them to tell you when they need to go outside. Do not let your dog wander all around the house unsupervised, watch for your dogs excessive sniffing or circling, if you notice this take them out immediately.

Successful toilet training for your dog depends on your good timing so the more effort you make the quicker your dog will get the message as to where it is you expect them to go.

Dogs like to have a routine they respond well to it, they are also keen to please if you set them up to succeed and fulfil your end of the bargain you will be amazed at how quickly your dog responds.

In this article we have covered some of the basics things you can do to house train your dog, whether a puppy or an adult dog. Remember the dog doesn't know where it is expected to go, that is your job description to make that clear.

When you take on a dog you take on a huge amount of responsibility, be your dogs pack leader and your dog will reward you with unconditional love, affection and respect for life. Take a little time, be patient with your dog, and your dog will be clean very quickly.

House training or toilet training your dog is just one aspect of having a well trained, relaxed and balanced dog. It is amazing how many people tolerate a dog chewing up the house, constantly barking or pulling them down the street on the lead.

Everything You Need To Know About Dog Allergies

Dogs have always been considered a human's best friend ever since they were domesticated several years ago. They are intelligent and if well-trained, dogs can do almost anything. Over the years, reports of dogs saving people, especially children, have been all over the news. For their good nature therefore, dogs should be well-bred. However, one grave challenge that dog owners face is dog allergies.

Dogs are not like human beings who can easily identify what they are allergic to and find the necessary medication for the allergy. For dogs, it is up to the owner to figure out what the dog is allergic to and the symptoms for its allergy. There are four common dog allergies. These are categorized as food, flea, contact and atopic allergies.

For each, a dog will exhibit certain symptoms which a good owner can understand and interpret easily. Dog allergy symptoms include itching, raw paws, sneezing and diarrhea.

Itching is the most profound symptom of dog allergies. The most common areas you will find your dog itching are the abdomen, the paws, face, ears, hindquarters, groin and back. Almost each part that the dog tries to scratch or lick always points to a distinct allergy. If the itching does not stop, the pet could have sores on its body which will eventually be filled with pus and that could be fatal.

Flea allergy usually results in the dog licking or trying to scratch the hindquarters and the back. These allergic reactions are usually triggered by the flea's saliva. Contact allergy on the other hand will be exhibited by the dog excessively itching in areas with less hair cover like the armpits and the abdomen. Atopic allergy, also known as inhalant-related allergy, will also result in the pet trying to scratch its face, feet and even chest.

Raw paws also symbolize that the pet is allergic to something. Usually, when the dog scratches and bites its feet a lot, the paws turns reddish brown. Sometimes the paws could even be bloody.
Of all the symptoms, sneezing is the clearest symptom of atopic allergy. However, on rare cases, this could mean that your dog is suffering from contact allergy. When the dog sneezes, there is usually a clear discharge from the eyes or the nose.

Diarrhea is often a symptom for many dog diseases. However, it also shows that your dog is suffering from food allergies. If you suspect the dog is suffering from this allergy, you should the change its diet and check whether it will improve. Feeding your dog food rich in minerals, vitamins and fatty acids will definitely help in fighting this allergy.

To prevent contact and flea allergies you should wash your dog occasionally with cool water and shampoo with Aloe Vera and eucalyptus to relieve the itching. Grooming and brushing your dog regularly, changing its toys and the sleeping area will also be effective in fighting the flea allergy. If the symptoms persist, you should contact a veterinarian because it could be more than just dog allergy.

Basic Dog Grooming Tips

The act of grooming your dog is one of the fundamental things that your dog requires. The essential grooming requirements depend on your dog's breed and its characteristics. The first thing a pet owner must manage with is the dog's hair.

Long hair dogs that shed require more frequent grooming than short hair dogs, or those who shed on a seasonal basis. Dogs who frequent the outdoors pick up debris and should be brushed or combed daily. It can often be an effort to untangle the hair as well as remove those bits or particles stuck in the dog's coat after the dog has been outside.

If you're looking for something more convenient and don't mind laying out some cash, you could use a professional groomer. You should be aware that professional dog grooming can get really expensive if you use it weekly. But if you want the best for your dog, you may chose that option. If you want to go strictly for convenience, you can hire mobile dog groomers who have full grooming stations equipped with all your dog's needs in their vehicles. The groomers park their van on your driveway or in front of your house, so you don't even have to leave home. If you're unable to handle grooming tasks yourself, this is the ultimate in convenience. Another benefit to using professional groomers is that you don't have the mess or "damp dog" odor in your home.

To save money, groom your dog yourself. Just equip yourself with the basic grooming tools. It's not a good idea to use your old hairbrush on your dog. Get proper brushes and combs that are designed for your dog's fur. If not, you are likely to incur vet bills if you use your discarded brushes since they could potentially create damage to your dog's skin.

If you're not sure of the correct way to bathe and brush your dog's hair, search online for some resources that can help you through the process. There are many articles and forums available to you, or simply ask a dog groomer or your veterinarian. You could also take a course from a pet store or vet's office to learn the correct procedures and get some expert tips on dealing with your dog's anxieties during grooming as well.

Some may think that grooming your dog is optional, but it's not. Not grooming your dog consistently leaves him at risk for illnesses, parasites, damage to his skin or hair or both. Your dog may be unhappy about having a bath, but you can't let that stop you.

Note that rough scrubbing should be avoided when giving your dog a bath. It can reduce the natural oils that are there to protect your dog's skin and hair follicles. Also, be cautious what types of powders or fragrances you use on your dog. Many are not made for dogs and can cause discomfort or infection. Avoid use of any product that isn't fit for your dog and your dog's breed.

Patience is what is needed when grooming your dog. Take time to gently talk to your pet while you are grooming. Try to make grooming a playful time by rubbing his belly and patting his head. It's best not to initiate the grooming process if you don't have much time or you don't have the needed patience to complete the process. Remember, whatever attitude you project towards the grooming session, your dog will know and it will impact how he approaches them in the future.

How To Find Good Dog Training Videos

In today's society, with dog being commonly referred to as "man's best friend", many methods of dog training are now available for dog owners and dog trainers. Professional dog training services are available, but can be costly and it will also take away the bond between you and your dog. This has lead pet owners everywhere to seek out aids, to help them train their dog at home. These aids include:

dog training book reference
electronic dog training collars
electronic fences
dog training video reference

You can find tons of resources on the internet if you're willing to spend some time researching them. You'll find anything from short course, to professional course online and you can even find professional dog training coaches that will teach you to train your own dog.

The following paragraphs will discuss how a good dog training video can be helpful, and tips on how to locate the dog training video that fits you and your pet best.

A good dog training video will provide you with so much valuable information pertaining to training your dog. But since there are a variety of methods of dog training used by various dog trainers, finding the right dog training video may take more than one attempt. It is important to first establish the method of training you would prefer to use before purchasing a dog training video. By deciding on a method of dog training beforehand, you will narrow the selection of dog training videos you will have to chose from. For example, if you do not wish to use an electronic dog training collar to aid in training your dog, you can safely eliminate any dog training video that includes dog training methods that involve the use of one.

The next step in locating a dog training video that will work for you and your pet is knowing where you can locate such a dog training video. Most commonly, the best dog training video can be found at pet supply stores. Some pet supply stores will devote entire sections of their store to an excellent selection of dog training videos. A good dog training video can sometimes be found in other places, including but not limited to:

video rental establishments
libraries
department stores
video stores

The benefits of a good dog training video are many. The dog training video will generally be less costly than professional training, and the dog training video will enable you to train your own dog at home.

Essential Dog Bowl Buying Tips

A dog bowl is necessary for giving food or water to your dog. Available in various forms, and designs, dog bowls must be selected after careful consideration, but finding the right dog bowl is easier than you may have thought.

Whether you have brought a new puppy home, or have a dog for many years, dog bowls are necessary to give food or water to your pooch. Just like with any other dog item, you should stop to consider a few important factors before you buy dog bowls for your precious pet.

Dog Bowls - Why Do I Need One?
Dog bowls are really convenient and offer your dog the means to get nourished and quench his thirst. Imagine, if you dog didn't get water to drink when he was thirsty, he'd probably get very sick due to dehydration. But now all you need to do is fill the dog bowl with fresh water, every morning and evening, and let you precious pooch quench his thirst whenever he wants! Dog bowls are also a necessity because they ensure that your dog is trained to eat, drink, and urinate outside the house. Dog urine could be problem is the pet is not house trained properly.

Since there are dog bowls for all dog breeds, the bowl size is a crucial consideration depending on the needs and requirements of your dog. Most pet owners opt for dog bowls that have a water bowl on one side and food bowl on the other. But don't limit your choices, because there are some really exciting choices for dog bowls in the market! From stainless steel to plastic to glass, dog bowls need to easy to clean, rough and tough, and should defeat bacteria from growing.

Small dogs require small dog bowls, while larger dogs require larger dog bowls because they require more food and water.

Dog Bowls - Here's What You Need To Look For
1. Easy to clean
2. Spill proof
3. Durable
4. Easy to maintain
5. Dishwasher safe
6. Perfectly sized for your breed
7. Safe to use

Dog Bowls - Best Tip Ever!
One of the best types of dog bowls is those that are made of stainless steel and have a rubber bottom with tapered sides. While these bowls are heavy, the rubber bottom ensures that your dog is unable to push his bowl and spill its contents on the floor. The tapered sides have been designed to prevent tipping. And best of all, stainless steel used to makes these dog bowls is not just durable, but easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and can't be chewed, broken or tampered with. Remember to buy a dog bowl that is large enough to contain at least enough water to last a day depending on the size of your canine friend.

Dog Bowls - Top Shopping Tips
If your dog doesn't drink enough water, dog urine may become a problem. An attractive, yet functional dog bowl will not just invite the dog to consume water, but also offer him comfort while drinking water. Here's what you need to look for:

* Durable and indestructible dog bowls that can't be broken, chewed, or thrashed around. Must avoid - light weight plastic, glass, and pottery dog bowls.
* Consider buying bowl holders that prevent the dog bowls from sliding, overturning, or skidding on the ground or floor.

Tip: A dog drinks about 25 ml of water per pound/day or less than an ounce/pound. A 15 pound dog would require a dog bowl that can hold around 15 ounces of water.

Feline Bladder Stone Treatment

Feline bladder stone treatment simply cannot begin until your vet determines what type of stone is causing the problem and to the extent possible, the size and location of the stones. Far too often pet owners believed that one single factor causes these problems and that is simply not true. There can be many causes for these types of problems, and each one can lead to a different type of bladder stone. The actual feline bladder stone treatment option that will work best will depend on the type of material that has formed.

In some cases the best option for feline bladder stone treatment is through medication. In addition, many of these materials can be dissolved through the application of a prescription diet such as Hill's Prescription Diet s/d. Generally, the vet will allow up to six weeks for the material to dissolve and pass through the urinary tract. This is the best outcome, but there are times when this option will not work.

There are some types of feline bladder stones that simply will not dissolve. The use of medication and special diets will have no effect at all on them, and they will remain inside your cat. As time goes on, they will actually increase in size as more crystals form onto them. These can lead to very serious, even life-threatening, health problems. The major concern is that the material will get to a size where it is too large to pass through the urinary tract. This increased size may also lead to complete blockage of the urinary tract, meaning the animal will no longer be able to urinate. When this happens, death often results in about three days.

The feline bladder stone treatment for those cases where the material will not dissolve is surgery. The material must be removed or the prognosis becomes very dim indeed.

It is important to remember that unless appropriate action is taken, the bladder stones may reappear. If the diet was the cause of the problem in the first place, and the diet remains the same after the appropriate feline bladder stone treatment has taken place, the problem will simply come back in time. Your vet should be able to tell you what he or she believes was the cause of the build up, and you should heed their advice on the changes needed to prevent further problems.

The stones probably formed because your cat wasn't drinking enough. In the wild cat's tend to get their moisture through food. Domestic cats are often fed dry food which has 80% less moisture than canned. A simple switch to canned, and providing your cat fresh water in places where your cat likes to be in your home can help.

A natural dietary supplement can also help. These types of products have a long history of supporting the urinary tract and helping to correct the PH of the urine. The PH is what determines the ability of the urine to fight urinary tract infection which causes inflammation. When the urinary tract is inflamed, openings become smaller, which traps crystals, the building block of cat bladder stones.

In many cases, the feline bladder stone treatment course will include follow ups with the vet. It is important to make sure that you keep these appointments as they can often prevent future problems.

Understanding Canine Chronic Bladder Infections

So your dog is peeing anywhere and everywhere-even on your furniture! This could be a case of a serious problem. When canine chronic bladder infections take hold of your pets, they have trouble holding their urine.

Such conditions can be rather tricky to treat and modern veterinary care can be sometimes frustrating with required treatments taking anywhere from weeks to months.

Before you take action, be sure you know exactly what problem your dog is having. Your dog's behavior could simply be a case of submissive urination because he is highly excited and needs some focused training. On the other hand, chronic bladder infection in canines requires a specific course of treatment.

In any event, you want to be sure and get a reliable diagnosis. A trip to the vet is a good idea if you are the least bid worried about your dog's health, you should discuss conventional and other approaches including dietary change and natural approaches.

Sometimes canine chronic bladder infections are not causing the problems at all. If your dog's condition is a behavioral issue, there are some things you can do to handle your pet's disruptive behavior. Many dogs do not have the proper boundaries or leadership. Watch any episode of the "Dog Whisperer" and you will learn that a "pack leader" needs to be established. And, yes, that pack leader would be you, the dog's owner.

Unfortunately, we love our dogs so much that we tend to let them run the show. One look at their cute eyes and cuddly fur and we fall to pieces. But if you really love your dog, establishing some routines will help both of you coexist happily.

When an untrained dog acts submissive to a person or another dog, he usually urinates inappropriately. Normally, submissive urination occurs more frequently in puppies. You see this behavior all the time: your dog playfully rolls on its back, legs happily kicking, and then he suddenly urinates.

With proper daily walking and using tips for calming your dog, this kind of uncontrollable urination can be lessened. But that's not all you can do to help your dog. Chronic bladder infection in canines can be battled with a homeopathic approach.

A good natural treatment can reinforce the healthy bladder and kidney functions in dogs. This way, you can prevent or, if need be, treat canine chronic bladder infections. Even if your dog has had a healthy life, age can cause such urinary incontinence. A soothing, gently herbal tonic can be just the thing your loyal pet needs.

Today, progressive animal doctors are prescribing such herbal treatments as those made with Cantharis. This herbal treatment helps dogs keep a healthy flow of urine as well as soothes the bladder area.

There's no doubt about it, chronic bladder infection in canines is not pretty. It can be heartbreaking to see your pet go through such a struggle. A dog could even be suffering from bladder stones or a partially blocked urethra. Such conditions are very serious and should not be taken lightly.

Keep your dog healthy so you can enjoy your time with them playing and enjoying life rather than making constant trips to the vet.

Stop Your Cat From Spraying

When you spot your cat stand by a door or any other object at home, lifts its tail then urinates then you know that it is spraying on the door or object. Perhaps if you are a neophyte in the cat world, you do not know what spraying means. When a cat is new to a place, it is bound to make that place its territory by spraying. It is not a cat's dilemma as not knowing its own litter box; rather, it sprays for marking a definite location. It is natural for them to spray and usually it is ordinarily done by cats outdoors. Yet, there are cat owners who complain about their cats spraying indoors. It could be troublesome for a home owner if a cat sprays inside the house. Do not worry too much as for every difficulty, there is a solution.

The reason why cats spray can either be one of the following: for marking a location, for calling a mate or for relieving stress.

A cat, just like other territorial type of animals, wants to mark its territory. In order to do this, it sprays a bit of urine on its territory. The smell of the cat's urine will alert other cats and animals to get off its property. It is natural for cats to spray on things, so extend a little understanding towards your cat.

Pheromones are a substance that animals utilize to communicate. This substance is released with the urine sprayed by cats in heat. This hormone is similar to fingerprints because animals use this to identify the kind of creature that sprayed in the location. Often, this hormone is released when cats are in heat. The pheromones tell the other cats that it is searching for a mate. Other cats in heat are attracted towards the scent of the urine due to of the pheromones. This serves as an open invitation to get engaged in procreation. Later, you will get kittens in the house.

Getting rid of stress is another reason why cats spray. It could be stressful for a cat to find another of its kind in its territory. When it catches a glimpse of another animal, it also sprays. The spraying of urine allows the cat to release some of the built-up stress generated by seeing another creature in its territory.

The scent of cat's urine can be odious. The problem is sometimes the cat sprays inside the house. The urine can stain furniture and leave foul odor. When your cat sprays, do something at once like shooing it away.

The most effective way to eradicate this spraying behavior is by neutering or spaying the cat. This applies to both male and female cats. The spraying activity will immediately stop after being neutered. Since a male cat will no longer mate after being neutered, it will get rid of its spraying. It is important to consider whether you do not want to breed your cat or otherwise because spaying or neutering is irreversible. Do not spay or neuter if you still wish to have kittens. Consider another option. It is best to ask for your vet's opinion regarding spraying if you do not want to sterilize your cat.

Various Breeds of Cats and Their Food

When you buy a cat food for your cat you should know the type of cat food that will be perfect for your cat as they tend to be quite finicky regarding their tastes.

Cat breeds & cat food complement each other. Cats are quite popular pets and there is an estimated 57 million pet cats in the US only and this includes the various cat breeds in the world. Each of the cat breeds has a different characteristic & personality. Persian cats are one of the most popular breeds and one of the oldest too. Also known as longhair or Persian longhair in Britain, they actually arrived in Britain from Iran and can be found all over the world today.

Show-quality cat breeds have started to become quite popular and the Persian cat is one of the best show quality cat breed. They have long thick coats, wide head with ears that are set quite far apart, short legs, large eyes, and an a fore-shortened muzzle. If you have a Persian cat then you need to clean her eyes on a daily basis as it can often become gooey. Persian cats can be quite fussy about their food and hence you need to provide her with top quality cat food. The cat food should contain healthy amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals.

You've probably been there before - standing in front of shelves loaded with dozens of cat food packages. Dry or canned? Senior, Growth or maintenance? Premium or maybe super-premium? And if you manage to get past all of these mind boggling questions - what about selecting a flavour for your gourmet of a cat?

Most vets will advise you to provide her with meat based cat food. Cats love fish, meat and milk and hence, you should provide your lovely Persian cat with enough of the above so that it helps her to grow stronger. There are several brands of cat food that offer healthy and nutritious food. If you are not aware of the type of cat foods that you need to provide your cat then consult a vet for guidance.

Cat food should primarily consist of the following ingredients: Chicken, rice, chicken meal, corn gluten meal, corn, chicken fat (naturally preserved and mixed with rosemary extract, tocopherols, and citric acid), pea fiber, dried egg powder, natural chicken flavor, rice hulls, salmon oil, beet pulp, ground psyllium, sodium silico aluminate, soya oil, potassium chloride, L-lysine, fructo-oligosaccharides, DL-methionine, choline chloride, calcium carbonate, borage oil, sodium tripolyphosphate, brewers yeast extract (Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation solubles), taurine, inositol, Vitamins (dl-alpha tocopherol-source for vitamin E), niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (vitamin C), biotin, riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), thiamine mononit vitamin A acetate, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement, Trace Minerals like zinc oxide, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper sulfate, sodium selenite, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, marigold extract and potassium citrate.

One of the important things that you need to keep in mind is the quantity of certain cat food items like the following:
·Crude Protein should be =/>30.0%
·Crude Fat should be =/> 22.0%
·Crude Fiber should be =/< 7.6%
·Moisture should be =/< 9.0%
·Magnesium should be =/< 0.09%
·Taurine should be =/> 0.28%
·Vitamin E should be =/> 600 mg/kg
·Vitamin C should be =/> 300 mg/kg
·Omega 6 should be =/> 5.35%
·Omega 3 should be =/> 0.85%

What Are All the Ingredients Used to Make Healthy Dog Cakes?

Food treats are the best way to reward a dog for being efficient and active in training or for being so kind and affectionate to the masters. Food rewards are said to be the best way of building good behavior in dogs. Masters can also make them happier by giving birthday food treats by ordering cakes in a dog bakery.

The food products baked in dog bakery are usually made with all natural ingredients which will be healthy and delightful for pets. No artificial calamities are added to give artificial color and growth. The ultimate aim of the dog bakery is to provide proper nourishment and healthy growth to the dogs by adding sufficient natural ingredients which dog usually prefer to eat. The ingredient usually contains fiber-rich minerals, wheat flours, purified milk, chocolates and vegetable oils which are always considered as healthy nutrients. It’s better to avoid heavy meat solids, onion, garlic, grapes and nuts since it may be toxic and harmful to dogs sometimes. Most of the products are baked in favor of dog’s tastes and ingredients which dogs don’t like to eat are normally avoided. All the healthy ingredients like milks and vegetables are directly taken from farms in order to maintain the freshness of the product.

Foods treats are rewarded to dogs in order to encourage them and to provide vitamin rich nutrients to keep them healthy. There are also different flavors of baked cakes available especially for dogs. Flavors like chocolate, strawberry, vanilla will be preferable for dogs to eat. The ingredients used in these flavors are original peanut butter, molasses, natural cheese, honey and milk. All the ingredients used are top favorite for dogs so they will enjoy eating the food treat for sure. These food treat cake biscuits are available in different sizes and shapes in which dogs can choose for the best suitable one.

There are some bakeries providing healthy meat enriched with normal food items for meat preferred dogs. But it is also necessary to check whether the meat contained is freshly made or not.

Allergies are most common among dogs due to intake of some non-suitable food ingredients like fatty oils and nuts. Before providing food treat to dogs, it is must to check for the ingredient content added in food with some medical specialists especially during the period of illness. Usually foods made of high fat solids and chicken made nuts may cause harmfulness to dogs. It’s better to avoid those ingredients in order maintain healthiness for your pets. Dog bakery shops may offer food items with low pricings in order to attract customers by providing low quality ingredients, so it is necessary to consider those precautions before ordering food cakes. Hope the above said facts will be helpful for you to know about the guidelines on dog food treats.

How To Stop Your Dog Digging

Dogs have a natural inclination to dig holes. It is instinctive behavior, but can be extremely destructive and inappropriate for dogs that spend a great deal of time in yards. A digging dog can ruin a great landscaping job, creating both great annoyance and expense for his owner. If your dog is a problem digger, there are three effective means by which to combat this frustrating behavior. These three guidelines, used in concert, will often eliminate digging behavior in dogs.

Address Your Dogs Comfort

First, it is important to realize one of the most common motivations for digging. Dogs often dig holes as a means of personal climate control. On hot days a dog may dig himself a cooling well. His newly dug hole will be a place for him to rest on a surface that is cooler than the rest of the ground.

If your dog's digging habits seem to be related to heat, it is easy to solve the problem simply by addressing his needs. By providing a cool, shaded location in the yard, your dog may no longer feel a need to dig. Many have found that the use of a kiddy pool or other larger tub containing some water may also be of use in this endeavor. By making the dog's surroundings cooler, you can easily eliminate his need to remove chunks of the yard to relax.

Likewise, dogs will sometimes dig to create a warm space during cold weather. By digging a small pit in which they can rest, the dog creates a space removed from brisk winds. Again, it is relatively easy to address the situation. Providing a warm space, such as a well-insulated doghouse can reduce the dog's need to dig holes throughout your lawn.

By tending to their comfort, one can reduce a prime motivator of digging behavior. Keeping a pet adequately cooled during the summer and sufficiently warm in the winter is one of the most simple, yet effective, means of eliminating digging.

Exercise Your Dog Adequately

Dogs will also dig when they are inadequately exercised or are overly confined. A dog with excess energy to burn may turn to digging as a means of release. A dog who feels confined in his yard and yearns to run free will be likewise attracted to the prospect of digging those annoying holes.

This cause for digging can be addressed simply by making sure your dog is adequately exercised. Regular walks, play opportunities and other exercise outlets will leave your dog better rested and less inclined to dig. The value of exercising a dog is immeasurable. It produces a happier, calmer dog who is more receptive to training and who is likely to be considerably more healthy than his under-exercised brethren. Thus, exercise should be pursued in all cases with all dogs. However, it brings with it the additional advantage of decreasing the level of interest the dog will show in digging.

Keep Your Dog Entertained

Digging can also be symptomatic of boredom. A dog with little to do may find the instinctive behavior of digging holes to be a great way to occupy his time. The bored dog is more likely to seek solace in the instinctive act of digging holes than is the appropriately engaged pet.

As such, one can combat digging simply by making sure the dog has sufficient alternative sources of entertainment. As previously mentioned, regular exercise and activity offers hope in reducing digging behavior. Additionally, the presence of attractive and entertaining toys can provide a dog with other ways to spend his time and can reduce the likelihood that he will dig holes.

Dogs who are simply left alone in a yard with little else to do are, not surprisingly, apt to invent their own diversions. As digging is an instinctive activity, it is often latched upon as something to do for an otherwise bored dog. By providing more attractive play activities, one can remove this frequent cause of destructive digging behavior.

There are certainly other reasons why dogs dig and there are certainly problem dogs whose digging behavior will not immediately cease simply by following the three rules covered here. However, most dogs will curtail their destructive digging if their climate is appropriately managed, they are adequately exercised and they are provided with alternative diversions.

Though instinctive, digging is not necessarily inevitable. By tending to needs of the dog, one can reduce instances of inappropriate digging.

Dog Agility Training: Bring Out the Athlete in Your Dog

Agility training for dogs is a sport that is quickly growing in popularity, and is a terrific outlet for your dog's abundant energies. The agility training gets him into the best shape of his life, and also increases his mental sharpness through problem solving.

A dog that is well exercised and happy is much more likely to refrain from bad behaviors. Following so much activity, he will be more in a mood to kick back than to cause any problems.

Agility training isn't for all breed. For instance, dogs descended from the working breeds such as Retrievers, Shepherds, Herding Breeds (collies, cattle dogs) Spaniels and Terriers are physically more suited for the agility training than very large breeds such as Great Danes, St. Bernards or a Mastiff. It's all I can do to get a Bullmastiff I dog sit to even go for a brisk walk. The very large breeds tend to tire out too quickly and aren't gifted by nature for this type of activity. If a breed of dogs is too small, it is also unable to meet the physical demands of agility training-for instance, they can't make it over the jumps.

If your dog is very athletic and energetic and of the right size he may make a good candidate for agility training. Make sure you have already obedience trained your dog before trying to teach him the agility exercises. Be sure that you include dog training hand signals [http://www.behavedoggy.com/dog-training-hand-signals/] during your dog's obedience training. That is because your dog will really need to listen and pay attention to your directions and hand signals to do the agility tricks required.

Besides knowing the basic sit, down, stay and heel commands, your dog will need to know when to turn right or left, go fast or slow by watching your hand signals. Therefore, pay attention to getting a good foundation with general obedience training first, before trying the agility training.

Wait until your dog has grown to full size prior to starting the agility training. A puppy won't be ready for the obstacle courses until he has become full grown. Most dogs are ready at about 1 year of age, although some larger breeds are still growing a bit. Agility training exercises for older dogs, after about age 8, are not recommended-it is just too rigorous for them anymore.

Check out a Dog Agility Club in your area if you are interested in watching these dogs perform. It is really fun to see these dogs performing the obstacle course exercises. You have probably already seen an agility competition on TV, and have an idea of just how well trained these agility dogs are. The tricks these dogs learn through their agility training is really something to see. There are a variety of obstacles that the dogs must either go over, go through (tunnels) or go under, that require not only a physically gifted dog, but some terrific attention to training too.

If you watch an agility competition, it is clear that the dogs and their handlers are having a great time. Any dog enthusiast will really enjoy seeing the kinds of results that agility training for dogs produces. It is no wonder so many people are becoming interested in dog agility clubs.

Through the agility training exercises, your dog will learn how to do things like crawl through a tunnel, walk over a teeter-tooter, jump over hurdles, climb up and down a tall A-frame structure, and weave his way through a series of "weave poles". All these obstacles together serve to test your dog's conditioning and agility. Another good side benefit of the training will also be exercising you right along with your dog.

If the idea of agility training for your dog seems to fit his size and personality, you can check out an agility club and get started. Don't be intimidated by how difficult the exercises look. You can progressively teach your dog his agility training step by step so the training is doable.

Feeding Aggression on Dogs

A lot of dog owners really love feeding time. Dogs know when feeding time is, and they are very demonstrative about how happy they are when feeding time comes around. While all dogs are happy about the prospect of being fed though, some dogs tend to behave quite aggressively once their food has been served. Some dogs growl if someone is too near them while they eat, worse still, some dogs go to the extent of snapping at anyone they perceive as "too close" while they are feeding. This type of aggression in dogs is quite common, but it should not go uncurbed, as it could deteriorate into other forms of aggression if simply left unchecked.

The key to checking such aggression early is in showing your dog who the boss is. You don't need to actually punish your dog to get that message across. The best way to demonstrate you are the boss is by establishing a consistent feeding schedule. Feed your dog only at certain preset times, don't deviate from your routine. Don't feed your dog anything in between meals, and get the cooperation of other household members who interact with your dog. In the event that your dog is too full to eat during mealtime, don't leave the food out, feed your pet again only at the next scheduled mealtime.

Establishing a rigid schedule will give your dog a clear picture of who dictates when and how much he or she eats. This is essential if you want to curb your dog's aggression while eating. A second important thing to establish is the order of importance; always feed your dog after your family and not before. If your dog begs at the table, don't allow him or her to be fed. Feed your dog after your family is finished eating. That way, the dog will understand his or her rank in terms of superiority in the house. This again will go a long way towards toning down your dog's aggression.

Giving table scraps is never a good practice for many reasons: First of all, it's unsanitary, your dog will probably end up taking the food away and trying to eat it somewhere else and wherever he or she does eat, it will be a mess after. Secondly, dog food is nutritionally balanced to be ideal for dogs, and scraps from the table will upset that balance. Third, it is disastrous from a behavioral standpoint, your dog will feel that you can be manipulated and this will upset your established schedule and undermine your credibility as the master. When feeding time does come around though, make sure that while training your dog, someone is there to watch him or her eat, this will also help drive home the point that people will not try to take away their food.

With young dogs the tips we've given should be enough to eventually eliminate this sort of aggression early. If however, you are trying to train an older dog, you may need to use and additional method: that of not giving the food all at once. Let your dog have a small amount, and when he or she finishes, give more, repeat until your dog has eaten the correct amount as prescribed by your vet, or the packaging of your dog food; that way your dog is more likely to deduce that you are a giver of food, not somebody who takes it away.

Aggression at feeding time is a primal instinct, after all, in the wild, dogs are largely predators, and their instinct is to defend their food against other predators. With patience and consistency though, your dog can be taught that he or she shouldn't misbehave at feeding time.