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

There is a rising trend in those who practice animal husbandry that vaccinations used on our pets is becoming more hazardous than helpful. Unfortunately, people who hold this belief are often excoriated by those with a vested interest in keeping pet owners from finding out that annual shots aren’t totally necessary.

What shots do puppies need?
Of course, we are unable to do anything (as yet) about the government-mandated requirement for rabies shots, but that is the only infringement on our rights as pet owners. But, more and more veterinary professionals are discovering that there is no immunological advantage for the annual or bi-annual vaccine schedule following the first shots for puppies “starter series.” Like humans, cats and dogs have strong enough immune systems that remain sufficiently protective (high efficacy) for up to several years.

Think of your own vaccines information over your lifetime. How often have you or your family members had vaccinations re-administered in your lives? Of course, we must continue certain toxicity vaccines (tetanus being the most common) which have a known half-life of seven to ten years. But, no toxin vaccines like these are currently used for dogs and cats. By the same reasoning, what is good for the health of your pet?

But This is The Way We’ve Always Done It
And that’s usually the rationale that prevails in the continued annual vaccination of our pets. So, what else are we supposed to do? What else is there to do and maintain our pets’ health? For this and other answers, please see the article about over-vaccination and the safe alternative at YourPetHealthInfo.com

Filed under: Cats,Dogs,Medication,Puppies
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Skin conditions in dogs can cause unpleasant itching and scratching and can range from easily curable to life long conditions. If an allergy is the suspected cause of the skin irritation, there are tests which can help the owner to identify what the cause is. An RAST and ELISA blood test may help to diagnose allergens which are causing skin irritations.

Infectious skin diseases of dogs include contagious and non-contagious infections or infestations. Contagious infections include parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral skin diseases.

These can be very unpleasant for the dog and if not treated, can be life endangering.

Canine atopy is a hereditary and chronic allergic skin disease. It usually starts between 6 months and 3 years of age with some breeds of dog such as the Golden Retriever starting at an earlier age. Dogs with AD are itchy, especially around the eyes, muzzle, ears and feet. In severe cases the irritation is generalised. In cases where the allergens are seasonal the clinical signs of irritation are similarly seasonal, but many dogs with house dust mite allergy have perennial disease.

Dogs are like humans that have the desire to live comfortably and healthily. In the same note, dogs do suffer the same condition and can be deadly if not properly addressed with. But when certain conditions occur, and you know what to do, your pet will live a happy and long life with its masters and friends. Playing doctor each time allergies happen always never makes a wise decision.

Skin conditions in dogs are common and are usually curable.

Filed under: Animals,Dogs,Pets,Puppies
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The PetSafe In-Ground Deluxe Little-Dog Fence with Collar PIG00-10773 is designed specially for smaller dogs. This is a durable, sophisticated, versatile and very efficient dog invisible fence system that will protect your pet from danger and provide protection to such areas as flower gardens and swimming pools from the dog.

The collar that the dog wears is lightweight, versatile and very comfortable because it has a very technologically advanced small receiver, weighing only 2.7 ounces. Its flexibility makes it suitable for all dog sizes.

The transmitter easily attaches to the wire and plugs onto a standard power outlet. For easy installation, the unit comes with an installation video as well as a training manual. You can use the PetSafe In-Ground Fence with Collar PIG00-10773 with more than one dog.

Filed under: Dogs,Pets
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This time of year many people are searching for dog sitters. It is the time of year when people get away and they want to someone they can trust to watch their dogs. Now there are many agencies out there that provide this service but just make sure you do your research and pick out the best one that fits your needs. Dog sitting rates differ, depending on location and amount of work needed to be done. A typical dog sitter will do more than just take care of your pets. The majority of dog sitters out there will do small household chores as included in the daily rate. So enjoy your vacations and good luck with your dog sitters.

Filed under: Dogs
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There is a great demand for skilled pet groomers and dog grooming courses are available for people interested in gaining a professional qualification. This is a rewarding career for animal lovers who want to provide a quality service. There are many skills to learn, from the basics to more advanced techniques. The Diamond Cut Grooming School in Ohio rewards students with their professional certificate, following 80 hours of instruction. There is also information on job opportunities contained within Dog Grooming Courses. The curriculum includes tuition on how to handle scissors properly, how to use comb attachments and skills, such as ear cleaning and nail clipping. Students on this dog grooming course will learn about the different poodle sizes, how to treat fleas, ticks, and worms, and table and cage sanitation. When working, a groomer may encounter an aggressive dog and techniques are taught on how to deal with this. Advice is given on the pay scale of the industry and first aid, as applied to dogs and groomers.

Filed under: Animals,Dogs,Grooming,Pets
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Many canine owners decide in the beginning they don’t have to have a dog bed and many of these folks later regret it! Just imagine you get your sweet, fun loving pup home for the very first time and naturally you want your brand-new puppy dog to fall asleep together with you. He’s cuddly and loves you to bits!! But it’s not the best situation for either you or you dog. It’s not surprisingly you want to share your bed with your new puppy.

To create good behavior from the beginning; you need to get your pet dog a dog bed. It usually is great fun today having your puppy romp on the bed, but what happens when your dog gets to be a full grown 180lb Afghan Hound?? My oh my! Even if you adopted a fully grown dog, it’s still best to get your pet a new dog bed.

Now that we have recognized that the dog bed is important, what type would you buy? Dog beds today can be found in all sizes, colors, shapes, materials and to match just about any pet dog and any decor. In case that’s not enough you can even get pet dog beds custom made.

A few Options That Come With Dog Beds

High quality dog beds such as the Memory Foam Bed or the Thera Ortho Mattress are designed to alleviate sore joints, bones and other problems that may arise because of your pets age or bodyweight. It is necessary for an older pet to have a comfy rest place. One can choose from a myriad of materials and colors, and many of them you can drop right into the washer (the beds, not the pets!). Pipe Dreams Bed and Indoor/Outdoor Beds are incredibly simple to clean; simply wipe down using a moist cloth or perhaps hose down outside!

Some Factors To Consider Before Picking a Dog Bed

In addition there are medical a few health-related reasons why you need to get a dog bed. Aside from lowering any allergies and asthma that you could have from pet dog dander on your bed, you pet may benefit as well. When he has a spot to call his own, your pet is less likely to select random sleeping spots that may include floors as well as other hard types of surface. Resting on hard surfaces can give your pet calluses in later years and may cause joint disease. Starting with proper behavior can help keep your canine fit and healthy in the future. They even produce orthopedic dog beds now to help deal with this problem.

Tips on how to measure your dog for a bed: Various dogs sleep in numerous positions, as people do so have a look at the way your pet beds down and find out the most effective size bed for your family dog. See your canine friend snooze. Does he or she typically curl up or stretch out? In the event that he’s extended to his maximum size, be sure that the bed is large enough to support his entire body. Even if it’s an ideal fit in your house it’s really important that your pet can lie down within the bed.

Filed under: Dogs,General,Pet Supplies
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