How to Pick a Puppy

Picking a puppy can be a difficult task. Your decision needs to be not only well informed but also a decision you can be happy with for as many as twenty years. The first task is to establish if a breeder or a trip to the local animal shelter is the best option for you. Both options have their pros and cons.

When deciding on a breeder you get the benefit of having a registered animal with its complete history at your fingertips. You will have an idea of the animal's temperament, and you will be able to have your choice of the breed and color that is most suited to your tastes. However this could also mean the animal has not had proper vet care, handling, and could have diseases from inbreeding if you do not choose a reputable breeder.

If you decide to choose from the animal shelter you get the benefit of knowing you saved an animal's life. The puppy will have had vet care, and you will know ahead of time any medical problems that could be an issue. Animals from shelters often come spayed or neutered, if the animals is too young for the procedure you will be provided with a voucher to have the procedure done at low or no cost.

Once you decide which option is best for you, the most difficult choice will be which puppy is best for you. Don't let how cute all the puppies are cloud your judgment! Keep in mind you are choosing a pet that has to fit you and your lifestyle for up to twenty years. Do your homework and make a list of what traits you are really after. Do you want a pet that is going to be relaxed, and be content to hang out around the house while you are at work? Would you prefer a pet that is more active who will happily run with you on daily jogs?

Make a list of breeds you are interested in, traits in those breeds that you are after, and most importantly what life style this puppy will need to adapt to. When you have your list, and your choice of where you will get your puppy its time to start on your journey to acquiring your puppy.

If you have chosen to select your puppy from a breeder you will likely have to place a deposit before the litter is born, or shortly after it has arrived. It will take several trips to the breeder, usually at 4, 6 and 8 weeks to decide which puppy is best for you and your price range. Breeding quality puppies, and show quality puppies will cost more than a standard pet quality pup. Be sure to spend time with each puppy without setting your sites on one in particular right away. Make sure you look each puppy over to make sure the eyes are clear, that they respond correctly to sounds i.e. they do not run and hide from noises, and aren't aggressive.

Puppies from animal shelters may be adopted quickly so a few visits to decide on an animal may not be possible. Keep in mind animals in a confined area can be under stress and therefore are not showing their true personalities. If an animal is reserved it is not necessarily a bad sign, they can simply be nervous due to an unfamiliar situation.

Dogs are wonderful animals that can add value and quality to your life. Do your homework to assure that you are making a wise decision given your lifestyle and the needs of your pet.

Author Info:CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online at http://www.findapetonline.com/800 998-7065
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The Five Top Tips on Dog Coat Health

By: Nicki Howell

Giving your dog a shiny coat isn’t just about beauty. A shiny coat is the result of your dog being healthy. And we all want a healthy dog…right? Read on to learn the top tips on dog coat health.

Tip 1: A shiny coat starts with good nutrition. Feed your dog a high quality dog food. Often generic dog foods use cheaper ingredients which may not always be great for your dog.

Remember to compare ingredients, and when in doubt, consult your vet. Also, limit the amount of dog treats to give to your dog.

Tip 2: Make a habit of checking your dog’s fur. Not only can burs and fleas interfere with a healthy coat, they can be a health problem for your canine. Make a habit of checking your dog’s fur weekly.

Tip 3: Consider the benefits of conditioner. Yes…conditioner for your dog! Some people think it sounds strange, but it can work wonders. Look for a dog conditioner that is tearless, so if it gets in your dog’s eyes, it won’t hurt.

Tip 4: Don’t be tempted to share. You paid a fortune for your shampoo, so it must work wonders on your dog…right? Wrong, often human shampoos are too harsh for dogs. Make sure to purchase a shampoo that is specifically designed for dogs.

Tip 5: Spoil your dog with the brush. Brushing your dog often will help keep his coat looking great. If your dog has long hair, you may need to brush twice a week. If your dog has shorter hair, you may brush less.

Bonus tips: The scoop on baths. Some dogs require baths more often than others. If your dog is one that requires fewer baths, this may interfere with a shiny coat. Check with your vet on your specific bread.

And remember, if your dog continues to have a dull luster to his coat, talk to a groomer or vet. They may have additional suggestions based on your dog’s unique breed and circumstances.

For more helpful information, visit http://www.dog-health-info.net/Dog-grooming-care.html

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Grapes, Nuts, and Your Dogs Health - Foods that Fido should Avoid

“Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got himself into sticky situations…”
So begins a story in the latest report from the ASPCA on foods that may be toxic to dogs. It turns out that Magoo got into the pantry and snagged himself about a pound of raisins. He ate the whole thing, of course.

The ASPCA never mentions Magoo’s fate. But they do tell us that as little as a handful of raisins can impair a dogs health and has been fatal for some. Ditto for the grape.

Who Knew?
Growing up, I regarded our family dogs as “the first cycle of the dishwasher”. They were good about waiting their turn for whatever we left on our plates, and we weren’t too concerned about offering them “people food”. It never crossed our minds that our dogs health could be affected by a few measly table scraps. What was safe for us, we figured, was safe for our pets.
What’s more, whenever I ate grapes, I liked to give one or two to our German Shepherd “Tiffany”. The grapes always popped out of her mouth when she tried to bite into them and Tiffany, ever the good sport, refused to give up until she’d squashed each one into submission. It guaranteed at least 60 seconds of harmless fun.

Tiffany was also fond of chewing gum (she chewed it — wrapper and all — but didn’t swallow it!) We had the sugarless kind, which is often sweetened these days with xylitol.
Little did I know that I might have been poisoning our family pet! (More on xylitol below).

Why are grapes harmful?
As far as grapes and raisins go, no one is sure why they’re harmful. It’s been confirmed that even grapes grown without fertilizers or pesticides can be toxic to dogs. But not to every dog, and not every time. It’s also not known whether small amounts eaten over a long time period could have a cumulative effect.

What we do know is that the end result in nearly all reported cases of grape or raisin toxicity is acute kidney failure. (The term “acute” means that the condition is severe and comes on quickly.) The dog ultimately can’t produce urine, which means they can’t filter toxins out of their systems — a process essential to life.

During the twelve-month period in which the effects of grapes were studied, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled 140 cases involving one or more dogs. Over a third of the dogs developed symptoms ranging from vomiting to kidney failure, and seven dogs died. The ASPCA based their study on reported cases, so naturally there may be cases where a dogs health is entirely unaffected by eating grapes. But until they know all the facts, the Society advises against feeding pets grapes or raisins in any amount.

An ounce of prevention
So, your dog just scored himself a big box of raisins. What’s a pet owner to do?
The first line of defense, if the grapes or raisins were eaten recently, is to induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal (it absorbs toxins in the GI tract). Vomiting is also the first sign that your dog is in trouble, so skip right to the activated charcoal if vomiting has already occurred. (In a pinch you can make your own activated charcoal by charring a piece of toast until it’s blackened and crumbles easily.) Then call your vet right away.
Can’t reach the vet? Call ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435

The vet will keep your dog on intravenous fluids for at least 48 hours and monitor blood chemistry daily. Normal blood work after 3 days usually means your dog is in the clear.
Keeping a watchful eye out, of course, is the best way to keep your pet out of trouble. Like children, dogs (and other pets) have a knack for getting into mischief when we’re not looking.

It’s Not Just the Grapes…
There are other foods your dog should be kept away from, and some of them may surprise you.

Here are some other foods that can put a dogs health in harms way:

Chocolate
Who can resist chocolate? Like it your not, your dog. Chocolate is made with cocoa beans and cocoa beans contain a chemical called Theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. So on Valentine’s Day, you’re actually being kind to your best buddy if you eat all the chocolates yourself!

Cocoa Mulch
Cocoa bean shells are a by-product of chocolate production (which is how mulch made it into the “foods” category) and are popular as mulch for landscaping. Homeowners like the attractive color and scent, and the fact that the mulch breaks down into an organic fertilizer. However, some dogs like to eat it and it contains Theobromine.

Fatty foods
Fatty foods are hard for a dog to digest and can can overtax the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis. This can threaten your dogs health and is potentially fatal.

Nuts
Macadamia nuts should be avoided. In fact most nuts are not good for a dogs health since their high phosporus content is said to lead to bladder stones.

Mulch
Mulch isn’t food, but there’s one type tempting enough for dogs to eat. Some dogs are attracted to cocoa mulch, and will eat it in varying quantities. The coca bean shells can contain from 0.2% to 3% theobromine (the toxin ) as compaired to 1-4% in unprocessed beans.

Onions
Onions, especially raw onions, have been shown to trigger hemolytic anemia in dogs. (Stephen J Ettinger, D.V.M and Edward C. Fieldman, D.V.M. ’s book: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine vol. 2 pg 1884.) Stay away from onion powder too.

Potatoes
Potato poisonings among people and dogs are rare but have occurred. The toxin, solanine, is poorly absorbed and is only found in green sprouts (these occur in tubers exposed to sunlight) and green potato skins. This explains why incidents seldom occur. Note that cooked, mashed potatoes are fine for a dogs health, actually quite nutritious and digestible.

Artificial Sweeteners
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, especially sugarless gum and candies. Ingesting large amounts of products sweetened with xylitol may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar in dogs, resulting depression, loss of coordination, and seizures. According to Dr. Eric K. Dunayer, a consulting veterinarian in clinical toxicology for the poison control center, “These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product” states Dr. Dunayer, “…therefore, it is important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.”

Turkey
Turkey skin is currently thought to cause acute pancreatis in dogs, partly due to it’s high fat content.

Other foods listed by the ASPCA as harmful:
Alcoholic beverages
Avocado (the only “fatty” member of the vegetable family)
Coffee (all forms of coffee)
Moldy or spoiled foods
Salt
Yeast dough
Garlic

The Bottom Line , Thanks to a more educated public, fewer fatalities from foods like chocolate are being reported these days. But it’s important to keep up with what’s currently known about foods and their effects on dogs health. Grapes and cocoa mulch, for example, were only discovered very recently to have harmful effects. Check frequently with sources like the ASPCA, or sign up for the “Cold Noses News” and we’ll keep you informed. (You’ll also get a bunch of cool dog stuff along with your free registration).
Of course, being alert and getting your pet to the vet promptly will help assure a happy outcome if something unfortunate should happen. Here’s to your dogs health and good nutrition!

Article source: http://www.nextarticle.com

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How To Groom Your Dog or Puppy

Dog grooming is an art that goes from basic pet care to almost spa-like pampering. The essential grooming requirements depend on the dog's breed and its characteristics. The first thing a pet owner deals with is dog hair.

Long hair dogs that shed need more frequent grooming than short hair dogs or those who only shed seasonally. Dogs with curly or frizzy hair need daily care to detangle the hair and remove debris or foliage that gets caught in the coat while the dog is outdoors.

Sending your dog to a groomer each week gets expensive. But if you want the best for your dog, you can even hire mobile dog groomers who have a full grooming station in their vans.

The groomer parks in your driveway and does the complete grooming onsite. This is a great convenience and avoids the "wet dog" smell lingering in your bathroom. To save money, you can also learn to do many of the basic grooming techniques yourself.

Dog grooming isn't just a luxury - it's a necessity. A dog that doesn't get proper grooming in a timely manner is at risk for illness, gingivitis, parasites and damage to both fur and skin.

Your dog may not be thrilled about getting a bath, but you can't let that stop you. Bathing is a health issue for dogs just as it is for people. You wouldn't stop bathing your toddler just because she screams at bath time, would you?

If you aren't sure about the right techniques for bathing, brushing and detangling your dog's fur, find a good online resource or ask if you can watch the dog groomer work. You may also take a class from a pet store or vet's office to learn the correct procedures - as well as get some expert tips on how to deal with your dog's anxiety or fears during grooming.

The skin under the dog's fur can be highly sensitive. Avoid aggressive scrubbing while bathing your dog or you can remove too much of the natural oils that protect both skin and hair follicles.

Adding powder or scents that aren't formulated for use with dogs adds the potential for skin irritation or infection. If a product isn't made for dogs or the type of fur on your dog breed, then make it a rule never to use it.

Be patient when grooming. Take time to talk gently to your pet, rub his head or tummy and lend a playful quality to the grooming session. If you're rushed or impatient, then don't even start the grooming. Your dog will pick up on your attitude and be fearful or difficult to manage.

Even if your dog spends most of his time outdoors, you still need to do basic grooming. Without regular bathing, your dog is at the mercy of fleas and parasites that thrive on his lack of cleanliness.

Use the right tools. Don't use your old hairbrush on your dog. Get special brushes and combs that are made for your dog's fur. You don't save money using your castoffs if you damage the dog's skin and create a big vet bill.

You might save some money by bringing the dog to a groomer monthly or alternate weeks, while you handle the bath and simple hair brushing on the other weeks. Dog grooming is an essential part of maintaining your dog's health - as well as his good looks.

Author Info: To find out more out dogs (specifially, dog training), check out these dog training tips at DogObedienceTraining123.com. Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles

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A True Dog Training Secret

Just last week I was working with a very nice lady that had a jumping problem with her dog. She badly wanted her dog to stop jumping and pretty much didn’t care about anything else.

I explained why jumping happens, what she needed to do to stop it, and to make sure everyone in the house is complying. I demonstrated a simple and easy technique that stops jumping within a few minutes (it’s not jamming your knee into the dog’s chest).

The following week I received a call from her and she said that her dog was still jumping. I thought that was funny because when I left her house, her dog was not jumping on her or me anymore.

The problem with a lot of people experiencing a dog training or dog behavior problem is that they completely focus on the problem NOT the solution. If you truly want your dog to learn a behavior or to stop a behavior you need to focus on the solution to what you want your dog to do or to stop doing in order to be successful.

I know this sounds simple, but ask yourself this question the next time your dog is not behaving the way you want him to. Ask yourself, “Am I focusing on the problem or the solution?”

If you are focused on the problem, it will continue to happen. Learn to focus on what you want your dog to do. I know that when your dog is pulling, peeing on the carpet, jumping, barking, and doing any host of behavior problems that you don’t like it can be difficult to focus on what you want… BUT you need to stay focused on the desired outcome.

If you don’t, you’ll end up either living with the behavior, continuing to get angry, or getting rid of your dog.

Learn to focus on the solution and you’ll get much better results.

Author Info: Eric Letendre, author of The Amazing Dog Training Man, invites you to visit http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com for free dog training video clips, tips, articles, and advice. Free Newsletter. Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles

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Dog Cough: Understanding the Causes

By: Catrina Dogurton

As you would expect from humans, dogs tend to cough for many different reasons. In fact, the underlying causes of dog cough are too diverse to describe comprehensively but some of the more common factors known to cause dog cough include internal parasites, heartworm, distemper, fungal infections, allergies, tuberculosis, and even second hand cigarette or cigar smoke. In addition to the causes for cough, there are also several types of dog coughs. A dog’s cough may be phlemgy or dry, may sound like gagging, or may be more like wheezing. Moreover, depending on the cause of the cough you can expect a dog cough to vary in frequency from chronic to intermittent. Typically speaking, a dog’s cough will get progressively worse if left untreated as the cough itself causes dryness in the respiratory tract and therefore more coughing.

Kennel Cough
Inflammation of the trachea and bronchus leads to a high, dry cough in dogs most often known as kennel cough. Dogs suffering from kennel cough will usually have few other symptoms in addition to the cough and the illness will usually pass within a couple of weeks. Fortunately, the major problem with kennel cough is the annoyance it causes to other family members who have to listen to a dry and persistent cough. Usually, veterinarians will take a very conservative approach to treating kennel cough as it is not life threatening. Nonetheless, your veterinarian will probably recommend that you isolate sick pets from healthy ones in order to prevent the spread of the infection. It is also important to maintain a comfortable temperature for a dog with kennel cough and to ensure that your dog is able to get plenty of rest. In very severe cases you may want to try administering children’s cough syrup to alleviate your dog’s cough.

In puppies and certain toy breeds, kennel cough can cause more serious problems and even lead to pneumonia. For this reason, it is always advisable to have your dog tended to by a veterinarian if it is suffering from a cough. There are vaccines for certain strains of kennel cough that should be considered especially if your dog will be in frequent contact with other dogs.

Distemper
While most dogs are vaccinated against distemper when they are puppies this disease can still pose a significant risk for dogs that are not vaccinated or for puppies that are too young to have been vaccinated. Ideally, you should limit your puppy’s contact with strange dogs for at least the first 14-16 weeks of life to ensure that your puppy is properly vaccinated.

For dog’s that have developed distemper there are several key indicators. First of all, for most healthy dogs that are properly cared for the symptoms of distemper can be quite mild. On the contrary, unhealthy or immune-compromised dogs will likely show more severe symptoms. On the extreme, distemper can be fatal and secondary infections are not uncommon. Usually, distemper is associated with a distinct and dry cough at the beginning of the disease. Your dog will also usually suffer from a fever and will probably have a yellow discharge from the nose and tear ducts. If you notice these symptoms it is important for you to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

Because distemper can be treated by vaccination it is not a major concern of most dog owners. Only puppy owners really need to be concerned about protecting their dogs from distemper. Also, if your dog has not been vaccinated it is important to do so as soon as possible.

Parasites
Many internal parasites, like heartworms and roundworms, can cause a dog cough. Roundworms, for example, take up residence in your dog’s intestinal tract. From here, eggs develop and hatch and the worms can infiltrate other internal organs like the lungs thereby causing coughing. Puppies of infected mothers can be born with roundworms and is therefore a common concern for puppies with a cough.

In the case of heartworm, a dog cough signifies a much more serious problem. Dogs get infected with heartworms through mosquito bites and eventually these heartworms travel through the blood to infest the lungs. This process usually takes about 6 months and one of the first symptoms of adult heartworms in the lungs is a dog cough. Unfortunately, the coughing symptoms of heartworm can be particularly debilitating for dogs as they become completely incapable of engaging in light exercise without coughing. Medical treatment is always indicated for heartworms.

Conclusions
The diverse array of causes for dog coughs can make it difficult to decide whether the cough is a serious problem or not. Tuberculosis is a particularly deadly infection that causes coughing in dogs and that can be passed between dogs and humans. As such, it is always important to address your dog’s cough by a visit to the veterinarian.

Catrina Dogurton is online leading specialist in in cat and dog health supplies.. Find more information and pet health products to prevent and treat pet diseases such as Dog Cough, Dog Kidney Disease, Dog Pinkeye, and other. Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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Dog Health and Exercise: Show your Dog the Love with Regular Exercise

By: Nicki Howell

Go ahead…give your dog the gift of regular exercise. Sounds simple…right? Well it is! Your dog will be happier, healthier and better behaved. Many behavior problems stem from excess energy..so burn it off. Read on to learn how you can bond with your dog through a fun exercise routine.

How much exercise is enough?

The answer will depend on your dog’s unique needs. A small dog may need less exercise than a large dog. Also, your canine’s age will be a factor. But the best way to determine if your dog’s getting enough exercise is to ask yourself, does your dog seem satisfied? When I take my German Shepard for a 20 minute walk…she looks at me like, are we finished already? If this is your dog, you’ll need to lengthen the walk.

Good exercise incorporates obedience.

When you’re walking your dog, it’s important to have complete control. This will help with unexpected situations, such as the off lease dog or child on a bike. Work with your dog on commands like sit, heal, and stay. Read the article Five Free Dog Training Tips You Shouldn’t Miss for more information.

Commit to a regular routine.

Can you imagine running a marathon if you haven’t trained? To keep your dog in the best shape, give him daily exercise. So open up your planner, and schedule a time that works best for you. Your dog will thank you with many licks!

Challenge the high-energy dog .

Do you have a dog that seems to never get tired? Me too! A great way to burn off that energy is using interval training. Start at a slow pace to warm up, and then graduate to a faster pace. Do two minutes at a fast pace, and than slow down for a couple minutes.

Bonus tips for healthy exercise.

Your dog can’t always communicate what he needs. So it’s your job to be an observer…here are a few tips to help:

• Check your dog’s footpads for cracking and injury

• Make sure your dog is hydrated

• Don’t exercise right after your dog eats

• When the weather is hot, walk during the cool times. The asphalt can hurt your dog’s paws.

For more helpful tips, visit http://www.dog-health-info.net/Dog-grooming-care.html

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Healthy dog biscuit recipes

An overwhelming majority of people around the world own pets and most folks buy treats for their pets at one time or another. Some people own cats and buy cat treats, others own dogs and buy dog biscuits and chew toys. The one thing all of these people have in common is that they want their pet to have the healthiest food and treats possible! That’s why home made dog biscuits and treats have become so popular! Here is an excellent dog biscuit recipe that is all natural and is sure to satisfy the hungry hound in your home!

This dog biscuit recipe is very simple and can be put together by kids or adults. You start with a fourth cup carrots, three cups of parsley chopped up very fine, one forth of a cup of cheese, grated fine. A good tip is to make sure your dog likes the particular kind of cheese before you make the biscuits. Usually, mozzarella or parmesan are the best to use.

Add 2 and three fourths cup of flour, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder so the biscuits will rise a little when you bake them and 2 teaspoons of bran so they are extra healthy for your pooch. The final ingredient is a half cup to a cup of water, but be sure not to add it until the rest of the ingredients are blended.

Make sure your oven is set to 350 degrees. Kids, make sure mommy or daddy take care of this part. You’ll want to use a cooking spray to lightly grease a baking sheet. Once all of the dry ingredients and the oil are mixed, slowly add the water until you have a moist texture. Knead the dough until it is uniform than roll it out with a rolling pin. Use a fun shape to cut out the biscuits and cook them for 20-30 minutes. Make sure they are fully cooled before you give them to your doggie! - http://www.uncopettreats.com

Author Info: David Gilmore http://www.uncopettreats.com Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles

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Choosing Between a Male and Female Dog

Some dog owners claim that males are typically more aggressive and destructive, particularly in small spaces. Female dogs are said to be easier to train and more affectionate.

Depending on the dog breed, these stereotypes may be true or not. Choosing a female dog means either taking the initiative to spay, or deal with the issue of the dog being in heat. Failure to take action for doggie birth control means that you're constantly trying to find homes for cute litters of puppies.

Female dogs don't have menopause, so unlike the human female, dogs can have puppies practically all their lives. You'll spend weeks every year trying to guard your female from males who can catch the scent from blocks away. On the other hand, if you have a pure bred dog that you want to breed, then having a female dog can become a financial advantage.

Male dogs insist on marking their territory, whether it's around your house or in the yard. They do this by urinating on their "spot" so they can find it again. You can try to train a dog not to mark his territory, but you're asking him to go against his instincts.

If you have another male dog in the house, expect a battle for who rules the house, particularly if both want to be alpha dogs. Even a smaller male dog will challenge or irritate the larger male - just to prove who was in the house first.

Dogs of opposite genders tend to get along better than dogs of the same gender. While female dogs are not as vicious toward each other as male dogs, some females don't want to share their space with another dog.

Female dogs are generally easier to house train than male dogs, although that can vary by breed and by the skill of the dog trainer. Male dogs are seen as more lively and active, but certain breeds are "high strung" in both males and females.

Ask the average person shopping for a dog and you'll find many are looking for a female dog. They probably believe the notion that female dogs are less aggressive and easier to train.

However, they forget that female dogs can be highly temperamental. Breeders tend to favor male dogs as an easier pet to manage. Gender isn't the only predictor (or even a good predictor) of how a dog will behave.

Breeds that are known to be calm and tolerant, tend to be that way whether male or female. Other breeds that are feisty, nippy and difficult to handle are that way for males and females.

Since there's no scientific evidence that predicts the characteristics of males compare with females, then the decision about dog gender is essentially subjective. Chances are, your memories of a childhood pet or a friend's pet that you wish you had is what's influencing your choice now.

Maybe you recall the gentle female Collie who lovingly cared for litter after litter of puppies as the ideal dog. Or you think about the rough and tumble large male dog that could run hard, play tirelessly and keep up with the most inquisitive children. If that's what leads you to decide whether a male or female is the best dog to have, then go with your feelings. For you, that will be the right choice.

Author Info:
Whether you get a male or female dog, you'll need to train it as soon as possible. Check out these Dog Training Articles when it's time to start training your dog or puppy! Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles

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Aromatherapy for Pets

by: Liz Santher

Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much as humans can. Aside from possibly eliminating bad odors and giving your pet a pleasant perfume, essential oils also serve many practical functions such as boosting your pet's immune system, fighting off bacteria and
viruses, preventing the growth of yeasts and molds and repelling insects.

Aromatherapy is used by enthusiasts, groomers and pet salons to trea mild ailments such as skin inflammations, itchy skin ear infections, rashes, bad breath, flatulence and motions sickness. Psychologically, certain oils also have a calming or relaxing effect on animals. For example lavender oil not only helps kitties repel insects but it also makes them feel sleepy or content. Roman chamomile can be used to treat an ear infection as well as soothe the nerves of a dog in pain.

Essential oils are also frequently used as home remedies. However before you attempt to use aromatherapy on your own pets, keep in mind that essential oils are always diluted before they are applied to a pet's skin or sprayed on their coat. Almond oil, olive oil and jojoba oil are common base oils to which a few drops of the essential oil is added. Usually all that is needed is about one ounce of the base oil combined with two to three drops of the essential oil.

Essential oils can also be diluted in a spray bottle and misted onto the pet or the pet's bedding. You can simply dilute a few drops in distilled water or you can use water and a mixture of aloe, witch hazel or cider vinegar. The traditional recommendation is to use 20 to 30 drops of oil per eight ounces of liquid. Any less might not be effective and any more might be toxic to the pet.

Oils can also be diluted in vodka or brandy and dabbed on the bottom of the pet's paws or on an acupressure point such as the tips of the ears. This is the technique to use if you are dealing with a panicky pet. Never feed your pet alcohol or essential oil directly.

Essential oils are also effective flea and tick repellents and are nearly as effective as sprays and powders that contain a lot of toxic chemicals. Oils such as peppermint, citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, geranium, bay and myrrh have been components of herbal flea sprays and flea collars for many years. You can easily make your own flea and tick spray by combining about 25 drops of any of these oils into eight ounces of water. Shake the mixture well and spray it on your pet, being careful to shield its eyes from mist. This mixture can also be sprayed anywhere that you suspect there may be a breeding bug infestation.

When using essential oils it is also essential for you to remember that a dog or cat's sense of smell is much more acute than our own. Signs that an aromatherapy treatment is too overwhelming for your pet are tearing eyes, sneezing, pacing or whining. Cats may lick themselves excessively and dogs may rub their head on the ground in order to escape the smell. Many pets also have allergies to essential oils. For instance, chamomile is related to the ragweed plant, which is a common allergen for both pets and humans. This is why it is so important to use a mild solution at first and use your powers of observation the first few times you use an essential oil mixture on a pet.

About the Author
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(c) 2005 Liz Santher - All Rights Reserved

Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.

http://www.aromatherapysecret.com/

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7 Tips on How to Get Rid of Dog Urine Odors

If you've just gotten a new puppy, you will need to know how to get rid of dog urine smells.

Dog urine odors will often be found in unusual places where you might not think to look. Sometimes that new puppy can get sneaky! By the time you've found the problem, the urine has soaked into the carpet. Once it has soaked into the carpet, it may have soaked into the carpet's padding as well. Then, the problem is intensified.

Here are seven tips on how to get prevent and rid of dog urine smells:

1. Begin training a new puppy right from the start. Take him outside and show him where his bathroom area is. Every time you take your puppy outside, take him to the same potty spot. Keep his special area away from the main part of the yard. That will make it easier to clean up and visitors to your home won't be stepping in doggy doo. It will also contain any odors in that one area.

2. For small dogs that are kept indoors, you can train them to use a litter box. Yes, just like a cat. Put the box in an out-of-the-way place. This is not an easy route to take. It will take some intensive training sessions to achieve it.

3. Some people like to buy doggy diapers for the male dogs. The diapers are not available for females at this time.

4. Watch your puppy when visitors are around or when a repairman comes to your home. Unusual visitors or activities can throw your pup off schedule.

5. If your dog does have an accident, get it cleaned up immediately. Buy an odor remover or cleaner developed specifically for pet odors. Your dog will believe that the spot is for him to use regularly if the smell isn't removed completely. These cleaners can be purchased at pet stores and online.

6. The commercial odor removers can be quite harsh so some people will not want to use them. If you want a home remedy, try a vinegar and water mixture. However, the professional mixtures work much better. Packages of the cleaner are available that can clean an entire room but hopefully, the problem won't get this severe.

7. New puppies aren't the only dogs that can have a potty problem. Older dogs can also have accidents when they reach their senior years. They can't wait as long before they need to be taken outside. Older dogs may not be able to "hold it" as long as younger dogs, so you will need to make sure someone lets them outside more often.

Dog urine smells aren't the only odors you will have when you get a dog. Some of these smells can be taken care of by grooming your dog. A good brushing and a bath can work wonders.

Sometimes a veterinarian will need to examine the dog to see if there is some underlying medical cause for the smell. Then, a treatment can be found for it.

There will always be some dog odors that you will have to live with. These are natural and are part of owning a pet. But, there are ways to get rid of the worst dog smells with a bit of persistence and common sense.

Author Info: Jude Wright is the owner of multiple websites. Learn more about taking care of your dog at http://dogandpuppycare.com/ for more information on dogs. Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles

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Diet For Dogs -- How To Select Them

The dog world is a-buzz these days about the natural diet for dogs. A decrease in overall pet health, commercial pet food recalls and sky high vet bills are some of the reasons pet owners have started closely examining their pet food and the effects it is having on their dog's well being.

Natural diets, also called the raw food diet for dogs, refer to a species appropriate diet as if your canine were living in the wild. Dogs, being carnivores, would eat meat, bones, vegetable matter and grains, with the vegetable matter and grains coming from the stomach contents of its prey.

But is this style of diet the best diet for dogs? Let's take a closer look.

For many pet owners, the thought of feeding your best pal all raw food doesn't sound the least bit healthy at first. Ideas of harmful bacteria and diseases come to mind and it seems like it would be more harmful than nutritious.

We tend to dismiss the fact that we are really different species. We humans cook our food to inhibit bacteria and disease, so it seems reasonable to do the same for the canine members of our family.

We need to understand that the digestive system of humans and dogs are different. A dog's digestive system is specifically created to eat raw foods. That's why when your dog eats a dead critter it does not get sick from it.

Another point to consider in natural diets for dogs is that your pet will eat a lot of the same food that you would eat, but in a healthy way instead of table scraps. The main difference is cooking.

When you look at a raw food diet meal example, you'll see that it's actually much better than the images we get from envisioning about our pets hunting and eating in the wild.

Example:

Raw meat – any raw muscle meat will work, however many pet owners use ground turkey or regular hamburger because of price and convenience.

Raw bones – turkey necks, chicken necks or chicken backs.

Raw vegetables and fruit – Carrots, apples, green beans, kale, watercress, parsley, mustard greens, etc. Use a blender or food processor to dice and mix with meat and bones and serve

Some of the values of a natural diet for dogs can be helpful in deciding to utilize it with your pet. Many pet owners say that their dogs have better smelling breath, cleaner teeth, healthier skin and coats, and more energy. They also tell that their dogs seem generally happier and healthier overall.

The bottom line is that we all enjoy our dogs and want them to live a long and happy life. Just as with humans, that begins with proper diet and nutrition. The best diet for dogs is one based on general dog dietary needs, and then is adjusted to your pet's individual needs and tastes.

Author Info: Ron King For more about dogs, visit Natural Diet For Dogs. Also check out Diet For Dogs. For Ron's website, visit Natural Diet. Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles

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