If your dog is anything like mine, then you already know how much he loves to go for car rides, no matter what time of day it may be, where you're going, or how long you're going to be gone. Your dog just loves to go along with you. When you take your dog for a ride in the car, you should always keep safety as your number one priority. There are a few things you can do to make sure that the ride is safe for your dog, and also safe for you and any other passengers.
One way that you can keep from being distracted is to keep your dog in an area of the vehicle that is separated from you and your driving space. This is only possible if your vehicle is open in the back like the common SUV or station wagon. You can maintain separation between you and your pet by installing a gate that will restrict movement to one area of the vehicle. You can invest in special harnesses that will keep your dog safely confined to the backseat if you have a vehicle that does not have an open back end. The main purpose of the harness is to prevent your dog from being thrown forward if you have to stop suddenly. The gate will also provide a barrier which will prevent your dog from distracting you while you are driving.
If you own a truck that does not have a covered back end, then you should not allow your dog to ride in that un-enclosed portion of the truck since this can be dangerous for your dog as well as the other drivers around you if your dog decides to jump out. The other danger involved in this is the danger that you'll have to come to a sudden stop, which would throw your dog forward uncontrollably. Also, it is not idea to tie your dog up in the back end of your truck since this can be a very big choke hazard for your dog. If you're going to let your dog ride around with you in your truck, let him ride in the cab with you since this is where your dog will be safest.
Finally, the most important tip for keeping the car ride safe when you bring your dog along is to always remember to leave the windows open if you have to leave the vehicle for a short period of time. When the outside temperature is warm, the temperature inside the car will also heat up, in most cases to temperatures exceeding 120 degrees. This can occur in a fairly short amount of time so the longer you leave your dog in the car with the windows up, the more risk is placed on your dog's health. Your dog could experience heat exhaustion and in some cases where the dog is left for too long in a hot car, death. This can be avoided by taking the proper precautions and leaving the windows open in order to provide for enough ventilation. If you know you're going to have to leave your dog in the car for an extended period of time, then you may want to consider simply leaving your dog at home.
Bringing your dog along for a ride in the car can be a fun filled adventure for both you and your dog, but if the proper steps are not taken to protect your dog, the trip will not go as expected and will certainly not be as enjoyable.
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Dogs are not born aggressive; this is usually brought on by outside influences. Aggressive or bad dog behavior is learnt and rarely an embedded trait, however, there are sometimes exceptions to the rule.
Canine dominance over you, attack by another dog or other triggers during the dogs formative first few weeks could progress to aggressive dog behavior. Ultimately, getting a handle on the root cause is the first step in resolving bad dog aggression. It is your responsibility as the Alpha pack leader to fix this problem in order to maintain control both at home and when out and about with your furry friend. Bad dog behavior may have both, dire financial and serious emotional consequences.
Aggressive Bad Dog Behavior - Puppy
First 6 weeks: Puppies should be socialized with other dogs at an early age, at least within the first 6 weeks of life. Failure to do so can lead to the onset of aggressive dog behavior and possibly the biting of people later on. At 14 weeks the pup should have good social skills; sometimes it could take longer to properly socialize your pup.
At 8 weeks: For starters some basic rules of thumb when it comes to raising a well balanced pup. Do not allow the puppy to be separated from it's litter before 8 weeks old. Remember this cuddly puppy needs a loving and gentle touch when taken from his puppy litter, so bear this in mind during weeks 8 to 10. By no means should you or any family/pack member be loud or physically abusive towards the new young puppy.
Pup at 14 weeks: Common sense tells us that bad treatment given, results in bad dog behavior returned by your young pup. Small puppy in a new and strange place, give the little guy a break. By 14 weeks of age your new puppy should be well adjusted and comfortable with his position in his new pack. This means he interacts well with people and other dogs. The down side is that your pup could display aggressive behavior going forward. Basically your good efforts with the young pup will gain you a lifelong friend and companion.
Aggressive Bad Dog Behavior - Young to Older
Genetics: Yes, dogs have this too and it can certainly play a role in your dog's aggressive behavior. Certainly there are breeds which are simply more aggressive than others. Research your breed well before making a choice of a new young puppy.
Modifications: Having dogs spayed or neutered will, in most cases, bring about a change in a dogs aggressive behavior. They will be a lot calmer around the house. There are sometime negative effects to the dogs health from some of these physical changes, such as obesity. It always pays to keep you and your dog as fit as possible and this will need to be emphasized should you elect to spay or neuter your dog.
Environment: Dogs that have been ill treated, attacked by other dogs or have terrible living conditions will tend to manifest aggressive dog behavior. This is especially true if their masters, whom they look up to, show them no love or affection. These poor dogs tend to be social outcasts. Seen from a human perspective, I think any one of us would react in the same way. Ultimately as the dog ages it will lean more towards aggressive behavior. Please avoid making your dogs life a misery.
Dominance: Young dogs, as with young adolescent humans, have a point to prove. Your dog may exhibit this in nipping, posturing or simply disregarding your instruction. In this manner they try and assume dominance which will inevitably lead to your dog showing aggressive behavior as he attempts to assert his position. This needs to be nipped in the bud. Make sure your dog knows that you are the Alpha Dog in his pack.
Aggressive Bad Dog Behavior - What can be done?
Dogs reach sexual maturity at 14 months, at which time there should be no aggressive behavior being displayed. This statement is even more true if the dog has been neutered or spayed. You must ensure that your dog sees you as the Alpha Pack Leader. The dog must look up to you.
Don't show weakness by rewarding bad dog behavior. This is exactly how your dog will perceive your well intended reward when he has been aggressive, as weakness. Isn't that what dominance is all about, common sense really.
Your home is your home, so don't let your dog take control of it. Maintain the boundaries that have been set. A well behaved, socialized dog that has a clear understanding of who the Alpha Dog is, will be a happy and contented dog. Dogs require stern control and you need to dominate at all times otherwise your dog will assume this role which could result in dog aggression in your home.
Your dog must take instruction from you. You control feeding time, walking time and all aspects of the pack. All members of your immediate family that live with you are members of the dogs pack. You need to ensure that your dog knows who calls the shots.
If your dog a shows aggression due to fear, known as defensive aggression, you need to get this under control. This could be due to your dog having low self esteem, no socialization or no confidence. When you have an afraid dog, he could lash out in panic or fear at someone or another dog. Don't allow your dog near small children until you have instilled confidence in your dog and eradicated these fear issues. More advanced or professional help may need to be sought after.
In severe case where a dogs aggression has resulted in dog on dog aggression or even worse dog on human aggression, you should definitely consider seeking and paying for the best possible professional dog advice you can afford. That is, if this is still an option. Let's hope things will never go that far. Remember, you are responsible for your dog's behavior. Let your dog be a symbol of your character and display only the best traits that are what makes your dog, man's best friend.
In closing, I'm pretty sure most of this stuff is common sense. Sometimes you just need to read it for it to hit home. Remember all your dog really wants is a safe and good place to shower his affection and enthusiasm on you and your entire family. Your dogs aggression, in some situations, can be life saving. We all know that a dog's love knows no fear. So don't be afraid, let him know you love him by being his Alpha Dog.
Hi, my names Derek and I am a Dog Lover and Enthusiast. Please join me at my website where we deliver the Best Dog Health and Training Advice [http://www.besthappydog.com/] and share our insights along with many top experts.
Why don't you subscribe to my free, regular and current newsletter which is packed with loads of relevant and well researched dog health and training advice. I am also giving away a free book on How to Become the Alpha Dog [http://www.besthappydog.com/how-to-be-the-alpha-dog/], which will give you the know how to take charge of your best friend.
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When you want to set boundaries and restrict your pet to safe places inside your home selecting the best indoor dog gate is a must. Many dog lovers allow their pets to live indoors with them and this is one of the best ways to safely contain your pet.
You love our pet to bits and you treat him as part of the family however there are situations where there is a need to contain your pet and this is the role that the best indoor dog gate will play. Such situations could be that you are stepping out of the house to do some shopping or you're doing some house chores and you cannot supervise him.
A dog explores the world with his nose and his mouth and installing a dog gate on the hallway that leads to the kitchen will keep him from your garbage bins, stoves, and table food.
The best indoor dog gate is also helpful when you are expecting the repairman and you need to keep the dog away from the repair area. It is also useful when you are expecting many visitors and your friends are not all to keen about your dog sizing them up with his nose.
So what are the considerations in buying indoor dog gate?
1. Get it right the first time.
Measure the width of the area where you are installing the gate. Don't worry that your area is too wide, many gates come with an extension panel to accommodate wider than usual doors or hallways.
Also decide on how tall you want your gate to be. It should be tall enough that he can't jump over to the other side because if he can, then the idea of a pet gate is useless.
When you think about how tall the gate should be, refer to the full size of your pet so that you will not have to buy another one as he grows older, it's financially practical too.
2. Wall mounted or free standing?
Which of the two would you prefer to have? A wall mounted gate is obviously connected to the wall but would you like to bore on the beautiful finish to connect a wall mounted gate? If not you can choose a wall mounted gate that has suction cups so that you can attach it to the wall.
On the other hand, free standing dog gates have legs for balance itself on the floor without wall support. If you're not a permanent resident of the house you're living now, this type of gate is a perfect choice.
3. What materials do you prefer?
A gate can come in wood, iron bar, stainless steel, plastic, or aluminum. Whatever you choose always remember that the best indoor dog gate should be made of high quality and durable materials that can withstand the force that your animal might inflict on it.
Another consideration is that you choose a gate that matches your interior walls so that it blends rather than stand out like a sore thumb.
4. Easy to use.
It's not a good idea for you to jump over the fence, this is setting a bad example to your pet. You should therefore purchase a gate that has an easy to open and close latch even with one hand but cannot be nudged by an adult dog because again it's purpose is to restrict your pet.
5. Quality vs Price.
Don't compromise quality and safety over price. Yes we need to be economical in our choices but know this, the best indoor dog gate need not be expensive for it to be high quality, durable, and reliable.
Opting to buy an indoor dog gate is certainly a smart choice when you want to teach your dog simple obedience lessons or when you just want to keep him away from the baby when you cannot supervise them. At http://www.indoordoggate.com you can find a wide array of dog gates and information for each type. For the budget conscious, Indoor Dog Gate has a wide selection of gates guaranteed to fit your budget.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4410625
A common dog illness is ringworm and can be prevented and treated if your dog has the problem. Many illnesses affect dogs, some are very common and happen no matter how well cared for your dog is at any time. Dogs are creatures of the outside, and they can get into anything. Ringworm seems to be common in puppies and older dogs. Other common dog illness can be prevented with proper vaccinations and proper health care. Ringworm is a fungal infection that targets the overall health of the dog.
Diagnosis of Ringworm Infection
The common dog illness ringworm has several different ways to be detected and diagnose. The common way to detect ringworm is with a black light. The ringworms glow in the black light when the light hits them. Sometimes this practice does work and a vet will perform another test to detect ringworm.
Signs of Having Ringworm
If you see small areas of the body without hair, chances are your dog has ringworm. The skin will appear scaly and display pus in the area. After time the areas become larger when they receive no medical treatment. You will notice this parasite on the tail, head and legs.
Treating the Common Dog Illness Ringworm
If the health of the dog is healthy then the ringworm will clear up by itself in about four months. However, when severe cases exist, medical treatments are required. If your dog has the lesion, clipping the hair around the area is needed, but do not touch the lesion or it will spread. Apply a tropical anti fungal cream after clipping the hair away. Such creams like miconazole and lotrimin creams are used for this purpose. Do not let the dog lick the area where you apply the cream. A dog funnel collar may be required to prevent the dog from reaching the area.
If the cream alone does not work, antifungal shampoos and antifungal dips will benefit your dog and help the area to heal faster. Some other antifungal agents are griseofulvin and itraconazole, which work well on a dog.
Common Dog Illness Issues
Keeping your dog in perfect health and protected from bacterial, fungal and viral infections is your responsibility. The number one need of the dog is regular vaccines and proper care. Dogs need vaccines against rabies, parvovirus and distemper. Dogs also need to be checked yearly for heartworm, which can cause death to the dog if not properly prevented. Keep in mind that rabies vaccinations are given every two years and distemper vaccinations are received yearly.
Many conditions result in health problems and in some breeds of dogs, the breed is prone to more health problems then others. Joint problems and heart problems account for some of these more serious health problems. When looking for a dog, you need to be aware of some of the problems that can arise in a dog's life. Besides the everyday parasites and injuries from rough play, some dogs are prone to eye infections, ear infections and mange.
You can also find more info on diagnose dog sickness symptoms and common dog illness problems. AboutDogHealth.org is a comprehensive resource to help dog owners identify their dog's illness symptoms and treatment options.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/632949
Dog Aggression is a serious dog behavior issue, but can be stopped once you understand the cause of aggression in your dog.
Looking at it through the eyes of your dog, they would always tell you that there is a good explanation for the aggressive behavior which is causing so much stress and is so potentially dangerous.
Your neighbor, Giuseppe, may want to run up and say hi to your dog with all good intentions, but your dog may think that Giuseppe is acting in a threatening manner, and therefore displays defensive aggressive behavior as protection.
Causes of Dog Aggression
Your dog's family history is another important factor in determining the source of dog aggression. Some dogs have a greater propensity for dog aggression than others. For example, a pit bull may be a more dog aggressive than a poodle.
Your dog's upbringing, his socialization or lack thereof, can be a significant cause of aggressive behavior. This should be a major reason for every dog owner to properly socialize their dog as early as possible, preferably starting in puppy hood. Improper socialization is also evidenced in dogs that are abused or pampered when disobedient.
Types of Dog Aggression
Dominant-Aggression- This type of behavior is evident when your dog's status within the pack (your household) or the community (other dogs and/or people) is threatened.
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Fear Aggression- This type of behavior is evident when your dog become frightened and believes that his physical safety is at risk.
Protection Aggression- This type of behavior is evident when your dog believes that he must protect something or someone. This type of aggressive behavior may also be manifested as Territorial or Possession Aggression, when your dog displays aggressive behavior to prevent danger to someone or something that he controls or owns. Similar in nature, they vary primarily by the factual setting where they are occur.
Redirection Aggression- remember Giuseppe the neighbor who wanted to say hi in our first example? Well, suppose that another neighbor comes over and is unfriendly toward your dog. He might throw a rock at him. Your dog gets riled up, his anger starts to boil. The rock throwing neighbor hops the fence and leaves. Guess what might happen? Yup, Giuseppe might be on the receiving end of growling or in the worse case scenario, a bite.
4 Ways to Stop Dog Aggression
You must understand that dog aggression is a serious and dangerous situation. While it can be corrected and stopped from being a problem, the first step that you must take is to protect your family. Your dog must be under vigilant supervision when around people. Don't take your aggressive dog for a walk without a muzzle. Don't let your aggressive dog loose to roam the neighborhood or the dog park.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian for a checkup. Dog aggression can be caused by a medical problem which is affecting your dog's behavior due to a chemical imbalance, irritability, fever or other causes. If this is the cause, your veterinarian can provide a treatment protocol to heal the medical condition and in the process lessen or eliminate the aggression in your dog.
Spay/ Neuter- Dog Aggression is less evident in female dogs that have been spayed and male dogs that have been neutered. If you are making an appointment at the vet for a checkup, this might be a good time to get this safe and beneficial procedure performed.
Not only will you make progress toward the elimination of dog aggression but you will also be doing something to help your dog live a long and healthy life. Dogs that have been spayed /neutered have less incidence of certain cancers and this is a great reason to have the procedure. And, of course, controlling the surplus population of unwanted puppies and dogs that are often euthanized at dog shelters is another wonderful bonus.
See a professional dog trainer who has experience with resolving dog aggression issues. Different dog trainers will have different approaches. Ask the trainer about his philosophy of handling behavior issues and make sure that you are comfortable with his approach. Our preference is for dog trainers that have training as dog behavioralists.
Keep your dog away from situations that are likely to provoke aggression. This may mean no playing in the yard or walks in the neighborhood until a dog trainer has helped you resolve this unwanted behavior. If he exhibits signs of aggression when he is in your car, you should avoid taking him into the car. By isolating from the place where his territoriality reigns, you will not have to deal with this type of behavior until the root cause is identified and corrected.
Very Important
When dealing with dog aggression it is critical that you remember this important rule. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, STRIKE OR PUNISH YOUR DOG. Your actions will only intensify the problem you are trying to resolve and in the case of physical punishment, is also inhumane and unlawful.
Your dog needs your help. He will reward you with loyalty, love and companionship for the rest of his life.
Does your dog growl at visitors, charge the mailman or maybe runs and hides when Grandma comes to visit? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Find out how to easily solve any dog behavior issue at http://www.dogs-4life.com/disobedient-dog-help.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/522494
GPS Dog Tracker (Global Positioning System) is nothing new to avid hunters. For years they have used GPS systems on their dogs to easily track them. The GPS collars for dogs have allowed hunters to take their time following the dogs, as opposed to frantically trying to keep up while hauling their guns and equipment. With the advance of technology and the lower cost of GPS trackers, everyday pet owners are now equipping their canine companions with the technology to make sure they are never "out of sight".
The Difference Between the Chip and GPS Tracking. Many humane societies, governments, and veterinarians have endorsed use of the chip. It's hard to adopt a puppy or dog from the pound these days that does not have the chip already installed. The technology behind the chips is simple, it holds the owners information and any facility with a scanner, usually veterinarians and pounds, can see who the dog belongs to - hopefully with up-to-date contact information. GPS trackers for dogs present a clearly different and, in this writers opinion, more effective option. Even the inexpensive GPS dog trackers (under $100 U.S.) allow a dog owner to track, in real-time, where their dog is.
One option relies entirely on someone finding, capturing and delivering your dog to a scanning capable facility. The other, GPS dog collars, puts the control in your hands. You can easily see where your dog is and go get your furry best friend.
Making your evaluation. You can get GPS Dog Trackers in many different flavors. The most expensive options will tell you whether your dog is sitting or standing. The middle of the road up to the most expensive trackers will come with a hand held device to show you your dogs location. These options are more for the hunters or the dog owners that really love their cool technology. The less expensive options can track your dog in real-time, but you will need to log-in to a web site to see their position and pay a small monthly fee. The good thing about these is that they actually monitor your dog and send you an alert if it leaves a specified area.
The options for making sure you never lose your family pet have grown increasingly. Choosing an option that delivers the pet back to you as quickly as possible at a price your family can afford is crucial. The good thing is, there are some fantastic options at very attractive prices. Never worry about your pet getting out of your sight you'll always be able to see where they are.
Chris is an avid dog owner and strong believes that all dog owners should have a GPS Dog Tracker for their dogs. Outside of his canine best friends, Chris enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife and 10 year old stepson.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3476541
When people talk about exercising their dog, the go-to activity is usually walking (or running in the case of the animal). Swimming is another great way of keeping fit for animals, but it has not yet caught on as a popular pet pastime - you don't hear people saying 'I'm just off to swim the dog!'
Swimming has numerous advantages over running or walking. The muscles still have to work hard, pulling the limbs against the resistance of the water. However in the water, the natural buoyancy of the body supports the animal's weight, and the joints are not under the same stress as they are during running. This means that for certain animals, swimming has positive advantages.
Some injuries (e.g. lameness or back problems) mean that an animal needs to be completely rested for a prolonged period. Exercise must be reintroduced slowly and carefully, without over-stressing the injured part of the animal. Swimming can be very useful here. Some racehorse and greyhound trainers have in-house swimming pools which they use to assist the return of their athletes to full racing condition. I treated a dog which was almost paralysed following a blood clot in its spinal cord. The dog had a slow recovery over many months, and was unable to support its hind legs in the early stages. Walking was difficult, but with careful human support in the water, the dog enjoyed paddling all four limbs weakly but steadily. This played an important role in his recovery and eventual return to normality.
Obesity is a common problem amongst today's pampered pets, and this is treated with a combination of diet and exercise. Some unfortunate animals are so overweight that they have difficulty walking any distance at all without dropping down exhausted. They are carrying the equivalent of a couple of sacks of coal on their backs. However, when swimming, this excess weight is supported by the water, and they can comfortably burn up energy by vigorous paddling of their limbs.
Arthritis of the hips, shoulders, knees and elbows affects many dogs, especially in certain breeds. Muscular exercise is important, to maintain the strength of the structures which surround and support the joints, but it is not good for damaged joints to be subjected to the stress and pressure of running and walking. Swimming provides a good mix of strenuous muscle toning with minimal weight bearing on the joints, and for many dogs, this can form a useful part of the daily routine.
Swimming is also useful for cooling down in hot weather. Dogs overheat quickly when given normal exercise on hot summer days - they cannot get rid of the excess heat produced by their hard-working muscles. When they are immersed in cold water, this body heat naturally dissipates, and they can carry on exercising comfortably for longer.
Swimming can be beneficial to some dogs' itchy skin - the cool water can soothe the red, inflamed skin common with certain types of dermatitis. The saltiness of sea water can sometimes help, although it can also aggravate some cases, so should be introduced with care. Water can fill the ear canals if your dog likes to go fully underwater, and this can contribute to itchy ears, so owners should look out for this as well.
Many dogs obtain tremendous enjoyment from swimming - they leap into the water, head held high in glorious anticipation of the splash. Their swimming stroke is effective but not elaborate or pretty - the doggy paddle won't be replaced by front crawl or breast stroke any time soon, even by experienced canine swimmers!
Remember though, safety must always come first! Water can be dangerous, and drownings of dogs do occur. Owners should never let swimming dogs out of their sight. In particular, dogs can have trouble getting back out of water, especially when tired, and they might need assistance. To avoid this, try to always let your dog swim near easy exit points such as gently sloping embankments, beaches or slipways, and away from water enclosed by high walls or steep embankments.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8672384
Swimming can be a lot of fun for dogs. They get to cool down, chase after sticks and balls, and spend time with the family. Although swimming can be a great experience for your dog, you'll want to keep a few water safety tips in mind.
1. The first water safety tip is to start your dog out slowly. Don't just throw your dog in to the deep end. If it's your dog's first time swimming, you'll want to give your dog a chance to figure out how to swim before going in the deep water. Start in shallow waters and slowly work towards deeper waters.
2. The second tip is to never leave your dog unattended in water. When your dog is swimming, you should be keeping a constant eye on them. You should also try to remain near your dog in case of emergencies where you need to get to your pup quickly. If your dog becomes exhausted, caught up in a strong current, or caught on something, you'll want to be able to quickly help your dog out of that situation.
3. Another tip is that you should always pay close attention to your dog so you can tell if he's getting tired. Some dogs don't want to admit when they are too tired to continue playing. If your dog is getting slower and is having trouble staying afloat, it may be time to take a break. During your breaks, you should provide a fresh, cool drink for your dog.
4. Next, you should avoid letting your dog drink water from pools or from the ocean. Most home swimming pools use chlorine to maintain a clean pool. Drinking from a swimming pool can make your dog feel sick. Ocean water should also be avoided when your pup is looking for a drink. The salt can make your dog sick.
5. The fifth tip is to take frequent breaks so your dog doesn't exhaust himself. We all know that chasing after a ball can be a lot of fun when you're getting in the water to cool yourself down. Even though your dog is having a great time, it's important to take breaks frequently. Breaks will help to prevent exhaustion and give your dog a chance to take a drink of cool water.
6. Finally, you should buy a life jacket for your dog in case he becomes exhausted and can't make it back to you. When you're allowing your dog to swim in a lake, river or ocean, a life jacket can be very beneficial. In rivers and lakes, the tides and current can be a bit much for your dog. Swimming can be very tiring for a dog, especially if they are fighting against the tide. If your dog is overwhelmed, a life jacket will help keep your dog above water if he's struggling to do it. This will give you the time you need to make it to your pup to ensure he safely gets back to shore.
The tips above will ensure that you and your dog have a great, and safe, swimming experience. Safety should always play a major part in swimming with your dog. Once you get the basics down, your dog will be able to have a great time in the water without the risk of any problems.
Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8606256
Why do dogs needs to wear clothes at all? They already have their fur!
However, that's not exactly what most pet parents think. Just like we dress our own children, we like to dress our dogs too. It is just like providing them with a bed and other necessary things like collars and food bowls. We like to provide them with everything which is necessary for making him or her comfortable! Now thanks to the advent of online dog stores, every dog has his/her own wardrobe!
Reasons to buy dog clothes:
- If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors then buying a t-shirt can help him or her with getting protection from the harsh rays of the sun. With the kind of hot summers we have in our country right now, it is not just us who need to use a sun screen!
- During winter months, dogs which have short hair tend to catch cold and cough very easily. This is especially true in case of dogs with very little fur or no fur at all. So buying warm clothes for your dog will only help with keeping his or her warm!
- There are a few medical reasons as well for buying clothes for your dog. If he or she has recently gone through a surgery or has a cut, a wound or a rash, then covering the area with clothes will prevent your dog from licking that part. The wound will also heal faster this way.
- Seasonal clothes like raincoats are very useful during the rainy season. If you have to take your dog out multiple times a day, then buying a raincoat is extremely helpful.
Now that you learnt why you need to buy clothes for your dog, you need to learn about how to measure him or her! Let us find out!
- Get ready with a measuring tape and make your dog stand at one place. This is the most important thing to do before you buy dog clothes online.
- Neck: Measure your dog's neck as if you are measuring it for buying a collar. Add a few extra inches to that for a comfortable fit.
- Chest: Measure the widest part of your dog's chest, which is usually right behind the front legs. Adding one inch extra here is highly recommended.
- Length of the body: You need to measure right from the head to the base of your dog's tail.
Dog Travel Clothing
Buying travel dog clothes for your dog is as important as buying regular clothes. They not only help you with keeping your dog dry and warm but also attract a lot of attention. If you are going somewhere with a cooler temperature, you need to buy a jacket or a sweater for your dog. Buying one with night strips which reflect in the dark is the best idea. If you are going to a place where it is raining, you need to buy a raincoat as well as dog boots. Nobody likes to invite mud and slush to their house and keeping your dog's feet uncovered while it is raining is only going to do that.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8641363
Far too many animals are left or surrendered to no-kill and kill shelters every day. Some people must surrender their animals because of a senior parent can no longer care for them because of abuse or because the family cannot afford to provide them with continuous care.
The shelters are filled to the brim and are on very tight budgets and deadlines. Sometimes an animal has as little as 24 hours to be adopted before it must be euthanized. Yet, with all of the jarring information, people still purchase pets which they can't take care of or no longer want to take care of them.
Although many people blame breeders as the problem, they are only referring to a half-truth. Puppy mill breeders are the problem. They churn out litter after litter of animals that have received very little veterinary care and are usually thrown together with other animals, thus helping to spread any number of diseases.
This is why it is very common for puppy mills, and pet stores which typically receive pets from puppy mills, to have a sudden illness befall their puppies a few days after someone takes home the new arrival.
Thus, many legitimate breeders are very upset with puppy mills and pet stores because they treat the animals as commodities and not as living, breathing animals who deserve love and affection as much as any other living creatures.
This is never more on view than with Bulldog breeders. The breed is one of the top 24 most popular canine breeds which mean that there are innumerable amounts of Bulldogs in pet stores and shelters nationwide. Responsible pet breeders do their best to prevent large litters which puts them in direct conflict with the mills.
There are a few major traits all legitimate breeders have in common, regardless of the canine's breed. They have small litters, they provide veterinary records, they perform background checks on prospective buyers, they refuse to ship their precious puppies and instead require the buyer to pick him or her up.
Responsible breeders keep their litters low because they puppies' dam is typically a show bitch which means that her breeding and subsequent litter is planned out months in advance. Additionally, breeders do not simply breed any two animals together to receive a litter.
They plan to breed the best animals together to create the best litter. This means that many bitches have one, at max two, litters a year. This is why so many reputable breeders have extensive waitlists; they take their job seriously and will not compromise the animal's health or well-being for a quick dollar.
This well-being is key and all legitimate breeders can provide veterinary records for their animals. The one exception to the rule is if the puppies are too young to have been seen by a vet before an interested party has inquired about them.
These puppies are similar to a breeder's children which is why they will not simply send one of them off to the highest bidder. Many responsible breeders perform lengthy background and lifestyle checks in order to confirm that the specific breed is a good fit for the family and they understand the responsibility to the breed.
This is the same reason why buyers are required to retrieve their puppies from the breeder and not have them shipped from the buyer. Although at times the breeder will drive and deliver the puppy to his or her new home, most prefer that they buyer picks the puppy up from the breeder.
These are just a few of the traits responsible dog breeders have in common. Although each one is fairly different, they all find puppy mills and pet stores reprehensible. One can contact the American Kennel Club or directly contact the breed's organization and ask for a list of reputable breeders for more information on finding a reputable breeder.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8735174
Gone are the days when dogs were treated as just pets as or as "security guards". Nowadays pet owners treat their dogs like their own children and like to pamper them to the point of no return!
Just like we like to dress up our human children, pet owners leave no stone unturned in their quest of dressing up their pooches. They have taken to the internet to buy dog clothes online in a big way. Now dogs are walking on ramps and are wearing designer dog clothes made by famous names. It is not just about buying one jacket during winter and another raincoat during the monsoons! It is all about hot doggie couture! And our dogs are not complaining!
From luxury tuxedos to soft fluffy shoes, dogs are wearing everything and anything their parents have been wrapping around them. Be it a small puppy or a big dog, there is no dearth of designer clothes for dogs anywhere in the world.
Along with all the clothes mentioned above, now dogs have taken to wearing hats and even jewelry! Female dogs prancing around at parks in designer skirts are not an unusual sight anymore. Male dogs wearing tuxedos and bow ties for parties and other special occasions have become very common too!
Pet parents have gone as far as buying swimsuits for their dogs! "Pooch pool parties" - as they are commonly known are being organized for pets and their parents at least twice a year across the country. These parties require the dogs to spend a long time in the water and hence the demand for dog swimsuits has shot up. Be it for just having a good time in the water or swimming for a competition, there is stopping dogs from wearing colourful swimsuits!
Stripes, monochrome, flowery prints - every latest fashion trend is being incorporated into doggie fashion. It is not just about clothes anymore. It is about showing off some serious "canine attitude".
Designer dog clothes can be quite expensive to buy and are usually priced much higher than regular doggie clothes. Due to a huge range of products available on pet stores, sometimes it is confusing to choose one stuff for your pet. But that is not stopping pet parents from buying them!
Most bought items include dog t-shirts, jackets, rain coats, bandanas and hoodies. Other favourites include dog skirts, shirts, boots, pajamas, jeans and trousers and even doggie tank tops! Accessories for dogs like sunglasses, hats, charms are also very popular with pet parents.
Nikita has worked in dog care shelter for more than 4 years. She regularly writes articles related to pets. Currently she is busy working with leading Indian Pet Store that sells dog clothes, dog accessories, dog collars and other dog related products. Check out the website now to experience the latest trends in dog fashion,
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8748449
