The Basic Needs For Your Dog in the Event of a Hurricane By Tami Grant

It is very important to make sure that you have all of the necessary items for your dog when you are getting ready for a Hurricane. Everyone is so worried about so many things that some of your dog's basic necessities can be forgotten.

I live in an area that is hurricane prone and yes you guessed it, Florida. We are on the alert during Hurricane season and we watch the weather like a hawk. We are also accustomed to tracking several storms at once unfortunately. Due to the past Hurricanes in the United States, Disaster preparedness is being revamped and legislation is now being hashed out to provide for pets as well as people in an emergency. It is reassuring to know that projects are in the works but make sure that you have your own plan first and foremost. Read on for a few tips learned over the years by this hurricane veteran.

- If it's not safe for you to stay in your home, it's not safe for your pets. Take them with you to a friend's home or call ahead for a pet friendly hotel or arrange boarding for them somewhere out of the Hurricane area. During emergencies when boarding facilities are full, veterinarian clinics, shelters, or friends may take in animals. Give them a call as people open their hearts and homes in desperate situations.

- Have appropriate restraints for all pets, such as crates, leashes, harnesses, cages, stake-out lines.

- Pack 5 to 7 days worth of food, water, bowls, and all medications and a favorite toy or two.

- Piddle pads, paper towels, plastic bags, and pet-safe disinfectants will come in handy as you might not have regular access for your dog to use the bathroom.

- Make sure all pets are wearing identification, medical information, and contact information.

- Carry a picture of your dog to help identify them should they get lost, along with vaccination proof.

- Ask your veterinarian if a couple of day's worth of tranquilizers are appropriate for your pet. The pressure drop will cause your pets to understand that something is going on and if you have a pet that stresses easily then you would definitely want to discuss tranquilizers with your vet.

- Keep a first aid kit on hand and make sure that you have some Benadryl in case your dog gets bitten by anything. Ask your vet how much dosage that your pet needs as weight will dictate how much medication you will need to give.

- If you decide to stay home, keep your pets with you in an interior room, and remember that they are just as scared as you and your family so reassure them to help keep them calm.

- If you are in a flood zone, you might want to invest in a life jacket for your dog. I have one for my dog as we do some boating. Some of the places we to does not have an area for my dog to get off the boat and walk around. Get your dog used to the life vest in advance as you do not want to introduce a foreign object to your dog when he is under duress.

- After the storm, check the yard for anything that may harm your dog. There could be a lot of debris and things in the grass or on the ground that you might not see. Please take a good look around as you do not want your dog to be harmed in any way by debris or snakes etc.

You should get prepared for your dog just as you get prepared for the Hurricane in advance. Make the call to your vet and get all necessary supplies before the season starts or at least the first you hear that a Hurricane or bad storm may be heading your way.

Let's keep our dogs safe and as calm as possible during the storms. My dog Boo Boo does not like the thunder. She stays right by my side the whole time. I pet her and talk to her to let her know that things will be just fine. Just having your pet right with you during the storms will calm them down. Try not to leave them alone as they will be scared.

If you found this information helpful and would like more Free information about your dog and the care of your dog, please visit my website http://basicsofdogownership.com/

Emergency Poison Treatment For Dogs

There is nothing as frightening as having your dog accidentally come into contact with some type of poisonous substance. As with humans or any animal, dogs may eat poisonous items, inhale poisonous gases or vapors or get poisons on their skin or hair. Like humans, there are general emergencies procedures that dog owners should know to be able to treat their pet should they suspect poison. It is important to have a few general supplies on hand, but most of what you will need is likely to already be in your house.

Ingested Poisons

If you believe that your dog has eaten something poisonous, the first step is to find out what it was and then call your vet or an emergency treatment center that has information on poisons. If the poison was caustic you do not want to do anything that might cause further damage, so make sure the dog has not eaten anything that will cause a burn. If he or she has, get them to a vet immediately, do not induce vomiting or give them any food or drink unless specifically instructed to do so by the vet or poison control center.

Typically the vet will recommend a dilute lemon juice or vinegar and water solution to attempt to neutralize the chemical until you can get the dog to the clinic or animal hospital. Do not give any human medications to a dog as they can have severe reactions to "people medicines". Always bring the label form the item, whenever possible, to the vet with the dog.

If the substance is not caustic, it is important to try to get the dog to get the poison out of his or her system. The easiest way is to induce vomiting, which can be done through the oral administration of hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to only use the 3% hydrogen peroxide mixture and give about 1 teaspoon or 5ccs or 5mls per 10 pounds of dog's body weight. Use an oral syringe if possible and squirt the hydrogen peroxide to the back of the mouth over the top of the tongue. If you don't have a syringe, a turkey based can be used. Don't give more than the recommended dosage as hydrogen peroxide can also cause complications. The dog will typically vomit within a few minutes. If the dog is not swallowing, is comatose or is having difficulty in breathing or standing don't administer hydrogen peroxide unless under the direct supervision of your vet. Immediately get the dog to your vet after they have vomited.

Contact Poisons

If your dog has touched something poisonous the best option is usually to wash the area with warm, soapy water using baby shampoo or specialized dog shampoo. For tar or paint on the coat first apply a generous amount of Vaseline or petroleum jelly to remove as much of the substance as possible. The coat may need to be clipped or even shaved to completely remove the substance if the Vaseline doesn't do the trick. Follow with a soapy wash with warm but not hot water, followed by a thorough rinse with clear, warm water.

For more information recommended by Kelly Marshall, see these recent articles Before You Bring Your Puppy Home, You Need Some Supplies and Cats and Dogs: Living Together as Brothers and Sisters.

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The Best Things You Can Do To Make Your Dog Happy

Deciding to bring a dog into your family can be one of the most rewarding decisions a family can make. Dog ownership can be a wonderful experience with the proper supplies, patience, and guidance. You must first decide where you will obtain your new addition. You can buy from a breeder, look into your local animal shelter, check online, and check in the newspapers. Sometimes your dog will find you as we acquired our dog by word of mouth from a neighbor that knew of this little 8 week old lab/pit mix that needed a home.
Once you decide on where to gain your new dog, you need to decide on a breed. Do research on the traits and characteristics of the different breeds so you will know what to expect. Find a breed that fits into your lifestyle. You do not want to get a dog that needs lots of room to run if your dwelling is not conducive to those needs.
There will be some necessities that you will need to have when you bring your new dog home. Some of the basics are food, food and water bowls, collar, leash, crate (if you crate train which I highly advise), chew toys, shampoo, brush, flea comb, flea treatment, heartworm pills, and plenty of balls to throw. Make sure you check with your vet for the best food for your dog. Some dogs need specific diets and a change in the food can bring on stomach problems. Also make sure that the shampoo that you buy for your dog is appropriate for the dog's skin type. Always check with your vet for the best options for you or do some looking on line as there are a number of safe organic supplies that will do the trick.
Start training your dog from day one. If you have brought a puppy into your home you will need to take a deep breath and start the potty training immediately. This can be accomplished simply with the right tools and attitude. You will need to establish yourself as the Pack Leader and reaffirm that position every day. This is extremely important as you need to let your dog know who is in charge and this will help tremendously in all facets of the training that you will need to do with your dog.
Dog ownership can be very rewarding if you are prepared with the right tools and mindset. Please remember that your dog will need your attention and love on a daily basis. You will need to have patience and understanding and a lot of love, you will also get that love back from your dog which makes everything worth it.

If you found this article helpful and are looking for additional information about raising your dog or information about training, please visit my newly revised site at http://basicsofdogownership.com Thanks so much for reading this article.

Managing Your Puppy For Safety

Puppies are curious, adventuresome and able to get into almost anything, no matter how secure you thought it was. Making your house safe for a puppy is important, not only to protect your valuables but also to protect the puppy. Since it is almost impossible to puppy proof an entire house, consider selecting a room or area that can be cordoned off to make a puppy safe area when little Fido is left alone or unsupervised. Baby gates or pet gates are a great idea to block off a doorway, but they have to be securely placed in the door and fastened or a bigger puppy will learn to push them down. If the puppy is prone to chewing, spray the gate with a produce such as Grannick's Bitter Apple that will leave a bad taste in his or her mouth and prevent them from noshing on your enclosure. If you don't have a specific room, a pet exercise pet is a perfect ideal. This easy to transport pens come in many different sizes and can be used either indoors or outdoors and come in a variety of models to meet your needs. If you are buying an exercise pen, get one that will suit the dog as it grows to prevent having to constant upgrade as the puppy get bigger.

Keeping your puppy and eventually your dog safe in your car or vehicle includes purchasing a dog seat belt or keeping your puppy in a carrier within a seatbelt when they are in the vehicle. For older dogs or large puppies the seatbelt is a great safety feature plus you can also add a window screen or barrier that prevents the puppy from squeezing out through the window. Since dogs and puppies should never be left alone in a vehicle, especially in the hot summer months, this window barrier is not suitable for turning your vehicle into a pet storage area. They are an excellent safety feature to allow your dog fresh air while traveling but preventing them from sticking their head or front quarters out of the window.

Managing your puppy also includes cleaning up his or her waste. Puppies may eat fecal material if it is not removed, leading to bad habits, nutritional problems and a worm and parasite problems if more than one puppy is kept in the same area. A pooper scooper is a simple to use plastic handled scoop that can pick up waste material to be deposited in the garbage. There are even systems that you can set up right on your own property that use natural enzymes to break down the feces without having to use plastic bags that end up in landfills. When you are walking your puppy remember to carry some small plastic bags that you can use as a way to pick up his or her waste. These bags are then sealed and deposited in the nearest trash can. Pet stores carry a wide variety of specialty bags that are discrete and provide good protection for picking up the waste.

For more information recommended by Kelly Marshall, see these recent articles Dog Arthritis & Joint Health and Eliminating Skunk Odor From Your Dog.

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Age To Get Puppies Spayed

Having your puppy spayed is by far the best way to ensure that we combat the problem of unwanted dogs. There are a huge number of healthy dogs put to sleep each year in America and an even greater number waiting in shelters to be adopted. Much of the trauma that these animals go through would be spared if only we took a more responsible view regarding the age to have puppies spayed.

Puppies are sexually mature at around six months old. From this time on a bitch can become pregnant and have her own litter of puppies, despite the fact that she will still seem like a puppy to you. Therefore, if we wish to keep the overpopulation of dogs to a minimum, the best age for puppies to be spayed would be before they are six months old. This should be before the puppy comes on heat for the first time.

Not only is this the best age to have puppies spayed from the viewpoint of controlling the dog population, it is also better for the dog on medical grounds. You will have reduced the risk of your dog suffering from mammary adenocarcinoma by about 98% when she is older.

Whether there is a limit regarding there being too young an age to have puppies spayed is a much discussed subject. The American Medical Veterinary Association now advocates the spaying of female puppies from as early as 7 weeks. There are many other reputable organizations who agree with the AMVA on this decision including The Humane Society of the United States and The Kennel Club of the United States.

There has been years of research into the subject and findings have been contra to previous beliefs. It was thought in the past that operating so early in life could cause the dog problems in later years. It has now been proved that there are no medical contraindications for the procedure at this age regarding either behavior or physical well being. Many veterinarians however, will still not agree to the procedure at such an early age and are still of the opinion that the best age to have puppies spayed is at around six months, just prior to first season. Veterinarians who are involved with The Humane Society of the United States are particularly supportive of early age spaying if it means that the animal can be adopted from a shelter rather than euthanized. Another rule for some is the weight of the puppy. Some will only spay if the animal weighs at least two pounds.

The majority of specialists will say that the ideal age to have puppies spayed would be at six months. In some cases this can be reduced for an early age spay from as young as 7 weeks. Either way, the important issue is that you do have your puppy spayed. This will be one step closer to helping reduce unwanted pregnancies and save the trauma that unwanted dogs have to endure.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about spaying puppies, please visit Spay and Neuter Today for current articles and discussions. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Pennington

5 Easy Tips For Identifying Dog Skin Problems

Although there are many canine skin disorders, the 5 following tips will help to identify some of the more common dog skin problems:

1. Fleas: The best way to identify a flea problem is to check your pets belly area and along the inside of the back legs. The hair is thinner in this area and easier to spot both fleas and flea dirt. The flea itself is brown or copper colored and roughly the size of a pin-head. Flea dirt looks like sprinkled pepper. Ruffling the fur on your dog's back and along the base of the tail is also an easy way to find fleas and flea droppings. Often times dogs that develop Flea Allergy Dermatitis will show hair loss around the base (top) of the tail. There are many options available for flea and tick control.

2. Food Allergy Dermatitis: Although food allergies can appear in pups as early on as 5 or 6 months, they can also develop in adult dogs as late as 11 or 12 years old. Common symptoms of food allergy dermatitis are itching of the skin, excessive scratching, hot spots and even skin infections. Dog owners should realize that there is a distinct difference between Food Allergies and Food Intolerance. Like people, classic symptoms of a food intolerance would be an upset stomach and diarrhea. All foods do not agree with all dogs. Pink Bismuth is a safe remedy for stomach upset and diarrhea in dogs. Food allergies require slowly eliminating foods and changing the diet.

3. Atopic Dermatitis: A condition caused by environmental allergens. Dogs that suffer with airborne allergies will often rub their face along the side of a sofa or along the carpet. As with food allergies, dogs will also chew their feet. With Atopic Dermatitis, it's common for dogs to develop ear infections due to a yeast overgrowth. Pollen, trees, grass, dust and wool fabric are just a few common airborne allergens that some dogs are sensitive to. Antihistimines are often prescribed.

4. Acral Lick Dermatitis (Lick Granuloma): This raised lesion will be red, hairless and is usually found on the leg of the dog. This neurological condition is self-induced due to continuous licking. Possible causes include anxiety, boredom and stress. Treatment will include identifying the source of the problem (anxiety, etc.), restricting licking of the area and often times medication for behavioral modification.

5. Hot Spots: Medically referred to as Acute Moist Dermatitis, these round lesions generally appear in warmer weather. Along the hip, the sides of the chest and around the head area are the most common locations for hot spots. These moist and hairless inflammations are painful causing the dog to fixate on the particular spot by licking, chewing and scratching at it. Continuous licking in one area is a large factor in the development of hot spots. These lesions can quickly become very large in size. The location of the hot spot will help determine what the underlying problem could be an; anal gland problem, ear problem or a flea problem. A Veterinarian will clip the hair around the spot, clean it with a medicated solution, prescribe antibiotics and pain medicine.

Determining the source of dog skin problems can often be difficult. Yet, skin conditions can be uncomfortable and painful, so dog owners should not give up until they know where the problem stems from.

Along with her two dogs and husband, Janie resides in the Pittsburgh area. With over 25 years of dog handling experience, she shares many articles on the importance of dog care and canine nutritional health.

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Find more information on dog skin disorders: http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com

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House Train Your Puppy with a Crate

One of the best ways to house train your puppy is through the use of a crate. This works especially well if you have to leave your puppy unattended for any length of time. It is a good idea to use a crate for at least the first nine months as you will want to protect your flooring and any items that a puppy may want to chew on.

Please buy a crate that your puppy can grow into as this is part of the training. When training my Pit/Lab mix we only experienced a few accidents that happened on our way outside. A puppy or dog typically will not defecate where it sleeps. It is important to make sure that while your puppy is in the crate it only has enough room to turn around in. Most crates come with a divider that you can keep moving as your puppy grows. This will help in the training as your puppy will learn to hold itself until taken outside. It is a good idea not to feed or give your puppy water at least an hour before bedtime. Make sure you establish a schedule for your puppy so it will start to know when it will be taken out for bathroom breaks.

As soon as you wake up in the morning take your puppy out immediately. You may need to carry your puppy for the first week to the outside to avoid any accidents on your way outside. We carried our puppy outside for the first week and praised her when she would go in the grass. We also said the words “go pee pee “and “go poop” when she did the act. Those commands reinforced daily will help later as she will now go on demand as she knows what those words mean due to association with the act. We rewarded her with petting, attention and play when she would complete the act instead of food. We wanted to reserve the food for the training of the regular commands such as sit, stay, lay down, etc. We did not want to confuse her with getting a treat for using the bathroom and then use the same method for regular commands. You must also watch the amount of treats given to a puppy as to not upset their stomachs as they are still growing and can only handle so much food intake.

You need to be consistent with the timing of the bathroom breaks which will mean you will need to be trained to use a schedule as well. Never reprimand with hitting for accidents which will most likely happen during the first few weeks. You must have patience and understanding when you are housebreaking your puppy. Here is a breakdown of what you can do to be successful:

· Buy a safe, quality crate that your puppy can grow into

· Set a schedule that you can stick to that will allow for frequent bathroom breaks for your puppy

· Limit food and water before bed time and walk just before putting your puppy in the crate for the night

· Use key words to get your puppy used to the commands to go to the bathroom

· Praise your puppy for going outside and never reprimand for accidents that will happen

Please remember that your puppy is just like a baby and will need to be taught how to do everything. You will need to have patience and understanding and a lot of love.

Go to www.basicsofdogownership.com for some solutions to training problems and other needs

Puppy Vaccinations and Your New Purebred Puppy

Your purebred puppies health should be of utmost concern to you.

You want a healthy puppy that is free of parasites and on good food. Nutrition is very important- especially in the first year of life.

There are many diseases that the new puppy may come in contact with and it is these puppy vaccinations that help build resistance to the viral attacks.

Though there are multiple ailments and diseases, I will attempt to briefly list and discuss only a few of the more common ones in this puppy article. As always, puppy vaccinations are the best preventive method.

Parvovirus (parvo). This is a very serious disease. It attacks the intestinal system and is a viral disease of dogs. Parvo is characterized by severe, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, high fever and lethargy. The diarrhea is particularly foul smelling and is sometimes yellow in color. Parvo can also attack a dog's heart causing congestive heart failure. Remember, without medical treatment, most puppies die from Parvo.

Distemper. This disease attacks every tissue in the body and may occur through inhalation of the virus in a contaminated area. Signs of the disease often resemble a bad cold with fever at first though the later stages may result in vomiting, high fever, diarrhea, convulsions and thickening/cracking of the nose and pads. Death is common and dogs and who recover may have future nervous damage. Simple puppy vaccinations are the best prevention.

Hepatitis. Spread through contact with contaminated urine or feces. This affects the kidneys and liver- often dogs will have high fever, lack of appetite, vomiting/diarrhea with blood, and depression. Often affected animals will have chronic health problems and recovered dogs will pass infected urine for months after infection. Again, vaccinations are the best preventive method.

Leptospirosis (Lepto). Affect the liver and kidneys and can be transmitted to man via contact with the urine of an infected dog. Signs such as vomiting and thirst, bloody diarrhea, depression, and jaundice may occur. Antiobiotic treatment is important though the best prevention is through vaccination.

Rabies. Transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, rabies is another disease that may be spread to humans. The disease affects the nervous tissues and causes paralysis and death (always). Again, vaccinations are your best weapon against this disease. Below find a brief listing of other common problems of which you should be aware.

Kennel cough. Kennel cough deals with bacterial and/or viral infections in the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms of kennel cough are a constant wheezing cough. Highly contagious as well!

Other symptoms to watch for in your new purebred puppy:

Vomiting. Occasional vomiting is not uncommon but consult your vet if the problem persists or if blood, diarrhea or pain accompany the vomiting.

Diarrhea. Can be caused by a number of things- viruses, food, internal parasites, and bacteria to name a few. Contact the vet if the stool is bloody, continues for an excessive amount of time, or if dehydration occurs. Once your pup has recovered, return it to its food slowly and in decreased but frequent portions.

Constipation. Can be caused by multiple factors also such as insufficient water intake, disease or ingestion of a foreign substance. While your vet may have to take blood tests to find the cause, usually a diet high in fiber and exercise will help prevent this problem.

Not to scare you in any way, I do hope this information will assure you of just how important those puppy vaccinations are to your new puppies (and your) health. Proper immunizations are the best prevention in the endless war on disease and may save your puppy, and yourself, a lot of discomfort, grief and pain- and possibly even death. Here's to healthy and happy puppy owning.

Debbie Ray, owner of http://www.pedigreedpups.com and http://www.total-german-shepherd.com is a lifelong animal lover and dog enthusiast. Interested in more dog information? Training and health tips? Thinking about getting a purebred dog? Interested in the German Shepherd Dog in particular? Need to promote your dog related website and get additional in bound links? Check out pedigreedpups.com, total-german-shepherd.com or canine-hotline.com (dog only products store) for more information.

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Adult Dog Toilet Training Tips

Toilet training a dog is the process of teaching your dog to eliminate where you want. If you do not want to make yourself busy with picking up piles and removing dog urine stains from carpet, you need to potty train your dog. You need to give freedom to your dog outside or in your apartment where he can eliminate naturally and you do not have to worry about the mess.

In this article, we will discuss different aspects of adult dog toilet training.

Dog potty training with crate

The most effective method of dog toilet training involves the use of a crate. Dog is an intelligent and clean animal. They prefer to keep the place clean where they sleep.

After initial 2 weeks of training, your dog will learn what is expected of him in terms of toilet habits. Your dog should go to crate for rest, use the designated place for potty.

What you should know for toilet training a puppy in crate?

1. Crate size should not big enough so dog can sleep one side and potty other side
2. Crate should not too small, so that your puppy feels uncomfortable to go inside.

Potty training a dog without a crate

Dog toilet training without crate is difficult. There will be few cases of accidents initially and you need to be ready to clean up the mess without any physical punishment to your dog.

Important tips on dog training

1. You should be in touch with your dog throughout the day

2. You need to recognize signs that your dog needs to use the toilet so that you can immediately take the puppy to the spot where you want him to potty, give the command word and praise his successes. Always use same command like "go pee" and do not play with him that time.

Dog toilet training using papers

If you have a dog of small breed, you can use paper for dog toilet training. It is useful only if you stay in high-rise apartment and cannot take your dog outside for potty.

Are you dog owner and facing challenges in potty training your puppy?

Click the link to read professional dog trainers advises and recommendations on puppy potty training and how to clean dog urine

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Best Heartworm Medicine For Dogs

Heartworm is a parasite that is spread between animals through the mosquito bites. The heartworm is a tiny worm about the size of a thread that primarily infects dogs, but has also been known to infect coyotes, cats, foxes and wolves among a number of other animals. The parasite acquired the nickname "heartworm" because during the adult stage of its life, it primarily lives and reproduces in the pulmonary artery of its host's heart. It is important to make sure your dog takes medicine to prevent heartworm as the tiny parasites can cause serious health problems for your dog or even cause death.

Virtually all veterinarians agree that the best defense against heartworm disease is monthly application of a preventive heartworm medicine. Prevention of heartworm infection can be obtained through a variety of different drugs and can be prescribed by your dog's veterinarian. Heartworm drugs approved for use in the U.S. include ivermectin (this includes the brand name drug Heartgard among several other generic versions), moxidectin (known by the brand name ProHeart), and milbemycin (including brand names Interceptor and Sentinel). Most of these treatments are administered in pill or chewable tablet form every month during mosquito season.

Make sure your dog gets his monthly heartworm prevention within a month of the beginning of the mosquito season and continue application until a full month after the season. In warm climates where mosquitoes are prevalent through all seasons, heartworm prevention must be administered year round. Many pet owners treat their dogs with heartworm medication year round regardless of climate just to be safe.

There are a couple other ways your dog can get his heartworm medicine. Moxidectin, also known as ProHeart, can be administered in six or twelve month time release injections, but is not available in the U.S. due to safety concerns. Advantage Multi Topical Solution, a treatment including both imidacloprid and moxidectin, is administered by application to the dog's skin. The moxidectin stops roundworms, hookworms, heartworms, whipworms, and the imidocloprid kills adult fleas. Selamectin, under the brand name Revolution, is another topical preventive heartworm medicine administered on a monthly basis.

Preventive drugs for heartworm are important because treatment for dogs who contract heartworm disease can be very dangerous. Sometimes, after treatment, dead heartworms break loose and travel to the lungs, leading to respiratory failure and death. Preventive heartworm disease medicines are highly effective and when regularly administered will protect almost all dogs from being infected. Failures of protection do occur, but most are a result of irregular or incorrect administration of the heartworm drugs. No pet owner is perfect, so most monthly preventives are formulated so that if a single month's dose is missed, the dog will be protected as long as the next months' doses are not missed.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about heartworm medicine for dogs, please visit My Heartworm Medication for current articles and discussions.

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Food You Should Never Feed Your Dog

There are many foods that we eat that we should never feed our dogs. Some are obvious, and most are things most people would never think would harm their dog. This list will tell you some of them.

1. Onions and garlic- Can damage red blood cells because they contain sulfoxides and disulfides.Can also cause anemia.

2. Persimmons- May cause enteritis and intestinal obstruction.

3. Peach and plum pits- Can cause digestive tract obstruction.

4. Raw fish- May cause loss of appetite, seizures, and may cause death if fed regularly, because raw fish causes a thiamine deficiency.

5. Sugary foods- May cause Diabetes Mellitus, dental problems, and obesity.

6. Table scraps- Never feed in large amounts. Bones should never be fed, and fat should be trimmed from meat and fed sparingly.

7. String- May become trapped in the digestive system causing it to have to be removed.

8. Salt- If fed in large quantities, can cause an electrolyte imbalance.

9. Yeast dough- Can cause pain and rupturing in the digestive system.

10. Tobacco- May result in rapid heartbeat, collapse, coma, and death, because tobacco contains nicotine.

11. Raw eggs- Raw eggs may contain Salmonella. They also contain an enzyme known as avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin.

12.Mushrooms - May contain toxins, which can affect several organ systems, cause shock and even death.

13. Hops- Causes panting, fever, elevated heart rate, seizure and possibly death because of an unknown compound.

14. Spoiled food or garbage- Can contain many toxins which may cause diarrhea and vomiting.

15. Dairy products- Can result in diarrhea because adult dogs and cats do not have enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. There is lactose-free products available for pets.

16. Liver- If fed in large amounts, can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.

17. Macadamia nuts- They contain an unknown toxin, and can affect the nervous system, muscles, and digestive system.

18. Vitamin supplements for people- Supplements that contain iron can cause damage to many organs and harm the lining of the digestive system.

19. Raisins and grapes- May damage the kidneys because of an unknown toxin.

20. Baby food- May contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs.

21. Alcoholic drinks- Can cause coma, death, and intoxication.

22. Bones from fish, poultry, and other meats- Can cause laceration and blockage of the digestive system.

23. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine containing products- Contains theobromine, theophylline ,and caffeine, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system.

24. Cat food- Usually contains too much protein and fats for dogs.

25. Citrus oil- May cause vomiting.

26. Fat trimmings- May cause pancreatitis.

If this list helped you, and you would like to know about healthy foods that are free of toxins to feed your dog, then check out: (http://www.squidoo.com/got-healthy-dog-food)

April L. Toche

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The Traveling Dog - Keeping Your Dog Safe When Traveling by Plane

When you have to fly your pet by plane in order to travel during vacation or when moving, the last thing most of us want is to stuff him in a box while he sits in the cargo area during the entire flight. Unfortunately, if you have no other choice but to use the airlines for your travel needs, your dog will more thank likely be placed in a crate for the flight.

Your job here is to make certain your dog is as comfortable as possible. Below are a few suggestions to help you prepare him for the flight:

1. Purchase in a USDA approved kennel that is designed for traveling. The kennel should be custom fit to the size of your dog or puppy. Make certain that the kennel unit is sturdy and provides enough room for your pet to stand up in, as well as offers the ability for him to turn around if he needs to.

2. Avoid waiting until the day of your flight to put your dog inside the kennel. Its true that dogs do adapt easily, however, it is best to get him comfortable with the crate so that he will be a little more at ease. You can do this by having your dog sleep inside the kennel each night before your travel date. Three nights of this preparation before the day of the flight is enough time.

3. If your flight will be longer than 10 to 12 hours, make certain to tape a small bag of dog food outside the crate, complete with meal instructions.

4. For your own peace of mind and to avoid the small chance that your dog could miss his destination, simply write the destination of your flight on the top portion of the crate in big letters. Make certain to include your full name and address, as well as a valid phone number where you can be reached.

5. It is best not to feed your dog at least six hours of the flight. This will help reduce the chances of him having him accidentally using the bathroom inside of the kennel.

6. In case your dog does have a bathroom accident while flying, prep the kennel with a light layer of paper and bedding so that the urine and stools can be soaked as best possible.

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

8. Lastly, if you own a small dog like a Chihuahua or a toy poodle, see if you can arrange to have a small crate to put your dog in that can fit underneath your chair ...But do not wait until the last minute to talk with the airlines about this arrangement. Find out if boarding the flight with your small dog under your seat is allowed as soon as you possibly can.

Article by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - where you can find designer dog bowls to match any decor

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Marshall

Making Your Own Dog Food Could Save Your Dogs Life

If you are thinking of making your own dog food you have started down a path that will ultimately extend the life of your canine friend and free them from an untimely fate of death-by-disease or toxic poisoning.

To some this may seem like an outrageous claim but the facts becoming better known that dog food companies are hurting your dog's health for a number of cost cutting reasons:

• Offshore Processing - With the cost of production and labor being so cheap in places like China and India many dog food companies tend to produce their products overseas and have them shipped into the country. This means that they are stored longer and it opens up a whole other can of worms as continues below
• Lax Standards - While the controlling organization has a set of rigorous standards much like human food production when not in the country these standards may slide somewhat as less developed nations struggle to give large companies low prices for labor and start cost cutting on their end too ending up with poor labor and poor quality control which has been one of the reasons that a number of companies have imported foods so toxic that they have not just hurt your dogs but have killed them outright!
• Poor Ingredients - This is more the owning companies fault in another cost cutting measure. Instead of putting in high quality ingredients that give your dog the nutrition they need to be healthy they substitute less nutritional "filler" to bulk up the product but add little value for your pet's health and well-being. This blatant cost cutting can make your pet very sick over time if not immediately and reduce their quality of life.

When making your own dog food you can avoid this trap of commercial interests and tailor the right food for your pooch that can give them startling increases in their health that will extend their lifespan by years and make them happier as well.

If you want proof of the callous, cost cutting attitude by dog food companies and 5 simple things you must do to protect your dog from death-by-disease click below to find out one mans answer to his faithful hounds demise and how by making his own dog food he can make sure it never happens again.

http://Dog-Food-Conspiracy.1001-Solutions.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rod_Blythe

The Healthiest Dog Food For Your Puppy

What is your puppy eating?

Have you ever taken the time to find out?

Many people think that the food available in stores these days are highly processed and full of a lot of preservatives. You should seek advice from your veterinarian on what is the best food for your pet and also do some research of your own. There are a lot of foods that are available for dogs, but try to find out what really is the best for your puppy. For you to approve a pet food for your puppy it must prove that it can provide sufficient nutrients. The ratio for a dog's food should be 40 % meat, 50 % vegetables and about 10 % grains or other carbohydrates. You should always ensure that protein sources are high on the list such as chicken, lamb and beef. Grains can be a long term source of energy, fibre and minerals. Grains that can be used and considered good for puppies are rolled oats, barley, millet and brown rice.

Dogs are carnivores by nature but they can survive on a vegetarian diet, however, they would not thrive on it. When purchasing food for your puppies look out for the ones that display high protein and fillers in the ingredients. This is because there is usually a lot more in the fillers than can be seen. One way to ensure your puppy is getting the right ingredients is to prepare the food yourself; it's quite simple and recipes are available in book stores and internet sources. Preparing food for your pet is much cheaper than purchasing from stores and other pet shops. However it is vital that you are careful and know exactly what you are doing, otherwise you could be doing more harm than good.

One way to know whether you are doing the right thing is to always check the outcome in your pet's droppings. It should normally be firm and have no traces of mucus or blood. Choose foods that use vitamin E or C as preservatives and avoid those that use chemical preservatives, such as BHT, BHA and Ethoxyquin. Cheap brands of foods are usually not healthy, so choose economy brands instead. Keep in mind that what is not good for you is also not good for your pet. Some people tend to throw sweets and all sorts of foods for the puppy to eat, but bear in mind that it is not good for them.

Just the same as with humans and what we eat, there is not any one brand of dog food that is healthy for all breeds of dogs of different ages and health conditions. Dogs also have food preferences and likes and dislikes, so try to find out which food is best suitable for your pet dog, but make sure it is a healthy one. Your puppy is what they eat, so if you provide them with a healthy and nutritious diet they will live longer with much less suffering, disease or illnesses. Always consider what you feed your pet and you will have a wonderful time with them.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For information on pet supplies, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of Dog Food.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Rogers

Better Health for your Dog

As many people know having a proper diet can greatly improve the quality of life for both people and dogs. Just like you your dog's health is tied directly to the nutrition he gets from the food he eats. Poor nutrition has been linked to dozens of health problems in both humans and dogs. With so many different foods on the market and so much different advice it is difficult to know what to feed your pet. Here are some things to think about when choosing food for your dog.

For thousands of years during their evolution dogs have had substantially the same diet as people. This is because we have lived in such close quarters with dogs, and even hunted with them. Dogs, like humans are omnivores and need both meat and vegetables to be healthy. Now we have dog food to take care of all of your dog's nutrition needs. But will it take care of All your dog's needs? Depends on what kind of food you feed him.

Like humans dog's need different nutrients to promote health. There are certain things you need to make sure your dog is getting in his or her diet. First and foremost, especially for puppies, is ... you guessed it, protein! Protein is essential for promoting bone and muscle growth. Fat is also important to a dog. Protein and fat combined are where your dog is getting his energy from. Another important ingredient, which is often overlooked, is fiber. Fiber is important for you dog's digestion and can help keep him regular. Lastly, just like you do, your dog needs vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.

It is important to keep all of these nutrients in mind when choosing a food, but it is not all that is important. The first thing you should do is to consult your veterinarian and / or your breeder. Ask what food they use, and what ingredients are most important for your particular breed. Next you should visit your local pet store and look at some of the different foods available. Be sure to check the ingredient list to see what is in the food. Just like in human food the ingredients are listed in order by weight in the package, so the first ingredient is the most prevalent. It is also important to note the difference in using all natural food. Although all natural food is a little more expensive it is a significantly superior diet. Natural foods are easily digested and vitamins and minerals are easily absorbed. A synthetic vitamin could be listed as a much higher amount on the package, but the majority of it will not be absorbed and used by your dog. Natural foods promote health far better than brands that use synthetic supplements and large amounts of preservatives.

The single most important factor in creating a healthy environment for your pet is diet. So take care in choosing the food you give your dog. He is counting on you to do whats best for him. Make sure you don't let him down.

For more information on creating a healthy, happy environment for your dog visit my blog Man's Best Friend Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Niesz