One of the most common troubles that dog owners usually experience is having to wash the dirt that their dogs have unwittingly left on their beds. And most probably, you are not a lucky exception to this list. There may be times when your dog’s bed suddenly breaks off due to its sheer size and weight. Hence, you may have a hard time fixing the bed parts and most probably end up in vain.

These problems can best be remedied by buying vinyl, indestructible, and washable dog beds. However, you might wonder what features should beds of this type must possess? Worry no more because here are the tell-tale signs of a shatter-free, washable dog bed:

1. It should be waterproof and have washable covers.

Having this feature is definitely a big plus. Waterproof dog beds are known to provide protection against wet surfaces and ease in long-term maintenance. This type is perfect for outdoors with dog bed materials that won’t easily get wet or damaged when water accidentally gets in. Moreover, beds with washable covers offer hassle-free cleaning that won’t require pet owners to pull any trick just to perform the task.

This type of bed is also ideal for getting rid of ticks or fleas that normally create discomfort on your dog. Moreover, the ease in cleaning highly guarantees that your dog’s refuse can be washed in no time. This will help you avoid a skunk-smelling bed, which, as you may fully know, is a rather unhappy thought.

A good material for dog beds is vinyl. So, be on the lookout for vinyls that prevent odor and mildew and also provide the easy task of regular washing. A regularly washed bed lasts much longer than those that are not frequently washed. As such, pet health and hygiene are highly ensured with proper cleaning.

2. It should be tougher than your dog.

Now, do you still remember having the shock of your life upon seeing the $500 luxury dog bed being torn into bite-size pieces by your bored dog? You obviously would!

If you are among those dog owners who have experienced this nightmare, indestructible beds are the perfect antidote for this. You see, dogs are by nature hyper-active and aggressive. When they have nothing to do, they probably find tearing their beds an enjoyable and fun-filled activity. Fortunately, this can be avoided by providing your dog a shatter-free bed.

The fabrics and materials used for the bed should withstand your dog’s punishing razor-sharp fangs. There must be no loose patches of cloth in the bed, so that your canine friend won’t have anything to bite on. The fabric should ideally be made of luggage grade material to endure any form of biting or scratching.

Furthermore, look for dog beds with steel frames that can support your dog’s size or weight and won’t easily be torn by your pet. This will give you the assurance that no matter how big or heavy your beloved dog is or how he sinks his fangs into it, it will never tear or break apart.

Once you’re done with this checklist, you can now purchase the perfect bed for your prized dog that is both easy to clean and is shatter-resistant.

Jerry Brecken is a writer for dogbedsforyou.com, a website where you can choose among the popular varieties of

Related posts

• Your Dogs Shedding and Bald Spots (0)
• Toys For Your Pet That Are Safe and Fun (0)
• Choosing The Perfect Dog Bed Sheets (0)
• Your German Shepherd Puppy: How to Choose the Right One (0)
• Your Dogs Intelligence - Could Dogs Be Smarter than Their Owners? (0)

Tags: dog beds, dot

Pets are many things in many ways but they are not responsible. Not outside of very limited doggy parameters. This means that you are 100% responsible for your pet’s health. In this day of seemingly limitless online medication options, the only way to face this challenge is through education. Freedom of choice is only a benefit when you are familiar with the choices.

The easy availability of medications online has placed extra pressure on society to moderate its own behavior responsibly. It has placed even more pressure on human beings using the Internet to shop for pets that are entirely reliant on them for their wellbeing.

Buying pet medicine online offers a level of consumer freedom that is enough to make one dizzy. In the old days we would take our pet to our local veterinarian who would counsel us on the right way to deal with our pet’s health issues. This was a relief in two obvious ways: we could be guided by an expert and we could shift a little of the weight of responsibility. Today it is possible to go online, diagnose and medicate our own pet.

This is a boon on the one hand, and a very serious danger on the other. With the aid of the Internet we are empowered to act somewhat independently of traditional channels. This is a qualified bonus only if we are almost uncomfortably aware of the fact that we do not have years of veterinary experience behind us. This awareness should hopefully make us doubly cautious as we navigate these unfamiliar waters with our newfound freedom.

The bonus is a qualified one because it should not take the place of veterinary expertise when that is appropriate. The question of how to discern when that is appropriate is the million-dollar question. Websites play experts and they do so with expertise but it is not necessarily the expertise we need.

A favorite tactic is to dot the website with white clad ‘experts’ who profess to a proficiency they don’t have. It is important to note that the figures are often just models paid to pose with an air of authority. We need something more than a show of proficiency when it comes to the lives of our precious pets.

The bottom line is this; nothing can take the place of a visit to the veterinarian when your pet is sick. Attempting to diagnose your pet’s ailment yourself can have devastating consequences. When time is of the essence, wasting it waiting for cost effective, online drugs to be shipped to your door is not only unwise but inhumane.

Buying pet medicine online has a limited application. Within these boundaries it can be both benign and cost effective. This avenue works best with repeat medications like flea, tick, worming and heart medications. If you are considering taking advantage of the online option let your vet know. He or she will have to write out a prescription for you to use when purchasing online. Many services also offer to call the vet directly. Your delivery date will be reliant on prompt communication between the online company and the veterinarian’s office working together to share information.

Purchasing non-prescription drugs for your pet online is also a matter for caution and consideration. Because certain drugs do not require a prescription does not mean that they are not potentially dangerous if administered unwisely. Read instructions carefully. Good websites take their role as educator seriously. Most have extensive information online regarding dosages and side effects.

Avoid or be cautious regarding prices that are way below market on pet medications. Most legitimate companies hover in the same discount region. Outrageous savings are normally only offered by fly by night companies offering questionable product.

Burke Jones is a frequent contributor to the pet-health-depot.com Pet Health Depot, an online resource for pet-health-depot.com/cat-medicine.htm Cat Medicine and pet-health-depot.com/dog-insurance.htm Dog Insurance.

Related posts

• Your German Shepherd Puppy: How to Choose the Right One (0)
• Your Dogs Shedding and Bald Spots (0)
• Your Dog And Snakes (0)
• Winter Coughs - Not a Good Wheeze! (0)
• Why Homemade Dog Food May Save Your Dog’s Life (0)

Tags: dot

Fleas also known as cat fleas are tiny, irritating parasites that not only feed off your pet’s blood, but your own blood as well. It is possible to find that fleas have laid their eggs almost anywhere and everywhere they please inside or outside, for instant, in your carpets, furniture and bedding as well as your front and back yards. Therefore, it is likely that an infestation of fleas and their eggs is very high. To determine if your animal has fleas, you should look for the tell tale signs of fleas on your dog, for instance the excrement of fleas are dark, specks of curly dots which are also called flea dirt.

This flea dirt or excrement are black specks, which are the remains of digested blood that has a reddish brown appearance when wet, and are best found while having your pet lay on a white sheet or cloth while you brush through its coat. On dogs that have a darker coat you will need a magnifying glass to search for flea eggs, as they will give the appearance of dandruff within your pet’s coat.

Dangers of Fleas

Not only are fleas terribly annoying to your pet and yourself, they are also a health risk, and can cause an allergic reaction in both animals and humans. Some allergic reactions to fleas may be a large sore that started out as a small irritating fleabite, but then the area becomes painfully infected, which do not easily or quickly healed as well on both animals and their humans. Fleas can also cause an allergic reaction, which leads to skin irritation, skin inflammation as well as causing the loss of hair, which is called FAD or flea allergy dermatitis. Fleas are also infamous for their ability to transmit tapeworms, which cause much distress by cramping and gas. In some cases, due to severe blood loss your dog may experience anemia. This may be the case if your dog is young or incapacitated this can be deadly.

Preventing Flea Infestation

It is possible to exterminate fleas inside a vacuum cleaner bag, by putting flea powder in your vacuum cleaner. However, the use of a monthly topical is inexpensive as well as an easy approach in protecting you home against fleas. Frontline Plus and Bio Spot are two topical brands that are highly recommended as well as available in fighting fleas. Since fleas are not able to jump more than one foot at a time, you may want to consider raising their spot or their doghouse to an elevated position, to help in discouraging fleas into their personal area. Keep in mind that one of the best rivals for fleas is water; therefore you should wash all the areas as is possible where a dog may roam such as your backyard. In addition, you should see to it that there is a little as possible contact with areas that are grassy or wooded; this will minimize the probability of a flea infestation. While you should take care to keep all areas, trimmed and clear of brush and bramble, such as you garden, yard or kennel.

It is essential to include a flea comb in you pet’s home grooming kit. A flea comb should be used often when grooming your animal. A flea comb has fine, soft bristles that will catch fleas. You should begin combing for fleas around your pet’s head and hindquarters, since this is an area where fleas and their flea dirt can commonly be found. When a flea is trapped, it should immediately be immersed in soapy water. Moreover, since fleas are able to thrive and survive best in warm conditions it is best to employ the use of flea control products year round. However, you should also keep in mind that during their chrysalis or egg stage, colder climates can increase the lifespan of a flea, which is composed of egg, larva, pupa and adult, by causing the pupa stage to become dormant, laying in wait for a warmer period to hatch out.

Treatment

The first step to having a parasite free pet is to give it a flea bath. Although, since most flea products are too harsh for puppies you should be extremely careful to consult your veterinarian and follow all instructions on a flea products label if your puppy has fleas. A flea bath can also give relieve from itching and irritation, however you should not stop at shampooing your pet as a flea bath does not really protect the animal after having a flea bath.

Although, it is not recommended by most veterinarians, one alternative for keeping fleas away for some time after the treatment is to use a flea dip. However with the use of flea dip also comes the possibility of the dog licking, swallowing or eating the fleas after treatment of a flea dip, since a flea dip remains on the animals coat a good long while. Alternatively, you may choose the option of a flea collar. You should keep in mind that flea collars only work in killing fleas around the face and neck of the dog, and not its whole body. Moreover, some dogs have shown signs of being allergic to flea collars by developing a rash when wearing a flea collar. You should also consider that since they hang loose from your dog’s collar that flea medallions can possibly contaminate the dog’s drinking water, and thereby make it ill.

Luckily, there are a good many choices of flea powders and sprays that you can use for your home and your dog. Although you should take care to read the complete instructions for any type of flea treatment, before you use it to know which is which. Remember that a flea treatment for your home is too strong to use on your pet and products that are made to put on your pet are not as strong as those you use on inanimate objects. Also, keep in mind that it is toxic to your pet to use two or three different flea control products in your home and on your dog at the same time; you do not want to make your dog sick from chemical poisoning.

It is essential that your home be treated as well as your pet when there is an overabundance of fleas. Fenoxycarb and Methoprene are two active ingredients included in flea sprays that are safe and efficient in battling fleas. As they have the ability to stop the growth of flea eggs into adult fleas. Since flea sprays are so very strong, it is highly recommended that your animals should be outside while the house is being treated, and a good idea that you use a protective mask for clean breathing yourself while doing the spraying of your home. Thankfully, some products are designed with the purpose of exterminating adult fleas, such as an IGR or an Insect Growth Regulators, as they are able to kill flea larvae and eggs. However, before applying such flea control products, you should always vacuum your furniture and carpet to rouse flea larvae and eggs from their cocoons.

These flea control products are recommended by veterinarians: Advantage - Imidacloprid, Archer or Nylor - Pyriproxyfen as well as Frontline Top Spot - Fipronil, Proban - Cythioate, Pro-Spot - Fenthion and Program - Lufenuron.

proudpup.com” >ProudPup.com - Great deals on new and used dog supplies and accessories, training equipment, books, doggie health tips and more! Did you know that dogs have a genetic lifespan of 27 years? Find out how you can help your dog live well into it’s teens or 20’s. Download your copy of the Long Life Dog book by clicking this link: proudpup.com” >Proud Pup - Dog Supplies Cheap

Copyright 2007 – Ken Mathie. Editor PMCezine…
You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made, the author’s name is retained and the link to our site URL remains active.

Related posts

• Your Dogs Shedding and Bald Spots (0)
• Your Dog Will Benefit From Regular Grooming (0)
• Why Contract the Services of a Professional Pet Sitter for Your Dog? (0)
• When Canine Hips Go Bad (0)
• What to Consider When Buying a Chow Chow (0)

Tags: dot, groom, parasites

Health Issues

Your very first action after officially adopting a new puppy or dog – before you take him or her home – should be to stop by your vet’s office for a thorough examination. If you have other pets at home, you don’t want to inadvertently expose them to a communicable illness. If the vet even suspects something contagious, like parvovirus or distemper, leave the animal there for treatment – don’t take him home yet!

It’s even a good idea in such cases to clean your exposed body parts with a bleach water mix to kill latent viruses and germs before you enter your home. Try to avoid direct contact with any pets. Immediately head to the laundry room and put your clothing in the washer with lots of detergent and hot water. If you ruin something, that’s certainly better than exposing your pets to a disease!

Vaccinations

Your vet will, of course, know which vaccinations are required in your city and state. Most vets will administer inoculations in bundles (known as DHLP-P) to save time and expense. The injection includes vaccinations against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Rabies vaccine is given separately and is mandatory in virtually every locale.

If you have other pets at home, vaccinations are absolutely critical for any new dogs you add to the domestic mix. Get them done - and stay on schedule!

Pack Hierarchy Issues

Any time you bring a new pet into your home with existing dogs, there is potential for fights as the hierarchy of the ‘pack’ is thrown into temporary disarray. It’s often impossible to tell whether a new dog will be an alpha or not, especially when it’s a puppy. However, puppies are much easier to condition to a lesser status within your home’s pack, even if their natural tendency is toward dominance. Remember, even two dogs will often be driven to attempt to form a pack with a dominant-subordinate relationship.

Let the dogs work it out, unless open aggression erupts. Then, you might try bringing in a professional trainer or, if possible, separate fighting dogs by partitioning them in certain parts of your home. Caution: never attempt to physically separate fighting dogs with your hands or feet! Instead, spray or pour a copious amount of cold water on them. The cold and wetness will serve to startle them, which usually defuses the situation without you ending up with stitches.

There is, unfortunately, not much you can do to predict which animals will be dominant. Some breeds are more likely to have individuals that will assert themselves in the pack (German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls), but even there, you get a wide range of characteristics. So, plan for any contingency, including returning the new dog or finding a better home if it causes serious disruptions that are not naturally resolved within a few days.

Feeding Routines

If you’ve only had one dog in your home previously, an issue that can be a source of potential problems when you add a new one is feeding time. You don’t have to think about it with just one pet, but when you have two or more animals trying to eat in one space – especially a confined area – watch out! Early on, make sure you remain close by in case a fight breaks out. Even dogs that have always been docile and friendly can quickly turn on companion animals when food is in the mix.

If possible, segregate your pets so they can eat without any contact with the other(s). Not only will this eliminate the potential for aggression, but it may prevent other disasters as well. Dogs that eat in groups tend to gulp without properly chewing their food. This can lead to choking and a condition called ‘bloat’ that can be life threatening.

Don’t Ignore Your First Dog!

When you bring in a new pet, it’s easy to start ignoring your existing dog(s). You’re not a bad person! It’s a natural tendency. However, you should anticipate it and work hard to catch yourself doting on the new dog at the other’s expense. Dogs are very tied in to our feelings and actions. More than most owners ever realize. You will send the wrong “vibe” to your older pets if you change how much time and attention you give them. To keep everyone happy, spend quality time with them all and don’t play favorites – even when the new pet is really ‘new.’

John Schwartz is a freelance writer and dog lover. He has written many published articles on subjects that include shopping for safe puppies-dogs-supplies.com/dog_toys.html dog toys and supplies, improving pet health, and good dog training practices. Visit his website at puppies-dogs-supplies.com puppies-dogs-supplies.com for more information and dog ownership tips.

Related posts

• Training An Agressive Dog (0)
• Shih Tzu - Obedient Shih Tzu Make Better Companions And Are Happier (0)
• How Are Guard Dogs Trained? (0)
• Getting to Know the Rottweiler (0)
• Dogs In The ‘Hood - Yo! What It Is, What It Was and What It Should Be (0)

Tags: dog training, dot, pit bull, rottweiler

It’s been said that dogs are man’s best friends, and that’s perfectly shown in our societies today. Not only are dogs given expensive dog foods or gourmet dog treats, they’re also showered with a lot of fancy accessories.

Before, dogs used to sleep on the cold hard floor, but now, comfortable and soft beds for dogs are made available in the market. What’s even more amazing is that manufacturers are coming up with more dog accessories ideas such as Halloween costumes, dog toys and even dog sweaters to keep the dogs warm during winters.

The ordinary dog collars are slowly being replaced with something fancy. If you think dog collars are still those boring pieces of leather with a hard buckle attached on them, then you should try to visit a few pet specialty shops.

The mall has a wide collection of fancy dog collars. Now, collars come in different shape, color and size to suit the taste of the finickiest dog owner. They could even be made out of different materials such as nylon, leather, suede, metal and fabric.

Different designs are also available. No matter what your preferred design is, you’re sure you could find one to match your dog and fit your taste. In fact, it’s possible for your dog to wear a collar that perfectly matches whatever it is you are wearing. Examples of beautiful patterns of dog collars are polka dots, crystal, mink, bone, denim, crocodile prints and even Victorian.

If you think these collars are fancy, then you probably haven’t seen a dog collar attached with adjustable buckles, speakers, reflectors and RFID. A dog collar can even contain a GPS device so you can locate your dog wherever it goes. Now, just how fancy is that?

There are also lighted dog collars which can help keep your dogs safe. If you usually bring your dog outside for a walk at night or during foggy days, these lighted collars will enable you to see your dog even if it’s half a mile away. Usually, these illuminated collars run with an ordinary watch battery, and are weather- and shock-resistant.

There are also fancy dog collars which are highly personalized. Most of them are made-to-order. If you want a beautiful dog collar that comes with beads or small letters spelling your dog’s name, you can just order online.

Some manufacturers would even allow you to personally your dog’s collars. So if you have a great idea on how a collar should be made for your very special pet, then you should try to give your local pet shops a visit.

But dog manufacturers didn’t stop there. They know that dog lovers are not reluctant to spend a few hundred dollars just to accessorize their dogs, thus, they took full advantage of this. The most exquisite dog collars have probably been designed.

There are collars which are made of expensive materials like gold, platinum and silver. With precious gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and crystals embedded on them, these collars are more of jewelry than a dog collar.

Gone are the days when dog collars are simply just name tags. Dog collars also speak of the dog owner’s fashion and style preference. In addition, these dog collars are just one of the ways you can show how much you value your dog.

With such fancy dog collars available, it’s make you wonder if the dog itself is able to appreciate such extravagance. Well, whether the dog appreciates these fancy dog collars or not doesn’t really matter. What really matters is that you, as a dog lover and your dog’s best friend, were able to get your dog a fancy collar he deserves.

And if you’re feeling a bit more extravagant, you might even consider giving your dog other dog products like a throw blanket or dog totes. Do you know that the dog accessories industry is becoming a multi-million dollar industry? And that’s because of the numerous dog lovers like you who would probably spend a fortune for your pets.

That’s also one of the reasons why dog owners are the easiest people to find gifts for. Dog owners shower their dogs with so much attention, that you can’t possibly go wrong if you get them something for their pets. So don’t stress yourself too much thinking on what gift to give them.

Lee Dobbins writes for dogcollars.topicgiant.com dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about all types of dog collars including the dogcollars.topicgiant.com/Articles/Fancy_Dog_Collar.php fancy dog collar.

Related posts

• Your Dogs Shedding and Bald Spots (0)
• Why Homemade Dog Food May Save Your Dog’s Life (0)
• What Supplies Will You Need for a Dog? (0)
• Spitting in Your Dog’s Food to Build Dominance - Revisited (0)
• Small Dog Collars (0)

Tags: dog collars, dog food, dot