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Friday, June 16, 2006

Tips to keeping your dog in tip-top shape

Taking care of your pets is like taking care of the people that you love. Avoid excesses and you will have one happy pet in your hand. Of course, that is easily said than done. What exactly should you avoid and what should you give? Below are some really short but sweet tips that can help you take care of your pet and mayhap even save his or her life in the process.

Chemical complaints
There are many chemicals that are used in households that may be potentially poisonous to your pet. One example of this is the antifreeze that you often put on your driveway during winter. Make sure that you keep your pet away from these chemicals as these could kill them instantly. Make sure that they are out of the reach of not only children but also your pets at home.

Chocolate dilemma
Although we can eat as much chocolate as we want, dogs are not as lucky. It seems that chocolate has an ingredient called theobromine that is really harmful for pets… so much for chocolate sharing!

Appropriate food
Although generally, animals can eat whatever we eat especially dog and cats, it is still advisable to give them foods that are made especially for them. If you feel that cat or dog food is not something that you want your pets to have, ask the veterinarian for some suggestions of food that you can prepare or buy for them.

Temperature trouble
Never forget to let your pet inside the house during winter season. Like people, they also run the risk of getting hypothermia when exposed to the cold for so long. You should also make sure that they are kept warm even when inside the house. Although there are some breeds that can thrive in cold temperature, there are some who cannot abide the biting cold.

Emergency number
If you have 911 on your phone book, make sure that you also your veterinarian’s version of 911 too. Keep the emergency number at a place where everyone can see it and let people know about it… members of the family, babysitters. This will be of great help in times when the veterinarian is needed immediately and you are not in the house

Keep close ties with your vet
Visit the veterinarian every month and have him check your pet even if nothing is really wrong with him or her. This will ensure that your pet is kept healthy and strong. It is better to nip any illness in the bud rather than know about it months too late.

Proper hygiene
Make sure that your pet is well-groomed at all times. You don’t really have to go to a special pet salon and have them groom your pet to perfection. You don’t even need professional service. You can do it yourself. Just make sure that you bathe them at least three to four times a week. Do not forget to cut their nails as this is one of the most basic transmission points of bacteria and diseases.

Travel blues
If you should travel, make sure that you have all the necessary equipment. Pets are basically not allowed on the airplane. They may need some sort of cage while they are being transported by air. There are some airlines that allow for a minimal number of pets in flight. Ask if you can be accompanied by your pet when you make a reservation. That way, they will be able to include you in the count.

For more healthy dogs tips, articles, and resources, visit: http://www.charliehasit.com/healthydogs

Recommended resource for today: The Complete Guide To A Happy Healthy Dog

Wheelchair for your Handicapped Dog

If you think about wheelchairs, the first thing that strikes to your mind are disabled persons. Better think again. If your favorite dog is disabled due to an accident or breed related joint ailments, getting a dog wheelchair is the answer.

We all know that dogs are man’s best friend. Dogs, like humans, are very social animals. Dogs can be counted on for their loyalty to the owner and serves as a companion. So, what can be really saddening is when something happens to your dog.

It is not uncommon for elderly, injured, or disabled dog to lose their back and front mobility. For this situation, this does not need to be the end of a dog’s life. A dog cart or maybe a dog wheelchair can bring the dog’s life better again as it can result to a wholesome and healthy life.

These are the common reasons why dogs need wheelchairs:
• Hip Dysplacia
• Disc disease
• Ruptured discs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractured back
• Arthritis
• Chronic leg weakness
• Front and back leg amputation
• Paralysis
• Neurological disease
• Limb paralysis

If one of these affects your dog, especially the overall mobility performance, there is now an easy way and affordable solution to finally help your dog to move around just like before. You can now be at ease in seeing your dog in better shape despite suffering from illnesses or ailments. With a dog wheelchair you too can have the time to enjoy playing with your pet again either indoors or outdoors.

In finding the right dog wheelchair or cart for your disabled dog, you must buy the perfect one to fit the condition for there are different kinds of dog wheelchairs available in the market today. Is your dog having a back or front problem? Different wheelchairs and carts support the back, front, or all four legs. Dog wheelchairs are designed for specific conditions; these include stirrups, training wheels, counterbalanced carts, and counterweights for amputees.

There are many dog wheelchair designs made by manufactures with the advantage of proving the effectiveness to handicapped dogs. The right way to understand dog wheelchairs is to properly examine to how it is to be used by the animal. For in some dog wheelchairs, the dog wears a harness that is attached with its clips framed to the cart. In another way, the dog sits on the saddle.

How to purchase a dog wheelchair:
1. Measure your dog- once you finally chose which type of wheelchair you want, complete the entire owner/dog questionnaire and measurement chart for the manufacturer’s design.
2. If you want to order, go personally to the manufacturer’s office. If you want to order online make it sure you know the procedure and the cost which will usually be displayed on the website.
3. If there are problems with your order, directly discuss it to the manufacturer. Sometimes, before you order, they will ask for information or photos regarding the case your dog is experiencing.
4. After finally purchasing your desired wheelchair and your dog is wearing it, give your pet time to adjust to their new condition.

Finally, helping your dog become what they used to be is very important factor that you should consider. Make sure what you want for your dog meets your expectations. Bringing your dog to their usefulness is what you really ask for.