Posts from — September 2005

Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese, spaniels–the official list of the AKC is quite extensive. Regardless of breed, toy dogs are desired for their cuteness and cuddle-ability. Many retain the characteristics of a puppy for their entire lives. This may be one of the big attractions that toy dog breeds hold over larger breed dogs.

Diminutive size, however, does not mean that toy dog breeds are less hardy. Once safely past puppyhood, their energy levels and enthusiasm rival any breed of dog. Some are excellent watch dogs, but they won’t be able to follow through preventing entry of an intruder. The hue and cry of toy dog breeds can be enough to make your hair stand on end!

There are several advantages to toy dog breeds. Besides the ease of handling a smaller sized dog, they are more appropriate for apartment dwellers because they do not require as much exercise space as a large dog. Additionally, toy dog breeds usually shed less than their larger counterparts–not because they have different coat characteristics, but because there is less dog! All sides of dog care are smaller: from cleaning to clean-up and food consumed to food expelled.

Historically, toy dog breeds were used as companion dogs. They were friendly and alert, yet willing to be held and petted. They are very comforting and can bring peace to an owner. Nursing homes and adult care facilities have found toy dog breeds to be soothing for their patients. Contrary to common perception, there is no law preventing animals from living in nursing homes. It is up to the eldercare facility to allow–or disallow–pets. The calming influence of any pet, especially one that will transfer affections to everyone equally, is a wonderful aid for patient facilities.

You don’t have to reside in an eldercare facility to enjoy toy dog breeds. They do provide companionable joy for many who otherwise would be concerned about space, exercise and care requirements of a larger breed of dog.

About The Author

Stephanie Hetu

Website: cutepuppydog.com” target=”_new cutepuppydog.com

Description: Stephanie is a dog lover and the editor of the Cute Puppy Dog Newsletter. You can subscribe at cutepuppydog.com/cutepuppydognewsletter.html” target=”_new cutepuppydog.com/cutepuppydognewsletter.html (every subscribers get 20 exclusive puppy pics, 2 dog screensavers and 3 dog ebooks).

Before we throw facts about the hummingbird at you, we hope you’ve been visited by these tiny birds and been as delighted as most of us are. If your back yard contains the right kind of flowers, chances are you’ve been visited by these critters and have a few questions for which we have answers!

Did you know that Ruby-throated hummingbird females are up to 20% bigger than the males? This is one of the facts about the hummingbird that most people don’t know. But then they move so swiftly, whether it weighs one-tenth of an ounce or three-tenths of an ounce is hardly significant, is it? Interestingly enough, both sexes nearly double their weight in preparation for the fall migration to warmer climes.

Their wings beat 60-80 times per second and they fly at up to 25 miles per hour. With this in mind, you now realize why they need super concentrated sugar water solutions if you are going to provide a worthwhile food in your feeders. Use a ratio of 4 parts sugar to 1 part water.

Speaking of feeders, we do hope you are taking advantage of an easy feed. They will find even the most remotely placed feeder. If you want them to come right up to your most convenient window, put it there. These inquisitive birds will find it within a day or two at the most IF they are in town.

Some geographic locations have a very limited visitation period. In central Oklahoma, you will often not see these birds until late July and they’ll be gone by mid September. Still and all, you do have that window of opportunity to watch them up close and personal for awhile.

One of the ‘don’ts’ concerns using honey or brown sugar in the water instead of white sugar. Don’t do it. In the heat of the sun, anything but white sugar–with a drop of red food coloring if you wish–will encourage the growth of mold and bacteria and bring disease to this tiny critter. And please change this water every third day to eliminate souring. Fresh is best and sugar is cheap!

Visit backyard-critters.com backyard-critters.com for more cool tips about critters!

For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans, cats pretty much took care of their own breeding. People kept them for one purpose – hunting rodent – and they are already perfectly designed for that. More than 100 years ago, however, we began systematically breeding cats to appeal to our aesthetic tastes. Hair length, color, coat pattern, as well as head and leg proportions contribute to the “look” of specific breeds.
Look at enough cat bodies and faces, and you’ll see two distinctly different types.

Faces are either triangular or rounded. Bodies that are lean and slender belong to the lithe oriental, or foreign breeds. Short legs supporting a broad, compact body are characteristic of a “cobby.” Mixed breeds usually have an “in between” body type.

There are more than 70 distinct breeds of cats that are recognized by formal cat registries. Some registries recognize only about 40 breeds, because they exclude those such as Bengals which are hybrids of domestic and wild cats. Some “breeds” are simply variations of primary types. For example, a Balinese cat is a longer haired type of Siamese cat.

Some breeds have roots that go far back in history. The Japanese Bobtail, distinguished by a short, rabbit-like tail, can be traced more than 1,000 years. The Egyptian Mau cat retains the physical characteristics of ancient Egyptian cats found in ancient paintings.

With an elegant body that is randomly spotted, banded legs and tail, communicative eyes and an ellegant cheetah-like stride, it is no wonder that the Mau attracts such a tremendous amount of attention at shows.

Other breeds reflect new aesthetics. Ocicats and Savannah cats are wild-hybrids — the result of breeding wild cats with domestic cats – which fill a desire for some cat lovers to have a “wild” pet. The Cornish Rex, with its soft, wavy coat and curled whiskers, is a dramatic, visual contrast to the typical smooth-coated cat. Likewise, the “hairless” Sphynx cat is a breed for the esoteric cat fancier.

Because the Sphynx cat has little hair, the cat needs to be bathed periodically. This is an easy task with a cat that has been accustomed to a bath from kittenhood.

Sometimes, cats are just “ordinary felines.” “Domestic” is the veterinary term used to classify cats of unknown heritage. Cats in these categories are broken into groups as domestic short hair (DSH), domestic long hair (DLH) and domestic medium length hair (DMH). Some people classify cats based on living circumstances; house cat or alley cat, but these are not true breeds.

Hair length and texture contribute to a breed’s “look, ” but color is not a reliable identity factor. Black cats with white paws, belly, and chests are referred to as “tuxedo cats,” but this is simply a description of coat pattern found in both domestic and “exotic” breeds. Tortoiseshell and calico coated cats are sometimes referred to as “ginger,” “marmalade,” or “orange tabby” cats, making them sound like specific breeds. In reality, they are just descriptors, much like “green-eyed Asian” or “brown-eyed European.” While it is true that some cat breeds only come in one hue (Russian Blues and Korats only show gray) most breeds display a range of coat color and pattern.

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Our Westie dog called Pepper is lovely and white ( Ops – I’m looking at that westie photo again). To be honest, he has stuck his head in a bucket of soil or it looks that way. I’m afraid that it’s bath time again young man. God you were so cute when you were a puppy.

In keeping him reasonably clean and white; in the overall west highland grooming and health process; I find that brushing him regularly helps greatly, because the dirt and any dead hairs, usually fall off. I would recommend that you try and do this once a week. It then becomes a habit and as we all know, habits are easier to follow. This is just part of the process in how to groom a westie.

In the washing process, my wife uses a shampoo especially formulated for white dogs and this seems to do the best job. It is recommended that for a west highland terrier, they should be groomed every 6-8 weeks and especially in the summer. You have to to imagine what it would be like wearing a fur coat in the hot summer days. iT’s cooler with the westie haircut.

We have noticed that Pepper’s face has turned a rusty sort of colour under his jaw. Our vet has told us, that this is due to the hair being wet too often. As he seems to drink copious amounts of water, I try to dry this part as often as I can, following the vets instructions. I have found that Pepper has little black grains( for want of a better description) in the corner of each of his eyes on most days and therefore will remove them.

My last recommendation in this overall grooming process to keep our westies at optimum health, I have also found that his scratching decreases if I gave him cooling tablets. Always check with your vet if you are unsure of whether to give yours these tablets.

I hope that this article has been of use to you in helping with your westies health.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

Jeff Cuckson
mailto:webmaster@madaboutwesties.com webmaster@madaboutwesties.com

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We understand. One day you are walking in the mall, and just happen to pass the pet store. Oh, why not just take a break from shopping and take a look at the cute little puppies. All puppies are so adorable when they are small. Who can resist those eyes, that cute little face and the tail just seems to wag so hard when someone comes near their cage. The pet shop worker says, “Do you want to hold one?” Sure, you have time for a cuddle. Fifteen minutes later you are hooked.

Well, you have been thinking about getting a dog someday. But wait,….before you decide to take that puppy home.

There are important factors to consider BEFORE falling for that cuddly ball of fur.

1) What are your living arrangements? Do you live in a single family home with a fenced in back yard? Or an apartment on the 5th floor without an elevator?

2) What is your schedule? Do you work? Unable to be home for 8 hours or more every day? Maybe an older dog who is already housebroken would be a better choice. There are always dogs available for adoption at your local Humane Society.

3) What are your family dynamics? Are there small children who may not always remember to close the door fully when they go outside? Or may leave small toys on the floor that a puppy can chew or even swallow?

4) That puppy may be very small now, but what size will he/she be when fully grown – which only takes about a year. A Bichon will be approx. 12 lbs. fully grown whereas a golden retriever could be around 70 lbs.

5) Do you know the characteristics of the different breeds. Some breeds are more suitable for children than others. Some breeds are more suitable to apartments, some require more exercise area. Some breeds need professional grooming on a regular basis.

6) Do you want a male or female? Are you prepared to have him or her neutered or spayed. Are you ready for the expense of properly caring for a dog?

All these and many other questions need to be answered before you decide to bring a new addition into your household. A dog is a commitment of 8 to 15 years or more. It is very important that the decision be made carefully and involve all members of the family.

But if you are sure that you have thought it through and this is the ONE for you……. Hold onto that little fur ball, and tell the pet shop worker, “I’LL TAKE THIS ONE”.

Life without a Pet is a dull life indeed !!

Visit www.fourpawsboutique.net for a large large selection of Dog Clothes and Costumes, Dog and Cat Carriers, Beds, Collars, Leashes, and various other fine pet products for “YOUR FRIEND WITH FOUR PAWS”.

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It is important to provide your Pit Bull with toys that are safe for him. Due to the strength and aggression that Pit Bulls naturally have, it is often hard for owners to find suitable toys that are strong enough to hold up to the dog. Many Pit Bulls are also hard to please when it comes to toys, they want just the right size, shape, and texture, or they won’t have anything to do with it. Purchasing toys that are Pit Bull suitable can get expensive, but can often help prevent your Pit Bull from chewing up your belongings.

Many Pit Bull owners prefer a toy called the Galileo Bone. It is produced by Nylabone, and proves to be able to hold up pretty well with the average Pit Bull. AT least, it lasts long enough to kind of make you feel like you have gotten your money’s worth. Nylabone also makes the Crazy Ball, which is also a really tough toy designed for Pit Bulls.

Kong toys can in many different sizes and colors, and many can be stuffed with your Pit Bull’s favorite treats. They have tremendous durability, so are especially great for Pit Bulls that like to chew a lot. Most Pit Bulls will occupy themselves for hours with these toys.

Many companies also produce interactive toys, some of which are tough enough to withstand your Pit Bull. These toys hold his interest with sounds and lights, usually good for a few hours of play before he gets bored with it.

Plush toys are also good for some Pit Bulls, it is important to make sure that you purchase one that doesn’t have small parts that could easily be chewed off and swallowed. These are probably toys that you would want to supervise your Pit Bull playing with, or use them to just play fetch with.

Rope toys can soon become a favorite for you both. They help to clean your Pit Bull’s teeth, and can be great for fetch. They work well for getting you involved in your Pit Bull’s play, as they work great for tug of war matches. It is important to keep in mind when pulling that you need to be careful not to pull too hard, as you may accidentally break one of your Pit Bull’s teeth.

Balls are popular with almost any dog, again the important thing here is to purchase one that is made of material durable enough to hold up to your Pit Bull. Larger balls will probably work better, as they will be harder for him to get in his mouth.

Toys are a necessity for your Pit Bull. Just keep in mind your Pit Bull’s personality and strength, so that you can buy the best toy for him. There are several sites online that sell toys suited for Pit Bulls, or your local pet supply may have them as well.

To learn all about

The curlier your goldendoodles coat the harder it is to take care of. If your goldendoodle is very low to non-shedding you will need to brush it at least every 2 days to prevent them from matting and take your golden doodle to the groomer every 4-5 months. Make sure to be very specific with the groomer as to how you want your goldendoodle groomed because I’ve seen some groomers groom goldendoodles like poodles or totally shave them and owners have been horrified. Be specific and bring a picture in to show the groomer how you want your goldendoodle groomed.

The first time your pup is at the groomer (at 6 month or so) just get the groomer to give them a bath, clean the ears and cut the nails. You don’t want them to do the whole 9 yards/clip them as it might scare you goldendoodle pup. The next time your goldendoodle pup is at the groomer you can get the groomer to clip them (so around 9 months).

You should only bathe your goldendoodle every 3-4 months as this strips all the essential oils out of the fur and is not good for them.

Coat type of goldendoodles?

Remember every goldendoodle has a different coat type! There is NO guarantee this will be a hypoallergenic or non-shedding dog although I’ve sold many goldendoodles to people with allergies with much success.

If you have allergies then it’s best to get a goldendoodle with a wavy to curly coat. The curlier the coat the less you goldendoodle will shed. The straighter the coat the more your goldendoodle will shed

We can tell coat type when they are 6-7 weeks old and will help put the right goldendoodle puppy with you!

There are 2 different types of allergies. Most people are allergic to canine dander and are fine with poodles BUT if you’re allergic to saliva (if you break out in hives and can’t be around poodles) then you will be allergic to doodles as well.

Sherry Rupke is a vet tech, and has received years of training on proper care of dogs and other animals. She was raised on a farm and has been interested in caring for animals since she was a child. Sherry has been breeding dogs for over 5 years, and has built an outstanding reputation in the goldendoodle community, visit her website at

Before your baby arrives, imagine what your dog’s behavior might be around an infant.

Plan your schedule. Dogs like routine. Establish a schedule for your dog before the baby arrives and stick to it.

Schedule should include:

1. Walking times.
2. Play periods.
3. Mealtimes
4. Anything else you can think of.

You might be too tired to walk the dog early in the morning after being up and down all night with the new baby. You might want to change the walk time with your dog before the baby arrives. You may need to arrange with a friend to help with the dog just after the baby’s arrival. Maybe a teenager would like a few extra dollars for walking your dog. You might not ever need the help, but it is wise to plan ahead in case you do. The planning, of course, is great for your dog, but it is more for your own personal comfort.

A dog on a routine and well exercised is less likely to be competitive of the new baby. The dog on a routine may also be less demanding of your attention.

Your baby is going to be napping on the couch or lying on the bed. Teach your dog to stay on the floor unless invited up with a clear command.

Watch your words! For your dog’s whole life before the baby he has probably heard things like: “what a good little boy.” You have taught him certain words are just for him. Now the baby arrives. You say something like: “mommy’s good little boy.” The dog suddenly runs up for you to pet him. You push him away. The dog becomes confused. Avoid the confusion by developing some new key phrases for your dog and only the dog. Make this change as soon as possible.

Games in the house: If you have played ball with your dog in the house he will most likely jump over about anything to get to the ball you threw out. With a baby or a toddler in the house as well, these types of games are best outdoors. An unpredictable bounce of a ball can lead to an unanticipated pounce on baby by the dog.

Be careful about giving your dog extra attention because you know that soon a baby will be in the house and you might not have as much time to spend with your dog. Dogs get use to the extra attention really quick. When the attention has to be suddenly shifted to the new baby, it is unfair to the dog and sets a stage for competition between the dog and the baby. A good rule to begin to follow before the baby arrives is no more than ten minutes of attention per hour when you are home.

You want your baby’s arrival to be a welcome event. Speak kindly to the dog as you to into the baby’s room. Include the dog in what you are doing whenever possible. Be extra warm and kind to the dog when he is around the baby or toddler, and the rest of the time, in the beginning sort of ignores the dog. He will associate time around the baby as being an enjoyable time for everyone.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. Sign up at Stain Glass Shih Tzu. Designer Dog Clothes are offered at: littleguysdogclothesshop.com littleguysdogclothesshop.com

Many pets today face the same struggle as their owners do when it comes to maintaining a healthy weaight. In fact, I am the owner of an overweight cat named Chubbs who tips the scales at a whopping 25 pounds!

Most people who see Chubbs think that he is just a cute and cuddly great big cat. In fact, many pet owners think that there is no harm in owning an obese pet and like the attention that their porky pets attract.

It is estimated that almost half of all pets are overweight or obese. The problem with allowing your cute critters to turn into portly pets is that they can suffer the same problems as humans that are overweight.

Can you imagine the strain on an obese pets joints trying to lug all that extra weight around? How about the extra work that their heart and organs go through to function? Our overweight and obese pets suffer the same risks that their human owners do when they are overweight.

So, what’s the solution for our overweight pets? First have your pet examined by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you the proper weight range for your pet as well as give you some advice to help your porky pet get back into shape.

Also you should be feeding your pet the healthiest diet possible. It has been documented that humans as well as pets bodies will tell them that they should eat (even when they are not hungry) if they are lacking in their nutritional needs. Check into a holistic, all natural diet for your pet.

Also keeping your pet active is a great way to help it maintain its weight. Be sure to have plenty of interactive play time with your pet and supply toys to stimulate your pets activity.

As for my Tubby Chubby, his veterinarian suggested feeding chubbs a very healthy, all natural, high protein cat food and measuring out his servings.

Chubb’s vet also recommended placing chubbs food in a location that would force Chubbs to climb or get some exercise, but not in a spot that was too difficult for him to get to.

I hope that this information has helped to make you aware of what a problem obesity has become with our pets and inspired you to look into a healthy diet and lifestyle for your pets.

For more healthy pet ideas and healthy pet recipes visit LittlePawsPetClub.blogspot.com LittlePawsPetClub.blogspot.com

The phrase “dog grooming” conjures up an image of expensive salons for pets. It’s true that your pet does not need fancy haircuts, expensive baths or oil treatments. But shunning away the idea of dog grooming is akin to handling your pet with shortsightedness. Your pet’s appearance is a mirror to its overall health and wellbeing. Lack of grooming may lead to major health problems. Dog groomers ensure that your dog not only looks good but feels good as well.

Professional dog groomers suggest basic grooming for eyes, ears, teeth, face, tummy, skin, feet and nails, and coat should be done regularly.

Appropriate eye care entails regular cleansing. Your dog’s eyes should be bright, lustrous and clean. You must ensure that there are no signs of redness or excessive discharge. There is likely to be periodic buildup in the dog’s eye, which must be wiped out with a clean, damp cloth. However, if the discharge is thick or mucous-like, you must consult a veterinarian.

Ear care is also an important aspect of dog grooming. Moisture and dirt buildup inside the pet’s ear is a breeding ground for bacteria. You should trim ear hair and wipe with a clean cloth, thereby ensuring that the ear is kept dry. Any buildup of wax in the ear must be treated immediately, lest an infection sets in. The veterinarian would typically employ a solution to dissolve the ear wax and then cleanse it using a cloth or Q-tip.

Dental hygiene is equally important for your dog as it is for you. Plaque and tartar buildup causes gum disease. It is a common misconception that a balanced diet can prevent gum diseases or other teeth related problems. Cleaning the teeth and gums is highly essential for proper dental care. Dog groomers clean a pet’s teeth and gums in order to prevent unnecessary plaque buildup.

Dog groomers stress on brushing a dog’s coat on a weekly basis. A thick and matted coat encourages bacterial infection and other diseases of the skin, and hence it is all more necessary to keep your dog’s coat clean. Stroking with a soft brush gets rid of dead hair, dander and dirt.

As every dog groomer would suggest, trim your dog’s nails at least once a month. It is a misconception that long hair between the toes would keep your dog’s feet warm in winters. Instead it would collect dirt and grime, and may encourage infection. Therefore, keep the hair trimmed at all times.

Niall Kennedy is a lifelong dog lover and has worked in several pet sanctuaries. Best Pet Health Information is a resource that brings you information about dog grooming. Best-Pet-Health.info Best-Pet-Health.info

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