Teach Your Dog

One of the most important things we can do to protect the health and actually promote longevity in our dogs is tooth brushing! Dental health is critically essential for wellness of the major systems of the entire body! More on this and other dog care subjects can be found at http://bichonworld.com/bichon-dog-articles.html.

Imagine what would happen to us if we didn’t brush regularly each day! We’d have horrible breath, of course. But even worse, the resulting periodontal disease would mean multiple and severe health problems. The same is true for our 4-legged best friends.

Did you know that periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease in dogs? (This is also true for cats).

Studies indicate that more than 85% of all dogs 4 years and older suffer from periodontal disease! Not surprisingly, then, it is reported that by 3 years of age, 85% of dogs have begun to experience some phase of gum disease.

The progression of the disease begins with the formation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms in the mouth at the gum line. Amazingly, 1 milligram of plaque contains more than 1 trillion bacteria - disease causing bacteria!

Plaque left on the teeth hardens into tartar which sticks to teeth like cement. The tartar leads to gingivitis, or gum disease, a condition in which actual gum damage begins. The gums become red and swollen, not to mention painful! Once this happens, the gums start to recede from the teeth, creating even more space for bacteria to grow.

Periodontal disease is now “off to the races” with a variety of very harmful effects. The roots of the teeth loosen as infection starts to cause bone loss. In smaller dogs, like our Bichon breeds, the bone that holds the teeth is thinner than that of medium-sized and larger dogs, so gum disease is likely to be even more of a problem for them.

Perhaps the most devastating and deadly effects of periodontal disease occur as the bacteria enters our companion’s bloodstream through the mouth and gum tissues. This leads to damage of tissue in the heart, kidneys, and liver, and even the lungs and nervous system.

Unfortunately, it is a little known fact that neglecting the dental health of our beloved little buddies can cause potentially fatal heart-disease, kidney-disease, and liver-disease.

The good news is that all this can be prevented! However, please, don’t be fooled into thinking that using dry dog food and providing bones or other chew toys is an effective solution for the necessary dental hygiene!

To maintain a healthy mouth and to prevent the serious conditions that result from ignoring dental needs, 2 things are needed:

* a tooth-brushing routine (preferably daily), and
* periodic professional cleaning by your veterinarian.

There is more good news! Tooth brushing can be done very quickly. Also, there are a variety of tasty doggie toothpastes and gels on the market to make our task easier. (Be sure to avoid using “human toothpaste” since those products are made to spit out and not to swallow!)

Although the thought of daily tooth-brushing for your dog might seem a little daunting at first, you’ll find it very quick and easy once it’s become a habit. Just keep in mind that what you’re doing is adding to the quality and years to your best friend’s life!

Author Info:

Sandy Schneider: Sandy Schneider, author, writes on a variety of subjects of interest to dog owners and fanciers. Please visit her http://www.bichonworld.com/bichon-dog-articles.html site soon. Please go to http://www.bichonworld.com

Indeed, dogs is man’s best friends. That can be the reason behind every dog owner’s desire to spice up the appearance of their dogs through unusual fashion.

Through the years, dog collars have always been an important and fashionable accessory to dogs, regardless of their breeds. Function-wise, dog collars serve as the handle that links the dogs and the dog leash.

Spiked dog collars have been around for several decades, perhaps, centuries. In 1981, the Museum of Liverpool Life in the United Kingdom started displaying collections of spiked dog collars.

The museum featured a spiked dog collar that has been believed to be worn by a fighting dog in the earlier part of the 19th century. The dog collar was found at an old residential area in Liverpool. The leather collar was spiked with nail, that made observers conclude that it was crafted by a blacksmith.

The unique collection spurred interest among collectors and dog lovers. Since then, dog owners have experimented and started adorning their beloved pets with spiked dog collars.

Why spiked?

You may probably ask why anyone would want the dog collars of their pets spiked? The reason is plain and logical. Spiked dog collars are aimed at giving dogs protection from potential attackers and predators.

Thus, through that function, it can be inferred that the early society, which started using the collars, had paid significant regard to dogs of their time. Be reminded that in the 19th century to early 20th century, people took care of dogs for special purposes.

Dogs were either security and body guards or a working companion, especially to farmers, who needed to guard their crops from smaller animals, and hunters, who needed to easily find the body of their animal victims.

Thus, spikes were installed at collars so that no predator of larger animal can harm the dog because the spikes would serve as a natural protection.

Modern uses

But nowadays, that function has truly evolved. Spiked dog collars are now worn by dogs not just for protection, but most importantly, for fashion.

Dog owners find pleasure in adorning their dogs with novelty accessories that range from spiked dog collars to small apparels that humanize the pets.

Gone were the days when spiked dog collars were only worn by hunter and fighting dogs. Currently, these collars are provided to dogs, regardless of their functions and breeds.

It is also rather unusual to note that most dogs with spiked dog collars are not even leashed. That means, the collars are not attached to the dog to help link it to a dog leash. You may abruptly conclude that nowadays, dog owners buy spiked dog collars to adorn dogs.

Buying spiked dog collars

Every pet shop and pet accessory shops in your vicinity certainly sells spiked dog collars. It has indeed become a necessity for these shops because every dog owner, at one point or another, would surely be lured at getting spiked dog collars for their pet companions.

That is why you surely won’t have a hard time finding and buying spiked dog collars. There are also a wide array of varieties for thise dog accessory and you would certainly tire and fall indecisive upon finding those fashionable collars.

Spiked dog collars also made sure the product would endure the test of time by making them extra fashionable and blending with attractive colors and designs.

The prices for spiked dog collars, however also vary. As usual, the prettier it gets, the more expensive it becomes. Leather collars are also more costly than the synthetic leather versions of the product.

Where to purchase spiked dog collars

There are numerous venues where you can buy spiked dog collars. Aside from the local pet shop and pet accessories store in your area, you could log online through an Internet shopping firm.

E-commerce surely moved to make it covered. You could purchase these dog collars from your favorite and reliable online shopping or auctioneering Web site. Usual transaction process for online trading applies.

Special shops also accept pre-orders for especially made and customized spiked dog collars. Ask your friends and animal aficionados and you would surely find these accessory makers.

Moreover, invest in dog accessories. It would be worth realizing that your dog is not just an eye candy, but also protected from possible attackers.

Author Info:

Lee Dobbins: Lee Dobbins writes for http://dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about all types of dog collars including the spiked dog collar.

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance, personality, and health requirements. Here’s what you need to know about the Yorkshire Terrier:

Often called a

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance, personality, and health requirements. Here’s what you need to know about the Daschund:

Known also as the

Chances are, at one time or another you will need to turn to someone else to care for your dog. Perhaps you

Some dogs are very good fence jumpers, even if they are quite short. Take the Jack Russell terrier as an example. While this breed is adorable and very bright, they are incredible jumpers. Now, you don’t typically see a dog sail right over the top of a fence (though it does happen) but you do see them use everything they’ve got to scamper, climb, and crawl up and over.

Fence jumping is frustrating from the perspective of trying to keep the dog in the yard but this behavior also poses a risk to the dog. For example, if your particular fence had any type of spike or pointed area on top, your pet

Dear Daniel Stevens:

One of our family

Dogs do not have the same reaction symptoms individuals do. A dog’s reaction to an allergy often comes in the form of dog skin problems, such as excessive itching and biting as well as making a poor quality coat of fur. Anal itching and chronic ear infections can also be signs and are something most pet owners don’t think of as being allergy related.

While dog skin problems and allergies can be caused by many things, allergic reactions to food are very common. Food reactions may take years for symptoms to develop, even if you have been feeding your dog the same food.

Once dog skin problems or other allergy symptoms do initiate appearing, it’s a good idea to check your pet’s diet first. You do this by simply taking away their regular food for several days and giving them a diet that consists of protein and starch. A good diet to try is lamb or rabbit mixed with rice. Do not give them anything else during this test period.

When the indicators improve, go back to giving your dog its regular food and take notes. If the dog skin problems or other symptoms return, you know it’s something in their food.

Next you return to the test diet above, but commence adding one new ingredient each week. For example try chicken one week, beef the next, wheat, then corn. If symptoms get better, for example with beef, you know that beef is not the source of the allergies. If they get worse, then there is a good chance that you’ve discovered the culprit.

Even if you find that your animal is allergic to one ingredient, it’s important to continue this process with all ingredients because your dog could be allergic to more than one thing.

Once you find what your dog is allergic to, you can start to look for commercial foods that do not contain those elements. Some of the best preferences with brand name dog food are foods that are made with lamb and rice. Both lamb and rice are considered hypoallergenic (as long as it does not incorporate wheat or corn.).

Do not limit yourself to just commercial pet food. Many pet owners have used a raw food diet with grand success for treating dog allergies. This natural manner of diet consists of raw meat, raw bones and raw vegetables. You can find out more material about the raw food diet for dogs by doing a quick search on the internet. (If your dog is already on a raw food diet, you should still use the test diet outlined above and alter ingredients.).

Dog skin problems, reactions and food all boil down to one basic fact. Your dog’s diet is the cornerstone of a long, comfortable and wonderful life. You need to get the best dog diet information available and take a proactive stance so your pet does not have to needlessly suffer.

For more about dogs, visit Dog Skin Problem. Also check out Dog Skin Problems.
For Ron’s website, visit Dogs Skin Care.

Pets today need insurance as the cost of medical treatments are very high and in breeding and other problems have made pets more susceptible to diseases and other problems. Pet insurance can cost anywhere between USD 2000-6000 over the life of a pet and the amount of premium to be paid would depend on many variables like breed, age, and more.

Pet insurance can be bought online or offline from leaders like: Pet care Insurance Companies; Veterinary Pet Insurance Company; Pets Best Insurance; and Vet Insurance. The best way to insure a pet is to ask your vet for advice. Pet insurance at affordable rates can be purchased online from websites devoted to pet insurance and pet care. The premium to be paid depends on age of pet, general health of pet, breed of pet, potential risks for susceptible diseases and so on.

Before investing in insurance you must do your homework and find out all you can about polices, how to keep premiums low, and how to buy the best pet insurance at the most affordable rate. The internet is a knowledge highway and has great information on pets, insurance options, and more. Make the effort to educate yourself.

Medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars. And treatments for hip diseases, cancers, kidney failure and more can cost between USD 1000- 5000. In case of disease or accidents pets can be treated and nursed back to health instead of

As more and more pet owners search for treats and chews that their pets will enjoy and are good for them at the same time, the debate between two popular types of dog treats is raised once again. Which is better