|
Dec 272009
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR DOG FROM OUTDOOR SHOCK – www.StreetZaps.com
WHY URBAN METAL ISN’T PRECIOUS -Blair Sorrel, Founder, www.StreetZaps.com
Of course, you want a worry-free walk year-round, so adopt this simple strategy:
EYEBALL THE BLOCK, AVOID A SHOCK.
Take just a few seconds to survey the immediate surroundings and make your trajectory toward a non-conductive surface, ie., plastic, wood, cardboard, rather than risking any metal or electrical fixture. The lowly, free-standing garbage bag, is you and your dog’s best friend, most of the time, unless it’s snowed and salted. Consider the safer, hardware-free RopeNGo leash and harness to help shield against a possible zapping and for greater peace of mind.
CONTACT VOLTAGE IS, INDEED, A BITCH.
Your pooch’s sex is irrelevant. True, the most gruesome scenario is that of a male dog electrocuted by its ricocheting urine, but contact voltage is just that, mere interaction with an energized surface. Our poster girl pooch sidled a fire hydrant and limped for five days. Intuit your dog’s cues, if resistant to an area, choose an alternative route. Elude potentially live work areas or carry your canine, if necessary. Opt for indoor products such as The Pet Loo, Hammacher Schlemmer’s Indoor Restroom, or Wee-Wee Pads, if external conditions are ominous. Dog booties can leak and make your pooch even more vulnerable.
ARE YOU PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE WITH YOUR DOG?
Any of these fixtures might be dangerous, so again, choose non-conductive where and when possible. (link to home page fixtures listed below and/or the visuals page):
View All Images
– Street & Traffic Lights can leak if damaged internally, even if the compartment is fully closed and the light is not illuminated
– While wooden blocks anchor Scaffolding or Sidewalk Sheds, be aware that sloppy wiring by a contractor and/or the use of lighting equipment which is NOT WATER-PROOFED or even suitable for outdoor usage, may still shock a passerby.
– ATM Vestibules
– Decorative Lighting
– Dog Booties may increase
the risk of a shock
– Electrical Boxes
– Fire Hydrants
– Fire Police Call Boxes
– Manhole Covers
– Muni Meters
– Phone Booths
– Service Boxes
– Street Light Boxes
– Traffic Boxes
– Work Areas
After all, why chance it when there’s a choice?
BETWEEN YOU, ME, AND THE LAMPPOST.
Tampered equipment can become pernicious so please map damaged fixtures and known hot spots to admonish other pedestrians and alert the utility and transportation department.
Dec 072009
Famous Dogs We All Love
Certain dogs will never be forgotten. We grew up with these famous dogs, have read about these dogs and watched them on television and in the movies.
Truly Man’s (and Woman’s) Best Friend
Certain dogs will never be forgotten. We grew up with these famous dogs, have read about these dogs and watched them on television and in the movies. These world famous dogs will always hold a place in our hearts for generations to come. You hear the name and automatically, a mental image of the dog comes to mind.
Benji: A mixed breed dog that always got into trouble. All the way back to the 1970′s, Benji was famous as the dog that everyone loved – small, cute, lovable and adventurous. America fell in love with Benji for her heroic deeds from helping small children to helping other dogs in need. Benji starred in several movies and television shows as the dog that saved the day.
Lassie: A dog that can herd sheep and rescue little boys from burning buildings has thumbs up from me. The dog character, Lassie, was first introduced to the world in book form and later became popular and even more famous in television and movies. Lassie truly was man’s best friend; one could always count on this dog to be there when a crisis got out of hand or simply to sympathize with a lonely or broken heart. Lassie is an icon for dogs – reliable, dependable and always faithful.
Beethoven: Dogs are notorious for causing trouble and Beethoven showed us just how much mischievous acts they can conjure up. Beethoven, a Saint Bernard dog, brought mishaps to a new level leaving viewers laughing at just how rough dogs can make it for others. Although trouble always seemed to follow this dog, he was loved by his family and viewers alike and no one would dare dream of sending this dog to the pound.
Toto: Everybody knows this legendary dog starring in the “Wizard of Oz”. A friend of Dorothy, this Cairn Terrier played in a total of 12 films. Toto didn’t play a huge role in this book, film, or play, but the fact that Dorothy clung to her dog as a trusted friend and companion emphasizes to all that dogs are valued and thought of highly in their owner’s eyes.
Scooby Doo: Where are you? This famous fictional dog is a Great Dane that can talk and find trouble if it is to be found. His master, Shaggy, and he are always looking for Scooby Snacks (or anything else they can eat!) As part of a detective team, Scooby Doo is known for cracking the mystery and uncovering the necessary evidence to capture the bad guy.
Dogs (whether fictional or not) will continue to be man’s best friend. We love to watch and read about these Hollywood dogs as they cause us to laugh and cry and reinforce heroism in today’s world that greatly needs heroes – including those with four legs, paws and floppy ears.
Nov 242009
1. Collie + Lhasa Apso = Collapso, a dog that folds up easy for transporting
2. Spitz + Chow Chow = Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up alot
3. Pointer + Setter = Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet
4. Great Pyrenees + Dachshund = Pyradachs, a puzzling breed
5. Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso = Peekasso, an abstract dog
6.
Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel = Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle.
7.
Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever = Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of research scientists.
8.
Newfoundland + Basset Hound = Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors.
9.
Terrier + Bulldog = Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes.
10.
Bloodhound + Labrador = Blabador, not a popular dog with CIA agents.
11.
Malamute + Pointer = Moot Point, owned by… oh, well, it doesn’t matter anyway.
12.
Collie + Malamute = Commute, a dog that travels to work.
13.
Deerhound + Terrier = Derriere, a dog that’s true to the end
Nov 232009
Many dogs suffer from the unfortunate condition of hip dysplasia. It’s a disease that is causing many pet owners to turn to FlexPet for help to ease their pets’ pain. Here are the key parts of a great article from The Big Paw Blog about the degenerative joint disease that affects so many of our canine friends.
They explain how the malformation of the hip joint causes arthritis, which becomes increasingly debilitating as dogs age. Large breed dogs are more at risk than smaller dogs and those that are overweight are at even a greater risk. Several factors may play a role in the development of the condition. Here are some of the breeds that may be genetically predisposed to abnormal development of the hip joint:
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- Mastiffs
- Rottweilers
- St. Bernards
- Labrador Retrievers
- Bulldogs
- Golden Retrievers
Abnormal wear and erosion of the joint can occur in one or both hips. Symptoms usually don’t become apparent until the dog reaches middle age or older.
Here are some symptoms of hip dysplasia:
- Stiffness/Pain/Limping
- Difficulty getting up from a resting position.
- Problems going up and down stairs or getting in and out of a car.
The Big Paw Blog suggest that dogs suffering from canine hip dysplasia should be kept indoors where it is warm during the winter months since cold can aggravate the condition making pain and stiffness worse. You can also help your pet at home by trying to eliminate any unnecessary need for climbing or jumping. If canine hip dysplasia is fairly advanced in your pet, you may want to consider a ramp so that he doesn’t need to try and climb stairs. Talk with your veterinarian since he or she will be able to make the best suggestions and answer any questions you may have about treatment options.
Read the entire article on the <a rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank” href=””The”>http://site.bigpawdesigns.com/blog/?p=168””>The Big Paw Blog.
FlexPet is an all-natural Joint Pain Supplement for dogs and cats. The primary component of FlexPet is CM8™, which relieves joint pain at its source, reduces inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues. It has been helpful for many pets suffering from joint pain and stiffness caused by aging, canine arthritis or feline arthritis.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs-1456537.html
Related posts:
If your dog seems to go over the top with barking and howling when left alone, he may be suffering from canine separation anxiety.This can be a severe condition that can cause suffering to your dog and your house. Canine separation anxity is a medical condition that should not be ignored. Good behavioral techniques are needed here to help your pet.
Separation anxiety is represented by a dog’s nervous reaction to their owner being away from them for a period of time, even if it is only in a different room. What is happening is the dog’s level of anxiety and excitement is unbalanced.
Canine separation anxiety is more often spotted in the younger and older dogs. It is often seen in the rescue dog who, having been abandoned once, doesnt trust that it wont happen again.
If you are suffering because your pet is suffering and need help fast see help with canine separation anxiety
A dog can get used to spending too much time with you and this can lead to separation anxiety. Whether you take your dog to the store with you, stay at home with them majority of the time or take them on vacation. A dog that is used to you being around but is suddenly left alone may get separation anxiety as a result, worried that you are not coming back for them.
This condition in dogs is similar to when we leave our children at daycare and they cling to us not wanting us to leave them. A child specialist would probably say, let your child know that you are going to work and will be back soon. Dogs need the same assurances.
Your dogs separation anxiety can be anything from mild to severe. You will probably find there reaction will be obvious within about 30 minutes. Signs of distress or general separation anxiety can range from chewing, scratching at furniture, doors,and other items to defacating in the house. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety may chew on your doors, window seals or anything they can find.
Click if you are desperate to solve canine separation anxiety
You can consider a number of steps to deal with this including medication. You must remember that your dog is not doing this on purpose. Your dog is dealing with its stress in the only way it knows.Punishment is not an option.It will make the problem worse and you could end up with a timid dog that is frightened of everything
A few steps that may help your pet to deal with their separation anxiety include, making departures and arrivals a non-event, leave your dog something that has your smell to keep with them, establish a word or phrase that you always say when leaving your dog. Animals associate these repetitive words with your actions and they will eventually realize that you will come back. Try a few test runs and pick up your keys and pretend to leave as they can help them deal with their anxiety if they know that you are returning.
You could try leaving your pet with a friend or family member or trying doggy daycare.Drugs can be used as a last resort and if chewing is problematic,leave them something innocent to chew on.
Dogs love their owners and are attached to us just like our kids. You need to assure them that you are not leaving them for good and will be backCanine separation anxiety can be improved but in the short term it can be a very worrying condition for the dog and its owner.
If you are suffering because your pet is suffering and need help fast see help with canine separation anxiety
Related posts:
Nov 232009
The MONSTER
By: Sandra Dale Smolker
http://petplanetmagazine.com/display.php?content_option=CMS&ref_id=300
“Finding out unexpectedly that my dog Bernie had a Mast Cell Tumor was the worst day in my life.”
Did you know 50% of dogs will die of cancer, any age, any breed? I sure didn’t. I never even thought about it. Finding out unexpectedly that my dog Bernie had a Mast Cell Tumor was the worst day in my life.
Bernie
Bernie is a Whippet, part of the Greyhound family, a breed best known for their fast short distance running. One day I noticed that there was something off about Bernie’s run. He had a slight limp and when I took a closer look, I saw that one of his hind legs looked a bit swollen. I took Bernie to see Dr. Joyce Loeser, a Veterinarian that specializes in rehabilitation. Dr. Loeser examined his leg and said she suspected it might be a Mast Cell Tumor. When I heard the word “tumor”, I expected to see a lump, not just a swollen area. I did not know what a Mast Cell Tumor was at that point. She did a needle aspirate and would let me know the results.
After the shock, came the tears and anger. How could this happen to my sweet boy? Driving home, crying all the way, I didn’t know who to turn to. Luckily, I belong to a lot of Whippet groups on-line, reaching out to them started my journey towards understanding. I don’t know what I would have done without the support and advice I had gotten through them and my friends.
After Bernie was diagnosed with cancer by Dr. Loeser, I saw an Oncologist for a second opinion. The recommendation was to amputate, chemo or radiation. I wasn’t prepared to hear “amputation” and I didn’t want to go with chemo or radiation so I decided to go with a “holistic” approach. I thought it would be better to keep his immune system strong, chemo is toxic and can make a dog really sick. After doing extensive research, I took my time in deciding the exact path I would take to treat Bernie. I changed Bernie’s diet to a high protein, low carb, no grain diet, with home cooked ingredients such as chicken and ground chuck. I also added supplements that came recommended from a nutritionist. Bernie had three weeks of laser therapy on his leg to see if that would help with the swelling over at the Animal Hospital of Ft. Lauderdale by Dr. Cindi Bossart. When I last had a Buffy Coat test taken there were no mast cells present! Bernie’s leg is no longer swollen. I took him off all the supplements, but his diet remains the same. Had I listened to the Oncologist, Bernie would now be a tripod.
The earlier you catch cancer the better are the chances of fighting it. Therefore it is very important to check your pet regularly and to know what to look for. There are 10 common signs of cancer in small animals, they are: abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow, sores that do not heal, weight loss, loss of appetite, bleeding or discharge from any body opening, foul odor, difficulty eating or swallowing, hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina, persistent lameness or stiffness, and difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating.
If your pet should ever be diagnosed with cancer, I recommend getting a second opinion from another Veterinarian or Oncologist, and decide which treatment you feel is the best way to go. Consider if you want to try surgery, chemo, radiation, or a combination of conventional and holistic approaches. Whatever you decide, it is important that through it all you keep your hope and spirits high. If your Vet gives you a time-line, just know that a lot of dogs prove them wrong by years, not months.
For a list of online pet cancer resources click on:
CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bonecancerdogs
Canine Cancer
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineCancer
Canine Cancer
Awareness
http://www.caninecancerawareness.org
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineCancerComfort
Cancer Pet Loss http://forums.delphiforums.com/cancerpetloss
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CircleofGrey
(Greyhounds &
Whippets only)
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/endlesslove
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/LymphomaHeartDogs
http://forums.delphiforums.com/petcancer
Veterinary Cancer
Center http://www.vetcancersociety.org
FINANCIAL AIDE:
Animal Care
Foundation www.animalcarefoundation.com
Canine Cancer
Awareness www.caninecancerawareness.org
Cody’s Club
www.codysclub.bravehost.com
In Memory of Magic
www.imom.org
Land of Pure Gold
Foundation www.landofpuregold.com
The Magic Bullet Fund
www.themagicbulletfund.org
Perseus Foundation www.perseusfoundation.org
National Canine
Foundation
www.wearethecure.org/grant_info.htm
The Smiling Blue
Skies Cancer Fund www.smilingblueskies.com
Special Care Foundation
www.specialcarefoundation.org
In the last few years, it has become obvious that the use of commercial drugs is not always the safest way to treat your pets’ ailments. This does not mean that you should never take them to the veterinarian. What it does mean is there are some symptoms that can safely be treated at home, avoiding the risks associated with prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Vets realize that these harsh drugs can be harmful. They are beginning to recommend natural treatments when they know it is a good option. Do not put your animals’ long-term health at risk by using these types of drugs when there are alternative natural treatments for many of your dogs and cats disorders.
Pet owners are more often choosing to treat their pets with natural remedies, most of which can be found in your own home. Not only are they more readily available, they are also a lot less expensive.
Did you know that vitamin E is soothing to the skin? If your pet has ear mites just mix a little bit of mineral or almond oil with the vitamin E and apply it to the ears. This will not only kill the mites it will also soothe the skin irritation that is caused by the mites. Your pet will be very grateful for the relief.
Garlic is another example of a natural remedy and can sometimes be used in place of prescription drugs to treat heartworms in your dog. It is also very effective for repelling fleas and other known parasites. When using garlic to treat your cat or dog, always cook it thoroughly. Raw garlic can be harmful to your pet. I have a friend that has made cooked garlic a regular ingredient in her cats’ food.
There are all types of over-the-counter medications for everything from fleas to diarrhea but why use these toxic remedies when you can use an effective and natural product found in your home.
We want the best and safest treatments for ourselves so why would we treat our beloved pets any differently.
Are you making the right treatment decisions for the safety of your cat or dog? I have not always made the best choices in the treatment of my dog’s ailments, but I am changing all of that. From now on, it is natural home remedies whenever possible. Consider doing the same by visiting Home Remedies for Cats and Dogs at http://mypawsnclaws.info.
Enjoy your dog or cat and treat them well. They can have a happy and healthy life with your help.
Deborah is an advocate for dog and cat healthcare and training and enjoys sharing resources that will provide the information needed to give your pet the best life possible. In doing so, she has created relationships with certain experts and in recommending their products may receive compensation for doing so.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/home-treatments-for-pets-natural-remedies-for-cats-and-dogs-1457000.html
Related posts:
You are trying to get your dog to come to you when you call him, but he does not have a clue what you are saying to him or even know for sure you are even talking to him. After all, he is a dog, right? You need to get him to understand you and there are ways to do this.
I have learned that there are a lot of things that can contribute to this problem.
- Does your dog know his name? If not, this is a major part of the problem. Start using his name frequently and give some love by means of petting or scratching him. A meal or an occasional treat works also. He will begin to recognize his name and associate it with something pleasant.
- Does your dog know what you are trying to say? You can’t seem to get him to come so you add another word to the command. “PETEY, COME!” Next thing you know, you are chasing him because he still won’t come. Now he thinks this is a game so he keeps dodging you. When you finally give up and he eventually comes near you, you use a stern voice to reprimand him. Uh, Oh, now he associates “PETEY, COME” with “I’m in trouble, better get out of here!”
- Does your dog enjoy his surroundings? Sometimes a dog just goes into his own world, and as I say, “smells the roses”. We, as people, do the same thing. Get his attention by petting him and saying the word come when he notices you. Giving him a treat while doing this will get him used to hearing the word and associating it with something good.
- Make eye contact with your dog and tell him to come. Sometimes it is necessary to keep him on a lead, especially if you are outside. As you say come, gently pull him toward you. After he has reached you, offer him a toy or cookie, along with a lot of petting and “atta boys”. Try not to end playtime too soon or he will associate come with the end of a good time.
- Once your dog associates come with good things, do not confuse him by asking him to come to scold him for something. Always keep in mind that your tone of voice can put a different feel to the word. Always keep your voice pleasant, when possible. We want him to know that he is safe when he is near you and that if he comes to you all is forgiven.
- DO NOT use this command if you are going to do something unpleasant (in his eyes, of course). If you are going to bathe him or clip his toe nails, you need to go get him. This will help to keep the come word positive.
- Your body language is an important factor when training your dog to come. Just like people, dogs will associate your body language with your mood. If for instance your arms are crossed and you are standing tall, your dog can associate this with being angry. Stay relaxed and your dog will be relaxed and respond better.
- If you are training your dog to come with treats, let him come all the way to you. Do not reach out and offer him the treat. Hold the treat next to your leg and make him come all the way to you for it.
Once you have trained your dog to come, it is easier to go on to other training techniques.
Are you making these mistakes while attempting to break your puppy or dog of bad behavior? I hate to admit it but I once made them myself. We all need to learn how to train our pets without causing stress to them or ourselves. Your dog relies on you to teach him the rules, and in doing so, he will be the best friend you and your family will ever have. Learn how to train your dog by going to Secrets to Dog Training at http://goodpuppydog.info/. Make your pet a welcome addition to your family.
Deborah is an advocate for dog and cat health care and training and enjoys sharing resources that will provide the information needed to give your pet the best life possible. In doing so, she has created relationships with certain experts and in recommending their products may receive compensation for doing so.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/my-dog-wont-come-to-me-when-i-call-him-1457062.html
Related posts:
Follow me on Twitter
Dog Said