My Dumb Dog

April 26, 2009

Researchers Say That Dogs and Cats Can Not Only Contract Salmonella But Can Transmit The Illness To Humans

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 12:12 am

CANTON, Ga. - Bert Kanist didn’t think anything of it when he gave his dog Ozzie a treat one day last month, two packages of peanut butter crackers.

Within hours, Ozzie was terribly sick.

He was vomiting, Kanist said in his home in this suburb of Atlanta. He had diarrhea. His knees were wobbly.

The day after, Ozzie died. But Kanist’s second dog, Snickers a pound mutt, similar to Ozzie refused the crackers and was just fine.

The crackers were from the Austin brand, made by Kellogg Co. Kellogg recalled them in January because they were made with peanut paste manufactured by Peanut Corp. of America of Lynchburg, Va., whose salmonella-contaminated items are at fault for sickening more than 500 persons and could possibly have caused at least eight deaths.

The Austin foods were just one of more than 420 items that companies across the food industry have recalled because they could possibly be poisoned with salmonella, which most people probably think of only as a human pathogen.

Although food safety experts say pets can be equally at risk, either from eating poisoned pet food or poisoned people food. That’s why at least 14 brands of pet treats are on the F.D.A. or Food and Drug Administration’s list of products that have been recalled since Jan. 1 because they were manufactured with foods from Peanut Corp. of America.

From Owner To Dog And Back Again

As hard as it may be to lose a beloved pet to salmonellosis, doctors say an infected pet poses a bigger problem: It could infect its owner, because the bacterium Salmonella spp. can be transmitted via waste or saliva.

That means you could contract salmonellosis simply by letting your dog lick you, veterinarians say.

Even if their animals show no signs of the poisoning, owners should always be careful. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine said last year that they can easily isolate Salmonella spp. from healthy-looking dogs and cats, making them classic carrier animals.

Pets may suffer salmonellosis as a ‘reverse zoonosis,’ with infection transmitted from human-to-animal and subsequently back to other humans, the researchers wrote. Similarly, outbreaks of salmonella infections in large veterinarian teaching hospitals have been linked to the introduction of bacteria from infected human students, with subsequent spread to animals and then back to other human students.

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April 25, 2009

Helpful Dog Supplies

Filed under: Training Tips — Tags: , , — admin @ 6:50 am

It’s important for owners of gun dogs to know that the tools and supplies required for hunting dogs is quite different from those required for family pets. At any given time, our pets may be kept outdoors during inclement weather, but for the most part, pets are kept indoor when bad weather presents itself. But for hunting dogs, the story changes; when they join you for hunting, they will be outdoors in all types of weather conditions. As a hunting dog owner, you will need to ensure his comfort as best as possible.

Dog vests

A dog vest can be an invaluable tool for your dog’s protection. You might see smaller dogs wearing little sweaters or vests for warmth and protection against bad weather, but it becomes very necessary for hunting dogs. In the same way as you would guard yourself against chill and cold, you should make sure that your dog will be comfortable while he’s hunting in all types of weather. You can help your dog by getting him a warm, insulated vest that is comfortable for him when it gets cold. You can get well-insulated vests at specialty hunting dog supply shops.

Dog doors

If you have a fenced yard or an area that is contained, you might want to consider a dog door that will allow your dog to go outdoors without you in bad weatther. This is great for both family dogs and hunting dogs, and you’ll find that installation is very easy and your dog will be able to go outside unsupervised in no time. Safe and efficient, it will allow your dog to go outside and enter as he pleases, but won’t allow humans to enter because it simply is not big enough. Good quality dog doors are not only easy to install, but are insulated so that heat won’t leave your home. Most pet stores and hunting dog supply shops will sell many types of doggie doors.

Dog Collars

Regardless of the type of dog you have you are going to need specific supplies. For those with hunting dogs, a dog training collar may make the difference between a well trained hunting dog and one who goes off on his own. These correction collars can be purchased nearly any place that sells dog supplies. For owners of hunting dogs and a tracking collar may be a necessity. Tracking collars will typically only be sold at a store that specializes in hunting dog supplies.

Making sure that your dog regardless of whether he is a pet or hunting companion is well behaved, safe, warm, and comfortable is your responsibility. Finding your hunting dog supplies can be done in stores or can be done online.

April 24, 2009

Read About How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Filed under: Health — admin @ 7:54 am

Some dogs will let you do what you will for them without a fight and some would rather gnaw off the hand that feeds them than sit still for a simple ear cleaning. Kiwi, the Wonder Pug will spin and roll around hoping that you will exhaust yourself before you accomplish your mission, but if not, then you win and she will lie still for whatever it is that you want to do to her. My Pavlova, however is far more dedicated in foiling plans- there is just no out lasting that wiggly Chihuahua mix. Osgood is resigned that he will never make his people not do things to him, so he sits with his sad little head down and waits for it to be over.

For a larger dog, having him lie on a table will be safest for him and easiest for you. Make sure that he feels safe and secure when he is up there, and speak quietly and reassuringly to him while you work. Wrap you arm around him and grasp his upper leg area to prevent him from trying to get up while you take a look inside of his ears. Do not dig inside the ear canal for any reason, leave that to a vet. If the dog’s ear are excessively dirty, or there is any chance that you are looking at an ear mite infestation, then by all means schedule a vet check. Otherwise, take a wet cotton ball, or soft cloth and wash the outer portions of the dog’s ears, taking care not to allow too much water to get down into the ear canal itself. Continue to reassure your pet while you work and try not to be too slow about it. If your dog has really long ears, you can flip them over, but some dogs truly seem to loathe this.

As amusing as it might seem, a smaller dog might actually be harder to get a good hold on or to keep down, so you might need to recruit a helper for this one. Have the assistant hold the dog nice and firmly, maybe even wrapping her in a towel or small blanket while you are working to prevent wriggling or kicking. Again, speak gently to your pet, letting it know that all will be well in just a matter of time. Inspect the ears just as described above. If your dog’s head and ears are darkly colored, you might need brighter lighting or even a small flashlight to get a good visual on the inner ear.

Ask your veterinarian to show you exactly the best technique for your particular breed and what exactly you are looking for. Some breeds are more prone to ear infections, and dogs have more problems with their ears than cats do, so watch for signs of an impending problems. Floppy eared breeds (blood hounds, beagles, etc.) are the most susceptible to ear problems, but all breeds should be checked regularly. For more info you should check out a Dog Teaching site.

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April 23, 2009

Learn Important Tips About Getting your Pooch to Take a Pill

Filed under: Health — admin @ 3:07 pm

Today dogs have become like another child. We put clothes on them, buy beds for them and worry about there health. That is why a dog’s health should definitely be the top concern. There are many vitamins for promoting health and a vast range of medicines to heal. In our modern times we now have drugs to cure infections, get rid of parasites, dog diseases, and many other medical conditions that may occur. However there are not very many canine drugs that are available in tasty tablets like many vitamins on the market. Most of the drugs are bitter tasting and our canine companions usually try to run and hide when they see the capsules coming their way.

There are many tricks to administer medicine you might try if you have difficulty giving your canine their daily vitamin or medicine. The first way is to go to your dog and give him a tasty treat without a pill. It should be something strong tasting such as peanut butter or soft cheese on a cracker. Then quickly give him the pill covered in the same tasty thing. This helps to get a good taste in their mouth first and then hopefully they will be excited and just swallow it down. They also make easy to use pill pouches in various flavors that dogs love that are not as messy.

The second way is for the more sly dogs; the ones who hide the pill in their mouth until you are not paying attention and then just spit it out on the floor. This method unfortunately is a little more hands on but with your gentle voice and soft hand you can make the experience a decent one. Remember to always go to your dog first. Do not call their name. They might associate that with pill time and be fearful. First have your dog sit (reassure him) then carefully take one hand and open their mouth. With the other hand place the pill as far back in the throat as you can keeping the head tilted up. Calmly stroke their throat as this will cause them to swallow the pill. Then quickly praise your dog with verbal praise and maybe his most favorite delicious treat after the pill has been swallowed. This will create a positive experience for your canine and hopefully they will remember the tasty treat next time.

The real truth is that our dogs don’t live nearly as long as we do. So as dog owners we try to make their lives as comfortable as we can. Not only is it not fun to have to take a unhealthy dog to the vet for a vet bill, it is not fun to see your pooch sick. So by bringing positive association into the pill taking process, you should be able to administer any pills that they might need to take in the future. We care for our dogs and always try to do what is best for them. After all, if we care for our best friends right they will be healthy and happy and live a long life.

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April 22, 2009

Get Practical Info - What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Dog

Filed under: Family Issues — admin @ 6:17 am

After years of asking and begging, you have finally agreed to allow your children to have a pet that will complete the family unit. Before you rush out and buy the first dog that melts your heart with it’s (ahem) puppy dog eyes, there are a few things to know. Make sure that you do your research and agree on a size and breed before you look at the first puppy (if that is what you choose to get), and remind your children that you have the final say on what is and is not acceptable and that any arguments will equal no dog for that trip. It might actually be a better idea to look at several dogs and then have a family meeting to discuss everybody’s choice before the final decision is made. Be sure that everybody is on the same page before heading out to avoid tantrums. If you want Dog Teaching advice check out the Dog Teaching site.

Most experts agree that a child should be at least five years old before a new pet is introduced into their lives, before that they may not be able to understand the concept of playing nicely, or may be afraid of the dog for whatever reason. Remember, a new pet and fear never mix well. Observe your children with other people’s pets, or take them to a pet shop or shelter for a practice run. Do they pet the dogs calmly and slowly, or do they grab and lunge? Remind your child of how a dog likes to be approached, and why they need to follow this rule: this is a set in stone rule, no exceptions!

After you are confident that your child is actually ready for the next step, consider a few things about your families personality, lifestyle and availability. Are you a busy, on the go family with many, many outside interests, or are you a stay at home, nesting type family? If both adults work, and the children are gone at school, how will you handle all of that alone time with your new, furry bundle of joy? Will you crate train your puppy, or will you consider a doggy day care? Consider how needy a breed can be before you look at them, what good is a loving, little lap dog if there is never a lap for him to snuggle on? If you have found yourself packing on the pounds, get a sturdy, mid size breed that will not only be your best friend no matter what, but will joyfully exercise with you as well. Knowing that you have to walk the dog will motivate you- no one wants to do the bloated waddle around the block with their playful pooch dragging them along. If you want a great Dog Teaching site check it out now.

If this is a second pet, to serve as company for an established dog, consider an older dog, ideally from a shelter. Not only will you have the satisfaction of knowing that you have saved a life, an older dog will generally have less of the biting, hyper issues of a new puppy, making it easier for the established dog and the family. Introduce the two slowly, and let them define the parameters of their relationship. Most shelters encourage you pre-adoption meetings, so consider asking if you can bring your pet in to meet the prospective new family member and remember, not all dogs will fall into instant (dare I say it?) puppy love.

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April 21, 2009

Does My Dog Have Separation Anxiety?

Filed under: Behavior Issues — admin @ 9:35 pm

A common issue that many dog owners have with their 4 legged friends, is separation anxiety. What exactly is separation anxiety? It is a condition that is disruptive behavior that occurs when a dog is left alone as a distress response to separation from the person or persons to whom it is attached. Fortunatly, there are several ways you can help soothe and ease your dog if they are suffering from separation anxiety. Be sure to get your dog a nice orthopedic pet beds to help relieve his stress and anxiety.

First, while it is healthy and positive for you to give your puppy or dog lots of attention and affection, avoid spending all your time with your pooch! From the very beginning you should be getting your pet used to being without you. This should be done gradually so as not to cause your pup or dog trauma which can lead to negative behaviors and mindset. Start by going to a different room and closing the door behind you, leaving your dog by himself in another room. Do this several times every day. Next, leave him alone in the house for five minutes, then fifteen, and so on, until he is comfortable enough to be left alone for several hours at a time. You may also look into getting a nice big dog beds for your dog, so he will be comfortable.

Secondly, being home alone should be a positive and enjoyable experience for your dog. So to insure a positive association when you go away, give your dog a new toy before you leave the house. Provide him with different toys when you are home so he doesn’t associate the toys with you going out and leaving him. Another strategy is to give him his favorite snack or a hollow bone filled with tasty treats that will take the dog a while to finish. By doing these simple things, you are relieving their tension, anxiety, and feelings of fear. Your dog will enjoy these comforting activities while you are away. Be sure to view these dog supplies and choose some that will comfort your doggy.

When the time comes when you must confine your dog when you will be away, you will need to create a positive association with the room they will be staying in. Use special toys that are only to be used when your dog is confined as well as chew treats to make the room or space fun! Make a point to spend time with your dog in that space or room to further give them a wonderful association and experience. Do not put your dog in a crate! This will only reinforce loneliness and anxiety.

Next you want to not make a big deal or fuss about leaving. Don’t feel guilty about leaving either. Ignore your dog for atleast 10 minutes before leaving the house and then do the same thing when you return. The reason for this is it will diminsh your dog’s need for excitement and anxiety for you leaving and when you arrive home.

Last but not least, you can eliminate separation anxiety by giving them enough exercise. This does not mean run them until they are ragged or put them through a “boot camp”. Simply give them enough exercise so that they are relaxed and tired. A brisk walk or jog are great ways of exercise that will relax and tire your dog without pushing them to exhaustion. If they are tired and relaxed then they are less likely to have the energy to dwell on you leaving and being stressed out by it.

April 20, 2009

Children and Puppies How To Socialize The New Puppy With Your Kids

Filed under: Family Issues — admin @ 3:09 am

Puppies, especially when they are new to your family can be an exciting event in your lives especially if you have children. It is quite the memorable experience when you have prepared for a new puppy and chosen that special friend whether it’s from a shelter, pet store, or breeder and you bring it into the home for the very first time! Be sure to view these raised dog bowl for your doggie right away.

As exciting as this event is, if you have children you must supervise every interaction between a puppy and your kids for at least the first few days following your puppy’s first days in their new home! To effectively provide positive socialization between your child and your new canine companion, follow these helpful tips! First, have your child sit on the floor with his or her legs crossed. Carefully and slowly bring the puppy to your child. Tell your child to lay out “their gentle hands” with palms down and knuckle side up so that puppy can sniff their hands. Be sure that you take a look at pajamas for dogs and discount dog clothes for your puppies and older doggies.

Allow pup to sniff on their own time. This will require a little patience, but you should never force the puppy to sniff. Then the puppy is done sniffing(they will let you know) your child’s scent, gently pick the puppy up and place gently in your child’s lap. Let him or her pet the puppy, while always indicating they need to use “gentle hands” while doing so. Don’t forget to be encouraging to your child, this is a new experience for them as well! There a 2 things that your puppy will do. First the puppy may stay on your child’s lap, enjoying the pampering and attention they are getting. They may also fall asleep.

Second, he will leave to walk around and explore his new environment. If he decides to explore, let him do it while you are watching to make sure that he doesn’t get himself into any kind of danger. You will also want to encourage your child to not react loudly or feel badly if pup decides to do this because it is a good thing for them to look around their new home. Any child I don’t care who they are, weill be thrilled and amazed with their puppy and like with most children, they will want to grab their pup and pull them back onto their laps to cuddle with.

You as a parent and responsible dog owner must remind them to be gentle while petting. You will want to discourgage such things as grabbing, poking, or pulling at the new puppy as this could cause injury or fearful and aggressive behaviors. If puppy suddenly bolts from your child’s lap, remember that this little guy or gal may still be going through separation anxiety from being away from its mother or wants to explore their new surroundings.

If your child feels discouraged by this behavior and feels that their puppy “dislikes” them, just reassure them that the puppy is like a baby and wants to explore their new home and may be missing its mother! Boost your child’s confidence by reassuring them that by them giving the new puppy it’s space that they are doing what is best and making their new friendship stronger! After letting your new puppy have another look around their surroundings, gently pick them up again and place them in your child’s lap.

To keep them there, give them one or two of their favorite treats that you’ve brought with you. If he starts to show signs of wanting to escape, show him the treat and have your child gently feed it to him. Your child should place the treat on their palm for the puppy to lick, not on her fingertips where the puppy can accidentally nip them while he grabs for the food. Being calm and keeping a low voice, and staying positive is a great way to create an exciting and long lasting friendship with your family!

April 19, 2009

Dogs Are So Much More Than Just Pets

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 11:31 am

Dogs are unique animals because they can immediately become a part of your family.If you have had your dog a long time then you know this is true. This animal and human relationship is so strong that it even goes back to the prehistoric times.

Just imagine, a prehistoric hunter finds a lost wolf cub and brings the cub home and cares for it.Eventually, they may have found out that the cub became a part of their family. To top it off the hunter probably found that the wolf was helpful for practical reasons as well.

Part of the reason for this is because wolves and dogs in general have similar social systems to those in the human world. They survive with the lead of an adult male who is dominant over all others in the pack. If the leader oversteps his boundaries then a strong and competent female will step in.

A dog pack must work together just like a human family. There are social bonds and loyalty on both sides.A group of dogs will always come together when it matters, even if they fight at other times.

Dogs have a great number of strengths.They are incredibly alert and have a strong sense of smell. Their ability to survive on something as small as food scraps makes them ideal to have around whether you’re referring to ancient or modern times.

Of course, the wolf pack that prehistoric man would have found isn’t quite as gentle and kind as the dogs we keep in our homes today.Wolves were suited to the personalities of prehistoric people, much like dog’s today are suited to us. It is our own domestication of dogs that makes them more and more suitable to living the family lifestyle with each passing generation of dog.

The bond between dog culture and human culture is very strong.It doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have, it is a friend that will stick with you for life.

You might not use the dog as you primary means of survival like some groups did years ago, but it’s likely your dog has its own role. Some of the roles dogs take on today are:

* Herding stock
* Drug detecting
* Leading the blind
* Home protection
* Rescue services

Beyond those extraordinary roles your dog can develop a special, emotional bond with you and the other members of your family. Whether you’re ready to have a good time or need some extra comforting, your dog will be there.

It’s important to nurture and care for your dog so that they can thrive.As long as you give them food and attention you will have a friend for life.

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April 18, 2009

Proper Dog Identification

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 10:27 pm

If you are looking for some dog pajamas or dog supplies be sure to view the resources provided to you right away.

One of the first responsibilities as a pet owner is to make sure your puppy or dog has identification tags or even a id microchip. Having identifying tags or chips provide you with assurance that should your dog wander away from home, get lost, or stolen that they can be identified and gotten back to you!

There are two basic types of identifying products you can try! First is the basic license or id tag with collar. Usually these can be custom made tags in an assortment of colors and styles and types of plastic and metals that have a dog’s name, owners name, address, and perhaps your vet’s name. The downside to the tags is that they can be easily removed by dog thieves and you have a slim chance of being reunited with your beloved canine family member.

The other type of id you can get for your dog is the microchip. Microchips have been around a long time and have come a long way. The microchips are today function with a 134.2kHz in order to conform to internationally used microchip systems. Microchips are surgically implanted under your dog’s skin between their shoulder blades. It’s typically painless. The microchip itself is programmed with all the identifying information that you as the owner supply. It is then uploaded and stored in a national database. It takes a special scanner to read the microchip’s information, but this type of identity marker is better than the tags because it can’t be just ripped off and discarded. Be sure to pick up some cheap dog clothes for you doggie today.

Another form of identification that is typically low cost is tattooing. This is where your veterinarian would tattoo the inside of the ear or on the stomach with puppy’s name and your phone number. The only cons are that tattoos can be altered or fade and you don’t want to have to re-tattoo every time you change your phone number.

April 17, 2009

I Need an Exercise Pen For My Puppy

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 11:00 pm

You could have a small yard or a huge yard; it makes no difference to a dog, especially a curious puppy. They are all escape artists! Investing in a dog fence doesn’t only keep your dog safetly in your own yard and keeps them from running stray, but they also protect your pooch from other dogs that might be aggressive, sickly, or in heat. Keeping your dog inside a fence is just another responsibility as a pet owner. This is just one of the many dog accessories that you will need to purchase for your dog.

There are two types of fencing, and depending on your needs the decision is up to you! First off, you will want to assess what your budget for a fence is. Second, what size is your dog and what is their degree of strength? If your dog is a pup, then you will want to think about how large he or she will be at adult hood, and remember puppies grow pretty fast.

Some communities have regulations and restrictions on fences. So you will want to know those and last but not least, what are your expectations? If you have a pretty big budget and style is first on your mind, then you may want to go with the most decorative in fencing such as wrought iron, wood stockade, or masonry. These fences are sure to not only keep your beloved pet enclosed and protected but also will add to the beauty of your home. However, if budget is more important that style, then you might want to choose more practical choices such as chain link fence or standard farm type chain link. You can help your budget out if you purchase bulk dog treats, because you always save when you buy larger quantities.

Another type of fencing that is affordable is electronic fencing. Electronic fencing are special because they use a buried or hidden wire system. These fences use electric shocks to deter animals or people from crossing a boundary. The shocks can be set at a voltage that emits a shock that can be as low as causing mild to moderate discomfort or a higher shock that would be more of a painful stimulii. The most preferred that is both economical and stylish is a simple wooden constructed fence.

However if you live in a housing edition or community where they will only allow a non-visible style fencing, then go with the electronic fencing, and if you have a short haired dog you will want to pick up some dog sweaters to keep your dog warm while outside. Electronic Fence Warning: There are many cases when a dog that has a strong innate desire to chase an animal or a car will prod right through the invisible barrier while seemingly ignoring the warning beeps of the structure and ultimately absorbing the electronic shock that is initiated. Your dog may then be uninterested in reentering the yard after the chase is over. Another downside to electronic fencing is that they do not provide your dog with any protection from strangers or other animals from entering their area.

When you get to the construction phase, keep in mind a few tips : Consider the size of the spacing that runs between the bars or wires of a farm-type fence or iron fence. No owner wants to get their fence up and find that their puppy or dog has played Houdini and escaped because the spacing was too wide.Consider also the design in connection with your dog’s climbing abilities.

Breeds such as Pit-Bulls, Huskies, and other dogs similar will need fences that cannot be climbed over or easily knocked down, chewed or clawed. In this circumstance, here is a good rule to follow: 5

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