Buying a puppy guide
When buying a dog it is important to do as much research as possible. With the various breeds it is important to find the right dog for you, things such as breed, age and size will have an impact as well as your own schedule and circumstances i.e. if you have a family, if you are a singleton who works long hours etc. The three most common places to get a puppy/dog are from a pet shop, rescue home or a breeder.
Buying from a Pet shop
Sometimes Puppies are available from a pet shop although it is unlikely that you will find a pedigree pup or from a reputable show breeder. The most common found pups in a pet shop are from an unplanned pregnancy in which the breeder or owner has looked to offload the pet as they’re unable to care for them. A problem that presents itself is that often there is little or no information on the puppy so you are unable to know its family history which can help with future medical problems or indeed no its temperament, something which you must be wary of if the pet is going to be around children.
Buying from a Breeder
The best place to buy a puppy is from a professional breeder, as they will have nurtured the pup as well as its parents and will be able to give you information on the pup as well as proof of pedigree. Another advantage is due to breeders planning the pregnancies they will often breed the strongest and healthiest dogs to ensure the pups are also in good health. However always do your research as some breeders might not be as reputable as others as many do just do it as a hobby. If you are unsure about a breeder it might be worth asking for contact details of pet owners who have previously purchased from them to get some feedback.
Rescue centres
The third option when looking for a new puppy or dog is to go to an animal rescue centre. The problem with a rescue centre is that often many of the dogs have been mistreated and therefore may be uneasy around human beings and would require training, again a concern for anyone looking for a family pet which would be around young children. Most centres will require a series of forms to be filled out to make sure the buyers are suitable owners of the pet as they don’t want the pup or dog going into the hands of someone who might mistreat the pet.
If you are looking to buy a puppy then you may wish to take out UK pet insurance, to find the best deals and for cheap insurance it is best to shop around for the best deal. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/buying-a-puppy-guide-1003385.html
Why A Poodle Makes A Good Watchdog
A well trained and properly socialized Poodle makes an excellent family pet. A Poodle is considered to be one of the most intelligent of dog breeds and even possesses a sense of humor. The Poodle was originally bred to work in close relation with humans, in the capacity of a water retriever and also as a hunter, herder and guardian. They are easily trainable and have an overwhelming desire to please their family, and many of these traits have made Poodles into very good watchdogs. They aren’t an overly aggressive breed by nature, but they do have protective tendencies. Most like your Poodle will have a lot of bark and no bite.
Poodles are very quick to bond with their family and those bonds are strong and life-long. Poodles grow into very loving family pets and pour out affection to their owners and other animals they have been raised with; while they are not naturally aggressive to strangers or other animals, they can be very wary of new situations and environments, they will let their family know when they spy, hear or smell anything new. Poodles are also adept at sensing new things, they are very alert dogs and in tune with their surroundings. With their heightened sense of perception they can tell when something is wrong and are very obvious about communicating this sensation to their family. Because poodles are also prone to barking and easily trained, an owner can get the dog to bark in certain instances in order for them to alert the family to new occurrences around the yard and house.
With their instinctual behavior being highly developed, their history of guarding and hunting is oftentimes very apparent. Poodles are very territorial dogs and are suspicious of any stranger that comes near their home; because they are so intelligent, they are able to tell who does not belong there and will be very vocal about it. If an owner gives the Poodle a reward for sounding the alarm, the Poodle will quickly sense the owners approval and satisfaction. Again, keep in mind Poodles have a strong and innate desire to please their owners and will likely repeat any behavior that garners a positive response. When a Poodle is not properly trained, it can take to excessively barking and become a royal pain. To avoid this happening, use consistent, firm, positive training methods and reinforcement to make sure the Poodle knows when it is okay to bark. Never, ever use harsh punishment on a Poodle because they are very sensitive and neurotic behavior can develop if you push the dog too hard.
A Poodles guardian qualities also include a strong protectiveness towards its family; the female tends to be a bit more protective when compared to the male, because her maternal instincts are demonstrated towards her human family. A Poodles lack of aggression may prevent it from being an vicious guard dog, however, while a Poodle may sound an alarm, they are generally friendly and polite with strangers. This non-aggressive nature though, also allows them to be a great family, even for those with small children.
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Dog Protozoal Diseases
Protozoal diseases are caused by protozoans, a term Scientist referring to a unicellular heterotrophic protist, such as an amoeba or a ciliate that are causing parasitic infectious diseases on mammals. Protozoa can reproduce and colonize on host body and can lead which lead to severe infections. There are microscopic, single-cell parasites that live in water, soil, and the feces of infected animals and invade canine digestive systems and blood streams.
Protozoa parasites can be transmitted in many ways, knowing and alerting ourselves with the causes and sources of these diseases with keep our dog and us from these diseases.
Giardiasis. Giardiasis or Giardia is caused by a flagellated protozoan parasites called Giardia Lamblia. These diarrhea-causing protozoans colonize and reproduces in the small intestine and affects the digestive tracts of dogs. The parasite attaches itself to the lining of the small intestines in dogs, human and other mammals, where it sabotages the body’s absorption of fats and carbohydrates from digested foods. It attaches to the cells of the intestine with its adhesive disc and rapidly divides to produce a whole population of trophozoites. Contaminated water and feces are the most likely source of this parasite. There are number of drugs to treat Giardia like Flagyl, Neftin, Tinadazole, Panacur, Valbazen and many other being formulated. Keeping our dogs away from foul water is the best way to prevent the disease.
Coccidiosis. The microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled parasites called coccidia (Isospora is the most common) which infect the intestinal tracts of animals, and are the largest group of apicomplexan protozoa. The disease spreads from one animal to another by contact with infected feces or ingestion of infected tissue. Diarrhea, which may become bloody in severe cases, is the primary symptom. Most animals infected with coccidia are asymptomatic; however, young or immuno-compromised animals may suffer severe symptoms, including death. Vet uses low-powered microscopic examination for affected dogs and administer/prescribe drugs to reduce or eliminate dog’s immune system to some level and make his own progress against the coccidia infection.
Leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is caused by diphasic protozoa of the genus Leishmania infantrum and Viannia. The disease was mostly transmitted tiny insect (female phlebotomidae), when he happens to be contaminated, he may develop a lesion at the inoculation point (cutaneous leishmaniasis), or an internal disease, called “Kala-Azar”, inducing the enlargement of the spleen and the liver. It can be fatal if not treated. Generally, the treatment consists in series of injections of GlucantimeND. Several insecticides can also be used: they will be applied on the dog, insisting on the nose area which is a risky spot.
Babesiosis. Babesiosis is a malaria-like parasitic disease caused by Babesia, a genus of protozoal piroplasms. They are microscopic blood parasites are spread from dog to dog by tick bites(releasing Babesia sporozoites), and they have been causing red blood cell destruction in their canine hosts all over the world. The disease causes anemia (lack of red blood cells) and symptoms include weakness, jaundice, fever, red or orange colored urine. Thre are injections like Imidocarb diproprionate or Dimenazene aceturate to treat the disease, but current chemotherapeutic agents used to treat canine babesiosis are incapable of completely eliminating the disease; they only are capable of limiting mortality and the severity of clinical signs. Supportive therapy such as intravenous fluids and blood transfusions should be employed when necessary. Female dogs testing positive for Babesia should not be bred.
Neosporosis. Neospora caninum is a coccidian parasite that had been confused with T. gondii. Neosporosis is a parasite that most dogs get while still in the womb of his mother. Most common noticeable condition is when a puppy isn’t thriving and has difficulty coordinating movements. Symptoms of this condition may include inflammation of the skin, tremors and seizures. In addition, a dog may seem disinterested in eating because it causes pain. can be transmitted repeatedly through successive litters and litters of their progeny. This should be considered when planning the breeding of Neospora-infected bitches. Dogs should not be fed uncooked meat, especially beef. There is no vaccine to combat neosporosis. No drugs are known to prevent transplacental transmission.
Hannah Serrano is a passionate writer of http://www.americaoutdoor.com, an informative website about dog crates and pet strollers for pets and animals. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-protozoal-diseases-1000146.html
Border Collies, Collies And Shetland Sheepdogs: The Differences Between Them
The most common three dog breeds that are easily confused are the Collie, Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog. While each is its own breed and has its own distinctions, they also have some similarities as well. The following information outlines the most common differences and similarities between these three dog breeds.
Collies:
Developed in Scotland to be a herding dog, a Collie comes in two varieties: rough coated (long haired) and smooth coated (short haired). They stand between 20-25 inches in height at the shoulders and males weigh 40-60 pounds, females weigh between 39-55 pounds when fully grown.
The Collie breed dates back to the 17th century, they were used to keep herds of sheep together in groups. Collies are elegant and refined dogs, with a very regal appearance, they are calm and well mannered in temperament.
Shetland Sheepdog:
Also known as a Sheltie, a Shetland Sheepdog, is also referred to as a “miniature Collie,” but this is untrue. Shelties are a very different breed altogether, though they look like a small version of a rough coated Collie. Shelties as a breed, date back to the 1800’s, and originates from the Shetland Islands. They were used as a herding dog, but instead of sheep herding, the dogs were used to keep the sheep away from the crops on the farm. The Sheltie had the task of herding the sheep away from the fields and keeping them in the fold.
Collies and Shelties were developed to be independent of one another. Though the Collie is one of the breeds that contributed to the bloodlines of a Sheltie. Shelties are never short coated and are much smaller in stature than a Collie. Shelties generally weigh around 15-25 pounds. A Sheltie has a much livelier personality than a Collie, which has a tendency to be subdued and refined in temperament.
A Border Collie :
Border Collies were supposed to be herding dogs in the border between England and Scotland. Border Collies are highly prized as herding dogs because of their unique ability to “fetch” a member of the herd who had wandered away. A Border Collie is thought to be the most intelligent of all dog breeds and are still being used on farms and ranches all over parts of Europe.
The colors of a Border Collie are most often black and white, though other colors are possible. They are a medium-build dog weighing between 25-55 pounds and come in both rough and smooth coated varieties.
A fairly easy way to tell the difference between a Border Collie from a Standard Collie is the hair. Even on a rough coated Collie, the hair is not as long and flowing as that of a Standard Collie. A Border Collie has a smaller, shorter nose and resembles an Australian Shepherd, more than a Standard Collie.
Because of the high intelligence and working ability, a Border Collie needs to have a purpose, goal or job. If not, the breed tends to get bored and displays destructive behavior. The breed does perform quite well in the show ring and during agility competitions, these activities keep their minds stimulated and body active.
For more details on the Border Collie or for general dog information, please visit our site.
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How to Control Fleas on your Dogs
Whether for your own comfort, of for that of your pets, there’s little more important than flea control. Dogs often develop allergies to fleas, which can drive them almost mad, as they attempt their own flea control. Dogs, however, are not responsible for flea control. Dogs cannot go to the vet, and buy a product to get rid of fleas. That’s your job as a dog owner. And here’s how you should tackle the problem.
* Don’t wait until you have a problem, and you struggle to find effective flea control. Dogs will almost always indicate when there’s a problem. Biting, scratching, and shaking his head? Chances are he’s got fleas.
* As with many things, prevention is better than cure when you plan flea control. Dogs may pick them up on a walk, at the grooming parlor, from the sand, or even from other pets like cats. Using a dip, spray or spot on treatment regularly, before the fleas arrive, will make a big difference!
* If you find there is a problem, and you need quick flea control, dogs’ shampoos are often the best place to start. Most have build in insecticide, and repellant, and even just the immersion in water will dislodge some of the fleas. Make bath time a regular part of your flea control. Dogs might not like water, but they like fleas less!
* Once your dog is clean, that’s not the end of flea control! Dogs bedding can harbor all sorts of nasty little parasites, fleas being the most common. To make sure you have covered the basics of flea control, dogs beds need to be washed, preferably in hot water, or with an insecticide. Thereafter, you can treat periodically with flea powder or spray in between washes.
* If your dog lives in your house, you’re not done yet with flea control. Dogs that live indoors will have transferred their fleas to carpets, couches, beds and even curtains. You’ll need to find a product with which to treat your home, and vacuum regularly.
* Last, but not least, a flea collar offers good passive flea control. Dogs with collars should still be bathed, and dosed with sprays, powders and so on regularly, but the insecticide on the collar should mean your furry friend is flea free a little longer between each major flea control exercise.
Of course, this does not apply only to dogs – if you have other pets in your house, such as cats, you will need to make sure you follow a similar regime on them, since the fleas from one are likely to just move between them at will!
When it comes to effective flea control, dogs and humans alike will benefit from your active and vigilant attention, since these pesky little parasites can get completely out of control very quickly. Better to keep a hand on flea control now than to have to call in a professional if your flea problem gets completely out of hand!
Your dog’s health means a lot to you, as well as your own. Keep yourself informed and learn more about dog allergies at CureDogAllergies.com, where you’ll find everything you need to know to keep your dog, your home and of course yourself free of allergies, and in tip top shape! Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-control-fleas-on-your-dogs-990172.html
