Tips in naming your puppies

So, you finally deiced to get a puppy. You spent many hours talking to dog breeders and surfed the Internet countless times to find the perfect puppy for you and your family. You went from pet shop to pet shop, to dog associations, to animal societies, looking and meeting puppies until you have found the right one.

Question is: Now what? Your puppy needs a name!

Throughout his lifetime, you will use the dog's name over 35,000 times. So, make sure that you choose a name that you and your family will use to refer to that loving dog of yours.

Here are some tips in finding the perfect name for your puppy.

Remember that dogs understand brief commands. Names should therefore be easy to remember. Names with two syllables or lesser work well. Don't expect that your dog would be able to respond to you immediately when you named him "John Dewey McArthur".

The name of your puppy should not sound like the rest of the commands. For example, do not call your dog "Stacy". It's too close with the command "stay". Having a name like that will only confuse the dog.

Remember that you will be using the dog's name in public. Remember the joke circulating in emails when someone has a dog named "Sex" and gotten the dog owner into trouble? "Boner" might be funny for your drinking buddies, but may have a different reaction when you are in a veterinarian clinic or at a park.

Ask your kids what they want to name the dog. Let them participate in name decision process. If they want to name the dog "Champ" or "Tootsie” so be it. Reserve your funky names when in front of other people.

You may believe that it would be an honor for your Uncle Tom or best friend Bobby if the dog is named after them. Maybe naming your baby after them might honor them, but naming your puppy after them won't.

If you decided to bring home a dog that is quite older, it would be probably better to stick with its old name. But, what if the name of the dog is "Barney", the name of your-ex whom you had a bitter breakup? Then, stick with other sounds similar to it.
Once you've picked a name, see if it works out. You will know if that works. If not, then there are tons of dog names available to replace it.

With these tips, naming your puppy would be fun.

Weight Problems in Dogs: Is Your Dog Fat?

Did you know that obesity is one of the greatest health risks among dogs ?

Obesity is caused by excessive eating and unhealthy binges just as it is in humans. Often, this situation is triggered by some environmental factors that may lead to more problems when not controlled .

Like humans, dogs develop certain diseases when they are overweight. These diseases, if not corrected, can lead to more serious complications including death. Here is a list of some of the repercussions of obesity in dogs:

1. Arthritis

Obesity in dogs tends to put extra weight on their bones. In turn, the joints and other parts of the dog’s bones develop arthritis.

Excess weight in dogs may also initiate the development of other muscle and joint problems like spinal disc disease, hip dysplasia, and cracks on the joint ligaments.

2. Diabetes

Like humans, dogs can get diabetes too. We all know for a fact that overweight cause diabetes in humans. This can also happen in dogs. The reason is that the more fat stored in the dog’s body, the greater its system will generate insulin in order to cope up with its growing mass. Hence, dogs have the tendency to resist too much insulin in the body. The end result is diabetes.

3. Skin problems

Obesity in dogs can cause some skin problems. This is because excess fat deposits are being stored in their skin; hence, their owners are having a hard time grooming them. When dogs lack proper grooming, there is a tendency to accumulate bacteria, dirt, or other elements that could cause harm to your dog’s skin. In the end, they develop rashes, skin ruptures, and infections.

4. Capacity to tolerate heat

With too much fat deposits accumulated in their skin, dogs are more inclined to problems concerning heat tolerance. This is because dogs find it hard to tolerate heat due to the build-up of fats in their skin. That is why most obese dogs are prone to heat stroke especially during summer time.

5. Respiratory problems and other heart diseases

Like humans, obese dogs also have the tendency to develop respiratory problems and heart diseases. This is because the chest cavity is already covered with thick fat deposits. Hence, whenever the dog breathes, the lungs are having a hard time expanding and so does the heart. The problem starts when the heart and the lungs can no longer produce the right amount of oxygen and circulate it within the dog’s body.

6. Gastrointestinal problems

Obesity in dogs causes some problems in their intestines and pancreas. This problem results in an inflamed pancreas which is very painful to the dog and can also cause death.

7. Liver problems

Fats are harder to strain and this can pose a problem to the dog’s liver. When the liver can no longer function well because of the fat deposits that accumulated in the area, liver problems may occur and may even cause the death of your dog.

These health problems are indeed life threatening. It depends upon the owner how to combat these problems in order to keep your dog healthy.

One of the greatest ways to solve weight problems is a strict exercise schedule. It is a must that owners create a healthy exercise schedule for their dogs. This can be done by taking them for a walk every afternoon or letting him run through a field.

The best thing about this program is that not only the dogs get the chance to exercise but their owners as well. So, it’s a double benefit.

Next is to create a healthy diet for your dogs. Diet meals are extremely important for dogs so that they can still obtain the necessary nutrients they need in order to stay healthy. This should include the right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.

However, dog owners should always keep in mind that when their dogs are taking fiber, more water should be employed so as to prevent constipation.

Alternatively, dog owners should also remember that before incorporating all of these things for your dog, it’s best to consult the veterinarian first.

For healthier and happier dogs, give them the best love and care you can plus a great dietary regimen. As they say, a healthy dog is a happy dog.

Enjoyable Activities with Your Dog

A dog is more than just a pet. It is a friend one can always count on when things go wrong and no one seems to care. Having a dog for a pet is not just about feeding it and giving it a good home. It also takes maintenance to keep that dog strong and fit.

Spending time with man’s best friend further deepens the relationship one has with a pet. It tells the dog that the owner loves being with it and by either playing or working together; it strengthens the communication, understanding and respect between man and animal.

There are many ways to teach a dog discipline and learn new tricks and by teaching it through games instead of the normal routine with a little imagination thrown in, it can both be fun for the dog and the owner.

One game is called follow the leader. This activity consists of a group of owners and the dogs. By placing objects such as cones or cans on the ground and making the group go around these objects, the dog will learn to follow when it is called. Further strengthening that could be by switching who the leader is and doing the entire process all over again.

Another game is hide and seek. Children play this game with other children but by teaching the dog to stay in one place then have the dog search for the person when the dog’s name is called, it teaches the dog discipline and will make the dog learn to wait until being called.

One can modify this game by hiding a treat in a certain area and have the dog look for it. The animal will learn to use its keen sense of smell to search for things and be rewarded for it.

Waking up in the morning and taking the dog out for a jog is another good opportunity to spend time with the dog. This gives both the owner and pet a good exercise, keeping both physically active and in shape. Dogs like to play often and by changing the game with a little twist like catching the Frisbee or fetching the stick; it not only strengthens the limbs but also involves some thinking on the part of the dog to successfully catch the object.

Spending quality time with ones dog through a variety of activities is fun. It gives the animal an opportunity to learn good manners making it easier to live with and make the owner enjoy how wonderful the experience can be.

Essential care tips for your dog

Dogs are loving pets. But caring for them is a bit of hard work. Here are some tips to consider in taking care of your dog:

If you do not have a dog yet, consider the area where your dog can exercise. If you have a big yard where you could exercise or play with your dog, you might want to get a large dog such as a German Shepherd, Labrador, or Golden Retriever. If you have a smaller space, get a smaller dog like a Terrier or Dachshund. These types of dogs need little exercise compared with the larger dogs.

You also need to consider your dog if there are children in your house. Some dogs like Pit bulls and Dalmatians are sometimes temperamental.

It is important that you groom your dog. A regular groom is recommended. Dog’s ears should be cleaned, with the wax and dirt removed every week. Ear cleaning also helps you detect presence of ear mites or infections. The dog should be bathed weekly with warm water and dog shampoo.

It is also recommended that you brush your dog at least once a week.

After grooming your pet, do take it to a veterinarian to get its anti-rabies shots and over-all checkup.

A diet that is balanced and nutritious is recommended for your dog. Contrary to what many people think, dogs do not just eat meat. They also need carbohydrates. A diet consisting of 50 percent of protein or meat and 50 percent of carbohydrates is the preferred diet for dogs.

As implied earlier, dogs need some amount exercise. Aside from their health, dogs exercising will prevent them from retrieving and chasing, digging, and chewing on various things. Exercises depend on your dog’s sex, age, and health level. A dog likes to jog, fetch, and race-walk a lot. One warning however, start slow in exercising your dog. Unfortunately, some dogs enjoy themselves so much when they do these exercises. They do not know when to stop it.

Having a dog to last you for a long time does not end with just owning one. You have to take care of it. Although that may be hard work, it will also bring you fun and enjoyment when you see that your dog is healthy and loves you. Having a pet dog of your own is a pleasurable experience.

Does your pet dog suffer from heartworms?

Dog heartworm is a common disease among canines in the United States. Discovered in 1856, the worms mainly live in your dog's heart and major blood vessels.

The worms, especially on worst cases, seriously impair the heart's operations. Worse, they could also clog your dog's blood vessels. These infections result in loss of body weight, chronic cough, dropsy, shortness of breath, chronic heart failure, vision disturbances, and ultimately, death.

Since the symptoms of heartworm disease vary among dogs, it would be best that a veterinarian check your dog to evaluate a final analysis. Early treatment is vital.

Most dogs show visible symptoms only when the disease has reached the point where it would be almost improbable to be cured by treatment. To help you see early symptoms and to hopefully save your dog, look out for these signs:

- Dogs that have been quite active usually tend to be tired easily.

- Dogs that would have been otherwise healthy usually gasp for breath.

- Coughing of your dog has suddenly become a common occurrence.

- Dogs bred for hunting could no longer keep up with rapid chases and usually fall from exhaustion.

- In some rare instances, the dog experiences convulsions, jaundice, and problems in the vision.

- Before it dies, the dog experiences emaciation. often precedes death.

Who gets infected by the heartworm infection?

Previously, it was thought that only dogs that were long-haired were more resistant to heartworms because of the high difficulty of mosquitoes (which bring the worms) to penetrate through the dogs' hair. Since then, it has been proven that this was not true.

Mosquitoes even have a hard time penetrating through short-haired dogs. Actually, mosquitoes feed on the abdominal region of the dog. That is why both long-haired and short-haired dogs are susceptible to an infection, since both types have little hair on this region. Some mosquitoes also feed on the muzzle area or the ears where the dog's hair is quite matted down.

Can heartworm infection be treated?

Heartworm infection can be treated through chemical therapy if diagnosed early. Most of the chemical treatments kill the worms over some period of time. Killing all the worms in one swoop is no better: If all the heartworms were killed in just one treatment, the dead bodies would deposit in the lungs and kill the dog.

Remember also that the chemicals used in treating the worms are also as dangerous to your dog as the worms. That is why treating the disease using chemical therapy should be used with utmost care and should be handled by a veterinarian.

There also cases when surgery is needed. In most cases, this can be a feasible option. Consult with the veterinarian about surgical correction or any other method that can cure the infection.

There are also drugs that could prevent your dog from getting heartworms. These drugs attack the parasite in its early stages and stop the worms from being full-blown adults later. This doesn't mean that your dog would be free from infection. This only means that dogs can still get infected during the season of mosquitoes and yet remain unscathed of heartworms.

Preventative medication using drugs, on the other hand, can cause serious complications if your dog already has heartworm infections in a higher level. That is why the use of drugs should be under the supervision of veterinarians. Taking drugs are also combined with regular blood texts. This has shown to be quite effective in saving many dogs with heartworm infection.

In order for your dog to avoid heartworm infection, protect your pet from mosquito bites especially if there is a high mosquito population in your area or if it is mosquito season. You might want to screen the sleeping quarters of your dogs to avoid repeated bites. Repellent sprays can also be used, but these only have limited effects.

You might also want to consult your vet fro preventive medication. In addition, you might want regular blood tests on your dog to assess early symptoms of infection. This is quite tricky, especially if the symptoms of heartworm infection could not be seen immediately.

In short, your dog which looked healthy may be having early symptoms of heartworm infection. It would be best that you have him checked y your vet..

Help Prevent Cat Hairballs

Cats are fastidious animals. They like things clean and apparently one thing they like clean the most is themselves. Therefore they spend an excess amount of time just grooming. The act of licking themselves helps to untangle and remove loose hair. Their tongues are specifically made for the task. They are covered with little bumps and toward the center of the tongue is tiny barb-like bumps that act to snag the hair. Unfortunately, this habit of grooming can lead to the formation of hairballs.

Cats are unable to digest the hair they swallow. However, they are able to have the hair pass through the digestive system in small amounts. A problem is caused if the cat is most likely low on fiber, which renders it incapable of passing the hair. The hair builds up and forms a hairball. The hairball can develop either in the stomach or toward the back of the throat.

The distressed cat begins to cough and attempts to throw-up the hairball. For the loving cat owner, the gagging and retching is worrisome not to mention the annoying cleanup afterwards. While the occasional hairball is probably nothing to be too alarmed about, frequent hairballs could be a cause for concern. Constant hairballs can result in digestive track troubles such as loss of appetite and constipation.

You cannot eliminate your cat from swallowing all its loose hair. However, there are actions you can take and natural remedies along with commercial products that you can use. The best way is combing or brushing your cat to prevent swallowing as much hair as possible in the first place. Longhaired cats should be combed or brushed daily and shorthairs probably only require it once or twice a week.

If your cat needs more assistance with its hairballs, there are commercial products that can be applied to the top of its front paws. The cat will attempt to lick these off; which will aid in the hair passing through the digestive system. People have used other similar lubricants such as Crisco All Vegetable Shortening, mayonnaise or butter as a substitute to these store bought products. Yet be careful, because the use of these can cause other digestive problems. Then again, some people have used Vaseline though this also should be applied only occasionally. It is recommended that you check with your veterinarian on the use, frequency and amount of any of these products before administering them to your cat.

You may also feed your cat specially made cat food diets and treats that are intended to prevent the development of hairballs. Another interesting solution is to mix in about a teaspoon of canned pumpkin to your cat's normal food. One more method used as a preventive is to feed your cat grass a couple of times a week. You can grow the grass indoors. Rye, wheat or oat grasses are the best types to use and can be purchased at pet stores or on the Internet. Do not feed your cat grass from a chemically treated lawn.

Still, it must be noted that cats will throw-up for various reasons. Some of these may be from serious underlying conditions. Therefore before attempting any of these remedies, it is advised that you consult with your veterinarian to rule out any other illness and to see which, if any of these solutions should be tried. Along with your vet's help and one or more of these suggestions, it is possible that your cat will be able to live virtually hairball free.

Feline Heartworm Disease

Cats are very different from dogs when it comes to heartworm disease. Not only do they differ in their susceptibility to the disease, but also in how the disease affects them and how the disease is diagnosed.

There are significant differences between feline heartworm disease and canine heartworm disease. Cats are more resistant to the disease, and typically when they do become infected have a smaller burden of worms in their bodies. But due to their smaller size, even a few worms can be considered a heavy infection for a cat. Even one worm can cause illness or death in a cat.

Heartworms are caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. Cats and dogs become infected with this parasite through mosquitoes that can carry this parasite. When a mosquito bites the cat, the parasite enters the bloodstream and grows into an adult worm several centimeters long. These worms tend to accumulate around the vessels of the heart and lungs and cause inflammation of these vessels. In severe cases they can cause a thromboembolism which results in an acute death.

Since heartworm disease in cats happens less often than in dogs, cats with heartworm disease are often misdiagnosed. Cats with heartworms are often wrongly diagnosed as having asthma or allergic bronchitis. Also, many cats can have heartworms and not appear ill.

The true percentage of heartworm positive cats is hard to determine due to diagnostic limitations. In dogs an antigen test is the "gold standard" in diagnosing heartworm disease and it is a very accurate test. Unfortunately in cats these tests are not as accurate. In cats several tests must be used together to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. These tests can include serology, x-rays, and echocardiographs.

Cats that are positive for heartworm disease have many treatment options, but they all have risk associated with them. In mild cases an anti-inflammatory like prednisone may be used. This drug helps support cats by reducing the inflammation of affected vessels. For cats showing severe clinical signs, more extensive treatment and hospitalization are needed. Surgery is also an option to physically remove any worms.

There are many medications on the market to help prevent your cat from getting heartworm disease. Monthly preventatives are an option for cats living in areas where heartworm disease is endemic. Even indoor cats may be at risk if windows are left open. Year-round preventative is increasingly being recommended by more veterinarians. Kittens as young as eight weeks can be started on preventatives.

The most common products used for cats include Interceptor, Heartgard, and Revolution. Interceptor and Heartgard are given orally as chewable medication. Revolution is a topical medication that is applied to the hair over the shoulders. At a minimum the medication should be started within 30 days of heartworm transmission season, and continued until at least 30 days after it ends. In most places this means starting the medication in spring and continuing through the fall.

If you live in an endemic area of heartworm disease, be sure to keep your cat on preventative. Talking to your veterinarian is the best source of advice about the prevalence of heartworm in your area.