Buying a new puppy is an important decision, especially if you already own a dog. It may be a good idea to ask the previous owners or the pet store where you make your purchase how your
puppy interacted with other dogs around him. If he didn’t get along or if your other dog has acted aggressively to other dogs, you might have to spend a lot of time with them until they get accustomed to each other.

When the day arrives to introduce your new puppy to your existing dog, you can give both dogs a head start and make them feel more comfortable by making introductions in an unfamiliar place.

Start by introducing your new puppy to your dog in a place other than your home, such as a friend’s house or a park that you have never taken your dog to. This will help keep territorial issues out of the way and to keep your dog from feeling threatened. Dogs are territorial and feel that their home is their territory. When another animal crosses their territor, they may feel threatened or become aggressive.
To keep this from happening, let your dog meet his new companion at least twice before bringing him into the home.

Never expect dogs to hit it off right away when introducing your new pup to your dog. Just like people, it may take a little while for your dog to become friendly and trusting of the new puppy. On the other hand, if you have a well-natured dog, you may find him treating the new puppy like it was his own.

Always pay close attention when first introducing your new puppy to your dog. If it seems as though the two are not getting along, or there is growling back and forth, step in the middle and give out treats. Spend extra time with the older dog to show it that the puppy isn’t stealing your attention. You don’t need jealousy adding to the tension. Continue to intercept between the two until they begin to get along.
This won’t take long, as between the two they will decide who’s the leader and soon will become friends.

Dogs, just like children need a lot of tender, loving care. When introducing your new puppy to your dog, remember that you are lucky to have both of these additions to your family. Treat them with love and you’ll get much more in return.

Ken Shorey is the webmaster of info-about-dogs.com Info-About-Dogs.com.
Whether you’re searching for information about choosing the right dog, how to train it, or keep it healthy,
you’ll find it at: info-about-dogs.com info-about-dogs.com

The Siamese cat is a natural breed, which means that the traits commonly associated with the Siamese were not artificially introduced into the cat. Their history goes back hundreds of years to Thailand, or as it was then known, Siam. In modern history, Siamese were first brought to Britain and then later to the United States.

Currently there are two main Siamese cat looks. There is the “wedge-headed” cat, which is the breed standard and the “appleheaded” Siamese. The appleheaded cat is often called a “traditional” Siamese. At this point in time, it is difficult to know which cat was the true breed. It is possible that the long lithe wedge shaped cat was as common as the heavier boned applehead.

What we do know is that in the early part of the century, breeders began breeding Siamese for their slender muscular bodies and long legs. Their faces became more triangular, or wedge shaped and their ears were prominent. Over the last thirty years, as the wedge-headed type of Siamese became more popular, people came to miss the Siamese cats they had as children. Other breeders set out to revive the heavier boned, rounded faced Siamese cat. Thus, they are called the “traditional” Siamese.

Although the cats look different enough to potentially be a completely different breed, both types of Siamese are outgoing and friendly cats. Both have wonderful temperaments and in many ways act as much like a dog as a cat. Both are very active and well muscled. The slender cat is lighter boned but remains surprisingly strong.

Potentially the slender Siamese has a greater risk of certain health problems, however the teeth problems that can be so common in these cats, can also show up in their traditional counterparts. It is possible that because of the in breeding that went on to create the wedge headed cats, that the traditional breeders have been unable to breed out the more negative characteristics. It is also possible that this is just a long ongoing genetic problem with these types of cats and is related to the genetics of their coloring.

Whichever type of Siamese you get, rest assured that this is a breed that has many fans of all ages. Their bright blue eyes continue to attract fans all over the world. If this isn’t enough, their mischievious personalities and athletic prowess make them a favorite amongst cat fanciers.

Bonnie Koenig lives with her three cats. She and her Siamese maintain their website mysiamese.com mysiamese.com

One of the most common respiratory infections in dogs is Infectious tracheobronchitis, which is also known as kennel cough. According to vet professionals, this is a highly contagious infection caused by a combination of infectious agents. Many times, there is a viral infection with the canine parainfluenza virus followed by a secondary bacterial infection with Bordetella bronchiseptica. This disease is called kennel cough because it is most often transmitted between dogs living together in close quarters as in a kennel.

Pet owners may notice symptoms of this disease after their dog has been in close quarters with other dogs. Kennel situations could be a boarding facility; a pet hotel when owners are away on vacation and chose to leave their dogs; could be with a groomer; or at a dog show.

A common clinical sign is a deep, hacking cough that sounds like the dog has something caught in its throat. Some dogs may cough up a white, foamy discharge at the end of coughing fits. The cough can sound very serious; however, the infection usually clears up within one to two weeks. Vets should be able to easily identify kennel cough as the cause of the coughing just by clinical signs and history.
Antibiotics may be recommended to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Cough suppressants may help to stop the coughing as well. These treatments are usually not required though. Rarely does infectious tracheobronchitis develop into a serious bronchopneumonia which requires more aggressive treatment, according to vet professionals.

Some pet owners may want to alleviate kennel cough before it happens. In these cases, there are several kennel cough vaccines available to pet owners for their dogs. It is recommended by vets to vaccinate dogs before they go to a kennel, dog show or pet hotel, etc. Pet owners should be aware that a lot of veterinary hospitals, boarding facilities, grooming clinics, etc., require the vaccine prior to admittance. Pet owners should check with their vets on vaccination recommendations to keep their pets happy and healthy.

Author lives in Illinois; loves animals—especially cats, dogs; and is a home entrepreneur. See tidbits of information on dogs and cats at: mysite.verizon.net/limoore/dogandcats mysite.verizon.net/limoore/dogandcats

Take my word for it, no matter how much you want your new puppy to sleep with you, this is not the best option. Especially when you’re dealing with a 75-pound behemoth that’s scared of a little thunder. Your king-sized bed suddenly becomes half a twin-size bed. So next to food and a trip to the vet, a good dog bed should be one of your first major purchases. But what kind of dog bed should you get? There are literally hundreds of choices. For instance:

Large dog beds for the type of dog mentioned in the first paragraph
Outdoor beds for the pooch who prefers sleeping under the stars
Fancy designer beds for the pampered pooch that’s probably related to Paris Hilton’s Tinkerbelle
Travel and car beds for the dogs who spend a lot of time on the road
Heated beds for the cold-natured little breeds
Orthopedic beds for the pooches getting up there in age
Iron beds for the decorating pooches in your household
Chew-proof beds for…well…you know
And waterproof beds for the little pups who sometimes get a little scared at night…you know what I mean.

But no matter the bed you buy, there are a couple of rules you should be aware of. First, make sure every part of the bed is machine washable. No matter how many times you wash your dog, he’s going to manage to smell up that bed. And if it’s a bed you keep in your own bedroom, the odors that will eventually emanate from that bed will give you nightmares.

Second, get a bed with cedar shavings or a thick foam pad as the padding. This will help immensely with keeping your favorite flea friends from becoming permanent residents of your dog’s bed. Third, make sure you buy the right size dog bed. If possible, take your dog with you when you buy the bed. No matter how cute the bed is, or how well it goes with your home décor, if your dog can’t comfortably lay down in the bed, he won’t use it.

Also, pay close attention to what the bed is made of. Wicker is cute and very stylish. But fleas love it. And for the dog that hasn’t quite gotten over the chewing stage yet, a wicker bed is little more than the world’s largest chew toy. Beanbags are also popular dog beds because most people born in the late 60s still have one stowed away in their basements or attics somewhere (yes you do, admit it). But have you ever seen what’s inside a beanbag? You will find out very quickly if Fido discovers how to operate the zipper that keeps the stuffing in the bag. You would be wise to leave the beanbag in the attic and open your wallet cheapskate.

So now that you’ve done the research, go out and buy your new best friend a great bed. Remember to get the proper size. Get one with cedar shaving or foam as the padding. Make sure all parts of the bed are machine washable. And most importantly, make sure Fido likes the bed or you will have an unwanted visitor in the middle of the night…especially when there’s thunder.

Allen Shaw is a successful author who provides information on dogs-n-u.com/ dogs, dogs-n-u.com/dog-beds.htm dog beds and dog-training1.blogspot.com/ dog training.