Dogs are arguably one of the best companions that a human can find, so it goes without saying that getting one has probably crossed your mind at least once before. If you have gone beyond just thinking about it and have begun to seriously consider the option of getting a dog, then it is important to know what you will be getting into. It is very easy to see the appeal of owning a dog, but there are many responsibilities and commitments that are involved.

For one thing, owning a dog is a usually a 10-15 year commitment, since that is how long a typical dog will live. This means that your dog will be with you through whatever life stages you live through, including dating, marrying, and having children.

Along with this, having an adorable, friendly canine companion around you for so many years will inevitably lead to some attachment. No one likes to think about death, but sooner or later the reality of mortality will come into full view, and you should be prepared to deal with the loss. If you are married with children at the time of your loss, the pain will affect more people than just yourself.

Dogs, just like children, require a lot of your time and attention. Though they don?t need constant attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they do require you to spend at least a few hours a day to play around and exercise outside. Dogs that do not receive enough attention or care may develop behavioral issues.

Dogs will also be very affectionate and will want to be around you for much of the time you are at home. They will even sleep near you when they take naps and may even want to sleep in the same bed as you. Be prepared to take a firm stance on this if you do not want your dog to sleep in the same bed as you do.

On the other side of the coin, not all the time you spend with your dog will be fun. They require you to feed them, give them water, clean them, and pick up after them. Periodic visits to the vet are also something you should be prepared for. Whether it?s for a yearly checkup, an examination regarding an illness, or emergency visits, visits to the veterinarian will cost you some money.

After talking about all of the responsibility of owning a dog, it should also be noted that there is a great deal of comfort, joy, and fun that come with having a dog. They are not nicknamed ?man?s best friend? for no reason. After experiencing the joys of having a dog, all of the responsibilities and commitments listed above pale in comparison and won?t even be burdensome when you realize who you are taking care of.

http://www.doggyjournal.com

Ticks are not insects like fleas, but arachnids like mites, spiders, and scorpions. A tick has a one piece body, harpoon like barbs around its mouth to attach to a host for feeding, crablike legs and a sticky secretion to help hold itself to the host. The United States has about 200 tick species whose habitats include woods, beach grass, lawns, forests, and even in some urban areas.

They have a four stage life cycle, egg, larvae, nymphs, and adult. Depending on its species, a tick may take less than a year or up to several years to go through its four stage life cycle. Adult females of some species lay about 100 eggs at a time. Others lay 3,000 to 6,000 eggs per batch.

Ticks can carry various infectious organisms that can transmit diseases to cats and dogs as well as humans. The four primary diseases and their symptoms are:

- Babesiosis ? lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, pale gums

- Ehrlichiosis ? high fever, muscle aches

- Lyme disease ? lameness, swollen joints, fever, poor appetite, fatigue, vomiting

- Tick paralysis in dogs ? gradual paralysis and poor coordination

Of the four diseases, Lyme disease is the worst, as it can also infect humans. Studies indicate that dogs are 50 percent more susceptible to this disease than humans. Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of the deer tick, also called the black-legged tick. Symptoms in humans include fatigue, chills and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a red circular skin rash. In June 1992 the USDA licensed a vaccine to prevent Lyme disease in dogs. There is no vaccine for cats yet.

If your dog is outside regularly, ask the veterinarian about the Lyme disease vaccine. Watch for the symptoms mentioned earlier, and if you suspect a tick-borne disease get your dog to the vet immediately. With early diagnosis, antibiotics generally work. If possible, dogs should be kept out of tick-infested areas. In areas where ticks are prevalent, yards where dogs exercise should be treated with appropriate chemicals to kill adult and immature ticks.

Dogs should be examined frequently for the presence of ticks on their bodies. Ticks prefer sheltered locations, such as inside the ears and between the toes of the host, but a heavily infested dog may have ticks anywhere on its body. When a tick is found it should be removed immediately. The proper way to remove a tick is to use fine-point tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull gently, if the ticks mouth parts remain embedded in the animals skin, you should try to remove them as you would a splinter. Alcohol or other disinfectants should be used on the bite site, the tweezers, and your hands if you do not wear gloves.

Tick can and will survive after they are removed from the host. You should flush the tick down the toilet or drown them in a small container of alcohol. You should never squeeze a tick as it will release toxins that may contain any of the diseases discussed earlier. Hundreds of pesticides and repellants are available to control ticks on dogs and cats. Products range from oral medications that are available only from your veterinarian, to collars, sprays, dips, shampoos, powders, and spot-ons.

The chemicals Chlorpyrifos and Amitraz are used in several types of products and are very effective against ticks. Amitraz should not be used on dogs that are sickly, pregnant, or nursing. However, no matter what type of medication you use, always check with your veterinarian first.

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest designer dog clothes, fancy dog collars, dog beds and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at http://www.joncopets.com

Introducing a puppy to your home can cause a lot of upheaval. You might need to move furniture and make your home dog friendly, or just change your lifestyle to make sure you are available to exercise or feed your new pet, when she needs it.

A puppy is very much like a baby.

They are cute and cuddly. They tug at your heart and you just have to give in to them. But, doing so will likely spoil that puppy into an annoying pet rather than a trusted friend. While the world of puppy can be a rewarding one, it can also be quite nerve wracking as well.

Just like children, puppies need you to watch over them virtually all the time. They like to explore and they are likely to get into things that they shouldn?t. This can prove to be something that injures them or even poisons them, though. Puppies use their mouths to explore the world around them. If it has an interesting taste or texture, the dog is likely to keep at it. Now, if this is such a thing as an electrical cord, it can prove to be fatal to them.

So, what do you do if you can?t be there all the time to watch your puppy? You can use baby gates as well as barriers of other types to lock off dangerous areas to your pet. Put your pet in a welcoming area where you spend time in. Provide them with toys, water and a soft place to lie and they are set to go.

Training for a pet begins from the time you allow them to enter your home.

Experts agree that the first thing a puppy needs to learn is that you are the leader of the pack. You need the dog to understand that you are the boss. They instinctively look for a leader because dogs are pack animals. If you don?t take on this role, the animal will think that he is the leader instead. You don?t have to be aggressive at it though. Subtle things tell your puppy that you are in the leadership role. If you are harsh with the puppy, you will make them afraid of you and they will not be able to bond with you at that point.

At a young age, you can teach your puppy to sit. To do this, simply put your hand on his chest and the other on his rump. Say the command ?sit? and push down on their rump and up on the chest. When she does it, praise her verbally and give her a treat. Keep practicing this with her. Whenever you give the dog its food, make her sit before you give it to her. This is a ?nothing in life is free? technique. The dog learns that you are in charge and that to get his food he must obey you.

Lastly, it is important to note that the best techniques for raising your animal are those that surround compassion, patience and love.

Best Pet Health Information is a resource which will help you find infomation, hints and tips to keeping your puppy happy and healthy. Dog News Center publishes news and articles about dogs and puppies.

http://www.best-pet-health.info This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and live links are included intact.

Why use a crate:

When used properly and not abused, crates are the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Dogs are den animals that will instinctively seek out a small, cozy place to rest for shelter and security. Crates act on a dog’s instinct to keep its den clean and unsoiled. Keeping your dog in a crate teaches him to hold it until he can go in an appropriate place, which helps your puppy develop his bladder control. For older dogs, crates act as a bedroom where they can relax and escape the hustle and bustle of kids, other pets, and everyday family life. Also, it’s never too late to crate train! A crate can help break bad habits that improperly trained dogs may have developed over the years.

Plastic or metal?

Plastic kennels are good for travel, and are generally the only method of containment permitted by airlines. Metal wire dog crates are ideal for home use, however. They are generally roomier and more open. They’re also sturdier, so they will stand up to your pet’s movement/ activity and be able to last as your dog’s permanent bedroom.

What size?

A crate should only be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down. If the crate is too big, your puppy will have enough room to soil one side and sleep in the other, which defeats the purpose of the crate. Buy a crate large enough to accommodate your dog’s full-grown size and get a divider panel. This way, you can keep the one crate and have it grow along with your dog.

Accessories:

Always be sure to include appropriate toys and treats in the crate. This will keep your dog occupied and prevent your teething puppy from chewing on the crate’s metal bars. It is also important to purchase crate bedding. A crate cover is great for lowering the number of outside distractions your dog sees, which can reduce barking and stress in the crate. A crate pad will be more comfortable than the crate’s plastic pan. Finally, a bumper like the one included in Pet Dreams Cratewear will help protect your puppy from injuries caused by chewing or leaning against the crate’s metal bars.

For more information:

In addition to Cratewear, Pet Dreams provides a wealth of Crate Training Tips, articles, and FAQs to help you crate train your dog. Weve also recently launched Forums where you can discuss all aspects of training with others and get advice from the experts!

Visit http://www.petdreams.com for Dog crates, Cratewear bedding and Sleep-ezz dog beds.

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Why use a crate:

When used properly and not abused, crates are the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Dogs are den animals that will instinctively seek out a small, cozy place to rest for shelter and security. Crates act on a dog’s instinct to keep its den clean and unsoiled. Keeping your dog in a crate teaches him to hold it until he can go in an appropriate place, which helps your puppy develop his bladder control. For older dogs, crates act as a bedroom where they can relax and escape the hustle and bustle of kids, other pets, and everyday family life. Also, it’s never too late to crate train! A crate can help break bad habits that improperly trained dogs may have developed over the years.

Plastic or metal?

Plastic kennels are good for travel, and are generally the only method of containment permitted by airlines. Metal wire dog crates are ideal for home use, however. They are generally roomier and more open. They’re also sturdier, so they will stand up to your pet’s movement/ activity and be able to last as your dog’s permanent bedroom.

What size?

A crate should only be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down. If the crate is too big, your puppy will have enough room to soil one side and sleep in the other, which defeats the purpose of the crate. Buy a crate large enough to accommodate your dog’s full-grown size and get a divider panel. This way, you can keep the one crate and have it grow along with your dog.

Accessories:

Always be sure to include appropriate toys and treats in the crate. This will keep your dog occupied and prevent your teething puppy from chewing on the crate’s metal bars. It is also important to purchase crate bedding. A crate cover is great for lowering the number of outside distractions your dog sees, which can reduce barking and stress in the crate. A crate pad will be more comfortable than the crate’s plastic pan. Finally, a bumper like the one included in Pet Dreams Cratewear will help protect your puppy from injuries caused by chewing or leaning against the crate’s metal bars.

For more information:

In addition to Cratewear, Pet Dreams provides a wealth of Crate Training Tips, articles, and FAQs to help you crate train your dog. Weve also recently launched Forums where you can discuss all aspects of training with others and get advice from the experts!

Visit http://www.petdreams.com for Dog crates, Cratewear bedding and Sleep-ezz dog beds.

More articles at articles on database

Introduction

If you are considering adding a dog to your household, stop and take a few minutes to consider if you are really ready for the responsibility having a dog will entail. And if you are thinking of adding a puppy, you really need to consider if you, your family and your current lifestyle can accommodate a new puppy and if you are ready to expend the time and money needed to properly raise one.

Step One: Evaluate Your Lifestyle

Are you at home enough for a puppy? Or is your work close enough to your home for you to come home several times a day and let the puppy out or walk him? If the answer to either is yes, then great. You are a good candidate for owning a puppy. Puppies need a consistent schedule with plenty of opportunities to eliminate, where you want them to. Their bladders and bowels are small and they cannot ?hold it? until you get home.

Chewing: Puppies teethe just like human babies and chew while their new little dog teeth emerge. Items of clothing, shoes, belts, electrical cords (which are potentially very dangerous to your puppy) and other household items will full of puppy tooth marks while your new dog breaks in his new teeth.

Sleep: If you are someone who needs 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night, then a puppy is not for you. Your new puppy will be very demanding. For one, he will miss his litter mates. Ticking clocks, hot water bottles and plush toys will not be an adequate substitute and will not be able to make a puppy ball with your new family member. If you have had children, owning a new puppy will be a lot like having a newborn human baby.

Exercise: Puppies love to play. If you or other members of your family have time and energy to play with your new dog, then great, you are in for a real treat. Puppies love to play.

Step 2: What Size And Type Of Dog Do You Want?

Size: The space you have available for a dog will be a prime driver in the size of dog you adopt. If you adopt a puppy, you may not know how big the dog will ultimately grow to be. If you have a single family home with a good-sized yard, the size of the dog will matter less. If you live in an apartment of a high-rise building, the size of the dog will matter more. On the other hand, if you adopt an adult dog, there will be no mystery about what the ultimate size of the dog will be.

Do I Need An Instant Friend? With an older dog, you automatically have a buddy that can go anywhere and everything with you right now.

Bond: Rescued dogs will quickly bond with their new family. Dogs who have been uprooted from their homes or had a tough start in life are more likely to bond with their new people. Those dogs who have lost their families because of death, divorce, or other upheaval go through a terrible grieving process. But once attached to a new family they will be anxious to please. They know too well what losing a family is like, and they will not be interested in going through that again, ever. A rescue dog knows what it is like to be loose and without a permanent home. He or she will appreciate you that much more. Most rescue dogs will make exceptionally affectionate and attentive pets who will make a wonderful lifetime companion.

Dog & Your Home Checklist

Take this quick test to determine the type of dog that best suits you and your family?s lifestyle.

1.I have the time to walk and train a new puppy several times a day.
yes no.
If yes, one point for a puppy. If no, add a point for an older dog.

2.I do not mind too much if some of my property gets chewed by a playful puppy.
yes no.
If you do not mind, score one point for a puppy. If you do mind, score one point for an older dog.

3.A good night?s sleep is not as important for me because I can nap or I do not require as much sleep as other people.
Sleep not important Sleep at night is important. If you can manage without a full night?s sleep, score a point for a new puppy. If you need your sleep, score a point for an older dog.

4.I have the time and inclination to spend time playing with a new dog.
yes, I have time no, my time is limited.
If your answer is yes, then score a point for owning a puppy. If you answered no, score a point for an older dog.

5.The ultimate size of the dog does not matter much because I have plenty of space.
size does not matter, I have room my space is very limited.
If the ultimate size of the dog is not an issue for you, score a point for adopting a puppy. On the other hand if the space you have is constrained, score a point for the known quantity of an older dog.

6.Having a good idea of the dog?s personality is important because I need the dog to be a good match for me and my family.
If the personality is less important, score a point for a puppy.
I need to know the temperament of the dog when I adopt, score a point for an older dog.

Score Your Results
If you scored any of the questions for an older dog, you should seriously consider adopting an older one only. While all puppies are adorable, cuteness is not the best reason for adopting a dog. So many people think that dogs in a shelter are somehow inferior. But it is not uncommon for a very expensive, purebed dog to end up in a shelter because people send their dogs to a shelter for lots of reasons, most of which have nothing to do with the dog. The original owner may not have had the money or the time to adequately care for the dog. Often times, divorce, illness or death are why the dog ends up in the shelter. Good rescue shelters will evaluate both the dog and the prospective owner before they are matched.

Conclusion
Choosing a rescue dog over a purchased pup is a decision only you and your family can make. The information presented here is designed to help you make an informed decision. Adopting a rescue dog will help give a potentially wonderful pet a second chance at life, so adopting a rescue will give him a second chance at life.

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To learn more about the plight of adult dogs who need a home, visit http://www.gettingluckythedog.com. To contact the author, call Harold Nicoll at 989-839-8293 or via email at hgnicoll@sbcglobal.net.

When my last dog Jack died from lymphoma, I got really angry. I found out that I had been feeding him poison by giving him cheap commercial dog food. I was even further disturbed to learn that the protein content in cheap commercial dog food is often made up of road kill and pound puppies!

I determined from the day I brought Smash home that no matter what, as long as he lived with me, I would do my best to feed him only healthy food.

I learned about what wild dogs eat and what balanced nutrition means to a dog. I have studied nutrition in humans for a long time and my mom writes www.mealswithamessage.com so I had plenty of background to draw from in establishing a healthy diet for my dog.

Because wild dogs eat the whole animal that they kill, they get a balance of vitamins and minerals naturally from their prey. Domestic animals need that same balance but unless you are ready to go hunting for your dog, you are going to have to find others sources.

I have done a lot a research and found that dogs need raw meat in their diet and they need bones to keep their teeth healthy and to balance the magnesium and phosphorous levels. They also need many materials only available in fruits and vegetables. Ever notice that dogs eat grass?

I can now make day to day decisions about what to feed him based on what I have available. I also found some good recipes in the old book I had on the shelf How to train a dog in six weeks. This book is now out of print so I won’t bother giving you an amazon link to it.

As I was considering writing my own doggy cook book, I came across one that has everything that I would have written plus a whole lot more. John Miller’s secret dog food recipes. You can find a link to his book and others on my blog at my-dog-smash.blogspot.com.

With the information in his book, you will know how to feed your dog to keep him healthy and happy without having to have a degree in nutrition or doing all the research I did.

I have also found that there are a few dry dog food manufactures that have taken the responsibility to make an actual nutritious dog food from good materials that you would use. However, these are expensive. I am testing one right now that Smash seems to like and appears to come from good sources. I still prefer to feed him food that I know the source of.

When I took my dog Smash to get his puppy vaccinations, my veterinarian remarked What are you feeding this dog? I have not seen one so healthy!

So, if you love your dog, don’t feed him another bite of cheap commercial dog food. Throw that poison out! Start him on some raw beef until you have time to collect the ingredients for making your own healthy dog food and download John Millers book right now.

You know how happy your dog makes you feel, so return the favor.

Mike Strawbridge is the owner of StrawSolutions performance consulting. He loves his dog Smash and you can read more about how he feeds and trains Smash at http://my-dog-smash.blogspot.com

Mike is also a contributing writer to http://www.pottytrainingsite.com for potty training humans.

In this article we look at how to avoid daytime accidents when house training your new puppy or dog (in Part I we looked at totally eliminating night-time accidents). Avoiding accidents is very important, because the fastest possible learning is errorless learning.

In Part I of this article series we discussed crate training to eliminate night-time accidents. During the day, it is ok to crate puppy when you can’t supervise. At those times, any accidents are avoided by use of the crate, however we can’t (nor would we want to) crate puppy all day!

Puppies need to be taken outside to toilet after every meal, every drink, immediately upon waking, and immediately after play. It is not uncommon to take a new puppy outside to toilet every hour or even more! Just remember, you won’t need to do this for ever and the more disciplined you are, the less accidents you will have, and the faster puppy will learn to go to the toilet outside only.

If puppy does have an accident, relax. It’s not the end of the world. If you catch puppy (or dog) in the act, then give a quick no! to interrupt and quickly lead puppy or dog outside to finish his business. Clean up the mess with an enzyme-based cleaner to remove the smell entirely. Puppies and dogs tend to go where they can smell previous urinations, enzyme cleaner is the only effective way to remove these odours.

Ignore the old advice about rubbing a dog’s nose in it. It doesn’t work at all, it is cruel, and it will only confuse your dog. Invest your time in the more effective techniques outlined in this article. If you have successfully house trained a dog this way in the past, I can assure you it was other factors which eventually got the dog house-trained.

When your puppy or dog does toilet outside, tell them how good they are. You can even give a little treat at the end, or play a game to reward such good behavior.

If you know that puppy or dog is about to go to the toilet outside, try to put the behavior on cue. Say do wee or do your business. With repetition and reward, puppy or dog will learn to go to the toilet on cue, which is very handy particularly if you are house-training an older dog.

If you have this behavior on cue, you can use planned toilet breaks and ask for the behavior. That way you will know when your dog last went to the toilet, rather than making assumptions or guessing. Older dogs with reduced bladder capacity may need to go on a schedule to avoid accidents. Puppies who are crated need to empty their bladders before being crated.

Dogs Who Live in Apartments

Some dogs will need to learn to use a litterbox as outside access is not always convenient. The instructions are exactly the same, but instead of taking puppy outside, place puppy in the litter tray.

Really Tough Cases

Some dogs, through prior learning, are more difficult to house train. I would always suggest a vet check to rule out medical causes, there are many medical reasons why a puppy or dog is difficult to house train.

If you have an older dog, perhaps a rescue, who is difficult to toilet train, it might be appropriate to tether your dog to you during the day using a leash tied to your belt. That way, your dog is always with you and you will pick up the signs that he or she needs to go to the toilet.

The Waiting Game

Some dogs or puppies, when taken outside to go to the toilet, will procrastinate. They will want to check everything out, or will just lay around and not go. You can avoid this by giving only a set amount of time to go to the toilet. Wait a maximum of 60 seconds, if your dog hasn’t done his business, come back inside. Wait 3 or 4 minutes, then try again (if you are sure a toilet break is due). Consistency and discipline early in the game will pay big dividends later.

Aidan Bindoff is Editor of Positive Petzine, a free resource for people training their own dogs. Join now, and for a limited time you can download all available back issues (a $29.95 value) for free!

If you are having toilet training difficulties, it is definitely worth joining for more information.

Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs. You can and should do something about it. Overweight dogs may live shorter and less healthy lives and your enjoyment of their unconditional love and companionship may be shortened because of it.

Extra pounds place an excess burden on bones and joints and can make arthritis problems worse. Overweight dogs are less able to exercise and play comfortably and their breathing may be labored. Their bodies may be less able to resist infections, and they may be at greater risk for problems during surgery and anesthesia.

Potential health problems include:

• Joint or Locomotion Difficulties. Extra pounds add stress to joints, bones, ligaments and muscles. Conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal disc disease and ruptures of joint ligaments may be caused or aggravated by obesity.

• Heart and Respiratory Disease. Excess fat tissue in the chest cavity and around the muscles of the heart can decrease the efficiency of the heart and lungs. Your dog?s heart and lungs have to work harder to provide adequate oxygen and circulation.

• Diabetes. Just as in humans, diabetes is much more common in obese dogs.

• Liver Disease. Obese dogs are prone to liver disease.

• Heat Intolerance. The insulating properties of excessive fat make it harder for obese dogs to tolerate heat and they feel uncomfortable.

• Skin Problems. Obese dogs may have trouble grooming because the rolls of skin built up by fat deposits can often harbor dirt, bacteria and other harmful organisms.

• Gastrointestinal Disorders. Inflammation of the pancreas is frequently found in obese dogs. It is painful and can be life threatening.

How Dogs Become Overweight?

Dogs most always become overweight from lack of good exercise and from eating more food than they require. Food calories, which aren?t burned during their daily activities, are stored as fat.

Overeating can result from greediness, boredom, or overfeeding. Feeding leftovers or giving frequent snacks or treats often contributes to excess weight problems.

Over-fed puppies tend to become overweight dogs. They also have a greater risk of developing orthopedic problems. Properly feed puppies will be less likely to suffer from weight problems later in life.

Occasionally, metabolic disorders can cause a dog to become overweight. But overfeeding and under exercising are much more common causes of excess weight. If your veterinarian suspects that a metabolic disorder is causing your dog to gain weight, he or she will test for that disorder and treat it accordingly.

How Can I Tell if My Dog is Overweight?

A quick check to determine whether your dog is overweight is to feel his ribs with the flat palm of your hand. If you have difficulty feeling his ribs, then your dog probably needs to lose weight.

Helping Your Dog Lose Weight.

Weight loss for most dogs involves increased exercise and eating food with fewer calories. It?s generally easier to feed normal amounts of a low-calorie dog food than to feed much smaller amounts of his/her regular dog food. In addition, your dog will not feel as hungry when fed a normal amount of food

Dieting for Dogs.

Your vet will help set a weight goal for your dog and will recommend how much food he should eat each day. A special diet may also be prescribed. The food choice should be designed to satisfy your dog?s appetite and provide him all the vitamins and minerals he needs while at the same time helping him to lose weight.

Your dog may need a gradual transition from the old to the new diet. So, you would feed him increasing amounts of the new diet while decreasing the amounts of the previous diet each day over several days until the transition is complete.

To help keep your dog from begging, feed him before your family eats, and keep him out of the room during your meal. It is also a good idea to feed overweight dogs at the same time as other pets to help prevent food stealing from their slimmer companions. Always provide plenty of clean, fresh drinking water.

Regular exercise, such as walks or runs, is good for most dogs because it increases the number of calories they burn. If your dog is old or in poor health, check with your vet before increasing exercise.

The time period your dog will require to lose weight depends upon how much weight he is required to lose. Your dog may need 8 to 14 weeks or longer to reach his target weight.

What Type of Dog Food is Good for Weight Control?

A dieting dog has special nutritional needs. His diet should be balanced with a proper ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates. The diet should also provide a normal volume of food to satisfy his hunger and the food should also provide quality nutrients.

Weight loss plans don?t need to include high levels of fiber. Fiber is not necessary for weight loss in pets, and in large amounts, it may have side effects such as increased feces and lack of interest in the food because of its poor taste.

We recommend Canine Zone ? a revolutionary weight loss dog food based on Dr. Barry Sears? Zone Diet. Millions of people all over the world have improved their health and have lost weight on Dr. Barry Sears? Zone Diet. Now you can get your dog in ?The Zone?. Canine Zone is based on the Zone?s 30-30-40 ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates. This revolutionary new dog food will help your dog achieve a balance so his or her body can operate at its maximum efficiency while shedding unwanted pounds.

Always consult with your vet before you start a weight loss program for your dog.

About The Author

Bev Storer is a writer and researcher in the field of nutrition and nutritional supplements. To learn more about Canine Zone, go to http://www.dog-food-zone.com or e-mail her directly at info@dog-food-zone.com.

City walks are the principle form of exercise for urban pets. Try to find a nearby park or enclosed area where you can let your dog stretch his legs for a few minutes, off the lead. If this is impossible, buy an extra-long leash and seek a safe spot where he can roam within its limits. This is unfortunately easier said than done, since more and more cities are banning dogs from wider areas. Dog owners can strengthen their position by respecting a few rules when walking their pets on the street.

- Since most dogs feel the urge to relieve themselves shortly after they are taken out of doors, plan your walk to start with suitable stations.

- Train your dog to relieve himself in the gutter, and walk him on the curb side of the sidewalk so that you can pull him into the gutter if necessary.

- Always carry a few plastic bags with you. If your dog should make a mistake on the sidewalk, slip your hand into the bag as if it were a glove, scoop up the mistake, then pull the bag inside out in order to enclose it.

- Never cross the street against a traffic light. Even if the light is green, it is better to wait for the beginning of the next green phase in order to have plenty of time for crossing.

- Try to avoid rush hours and crowded places. When you are unavoidably caught in a crowd, keep your dog close at heel on a short leash, or if he is small enough, carry him in your arms.

- Never let your pet greet a passing dog if the encounter would cause a pedestrian traffic jam, nor let him make advances to strangers. Some people, believe it or not, do not like dogs.

Suburban walks aren’t much different from those in the city. The vehicle traffic may be less, but it is even more dangerous because it moves faster. Always keep your dog on a leash and under control. If he is well-trained, you can run the risk of unleashing him in selected safe spots, but always be prepared to snap on the leash if necessary, and always leash to cross the street.

Your dogs greatest freedom and enjoyment will be had with walks in the woods, the mountains, or along the beach. The woods are full of fascinating sights and scents for a dog. Let him roam on his own, but call him back when he gets out of sight. In the mountains, your dog will be more sure-footed if he is unleashed. Small terriers are in their element in rocky places and find footholds that would never support your weight. At the same time, many dogs have an instinct for finding passages through apparently impenetrable country, and are excellent guides.

The beach is a great place for giving your dog a good long run. Unfortunately, many beaches are out of bounds for dogs during the swimming season, sometimes all year round. Shingle beaches and pebbly ones are hard on a dog’s pad. Even more dangerous is the risk cuts from broken bottles and picnic litter. Small dogs are light enough to scamper over such debris unharmed, but it represents a real chance to heavy breeds. Steer your dog clear of debris when you can, and check his paws when you get home.

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest trends in pet supplies, dog accessories , dog clothes, dog collars, dog beds and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out Joncopets.com for more information and products.