The Big Dog Blog

A Great Invention for our Feline Friends!

2009-02-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

I have several other blogs, mainly promoting local businesses in my home state of Michigan. A writer for one of my blogs, The Genesee County Business Blog, added a company that has a great invention for cats, called the Cat Roost.

Here is what he has to say about his invention:

My inspiration for the Cat Roost came one day while visiting the Adopt-a-Pet center in Fenton Michigan. We ended up adopting two cats that day, Kitten and Angel, now better known as Siegfried and Roy. Yes just like the famous Las Vegas Tiger act duo.

Each day as I watched Siegfried & Roy cuddle up on a chair or a blanket I'd think back to my visit at Adopt-a-Pet and the crates they were kept in. The cats loved sleeping and napping in a hammock like bed made with a piece of cloth attached to the sides of the crate with shower curtain rod hooks. I wanted to find something like those improvised beds that I could bring home to them. I couldn’t find anything that was quite like what they were used to, so I thought "if I cant find something I’ll make them one”.

Later that week I was in my basement working on my bicycle when I looked over and noticed a folded up chair standing up in a corner. The chair had three legs and when folded out created a canvas top stool to sit on. I looked at it for a second and said "it’s what I’ve been looking for, the Cat Roost!” The rest as they say is history, I was on a mission. I could tell you I came up with the “Cat Roost” on my first attempt but that just didn’t happen.

I’d scour the shelves of the local Hardware Store and Lumber Yard looking for anything I could find to make what I envisioned in my head. I’d put something together, set it on the floor, step back look at it and usually say “what the heck was I thinking!” After many hours and many unsuccessful versions I came up with what you see today. It’s simple, easy to set up, move from place to place and most of all cats love it!

So that’s the story of how the Cat Roost was created. I’m always looking for ways to make life easier and more comfortable for the ones who always give us joy and unconditional love, our Pets!

DJ

And most of all............Proudly Made in the USA!

Well that's how the product came to be. If you want more information, visit the site CatRoost.com!

Another Great Pet Product!

2008-12-31T07:33:00.000-08:00

The Roomba by IRobot is becoming an ever-popular gift for people who value their time. Have you heard of these things yet? Well, it's a robotic vacuuming unit that automatically vacuums and sweeps your whole house while you do other things!

At first, I thought it was a silly idea. I mean, how hard is it to vacuum or sweep? But my mom had been raving about Max ever since she got him, so I decided I would get my wife one for Christmas, and see how it works. (Apparently, if you get a Roomba, it is the "in thing" to give it a name.) As I was looking online, I realized they also have models specifically designed for pet hair, which was perfect, because Shadow, as big as he is, leaves a lot of hair lying around. We also have 3 cats, so keeping up with the sweeping was an everyday chore.

Well, Jeeves, our new robot, has performed greatly, and my wife is very happy! He is currently sweeping my office as I type. Have you ever noticed that within an hour or so of sweeping your house, you will still find dust bunnies or tufts of pet hair lying around? And you think to yourself, "I thought I just swept that!" Well we don't see any of that any more. Jeeves is small enough to get under the beds, and even though he is round, he has a side brush that gets into the corners, even under our cabinets. We have hard floors with area rugs, and he transitions from one to another with no problem. He's very quiet, too.

Every morning, we just press the power button on the top, and away he goes! And when he is done, he finds his way back to his charging station, and gets ready for tomorrow. And the floors simply look great!

Anyway, if you are a pet owner, and you value your time, I consider the Roomba Pet Series to be a must!

What a great product!

2008-09-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, my wife was talking to someone at work about Shadow's shedding problems, and they suggested getting the FURminator to eliminate the additional hair. Well we got one, and have been using it and it WORKS GREAT.

Obviously, with larger dogs, you have a lot more hair to work with, but it also works great for small dogs, and we have been using it on our cats too. They really love it. They are a little bit expensive compared to other brushes, but they are WELL worth the cost.

Here is the description from Amazon:

Reduces shedding up to 90 percent. For long & short-haired dogs & cats. Quickly and easily removes undercoat and loose hair. Guaranteed to reduce shedding better than any brush, comb or rake. Stainless steel deShedding edge. Used and recommended by pet professionals worldwide.

Things You Should Know About Dog Training

2008-07-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

by Jenny Styles

photo courtesy of Mary R. Vogt from morguefile.com

Known as man's best friend, Dogs are the most loved domesticated animals in the world. Having a dog or puppy in a family is quite exciting for that family. But just having a dog or a puppy is not all. One should also pay attention to training his/her dog properly so that he can become an obedient and accepting part of the family. Dog training is not a simple job; it demands certain skills and approaches in order to make it useful, which can be learned in course of training. It is believed to be a good idea to train your dog yourself, though you can appoint or hire an expert or specialized dog trainer to look after the job. But both the ways have their respective merits and demerits.

Though you might commit mistakes and there could be instability in your approach it is always helpful to train your dog yourself as it gives you a better chance of establishing that significant contact or communication between you and your dog. You will gradually understand how your dog is reacting to any particular situation or what cause them to do a specific action - like barking. On the contrary, appointing a skilled person gives you immediate results but does not allow you to experience the "trial and error" method possible when training personally, which can be useful at some point of time.

Some will ask you to go for a blend of the two - train yourself, but also join a professional dog training class. This helps you to attend several things, its like eating your cake, and still keeping it. It also cuts down your expenses, needed in the case of professional trainer and still providing with the professional direction for the training. At the same time it also allows you to establish that special bond, which is possible when you train your dog by yourself.

Always keep in mind that patience; environment, and rewards are very important factors, irrespective of how you chose to train your dog. These factors affect a lot and give you total success if properly maintained.

While training you need patience, keeping in mind the fact that you are going to communicate with someone who does not speak your language or follow your way of using any communicative methods. If you see that your hard work is not yielding any satisfactory results or that you are not being able to proceed with it just do not give up. It will take some time to make your dog bark or sit by simply uttering or calling out some words to him as it is not a language which is natural or previously known to him. You have to go for many repetitions and must praise him, whenever he does something correctly, to get results.

Environment also plays an important part in dog training as dogs are very much influenced by their environment. It is better to do the training session in a quiet place with fewer disturbances, as any disturbance at the time of training can easily distract their attention. On the other hand you can select a noisier place for advanced training, but only after he is trained in basic obedience.

Dogs, being man's good friend, always try to please their owners and keep them contented. So in order to get a profitable result you must let know your dog when you are happy with him and reward him with cuddles or any treat after he performs anything, the way you wanted. This will give your dog an impression that you are happy with him and he will try to hold up this act of his in future.

So, dog training can be equally challenging and easy, if you follow the instructions provided to you here.

Information on dog adoptions can be found at The Dog Trainer.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Behavioral Problems Could Be Caused By Fear

2008-07-19T05:07:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt from the book, The Cautious Canine by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D. (shown in my posting below)

"Does Fido's barking at visitors make you a little nervous? Does Queenie run into the closet when you turn on the vacuum or cower when trucks pass by? Has your dog ever growled while you were out walking when someone tried to pet her? All of these behavioral problems are often symptoms of a dog who is afraid of someone or something. This booklet is for people who own and love a dog who has a behavioral problem that is motivated by fear. Some fearful dogs simply run and hide, but others can act out on their fears and cause harm. This program is designed to prevent that.

The method described here, classical counter conditioning, is a universally effective treatment for fear-based behavioral problems. This method can help many animals get over their fears, so you can use this booklet if your dog is afraid of the vet or a ceiling fan, if your cat is afraid of another cat, or even for yourself. (I used it myself to help get over a fear of public speaking!) To illustrate the method in detail, this booklet describes a treatment program for dogs who are afraid of unfamiliar people. If you want to use this program to treat some other fear, just substitute the relevant problem and go from there.

Will this program help any dog? This program won't help dogs if their behavior is not motivated, at least in part, by fear. There are many reasons why dogs don't act the way we want them to around strangers, so be sure to have an accurate diagnosis before you proceed. If your dog has nipped or bitten, it is essential that you first do short-term management by preventing any more occurrences, and that you begin a program with a certified applied animal behaviorist, experienced trainer or board-certified veterinary specialist in behavior. "

You can find out more about Patricia McConnell at www.dogsbestfriendtraining.com.

Best Selling Dog Books

2008-07-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

by Jenny Styles

1. HOW TO RAISE A PUPPY YOU CAN LIVE WITH, 4TH EDITION by Clarice Rutherford & David Neil

This puppy book starts way back with your breeder and steps you through all the processes to make sure you can raise a puppy the right way. It touches on the subjects of selecting breeders, bonding with puppies, discipline, house training, tricks and simple commands.

RAW DOG FOOD: MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG by Carina Beth MacDonald

This offbeat, light read received the Dog Writers of America Award for Best Book Under 100 pages for the year 2003. It is a funny, informative book on how raw diets can actually benefit dogs while being cost-efficient at the same time. This is a must-read book for those grappling with their dog's diet.

2. CAUTIOUS CANINE, 2ND EDITION by Patricia McConnell

This book is so handy it could even benefit people. Patricia McConnell walks the reader through training techniques such as counter conditioning and desensitization to deal with behavioral problems and phobias. It works with people too.

3. RALLY-O: THE STYLE OF RALLY OBEDIENCE, 3RD EDITION by Charles 'Bud' Kramer

(This book is currently not available on Amazon.com, but here is another book about Rally Obedience by Pamela Dennison)

Rally obedience advocates an exciting and fun approach to dog obedience. It's a surefire way for the dog and its owner to enjoy their training sessions. If one were to look for an effective, non-burdensome way to train to dogs, this should be in their shelves.

ONE ON ONE - A DOG TRAINER'S GUIDE TO PRIVATE TRAINING by Nicole Wilde

An intimate training guide to those new to one-on-one training sessions. It is an easily understandable, yet comprehensive guide to private training and focuses on the intricacies of the training psyche and the dog's response to such.

POSITIVE PERSPECTIVES: LOVE YOUR DOG, TRAIN YOUR DOG by Pat Miller

Almost a book about children. This groundbreaking read will change the way you view pet behavior management and pet upbringing. This comprehensive course emphasizes the emotional aspect of training and behavior modification. Also in this book: vaccination, training with treats, and housetraining.

BRINGING LIGHT TO SHADOW - A DOG TRAINER'S DIARY by Pamela Dennison

An inspirational story of how one trainer refused to give up on an ill-tempered dog with behavioral problems. It is a diary of sorts that deals with the issues, frustrations, solutions, and the patience it takes for one to deal with such difficult dogs. It is a fascinating read that should inspire every dog trainer.

Visit The Dog Trainer to learn about how to stop dog chewing problems and how to choose a dog obedience school.

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Xango Health Drink For Pets

2008-05-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

I have told you before about Xango mangosteen juice, and there is a link at the bottom of this blog to get a free sample. It is marketed as a health drink for people, but I am starting to get quite a few stories about how it helps pets.

With that in mind, click here to read a Xango story about a cute little dog named Scampy, and how Xango helped settle his poor stomach.

For more information about Xango, please see my other blog, Mangosteen Nation, or visit www.myxango.com/mangosteennation.

Nutrition For Your Puppy

2008-05-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

by Jim McKiel
photo courtesy of morgueFile

This article focuses on some of the nutritional foundations needed to insure your puppy grows into a healthy adult.

The mother's milk provides the puppy with all the nutrients and antibodies he needs for the first four weeks of life. You can introduce moistened puppy kibble around the age of four weeks. This will be introduced to the puppy as he continues to nurse. You may feed the puppy his kibble twice a day as long as he is still getting enough of his mother's milk. Whenever he gives up his nursing, which will be around the age of seven to eight weeks, his dry food feeding will increase. It is still advisable to moisten his dry food with warm water for a few weeks until he has adjusted. Unless your breeder or vet advises, it is not necessary to add canned puppy food to your puppy's dry kibble. The dry puppy kibble is sufficient as long as you use a high quality puppy food.

Giving your puppy the right nutrition will provide him a healthy beginning for a healthy life. During a puppy's first six months, he will need a highly digestible diet consisting of more protein and fat. A puppy is usually fed three to four small meals a day until he is about four months old. The amount at each feeding will be determined by the brand of food and the advice of the breeder and your vet. It is very important not to over feed the puppy as this may lead to problems later in their life. Along with the vet, your breeder will be able to guide you on the proper feeding plan of your new puppy.

When the puppy is four months old, you may start feeding him three times a day. Once again, the amount of each feeding will be determined by many factors including brand of food, breeder and vet advice. Around nine months of age a puppy is fed twice a day. Some vets recommend feeding a puppy once a day when they reach a year in age. There are some who think you should continue feeding a dog twice a day; just feed them smaller amounts in the morning and evening. This will help avoid gastro-intestinal problems, especially in larger breed dogs. This varies of course and should be discussed with the vet and breeder.

There are many commercial pet foods available for puppies and the quality of these foods vary. Normally the higher quality foods cost more as they use higher quality ingredients and less fillers. This means your puppy will be able to get more nutrients while consuming less food. During a puppy's growing stage is not the time to try to save money on cheaper pet food or to feed your puppy table scraps. A quality puppy food will have all the necessary vitamins, proteins and nutrients the animal needs. Also, it is not necessary to give your puppy extra vitamins or supplements if the animal is on a quality pet food unless your vet advises you to do so. Along with quality puppy food make sure your puppy has fresh water at all times.

Large breed puppies actually need less calories and calcium in their diets. A puppy who consumes too many calories and too much calcium may develop joint problems. Large breed dogs have a slower metabolic rate and actually reach their adult weight later then smaller breed dogs. It is essential that large breed puppies don't grow too fast or put on too much weight as puppies as this could cause developmental skeletal problems in later life. Large breeds are usually kept on puppy food longer then smaller breeds; sometimes from one year to eighteen months. Ask your vet or breeder when the large breed puppy should be switched to adult dog food.

As discussed before, table scraps are not recommended for dogs. Any human food that contains salt, sugar or other addictives may upset the puppies or dogs gastro system. Animals don't need salt or sugar in their diet and human food is loaded in these ingredients.

Good nutrition for your puppy is the stepping stone to a healthy, happy dog. A well cared for puppy is easier to train and will make an obedient and trusted member of the family.

Jim McKiel lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife Doris and their pet family members Buddy and Buster. They have devoted their lives to the betterment of pet ownership. For more information, visit http://LargeBreedFamilyDogs.com

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The Japanese Akita Dog

2008-03-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

by Ken Charles

Origin and History of the Akita Dog.

The Japanese Akita is not a suitable dog as a normal family pet. It was originally bred in the Akita Prefecture in Japan, as a hunting dog, for deer, wild boar and even bears. For this purpose, it required to be a large, strong dog with confident, dominant tendencies and an independent nature. The Akita is also known as Akita Inu, which is Japanese for dog.

The average height for the Akita is between 24 to 28 inches and will weigh from eighty to one hundred and ten pounds. He has strong, heavy bones and a muscular body. This is a lot of dog!

The Akita has a double coat, which is harsh and waterproof, with a thick, dense undercoat. It sheds profusely, all year round and requires brushing and grooming every day. Colors include white, white with tan patches and other combinations, including brindle. The dense coat of this breed means that he is happy in the snow but he will suffer in a hot climate.

This is not a dog for inexperienced owners, or for people who are elderly or weak. Akitas are intelligent and athletic and when socialized are faithful and affectionate but will always strive for the dominant position in the family group. He may show aggression towards family members and may not suit a family with small children. With this breed, it is vital that you are the Alpha Dog and that he knows his place in your "pack"!

The Akita may show aggression towards other dogs and small animals and should not be allowed to roam off-leash in public areas where there are many people and other dogs.

Training Akitas

The Akita can be difficult to train because they are intelligent and stubborn and can quickly become bored. it should never be a question of "asking" an Akita to do something. It must always be a strong command from a dominant owner. When you say "NO", mean it and make it stick. You may have problems with house training, as Akitas suffer from urinary infections in infancy.

There is plenty of information available online, much of it Free, on the subject of Dog Aggression. Any dog which shows undue aggression, to people or animals, is in urgent need of proper expert training.

If you take an Akita into your family, you must be prepared to spend time and effort on training, socializing, excercise and grooming. This large dog also costs a lot to feed.

Akitas in the Family

There are conflicting opinions about the suitability of Akitas with young children. Historically, the breed had a strong reputation for being protective of young children and were often left in sole charge. Other opinions point out the dominant nature of the breed and the fact that these dogs will compete for their place in the pack. Certainly, a young child will be no match physically for an adult Akita.

Proper supervision of the behavior of the dog and the children is essential in this situation. Having said this, a well socialized Akita will be more comfortable with this.

Akitas make extremely good guard dogs. They have a strong territorial instinct and will be very protective of family and property. As a watch dog, they are quietly effective. They do not bark unnecessarily but will certainly raise the alarm at the approach of any strange visitors or sounds.

The average lifespan of the Akita is about 12 years. Like many other breeds of dog, cancer is the most common cause of death. Recent surveys in both the United Kingdom and the USA/Canada revealed this to be the case, with other causes including cardiac and bloat/torsion.

There is a load of Free information and useful links on Japanese Akitas at http://allabout-dogs.co.uk/akita which also covers all aspects of dog ownership, including Dog Training, Dog Breeds, Dog Food and Dog Health. For the best advice on training the Akita, visit http://allabout-dogs.co.uk/Dog_Trainers

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Dogs, Raisins and Grapes

2008-01-31T07:57:00.000-08:00

Here is some information about the health hazards associated with dogs eating grapes and/or raisins. This info has been circulating for a while, but I have decided to pass it on to those who may not have heard about it. It originally surfaced as a pass-along e-mail, but it is not any type of hoax. It has been confirmed by Snopes. I am not sure about the validity of the actual story, but the danger is definitely real.

Written by:
Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville , Ohio

This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7AM.

I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute Renal failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me - had heard something about it, but.... Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give I V fluids at 1 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.

The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine! Over 5 ( 1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids. At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care.

He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting. Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220.. He continued to vomit and the owners elected to Euthanize.

This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats including our ex-handler's. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern.

Onions, chocolate, cocoa and macadamia nuts can be fatal, too.

Even if you don't have a dog, you might have friends who do. This is worth passing on to them.

Confirmation from Snopes about the above...
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins.asp

What to Look for When Buying Pet Food

2008-01-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

by Craig Elliott

Most pet owners put as much thought and care into feeding our cat or dog as we do to feeding ourselves. Browse the pet food section of your local supermarket and you will see an incredibly large choice of cat and dog food to choose from, and there are even more options if you shop at a pet store.

The wording on pet food sold in the US is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. (AAFCO) Pet food manufacturers must list the ingredients by weight - with the first ingredient being the main one. The nutritional breakdown of fat, fiber and protein indicate that the food contains the minimum amount indicated and not necessarily the full amount.

The pet food industry is entirely self-regulated and there is nothing to prevent pet food companies from using poor quality ingredients. Consider buying name brand pet foods for your cat or dog. They may be priced slightly higher than the equivalent store brand - but premium pet foods generally have higher quality ingredients as well as contain added vitamins and antioxidants.

Try to choose pet food that suits the specific needs of your pet - your cat or dog will have different dietary needs as a puppy or kitten, than when full grown. You may find that you change your pet's food several times over the course of his or her life, especially if their health deteriorates.

You can buy pet food that is designed specifically for young or old pets, pets that are diabetic, lactating or pregnant - and even food designed for cats that have a problem with fur balls. There are cat and dog foods that are designed for the indoor or inactive pet. Never feed dog food to cats or cat food to dogs.

Perhaps your biggest decision will be whether to feed your pet dry or moist foods. There are advantages to each of these - and it doesn't hurt to vary your pet's diet by alternating between them. And if you are going to feed your pet the occasional treat, try to choose healthy treats - a surprising number of pet treats are unhealthy with a high fat content.

Cats have three basic types of food - dry, moist and canned food. Dry food - also known as kibble - has the advantage of staying fresh longer once it has been opened. It also tends to be the least expensive as well as the least tasty - if you have a finicky cat, he or she may not be enthusiastic about dry food. A cat eating only dry food will drink more water.

Moist cat food is similar to dry food, but is soft and chewy - most cats are able to easily eat this kind of food. Moist cat food has moisture content of around 35%, so if you are feeding your cat exclusively moist food, make sure that water is readily available. Once the food has been opened, it tends to dry out quickly and lose its taste.

Even the most finicky cat will eat and enjoy canned food. Canned food comes in an often overwhelming variety of flavors and the cost can vary, based on the content and quality of the meat. And cats that only eat canned food are getting plenty of water - most canned food has moisture content of around 75%.

Dog food also comes in the three basic types - dry, moist and canned. Dry food is less expensive, as well as being easier to buy in bulk and store. And dogs can benefit from a diet of dry food as it helps to reduce a build up of tartar and generally helps to exercise your dog's mouth muscles.

Moist foods for dogs can often contain a large amount of preservatives and artificial colors. They also tend to be high in sugar content and are not generally considered a good source of nutrition. Canned food tends to be better quality and actually contains real meat. An older dog or a dog with sore gums or having difficulty chewing should be fed canned food. However, canned food is costlier - especially when feeding a larger dog.

If you are changing the type of food your cat or dog eats, one effective method is to gradually mix in the new food with the old over a period of several days. On the first day, the serving should consist of ¾ old foods and ¼ new food, on the nest day ½ and ½ and so on, until your pet is eating just the new food.

Always discuss your pet's diet with your vet. It is worth taking the trouble to ensure that your cat or dog is not only enjoying mealtimes, but is being fed the right food too.

Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning pet care such as Pet Medicine

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Get Pet Beds For Your Large Breed Dogs

2008-01-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

Comfort is of extreme importance to your pet, and having a bed that will fit a large dog is sometimes hard to find. I know that Shadow sometimes gets antsy trying to find himself a nice comfortable place to lay down.

So here is a list of links where you can order pet beds online so that your pet can have a good spot to relax.

Animal Comforts

Orvis

Snoozer Dog Beds

Greg Robert

Some of the suppliers also have beds for cats and smaller dogs, too, as well as orthopedic beds, memory foam, etc.

If you have any other suggestions for pet bed suppliers, please let me know by posting a comment.

Taking Your Big Dog to the Pet Store!

2008-01-15T17:38:00.000-08:00

What a great idea it has been for some of the pet stores in our area to let us take our pets INSIDE the store. Shadow just LOVES it when he gets to go bye-bye to PETCO! He always seems to hold his head up higher, and kind of prance through the store, trying to see and sniff everything that we will let him get near. Plus, he always knows that the trip is just for him, and that he will get some toys or treats.

And the people there are always amazed at how big he is, and even more amazed at how gentle he is. He is quite a hit!

He is very well-behaved in the store, too. He sees other dogs, that would normally make him go crazy (if they were approaching our yard or something), but for some reason, in the store, he is just happy to be there. I think if he could talk, he would be saying something like "I'm a lucky dog", like they used to show in the old TV commercial.

So anyway, if you haven't tried it, give your big dog a special treat by taking him out to the pet supply store. It's great exercise for them, and they really love it!

Astro & Cosmo

2007-12-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

Hey folks, I just found out about another site of some friends who have 2 Great Danes that they like to blog about, Astro & Cosmo. Check out their site at astro-n-cosmo.blogspot.com.

Have a great Christmas!

Help for Ailing Pets - Mangosteen Juice

2007-12-13T06:05:00.000-08:00

I am forwarding this message because I know that a lot of the large breed dogs have back and hip problems, and mangosteen juice has been known to improve joint function and boost the immune system. I have a site titled www.mangosteennation.blogspot.com that has some more information about mangosteen. I use this product continually to keep my family healthy, and periodically for Shadow when he has minor injuries or hip pain. (he is one clumsy dog, and sometimes trips going up stairs) Anyway, if your pet is suffering from health issues, it may help. If you are interested in learning even more about mangosteen, check out the product site at www.myxango.com/mangosteennation.

Mangosteen and 13 year Old Miniature Dachshund With a Disintegrated Back Disc...

When asked to write about the effects of aging and the danger of some of the most important folks in our lives, (our little dogs), I almost immediately got tears in my eyes.

My best little four legged friend is "Ms. Scarlet," our long haired, miniature dachshund. We've had her since she was a tiny little puppy. She loves to sit on my lap.

As many of you may know, this breed of dog is very prone to back issues because their little legs are just too short to support their long bodies. We, our family, have always watched that Ms. Scarlet didn’t jump off of furniture, or climb stairs, because of the inclination to have a back injury.

Ms. Scarlet is now 13 years old and last year, just overnight, Scarlet woke up one morning, and she couldn’t stand or walk, and if she tried, the pain would cause her to urinate on the spot. She couldn't even move her real legs, and curled them up under her. I immediately made her an appointment with her Vet and was told that she had a disintegrated disc, and that surgery would be the ONLY solution, and that at her age it would be a real risk.

Ed and I were faced with a decision that most pet owners are faced with at one time or another. It was at this point that Ed said, "Before we make any difficult decisions, let’s see if Xango will work for her."

It was at that point that I started giving Scarlet a dropper of Xango twice a day. It didn’t take but a month, and Scarlet was running around the house with the rest of the dogs and she still is. Our little girl, "Ms. Scarlet." is now almost blind and can’t hear very well, but she's as frisky as a puppy. She hops around in and out of the house, and scampers to the back door to run and play outside with our 2 other miniature dachshund puppies (1 year old). She is much slower than the puppies, but she is 13 years old, and still alive and well, and she's actually still hopping around. God has given us more years with Ms. Scarlett, that we didn't think we would have, and we are so grateful to God for that.

I know that God played a big part in this, because we pray for all our pets, along with all of our family and friends, but I also KNOW in my heart, that if we had not given Ms. Scarlet her Xango every day, she would not be here with us today. By the way, she sends her love and said to tell you that she is still taking her Xango faithfully.

Yvonne Johnson

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or, medical problems. It is not intended to replace your doctor's recommendations. The information is provided for educational purposes only. Nutritional benefits may vary from one person to another. TheCompany, XanGo LLC, cannot and does not make any medical or therapeutic claims about their product, XanGo, nor may any XanGo Independent Distributor. The XanGo Mangosteen Juice is made with the whole Mangosteen fruit that is rich with over 40 xanthones, under an International Patent. Mangosteen and Xanthones have been researched for many years by independent scientists, researchers, and medical schools who have no affiliation with XanGo. Many of the abstracts of their papers can be found at www.pubmed.gov . Enter "Xanthones" into the search bar. Any personal mangosteen story or experience you hear or read about is not to suggest or imply that you or anyone else might have the same reaction or benefit.We merely say, "Try the Mangosteen Product made by XanGo and see what benefits you receive."

Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Big Dog Lovers!

2007-12-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

Hey, I was just surfing the web, and stumbled upon this great site that sells holiday ornaments and gifts using big dogs as the focal points. They will also post pictures of your big dog, and even have a holiday photo contest.

Anyway, I thought it was a great site to check out:

www.bigtalldog.com

All About American Eskimo Dogs

2007-10-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

by El Young

I know that you find American Eskimo dog so irresistibly cute with all those fluffy hairs and stuffs. And he can be a real charmer too, American Eskimo dogs are naturally very friendly, playful and devoted, which no doubt you’ll find a very pleasing trait for an incredibly cute dog. But, do you know all there is to know about American Eskimo dogs?

American Eskimo dogs originate from arctic regions, accounting much for its fluffy fur. A member of the Spitz dog family, American Eskimo dogs resembles in temperament much like Siberian husky and the malamute in its playfulness nature but possesses more intelligence and thus high trainability than its arctic cousins. American Eskimo dogs are also very friendly, pack oriented that is devoted to every family member and suspicious to strangers. For that they make excellent family guard dogs, barking to announce strangers but won’t attack.

These traits make American Eskimo dogs highly suited as companion dogs. Their friendly temperament compounded with their high trainability factor makes them highly prized dogs as family pets. And because they are exceedingly cute, and provides a reason for taking care of (the hair requires substantial brushing) they are top notch choices for first time owners, even children, providing companionship or functioning as therapy dogs.

American Eskimo dogs, like most dogs of the polar region require a degree of exercise or playing, especially when pups where they tend to be so playful with exhaustible energy. And the transition from pups to full grown dogs tend to be slow, so the burden of constant outdoor activities tend to be a burden for some. But this aspect could be a beneficial factor, giving an individual reason enough to sport on their runners and sweats.

The amount of hair on American Eskimo dogs can be a problem. It requires cleaning for one. Though normally American Eskimo dogs are adapted to colder climates thus having a lesser pronation to “doggy sweat” smell, they will still stink enough with dirt easily adhering to their coats. The fur underneath their eyes can stain too, with tear stain if not clean regularly. The routine to keep a clean American Eskimo dogs is therefore a shampoo once a week interspersed with coat brushing.

With regards to tick and fleas, the amount of hair on American Eskimo dogs can be a problem too. Their long hair means a bigger habitable environment for fleas, so an anti flea shampoo should be routinely used aside from regular shampoos the dog may use.

Lastly, with white fluffy hair, red lapping tongue, a few other dogs can be as cute as an American Eskimo dog at play. And playing is what they like best. So make sure if you’re bringing home an American Eskimo dog, you’re ready to spend some quality park time with him.

El is the owner of the dog obedience training website. Visit www.dog-training-reviewed.com to find out more resources and offers for dog lovers.

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A Guide to Choosing the Right Dog Breed for Best Companionship

2007-08-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

By: Moses Wright
Photo Courtesy of: www.missyredboots.com

Dog owners don't just go out there and get any puppy they like! It is not as easy as you think. There are many factors to consider before you decide to buy any puppy breed. Getting the right one will bring many years of happiness and quality companionship to you and your family. On the other hand, getting the wrong one will inevitably add headaches and irritations to your life.

Your financial standing, lifestyle, size and family type are important considerations to be factored when choosing a specific dog type.

While some breeds may required more attention, some require more exercises than the others, some are more suitable for families with young children, some are more prone to genetic health issues and some may simply required more money to own than others.

The amount of dog breed choices is so huge, it is the dog owner's responsibility to research and learn what type of breed is actually more suitable to living with them. The number one reason for dogs to be surrendered to animal shelters is that they don't match the needs or the lifestyle of their owners. The idea of this article is to help you in choosing the right breed of dog to try and reduce the potential issues that could result when the wrong type is chosen.

Here are some important factors to consider before you proceed to bring your puppy home:

1. Accommodation - All dogs need some form of exercise in one way or another, but there are significant disparities among breeds. Small breeds tend to adapt better than large breeds to the smaller space available in an apartment. Nevertheless, some larger breeds who are not as active as others can still adapt well.

Consider how much room do you have for a dog, apartment and a house with or without fenced-in yard makes a different in the type of dog you should get. Having a fenced-in yard will cut down on the time required to walk your dog for bathroom breaks and exercising. All breed will adapt well in this type of setting, but the more active breeds will require more exercises. Giving a dog sufficient exercise is vital to having a good relationship with your dog. Many undesirable behaviors, such as hyperactivity, nuisance barking and destructive behaviors are results of insufficient exercise.

Laws and regulation in the place where you reside also need to be considered. Some landlords do not allow dogs in their rental units at all, while some neighborhoods have strict guidelines regarding the size and the breed of dog that can be owned in that neighborhood.

2. Lifestyle - Dogs are social animals and require time from their owners, some more, some less. If you work long hours, a dog is really not the best pet choice, especially if you live alone. A pet like a cat or fish that require less upkeep may be a better fit for your lifestyle.

While there are dogs that are fine with being left alone for longer periods (Shetland sheepdog, golden retriever and bloodhound), other dogs may undergo separation anxiety and result in undesirable behavioral issues. Do not condemn a social animal such as a dog to a life of fear, and boredom. If you find it difficult not to own a dog for various reasons, employ a dog walker, enroll him into a daycare center or maybe entrust him to your retired neighbor.

3. Family - Make sure that everyone in the family is supportive of a dog. There are dogs with the inclination for aggression and biting so it is less suitable for households with smaller kids. Young ignorant children are likely to irritate the dogs through rough play without knowing what they are doing. Dog breeds that are more patient and tolerant of children is advisable for families with young kids. Herding dogs might not be the best option because of their natural inborn instinct to herd cattle, they are likely to do so with your younger family members. Such innate instincts can result in nipping incidents.

Existing pets in the household must be considered when getting a new dog. The temperament of the new dog needs to be compatible with those of the existing pets to make sure no problems will arise with the new addition. Territorial problems should be expected. They usually clear up within a week or so. It is advisable to give them food separately during the first meetings, as food is a main reason for rivalry in dogs.

4. Financial Obligations - Dog ownership is a long commitment with on going expenses. The initial cost will vary depending on the breed and type of dog you select. Perigees are generally are more expensive than mutts no matter where you get them. On the other hand, rescued pedigrees found in animals shelters cost much lesser. It is best to be able to see and meet your potential dog's parents.

Apart from the initial purchase price, you might want to go to a local pet warehouse to check out the prices of dog supplies. Dog food, collars, leashes, toys, food bowls, crates, and any other supplies you think you need for your dog, and not forgetting your veterinary bills, grooming expenses and even an insurance policy.

It is always advisable to ask your dog owner friends or family members to have a rough idea of how much they spend annually on their dogs.

5. Purpose of dog ownership - Understanding your primary reason for getting a dog. Do you intend to show, breed or hunt with the dog? Is the dog needed for service, therapy or for companionship only? For breeding or showing, you need a dog that meets or exceeds the standards for the breed and has all the appropriate documentation of its lineage. For hunting, you will require a good scent or sight-hunting dog. While there are many breeds that are suitable to work as service or therapy dogs, they generally must possess good temperament, keen willingness to learn and good concentration. Knowing the purpose would inevitably help to select the right breed.

6. Size - Dogs can be largely divided into three size categories based on their weight at maturity. Smaller dogs commonly weight up to 20 pounds, Medium dogs in the region of 20-50 pounds and larger dogs are mostly heavier than 50 pounds.

As a rule of thumb, bigger breeds are unsuitable if you live in a small apartment, or a home with a small or unfenced yard. Nevertheless, this is not the case for all dogs. Some dogs such as golden retrievers actually possess characteristics that make them more suitable than an active schnauzer to apartment living. Temperament and activity level are equally important when selecting the right breed.

While smaller dogs generally do not require as much space as larger dogs, caution should be taken with small breeds due to their small and fragile bodies. Smaller dog breeds are more prone to accidents and injuries during play with owners or other dogs, it is because of their small stature. On the other hand, large breeds can unintentionally cause harm to small children when playing. It is also found that large breeds have a shorter life span of 8-12 years while small breeds can live up to 15 or 16 years.

7. Temperament - Purebreds display well-understood mental temperaments and characteristics to a large extent while mutts are more difficult to determine. It is advised that advise and consultations be sought in choosing a dog with the right nature to suit your life. If you have children, look for dogs with a low tendency to bite and a high tolerance for handling. If it is a guard dog, you want it to be obedient but still able to effectively guard the territory. Over aggressive dogs must not be considered.

In a nutshell, adding a dog to your family is a life changing and long commitment. Consider carefully before you decide to bring the puppy back. Take the time to choose the best dog breed. By doing so, I'm sure you will get to enjoy and be rewarded many times over by the love, affection and good company that he or she will bring into your life.

Moses Wright has been a dog lover since young and now he loves to help fellow dog owners solve their dog problems whenever he can. You can get a free copy of his book filled with useful and practical tips here: http://www.dogsobediencetraining.com/dogger_enews.htm

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Memphis Man Shot By Dog

2007-08-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. This is a local Memphis news story:

In case you've missed the headlines, a local man was shot by his dog on Wednesday morning. In fairness to the dog (a Great Dane named King George), the shooting was an accident. Apparently, King George was excited by visitors to his home and accidentally knocked a handgun off of a table and onto the floor. The gun then discharged, sending a bullet into the back of the dog's owner. Perhaps King George should have taken a handgun safety class before trying to handle a gun. The good news is, his owner is expected to make a full recovery.

Klondike, the World's Greatest Big Dog!

2007-07-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

I found this on YouTube and thought it was a cool tribute to a large dog.

Here is what the owner wrote:

Klondike, the Big Dog. When you hear thunder, it is him, chasing the UPS trucks in that Great (and Big) Dog Place in the Sky.

Which Dog Breed is Suitable for You?

2007-07-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

by El Young

Through the years, man has been served by many types of beasts. From cattle to horses to beasts of burden. However, out of all these, only one serves us by choice – the dog.

Scientific research and DNA evidence shows that dogs have been man’s companion since 15,000 years ago. They were first domesticated from wolves. As pack animals, they display certain pack instincts, such as loyalty and devotion, which of course make them the perfect companion, the perfect best friend.

There are many breeds of dogs and often the differences between each one are highly varied. Some dogs are long-snouted, some have blunt faces, while others are as small as barely 5 inches at the withers. Currently, there are nearly 400 different breeds of dogs worldwide that are officially recognized.

Below are some of the more common breeds of dogs that you are likely to encounter in your local pet shop:

Akita

Originating from Japan, Akita means “the Most Venerated One.” Akita dogs are workers, used mainly in hunting large game and dog fighting. They are medium to giant size, strong, and often independent. As such, they can be hard to manage and thus are not suitable as family pets or for first time dog owners. However, if you own an Akita, you have the distinction of one of the few owners of a dog that belongs to the 14 rare and ancient breeds of dogs.

American Eskimo Dogs

Fondly called “Eskies” by devotees, American Eskimo Dogs are one of the many breeds of dogs that are descended from the Nordic breed. Beautiful with thick, often pure white but may sometimes be creamy white coats and dark noses, American Eskimo Dogs are hardy, gentle, and playful companions. Their fox-like heads and triangular erect ears show their intelligence while their rounded, lion-like manes and softly plumed tails reveal their fun-loving nature. With their devotion and natural affection for humans, Eskies make wonderful pets for children.

Irish Setter

Of all the Irish American breeds of dogs, the Irish Setter is probably the most popular. Irish setters were originally working dogs that used to “set” game. That is, they would crouch down close to a game (a bird, for instance) and wait until the hunter would throw a net over the dog and the game. Today, Irish setters, particularly the field types, are primarily gun dogs, bird dogs, and all in all reliable hunting companions. Their friendliness and genuine affection for humans make them great pets. Their excellent tempers and loyalty rival the best of the breeds of dogs.

Golden Retriever

Arguably one of the more popular breeds of dogs, Golden Retrievers are loyal, friendly dogs with a high level of sociability and intelligence. While they typically bark when startled, they are not considered as good watchdog because of their friendly nature. Their color ranges from dark golden coat to nearly blonde. As such, they are sometimes fondly referred to as “Yellow Retrievers.”

El is the owner of the dog obedience training website. Visit now to find out more resources and offers for dog lovers.

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Newfoundland dogs. The dogs for aristocrats

2007-07-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

By: John Ugoshowa

The dogs which take their name from the island of Newfoundland appeal to all lovers of animals.There are now two established varieties, the black and the white and black. There are also bronze-coloured dogs, but they are rare. The black variety of the Newfoundland is essentially black in colour; but this does not mean that there may be no other colour, for most black Newfoundlands have some white marks. In fact, a white marking on the chest is said to be typical of the true breed. Any white on the head or body would place the dog in the other than black variety. The black colour should preferably be of a dull jet appearance which approximates to brown. In the other than black class, there may be black and tan, bronze, and white and black. The latter predominates, and in this colour, beauty of marking is very important. The head should be black with a white muzzle and blaze, and the body and legs should be white with large patches of black on the saddle and quarters, with possibly other small black spots on the body and legs.

Apart from colour, the varieties should conform to the same standard. The head should be broad and massive, but in no sense heavy in appearance. The muzzle should be short, square, and clean cut, eyes rather wide apart, deep set, dark and small, not showing any haw; ears small, with close side carriage, covered with fine short hair (there should be no fringe to the ears), expression full of intelligence, dignity, and kindness.

The body should be long, square, and massive, loins strong and well filled; chest deep and broad; legs quite straight, somewhat short in proportion to the length of the body, and powerful, with round bone well covered with muscle; feet large, round, and close. The tail should be only long enough to reach just below the hocks, free from kink, and never curled over the back. The quality of the coat is very important; the coat should be very dense, with plenty of undercoat; the outer coat somewhat harsh and quite straight.

The appearance generally should indicate a dog of great strength, and very active for his build and size, moving freely with the body swung loosely between the legs, which gives a slight roll in gait. As regards size, the Newfoundland Club standard gives 140 lbs. to 120 lbs. weight for a dog, and 110 lbs. to 120 lbs. for a bitch, with an average height at the shoulder of 27 inches and 25 inches respectively; but it is doubtful whether dogs in proper condition do conform to both requirements.

When rearing puppies give them soft food, such as well-boiled rice and milk, as soon as they will lap, and, shortly afterwards, scraped lean meat. Newfoundland puppies require plenty of meat to induce proper growth. The puppies should increase in weight at the rate of 3 lbs. a week, and this necessitates plenty of flesh, bone and muscle-forming food, plenty of meat, both raw and cooked. Milk is also good, but it requires to be strengthened with casein. The secret of growing full-sized dogs with plenty of bone and substance is to get a good start from birth, good feeding, warm, dry quarters, and freedom for the puppies to move about and exercise themselves as they wish. Forced exercise may make them go wrong on their legs. Medicine should not be required except for worms, and the puppies should be physicked for these soon after they are weaned, and again when three or four months old, or before that if they are not thriving. If free from worms, Newfoundland puppies will be found quite hardy, and, under proper conditions of food and quarters, they are easy to rear.

John Ugoshowa. You can find out more about dogs and the dog section of The Free Ad Forum. http://www.thefreeadforum.com/infowizards/CAT/Dogs_73_1.html

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Great Danes

2007-06-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

By El Young

In popular culture, anyone would see several references of Great Dane dogs: from Hanna-Barbera’s Scooby-Doo and Astro of the Jetsons to Einstein in Disney’s Oliver & Company and Duke and Turk of the Swiss Family Robinson. That’s not all, there’s still Ace from Batman Beyond, G.B. Stern's The Ugly Dachshund novel, Mars and Jupiter from the patriot, the 2003 movie Good Boy…and so on.

Great Dane dogs have enjoyed a history of celebrated success more than most dog breed because they have characteristics uniquely their own: long, slender and lanky bodies with a regal bearing coupled with a gentle temperament common to the mastiff breed, of whom it might be closely related.

Appearance of Great Dane Dogs

The general minimum height of Great Dane dogs is 28 – 32 inches at the withers, and weighs a general minimum of 100 – 120 lbs. Comparatively an English Mastiff can grow 27 – 32 inches and weighs 175 – 200 lbs, making a Great Dane impression as tall and lanky. One of its prominent features aside from a well muscled slender body is long slender legs and a broad skull with a generally square appearance, especially along the snout. Coats of fawn are the most common along with a black mask. Other common coat color is brindle, blue and black, some lesser occurring coat colors is the harlequin (pure white but with black patches distributed over the entire body) and mantle.

Temperament of Great Dane Dogs

Though a large, well muscled dog, Great Dane dogs are famed for being very tolerant, such is why they have earned the sobriquet “Gentle giants”. This also makes them poor guard dogs, being predisposed to human affection even to strangers. But because of such temperament, plus mild activity, they make perfect pets for aging individuals as well as younger children.

Great Dane dogs have strong dominance issues regarding other dogs and smaller animals, which is why it is imperative that Great Dane dogs receive obedience training as well as aggression training while still young.

Health Issues of Great Dane Dogs

Common to large dogs such as Mastiffs and Mossolers, Great Dane dogs have slow metabolism. That is also why Great Dane dogs are more placid than other energetic dogs like huskies and malamutes. And much like most dogs that are somewhat inactive, they are prone to bloating, hip dysplasia, and a string of congenital heart diseases. And like Dalmatian dogs, Great Dane dogs have a genetic disposition to become deaf as they age.

El is the owner of the dog behavioral training website. Visit http://www.dog-training-reviewed.com/ to find out more resources and offers for dog lovers.

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Can you find Divot?

2007-06-16T04:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture that kind of gives you an idea of how big Shadow is. If you look closely, inside the cage is a small blond puff of fur named Divot. That's my mom's Maltese. When my parents come to town, we usually keep Divot in a cage, not because the two dogs fight, but just to keep Shadow from accidentally stepping on Divot. One misstep from our beast, and Divot would be in serious trouble.

Truth be told, when the two dogs are together, Divot is the one that is the aggressor, growling and yapping at Shadow. Shadow pretty much thinks Divot is a living stuffed animal, and just wants to play.

Speaking of stuffed animals, the last time my parents were in town, they brought a teddy bear which was Divot's toy. After they left, Shadow continued to play with the teddy bear, but not destroy it. This is unusual behavior for Shadow, because usually when he gets a stuffed animal, it's a matter of minutes before it is nothing but a "skin" on the floor next to a big pile of batting material. I don't know if Shadow thinks the bear actually IS Divot, or if it just smells like him, or if Shadow just misses his little buddy, but that was about a year ago, and the teddy bear is still in one piece. A record!

Well, hopefully my parents will visit soon and Shadow can see his pal again.

Medical Conditions Affecting Large Breed Dogs

2007-06-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

By Jim McKiel

This article will discuss five of the medical conditions and diseases affecting large breed dogs.

There are many ailments and conditions that are more prevalent in large breed dogs. Until further medical studies can be conducted and a pattern of inheritance established for these ailments and conditions, dogs that have a risk for these diseases will be said to have breed predisposition. If a breed of dog is known to have an inherited condition each animal should be tested before breeding with another. The only way to prevent the spread of known ailments or condition is to not breed a carrier of the disease. Since some ailments or conditions may skip a generation or two before appearing in the breed, there is no fool proof way to stop a genetic disorder from being passed on.

One of the most common heart defects found in large breed dogs is congenital aortic stenosis. With aortic stenosis the heart must work harder to pump an adequate blood supply because of an obstruction to the flow of blood. Just as in humans, dogs can have mild to severe aortic stenosis. With mild stenosis a dog will most likely show no signs of the disease and have a normal life expectancy. If the dog suffers from moderate to severe stenosis, their activity level will be greatly reduced due to the heart not pumping enough blood to the rest of the body. Over time the disease leads to the thickening of the heart muscle and this can eventually lead to an early death.

Getting medical check ups for your pet and catching aortic stenosis in the early stages may aid in the treatment.

Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or as it is commonly known as bloat, is predisposed to the deep-chested large breed dogs. Be aware that any dog can fall victim to this condition and unfortunately it is usually fatal. There is no definitive cause of GDV but over eating or drinking has been linked to some cases in predisposed breeds. During GDV, the stomach rotates (the stomach of a dog is securely fixed at the top in one spot) making the stomach distension painful and stretching the blood vessels reducing circulation to the stomach. This can damage the lining of the stomach which may lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream. Also the blood flow to the heart may be interrupted due to the pressure of major veins from the distended stomach. Receiving immediate medical attention is imperative as surgery is the only hope of the dog surviving.

Feeding your dog smaller meals three times a day instead of one big meal and limiting the amount of water they drink at one time may help prevent GDV. Also, placing their water and food dishes on an elevated food stand may aid in the digestion of their food.

Hypothyroidism is a common condition usually found in mid to large breed middle age dogs. This condition is caused when the thyroid gland is damaged or destroyed and not enough thyroid hormone is produced. The resulting effects of low thyroid production can be:

• Lethargy

• Weight gain

• Hair loss

• Anemia

• Slow heart rate

• Dry coat

There are blood tests the vet can run to diagnose this condition and once diagnosed the condition is easily treated with a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone which will need to be administered for the rest of the dog's life. Canine hip dysplasia is one of the most common inherited diseases in large breed and giant breed dogs. This orthopedic disease may affect smaller breed dogs as well. When obtaining a puppy or dog from a breeder, make sure you ask for and receive hip certification on the parents and ancestors of the puppy or dog. Hip dysplasia results from abnormal hip joint development in a dog. It may or may not affect both right and left sides. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, the ball (femur) fits into the socket (acetabulum) and rotates freely. Ligaments and tissue hold these bones together and cartilage cushions the movement of the bones. With hip dysplasia the bone slips partially out of socket and the ligaments are loose. As this continues to happen other degenerative changes take place in the joint. Over time your dog will find it painful to stand and walk and will have difficulty climbing stairs.

Making sure your puppy doesn't gain weight too quickly and not letting your older dog carry excess weight reduces the chance of hip dysplasia. If you do suspect your dog may be showing signs of hip dysplasia, get them checked out by the vet and find out what you can do to relieve them of pain.

Osteosarcoma or bone cancer generally affects large and giant breed dogs. This is a very aggressive cancer and is more frequent in older male dogs. Medical research has yet to find the cause of these cancers. Most bone cancers are found to develop below the elbow or near the knee of dog's limbs. Usually a swelling of the area and pain in the joint is a first indication of a medical dilemma. Unfortunately by the time medical treatment is sought, the tumor may have already metastasized to the lungs. Treatment of this cancer is usually amputation and chemo. Even with amputation and chemotherapy, the life expectancy of a dog is approximately one year. There is no preventable treatment for Osteosarcoma.

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Number 1 Health Problem In Large Dogs

2007-06-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

By Julie Wellsworth

Everyone has a preference as to the size of dog they want and larger dogs are just as popular as the smaller ones. With some breeds of large dogs, you may have some health problems just like the smaller ones, but hip dysplasia is the number one health concern in older dogs because of their bone structure. The Health problem in large dogs also includes kidney failure and food allergies.

Beautiful Large Dog Breeds

The Afghan hound and the Great Dane are very large as they tower about other large dog breeds. The German shepherd and the Rottweiler are a little smaller than the hound and Great Dane but still fit the large dog breed category. All of these breeds suffer health problems in large dogs from birth to adulthood.

Hip Dysplasia and Health Problems in Large Dogs

Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint and prevents many male and females from breeding. Breeds of dogs that have a possibility of displaying hip dysplasia receive x-rays in the first year of life to determine if they have such a potential problem. If the dog shows positive signs of hip dysplasia, they are deemed unsuited for breeding. This does not affect their ability to be the perfect and lovable companion.

Other Health Problems in Large Dogs

One health problem is diarrhea, which results from many different reasons such as bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Parasites also cause dogs to have the diarrhea, depending on the type of parasite. Some other reasons for diarrhea in a healthy dog are over eating, changing the food and indigestion. Some medications given to dogs also cause diarrhea and at times can be severe.

If the dog continues to have diarrhea for more than twenty-four hours, medical treatment is required. The first thing you can try is a bland diet of rice and potato instead of their regular food. This may help, but in case it does not, you may need to have a veterinarian determine the cause.

Treating the Health Problem in Large Dogs

Most vets recommend withholding food for twenty-four hours to give the dog’s system time to recuperate. After this time, smaller quantities of food can resume to test the dogs ability to digest the food properly. After a few days of limited food consumption, the dog can be put back on a normal diet. If the diarrhea is caused by an infection, diarrhea may last for several days until the medication has time to work through the bloodstream.

This health problem in large dogs causes a lack of energy and sometimes incontinence, as accidents happen due to the inability to move outdoors fast enough. By restricting food, the dog will eventually stop the diarrhea and give the intestines time to heal. If the diarrhea results from infection or parasite, the problem will persist until proper medical is received. This condition affects all sizes and breeds of dogs no matter what you do to prevent it. .

You can also find more information at english bull dog health problems and dog paw health. AboutDogHealth.org is a comprehensive resource to help dog owners identify their dog's illness symptoms and treatment options.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Number-1-Health-Problem-In-Large-Dogs&id=550172

What breed do you think Shadow is?

2007-06-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Shadow is very unique in his appearance. He looks like a large German Shepherd, but with a larger chest, and a flatter nose in the front. He has the pointed ears like a German Shepherd, but they are quite large as well (around 6 inches long). At 130 lbs, he is slightly smaller than most Great Danes that I've seen, but larger than an Akita. Speaking of the Akita, his build is most similar to them, with longer legs and a very powerful, broad chest. What do you think? Please post a comment if you have any ideas. His face is closest to a Newfoundland, with the flat front and slightly loose lips that have jet black skin. The Newfoundland has much longer hair, though.

He has a great temperament, being quite gentle around the kids, but just by size alone, and his deep growl, he will definitely make an intruder think twice about approaching our yard or house. Most of the time, he thinks he is human. He is always hanging around someone in the household, curious as to what we are doing. If we are just relaxing, he will lay on the floor by our feet calmly, but when there is activity, he HAS to be a part of it. From what I have read, these are all traits of a Great Dane.

Being a big dog, he needs lots of exercise, so he pretty much owns our backyard. We have a good-sized fenced lot for him to run in, and we also walk him as often as possible. He loves riding in the car, so we try to take him whenever we have errands to run.

Mischievous is also a good word to describe him. People with small dogs have no idea. Most dogs will get into anything that they can reach if you let them, but when your dog can reach EVERYTHING, it is quite a challenge to keep him out of trouble.

Anyway, those are his traits. If you have any ideas on what type of dog he might be, drop me a line.

Meet Shadow, the BIG Dog

2007-05-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

Having a dog can be rewarding and and sometimes challenging, with house-training, cat-chasing, digging, etc. Don't get me wrong, we love our dog, but having a BIG DOG sometimes can be a LOT more challenging than rewarding!

We got Shadow about 3 years ago from the local Humane Society. Since we are not snobby about our pets, we always get them from the pound, because we figure if we can do the community a favor by saving unwanted pets, we might as well. We usually don't look for any particular breed or gender, just one that is even-tempered and friendly. We have kids, so we try not to get pets that could be dangerous. A Pit Bull, for example, would not be a good choice for us. I know people who have, and love, their Pit Bulls, but we aren't willing to take that chance.

So, we go to the Humane Society to look for a new dog. We had another dog, Sammy (Samuel Adams was his full name - I like my beer, what can I say?), who was a small mutt, and we thought we would look for maybe a medium-sized dog to be his companion. He was getting kind of grumpy in his old age, and we thought this would give him someone to play with (This turned out to be a terrible idea, as I will tell you in a future post).

They had quite a few full-grown dogs there, which is always kind of sad, because people usually just want puppies or kittens when they come to the Humane Society. We wanted a puppy as well. Like I said before, we didn't want any dog that might already have a temperament problem. Keeping the kids' focus on track in the pound is also kind of challenging, as you might imagine. "Awwwwww, look at the cute little kitties. Can we have one?". That was a phrase heard several times during our visit.

And then we saw him. A small black and white puppy that was whimpering and acting "oh so cute". The kids put their hands up to the cage, and he immediately started licking them. I knew then that he was our dog. We found out from one of the employees that he was the last (and smallest) of a litter of 5 puppies that were dropped off. We looked at his information card. It said that his name was Duke, that he was a German Shepard mix, he was house-trained, had his shots, and would grow to be a medium-sized dog. Yeah, right. If you look at the pics on the blog header, you will see a puppy picture on the left, and a full-grown picture on the right. That is a 4 ft. high fence!

Well the kids didn't really like the name Duke, so we decided to change his name. Our daughter wanted to name him Shadow, and our son wanted to name him Record. Record? Yeah, Record. As in, the things that CD's replaced. OK, so now we have an argument on our hands. As anyone who has children knows, 2 siblings will never agree on anything. Sometimes I think we should have another child, just to act as a tie-breaker. So we decided to use Shadow as his first name, and Record as his middle name. Shadow Record. That's our dog!