Pets

Effective communication with your dog maintains the pecking order in your home and ensure that you remain the top dog. Allowing your dog to dominate you in any way is unhealthy for your dog (as well as potentially dangerous for you, particularly if you have a big dog).

Failure to understand your dog’s behaviour and how to properly train your dog is the cause of dissatisfaction with their dog. Some people will even give up on their dogs and could even abandon them in some instances. All because they failed to properly communicate and undersrtand their dog. What a terrible tragedy!

Actually, your dog really does communicate with you for much of the time you spend together. So not learning to understand your dog’s body language is similar to living your life with someone who speaks another language, and never learning to communicate with that person by learning any of that other language.

Two way communication with anyone in your life is obviously important, and especially with your dog who does “speak another language”.

Dogs love to play, but their primary concern is often their position in your “pack”. Dogs will always make attempts to get to the top dog position if you allow this to go on.

Some dogs do this as a game to see how much they can get away with, (my Kara is like this). Other dogs can actually take this issue very seriously, and may threaten any “pack” member who doesn’t defer to them - sometimes even including their owner. Large dogs often like to jump up and stand with their front paws on the owner’s shoulders. This can be a friendly gesture, but is often actually a posture of dominance.

A better greeting to encourage your dog to use is to have your dog sit and then for you offer a greeting to your dog. In this way, the dog has assumed a subordinate posture, and you retains your leadership role and your position as the “top dog”. And your dog loves this exchange with you. The important thing is that your dog understands his/her position in the “pack”.

One of the most tragic misinterpretations of body language I’ve heard about involves what’s called the canine grin. Many dogs, when they are happy and excited, pull their lips back in a happy grin, which is actually a submissive gesture. They are simply very happy, but some owners have actually misinterpreted this submissive grin as a snarl and, heaven forbid, a few have even had the dog euthanized because of what they thought was aggression in their dog.

Isn’t this tragic? And all because the owner hasn’t taken the time and trouble to understand what their dog is actually trying to communicate to them.

I’m sure you’re in the category of people who can understand what your dog is saying, just like me.

On a lighter note, I was only talking to a friend recently (also a dog lover - she has four Jack Russell crosses) about how we often know just what our dog is saying. I was telling her how Jet, my Staffie holds her own with other dogs. In fact, it’s a pretty brave dog who will take my Jet on.

Some time ago, when Jet and I were walking past a house in our street where there is a large Japanese Fighting Dog, it escaped and decided to have a domination fight with Jet. I couldn’t believe it, but Jet won!!! (if you don’t know what Japanese Fighting Dogs look like, they’re about four times the size of Jet).

Anyway, ever since then, when we walk past, that dog races to its gate and starts to bark. Then Jet stops, looks directly at the dog, barks non-stop for several seconds and then turns and keeps walking.

I said to Isadora, my friend, that Jet’s saying to the dog: “Now, you listen to me … I thought I got this straightened out with you before - Don’t you mess with me!” Isadora laughed, but understood completely. She commented that people who don’t have dogs would probably think we were mad to think that we know what our dogs are saying!

(c) 2005, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs

The cat skin, unlike human, is very tough. Make up of numerous layers of cell tissues and skin structures like the hair follicles, sensory cells, and sebaceous glands, it has very good blood supply and has three main functions - to act as a sensory layer around the entire body, to regulate body temperature and to act as a protective layer covering for the internal structures and organs.

It is important to take note and check up on your cat’s skin regularly because most of the cat breeds’ skin is covered in fur. It is not uncommon for cat owner to discover that their cat has develop some skin diseases until there is hair loss or development of sores.

In order to prevent your cat from developing any serious skin conditions, you can make a little more effort during grooming to check up on your cat’s skin. Run your hand gently over his body and explore the skin for any unusual patches, if you found any, part the fur by brushing it slightly, so that you can see beneath the fur and have a better look at the skin. If you do this often enough and understand your cat’s body, you would be able to spot any irregularity easily.

It is common for cats to develop skin related conditions and illnesses. And listed below are the main one that affect most cat breeds.

Cheyletiellosis in cats is caused by skin mites and is particularly contagious between cats as well as humans. In cats, the symptoms are itching and it usually results in heavy scaling and flaking of the skin, which is why Cheyletiellosis in cats is popular known as “walking dandruff”. This skin condition is usually not deadly and can be easily treated with the right medication once the condition has been diagnosed and confirm.

Alopecia in cats will cause hair loss due to endocrine disturbances, localized infections, or generalized illnesses. The condition can also be a result of stress. The symptoms included bald patches on the skin and can be accompanied by reddened or inflamed skin. Not a deadly skin disease, and with proper treatment, the fur would most likely grow back.

Acne in cats is a common condition and can be easily treated. Nevertheless, there are other skin conditions such as ringworm and mange whose symptoms are closely related to cat acne. Therefore it is still important to seek veterinary advice whenever you spot any cat skin problems and is unsure.

While most skin conditions are cause by allergies to food and pesticides bite, and can be easily managed and treated, early detection is still vital to ensure that your cat skin is always healthy, beautiful and prevented from suffering any serious skin conditions.

The most common dog problems:

Dog Owner’s commonly ask me the same questions repeatedly. This article aims to help dog owners prevent and find information about the most common dog health problems. Understanding the basics of these problems will go a long ways to helping your canine friend live a long healthy life.

1. By far the most common question I get asked from dog owners is a desperate call about their dog’s vomiting. Vomiting can have many causes, but the most common cause is eating garbage, or wolfing down food. In most cases the easiest cure is to withhold food from your dog for 24 hours, but continue to give water. Then after 24 hours, start by giving small meals again. This rest period will allow the stomach to heal. If vomiting continues after this you should see your veterinarian.

2. The next most common question I get asked are reproduction questions. These questions range from breeding their dog, questions about whelping, and about raising puppies. While it is beyond this article to cover everything, here are some basics to keep in mind. Dogs come into heat every 6-7 months which is the time to breed them. The gestation length ranges from 59-63 days. Breeds that can have trouble with whelping are the pug, bulldog, Chihuahuas, Boston terriers, and the Pekingese. Whelping, the act of giving birth, can take from 2 to 24 hours. With several hours in-between the time puppies are passed.

3. Third, are questions about skin problems. These questions range from masses and bumps, to scratches and rashes. Whenever you find a mass on your dog it is important that you show it to your veterinarian. Most masses are benign lipomas, which are fatty tumors. Another common tumor of female dogs are tumors of the mammary gland. You can greatly decrease the risk of your female dog getting a mammary gland tumor by spaying your dog. One of the most common skin tumors owners are likely to see are Mast cell tumors. Mast cell tumors can appear anywhere on the body, and can range from benign to very aggressive.

4. Fourth are questions about the musculoskeletal system. Two possible causes of limping in dogs are arthritis and torn anterior cruciate ligaments. Arthritis is common in older dogs. To treat arthritis try some joint supplements like chondroitin. For dogs with torn anterior cruciate ligaments, surgery is needed. The anterior cruciate ligament is a ligament in the knees of dogs. Signs of this injury is when the dog is running and all of a sudden the dog whimpers in pain and starts to limp on its rear leg.

5. The fifth most common question is about allergies. Many dogs suffer from allergies. The most common clinical signs are the dog chewing its paws, reddened skin, and scratching. For a definitive diagnosis allergy testing can be done by your veterinarian. Allergies are often treated by antihistamines and in severe cases steroids.

With a little knowledge pet owners can be more proactive in the health care of their pets. With greater knowledge you can help your veterinarian come up with the best treatment plans for your pet, and are able to give a more complete history on your pet which can lead to a quicker and more accurate diagnosis.

There has been a strong opinion in shih tzu history that the Tibetan Lion Dog is the result of a cross between the Lhasa Terrier and the Pekingese, which occurred out of the mixing of the two breeds in Tibet and China.

The dogs of each country had been taken to the other from time to time by tribute envoys and officials. The cross in Tibet, that had been taken out of that country by way of India, has been called the Apso, while the cross in Peking has been called the Tibetan Poodle or Lion Dog. The Tibetan cross probably had more of the Lhassa Terrier in it, while the Chinese cross has more of the Pekingese.

Shih Tzu Management:

Be cautious about the dangers of dampness and violent temperature changes when it comes to the living quarters for your shih tzu. With a heritage of luxurious living in the palaces of the Orient, the domesticated dogs of today for the most part share the lovely homes of their owners in our affluent society but still must be protected against sudden change in temperature or weather conditions, particularly true with puppies.

The Shih Tzu is a rugged little dog, it is sheer folly for a dog to sleep indoors by the stove, fireplace, or beneath a comforter on his master’s bed one night, and then be expected to spend the next night outdoors in a dog house or in a drafty garage. Shih Tzu do have a way of choosing their own beds, and it will probably be the same as yours!

Probably about the most important of all aspects in the care and health of your Shih Tzu is diet! My Shih Tzu have thrived better on HealthyPetNet Life’s Abundance. Fresh water available at all times is also a diet essential. Be careful about the extras you choose to feed your dog. Try to be certain that everything he eats is safe and nutritious. Again, I recommend using HealthyPetNet treats, the dental cookies, the skin and coat bar, the Porky Puffs, etc. As a breeder, I recommend and prescribe the diet I prefer using for my own dogs and that has worked best for me. I cannot say enough “good” about HealthyPetNet Products. I can’t imagine anyone not liking them after once trying them. Yet…..I do realize other breeders will have their own recommendations. And, as always, your own personal vet should be included in your final decision about your shih tzu’s diet.

The capacity and size of the individual shih tzu determines the amount of food he/she should consume each day. Labels on the food itself give good guidelines to follow. For my puppies before they leave home, I keep food out at all times. This can change, according to the new owner’s preferences. A healthy dog should eat the approximate same amount every day, and will be in good flesh without going to fat. Table scraps are out of the question. Never feed your shih tzu table scraps. Shih Tzu are acustomed to the best and it seems this part of their heritage never fades away. Feed your Shih Tzu the very best of Premium Dog Food. HealthyPetNet Life’s Abundance is my choice.

A Legend of Shih Tzu Management:

The Chinese tell a story of Ch’en, of the town of Chiang Chou as an illustration of the perfectly brought up household. Ch’en not only preserved harmony among the 700 members of his family but also had the family dogs so well trained that, if one was late for dinner, the other 99 waited for him!

No explanation was given of how this was accomplished and the stories are legend, of course, but another Chinese sage, Chang Kung-i of Shantung, provided a clue……..questioned by a T’ang Emperor how he kept nine branches of the family together, Chang gave an answer often quoted in China, by writing one word a hundred times - - “jen-mai,” meaning “patience” or “forbearance.”

The stories being legend, there is nothing to prove that the Ch’en family dogs, if they even existed, were Shih Tzu Kou. Such tales do draw attention to the fact that the Shih Tzu can be trained in obedience since they are highly intelligent, remarkably responsive, and unusually quick to learn.

Training a Shih Tzu does call for patience, however, since a common trait of the Shih Tzu is a “strong self- willed streak.” This fact has been noted down through history by many Shih Tzu Fanciers. One leading dog trainer in the United States spoke of the breed with extreme admiration, but emphasized, with a smile…….”that they could occasionally be very stubborn.”

So….keep that in mind when training your Shih Tzu, and remember, none of us are without downfalls. The Shih Tzu with all its other wonderful qualities far outweighs this one aspect of their personalities. Try praising your shih tzu during training with HealthyPetNet Porky Puffs (a favorite treat of my shih tzu). They go CRAZY for HealthyPetNet Porky Puffs.

Learning how to turn your dog into a perfect companion takes time and effort but is well worth it to create a harmonious living environment for you both. If approached the right way, the training process can even be an enjoyable way for you to spend time together, leading to a well-adjusted personality in your dog, and decreased stress for everyone.

Dogs like to learn and interact, so ongoing training and the reinforcement of learned behaviors can be a good way to prevent them from getting bored, as well as helping you develop effective communication. Teaching your pet a number of commands is more than just a matter of having some clever tricks to show; it can be a matter of ensuring their safety and preventing the development of unnecessary bad habits.

Learning obedience should not mean a dog can no longer show their personality, or engage in normal, natural dog behaviors such as barking, digging and chewing. Turning them into the perfect companion should, rather, require that you teach them the appropriate times and ways to act out these instincts, providing alternatives when their natural inclinations prove destructive. Provide appropriate items for chewing, places for digging, and rewards for obeying.

Punishment is rarely an effective means of communicating with your pet, and in many cases simply serves to reinforce the negative behaviors due to increased stress, or a simple lack of understanding. If the behavior is attention-seeking, negative attention is perceived as better than nothing, so once again your attempts to change the behavior are foiled. Try to catch your dog “in the act” so you can stop them the behavior, but don’t give them a lot of attention immediately after. Wait until another time to show them the acceptable behavior, and reinforce it with a treat or praise. In some cases you will need to take steps to prevent the behavior, such as building barriers to fence-jumping, particularly when it is a behavior that takes place when you are not watching. Use your best judgment, and do some reading on the subject to find out what other dog owners have done in similar situations.

Once again, the best method of encouraging good behavior in your dog is to spend lots of time together playing, exercising, and engaging in activities that keep their minds stimulated. This will generally prevent the bad habits that can result from boredom, loneliness and neglect. Be consistent in your approach to training, establishing clear expectations and rewards for obedience, and your relationship should flourish.

Pets require a lot of love, and in return offer you incomparable loyalty and devotion. Take the necessary time to build your relationship and ensure that your dog is happy and well-adjusted; you will find it is well worth the effort. For problem behaviors that persist, consult with the many resources available online or at your local bookstore. There is plenty of advice, as well as training products to help you along the way.

Help could not come soon enough for the residents of New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf areas. But for devoted animal owners rescue came at a price…leave your pet behind. Having a plan in place before disaster strikes can save both you and your pet’s lives. Here’s what to do now.

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