The Christmas holidays are fast approaching! While you're busy decorating and preparing your home for guests, here are a few important tips to keep your dog safe this season.
The Christmas Tree
Tinsel, small ornaments, and ornament hooks are major choking hazards for dogs. It's best to avoid tinsel altogether and keep small ornaments high on the tree, out of the dog's reach. Also, make sure there are no stray ornament hooks on the floor!
If your family has a real tree (as opposed to an artificial tree), it's best to block off the area around the tree with a screen or gate. Many dogs become ill from drinking tree water and ingesting pine needles. Vacuum the area around the tree regularly.
Holiday Guests
It's exciting to have family and friends over during the holidays—even for your dog! But there are certain precautions you should take when having company over.
Dogs can easily slip out the door when people are continuously going in and out. Make sure your dog is wearing an identification tag with your phone number, even if he is micro-chipped. Not everyone who finds a lost dog knows to have him checked for a micro-chip.
Your guests may adore your dog, but don't let them give your dog any food without asking. Children especially may want to give the dog a treat—hand them a safe treat and supervise while they give it to the dog. Under no circumstances should your dog be given turkey or chicken bones. They are too small and are a serious choking hazard. As an alternative, buy a marrow bone at the grocery store as a special holiday treat.
Why You Shouldn't Give Dogs as Gifts
Bringing a new dog into the family is a wonderful thing, especially if you adopt a dog from a shelter. However, giving a dog as a Christmas gift is never a good idea. Regardless of whether the dog is a puppy or an adult, his first few days in your home should be all about him. The holidays, for most families, are too chaotic and busy for a dog to get used to his new environment, and he may become anxious or frightened.
A great idea for families who want to give their children a dog for Christmas is to gift wrap a dog bone. When the child opens it, tell them it's for the new dog that you'll be getting in a few weeks. Or you can leave a note from Santa explaining that he didn't have enough room on his sleigh and will be coming back with the dog. Animal shelters are flooded every January with dogs who were given as Christmas gifts—so January is a great time to adopt a dog who needs a home.
Lastly, it's always a good idea to have your vet's phone number posted in a visible spot. Your vet's office should have someone answering the phone 24/7.
The most important thing to remember, amidst all the chaos of the holidays, is to always know where your dog is and what he's up to. That way everyone in your home, including the four-legged family members, can have a Merry Christmas.
Copyright (c) 2007 Jennifer Koretsky
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Herding Dog Breed. Alert, Busy And Determined. Clear The Way! Here Comes The Herding Dog"
Herding dog breed. A Short History of Herding Dogs
The herding dog has a long history, tracing as far back as Neolithic times in Europe when early farmers and domesticators in lands that are now Britain needed a more efficient, quicker way to move livestock from one place to another.
These early herding dogs were very large and powerful dogs. They were generally rough with the livestock and could be quite hard to control for their owners, but had an uncanny ability to gather and herd livestock.
By the nineteenth century, it became apparent that a dog that was both more versatile and more gentle with the animals was needed. Farmers could not afford to feed multiple large dogs for their needs.
They required a single dog who could not only nimbly gather and keep an eye on sheep and other livestock, but also hunt game and sniff out sheep that might have been buried in snow.
With a bond so close that required the farmer to trust his dog explicitly, he also needed an animal that was more cooperative and affectionate. It needed to be sensitive to the human voice, a whistle and hand gestures as it would be working alone, far away from the farmer in the field.
For that reason, there were multiple breeds introduced into the early strain of herding dogs.
The Whippet was selected because it was both quiet and quick. Pointers and setters were used to provide a good nose and a keen eye. Eventually, the perfect breed of dog developed –one that had a superior athletic inclination, light and fast movement, unmistakable livestock sense, and a good temperament that easily matched its handler.
The first modern herding dog, the Border Collie was introduced in 1894 in Northumbria, along the English and Scottish Border.
In other countries, the same early ancestors of that first Border Collie began to spread out, taking on work in the growing expanse of the United States West. Cattle herding dogs soon became common and immigrants arrived with other livestock that could live comfortably off of the land, along with their herding dogs.
Today, there are many breeds of herding dogs, all developed in the same manner or from the same breeding as the Border Collie, with the goal of creating a breed that was both quick and quiet, but able to bond well with its owner and seek out livestock easily.
Various types of herding dogs included the German Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Australian Cattle Dog, Bearded Collie, and many more.
Each breed has become well known in the years since those early breeds were developed as a loyal, intelligent and highly trainable breed of dog. Today, most herding dogs are kept as pets by families rather than used in the field to herd sheep.
Because they were bred to connect with their owners so well and be so sociable, herding dogs make ideal pets, both gentle and familiar with children and playful with adults.
Herding dogs have a vast supply of energy and a seemingly human-like intelligence at times, all hallmarks of their careful breeding.
The herding dog has a long history, tracing as far back as Neolithic times in Europe when early farmers and domesticators in lands that are now Britain needed a more efficient, quicker way to move livestock from one place to another.
These early herding dogs were very large and powerful dogs. They were generally rough with the livestock and could be quite hard to control for their owners, but had an uncanny ability to gather and herd livestock.
By the nineteenth century, it became apparent that a dog that was both more versatile and more gentle with the animals was needed. Farmers could not afford to feed multiple large dogs for their needs.
They required a single dog who could not only nimbly gather and keep an eye on sheep and other livestock, but also hunt game and sniff out sheep that might have been buried in snow.
With a bond so close that required the farmer to trust his dog explicitly, he also needed an animal that was more cooperative and affectionate. It needed to be sensitive to the human voice, a whistle and hand gestures as it would be working alone, far away from the farmer in the field.
For that reason, there were multiple breeds introduced into the early strain of herding dogs.
The Whippet was selected because it was both quiet and quick. Pointers and setters were used to provide a good nose and a keen eye. Eventually, the perfect breed of dog developed –one that had a superior athletic inclination, light and fast movement, unmistakable livestock sense, and a good temperament that easily matched its handler.
The first modern herding dog, the Border Collie was introduced in 1894 in Northumbria, along the English and Scottish Border.
In other countries, the same early ancestors of that first Border Collie began to spread out, taking on work in the growing expanse of the United States West. Cattle herding dogs soon became common and immigrants arrived with other livestock that could live comfortably off of the land, along with their herding dogs.
Today, there are many breeds of herding dogs, all developed in the same manner or from the same breeding as the Border Collie, with the goal of creating a breed that was both quick and quiet, but able to bond well with its owner and seek out livestock easily.
Various types of herding dogs included the German Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Australian Cattle Dog, Bearded Collie, and many more.
Each breed has become well known in the years since those early breeds were developed as a loyal, intelligent and highly trainable breed of dog. Today, most herding dogs are kept as pets by families rather than used in the field to herd sheep.
Because they were bred to connect with their owners so well and be so sociable, herding dogs make ideal pets, both gentle and familiar with children and playful with adults.
Herding dogs have a vast supply of energy and a seemingly human-like intelligence at times, all hallmarks of their careful breeding.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Is Your Dachshund Sick?
You feel that you have been taking good care of your Dachshund since the day he entered your door. But despite your best efforts to ensure his health, sickness will always find its way to invade your dog's life. Some of these illnesses are common and curable. But these common and curable illnesses can be the way to serious and dangerous disease if left untreated at the right time.
A Dachshund is characterized with long spinal column and short rib cage. That is the reason why they are more prone to health problems related to spine. They are more likely to suffer intervertebral disk disease, one of the most common canine back problems affecting Dachshund dogs. Intervertebral disk disease occurs when the jelly like in the inner layer of the disk protrudes through the fibrous outer layer into the vertebral canal and presses on the spinal cord.
This intervertebral disk disease comes in three types. Type 1, usually appears in dogs three to six years of age. In this type, the rupture in the vertebral canal may increase because the disks of dogs become more like cartilage than fibrous tissue. Type 11 is just a partial protrusion and appears in dogs six to ten years of age. Type 111 is usually rare but causes damage the most. In this type, the disc herniates severally and may actually enter the spinal cord and cause severe damage. This damage may be so severe and incurable and may require euthanasia.
A dachshund suffering from this disease may feel pain in the region of the neck and weakness or paralysis in the limbs. IVDD can be treated through anti inflammatory medication and in surgery in serious cases to relieve the spinal cord. Other treatments include hydrotherapy, massage and herbal homeopathic treatments.
Diabetes is another disease that may affect your Dachshund. Diabetes is common to dogs especially to obese ones. A dachshund with diabetes may want to drink more and urinate more. Other symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, dehydration and cataract formation. Diabetes left untreated may result to ketotic and additional symptoms such as depression, weakness, vomiting and rapid breathing may be experienced.
Canine diabetes is treated through careful diet and insulin therapy, just like in humans. Foods rich in fiber and carbohydrates are recommended to dogs with diabetes.
Some Dachshunds are found out to have urolithiasis, a disease caused by excessive amount of crystals in the urinary tract. Symptoms of this disease include frequent urination, bloody and dribbling urine, weakness, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and pain. Contact your veterinarian for recommendations on treatment when your dog has any of these symptoms.
Selective breeding plays an important role in prevention of these diseases. Dogs with any of these diseases should not be included in breeding to prevent dogs from acquiring disease.
A Dachshund is characterized with long spinal column and short rib cage. That is the reason why they are more prone to health problems related to spine. They are more likely to suffer intervertebral disk disease, one of the most common canine back problems affecting Dachshund dogs. Intervertebral disk disease occurs when the jelly like in the inner layer of the disk protrudes through the fibrous outer layer into the vertebral canal and presses on the spinal cord.
This intervertebral disk disease comes in three types. Type 1, usually appears in dogs three to six years of age. In this type, the rupture in the vertebral canal may increase because the disks of dogs become more like cartilage than fibrous tissue. Type 11 is just a partial protrusion and appears in dogs six to ten years of age. Type 111 is usually rare but causes damage the most. In this type, the disc herniates severally and may actually enter the spinal cord and cause severe damage. This damage may be so severe and incurable and may require euthanasia.
A dachshund suffering from this disease may feel pain in the region of the neck and weakness or paralysis in the limbs. IVDD can be treated through anti inflammatory medication and in surgery in serious cases to relieve the spinal cord. Other treatments include hydrotherapy, massage and herbal homeopathic treatments.
Diabetes is another disease that may affect your Dachshund. Diabetes is common to dogs especially to obese ones. A dachshund with diabetes may want to drink more and urinate more. Other symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, dehydration and cataract formation. Diabetes left untreated may result to ketotic and additional symptoms such as depression, weakness, vomiting and rapid breathing may be experienced.
Canine diabetes is treated through careful diet and insulin therapy, just like in humans. Foods rich in fiber and carbohydrates are recommended to dogs with diabetes.
Some Dachshunds are found out to have urolithiasis, a disease caused by excessive amount of crystals in the urinary tract. Symptoms of this disease include frequent urination, bloody and dribbling urine, weakness, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and pain. Contact your veterinarian for recommendations on treatment when your dog has any of these symptoms.
Selective breeding plays an important role in prevention of these diseases. Dogs with any of these diseases should not be included in breeding to prevent dogs from acquiring disease.
Why Selective Breeding Is Important To A Chihuahua
Being the smallest breed of dog in the world, that is what a Chihuahua is known for. They are very popular even to celebrities. More and more people now are breeding them because of their popularity. However, prospective Chihuahua buyers should make sure that the puppy is not suffering from any health diseases.
Diseases may be acquired through the environment or lifestyle and through inheritance. That is the reason why you should get your Chihuahua from a reputable dog breeder. Chihuahua that has not gone through careful selective breeding may suffer from various health problems because of genetic defects.
One disease that could affect a Chihuahua is patellar luxation. A condition wherein the patella or kneecap buried in the tendon of the muscle of the thigh slips out and back of the tendon. Ignoring this disease may lead to lameness and may cause deformity and disorder in the growth of the affected limb. This disease is not just genetically inherited but can also be acquired through other diseases such as hip dysplasia.
Patellar luxation is not the only disease that affects a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas, as well as other toy breeds are also prone to Hydrocephalus. Aside from having large head, a dog with hydrocephalus usually have patchy skull platelets instead of solid bone. They may also exhibit depression, severe loss of movement coordination, eye abnormalities, seizures and vision problems. They are also lethargic and grow slowly compared to their siblings. This disease is either congenital or acquired through head injuries, tumors, parasitic or other infections.
Another disease that could hinder deteriorate a dog's health is hemophilia, a bleeding disorder characterized by bleeding of the gums, skin in the hind legs, the knee joint, chest or abdomen, forehead and shoulder. Another signs include cough and lameness. Dogs with severe hemophilia usually results in complications in the central nervous system.
Cystinuria is another disease known to affect dog breeds not just Chihuahuas but also Dalmatians, Dachshunds and Basset Hounds. This is a condition wherein crystine crystals are being formed in the urine leading to stone formations in the kidneys and bladder causing irritation and infection. A dog with cystinuria may exhibit blood in the urine, difficulty and pain in urinating which is usually in small frequent amounts. This disease may damage the kidney if left untreated.
While it is normal for some dogs to shed, hair loss or alopecia along with skin lesions may not be normal to Chihuahuas. These two signs may indicate Demodicosis, an infestation of Demodectic mites usually caused by immune system disorders, hypothyroidism, poor nutrition, cancer and exposure to substances that may lead to development of cancer.
These are just few of the diseases that may hinder your dog's normal activities. Selective breeding is important that just for the sole purpose of developing good looking and adorable Chihuahuas but more importantly, to ensure that they are free from genetic defects.
Diseases may be acquired through the environment or lifestyle and through inheritance. That is the reason why you should get your Chihuahua from a reputable dog breeder. Chihuahua that has not gone through careful selective breeding may suffer from various health problems because of genetic defects.
One disease that could affect a Chihuahua is patellar luxation. A condition wherein the patella or kneecap buried in the tendon of the muscle of the thigh slips out and back of the tendon. Ignoring this disease may lead to lameness and may cause deformity and disorder in the growth of the affected limb. This disease is not just genetically inherited but can also be acquired through other diseases such as hip dysplasia.
Patellar luxation is not the only disease that affects a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas, as well as other toy breeds are also prone to Hydrocephalus. Aside from having large head, a dog with hydrocephalus usually have patchy skull platelets instead of solid bone. They may also exhibit depression, severe loss of movement coordination, eye abnormalities, seizures and vision problems. They are also lethargic and grow slowly compared to their siblings. This disease is either congenital or acquired through head injuries, tumors, parasitic or other infections.
Another disease that could hinder deteriorate a dog's health is hemophilia, a bleeding disorder characterized by bleeding of the gums, skin in the hind legs, the knee joint, chest or abdomen, forehead and shoulder. Another signs include cough and lameness. Dogs with severe hemophilia usually results in complications in the central nervous system.
Cystinuria is another disease known to affect dog breeds not just Chihuahuas but also Dalmatians, Dachshunds and Basset Hounds. This is a condition wherein crystine crystals are being formed in the urine leading to stone formations in the kidneys and bladder causing irritation and infection. A dog with cystinuria may exhibit blood in the urine, difficulty and pain in urinating which is usually in small frequent amounts. This disease may damage the kidney if left untreated.
While it is normal for some dogs to shed, hair loss or alopecia along with skin lesions may not be normal to Chihuahuas. These two signs may indicate Demodicosis, an infestation of Demodectic mites usually caused by immune system disorders, hypothyroidism, poor nutrition, cancer and exposure to substances that may lead to development of cancer.
These are just few of the diseases that may hinder your dog's normal activities. Selective breeding is important that just for the sole purpose of developing good looking and adorable Chihuahuas but more importantly, to ensure that they are free from genetic defects.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Is Your Vet Still Overvaccinating Your Dog?
Is your dog being overvaccinated and your vet is not following the new guidelines? How many of you are still getting annual “shots” for your dog? Has your vet told you that there is a “new” protocol for vaccinating your dog? I say “new” loosely because the guidelines have been around for over 5 years now! That is beside the point, lets just go with the new guidelines given out by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) last year in 2006.
First, a bit of information about the vaccination of your dog. The most common other vaccination given to your dog besides rabies is a 5 or a 6 in one shot. Meaning there are 5 or 6 different types of diseases your dog is being vaccinated for in one shot. The common acronym for this vaccine is DHLPP and sometimes added in there is a C. The letters each stand for a different disease – D=Distemper, H=Hepatitis (also known as Adenovirus), L=Leptospirosis, P=Parvo, P=Parainfluenza, and C=Corona.
For the new guidelines lets take the three core vaccines, the three that your dog should be vaccinated for Distemper, Parvo and Hepatitis (Adenovirus). After your dog has been initially vaccinated for these three core diseases usually as a puppy and then a year later with a booster, your dog has prolonged immunity against those diseases. What do I mean by prolonged immunity, well the research shows, your dog is immune for 6 to 9 years! That’s correct! The research done by reputable immunologists, such as Dr. Ronald Schultz, shows that after the initial puppy vaccination and a one year booster many dogs are protected for the majority of their life. WIth this new research AAHA developed some new guidelines. Their suggestion or guidelines, after puppy vaccination and the yearly booster is that the three core vaccines, only need to be boostered every three years. So according to the AAHA guidelines, instead of annual revaccination, your dog really only needs to be revaccinated every three years.
In fact, did you know, annual vaccination of your dog can cause severe diseases. Overvaccination has been linked to cancer, allergies, and other auto-immune diseases such as Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. More research needs to be done but many of the recent studies show these links exist. In fact, in cats, overvaccination has been proven to cause sarcomas, a very severe cancer.
So now the question becomes, if the vaccines have been shown to produce immunity that lasts quite a bit longer than what was originally thought and annual vaccination might be the cause of certain allergies and other immune system diseases including cancer, then why has my vet not told me about this? Unfortunately, the answer is money, if not money then it is pure ignorance on your vet’s part. Yes ignorance, as in not current in their education or just an unwillingness to change because the old way is the way things have always been done. Money is the other answer and no it is not because veterinarians are greedy, but rather in many veterinary offices, 33% of the annual income comes from vaccinations. This is a large percentage of income that with the new guidelines will be cut. Veterinarians are not prepared for that kind of an income cut. Many could go out of business. Many clinics do not have the management skills or their other services are not priced correctly to compensate for that kind of an income loss. So changing to the new vaccination guidelines although would benefit your animals health can be a tough business decision for the owner of the veterinary clinic. Just remember though you have a responsibility as a pet owner for the health and well being of your pet and less vaccinations IS better for your pet, regardless of the business problems that some clinics may have going to the new guidelines.
So if your veterinarian is still requesting annual vaccinations, ask why. Be informed, make the right decisions, choose to protect the health of your dog by learning what your veterinarian is giving to your dog and why – specifically why, not just because he is the vet and it is to better the health of your dog. Ask questions, be dangerous!
First, a bit of information about the vaccination of your dog. The most common other vaccination given to your dog besides rabies is a 5 or a 6 in one shot. Meaning there are 5 or 6 different types of diseases your dog is being vaccinated for in one shot. The common acronym for this vaccine is DHLPP and sometimes added in there is a C. The letters each stand for a different disease – D=Distemper, H=Hepatitis (also known as Adenovirus), L=Leptospirosis, P=Parvo, P=Parainfluenza, and C=Corona.
For the new guidelines lets take the three core vaccines, the three that your dog should be vaccinated for Distemper, Parvo and Hepatitis (Adenovirus). After your dog has been initially vaccinated for these three core diseases usually as a puppy and then a year later with a booster, your dog has prolonged immunity against those diseases. What do I mean by prolonged immunity, well the research shows, your dog is immune for 6 to 9 years! That’s correct! The research done by reputable immunologists, such as Dr. Ronald Schultz, shows that after the initial puppy vaccination and a one year booster many dogs are protected for the majority of their life. WIth this new research AAHA developed some new guidelines. Their suggestion or guidelines, after puppy vaccination and the yearly booster is that the three core vaccines, only need to be boostered every three years. So according to the AAHA guidelines, instead of annual revaccination, your dog really only needs to be revaccinated every three years.
In fact, did you know, annual vaccination of your dog can cause severe diseases. Overvaccination has been linked to cancer, allergies, and other auto-immune diseases such as Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. More research needs to be done but many of the recent studies show these links exist. In fact, in cats, overvaccination has been proven to cause sarcomas, a very severe cancer.
So now the question becomes, if the vaccines have been shown to produce immunity that lasts quite a bit longer than what was originally thought and annual vaccination might be the cause of certain allergies and other immune system diseases including cancer, then why has my vet not told me about this? Unfortunately, the answer is money, if not money then it is pure ignorance on your vet’s part. Yes ignorance, as in not current in their education or just an unwillingness to change because the old way is the way things have always been done. Money is the other answer and no it is not because veterinarians are greedy, but rather in many veterinary offices, 33% of the annual income comes from vaccinations. This is a large percentage of income that with the new guidelines will be cut. Veterinarians are not prepared for that kind of an income cut. Many could go out of business. Many clinics do not have the management skills or their other services are not priced correctly to compensate for that kind of an income loss. So changing to the new vaccination guidelines although would benefit your animals health can be a tough business decision for the owner of the veterinary clinic. Just remember though you have a responsibility as a pet owner for the health and well being of your pet and less vaccinations IS better for your pet, regardless of the business problems that some clinics may have going to the new guidelines.
So if your veterinarian is still requesting annual vaccinations, ask why. Be informed, make the right decisions, choose to protect the health of your dog by learning what your veterinarian is giving to your dog and why – specifically why, not just because he is the vet and it is to better the health of your dog. Ask questions, be dangerous!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Gundog Breed. Eager, Bold And Loyal. "Welcome The Sporting Gun Dog"
Gundog Breed. A brief history of the Gun dog
Ever since their domestication, dogs have helped humans hunt, something that they continue to do today. Gundogs, which are also known as bird dogs, are canines that have been bred to assist in the hunt through a variety of different ways.
What might surprise you is the fact that gundogs can often be excellent family pets as well invaluable companions in the field.
The term gundog refers to a wide variety of breeds that all help human hunters take down their prey; typically, gundogs fall into one of two different categories. The first type of gundogs are called pointers or setters. Irish Setters and English Setters are two dog breeds included in this category.
Essentially, the setter will range ahead of the hunter and when the gundog detects game, it will crouch and point out the game to the hunter. The hunter will then flush the game himself. The second type of gundog is called a flushing dog and these dogs stay closer to their masters.
They never go further than the gun's range and when they find game, they will flush it up into the air. When the target has been shot, the dog is given a signal to retrieve the fallen prey. Golden retrievers and cocker spaniels are two dog breeds that fall into this category.
The history of gundogs goes back nearly to the time that they were domesticated.
It seems that it did not take very long before dog breeds started to develop based on what use they were. Terriers, for example, were bred to fight and kill animals that lived in small holes and tight tunnels, while hounds were meant to chase and corner larger game.
Gundogs started being developed when men started using ranged weapons, but with the advent of the gun as a hunting weapon, they were quickly refined and specialize for this type of hunt.
Gun dogs are bred for their energy, their endurance, and their discipline.
Gundogs, despite their ability for an active, long-spanning working life, often make excellent family pets. Retrievers are known to be an extremely trustworthy breed around children, as are Irish Setters. Cocker spaniels and fox terriers are excellent for families with older children, as these breeds are somewhat excitable and incline to nip when started.
As with any dog, make sure that your children are comfortable with and know how to handle them. While gundogs in general do make good companions, remember that you should always look at the dog breeds involved and see which breed will suit your living situation the best.
If you decide to get a gundog as a family pet, remember that these are typically very active breeds. While they don't require an excessive amount of exercise, you should definitely be ready to make a commitment to their health and energy.
Many gundogs are also intensely social and will suffer more from social neglect than they will from lack of exercise. These breeds are known to be destructive and difficult to handle if bored, so make sure that you are ready for the commitment that these breeds represent.
If you keep these factors in mind, you will be able to ensure that you have an excellent companion in a gundog!
Ever since their domestication, dogs have helped humans hunt, something that they continue to do today. Gundogs, which are also known as bird dogs, are canines that have been bred to assist in the hunt through a variety of different ways.
What might surprise you is the fact that gundogs can often be excellent family pets as well invaluable companions in the field.
The term gundog refers to a wide variety of breeds that all help human hunters take down their prey; typically, gundogs fall into one of two different categories. The first type of gundogs are called pointers or setters. Irish Setters and English Setters are two dog breeds included in this category.
Essentially, the setter will range ahead of the hunter and when the gundog detects game, it will crouch and point out the game to the hunter. The hunter will then flush the game himself. The second type of gundog is called a flushing dog and these dogs stay closer to their masters.
They never go further than the gun's range and when they find game, they will flush it up into the air. When the target has been shot, the dog is given a signal to retrieve the fallen prey. Golden retrievers and cocker spaniels are two dog breeds that fall into this category.
The history of gundogs goes back nearly to the time that they were domesticated.
It seems that it did not take very long before dog breeds started to develop based on what use they were. Terriers, for example, were bred to fight and kill animals that lived in small holes and tight tunnels, while hounds were meant to chase and corner larger game.
Gundogs started being developed when men started using ranged weapons, but with the advent of the gun as a hunting weapon, they were quickly refined and specialize for this type of hunt.
Gun dogs are bred for their energy, their endurance, and their discipline.
Gundogs, despite their ability for an active, long-spanning working life, often make excellent family pets. Retrievers are known to be an extremely trustworthy breed around children, as are Irish Setters. Cocker spaniels and fox terriers are excellent for families with older children, as these breeds are somewhat excitable and incline to nip when started.
As with any dog, make sure that your children are comfortable with and know how to handle them. While gundogs in general do make good companions, remember that you should always look at the dog breeds involved and see which breed will suit your living situation the best.
If you decide to get a gundog as a family pet, remember that these are typically very active breeds. While they don't require an excessive amount of exercise, you should definitely be ready to make a commitment to their health and energy.
Many gundogs are also intensely social and will suffer more from social neglect than they will from lack of exercise. These breeds are known to be destructive and difficult to handle if bored, so make sure that you are ready for the commitment that these breeds represent.
If you keep these factors in mind, you will be able to ensure that you have an excellent companion in a gundog!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Home Remedies for Fleas
Many people treat their pets as family, and justly so. Well, when one of your children, or another family member has a rash or infection you take care of it as quickly as possible. Pets also deserve the same quick attention to keep them healthy. Instead of a huge vet bill, why not try an herbal remedy when your pet gets attacked by fleas. here are a few home remedy suggestions you can try.
Give An Herb Bath
At the first sign of a flea, bathe your pet with a natural pet shampoo that contains flea-repellent herbs. Pennyroyal or eucalyptus oil boost the bathwater's flea killing power. A badly infested dog needs a bath about every two weeks; a cat, about once a month.
Clean, Clean, and Clean Some More
Especially in the Summer, wash the pets bedding in hot soapy water once a week, and dry it in a hot dryer. Also vacuum your rugs every two to three days. Ninty percent of fleas are found where your pet sleeps.
Use Natural Powders
They generally contain such herbs as rosemary, rue, wormwood, pennyroyal, eucalyptus, or citronella, and sometimes tobacco powder. You can also dust the powder, or just diatomaceous earth, in all the nooks and crannyies you can't reach by vacuuming.
Diatomaceous earth is a great home remedy that removes the fleas waxy coating and dries them out, which kills them. Caution: Wear a dust mask to avoid the easily inhaled, finely ground diatomaceous earth used in swimming pool filteres; and pennyroyal and tobacco powder in large quantities can be toxic to you and your pets.
Attack Internally
Finally, add garlic and brewer's yeast to your pet's diet. Even try rubbing the yeast into your pet's fur. Both ingredients are said to make a flea's taste buds curl in disgust. There's no scientific proof, but some pet owners swear by this home remedy.
Preventitive care goes a long way with pets. Obviously they can't talk to you and let you know that they are beginning to host fleas, so be aware of your pet's behaviour and try these herbal remedies at the first sign.
Give An Herb Bath
At the first sign of a flea, bathe your pet with a natural pet shampoo that contains flea-repellent herbs. Pennyroyal or eucalyptus oil boost the bathwater's flea killing power. A badly infested dog needs a bath about every two weeks; a cat, about once a month.
Clean, Clean, and Clean Some More
Especially in the Summer, wash the pets bedding in hot soapy water once a week, and dry it in a hot dryer. Also vacuum your rugs every two to three days. Ninty percent of fleas are found where your pet sleeps.
Use Natural Powders
They generally contain such herbs as rosemary, rue, wormwood, pennyroyal, eucalyptus, or citronella, and sometimes tobacco powder. You can also dust the powder, or just diatomaceous earth, in all the nooks and crannyies you can't reach by vacuuming.
Diatomaceous earth is a great home remedy that removes the fleas waxy coating and dries them out, which kills them. Caution: Wear a dust mask to avoid the easily inhaled, finely ground diatomaceous earth used in swimming pool filteres; and pennyroyal and tobacco powder in large quantities can be toxic to you and your pets.
Attack Internally
Finally, add garlic and brewer's yeast to your pet's diet. Even try rubbing the yeast into your pet's fur. Both ingredients are said to make a flea's taste buds curl in disgust. There's no scientific proof, but some pet owners swear by this home remedy.
Preventitive care goes a long way with pets. Obviously they can't talk to you and let you know that they are beginning to host fleas, so be aware of your pet's behaviour and try these herbal remedies at the first sign.
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