By: Rebecca Prescott
When we think of dogs we tend to think of agile creatures that love to exercise and play, have speed and power, and are sleek or cuddly. However, just like humans and other animals, dogs are creatures that can be prone to weight problems, some breeds far more than others.
Most dogs love their food and treats, and although most love to exercise and play there are also those that are quite happy to toast their paws in front of the fire and play the "couch potato" whenever given the chance. And, of course, the combination of lack of exercise and over-feeding can lead to a very fat little dog.
Avoiding obesity in your dog
Some dogs can be far more susceptible than others to weight gain, and for dogs this can result in a range of associated health problems. Weight gain can not only make your dog miserable, but reduce his quality of life, and even reduce his lifespan.
This is why it is important for responsible owners to monitor and maintain a healthy weight for their dogs, and in the event of weight gain to take action in order to try and get their weight back on track.
We all love to give our dogs treats to show them how much we care, but often this is doing more damage than good. Just like with children, the odd treat is fine, but regular treats coupled with large portions of food can quickly lead to excess weight.
Another factor that can affect your dog's weight is of course the level of exercise that he receives. Believe it or not, there are some dogs that actually have to be persuaded to go for their walks. In some cases, other health problems such as undiagnosed thyroid problems can affect your dog's weight and cause your dog to get fat.
If you have a dog that is happy never to step out of the house, you shouldn't just shrug and thank your lucky stars that you don't have the extra duty of having to take him out each day. Instead, you need to make a concerted effort to ensure that he does get regular exercise, no matter how gentle. If your dog is very overweight you should get advice from your vet to find out why he has gained weight, and how you can get the situation under control.
A number of health problems can affect fat dogs, which is why it is important to keep your dog's weight under control. Some of the weight related health problems that can affect your pet include heart, lung, liver, kidney, and joint problems, amongst others. Some of the breeds that are prone to weight gain because of genetics include Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles.
Article by: Don't forget to check out these articles on dog food and diet... Rebecca writes on puppy and dog concerns here. Article source: http://www.ladypens.com
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Fat dogs - One Treat Too Many
Normal Doggie Behaviors
by: john123
Prior to anything one must remember that dogs are animals and they should never be humiliated or punished for doing what comes naturally to him instead they should be dealt with care. Excessive behavioral patterns displayed that could be surprising and upsetting sometime should be dealt with love and proper training.
To help you to deal with your new dog here are some of the expected normal doggie behavior guidelines:
1. The sense of territoriality exist in the blood of the dog whether you find them in the street or at home because they have evolved from wild animals and will defend their home and yard or anything belonging to their owners from the strangers by barking or growling. If anything excess is displayed in this area then there is a need for training otherwise it is normal behavior.
2. Barking is their way to communicate to other dogs, to their owners, to strangers who they feel threatens them. Besides this they also bark if they hear any strange noise at any hour of the day warning of something unusual. If this type of barking pattern exist in your dog then your dog is normal but if your new dog bark too much then getting trained by a professional is required or you can opt for barking collars especially designed to help correct a dog's excessive barking.
3. The desire to keep their food for themselves is found to be very strong even in the smallest dog which is a very natural behavior. Teasing the dog for such behavior may be fatal, so it is recommended to feed your dog in a quiet location free of distractions. Beside your dog your children must also be taught how to behave while he is eating to avoid potential nips or bites.
4. Dogs explore their world by chewing anything that comes to their way. They love to chew and gnaw anything they are supplied with toys for example Rawhide chews and plastic chew of his own. This is nothing abnormal but anything excessive needs care.
5. If trained properly then your dog will urinate and defecate where they are told to do but sometimes under certain circumstances your dog will urinate or defecate where they should not. Punishing them will make the situation worse that will only make the dog more nervous and possibly cause more errors in the future. Make sure the dog has plenteous opportunities to go outside.
6. Nipping and Biting are normal in dog and they do to protect themselves from harm. If this behavior is excessive then it is imperative to take steps to stop it before it becomes a real problem.
Understanding and dealing with your dog's behavior is necessary for a new pet owner's happiness with their new friend.
About the Author http://www.dogs-palace.com http://www.dogs-palace.com/order.html
Article source: http://www.article-free.net
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Which Dog Breed Is Right for Your Family?
Choosing the right dog for your family is a bigger decision than you may initially think. There are about 330 pure breeds and almost another 80 that were developed by breeders by mixing different combinations of pure breeds.
Some breeds were mixed in ways that kept the characteristics, yet caused the dogs to be larger or smaller than the original breed. With so many choices, you have to think of each dog breed as having specific characteristics, temperament, size, function and abilities.
Each dog within that breed will share some common elements. For example, some dogs who were hunting dogs in times past have been bred differently to reduce the hunting instinct and make the dog more suitable as the pet for a family whose only "hunting" is stopping at grocery store or fast food to bring home dinner.
Major categories of dog breeds include: toys, companions, guards, working, spaniels, terriers, sighthound, scent hounds, spitz and herding. This doesn't include the famous "Heinz 57" - or pound mutt, whose exact heritage is unknown.
Each of the breeds is known for its ability to perform certain jobs. Historically, all dogs were working dogs - helping with sheep herding, cattle tending, fetching game, guarding property or tracking escapees.
House pets were not common as they are today. Each dog breed still carries the genetic code for its original type of work. You need to know how that dog is genetically programmed before you bring him home.
The dog that's naturally a watchdog won't be the cuddly playmate for your small children. The greyhound, particularly the rescued greyhound, is gentle and quiet, but they must have plenty of outdoor time to run. As a dog that can gain speeds of up to 45 mph, the greyhound is not a dog for couch potatoes.
If you want a medium to large dog that will be easily trained and protective over your children, then choose a pastoral or herding dog like the Old English sheepdog, Collie or Welsh Corgi. The instincts they have for keeping sheep in the pasture adapt to keeping your children inside the backyard while keeping intruders outside.
When having a dog means a smaller pet that's purely for amusement with little expectation, then look at the toy dog breed. Among this group, you find Chihuahua, Poodle, Manchester Terrier, Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu and King Charles Spaniel. Don't expect any work from this group. Toy dogs are masterful at finding ways for you to work for them.
The hunting breed has a proud tradition as the faithful companion and partner to hunters. These dogs include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, English Springer Spaniel, English Setter, Irish Setter and Cocker Spaniel. Even if you don't hunt, give these dogs the kind of open field exercise that makes them feel useful in the way that's part of their heritage.
Some breeds require space, while others need primping for show that rivals what you see among fashion models. Perhaps the easiest breed to bring home and love is the "pound mutt." In all shapes and sizes, these dogs have endured hardships that landed them in the shelter, when all they want is a family to love. Bring one home and you'll have a friend for life.
Author Info:
For more fun articles on dogs, check out Keith's dog website. At this site, you'll find all kinds of information on dogs - mostly about dog training.
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Dog Grooming Tips
By: Nicholas Hunt
No matter what breed of dog you plan to purchase there are some grooming tips you will want to know. All dogs need proper grooming for the health and attractiveness of the breed. Read on to find out what you need to do in the grooming process and learn how beneficial it is to not only to your dog but for you as well.
Coat Grooming
All dogs have coats; some are short, long, wire-haired, curly, straight, or wavy. No matter the coat, you will need to invent in a good brush. The brush you decide upon needs to be the type that will get through your dog's hair without causing harm to skin or pull on the hair. Wire steel brushing are great to use to get loose hair before it falls on your furniture and carpet. You can also purchase wire combs, which are best for smaller breeds since they tend to be a bit smaller.
Choose the size of your brush or comb in accordance with the size of your dog. If you have a large dog, choose a larger brush that will cover more area as you brush. If you have a small dog, a smaller brush will be easier to use to get behind the ears and other small areas. Bathe your dog when he is visibly dirty or has a foul odor. Shampooing dries out a dog's coat and can rip some dog's natural oils from its hair. These natural oils protect the dog's skin and in some breeds, repel water.
Trimming Nails
The frequency of trimming your dog's nails depends on if your dog goes outdoors often especially on concrete and how fast the nails grow. If your dog runs on concrete then the nails usually file down to an appropriate length. If not, you will have to purchase some nail clippers especially designed for dogs.
When cutting, place the clipper above the wick. The wick is the part of the nail where you see the nerve. You don't want to clip the nerve because it will bleed and does cause some discomfort to the dog. Sometimes it is hard to see where the wick begins so you may have to take your dog to the vet or professional groomer for clippings.
Ear Cleaning
All dogs need to have their ears cleaned. This is because wax and dirt accumulates in them, which can lead to bacteria growth. You can usually tell when your dog needs an ear cleaning if he is shaking his head often and scratching. However, if after cleaning out his ears, your dog continues to exhibit this behavior, you need to consult with your vet because he may have an ear infection or other health concern.
Tarter Control
Yes, even dogs need their teeth cleaned. They have specially made toothbrushes for dogs that you can purchase at your local pet store. You can train your dog to sit still while you brush his teeth. Some dogs will not allow their owners to do this so you may need a professional groomer help you with this task.
Spending Quality Time
Not only will proper grooming keep your dog looking nice and healthy, but also it will allow you to have one to one time with your pet. Life can get hectic and even dogs can tell that you are busy. Time spent with your dog will keep your pooch happy and will remind you why you love your dog so very much.
Nicholas writes on pet related subjects such as cheap pet insurance and online pet insurance quotes.
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