Owners of Pets Articles about dogs, cats, birds and all other pets!

One of my favorite Minnesota vacations is a trip to a dog park just south of Moline. They have a lot of activities for the dogs to participate in. This isn’t your normal dog park where there is just a fenced in area where the dogs can run and interact, oh no, this place is special. There are trainers on staff from eight to five every day that help the visitors with their dog problems. There is a wonderful training course where you have all kinds of obstacles for you to teach your animal how to get around. You can teach your dog to climb a ladder, cross a bridge, and slide down a chute. There is a big yellow plastic tunnel that you can teach your dog to enter and run through even though he can’t see the other end. Of course you have all the normal training available also, the mundane sit, fetch, speak, and so on. The staff trainers are very friendly and helpful. They are well versed on the different varieties of animals and how they react differently to different stimuli. If you are a dog owner and want to have a fun time and come home with a better pet, this is a place I would defiantly recommend.   

Filed under: Dogs, Educational, Puppies
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Have you ever considered taking your pet on an Illinois vacation? Pets, especially dogs, can have a high stress life as well as humans. Think for a bit about how your dog must feel sitting in a kennel for a week. There he is with all these strange dogs and strange people. The smaller breeds seem to be the most nervous for some reason. Maybe it’s just because of their size in comparison to the rest of the animals or it may just be that it is just in their genes. If you take your dog with you they remain a whole lot calmer. Most dogs actually enjoy a trip in the car, in fact mine will just take a nap on a long trip. The bigger dogs love hanging their head out the windows. In today’s world where bottled water is sold everywhere, long trips really aren’t a problem. We people need to get out of the care every couple of hours anyway, that’s a perfect time to walk your pet. I usually stop and buy a bottle of water, hook the leash up, grab the bowl, and take a walk. After the walk is done I set the bowl down and give her a drink.

Filed under: Animals, Dogs, Educational
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Unique dog collars are of many different kinds, depending on the material used. These include cotton, nylon, leather, suede, metallic, handmade, woven, velvet, foam, and even gold, silver and platinum. They are designed in beautiful patterns such as polka dots, python prints, crocodile prints, animal prints, valentine, tuxedo style, denim, bandana, mink, crystal, bone, bows, Victorian, neon, glitter, mink, and others. Some dog collars are also being fitted with devices like speakers, RFID, GPS, reflectors, adjustable buckles, and other attachments.

Most people would not hesitate to spend a fortune to please their canine friends. Many manufacturers are taking this opportunity to design exquisite dog collars that would delight even the choosiest of pet owners and their friends. Some of the most unique dog collars are those made of gold, silver, platinum or other expensive metals, embedded with precious and semi-precious gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and Swarovski crystals.

Some are also personalized with beautifully decorated beads that spell the pet’s name, or slide-on letters encrusted with gemstones. Some collars are also attached with attractive charms shaped like hearts, bones or the pet’s name, decorated with gemstones. Prices of these can start from $20 and may go up to $300 or more. Some manufacturers also allow the buyer to design the collar. This can also be done even online, over the manufacturer’s website. Unique dog collars are also provided with attractive buckles. Unique dog collars are also available in wholesale quantities

Filed under: Dogs, Pet Supplies, Pets, Products
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If you are thinking of getting a outdoor dog bed, you would want to shop at a online pet store. There are many people who are willing to spend a fortune on there pets. They are willing to show they care by purchasing them designer luxury outdoor dog beds. There are many large name designers that have added designer luxury dog beds to there catalogs. Some of these designers are Louis Vuitton and Burberry, just to name a few of them.

Outdoor dog beds will come in a wide variety of designs, shapes and colors. There are many different types of materials these beds can and will be made out of. The beds can just about fit any decor that you may have in your home. You can find chaise, long sofa, with the actual bed made out of your choice of wood. There are many fancy shapes like a cradle, car and more other shapes that the list would be to long to mention.

Filed under: Dogs, Pet Supplies, Pets, Products, Shopping
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Many people consider their dog to be part of their family, and want to ensure his happiness and comfort. As dogs get older, they experience the same problems in their canine bodies as humans do. Arthritis in older dogs, especially males, is quite common, though sometimes hard to detect since your dog can’t complain about the aches and pains he’s experiencing. He’ll slow down when walking and running, he won’t leap for that dog treat as quickly as he used to, he’ll shorten those evening walks and he simply won’t sleep as well on the same bed he’s been using for years.

There are, however, many ways you can help him. The first step is to consult with your veterinarian, who will probably make adjustments to his diet and perhaps even prescribe some medication to be mixed into his food. Your vet may then suggest that you invest a few dollars and buy him one of many orthopedic dog beds to help him sleep better. The more comfort you can give to your dog with this problem, the more he’ll enjoy his declining years.

Orthopedic dog beds are quite common these days, and even if your veterinarian does not know where you can find one in the town or city where you live, he will likely be able to direct you to a number of mail order companies or websites that specialize in them and be able to help you make the best choice.

Filed under: Pet Supplies, Pets, Products, Shopping
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I love my Snookems, she has to be the cutest Pom that ever walked this planet. Wherein the problem comes: Snookems has uber sensitive paws, I mean really sensitive. I try to carry her as much as possible, but sometimes, it’s too much: when I have my handbag, I’m on the phone, etc. In those circumstances, I have to put her down. I decided it would be a good idea to get her a super fashionable, super FUNCTIONAL carrier. Luckily, my friend pointed me toward a bunch of reviews on dog carriers. I found an okay one, but it’s good for air travel, has a bunch of pockets and stuff, and was highly rated. THEN I checked the site and it totally comes in PINK!!!! I am so sold!

Filed under: Dogs, Pet Supplies, Pets, Products
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Dogs are indeed wonderful pets to have, their adorable, always faithful, and they carry fleas. Fleas are a menace and can really get out of hand quickly if not addressed soon enough. They can transfer and breed into your rugs and carpets at home and spread out of control where ever they are, making your comfort zone an un-comfortable zone. Learn how to Control them. Read Full Article: Flea Control

Filed under: Dogs, Educational, General, Pets, Puppies
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The Southeast South Dakota tourism board is waking up to the fact that people want to bring their pets on vacation. Some of their articles are now promoting “pet friendly” places to stay and activities involving pets. And why not? South Dakota is a large state with massive open expanses. You should never have a problem finding a place to walk your dog. Just be sure to keep him on a leash though, if you have one of those animals that loves to explore and Rover isn’t on the leash he could be gone for days. I had a friend who had a dog like that when he lived in Alaska.

 

Bob told me that his dog was an outside pet, rarely coming in the house but rather living in the fenced in back yard. The first time he escaped it was a large snow storm that piled enough of the white stuff that he just walked out. He was gone for days and Bob was sure he was dead and was thinking about getting a replacement when one day he comes padding up the driveway. That became a semi regular event after that. Bob never knew where his dog went, but he always came back and that was good enough.

Filed under: Animals, Dogs, Puppies
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You will find a wide variety of dog sling carriers on the market. These carriers will range in style, construction and size. With smaller dog breeds being all the rage these days, it’s not uncommon to see them attached to the rich and famous like a fashion accessory. What kind of dog sling carrier is right for your dog and how exactly do we decipher between so many styles? Hopefully this article will simplify the process for you.

This size of your dog is the first thing that must be factored into your selection. You may secretly desire to strut around like Paris Hilton but fashion crates are for the tea cup breeds that are less than nine pounds. Your options become a little more about sturdiness, comfort and durability whenever your dog is ten pounds or over. You will notice some relatively fashionable over the shoulder dog sling carriers but not everyone can physically lug around a twelve to fifteen pound dog over their shoulder! Dogs over fifteen pounds may be more manageable to carry with the suitcase style crates.

Filed under: Dogs, Pet Supplies, Pets, Products
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For smaller dogs like Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and other toy dogs, they are best transported using dog carriers for cars. As they are quite small, it is safer for them in the carrier than leaving them on the back seat, even if you use dog seat covers. A dog carrier has big enough space for the smaller dogs to move around and it is big and heavy enough to stay still on the seat and not slide around.

Nowadays, dog carriers are fashionable items. But please bear in mind that functionality and comfort for your dog must come first before anything else. The dog owner must be comfortable carrying the dog carrier and the dog must be able to stretch inside comfortably. If you use a dog carrier, here’s a simple tip for you: Put a soft blanket or your dog’s favorite toy in the carrier. This will make it more comfortable for your dog, and it’ll also help to keep your dog more calm and relaxed throughout the car journey.

Filed under: Dogs, Pet Supplies, Pets, Shopping
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If you have furry critters running around your home, you probably like to do something for them on the holidays when you are celebrating with your family. If you would like to get them something, you are in luck. There are some great holiday gift for pet ideas out there, and they are sure to be hit with your pet. Just remember that if you don’t keep the personality of your pet in mind when you buy, they could be less than thrilled and perhaps even indifferent to what you have gotten for them….Read More!

Filed under: Animals, General, Pets, Products, Shopping
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When our dog was about eighteen months old we noticed that his coat was getting very thin. When we would pet him there were clumps of hair that would fall out. He seemed to have no energy. We took him to the vet. The vet’s first question is what have you been feeding the dog. We told him the name of the food and where we were buying it. We found out that our dog was starving. The food we were feeding him was mostly fillers.
The vet suggested buying science diet dog food to help get him back on track

Filed under: Animals, Dogs, Nutrition, Pet Food
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Many dogs suffering with dog separation anxiety are put to sleep by owners who can no longer figure out what to do with a dog that barks or howls constantly when they are gone, destroys things in their absence and basically makes a nuisance of himself.
Full Article: How To Deal With Dog Separation Anxiety

Filed under: Dogs, General, Medication, Pets
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When first trying to dress your large dog up, do not give up immediately if he doesn’t seem to like it. Sometimes they need a little time to get use to it. A good way to get them used to their new dog clothes is to give them a treat or distract them by taking them for a walk right away. Some dogs are really into dressing up. A friend of mine recently ordered a pink doggy t-shirt and a raincoat for her Rottweiler. She emailed me a picture and told me how her dog, Rosie, loves to dress up! How cute to see a huge Rottweiler dressed up in a pink t-shirt. She said that around Halloween time when she pulls out boxes of Rosie’s dog costumes, Rosie dances around excited because she knows whats coming. What a great feeling to see your pet happy.

When you have a large dog, you can both enjoy the cool doggy duds available. You can express your dog’s personality through their clothing. You can also express your own personality through how you dress up your dog. Large dog clothes can be hard to find. Make sure you strictly follow measuring instructions and breed sizing recommendations because all doggy designers size their clothes differently. When selecting a clothing size based on breed, be sure take into consideration your dog’s size compared to the average size dog of that same breed. If you have a German Shepherd dog that is very small in comparison to the average size German Shepherd, you should consider going down one size from the recommended breed size. Whether dressing your dog up for function or fun, make sure to find a store that can accommodate your large dog’s size. Don’t let your dog do naked!

Filed under: Clothing, Dogs, Pet Supplies, Pets, Shopping
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Immediate medication treatment is necessary for the recovery of liver disease. The treatment would depend on the cause and may include antibiotics, coagulation treatment for bleeding, intravenous fluid therapy, appetite stimulants, anti-emetics and diet management.
Read Full Article: Your Cats Liver

Filed under: Cats, General, Medication, Nutrition, Pets
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Dog clothes are very common these days, and they certainly draw attention and some do help keep your pet warm. So if you have extra cash in your budget, show your pooch some love by giving a gift of fashion.

All dog lovers treat their dogs like members of the family. Some studies even show that in bigger cities such as New York, dogs can sometimes be substitutes for kids. In 2004, Americans actually spent more on pet grooming and supplies than they did on kid’s toys. If you love your dog as much as every true blue dog lover, then you probably invest some money is dog clothing.

If you live in a state where winters can get very bad, a winter coat is a must for your dog. Choose a coat that is sturdy but comfortable and made from material that is also easy to wash. Now your dog can walk take walks with you on those cold winter days without freezing.

Dogs feel very comfortable in jersey shirts, and you can buy them with your dog’s name embroidered on them. There are also nifty dog shirts with funny messages available in dog specialty shops. Sometimes, regular children’s shirts fit your dog. These are much cheaper but will attract just as much attention.

Accessories aren’t a “must,” but will definitely make your dog stand out from the rest of the pack. There are very cute collars available in all sizes in specialty shops. They are made from all kinds of materials including colorful plastic, chains, leathers, and even real crocodile skin encrusted with semi-precious stones. You can order personalized collars so your beloved pet will have a very unique accessory to set him apart.

Filed under: Clothing, Dogs, Pet Supplies, Products, Shopping
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Be aware of exactly how cold it is, including the wind chill factor. A doghouse is good to have but may not protect them from frostbite on their extremities. Be sure to bring your pet in out of the cold. Put down a warm blanket for them to sleep on, since tiles can be cold. You can also purchase beds made for dogs at your local pet store Another misconception is that snow is a substitute for fresh water. Make sure that your pet always has fresh water available to drink, regardless of the weather conditions.
Read Full Article: Winter Safety For Your Pet

Filed under: Cats, Clothing, Dogs, General, Pets
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Dog clothes consist of just about any item imaginable. From t-shirts and tanks to boots and jammies. With cooler weather upon us, sweaters will not do the trick all season. Dog jackets are necessary for the severe cold. Dog jackets come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Your Pit Bull may want to sport a faux leather bomber or biker dog jacket. While your Pekinese will look pawsitivly polished in a preppy dog vest or ski bunny style dog jacket. Depending upon your climate, a dog raincoat or dog poncho may be a necessity as well.

When shopping for a dog jacket, or any dog apparel, look for dog apparel that is machine washable and easy to dress your dog in. Dog jackets often have Velcro closures, which are not only simplistic; Velcro closures allow the owner to easily fit the dog. Reflective dog clothing is a smart choice for late night walks. Some dog jackets come equipped with an O-ring to attach a lead to.

With the functional stuff out of the way, let’s talk fashion! Pet fashion trends are inspired by human fashion trends. Belted sweaters are popular right now as are jewel-tone colors. Both can be found in dog clothes. Fabrics such as faux fur and Sherpa are available among many others including polyester and faux suede. Camouflage in traditional camouflage as well as pastel camouflage will continue to be a popular trend and can be found in a variety of apparel, such as dog shirts and dog coats.

Filed under: Clothing, Dogs, Pet Supplies, Pets, Products
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I want to take my pet to tourist attractions in southern Illinois. I just don’t know if they will be let in or not. I know places like theme parks would probably not allow it, but why not? If I keep up after my dog’s “presents” why not let him and enjoy a day together. I love my dog and he loves me but it seems I can’t find anyplace where we can enjoy each others company. My dog is very social and gets along with people and other pets. They say that pets relieve stress, maybe everyone should take their dogs with them more. Rather than flip off the guy that just cut you off and starting a road rage incident, just pet the dog and continue on your way. My dog does have one annoying habit, he likes to find a place to lick someone and he licks until he has developed a wet spot. This is the first dog I’ve ever known to do that and I can’t figure out why. Other than that he is the most loveable, the most beautiful, the softest friend that I have. The cat on the other hand is the wife’s and she doesn’t like me much.

Filed under: Adoption, Animals, Dogs
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All pet owners – bring your pets to Illinois. Pets love to take vacations in Illinois. There are a lot of wide open spaces and a good share of the hotels in the state are pet friendly. Dogs can run loose in one of the many Dog parks. I have yet to see a cat park, but I guess the idea of a cat park really doesn’t make since. Cats are generally too aloof to even visit a park. Cats really don’t like the wide open spaces, so maybe you should just leave them at home. They do quite well with almost no supervision where as a dog needs to be let out several times a day. Otherwise the house is not a nice place to return to. Pet horses love to gallop across some of the Illinois grasslands. Lots of open area with soft ground. None of that hard pavement the horses don’t really like. Pet birds also appreciate the fresh air in the state. It is wide open enough that there is little air pollution. Of course the area around Chicago is an exception, there is enough industry there and there is slight air pollution. However, Chicago is known as the windy city so the air pollution rarely stays around. It just gets blown away.

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