Posts Tagged ‘pet care’

How Can I Teach My Puppy Without The Need Of Hitting?

Tommy Boats | February 5th, 2010

Generally, breeding puppies can be a very rewarding yet frustrating experience, especially when it misbehaves and starting chewing up your new $2000 couch. You might have smacked your puppy when it misbehaved in some way, and if you have been doing so, you should stop now.

This kind of punishment is inappropriate and it has proven to have a lesser impact compared to showing a pet plenty of love and patience.

Think about a new born baby. Will it make a difference if you hit it when it cries and screams? Of course not! Like babies, puppies just do not get it and applying this type of punishment will only cause your pet to stay away from you whenever possible.

Like babies, puppies just do not know what you mean when you whip or hit your dog. Even though it might be doing something that you\’re unhappy with, it doesn\’t know that. What it knows however, is to associate pain and fright when it sees you coming its way.

Owners who smack their puppies constantly end up with adult dogs who are rebellious and unfriendly. Not only that but the dogs tend to not trust their masters either, keeping their distance whenever possible. This is not the kind of relationship you want to start off with.

Yelling at it is the next thing you should avoid doing as well. While yelling doesn\’t inflict pain, it does inflict terror (if you shout loud enough) which is scary enough for a baby dog.

As opposed to yelling at the top of your lungs, a better way of dealing with badly behaved puppies is to be firm with your puppy and tell it to stop in an authoritative tone of voice.

In summary, treat a your little one just as you would with a human being. Be gentle and show it kindness, and never display anger in any way, either vocally or physically. Follow these rules of conduct and you\’ll surely end up with a loving dog who will always serve and protect you.

Searching for dog pajamas for your favorite puppy? Get various advise on small dog clothing in addition to different styles of dog apparel.

Diabetic Dogs: Keeping The Disorder Under Control

Robert Runkel | December 5th, 2009

In the same way that millions of people cope with diabetes, so too, does the disease affect canines. Specifically, the disorder is called diabetes mellitus (DM). An insulin deficiency prevents your pooch’s body from metabolizing glucose effectively. There are two varieties of DM: Type I and Type II. The former is the most prevalent type (99% of dogs with DM suffer from this type) and occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. The latter occurs when insulin is manufactured but your pooch’s body isn’t able to use it properly.

In this article, we’ll describe the warning signs that may suggest your canine has developed diabetes mellitus. It’s a potentially life-threatening condition, so catching it early is critical. We’ll also explain how the disease is diagnosed and treated as well as what you can do at home to help your dog manage the disorder.

Possible Warning Signs

The most common symptoms of DM include a marked increase in the amount of water your canine drinks and as a result, the frequency with which he urinates. You might also notice that he is losing weight even though he maintains a strong appetite. Other signs include a general apathy or decrease in physical activity and the sudden onset of blindness.

Treatment After Diagnosis

The health of your pooch can decline rapidly once diabetes mellitus develops. His body’s inability to process glucose effectively can lead to severe dehydration and other health issues. It is important that you have a veterinarian perform a full physical exam if you notice any of the warning signs described in the section above.

The veterinarian will ask you about your dog’s eating routine as well as his elimination activity. You’ll also be asked to describe any changes in his weight and disposition. Then, a urine analysis is performed to identify possible infections and review glucose levels.

Once diabetes mellitus has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will teach you how to administer daily insulin injections for your pooch. He or she will also create a diet and exercise routine that will help your canine manage his weight. During the first several weeks of treatment, the amount of insulin administered will likely change. Most veterinarians prefer to start cautiously with small doses and increase them gradually.

What You Can Do At Home

Providing care for your dog involves administering daily insulin shots (sometimes, twice daily) as well as any other medications that your veterinarian has recommended. You’ll also need to be vigilant regarding your canine’s eating and exercise routine in order to ensure he maintains a healthy weight level. If your dog experiences an insulin overdose (he might seem weak or disoriented), give him food right away.

As noted, diabetes mellitus can be potentially deadly. However, once it has been diagnosed, you can help your dog live a healthy, happy, and problem-free life.

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