Tuesday, September 30, 2014


Credit: Soggydan via Flickr

It is scientifically proven that dogs have a great ability to communicate, even with humans to a certain extent. Dogs can sometimes howl pretty much like wolves do (theyre their ancestors, after all). The howling in wolves is primarily intended to maintain the cohesion of the pack and as a means of communication during the mating season.

Why do dogs howl?

The howling, contrary to what many people think, is not a way of crying but a kind of song. Wolves howl to reassemble the group. Howling strengthens the bonds of the pack and keeps them together. They even have harmonic variants that have been studied: this shed surprising and fascinating results, implying that each participant has a place in the choral harmony.

In this regard, we find that the howl is similar to the motivations of human singing. The tribal people shared collective singing in order to maintain the union of the tribe. For humans, social parties were (and still are) intended to maintain the cohesion in a group of cooperative gregarious animals, and singing contributed to it in many of them. Why does a company gather its employees to celebrate a party which includes the singing of the anthem of the company? To strengthen the groups bonds; like wolves, we are a cooperative pack of animals. And in this sense there is no difference with tribal chants, which were frequently made the day prior to the hunting, in the same way that wolves howl prior to going for a major and risky hunting.

However, as previously mentioned, it is surprising that many people confuse singing with crying. The saying goes that when a dog howls all night, it is foretelling that someone will die. The origins of this myth are due to this confusion of singing with crying.

Usually when a person is seriously ill, a number of changes occur in the habits of their families, especially if the patient is in the hospital. So theres a situation where the dog sees their pack disappearing almost overnight. The dog is left alone for a long time and perceives that "the pack is moving" .... and howls.

Then, if the patient finally dies, it is logical that we humans, infer that the dog howled in the days leading up to the fatal outcome because he foresaw the imminent death of the person and then we inevitably identify it as a mourning howl. This is why it is popularly said that when a dog howls someone will die.

To understand why the dog howls when the herd moves, we must refer to their ancestors the wolves and ask the question: Why does a wolves pack move? When environmental conditions have become adverse, the pack might have to leave the territory and find a new one. This is a critical situation in the life of the wolves, and any gregarious carnivore, like lions. It is desirable to remain for many generations in the same territory, but there may be conditions, such as drought, when their preys migrate, and in these cases predators must follow them to stay close to the "supermarket".

Obviously this implies a big risk, since the new territory where the preys are moving may already be dominated by another group of predators, either wolves or other species, which means it is possible that they wont be able to conquer it.

In this situation, puppies and wolves of lower social ranks might be left behind, losing touch with the rest of the pack. What should they do them? They howl to gather their packs.

Howling can also occur in stressful situations of separation, as in the case of the dog being left alone at home for long. This howl is intended to gather his pack, the human family.

What is my dog trying to tell me?

The howl is a behavior that appears to be more common in northern type of breeds like Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute. Typically dogs howl in response to certain sounds of high-intensity and mid-frequency (or medium-high frequency), such as the siren of an ambulance or the notes of a violin, a flute ...., which in many respects resemble a howl. This kind of howling is normal and in no way should be interpreted as a sign of distress or suffering. Here is a list of the most common reasons why a dog howls, and the type of sounds associated with them:

Long and loud :
I'm here!
This is my territory"
"I hear your cries"
Dogs use this kind of howls to announce their presence, socialize from great distances and reaffirm the territory. There is no sadness in this sound.

Choppy howling with a final prolonged howl:
"I feel lonely"
Is there anyone out there?
Motivated by the isolation from family or other dogs.

Sudden series of howls:
"I'm really scared"
"It hurts"
"I give up"
An active response of dogs to fear and pain; it usually occurs when the dog escapes from an aggressor in a fight.

Moaning that rises in tone:
"I want this ..."
"I need this ..."
A request for something, the higher it is, the stronger the emotion associated with it.

Moaning that decreases in pitch at the end:
"Come, come, hurry!"
Indicates the excitement and anticipation felt by the dog when he knows youre going to give him food or take him out for a walk.


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Monday, September 29, 2014


The food prepared for dogs can be classified as dry and canned food. Canned and dry dog food contains 70% and 10% water respectively. There are many companies in the market that sell dog food. The following articles deals with the reviews and comparisons of dog foods produced by different companies.

Dog Food Comparison
The different dog foods available in the market can be compared on the basis of ingredients used. One should check whether ingredients used in these products are natural and provide the necessary nutrients. The freshness of the food should also be checked, since it plays an important part in dog care.

Dog Food Reviews
The following paragraphs provide reviews of the best dog food products available in the market. The trend of giving vegetarian food to pet dogs is fast catching up. Topic of vegetarian dog food is therefore, discussed in the following paragraphs below.

Innova EVO: The dog food sold by this company is rich in nutrients. It doesn't contain fillers and the food is prepared in a manner which provides nutrients that a dog would receive in the wild. It is due to the high protein content of this dog food that some dogs take time in adjusting to the diet. This dog food costs $1.75 for every 13.2 oz.

Orijen: The 'Orijen' dog food is recognized by experts for its quality. It doesn't contain grains, and the potatoes fulfill the need of carbohydrates. Carrots, apples and herbs along with probiotic microorganisms are also included in this dog food. It is also a good source of minerals and vitamin B. A 15.4 pound bag of Orijen dog food is priced at $35.

Canidae: This dog food costs $1.30 for every 13 oz. and doesn't contain grains like wheat, corn or soybean. Canidae is a bit expensive than those products commonly available in supermarkets. Contents of this dog food are free from any chemical preservatives or hormones.

V-dog: It is a vegetarian dog food product that proves to be a good alternative to meat-based diet. This dog food is prepared by following the AAFCO guidelines. Major ingredients of this healthy dog food product include wheat, oats, soybean meal, beet pulp, etc. It also contains amino acids like L-carnitine and taurine which prevent the occurrence of cardiomyopathy in dogs. A single bag of 33 lbs 'Crunchy Nuggets' costs $49.

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula: This dog food product is deemed suitable for all the canine breeds. Those dogs sensitive to additives, carbohydrates and specially proteins present in meat-based foods can benefit from the 'Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula'. The natural ingredients and non-meat proteins of this dog food should be helpful in maintaining good health. Different ingredients of this product include brown rice, green peas, oatmeal, potatoes, etc. The price of 5 lbs pack of this product is $15.39.

Top Dog Food Products
The top dog food companies operating in the market are:
  • Orijen Dog Food
  • Innova Evo Dog Food
  • Wellness Core Dog Food
  • California Natural Dog Food
  • Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food
  • Horizon Legacy Dog Food
  • Solid Gold Dog Food
  • Artemis Dog Food
  • Acana Dog Food
  • Merrick Dog Food
Dry Dog Food Comparison
The two types of dog foods available in the market are the dry and canned ones. The water content in dry dog foods is around 10%. The dry dog foods of the companies like 'Orijen' and 'Innova EVO' are considered to be the best in the market. The 'Innova EVO' dog food, that charges $25 for a 13.2 pounds bag is known for its high quality. The 15.4 pounds bag of the 'Orijen' company is priced at $35. It produces dog food that is rich in nutrients and doesn't include any kind of low quality ingredients. Have a look at the list of top 10 best dog foods.

Premium Dog Food Comparisons
The quality or premium dog foods are known for the natural ingredients they contain. Natural dog food is considered to be good for the health of these pets. These food products avoid the use of fillers that lack in nutrients, and provide quality food containing proteins and minerals.

The dog food comparisons mentioned in the above article would help in choosing the right food product for your dog. The overall health of your dog largely depends upon the kind of food that you feed it with.

Posted on 8:33 PM

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Saturday, September 27, 2014


The very fact that you are reading this article means that you are giving the breed and the kind of dog to get for your home, a serious thought. You want the decision to be absolutely correct and for that, you need information about the kinds of dogs that make for some of the best house dogs. The reasons to get a dog could be many, but the factors that finally decide the kind of dog breed you go in for could range from the type, size and other factors like their shedding. In this following article we will take you through a comprehensive list of some of the best house dog breeds that will be decided upon their qualities.

Choosing a Dog - Factors at Play

There are several factors that you need to carefully study and ponder over before you decide to get that house dog for yourself. Here are some of the factors that you need to look into:
  • Size The size of the dog is a very very important factor that cannot, and should not be ignored. Small dogs are generally easier to care for and are less taxing for the owners in terms of finances. But then there are certain dog lovers who are just completely crazy about large dog breeds and need to have really large dog breeds in order to feel like they own dogs. Which is of course their choice, but it has to be understood that it is more difficult to care for larger dogs. Also, if there are small children in the house, then it has to be considered whether large dogs is indeed the way to go.
  • Hair Shedding Another factor that comes into the picture and is a very important factor to be looked into is that of hair shedding. Dogs shedding hair can get to be quite a problem because it only means that there has to be that much more effort put into cleaning and maintenance. Along with that, there are higher chances of people getting allergies or other health conditions like asthma with the fur.
  • Personalities The different personalities of the dog needs to be taken into consideration as well. For example, some dogs bark a lot, which might not be taken well with some people. While some other dog breeds might be very energetic, requiring constant activity and others might be low on the activity front. So it depends solely on the owners about the kind of dogs they want to have.
List of Small Dogs

Affenpinscher Australian Terrier American Hairless Terrier Australian Terrier Boston Terrier Basenji Brazilian Terrier Beagle Bedlington Terrier Brussels Griffon (Smooth) Bichon Firse Bolognese Border Terrier Brussels Griffon Cairn Terrier Chihuahua (Short coat) Chinese Crested (Powderpuff) Cesky Terrier Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Chinese Crested (Hairless) Cardigan Welsh Corgi Cardigan Welsh Corgi Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix Cairn Terriers Chinese Crested Conton De Tulear Dachshund English Toy Spaniel French Bulldog German Hunting Terrier Glen of Imaal Terrier Havanese Irish Water Spaniel Italian Greyhound Japanese Chin Japanese Spitz Klein German Spitz Kyi-Leo Lakeland Terrier Lowchen Lancashire Heeler Lhasa Apso Maltese Miniature Schnauzer Mexican Hairless (Toy) Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Lundehund Poodle Pomeranian Patterdale Terrier Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Portuguese Water Dog Patterdale Terrier Pekingese Phalene Prazsky Krysarik Rat Terrier Silky Terrier Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier Spanish Water Dog Schipperke Scottish Terrier Shih Tzu Toy Poodle Tibetan Spaniel Volpino Wire Fox Terrier Yorkshire Terrier

Dogs that Don't Shed

Here is an extensive list of dogs that don't shed. If that is an important criteria in choosing a pet, then this list needs to be studied.

American Hairless Terrier Airedale Terrier American Water Spaniel Australian Terrier Affenpinscher Border Terrier Bichon Frise Bedlington Terrier Brussels Griffon Border Terrier Basenji Border Terrier Bedlington Terrier Bichon/Yorkie Black Russian Terrier Bolognese Bouvier des Flandres Brussels Griffon Chinese Crested Cairn Terrier Chinese Crested (hairless) Cockapoo Coton De Tulear Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix Coton de Tulear Chacy Ranior Cesky Terrier Chi-Poo Dachshund Dandie Dinmont Terrier Doodleman Pinscher Glen of Imaal Terrier Griffon Vendeen Giant Schnauzer Havanese Havanese Bichon Frise Hairless Khala Irish Water Spaniel Italian Greyhound Irish Terrier Kerry Blue Terrier Komondor Labrador Retriever-Poodle mix Lowchen Labradoodle Lagotto Romagnolo Lakeland Terrier Miniature Poodle Maltese Malti-Poo Manchester Terrier Miniature Schnauzer Mi-Ki Norfolk Terrier Peruvian Inca Orchid Poos Polish Owczarek Nizinny Poodle (Toy/Mini/Standard) Portuguese Water Dog Puli Petit Basset Shih Tzu Spanish Water Dog Schnauzer (Mini/Standard/Giant) Schnauzer-Poodle mix Schnoodle Silky Terrier Standard Poodle Shepadoodle Sealyham Terrier Scottish Terrier (Scottie) Shichon Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Toy Poodle Tibetan Terrier West Highland White Terrier Wirehaired Fox Terrier Wheaton Terrier Wirehaired Fox Terrier West Highland White Terrier Welsh Terrier Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Yorkshire Terrier Xoloitzcuintle

There you go, these are some of the best house dogs that can be looked into when the need to have a pet dog makes way. These dogs that have been listed are some of the most easiest dogs to care for and make for great pets. Have fun with your dog then and take good care of it.B

Posted on 10:47 PM

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Man's best friend shares quite a few common diseases, health issues and physical discomforts with Man. Although dogs and humans have very different anatomical and physiological constitutions, certain health problems that affect certain organs or physical functions of one often affect the other in an almost similar way. A good example of this is issues relating to digestion and bowel movement. Constipation in dogs is caused by more or less the same factors that cause constipation in human beings such as poor hydration, wrong food, insufficient fiber intake, etc. Some other medical conditions can also lead to constipation in dogs. Come, let's proceed towards the next segment to take a closer look at what causes canine constipation.

Causes of Constipation in Dogs

If your beloved canine has been having difficulty in passing stool or is having strained bowel or irregular bowel movements, chances are high that he/she is suffering from constipation. Although not a very serious condition in itself, constipation can lead to a number of serious complications if left untreated for a long time. Besides, your failure to notice your best friend's predicament will only worsen his/her physical discomfort which will manifest as behavioral problems and irritability on his/her part. Don't YOU always feel dull and irritable when you're unable to shed your load for two days in succession? It's the same with your pet! That being said, here are some of the common causes that lead to canine constipation:-

Insufficient Fiber and Dehydration: Although not among the top 3 canine nutrients, insufficient fiber in your dog's daily diet can lead to canine constipation. Similar to what it does to aid human bowel movement, dietary fiber and roughage helps in bulk formation post digestion and nutrition breakdown inside the stomach. This eases bowel movements and makes stool passing a regular and effortless activity. Check if the dog food you're currently feeding your pooch contains sufficient amounts of fiber. If not, switch to one that does! Oh, and do make sure your dog drinks a healthy amount of water throughout the day - fibrous bulk absorbs water from intestinal walls and this may leave your pet dehydrated if he/she doesn't lap up enough water.

Stomach Infection: A stomach infection caused by bacteria, protozoans or worms can lead to either excessive loosening or tightening of stool, causing your dog to either come down with diarrhea or suffer from constipation. Take your dog to the vet and get a stool test done to determine if an infection is the reason behind your dog refusing to pass stool or having difficulty evacuating.

Ingestion of Unsuitable Objects: Your dog may find it difficult to pass stools if it has recently swallowed an object made of indigestible material such as plastic, metal, etc. These objects can block the digestive tracts of the canine and can cause serious harm if not attended to immediately. In such a case, the dog in question is likely to show some visible signs of agony and extreme physical discomfort. Consumption of contaminated food or garbage can also amount to ingestion of an unsuitable object.

Sundry Medical Factors: Infection or inflammation of anal glands, complete or partial paralysis of rectal muscles, hernia, intestinal obstruction, neural degeneration or nerve disorder, etc. can lead to painful constipation in canines. Chemicals and preservatives in dog foods and certain medications can also lead to various unpleasant side effects which include constipation.

Besides the aforementioned factors, stress (caused by negligence, hostile environment, separation anxiety, etc.) is also a major cause of canine constipation. If you've been using laxatives to treat your dog's constipation for quite sometime now, you would do well to know that use of laxatives over long periods also makes a dog chronically constipated. To avoid such a situation, it is always better to consult a vet rather than embarking upon canine treatment guided by your assumptions alone. Now that you know what causes dog constipation, you can save your pet a lot of discomfort by making efforts to keep a close tab on its diet and consulting the vet as soon as you notice even the slightest change in its bowel consistency and bowel movement routine.

Posted on 3:43 AM

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Friday, September 26, 2014


Uvea comprises iris, ciliary body and choroid. Uvea is concerned with the blood supply to cornea. Uveitis is the condition of inflammation of uvea. It is classified as posterior or anterior uveitis, depending upon the position where it occurs. Iris and ciliary body are a part of anterior uvea, while choroid is a part of posterior uvea. If all of these structures are affected, uveitis is called true or pan uveitis. In dogs, uveitis may quickly progress to glaucoma and then blindness if it goes unnoticed and untreated. Hence, it is a must that you watch for any unusual symptoms in your dog.

What Causes Uveitis in Dogs

Injury or trauma to the uvea is a common cause of this condition. Besides, infections such as bacterial, viral or fungal may also contribute to this condition. Hepatitis virus is also somehow associated with this disease. Some medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cataracts, metabolic disease, Lyme disease etc. may also contribute to this disease. Tumors also trigger this condition. In female dogs, infected uterus can be one of the causes of uveitis. The correct cause can be ascertained during the diagnosis of the disease. However, one must always be on a look out for unusual symptoms related to eyes of your pet.

Symptoms

Symptoms of uveitis are difficult to miss, if you are aware of dog health problems. Your dog may experience severe pain in the eye, which can be evaluated from his behavior. Besides, some very visible symptoms include redness in the eye, cloudiness, tearing of some parts of the eye. This condition may cause leaking of proteins through eyes, hence you should see if there is any unusual discharge. Formation of pus is also common in some cases. Besides, your dog may squint excessively due to this particular condition. Irregular shape of eyeball is also a clear indication that your dog is suffering from uveitis.

Treatment

After you report the symptoms of your dog to your vet, she may ascertain them by inspecting your dog. The first course of treatment is concerned with reducing the pressure on the eye due to inflammation. Corticosteroids are often prescribed to ease the pressure on the eye by reducing the inflammation of eye. Pain killers are also given to relieve your dog of severe pain. If the cornea is unharmed, topical corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and prednisolone may be prescribed, as they penetrate the cornea to reduce the inflammation. If the vet senses danger to the cornea or threat of vision loss, then she may prescribe some fast acting internal corticosteroids. Prednisone and prednisolone are often used for this purpose. The dosage of these medications, including topical ones, is according to the condition of your dog. Severe cases of uveitis may require frequent application of corticosteroids.

In case of corneal damage, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications such as suprofen, diclofenac, indomethacin and flurbiprofen may be prescribed to reduce inflammation fast. Systemic NSAIDs such as aspirin, ketoprofen, carprofen and tolfenamic acid may also be used, as they have fewer side effects. Surgical procedures include repair of torn cornea or removal of foreign body from the eye.

Uveitis is a serious condition which may rob your dog off his eyesight. Treatment should be initiated without any delay. After trauma or injury, one must get their dog's eyes tested from a specialist. Similarly infections should be curbed at an initial stage only.

Posted on 4:15 AM

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Save Money with Kibbles and Bits Coupons

If you have ever turned on a TV and seen a dog food commercial, chances are you've seen one of the many hilarious commercials by Dog food manufacturer Kibbles and Bits (Kibbles 'n Bits). What separates Kibbles and Bits dog food from other dog food is that it features two different types of textures in one bag. Half of the food is chewy while the other half is crunchy, offering a more appetizing dog food alternative for your dog.

Pet food prices can definitely add up over time, so like other things in your life, the smart thing to do is to find dog food coupons that you can use on your Kibbles and bits, or find places that offer dog food at a discount. This article will show you different ways to save money on your Kibbles and Bits dog food.

Printable Kibbles and Bits Coupons

Printable coupons are always a great way to save money on food. Thanks to the Internet it is much easier to find printable Kibbles and Bits coupons than it was a few years back. All you have to do to get a printable Kibbles and Bits coupon is to head to the Del Monte Kibbles and Bits web page and sign up for their web club. The current promotion as of June 2009 is a $2 coupon off any Kibbles and Bits purchase. Once you are signed up there are other great Kibble and Bits promotions you can take advantage of as well.

Buy Kibbles n Bits Online

Grocery stores tend to have a higher markup on dog food because their customers don't have the luxury to be able to price compare in store. If you buy your Kibbles n Bits online, you can save yourself tons of money because there are so many companies competing for your business. Visit Amazon.com and search for Kibbles n Bits. You will get a large list of different suppliers which should help you save some money on your puppy chow!

Local Flyers

Most local grocery stores have a weekly flyer and since many Americans have pets, there is usually some kind of dog food coupons inside the flyer. When you head to your favorite grocery store, always take a minute to look and see what kind of deals are currently on, you might find some Kibble n Bits coupons!

Here is a funny Kibbles and Bits commercial


Posted on 10:59 PM

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Whenever the question of getting a dog arises, the first thought that crosses everyone's mind is "What type of dog should I get?" There are so many things that you need to consider while buying a dog; size, color, dog behavior, breed, budget of maintaining the dog and so on. If we do not consider these points and get a dog just like that then not only do we suffer but we make our best friends suffer too. Imagine keeping an Alsatian in a very small room, where it has little space to walk, forget run. Will it love it? I don't think so as these dogs love to exercise and without proper exercise they are not themselves. Let's take another example! Suppose your budget is very low and you get a huge dog which needs feeding at least four times a day and they also need regular grooming and all this not for just 10 or 15 days but for 10 to 15 years (life span of a dog). Will you be able to meet all the expenses? I don't think so. Hence it's important that you first decide on "What type of a dog should I have", and do some research work before getting your new best friend.

The Right Dog for You

Dogs are man's best friend. They will do anything to please you, to make you smile, to get rid of your depression and always give you company. They are totally dependent on us for food, shelter, exercise, care, protection and companionship. If they do not get these, then they suffer, from within. Any mistake from your part, they forgive you and they do not hold it against you. Hence, it's your duty to take care of them and be careful of all their needs and it's also important that you give them what their basic demands are; food, proper exercises etc.

Size
First thing that has to be decided is the size of the dog and the size depends on the space available at your house, the space available for the dog to move around and exercise, the space to wag its tail (there should not be such a situation where, as soon as the dog wags its tail, it drops your favorite vase and breaks it). As I have already told you before that going for a big dog, while staying in a small house, is problematic for both the dog and you. Since we had a small place, we chose to have a small dog like a dachshund or maybe a Spitz or chihuahua and so on. If you are looking for some big dogs, then you can go for either a Great Dane or an Alsatian or a Dalmatian etc.

Energy Level
The next thing that you have to decide on is the energy level. Your dog's energy level should be lower than your energy level. If you have a dog whose energy level is pretty high while your family is laid back and hardly ever goes for any exercises, then never go for these dog breeds. If they do not utilize their energy properly everyday, then they become bored, unruly and even destructive. And on the other hand, if you have a family who loves all kinds of outdoor activities, then instead of going for a dog with a lower energy level (too much exercises will only wear them out) go for the dogs with higher level of energy.

Budget
Now comes the most important part, the budget. If you feel that your budget is enough, only then get a dog. Maintaining a dog is not a joke. You have to feed them, you have to groom them and protect them for years (10 to 15 years to be precise) and if suddenly in the middle of the year, you feel that you cannot look after the dog as your budget is low, then letting go of the dog will be very difficult. The amount spend behind the dog also depends on the size of the dog as bigger the size, more you have to spent behind its food and grooming. We knew that with the house and the budget, it would be best if we could go for a smaller breed of dog as they will be easier to look after.

These were some of the important pointers that you need to keep in mind while buying a dog. Besides these there are some more points too that you have to pay heed to and they are:
  • Make sure that no one in the family is afraid of dogs or is allergic to dogs. There are some dogs who sheds a lot, so if anyone in your family is allergic, or if you have kids, then it's better that you go for dogs that don't shed much.
  • Keeping a dog is a big responsibility not only for just one person, but the entire family. Everyone needs to be responsible enough to care for the dog and look after it.
  • Proper love is required for the dog to be happy. If everyone in the family agrees for a dog, or if everyone loves a dog, only then go for one. If the dog receives love from just one or two members in the family and the rest hates him, then the dog can never be happy.
  • If you are still confused, then you can always try out to take some quizzes which you can get online anytime, in order to clear all your confusion.
Hope these tips were helpful. Think about these points before you buy the dog, think about all the pros and cons of having that breed of dog, because without proper dog care, these dogs cannot be happy.

Posted on 2:03 AM

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

The Joy of Cats


By: J. Marlando

Introduction

Most people want to have a pet but today with the demand of two income families and escalating numbers of people living in apartments, town houses and condos, there is no time for walking a dog and/or no space for horses, goats or a llama. As animal lovers, my wife and I have had them all a few years ago, but now our lifestyle has changed and we live in a place that simply is not accommodating to animals; too much city traffic for pets to be free in, too small a yard to run and play in and anyway, were both too busy to give most animals the attention and care that they should have. And, anyway, after our beloved dog and cat passed over into Animal Heaven we felt so sad that we swore wed never have pets again. Then one day seemingly from nowhere a stray cat showed up at our door and or course we fed it. That same day, the stray moved in but I swear animals communicate in ways we just cant imagine because after that another cat showed up to be fed and then another andwell, we have five housecats now and of course love them all.

This article is all about the joy of cats
and how to share your worlds together. However, cats are basically prima donnas at heart and you need to know that too.

A Little History

No one knows exactly when cats were first domesticated but it is now thought it all began 10,000 to 15,000 years ago with the advent of agriculture. The storage of grains and so forth attract all kinds of rodents and also, the warmth and safety of a house is also enticing to those little critters weve named mice. Smaller cats are natural predators of mice and rats so they would naturally find their way out of the forests to where they knew the hunting was best. And so, maybe those ancient farmers began by giving them a little water or milk to drink to entice them inside to do their huntingor, maybe the ancient farmer simply realized that cats were helpmates in their ways and so over a long period of time they began trusting each other. What is interesting, however, is that going back nearly 10,000 years into Neolithic settlements, cats were given burials next to humans.

Around 8,000 years ago there were some figurines discovered in Turkey that were of women carrying cats or cat-looking creatures assumed to be cats. So probably no one really knows when domestication actually began. What is known, however, is that the ancient Egyptians were cat lovers or at least cat fanciers. Going back to the old kingdom around 1,500 years ago a cat wearing a collar appears on an Egyptian tomb and within another couple of hundred years cats not only began showing up in Egyptian art but were being mummified so they can journey with their human owners into the next world.

Today there is more than 600 million cats living with people on our pin drop of a planet and some say that they are the most popular pets that we haveor, perhaps it is the other way around?

Deciding To Share Life with a Cat

First of all, cats take very little care. All our five cats are, as said, housecats because where we live is just too dangerous for kitties to be outsidein fact, now and then one will sneak outside, look around and dash back into the house. Cats, incidentally, do not like change. They like to be fed the same thing, at the same time every day. It is almost for certain that consistency is needed by cats to give them feelings of security. The good news is that beyond depending on us for food, cats are otherwise quite independent and, like we humans dont want to be bothered unless theyre in the mood. In fact, even in a small apartment cats live a pretty independent life and, by the way, take naturally to the cats box so you dont have to worry about taking them outside to do their business.

Cats are also clean. They lick themselves and, if you have more than one, lick each other for grooming and cleanliness. One theory of why they do this is the instinctual instruction to lick the smell of food (or blood) from their fur after eating since they were pray of other, bigger animals when in the wild. Actually, if youve ever been licked by a cat, you have noticed that they have tongues specifically made for cleanup. The point for this article, however, is merely that cats are clean animals and thats another plus in favor of sharing your house or apartment with them.

Cats are independent except for being fed and their toilet needs. By the way, these days you can purchase litter boxes that are almost self-cleaning so even that is not much of a bother in our times. In any case, cats know how to entertain themselves. They love cat toys and will play with them with great enthusiasm; they will also make up games like running to and from one room to the next, jumping about as if they are on a great hunt orjust running for the joy of running.


Our cats play a lot and although there are probably countless people to disagree with me, but I am 100% convinced that cats (all animals for that matter) have imaginations and imaginations suggest at least a form of subjective thinking. Scoff if you like, but I think animals are far more intelligent and mindful than most people give them credit for being.

The major thing to know, however, is that cats are very much like you in that they want to know that they are loved. And because we know that, we tell them all the time how much we love and care about them.

How to Get to Know Your Cat

You know your cat is content when it purrs.
Indeed, our cats will sit on the couch when were watching TV and snuggle in just to be close to us and constantly purr. Purring is obviously a signal of trust and friendship. The theory is that cats only purr when they want to but there might be exceptions to this rule: Cats are also known to purr when they are close to dying. What if this is a natural occurrence or a cat ritual we cannot know but my guess is that under stress, fear or pleasure, the cats brain releases endorphins , if you will, to create the feeling of being in harmony with a given situation. One job endorphins have for animals as well as for we humans is to release a morphine type substance to relax us and take away pain and anxiety; to give us relaxation and comfort in a noisy and chaotic world.

Anyway, when your cat sits on your lap or cuddles next to you purring he or she is no doubt saying to you, I love you too!

What about Cat Temperament?


Theres no doubt about it, cats like humans can be in lousy humors and when they are simply leave them alone. The problem is cats cannot say that they are feeling anxious or cranky and so they symbolize their feelings by biting or nipping from time to time. That is, they dont suddenly turn on you and attack you in a rampage. What mostly happens is that you attempt to pick them up or give them pets when they are not in a receptive mood. If you learn to read your cat, you simply dont do this and you leave your cat alone until theres a mood change. Unlike dogs that may growl, show their teeth or even whimper when they are not feeling good, cats do not have any apparent signals of not wanting to be messed with. And so, the best and smartest rule of thumb is to permit your cat the freedom to be communicative when your cat wants to be and not bother him when hes not paying any attention to you.

There is something else you need to be aware of though. Sometimes when a cat is being cozy with you, out of a clear blue sky he or she will suddenly nip or bite you. You really have to practice not jerking away when this happens because mostly the nip is one of affection, a way for the cat to relate trust, love and peace of mind. You know that this is a love bite because it is never deep and is always gentle.

There are a few times when a cat will respond to you with a more serious bite which is always followed by jumping away from you. This, however, will only occurs when you have done something to restrain the cat like holding it too tight or even petting it too much. Cats cannot stand restraints and so if you only remember not to do anything that keeps them from being mobile, you will probably spend a lifetime with them and never be bitten except for a light nip out of love.

Summary

Cats sleep a heck of a lot or just lay about grooming themselves. But also housecats love to sit in the window and watch the birds outside. Where we live, we have lots of squirrels in the yard too so our cats have a great time stalking them. Once when the door was open a squirrel put his nose against the screen and our cat that was watching him quickly darted in the other direction. Well, cats are well known to do the unexpected so beyond all else they can be fun loving pets that will keep you lots of company.


Posted on 4:10 AM

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Monday, September 22, 2014

Pugs get their name from the Latin word Pugness, meaning fist. The name was given because of the shape of their mouth which looks like a clinched fist. The distinct characteristic of their scrunched muzzle often makes these dogs full of expression. You can find many endearing pictures of pugs which can also be quite funny because of their expressive faces. Given below are few such pictures. Enjoy!

Pictures of Pugs
* Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Nap Time





















The Human Connection






























For the Love of Hats












































Fun With Friends



























All Dressed Up and Ready to Pose















































Just Chillin'









































































General Information about Pugs
History Pugs are considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds t have originated in the Orient, sometime around 5th century BC. Orient is a term used to refer to the countries of Asia. The history of pugs has always been a question of debate. Some people believe that these dogs were specifically found in China. Hence they are also called Chinese pugs. They were brought to Europe in the 16th century by the British, when they discovered the breed during an attack on China. But some historians state that pugs were introduced to Holland by Dutch traders even before they were brought to England. Hence they are also sometimes called Dutch Mastiffs. There are many beliefs on how pugs were introduced in the Western Hemisphere. Pugs were very popular pets during Victorian times, and were considered royal pets.

Physical Features From the pictures you can tell that the pug has a unique nose. Their short, wrinkled muzzles make them stand apart from other breeds. Their faces are quite similar to Bulldogs. A pug's body is square shaped with a curled tail. They have a compact body covered with short, smooth fur. They have soft, velvety ears and round, dark, large, lustrous and very expressive eyes! Short skinny legs and a broad neck with dewlap, gives their body a squarish appearance. Silver, apricot, black and fawn are some of the common fur colors found in this breed.

Temperament Pugs are a toy breed. These dogs are very friendly and have a pleasant temperament. They are fondly called "clowns", because their antics can make you laugh and entertain you most of the time. Pugs get along well with all the family members - infants and senior people included. They even enjoy the company of visitors! They are very playful, loyal to their master, cheerful and generally tend to get along well with other pets. They are intelligent dogs and hence can be trained easily. They are sensitive to voice, so a low pitch of voice needs to be used while communicating with them. Jealousy and insecurity are observed rarely. Though pugs are small, they can make good watchdogs if trained accordingly. In short, pugs are very loving, cheerful, friendly, playful and devoted pets. They love their master and love to follow him/her around all the time.

Health and Exercise Pugs are relatively easy to care for. The most important concern is the cleaning of the muzzle area. They require exercise on a daily basis, but care should be taken to avoid vigorous exercise, since they can experience breathing problems. Pugs are susceptible to colds, asthma and other breathing problems due to the structure of their muzzle, and they tend to sneeze frequently. They are also prone to health issues like CHD and pug dog encephalitis. They have delicate eyes and hence they tend to weep. Pugs cannot bear excessive heat, so they need a cool place, specially during summer months.

Pug Breeds Pug chihuahua is a mix of pug and chihuahua dogs, and inherits the features of both these breeds. Miniature pugs or teacup pugs are rare and not an actual breed of pug. They are similar to pug chihuahuas in appearance.


All in all, pugs make for the most adorable pets, and unless you loathe dogs, you will not regret including a pug in your family!

Posted on 6:29 PM

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