Want to Buy a Dog? Here’s What You Need to Know

 

If you are considering adding a dog to your family, it’s not a decision to take lightly. Finding the right dog to fit your lifestyle is key to the happiness of you and your pet.

 

So you’ve decided you want to get a dog. Maybe you saw the cutest puppies in the window of your local pet store just today, or maybe you have been thinking about it for some time. Either way, adding a dog to your family should be something that is carefully considered. If you impulsively take home that cute little puppy without doing a little research, you may find yourself regretting your decision later. There are many things to think about when you’re picking out your new furry friend. Not all dogs are created equal, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Puppy or Adult Dog

While those puppies in your local pet store might be irresistibly cute, taking a puppy home is entirely different than taking home a dog who is a little older. Everyone has heard stories of new dogs chewing up a favorite pair of shoes or relieving itself on an expensive couch. Puppies are much more likely to do these things than older dogs. Of course, it’s never a guarantee that an older dog won’t do those things, but it’s much less likely. Any dog, especially one who is left alone all day or doesn’t get an appropriate amount of exercise, can start chewing at any time. However, puppies are often not house-trained, which requires much more work than a dog that is already trained. New puppies also have much more energy than a dog that is even just one year old. They require lots of attention and care. This might sound as if I’m trying to persuade you that getting a puppy is a terrible idea, but I assure you that is not the case. Raising a puppy can be incredibly rewarding, but the top reason you will find puppies in animal shelters is because new owners are unprepared and have to give them away.

Shelter, Breeder, or Pet Store

Shelters have a bad reputation for having only dogs that are old, mean tempered, or bad. This is because animal shelters will take any dog that is brought to them for whatever reason, and why would someone give up a dog that is a great companion? The truth is that shelters have all kinds of dogs. If someone’s dog has an unexpected litter of puppies, they could give them to a shelter. If someone lost their home in this bad economy or became too old to care for their dog, the shelter would gladly find those dogs a new home, too. Dogs that are found as strays are sometimes runaways that are totally house-trained and really sweet pets. Don’t discount a shelter just because you want a specific type of dog. Shelters are getting new dogs in all the time from all sorts of places.

If you know you want a specific kind of dog, especially if you want the dog as a puppy, a breeder is a great way to go, though purchasing a dog from a breeder will be much more expensive than a shelter. If you have the funds and are set on a certain breed, getting your dog from a breeder is fine. Just be sure you find a reputable one. Good breeders will screen their dogs for health problems and temperament issues.

Many pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills. Puppy mills are terrible places to find dogs because they inbreed. They might mate a dog with its sister, for example, and that can create all sorts of health problems for their puppies later in life.

Breeds

The most important research you can do before getting a dog is to look up information about the breed. The type of dog will determine more about its personality than anything else. Terriers, for example, are high-energy and mildly trainable. Beagles are great companions, but howl a lot. Larger dogs are gentle, but sometimes can be lazy. Whatever you do, research the breeds of dogs before you take your pet home. Knowing what you’re getting into is better than finding out after the fact.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/want-to-buy-a-dog-heres-what-you-need-to-know.html

 

Halloween Costumes for Your Pet Dog

Who said Halloween is only about you? Your pets are your family, and it doubles the fun if you take out the time to include your pets in the celebrations too. Buzzle brings to you a few ideas for you to dress up your pet dog, for a sweet Halloween surprise.

 

On Hallowe'en the thing you must do
Is pretend that nothing can frighten you
And if somethin' scares you and you want to run
Just let on like it's Hallowe'en fun.

It's about time for tricks and treats, and guess who is going to be the new showstopper this year? You heard it right, your family pet is going to greet your neighbors and friends in this ultra-cool, yet scary look of the year.

With the fun that Halloween brings with it, it makes perfect sense to involve your pet in the celebrations. Dressing up pets, especially your dog, in style, is the perfect way to go this Halloween. You can choose to dress your doggy in funny costumes, even opt for the real mean and scary outfits, or simply have a custom-made costume to suit the occasion. Given below are a few ideas that you can choose from and implement, to dress up your innocent little pet.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/halloween-costumes-for-your-pet-dog.html

 

Learning the Language of Canines is a Key for Dog Owners

 

Dogs communicate in ways that are now better understood than ever before. For loving owners, knowing what a dog's actions mean can go a long way in developing a well-adjusted canine companion.

 

hough still not well-understood, canine communication is beginning to become less mysterious to the people charged with studying dog behavior. The result is a wealth of new information for everyone from the casual dog owner to professional dog trainers. Because dogs do seem to communicate with one another in very defined, specific ways, animal behaviorists have gathered information on these patterns, and have some good ideas about what dogs mean when they do certain things. Being familiar with several of the more notable communication methods that dogs use can help a pet owner understand his or her pet much better, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable relationship with one's dog.

The Play Bow
One of the most obvious means of communicating for dogs, the 'play bow' is an indication that your dog wants to play, or thinks that you are ready to play with him. Quite simply, your dog will leave his hind legs upright while placing his front legs flat on the ground. The result is what looks like a 'bow', and is a sure sign that your pup is ready to play.

The Sneeze
It is often misunderstood among dog owners that when a dog sneezes, it is only rarely the result of his nose being irritated or an illness. Rather, a dog will most often sneeze when he is very excited and happy about what is happening. You may have noticed that, while playing, your dog is caught with a minor sneezing fit. This means, simply, that he's happy with you and with life in general.

Tail Wagging
Often misunderstood, tail wagging can mean several things. It is not entirely understood what is meant when a dog is holding his tail high in the air and wagging it, but it is not the friendly gesture that one would presume it to be. Rather, a tail held high and wagging lightly is a gesture that is more pensive, and a potentially aggressive behavior. Dog attacks have actually been observed immediately after a high-held tail.

A tail that wags more aggressively, however, typically means contentment or happiness, and is generally easy to distinguish from the less obvious, and less benign version. It should be noted that when a dog holds his tail low and wags it aggressively―so much so that his entire butt is wagging back and forth―this is a surefire sign that he's quite pleased.

The Yawn
Sometimes, your dog will yawn when you do, just as yawns are 'contagious' between people, they are between you and your dog as well. Sometimes, a yawn means your dog is tired. However, a dog will also yawn when faced with a situation he does not quite understand, and when he is not entirely certain how he is supposed to act. If you bring your dog into a new situation―including meeting new people, going to a strange place, or meeting other dogs―you may notice him yawning multiple times. This most likely does not mean that your dog is tired, but rather, not entirely comfortable.

The Whale Eye
Unlike the tail wag, which can mean a variety of things and occasionally is a bad sign, the so-called 'whale eye' is never a good thing. This is when you can see the white of your dog's eye clearly. It is typically combined with a 'freeze', where the dog is perfectly still. It is a split second in time when the dog's movement stops entirely, and is said to be more easily 'sensed' or "felt" than actually seen. Anyone who has experienced the freeze/whale eye knows it. But if you see your dog do this, it means that he is terribly displeased, has been pushed to the limit of what he can take, and his next action will probably be aggressive or violent.

Though these are all fairly common things for dogs to do, understanding what each of them means can go a long way to understanding your dog's thoughts and moods, as well as discerning his level of comfort or discomfort in new situations. For new dog owners, this is especially valuable information.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/learning-the-language-of-canines-is-a-key-for-dog-owners.html

 

Fencing Ideas for Dogs

Many times we don't come across enough fencing ideas for dogs to make our choices, but we need them for the security and safety of our pets. Mentioned below are a few such ideas for dog fences, so take a look and find your favorite.

Fences are used to give your pet dogs security and to contain them whenever required. To avoid them running behind cars, chasing guests, and sometimes even begging for food just after having meals, you can use fences. No matter how cute they are, they have to be trained to be disciplined in certain things. Specially when you have big dogs like the Great Dane, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Collies, etc., who can get aggressive, there is a necessity to control them at some point or the other.

Dog Fencing Ideas

Dog kennels do not provide enough walking space after meals, if you are unable to walk them around the neighborhood. Thus, it is always a sensible choice to have an open area which is large enough for them to move freely, which can either be closed or without a roof. If you have one big dog, you can make space for it in your yard by building a wooden fence. However, if you have small dogs which are delicate and need care, they can be kept in an indoor fence inside the house. For this purpose, there are a few ideas given below, which could prove useful.

Wooden Fence

The wooden fences are the most inexpensive options and are easy to maintain. There are many designs of these wooden fences, which can be used indoors as well as outdoors, with or without a roof. If you have a big house, with lots of spare space, a wooden fence which is built with simple vertical wooden planks is all you need. Many a time, when the house is small and cannot accommodate the dog, but there is a big backyard, these fences can have wooden tops as well. You can also make a huge kennel with wood and a bronze fence to give enough walking space for the dog.

Bronze Fence

These are also some of the most commonly used fences when you want to keep your dogs outdoors. The bronze fences come in different shapes and sizes, with or without the tops, and also with feeding bowls attached to them. These are usually used in pet stores, dog adoption homes, training centers, etc. They are very spacious from the inside and are high enough to ensure that the dog cannot jump and escape. These can also be made into electric fences, which have openings at the top or the front. However, you have to be very careful, not to let the dog jump out! The designs can be singular for one dog, or even a duplex and triplex for more dogs.

Chain Fence

Other ideas include chain link kennels, which are usually built for farm dogs and also some other animals. Apart from the wooden ones, these too are cheap, because they are easily available and are quite durable too. These fences are made out of chains of wires and are not easily penetrable, so neither can the dogs escape and nor can outsiders enter. These fences are seen in training centers, dog shelters, and places where a number of dogs are taken care of together. The height of these fences can be altered according to the height of the dogs and also depending on their moving space.

With these fencing ideas for dogs, you can surely provide your pet a secure place to thrive if not in the house. They can be fed, played with and also given enough exercise in these fences, as they are all made keeping the size and habits of a dog in mind.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/fencing-ideas-for-dogs.html

Dog Poisoning

Poisoning in dogs is caused by a range of factors such as food, outdoor and indoor plants, chemicals, and pesticides. Here is a look at some of the causes and symptoms of this health problem.

 

As we go through the normal course of the day, we know that we are surrounded with a number of chemicals and toxins. Unfortunately for us, our pet dogs do not really understand the concept of poison. For them, anything that looks interesting needs to be gulped down or swallowed whole. This indiscriminate diet of your naturally curious canine friend can lead to cases of dog poisoning.

Common pet poisons include household products such as bleach and insecticides as well as range of indoor and outdoor plants. Foods, especially those that are spoiled, can lead to the food poisoning. Here is a look at some of the common causes of poisoning and the health problems caused by it.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dog-poisoning.html

 

Mange in Dogs

Has your dog been itching a lot lately? Wondering if it is ticks or fleas or mange? Here's some help...

Other than ticks and fleas, there is another kind of parasite which causes our pets to itch. These microscopic creatures bury into the pet's skin, and cause extreme discomfort and irritation. Mange is a skin disease caused by these parasites, which affects mostly dogs and cats. It makes the animal itch and lose its fur. Humans are also sometimes infected by these parasites. In dogs, it is caused by four types of mites, which are explained in the following paragraphs.

Walking Dandruff
Walking dandruff is caused by Cheyletiella mites. It is called walking dandruff, as the white flakes or mites can be seen moving. They cause severe itching and scaling of skin. Cheyletiella mange is highly contagious and is contracted through direct contact with the infected pet. Humans too can catch this skin disease, but it is self-eliminating in humans. It usually affects dogs with a poor immune system, and puppies contract it while feeding on their mother.

Demodectic Mange
Demodectic or red mange is caused by demodex mites. These mites are present in all dogs, they contract it from their mothers in the first few days of feeding. Most dogs live in complete harmony with these mites for the most part of their lives. Dogs build immunity against these mites when they are young, but if the dog's defense system is weak, then the mites can cause mange. It affects them in three ways. One is a localized infection, which affects a small area and causes a itchy bald spot. Second, is an infection which spreads over a large area, and the third type just affects the paws.

Sarcoptic Mange
It is caused by Sarcoptes scab mites. These are microscopic creatures. When they mate, the female mite burrows into the skin of the dog and lays her eggs. These eggs hatch and become adult mites within weeks. They usually affect the hairless part of a dog's body, such as the elbows, ears, and abdomen. Commonly known as scabies, this skin disease is highly contagious and can be contracted by humans also.

Otodectes Mange
Otodectes mites are also known as ear mites. They are found in the ears of cats and dogs. These mites are highly contagious and live on the host body their entire life. This is contracted by direct contact with an infected dog. The symptoms include itching, scaling, redness, and the formation of brownish red crusts on the ears.

Treatment
For treating mange, it is best to begin by first isolating the dog with mange to avoid spreading the infection to other pets. If you have more than one dog, then give the other dogs the treatment too. You can try some home remedies like bathing the dog with a mixture of borax and hydrogen peroxide. Remember to change the dog's bedding and collar. Vets do prescribe antifungal and bacterial drugs as a treatment. Over-the-counter mite killers are also very effective. The most common treatment is bathing the dog in lime and sulfur insecticide solutions.

Mange can be highly contagious; the sooner it is treated, the better.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/mange-in-dogs.html

Are Onions Bad for Dogs?

There are many food items which are considered inappropriate for dogs, and onions come in this list. Containing certain compounds that can be toxic for our furry friends, onions should be avoided in any dog's diet. Read this piece to know more about why onions are bad for dogs.

 

Yes, it is a fact that onions are definitely bad for dogs, irrespective of whether they are cooked, raw, or even dehydrated. A common ingredient in our cooking and the food that we eat on a daily basis, onions can actually prove to be lethal for dogs. One of the common mistakes that most dog owners tend to make, is to assume that onions, only in the raw form, are bad for their dogs, but unfortunately, this theory is not at all true.

These toxins can make their way into a dog's system by means of fried onion rings, onion seasonings, tomato sauce, pizzas, salad dressings, burgers, and other processed foods. Even some baby foods contain onions in the powdered form, and when these are consumed in large amounts, it can be extremely deadly for the dog. So why exactly are onions dangerous for dogs? This is because, onions cause toxicosis, or in simple terms, poisoning in dogs.