The cascading and catastrophic events that can come with a dog bite can be avoided. The dog owner simply needs to understand why dog bites occur, and avoid them. Some dogs attack because they are protecting their territory or because they are afraid and want to establish dominance. Some dogs pose indoor dangers because they perceive small children or infants as prey. Others have been taught by their owner that biting is an acceptable form of play. No matter the reason behind it, the result is the same – the dog bites.

There are four very simple steps that can be taken to keep your dog from biting someone.

Spay or neuter your dog
Dogs that are spayed or neutered are three times less likely to bite. It also reduces his or her desire to roam and fight with other dogs.

Make your dog sociable
Introducing your dog to many different people and situations allows your dog to get used to being in various environments. This will help prevent them from feeling frightened, which is a leading cause of bite.

Have your dog trained
Well trained dogs are trained to listen and obey their owner’s command at home, and even in unfamiliar situations. Only you can teach your dog how to behave in your home, so be sure that you participate in the training of your dog. Training is also a good way of socializing your dog.

Be a responsible dog owner
Remember to keep your dog’s vaccinations current and license your dog as required by law. Don’t allow your dog to roam – know where your dog is at all times. Dogs that spend a lot of time alone in the yard or tied often become dangerous. Spend time with your dog and you will both enjoy each other’s company.

Being a responsible dog owner not only means providing a loving and safe home for your pet. When hurt or scared, even “friendly” dogs may bite. Being a responsible owner also means protecting others from the actions of your pet.

by Tynes Agency

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Top Differences in Dog and Cat Food

1. Cats need more proteins than dogs: cat food contains > 30% protein, while dog food contains 20-25%.
2. Cats need taurine, an essential amino acid, which is found only in animal tissues, such as fish, beef and poultry. Should be no less than 0.1 percent in dry foods.
3. Vitamin A is critical for cats, and must consume the vitamin from meat. Dogs can convert beta carotene into vitamin A, so a carrot will do.
4. Cats require arachidonic acid, a fatty acid, which they can only get from meat. Dog can recieve this fatty acid also through
   linoleic acid, which is abundant in vegetable oils, like sunflower and safflower oils. Felines also need more niacin.

5. Taste and texture. Cats prefer a finer texture than dogs. They also prefer salty & meaty tastes over sweets.

The ‘choosiness’ from cats stems from its higher position on the food chain, Watson believes. They are true carnivores.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

- Lack of Usual Energy or Vibrancy

If your pet normally has a great deal of energy and vibrancy and you find that they seem to be lacking it that is something to worry about. A few hours of down time throughout the day is a normal thing, but dogs that normally seem to be hyper and active and have slowly transformed into the type of dog that lays around all day and doesn’t seem to have the desire to do much should be a cause of concern.

If it is something that happens sometimes, then you do not have much to fret about. However, if you are noticing that your dog has been acting strangely for days then you should definitely contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. There may be a variety of reasons for this strange behavior, from something missing in their diet to an illness that you weren’t able to put your finger on. Something simple may be able to get rid of your pooch’s newfound sluggish nature or your vet may be able to reassure you that everything is okay. Either way, get to the veterinarian as fast as you can.

- They May Have Gotten Into Something

So many pets lose their lives every year because their owner thinks that they ‘may have gotten into something.’ If you think your pet got into something that could cause them harm, don’t waste time and call the veterinarian immediately. Many of the things that you have in your home for cleaning or otherwise could potentially have lethal properties when it comes to your pet. They may also be perfectly safe for him or her. It is advised that you don’t take your chances and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Things in your garden, things in your bathroom or kitchen, or even things in your garage or the backseat of your car are all the type of thing that you should look out for. Don’t waste time if you think your pet may have gotten into the wrong type of mischief and contact your veterinary professional as soon as possible.

- Contact With Unknown Animals

If your dog has come into contact with other animals that you know nothing about, veterinary attention is definitely the type of thing that you want to consider. Many dogs have a tendency to eat things that you don’t even want to know about, including dead rats and squirrels, maybe even snakes or other animals in your yard or area. You never know what could have killed these animals, and what your dog may have acquired as a result of ingesting them.

In addition, getting into fights with other dogs and cats is a cause of concern as well. Wounds, infections, and infectious diseases are all things to worry about in this case. Take the necessary precautions and get your dog checked out as soon as possible.

Not everything is cause for concern, but some things do require the services of a veterinary professional. Prevention and treatment are both things that they provide for a service, but peace of mind is also provided absolutely free of charge. Do yourself a favor and don’t waste time if you think that your pet may need to see the veterinarian.

Lisa Failla is the Author for Pamper Me Puppy, an online dog clothing and apparel store featuring many styles in dog coats and accessories. Shopping online pet supplies can be found at Pamper Me Puppy

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

It’s very common to hear people speaking about experiences they have had trying to photograph
their pets. Many times you will hear of mini disasters where an animal will fall from some sort of make-
shift prop, or where a prop has fallen on the pet. Most often it is frustration you hear from the pet owner. They dress up the dog, run for the camera, & then can not encourage the dog to hold still at all.
These are all things that can be alleviated by a few simple tips that we are providing right here.

Mixed Breed Dog (photo can be ordered) Bill Whelan

My FIRST tip & I feel it is the most important: Be FULLY prepared. Yes, this sounds like a bit of over-kill but I promise that it is not. You should gather and bring along any props that you might need. These could be blankets, benches, toys, brushes–yes brushes. With some pictures you may only have
one chance so you will not have time to go and get these things. The better prepared you are the better
your chances of getting that great shot!

#2) Move in CLOSE. The closer you are to your Dog the better detail you will have. If the lighting
is right you will see the “catch lights” in the eyes. This really brings out the expression on the dog’s
face. You also need to make sure the ears are up & that the nose is wet. These little details will
really enhance your photograph.

#3) Speaking of LIGHT…Good lighting is a Critical element of any pet photograph! Low lighting requires longer exposures which usually spells disaster. Good side lighting will really enhance the texture of the dog’s coat. Please remember if you are shooting your pictures outside that the optimal times are early morning or late afternoon. The sun shines more at an angle & provides a much better quality of light for photography.

Dog Floating on Raft in Swimming Pool Chris Minerva (photo can be ordered)

#4) Place yourself on the Dog’s Level. Always try to be shooting from the eye level of the dog. This
again helps to fully capture the expression you want.

#5) One of the true advantages of Digital Photography is that it allows you to shoot multiple shots at no cost to you. This is great when photographing dogs because you cannot control their movements, etc. Another key advantage is that with digital you can most often see your shot & know if it is a winner. Irregardless, I most often shoot 2-3 shots of key poses to make certain I get a winner!

So, in essence many of the problems we encounter when photographing dogs can be alleviated with
some simple preparations. Good planning, great preparation and being flexible enough to anticipate
problems that may arise. Try these out the next time you set out to photograph your pet. I think
you will be pleasantly surprised.

Elaine Mashburn
http://professionalpetphotography.blogspot.com

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

And how much protein should they have in their daily diet? Here are a few facts about your pet and protein, so you can make the best decision about your pet’s daily diet.

First of all, here is a thought of interest: felines are classified carnivores, and dogs are classified omnivores. This means that cats must have meat in their diet to survive, and dogs must have meat and vegetables in their diet to prosper. Because dogs are omnivores, they can survive on either plant or animal diets; however, for your pet to achieve their ultimate health, a combination of the two is necessary.

So what are some signs of a poor diet in dogs? Obesity or excess weight, dull or coarse coat, itchy or flaky skin, and low energy and sometimes low resistance to infection are often common signs of a poor diet. If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs, change their diet; if any symptoms still continue, take your pet to the vet immediately.

So, here is the key to your dog’s diet. Dogs thrive on meat-based diets. This means dog foods that are based in meat are healthier for your pet than those that are composed of primarily grains or only-meat diets that have no grains or vegetables. A balanced diet is the best diet for your pet.

Why are whole grain diets harmful for your pet? Grains such as corn, barley, wheat, oats and soybean meal primarily supply carbohydrates. While carbohydrates are good for your pet (and necessary), if grain is their primary source of food consumption, excess carbohydrate intake often leads to the storage of extra carbs, which simply turns into fat. If you then add protein to your pet’s diet, it takes the carbohydrates through the kidneys and out of the body! Basically, this creates instant weight loss. If you’re wondering about kidney damage to your pet…don’t. Dogs are specifically built to tolerate lots of protein in their diet, because they need it. Unless your dog is getting excess amount of protein in their diet, then their kidneys should remain safe from protein damage.

Also, if you have a young puppy or an elderly dog, an increase in protein in their diet can be beneficial to them. Puppies are rapidly growing into full-grown adult dogs. Therefore, they need protein to build their muscles, strength, and to simply grow like they are supposed to! Older dogs need higher levels of protein in their diet to help retain their muscle mass and to keep it strong.

So, what is in your pet’s diet? Is your pet demonstrating symptoms of a poor diet? Consider changing your pet’s diet if you are concerned. Though this article is a general guideline to dogs’ diets, conducting your own research is always helpful. Feel free to contact your vet or a pet nutritional specialist if you have any other concerns. Remember, an excellent diet makes for a happy dog!

Discount Pet Mall features dog beds & elevated dog feeders.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Dogs love to dig, let’s face it, it is a very natural and instinctual part of their makeup, and “it is a very enjoyable behavior for them” says Deborah L. Forthman, Ph.D. digging is something that dogs have been doing from the beginning, but there are ways to reduce the amount your dog digs.

Here are 7 different methods to help train your dog not to dig.

1.Before you begin with your dog obedience training on how to stop him from digging, try to figure out exactly what is causing your dog to behave that way. If he is very persistent into digging in one area, you may use the dog training command “leave” while using treats to distract him. You can also distract him by using a particular smell that excites him. These dog behavior modification methods typically work very well.

2. Try not to do any type of gardening and digging when your dog is around because remember that your dog looks up to you and wants to obey you, that being the case when your dog sees you digging and playing in the yard of course he will also think that is what he should be doing.

3. Exercise is a very important aspect of your dog’s health, and not only that, the more exercise your dog gets, and the more energy the expends, the less likely that your dog will be able to muster up the energy, or the desire to go digging up your yard. If you find that your dog tends to like to dig at particular times of the day, then make sure you give him plenty of exercise around those times if possible so that he just can’t be bothered digging.

4. Make sure that you are more understanding and less scolding with your dogs digging habit, particularly during the winter months. Often during the winter months dogs will dig more than the rest of the year the reasons that these years that your dog has a natural instinct for finding warmer places and dogs sense that by digging, they will get into a warmer area and this is certainly correct. If and when you do notice that your dog is digging more frequently when the temperature is cooler outside, then it is very important to be understanding and not to scold your dog for doing that, but relieve the situation by providing the right environment for him.

5. There are some dogs that absolutely positively can’t resist digging, so rather than trying to go against nature and stop them altogether, let’s take a different approach and create a special spot for your dog to dig in. Most dog experts agree that for some breeds it is almost impossible to prevent them from digging 100% of the time, and because your dog enjoys digging so much, train him to only dig in his special spot. The area you provide for him to did in doesn’t need to be that big, something around three or four foot by six-foot should do the trick nicely.

6. Having your dog neutered or spade is one sure way to reduce their desire to dig because their drive to mate is drastically reduced, and without your dog having a strong desire to mate you almost certainly have a lot less holes in your yard.

7. Be very careful that if you do correct your dog when you catch him digging in the yard that you only do it with warmth and compassion, and that you absolutely must do it at the moment in time that he is digging and that you don’t wait for him to stop and then correct him. This will reinforce whatever he is doing with your response, if you wait until he is finished and you scold him then he will get the wrong message.

Instead when you catch him digging try to immediately replace one activity with another, so therefore distract him from his digging and replace it with an enjoyable activity for him to do. If you continually do this it will help modify his behavior and reduce your dogs digging adventures.

About The Author
Michael Weber is a passionate dog owner who studies the psychology of dogs, Michael helps people communicate properly with their dogs and to fix dog behavior problems fast. Visit here for Your Free Multi Media Mini Course: http://www.doginfoworld.com.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

There are numerous products that will kill adult fleas on your dog. However, they vary in the duration of their effects.

1. Flea shampoos, sprays, and powders. Most products will kill any fleas present on your dog at the time of application, but many have no lasting effect – your dog may have more fleas within 24 hours of being treated. When using a flea shampoo, always begin on the dog’s head, face, and ears so the fleas won’t run for shelter in those hard to reach areas. Be extra careful not to drip any solution in your pet’s eyes. Applying the solution with a sponge is helpful. All shampoos should be rinsed thoroughly from the coat.

Some of the newer, more effective sprays can be a valuable part of the overall treatment plan. They kill adult fleas rapidly and are safe enough to use daily, if necessary. Flea sprays containing insect growth regulators (IGR’s) are helpful in managing the overall problem because they help to break the flea life cycle. Be sure to read the label when using any of these products, because they might be recommended for once a week application, instead of daily.

Flea powders are easy to use – simply sprinkle on your dog’s coat.

2. Flea rinses or dips. These may be effective for four to five days, depending on the product. The rinse is applied after the dog has been shampooed and not rinsed out and left to dry on the dog’s coat. You need to dip the entire dog from nose to tail. Follow directions carefully regarding frequency throughout the flea season.

Pet shops and supermarkets sell a huge variety of flea dips and shampoos for your pet. If your dog has only a few fleas, there’s no reason why you can’t treat him yourself. Make sure to follow the label instructions on whatever product you buy, and pay close attention to age restrictions. Many products are not suitable for young puppies. Never use cat products on dogs.

As with flea shampoos, when using a flea dip, always begin on the dog’s head, face, and ears so the fleas won’t run for shelter in those hard to reach areas. Be extra careful not to drip any solution in your pet’s eyes. Applying the solution with a sponge is helpful.

You might want to take your dog to the veterinarian where either an assistant or a groomer on staff will dip your pet, or take your dog to a grooming shop for flea treatment.

3. Sprays containing flea growth regulators which are called IGR’s. These sprays are usually applied weekly and the growth regulators help break the flea’s life cycle.

4. Flea collars. Flea collars are an easy, economical, and useful method of flea control when used before you see fleas, but aren’t very effective if you already a flea problem. Flea collars are on the dog and working 24 hours per day. However, they are not very effective in climates that are especially conducive to flea reproduction. Many people don’t like the smell of insecticidal flea collars or the smell and oily feeling the insecticide leaves on their hands after petting a dog wearing one. But, they are a lot better than nothing!

Many flea collars, such as the Ovitrol Plus or Ovitrol Plus II sold by veterinarians, kill adult fleas and also make flea eggs sterile. These are generally called Egg-Stopper Collars and contain insect growth regulating ingredients, which prevents egg from hatching.

Some dogs are sensitive to flea collars and develop a skin irritation under the collar, so if this happens, you should remove the collar and use another method of flea control.

In addition, there are High Tech Electronic Flea Collars for dogs that emit powerful ultrasonic pulses. They are supposed to be inaudible and harmless to pets and humans but, fleas go crazy!

Do-it-yourself Low Tech Herbal flea collar – effects last approximately one month:

Buy a soft untreated flea collar. Mix 1/2 teaspoon rubbing alcohol, essential oils of 1 drop cedar wood oil, 1 drop lavender, 1 drop citronella, 1 drop thyme oil. Open the contents of four garlic capsules into mixture. Soak flea collar until it has absorbed sufficient mixture soaked through, then let dry.

5. Spot-on products. Advantage® and Frontline® are two brand name products that are applied topically to a small area of the dog’s skin and they effectively kill fleas for at least a month. They are purchased in small vials that contain one dose for various sizes of dogs. They kill adult fleas, usually before the flea has the opportunity to bite your dog.

When using some of the new residual topical treatments such as the spray and the liquid applied to the dog’s neck, you may find environmental control will become much less a concern. In some cases, treating the dog with these new products will effectively control the environmental problem.

6. The pill. (Program™) This product prevents flea eggs from hatching when administered orally to pets once a month at mealtime. Dogs are fed Program in tablet form. Different tablet sizes and suspension doses are prescribed according to the animal’s weight. When an adult female flea bites a Program-treated dog, the flea ingests the active ingredient (lufenuron) which then passes into her eggs and prevents them from hatching. Program is dispensed only through veterinarians. This drug does not kill the adult fleas on your dog, but it does break the flea life cycle by preventing hatching of the next generation of flea eggs. In effect, it kills the next generation of fleas.

A similar product called Sentinel contains both the flea control ingredient and heartworm medication all in one dosage.

7. Natural methods include essential herbal oils, essential fatty acids, garlic, and/or B vitamins tend to make the animal less tasty to fleas. You can supplement with garlic or brewers yeast tablets. Some animals are allergic to brewers yeast, so watch closely the first week or so to make sure the itching doesn’t get worse.

8. Flea Combs. Run the comb through your pet’s hair and gather a bit of hair and “flea dirt”. Daily flea combing may seem like a tedious process, but you can trap some of them in the comb. Be sure to drown them in soapy water, because fleas can jump out of plain water.

About The Author
Martin Brock
Want a happier, healthier pooch? http://www.pet-supplies-review.com makes it easy to find relevant information about your four-legged friend.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

More than half of the population allows their dogs to stay inside their houses sleeping on the couch or their owner’s bed. Others prefer their dogs stay outside in dog houses. If you would like to build a dog house for your pet the following tips should help you get started.

1. Consider your dog’s size. Dog houses should have adequate space for the animal to comfortably move around. People like to have approximately 2 feet of air above them and there is a good chance dogs also enjoy having about that much space as well. Dogs and people tend to need about 1/3 of their standing height to feel comfortable. To calculate how much space will be needed for your dog’s house you should measure your dog while he is standing straight up, sitting, and most importantly measure his full length when he is most relaxed and outstretched. Keep in mind that your dog should be able to see out of the entrance while both sitting and standing. The entrance needs to be high enough that the dog does not have to hunch down or scrape his stomach on the bottom.

The Dog Pablo Picasso

2. Water and air should be able to flow under the dog house. Therefore be sure to raise it a couple inches off the ground. It is also important to make sure the dog’s house has adequate ventilation. This will help keep pests from making the dog house their home. This can be accomplished using a few small holes around the eaves. By installing a wind block inside the dog’s house, he or she will be able to use its own heat to warm the area when it is really cold outside. For additional protection against the elements you might consider adding a partial wall separating the entry room from the inner room. A soft pillow and warm bedding will also likely be much appreciated.

3. To keep the rain out of the dog’s house make the floor slanted a little toward the doorway. The roof on the other hand should be slanted in the other direction. Dog houses should also be well insulated.

4. It is not a good idea to build your dog’s house so that it faces the South or the West because most storms come from these directions in the United States. Dog houses should typically face East. This will also help keep cold air from blowing through past the entryway.

5. Your dog will appreciate a clean house. In order to make cleaning the Dog’s house easier try putting hinges on the roof.

If your dog lives outdoors he or she will appreciate a comfortable place to sleep and to get out of the cold. These tips should help you get started building your dog’s new house.

About the Author
Robert Michael is a writer for De Pets which is an excellent place to find pets links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.depets.com

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

But how much would a cute kitten or a cute puppy, parrot or fish cost to have in your own family?

Unless you buy a rare breed, the initial cost of the pet is minor. What’s much more costly is maintaining the pet. Beyond to the initial cost of adoption, there’s a long list of expenses that the average pet owner will incur within a year.

The ASPCA has developed a handy tool to make it easier to plan for (and assess the feasibility of) a potential new arrival in the family in the form of a pet.

It is a detailed financial breakdown of annual costs of caring for a variety of animals, by size: small dogs, medium dogs, large dogs, cats, fish, etc. It covers grooming, pet toys, litter, pet health insurance, pet training, and 15 or so more line items, besides…. pet food.

If you sign up for our monthly newsletter, you will receive your own FREE copy of the Financial Pet Care Overview for your use.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Each breed of dog needs to follow a certain diet to keep them strong and healthy. And so you need to provide healthy dog food recipes for them.

Here are good suggestions:

Boston’s Best Cream Pie Great poster in your home, but not to feed the dog! btw. this artistic print can be purchased by clicking on it

Schnauzer Bars Great poster in your home, but not to feed the dog! btw. this artistic print can be purchased by clicking on it

1. Sautéed Liver.

Dogs love flavorful meals. Liver suits their taste buds well. Cut the liver into small pieces and sauté them in a teaspoon of corn oil. Fry the liver on each side until cooked but not dry. Serve accordingly. Then watch your dog savour the healthy dog food recipes you prepared.

2. Chicken Stew.

Dogs may not like the taste of boiled chicken, but they also need it to stay healthy. When preparing chicken stew for dogs, make sure you carefully remove the bones and chop the meat coarsely. Add chicken liver and heart for better flavor. Don’t put any salt. Dogs don’t need salt. The ones naturally present in foods are sufficient.

3. Mackerel Treat.

Do you know that dogs love fish too? No doubt that this, along with other healthy dog food recipes is good for cats as well. Fry one small mackerel in a teaspoon of corn oil. The mackerel is cooked when it flakes easily. Remove the bones. Add half a cup of hot water into the skillet where the mackerel is fried. Scrape the brown bits and add the juice to the meal.

Keep your pets strong with these healthy dog food recipes.

Keep in mind that you have to make sure that your dog eats a balanced diet. Giving them these treats will surely make both of you and your dog happy.

Pug Orange Juice Great poster in your home, but not to feed the dog! btw. this artistic print can be purchased by clicking on it

Black Dog Licorice Great poster in your home, but not to feed the dog! btw. this artistic print can be purchased by clicking on it

Three Lab Bakery Great poster in your home, but not to feed the dog! btw. this artistic print can be purchased by clicking on it

By Charlene Nuble

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting, pets and other health related stuffs.
To learn more about Healthy Dog Food Recipes – Click Here!

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.