Thursday, July 31, 2008

Doggie Treat Recipe


Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Teaching Your Dog


Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Monday, July 21, 2008

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Your Dog's Exercise Schedule

Even the most sedentary models require a certain amount of physical exertion to stay healthy. Consider the following factors before determining the level of exercise appropriate for your pet.

SIZE: For small breeds such as pugs and boston terriers, a walk around the block is the equivalent of a marathon. Larger animals are, in general, capable of longer jaunts and more strenous activity.

PHYSICAL STAMINA: How long and how hard a dog can play depends on its genetic makeup. Some models, including huskies and most terriers, were bred for stamina. They can run and play for a very, very long time. Others were designed for specific types of exertion. For instance, the greyhound is capable of great speed, but only over short distances. As a result, it makes a poor jogging companion. Models such as the German Shorthaired pointer and the vizals, however, were engineered to go the distance.

PHYSICAL MAKEUP: Various breeds, because of their design, have certain physiological disadvantages. For instance, flat-faced models such as boxers, pugs, and bulldogs have below normal breathing capacity and therefore less stamina. Physical activity for these dogs should come in short bursts. Also, some models are prone to orthopedic problems (such as hip dysplasia) that can be aggravated by excessive exercise. Your veterinarian can help you create a suitable exercise plan for your dog.

WEATHER CONDITIONS: Coat length also can determine how much exercise a particular model can handle. In winter, thin coated dogs can tolerate less cold exposure that thick-coated dogs such as the Samoyed and Great Pyrenees. During the summer months, however, thin-coated dogs can tolerate more heat than heavily coated breeds. In general, heat is a bigger problem for most dogs.

CAUTION: Be extremely careful with flat faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs) during times of high heat and humidity. Their inability to dissipate heat during otherwise normal exertion can be potentially life-threatening.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: Dogs, like humans, can become out of shape. Taking a normally sedentary dog on a 2-mile run can lead to orthopedic injuries(amoung other problems) Instead, build up the dog's capacity slowly over weeks and exercise it daily, if possible. A sedentary dog can be conditioned with a 20 to 60 minute walk 5 days a week. Swimming is also a good activity, because it eases strain on joints. Consult your veterinarian before beginning any sort of exercise program for an overweight, aged and /or infirm canine.

CAUTION: A dog, in attempting t please its woner, may persist in a physical activity beyond the point of exhaustion, putting it in danger of mechanical damage. Monitor your dog's physical regimen and discontinue it at the first sign of serious fatique.
Info from Dogster.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Doggie Treat Recipe


Monday, July 14, 2008

Driving With Dogs

It is acceptable for larger dogs to ride in a seat, like a human passenger. If your dog has never done this before, consider making one or two short practice excursions to be sure the canine keeps its place and does not try to roam around the car. Smaller dogs may prefer to be transported in their sleeping crates, as this provides a secure refuge from a strange situation. Be aware that all dogs are fascinated by the smells they encounter when they stick their noses out the window of a moving car. It is acceptable to indulge this desire, but never leave the window open so far that the dog can jump or fall out. During long car trips, allow the dog to make regular rest and exercise stops (always leash it before opening the car door) Bring along food, water, and treats in a separate container. If your dog is prone to getting carsick, your veterinarian may recommend medication(bringing the dog on a few short practice trips may prevent the problem altogether.) Never for any reason leave your dog alone in a car. Changes in the outdoor temperatures are unpredictable and can lead to stress, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, and worse.
Info from Dogster

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Ear Care

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Is Your Dog Getting Enough Water This Summer?

Use this chart to quide you in your pets hydration status this summer.


Daily Water Intake

Body Water Weight
5lbs/ 2kg 7oz/ 207ml
10lbs/4.5kg 14oz/414ml
20lbs/9kg 24oz /710 ml
30lbs/13.5kg 3.3oz/975ml
40lbs/ 18kg 41oz /1.2 liters
50lbs/ 22.5kg 48oz/ 1.4liters
60lbs/27kg 55 oz /1.6liters
70lbs/ 31.5kg 62oz /1.8 liters
80lbs/36kg 69oz /2 liter
90lbs/ 41kg 75oz/2.2 liters
100lbs/45.5kg 82oz /2.4liters
*Requirements include water absorbed from food and snacks.
*Info from Dogster