The Benefits of Plastic and Wire Mesh Dog Crates

As a dog owner, you should be aware of how handy a dog crate can be. Not only can it serve as a refuge for your dog at home, it's also essential for transporting your canine in the car. Both plastic and wire mesh designs will get the job done. Here is a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of each design.

Transport

One of the primary benefits of owning a dog crate is that it makes transport much easier. Plastic designs typically weigh less, so you'll have an easier time lugging it around. You need to pay particular attention to weight when buying a wire mesh dog crate since larger ones can be quite heavy.

This disadvantage is negated slightly by the fact that wire mesh crates can be collapsible for easier storage. When traveling, you likely won't be able to take a wire mesh design on an airplane. Plastic designs are usually approved for airline travel however.

Maintenance

It is always important to keep your dog crate clean. This is especially true if you have one made from plastic. Plastic is a porous material, so the crate can easily harbor odors if it isn't kept clean. Wire designs usually offer easier maintenance. Especially since the floor of these crates isn't solid which is useful when puppies have accidents.

Visibility

Dogs don't typically like being shut off from the outside world. When traveling in a crate, they want to be able to see out of it. Plastic units offer less visibility thanks to the fact that there are fewer openings. This may prompt your dog to whine and cry because he's feeling lonely.

Ventilation

As mentioned, there are fewer openings in plastic dog crates. This means that wire mesh designs will offer more ventilation. Adequate ventilation is especially important in humid and warm climates since the increased airflow will help keep your dog from becoming overheated.

Insulation

More openings is useful during the summer months. However, the opposite is true when it's colder outside. Plastic dog crates will allow your dog to maintain his body heat better since they offer more insulation. This is particularly important if your dog has shorter hair or is younger.

There is no particular style that's best. It all depends on your particular needs for you and your dog. Just keep some of these benefits and drawbacks of plastic and wire mesh dog crates in mind.

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Veterinary Care For Your Puppy

So, you finally gave in a got a puppy. Now you need to know what to do next. Puppies are at risk for many different diseases, but they can be prevented. One of the first things you need to do after bringing your puppy home, is make an appointment with a veterinarian for a check-up and vaccinations.

Your puppy will need a fecal exam to screen for parasites. Worms can make your pup very sick but they can easily be treated with medication. There is a series of vaccines to be given between 8 weeks and 16-20 weeks of age. The first shot your puppy will get protects against several different diseases. It is known as DHLPPCv. The vaccine covers the following:

D- Canine Distemper - A viral infection which can be fatal. Affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems.

H- Hepatitis - Affects the liver

L- Leptospirosis - Bacterial infection of the kidneys

P- Parainfluenza- upper respiratory infection

P- Parvovirus - Potentially fatal, affects the lining of the intestines. Many veterinarians recommend that certain breeds, such as Dobermans and Rottweilers, should have 2 parvo vaccines. The final vaccine should be given at 20 weeks of age.

Cv- Coronavirus - similar to parvovirus but not usually fatal.

After the puppy is a year old, this vaccine should be given yearly. There are several other vaccines your pup will need to stay healthy. The rabies vaccine is given to pups at 4 months of age and repeated the following year. After the second year, the rabies vaccine is given every 2 years. 

If you are going to board your puppy (or dog), the vet will give a Bordetella vaccine. This is given as a spray in the nose and protects the dog from kennel cough, which is exactly what it says...a cough, and is highly contagious. The Lyme vaccine is given to protect from a tick-borne illness. Lyme disease causes joint pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It is given in a series of 2 doses, one at 8 weeks and one at 12 weeks.

Besides the vaccinations, your puppy, at 6 months of age will have a blood test for heartworm. If the test comes back clear, he will start on a monthly dose of heartworm prevention medication. Finally, between 6 and 12 months of age, veterinarians recommend your puppy be spayed or neutered.

Together, you and your vet can ensure a long and healthy life for your new puppy.

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Can Dogs Really Be Hypoallergenic?

Approximately 10% of the United States population suffers from pet allergies. As much as 25% of U. S. residents suffer from asthma brought on by allergies. Allergic reactions can include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing or congestion. People with asthma can have difficulty breathing and may even suffer a severe asthma attack. If you and your family are dog lovers, but have a member of the household with pet allergies, there is a good chance you can find a dog that everyone can live with. 

It is important to understand exactly what causes an allergic reaction in some people. You may think it is just the dog's fur, but allergens are produced by a protein found in a dog's dander, which is skin cells, saliva, and even urine. The allergens can end up on everything in your house. Naturally, if you have a dog with a long coat, or that sheds frequently, these allergens will be almost impossible to eliminate. There are many dog breeds or crossbreeds that do not shed, or shed less often. This does not mean they don't produce allergens. There is no dog that is truly allergen free.

Keep in mind that everyone will have a different reaction to certain allergens. This means that, while you don't have an allergic reaction to your poodle, you may be terribly allergic to your friend's Mexican Hairless. Here is a list of some of the dog breeds or cross breeds that have been determined to be suitable for people with pet allergies:

Affenpinscher - doesn't shed

Bedlington terrier - doesn't shed

Bichon Frise'

 - does not shed, but hair will come out when brushed.

Boston Terrier 

- short hair and minimum dander.

Chinese Crested

- very little hair, does not shed much 

but still produces saliva and dander.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier 

- doesn't shed

Greyhound and Italian Greyhound 

- short, single coat

Malteses - doesn't shed

Poodles - doesn't shed, low dander

Portuguese Water Dog

- (the Obama's dog) - doesn't shed

Yorkshire Terrier

- doesn't shed, low dander

This is only a partial list of dogs considered to be hypoallergenic. There are some other, less common breeds, like the Puli and Samoyed. If you want a cross or mixed breed, you have to make sure the pup inherited the no shed coat or low dander characteristic. 

Goldendoodle

A Goldendoodle, a Golden retriever, Poodle mix can be hypoallergenic if he inherits the coat from the Poodle. If the pup inherits his coat from the Golden retriever, he will be a problem for allergy sufferers. It's best to be able to visit a breeder and spend time around the dogs to see how you or your family member will react. This will prevent you from getting attached to a dog you can't live with.

Another thing to consider when looking for a new addition to your family is the size of the dog. A smaller dog will produce less, hair, saliva, dander and urine than a big dog. No matter what type of dog you choose, some common sense things to do to keep allergens to a minimum include regular bathing or grooming of your pooch, keeping the dog off the furniture and beds, and vacuuming every day with a cleaner with a HEPA filter. With a little research and armed with some knowledge of how pet allergies work, you should be able to find the perfect pup for your family.

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Is a Hybrid Dog For You?

If you are thinking about getting a puppy, you may be considering a hybrid, also known as a designer dog. In the last several years, hybrids have become very popular. A hybrid by definition is a combination breeding of 2 different pure breed dogs. The fact that the 2 dogs being crossed are pure is why they are not considered mixed breeds or mutts. The idea is to get a dog with the best characteristics of the two separate breeds.

Labradoodle

There is some controversy surrounding hybrid breeding. It has been determined that the first generation breeding of 2 different breeds can produce puppies with superior health and vigor. Vigor in this sense means that the offspring of two pure breed dogs will likely be healthier than the parents. The problem is, if you breed 2 hybrid dogs in order to create a new breed there is a greater chance of genetic health problems. A lot depends on the dominant genes in each of the 2 pure breed dogs. While combining 2 breeds to develop a dog with the best virtues of the parents can be a good thing, it is also possible to end up with a dog with undesired characteristics. For example, if you want a dog that doesn't shed, there is no guarantee that a particular trait will be passed on to the puppy. Also, it is possible that puppies from a single litter will have different combinations of the parents' traits.

Bichonpoo

Designer or hybrid dogs are popular for their looks and desirable traits. They are well suited for companions but the cross-breeding gives no consideration to the original purpose of the breed, such as hunting or working. It may be difficult to find an experienced, reputable breeder of hybrids. Designer dogs are often more expensive than their pure breed parents so you need to be certain about the motives of the breeder.

Puggle

Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, hybrid owners and breeders have established their own registry. There are currently over 300 cross breed dogs registered and there seems to be no limit to the combinations possible. I understand the appeal of a Labradoodle or a Puggle, but I'm not sure about seemingly random crosses of any and all pure breed dogs.

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Pet Vitamins - Why Pet Vitamins and Minerals Are Important in Your Dog's Diet

You have probably all heard and read a lot of different information about health and nutrition for your dog. Commercial dog food companies realize that we want a nutritionally balanced, high-quality food for our pets. After much study, we now have a better understanding of various ingredients that are beneficial and how these ingredients impact our dog's health. It has also been found that a high-quality pet vitamin can be helpful in maintaining optimal health in dogs.

Certain minerals are crucial for things like the functioning of muscles and nerves, transporting oxygen in the blood, and formation of bone and cartilage. The two minerals required in the highest amount are Calcium and Phosphorous. These minerals work together in the body to grow and maintain the skeletal system. The important thing is the ratio of calcium and phosphorous to provide the best nutrition. Magnesium also works with calcium and phosphorous as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and potassium. Magnesium aids the body in absorbing the other vitamins and minerals. Potassium helps maintain the level of fluid and is also needed for enzymes, muscles, and nerves.

Some other important things you should look for in a pet vitamin-mineral supplement include, copper, iodine, zinc, selenium, manganese and iron. Although these minerals are required in lesser amounts, they are equally important.

Copper works as an antioxidant, as well as forming red blood cells and aiding in the development of collagen and connective tissue. Iodine is needed for the functioning of the thyroid gland and production of thyroid hormone. the thyroid gland regulates growth and metabolism. Iron and copper together produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Selenium is an antioxidant and zinc is beneficial for skin and coat.

For older dogs, a pet vitamin containing the supplements glucosamine and chondroitin can be extremely helpful in dealing with arthritis. These nutrients support joints and decrease damage to joint cartilage and are completely safe for your dog.

Liquid Multi-Vitamins for Dogs

A high quality, all natural pet vitamin contains some other ingredients that provide health benefits for your dog. Some of these ingredients are not as familiar but are helpful in keeping your dog as healthy as possible. Ingredients like kelp, seaweed, algae and brewers yeast are known as prebiotic and probiotic supplements. They provide natural sources of antioxidants and vitamins, and aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients. 

Gillick K9 Products
Liquid Dog Vitamins

Our pets are living a longer, better quality of life than ever before. Now that we understand the importance of good nutrition, we can provide our beloved pets with the best quality food and pet vitamins available.

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The Best Way to Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise

Doctors today advise humans to spend around 30 minutes daily in some type of mild to moderate exercise, like walking or even running to assist in cardiac and joint health and vitality. It can be shown that people who do so stay healthy longer than those with a more sedentary (read that as couch potato) lifestyle. Trouble is - most of us humans prefer our comfort over activity we want to take the easy way out all of the time.

But unlike humans - dogs actually LOVE exercise! Just watch a dog run after a ball and notice that they do not hold back, they run at 100% pace to catch it!

And Dogs actually NEED exercise for their health and vitality. As a bonus ensuring that they get enough daily exercise will go a long way towards the prevention of many of the bad behaviors that people find most annoying about dog ownership, like constant barking, digging or escape or the destruction of your favorite items!

Just try spending about 20 - 30 minutes per day (great for you too) walking - or vigorously playing with a fetch toy with your dog or dogs you WILL notice a difference. If possible combine that with something that you do daily like a trip to the Post Office so that you establish a routine for yourself and the dog. Once established you will find that the dog begins to expect the trip and the walk and starts to ask you for it - a great motivator for the days when you may not quite feel like going.

On that subject though - remember that you are the boss and if not practical or you have other plans - don't make it that there's no flexibility for yourself; sometimes a simple game inside or else even a total day off will just have to do.

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Phone GPS Tracking Systems for Your Pet - Are They a Good Idea?

Each year, almost half of the animals entering animal shelters around the country are strays or lost pets. Pet's can't tell anyone who their owner is and where they live so how do you find your beloved family member should you become separated?

There are about three different solutions to locating lost pets. One is the little metal or plastic tag that hangs from the pet's collar. The tag has the name of the pet, the home address and, maybe, a phone number of the owner. 

The microchip is another solution. They're inexpensive, passive implants that are injected under the pet's skin and can be scanned with a specialized wand when the missing pet is brought to a veterinarian. 

Another solution is a pet GPS tracking system. These GPS locators attach to your pet's collar and can remotely locate your pet at almost any time however; pet tracking devices are more expensive

than the microchip. Even so, there is a large populace of empty nesters who are filling those nests with pets, and young couples are raising pets before committing to the bigger responsibility of raising children and they are more focused on their four-legged family members then ever. Pet owners today are willing to spend or splurge when consumers in other venues are cutting back.

Besides being more expensive than microchips, tracking devices can come off with collars. Some tracking units are ineffective in areas where there isn't consistent cell phone or internet connection. If pet owners relocate, the new location will not be on the chip, resulting in loss of time and more stress trying to trace where the lost pet's family is currently living but the advantages of a GPS tracking system far outweigh the little tag and the microchip solutions. The American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) was developed to help lower the number of missing pets in the United States which is beneficial to society by reducing the number of strays and lost pets. In turn, this relieves the overcrowding of animal shelters and humane societies. Many hunters use some type of GPS tracking system to keep from losing their dogs in the field or woods. Tracking systems utilize 20 satellites or more to track the actual location of your pet but if you're in an area without good satellite connection, you may want to use GPS tracking systems in addition to other locators like a microchip.

Know what your needs are before you buy tracking equipment for protecting your pet. GPS locators can be monitored by handsets, cell phones, or computers and can be designed to work within a certain range so look for a dog tracking device with long battery life, and make sure the range is suitable for your area. Good GPS tracking systems will go through floors, walls or other objects that can reduce range. Some pet GPS models can give a history of your dog's movement over the last seven days and lets you create visual safety zones for your pet. Also, consider the weight of the dog tracker device and keep your pet's size in mind. Very small dogs may find wearing tracking systems uncomfortable, and may suffer neck or back injuries if forced to wear a heavy pet tracker unit for a long period of time.

GPS tracking systems can locate missing pets in all situations such as after a car accident, natural disaster or when they are lost while being shipped by plane. Other advantages to consider when deciding on a pet tracking system:

* A GPS tracking device can give the owner directions to a pet's current location.

* Pet can be tracked anywhere in the world with internet and/or mobile phone coverage.

* Unlike the microchip, a GPS tracking device is noninvasive.

* You don't have to wait for your pet to be found and scanned to be located.

With a pet phone GPS tracking system, you locate your pet with speed and accuracy in real time. It's proactive because you control your pet's location by establishing geographical areas where your pet is allowed to roam. The information of his location can be sent to you or whomever you choose. A phone tracking system will locate your pet the moment you suspect he is lost or stolen which increases the likelihood of getting him back quickly and safely.

Replace the worry and fear of searching for your pet with the confidence and ease of locating them quickly and safely with a pet phone GPS tracking system.

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