Puppy, kitten doesn’t make good gift on Christmas Day

I had planned to write a post on the topic of giving your children a puppy or kitten as a Christmas present, then I read this article written by the Aiken SPCA that covered it all.  Enjoy. Happy Holidays! The calls have already begun coming in. “I want to get my kids a puppy for Christmas. Can you hold it until Christmas Eve?” We certainly understand that kids love puppies and kittens, and many would be very happy to see one as a member of the family on Christmas morning. However, if you take... [Read more]

Secondhand Smoke Harms Your Pet - Would you stop smoking to save your dog’s health?

Would you quit smoking for your pet’s health? New survey findings suggest that 28% of adult pet owners would try. The study is from the Henry Ford Health System Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and appears in Tobacco Control. Of interest to me were the cited studies that linked pet health and secondhand smoke. (Sorry, no word on pets who actually smoke.) Dogs: Nasal cancer, lung cancer, allergic reactions Cats: Lymphoma, oral cancer Birds: Eye disease, respiratory problems, dermatitis I... [Read more]

Antioxidants for Your Dog

Don’t look for or put your faith in a “silver bullet” antioxidant. It doesn’t exist. Rather, supplement your dog’s diet with a variety of foods that contain antioxidants, such as blueberries, herbs (basil is great) tomatoes, egg yolks, green tea or spinach. Feed these foods especially in times of increased physical stress for your dog; for example, when it’s fighting cancer or after extreme physical exertion. Don’t overfeed any one antioxidant. Balance and variety... [Read more]

3 Major Health Problems in Dogs

Life with your dog can be fun and exciting. There are times when this excitement can take a turn in the wrong direction. This is when your dog gets sick. There will be times in your dog’s life that he will become ill. It is for this reason that it is important that you are aware of some of the common health problems in dogs. There are the big three that you should be aware of when it comes to taking care of your dog. Heart Disease Heart disease is not just a serious health problem for humans. Dogs... [Read more]

Traveling with Your Dog - Six Tips for Success

Nothing is quite as fun as packing up and heading out of town for a weekend or a longer trip. A change of scenery from time to time is important to recharge your battery. This is true for your dog as well. Most dogs love to travel and to be exposed to new places just like you do. But there are a few things that you need to do to make the trip a positive experience for everyone. TIP ONE Make sure that you take with you items that your dog is fond of on the trip. Being ripped away from their routine and... [Read more]

The History of Dogs

Canine history is a history of the friendship between us and our pet dog (Canis lupus familiaris). That friendship stems from us needing help with our herding, hunting and safety. In times of famine it would also have been beneficial for the dogs diet and possible survival. Early man also used him to supplement his own diet and even may have raised him for ‘camp meat’. Sometimes as a matter of necessity and other times as a delicacy. In some current societies it is still a practice. It is also... [Read more]

Does Your Dog Make the Grade? – Six Basic Dog Obedience Commands You Should Know?

As your kids load up their back-packs and head off to school, you might take a minute to see if your dog makes the grade when it comes to these basic obedience commands. As an avid 4-H member in my youth, I was active in dog obedience training for my dogs (a 55 lb mutt and Cocker Spaniel). I had great fun spending time with my dogs and after the training, they were even more delightful to be around. Personally I highly recommend obedience training, especially for large dogs. Here are some of the basic... [Read more]

Many Health Benefits of Pet Massage

Massage techniques are frequently performed on animals, including dogs, cats, and horses for therapeutic benefits after injury or as a preventive wellness program. The specific techniques used will depend upon the goal of the massage and the receptiveness of the animal. Any indications of pain in your pet must be assessed by a vet before performing massage techniques. The benefits of massage include reduced pain, increased joint mobility, improved circulation of oxygen-rich blood for tissue in healing... [Read more]

5 Tips for Grooming Your Dog at Home

It is important to keep your dog well groomed to keep him healthy and happy. Many people use groomers for this purpose, however, taking your dog to the groomer can costly over time. There is a way to save money and keep your dog well groomed as well. Groom your dog at home! It is easier then you may think. With a few tips to help get you started, you will be well on your way to a well-groomed dog and saving money too. Tip One You need to have a comfortable place set up in advance to groom your dog. Grooming... [Read more]

Toy Dogs are the Hottest New Fashion Accessory

There is a hot new fashion accessory that is gracing the covers of many magazines today. This fashion accessory is a one size fits all. What is this great fashion accessory that you must have now? It is a toy dog in your arm. Toy dogs, often referred to as “Pocket Pets” have begun to be one of the most common fashion accessory that can be seen strolling down the street or nestled in the arm of her owner. Usually these great fashion accessories are seen in an even more fashionable tote bag.... [Read more]

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