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posted by admin on Jun 28

More and more people are beginning to make their dog’s food at home rather than buying commercial formulas. Homemade dog food doesn’t contain any substances that could possibly be harmful to your dog’s health such as artificial coloring and artificial flavors.

Another reason to make homemade dog food is the preservatives added to the commercial dog food. Homemade dog food has the benefit of optimum freshness without preservatives.

There are dogs that would greatly benefit from a homemade diet. Some dogs who suffer from allergies that cause severe itching may find relief once switched from commercial dog food to a homemade diet.

Processed dog food is a relatively new product and scientists don’t fully understand the differences between commercial food and a diet of fresh food. There may be problems occurring in a dog’s health because he is being given food that has had the nutrients cooked out of it and then sprayed back on.

It’s also possible that the extremely high heat used to produce commercial dog food may alter the protein structure in the meats used. It’s not proven whether such protein alteration negatively affects a dog’s health, and since dogs seem to maintain their regular health during regulated feeding trials most people feel that commercial food is good enough to maintain their dog’s health.

What if you want more than to give your dog a food that is “good enough”. There are many recipes you can use. There are ebooks available with a variety of recipes that will provide your dog a well-rounded diet full of nutrition and every vitamin and mineral he needs.

There are certain foods you want to avoid, such as fatty meats, cured meat, (sausage, bacon, hot dogs), any fried foods and raw pork. You also want to avoid any milk, cream, ice cream, pastries, white bread, sugary foods, grapes, raisins and onions. Also, keep in mind that anything you consider to be junk food would not be good for your dog.

Healthy foods to give your dog would include raw or cooked lean cuts of meat: beef, poultry, lamb, whitefish and fatty fish (like salmon). Also included in a healthy diet are cooked grains, eggs (raw or cooked), finely chopped or ground raw vegetables (remember, no onions), and bits of fruit (again, remember to give your dog no raisons or grapes).

These are just the basics. There are books on the subject that provide great recipes and a full list of good foods and foods to stay away from.

A basic formula for a homemade diet would be 50 percent protein, 25 percent vegetables (ground so they are easy to digest), and 25 percent grain (such as rice and oatmeal). Add to that some supplements of certain vitamins, minerals, and oils rich in omega-3 for healthy skin and coat.

There are some pets that do not do well on a homemade diet so be sure to check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet. After making the change, pay attention to how your dog responds. Not all dogs thrive on a homemade diet.

Some dogs may have trouble adjusting and others might not like the food or suffer from temporary digestive upset. Slowly changing the dog’s diet, gradually giving more of the homemade food and less of the commercial, can help alleviate stomach upset.

If you have the time it takes to prepare your dog’s food, or feel very strongly about providing your dog with the best diet possible, a diet of homemade food can’t be beat.

Carol Stack enjoys writing about dogs. She lives with her husband, children, four dogs, and seven cats in the United States. Carol and her daughter Christy have created a web site for dog lovers that offers tips on how to select, care for, and train a dog. Please visit the site at http://www.christysdogportal.com.

posted by admin on Jun 26

Natural and holistic therapies are not new but even their use in humans has only recently gained popularity in the UK. More and more people are shunning traditional medicine not only for themselves but for their pets. According to Direct Line Insurance over 750 000 of the UK’s dog owners use alternative or complimentary treatments – with 30% doing so on recommendation from their vet.

So, why have some of the oldest and most natural treatments only recently seen a revival and do they actually work?

Part of the answer is they never went away. Holistic treatments such as acupuncture and herbs are still the mainstream in many eastern countries such as China, inclusive of their pet population. It seems to be a predominantly Western attitude to have adopted traditional medicines as we know them. Some orthodox medics frowned on them as ‘quack’ methods, a seemingly odd approach as many of the pharmaceutical drugs available today are derived from plants – the basis for herbalism. However, they have stood the test of time and been documented throughout history, one of the oldest books of acupuncture in animals, is ‘bo le zhen jing’ (Boles Canon of Veterinary Acupuncture) an equine acupuncture book believed to have been written between 659B.C and 621B.C.), so is it likely they would still be mainstream in other cultures if they didn’t work?

The main objection to natural therapies by most opposing doctors and vets, are that they are untested, unproven and unregulated. That may have been true once but now as more veterinarians are aware of the impact of modern life on pets and the need to treat the ‘whole’ not just the symptom, alternative therapies are being more widely used by those best able to judge their worth.

The limitations of orthodox medicine particularly with long standing conditions has caused some vets to look for alternatives and as a result it seems many are being more readily adopted as essential first point of calls rather than as solely ‘complimentary’. – “Within months of qualifying in 1992, while still in Beeford, I was beginning to question the wisdom of conventional medicine. I could not help thinking, “Is that all there is to treat animals?” says Nick Thompson, a qualified vet from Bath, who uses herbs, acupuncture and homeopathy in both small and large animals.

Acupuncture – is already recognised by the American Veterinary Medical Association as suitable for the ‘treatment of numerous conditions in animals’ It also says ‘Veterinary Acupuncture and acutherapy are now considered an integral part of veterinary medicine’ (1)

It’s very effective in managing pain and research in 1989 reported that out of 191 dogs with disc disease in their spines that out of those treated with acupuncture

* 85 dogs with only back pain – 94% recovered
* 37 dogs with back pain, lack of ‘hind leg co-ordination and use’ – 89% recovered
* 59 dogs with paralysis, unable to stand or walk or bear weight, but pain response present – 79% recovered
* 10 dogs with paralysis, unable to stand or walk or bear weight, and pain sensitivity absent – 20% recovered (2)

Homeopathy – is based on the concept ‘like cures like’. Hippocrates is credited to be the first to use it in 400B.C.when he noted that herbs given in a low dose tended to cure symptoms that they created when given in a large dose. (Not unsimilar to modern day vaccination principles). There is very little research so far, but of the trials completed there is positive evidence for its use in kennel cough in dogs, Cushing’s Disease in dogs and horses and in conditions found in other animals. A more dramatic use featured in the case of a Collie with ivermectin (a wormer) poisoning – his prognosis was poor – but the ‘like cures like’ principle was used and the vet gave a homeopathic dilution of the poison. The dog’s condition improved rapidly and the dog recovered within a week. (3)

Herbs – have probably seen the greatest acceptance into conventional care. Their potency has been acknowledged by the National Office of Animal Health issuing license under its Controls of Animal Medicines to the Dorwest Herbs range. Before an animal medicine can be sold in the UK it must be approved by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate who must be satisfied that ‘the product is safe, it works, and that it is of good quality’. The range of conditions treated is varied and includes epilepsy – given in conjunction with orthodox drugs, veterinary surgeons have found that it is possible to reduce the quantity of epileptic drugs required and thereby the side-effects often experienced.

In light of some of the startling results being seen in the veterinary profession, the objections that just because alternative medicines were seen as ‘natural’ did not mean they were safe, seems to have some ground.. Some herbs such as garlic, valerian and ginseng can cause problems such as bleeding and low blood sugars when a patient is given a general anaesthetic (4). With the potential to have undesirable effects, their adoption into mainstream veterinary care can only be seen as a positive move, even by their opponents. As research slowly catches up, whether it is undertaken by those who wish to disprove it as bunkum or those who want confirmation of its abilities the outcome can only be of help to our pets.

Ref:
(1) Sarah Probst, University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine
(2) Janssens and Prins, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (1989) 25, 169-174).
(3) R J Optimeer. How The Similia Principle of Homeopathy Resolved An Emergency. Case History of Ivermectin Poisoning in a Collie. (1997) 122, 36-9)
(4) The Journal of the American Medical Association 2001;286:208-216.

Research:

Day CEI. Isopathic prevention of kennel cough – is vaccination justified? J Int Assoc Vet Hom 1987; 2: 45-51.
Elliott M. Cushing’s Disease: a new approach to therapy in equine and canine patients. Br Homeopath J 2001; 90: 33-6.
Tijdsrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 1997

Direct Line Insurance Press Release – research carried out 11-15 May 2006

http://www.noah.co.uk – National Office of Animal Health
http://www.holisticvet.co.uk – Nick Thompson BSc.(Hons), BVM&S, VetMFHom, MRCVS. Research papers and further information on the HolisticVet practice can be found at his website.

Sarah Fields writes articles on natural remedies for pets and other pet related subjects http://www.woofnwhiskers.co.uk/healthcare-natural-remedies-for-pets-c-57_87.html

posted by admin on Jun 23

In Pennsylvania, which is a large state with lots of rural land, it can be difficult to find a good obedience school where you can get your furry companion cared for and trained the way you want. Instead of driving hours to have strangers teach your dog, perhaps you should consider being your own dog training service PA. By following a few simple tips, you can be on your way to getting your dog obedience trained from the comfort of your own home.

Being the Alpha Dog

If the dog you are looking to train is a puppy, the first thing you need to do is establish yourself as the alpha dog in the pack. Once the puppy knows that you are the leader, the obedience training becomes much easier than it was before. This, in fact, is a great reason not to drop your little one off at a dog training PA school where they will be the alpha dogs, not you.

If you have a grown dog, teaching him or her that you are the leader is still imperative, though it may not be as easy. At least early on, make sure you are the one feeding and caring for the dogs. Once they see that you are providing for the pack, you will quickly become the alpha dog and the training gets easier right away.

Nothing is Free

A concept taught in most dog training PA services is the idea that nothing is free. You can use this same idea in your home as you teach your dog obedience. Reward with treats, but never give them for just any reason. When you allow the dog to understand that treats, and nothing else for that matter, are not free then he will always be looking to please you. This method is as close to universal as anything in dog obedience training.

Be Consistent

If you are going to be your own dog training PA facility, then you need to adhere to the consistency such places will give your canine companion. Be sure that you do your activities at similar times each day. In addition, do not accept behaviors that are not acceptable and do not reward when a reward is not due. The consistency will help your training as well as your activities go much more smoothly overall.

Training your dog at home can really save you on travel, especially in a state like Pennsylvania where many of the facilities are so far away. In addition, you will save on money and time. However, perhaps the most important part of training your dog at home is that you get to bond with your pet.

Dean Iggo is the webmaster of http://www.dogtrainingadvisor.com providing tips and advice on dog training schools obedience, potty training and more.

posted by admin on Jun 22

According to the most recent Synovate pet survey (Sept. 2005), conducted in nine markets across the globe, the UK and the US were shown to be the two absolute leaders in pet ownership. But the world-wide annual statistics on missing pets are shocking. Over 10 million pets go missing every year and millions never make it back home. This short rescue guide was compiled in order to minimize the chances of you ever having to file a missing pet report and to provide to all US pet-lovers a comprehensive list of the things one should know and do before and after his/her independent companion decides to migrate and explore the unknown. Just read carefully the tips that follow keeping in mind that you should not get discouraged or panic if your pet disappears. By following our advice and keeping yourself organized and prepared at all times, the chances are that you will be reunited with your lost friend again soon.

Plan ahead: Create an emergency action list and keep it handy in house or car. Check frequently your pet’s neck to ensure that the collar is in place and that its rabies tag and pet license tag are there; apart from pet’s ID your current phone number should appear. If your pet carries a microchip or a tattoo have that number with you all the time (in your wallet). Make sure you have recent reliable photos of your pet. Create a pet file on your PC with pet web directories and have all the local pet authorities’ telephone numbers also in print. Keep an updated map of your area with your emergency pet kit. Frequently check your locks, doors, windows and fence for possible escape passages. Do not trust strangers and never leave your pet unattended outside stores or inside vehicles. Register your pet to the available services of your area; you will save precious time if your pet becomes lost.

Your pet is missing: Check everywhere you can and do it quickly! Ask friends, neighbors and local pet authorities to assist you in your search. Create and distribute flyers including your pet’s pictures and your phone number and never state the exact amount if you decide to offer a reward or your real name and house address. Scan your neighborhood and give a copy of the missing pet’s flyer to everyone you meet, asking them to call you in case they see or hear anything. Have a real live person or if that is impossible a telephone recording machine answering the phone. Check all the clinics of your area frequently and visit the local shelters in person everyday. Befriend the employees and request their assistance. Inform the local veterinarian offices and the police. Provide all the details they need, but leave a few of your pet’s characteristics out. These will later help you identify whether the person claiming to have found your pet has actually your companion in his/her possession. Never visit by yourself someone that called and reported to have your pet. Take a friend with you or arrange to meet in a public place or the police department. Contact the local media and create a publicity fuss. Publicize your pet’s disappearance via the internet and local newspapers. Check the ‘found pet’ section of your local newspapers daily. Most importantly, do not give up hope. Keep looking and good luck!

Your pet is back: Once reunited with your pet, of extreme importance is for you to discover what circumstances allowed it to escape and perform any necessary changes to prevent a similar incident from happening again. Do not forget to call your neighbors, friends, local veterinarian clinics and shelters, to inform them that your pet is back. Of course, always remember to keep a collar and a current identification tag on your pet at all times, even when they are in your house. Your pet’s ID is actually its ticket home.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://familyinformationsource.com/ – In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://letsdosomeyardwork.com/ and http://forsocietiessake.com/.

posted by admin on Jun 21

Down Spot! Down Princess! Down Rover! Down Peaches! … Down Comet! Down Cupid! Down Donder and Blitzen! I’ve heard that command many times, from many desperate dog owners, directed at many determined dogs. The jumping dog is a universal problem, but a better understanding of what’s motivating the behavior can go a long way toward addressing it.

Dogs jump up on people for two reasons mainly. First, and probably most common, is the jumping dog who greets this way. This can simply be from over-excitement – they “jump for joy.” Dog behaviorists also point out that this is partly instinctive. Dogs lick each others faces when they want to give a super nice greeting, a likely reflection of lower ranking members of a wolf pack licked the faces of the higher ranking wolves returning from the hunt. In addition, puppies in a den jump over one another for their mother’s attention. More specifically, they target her face, as a mother typically regurgitates food for her litter, another reflection of the wolf pack.

Also, this behavior can be positively reinforced during greeting times, when a jumping dog is met by an excited owner who immediately praises, feeds, walks and/or plays with their pet after getting “jumped,” so to speak. Jumping becomes part of this routine. It is rewarded and reinforced.

Another reason for jumping, which is less commonly the case, is that they may be trying to establish dominance. Dogs jump up on each other through what’s known as “teeing off.” In particular, they rest their head or paw (or both paws) on the shoulder of a dog they want to dominate and exert a bit of downward pressure. Because we walk on two legs, we’re more difficult to tee off on, but the motivation is the same. The dog may be trying to express his dominant status. In these cases, they often jump up once and more or less lean on you.

It’s important to identify this behavior by seeing it in the broader context of your relationship. First, realize a disobedient dog isn’t necessarily a dumb one. If they don’t listen to you, and push and pull you around some, they may have decided not to recognize you as their superior in the pack hierarchy (while still thinking the world of you as a companion!) Whether it’s male or female, a dog that consistently jumps on you may be exhibiting one of many behaviors of the signs of Alpha dog.

You should learn more about Alpha dog behavior, and if you suspect that the jumping is in fact an expression of dominance, then it is likely that your training will need to involve heavier corrections. This just means you might need to do more than simply ignore the dog while jumping and train them to Sit and Settle before getting your attention. For instance, water squirting, sharp “growling,” or even forcing the dog down and holding them down until they are still are all corrections that will short circuit this behavior.

Martin Olliver is a proud member of the Kingdom of Pets team (http://www.kingdomofpets.com). For more great articles on problem jumping, visit: http://kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/articles/jumping_dog.php

posted by admin on Jun 19

Spaying or neutering your dog is an important consideration for any responsible dog owner. Not only does spaying or neutering your dog prevent unwanted pregnancy but it also can prevent conditions such as cancer and other reproductive diseases and conditions. Spayed females and neutered males are less likely to run away when other female dogs in the area are in heat and they are also less likely to engage in pack like behavior with other dogs.

Benefits of Spaying And Neutering Your Dog

There are many different reasons to spay or neuter your dog. While there is the obvious pregnancy prevention with spaying or neutering there are also other, more practical and subtle benefits. The following are all characteristics of dogs that have been spayed or neutered.

· The dogs tend to be calmer and less aggressive towards both people and other pets.
· Females will get along much better with other females, either spayed or not.
· Males will be much less aggressive towards other males.
· Males will less likely run or engage in pack like behaviors even if there are other female dogs in the area.
· Males will be less likely to develop testicular cancers.
· Females will not develop ovarian cancer and will be less likely to develop breast cancer provided they are spayed prior to having their first litter.

Spayed and neutered dogs do not become less protective or less able as watchdogs. This common myth is what prevents many people from spaying or neutering their dogs. The reality is the protective instinct is not based on reproductive hormones; rather it is a hereditary trait that has been developed within the breed. It is also very dependent on the training that the individual dog as had as well as the personality of the dog.

What is spaying and neutering?

Spaying is the procedure used for female dogs. The procedure is surgical and requires the veterinarian to make a small incision in the lower abdominal area between the hind legs. The reproductive organs are completely removed from the body cavity. The incision is usually stitched up with dissolving stitches. Often the dog will have to wear a plastic cone or Elizabethan collar around their neck for a day or two to prevent them from licking or chewing at the incision. The dog should be kept calm and avoid any kind of jumping or strenuous exercise for the first week after the surgery.

Male dogs are neutered. This process also involves surgical procedures and general anesthesia. The testicles are completely removed with the procedure. There is no possibility of reversing either of the procedures. As with females the male dogs will need to be kept quiet and calm for several days after the surgery.

It is important to remember that male dogs, even after neutering, may still be able to impregnate females for a period of a few days or even weeks after the surgery. This occurs because viable sperm may still be in the male reproductive tract. Be sure to keep neutered males away from females for a couple of weeks after surgery just to be safe.

Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com – where you can find dog beds, dog steps, pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you’ll never find at your local pet store.

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posted by admin on Jun 18

The Italian Greyhound is known in its native land as Picooli Levrieri Italiani. It is an ancient breed that looks like a miniature version of the Greyhound with all the talents of the bigger Greyhound.

The ancestors of the Italian Greyhound probably came from Egypt, Turkey and Greece, where they later found favor with medieval European royalty. The Italian Greyhound became popular in southern Europe, especially in Italy, during the sixteenth century and eventually won the hearts of queens and princesses throughout Europe. This tin, personable miniaturization of the Greyhound probably was bred purposely as a lady’s companion but later gained a reputation for having sufficient speed, endurance, and determination for coursing small game.

The Italian Greyhound loves to run in pursuit of small game or just for the fun of it. Exercise requirements can be met by long walks, backyard games and play.

Current function of the Italian Greyhound is mainly just as a classic companion pet, although the Italian Greyhound has sporting qualities. He is equally at home in the comfort of apartment living and a soft bed as he is seen speeding across a yard or field in pursuit of imaginary or real game.

The Italian Greyhound has virtually no fat insulation on its body which does make him a little more sensitive cold. His tiny size and scant, slick coat does not help in this area, but also adds to this dog’s sensitivity to the cold. He probably is best kept in warmer climates.

The Italian Greyhound is affectionate, cheerful and intelligent. Avoid rowdy dogs and children when housing the Italian Greyhound. Older children should be taught not to try and carry around the Italian Greyhound. He is definitely not a pocket puppy breed, or one that enjoys being carried around. He is not known as a watchdog, although the bark of this breed sounds like a much larger dog. The Italian Greyhound is often timid around strangers. When properly introduced to visitors the Italian Greyhound warms up quickly.

The Italian Greyhound has an elegant beauty that pleases the eyes of those who meet this charming little dog. He stands about 13 inches tall and weighs about 8 pounds. He is quite similar to the Greyhound only smaller. The Italian Greyhound has a single coat that is fine and lies flat. It is seen in almost every color pattern and hue much like the Greyhound.

Grooming

As you might guess grooming requirements of the Italian Greyhound are quite minimal. The coat is easily taken care of by regular, daily attention with velvet pad or a piece of silk. Equipment needed is a hound glove, velvet glove or pad. Bathe this breed in a good-quality protein shampoo. Use a purifying shampoo and mask on occasions or a condition to enhance the gleam of the coat.

Connie Limon. Visit us online at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog toys and supplies, and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, 12 picture video and advertising in our newsletters for one full year at the rate of $25 per year.

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posted by admin on Jun 16

Pets have many facts about them that you should know about. There are many different types of pets, some are soft and cuddly, and others are hard and rough, and still others are slimy. Pets are as different as one person is from another, no two are exactly alike. There are hundreds of pets in the world ranging from your average house dog to an elephant. Most of the differences in pets can be seen right away, such as, the difference between a dog and a cat, but others are hard to find such as, the difference between two frogs of the same order.

Dogs and cats tend to be the most popular of pets because of there availability and they are some of the most tame pets. Even though they are tame they still need to be trained to be the most enjoyable. Many books and e-books are written a year on how to train your dog or cat. These books can really take out the stress of trying to do it yourself, and in most cases you can end up training your dog or cat to do bad things. It is best to learn what is the right way to train you pet.

Many people own pets. Some people have pets because they want to have a friend. This is a good idea because pets can keep you company and watch over you. And that is another reason that people have pets, dogs can help you if you are old and live alone plus dogs are extremely loyal. Other people use dogs as guides if they are blind.

Justin Vander Ploeg provides you with pet care products at http://www.solutionsbyjustin.com/.

posted by admin on Jun 14

The Great Dane or German Mastiff is the gentle giant of dog breeds. This giant dog needs an experienced owner who can cope with a large dog and large demands on the family budget.

The Dane is gentle, quiet, dignified, well-mannered, loyal and affectionate. The breed is wonderfully devoted to its family and it would rather lean against you for a pat, than behave aggressively towards anyone. The Great Dane is very good with family children, but toddlers and small children are subject to accidental knock down or being whacked with a wagging tail and must be supervised very carefully. Because the Dane is so large, it requires extensive socialization to learn how to behave cautiously around children and pets. Some male Danes can be dominant, so obedience training and socialization must be started with puppy school and continued until at least two years of age. Danes are intelligent and eager to please, so they can be trained for higher levels of activities and competitions. Additional information on obedience competitions and other activities for dogs can be found in my article on Fun Dog Activities.

The Great Dane is probably the tallest of all dog breeds. Male Danes stand at least 32 inches and females at least 30 inches tall at shoulder height. Depending on their height male Danes can weigh from 140 to 190 pounds with females weighing from 100 to 160 pounds. This tall regal dog has a rectangular head set on an elegant neck and the dog moves with grace and dignity. The Dane’s ears can be natural or cropped and the tail is natural. The Dane’s coat is short, smooth and glossy and only requires occasional brushing except when shedding. Colors can be: brindle (golden yellow with black striping); fawn (with black mask); black; black mantled (black body with white collar and trim); blue; and harlequin (white with ragged black patches).

The early ancestors of the Dane are thought to be the large and courageous war dogs, called Molossians, which were used in ancient Greek and Roman times. When these Molossians spread across Europe, they became the founding stock for many modern dog breeds including the British Mastiff. The Germans saw the need to develop a big and courageous dog to hunt the dangerous European wild boars and wolves. It is thought that the British Mastiff, the Irish Wolfhound and possibly the Greyhound all were involved in developing the German Mastiff. The original German Mastiffs were very aggressive hunting and guard dogs but many subsequent generations of selective breeding has resulted in a gentle and affectionate giant dog breed. This German giant came to America in the late 19th century and became very popular, ranking 27th out of 154 dog breeds in 2004 AKC registrations.

Danes are very adaptable and despite their large size, they are nimble footed and can easily navigate around a large apartment. Danes can adapt to apartment living and even being left alone during the day as long as they get regular exercise and lots of companionship in the morning and evening. Despite being very large dogs, they don’t need a lot of exercise every day. Two good walks will suffice. Do not over exercise Great Danes when they are young because their fast growth makes them prone to injuries. The Dane loves to be warm and comfortable and this heavy dog needs a very soft bed or you may find him sleeping on yours.

Giant breeds, like the Great Dane, have a life expectancy of no longer than 10 years and large male Danes may only live for 7 or 8 years. Danes have many serious inherited health problems including: musculoskeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia, Wobblers syndrome (cervical vertebral instability), and panosteitis; heart diseases such as cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis; eye disorders such as cataracts, ectropion, entropion, glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy; hypothyroidism, cancer and bloat. Information on these inherited diseases and ways to help control bloat can be found in my article on Hereditary Diseases in Dogs. Before you buy a Great Dane puppy make sure you ask the breeder for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) results for hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease and thyroid disease and the Canine Eye Registry (CERF) recent ophthalmologists report for both sire and dam. These results also may be available through the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program which stores results from both OFA and CERF for a growing number of breeding Great Danes.

If you are seriously interested in acquiring a Great Dane then you should check with your national pure-bred dog organizations such as the American (www.akc.org) or Canadian Kennel (www.ckc.com) Clubs to look for conformation shows in your area. Make sure you talk to owners and breeders at these shows to see if your lifestyle is really suited to this giant breed. Additional information on Danes and on specific shows and competitions in your area can be found by checking with the national Great Dane clubs which are www.gdca.org in the US and www.gdcc.ca in Canada. Both of these umbrella organizations will point you to the local chapter closest to your home that may be able to provide you with information on reputable breeders. They should also provide you with information on Dane rescue organizations in case you wish to obtain an adult dog.

Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular dog breed site: http://www.dog-breed-facts.com. He provides informative, real-world advice and tips on dog breeds, dog health, dog grooming and more. As well be sure to check out his free report on Dog Training.

posted by admin on Jun 6

Wild animals are beautiful creatures with varying sizes, colors, and habitats. Although some can be seen in zoos, the place they are meant to be is in their own environment. Unfortunately, animals such as whales, panda bears and sea otters, are not always safe in these places and are dying out. What is causing their threat of extinction? Several factors have an influence on this growing problem.

Pollution

Because animals are all intertwined on the food chain, contamination of a water source that a species drinks for example, will not only effect them, but the animal that eats them as well, having the ability to cause cancer and other deadly diseases. If a mother drinks toxins, they become apart of her milk and she passes on those toxins to her babies. Because the off spring are considerably smaller than the mother, these chemicals and toxins will have a greater negative impact on them. Among these problems is a shorter life span, directly effecting the time they have to reproduce and multiply their species, not to mention the damage the pollutions have already caused on their systems and ability to thrive.

Contamination of water due to oil spills is another large problem. Because oil and water do not mix, and oil floats to the top and spreads easily and quickly, it is that much harder to clean up. Oil spills may be due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, or can happen by people who do not want to dispose of oil properly and dump it into the ocean to get rid of it. Birds can be covered and will not be able to fly because of their feathers being covered. Oil covers sea otters and coats their fur, covering the air bubbles in their fur which are there to help them stay warm in freezing waters. Due to the oil coating these bubbles they die of hypothermia. So many different animals dying in mass quantity from oil spills also contributes to animal endangerment.

Decrease of Natural Habitat

If there are constant changes in the environment of a species, then there is subsequently constant changes in species habitat. Changes in the environment, of course, happen naturally. However, when this happens animals adapt because the changes are small, over a period of time. When humans make the changes they are more drastic and immediate. People can take out a forest in a matter of days, not giving occupants time to move to a new location in a time frame that is adaptable. To illustrate this point the habitat of the giant panda will be examined. A panda eats around 40 pounds of bamboo a day. This is due to the low nutrition of the plant and the inability of the panda to digest it. Large amounts must be consumed to get the necessary nutrients for the bear. After a bamboo plant flowers, it dies and does not regrow for another 10 years or so. If there is not another species of bamboo in that area the Panda then needs to move to another region which has bamboo still in season. Due to human activities such as farming, mining and road building quickly destroying the plants they eat it is difficult for the pandas to move to another forest to find the bamboo they need quickly.

Hunting, Fishing and Whaling

One of the greatest effects on water animals, such as whales, is exploitation. Exploitation is decreasing a particular species faster than nature is able to replace the population. Whaling has been a large contributor to the decrease of whales in the ocean. This unrestricted hunting or whaling purpose was for their skin, fur, teeth, meat or other reasons. Although some organizations, such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC) have been established, as well as laws and regulations, people do not always follow these laws and whales are still hunted. Animal parts make a lot of money and illegal activities pursued for the money that people can make. In Japan whale is still a popular dish and hunted for consumption. Along with whaling other fishing takes place. Large nets for fishing can entangle species they are not meant to capture, nor desired to capture. These lives are lost as a negative by product of mass commercial fishing efforts. The large commercial fishing takes out so many animals, so quickly that they can not replace themselves.

Human carelessness seems to be the overriding influence on all these factors. As people are concerned about the impact that their choices and actions make on wild life, their habitats and environments will be protected. People taking precautions will effect the environment for humans and wild animals alike.

Emma Snow has always adored wild animals. Emma provides content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com and Riding Stable http://www.riding-stable.com.