Many types of dog travel carriers are good for many different modes of travel. You will find some of the carriers for small dogs offer more ventilation. There are dog travel carriers for airplane travel, train travel, car and boat travel. You need sturdy dog carriers when traveling on public transportation.

In the car, you might need something to keep the dog calm and safe, so choose a dog travel carrier that will be comfortable to your pet. Some dog carriers for cars are designed for long periods of the dog being in the carrier. There are many carriers for pets that look very fashionable. Smaller dogs seem to have more to choose from where style is concerned. Some of the styles are the tote carrier, purse carrier, over the shoulder carrier and the carriers for larger animals.

The totes for small pets have different styles. There is the carrier with one, two or three viewing panels. These stylish dog travel carriers are for smaller dogs, but an individual can determine the size he or she will need. The carriers are made of durable materials and will hold up to twenty-two pounds in most situations. They come in different colors and have different looks. They also come with outside pockets for carrying along any necessary dog supplies. Airplane carriers for dogs in many situations have a rating for airplane travel and are approved by the airlines as a pet carrier.

There are dog travel carriers that are on wheels. These resemble the baggage totes on wheels and have panel openings for the pet to see out. This is sometimes easier on the dog if they can see where they are going. These carriers are great for airplane travel if the animal is traveling on the plane and not in the cargo area. In the cargo area, the carriers have to be made a certain way and a certain size for every dog. The other type of puppy carrier is the purse.

You may see many people walking down the street with a purse and a little head popping out. These are cute ways to tote around the little and other smaller dogs. Dog travel carriers are made for the dog to be comfortable and allow people to take his or her dogs to places that they otherwise could not. You will find some dog travel carriers in a wide range of colors too. You will find that they are just right for the type of dog you have.

Dog carriers can be found in many pet shops, pet boutiques and online at many pet web sites. You can find just about any type of dog carrier to make your dog’s travels comfortable. If you are looking for a dog travel carrier for using at home, many of the carriers are comfortable and have room for sleeping and a few toys if needed. These also have dishes for water and food. These are usually used for housebreaking, or essentially when you must leave the home for a while.

dog carriers dog carriers for cars dog travel carriers fashionable pet carriers pet carriers

Well, our worst fears about the appalling practises of puppy mills have been confirmed.

Puppy mills breed puppies for profit. Pure and simple.

Most people are aware of this fact.

But what many people were not aware of is the cruelty practised by puppy mills.

Beautiful dogs that would love to be your pet are kept, sometimes in small, filthy cages, with little or no human contact, and often with zero veterinary care. Females are bred every time they come into heat (usually twice per year). They are kept not as pets, but as breeding machines in order to stock pet stores with puppies for sale. It's an absolute crime. Many times by the time these poor dogs are 7 years old they have given birth to more than a hundred puppies. They are undernourished, their poor bodies are completely depleted from the repeated cycles of pregnancies and nursing. And when they're not considered sufficiently good breeding material any more (at about the age of seven or eight), they are killed to make way for younger breeding machines. During the whole of their lives they are never nurtured or treated with any dignity or respect.
The U.S. Humane Society has been fighting the puppy mills for decades.

And now the truth is out.

Good on you, Oprah! Thank you for publicizing far and wide, in a way that probably no one else can, this terrible crime that is going on under our very noses. And that anyone who buys a puppy from a pet store is contributing to.

Yes, according to Oprah's team's investigation, 99.9 per cent of puppies sold in pet stores in the U.S. are bred in puppy mills. 99.9%!

Do what you can to STOP this practice. Don't EVER buy a puppy from a pet store, or ANY products from a pet store that sells puppies. That's the first step everyone should be taking.

If you buy a puppy from a pet store, you free up a spot for another puppy mill puppy to fill, you put profits into the hands of a puppy mill. and you encourage that puppy mill to continue breeding puppies for profit.

If you buy any products from pet stores that sell puppies, you tacitly give approval to what they're doing, put profits into their hands and enable them to stock more puppy mill puppies for sale.

Don't EVER buy a puppy from an online source without visiting the breeder yourself and checking them out. Often, online stores pose as reputable breeders, with stories and pictures that warm the heart. But it's all a front. Puppy mills are now advertising their puppies online, with totally false information about who they really are, and many people are falling for the rort and perpetuating puppy mills.

Don't EVER buy a puppy from anywhere, in fact, unless you have satisfied yourself that you are not putting profits into puppy mills.

How do you do that?

Rescue a rescue dog. If you particularly keen to have a puppy, there are plenty of them at dog rescue shelters. And if you want a purebred puppy, they have plenty of them too, with at least equivalent credentials to those bred in puppy mills. (Inbreeding is rife in puppy mills, so although technically you may be getting a purebred dog, it's genetic makeup may well be compromised by the inbreeding).

So, consider an adult or older dog from a rescue first. They need saving, too.

If you want a puppy, you can also look in the animal shelters and rescue him/her.

If you do want a puppy from a breeder, make sure you're dealing with a reputable breeder. Do NOT trust what they say in their advertisement, even if it's on the internet and accompanied by pictures of healthy dogs looking happy and well cared for and living in the breeder's home. Visit the breeder. This is an absolute must.

And visiting the breeder is not enough. Make sure you view the dogs - the puppies, and both the parents, and take a look at where the dogs live (whether in the house with the breeder, or otherwise). And look at how the breeder and the dogs interact. Ask to see the outdoor living quarters for the dogs if the dogs are kept outside. Ask to see outside in any event, even if the dogs appear to live inside the house. Is the area clean, and dog friendly?

Get a free copy of the Humane Society's Puppy Buyer's Guide - here - http://www.stoppuppymills.org/forms/free_puppy_buyers_guide.html
What else can we all do?

1. STOP buying ANY products from ANY pet store that sells puppies.

2. Do NOT buy ANY products from ANY online store that sells puppies.

3. Lobby your federal legislators - here - https://community.hsus.org/campaign/puppymills_oprah

4. Sign up for updates on the Stop Puppy Mills campaign by the Humane Society - here - http://www.stoppuppymills.org - Sign up is on the right hand side of the page.

5. Write a letter to your local newspaper voicing your concerns. All the major newspapers should be buzzing with this information right now - Thanks, Oprah - but the small local papers may not be. - So make sure yours is!

6. Read this online flyer - and then if you can, print out some copies and distribute them outside your local pet store, or at your local park, or drop some in letterboxes in your area. Take some copies to your veterinarian - if they're not already publicizing this, ask them to display the flyers on their noticeboard and have copies available on their counter.

We call on ALL contribute to STOPPING puppy mills.

Do YOUR part now!

Other useful links to entities that work very hard to put a stop to puppy mills:

http://www.hua.org

http://www.bestfriends.org

http://www.prisonersofgreed.org/Hope.html

Take a look, and then take some action yourself to halt the appalling practises of puppy mills.

 

dog cruelty how to stop puppy mills humane society oprah oprah puppy mills pet store puppies puppy mills stop puppy mills

The treatment that is most effective for ear infections in dogs depends upon the severity of the condition. Home remedies for dog ear mites and regular grooming are effective methods to treat and prevent mild ear infections. Chronic and recurrent ear infections that do not respond to treatment may even require surgery. Vertical Canal Ablation and Lateral Wall Resection are designed to modify the anatomy of the dog’s ear to facilitate easy exit of fluids, much like as it is done in the human ear.

Total Ear Canal Ablation involves removal of the vertical and horizontal ear canal, the ear drum and part of the middle ear. It is the ultimate treatment when nothing else works. It removes the infected ear and allows fluid to be drained from the middle ear. The process involves removing the entire amplification system of the body and if this surgery is performed on both ears, the dog becomes deaf. To understand ear ablation, it is necessary to know the significant role that the structure of a dog ear plays in ear infections.

The anatomy of a dog ear is one of the major reasons behind chronic inflammation of the external ear. including externally visible cartilaginous structure and the ear canal. Unlike the human ear that has a short, straight and a horizontal passage leading to the ear drum, dog ear has an L-shaped passage. The vertical ear canal is shaped like a funnel and takes a 90 degree horizontal turn to end up at the ear drum. Any fluid that gets trapped in a dog’s ear cannot come out easily. The typical shape also makes it difficult for any medication to reach the ear drum.

The retained fluid and external parasites like dog ear mites lead to infection. A long standing infection triggers excess production of wax and other infectious fluids making the ear a welcome residence for ear mites and yeast. The resultant inflammation causes thickening of the skin that lines the external ear creating further problems in treatment.

Chronic ear infections often lead to injury in the middle ear cavity and can thicken the ear canal to such an extent that it becomes akin to a bone. Malignant tumors in the ear that have not metastasized through the cartilage or into the middle ear cavity too should undergo surgery.

Prognosis of Total Ear Canal Ablation is encouraging as long as the procedure is performed by an experienced veterinarian surgeon. This helps in avoiding any complications during this delicate procedure. Like all surgeries, the Total Ear Canal Ablation procedure needs to be followed up so that any post surgical complications can be addressed quickly. After an ear ablation, total or partial, your dog may live long but he may never be the same as before.

Your pet is your responsibility and when you bring a pet home, it is incumbent upon you to take proper care of its health. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you get down to thinking about it, whether it is dog or cat ear mites, the infection is initiated by poor grooming. Dogs and cats require help from owners. Regular and proper ear cleaning can save you a lot of expense and your pets from a great deal of discomfort.

Brought to you by Pet Alive

References:

http://www.southpaws.com/topics/ears.htm

http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/ear_ablation.htm

clean dog ears cleaning dogs ears dog care dog ear care dog ear care products dog ear health dog ear infection dog ear infections dog ear medicine dog ear mites dog ear problems dog ear wash formula dog health care ear mites how to clean dog ears how to take care of a dog identify dog health problems

Hope you enjoy the following article by Nedda Wittels, who is an Animal Communicator, among other things. Enoy!

Telepathic Communication With Animals

by Nedda Wittels

Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an occurrence in some people's lives as it is an oddity in the lives of others. Telepathy is an energetic exchange between two sentient beings for the purpose of communication. Combined with body language and sometimes vocalizations, animals use this form of communication among themselves and even across species.

Only humans in Western Civilization in the last 2500 years have rejected this form of communication. Indigenous peoples all over the planet consider messages from animal guides a natural part of life, and shamans or medicine men and women, rely on their animal helpers in their spiritual service to their communities.

Native peoples around the world consider themselves part of the "web of life". This web includes the subtle energetic pathways that allow for intuitive and psychic energy exchanges. This includes our auric field and the subtle energetic pathways known as meridians, as well as the ley lines of the Earth, who is thought of universally as our Mother, a part of us and of whom we are all a part.

Thus, shamans and other healers among native peoples expect to work with animal spirit guides. Hunters call on the spirits of the animals they hunt to ask for offerings of their physical bodies to feed the tribe. Young men and women being initiated into adulthood may expect to receive a communication or lesson from an animal.

Telepathic communication, then, is as natural as breathing. Many small children in our culture who have animals in their families communicate telepathically with them even in infancy. It is only in response to the pejorative comments of adults and older siblings, and eventually of their peers, that we either stop using our telepathic abilities or relegate them to the realm of imagination, i.e., outside reality.

Telepathy can be thought of as an expansion of intuition, which even in our modern culture is considered anathema, unless you are a top dollar CEO who is willing to admit that your best decisions are those you made based on intuition. For the rest of our society, intuition is often relegated to a place not remotely related to intelligence or sound decision-making. We live in a culture which teaches us to take pills when we are sick and ignore the subtle and not-so-subtle messages of our body telling us we need to rest and re-create itself. We rationalize that we must do this to pursue the almighty dollar. Being so out of touch with ourselves is a symptom of being out of touch with others.

Our educational system also rejects the intuitive, creative aspects of our intelligence as soon as budget cutting is required. Even in healthy economic times, we are taught to develop our logical, sequential, analytical thinking, focusing on mathematics and science as the most valued subjects, with the arts and music at the bottom of the pile.

How, then, can we restore our natural talents to include our birthright of telepathic communication? Spending time with animals and in nature is a beginning, but not sufficient. Learning to communicate telepathically requires breaking down limiting assumptions and beliefs that have caused us to reject this aspect of our Being.

Animals are spirit in physical bodies, just as humans are. The bodies they inhabit are very different in form and sensory systems from the human body, and that has a lot to do with how they experience the world. It also affects how humans and animals communicate with each other.

For example, if a dog is unhappy, he may whine or he may just look sad. He can't cry with tears as a human would and he can't speak the words to tell you that he's unhappy. In the same way, if a cat has a urinary tract problem, the cat can't tell you in words, "Hey, I'm in pain and need help." Instead, the cat may start urinating outside the litter box to let you know that something is wrong. Animals have to improvise because humans, from their perspective, are "deaf" and "dumb" to telepathic messages.

Telepathic communication includes a wide variety of vibrational frequencies that allows for full communication at many levels. As a professional Animal Communicator, I receive information in a number of ways, including mental images or pictures; physical sensations; words, phrases, and even whole sentences; knowings; intuitions; and emotions. I actually experience in some way what the animal is experiencing. To communicate the message to another human requires that I translate what I receive into spoken language, which for me is English.

While animals who live with humans often learn to understand specific words in the preferred spoken language of the human, animals are simultaneously receiving our thoughts and emotions, which we broadcast unconsciously all the time. If our thoughts are jumbled and confused because of our frenetic lifestyles and mental states, the animal may not understand the message completely.

In contrast, animals tell me that the sounds they make when communicating with other animals are usually a form of emphasis or punctuation for a telepathic message which the sound accompanies. It is natural for animal mothers to speak this way with their young and for the young to continue to use telepathy for the rest of their lives.

Today can be your moment to awaken to the idea that the animals who live with you are more than child substitutes, more than "pets" kept for our amusement or our personal companionship. All animals are, in fact, sentient beings - conscious and intelligent, with life purposes and goals. They are aware of themselves and of their situations. They are capable of feeling the entire range of emotions we so arrogantly have labeled "human". They make life choices. They often express unconditional love for the humans who are part of their families.

——————————————————————-
Nedda Wittels, M.A., M.S., is a telepathic Animal Communicator, Spiritual Counselor, and Shamballa Master/Teacher, offering private sessions in communication and healing for humans and animals. She teaches workshops in Animal Communication, Communication with Nature, and Shamballa Multidimensional Healing. She can be reached at 860.651.5771, NeddaW@aol.com, and. www.raysofhealinglight.com

Published by permission of IdeaMarketers.com
——————————————————————-

Interesting, huh? Let me know what you think of the article.

And before you go, check out the site of one of my Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter readers -
- Wynter Worsthome - www.animaltalk.org.uk. Wynter is in the field of Animal Communication as well, and she has a really interesting site!

animal communication animal communicator telepathic communication with animals telepathic communication with pets telepathy with animals telepathy with pets

When you have to move your dog in order to travel or relocate to a new destination, the last thing most of us want is to stuff him into a box and leave him in the cargo area during the entire flight.

Unfortunately, if you have no other choice but to use the airlines for your travel needs, dogs have to be placed in transport dog crates for the flight, and most have to travel in the cargo compartment.

If you have no choice but to travel with your dog by plane, you should make sure your dog or puppy is as comfortable as he possibly can be. Here are some tips to help you prepare your dog for the flight:

1. Dog owners who are traveling with their dogs must invest in USDA approved transport dog crates, or a kennel that is specifically designed for travel. Preferably transport dog crates should be custom fit to the size of your dog. Be sure that the transport crate unit is stable and provides enough room for your dog or puppy to stand up in, as well as offers the ability for him to turn around if he needs to.

2. Accustom your dog to the crate well prior to your expected date of travel. Never wait until the day of your flight to put your dog inside the kennel, as dogs do readily adapt to things that are out of the ordinary. It is therefore a good idea to ensure that your dog is comfortable with the crate so that he will be a little more at ease when you put him on the plane. Your dog should gradually become used to transport dog crates if you have him sleep inside the travel crate each night for a minimum of three nights before your travel date.

3. For flights longer than 10 to 12 hours, be sure to provide your dog with sustenance during the flight - a good way of ensuring this is to tape a small bag of your dog's food to the outside of the crate, along with written feeding instructions for the person who will be responsible for your dog during the flight.

4. Loss of baggage, and in particular, baggage being directed to incorrect destinations, is becoming fairly commonplace for travelers. To avoid the small chance that your dog could miss his destination, write the destination of your flight on the top portion of the transport dog crate in large, bold, letters. Be sure to also include your full name and address, as well as a phone number where you can be contacted, attached in a prominent place to the crate.

5. It is best not to feed your dog within six hours of the flight. This will help reduce the chances of him having an accident and using the bathroom inside of the kennel, or vomiting his food if he becomes distressed at the commencement of the flight.

6. In case your dog or puppy does happen to have a mess while flying, prepare the crate with a light layer of paper and bedding so that the urine and stools can be absorbed as best possible.

7. To avoid your dog from becoming dehydrated during the flight, place two bowls inside the kennel, one filled with a small amount of water, and the other filled with ice. The ice bowl will melt away bit by bit and provide plenty of fluids hours later.

8. Last but not least, if you have a very small dog like a chihuahua or a toy poodle, see if you can arrange to have a small pet carrier or crate to put your dog in that can fit underneath your seat. Do not wait until the last minute to talk with the airlines about this arrangement. Find out if boarding the flight with your small dog under your seat is possible as early as you can. You'll still need to arrange transport dog crates for these small dogs who are permitted to travel in the passenger compartment with you, but it will be a much more pleasant experience for your dog to be close to you throughout the flight.

dog travel dog travel by airplane transport dog crates travel by airplane with dog travel with dog

Natural remedies for cleaning dog ears - and preventing dog ear infections

Dog ear canals are L-shaped to protect the sharp hearing capabilities of dogs. This unusual shape is nature’s way of protecting the ear drum. But this shape is also the major reason why an ear infection is common in dogs. This is mainly due to the fact that the structure allows the ear mites, moisture, ear wax and debris to accumulate.

When moisture and excessive wax accumulates in the ear, it can lead to severe infection of the ear, especially if there is also a prevalence of dog ear mites. Conventional medications that include antibiotics and antifungal drugs tend to weaken the immune system. Home remedies for dog ear mites, on the other hand, attempt to focus on the underlying cause without harming other functions of the body.

There are steps you can take yourself to lessen the likelihood of your dog suffering from ear infections. There are specific dog ear cleaning methods that will keep your dog's ears infection-free. And some natural remedies for keeping ear infections under control.

* A yeast infection is indicated by an accumulation of brownish-pink wax. Dilute white acetic acid or vinegar in an equal quantity of water and pour a few drops in the dog’s ears. Massage the area mildly and then remove the loosened wax with a cotton swab. Do not use this remedy if there is an open sore wound in the ear. Vinegar us likely to irritate the dog. Use mineral or almond or olive oil with Vitamin C to loosen the wax so that it can be cleaned.

* Pau d’arco, an herb that comes from the inner bark of a South American tree is a natural antibiotic recommended for dogs. Tincture of pau d’arco with a little bit of mineral oil will go a long way to remove ear infections in dogs.

* The adrenal glands play an important role in containing ear infections in dogs. You can improve the function of the adrenal glands by giving a regulated dose of Vitamin C. Keep a watch on the bowel movements of the dog and manage the dose so that it does not lead to diarrhea.

* A natural healthy homemade diet is highly recommended to avoid harmful effects of commercial diets that use synthetic preservatives and additives. This will help to eliminate toxins, curtail the production of wax and also support the automatic immune responses.

* Dog breeds with long drooping ears are at a greater risk of developing ear mites. You can try tying a hand band to allow free air circulation of air in the ears, at least when the dog is indoors.

* Trim hair regularly during grooming to give an easy passage to air to get in and dry the inner ear thoroughly after a bath.

Cat ear mites are less common than dog ear mites but negligence in grooming can even cause rare conditions like cat ear mites to occur. Ear infections usually affect the outer ear and proper grooming can take care of practically all conditions. However, if your dog is still scratching ears too much, it is time to consult a specialist. Too much scratching can lead to a rupture of a blood vessel and cause a haematoma that may block the ear completely. Head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes indicates infection of the inner ear that should be attended only by a veterinarian.

Article courtesy of Pet Alive.

References:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/go/index.php/419/dog
-ear-infections/

http://natural-pet-care.com/natural-pet-health-blog/dogs
-puppies/dog-ears-antibiotic-cleaner/

http://lowchensaustralia.com/health/eareyes.htm

clean dog ears cleaning dogs ears dog care dog ear care dog ear care products dog ear health dog ear infection dog ear infections dog ear medicine dog ear mites dog ear problems dog ear wash formula dog health care ear mites how to clean dog ears how to take care of a dog identify dog health problems natural pet vitamins pet ear care products pet ear cleaning pet ear infection pet vitamin supplement pet vitamins treating dog ear infections vitamin deficiency in dog vitamin supplement for dog

Designer Dog Beds

- click here for the most stylish designer dog beds available!

 

 

Gone are the days where a dog is just a pet that you keep outside only to be a guard dog.

Today dogs provide companionship for humans more than ever. Some are a big help for the elderly who have no one else at home with them anymore. Some provide eyes for the blind. Some provide love and companionship for children and in so doing help teach the child what responsibly means in caring for another living thing. Many pets are carried to hospitals today to help comfort a very sick or dying human being.

Our growing closer relationship with dogs and other pets has made us want to provide better car for those pets. And one of those provisions is to give them a very comfortable bed on which to sleep.

One of the problems is that dog beds are somewhat unsightly in our nice modern day homes and therefore we still find ourselves banning the dog to the basement or a utility room for the night; where we have hidden away their dog bed from the sight of visitors.

To the rescue comes Designer Dog Beds. This is such a growing industry and dog owners love it. With most dog owners it is a welcome addition to their designer dog collar and designer pet carrier.

Designer Dog Beds come in all different styles in order to fit in with your home décor.

There is a spindle wooden dog bed that looks just like a human bed and it comes in different sizes to fit the size of your dog. It has a specialized coil spring mattress for a more comfortable snooze for your dog. The difference between these beds and human beds are that they are wider than they are long because a dog tends to curl up where human stretch out. This type dog bed can fit right in with your bedroom furniture.

There are even a dog beds designed to look like a Mercedes Benz and a "Furrari". These novelty beds will make a great conversation piece with any of your human visitors. Your pooch makes himself/herself comfortable in the soft interior car seat area. If these cars are too expensive for your taste then you might want to get the one designed like a New York taxi cab.

Then you have the cute puppy cribs designed like a baby crib, which come in both pink and blue. And if your puppy is not that old yet, then maybe you need the puppy bassinet for them.

There are a lot of different designer dog beds to choose from so you should be able to find one that is both comfortable for your precious companion and decorative for the décor of your home. After all they are a part of the family.

The author is a pet owner and loves to find special comforts for her pets. If you are interested in other designer pet items please visit: Designer Dog Collar

 

Designer Dog Beds

- click here for the most stylish designer dog beds available!

 

And if you're interested in Healthy Dog Beds for your dog (which you should be!), you absolutely can't go past Healthy Dog Beds - for more info, click here! You'll find dog beds made from healthy materials, as well as a fabulous Cool Dog Bed - yes, it will actually keep your dog cool while keeping him/her comfortable!

 

 

designer dog bed dog bed healthy dog bed organic dog bed pet bed

Natural Arthritis Care for Your Dog
by: Brigitte Smith

Rimadyl was once hailed as a wonder arthritis treatment for pets when it came on the market in 1997. By the turn of the century, due in large part to the aggressive marketing campaign by Pfizer, the manufacturer of Rimadyl, this drug had been prescribed for 5 million dogs.

And wouldn't you think, therefore, that this drug had been thoroughly tested before being unleashed on no less than 5 million dogs?

Well, you'd be wrong.

According to statistics compiled by the FDA (Food And Drug Administration), in 1997 alone, Rimadyl was implicated in 30 per cent of all veterinary adverse drug reaction reports received!

Side effects reported by dog owners who had been prescribed Rimadyl for their dogs, included gastrointestinal, renal and liver problems, and even death.

Within the first three years of Rimadyl use, 10,000 dog owners had reported an adverse reaction to Rimadyl, and there were at least 1,500 deaths or euthanasias attributed to the drug.

What's more, since it is generally accepted that many adverse reactions to drugs go unreported, the real statistics are likely to have been significantly higher.

How is this possible? How is it possible that a drug that was so widely acclaimed could have such devastating side effects? Why were these significant side effects not ascertained before releasing the drug on the unsuspecting public?

Well, unfortunately, that's the nature of drug companies - they do some testing - often not enough, and then, in effect, test the drug on members of the public who have not consented to being guinea pigs, but are nevertheless treated as such.

It's happened several times even more recently, with pharmaceuticals for humans, that are touted as almost a miracle, and then later even withdrawn from the market due to the devastating side effects they are found to cause.

Back to Rimadyl as a supposed wonder cure for arthritis …

You may possibly remember the Rimadyl ads depicting older dogs bouncing around like puppies. Yes, there were some amazing success stories, but at what cost to the dog population generally?

Those bouncing dogs were the lucky ones.

Have you noticed that you no longer see those Rimadyl ads? In fact, you haven't seen them now for some years.
Why? Quite simply, because Pfizer was eventually forced to remove the ads which were found to be misleading, due to the over-abundance of adverse reactions to this drug.

But even though the Rimadyl ads have long since been removed, many vets still prescribe Rimadyl, and often without giving the dog owner ANY information about possible side effects that can arise, and the fact that many dogs have in fact died as a result of using Rimadyl.

Unbelievable, but true.

It also goes under a number of different names, so you may be prescribed a medication for your dog and not know that it is Rimadyl, or identical to or similar to Rimadyl. It happened to me.

When my vet wanted to prescribe a medication for my dog when she had injured herself (thankfully just a minor injury, but it bothered her considerably for a couple of days). I questioned the vet as to exactly what the medication was. The vet was, I thought, very evasive in her answers. She was a locum vet who was perhaps not used to be questioned by me (all the regular vets at our local veterinary hospital are well aware that I'm apt to question them relentlessly if I feel the need), but all vets should be prepared to answer all questions from pet owners.

Because of the evasive answers, I then asked the vet straight out - "Is this Rimadyl?" Answer: "Well,…. it's 'like' Rimadyl." I asked what she meant by that, and she said it was made by the same company and contained "a similar formulation" to Rimadyl.

I said I had no intention of giving my dog Rimadyl, or anything remotely like it whilstever there was any alternative available.

The vet then told me there was no problem with Rimadyl and that she was not aware that any dog had ever died from the drug.

Either the vet was lying (which I don't like to believe), or was unbelievably misinformed in relation to an issue that she should have been aware of. Thankfully I never had to see her again as she was a locum.

Otherwise, I would never have gone back to that veterinary practice.

So are there alternatives to Rimadyl? Alternatives that can provide such a marked improvement without the possible side effects? Or should you just take the risk that your dog won't develop side effects to Rimadyl?

The good news is that Glucosamine, a natural sugar produced by the body and found in some foods, plays an important role in the production, maintenance and repair of cartilage. Supplementation with Glucosamine can therefore provide not only the pain relieving effects of Rimadyl, but also helps maintain existing healthy joint tissue and aid in rebuilding healthy new cartilage.

So why hasn't Rimady been removed from the market altogether? And should it be?

There are certainly some cases where the use of Rimadyl may be warranted - severe cases of arthritis which have been left untreated, or which have not responded to Glucosamine or other treatments.

The results of using Rimadyl can in fact be very worthwhile, particularly when used as a treatment of last resort - rather than being used as the first option for pain and arthritic conditions.

But Rimadyl should never be given to a dog with pre-existing liver disease or kidney problems. Your dog should be tested for these conditions before being prescribed Rimadyl.

Many vets do not do this unless you ask for it specifically.

And many vets do not even advise that there is a natural arthritis treatment for dogs available. Not because it's ineffective, but just because many vets, like doctors, are trained to treat symptoms with drugs.

And we shouldn't be surprised by this phenomenon - the drug companies have huge budgets for pushing the benefits of their medications, both for humans and animals. It doesn't necessarily mean that the drugs are better than the natural alternatives at all.

So ask for Glucosamine, unless your vet can give you a compelling reason why your dog should use Rimadyl. And you don't even need a prescription!

For information on the most powerful Glucosamine formula, and why a liquid Glucosamine is by far superior to powder or tablet forms, check out the natural arthritis supplement for pets - with Glucosamine! - click here.

arthritis treatment for dogs arthritis treatment for pets dog arthritis prevention dog arthritis treatment glucosamine for dogs glucosamine for pets natural arthritis care natural arthritis care for dog natural arthritis treatment natural arthritis treatment for dog pet arthritis prevention pet arthritis treatment rimadyl rimadyl for dogs

Trimming your dog's nails is one of those chores that absolutely have to be done, but we often put off because it's perhaps not something we're comfortable with.

The main reason many dog owners balk at trimming their dog's nails is from a fear that they might hurt their dog in doing so. And it's certainly possible to clip your dog's nails too short and cause injury to your dog - the nail will bleed if you clip it too close to your dog's paw.

I'm actually fortunate in that I've never had to worry about clipping my dogs' nails. If you have some concrete areas in your backyard or regularly walk your dog on hard surfaces, you may not need to clip your dog's nails either.

But many dogs do need their nails clipped, and following is a useful article on how best to do this for your dog.

Answers To Important Questions About Dog Nail Trimming

Trimming your dog’s nails is not usually considered sharing “quality time” with your beloved pet.

But when done often enough, with the proper technique, and rewards for your dog’s good behavior, it should be one of those regular grooming events that your dog will tolerate if not look forward to. If not done often enough, with proper technique, and reward- training, it can be frightening and even painful for your dog.

In this article are answers to many common dog nail clipping questions as well as tips on proper equipment and technique that will give you the advantage when you approach this simple home dog-grooming necessity.Is dog nail trimming painful to my dog?

Dog nail trimming is not painful if you use a sharp nail trimmer and don’t clip the nails too short. A dull trimmer can put a lot of pressure on your dog's toenail before it actually cuts through the nail. If this happens your dog may feel an uncomfortable pinching sensation. This is because the vein in the toenail is being squeezed. To avoid this always make sure that you're using a sharp pet nail trimmer.What tools do I need to trim my dog’s nails?

You will want to have a sharp clipper designed for dog nail trimming. Dogs come in all sizes so choose a nail trimmer that’s right for the size of your pet’s nails. The most common types of nail trimmers are the guillotine, pliers and scissor styles.

Guillotine style dog nail trimmers require that the dog’s nail be inserted through a hole in the top of the trimmer. As the handles are squeezed together the blade comes down and cuts through the nail. Many people find guillotine style clippers more difficult to use on large breed dogs. Thicker nails can be more difficult to insert into the guide hole in the clipper. These dog nail trimmers have a cutting blade that must be changed frequently to maintain a nice clean cut.

Pliers style dog nail trimmers work similar to pruning shears. The two notched blades surround and cut through the nail as the handles are squeezed together. Some people like this style because they can see exactly where the blade will cut through the nail. If you have a large dog this type of trimmer works great on thick nails.

Just make sure to select a heavy-duty clipper designed to cut through the thick toenails of your large breed dog. Pliers style trimmers are available for small, medium and large dogs. These dog nail trimmers don’t have blades that need to be replaced but they do need to be sharpened when they become dull.

Scissor style dog nail trimmers work just like a pair of scissors. The two scissor-like notched blades surround and cut through the nail as the handles are closed. These clippers are for light duty jobs only. These are not actually dog nail trimmers. They are best used for cats, birds and other small animals. Some people do use them on small dogs. They’re usually labeled as cat/bird claw clippers. The style you choose for your dog nail trimming needs is a matter of personal preference. If the clipper is the correct size it will get the job done. Just remember to keep your nail trimmer sharp so that it makes a fast clean cut. A dull clipper can pinch the nail, which will result in discomfort to your dog.In addition to good quality nail trimmers, it is also recommended to have a pet nail file.

You’ll find that it is much easier to file down any rough edges with a nail file that has been designed for the shape of your dog’s nails.

Next on the list is styptic powder. It’s always a good idea to have it on hand for those occasional mishaps. A nail clipped just a little too short tends to bleed a lot. Applying some styptic powder will help stop the bleeding.

Finally, keep plenty of dog treats on hand to reward good behavior. You can also use dog treats to distract your pet during dog nail trimming. Treats work great to draw a dog's attention away from a bleeding nail.Why do my dog’s nails need to be trimmed regularly?

When a dog’s nails become too long they interfere with the dog’s gait and as the nails continue to grow, walking will become awkward and painful. Untrimmed nails can also split resulting in a great deal of pain, bleeding, and a trip to the veterinarian’s office. In severe cases a dog’s nails can curl under and grow into the pad of the dog’s paw causing a very serious and painful infection. These types of ingrown nail problems are most common on the dewclaws.

The dewclaws are the nails located on the inside of the paw. Many breeders have the dewclaws removed shortly after puppies are born, so not all dogs will have dewclaws. If your dog has them remember to include them in your dog nail trimming routine. These nails don’t touch the ground, so they don’t wear down as fast as the others as your dog walks on rough surfaces. Trimming your dog’s nails regularly will easily prevent these problems.

How do I know when my dog’s nails need to be trimmed?When your dog’s nails are beginning to curve is one indication that your dog’s nails need a trim. And if you hear a clicking or tapping sound as your dog walks across a bare floor it’s definitely time for a nail trimming. But it is best not to wait that long – once or twice a month is usually a good rule of thumb for dog nail trimming.

If you let your dog’s nails grow too long then it could take some time to get them back to a healthy length again. Regularly trimming the tips of your dog’s nails is the best approach. Some dogs walk and run on rough surfaces and are able to wear down their nails, but most dogs will need some help. You will get to know how fast your dog’s nails grow if you routinely inspect your pet’s nails.

Even if you don’t actually trim them each time, regular inspection will help assure that your dog’s feet stay healthy. So, make nail inspection and trimming an important part of your dog’s routine grooming.

When should I start trimming my dog’s nails?If you’re starting with a puppy the answer is as soon as you bring your new puppy home. If you have an adult or an older dog the answer is pretty much the same – right now. If you start early it probably will not take too long for your puppy to adjust to a nail trimming routine. Make a habit of handling your puppy’s feet everyday. Nail trimming will be much easier if your puppy doesn’t mind having his feet handled.

Adult dogs, just like people, are usually set in their ways. So if your adult dog initially resists getting his nails trimmed you will most likely need to spend a lot more time getting him used to the procedure. As with a puppy, it’s a good idea to start getting your dog used to having his feet handled before you attempt to clip your dog’s nails. Be very patient and don’t rush into the procedure.

Bring out the clipping tools ahead of time and let your dog become familiar with them. It is important that you remain calm. If you’re nervous, your dog will sense it and associate fear or uncertainty with dog nail trimming. If your dog is nervous use gentle reassurance, but don’t coddle your dog. Let your dog know that you expect him to behave, but don’t push it too far.

If your dog can only manage to tolerate getting one toenail trimmed that’s all right. Just be persistent and try for another nail at another time. And always remember to reward good behavior with your dog's favorite treat. How can I cut my dog’s nails when he doesn’t like his feet touched?

Have patience and start working on getting your dog used to having his feet handled. This must be done gradually, so don’t rush it. Try gently touching one foot while your dog is asleep. If your dog wakes up be very casual about it. Just remove your hand and act as if you didn’t even notice that you were touching his paw. Anytime your dog resists don’t react, just ignore the fact that you were even holding his paw and try again another time. Repeat this process and over time your dog will adjust to having his feet handled and you should even be able to start touching individual toes without an adverse reaction.

Whenever your dog allows you to touch his feet always remember to praise your dog and give him a dog treat. Your dog will begin to associate having his feet handled with a pleasant experience. Bring out the nail clippers when your dog is very comfortable with you handling his feet and you are confident that you have gained your dog’s trust.Will my dog ever adjust to getting her nails trimmed?

Many dogs may never like to get their nails trimmed, but if done regularly over time, dogs can learn to sit through this routine grooming procedure. Other dogs may never sit still. If you can’t get your dog to sit still you may need to recruit the help of another person to hold your dog while you trim her nails. While some dogs can be distracted by dog treats alone, others may also have to be held. You may want to try clipping your dog’s nails after a full day of exercise when your dog is looking to take a long nap. Tired dogs tend to be less resistant.

If you know that your dog tends to bite when stressed out, for safety sake you should muzzle your pet before you begin a dog nail trimming procedure. If the task of trimming your dog’s nails proves to be too much, find a professional dog groomer or veterinarian for this part of your dog’s routine grooming. If you can’t get your dog to cooperate it’s better that your dog doesn’t associate you with this negative experience. If you know that your dog tends to react in an aggressive manner, be sure to let your groomer know what to expect so that the necessary safety precautions can be taken before they begin a dog nail trimming session.What is the quick and what do I need to know about it?

The quick is the living part of a dog’s nail and has blood vessels running throughout. Cutting into the quick during dog nail trimming is painful for your dog and will result in bleeding. If your dog has light colored nails your job will be easier since you will be able to see the quick. It will be impossible to see the quick if your dog’s nails are black or dark in color. If your dog has at least one light colored nail you can usually use that nail as a guide for the others. If dog nail trimming is completely new to you, ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how to trim your dog’s nails or consult a good dog care book.

Another important fact to note is that the quick grows with the nail. As a dog’s nails grow longer the quick will also lengthen. So if your dog’s nails are over grown you will not be able to clip the nails to the desired length without cutting into the quick. You will need to trim the tips of your dog’s nails often and over time the quick will shorten. To avoid cutting into the quick you’ll want to start by trimming small pieces of the nail until you get the hang of it.

Help, I’ve cut my dog’s nail too short and now my dog is bleeding! What do I do now?

Don’t panic. Your dog is in a little pain but the prognosis is good – your dog will live! You’ve cut into the quick, the blood-filled tissue in your dog’s nail. To stop the bleeding take a pinch of styptic powder and press it against the bleeding toenail. Now give your dog lots of treats. The nail should stop bleeding in about 5-10 minutes.Try not to baby your dog too much. You don’t want to bring a lot of unnecessary attention to the injured nail. You’ll be surprised at how easily your dog will be distracted by the dog treats if you’re not making a big deal out of the bleeding toenail. So just stay calm and upbeat and you may be able to finish your dog nail-trimming task.

If your dog is calm and enjoying the treats it's best to continue trimming. If you didn’t finish with the paw that you were working on you may want to continue on another paw and come back to that one after you have finished the rest. If your dog is too excited you may need to try again at a later time. Don’t be discouraged, even professional dog groomers occasionally cut into the quick.

If my dog’s nails are over grown how can dog nail trimming get them back to a healthy length?You will need to trim your dog’s nails regularly. Start by clipping very small pieces of the nail tip until you can see a dark, round, kind of moist looking disk appear in the middle of the nail. This means you’re approaching the quick and the nail will bleed if you cut it any shorter.

Try trimming this far every week or two and the quick will gradually recede. Over time the length of the nail can be shortened. Cutting into the quick to shorten a dog’s over grown nails could lead to an infection. If your dog’s nails are extremely over grown and this condition is causing health issues consult your veterinarian immediately.

Trimming your dog’s nails is one of the regular home dog grooming tasks that helps to keep your dog healthy and active. As with most dog grooming tasks, rewarding your dog for positive behavior is an important part in your dog’s acceptance of the activity. It’s always best when your dog can associate the attention you lavish on him or her with a positive, happy memory. Learning the tricks to proper dog nail trimming, training your dog with positive feedback, and showing patience and love will make the time you spend together a reward in itself.

- by Teresa James, Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com

So there you have it - a complete guide to trimming your dog's nails.

Of course, if you're still apprehensive, you can always take your dog to the vet or to a dog groomer, who will cut your dog's nails in no time, with very little fuss!

clip dog claws clip dog nails clipping dog nails cutting dog nails dog claws dog nails how to cut dog nails trim dog nails trimming dog nails

Pets give us companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love. In short, pets add a lot of happiness to our lives. That is why I find it so disturbing how so many people mistreat their pets. Pet owners often leave their pets at home all day without even considering options like hiring a pet sitter to take care of them. And if you're going away, even for a night or two, unless you have a pet sitter, pet walker, or a particularly friendly neighbor to see to your pet, pet boarding is not just a consideration, it is essential.

Pets have been bred over generations to depend on human companionship, and in turn, pet owners should take pet ownership seriously. If we are going to have pets as companions, we owe them the loyalty of watching over their needs while we are not at home.

There are more pet boarding kennels in most cities than you expect. You see, pet boarding has become a bigger and bigger business. People are just now becoming aware of how much their pets are like them. Animals have emotional empathy, keen intellect, and even a well developed sense of self. Traditionally, pet kennels were only designed for extended trips. People would not board their pets for less than a day or two at a time, counting on the dogs or cats to be able to take care of themselves while their owners were gone. Today, however, there are more and more doggie day care places. These may be specialized pet day care facilities, or they may be integrated with the longer term pet boarding kennels.

Not all pet boarding facilities are the same, and you need to take into account your pet's individual temperament when you choose one for your pet. For example, if you have a very social dog – especially if it is a medium-sized or large dog – you might want to take it to a service offering day boarding for dogs. Many of these places allow the dogs to socialize together, which can be quite fun for them.

For smaller dogs, or especially for cats, you might want to consider hiring an individual pet sitter. Smaller dogs often feel threatened by the larger ones and do not have much fun with them at pet boarding centers.

Cats are often not social creatures and do not do well in group pet boarding environments, unless they are specialized catteries.
However, these general rules don't necessarily apply for all small dogs or all small cats. You need to observe your dog or cat with other members of its own species before you can really make an informed decision about what type of pet boarding is best for your pet.

Pet Sitters

dog boarding kennel dog boarding kennels dog sitter walkers dog sitters house and dog sitters national association of professional pet sitters pet boarding pet boarding facilities pet boarding facility pet boarding kennel pet sitters pet sitters association pet sitters international professional pet sitter