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Choosing a veterinarian for your pet is like choosing a pediatrician for your child. After all, man’s best friend deserves the best. Not only do you want your dog’s doctor to be an expert with all of the latest skills and knowledge on canine health, but you also want him to have a “bedside manner” and have rapport with your pet.
Most communities have a few K9 officers on their law enforcement teams, and the term “junkyard dog” is pretty obvious job description. Guard dogs have been part of virtually every culture on the planet, just as have hunting dogs. Dogs have always had jobs. And modern dogs have modern jobs. One of the capabilities that gets dogs off the unemployment line is that sniffer. Many governmental agencies hire canine employees to sniff things out.
Raison d'etre n. French: reason or justification for existence (Merriam-Webster) Or, what is that breed for? Sometimes a more logical question seems to be “what were they thinking, anyway?” In the modern world we mostly take for granted that dogs are here to be companions, best buddies, the one unerring source of unconditional love in lives filled with ultimatums and accusations, “if you loved me you would (fill in the blank).” In a purely existential sense, that is sufficient reason. Most of us don't need dogs to do jobs. That's why we have people.
In the immortal words of ZZ Top, “Go and get yourself some cheap sunglasses.” Yes, they really do make sunglasses for dogs. You’ll probably do a double-take the first time you look down the street and see a dog wearing sunglasses, but they’re quickly gaining in popularity with dog owners. Although later in this article we’ll mention some of the other reasons pet owners are putting sunglasses on their pets, the main reason for this phenomenon is that it’s just too darn cute.
What would you do if your dog had a medical emergency? Most dog owners don't give this much thought until they are forced to deal with the situation themselves. The first thought that comes to most people's mind is to call 911- that's smart. After you make that call, the response to your ...
If you love animals, but have a particular affinity for dogs then you might be considering a career in dog care. There is no better time than the present to enter the field of dog care as they are more popular than ever before. Despite economic woes people are still spending money on their dogs ...
Cancer is awful for the patient as well as everyone else involved. Unfortunately, our four-legged canine friends are very susceptible to this deadly disease. This article includes the dogs that are most likely to get cancer, the types of cancer that are common with the breeds and methods to ...
You see the small envelope sitting in your mailbox and you know it’s either a Thank You card or an invitation. You think to yourself, “Hmm, I haven’t done anything worth being thanked for lately, so it must be an invite!” Upon opening the invitation, you’re greeted with primary colors, festive ...
While gas passing is not the most pleasant topic, it is certainly more peasant to talk about than it is to experience it first hand. Some dogs rarely pass gas while others have their owner’s leaving the room or opening a window to get away from the unpleasant odor. If you have ever had the ...
Dog food ingredients have been a popular topic in the news as of late and not for any good reasons. Recent contamination has occurred in a large number of dog foods causing widespread illness and even death in family dogs across the country. The alarming recalls that ensued were quite scary for ...
Often when people go looking for trainers they ask a few questions before making their decision. Sometimes the questions asked involve pricing and scheduling and rarely go beyond that. Achieving the appropriate training goals for your dog can be a daunting process; however, if you find the right ...
With people postponing marriage longer than ever and dog ownership on the rise, it is no surprise that there conflicts arise when single dog owners bring a partner into the equation. It is quite common for a single woman to bring her new boyfriend home to find that her pooch pal detests her new ...
Working dogs work. It is that simple. Dogs take on a number of jobs, and normally perform those jobs with or under the supervision of a human counterpart. Often, extensive training is necessary to get the pooch in tiptop occupational shape, but many duties come naturally to a working dog. ...
In a time when everyone resorts to capsules to relieve their pain, a new form of treatment is growing in popularity. Across the world, dogs are being used to help people cope with mental and physical hindrances. Therapy dogs are a subcategory of service dogs; they undergo extensive training ...
Shopping for pet products can get expensive. Clothing, accessories, food, and treats can be costly, and choosing them can be daunting. Before you rush to the store and buy everything for your pet, think about things you can make at home. Your creativity and imagination can inspire multiple ...
There comes a time when we must let go of our pets. There are many reasons why our beloved companions must be euthanized, but knowing the reason doesn’t always help with the grief. Before you go to the veterinarian to have your animal put to sleep, it’s a good idea to have an ...
Why these breeds top the list Earlier this year, the American Kennel Club released its list of last year’s most popular dog breeds. Although the list was categorized by large cities (each breed was ranked based on the city’s registration statistics), many dogs showed up numerous ...
Your pooch is a part of your family, and he deserves the best. Everyone else gets a birthday party, and so should your pet. There are many great ways to celebrate his birthday, and you can bet he’ll love the attention! First, you need to figure out when you should celebrate your ...
If you have witnessed your pooch eating feces, then you were probably shocked. Why in the world would a dog want to eat poop? There are many theories on why dogs take part in what is known as coprophagia, or the act of eating feces. There are methods you can try to discourage the habit; but, ...
Like humans, dogs are affected by many types of illnesses and diseases. Some afflictions are easy to treat and cure, while others require more invasive or long-term measures. Canine hip dysplasia is a common health problem found in a variety of dog breeds. With a little time and care, the ...
As your dog grows older, it is important that he receives proper care. Pooches age, similar to humans and experience many of the same ailments. There are preventative measures you can take and specific illnesses to look out for. An old dog still has a lot of life left. In order to properly ...
You are planning a trip, and it is impossible to take your pet. What do you do, now? Call your family members or neighbors to see if they can take care of your pet? This is okay for a short trip, but anything longer may aggravate your friends. If your pooch does not socialize well with other ...
All animals are at risk of hosting parasites, though some parasites can only survive in certain animals. Parasites can lead to health problems and can even be fatal if not taken care of properly. There are ways to prevent and rid animals of parasites. A parasite infestation should not be ...
Your cat is your companion. The last thing you want is for her to become sick or have a higher risk of getting sick. If you have more than one cat, or just got a new kitten, then there are some things you need to know about Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). FeLV is, as the name suggests, a virus ...
Introducing a dog or puppy into your home can be a wonderful idea. Children and adults alike love the companionship of animals. Depending on the age of your child and how extra time you have to spend with an animal, choosing the right pooch can be a stressful process. You want to make sure ...
You enjoy interactions with other people. Often, it’s a breath of fresh air to be in public and see someone you know. Dogs can benefit from the companionship of other dogs. You can have play dates and take your pooch to the dog park if he gets along well with others. However, most dogs ...
Spring is here. The weather is pleasant. You and your dog are both getting restless from being cooped up all winter. Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and play games together! Playing games with your dog can present a perfect opportunity for training. You can incorporate voice ...
When dog training comes to mind, lots of people think about tricks or dog shows. Both behaviors are evidence of training, but training goes further than a show. If you keep your pet indoors, then you have already gone through one step of training: housetraining. Could you imagine having a ...
Having more than one pet in your home is a wonderful experience. Two or more pets become companions and enjoy spending time together. They keep each other from being bored when you’re away and can be fun to take to the park. Having one dog in your home requires a certain amount of ...
Once your puppy begins to get used to having a bath regularly, it is then time to develop your dog-bathing techniques. Believe it or not, knowing how to bathe your dog properly, as well as determining the best technique that works for you and your pup is important in establishing your ...
Almost everyone loves new babies. However, sometimes it can be difficult on the family dog when Junior is introduced into the world. The family pet has been considered the family child for so long, until the baby shows up. So, what you do, as a parent, that will help your dog adjust to having a ...
Taking your pet with you on a car trip may be a somewhat daunting and chaotic experience. Thankfully, there are many travel accessories that make things a little easier for you; here is a list of 5 helpful items that make the trip more enjoyable for you and your pet as you travel by car…no ...
Myths, legends, and folklore will always be present in any society or culture. Today, there are myths about almost anything. A popular myth subject that reoccurs often are those that has to do with dogs. As with any medium, there are misconceptions and blanket generalizations or beliefs that may ...
When most people think of kittens, they think about their tiny size, their endearing faces, and their love of play. Kitties are known for their playful and curious nature. As kittens grow, they begin to act on their developing instincts, which is the primary cause of their playfulness. They ...
For children, dealing with the death of a pet can be an extremely traumatic and upsetting experience. As parents, it is our role to help our children through this time. If your child has never experienced the death of a pet or family relative, they may have difficulty with the concept of death. ...
Many people decide to get a dog before they have children. It is always wonderful getting a new baby and it sometimes may take time and patience to help your dog adjust to the adorable new family member. However, once the baby grows up into a toddler, many dogs find that they need to have ...
Many pet owners are faced with their dog’s phobia of thunderstorms and severe weather. It is relatively common for dogs to retreat under a bed in hiding, to whine, shake, drool or pace when the weather gets nasty outside. Though it may not seem like much more than a nervous habit at first, ...
The holidays are approaching quicker than you know, and it seems it will soon be the season for baking cookies and treats. Don’t leave your dog out of these times of fun; go ahead and have some fun with the kids as you make yummy treats that your dog will absolutely adore! Doggie ...
A sad reality of this world is that there are lonely people everywhere. In this high technology world that we live in, so many things are digital and online. Don’t get me wrong, the Internet is amazing; however, it allows people to distance themselves from other human beings. People even ...
Arthritis is a condition that many people experience in their older age. Cats can also get arthritis. Though arthritis more often manifests itself in humans and dogs, it can be a feline condition as well. Arthritis cannot be prevented, but with early detection, it can be alleviated by your help ...