From the monthly archives:

December 2008

Get Rid Of Dog Parasites

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


Parasites – The blight of ticks

Ticks can be considered by many as the worst external parasite which can be found on your dog. These bloodsucking parasites bury their head under the dog’s skin and lives from his blood while in return exposes your pet to dangerous diseases and viruses. These ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever as well as Ehrlichiosis.

A tick’s life

In general, the average tick which makes its way to your dog falls under a 3-host category. In basic form, this means that the larvae, the nymphs as well as the full grown adults live their life attached to your dog; all the while they feed from your dog’s blood. Once bitten, the tick causes the dog’s skin to become irritated and while this occurs with just a single tick, imagine an entire family calling your pet their new home.

Throughout their life, the tick starts off as a larvae and has six legs. As a larvae, the tick will feed from the dog’s blood for about 3 days before letting go of the dog. Once it lets go, the tick turns into a nymph and has eight legs. As a nymph, it can now lay eggs and will feed for another 7 to 10days before molting into a full-grown adult tick.

With eggs attached, if the tick turns into a female, it will then fertilize the eggs while at the same time consume vast amounts of your dog’s blood which allows it to grow in size rather quickly. These female ticks are usually easy to spot at this stage but hopefully you have spotted them and removed them long before they reach the adult stage. You will probably want to pick up a adjustable dog feeder or a double dog feeder to keep your dogs food off the nasty floor.

Tick Removal

It is important that you remove the tick as soon as possible because they will burrow themselves in deeper under the skin. The deeper they burrow themselves the harder t will be to remove them. When it comes to removing the tick though, do not try pulling it off or scraping it off with your finger because their head is burrowed under your dog’s skin. Using a pair of fine tweezers, grab a hold of the base of the tick’s head to remove them. Sometimes this is not easy depending on how deeply the tick has burrowed under the skin. Their are many different dog supplies that can help with your dog parasite problems.

It is important to make sure that all of the tick’s head is removed because any part that is left will also leave the dog’s skin irritated. Just remember that the sooner the better when it comes to the removal of ticks. Do not try to burn them off because you may catch your pet’s fur on fire and do not use alcohol, just use a simple pair of fine tweezers.

A Durable and Stylish Bed

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


If you like organic products and you have a dog, then you will like this canvas striped bed. The canvas cover is not only soft, but is made from 100 percent organic cotton. Your dog will enjoy its soft comfort and the best part is the fact that the filling is made from recycled plastic products. Landfills are a smelly problem, and these beds work to help keep them from overflowing along with the many other products like it. You can get this bed in 3 sizes from small to large. The striped pattern comes in 4 color choices depending on what your preference is. This quality bed should last for quite a long time.

Labrador Potty Training

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


There are few things cuter than a new Labrador retriever puppy, but that little dog quickly loses his cuteness factor when he is brought home with you and promptly makes a mess on your beautiful living room carpet. Unless you want to spend the rest of your dog’s life cleaning up these not so pleasant messes, you will want to get savvy to the finer points of Labrador potty training as quickly as possible. The good news is that there is some fairly simple techniques that will get you on the road to a housebroken dog that will leave your living room carpet for other things besides bathroom duty.

Labrador potty training will first consist of teaching your pup the appropriate place to potty. This might mean your backyard or a papered corner in the bathroom, depending on your needs and lifestyle. Once your dog has mastered where to go, he can begin to let you know that he needs to potty by barking at you, whining at the back door or simply heading to his appointed spot.
Labrador potty training often involves the use of a crate. Whenever you cannot watch your pup carefully, you can put him in his crate. Since dogs will generally not potty in the area that they eat and sleep, the likelihood is that your puppy will wait until he gets out of his crate to go outside. This will teach him how to hold it long enough to get to his potty spot, which is a good first step in learning to potty in the right place.

Keep in mind that just because your puppy won’t want to eliminate in his crate, that doesn’t mean that he can refrain wait for long periods of time. It will be well into his first year before this little pup will be able to make it as long as eight hours without heading outdoors. This means that you will need to be cognizant of how much time he spends in his crate so you can give him potty breaks as necessary.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your puppy will have the occasional accident. If you catch your dog in the act of going potty on your carpet, offer a firm no and immediately take your pup outside to finish his business. If you find the accident after the fact, it does no good to scold your dog at this point, because he doesn’t remember the act once it’s finished. Simply clean up the spot quickly and thoroughly so your dog can’t remember the location by the smell.

For some dogs, Labrador potty training will take a couple of weeks and the process is complete. For others, the entire process may take quite a bit longer before the dog is completely accident free. Patience and persistence on the part of the owner is always the key, whether your dog catches on immediately or more slowly. No matter how long it takes your puppy to get the hang of Labrador potty training, rest assured that you and your dog will eventually find success.

It is important to arm yourself with plenty of information about the most effective methods of Labrador training, including housebreaking, before you ever bring your puppy home from the breeder. It is very helpful to collect information in articles like this one and in dog training books that will set you on the right path to effectively training your Labrador retriever.

Finding Adorable Bichon Frise Pictures

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


Bichon Frise pictures are an excellent way to decorate your home. Especially if you have your own Bichon Frise dogs and adore the breed. They also make great gifts for dog lovers who go crazy over anything canine related. In a nice frame or arranged in an interesting way in different parts of the house you can make any room look softer and friendlier with these happy creatures.

Bichon Frise pictures can also help pull a particular theme in a room together. Whether the pictures match a color scheme or look. You can use Bichon Frise pictures to provide contrast or soften up hard edges in a room. The decorating possibilities are endless with the addition of Bichon Frise pictures in your home. Some people might argue that pictures of dogs are either too young or tacky but why not embrace the kitsch factor and have fun. Who would have thought that a little dog could do all that?
The appearance of the Bichon Frise makes it ideal for pictures. There are plenty of ways that you can get hold of Bichon Frise pictures. First there are prints you can order online. However these might be expensive and you don’t want to go to all that trouble just to get Bichon Frise pictures. Instead of ordering or buying Bichon Frise pictures you can take your own. Don’t worry if you don’t have one of your own, there are still ways to get around to getting these pictures.

Go to your local parks and look out for anyone with a Bichon Frise. Make sure to ask the owner if you can take a picture before you get snap happy. Try and get pictures of the dog in action like when they are playing, running and generally being its sweet little self. Another way that you can get Bichon Frise pictures is to go to dog shows and see if you can get pictures of the dogs there. Show dogs are used to posing and sitting still and make ideal candidates for a photograph.
It’s amazing what you can do with a few Bichon Frise pictures. Used sparingly and with the right frames and colors you can spice up a room and create an interesting focus point in a room. You can even dominate a whole wall with a big picture of a Bichon Frise in an elegant silver frame. Anything you like, vary the pictures according to your tastes and the impact you want to make on the room.

This dog is so versatile in its looks and the ways in which it can pose that this too can alter the mood set by the pictures you choose. A cuddly puppy amongst flowers is probably not what you want in an elegant room or it could be the perfect contrast. It all depends on the risks you are willing to take with your decorating. Try things out and see what works because you won’t know until you have tried it out.

Find ways to create interesting focus points in any room with Bichon Frise pictures and an assortment of frames and colors. Anything you need to know about decorating and the Bichon Frise is in this article. All Bichon Frise information related to pictures can be found here.

A History Of The Siberian Husky Breed

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


As the name suggests the Siberian Husky is native to Siberia. It was there that they were trained for hundreds of years to pull sleds by the Chukchi people. The Chukchi were a semi-nomadic tribe that used the Siberian Huskies to pull sleds with light loads for long distances, which made them an excellent companion for the tribe. DNA testing has recently found that the Siberian Husky is one of the oldest breeds of dogs. It wasn’t until 1909 that the Siberian Husky was brought to the United States where it took part in the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race. A number of Siberian Huskies were imported to Alaska after this initial appearance and the breed won the same race on the following year. The Siberian Husky breed not only went on to win many different races in the following years but it also gained fame for their great speed and endurance as well.
In 1930 the Siberian Husky was finally recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. The breed is still widely used in various sledding, carting and racing events. Because of the breed these activities have became increasingly popular. However, in many of today’s races the Siberian Husky has been replaced by the Alaskan Husky which is specially bred for speed. As a result people have started a movement that creates races specifically for the Siberian Husky.

The newest role for the Siberian Husky is as a hiking companion, therapy dog and devoted house pet. People often confuse the Alaskan Malamute with the Siberian Husky. However, the Alaskan Malamute is a heavily built dog that was built for draft work and not speed. The Siberian Husky itself has a very unique appearance. A part of this is their double coat, which helps to keep them insulated in both hot and cold weather. They also typically have long tails that are used to protect their noses while sleeping.
The typical height for the Siberian Husky at the withers is between twenty-one to twenty-three and one half inches with the female being slightly smaller. For a female Siberian Husky the ideal weight is between thirty-five to fifty pounds depending on the size of the dog and the male can weigh about ten pounds more. The bone density of a Siberian Husky should be moderate and never slight or dense. The Siberian Husky should have a slightly longer size than their height. The Siberian Husky breed standard states that the dog should have an overall display of balance, grace and athletic study. The main eye colors are brown and blue but they can even be one of each and sometimes speckled. The eye color of the dog may be enhanced by a white mask around the face. Overall the facial expression of the Siberian Husky is described as friendly, alert and even rogue. White to black is the range of coat color and most are black or red with white markings or shaded gray. Although color isn’t the main importance of the Siberian Husky, rather it is their ability to perform with speed, ease and stamina.

The history of the Siberian Husky breed is both long and distinguished. Siberian Husky information can help you to learn about the specific appearance and ability of the breed.

Shar Pei Mixed Breeds And Their Personalities

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


The Ori Pei is one of the most well known crossbreeds belonging to the Shar Pei mix. It is now a registered breed with the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) and has been bred at least for six generations. It is originally a creation of an American, named Aaron Silver, a breeder who loved the Chinese Shar Pei breed. Unfortunately this breed had various health problems like eye tacking, skin problems and hip dysphasia. So Aaron Silver decided to cross breed the Shar Pei with the Pug so that one could not only have a smaller version of the original dog, but also do away with the inherent health problems. This is how the Ori Pei came into existence. The Ori Pei pups are popular family pets and are really small in size. They look very similar to the Shar Pei pups in every way.

The cross breeding with the Basset Hound is also a common Shar Pei mix. The new designer or hybrid dog is called the Ba-Shar (Sharp Asset). When there is cross breeding it is difficult to judge the temperament of the crossbreed. Of course it has a combination of the characteristics found in each breed, hence it is important to get to know the characteristics in order to understand the new breed. The American Canine Hybrid Club has recognized the Ba-Shar breed. There is sometimes a multi-generation cross breeding, as some of the dogs are not pure bred, or even barely fifty percent pure bred.
In order to breed a healthy population of dogs, a large gene pool is imperative. This ensures an abundance of genetic variation. This automatically ensures a competition of the genes, which can be randomly selected. In this way gene frequencies can be conserved. The breeding of the Shar Pei is within a small gene pool and so the dog is becoming problematic both in temperament and structure. In order to overcome such problems a new flow of genes from the original type is necessary.

But the Shar Pei mix with other dogs like the Black Labrador or another Shepherd Mix is definitely an advantage. The Shar Pei features are always more prominent when it is cross bred with these dogs, and you can see the extra skin and wrinkles and immediately identify the hybrid dog as a Shar Pei mix. It is generally shy, but once it gets familiar with you, it is very loving and gentle.

When you buy a Shar Pei mix, make sure that you go to a responsible and reliable dog breeder. A good breeder has the knowledge to select two breeds in order to cross breed. His aim is hybrid vigor. When he crossbreeds he looks at the genetic diversity of the parent dogs. If there are health problems in one of the dogs or in both the dogs, they can be bred out. He will also ensure that the breeding makes the next generation of dogs better, healthier, more intelligent and live longer.

Of course the kennel club rules regarding breeding and cross breeding of dogs are quite strict. For purebreds as well as for cross breeds, there are exact combinations according to their specifications, and only then the cross breeds are recognized by them.

Purebred dogs like the Chinese Shar Pei can receive accident coverage from insurance companies. But now even mixed breeds, especially those that have been recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club are eligible for such coverage.

The dogs of the Shar Pei mixed breeds are friendly and loving and they are smaller in size than the parent breeds. In a Shar Pei mix the features of the Shar Pei always stand out. If you are looking for Shar Pei information and their cross breeding, this article is ideal for you.

Ideas To Discover Terrific Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


Most often when we think of animal care, we’re looking for traditional pet supplies, like food or medication. How many of us, then, consider what it takes to care for birds that visit our back yard feeders?

There are hundreds of squirrel proof bird feeders, but do any of them actually work? Squirrels are intelligent, acrobatic, capable of leaping distances of almost 12 feet and intent on eating your lovingly placed bird seed - making them a challenging nemesis to keep out of your backyard bird feeder.

Squirrels don’t simply eat the seed at a feeder, they also dissuade birds from perching there and can cause major damage to the feeder because of their weight and aggressive feeding. So, if you’re tired of watching squirrels take over your backyard bird oasis, keep reading for an overview of some of the best squirrel proof bird feeders available today.

The Squirrel Buster Plus

The Squirrel Buster Plus is a basic, tubular feeder with a circular bird perch at its base. When a squirrel jumps on it, the squirrel’s weight causes the perch to sink down, therefore closing access to the feeding holes. For a day or two, the squirrels will sit there and try to figure out the device, but eventually leave for better feeding grounds.

Suet Sandwich Woodpecker Feeder

If you love listening to and watching woodpeckers, then the Suet Sandwich is the perfect solution to keep your winged friends well fed and the squirrels out. The feeder works by encasing two slices of suet beef fat between two pieces of fake bark. Because the woodpecker is long-tongued, they’re able to access the tasty treat, but the squirrels are kept out. It retails for around $35.

Bird Feeders by Droll Yankees

The Droll Yankees line of bird feeders first came out in 2000. Basically, the perch is motorized and starts to spin when a squirrel sits on it. The idea is that the squirrel will go flying. The battery requires recharging every eight to twelve weeks. For the past two years, the company’s line of squirrel-tipping feeders has been extended to also include models with weight-activated, collapsible perches or trays. These models start at $79 and go up to $119.

Buy a Squirrel Feeder

Probably your best defense against squirrel invaders is to simply give in and feed them too. Try buying block bird seed, which is heavily condensed into a compressed block, and placing it on the ground. Instead of putting in all that work too conquer your feeder, your squirrels will likely be content to nibble away at ground level.

Build it Yourself

Instructables, a popular how-to website, has step-by-step instructions, including pictures, on how to put together your very own squirrel proof bird feeders for less than $10. By relying on lightweight cable ties as perches, this ingenious design makes it impossible for squirrels to steal your bird seed.

You can find the project, along with pictures, right here - instructables.com/id/How-to-build-a-Flexi-Perch-Squirrel-proof-birdfe/?ALLSTEPS.

How To Look For Poodle Pictures

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


Poodles make wonderful family pets and they are also known for their elegant looks at the many international dog shows held annually. Many a proud Poodle owner has paraded their dog for the judges and been rewarded with a ribbon for quality. If you like the look of a Poodle then you should look into owning a gallery of Poodle pictures for yourself so you can enjoy the majestic look of this breed whenever you want. Some Poodle pictures are free while others will cost you but in the end any effort or expense is certainly worth it.

Because Poodles are known as highly prolific show dogs there are many professional photographers that will take the time to create a picture book of Poodle pictures that you can find at any local bookstore. This collection of high quality images will offer you the detail and color you would expect in a professional collection and it is something you can enjoy for many years to come.
If you take the time, and know where to look, you can find a great supply of Poodle pictures on the Internet. One of the places you can look is on message boards that are dedicated to owning dogs or even ones that are dedicated to owning Poodles specifically. It is not uncommon for Poodle owners from all over the world to post new pictures of their dogs on these sites so not only do you get an endless supply of updated Poodle pictures but they are also from owners all over the world, which can be pretty exciting.

Show dog owners love to show off their dogs, obviously, so if you want some really spectacular Poodle pictures then you may want to search the internet for websites dedicated to the various Poodle show dogs that are out there. There are many sites dedicated to Poodle show dogs and the pictures on these sites can be very beautiful.
A Poodle that is a family pet is just as fascinating as a show dog and there are many regular Poodle owners that are just as proud of the dog as any show dog owner would be and the regular owners host their own websites as well. On these websites you get to see Poodle pictures of the Poodle in its everyday life and then you can also follow along in the Poodle owner’s daily diary and read about the behavior of the Poodle as well. There is a lot to be learned from the every day life of a Poodle and its owner.

Equally interesting, and another great source of Poodle pictures, are websites hosted by Poodle breeders. Here you will find not only pictures of some of the nicest looking Poodles you have ever seen but there will also be the different breeds on display as well so you get the chance to learn what the different Poodle breeds look like. However you choose to get your Poodle pictures you can rest assured that there will plenty of Poodle pictures for a very long time to come.

This article will help you find Poodle pictures. This article contains helpful Poodle information.

The Teacup Yorkie: Clever And Loyal

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


Originally bred in the mid-19th century Yorkshire, England to catch rats, the Yorkshire Terrier was first introduced to Americans in 1872. In 1878, it was one of the first breeds to be acknowledged by the American Kennel Club as eligible for registration. Since then, these cute little pups have warmed our hearts and our homes, earning a spot as the second most popular breed in the United States. Like all the Yorkshire Terrier types, the Teacup Yorkie is bright, energetic, and a favorite of dog lovers everywhere.

The Teacup Yorkie isn’t technically considered a breed on its own. Instead, they are Yorkshire Terriers bred specifically for their small (or “teacup”) size. Despite being small in stature, however, Teacup Yorkies are known for being very energetic, extremely intelligent and exceptionally bold. While they generally get along well with other dogs, they are also quick to try to establish leadership as the alpha dog. In keeping with this spunky personality, Teacup Yorkies aren’t afraid to challenge larger dogs, and this can get them into trouble. It’s also another reason they are not recommended for families with small children.
When it comes to intelligence, the Teacup Yorkie has been ranked as being an above average working dog. They are very quick to pick up new commands, and take to training easily. This makes them wonderful competitors in dog shows, where understanding and carrying out their handler’s commands are important. Add that to the fact that they are brimming with energy and it’s easy to see why they’re always a favorite in show. Because of their sharp, active minds, a large selection of toys is a good idea to keep them happy and occupied.

Another facet of the Teacup Yorkie’s personality is independence. They are happy to either simply be near their owner, or to curl up in a warm lap. Unfortunately, it is their independence that makes Teacup Yorkies so hard to housebreak, a fact acknowledged and recognized by most breeders. They are also fiercely loyal and territorial, and will make their owner aware of even the slightest possibility of intruders, even defending them if necessary.
Yorkshire Terrier types of all kinds make wonderful household pets for families with older children. Due to its small size, the Teacup Yorkies is often a good choice for those who live in apartments. Weighing less than seven pounds, they are easy to carry and generally problem-free when it comes to family trips. Their disposition makes it simple for them to adjust to homes with multiple animals, and they are excellent performers when in show.

Joining the ranks of Teacup Yorkie owners has never been easier. Thanks to the Internet, there are hundreds of websites offering Yorkshire Terrier information that will give you all the facts you need to know about Teacup Yorkies and the various Yorkshire Terrier types. Like most small dogs, Teacup Yorkies can suffer from several illnesses, so it’s important to know what to look for when you’re selecting your pup. You’ll also find lists of reputable breeders who take great care of their animals, and who’ll help you in finding a healthy, happy puppy.

Bright and energetic, all Yorkshire Terrier types, including the Teacup Yorkie, have a wonderful even temperament and are well suited to almost any family. In this article you’ll find Yorkshire Terrier information, focusing on the temperament of the Teacup Yorkie.

Pocket Beagles Should Be Avoided

by Pet Care on December 31, 2008


Back in the 1300’s and 1400’s the British monarchy was in full swing and there were things that they found to be very appealing to them. One favorite pet of the British monarchy back in those days was a breed of beagle known as the pocket beagle. A pocket beagle measured only 9 inches to the shoulders and back in those days it was very popular. But today the American Kennel Club only lists beagle breeds that are 13” and 15” as being the current breeds of beagles. So what happened to the pocket beagle?

The pocket beagle breed was declared extinct in 1901 by both American and British breeding clubs and since then it has been accepted that you really cannot get a true pocket beagle anymore. With all of this there are still breeders selling pocket beagles and it is feared that the only way to get a pocket beagle is to sell an unhealthy dog that has had its growth stunted because of physical problems.
If you go looking for pocket beagle breeders you will find a very different story than many of the breeding associations are currently telling. There is a breed of pocket beagles being sold all over the world being referred to as old English pocket beagles and they differ just a little bit from the original pocket beagle breed. An old English pocket beagle is considered to be any beagle 12” or smaller and it almost seems as though many people are trying to get their dog to fit into a category that it may not be part of.

Breeding has a big part in all of this, as breeders are the ones that can help insure that beagle puppies are clean of any kind of health risk or any unhealthy situation. Many times a beagle marketed as a pocket beagle is a beagle, which the breeder allowed to be born with common physical ailments in beagles such as hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Be certain to ask many questions if you intend to buy a dog marketed as a pocket beagle.
For the foreseeable future it looks like there will be people arguing that they are more than capable of breeding healthy pocket beagle and then people on the other side claiming that pocket beagles are extinct and what the breeders are selling are unhealthy dogs. Anything is possible and maybe it is not naïve to open up your mind to the possibility that there are healthy pocket beagles being bred in the world today.

The main dog breeding associations of the world all have very specific parameters on what a healthy beagle is in this day and age and they would argue that beagle that falls below their criteria is not only an unhealthy beagle but it would be unethical to sell such an animal. This debate will rage on for years and as long as it rages on the pocket beagle will remain a popular breed all around the world.

There are many beagle types and this article talks about one of them. You will find valuable beagle information in this article about the pocket beagle.