Training Your Dog

No matter if you are a new pet dog owner or you have had a dog in your home for some time, you  have found out how pleasing, and frustrative, owning a dog can be. The pleasure of bringing a new puppy or dog into your home and life can be insuperable. The relationship that develops between you and your dog, is like no other.

Your dog can provide you with unconditional love, hours of entertainment, and genuine friendship.  But, on the other hand your dog can provide you with unconditional messes, hours of destruction, and be a genuine nuisance! Now you may think its in the breed, and you are partially correct. Although the breed of the dog does play a role in a dogs behavior, it is more so based on the training your dog receives. You see good dog training can go a long way in helping you with your dogs behavior.

The Benefits of Training

Like a lot of us, you can be extremely busy. There are some days, in which it seems that there are not enough hours in a day to take care of yourself, let alone a dog! But, you need to realize the time you spend training your dog will reinforce the relationship between you and your dog, for years to come.

There are five main benefits of training:

1. It builds a relationship.

2. It adjusts behavioral problems.

3. It induces intellect.

4. It encourages inclusion.

5. It saves time.

Now lets go over each benefit in further detail.

1. Training Builds a Relationship.

The best way to create a bond with your dog than through the procedure of training. Some of you may think that the training starts at the time you want to teach your dog some new tricks, but it actually starts the very moment you acquire your dog. Your dog is invariably watching and learning from your actions. He will learn from the way you react to his actions. He will invariably look to you for guidance, for food, for warmth, for comfort, and for playtime.

2. Training Corrects Behavioral Problems.

Barking at anyone who passes by the front window, chewing up your favorite pillows, digging through your freshly planted garden, bolting out of an open door...do any of these actions look familiar to you? When you have developed a trusting bond with your dog, you can teach him how to correct these behavioral problems. He will learn by your reactions whether or not his actions are acceptable to you. No doubt, he will test his limits!

3. Training Stimulates Intellect.

It is true, that dogs are very curious creatures. Being exposed to so many unusual smells, sights and sounds it is in a dogs nature to want to explore. Most dogs have it in their ability to be very intelligent, but they need to be stimulated first, and then they will be motivated to learn. Training is a huge benefit for stimulating your dog's intellect.

4. Training Encourages Inclusion.

The sense of "inclusion" is very important to a dog's security. From the earliest days of being a part of a litter, your dog feels comfortable being a part of the pack. That includes the pack of your household. You may be the primary dog trainer, but everyone in your family or household should take the time to train your dog. When he receives this undivided attention from everyone, he feels like part of the pack.

5. Training Saves Time.

Training your dog can also save you time. You se by taking the time to train your dog now, it will save you time in the long run. For instance, if you take the time to train your dog to behave properly inside the house, this will save you the time cleaning up mischievous messes that he could create in the future if you did not train him.

If you would like the dog breeders bible on training your dog this is an excellent resource Dog Breeders Bible

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Feline Weight Management

Feline Weight Management
(Calorie Control)

FEEDING SUGGESTION FOR YOUR CAT-
When changing to a new diet, gradually introduce the new food by mixing it with the previous food over a 5 to 7 day period. This will reduce the potential for gastrointestinal problems.
When first feeding dry foods to cats, the food can be moistened by adding warm water(1/4 cup water/1 cup food) to further increase palatability.
Canned cat foods may be warmed in the oven before feeding. This may further increase palatability.
Feeding leftover foods, kitchen scraps or additional supplements with a " complete " cat food can cause a nutrient imbalance and lead to obesity and gastrointestinal upset.
Feed your cat in a quiet place with ready access to clean fresh water.
It is recommended that the cat be fed 2-3 equal portions of diet per day. If the cat is on a weight control program, the total daily intake can be divided into three or more meals per day.

FEEDING VARIATION-
Feeding guides are only guides and are not meant to be followed rigidly. Most cats will eat to satisfy their energy requirements, however, this will vary with their level of activity and their environment. As a result, the amount of feed required by your cat can be as much as 25% above or below that listed in this feeding guide. In consultation with your veterinarian, it is recommended that you weigh your pet 4-6 weeks after starting a new diet in order to adjust food intake to maintain or achieve an optimum weight. Do not allow cats to fast for more than two days.

For more information on feline weight management check out this resource Vet Secrets Revealed

Skin Disease In Dogs

Skin Disease In Dogs

(Allergic Skin Disease)

Allergic skin disease is one of the most common causes of itching (pruritus) and scratching. Dogs can develop allergies to inhaled pollens, dusts and molds (atopy), by direct contact of the skin with the allergen (contact hypersensitivity), or they can develop allergies to food ingredients (food hypersensitivity). Allergies can arise to flea bites (flea bite hypersensitivity). Most dogs that have allergies itch, scratch and rub their face and paws. The skin may be very red and inflamed, and secondary infections with bacteria and yeast may occur. Your dog may chew its hair and develop bald patches. Continuing repeated ear infections (otitis externa) are also another common materialization of allergic skin disease.

For pets that have skin allergies due to food hypersensitivity, your veterinarian will most likely recommend either a hypoallergenic formula or a sensitivity formula. For pets that have atopy, contact,, or flea bite hypersensitivity your veterinarian may advocate immunotherapy injections. Immunotherapy typically provides relief to 40% of patients. The remaining patients require symptomatic therapy to alleviate the clinical signs. Dietary therapy utilizing a specific combination of ingredients has recently shown to aid the management of skin disease in dogs by reducing pruritus, controlling inflammation, minimizing bacterial infections, optimizing the barrier function of the skin, and promoting recovery from skin disease.

The long chain omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils (eicosapentaenioc acid and docosahexaenoic acid) together with gamma-linoleic acid from borage oil are very efficient at reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy skin and hair coat. The combination of biotin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and zinc-linoleic acid complex reduce water loss through the skin and strengthen effect of the skin as a barrier. Antioxidant's such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, taurine and vitamin C have been shown to better the immune system. Aloe Vera gel reduces inflammation, reduces pruritus and promotes healing of the skin. Curcumin is very effective at reducing inflammation.

• BIOTIN-a B vitamin that aids in body growth

• NIACIN-also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that prevents the deficiency disease_disorder pellagra

• PANTOTHENIC ACID- a vitamin of the vitamin B complex that performs an important role in the oxidation of fats and carbohydrates and certain amino acids; occurs in many foods

• ZINC-LINOLEIC ACID- a mineral with an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid it is a essential dietary requirement for all mammals.

• VITAMIN E- a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

• BETA-CAROTENE- an isomer of carotene that is found in dark green and dark yellow fruits and vegetables

• TAURINE- a sulphur-containing amino acid important in the metabolism of fats.

• VITAMIN C- a vitamin found in fresh fruits (especially citrus fruits) and vegetables; prevents scurvy

• CURCUMIN- is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric , which is a member of the ginger family

For a natural approach to skin disease in dogs check out this resource
Heal Your Dog Naturally

Early Heart Disease In Dogs

Early Heart Disease In Dogs

(CVD)& (DCM)

Canine heart disease is a mutual problem, affecting one in ten dogs. Although it is more common in older dogs, it can occur in very young puppies. Certain breeds are at a much greater risk. The two most common forms of heart disease are (CVD)- chronic valvular disease and (DCM)- dilated cardiomyopathy.

Timely detection and proactive management can potentially slow the advancement of the heart disease and provide the dog with as healthy a life for as long as possible. Certain nutrients have been shown to be beneficial in helping to support heart muscle function. These nutrients can be remembered by using the ACT WITH SPEED acronym. Each letter corresponds to a nutrient that is important for heart health.

• Arginine may help improve blood flow and exercise tolerance in dogs with heart disease.

• Carnitine deficiency has been linked to heart disease in some dogs (Boxers and possibly Cocker Spaniels). Carnitine supplementation may improve hearth muscle function in dogs with heart disease.

• Taurine. Some dogs with cardiomyopathy have low blood levels of taurine. Taurine has been shown to benefit some dogs with heart disease.

WITH

• Sodium and essential minerals. Sodium should be mildly restricted in early heart disease. Potassium deficiency is associated with irregular heart beat and muscle weakness. Magnesium is involved in energy production in heart muscle. It is important to supply the appropriate levels of these essential nutrients.

• Protein should not be restricted in dogs with cardiac disease. Protein restriction may contribute to muscle wasing and exercise intolerance.

• Energy levels need to be appropriate to maintain idea body weight.

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and

• Docasohexaenoic (DHA) are long chain omega-3 fatty acids. Dogs with cardiac disease can have low disseminating levels of these fatty acids. Supplementation with EPA and DHA may help reduce inflammation and muscle wasting.

For a natural approach to combating heart disease in dogs check out this resource at
Heal Your Dog Naturally

Liver Disease In Dogs

Liver Disease In Dogs

(Hepatic Encephalopathy & Ascites)

The liver performs more than 1,500 vital functions. All of these functions are marred to varying degrees in dogs with liver disease. Some of the most important functions are the regulation of blood levels of glucose, amino acids, and some trace minerals, the neutralization of waste products in the blood stream, and the production of blood proteins important for health. With afflicted liver function, minerals such as copper may cumulate in, and be toxic to, the liver cells.

The clinical signs of liver disease include excessive drinking, urinating more frequently, vomiting, and weight loss. Fluid may also cumulate in the abdomen (ascites). Some dogs with liver disease will develop signs of abnormal mentation and neurological dysfunction (hepatic encephallopathy), particularly if they eat a high protein meal.

Nutritional support in liver disease is based on varying the nutrient intake to optimize the function of the liver, to protect against ongoing damage to the liver cells, to provide nutrients to help the liver to repair, and to minimize the complications of liver disease such as hepatic encephalopathy and ascites.
For a natural approach to combating liver disease in your dog check out this resource at Heal Your Dog Naturally.

The Advantages of Neutering your Male Cat

Most male animals that are not used for breeding purposed are castrated, neutered, so that they can no longer impregnate a female. For cats especially, this is crucial, since there are hundreds of kittens every year that go without homes. There are many advantages to neutering your male cat, and the process is quite safe, so you should consider it if your furry feline friend is male and not yet neutered.

Male cats that have not yet been neutered are called tomcats. Simply put, it can be difficult to live with a tomcat, no matter how well trained he may be. When your cat is not neutered, he will want to get outside as frequently as possible to mate with female cats in heat. This can be disastrous if you live in a busy street with lots of traffic or if your cat is not used to being outdoors. Tomcats also roam a lot, meaning that they may travel far distances in search of female cats, and it is possible for your cat to roam too far and not know his way home. It is also possible for him simply to resist coming home at all, since he will be shut indoors. To protect your male cat, neutering it the best choice.

Tomcats also fight and are generally more aggressive than neutered cats. Because they want sexual dominance in a particular area, they may seek fights with other male cats to drive them away. Cats will fight to the death if they feel threatened, and fights cause not only injuries, but also the spread of diseases like the
Fe L V virus, which can be fatal. Neutering your cat will not stop an aggressive cat from being less aggressive toward humans, but it will prevent your cat from actively seeking fights with other male cats in the neighborhood.

Vasectomies are not done with male cats. Rather, the simple neutering procedure will remove the male reproductive organs, which are easily accessible in most tomcats. In some cases, more extensive surgery has to be done, because they have not developed and descended correctly. The removal of these organs is what causes the changing in male hormones through a cat’s body, changing the cat’s behavior. Sterilization is not enough, because the cat won’t notice the difference and will still seek to fight and mate. Your vet can tell you more about this procedure, but all in all, it is the best choice for any cat, since there are already so many homeless cats in the world. In case your cat does get F E L V

Cat Safety in Warm Weather

If you live in a climate that has sticky, hot, summer days, you may find yourself longing for cooler days. Your cat will definitely agree! In warm weather, it is necessary for you to care for your cat’s healthy so that he or she does not become overheated. Remember, a pet is like a newborn baby—your cat cannot tell you that he or she is hot or uncomfortable. You have to notice warning signs and provide a good living environment so that your cat does not get too hot.

When you take your pet places during the summer, never ever let your cat inside of a parked car, even for a short time. Cars quickly become ovens in the summertime, even when you park in the shade, or even if you have the windows cracked. Your pet will not be able to alert people in order to get out of your car safely. In as little as ten to fifteen minutes, your pet could die from the heat in a parked car, and parking in the shade does little good to prevent this, since the sun continuously moves and the heat of the air alone will be bad for your pet. If your pet will be going with you, make sure that cats are allowed wherever you will be.

When the heat index is high, keep your cats inside. Cats that are not outdoors most of the time will not know where the cooler places to hide are, or they may find these cooler places and not return home. Hot asphalt can also wreak havoc on a cat’s health, as it can burn his or her sensitive paw pads. If your cat does not use a litter box and instead goes outside, make sure that he or she is let back inside after only a few minutes on the hottest days of the summer. Basically, if it is recommended that seniors and children stay inside, it is good for pets to stay indoors as well.

Keep your cat well groomed during the summer as well. Brushing you cat often will help get rid of the excess hair that has been shed and is weighing down the animal. If your cat has very long hair or is overweight, provide him or her with an air-conditioned room if possible. Preventing overheating is key.

As always, make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water. This can be tap water, but should be cool and changed multiple times a day when it is hot outside. Your furry feline is very important in your life, so make sure that he or she gets proper care when the summer days make your sweat. Remember you know how you feel when you are burning up, your cat feels the same way.