Posts Tagged ‘dog’
Your dog loves to sleep at the foot of your bed, and you love having it there. But what happens when your furry companion can’t get up to your level? Do you risk injuring yourself by lifting your pet onto the bed? No, a much better answer is dog steps for beds.
Dog steps for beds are important for small breeds, which can easily break a leg bone jumping down from a bed. They’re also helpful for older dogs with health conditions such as arthritis, blindness or hip displacement. Some owners start their dogs using steps at a fairly young age to reduce repetitive stress on the joints that could lead to arthritis later in life.
However, choosing dog stairs is different from choosing other types of pet furniture, as many people prefer both practicality and pleasant appearance in their steps.
First, you probably want to consider how well dog steps will match the decor of your bedroom.. Unlike dog steps for vehicles, for instance, it’s unlikely that you’re going to be moving your dog’s bed steps. That means you can choose steps in more stable styles and materials, such as a wood that complements your bedroom suite. Some dog steps for beds have compartments in the treads, so you can keep your dog’s favorite toys or blankets close by.
Pet stairs specially intended for beside use are going to need to match up to the height of your bed. Having steps higher than your bed could result in your dog tripping and hurting himself, yet steps which are too small will end up in him still needing to jump onto the bed, which defeats the purpose of the steps altogether.
Aside from these factors, choosing dog steps for beds is the same as selecting steps for other purposes. You’ll need to know your dog’s size in order to choose the right kind of bed steps for it in width, height and the steps’ ability to hold the dog’s weight. These qualities are typically explained on the product label.
Does the thought of a litter box make you cringe? Most people have the same sentiment towards litterboxes, as their reputation is a stinky and dirty one! Why not consider buying cat furniture to hide the kitty box?
We’ve all seen the bog-standard cat perch and scratching post, but why not treat your kitty (and your nose!) to a well-built cat condo with a built-in ground-floor cubby that’s works as terrific litter box housing? You can find a variety of cat furniture online, some include fuzzy balls that dangle from string or wire, carpeted inner housing for those frequent cat naps, as well as several hidden catnip stations to get your cat feisty for playtime! Those are just a few of the many different types of accessories you can find on cat furniture.
Another option to make your litter tray less unsightly is a product known as a bookcase climber. It is a walnut finished bookcase with cushioned sleeping and play areas for your cats. It also has two enclosed compartments: one for your litter box and one for extra storage. The bookcase climber is an excellent space for your cats. The litter tray smell will decrease, and you have extra storage for your cat’s food and litter mix. A wonderful alternative to this, which doesn’t take up nearly as much space, is a set of pet steps, which are great for both cats and dogs, and are available with built-in compartments.
A litter robot is something you may or may not have heard of before. It’s a practical solution to the burden of cat littler. It’s a ball-shaped, self-cleaning litter component. The litter is placed on the inside of the dome where a small entry hole leads to. Your cat has privacy while doing his business, and then the litter robot simply sifts through the soiled litter and deposits the waste into a plastic bag, which you can remove and dispose of at your leisure. It’s a very resourceful machine that can easily hide the musky litter-box smell and makes litter-box management much easier for the faint-of-heart.
Cat furniture is probably sounding more and more up your alley! You can find any of the previously mentioned cat furniture items online, and some may be available at a pet store near you. Those of you with dogs mustn’t forget them, either! You can find a huge assortment of dog stairs online. You can have your dog steps custom-built or simply purchase a pre-built model, which come in many colors and finish, including luxury wood or carpet, and even some with accenting molding!
Taking eye care into consideration for your pet is very important for the well-being of your animal, just like your family’s eyewear. I bet you wouldn’t dare walk out of the house on a very bright day without your sunglasses on. You know that it’s not good for them. So if you think about it, your dog should also be wearing sunglasses for pets. He has eyes too that should be protected just like yours. Most dogs at first will probably keep pawing at them. It’s not that they annoy him, it’s just something new to him and with time, he will accept them. And, I know that you love your dog.
I have a Scottie and she wears her sunglasses when we are outdoors. When we go to the park, the kids all love to see her with them on.Adults are always asking if she keeps the sunglasses on for the time she is outside.Wearing sunglasses while kids are outside is becoming fashionable and good that parents are caring for the eyes of them. We had all just never thought about how much the bright sun damages your eyes without a good pair of sunglasses on to protect them.
We went to the doggie park one day when I saw a lot of other dogs wearing them, so I thought mine should too. I talked to his daddy about where he bought them to fit so well. He gave me this terrific online site that he bought his dog’s sunglasses.To find the best pet accessories, click on one of the links and you’ll go directly to the greatest site for pets. When you get to my site, just go to the search button at the top in the middle and put in the search box “sunglasses”.If you want to see some wonderful sunglasses for pets and humans, it will show you there, also. Make sure you click on the “Doggles” button. They are a brand of sunglasses, top of the line, but a little bit expensive.Having Doggles on your pet is the right decision when planning anything you want to do in any environment.
Maybe you and your dog go boating on the weekends.Sunglasses for pets and an orange vest are both great rules to follow for protecting all pets. Since they come in a variety of colors and sizes, I hope you would also consider having him wear them. I have a pink pair of “Doggles” for Kisa with the hot pink lenses. Since she is a Scottish terrier, she wears the medium size. And with her black coat, the pink are great looking on her.We are out sailing in the summertime much of the time.
During the winter time when we have a lot of snow, she wears them outside when we are sledding with the kids down the hills in our neighborhood. A couple of other neighbors have gotten their dogs some, but one got the black with the smoke lenses. Their dog, Buddy, is a miniature Schnauzer, so he wears the medium size sunglass too. The other dog, Shadow, is an older Labrador and she wears the large sunglasses, but they got the blue with the blue lenses for her. You’ll be able to see all that is available, including the interchangeable lenses when you go to my site to look at them.
I hope this has helped for you and your dog’s needs and why sunglasses for pets are so important. Thank you for stopping by.You have a great time finding what is all available for the pets in your life. Now go play fetch outside with your most trusted friend and have some fun!
This article will discuss pet feeding and how to properly feed your pet to ensure they receive all the nutrition they need to live a long and healthy life. Most pet owners purchase their pet food from pet stores or supermarkets. However, more and more pet owners are resorting to make meals for their pets of feeding their pet raw food instead.
Some people believe that pets should only be fed raw food, as the animal would have eaten in the wild, in order for the pet’s nutrition to be “balanced” in a more natural way. There are many articles available which discuss the possibility that the man-made pet food of today and straying our pets from raw, natural food is the cause for so many diseases that are cropping up in our pets. It is believed that most of these diseases are nutrition-based due to the lack of raw meat and other nutrients in our pets’ diets.
However, veterinarians usually recommend a well-known and trusted brand of pet food that has been specifically designed for your pet. This is where pet feeding can become difficult. The quality of pet food can vary tremendously between brands and can differ in the amount of animal nutrition, therefore it is usually a good idea to choose a brand with a good reputation. For instance, Science Diet dog food and Purina dog food are very well-known and trusted brands.
The different types and brands of dog food are vast, and it can take a lot of research to find the right one for your dog. Most commercial brands of dog food offer moist canned dog food, dry food, and semi-moist food. Veterinarians usually do not recommend that you feed your dog semi-moist food on a regular basis, as there can be additives and chemicals in them to help them last longer. If you decide that you want to keep your dog on a more natural diet, there are all natural dog food available. A dog’s diet is half made up of carbohydrates, usually in the form of grains. When feeding a dog, the general rule is that puppy feeding should be done frequently throughout the day, and adult dogs should be fed once or twice a day.
Never feed your dog chocolate, onions or garlic in any form (fresh, powder, flakes), persimmons, plant leaves (potato, tomato, rhubarb), mushrooms, grapes / raisins, or macadamia nuts. Also, do not let your dog chew on dryer sheets or eat human vitamins. The chemicals are harmful to them.
Cats also have a variety of food to choose from, ranging from dry, to semi-moist, to canned (wet). As with semi-moist dog food, veterinarians do not recommend it due to the preservative chemicals it contains. Cats require a high moisture content in their food, therefore it may be a good idea to stock up on canned food, which has a terrific balance of moisture.
Cats should never be fed yeast dough, mushrooms, onions or garlic an any form, plant leaves, salt, sugary foods, raw eggs, persimmons, grapes / raisins or macadamia nuts. Milk is not good for a cat’s digestive system, even though kittens are able to tolerate a small amount.
The beagle can be a wonderful dog to have. They are adorable, small dogs, and beagle personalities make great pets if they are disciplined and well taken care of. If you fail to train and take good care of your dog, they can also be difficult. Caring for a beagle will be rewarding, however, if you are willing to learn a bit about the breed and make some effort.
One important part of maintaining a pet is to ensure that you groom his coat. A beagle’s coat can easily take on a strong “dog” smell, which some people find offensive. In order to cut down on the smell, as well as for general health reasons, you should brush your beagle’s coat at least once a week. You must also make sure you check your beagle’s ears and clean them with a cotton ball every two weeks or so. As their ears are relatively long and floppy, they can easily get dirty and become infected. As for bathing, you can get by with bathing your beagle about once every month. Bathing your dog too often can result in irritated skin, as your dog’s coat contains oils which are necessary to protect his skin.
Beagles do have a tendency to be quite the ferocious eaters, therefore you must take extra care not to over-feed him. You must also make sure to never feed him table scraps–he will be much healthier on a dry dog food. Also, as with any dog, he should be taken outside at least once or twice a day for a good stretch and a bit of exercise.
Dog training beagle puppies is a huge step to creating a well-formed dog. Although a friendly breed, the beagle can be stubborn (especially when it comes to looking for food). Be very consistent in your discipline and don’t slack off. Try to use positive reinforcement as opposed to negative punishment. If you have small children, be careful, as they tend to nip or bite if provoked.
Beagles tend to live to the ripe old age of around 12 – 15 years, so you can look forward to several years of companionship with this breed. If you take care of your beagle properly, you are sure to make those years a very happy time full of lots of love and funny beagle antics.
If you are looking to find beagles for sale, the internet is a great place to start. You may also find some great deals by looking in the classifieds section of your local newspaper. Take care in choosing your pet and make sure that the breeder is reputable.
Puppyhood is the “formative” period for your dog. The things your puppy learns during this period will most likely stick with him the rest of his life. One of the most important things to get started is to train dogs to potty outside.
Developing a routine early on in your puppy’s life is a sure way to ease the strain that the potty training process can entail. Try starting out by getting your pup used to a particular life routine. This includes working up a schedule of sleeping, eating, and potty time. Make sure that you keep the schedule constant, such as feeding him at a certain time every day and taking him outside 15 minutes after.
If you can admit straight away that accidents will happen when it comes to your puppy, then you just may save a bit of sanity while dog potty training! You can help lessen accidents by storing some newspaper in a constant spot so that your pup can at least familiarize himself with going in one area if he can’t make it outside. This works particularly well if you don’t have a “doggy door” and your puppy relies on you to let him out.
The earlier you get to know your puppy’s “eat/potty” routine, the easier potty-training will become. The most easy rule to go by is to remember that by the time you’ve fed or watered your pup, he will be ready to potty roughly 15 – 20 minutes later. This rule works very well if you can manage to have your puppy outside the proper potty surroundings at the time you expect he needs relief.
It is important that you are careful to separate “potty time” from “play time.” Puppies love to explore–it’s natural and should be encouraged, but only when it’s the appropriate time. Nothing is more frustrating than to be up at 2 am with your little guy running around the yard for twenty minutes, only to potty as soon as you get back inside.
Puppyhood is a great time to begin using the praise and discipline techniques you intend to use throughout your dog’s life. a lot of people prefer the terms “good boy/girl” and “no,” both of which can be still be said when your dog is an adult. Although puppies need a lot of firmness, repetition, and routine remember that your pup will soon grow up, so enjoy his puppyhood while you can!
Get more great tips like this at HelpYourPets.com - Puppy Steps and learn how to not only train your puppies but also protect them.
It’s safe to say that most pet owners are cautious about their pet’s health, be it physical activity, what they eat, their teeth and ears, etc. This article is going to address the role that bed pet steps can play in your pet’s health.
It is often assumed that pet steps are particularly for sick or old pets that are no longer capable of jumping up onto the bed on their own. While it is completely true that older pets will need steps to protect their joints and muscles, this is true of younger pets as well. The strain of constantly jumping up and down can put pressure on your pet’s body with time.
It is quite common for injuries to pets as well as owners to happen when a pet has to jump up and down from a high bed. To avoid broken bones or collisions with your pet, you will need steps so they can crawl up in a more orderly fashion.
Pet steps are also a necessity if you want to get a good night of sleep. Especially if you own larger sized dogs that can really make a lot of noise and shake the bed when they jump up, you will not be able to sleep peacefully with a pet climbing up and down the mattress during the night.
You could compare the jostle of a pet on your bed to the same situation involving another person. If your partner tosses and turns throughout the night, you are more apt to take precaution by purchasing a mattress that minimizes motion transfer. In the case of your pet, you can easily minimize his excess movement by keeping pet stairs nearby.
Bed side pet steps are absolutely essential if you want your pet to stay healthy and injury free. It is common courtesy to think of them much as you would your own safety and comfort. Also, there is no need to worry about an ugly, intrusive piece of furniture sticking out. Pet steps are available in many fashions, one of the most popular being wooden pet stairs and carpeted pet stairs.
Like any breed, Dachshunds are at risk for an abundance of conditions and diseases.Because of their short legs and long bodies they are most at risk for spinal problems.One of the most common forms is a condition labeled IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease), actually an umbrella term for a number of problems.
Vertebrae are the hard bones that make up the spinal column support.They encircle the spinal cord and are separated by soft tissue called intervertebral discs, which provide a cushion between the bones.IVDD threatens their health in many different ways.
Excessive leaping and other forms of back stress can cause a rupture of one or more discs, usually close to the rear. IVDD and other back problems occur most frequently by age four but can happen earlier, sometimes as young as two.Simple age can cause the disc to reduce its fluid level, making it less supple.That furthermore increases the chances of rupture or herniation.Frequently the spinal column becomes more fragile.
A collection of serious possibilities exist if that happens.
The spinal cord can be put at risk as a section of the spine loses vital support.In the event compression happens, paralysis is not far behind.Constriction of spinal fluid can have similar result.Loss of circulation leads to nerve death, since the nerves are cut off from necessary nutrition.
Look for any instance of inability to lift the rear end off the ground or lowering near the tail.Some other signs include loss of bladder control or weakness in the rear legs.
In these extreme incidents, treatment – usually surgery – within 24 hours is critical.The consequence is frequently permanent disability if left untreated.
Even in less severe cases back pain is present.It can be difficult to identify when a dog is in pain but symptoms include lethargy, difficulty walking up stairs and similar signs in an otherwise active dog.
Treatment with Prednisone (or corticosteroids) is sometimes recommended but entails risks. Apart from the usual risks of long-term steriod use, it is possible to overdo care. Lessening pain is desirable, but if it is eliminated the dog can become too active again, leading to more injury.Injections of Adequan can help assist in disc healing.
Whether treated with steroids or just Rimadyl, it is advantageous to cage your Doxie or otherwise keep him calm, reducing physical activity.Given the Dachshund’s assertive and energetic nature that is difficult, but it is essential.
Do not let the dog to stand on its hind legs, which compresses the spine.Don’t let the dog to leap down stairs.Yard games should be restricted until the dog has fully healed.Also, always support the complete length of the spine when picking up your Doxie.
With proper care many Dachshunds recover completely to lead normal, active, healthy lives.But proper diagnosis as soon as possible is essential to improve the odds.
More tips, information and dog supplies can be found at LuvUrDog.com, just for Dog Lover’s
Doxies are a naturally feisty breed. Bred to hunt badgers, they had to be tough and resourceful.That assertive nature should not be allowed to turn against you.You need to be the top dog.
Each dog will vary in degree, of course.There are submissive Dachshunds though fewer than other breeds, on average.Some will try to persist on having their own way at all times, much like nearly all terriers.But training can reform their behavior, especially if you start when they are young and stay consistent.
Zero tolerance should be the rule for all aggressive behavior, whether toward you, a family member, or strange people and animals.Biting the lead during training is one mild manifestation.
Discourage it by stepping on the leash close to the dog’s head. Then with the other foot, slowly pull the leash down to the ground closer and closer to the collar.Take care not to stress their neck, as they are inclined to spinal problems.When they have let go of the lead, praise them abundantly.
To discourage snapping or excess barking or biting a squirt bottle comes in handy.Give your dog a little squirt against the muzzle when he shows this behavior.Stay away from the eyes.That startles your Doxie and it is unpleasant besides. Repeat, if necessary, but avoid making it a contest of wills.That only tends to make it appear to the dog that you are a opponent.Firm consistency is favored to counter-aggression.
If your Dachshund persists, isolate your dog and be prepared for some barking.Like spoiled young children, a dog will at times try to whine or shout its way out of punishment.Present your dog with rugged chew toys and allow him to work out the aggression on those while he’s in the “time out” box.
Follow the negative reinforcement with some positive reinforcement.Look for illustrations of good behavior and praise it lavishly.Use a moderate number of treats if necessary. The point is to help the dog see for itself the different consequences of its own behavior in terms of your response.They are resourceful. With persistence, they will catch on.
For example, one may become assertive in the middle of fetch by refusing to give up the ball.Try to distinguish between genuine willfulness and a mere desire to play a different game, tug. Make the difference clear by using a rope for tug, which they love.
It is necessary to tread a fine line, though, because tug can lead to encouraging aggression.Exercising them a little harder than you would a more playful or quiet dog will help.Aggression is partially caused by the frustration of repressed energy with no positive outlet.
An aide can be a big help here. Toss the ball to a partner several feet away, along the ground.Make sure the partner gets the ball first when the Dachshund gives chase.Repeat the exercise a few times, then permit your Dachshund to win.
With calmness and a little inventiveness, you can direct your Dachshund’s aggression into more positive directions.
All dogs need regular grooming to keep their nails in trim and their coats healthy. Exactly which technique to use for your Doxie depends on which of the three main types you have.
Smooth-Coat
A Smooth-Coat Dachshund is the classic, short-haired type you have seen in a hundred films and ads. Requiring little more than a regular brushing and bath, their coats are easy to care for. “Regular” can vary with the dog’s environment and age.
Grooming Supplies for dogs can be found at LuvUrDog.com
Younger dogs may require baths as often as once per week, though once a month is fine when they stay out of dirt and bushes.If they live in rougher circumstances, be sure to keep their coats brushed and clean regurlarly. “Regularly” means at least twice per week, and as necessary. Remove any plant material as soon as they are done playing.
A wire slicker is fine for grooming, but be careful. All dogs are durable, but it’s important not to scrape the skin. That leads to hot spots that the dog will make worse by chewing and licking. Since Dachshunds are a high-energy, assertive breed, extra caution is needed.
Wire-Hair
The wirey hair on the muzzle, chest and legs of this variety gives them the name. It also gives them a need for extra grooming.In their case, more frequent baths along with more regular brushing will be called for.Brushing will take longer as well.
The stiff coat is actually in two layers, like the terriers they resemble.Get the undercoat with a slicker brush and use a regular brush for the topcoat. Remember that they will shed more. That may call for a shed control shampoo in some cases. In every case, be prepared for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.
Cut any excess hair off the muzzle to avoid it dragging on the ground. A trim behind the rear legs will be needed once it reaches a length that leads to matting.Otherwise, regular brushing of once or twice a week will suffice.
Long-Hair
As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since Doxies are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be needed, along with more frequent bathing.Matting is common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, especially behind the ears.When mats form, trim them gradually until you have removed enought to work out the mat with a brush and fingers.
A shampoo that contains conditioner works well with these Dachshunds.Dried, scaly skin can be caused by over-bathing. Regular, gentle brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils under the coat and over the skin.
Nail Trimming
All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The usual technique is fine. Get a good pair of guillotine scissors and hold each foot firmly, searching for the quick. Cut well away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Doxie’s case because they have a feisty nature.
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