CAT CARE DISEASE SYMPTOMS AND HOW TO RECOGNIZE THEM

When we feel pain in our bodies, we can easily tell someone that there is something wrong and that person will be able to take you to the infirmary. Pets cannot do that merely observing them can tell you a lot of things. which is why owners should employ cat care and be aware of the symptoms.

Here are a few diseases you should watch out for and their symptoms.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most feared disease by cat owners. It is a acknowledged fact, that it is the leading cause of death amongst cats. It is caused by a coronavirus infection and what is yet worse, is that the symptoms are very much like other diseases so it is really hard to diagnose.

There is also Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) that is similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Just like the version in humans, it is a life long infection that progresses slowly and kills the cat.

Cats may as well be infected by Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). This is a is a retrovirus that causes fatal cancerous and non cancerous diseases. As Luck Would Have It, it can be easily treated by using some household bleach and detergents, also your pet must be kept warm. This disease is transmissible through the saliva, tears, urine and feces of other cats that are infected. unlike the other two diseases, it cannot live that long in the environment. Hence, it is only transmissible when the infected cat stays with some other cat for any period of time.

Worms are another threat to cats and this is caused by a fungal infection that is spread through spores.. Since this disease is self limiting, you will not have do anything to make it clear up. It will in time clear up on its own, but it may take a few months to do so.

If you have a overweight cat, then the prospects are it will already have feline diabetes. The symptoms of this disease are pretty easy to see and are excessive urination and thirst as well as weight loss or gain. Veterinaries are of yet uncertain what is the cause of this, but recent research studies that have been done, have indicated that there is a link between pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalance and particular medications.

The symptoms of most of the diseases mentioned are very similar. These include diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for more than five days in one leg, a reduction in sight, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, repeated coughing or gagging and breathing heavily or rapidly at rest. In order to find the answer, your cat will have to undergo some tests.

Your veterinarian will take some blood, urine and feces samples and ask for input from you, about any observation you have made. When the tests results come back, only then will the proper treatment be administered to your cat as each case is different, so what worked for another cat may not have the self same positive effect with yours.

Your cat will always be healthy if you give it constant attention. This is done by feeding it superior quality natural food, giving it fresh water daily, allowing it to exercise, proper grooming, making sure it stays indoors and taking it for frequent visits to your veterinary surgeon.

If you miss any of these simple steps, then something wrong is certain to happen to your cat and you will soon notice a change in the behavior of your cat and if you do nothing about it, it is just going to make matters far worse. So you require to observe proper cat care and watch out for any symptoms.

CAT CARE

Below are some cat care tips we've compiled that will make life for both you and your cat happier and healthier.

Handle your cat frequently. Some cats just don't like to be picked up. If you can start handling your cat when it's a kitten, chances are better that it will enjoy the handling later in life. It will also be easier when it comes time for check-ups at the vet, having claws trimmed, etc. Also make sure you massage your cat's feet and toes often so your cat gets used to having it's paws restrained.

To prevent hairballs, improve the look of your cat's coat, and give yourself an excuse to check on your cat's well-being, groom your cat at least once a week. Most cats learn to enjoy the grooming process, although some will become over-excited by it and can only take so much.

Use weekly (or more frequent if possible) grooming sessions to examine your cat for common health problems. Check your cat's gums, teeth, eyes, ears (look for signs of ear mites), skin, and limbs for possible problems. Check for signs of pain, swelling or injury. Clip your cat's nails regularly. If your cat's claws get too long, they may curve back into the toe pad. It's also more likely that your cat's claws will get caught on something if they're not trimmed.

Every major cat care organization recommends keeping your cat indoors for safety, better health and a longer life.

One of the most important cat care tips is regarding the litter box. Place the litter box in a place your cat likes. The number one reason adult cats are brought to shelters is for unresolved litter box problems. Place the box in a relatively quiet area that your cat likes to frequent and make sure there are multiple escape routes. Also make sure to provide enough litter boxes for your cat. We suggest following the one plus one rule - one litter box for each cat in the house plus one more.

Play with your cat daily. Play with dangle toys and chase your cat around the house as much as possible. Get your cat exercising daily and it will help lower risks of diseases and minimize vet bills.

Give your cat at least 10 minutes of physical attention every day. Take time to pet, stroke, scratch or brush your cat for at least 10 minutes daily. It will calm and relax both not only your cat but you too. Recent evidence shows that contact with cats may actually reduce your risk of heart attack by as much as thirty percent! What a great bonus for giving good cat care!

Allow your cat to choose favorite spots to hang out around the house, then make them more comfortable with blankets and pillows..

Feed your cat premium cat food. High quality cat foods meeting AAFCO cat food standards will ensure that your cat gets a balanced diet with the right nutrients. Feline diets deficient in certain nutrients can cause diseases, including blindness.

Take your cat to the vet for a check-up at least once a year.

CAT TRAINING BASICS

Cats can be trained, but not in the same way as dogs. In general, dogs respond to commands to please their owners whereas cats perform to please themselves. Cats only do what you want them to do if there's some reward in store for them. Using this little piece of information, you can select positive training methods combine with lots of love and treats to achieve maximum results.

With plenty of patience, persistence and positive reinforcement, cats can also be taught to perform tricks and entertain audiences. However that's not most cat owners really want. Instead, what cat owners really want is for their cats to stay off countertops and refrain from climbing the draperies or clawing the furniture.

Here are pointers when training your cat:

Consistency and timing is the key to training your cat. Correct your cat's mistakes immediately if it does anything wrong. Your correction must be at that exact moment when you see the mistake being made, not minutes or hours later but immediately. If you don't correct immediately, later on if you come home, and find that while you were away, your cat has clawed and tarnished your furniture and then you start screaming at it, you will only succeed in making your cat fearful of you. Your cat does not have the ability to connect the corrective action to the misdeed hours after it happened.

If you are able to anticipate your cat's misbehavior, initiate your corrective action at the moment before your cat misbehaves. The end results will be much better.

Use a stern tone to reprimand. Your voice is your most accessible disciplinary tool. Use your voice in a stern but not overly forceful tone. At the same time, you can clap your hands sharply. Use a negative word such as "NO" or "BAD" and consistently use that word in a firm and stern tone whenever you correct your cat's behavior. In time to come, your cat will come to acknowledge it with bad behavior.

Avoid linking negative remarks with your cat's name. Refrain from using your cat's name in any reprimand. For example, do not say "No, Baby" or Bad girl, Baby". By refraining from such usage, your cat will only develop positive and pleasant associations when its name is being called.

Whatever training methods and tools you use, train your cat with love, not fear, so that your cat will learn to trust you, not fear you. Never ever strike your cat with your hand or any object. Be swift, stern and immediate when a correction is necessary and remember to communicate your displeasure clearly. But be even more generous with your praise and pats when your cat behaves appropriately.

A CAT WITH A URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Your cat has been diagnosed: he has a UTI! The veterinarian has prescribed antibiotics, given you instructions on any dietary changes that need to be made, and has set up an appointment for you to come back with your pet to see how treatment is progressing.

If he or she is a good vet you will have gotten an explanation of the causes and effects of urinary tract infections, the symptoms to watch for, and the long term prognosis for your own pet. But now you are home, and you may feel a bit insecure. It can be comforting to review the information, think a bit more about the treatment involved, and plan ahead.

What is making my cat sick?

There are two common elements in most feline urinary tract infections. The most obvious element is the infection itself: a bacterium will have entered the urinary system, found a hospitable environment, and taken up residence. Once there it will have caused inflammation, irritation of membranes, discomfort, hardening of the bladder walls and other symptoms. Urination will have become painful and unpleasant for you cat, which may have caused him to urinate outside his litter box.

Common places for inappropriate urination include cool kitchen tiles and porcelain tubs. It is not entirely clear why cats choose smooth, cool surfaces. What is certain is that this trait has often proven a life saver for many a cat with a urinary infection, causing owners to realize something is wrong and take the cat in for examination.

The second, underlying cause is likely to be less obvious. Diabetes, with a surplus of sugar in the urine, is a condition that often promotes UTIs. Likewise there are two metabolic conditions which may be involved. One, the most common contributor to UTIs, involves low pH urine. The other, rarer metabolic dysfunction involves normal or high pH.

Each causes chemically different crystals to grow in your cat's urine. The crystals act as an abrasive, rubbing the surface tissue of the bladder and urethra raw, leaving open wounds for bacteria to settle in, and blood to nourish the infection. There are other things that can cause a cat with a urinary infection, but these are likely to be the first on your veterinarian's list to consider.

How can I help my cat?

Follow the veterinarian's instructions, completely and carefully. Do not discontinue medication because you think the infection is gone. Do not alter dosage. Provide your cat with the food your doctor has recommended: in the case of crystal formation your cat's long term health will rely on the metabolic control that can be gained through dietary change.

Provide your cat with constant access to clean, fresh water, which will dilute the urine, preventing crystal formation, starving bacteria, and promoting kidney function. Allow your cat peace, and give him affection if he needs it. Let him rest.

Beyond that you can consider holistic and alternate approaches to help him heal, and after he heals to promote continued health: there are a number of herbal homeopathic remedies that some veterinarians consider appropriate when used for a cat with a urinary tract infection.

Taken in combination with prescription medicines they may support the immune system and help defeat the infection. Products containing Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Berberis vulgaris, Cantharis and Staphysagris are available through homeopathic suppliers, and many feel they help promote long term urinary tract health. Most vital, though? Love your cat and follow your vet's instructions.

VALUABLE TIPS FOR CAT CARE

It is normal for cats to be healthy even in an old age because of the help of modern veterinary technology. You must know some useful tips on how to take care of your pet as a cat owner. 

Here are some useful tips.

1. Take your cat to veterinarian for checkup once a year. Take the advice given if your vet gave one. The vet can take care of your cat because he already has a professional degree. To keep your pet healthy, make sure to give him his needs.

2. Neutered cats are healthier and tend to live a longer time. Neutering will also reduce the chance for a male cat to wander around. Female cats will have premature aging and stress.

3. Cats that are astray or live outdoors die younger compared to those who live indoors, say experts. When the pet is indoors, accidents, fights and diseases are avoided.

4. Cats need different kind of nutrition, different from that of a dog and human. When you give pet what they really need in terms of nutrition, they will become healthy.

5. Make sure you do not make your pet heavy than what it should be. Cats like human need their proper nutrition coupled with proper exercise. Exercise your cat by playing with them. Cats which are very fat will experience more feline diseases like diabetes.

6. See a veterinarian for supplement prescription. With sufficient vitamins and minerals as well as fibers, diseases can be prevented.

7. Teeth of pets need checking and this can be done during annual checkups. This is because their teeth need cleaning too. Teeth that are left unclean may result to kidney problem and once the cat has problems in its kidney, other diseases may be come out and may result to death.

8. There is a need to comb the cat on a daily basis. It is during the combing that you get to notice any unusual in the cat's skin. See the vet immediately when you see something suspicious.

9. Make sure you avoid cleaners that can endanger your cat. Cats are very sensitive,even if they are in touch with harmful chemicals on their skin. You can make use of cleaners that are not toxic to be sure your cat is safe. At the same time get rid of plants that are poisonous such as poinsettias.

10. You must provide the pet a place to sleep and relax so that you avoid the pet from getting stressed. There are many possible stressors like people, other animals and even people.

CAT HEALTH AND CAT FOOD INFORMATION

Cats need a high-protein diet, rich in fats. They normally eat small meals all through the day. Cats maintain their body weight by sticking to the diet they take in. To keep cats healthy, owners have to ensure that the foods they give to their cats are rich in minerals, protein and vitamins.

In addition, the diet needs to be limited. Increasing the food intake for cats may invite serious health problems.

Necessary Nutrients:

Cat owners need to check, if their pet food offers the following nutrients:

1. Pet food has to contain vital nutrients such as minerals and vitamins. One vital nutrient is Vitamin A and vitamin E, which helps to build resistance against a variety of diseases.

2. Animal protein from poultry, meat, egg sources and fish helps to keep bones sturdy and strong.

3. The diet needs to have accurate balance of fatty acids that nurture the skin and coat health.

4. Taurine, an amino acid, extracted from meat sources such as fish and chicken. This helps in keeping the eyes healthy and preventing heart diseases. Taurine supports fetal growth, development and reproduction in cats.

5. Next, a fiber source such as beet pulp, which maintains the digestive system of cats, is also a necessary nutrient.

Special Dietary Needs for Pregnant or lactating cats:

Pet owners have to take enough care of their pregnant cats. Increase their intake by 50 per cent than their current diets. The owner may give kitten food as a nutritional support to cats at the time of conception.

After the mother cat gives birth to young kittens, gradually increase the intake to 75 per cent. Maintain this diet until the kittens get used to eating canned or dry food. The moment kittens begin eating substitute food, incorporate the normal food again so that the mother cat keeps away from any weight gain.

Avoid Obesity:

Generally, indoor cats do not get the opportunity to exercise as compared to outdoor cats. Due to this, indoor cats fall prey to obesity. To avoid this, pet owners have to allow their cats to exercise in open the way they wish.

Preventing Cats from Developing Hairballs:

Cats take their own time to arrange themselves neatly. They constantly lick their fur and in the process, sometimes swallow hair. If the hairball fails to pass into the intestines, the cat may land in trouble. It may try to eject the hairball. To avoid this, pet owners have to make sure that they supply a nutritional diet to their cats.

What Every Cat Needs:

No matter what food they get to eat, owners need to make available plenty of water for their cats, always. It is advisable to place water at a distance three to five feet from the food.

This prevents the cat from swallowing water hastily. Cats demand comfortable place to eat and prefer to stay away from people around them. Last of all, the cat owners need to take their cats to the veterinarian at regular intervals. This will help in keeping pet cats healthy and happy.

CAT CARE AND YOUR HOME

Cat care can make a big difference on the look and atmosphere of your home. When you provide great cat care, you are ensuring that your home will look and smell clean and welcoming to visitors, and will be a place that you enjoy relaxing in. If you neglect cat care, your home can start to feel more like a prison than like an oasis. A cat is meant to make your household a more pleasant place to be, because the love and affection that a cat provides, not to mention the entertainment and refreshing energy, sweeten any environment. However, if you aren't providing adequate cat care, the joys of cat ownership can become buried underneath layers of odor and grime. Luckily, in just a few minutes every day, you can offer your pet the best possible cat care. Great cat care doesn't require expense or a lot of time or effort, and it can have tangibly positive results when it comes to your home's environment.

The overall impact of better cat care on your household atmosphere can be quite powerful because different aspects of cat care have many different effects on how your home feels. One important part of cat care has to do with hygiene and taking care of any messes that your cat creates. This side of cat care will keep your home smelling fresh and looking its best. Another part of cat care has to do with the love and affection that you give your cat. Showing your pet that they are safe in your presence and that they are loved is an important aspect of cat care that can have many different benefits.

Peace and quiet are two important parts of a relaxing atmosphere, and they are the core of a pleasant home environment. A cat's plaintive mewling can add an air of anxiety or tension to your home's atmosphere. Luckily, cat care can help you minimize this aspect of pet ownership. When you spend a lot of time making your cat feel safe and appreciated, it is less likely to whine or screech. Indirectly, cat care can actually help your furnishings and decorative items stay looking newer for longer. When you provide your cat with ideal cat care, it is less likely to indulge in destructive behaviors like scratching your furniture, climbing the drapes, and other activities that can take a toll on your home's appearance.

Cat care is often a matter of routine, and can sometimes feel like a burden. When cat care feels like work, it is tempting to avoid it, or to procrastinate for day after day. Nobody looks forward to dealing with cat care issues like a messy litter box or scruffy fur that is just asking for a bath. However, changing your attitude towards cat care can make these tasks much more enjoyable. Every time you take a step towards a healthier, happier, or cleaner cat you are taking a step towards making your home a better place to be.

Proper Cat Care

Cats are pretty independent beings, and frequently seem to have the attitude that they do not need you. But in fact, there is actually a great deal that enters into meeting the demands of the cat. It is not really all that easy to keep them happy and healthy. And also to make the situation more complex, various varieties and kinds of cats can require additional care due to their unique physiology. As an example, cats with flat faces (brachycephalic structure) have certain issues, just like cats with longer hair. This all shows that you absolutely do need to put some time into selecting the right cat for a pet, as well as realizing what it is going to take to deal with your new friend.

As mentioned, flat-faced cats have particular issues: they generally can't breathe as well as more longer-faced cats because their noses and nasal cavities are, well, "smoothed." And if you do not realize the problems with longer-haired cats, then you've probably never owned a cat! That's fine, so this is a tip to help you get started: they're going to need brushing a minimum of several times a month to help keep the hair from matting, to prevent the kitty from having hairball issues, and especially to keep your furniture from looking like it's growing a coat of it's own!

Although cats do sleep a lot, they also require a bit of exercise. If your cat lives indoors, you'll see them jumping, climbing, and flying (well, sort of!) to help keep themselves amused and in shape. A thing you'll want to purchase for your indoor cat is a scratching post. You will want to train your cat to scratch that so they will hopefully avoid tearing up your curtains and furniture. Once they get into the habit of utilizing your couch or chair as a scratching post, you may have an extremely tough time breaking that habit. You might like to try and serve two purposes by getting a "cat condo" sort of multi-tiered structure that will supply your cat with a combination jungle gym and scratching post.

You've certainly realized that your cat will need cat food, but have you given much thought to making sure that you're getting the right cat food? Needless to say, cats are known for their choosy ways in regards to food, but you do want to supply them with food which is balanced and nutritious. As a bonus, some foods have contents that help reduce hairballs and keep off extra weight as well.

Indoor cats will in addition need a litter box. There are different varieties around, and it's really your choice to select one that your cat feels happy with. Some cats, for instance, get fearful of those automatic kinds. In case you do choose one that utilizes moving parts and motors, make certain to get one as soon as you can so the cat can get familiar with it.

Finally, make certain you take your cat into the vet routinely. This is not only for vaccinations and checkups, but you also may want to think about getting the cat fixed to help keep from being a parent to multiple cats unexpectedly. Some thing you may not know is that a cat won't hesitate to mate with a brother, sister, or perhaps a parent. Also, you won't have to endure hearing your cat howling for a new "friend" during the night when it's in heat. With male cats, you will be able to avoid that territorial spraying that they will be prone to.

A GUIDE TO NATURAL AND HEALTHY DOG FOOD

A well-balanced diet is the most important thing you can give your dog in terms of regular health care. But some people are confused about what a healthy balanced diet is for a dog, and whether natural dog food is a healthier way to go, rather than picking up a 40 lb bag of whatever is on sale at the supermarket.

When choosing a healthy food for your dog, keep the following in mind:

Dogs need meat. Dogs are carnivores by nature. Their digestive systems are designed to consume and digest raw foods. While not everyone chooses to feed their dog a raw food diet, meat should still be your pet's primary source of protein. Grains are not an optimal source of protein for dogs; a diet heavy in grains and carbohydrates may cause allergies and weight gain.

Freshness counts. Just like with people food, dog food that has been heavily processed loses nutrients and therefore some of it's health value. Try to look for dog foods that have been minimally processed; they will be healthier for your pet. Ideally, we would feed our dogs a raw food diet, either prepared at home or frozen (and thawed). Raw foods like freshly ground meat and bones are available from the market or a pet store. The next best thing would be freeze dried foods because the freeze drying process helps retain the food's nutrients. Canned dog foods are more processed, but they tend to have minimal grains and more meat. Using canned dog food as a supplement to dried kibble is an option and it gives your dog more variety.

Dry dog food, also known as kibble, is the most popular kind of dog food, and it's also the easiest and most inexpensive to feed. Some dried foods are pretty decent; others are heavily processed and low on the nutrition scale. Read the label carefully to make sure that meat and not grains are the primary source of protein. Human grade whole meat such a chicken, beef, or lamb (not meat byproducts or "meal") is the best choice, and should be listed first on the ingredient label.

Size matters. Although more economical to purchase than a smaller bag, a giant bag of food may not be the best idea because the nutrients in it deteriorate over time once the bag is opened, and it gets stale. Would you want to eat stale cereal? It's best to buy a smaller bag and keep the food in the original bag, tightly sealed to hold in freshness.

Fruits & Veggies - Adding vegetables and fruits to your dog's diet can be beneficial. My dog loves tomatoes. We give her some chopped fresh tomato with her regular food every day. She also loves green peppers and apples. Don't be afraid to give your dog fresh fruits and veggies; they add needed nutrients and antioxidants to your dog's diet.

Variety is the spice of life - Yes, even for dogs. How would you like to eat the same food day in and day out? It's pretty boring, and maybe not that nutritious, either. While in the past we've been told to feed our dogs the same thing or it will upset their digestion, it is okay to give your dog some variety, either by rotating different dog foods or by mixing different brands or flavors together.

Whatever diet you choose, you may want to give your dog a health food 

supplement, such as essential fatty acids for a shiny, soft coat, or a vitamin supplement to be sure he is getting all the nutrients he needs. Dog health foods and supplements are available at most good pet stores and pet websites.

SPECIAL PET CARE NEEDS FOR OLDER DOGS

The average lifespan for most dogs is between eight and sixteen years. Some breeds age expectancy is less while other breeds normally have a longer lifespan. Once your dog becomes older it is time to take some preventative steps in order for them remain healthy, happy and active. Have your vet examine your pet annually or more often, if necessary. Veterinarians understand the different breed types and are familiar with problems you may encounter with your pet. They watch for this and make you aware of what to look for, if your dog is acting a little different.

As in humans, keep your dogs weight within the proper or optimum range. An overweight dog has far more health problems such as joint problems, arthritis, diabetes and liver or kidney malfunctions. If your dog is too heavy, buy dog treats low in sugar and salt or purchase dog cookies especially made for overweight dogs, which are low in calories. Also, cut down on the amount of treats given to your pet. It is hard to resist their soulful eyes but always remember that it is for their own good. You do not want to kill your pet by thinking you are being kind to them. Feed your pet once a day or smaller amounts twice a day but remove the food if there is any left. If you have children, explain to them why they should not sneak food to the family pet.

Pre-soak or add water to the dog's dry food if they have lost some teeth or have dental problems. Daily brushing helps prevent problems but always use toothpaste made specifically for pets, not humans. Start brushing your pet's teeth when they are young, so they are used to the routine. Have their teeth examined annually by the vet, as they may need to have some pulled or professionally cleaned.

As with dogs of any age, make sure there is always fresh, cool water available. Some older dogs have problems getting to the water bowl so either take the water to them or place bowls of water in several different places so they do not have to go far for a drink.

If possible take your dog for a short walk daily. This helps the dog's blood circulation and provides some new sights and smells to stimulate them and it gives you quality time to spend with your pet.

Unfortunately, dogs suffer from arthritis just like humans. Keep your dogs weight down and feed him food especially formulated for older dogs, as this does help. Talk to your vet because there is medication available that often makes your pet more comfortable and move easier. Supplements are available, but always check with your veterinarian before giving these to your dog.

Many great orthopedic dog beds are available. Some are made of memory foam and there are heated beds available. An older dog needs good support and warmth for their aging body. Dog beds are easier for your pet to get into than a sofa or your bed.

Looking after your senior pet and taking him to the vet regularly helps keep your dog healthy and happy longer.

EFFECTIVE DOG MANAGEMENT

Adding a new dog to your home will bring excitement to your household. Bringing home one will surely give long hours of happy smiles on any kid's face. And if you are alone, you will surely be happy with the warm companionship that dogs can give.

But our in order to have beautiful relation with your dogs, it is important that they undergo proper dog training to avoid possible problems along the way.

What are the things that are involve in effective dog management? How will you start an effective dog management?

Effective dog management includes potty training, safe confinement, proper feeding and dog obedience training.

These should all be taken care of when you take pooch under your care.

Potty Training

Potty training is one of the basic dogs training that you have to teach your dog. It is recommended that you teach it immediately to puppies so as to let them develop discipline.

But teaching potty training is not easy, as depending on the breed of the dog, it usually takes more than two months for a dog to fully master potty training.

That is why, patience is very important particularly when the dogs have accidents inside your house.

Safe Confinement

Dog crates or cages can be used for safe confinement. You have to maintain their confinement safe as possible and it should be placed that are really safe from too much humid, hot or cold area.

We all know that puppies are very playful and it is advisable that you avoid placing items that they might hurt themselves.

But your dogs should not be placed in crates or cages always. You have to place them in crates depending on their number of months and extending them for long is not advisable.

Like any relation, dogs need freedom to enjoy walking with you or playing with the kids.

Feeding

Dog training includes proper feeding. It is better that you make scheduled feeding because it has direct impact to potty training.

Though it is hard to avoid cute puffy eyes of your dogs asking for unscheduled food, it still not good in the long run if you developed bad habit of giving unscheduled food as it may also bring negative impact on your dog's health.

Obedience training

A successful dog management may also require obedience training. As part of dog training, obedience training will bring enjoyment to you and to your dogs. Obedience training may be different to each breed but with focus and commitment on the part of the dog owner, dog trainer and cooperation from the dog itself, will surely result in successful dog training.

You may consider enrolling your dog in an obedience training school. Dog trainers in these dog training schools are experts in training your dogs with basic commands and advanced tricks.

Attend scheduled activities and make it a habit to practice all the commands religiously as repetition will help your dogs to learn it easily.

Part of obedience training is fun activities and dog rewards to let your dogs know that he is love and appreciated thus making him more attentive to obedience class.

DOGS AND CATS FRIENDS OR ENEMIES

There is a running misconception about dogs and cats as being mortal enemies to each other. This has become a very popular notion especially because nowadays you can watch on television cartoons where a cat is always being chased by a dog.

What people probably do not know is that dogs and cats share similar characteristic traits where both of them are considered among the predator group of animals. This means that they are preying animals or looking to catch an inferior animal for food. By nature a dog or a cat get very much excited once they sense strange or sudden movements around them. This is the reason why some cats are wont to leap at any moving object, for instance a moving curtain that is being blown by the wind. They get excited by flying objects and swift moving tiny animals like rats which have become their favorite target for food.

Dogs, on the other hand have the preying instinct to catch animals that are smaller in size than themselves, also termed as the prey drive. So then people should always watch out and be careful even if their pet dogs are considered tame because their prey drive is just dormant.

In the meantime, kittens get their training in catching prey when they play around with moving objects, even chase their very own tail. When they grow older, their animal instinct takes over.

Meanwhile dogs are motivated to start a chase when cats disturb the dog's peace. It would be very wise for the owners to protect these animals from hurting each other by practically putting them away from one another like separate areas in the house.

Nevertheless if you plan to have both the pet dog and pet cat together inside the house and at the same time expect them to coexist peacefully then you better do some good dog training for your pet. There are many ways to train a dog and perhaps the first thing that it has to learn is to get acquainted with a future friend in the house which is the cat.

You shouldn't forget though that the animal instinct in the dog or the cat may come to play when any of these pets detect each others presence. A fight will of course ensue and expectedly a chase between the two pets will surely follow. There will be chaos all over the house because of this and the peace that you long for is abruptly shattered.

Therefore you better start the training of your pet dog before any untoward disaster occurs in your house. The next step in training the pet dog is to make it familiarize itself with the presence of another predator inside the house. You should be able to show appreciation for the dog's behavior as it get used to having the cat around. You may give the dog a pat or a treat whenever it is able to ignore the taunting of the cat.

A single cat should never be mingled or brought together in the company of two or more dogs. Remember that there is always the danger that any of the dogs might want to play catch a prey with the cat. Distancing the dog and cat from one another should be brought to mind particularly during feeding time. Their animal instinct is for survival so they really get harsh when their food is being eyed by another animal.

The leave it command should be obeyed by the dog at all times especially when its preying instinct is triggered. You should treat both animals equally with kindness and reward them with their good behavior.

On the part of the owner, patience is required because of the limited means of communication with the pets. Instruction is usually made through body language and done over and over until the dog learns. The prize is worth your while anyways because you will attain a peaceful and harmonious coexistence with your pet dog and cat.

TAKING HIKING TRIPS WITH YOUR DOG

Nothing beats taking a hike in the lap of nature. Getting away from the hustle bustle of daily life and enjoying life in its natural state- we all should opt for hiking once in a while. Of course, regular hikes help us remain fit as well. The best companion for a hike is your pet dog.

Dogs may have been domesticated by man but they still are better than us when it comes to the rough life of the jungle. You will have a loyal ally by your side if you take your pet dog along. There are many instances where pet dogs saved the lives of their owners after mishaps during hiking.

There are some things which you must consider when taking your pet dog along on hiking trips. The most important factors are listed below:

* Make sure your pet dog is healthy enough to accompany you on the hiking trip. Take your pet dog to your veterinarian and get your dog checked. Never take an unhealthy dog on such a trip. You will face numerous problems if your dog falls seriously ill.

* Make sure your pet dog is acclimatized for the hike. We take lots of precautions to protect our feet and other body parts from excessive strain during the hike. You cannot get shoes for your pet dog. The next best thing is to make sure the dog is used to the strain.

* The best way to condition your dog is to take it for long walks on a daily basis. Start out with a short distance and keep on increasing the distance until you are sure that the pet is ready for the hike.

* You can also resort to activities like jogging, tennis-ball fetch, and swimming to get your dog into good shape.

* After conditioning the heart of your pet, take care to toughen up the toes. The pads of your dog's foot should be capable of bearing the strain. A dog with a bleeding foot pad can become a very heavy burden on the hike.

* Prepare your dog's ID tag and license and make sure the rabies inoculation is up to date. Get your vet to insert a microchip to ensure your pet dog can be found very easily.

* Never forget the fact that trail restrictions are for your safety. Ignore them at your own peril. If the trail requires the dog to be put on leash, obey the rule. Further, make sure you clean up the mess caused by your dog on the trail.

Keep Track Of Your Dog After You Arrive At Your Hiking Site                

Respect the 'No Dogs Allowed' sign. Do not insist on taking your dog inside. The smarter way out is to simply find a dog friendly park. These parks allow dogs under voice control to be taken off the leash.

Do not take your dog to such a park unless you have trained the dog well to obey your commands. If you have a pup, use a ten foot long leash to train the pup to come back to you when you call it. If the pup refuses to obey, use the leash to keep it under control.

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY HOUSE TRAIN YOUR DOG

When it comes to dog obedience training, one of its main focuses is house training dogs. Once you have done the training properly, there will be not much trouble, although some people still have a hard time with potty training their dog. In view of this, here are some things to do to effectively train your dog at home.

First of all, you must understand that dogs don't have the aptitude to think or reason like humans do. Furthermore, they can't understand any verbal message well. But, they can at least make out simple commands through body language and gestures.

1. To reinforce nice behaviors on your dog, you will have to develop a good training strategy. Some common strategies include:

• affectionate touching
• giving of rewards like chew toys or treats

You must apply these strategies every time your dog obeys you or has done something good. Reinforce this strategy without fail and you will be surprise at how fast your dog will learn and pick up the good behavior that you are teaching him.

2. Likewise, if there are strategies for imposing good behaviors, there should also be a way to show them that what they are doing is not nice or their behavior is not good. Typically, a firm "No!" plus a look of disdain is enough. Also, tugging on their collar will send them the message that you don't like what they are doing.

3. Potty training a dog involves a steady routine. You should make a permanent schedule for taking them out of the house. This routine should not be interrupted until your dog becomes very accustom to it. The ideal time to take them out is every morning, some twenty minutes after they have eaten and before it's time to sleep.

4. Feeding your dog must have its schedule, too. This feeding schedule must be at the same time and it must be strictly followed every day. In this way, you will also be taking them out at a precise time each day. These daily routines will make it easier for the dogs to grasp how you want them to act.

5. Try using a dog crate to house train your dog. It's a good tool to discipline a dog especially when it comes to relieving themselves. As the crate will be made into a dog's sleeping quarter, he will rather move as far away from it as he can just to relieve himself. Therefore, the dog will eventually learn to control himself and would seek the right place to urinate or defecate. Generally, only a sick dog will relieve himself in his own crate.

To conclude, when house training dogs, you must be patient enough and affectionate with them. Dogs hardly ever learn instantly, but if you are caring and work with them patiently, you can train or teach them properly. Moreover, it maybe a bit hard to understand the gestures that your dog is trying to convey to you at first, but through observing them carefully, you will soon pick it up.

A GUIDE TO DOG BEDS

Beds are one of the most important pieces of furniture you can own. Their comfort level allows you to get a good night's sleep and wake up to be productive and energetic the following day. The same goes for your dog. While many people don't realize it, your dog can develop health problems or have trouble sleeping if not given the proper bedding. There are several factors you must consider when looking at dog beds, different types to choose from, and different methods of purchasing them.

Size Does Matter

One vital factor you must consider when selecting a bed for your dog is your dog's size. If the bed is too small for your dog, this could create a problem. Your dog might wind up lying partially on his bedding and partially on the hard floor. Just as you wouldn't want to lie halfway off your bed, your dog wouldn't want to either. This can create soreness the next day, and over a longer period of time, can lead to bone and joint problems that your pup just shouldn't have to endure. If you have a medium, large of extra large breed, you will need to make sure that you find an appropriate sized bed that is large enough for your dog to lie on and move around a little bit. One other factor you must consider for a smaller dog is giving them too much space. If a smaller dog has a bed that is kept in a kennel, the dog may be tempted to urinate on the bed if it is too big. Sometimes if dogs are given too much space in their kennel, and if the bed is much bigger than the portion they are actually lying on, the dog will use part of the bed as a restroom. While this isn't common, it does happen from time to time.

Special Needs

Besides size, another important thing to consider are the specific needs that your dog has. If you have a puppy or an extremely healthy younger dog, most any well-padded bed will do just fine. Some older dogs, or dogs that have developed bone of joint problems, may need a little extra care from their bed. Make sure that if your dog has any sort of bone or joint problems, or has exhibited any signs of them, you take him to the veterinarian to get everything checked out. In some instances, a vet might recommend an orthopedic dog bed. These are available in all shapes and sizes and are soft and mold-able for the best possible comfort your dog could imagine. Even if your pet doesn't necessarily need an orthopedic bed right now, it is always a good option to prevent future health problems.

Where To Go

If you are looking to treat your dog to a new bed, the first thing to do is to check with your regular veterinarian for his or her recommendation. Your personal vet knows your dog better than anyone and will be able to make sure that you get the best possible product for your pet. Once you have obtained a recommendation, you have a couple of options. You can call or tour local pet stores in search of the bed that your vet prefers, or you can search online. Finding the bed at a local store ensures that you can get the bed sooner, but internet searches often yield better financial results. There are tons of web sites out there for pet lovers that offer great marked-down prices with reasonable shipping. Really, it's just a matter of personal preference. Whichever way you decide to go, just make sure you get the best model of bed for your dog. After all, his sweet dreams depend on it!

COMMON DOG HEALTH PROBLEMS YOU WILL ENCOUNTER

If you have a pet dog, you will encounter dog health problems from time to time. Adorable as they are, they can still fall sick or suffer from serious illnesses. In order to take care of them and prevent the illness from taking a toll, you will have to be able to spot that something is different with your dog. There are numerous indications, some of which are subtle and some very obvious. 

One of the most common dog health problems is canine allergy. This allergy is similar to the way allergies are triggered in human beings. This could be because of dust, pollen, dust mites or many other factors. Dogs can also suffer from allergic reactions to different types of food or even medication. Some of the household food items could even lead to food poisoning and you should be especially wary of that. Such allergies could lead to diarrhea  puppy vomiting and other serious issues. Vomiting, convulsions and seizures could also appear because of a dog licking up the garage floor or something else that is very dangerous. This is why you must try to keep the dog tethered while you are not around or keep an eye out on what it is eating or licking for that matter. In serious situations, it is god to rush to a veterinary doctor as soon as possible. Most dog allergies are responses of their immune system to parasites, molds, food and even plants. 

Other dog health problems could include arthritis which is hereditary caused due to ageing or obesity. Low calcium in the dog's food will lead to broken bones or other forms of injury which have to be guarded against. Old age and eye irritants could lead to cataracts which reduce the sense of vision in the dog. 

From time to time dogs suffer from constipation because of dehydration or bowel obstructions. Two other dog health problems include canine diabetes and canine epilepsy. The former is caused by the ability of the dog's pancreas to produce sufficient amounts of insulin. The latter is due to misfired electrical signals resulting from brain lesions. They could also suffer from hip or elbow dyspepsia which is due to malformation of joints or numerous other hereditary factors. It is always good to take your dog to the veterinary doctor once in a while for routine check up, because they cannot really express what is troubling them.

CAN YOU OBEDIENCE TRAIN YOUR DOG AT HOME?

You wanted a dog and you found just the right dog for you. Unfortunately, your dog may have some bad habits: he barks too much; he chews on household items like socks, shoes, and electric cords; he jumps up on people; he eliminates in the house; he chases your other pets; he pulls on a leash, he wont come when called. Do any of these behaviors sound familiar? If so, what can you do to help your dog become more socially acceptable to be around?

There are many dog training classes that will help you train your dog. You and your dog can attend these classes, and your dog will be trained with other dogs. They can be obedience trained to heel, sit, stay, etc, and even be trained to show. As good as these programs are, your dog also needs to learn acceptable social behavior in your home.

Obedience training your dog in your home is possible, and it will most likely help you to bond closer to your pet. It will definitely take time on your part to learn how to obedience train him, but the time and effort you take will be well worth your effort.

There are basically two methods with which to train your dog. The first is very harsh, in my opinion. The theory is you punish or abuse your dog. This theory advocates the use of shock or choke collars; yelling at the dog; giving them time out, and put them in a crate or locked up somehow. (A crate should NEVER be used as punishment!) I don't believe that this type of training is acceptable. This is negative training! What you are actually doing is training by fear, which could at some point in time, manifest itself in aggression. This is not good for your dog or you.

The second method is obedience training by praise and reward positive reinforcement training. This theory of training will endear you to your pet, and your homes atmosphere will be much more pleasant.

When you train by positive reinforcement, your dog can be any age. Limit your training to 5-10 minutes intervals a couple of times a day. They have short attention spans, and your patience could be challenged if you try to train them for long periods of time. Planning your schedule so that everyday at the same approximate time, you do your obedience training.

Before you begin your obedience training sessions, pick one behavior you want your dog to learn or change. Make a list of priorities of behaviors you want him to learn, and begin finding the best training program for those behaviors. Also, decide what kind of cues or commands you want to use. Your cues could be verbal commands, or another popular method is the use of a clicker.

To reinforce good behavior you could use praise, pet your dog, give him treats or food, or have play time after each session.

Dogs do have some normal characteristics such as chewing. Just give them something acceptable for them to chew: a chew toy, a chew bone, or something soothing like an ice cube, if they are teething.

Make sure your dog is healthy. If your dog has aches and pains, such as joint problems, teaching them some tricks could be difficult for them and maybe even harm them.

Don't reinforce negative actions. For instance, if you let your dog into the house when he is continually barking, he may think it is acceptable to bark long enough because that is the way he can be allowed to go into your home. At that point, you have reinforced a negative action. You may want to train him to bark once, then lie down or sit down until he is invited inside.

Too many dogs are abandoned, taken to shelters, or put down because the owner doesn't know how to train their pet, or at least doesn't realize that the real issue is the lack of training.

Owning a dog is a full-time position, and training your dog will take many of your skills: patience, time, consistency, and the desire to train him with positive reinforcement.

There are many good online dog obedience training courses you can buy. Look at them and what they have to offer. Are any of them a good fit for you and your dog? Check to see if they are breed specific? Videos only? Books only? A combination of videos and books. Do they have specifics, such as step-by-step instructions? Do they have ongoing customer support?

Dogs are social animals, and for them to be enjoyable to have around, they need training. It will also keep them safe as they learn to listen to you, trust you, and obey you.

Your dog deserves your good care and love. He wants to be a good dog, so enjoy the training process.

Happy dog obedience training in your home!

THE TOP TEN TIPS FOR DOG BREEDERS

Dog breeding is not a simple job. If you are looking for ways that would help you in breeding happy and healthy puppies, then you have come across the right resource. Though dog breeding involves a lot of work and is an expensive job, it will only help if you follow some simple tips:

1. The first and foremost requirement is to choose an appropriate mate for your dog. It should be compatible to your dog and possess all the qualities that you will like to see in the newborn puppies. Make sure that the male and female dogs do not bear any kind of genetic problems (related to pedigree) that would, in turn, affect the puppy's health in future.

2. It would be a good idea to keep the record of both the male and female dog's genetics, which you have chosen for breeding, with you. Mind that, keeping the genetic record of your female dog is a more important job. It would be better if you keep the medical history of the female dog ready for reference. Recording important dates, like the first time the dog went into the heat, changes in her behavior, or any other medical issue is also important.

3. You need to be sure, if the female dog is healthy or not, since a healthy doggie will ensure the birth of a healthy puppy. Supporting the female dog with required supplements and nutrition is also an absolute necessity for the birth of healthy puppies. Moreover, good health will enable the female dog to be stronger during the pregnancy period.

4. As there are different species of dogs, you should have a thorough knowledge about what kind of dog you are breeding. If you are aware of the history of your dog, then breeding becomes much easier. It may happen so, that your dog species is essentially rare and it becomes very hard for you to find a mate for it.

5. You also need to posses a thorough knowledge about your dog's "family of breeds". You could find out the stature of your dog, and familiarize yourself with it by doing the necessary research. This would in turn, help you a lot in breeding.

6. If you are an owner of a female dog, then you have to face a few more extra complications. Though, finding out its history may be a hard task, but it is not as difficult, since it is important to the veterinarian.

7. You should know the exact time, when your female dog is exactly ready for mating. Otherwise, it may result in the failed conception.

8. Before mating, the pedigree of both male and female dog should be carefully examined, so that you could identify the points of their difference, and have an idea as to how their off springs would be.

9. You can follow the out-crossing method and choose the mates that are either similar or have a similarity in their general appearance.

10. You should also take the dogs for regular medical check ups for avoiding any post pregnancy complications, while you have considered them for breeding.

Hope the above keeps you in good stead, while deciding on breeding your dog.