Love and care for your sweet puppies…
Dec 2 2009
What Your Dog Says With His Eyes
Your dog has emotions and feelings just like you. At any given time, he’ll try to communicate them with his body language and expressions. Most owners never learn to identify these signs; the fact that their pooch is sad, anxious, mad, or happy completely escapes them. As a result, they often fail to give the attention their pets need or crave.
The good news is that you can easily recognize the emotions your canine is feeling by watching his eyes. If you know what to look for, not only will you be able to recognize signals, but you’ll also be able to interpret them accurately. In this article, we’ll give you a crash course on how to read and decipher what your pooch is trying to tell you with his looks.
Looking For Signals
Most of us are accustomed to inferring intention and meaning from watching the faces of our friends and family. Slight changes or nuances alert us to specific feelings. For the most part, this is a learned trait. Since he can’t talk, you can learn to do the same by identifying the signals he uses to express his feelings.
In the same way people can open their eyes wide and shut them, so too, can your canine. Remember that shape varies according to breed. If your dog opens his eyes wide, it is usually a sign that he feels vulnerable. That can include feeling stressed or scared regarding something he finds threatening. He might express these same emotions by squinting a bit, though this might also suggest that he is being submissive to you.
The manner in which he is looking at - or away - from you will also suggest emotions and intent. If a dog stares at you with an intense, anxious look he probably perceives you as a threat. This should not be mistaken for a friendly dog that is looking at his owner and craves his attention. If a canine looks away from you, that usually signals he wants to be submissive.
If he is looking at you from the corners of his eyes and you notice a large amount of white, be wary. There is a chance he either perceives you as a threat or is highly agitated. In both cases, he might respond aggressively. It’s common for dogs to do this when you approach them while they’re eating or playing with their favorite toy. This is another signal that is often misinterpreted. If your canine is looking up at you or from the side, seeing the sclera (the white area) of his eyes may not connote aggression. It is easy to tell the difference - his body will not be tense.
Owners who take the time to learn how to read their dogs’ eyes will benefit from understanding their feelings. Remember, the only way your pooch can communicate with you is through nonverbal means. Learning how to identify them will strengthen the friendship you share. Remember to give your dog health dog treats and dog chews
Nov 14 2009
If you were to ask pet owners to guess the number one reason canines end up in the emergency room, most would guess incorrectly. Some would say bites from other animals. Many would claim that getting hit by a car tops the list. Still others would speculate about a number of health issues. The most common reason owners take their pooches to the ER is vomiting. It can be caused by a number of catalysts and it's often difficult to tell whether the problem is minor or a sign of something serious.
In this article, we'll describe a few factors that can cause your pooch to vomit. We'll also explain how veterinarians treat the condition. While the topic is mildly unpleasant, it is worth discussing so you'll be prepared to act in the event your dog experiences this problem.
What Causes Vomiting In Canines?
Vomiting is the expulsion of your dog's stomach contents through his mouth. This can be caused by a number of stimuli. For example, a virus within his gastrointestinal tract can trigger the vomit reflex. Vomiting can also be triggered if your pooch eats foods that don’t agree with his stomach, or if he eats too quickly and exercises too vigorously immediately afterward.
You might be able to identify whether the problem is serious or minor simply by observing your dog’s behavior after he vomits. If he does it once, seems active afterward, and has a routine bowel movement, you can be reasonably confident that the problem is minor. On the other hand, if your canine experiences recurring bouts, seems apathetic afterward, and loses his appetite, call your veterinarian. The vomiting could be a sign of a more serious health issue.
Forms Of Treatment
If a veterinarian determines the condition is minor, he or she will often administer subcutaneous fluids (for example, Plasmalyte and 0.9% saline) and medications to reduce any nausea. The vet will also suggest that you review your canine’s diet and eating patterns, including any plants and foreign substances he may be consuming.
If your dog has diarrhea or is apathetic, your veterinarian might choose a different treatment path. He or she may decide to administer intravenous fluids as well as one or more forms of drug therapy.
You can help your pooch avoid suffering bouts of vomiting by restricting the items he eats. Keep in mind that dogs instinctively chew on and consume foreign objects. That can be plants, trash, or even feces. The more exposure he has to such things, the greater the likelihood he’ll eat something that causes him to vomit. Limit his exposure to these items. Avoid feeding table scraps to him; keep trash cans securely closed; watch him closely to discourage his eating plants and other items. In doing so, you’ll dramatically reduce his susceptibility to vomiting.
Nov 14 2009
When you adopt a dog, you must give him time to adjust to his new life as a member of your family. Try to see things from his point of view. He’s in an unfamiliar home and surrounded by unfamiliar people. Those who fed him in the past are gone. His future (again, from his perspective) is uncertain. The adjustment period could last a few weeks.
There are several things you can do ahead of time to help your new pooch make the transition. In this article, we’ll provide a list of items you can use to prepare your home for your new canine companion.
Make A Veterinary Appointment
Animal shelters are not able to completely guard against diesases and viruses. Many of the animals that come to their facility are homeless and have not been properly vaccinated. After you bring your new dog home, take him to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if you have other pets under your roof. The vet can provide the necessary vaccinations and make sure your doggie has a clean bill of health.
Assert Your Authority
Because canines are pack animals, they need a clearly-defined hierarchy of authority in order to feel comfortable. Many owners neglect to establish themselves as the leaders of the house in their dogs’ eyes. As a result, their canines will often challenge their authority by showing aggression or displaying other behavioral issues. Establish your authority early. Apply discipline when your pooch misbehaves, and praise him when he follows your commands.
Provide A Crate
Crating is valuable for a few reasons. First, it is an effective method for housetraining your dog. Second, he’ll come to view his crate as his personal sanctuary to which he can withdraw when he chooses. Even though dogs enjoy the company of their owners, a busy environment can overwhelm and tire them. A crate provides refuge.
Buy The Essentials Before His Arrival
Your canine companion will need a variety of supplies, including food and water bowls, bedding, ID tags, treats, a few toys, and a leash for going on walks. Purchase these items before bringing him home. He’ll feel more comfortable with his place and role within your household.
In the beginning, your newly-adopted dog will seem hesitant in your home. At first he won’t fully understand how he fits in or the rules of his new environment. He’ll want to explore, but may be uncertain regarding the flexibility he has to do so. Give him time to adjust. Canines are incredibly adaptable, and they grow accustomed to new environments quickly. That being said, you can pave the way for a seamless transition by following the above suggestions. With a little love and patience, you’ll discover that your new pooch will quickly become a trusted and loyal companion.
Nov 13 2009
Undoubtedly the dog grooming is a needed treatment for your pet. So there is a rising need for dog grooming training and visual dog grooming tips or how to videos for owners and professionals or anybody who wants to know more about.
A dog grooming video is most commonly a form of didactic material used to train people for pet care professions. In fact, this is the very specificity of most Internet courses and learning programs specialized in dog grooming. People who prefer to train for a new profession at home depend on such materials to understand the practical parts of the occupation and eventually develop skills. At present the Internet is full of video materials that have nothing didactic to them: you can find funny stuff filmed by amateurs or professional videos shot for very clear purposes. Thus, whether for entertainment or sheerly practical, a dog grooming video could may provide good tips for dog care.
If you can’t afford to pay for professional pet maintenance, a dog grooming video could be really useful to learn how to de-mat the pet’s hair or how to trim nails. However, the quality and the source of the video are of paramount importance. There are many amateurish materials that could teach you wrong and your attempts to groom the dog could be a huge failure. Choose the dog grooming video well before you can be sure the information is trustworthy and applicable. The validity of the information can be somehow confirmed by the quality of the video material as well.
The irresponsible application of the suggestions in a dog grooming video could lead to very unpleasant results for a pet’s coat. Hairy coat maintenance is something that often needs to be left to professionals, because your pet’s health is no game. The lack of proper tools could also prevent the implementation of the info explained in dog grooming video files. Plus, improvisations are a no no in the context of special dog coating.
The consequence of an incident resulting from the use of a dog grooming video may be the difficulty of convincing the pet to accept grooming in the future. For example, nail trimming is something most dogs resent; well this could become a nightmare if you scare it once by being clumsy or unprepared for the challenge. Most problems appear because people tend to perceive the operations conducted in a demonstrative dog grooming video as very easy. The video characters most certainly know what they are doing, and they certainly have skill and experience in the field. When you lack both, home grooming can be a failure.
Nov 13 2009
A growing number of communities are organizing dog parks for local pet owners. These are areas that are set aside for owners to bring their canines for exercise and the opportunity to socialize with other pets. In some cases, these parks are organized by a consortium of owners who want to provide their pooches with a designated space in which to roam freely. In other cases, they are for-profit enterprises. The group which operates the facility often serves as a liaison between owners, the city, and zoning authorities.
In this article, we’ll describe the advantages that your canine will enjoy by visiting dog parks as well as a few advantages that you’ll gain. We’ll also explain proper etiquette and the rules of engagement between you, your pet, and others.
Advantages For Your Canine
A dog's natural instinct as a pack animal is to seek companionship with his own kind. Long ago, that need was fulfilled through herding and hunting responsibilities. Most dogs are kept indoors, which prevents them from interaction with other pets and with people.
When you take your pooch to a doggy park, you’re giving him an opportunity to spend time with his own kind. The socialization is valuable. He can roam freely and play with other pets off-leash, an experience that is all but impossible outside these specially-designated spaces. He can also enjoy physical activity. Many dogs are denied the proper amount of exercise, which takes a toll on their physical and mental health. This is one of the reasons pooches often become obese or ill-mannered.
Advantages For You
As many benefits as your canine companion enjoys at these facilities, there's also plenty of value for you. You’ll have a chance to meet and socialize with other people who have brought their own pets. It’s not uncommon for long-lasting friendships to emerge over time as owners plan weekly visits. Also, if you're unable to take your dog for walks (due to age, disability, etc.), this type of facility offers a practical alternative.
The Rules Of Engagement
In order to ensure these doggy parks remain open to the public, it’s important to abide by specific rules of etiquette. First, make sure that you clean up after your pooch. Second, never leave your canine unattended. You must be present in case there is a need for you to restrain or remove him from the premises (for example, if he gets into a fight with another dog). Third, if you bring young children to the facility, prevent them from chasing the animals. The behavior might be interpreted as a threat, which can trigger an aggressive reaction.
Taking your pooch to a dog park gives him a valuable opportunity to socialize. You’ll also provide him with a useful outlet through which he gets the exercise he needs in order to stay healthy. As your dog enjoys playing with his new friends you will have a chance to talk to other dog owners. Most people find that the experience is beneficial for them and their dogs.