Pets, Pet Care and More Pet Articles

Archive for April 21st, 2008

How to Train Dogs the Happy Way

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by Lisa Murray

When you’re trying to figure out how to train dogs you may feel like pulling your hair out at times but relax it’s not as hard as you might initially think. There is a way to make training your dog a positive experience for both of you.

I know that spanking a dog with the rolled up newspaper is the dog training method of choice for some but this just doesn’t cut it for many dog owners. (Not to mention that poor dog!) Many dog experts will tell you that you’ll get far better results with positive reinforcement than any other method. Plus your dog will love you for it!

Although at times it may seem like your dog’s sole mission on earth is to drive you absolutely nutty, that’s not true by a long shot. The problem is you’ve probably gotten so caught up in trying to figure out how to train dogs that you’ve forgotten that all your dog really wants is to make you happy. He’s just not sure how to do that.

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Still have doubts on the dangers of Chinese imports?

by Susan Thixton

For anyone that has the slightest doubt that Chinese imported pet food ingredients are still dangerous, I urge you to read the New York Times online article titled Impact of the Heparin Drug Scare. The most compelling Chinese import fear factor is within the photo included in the article of a heparin lab in China.

The photo speaks a thousand words. The FDA has linked 19 American deaths to the drug heparin which is used as a blood thinner in surgery and dialysis. You would think that all steps in the manufacturing of a human drug approved by the FDA would be performed in a sterile lab with scientists in white coats and masksthe photo in the NY Times article proves otherwise. Now, just imagine the manufacturing conditions of pet food ingredients. Sends chills up your spine.

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Your Cat and Ringworm

by Mike Roberts

Ringworm is a very common skin disease that can affect both dogs and cats. Although its name might make you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm at all.

Ringworm is actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes. This fungus feeds on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.

With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like clippers, bedding, or another animal that already has the disease. The ringworm fungi also can be picked up from your yard. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.

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Canine Dental Care

by Mike Roberts

Many people don’t realize that dental hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for human beings. Just like with people, dogs’ teeth can gather plaque after a meal. As plaque builds up and hardens, it becomes a coarse brown substance called tartar.

This tartar can accumulate and it work its way under the gums and cause painful infections and gum disease. This process goes on in the mouths of dogs just like it does in ours. You brush your teeth every day, and probably more then once. What about your dog?

Consider Brushing His Teeth

Most Veterinarians will recommend that dog owners brush their dog’s teeth at least twice a week to keep that buildup of tartar to a minimum. Many pet supply stores carry specially designed toothbrushes and toothpaste just for dogs.

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