Posts from — July 2008

It can be hard to talk about turtles properly in North America because what we refer to as turtles is not really what a turtle is. While traditionally we use the word to describe those shelled reptiles that live by the water it really refers to any shelled reptile there is. In this part of the world we generally refer to the land turtles as tortoises.

So though we separate the species in our minds by assigning different words, they are really all one. These are little guys that are born with a shell. It is a bony leathery shell that grows with them and is pretty much carried with them for life.

Turtles are resilient creatures and perhaps one of the best examples of evolved life on Earth. This is because they have survived longer than most any other species that has come along. The earliest known turtles lived so long ago that dinosaurs were walking the earth with them, but when the disaster struck to wipe out the dinosaurs the turtles managed to survive. They also survived another life altering disaster a few million years later.

Now these guys back then were so well evolved, that is to say they were such a perfect specimen of what they should be, that the oldest fossils we know of are not much different than the ones that roam around today. That means that in the past millions of years turtles have not changed, and have not had to change, all that much in order to survive. Compare that with humans who have evolved dramatically from where we were just a million years ago.

These days turtles can be found everywhere. Populated or remote areas, in personal aquariums or you can find some really big and old turtles in any number of zoos.

Van Whitsett has published a number of articles, both online and offline. For more info on turtles, visit: turtle-pond.com Turtle Pond

Whether you like it or not, every dog is going to have its problem behavior from time to time. What you do about this behavior problem can make the difference in whether or not your dog changes. Here are 7 tips to help you change your dog’s behavior problem.

Dog Behavior Problem Tip 1: Control the dog

The most basic tip is to get control of your dog. If you can have control over your dog, you will be able to control the dog’s problem behavior. You can control your dog by putting them on a training collar and showing them that you are boss. You want to do this without physical punishment if you can.

Dog Behavior Problem Tip 2: Stay positive

Too many pet owners focus on the negatives and verbally abuse their dog’s with “NO” and “bad girl.” While you do want to get the point across that it is not ok for them to do what they did, you also want to give them encouragement for what to do right. Instead of saying “no” tell them to “sit” or “heal.”

Dog Behavior Problem Tip 3: Consistency

The number one rule to changing a dog’s problem behavior is consistency. You have to get it across your dog’s minds that it is never ok to do the bad behavior. Not once in awhile because you forgot. It is unfair to a dog to change your rules or forget because this will simply confuse them.

Dog Behavior Problem Tip 4: Have the dog earn it

There is a fine line between giving your dog love and handing out love freely. You want to show your dog that you care about them, but make them earn your affection. If you can teach your dog to ask politely for things such as sitting or lying down, they will have much more respect for you as an owner.

Dog Behavior Problem Tip 5: Exercise

Believe it or not, dogs can get bored just like humans. Boredom is one of the biggest causes of a dog’s problem behavior because they have nothing else to do. If you take your dog to the park, play with them and take them on walks they won’t have this boredom bottled up.

Dog Behavior Problem Tip 6: Learn your dog’s heritage

Dogs are bred to do certain things in particular, whether you like it or not. Certain breeds are born to stay close while other breeds are born to be wild. Some dogs are born to hunt while others are born to guard. Every breed has a different genetic heritage, and it is up to you as an owner to understand this and then go from there.

Dog Behavior Problem Tip 7: Train

Every dog is different, but no dog is born with perfect manners. For you to get rid of your dog behavior problem you have to train them to be polite and act civilized.

Dealing with a dog’s behavior problem can be difficult since every dog is different and every situation is different. By incorporating a little of every tip listed above, you will be able to easier get rid of your Dog Behavior Problem.

To Learn More About my-dog-behavior-training.com/ Dog Behavior Training And Receive Our Free Dog Training Tips Go To

Because there is a rapidly increasing number of dog lovers in the world, the need for dog medical insurance continues to rise.

Caring for pets can be expensive even if they don’t have any medical conditions or are just getting old. Just the basics such as a yearly exam, vaccinations and preventative flea and heartworm medication can cost a few hundred dollars a year.

With this in mind, many dog owners are opting for dog health insurance. No matter how expensive your pet’s health needs are, there is a health insurance plan that can at least help to cover a portion of the costs. But, not every pet insurance policy is right for your pet. If you are among the many dog owners who has decided pet insurance is right for you, you will definitely want to spend some time researching what type is right for you and your pet before actually purchasing a policy.

Veterinarians…

Just as human health care providers are only able to accept insurance from certain companies, the same holds true for veterinarians and insurance companies. As well, many pet insurance companies will only allow their policyholders to go to certain veterinarians. With this in mind, it is important to consider whether your veterinarian will allow your insurance to be used and whether your insurance will cover visits to that particular vet clinic. It would be a shame to find a wonderful vet that you and your dog get along with, only to find out you have to switch because of the coverage plan you purchased.

If you already have a veterinarian in mind, or are already working with one, simply call their office and ask the office manager for recommendations on quality pet insurance. From here, call the insurance company and make sure they will allow your pet to visit that office.

Reviewing Plans…

When it comes to dog medical insurance, remember that all insurance companies are not created equal, so spend time researching which one is right for you and your dog. You will want to carefully consider the type of coverage each insurance policy provides. Although some policies may be cheaper than others, this is because some pet insurance companies only offer coverage for basic services, like routine exams and medication, but will not cover major surgeries. Others will cover surgeries or major medical conditions but with a high deductible or with a huge co-pay.

It is best to decide on a veterinarian that has affordable rates first. Then determine the amount of dog medical insurance you will need for your pet. From here you should contact several insurance companies for quotes and then you can decide which is the most affordable for your pet’s needs. This may mean sitting down to review several different pet insurance policies.

Breed of Dog…

You will also want to spend some time considering the breed of dog you own before settling on pet health insurance for your dog. Some dog breeds are by nature healthier than others, but almost all dog breeds are prone to some type of injury or illness. Taking into consideration future health issues can help you to determine the price range of insurance coverage you will need.

Age and Health…

If you have a fit, young adult dog, you probably only need enough insurance to cover a yearly examination and an average deductible in case of an emergency medical situation.

Keep in mind, though, that many dog owners will assume that a new puppy does not need dog insurance because they are so young and healthy. Actually, though, puppies will receive more vaccinations in the first year of their life than at any other time, and these vaccinations can be extremely expensive.

Of course, if you have an older dog, one that is over 8 years old, they are increasingly at risk for illnesses, ailments and the need for medication. Thankfully, modern medicine has made it possible for older dogs to live longer without pain, but unfortunately this medication can be expensive. If you have an older dog that is in declining health, you may want to consider increasing the coverage on your dog medical insurance.

When Richard Livitski isn’t busy digging up information about dog medical insurance, he’s working on his dog names website dog-names-and-more.com ” target=”_blank dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as dog training, grooming, and care tips can be found.

Itching is the most common sign of allergies in cats and dogs. Allergic dermatitis is inflammation of the skin that occurs after it has been exposed to something to which it is allergic, known as an allergen. The number-one sign of allergies in pets is itching. Cats lick, bite, chew and scratch themselves to the point of self-mutilation. The result is red, raw areas of skin with oozing sores and hair loss.

Allergies are caused by an “allergen”, which is a substance that causes a hypersensitive reaction, which is usually itching. Almost 20 percent of all cats suffer from one or more allergies. Fleas, airborne particles, and foods are the top three causes. Plants with oily leaves, like rubber plants, and certain medications, including Tetracycline and Neomycin, can cause skin eruptions. Various types of kitty litter also cause allergic reactions.

TYPES OF ALLERGIES

* Flea allergies are responsible for up to 90 percent of itching in cats. Cats groom themselves constantly, which often quickly removes all evidence of fleas. Consider fleas first in any itching cat, regardless of whether or not fleas can be found.

* Inhalant allergies are the second most common type of allergy in cats. Atopy, Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis, and Atopic Dermatitis are terms that are used synonymously with Inhalant Allergies. Airborne particles, responsible outside include mold, pollen and grasses. Indoors, tobacco smoke, carpet cleaners and perfumes are common causes. Unlike people with inhalant allergies that sneeze and get a runny nose, the primary sign of these allergies in cats is itching. Occasionally cats wheeze and develop breathing problems. Signs of Atopy often begin with a seasonal pattern that that too coincides with the so-called “hay fever” season for people, but eventually inhalant allergies become a year-round condition. Most cases are inherited and can be controlled but not cured.

* Food allergies are the third most common reason cats itch. Eighty percent of cats with a food allergy have been eating the “adverse” food for over two years before a reaction occurs. Beef, dairy products and fish cause 90 percent of the problems. Itching is the number one sign of a food allergy, with the exception of a “milk intolerance”, which results in diarrhea. Up to one third of cats with food allergies have concurrent flea allergies and/or Inhalant Allergies.

SYMPTOMS

* Itching

* Licking

* Biting

* Excessive grooming behavior

* Small scabs on head, neck and ears or all over body

* Hair loss with or without scabs

* Skin crusts and plaques on head, neck and back

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO

Determine underlying cause of itching and treat accordingly.

1. Eliminate fleas in Flea Allergies.

2. Certified veterinary skin specialists offer blood and skin testing, which can confirm certain hard to diagnose inhalant allergies.

3. Allergy free dietary trials are often effective for food allergies.

Itching usually resolves when the underlying problem is cured. Unfortunately, many allergies can not be cured but most can be controlled.

Itching may be controlled or relieved with a variety of products.

1. Antihistamines may be effective to relieve itching
a. Benadryl
b. Tavist
c. Atarax
d. Chlortrimaton

2. Vitamin C with Bioflavinoids in high doses has an antihistamine effect and often helps relieve itching. 250 mg of powder 2 to 3 times daily in food.

3. Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplementation
a. Fish Oil
b. Flaxseed
c. Evening Primrose Oil
d. 1/8 teaspoon Salmon oil added to meals.

4. Oatmeal Based Shampoos – Oatmeal may relieve itching and skin irritation up to 72 hours.

5. Witch Hazel is soothing and comes as a spray or lotion; the spray works best in cats.

6. Aloe Vera Gel is available at health food stores. It contains enzymes that reduce skin irritation.

7. Corticosteroids like, prednisone may be the only effective medication to relieve itching in certain cases. Alternative therapies generally reduce the effective dose of corticosteroids needed on a long-term basis. In cats, unlike dogs and people, steroids are tolerated quite well and side effects are minimal.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

HOMEOPATHIC

Graphites 6x – a form of carbon. One pellet on tongue every 4 hours until signs are gone for up to 5 days. Discontinue if no improvement in first 24-hours. Withhold food 10 minutes before and after treatment.

HERBAL

Topical Herbs to reduce itching and skin irritation include:

* Calendula – an herb that can be used topically.

* Comfrey – this herb can be used topically as a rinse to reduce itching. Comfrey contains “allantoin” which promotes healing.

* Chamomile – this herb reduces skin irritation and has antioxidant properties. Can be used topically.

Copyright 2007 Dr. Carol Osborne

Dr. Carol Osborne is the inventor of PAAWS, the pet anti-aging wellness system seen on TV. VitaLife is Dr. Carol’s newest line of pet vitamin supplements and is the best supplement available for arthritis and anti-aging in dogs and cats. PAAWS and VitaLife are revolutionary breakthroughs, with all natural nutrients that virtually peel away the years, seeming to reverse the aging process normally experienced by pets.

Get FREE pet advice from Dr. Carol at CarolonPets.com/ CarolonPets.com/

Visit Dr. Carol’s blog at CarolonPets.com/blog/ CarolonPets.com/blog/

Buy PAAWS and VitaLife dog and cat vitamin supplements and other pet health products at DrCarol.com/ DrCarol.com/

General Info.

Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly as fry food, but they can also be grown to about 20 mm (0.8 inch) in length and be a valuable food source for adult fishes as well. What makes brine shrimps such ideal fry food is their good nutritional value, their ability to live 5 hours in fresh water before dying, and the fact that the eggs can be stored for many years as long as they are kept away from water and oxygen. Once the dried eggs are returned into oxygenated saltwater they resume their development and hatch. This is an adaptation to living in desert lakes that dry up.

The time it takes them to hatch depends on the temperature. It takes 15 to 20 hours at 25°C (77°F). A higher temperature shortens hatching time. The optimal hatching temperature depends on the origin of the brine shrimps, however temperatures between 25-30°C (77-86°F) are recommended.

- Recommended salinity: 30-35 ppt (1.022-1.026 density)
- Recommended pH: 8.0 (pH 6.0-9.0 is acceptable)

Once they hatch they enter the umbrella stage, during which the larvae do not feed since they haven’t yet developed a mouth or anus. They survive on their yolk sac during this time.

After 12 hours they enter the second stage of development and start feeding by filtering micro-algae from the water. The nauplii grow fast, and can reach adulthood in 8 days. Brine shrimp can live for up to 3 months.

Since this article is focusing on growing brine shrimp to adulthood, I shall not address the question of how to hatch brine shrimp.

Caring for your brine shrimp

There are several factors that contribute to the successful raising of brine shrimp to adult size. The two most important ones, besides giving the brine shrimp the above stated water parameters, are:

· Feeding: brine shrimp are not hard to feed. They accept most food they can filter out of the water as long as it’s not too big and doesn’t dissolve in water. There is brine shrimp food available in pet stores, containing micro-algae for the nauplii to eat. There are, however, quite a few cheaper alternatives that you can buy in your regular grocery store; for example yeast, wheat flour, soybean powder and egg yolk. It’s hard to know how much to feed the nauplii, but the transparency of the water can be of help. During the first weeks you should be able to see about 15 cm into the water. When the nauplii grow, the food concentration should be kept a little lower, and a water transparency of 25 cm is recommended. Food levels should be kept constant, so frequent feedings are required.

· Aquarium maintenance: Brine shrimp are usually kept in small tanks, and therefore water quality may deteriorate quickly. Water changes are of utmost importance. I recommend changing at least 20% two times a week. This is to prevent low oxygen levels which will be a result of poor water quality. It’s also important to clean the bottom of the tank since brine shrimp moult very often during their way to adulthood, leaving a lot of remains on the bottom of the tank which may lower the water quality. Cleaning should be done at night using a flashlight to draw the brine shrimp to the surface. Brine shrimp are drawn to light, and the light from the flashlight will attract them to the light source, keeping them safe while you clean the bottom of the tank.

Breeding brine shrimp

If well cared for and kept in a low salinity, your adult brine shrimp will (or might) spawn in your aquarium. Every adult female is capable of producing 75 nauplii a day, or 300 every 4 days. They will be able to spawn 10 times during a normal lifespan. However if well cared for they can, as I stated earlier, live for as long as 3 months and during that entire time spawn every 4 days.

About The Author

Article by William Berg writer for Aquatic Community with more then 20 years of aquarium experience. Find more of Williams articles about aquaticcommunity.com Brine shrimp or maybe something completely different like lungfish.info Lungfish

Article may be reproduce as long as it is not edited and this resource box is included “as is with live links” on the bottom of the page.(Java links and PHP links are not allowed, I.e. SE friendly links only)

Have you ever thought about what you need to do should your dog – or another dog – ever suffer a serious, life-threatening injury? What if they have a severe allergy to an insect bite or a bee sting? It’s great to know your vet’s phone number, but what if something happens during off hours? What if you don’t know where the closest emergency animal clinic is located?

Enough with the questions already, right? Any emergency is stressful and scary, and one involving that furry little four-legged member of your family is no exception. The toughest of owners can be instantly reduced to helpless balls of mush if something’s wrong with their dogs and they can’t figure out what to do.

1. Preparation is key.

The key to getting through a veterinary emergency is preparation. You may think you have that covered with a first aid kit and having the phone number to your vet handy, but what if there isn’t enough time to move your dog? You need to be well-versed in some of the more common animal emergencies just in case a situation ever arises. And hey, if a situation never arises, you’ll still feel more confident knowing that you have the ability to deal with one.

2. Know how to care for wounds.

Did you know that you shouldn’t use hydrogen peroxide on a bleeding wound? Nope. It slows clotting to the area, which means your dog could actually lose more blood than he would if you didn’t use the peroxide at all. In fact, the best way to treat a deep, severely bleeding wound is to apply a clean cloth and hold it in place for five minutes, then tape the cloth to the wound. That original cloth should never be removed – that also slows clotting – and should instead be layered with more clean cloths if blood soaks through.

3. Know what to do about poisoning.

Did you know that certain varieties of toads, salamanders, newts, and other amphibians are poisonous if licked? Hey, guess who loves to hold little woodland critters in his mouth! Your dog. If you notice your pup drooling, whining, and wiping at his mouth after a trip into the forest, get him to a clean water source and rinse his mouth thoroughly. While the poison can be fatal if left in the mouth, it’s fairly easy to cleanse from the tongue and glands.

Make sure you are prepared for any emergencies for that friend!

Paul Duxbury owns my-dog.co.uk my-dog.co.uk a leading sources of free information and advice for all dog owners as well as dog-lover.co.uk dog-lover.co.uk

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a virus which is a variant of the Corona virus. Unfortunately there is no proven effective vaccine to immunize cats from its deadly outbreak. This virus is so elusive that the only way to accurately diagnose the disease is after the cat’s death. Sadly, there also is no cure for this disease.

The reason the virus is so difficult to diagnose is that it comes from a group of over forty viruses, in the Corona family. The tests that we have available to us today can only detect that the cat is infected with a Corona virus, but it cannot differentiate which one is actually infecting the cat. Since most cats who test positive for a Corona virus actually survives, it makes it difficult with certainty which cat has FIP, until it dies. This makes diagnosing Feline Infectious Peritonitis almost impossible without an autopsy.

The actual Feline Infectious Peritonitis disease is always fatal to cats. It is estimated that most household cats have actually been exposed at one time or another to the Corona virus. These cats will most times carry on with their lives just fine, with no outward signs of being infected, nor do they appear sick. For some unknown reason, in a small percentage of infected cats, the Corona virus will mutate into the Feline Infectious Peritonitis virus. This autoimmune disease then proves to be fatal.

The majority of the cats who do contract Feline Infectious Peritonitis are either very young, or they are quite old. Either way, death is eminent. There are certain procedures which can prolong the life of the cat for a short while, and even make the cat more comfortable for a short time, but the eventual result is always the same.

There are two different known types of FIP, the wet and the dry types. The wet type of FIP is where fluid begins to accumulate in the different organs of the cat’s body. This fluid causes swelling of the chest and abdomen. After the fluid has gathered sufficiently enough to cause the swelling, it begins to constrict breathing for the cat. The cat will also begin to have a fever, experience loss of appetite and show signs of jaundice.

The other form of Feline Infectious Peritonitis will cause almost the identical signs as the wet, but without the build up of fluid. Feline Infectious Peritonitis can also affect the central nervous system and the eyes of the cat.

Undoubtedly the worst part of Feline Infectious Peritonitis is that the cat’s immune system will actually work against itself in an attempt to overcome the disease. Since Feline Infectious Peritonitis is an immune system based disease, it quickly speeds up the disease process.

Hopefully, you will never have to suffer through the pain and eventual death of your kitty due to Feline Infectious Peritonitis.

Jean Morgan is a writer of articles concerning pet health and the owner of natureshealthypet.com natureshealthypet.com

There are many thoughts and hypotheses, but in reality, we do not have an accurate timeframe regarding the exact origins of the dog or its domestication history.

We do know that its closest ancestor is the wolf, taxonomically it forms part of the group of animals called Canidae, these include wolves, jackals, coyotes, dingoes, and foxes. It is now widely accepted that Canis lupus familiaris (originally classified as Canis familiaris) reclassified in 1993 by the Smithsonian Institute to reflect its wolf ancestry, has wolf like traits and is almost certainly derived from wolf stock.

Today’s domesticated dog is probably a mutated form of the smaller Middle Eastern wolf. Archaeological evidence points to a time-period some 12000 to 15000 years ago when we started creating permanent settlements. This was towards the end of the Mesolithic period and the start of the Neolithic. The earliest of these settlements are to be found in the fertile area now known as Northern Israel. These Natufian villages the oldest recorded settlements, it is now widely believed that this where modern dog may have been domesticated. However, heated debates and counter theories are still ongoing.

Archaeologists have discovered remains of a burial site at a Natufian site called Ain Mallaha, in which an old man and a young pup are buried together, the mans left hand is cradling the dog. The puppy was probably killed to give the man company on his journey to the afterlife. What is so important about this find is that it is the earliest chronological evidence pointing to domestication. And suggests that humans had starting accepting dogs not just as pariahs and vermin but as companions and trusted pets, it therefore points to dogs probably being one of the very first domesticated animals.

The picture of the noble savage striding across the landscape his stone axe and spear at the ready, his faithful wolf-dog padding along next to him is a compelling vision, we could surmise that he had killed the adult wolf and located the den where the wolf cubs lay. Taking pity on them, he then took them back to his camp. Then through his ministrations and love they became domesticated therefore were the forerunners of today’s modern canines. This fanciful idea is somewhat wide of the mark in the reality stakes.

In essence, you cannot domesticate a wolf, you can to some extent tame it to such a degree that it will accept human contact, but you will never domesticate it. To tame a wolf you need to hand rear it. You would need to start this before the cub was 8 days old, prior to the eyes opening, remember he was born deaf and blind and it takes some time for these senses to develop.

This would build an olfactory and tactile map of its surroundings and us as we handle them, they then come to accept our smell and touch, You would need to stay with that wolf 24 hours of the day until it was 16 weeks old, then if you had done everything right it may just accept some human contact.

However if that wolf then bred with another tame or wild wolf then the pups/cubs would be born wild, in other words the hand rearing would have to continue all over again. Therefore, that begs the question where did dogs come from and how did they become domesticated, if we cannot domesticate today’s wolf with all our supposed scientific mastery.

Many including myself are of the opinion that they effectively domesticated themselves. They took advantage of an ecological niche and mutated from their wolf cousins to fill that niche. The trigger was our move from early stone age nomadic hunter/gatherer between the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, when we started inhabiting permanent settlements and becoming hunter/farmers, my belief is it was that change that stimulated the rapid mutation.

It would appear highly coincidental, that when we started to cultivate crops and domesticate animals, which in turn required permanent or semi permanent settlements that these animals suddenly appeared? The drawings of animals in the Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc cave in France show no images of dogs, these paintings were made approximately 31,000 years ago; others cave drawings of less that 31000 years also do not depict doglike creatures

Wolves have an almost pathological fear of man. You cannot blame them; we have persecuted these noble animals since time immemorial. We have hunted them for their pelts and their meat and have something of a love hate relationship with them. Just look at the bogey man stories of the werewolf that have been passed down over the centuries.

We are fearful of these creatures and rightly so, they can be extremely dangerous, wolves and wolf hybrids do not make good pets, they are unpredictable and immensely powerful. It is illegal in the UK to own or keep a wolf or wolf hybrid without a wild animal licence, which are difficult to obtain. The nearest we can get to a wolf is called the Utonagan Pronounced Yewton-Argan two words, which started as a cross between German Shepherds, Huskies and Malamutes plus a few other odds and ends thrown in . They are stunningly beautiful and look but fortunately do not act wolf-like..

Given the pathological fear wolves have of humans it is quite likely that the incidence and appearance of dogs at the time of our settlements may well have been caused by a hybrid type mutation of the local wolf populace. Other than sex/reproduction, food is very high on the list of vital resources and we are a constant source of that. These Stone Age dog/wolf mutants must have thought Christmas had come all at once, a steady and constant stream of sustenance not having to hunt for it. Just lying about for all to take. This may have been the key for some of these wolves to lose their fear of man.

Dogs like faeces particularly human ones; it is apparently a probiotic and a valuable source of proteins. In part if the Indian subcontinent you can see village dogs following naked children about waiting for them to defecate so they can claim there prize, in parts of Africa when a baby is born they present it with a puppy as a botty-wiper. To prehistoric dogs our middens, latrines and village dumps must have appeared like manna from heaven.

Dogs have an amazing knack of inveigling themselves to humans they are born with the Ahhhhhhhhh factor, large heads and saucer size eyes make then almost irresistible to the primate that is in us all. As part of the primate family, we are hard-wired to want to cuddle something with the head and eye attributes of a pup. That is what makes them so successful in the evolutionary chain.

In what was a very small time-frame some 15000 years, they have gone from zero to 400 million. Paradoxically the wolf population has shrunk to a meagre 200 thousand At one time, the wolf (Canis lupus) had the most extensive range of any land mammal (excluding man), which included the entire Northern Hemisphere north of 13o – 20o north latitude.

Its range has now been cut back extensively mainly by the action of man. Many countries that formerly had wolf populations, including Great Britain, Mexico, and Japan, now have none, and in other countries, such as the United States, wolves occupy only a fraction of their former territory.

So how has this doggy success story happened? To all intents and purposes, dogs are highly successful biological parasites they are on a par with the ubiquitous cuckoo. They con us with their winning ways, cost us a fortune in food, time and vet bills and what do they do in return with the exception of a few working dogs like assistance, sniffer, and gundogs? Basically nothing.

Look at it this way if the human race all died tomorrow because of some nasty pandemic virus what would happen to the dogs? They cannot hunt for themselves they have lost that ability through domestication, therefore within a few generations they would probably all die out. Given the same scenario if a pandemic virus killed all the dogs how many of us would die as a result? The answer is none! it would upset a lot of people but it certainly would not have the affect that our demise would have on the dog population.

Having said all that I am an out and out dog nut, I am passionate about them despite their parasitic ways. Though their passing may not have the same disastrous affect, the world would certainly be a sadder lonelier place without our very best friend the dog.

Stan Rawlinson
Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer, who has owned and worked dogs for over 25 years, starting with gundogs then moving to the behavioural and obedience side of training companion dogs. He now has a successful practice covering
Greater London, Surrey, and Middlesex.

Stan is recommended by numerous Vets, Rescue Centres, and Charities. He writes articles and comments on behavioural issues and techniques for dog magazines including Our Dogs, Dogs Monthly and K9 Magazine and Shooting Times.

He is also the founder member of PAACT The Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers

The Pomeranian is a lively and intelligent toy breed dog. This dog has a double coat with a soft dense undercoat and longer, harsh outer coat. He is short backed with a plumed tail that is held high and folds over to sit flat on his back. This animated dog seems to always be smiling.

The ideal weight for this breed is 4 to 6 pounds and the breed limits are 3 to pounds. The dog should be sturdy when examined. He is compact with the distance between shoulders and buttocks a bit shorter than the distance between withers and ground.

The Pomeranian has a triangular head with the top of the skull being rounded with a well pronounced stop. He resembles a fox in appearance although his muzzle is rather short. The almond shaped eyes are bright and alert and dark in color. He has small ears that are upright at the top of his head and carried perfectly erect. The nose and eye rims should be black with the exception of the blue and brown colorations.

The stance of the Pomeranian is a proud one with the head carried high. He has a compact body and moderately muscled shoulders. His feet should be set straight ahead and not turn to the inside or point out.

The double coat of the Pomeranian helps give it it’s fluffy appearance. The coat is longer in the neck and chest and shorter on the legs. The tail has long lustrous hair that flows over the dogs back. There are many colors and patterns permissible in the breed. The black and tan pattern allows for tan above the eyes, on the forechest, muzzle, throat, legs and feet. The brindle pattern has a base color of red, gold or orange with black stripes. A Parti-color Pomeranian is white with patches of any other color and has a white blaze on the head. Poms can come in red, sable, orange, cream, white, black, brown and blue.

Although the Pomeranian can appear to be somewhat dainty, he is also a lively extrovert with extreme intelligence that will steal anyones heart. He has a free moving gait and lively step. They make wonderful companion dogs as well as great show dogs.

Lee Dobbins is a pomeranian owner and dog lover. Visit her site
pomeranian-pages.com Pomeranian-Pages.com for more
pomeranian-pages.com/articles2.html dog care articles and training tips.

German shepherds are undoubtedly one of the more popular dogs among families and god enthusiasts. Unfortunately, they can be susceptible to certain health problems that you need to watch out for.

German Shepherds and Hip Problems

Make no mistake about it, we love our dogs. They have quirky personalities and soon become a part of the family. Heck, I often treated my pup better than I did myself. You will note I use the pass tense. My pup recently passed away from health problems. While young, he was vibrant and playful. As he got older, however, he started having health problems until it reached a point where I had to carry him up the stairs in the house. The humane thing was to finally put him down and end the pain. It didn’t feel very humane to me and I doubt I will ever forget that moment. It does raise the issue, however, of health problems and your pup.

German shepherds are tremendously popular. They are loyal, smart, beautiful and noble dogs. Unfortunately, they are also at risk for certain health problems – particularly hip problems. If you are considering one for your family dog or already have one, you need to know the risks and what to watch out for in regard to symptoms.

The biggest issue German Shepherds face is often dysplasia. Canine hip dysplasia is sadly a fairly common problem in bigger dogs. It is caused both by genetic disposition and environmental factors. In practical terms, hip dysplasia acts like arthritis. The bones interacting in the hip joint do not fit correctly, which causes wear and tear. The body also attempts to generate cartilage to repair the problem, but it fails and actually further impedes the range of motion and exacerbates the problem. This will ultimately cause soreness and pain upon movement and will also restrict the range of motion in the legs. It can occur in the front legs, but most often presents in the hind legs.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot that can be done. Anti-inflammatory and pain medication is most often prescribed. Hip replacement surgery is possible, but results show the pup has a significantly reduced quality of life.

Canine hip dysplasia will not present in your pup as you might anticipate. Simply put, German Shepherds are stoic dogs. They will not yelp or bark from pain unless it is significant or sudden. There are only really two practical ways to realize your dog has the problem. The first is a limited range of motion. If the pup is dragging a leg or having problems getting up, you should see a vet. The second symptom you will see is dramatic. If your pup just refuses to walk or suddenly sits down while walking, it means they are in a great deal of pain. Again, they will rarely bark or yelp when this occurs, so it is important you recognize what is going on.

Ultimately, hip dysplasia is one of those things many German Shepherds are simply going to face. You can care for your pup by making sure you recognize the symptoms, see a vet and get pain medication.

John Grimes is with All Terrain – makers of