Dog rescue organizations are volunteer-driven, and loosely organized. Your best bet is to 'Google' for the one nearest you, using the breed name. So poodle lovers can search for 'Poodle Rescue' or 'Poodle Rescue Florida,' if they live down south.
Once you find an organization, you'll want to apply as an adoptive parent. This may involve a down payment. It also usually involves a form in which you describe your history of animal ownership, and supply references. You'll provide some information on your beliefs about dog discipline, your house and yard, and where you plan to keep your newest family member.
The dog rescue foster moms and will want to talk to you in person, too, to get a feel for your compatibility with their particular pup.
What will I pay for a Rescue Dog?
On average, you'll pay between $200 and $300. If you thought "rescue" adoption was cheap, this might seem like a lot, but the fact is it simply covers basic
procedures to bring the animal back to health. Most dogs arrive at the Rescue with skin problems, tartar-coated teeth, out-of-date vaccinations, possible parasites and other issues.
How will a Rescue Dog differ from a breeder or pet store dog?
Your new adoptee is likely to be:
Older. Few dogs are rescued as puppies. A few are ’adolescent.' The vast majority are middle-aged.
A word of caution. Your adoptee may have a lot of fear and yes, grief, to process. If he felt like a part of his former family, he may be grieving his sudden "ejection." He may need time and patience to take an interest in food, play, or his general surroundings.
If he was starved or kept isolated, he'll need time and patience to learn to socialize.
"Readable." Buying a puppy means taking a wild guess at the eventual adult. When you rescue a grown dog, you get a much better idea of his personality. It's easier to make the perfect match.
Am I the right type of owner for a Rescue Dog?
An important question! You, the owner, are the last and most crucial link in a chain. The chain's only purpose is provide a "happily-ever-after" for a dog that desperately deserves one. Can you be that happily-ever-after, even for a dog that may some rough edges?
A few things for you to consider:
- Do I really care what color the coat is, what sex it is or how many pounds it weighs?
If so, you really want a puppy from a breeder, not a rescue. Rescue dogs rarely conform to an exact type.
- Am I looking to save money?
You may not save money buying a rescued dog, even though the initial cost could be $700 or $800 less than from a breeder. Rescue dogs often need more medical care because of the abuse and neglect they suffered before.
Is my life relatively stable and my household relatively quiet?
All abused creatures, whether dog or human, crave and need an unusually organized household. Many people can be good parents to a rescue dog. But perhaps the best potential parent of all is an older person or couple whose children are grown, and who has time and patience to devote to the dog's mental
and physical healing.
- Can I provide regular medical care and regular grooming?
The deepest wish in the heart of the Dog Rescue folks is each of their dogs never has to go through another minute of hunger, discomfort or pain again.
When dogs are starved, they sometimes have incontinence problems that heal only slowly. They may need more regular teeth cleaning than a continually cared-for dog. Some need a house training refresher when former owners didn't bother.
Most were never clipped or groomed, even in the non-shedding breeds. Do you have the time and resources to keep your dog totally safe and comfortable?
- Can I consider the need and adopt a boy rescue, or an older rescue?
For reasons not entirely clear, many potential adopters go for girl dogs. There's no logic to this: all rescue dogs are spayed or neutered, and boys are as intelligent, witty, loyal, well-behaved and loving as their female counterparts. Perhaps it's just that the rescue impulse leads us to think of "damsels in distress"!
At any rate, that adorable boy that needs a home really deserves your attention. Someone less educated might pass him by for reasons they don't fully understand.
The upshot is, a rescue dog can make the best pet you've ever had. He understands exactly what you're giving him, since he didn't have it before. Your newest family member will offer you an overabundance of loyalty for the rest of his days.
How can I help with Dog Rescues?
Dog Rescues are always looking for help. Of course, they need financial contributions, and kennel and medical supplies. They also need 'foster moms' who perform the difficult task of patiently rendering a dog adoptable, then giving it up to its final owner!
So if you have skills in this area and want to help, contact the small and amazing group of volunteers that make up your local Dog Rescue.
Keep Your Dog Smiling With Preventative Dog Dental
What should pet owners know about dog dental care
and periodontal disease?
An important aspect of the good dog dental care is
proper dental hygiene. One of the most common
ailments treated by veterinarians is periodontal or
gum disease. Gum disease is progressive. It starts
out with the formation of plaque, a sticky bacterial
film that forms in the mouth at the gum line. If not
removed plaque will harden into tartar above and
below the gum line. This build up causes the gums to
become red and swollen, a condition known as
gingivitis.
If gingivitis is left untreated it can lead to
advanced gum disease. Red swollen gums will begin to
recede as the infection travels down into the root
of the tooth and the jawbone. Once the gums have
receded the damage is irreversible and the gums will
not grow back. This is known as periodontal disease
and results in loss of bone and loss of teeth. At
this advanced stage the bacteria from the oral
infection may now enter the bloodstream. This can
lead to more serious problems such as heart, liver
and kidney disease. These conditions if left
untreated can eventually become life threatening.
These problems can also be prevented by implementing
a good dog dental care routine.
Why should I routinely inspect my dog's mouth?
By two or three years of age many pets start to show
signs of oral disease. By implementing a home dog
dental care routine you can assure that your dog's
mouth stays healthy, clean and pain free. Start by
routinely inspecting your dog's mouth. A healthy
mouth will not smell offensive. The teeth will be
clean and will not have any yellow or brown spots.
The gums will be a healthy pink color and will hug
the teeth.
What are the signs of gum disease in dogs?
Persistent bad breath, brownish deposits around the
gum line, especially on back teeth, red swollen
gums, loose teeth, painful and or bleeding gums are
all indicators of oral disease. Although bad breath
or "doggy breath" is the most obvious sign of a
problem, many pet owners fail to recognize it as an
indicator of dental problems until it's too late. As
part of a good dog dental care routine check your
dog's mouth at the slightest sign of a persistent
offensive odor. Other indications can be decreased
appetite and weight loss, a change in chewing
habits, lethargy, and pawing of the mouth or the
face.
What should I do if my dog's mouth shows signs of gum disease?
Dog dental care starts by checking your dog's mouth
regularly. If you see any of these signs call your
vet to schedule a dental exam. Your dog may just
need a routine cleaning. The cleaning process is
performed under general anesthesia. If the condition
is minor, it's not much different than a dental
cleaning that you or I would have done. Your dog's
teeth will be scaled to remove tartar above and
below the gum line and then they will be polished.
Since your dog can't rinse and spit the mouth area
will be flushed to clear it of any loosened debris.
If the condition is more serious your vet may need
to administer an antibiotic to clear up any gum
infection before cleaning your dog's teeth. Blood
work will usually be taken so that your vet can
determine if the infection has spread into the
bloodstream. If the disease is in the advanced
stages your vet may also need to extract some teeth.
Whatever the outcome, your dog is sure to feel a lot
better after receiving some much needed dog dental
care.
Remember to regularly inspect your pet's mouth,
schedule periodic dental check ups, and perform
routine home dental care.
How important is home dog dental care?
Regular cleanings by your vet followed up by a home
dental care program can help keep your dog's mouth
healthy and disease free. Even if your dog's teeth
are currently in good condition a preventative home
dental care routine is essential to your dog's
health. If not regularly removed, plaque and tartar
build up can progress very quickly into full blown
periodontal disease.
If you're new to dog dental care ask your vet to
show you how to brush your dog's teeth. Also find
out if there is anything else that your vet would
recommend adding to your dog's preventative home
dental care routine.
One recommendation is to entice your dog to chew.
Daily chewing exercises will help remove food debris
and prevent tartar build up. They're also great for
relieving boredom and separation anxiety. So put
your pet to work. Give your dog plenty of fun and
yummy real bones, dental dog chew toys, and edible
dog chews as part of your home dog dental care
routine.
Do I need to brush my dog's teeth?
The most direct method of preventative dog dental
care is brushing your dog's teeth regularly. Vets
usually recommend that you brush your dog's teeth at
least two times a week. If your dog is prone to
dental disease you may need to do this more often.
What should I use to brush my dog's teeth?
If you have a young puppy introducing a tooth
brushing routine will probably be much easier then
if you have an adult dog. In either case start slow,
keep the sessions short, and be very gentle while
working in your dog's mouth. Use lots of praise and
reassurance to reinforce good behavior. You will not
want to give your dog treats during this task for
obvious reasons.
Since a dog will swallow whatever you use never
brush your dog's teeth with "people" toothpaste.
This toothpaste is not formulated to be ingested and
can upset your dog's stomach. It's also designed to
foam which is not desirable when brushing a dog's
teeth. So use a pet toothpaste formulated for dog
dental care that does not require rinsing.
You will also need a pet toothbrush. There's a great
triple sided pet toothbrush that will get the job
done faster than a traditional style toothbrush. Or
if you have a small dog you may want to try a pet
finger toothbrush. Finger toothbrushes slip right
onto your finger and are easily controlled to reach
the common trouble spots up near the gum line. Add
some specially formulated tartar removing toothpaste
and you're all set. Dog toothpaste is even available
in all-natural formulas and yummy flavors like
chicken and vanilla.
If this is your dog's first toothbrush look for a
pet dental care kit to get you started. These kits
typically include a pet toothbrush, a tube of pet
toothpaste and a pet finger toothbrush.
Pet dental wipes are great for use on dogs that
resist brushing. These easy-to-use pet teeth
cleaning pads help remove food debris and plaque,
kill germs and help to control bad breath. If your
dog will not allow you to use the toothbrush method
try using dental wipes regularly as part of your
dog's home dental care program.
You may also want to try to increase the amount of
time your dog spends chewing on real bones, dental
dog chew toys and edible dog chews.
This type of chewing helps remove food debris and
prevents tartar build up. If your dog chews enough
you may be able to reduce how often you need to
manually brush your dog's teeth.
How do dog's in the wild keep their teeth clean and healthy?
Dogs in the wild are generally much more active than
our domesticated pets because they must hunt for
their food. They also spend much more time chewing
and gnawing on fresh bones, which helps to keep
their teeth clean and healthy.
Our domesticated dogs can spend a lot of time
sleeping with their mouths closed while passing long
period of time alone. It is commonly believed that
the lack of fresh air circulating over the teeth and
gums can encourage certain types of bacterial growth
in the mouth. And since our pet dogs get their daily
rations served to them in bowls it isn't necessary
for them to spend much time chewing. Although
gnawing on bones is how dogs in the wild keep their
teeth free from food debris, bacterial accumulation
and tartar buildup, our domesticated friends rarely
spend as much time at such pursuits.
Encouraging your dog to chew will make a big
difference in the effectiveness of your dog dental
care routine. Real bones are nature's edible dog
chews. But if you prefer not to give your dog real
bones there are plenty of wonderful dental dog chew
toys and edible dog chews that will get the job
done.
Will real bones help keep clean my dog's teeth?
Give your dog some real bones - Nature's own edible
dog chews. Most people don't provide their dog with
quantities of real bones, so as to avoid the mess
and unsanitary residue. It's great if you have an
environment in which your dog can indulge in working
on a fresh bone. But if not, you can buy some
natural sterilized marrowbones. These hollow bones
are also available pre-filled with tasty treats like
beef, chicken, cheese, and granola.
If you get some unfilled bones you may want to try
filling them with your dog's favorite treats. Try
peanut butter, cheese or one of the yummy pre-made
fillings available at pet shops and online stores.
If you would rather not give your dog real bones
there are many enticing dental dog chew toys and
edible dog chews available that will encourage your
dog to chew.
Besides real bones what other types of dog chews
will help keep my dog's teeth clean?
Traditional chew toys are still available and are
just as popular as ever. But there are also a
variety of very good dental chew toys, rope bone
chew toys and edible dog chews designed to keep your
dog engaged, with the added benefit of cleaning the
teeth. These toys will entice your dog into
playfully attending to the required dental hygiene.
They can also keep your dog entertained and out of
mischief during those times when you must leave your
dog alone.
Rope Bone Chew Toys -
Try a dental rope chew toy for great flossing
action. As your dog happily chews on these toys the
rope fibers clean between the teeth. Spray on some
dog dental care spray or rub on a little flavored
pet toothpaste to really enhance the cleaning action
of this enticing dental chew toy. Check out a pet
dental care spray & rope chew toy kit and get your
dog dental care routine going today.
Dental Chew Toys -
For long lasting chewing fun, and a great dental
workout, get your dog a dental chew toy. Some brands
are manufactured with grooves that make these dental
toys real winners for cleaning your dog's teeth.
Some dental chew toys can also be stuffed with your
dog's favorite treats for hours of stimulating
chewing. And for smaller dogs there are dental chew
toys that not only have teeth cleaning grooves but
also are combined with a rope chew. Just add some
pet toothpaste to the dental grooves and your dogs
will eagerly participate in their daily dog dental
care routine.
Edible Dog Chews -
Are you concerned about giving your dog rawhide
chews because they can "ribbon" and cause your dog
to choke? Many pet hops and online stores now carry
a variety of composite chews. These all natural
rawhide dog chews can't ribbon, are easy to digest
and dogs love the baked in flavor. There is even an
edible dog chew treat available that contains no
animal by-products.
Dogs, like people, have different tastes and
preferences. Choose whichever dental dog toy or dog
chew treat that will keep your dog happily chewing
his or her way to clean and healthy teeth and gums.
And remember that there are many convenient dog
dental care products available that will help you to
keep your dog's teeth and gums in great shape
between regular visits to the vet and grooming
salon. Unattended dental health problems cannot only
distress your beloved pet, but can lead to serious
conditions and ailments. Many of these problems can
be prevented by implementing a regular home dog
dental care routine.
Routine home dog ear care is very important to the health of your dog. Performed between your regular checkups with the veterinarian, it will help keep your dog's ears healthy and pain free. If you see signs of trouble you may be able to head them off before they require an extra visit to the vet.
Excessive wax, foul odor, redness, constant scratching, excessive matting of hair in the external ear, rubbing the ears against other objects, head shaking, and disorientation can all be signs of ear problems.
Inspect Your Dog's Ears Regularly By Using Your Eyes; Your Nose!
By performing a home dog ear care inspection; you will be able to detect problems early. Use both your eyes and your nose. If you need help seeing inside your dog's ears you may want to invest in a pet scope. A tool very similar to the kind your doctor uses to check your ears. Check for redness,excessive wax build up or any other foreign matter.
Sniffing your dog's ears is another way to detect problems early. Normally a dog's ears shouldn't smell foul in any way. If you see a dark waxy discharge this may be a sign of ear mites. On the other hand, if you see a pus-like discharge along with a foul smell this may be a sign of a bacterialinfection. Allergies are also known to cause some dogs to have smelly ears. If you're new to this andare unsure have the vet check your dog's ears. Right after the vet gives your dog a clean bill of health make sure you inspect your dog's ears. This way you will learn how your pet's ears should normally look and smell.
Is Your Breed of Dog More Susceptible To Dog Ear Care Problems?
Due to the warm, damp, and dark environment, as well as poor air circulation, your dog's ear canal can be the prefect breeding ground for mites, yeast or bacterial infection. This is why, for certain breeds, home dog ear care is even more important.
Some pets may require routine applications of dog ear care products to keep their ears free of mites, yeast or bacterial infections.
Some dog's ears stand straight up which allows for more air to flow into the ear canal. Dogs with floppy ears, like spaniels and bloodhounds, are veryprone to ear infections because very little air flows into their ear canals. There are also breeds, like the Lhasa, that have a heavy growth of hair inside their ears. This hair must be routinely removed as a prevention against chronic ear problems.
If Excess Ear Hair Is A Dog Ear Care Problem Learn
How To Remove It
If you suspect that excess ear hair is a problem, you may need to pluck the hair that grows inside your dog's ears. This is a routine dog ear care task that can be performed at home and is much easier then it sounds. You will want to apply dog ear powder to the inside of both ears. Make sure that the hair is completely covered, especially at the base. Once the powder has dried start plucking a few hairs at a time with your fingers or a tweezers.
Plucking just a few hairs at a time will be less irritating for the dog.
You may want to stop a few times to give your dog's ears a good rub. Make sure you give your dog lots of praise and a few dog treats too. Once all the inside hair has been removed, follow up by cleaning and inspecting the ears. If you are unsure about this dog ear care procedure, have your vet or a professional groomer show you how to do it.
Things You Should Know About Cleaning Your Dog's Ears
Some vets recommend that owners routinely flush their dog's ears with warm water at the slightest hint of odor. Other home dog ear care cleaning remedies include mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or a combination of equal parts of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. If your dog has open sores it's best not to use the vinegar and alcohol because it will cause a burning sensation.
If your dog is prone to ear infections you may want to use a pet ear care product that is specifically formulated to clean and dry up excess moisture in the ear canal. A dog ear wash containing Tea Tree Oil, which is also formulated to dry the ear canal is an excellent choice. Tea Tree Oil's natural antiseptic, antibacterial and fungicidal properties can help keep your dog's ears problem free.
It's also a good idea to use a pet ear-drying agent after bathing or swimming especially if your dog's ears retain moisture and don't dry promptly. There are many good pet ear care products available for
routine ear cleaning that will dissolve wax, remove foreign debris and dry the ear canal. There are also home dog care treatments available that will kill pesky ear mites and ear ticks.
A dog's ear canal is L-shaped. It descendsvertically and it makes a 90-degree horizontal turn before it reaches the eardrum. Even though your dog's eardrum is better protected than a human's,
you should still proceed with caution when cleaning the ear canal. Many vets urge caution when inserting anything into the ear canal, especially cotton-tipped swabs. They can actually push dirt and foreign matter deeper into the ear if not handled properly. You can even lose the cotton tip in the ear canal.
Start cleaning the external part of the ear by swabbing inside the earflaps and all around the gnarled area at the entrance of the ear canal. If you choose to use a cotton-tipped swab you will need a long type since a dog's ear canal is much deeper than ours. If your dog will tolerate it, gently and carefully swab the inside of the ear canal. A much safer method is to fill the ear canal with a pet ear cleaning solution and gently massage the outer ear.
After a few minutes allow your dog to shake his head to help clear the ear canal. If you're using a commercial pet ear care product be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Make Ear Inspections An Important Part Of Your HomeDog Ear Care Routine
Checking your dog's ears only takes a few minutes so make it a part of your dog grooming routine. And when your dog's ears need a cleaning don't put it off. Remember regular cleanings can prevent many common ear problems. If you think a problem may be developing that is beyond the scope of your home dog ear care routine, take your dog to the vet for a check up immediately. An infection, if left untreated, can be very painful for your dog and could even damage your dog's hearing.
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was about two AM, when beneath our bed the new puppy we'd brought home from the pound just a month earlier began screaming.
Not yipping or whining -- this was the kind of agonized screams that'll stand your hair up on end.
Our cute, playful new puppy was being eaten alive from inside.
He had worms, even though he'd received all theright shots just a few weeks before.
Now he was dying, right there under our bed, and we weren't able to save him. The worms were just too advanced.
He had been a happy little guy, playful and filled with fun. So that night -- and those screams -- have stayed with me a very long time.
An experience like that will change your attitude fast. It sure changed mine. Up till then I'd been a bit cavalier about health care for my pets.
However, dog worms are serious business. They need to be treated as soon as possible. And even if you're not sure, get your dog tested anyway, just to be safe. Being safe is far better than listening helplessly to your dog die in the night.
If your dog has diarrhea, the cause can be dog worms and you should make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
To determine if dog worms are the problem you will need to take a stool sample to your vet. In some cases, however, dog worms can occur even when your dog has normal stools. A yearly stool exam is needed to make sure your dog doesn't have worms. Puppies should be checked more often.
There are several types of worms. Your vet can test for all kinds and give the appropriate treatment.
Roundworms are the most common, and are usually found in newborn puppies. Older dogs usually don't have problems with roundworms.
Hookworms are also common. This worm lodges in the small intestine of the dog. When your dog has hookworms he will often have vomiting and diarrhea.
In young puppies this can cause anemia and other complications.
Whipworms live in the junction where the large and small intestines meet. These worms cause inflammation in the lower part of the GI tract, and
the symptoms resemble those of colitis. Whipworms are difficult to diagnose, but your vet will usually treat your dog according to the clinical signs.
Some dog worms need a host in order to be transmitted. This type includes tapeworms. Fleas most often serve as the host to carry these worms.
The flea ingests the eggs and acts as host for the larvae. then the dog swallows the flea with its tapeworm already present.
Often dogs with tapeworms do not show clinical signs. With no obvious symptoms, this makes it hard to diagnose the problem. However, if you often see your dog rubbing his bottom along the ground or on the floor, he may have an infestation of tapeworms.
It's important to get your dog checked. You don't have to learn the hard way like I did.
Dog worms are a serious health hazard. They impact your dog's health and should be taken care of the minute you even suspect there could be a problem.
Cleanliness and proper grooming can be very important to the continued good health of our beloved pets. But bathing our puppy or adult dog can often prove to be a challenge.
There are many questions, myths and opinions floating around when discussing the best care for different dog types and
temperaments. Check out these dog bathing tips to get some great ideas so you'll be prepared for your dog bath and grooming session.
How often should you bath your dog?
How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on the breed and what type of activities the dog is
involved in. It's best to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty. Just use your nose - that
tell tale doggy smell will let you know it's time for a bath.
If a dog is bathed too often the skin will be stripped of its natural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating the already sensitive skin. If you need to bathe your dog more frequently make sure to use a pet shampoo that will also moisturize your dog's skin. You may also want tofollow up with an after bath pet coat conditioner specifically formulated for dry skin.
Where's the best place to bath your dog?
In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place that will not turn to mud when it gets wet.
It's a good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fill it with a few
inches of water. Water straight from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast.
If your dog starts to resist and shiver, as the water gets colder, you may want to consider another option.
Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. This convenient,
back-saving dog bath is often used with a water temperature mixer valve assembly that completely
solves this problem. With the proper equipment set up you'll be able to save your back and control the
water temperature of your dog's bath. Some temperature mixer valve assemblies hook up to your
existing washing machine water supply. At bath timejust connect an ordinary garden hose to the valve
assembly and run it outside to the bathing area.
This convenient type of back-saving dog bath can even be used for bathing your dog inside.
If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the water temperature shouldn't be a problem. But
deciding where to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathed easily in a
sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large shower
stall. And of course, the bigger your dog is the bigger the potential hassles.
Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at bath time?
Many dog owners solve this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. An ergonomically designed dog
grooming bathing tub elevates your dog to a level that's comfortable for you and keeps your dog
securely contained, taking the hassle out of washing your dog. You'll get the job done in half the time,
save your back and stay dryer. The raised dog bath that is available in most pet shops and online
stores will also save your dog stress at bath time.
No more slipping and sliding. Your dog will really feel secure standing on the padded non-slip surface.
This type of raised dog bath has been recommended by Dog World Magazine in their "Notable Products for
the New Millennium".
Does your dog tend to get away from you during a bath?
Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of dog grooming. It's funny how your dog will
cleverly evade you when you try to get him into a dog bath, but will be just as determined to get past
you when you don't want him to jump into the water at the beach.
If you're washing your dog in a room with a door make sure to close it so that your dog will not see
an escape route or get very far if he prematurely gets out of the bath. This way you'll have an easier
time getting him back in the tub to finish the job.
It can be a challenge bathing a dog that's wiggling around but the challenge gets a little tougher when
your dog is an escape artist. If your dog takes any opportunity to get away from you at bath time you
may want to consider restraining your dog.
Restraints are used during bath time to avoid injuryto you as well as your pet. Some pet bathing tubs
come with restraints included. With these your dog will be safely and securely restrained and you will
be able to give your dog a quick and hassle-free bath.
Is your dog slipping and sliding in the bath?
Slipping and sliding can be the most stressful part of bath time for a dog. Put a rubber mat down on the
bottom surface of the tub to prevent your dog from sliding and getting hurt. A sure-footed dog will be
less resistant and much more at ease during bath time.
Things to have on hand at bath time:
Raised Dog Bath - This is a fantastic idea for a dog bath. It's ergonomically designed for both you and
your dog's comfort. Your local pet groomer is likely to have just such a bathing station set up in their
shop. If you're thinking about buying a tub or basin to bathe your dog in, ask them if you can check out
their tub set up. If you have the room or more than one dog, you may find it worthwhile.
Pet Shower or Plastic Pitcher
A Pet Shower is great, but if that's not possible make sure you have a large plastic pitcher for wetting and rinsing your dog.
Drain Screen - Make sure to protect your plumbing from hair clogs with a simple to use drain screen.
Cotton Balls - Can be placed in each ear to prevent water from running into your dog's ears.
Pet Shampoos - There are many different pet shampoos each formulated to work on problems such as dry
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and
symptoms of illness or pain in their dogs, will not
only relieve their loved one's suffering but may
also be able to save themselves an expensive trip to
the veterinarian. Not only is it important to
recognize these signs early to relieve pain and
suffering, but it is much more effective to treat an
illness when it is detected early.
The dog owner should keep an accurate and detailed
account of their dog's symptoms to help the
veterinarian correctly diagnose and effectively
treat the dog's illness or condition. Most canine
illnesses are detected through a combination of
various signs and symptoms:
Temperature, Respiratory Rate and Heart Rate
A newborn puppy will have a temperature of 94-97º F.
which will eventually reach the normal adult body
temperature of 101.5º F. at the age of 4 weeks old.
Take care when trying to take your dog or puppies
temperature as the thermometer can easily be broken
off in the canine's rectum. Also any form of
excitement can cause the temperature to rise by 2-3º
when the dog is actually in normal health. If your
dog's temperature reaches 105º or above OR 96º or
below please take him/her to the emergency vet
immediately!
An adult dog will have a respiratory rate of 15-20
breaths per minute (depending on such variables as
size and weight) and a heart rate of 80-120 beats
per minute. You can feel for your dog's heartbeat by
placing your hand on his/her lower ribcage just
behind the elbow. Don't be alarmed if the heartbeat
seems irregular compared to a human's heartbeat, it
is irregular in many dogs. Have your vet check it
out and get used to how it feels when it is normal.
Behavior ChangesAny behavior changes that are not associated with a
change in the household atmosphere, such as jealousy
over a new pet or child may be an indication of an
illness. Signs of behavioral changes may be:
-Depression
-Anxiety
-Fatigue
-Sleepiness
-Trembling
-Falling/Stumbling
If your dog shows any of these signs, he/she needs
to be kept under close watch for a few hours, or
even a few days, until positive signs develop or
he/she has returned to normal. Do not try to
exercise the dog or put him/her in any situation
that may cause stress. Most veterinarians will want
for you to keep track of when the symptoms first
appeared, whether they are getting better or worse,
and also whether the symptoms are intermittent,
continuous, or increasing in frequency.
PainDogs that are in pain will likely indicate that they
are suffering by giving you clues as to where the
area of discomfort is. For instance, a dog that has
abdominal pain will continually glance toward their
belly, bite or lick the area, and will not want to
leave his/her bed. The dog may stand hunched over,
or take the 'prayer position' which is when a dog
gets down on it's forelegs with the hind legs still
standing, because of the pain in her abdomen area.
Dogs can not tell you that they are hurting or cry
real tears but a dog may vocalize their pain in a
different way. A dog that is hurt suddenly (such as
being stepped on) will cry out or wimper in pain.
This also happens when an external injury or
internal injury (such as an organ) is touched.
Whining or vocalization that is unprovoked may be
caused from an internal injury as well. Some breeds
of dogs (such as the American Pit Bull Terrier) have
a higher pain threshold and need to be watched more
closely for signs of pain. Breeds with a high pain
tolerance are more likely to endure the pain without
vocalization.
Another clue to pain is a change in temperament. A
dog that is in pain may show signs of aggression.
Please take note of this before concluding that a
dog has become vicious and let your veterinarian
know so that the correct treatment can be
administered. Also females in general (even humans!)
have days when they are just in a bad mood for no
obvious reason. Take note of days of times that
these mood swings occur as well as any events that
might have triggered them.
Other signs that your dog may be sick:
-Ears: discharge, debris, odor, scratching, crusted
tips, twitching or shaking.
-Eyes: redness, swelling or discharge.
-Nose: runny, thickened or colored discharge,
crusty.
-Coughing, sneezing, vomiting or gagging.
-Shortness of breath, irregular breathing or
prolonged/heavy panting
-Evidence of parasites in the dog's stool, strange
color, blood in the stool, or lack of a bowel
movement (constipation).
-Loss of appetite or not drinking as much water as
normally would.
-Weight Loss.
-Strange color of urine, small amount of urine,
straining, dribbling, or not going as frequently as
normal.
-Bad odor coming from mouth, ears, or skin.
-loss of hair, wounds, tumors, dander or change of the
skin's color.
-Biting of the skin, parasites, scratching or
licking the skin frequently.
The preceding article was meant to help educate you
to the signs and symptoms of probable pain or
sickness in your dog. If any of these symptoms occur
over a prolonged period of time, please seek the
help of a veterinarian. I hope that this article
will help stress the importance of keeping watch
over your dog's health patterns and the importance
of keeping an accurate, detailed health record for
your veterinarian's convenience.
Dogs have a vast range of personalities, which is one of their attributes that we find so appealing. However, it also means that not all dogs respond to training and behavior modification techniques in the same way.
The great thing about 'Secrets to Dog Training' is that it not only covers detailed training instructions for over 25 specific dog problems (including photos), but it also includes unlimited consultations in our Members Area forum with me and my team of dog trainers, vets and fellow dog owners. This is to ensure that you get your specific questions about your dog's problems answered.
Make sure that you are consistent by displaying good leadership and control any unwanted behavior by applying the methods taught in 'Secrets to Dog Training'. Your dog is less likely to challenge you (and will respect you more) if it perceives you to be a strong leader.
Dogs instinctively challenge the pack leader when they perceive the leader to be losing touch. Your dog is far less likely to challenge you if you are perceived to be a strong leader, and your dog will breeze through life feeling safe and secure in its environment.
If you want to learn what it really takes to stop your dog’s behavior problems now, using the fastest and healthiest methods that exist - then you have to hear everything I’m going to share with you. It’s that important.
The best part about this information is that anyone can do it and it’s easy!
Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, it doesn’t matter, I’ll show you how in minutes a day, you can transform your dog’s behavior. The information and techniques apply to all breeds and all ages of dogs. Forget hiring a professional dog trainer. Save hundreds of dollars and learn their most guarded secrets here. Best of all, the information and techniques are easy for anyone to use.
Our Secrets to Dog Training book brings you over 260 pages packed with powerful facts, instructions and insight - all you need to know to STOP your dog’s behavior problems in their tracks!
Then our Secrets to Dog Training (30-min) downloadable video gives you great techniques for preventing pulling on the leash, direct and paper methods of house training, how to become the pack leader and, just as importantly, how to maintain that position. You’ll see real-life examples of our top tips on screen as we show you exactly what to do to make it happen with your dog. Presented in a practical, down-to-earth manner, this video is a pleasure to watch as we deal with a wide range of important handling and behavior issues - giving you a toolkit of actions you can use to manage your dog effectively.
Here’s a Small Sample of What You’ll Learn
Need to stop your dog from trying to fight with other dogs? Learn the best ways to break up dog fights and prevent them from ever happening again.(page 84-86)
Want to know how to curb your dog’s aggressiveness? Learn six powerful strategies for training aggressive dogs. (pages 60-72)
Did you know that your dog may not know why you are trying to correct him? Learn how to make him understand. This will remove the frustration and rapidly increase the speed of your dog's learning. (Page 37, plus further communication strategies provided throughout)
All the secrets of professional dog trainers are revealed, and best of all are easy to apply! Stop wasting hundreds of dollars (chapters 103, 201, and 301)
Does your dog require urgent dog house training? Learn the dog house training techniques you must know that get the fastest results, whether you keep your dog indoors or outdoors. (chapters 103, 203, 302 - also on our video - plus house training bonus book)
Sick of having your dog race out the front door? Read my book and you’ll never have to worry about this again. (page 116)
Got a dominant dog? We teach you how to deal with him. (chapters 201, 202, plus bonus book). In our downloadable video, Dave explains ‘The Alpha Dog’ and shows you how to establish and maintain yourself as pack leader - so your dog lives with you on your terms.
Separation anxiety getting you both down? Find out about the best ways to make it go away. (pages 143-144 and Separation Anxiety case study: pages 145-146)
Hate having your dog jump up on you? Learn six simple techniques to stop him jumping up on you ever again! (pages 141-142 and Jumping case study: pages 143)
Neighbors getting annoyed with your pet's constant barking? Maybe he doesn’t bark enough? Apply these advanced techniques so that your dog knows when and where it’s appropriate to bark. (pages 56, 86-89, 127-128)
When you see the world through your dog's eyes you gain a huge advantage in training them to do what you want. When you understand how your dog thinks - and what he needs to know - the training program is easy to follow.
Once you learn all of the above, I promise you, you’ll notice dramatic changes in your dog’s behavior problems immediately! You don't need to visit an expensive "Dog Training Professional" - everything you need to know is right here in this package.
And you’ll also learn:
Dog Whispering is a cutting edge, amazing and totally humane training technique. Discover the secrets to making it work for you and your dog. (pages 32 and 120-128)
What to do and look out for when there is more than one dog in the house! (pages 130-131) Use my Top Dog Maintenance Program to keep the peace! Having problems with the family cat being harassed? Learn an easy method to let your cat and dog live in harmony! (page 134, plus Cat and Car Chasing case study) .
Want to stop your dog eating his own, or other dogs' poop? The technical term for this is coprophagia. We have the best ways to stop this nauseating behavior! (pages 72-73)
Having trouble with your dog pulling on the leash? Find out how to stop this behavior in ten minutes or less with my sure-fire technique. (pages 82-84, page 125 - also on our video)
Biting, nipping and mouthing problems can be embarrassing when you have your dog in public. Fix these dog behavior problems once and for all with my super-effective techniques. (pages 68-72)
Discover how to train your dog to learn any command. We cover in specific detail with photos, many commands such as: Okay and No, Come (Recall), Hold and Leave , Sit, Sit and Stay, Down, Heel, Seek, Stand, Beg for food, Fetch, Catch food , Climb ladders, Shake hands, Crawl, Jump, Rollover and more! (chapters 203 for basic commands and 301 and 303 for advanced commands)
Things to consider when exercising (page 32) or leaving your dog in the heat (page 138) . Don’t cause him any more stress than you need to! Has your dog got sickness problems? (pages 132-136) We teach you all you need to know about many illness concerns, including stomach gas problems (page 136), motion sickness ... and what you must know about selecting a vet for your dog! (page 30)
Learn powerful techniques to solve ANY dog behavior problem such as failsafe methods for dog house training (toilet training) (see the House Training bonus book), professional secrets to training an aggressive dog – no matter what the circumstances (chapter 202, also see Alpha Dog bonus book) digging (pages 79-81), barking (pages 86-90), worms (page 147), fleas (page 137), gas problems (page 136), fighting (chapter 202), destroying your stuff, and much, much more is covered in this comprehensive, easy to follow book.
Secrets to Dog Training - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!
Is my life relatively stable and my household relatively quiet? 
Dog Rescues are always looking for help. Of course, they need financial contributions, and kennel and medical supplies. They also need 'foster moms' who perform the difficult task of patiently rendering a dog adoptable, then giving it up to its final owner! 
