Pets

Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?

Are they really necessary? - In a word, NO!

You probably receive an annual reminder from your vet that your dog is due for his/her annual checkup and vaccinations. I do.

But I don’t have my dogs vaccinated any more.

For years I was hoodwinked into believing that vaccinations were essential to my dogs’ health. Why else would my vet tell me my dogs needed an annual booster vaccination shot?

Why indeed.

I learned the answer when, after careful research, I decided not to expose my dogs to what I believe is unnecessary, and potentially dangerous, toxins, any more.

I received the letter from my vet as usual, advising that my dogs’ annual checkup and vaccinations were due.

I made an appointment and arrived ready to do battle. I advised the vet that I had decided not to have my dogs vaccinated any more. She said “Fine.”

That’s right - after years of leading me to believe that these vaccinations were essential to my dogs’ wellbeing, the vet agreed that they were not in fact necessary at all! She went on to stress the importance of still bringing the dogs in for their annual physical checkup (which was what I was doing, and certainly intended to continue to do).

So that’s why we’re all told that our dogs need annual vaccinations - it’s simply a ploy to get us in so our dogs can be given a physical. Why not just tell us how important these annual checkups are instead of slowly but surely poisoning our dogs with these vaccines?

I don’t have the answer to that, but I can tell you I was speechless.

I’ve now found out that all across America a new protocol for vaccinating dogs has now been issued and is slowly making its way to vets. (I haven’t been able to locate a similar protocol for Australia, but I’m sure it’s in the pipeline). This protocol does not recommend any vaccinations for dogs beyond 1 year of age!

Make sure you ask your vet next time a vaccination has been recommended for your dog - it this really necessary? And if you’re not satisfied with the answer, consider getting a second opinion from another vet.

Side effects of this appalling over-vaccination which has been going on for years can be significant and severe.

You can clear your dog’s system from all toxins by Removing Toxins Naturally - Click Here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/RemoveToxinsNaturally

(c) 2005, Brigitte Smith

Dogs have become more than just pets. To some of us, they have become our children. A great way to celebrate the love you have for your furry one is to throw your dog a birthday party. Many dogs attend dog parks for socialization and exercise, a great way to get them together is to invite your pooches friends to a party.

To prepare for your dog’s big day, you need to make sure that you can provide a safe area for the dogs to mingle. A backyard is the most popular spot, but many dog owners are starting to use their local dog park since it is a known safe area. A benefit of using a dog park is they have rules in place that each owner must follow. To avoid conflict, these rules can be mailed with the invitation, posted at the party, or handed out to the dog owners before the party begins. This will relieve any stress you have about inviting dogs, whose owners you do not know well.

A casual dog birthday party will allow the dogs to chase tennis balls, chew on rawhides, and simply mingle with their pooch friends. You can just call your friends up or send an

e-vite to meet at the dog park, or your backyard. At this type of birthday party it would be appropriate to supply tennis balls, or some type of toys to keep the doggie’s entertained. If hosting this party at your house water bowls and proper shade should also be available. (Dog parks are usually equipped with water and shade) For party favors, dogs are welcome to take home their tennis balls they have so lovingly slobbered over all day!

If you want to go all out and have a big bash for your dog’s birthday, the options are endless. Invitations, thank you notes, and party favors are just the beginning. If you are going to plan and spend a lot of money on this very special occasion, invitations should be sent out three weeks in advance. This gives people time set aside that date and RSVP, so you are able to properly plan for the right amount of pooches.

Decorations and party supplies do not need to be dog themed…if your little chuhuahua is a princess you may want to got pink and jewels. If your lab is a hearty boy, you may want to go fire hydrants and water. There is no end to your creativity; here are a few more party themes we thought were fun:

- Paw Prints

- Pirate Party

- Western Cowboy

- Floral with stripes

There should be a plan for games, food, and presents. There again are numerous games to play, but here are some of Cobi and Hannah’s favorites:

- Hide the Kong filled with treats and peanut butter…winner gets to keep the Kong.

- Obstacle Course: Set up cones, kiddy pools, tunnels, etc. Have owner guide dogs around course. The dog with the best time is the winner. Gourmet Treats would be a great prize!

- Stuffed Kong: Fill Kongs with three treats, the dog to empty their Kong first is the winner. The dog gets to keep the Kong as their prize!

- Bone Hunt: Fill a sand box, or area in your yard, with sand. Hide treats under the sand and have dogs dig for their treat. Have owners watch their dogs, and the dogs with the most bones wins. A Plush Bone would be a great prize!

- Clothesline Jump: Hang a clotheslines in your yard. String treats at different levels along the clothesline. The dog that can jump the highest for a treat is the winner! Gourmet Treats would be a great prize!

·- Kong Hunt: Fill numerous Kongs with peanut butter and hide them in different parts of your yard. Send dogs on a Kong Hunt, the dog that sniffs out the most Kongs is the winner. Kong with peanut butter filling would be a great prize for this dog to take home.

Dogs love treats! Party favors should be handed out at the closing of the party, but while the pooches are still enjoying the party, treats should be available to snack on. A dog birthday cake or cupcakes would make the party dog feel special, as they should on this day.

Here are some fun party favor ideas:

- Bandanas

- Frisbees

- Gourmet Treats

- Collar Charms

Opening birthday presents should take place towards the end of the party when all the doggies are tired out from running around and playing games.

Make sure to thank all your doggie owners with a party favor, as well as the dogs themselves.

Remember to have fun and relax, if you are having a good time your dog will have a good time!

Pet cats can bring joy, amusement, frustration, and unconditional love. There is certainly no denying that they brighten up your day, but do you really know how to best look after the cat in your life?

Why Cats Make Good Pets and the Most Common Pet Breeds

If you are looking for a pet that has its own mind, that is independent, but who is extremely loving at the same time, then a cat may be the perfect pet for you. They require fairly little maintenance compared to a dog, and they also provide plenty of love and affection – often following you around from room to room. Cats can be much more independent than dogs, but in both cases, both will return the affection you show them in spades.

When it comes to the large variety of breeds, you can choose from, some are definitely more common than others are and there are certain breeds that make better pets than others do. These include:

The Persian

The Persian cat is by far the most popular pet cat in America. Hardly anybody can resist its laid-back temperament and its extremely affectionate personality. Out of all of the different breeds, this one seems to form the strongest loyal bonds with its owners and despite their daily grooming needs they do make the best pets for many cat lovers.

The Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a large cat and it has a really affectionate nature. They are extremely gentle and they love being around people. Whilst their coats are quite long, they do not require as much grooming as a Persian cat does. Overall, they are gentle giants in the cat world and they have remained the second most popular cat in America for years now.

The Exotic

This breed of cat is generally considered to be a shorthaired version of the Persian and cat lovers like them due to the fact that they are easier to groom. The breed looks particularly sweet and innocent and it is definitely a favorite amongst cat lovers.

So, those are the top three breeds within America and they are all extremely affectionate and loving. The main thing to keep in mind is that no matter which breed you decide upon, they all need some form of grooming and looking after.

Knowing the Grooming Requirements of Your Chosen Breed

All cats need some form of grooming no matter what breed you finally purchase. Obviously shorthaired cats will need less grooming than longhaired breeds so that could be a factor in your decision when purchasing your pet cat.

Longhaired breeds generally need to be groomed daily, though it is always a good idea to research your individual breed. For example, the Persian needs a lot of grooming and it definitely needs doing daily, whereas the Maine Coon, who is another breed with longer hair, needs less grooming. So, research your breed and ensure that you know what you are letting yourself in for.

Overall cats can make extremely good pets, you just have to do your research and ensure that you are purchasing the right breed for you. If you have small children living in the house, cats are pretty forgiving, but you should have a discussion with them about the fact that a cat is a live animal and could scratch or bite them if pushed too far.

Pets are very often the ones that fall through the cracks on our busiest days. Every morning we face a mound of responsibility, and how do our modern lifestyles influence our super-modern pets? Less area to roam around in, limited time outdoors and even less companionship with busy dog and cat owners can have numerous physical, emotional and spiritual effects in general.

That is the reason that the holistic approach to our animals well-being is so vital. This approach recognizes that everything that happens around an animal has some kind of impact on his/her bodies, spirit and mind.

Chaotic family life, for instance, creates a frenetic energy all around a pooch. That energy literally influences that dog’s whole being: behavior, general wellness & state of well-being and even shedding.

Holistic pet health practitioners see that the body contains a central force that keeps it in relative harmony. Some call that energy Chi or Ki. The way to a healthy, happy animal is simply to keep the energy in the right balance, moderating all the parts of the body as well as external energies. When an animal’s health & wellness is compromised in any way, this chi force may sometimes become weak and/or misdirected, causing the body to lose that vital energy balance.

Our pets withstand damage every single day. Quite eat nutritionally inadequate dog food and cat food as well as treats that are packed with certain by-products and chemical preservatives. They leap from very high distances, walk over chemically treated lawns and so forth. As our animals get ever-older and stiffer, their ability to stretch or run up stairs is sharply reduced, particularly if they have had an inactive youth.

In addition, a long winter indoors can even help make animals emerge feeling a little creaky and less than agile. The holistic approach is a very old one and it really helps to bring in the old to help the new.

Doing energy work on your animal consistently, even if they happen to be in relatively good physical condition, may in fact make a major difference in your pet’s existing health. It can also significantly enhance the relationship you have with your beloved animal. But realize that most pet owners are not very well versed in the old ways of Reiki or acupuncture.

The most important commands you’ll teach your dog are the sit, stay and come commands. These lessons will require effort by you, the owner to teach your dog to understand these commands, but the rewards are worth it. When you first acquire your dog or puppy, you need to establish yourself as the pack leader, the absolute alpha dog (or dogette!). Dogs aren’t democratic creatures. They need an absolute leader in order to feel comfortable and secure within their social rank. That’s where you, the owner comes in. You will be the undisputable boss, lay down the rules and follow through with praise or punishment. You are not a tyrant. You are a fair and just leader. A puppy or young dog doesn’t need harsh punishment. He is just learning the commands and we use punishment and praise to shape him into understanding the tasks and be willing to do them. A stern NO and quick jerk of the leash is all that’s needed for punishment. We are going to use positive reinforcement for these exercises, which is praise, praise and more praise for tasks that are done correctly. Treats in conjunction with praise are also a good idea, since it helps to speed up the training process.

For our purposes, the equipment you will need is a slip chain collar and a six foot leather lead. Having the slip collar on the dog will remind him that he is in school. The slip collar MUST be put on the dog correctly, or it won’t work and could harm the dog. The way to put on a slip chain collar correctly is to first slip the chain through itself and then make a P with the collar. Stand in front of the dog and slip the collar over his head. ALWAYS remove the collar after training, since he could get it caught on something and choke while you’re not there.

Let’s start with the sit command, since we will build the other lessons on this one. Put the collar and leash on your dog and have him on your left side. Have a tasty treat with you. Put your left hand on his hind end with your thumb and forefinger around his back. In your right hand, hold a treat and have the leash close to the dog and taut. At the same time, gently pull the taut leash upwards with the treat above his head and squeeze and push down on his hind end giving the command SIT. Make him sit and when he does, wait a second and then praise him and give him the treat. Repeat this several times a day every day for a week. He should learn to sit by the verbal command alone after a week’s training. If he doesn’t sit, just train him for a little longer every day. The sit normally comes relatively easy for most dogs, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble.

The next command will be the stay. Put your dog in the sit position at your left side. Move your right foot a quarter of a turn and tell him STAY in a firm voice. Do not use his name in this lesson. Move back where you were after a couple of seconds and praise. Gradually repeat this exercises turning with more steps until you can stand right in front of him while he stays. Always praise him after you return to your original position. Repeat this every day for a week until he is reliable.

The next lesson you will teach your dog is to come. Your dog should be reliable on the sit-stay by now. Put him in this position, tell him to stay and walk about three to four feet in front of him. Tell him COME! in a happy voice and run backwards several steps. If he doesn’t come, give a slight jerk on the leash (DO NOT PULL!) and repeat the command and run backwards a couple of more steps. When he does come to you give him lots of praise and a treat. Repeat this lesson as long as it takes to get him reliable, gradually moving further away from the dog until you’re at the full six foot length of the leash. Your dog should catch on easily to this exercise since most dogs love to run to their beloved owner to receive praise and treats.

These three exercises are the basic foundation on which to build in order to teach your dog more commands such as down, heel, get it, etc. There are plenty of good dog obedience books on the market today if you wish to continue your dog’s training. You can also go to akc.org for loads of information. Even if you don’t continue your dog’s training, these simple lessons outlined here once learned, will give you an obedient dog, a strong bond between you two and lots of satisfaction!

Dog breeds in general have similar characteristics. Some dog breeds are more likely to kill than others and some breeds are more protective of their masters and physical surrounding than others. There has been a 20 year study to determine which dog breeds are more likely to actually kill human beings. This United States study was done for the years 1979 through 1998.

This study tracks 238 human deaths from dog attacks during a 20 year period. 24% of these attacks involved unrestrained dogs off their owners property. 58% of the deaths involved unrestrained dogs on their owners property. 17% involved restrained dogs on their owners property and less than 1% involved a restrained dog off the owners property.

Some of the conclusions of the study are not suprising. Yes, certain breeds are more likely to kill than others. Yes, deaths from dog attack are quite rare. Also it is sometimes difficult to determine the actual breed of a dog. Communities who try to ban specific dog breeds for public safety will find it difficult to define the parameters of what constitutes that breed.

Several factors interact with the dog to enhance the possibility of a human being attacked by a dog besides the breed of the dog. These factors include heredity, sex, early experience, socialization, training, health, reprodcutive status, quality of ownership and victum behavior. Additionally, this study did not look at intervening variable such as was the dog protecting his owner from serious harm or death or was the dog actually protecting himself from serious harm or death.

Male dogs are 6.2 times more likely to bite then female dogs. Sexually intact dogs,both male and female, are 2.6 more times likely to bite than neutered dogs and chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite then unchained dogs.

One suprising conclusion of several studies is the fact that many varieties of dogs have been involved in a fatal human attack for one reason or another. Topping the list of deaths by dog in a twenty year period is the Pit Bull and Pit Bull mix at 66 human deaths. The Rottweiler and Rottweiler mix was responsibe for 39 human deaths. The German Shepherd dog and mix were responsible for 17 human deaths. The Husky type dog was responsible for 15 human deaths as was the Malamute responsible for 12 human deaths. The Chow Chow was responsible for 8 deaths while the Doberman was responsible for 9 human deaths. The Saint Bernard was responsible for 7 human deaths and the Great Dane was also responsible for 7 deaths. The Akita killed 4 people, the Bulldog 2, the Mastiff 2, the Boxer 2 and believe it or not the Labrador Retriever was responsible for 1 death while Lab mixes were responsible for 4 deaths. The following dogs were responsible for killing one human each during these twenty years: The Bullmastiff, Cheasapeake Bay Retriever, West Highland Terrier, Japanese Hunting Dog, Newfoundland, Coonhound, Sheepdog, Rhodesian Ridgeback and cocker Spaniel.

The conclusion that I make from this study is that almost any dog of size can be dangerous, particularly to children. Dogs must be properly trained, supervised, and care must be taken when choosing a breed with the propensity to be aggressive. Most important, keep young children away from male, sexually intact, chained dogs.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is often referred to as simply the Black and Tan. They are a medium to medium/large working class breed that loves to work and hunt. They weigh between 55-75 pounds and reach up to 27″ in height.

Recognized by the AKC, the Black and Tan Coonhound’s coat is predominantly black with tan markings on the muzzle, chest and legs. Their name, of course, simply comes from their coat color. Their sleek, short, shiny coat is dense. It is easy to care for and requires minimal brushing.

Whether hunting dog or family companion for active families, the Black and Tan Coonhound will do well with their friendly, energetic nature. They are good with children and other dogs or pets. Because of their history of hunting small animals, it is best to socialize them from puppyhood with cats and other small non-canine pets. They are highly intelligent and fairly easy to train. When they are at home with family, they are laid back and easygoing. However, when they are tracking or hunting they are all business and they become very intense and energetic. As hunting dogs, they love to do their job and do it well. They should not be kept locked up inside all day and they need plenty of exercise and play. When they are outside, it is best to keep them in a fenced in yard as they have a tendency to take off if they discover an interesting scent or see a critter in the area.

Originating in the United States, the Black and Tan Coonhound was developed by crossing the Bloodhound and Foxhound. They were mainly used to hunt raccoon, but are also good opossum and other game hunters. They are known for their excellent tracking ability.

With their high energy level and love for hunting and being outdoors, the Black and Tan Coonhound needs a family that will meet their activity needs. While they are an active breed, they are surprisingly calm when they are home hanging out with their family. They make a good family companion for any family dynamic willing to give them the exercise and play that they need.

Everyday more and more money is being spent on pets including the Shih Tzu. The professional Shih Tzu groomer is a rather unique entry in the professional world. Outside the family and the Shih Tzu’s vet, the professional Shih Tzu groomer is the one person closest to the Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy.

If you plan to use a professional Shih Tzu groomer, the groomer will see your Shih Tzu regularly either monthly or bi-monthly. A knowledgeable professional Shih Tzu groomer will be able to supply you with advice on matters of health, breeding, boarding and various Shih Tzu products. The extent to which the professional Shih Tzu groomer fills these roles affects the relationship between the groomer and Shih Tzu owner. A close bond between the family and the professional Shih Tzu groomer is desirable.

The Shih Tzu Grooming Shop:

Many professional Shih Tzu groomers start out in their basements or spare room in their house and then graduate to their own shop on Main streets in towns throughout the country. Although a Shih Tzu groomer should have knowledge of how to groom all breeds of dogs, specializing in the Shih Tzu breed can be a unique opportunity for those who love the Shih Tzu exclusively. The Shih Tzu breed is one of the top 10 favorite family pets. Their popularity continues to grow, therefore, to specialize in Shih Tzu grooming would definitely be a professional groomer’s own unique niche.

Quality training:

Be sure to seek out the best instruction available. This instruction should come from licensed, qualified instructors in state-approved locations with adequate space and facilities. Proper training is the most important part of your investment. Without proper training, there is no business. Good dog grooming instruction means training in grooming all breeds with access to dogs of as many breeds as possible. Specializing in Shih Tzu grooming can come later. The school’s reputation is most significant. Check with your State Education Department, the Better Business Bureau and other consumer agencies to determine the reputation of the schools you choose. Make a personal visit to the school.

Shih Tzu Grooming Shop Site:

Once you are fully trained and/or you have built up a customer base while working out of your home you begin to consider setting up a shop. Go where the action is. Shih Tzu pet owners will like locations in a good part of town, one with good parking. If funds allow, a busy shopping mall would be an excellent location for a Shih Tzu Grooming Salon.

An important factor to consider when deciding on a location for your Shih Tzu grooming shop is the element of competition. Is there already a grooming shop in your chosen location? And how long has the shop been in business? If the grooming shop has been in business for quite some time, you may want to choose another location.

Zoning

Most state laws are loose about zoning requirements for dog grooming shops and so would be the same case for a Shih Tzu grooming shop. Usually a commercial area or on a main street there are no problems with zoning. If you begin your grooming at home, you may have to cope with complaining neighbors if the traffic begins to become congested in the neighborhood, etc. You will need to check your local zoning laws in a case such as this.

Cancer affects a significant percentage of canines. Know the risk factors that include: genetics, hormone imbalances, diet, vaccinations, environmental toxins such as lawn chemicals, flea and tick dips, tobacco smoke to name a few. Nearly half of dogs over age 10 die of cancer. There are similarities between canine and human cancers, but there are also differences. For example, dogs have 35 times as much skin cancer as humans, 4 times as many breast tumors, 8 times as much bone cancer, and twice the incidence of leukemia. Humans have 7 times as much lung cancer as dogs and 13 times as much cancer of the stomach and intestines.

According to a Swedish study done in 1997, the breeds at highest risk for cancer were: Boxers, Giant Schnauzers and Bernese Mountain Dogs, Irish Wolfhounds, Cocker spaniels and Doberman Pinschers, Pomeranians, Newfoundlands, German Shepherd Dogs, Saint Bernards, Great Danes, Greyhounds and Basset Hounds.

Today, the most common type of cancer in American dogs is skin cancer followed by mammary cancer and lymphosarcoma.

Even though Shih Tzu is not among the breeds to be targeted for high risks, we can still be on the look-out for cancer symptoms which are similar to those in humans. These include any abnormal swelling that continues to grow, sores that don’t heal, weight loss, bleeding or discharge from any body opening, a reluctance to move or exercise, a loss of stamina or difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating. Any sort of lameness in an older dog (but especially large breeds, which excludes our Shih Tzu also), should be investigated, even though our Shih Tzu is not included in that either as being of high risk by breed, it does not mean, this could not occur. Subtle signs such as sleeping, more than usual, refusing to play, or having less interest in social interaction, can be warning signs.

Even though it would seem at this time cancer is not a huge threat to our Shih Tzu, it is still good to be alert to any symptoms that may be warning signs of the disease.

The Border Terrier makes a great family pet. They can be housed in an apartment as long as frequent walks are part of the routine. They do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If possible, a properly fenced enclosure for exercise is ideal. They are diggers so some of the fence needs to be buried to keep them in. They love children but please remember to not leave any child unsupervised with any dog or puppy. They train easily and live to please plus they make a good watch dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Border Terrier is 13 to 16 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulders) and 13 to 16 pounds. Females range from 11 to 14 inches to the withers and 11 to 14 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Border Terrier is no exception, but they are considered a very healthy breed. Look for Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome which is a neurological disorder similar to epilepsy. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Border Terrier has a short dense undercoat with a wiry outer coat. She should be brushed weekly and professionally groomed several times a year. She should be bathed rarely as this strips her coat of its protective oils and she can have dry skin problems

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. They hale from the border between Scotland and England in the 19th century. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1930.

*Some Registries:

Border Terrier Club of America

UKC United Kennel Club

NKC National Kennel Club

CKC Continental Kennel Club

APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

AKC American Kennel Club

FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 3 to 9 Border Collies puppies

Category: Terrier

Terms To Describe: Agile, tough, good tempered, affectionate, easily trained, easy to train, mild mannered,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

Gets along well with other dogs and some pets.

Loves children.

High activity level.

They are generally healthy dogs.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Poor guard dog.

Can have dry skin conditions.

May bark a bit.

They love to dig.

Do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

May harm cats, birds and other small pets.

*Other Names Known By:Reedwater Terrier, Coquetdale Terrier

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.