Dog Groups:

Sporting

Hounds

Working

Terriers

Toys

Non-Sporting

Herding

Miscellaneous

Hot summer days- don't let your pooch dehydrate:

Just like humans, dogs are largely composed of water. In the hot weather of summer they are just as susceptable to dehydration as humans. In pets, as in people, maintaining proper fluid levels and electrolyte balance is critical to maintaining the life function and to maintaining proper health. In addition to hot weather, you should always be on alert if your dog experiences any amount of sustained diarrhea, vomiting or loses their appetite and interest to drink fluids as this can also quickly lead to dehydration. Some simple things you can do to facilitate hydration are-
Moisten her muzzle- A little water on the muzzle and keeping a few bowls of water around in hot weather will help them stay hydrated.
Add some electrolytes- if your dog has been sick or facing very hot weather you can add some pedialyte to their water to supplement it with some minerals and especially potassium and sodium.
Pour them a little sports drink- in especially hot weather or after a bout with an illness, a little Gatorade or similar sports drink also works well to help your pooch quickly regain some electrolytes and some glucose for energy.
Watch the heat and be careful to always insure your pet is properly hydrated!

Dogs get joint problems too-

Arthritis, hip problems, weak knees- as your pooch ages, he or she will more than likely experience the same degenerative joint problems as an aging human does. As we feed our pets better food and offer them better medical care- they in turn are living longer. Most pet dogs today are living to their human equivalent of the geriatric years. It is important to recognize this and to offer them help via proper nutrition to supplement their joints and bones. A consultation with your veterinarian will help you to understand how to help your dog as it begins to show symptoms of joint problems. Some of the common signs are very similar to those seen in humans- trouble getting up after sitting or laying down, morning stiffness, or walking with a limp or shuffle. Be kind and humane to your pet and help to insure that they are not living in any pain.Best Selling Joint Care

Animal Adoption- it just makes sense!

When you think about the number of pets that are put to sleep every year because no one wants them, it almost makes your heart break. With all the animals for adoption out there, many people still do not know about how to get in touch with these lovable pets in need. Many of them still go to commercial breeders when a brief stop by the Humane Society or some other animal rescue could save the life of a dog or cat, and give them a treasured companion.

The first animal for adoption that I took in to my home was a puppy I named Bowser. At the time, our school was doing a project to support the world wildlife fund. They had adopt an animal programs to help protect endangered species. While these were not literally animals for adoption, they were animals you could help protect by donating money and increasing popular support for protecting their habitats. It got me thinking about animals around my neighborhood, and I asked my mom if I could get a pet dog from the Humane Society. She was a little bit nervous about getting dogs for adoption, never having been a pet owner herself, but when I agreed to take care of the dog, she relented.

It turns out that there were many different animals for adoption available in our town. I think my mom had been picturing a room filled with pathetic, mangy, aggressive dogs, but the pets in the animal rescue shelter were actually very friendly for the most part. There were a lot of different dogs there, and it took me quite a while to pick out the one that I wanted. Finally, I fell in love with a spotted puppy who looked like he had some Dalmatian in him. I took him home that very day.

Since then, all of my pets have been animals for adoption. After all, I can't justify buying a pet when there are so many critters that are abandoned every year. Many people are too lazy to pay or neuter their pets, while others adopt a dog only to abandon it a year or two later when it is no longer a puppy. Because of this, many unwanted dogs are put to sleep instead of getting to live full lives in a caring home. It is nice to be able to do my little part to counter this trend.

_____________________________________________________________________________

The roots of the relationship between dogs and humans-

Of all animals, dogs have the longest history of friendship with humans. Dogs have protected the lives of humans from predators and enemies, helped them hunt for food and have offered companionship and friendship. Dogs are placed within the order of Carnivora, a part of the larger class Mammalia. Dogs have been associatd with humans as far back as there are written and recorded records of human civilization. Dogs resemble wolves more than any other animal. Over time, humans and dogs began to interact more and more until eventually the breeding of specific dog groups for specific tasks developed. The eight primary groups are listed above and more information about each group can be found by following each link. Today, dogs and humans are inexorably linked as both working companions in task and sport and for the pure enjoyment of the loving relationship between the pet owner and the beloved pet.

Wild Dogs and Domestic Dogs-

Dogs resemble wolves more than any other animal. Although wolves are sometimes believed to be the enemies of humans, in reality the opposite is more often true. Wolves rarely attack humans and actually rather easilly become accustomed to people. Despite such similar characteristics, it is considered dangerous to cross domestic dogs and other canis familiaris. The offspring of cross bred wild dogs and domestic dogs can result in odd physical characteristics and mental problems. From the time humans realized that domesticated dogs could be useful and started to catch wild puppies, selection for desired physical and behavioral characteristics began in order to make the dogs better suited to certain tasks. Today, approximately 350 dog breeds are recognized by the Federation Cynologique International (FCI) which is headquartered in Belgium. It is an amazing testament to the degree to which original wild puppies have been bred and modified to bond with and help suit the needs of their human companions.

Natural Pet remedies-

Just as natural or homeopathic medicine is making in roads with people in the Western world, so it is also making in roads with them in regards to caring for their pets. Many people are now interested in the concept of integrating natural or more traditional medicine methods (often known as homeopathic) into their own health care practices, they are increasingly seeking out veteranarians who also offer these integrative treatment methods for pets. Increasingly, people are considering their pets to be important and extremely valuable members of their family and they want to offer them the best health care options when they become ill or as they age. Such methodoligies as accupuncture, herbal medicine and preventative care using supplements is becoming increaingly common upon a visit to the veteranarian. A good place to learn more about this topic would be to pick up a book such as, "Natural Remedies For Dogs and Cats" by C.J. Puotinen at your library or bookstore.

What does AKC mean when looking for a dog breed-

AKC stands for the American Kennek Club which is a non-for-profit organization devoted to the advancement of purebred dogs. The group was established in 1884 and is composed of approximately 500 autonomous dog clubs from around the United States. There are some similar organizations in other countries, most notably Britian. The AKC holds dog shows and events throughout the United States on a regular basis and also offers educational programs, training classes and health clinics. The AKS is a valuable and good source of information to learn about dogs and breeds. However, don't forget that some of the best dogs and especially best pets you'll ever find are just regular old "muts" with no real pedigree and they are often found abandoned at local animal shelters. My dear dog Boo was with me 17 and one half years and she and I met at the local animal shelter by chance. She was a shelty mix and gave me more love and companionship than I could ever have hoped for. So, remember that breed isn't everything if you are looking for a good family pet to love and cherish.

Household protection for your dog-

Dogs have sharp teeth, paws and claws, and a general sense of curiosity and the need to explore. The modern household has a wide variety of things that can be harmful to your pooch's health if they mistakenly get into them while exploring. There are some simple things you can do to help keep your pet safe and avoid a tragedy or an expensive trip to the veterinarian:

- Keep medicine cabinets closed: Dogs can chew through a container to get to its contents even if the cap is on and closed.

-Wash away toxins and harmful wastes: Many household cleaners and pesticides and such products as antifreeze are toxic to your dog. A few licks of some of these products is enough to cause serious health problems and even death. Always wash containers and wash away any spills with plenty of water.

-Keep garbage cans closed: To the average dog, the contents of the trash bin can be a trigger for the need to explore and often taste. Whatever is in the trash, its just better if your pet doesn't get into it and get any of it in their stomach or mouth.

-Beware of pestacide bait: Gardeners occasionally put out things like snail bait. These products are often made to taste good and are very toxic to your pet.

Use common sense and take a few extra minutes each week to keep your home pet safe.