Thursday, April 14, 2011

Milk Thistle & Dogs

For dogs who are unfortunate enough to be suffering with liver problems, this article on http://dogtips.co outlines the benefits of using milk thistle for liver problems in dogs.

The article explains:

Symptoms of liver problems with dogs including liver disease can include a loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice, dark urine, pale gums, changes to drinking / eating habits and a sudden change in the dog’s weight.

Milk thistle is used as a treatment for liver problems in many human liver conditions and has received generally widespread positive acclaim.

Most of the trials carried out on rats also give cause for positivity. Rats have similar liver function to dogs and there has to date been no toxic effects reported.

http://www.dogtips.co/milk-thistle-dog-liver-problems/

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Kim Kardashian in K9 Magazine

Kim Kardashian talks about her dogs, friends and more in this K9 Magazine interview.

Kim says in the interview:

"we have four family dogs, we have Dolche who’s a boy, he’s 5 years old and a Chihuahua, we have Gabanna who’s a 2 year old black Labrador girl, we have Bella, who’s a 6 month old Maltese and she’s the newest addition. And we have Butter, she’s 10 months old, her real name is Beatrice P Potter Butter Beans Beyonce, but Butter for short! I share Butter with my sister, Khloe, we went together to bring her home but because I travel so much she lives with Khloe."

Source: http://www.k9magazine.com/kim-kardashian-interview/

Saturday, April 9, 2011

What Makes a Dog Dangerous?

In this excellent article (the 5 most dangerous dogs) the dog magazine questions people's stereotypical views on what traits make a dog dangerous.

The article is insightful and thought provoking and well worth 5 minutes of your time.

The most dangerous dogs it lists are probably NOT what you think they are!

Go to: http://www.totaldog.co.uk/dog-articles/talking-points/most-dangerous-dogs/

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Do Dogs Really Need Booster Vaccinations?

Excellent questions posed by MyPetLibrary on the controversial topic of booster vaccinations for dogs.

It's a topic that many dog owners care deeply about, whether booster vaccinations for dogs are a totally necessary procedure or are vets out to cash an annual recurring fee.

Have a read at: http://www.mypetlibrary.com/booster-vaccinations-for-dogs/

Monday, March 28, 2011

Today's Thought: Old Dogs and New Tricks

They say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, are they right?

Well how about this for an idea, it's easier to teach an old dog new tricks than to teach a new dog old tricks.

Experience is the teacher of all things.

Dogs continue to learn every single day.

Never, ever write off any dog's ability to learn new things and to progress their skills and understanding of commands.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Potty Training For Puppies (Top Tips!)

Following on from the excellent K9 Magazine article on puppy housetraining, we've got these top tips on how to potty train your new puppy...

Puppy Potty Training Made Easy!

As much as we would love dogs to use potties that isn’t what this article is about. I’m talking about house training, making sure that they know to go outside when it is time to do their business. Potty training your dog is a lengthy procedure but at the end you’ll know it’s worth it.

Dog toilet training can be something of a difficult task. Every day needs to be the same and you need to give him constant attention when you can; this will make the toilet training procedure a lot easier. Your training process will take longer if you are working out of the house quite often as your dog will need to go and the house is the only place that he can.

The simplest method for potty training a dog is the newspaper method. Many owners have the problem where dogs excuse themselves in the house, because they don’t know any different, you can make them sit outside for hours but they will wait until they come inside the house to do their business, and most of the time they will do it where you can't see them. This happens because while trying to potty train their dog many owners punish them after they have done the toilet in the house. But that is no good, they need to be caught in the act, but you don’t need to rub your dog’s nose in it like many suggest! The dog needs to learn to trust you not fear you or it will never learn.

The first obstacle in potty training dogs is to teach the dog how to go on command, you can do this inside the house then work your way up to teaching him to do it outside. Pick a certain area inside the house, maybe at the back door or something likewise, place a lot of newspaper around the area and every hour or so take him there and tell him to do the toilet, or whatever you want the command to be. Sooner or later he will do the toilet, but you have to keep a close eye on him around the house so you can see if he is going to do the toilet or not. When you see him go to do the toilet, take him to the paper and tell him your command, then praise him for doing it on the paper, this type of potty training needs a very vigilant handler. When he learns to go on command try to take him outside instead of the paper, that way he will soon learn that he has to go outside.

There are other problems that potty training your dog can help with, submissive urinating can be quite a large problem. Often when your dog meets someone knew that he likes or someone he knows, or even another dog he can get very excited and in turn he wets himself. This isn’t good for the person he is doing the toilet on and is very embarrassing for you. Potty training your dog will help to only release on command.

With a lot of hard spent time and vigilance you can teach your dog anything, potty training is just a step towards another accomplishment in your dog's life, when he does do the toilet outside and not in the house make sure he receives lots of treats and praise, the more he knows it pleases you the more he is likely to do it!

Useful Resources:

House Training For Puppies
Puppy Paper Training
Puppy Nutrition
Insurance for Pets
Dog Fleas & Puppies
Lifetime pet insurance cover (deals)

Puppy Potty Training Video Tips

Snapshot Dog Breed Profile: Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Let's look at the Anatolian Shepherd dog breed.

The Anatolian Shepherd has a long history as a working dog in the country of Turkey. The original function of the breed was to guard flock. Today still, the breed is used as a highly-dependable security dog.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/Anatolian_2009_pl3.jpg/240px-Anatolian_2009_pl3.jpg

Researchers claim that the canine's roots probably go back 4000 years ago to the Roman Mollosian war dogs and the Tibetan Mastiff. These dogs were used to safeguard livestock against dangerous predators, such as bear and wolves.

By viewing various pictures of the breed you will notice that different Anatolian Shepherd dogs may vary in size, colour and coat type. This is largely due to nomadic shepherds travelling a large geographical region while their Anatolian Shepherds would accompany them. The traits that have not changed, however, are the breed's independence, loyalty, and toughness.

Anatolian Shepherd dogs made their way to the United States during the mid 1950s and although its usefulness was in the service of guarding livestock against coyotes, wolves, and other predators, the breed did not become popular until the late 1970s/early 1980s.

What's it Like to Own an Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

This breed needs plenty of daily exercise – a chance to run with you as you jog in the mornings or a brisk walk on the leash will do the job. Anatolian Shepherd dogs can live outside if need be, so long as the temperature does not reach extreme cold or high heat, however, they are very connected to the family so sleeping inside at night is preferred. Grooming requirements consist of a weekly brushing to remove dead hair.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Health Problems

The Anatolian Shepherd has an average life span of between ten and thirteen years. Quite a healthy breed, the only major health concern that runs common is CHD, with entropion showing up as a minor issue. Veterinarians suggest that Anatolian Shepherd dogs get tested for potential hip and eye problems.

Helpful Resources

Lifetime pet insurance cover for an Anatolian shepherd dog
Dog nutrition and the Anatolian shepherd dog
Anatolian shepherd dog and puppy house training

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