If you have been thinking of getting a new dog, have you considered all the options available to you? The obvious choice people make, when considering a new dog is to go to a specialized dog breeder. A good dog breeder will be able to sell you a puppy that has been checked for genetic problems, diseases etc and will very often provide you with a high quality pedigree dog that should be free from problems that plague a lot of dogs.

This is ideal for a lot of people but of course will come at a price. There is an alternative - adopting a puppy or adult dog.

There are lots of dogs that are without homes at animal shelters or humane societies. These animals are often a victim of circumstance. Either an owner has died, or an elderly person cannot cope any more. Sadly through no fault of their own, they have ended up homeless. Adopting a dog, may be a great way to offer a loving home to one of these dogs.

A lot of people are concerned that they may end up with an unhealthy dog, or a dog that may be aggressive by getting one from a shelter. Most animal shelters will check a dog for good health and good temperament, so if there are any problems you will be told about them. Also, a lot of shelters offer in-house training to increase the chances of a dog finding a new home. Which is great for everybody!

The best way to go about adopting a dog is to pay a visit to your nearest animal shelter. Explain to the staff there, what kind of dog would suit you and your family. Bear in mind that if you have very small children, getting a large dog may not be a good idea. Similarly if you have an apartment, maybe think about getting a small dog that doesn’t require vast amounts of exercise. A bit of forethought before you arrive will make finding the perfect dog for you that much easier.

When you bring your new dog home, try and imagine things from her perspective. Your new dog has probably been through a lot in the past so bringing her to yet another new home may well be overwhelming. The best thing to do is keep her on a leash at first, and gradually introduce her to your home letting her sniff each room until she has got a feel for her new surroundings. Also take her to relieve her bladder outside if she has been on a long car journey with you.

Once she has settled down, allow her to walk freely off the leash inside your home (not outside off the leash yet). This will give her a chance to find ‘her’ spot. By this I mean her favorite place. We all have a favorite spot where we like to go, dogs are no different. If you have bought a new dog bed or blanket for your new arrival, this may be the place to put it. She will naturally go to that spot so having a comfy new bed there will help her settle in.

Your new dog may be very quiet for the first few days but don’t worry, this is part of the settling in process. After a short while your dog will be a fully settled in new member of the family.

Adopting from an animal shelter is a great way to get a new companion and a great way to make a new and happy future for your dog.

Article By Andrew Strachan. Find lots more information about types-of-dogs.com/articles/adopting_a_dog.htm adopting a dog and types-of-dogs.com different types of dogs at types-of-dogs.com types-of-dogs.com Lots of help and advice too.

Related posts

• Why The Pomeranian Is A Fluff To Be Reckoned With (0)
• The Japanese Chin is a Healthy Breed with a Few Health Problems to Look Out For (0)
• The Chihuahua - Perfect Apartment Companions (0)
• Shiba Inu History and Breeder Information (0)
• Purebred Dog Breeding Today (0)

Tags: dog breed, healthy dog

Does your dog have lively eyes, and lots of vitality? Is your dog’s coat shiny and bright? These visible signs of a healthy dog are pretty easy to spot. And, as a dog owner, it is your role to get your dog into this healthy state and keeping him in this condition is important.

Let’s start with something quite basic - food. Every animal needs food and water to stay alive. As we know from human experience, not just any food will do; the quality of the diet matters a great deal too, and contributes towards staying well. We know that human malnutrition can be caused by too little variety in food. Applying this to our much-loved dogs means ensuring they get a diet rich in all the vitamins, mineral and nutrients a dog needs. Luckily for us this has been made very simple these days - all we need to do is buy a decent brand name complete dog food. Try to steer clear of the very cheap versions because they are sometimes little more than cornmeal.

Just like us humans, dogs can overeat and become overweight. In the wild, this problem never happens since an out-of-shape animal can’t fend for itself and doesn’t stick around very long. The only time an obese animal is found is when it’s domesticated. Although some kind-hearted pet owners think they’re making their pet happy if little Tito is eating lots and lots, these owners are actually shortening their pet’s lives and putting them at risk for respiratory problems, arthritic pain, diabetes and heart disease. These obese pets also are more likely to pass away if they need to be put under anesthesia for surgery. (Unfortunately, this is also true for obese people.) Thus, feeding your dog the correct food in the correct amount is ultimately the most important way to show how much you care for your pet.

The condition of a dog’s fur, skin and stools need to be addressed. Dogs can get ill from tics and fleas. Flea collars aren’t always good at keeping away these pests. Instead, use a good powder or spray. Make sure to use these correctly according to the instructions. If a flea problem does arise, it’s vital that you attend to it right away. First, clean the spots that the dog regularly lies around. Every time that you vacuum these areas, immediately empty the vacuum bags. Also, wash the dog’s bed every time he lies in it. These steps will prevent further outbreaks from the fleas and their eggs nested in your home’s carpet and fabrics.

Be careful to check your dog’s fur after a walk in the country, since this is when they are most likely to have picked up ticks. Finally check your dog’s stools for evidence of worms. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms all can infest a dog’s intestinal tract, though not all are visible to the naked eye - this is why a regular worming schedule needs to be followed.

These few steps create a much healthier and happier dog. Further steps like keeping veterinarian visits and keeping your dog’s vaccinations up to date also increase your dog’s health factor. By following these caring and healthy steps, you are creating a fit and content dog that is sure to live a much longer and healthier life.

Copyright 2006 Sally Ricco. All rights reserved.

Sally Ricco’s website Pet

Related posts

• Your Dog And New Year’s Resolutions (0)
• Why Commercial Dog Food Will Kill Your Dog - What You Can Do About It And How You Can Halve Vet Bill (0)
• Which Is The Right One For Your Dog? (0)
• What You Should Know About Dog Food Natural Recipes (0)
• What Makes Dog Food Healthy? (0)

Tags: dog food, healthy dog

Dogs are very sensitive and affectionate. Dogs obey and follow instructions if they are put into practice from the puppy stage. Dog care is not a simple procedure. One has to know a lot of things about dogs. Dogs are to be regulated in their food habits, personality, the toe nail lengths, and sensory organs.

Dog’s skin is very sensitive. The dog’s skin is shining, healthy and free from dandruff if it is taken proper care of. Its skin depends on the diet it has. Its skin will be in good condition only if it has correct weight. An underweight or an overweight dog may have health problems. Knowledge, precaution and proper attention will surely keep the dogs healthy. Regular vaccinations ensure dogs from getting affected from any infection. The most common disease is allergy in dogs. To keep them away from allergy the surroundings should be clean. A daily bath to a dog will make its skin lose its natural oils. It is advisable to give a bath at intervals or when you find them to be very dirty. They should be patted dry with a soft towel and their coat should be brushed with a soft brush. This will help the skin look shining and healthy.

Every dog has to taken for a regular checkup. Not only this, but one has to check its skin for insects. If so it should be cleaned and powdered by some medicated dog powder. It contracts any skin problem by the slightest change in temperatures. If it is too cold, its skin will turn dry. So it needs a warm condition to keep its skin healthy. Dogs should be taken care with patience, utmost attention and periodical checkups. Though it is not cheap to maintain a healthy dog, a periodical checkup is essential.

e-dogcare.com Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with e-dogbeds.com Large Dog Beds .

Related posts

• Your Dog’s Health - The Basics Every Pet Owner Should Know (0)
• Save a Life During “National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month” (0)
• Essential Dog Supplies (0)
• Dog Nail Care (0)
• Dog Health Care (0)

Tags: dog beds, healthy dog

Bringing a puppy into your home can be an extremely rewarding experience, but is something that should not be done on the spur of the moment. Choosing the appropriate puppy will best be accomplished by taking your time to research your breed of interest as well as the breeder or individual of whom you are considering a purchase. Before making a decision, be certain that you are committed to the lifetime care and ownership of the puppy.

During the research phase, some of your questions can be answered as you consult with other owners of your breed of choice. Their experience and knowledge of the breed will help you in making a more informed decision. Most dog breeds were developed for specific functions, and as a result, have their own defining characteristics. Consider a breed’s personality and traits, level of activity, and space requirements in determining how easily (or difficult) it will be for them to adapt to your environment and lifestyle.

Once you have made a decision on your breed choice, you should begin looking for a responsible breeder. Since they can be found in both small and large kennel settings, you should look for someone who consistently produces healthy dogs. One way to find out more about a breeder is by asking for references from their customers. Most individuals are happy to share their positive or negative experiences concerning the selection and purchase of their canine, especially with someone of like interest. Another source of reference would be the breeder’s veterinarian. They might be able to offer some good information about the history and practices of the breeder. Remember, a responsible breeder is someone who cares about each of their puppies (even after they are placed into new homes) and should be willing to offer advice and support throughout the lifetime of the dog.

Another important factor to evaluate is the breeder’s kennel (or home if that’s where the puppies are kept). If the environment is not clean, go no further. Also, human contact is very important in the first few weeks of a puppy’s life, as it establishes the human-to-puppy bond. Find out if the puppies have had some contact and interaction with people. When examining the puppy(ies), check to see if they are healthy looking and energetic, or shy and afraid. Look for any sign of discharge coming from the puppy(ies) nose or eyes. Make sure that they are up to date on all vaccinations and have been de-wormed.

If possible, ask to look at the parent dogs as well, making sure they appear healthy, move freely, and have sound temperaments. Sometimes, in the interest of producing an exceptional litter of puppies, a breeder will go outside of his own kennel in search of a suitable stud. If that’s the case, you might want to request pictures of the male and obtain the owner’s contact information for future reference or questions.

Consider your comfort level with the breeder as you communicate with them. You should be able to express your thoughts and ask questions easily. And they should be able to answer all questions, including those related to training, grooming, and general health care.

A good breeder will be just as curious about you as you are of them, asking questions about your interests as a prospective owner of one of their puppies. Find out if they are active in a breed club or if they participate in dog shows or any type of canine sporting events. If so, it would be a good indication that they are keeping up with changing views on health concerns and staying informed about their specific breeds.

Last, but not least, a good breeder should provide you with all of the appropriate documentation, including a contract, registration application, vet health certificate, and a health guarantee.

Related posts

• Why The Pomeranian Is A Fluff To Be Reckoned With (0)
• The Chihuahua - Perfect Apartment Companions (0)
• Otterhound Puppy And Dog Information (0)
• Is The Yorkshire Terrier The Right Type Of Dog For You? (0)
• Is The Chihuahua The Perfect Pet For You? (0)

Tags: dog breed, dog breeds, groom, healthy dog

Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing dogs. If you love your dog, you should do something about it. Overweight dogs live shorter and less healthy lives and your enjoyment of their precious companionship may be shortened because of it.

Extra pounds place an excess burden on bones and joints and can make arthritis problems worse. Overweight dogs are less able to exercise and play comfortably and their breathing can become labored. Their bodies may be less able to resist infections, and they may be at greater risk for problems during surgery and anesthesia.

Potential health problems might include:

* Joint or Locomotion Difficulties. Extra pounds add stress to joints, bones, ligaments and muscles. Conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal disc disease and ruptures of joint ligaments may be caused or aggravated by obesity.

* Heart and Respiratory Disease. Excess fat tissue in the chest cavity and around the muscles of the heart can decrease the efficiency of the heart and lungs. Your dog’s heart and lungs have to work harder to provide adequate oxygen and circulation.

* Diabetes. Just as in humans, diabetes is much more common in obese dogs.

* Liver Disease. Obese dogs are prone to liver disease.

* Heat Intolerance. The insulating properties of excessive fat make it harder for obese dogs to tolerate heat and they feel uncomfortable.

* Skin Problems. Obese dogs may have trouble grooming because the rolls of skin built up by fat deposits can often harbor dirt, bacteria and other harmful organisms.

* Gastrointestinal Disorders. Inflammation of the pancreas is frequently found in obese dogs. It is painful and can be life threatening.

How Dogs Become Overweight?

Dogs most always become overweight from lack of good exercise and from eating more food than they require. Food calories which aren’t burned during their daily activities are stored as fat.

Overeating can result from greediness, boredom, or overfeeding. Feeding leftovers or giving frequent snacks or treats often contributes to excess weight problems.

Puppies that have been over-fed tend to become overweight dogs. They also have a greater risk of developing orthopedic problems. Properly feed puppies will be less likely to suffer from weight problems later in life.

Occasionally, metabolic disorders can cause a dog to become overweight. But overfeeding and under exercising are much more common causes of excess weight. If your veterinarian suspects that a metabolic disorder is causing your dog to gain weight, he or she will test for that disorder and treat it accordingly.

How Can I Tell if My Dog is Overweight?

A quick check is to feel your dog’s ribs with the flat palm of your hand. If you have difficulty feeling his ribs, then your dog probably needs to lose weight.

Helping Your Dog Lose Weight.

Weight loss for most dogs involves increased exercise and eating food with fewer calories. It’s generally easier to feed normal amounts of a low-calorie dog food than to feed much smaller amounts of his/her regular dog food. In addition, your dog will not feel as hungry when fed a normal amount of food.

Dieting for Dogs.

Your vet will help set a weight goal for your dog and will recommend how much food she should eat each day. A special diet may also be prescribed. The food choice should be designed to satisfy your dog’s hunger and give her all the vitamins and minerals she needs for a balanced diet.

Your dog may need a gradual transition from the old to the new diet. So, you would feed him increasing amounts of the new diet while decreasing the amounts of the previous diet each day over several days until the transition is complete.

To help prevent your dog from begging, feed him before your family eats, and keep him out of the room during your meal. It is also a good idea to feed overweight dogs at the same time as other pets to help prevent food stealing from their slimmer companions. Always provide plenty of clean, fresh drinking water.

Regular exercise such as walks or runs is good for most dogs because it increases the number of calories they burn. If your dog is old or in poor health, check with your vet before increasing exercise.

The time period your dog will require to lose weight depends upon how much weight she is required to lose. Your dog may need 8 to 14 weeks or longer to reach her target weight.

What Type of Dog Food is Good for Weight Control?

A dieting dog has special nutritional needs. His diet should be balanced with a proper ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates. The diet should also provide a normal volume of food to help him from feeling hungry. It should also provide the required amount of quality nutrients.

Weight loss plans don’t need to include high levels of fiber. Fiber is not necessary for weight loss in pets, and in large amounts, it may have side effects such as increased feces and lack of interest in the food because of its poor taste.

There are many brands of food that can help your fat dog lose weight. We suggest that you choose a brand with the proper balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate so his or her body can operate at its maximum efficiency while shedding unwanted pounds.

Bev Storer is a writer and researcher. For more information about healthy dog foods, please visit dog-food-zone.com dog-food-zone.com and BestFurryFriend.com BestFurryFriend.com .

Related posts

• What Influences A Healthy Dog Coat? (0)
• Taking Care of Your Dog (0)
• Organic and Natural Pet Food – Prevention is the Best Medicine (0)
• Hints On How To Choose The Right Dog For Your Lifestyle (0)
• Your New Puppy: Must Haves for Your Dog (0)

Tags: dog food, groom, healthy dog