Air Cleaners for Dog Hair--Two Great, Affordable Units

Dog hair is not only an allergen for many people--it’s also a real nuisance and causes a lot of extra cleaning if the dog stays indoors a lot and sheds hair and fur everywhere.  Obviously, one of the best things you can do that will not only clean up the air, but also reduce the need for vacuuming and mopping is to purchase a quality pet air purifier. And to help you cut through all the excess information on the web about pet air cleaners, we’ve picked to units that are proven to do an excellent job of removing the hair, dander and odors without breaking the bank.

 

Our first pick is the Austin Pet Machine. This time-honored electronic pet air purifier features long lasting HEPA and carbon filters, as well as a pre-filter (very important for dog or cat hair) and a strong output so that it can clean up the air in a room quickly.  The Austin Pet Machine can move up to 400 cubic feet of air per minute, which means it will clean all of the air in an average room in about 2 minutes---and keep it clean as long as it’s running. With that level of output, the Pet Machine can cover up to 1500 square feet with one unit, which is a real value.

 

The Austin Pet Machine also features 15 pounds of carbon and zeolite to remove odors-that’s right, 15 pounds, not 15 ounces of carbon in a thin foam sheet. The pre-filter is critically important, too, since it removes airborne dog hair and larger dander particles and prevents premature clogging of the other filters. With the pre-filter in place, the Austin Pet Machine’s filters usually last 4-5 years—not 4-5 months as with some other air purifiers. And, it’s affordable—only $594.99 with free shipping from our store below—which is much less than than similar air cleaners like IQ Air and others that typically cost $1000 or more and don’t cover as much space with one unit.  If you have strong odors, however, we recommend the Austin HealthMate Plus, which has extra strong odor removing carbon, as well as the HEPA.

 

The other main dog hair air purifier we recommend is the inexpensive Winix P450 Large Room Air Cleaner. It’s a good bit cheaper, coming in at $299, includes a good HEPA filter, ions to enhance the HEPA filter’s efficiency, and can handle up to 450 square feet with one unit. This air cleaner doesn’t have a lot of carbon—has only a thin sheet of carbon to remove some odors, but if removing dog hair on a budget is the goal, this one will do a great job of reducing allergies, removing dog dander, and saving you some money. The only downside is that the filters typically only last about a year and cost about $100 to replace. Other than that, it’s a great unit.  Both the Pet Machine and Winix P450 are highly portable and look great in your home so either are a great choice—but if you can spend a little more up front, we recommend the Austin Pet Machine or HealthMate Plus for overall best value.

 

Air Purifiers and Cleaners.com is your #1 best source for top-rated pet air purifiers that are excellent for removing dog dander, and quickly reducing allergies.  And since we’re an online store with low overhead, we gladly pass these savings on to you with best cheap discount prices every day and FREE SHIPPING. If you have any pet air cleaner or pet dander questions, just give our experts a call toll-free at 1-800-701-2513. We’re here to help!

 

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Pregnancy Stages in Dogs

Author: Dustin Cannon
Just like human females, your dog has a pregnancy schedule, and a uterine calendar that can pinpoint which pregnancy stage she is in according to her body's symptoms.
In a dog's first pregnancy stage, for example, when she is in the first two weeks of since copulation, the dog's nipples start to enlarge. When you notice this phenomenon your dog should see a veterinarian, to determine if there is a pregnancy and if so what pregnancy stage she is in.
The veterinarian will be able to tell if puppies have been conceived just by feeling the dog's stomach. Just as with human pregnancy tests, the dog's pregnancy or lack of it can be verified through a blood test. Of course, the pregnancy stage for a canine is shorter than that of humans because dogs give birth only sixty three to sixty five days after conception.
Each pregnancy stage for a dog, therefore, is only about 21 days long as compared with a woman's pregnancy trimester of three months. In the dogs sixth week of pregnancy her need for nutrition will increase as will her appetite. At this point she is truly eating for several little ones including herself, and should be fed more food accordingly. Her food consumption will increase approximately 50 percent over what she normally consumes. It is very important that her diet be balanced. For this you should take the advice of your veterinarian.
A dog that is going to have a litter of many puppies will have a visibly enlarged tummy, although there are some dogs - especially those giving birth to just a few - whose abdomen won't enlarge noticeably. For these dogs, the pregnancy stage where they are showing is about one week long. Dogs who deliver a great number of puppies tend to deliver them prematurely.
In general, your dog can deliver her own puppies without the intervention of a veterinarian. There are exceptions to this, of course, and it's important to be able to know what these exceptions are and when they are occurring.
You should call the vet if your dog has been carrying the puppies for more than 65 days, or has been having contractions for more than two hours without delivering any puppies. If your dog has given birth to a puppy or puppies but not all, and now three hours have elapsed since the last birth, call the vet. This is especially crucial if you see your dog pushing and putting in a lot of effort. If your dog is very tired and her contractions are so slight that they don't bring on delivery you should call the vet.
Once your dog has advanced to the stage of pregnancy where she has given birth you'll need to step in to give some care to the newborns. It's important that the babies have heat. A puppy crib is ideal, somewhere away from any circulating air. As puppies are still being delivered those that have been born can be pushed towards their mom for warmth and comfort.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/pregnancy-stages-in-dogs-78717.html

5 Tips To Stop Dog Growling

Author: Jacqueline Harris
To make the task of stopping a dog from growling easier, we ought to understand why the dog growls in the first place. Growling is considered to be an assertive behavior which is triggered by any unfamiliar event, person or even another animal. Thus a dog would growl when an unknown or sometimes known entity comes his way. This is his way of saying that he wants to be left alone or he does not approve what he expects would follow.

In other words, he feels threatened. As soon as the approaching person or animal moves away, this would be interpreted as showing respect to the dog and soon the animal should stop growling. Anyone who has a pet dog at home should understand many such myriad ways in which canines communicate so that there could be safe co-existence between the dog and the rest of the family.

This is especially important when the household has children, who are known to be particularly affectionate towards any pet. What happens when someone ignores the growling and continues to approach the dog casually? The dog treats the situation as threatening and expects adverse events to follow. Therefore he may start barking, or even snap and bite the approaching individual or animal as the case may be. Having briefed you so far on the reason why a dog growls, let me provide you with 5 sure-shot tips to stop the dog from growling:

1. It is recommended that you should never punish a dog for growling. Your punishment or reprimand may stop the dog from growling temporarily, but he would develop a latent behavior where he bites or snaps at people, without any warning in future. So the best solution under such circumstances is to respect the animal and let him be. He would stop growling as soon as he realizes that there is nothing disturbing his peace any more.

2. Explain to your children why a dog growls and if the dog starts growling suddenly, they should immediate stop doing whatever they were doing as it is obvious that the dog is getting irritated with their activity. Ask them to simply move away gradually from the dog's vicinity. Tell them to never run away from the growling dog as it irritates him further. Such incidents must always be
reported to the parents, as then you could focus more on this area while training.

3. It must be understood that dogs growl when intimidated by some one. Sometimes sheer size is perceived as a threat and the dog starts growling. So when a huge man approaches a dog, however kind his intention may be, the dog thinks him to be a threat. In such cases the man should squat and bring himself at the same level as the dog. Then approach him gently with extended hand - palm facing up. Then talk to the dog in a calm and gentle voice.

4. If you find that the dog is growling for no apparent reason and is snapping at every thing, it might be right for you to get a medical check up done for the dog. Your vet could do some tests to check hormonal balance, neurophysiologic functions and allergies, if any. You never know, there could be underlying causes for his growling, which when corrected could stop him from growling.

5. There are some dogs which growl when he is eating and someone gets close. The reason for this is that he is simply possessive about his food and scared that this person might take his food away. To correct this behavior, choose an adult who the dog loves most. Let this adult start feeding the dog and stay close to him while he is eating.

To start with, simply stay with the dog and talk to him with a reassuring and calm voice. Once the dog is used to this, then let the adult approach the dog while he is eating, go on reassuring him with his gentle voice.

Once the dog is used to this habit also let the adult touch the dog with slow and gentle movements while he is eating. Though this procedure to stop him from growling could take a long time, but this happens to be one of the sure-shot ways to reassure a dog and take away the threat element, which makes him growl in the first place.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/5-tips-to-stop-dog-growling-433927.html

The Average Guinea Pigs Life Expectancy

Author: Dane Stanton
A guinea pig makes a fabulous pet for many reasons however one of the most imperative reasons is the flexibility to keep your pet outdoors or indoors. Many people are under a common misconception that guinea pigs are much too smelly to be kept indoors and this is just that; a misconception.

This will be touched upon more in depth later on however another great reason for these animals is that the life expectancy of a guinea pig is quite long and versatile. Lets take a closer look at the average guinea pigs life expectancy as well as other favorable traits about this marvelous creature.

Reviewing Life Expectancy

Most people when beginning to do research on a specific pet that they wish to acquire begin by asking how long it is expected to live and this is no different with the guinea pigs. In a typical situation, the guinea pigs life expectancy can be expected to last about five years although many cavies have been recorded to live up to as old as seven!

The age of four for a guinea pig is also considered to be quite old and it isn't unheard of for a guinea pig to only live four years so the typical expectation you should have for your guinea pigs life expectancy is generally four to seven years old.

Sometimes this is a huge downfall with potential owners because they want the pet to live much longer than a mere four years. Inquiring about the guinea pigs life expectancy is sometimes the biggest downfall for the guinea pig getting a new home because some parents and individual owners feel the potential sadness of losing a pet.

This is terribly unfortunate because the guinea pig is an excellent pet that not only requires but also loves human interaction. They are very social creatures and have a very gentle disposition and typically will crave affection from the owner.

The last issue to address when speaking of the guinea pigs life expectancy is that despite the fact that it may be short, these creatures make wonderful pets due to the fact that they have a seriously low biting tendency which makes them a great and safe pet to have with children as well as the elderly.

Guinea pigs are very easy to feed daily and hold very low cost for food and supplies, which makes it a great pet also despite the low guinea pig life expectancy.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-average-guinea-pigs-life-expectancy-179867.html

Top 10 Smartest Animal Countdown

Author: Deborah Stanley
10th place:

Small Toothed Whale. This warm blooded small whale is known for its mysterious journeys across the ocean. It is still unknown how it can find others in the group several hundred miles away.

9th place:

Squid and octopus. They are considered to be some of the smartest sea creatures. An octopus can build its shelter from the ocean debris and is equal to none in camouflage. It can change its color and pattern in less than a second, sending the brain signal to its entire body.

8th place:

Sheep. British scientists believe that we underestimate sheep on its intuition and intelligence. During several years of research they have concluded that sheep possess exceptional memory and could identify the faces of people or animals without a mistake. They even claim that sheep's intellectual ability is closer to humans than we thought. The main downside of their study is that the animals tend to scare easy!

7th place:

Cacadu Parrot. In Great Britain a local parrot has become recognized as the country's smartest animal. A cacadu named Badjo can sew holding a needle and thread with his beak! Badjo's owner, a professional tailor, confirms that the bird's skills are 90% accurate.

6th place:

Crows. Officially, most scientists consider crows as the smartest birds in the world, especially the ones living in big cities. Tokyo, Japan, is known for the largest number of crows in the world.

5th place:

Monkeys. Macacas are not only the famous inhabitants of local safari parks or Indian temples. These smart animals above everything else can recognize themselves in the mirror while other animals, including cats, cannot.

4th place:

Rats. You will be surprised to learn that old experienced rats can get away with any mouse trap: they shake it until the spring is off and also shied less younger rats from the poisonous meals.

3rd place:

Dolphins. It's a known fact that British Special Forces used dolphins as informants during the war to carry messages to and from various ships. Many scientists confirm that dolphins possess amazing intellectual abilities. Also, dolphins never sleep with their systems totally shut down - their brain is taking turns on keeping one half in a sleep mode while the other stays alert.

2nd place:

Elephants. Elephants are extremely skillful with their trunks and are even known to paint with it! They also have an exceptional memory important to distinguish friends from enemies. If you ever hurt an elephant, he will remember it his entire life and if your paths ever cross, beware!

1st place:

Primates: Until now gorillas and chimpanzees were considered the smartest animals on the planet. However, the scientists are spending a lot of time researching orangutans and think that their abilities could be even more astonishing. So for their closest proximity to human nature of improvising and using tools to get food, primates remain as number one in our countdown.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/top-10-smartest-animal-countdown-426134.html
About the Author
Deborah Stanley writes for http://www.PetsReady.com - Disaster, Emergency Preparedness Portal full of Pet Care Articles, Disaster Preparedness Tips, Latest Food Recalls, Preparedness Newsletter and much more!. PetsReady specifically focuses on emergency preparedness kits for Cats and Dogs for any disaster situation.

How To Stop Dog Eating Poop

Author: Chris Smith
Your dog eating poop or dog coprophagia is a habit which doesn't make sense to us dog owner's.
It's a habit which is most prevalent in puppies, and certain breeds are also more susceptible to it than others. Many Shih Tzu owners including myself struggle with this disgusting poop eating habit.
How To Stop Your Dog Eating Poop
There are many theories and opinions as to why a dog would bother to eat poop. Finding the cause of your dogs poop eating habit is the key to determining the correct solution.
When dogs eat poop it is not only embarrassing for us owners, it can also cause diseases and worms to be passed on to your dog.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
There are two general causes for dog coprophagia:
1. Dog behavioral problem.
2. It could mean that your dog has an underlying medical problem.
More Specific Reasons Why Dogs Eat Poop
- It tastes good to your dog! I know it doesn't make sense to me either, but this is the major reason young puppies eat their poop.
- Your puppy may have a vitamin or mineral deficiency and is trying to correct the balance through eating poop.
- Could be the result of anxiety or boredom.
- Some dogs that are over fed eat their own feces because the food hasn't been fully digested. Therefore the feces still smell and probably taste like the dogs dinner.
- Your dog may eat his own poop when trying to clean up his area. This task should be performed by the dog owner.
Solutions To Stop Your Dog Eating Poop
- Feed a well balanced and nutritious meal. Do not over feed.
- Keep your dogs living area clean from feces.
- If possible, try feeding twice a day. Feed the same amount but just in two portions. This works for dogs who eat poop through hunger.
- Add a bit of pineapple or spinach to your dogs meals. When your dog goes to eat his poop, apparently it tastes horrible to him after eating the pineapple or spinach.
- Teach the basic obedience command "off". Proper obedience training eliminates almost all problem behaviors, including coprophagia.
- If your dog eats his poop immediately after eliminating, provide a distraction. As soon as your dog does the business run away from the area and call him over. This should be enough to get his mind off the poop. When he gets to you be sure to praise and reward him.
If you believe an underlying medical condition is causing your dog to eat poop, please visit your VEt for a thorough examination. The above techniques will not help dogs that need medical attention.
Be consistent in your mission to stop your dog from eating poop, you should be able to break the habit before long.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-stop-dog-eating-poop-22341.html
About the Author
Chris Smith is a dedicated dog owner and creator of www.dog-obedience-training-review.com Find out how to properly obedience train your dog at home.

Mange in Cats – Help is on the Way

Author: Ron King
Mange is a highly contagious condition of the skin caused by mites and parasites in animals. Cats affected by mange most often stay outdoors. If left untreated, the cat may become very ill and lose its fur. The symptoms of mange include itching, discomfort, and scratching. Here are options cat owners should use to treat their cat affected by mange.

Mange in cats is fairly uncommon; yet it is possible for a cat to contract mange. If your cat is loosing fur, you should always to take your cat to the vet. Other diseases and problems other than mange can cause hair loss. A vet can look at a sample of the cat's skin or fur under a microscope to confirm whether or not your cat has mange.

There are a few different various types of mange that are thought to affect cats. Ear mites are not usually considered mange, but the parasites that cause in ear mites can also cause mange. Ear mites should always be treated with injections or prescription ear drops. When a feline has ear mites, the inside of their ears will look dirty. Black oily-looking dirt will cover the inside of the cat's ears. These are not the actual mites, but are the dropping left behind from the mites.

Another form of mange is called Demodex Mange, also called Demodex mange". This type of mange is not contagious. Cat and dogs do not pass this type of mange to each other. Generally cats and dogs have small amounts of these mites inhabiting on their skin. This type type of mange does not often bother the cat unless it becomes inflamed. It might show up as small patches of hair loss. In more serious cases, it can cause in a bacterial infection on the skin. The skin can become inflamed, red and itchy. Demodex Mange usually starts causing problems in cats that are immuno-suppressed or that are aging. This type of mange can also adversely affect cats with poor health. Hormones and stress might also cause this type of mange to cause problems. It can be seen in pregnant and nursing cats or male cats that are not neutered.

There are treatment options for this kind of mange. When you take your cat to the animal doctor for possible mange, you vet will perform a thorough health exam. This will rule out autoimmune diseases and other varieties of parasites such as worms. An oral medication called Ivermectin can be used. Although this drug is not approved by the Federal Drug Administration to use for mange, many vets find this treatment very effective. Another treatment option is dipping your cat in a prescribed pesticide. This is highly effective, but it can cause problems like vomiting and seizures in cats. Additionally, the treatment is poisonous, therefore it should not be applied with pregnant cats or by people who are pregnant. This dip is routinely done weekly for up to six weeks.

Sarcoptic mange is another form of mange that can be contracted by felines. This variety of mange is highly contagious and very problematic to persistent. Cat that are affected by this variety of mange are extremely itchy and the scratching can cause serious inflammation and sometimes bleeding of the skin. Mites will burrow into the skin and leave the eggs. When a cat has this, the excessive scratching can also cause scabbing and infections on the skin.

This variety of mange is often determined by examining the cat's skin or fur under a microscope. If it is indeed Sarcoptic mange, your animal doctor will want to wash the cat with a medicated shampoo and then treat the cat with a pesticide dip. Just as with Sarcoptic mange, this pesticide dip is very potent and extreme caution must to be used when treating your cat.

If you suspect your feline has mange, you should take your cat to the vet for an exam. In order to treat the infection, it is required to know which type of mange your cat has. Also, it is not unwise to use "home remedies" for mange that are often found. These remedies can be extremely dangerous to your cat. In many cases, hair loss is not mange. Hair loss can be caused by allergic reactions to foods, plants or even medications. Allergic reactions are treated much differently than mange so it is very important to look medical care for your animal.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/mange-in-cats-help-is-on-the-way-275312.html

What to do if Your Dachshund Has Back Trouble

Author: Celia Carson
The short answer to what to do if your Dachshund has back trouble is to stop reading this and take him to your veterinarian. In severe cases, you literally only have a matter of hours to react, waiting can mean the difference between full recovery and your dog never regaining his mobility.

Hopefully you have already been to the vet and are now trying to understand what is happening to your beloved Dachshund. I am not a medical expert but after my personal experience I accumulated a significant amount of information.

The Dachshund's elongated body predisposes them to back issues. Another genetic component is the discs outer layer being thinner than normal and sometimes calcifying making it brittle. Discs are the cushions between the vertebrae in the spinal column. The medical name for this health issue is Intervertebral Disc Disease. It is possible for the herniation to occur in the neck area, but more frequent in the middle of the back where the chest and abdomen meet (where most stress is absorbed when jumping).

The spinal cord in dogs extends to the hips; in people it stops in the middle of the back (we have nerves that extend beyond that but not the actual spinal cord). This is why disc problems in dogs are dramatically more severe than in humans. A disc weakened by age or trauma can bulge (herniate) or rupture. Bulged discs protrude and can place pressure on the spinal cord causing severe pain, weakness or even paralysis. The effect on the spinal cord depends on the severity of pressure. Ruptured discs release the contents (a jelly like substance) into the spinal canal. A ruptured disc is the most severe; the disc contents traumatize the spinal cord and create a great deal of swelling. When this happens quickly reducing the swelling is imperative. The longer the spinal cord is deprived of oxygen and spinal fluid the less nerve function there is to return.

The exact cause of a disc bulging or rupturing is frequently unknown. It is rarely associated with a severe trauma, many believe it occurs by dogs jumping off furniture. While preventing your dog from jumping off furniture is difficult, every effort should be made to train them to wait to be picked up or to use a ramp. There is a wide array of ramps or steps available to assist the dog going up and down to beds, couches and other furniture. Traversing long stairs should also be avoided as well as play that involves twisting and jumping. When you carry your Dachshund keep his spine horizontal and use two hands to pick him up with one hand supporting his waist or rear legs. Keeping your Dachshund's weight down will also mitigate back issues, extra weight is a constant strain.

Symptoms include yelping when touched, arching their back, unsteady walking or paralysis of the rear legs. Sometimes the nerves to the bladder and colon are affected making it difficult for dogs to urinate and defecate on their own. A wobbly walk is a precursor to paralysis, if you see this symptom it is time to get to a specialist for evaluation.

Treatment almost always includes using an anti-inflammatory medicine. You'll hear the term "conservative treatment", this means a less radical approach or non surgical. Conservative treatments can include rest and medication, injections (Adequan is a medication said to promote healing of disc cartilage) and even chiropractic or acupuncture treatments. While surgery is expensive it can be highly effective if done within the first twenty-four hours of paralysis. After twenty-four hours the success rate drops, but with therapy and rest there is still hope.

Confinement is a critical component of treatment regardless of the approach. A small crate placed where the dog can see you and is easy to clean can be effective. Confinement usually last two to six weeks depending on the severity of the injury, your vet can advise what is appropriate for your dog. Continuing this vital treatment is important since the dog can easily reinjure him-self. The medication they receive makes them feel so much better that they want to resume their normal activities before they are completely healed.

Paralysis in Dachshunds is not a death sentence. Surgery and conservative treatments will often bring your dog back to 100 percent. There has also been some success with therapy in paraplegic Dachshunds. Gentle manipulation of the paralyzed limbs and water walking (where the water supports his rear end) and towel walking (a towel slung under his abdomen for support) have been cited in success stories. Some paraplegic dogs are fitted for carts and back to racing through the house in no time. Dog diapers are available for bowel and bladder issues, I've even seen them in hot pink with lime green polka dots.

There is no universally correct treatment for all Dachshunds with back trouble. This is a choice that you and your vet need to make after evaluation of his symptoms, your dog's overall health and age, and the length of time since injury. Unfortunately, like in human medical issues, your finances will also play a role. If you feel it is time to see a specialist look for one specializing in neurology and surgery with experience with Dachshunds.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-to-do-if-your-dachshund-has-back-trouble-558405.html

How To Give Your Dog Home-Made Enema

Author: John Edwards
Sometimes, you may need to do more than just giving solid or liquid medication to your sick dog. Depending on his condition and symptoms, you may also have to provide other kinds of nursing care, such as giving enemas. Below is an effective way to use this procedure:
The use of enemas can be beneficial for dogs that has the following conditions; constipation, during fasting, dehydration, excessive vomiting, bowel irritation caused by bone fragments or the presence of spoiled food or garbage in the digestive tract.
Before administering this procedure, make sure that you only use pure water that is warm but not hot (test it on your wrist to make sure). Use about two tablespoons for a small dog and up to a pint for a large dog. Add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the water and administer the mixture with a plastic or rubber syringe for about 2 to 3 minutes. For large dogs, you can use and enema bag and a nozzle.
Here is how to do it: You must lubricate the end of the syringe with vegetable oil. Have someone help you hold the dog gently while he stands in a tub or on the ground. Insert the nozzle carefully into the rectum. Using gentle and consistent pressure against the anus (to prevent the fluid from leaking out), slowly fill the colon. If the solution does not flow in easily, pull back on the nozzle or syringe and slightly adjust the angle. Expect a bowel movement to begin within a few minutes. You may administer the enema once or twice a day for a couple of days.
In many cases, dogs that are dehydrated are simply retaining the fluid. This occurs when the colon absorbs the fluid which the body needs. Therefore, enemas are an excellent way to administer fluid therapy. Under these circumstances, administer the enema about every four hours or until fluid is no longer retained.
If a dog is having difficulty keeping water in his stomach due to heavy vomiting, an enema can help introduce the fluid and salts that are needed to replace those lost through vomiting. Using the solution as described earlier, add a pinch of sea salt plus a pinch of potassium chloride. The same solution can also be used to help a dog suffering from prolonged diarrhea. In this case, administer the enema every four hours or until fluid is no longer retained.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-give-your-dog-homemade-enema-32029.html

The Best Bear Names to Choose

Author: Ling Tong
Winnie the Pooh is perhaps the most well known of all bear names. Although this was the name of a genuine black bear it is now used to refer to a cuddly yellow bear dressed in a red shirt. Another famous name is Yogi Bear made popular by the cartoons of this mischievous bear in Jellsytone National Park. While there are names of bears in zoos, no one keeps a bear as a pet, so it is unlikely that you will need any help in naming your pet bear. Zoos and other organizations that do need to name new bay cubs often hold a competition in which they ask children to send in suggested names and they choose one of these names through a random selection.
Some of the popular names for bears housed in zoos are:
- Ardal
- Arthur
- Bernard
- Bernal
- Gregory
- Maximilian
- Oberon
- Osborn
- Yosemite
These are all names that reflect the strength and might of a bear. Popular names for female bears in zoos are:
- Avla
- Bernadette
- Calesta
- Jerica
- Orsa
- Ursula
- Nadette
For the most part, people choose a bear name for their teddy bear or stuffed plush bear. They usually try to choose a name that has some significance for them such as a name surrounding the occasion on which they received it. A white stuffed teddy bear that was a Christmas gift could aptly be named White Christmas, Christmas or Noel. Birthday Bear would be a suitable name for a teddy bear you received as a birthday gift. Some try to choose a name that has a close connection to the color of the bear, which as Whitey, Blackie, or Brownie.
Building your own bear is now a popular activity for children. In this activity Children and adults choose the color and material for their own bear and create it themselves, right down to the outfits. They also choose a name for their bear at the same time, which could be basically any name you can think of.
Since bear is perceived to be a cuddly creature, many of the names have to do with this feeling. Cuddles and Pookie are examples. However, if you want to choose a name that has a specific meaning, you can browse a list of names and their meanings:
Male Names:
- Asbjorn - Swedish name meaning divine bear
- Avonaco - a native American name meaning lean bear
- Benat - Basque form of Bernard, which means bold as a bear
- Osbourne - meaning god-bear
- Nanook - an Inuit name for the polar bear
- Edon - meaning rich bear cub
- Orson - meaning bear cub
Female Names:
- Berengari - meaning bear-spear
- Orsola - meaning little she bear
- Bernadita - meaning bold as a bear
There are quite a number of names that mean "little she bear", which would be the prefect name for a small teddy bear. By choosing one of these unusual names, it is very likely that when someone hears the name they will want to know the story behind it.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-best-bear-names-to-choose-515430.html
About the Author
For lots of great bear names,dolphin names and frog names visit http://www.petnamezone.com

Dog Years Human Years

Author: Dog Care Tips
The life expectancy of any dog is commonly expressed in terms of dog years by us and it depends entirely on the dog's breed, size as well as the dog's surroundings. Various other factors affect the life expectancy of a dog. A dog's life span changes according to the diet provided to him and also by the number of medical problems the dog tends to face over the years.

The average life span of the small dog like Chihuahua is about 15 to 16 years, while medium sized the dogs like Border Collies have a life span of 10 to 13 years. It can be noticed big dogs like Great Dean live up to only 7 to 8 years. The calculation of the life expectancy of particular dog can be accurately done with the help of "size or the specific breed calculator", which is said to be one of the most accurate age measurement schemes available. The size or specific breed calculator gives approximate results about the dog's predictable lifespan based on the size as well as the breed of the dog.

It is generally assumed that, on an average, "one human year equals to seven dog years". This statement may not be appropriate, since the first two years are jointly represented by 18-25 years in such schemes and because the entire ratio cannot be generalized for all the dogs though, they belong to different sizes and breeds. An exact ratio of dog years vs. human year cannot be formulated. However, some obvious features remain similar between both aging humans and dogs.

It is generally assumed that the human equivalent of a one-year dog is supposedly fully grown by both mental and physical aspects. Dogs like humans tend to develop advance muscular features as they grow along with a similar mental development. Through a major dog study, it has been estimated for dogs of all breeds and sizes that, nearly "64 percent of dogs" were euthanized because they were affected with some kind of diseases. Only 8 percent of the total dogs live beyond 15 years and nearly 16 percent of them die yearly due heart diseases and cancer. Human lives are not terminated even if they suffer from rare and incurable diseases; and this is the main reason why the lifespan of an average human being is reasonably long.

The effects of aging in dogs is said to be dormant for several years. But like humans, dogs to undergo physical changes as well. The first sign of aging in dogs is said to be the decrease in its activity levels. The sleeping period in these dogs also becomes longer. The canines experience a drastic change in their skin condition, limb usage, appetite and they experience tooth loss as well. Their sense of hearing and vision also diminishes gradually. Older dogs tend to experience stiffness in their body. All these obvious signs of aging can even be found in humans. The human years are extended only because of advance modern medicine and various other drugs that are designed to deal with symptoms of old age.

Dogs and humans may not have the same physiology, yet some obvious similarities can be noticed when both species age. Dog years and Human years may not be directly related by some advance equation, but to the naked eye the equivalence of corresponding features of Dog years and Human years are quite visible.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-years-human-years-301243.html
About the Author
Now that you know dogs grow old faster than we do, learn how to care for your dogs the best you can and give them a good life. They deserve it. Learn more at: http://www.2knowabout.com/dog

How to Choose Unique Boy Dog Names

Author: Warren Wong
It is important to choose the right one of the many boy dog names for your male dog. You and your dog are going to be companions for many years so the name should reflect your relationship as well as the dog's personality. Some of the factors that you need to take into consideration when making this choice include:
- The name should be easy to say and consist of only one or two consonants.
- Male dog names usually contain hard consonants such as k, t and d because they are easier for the dog to hear.
- It should be a name the dog won't confuse with words associated with commands, such as Come, Sit or Stay.
- The name should be one that you won't be embarrassed using in public.

Other factors that you can take into consideration include the breed of the dog. Look at the type of coat the dog has and the size it will be when fully grown. A huge Newfoundland dog, for example, should not have the name Fluffy. Consider the origin of the breed as well. You can choose a German dog name for a German Shepherd or an Irish name for an Irish setter. You might want to consider the purpose for which you have the dog. If hunting is one of your interests and you intend to take the dog with you, then you can choose a name applicable to this kind of activity.

It really helps if you love the name you choose because you will be using it quite often. To avoid any confusion for the dog, make sure that everyone in the family agrees on the name. if you have one name for the dog and someone else decides to use another one because of a disagreement, this will only result in confusion for the dog.

There are numerous names for male dogs online on many sites. You can choose from names of historical figures or names of dogs that appear in movies and TV programs as well as popular and common names. It may take you some time to browse through the various names, but the result will be worth it when you find one that matches your dog perfectly. Some of the most commonly used names for male dogs of all breeds in the US are:

1. Jake
2. Max
3. Buddy
4. Bailey
5. Sam
6. Rocky
7. Buster
8. Casey
9. Cody
10. Duke
11. Charlie
12. Jack
13. Harley
14. Rusty
15. Toby
16. Murphy
17. Shelby
18. Sparky
19. Barney
20. Winston

You will also find lists of the most popular names in just about every country of the world. Some of them will be the same, but there are differences. For example, the popular names for dogs in Australia include Oscar, Monty and Zack as well as those mentioned in the US list. In the UK, some of the names include Pip, Piper and Spot. Napoleon and Bonaparte are two of the most commonly used names for large boy dogs in France.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-choose-unique-boy-dog-names-475944.html
About the Author
For a huge database of boy dog names as well as girl dog names and other dogs names visit http://www.names-for-dogs.co.uk

Creative Male Dog Names For Your New Puppy

Author: Ryan Moxie
Choosing the right dog names can be as hard as naming your child. Maybe more so because there are more names to choose from. Male dog names could be Jack, Beau, or Joe. These can be names for a male child as well. Male dog names could also be Rufus, Scooby Doo or Howler. I wouldn't advise giving these names to a male child, though.

Searching for male dog names should be creative and enjoyable, and should also be something that reflects a part of your life. Many people choose names based on the looks of the dog. Some of these popular names are Moppit, Crinkles, Bitsy, Mask, or Harry (a good name for a furry dog or a hairless one). Some popular small male dog names are Gizmo, Peewee, Furby, or Chico (it means small in Spanish). Large characters make great names for large dogs, like Shrek, Achilles, or Hulk.

You can choose male dog names that denote a hobby or your employment. If you are a gun collector, how about Shotgun, Wesson, or Magnum? A bartender has lots of options, such as Martini, Cuervo, Budweiser, or Spuds Makenzie (remember Spuds?). Maybe you're a Trekie. If so, you could use names like Spock, Vulcan, or Captain Kirk. Are you a trucker? How about Mack or Peterbuilt or Sputnik (which means traveling partner).

Male dog names for sports fans are aplenty. How about naming your dog for your team? Are you a fan of the Celtics, or the Eagles, or the Buckeyes? You could name your dog after your favorite sportsman, like Tiger or Gretzky or Mickey Mantle. Maybe you're a sports history buff. Some defunct team names are pretty cool, like Mohawk (MCLA Mohawks), Savage (Dickenson State Savages), or Aztec (Mexico City Aztecas).

Let TV and movie writers do the work for you. Some popular names from these mediums are Duke (Beverly Hillbillies), Bentley (Monk), Murray (Mad About You), Beauregard (Hee Haw) and Sparky (South Park) from television, or Lucky (Dr. Doolittle), Einstein (Back to the Future), Chopper (Stand By Me), Alfie (Serpico) and Thorn (The Lost Boys).

Great dog names can be found in books or comics, too. How about Ace (Batman's dog), Krypto (Superman), Hotdog (Archie), Dogbert (Dilbert), or Snert (Hagar the Horrible) from the comic books? From literature you could choose Fang ('Harry Potter'), Pilot ('Jane Eyre'), Dougal ('Little Lord Fauntleroy'), Little Mustard ('Guy Mannering') or Spitz ('Call of the Wild').

Be creative when thinking up male dog names. It's not as hard as it seems. I know a dog named Askem, named so because when you ask the owner "What's your dog's name?" he replies "Askem." Think about the things you do or the things you love and the male dog names will flow. There are so many great names to choose from, but you can only pick one, so take your time and write down every great male dog name you can think of. Then choose the perfect one from your list of awesome dog names.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/creative-male-dog-names-for-your-new-puppy-465273.html

Top Facts about Dolphins

Author: Laurent Mikhail
1. Dolphins are mammals;they nurse their young from mammary glands.
2. Dolphins can swim up to 260 m. below the surface of the ocean, although they are mainly shallow divers. 3. Dolphins can stay up to 15 minutes under water although they usually stay only a few minutes diving.
4. Dolphins use a technique called echolocation to find food and navigate.
5. Dolphins are social beings which live in groups and cooperate among each other for activities like getting food and calf rising.
6. There are 32 species of ocean dolphins and 5 species of river dolphins. 7. The largest dolphin is the "killer whale" (orca), which can grow to 6.1 meters long.
8. The most known dolphin is the "bottlenose dolphin" which can grow to 2.5-2.8 meters.
9. Dolphins are warm-blooded and their internal temperature is around 36 degrees. To conserve this temperature they are surrounded by a thick layer of fat called "blubber" just below the skin.
10. The average botllenose dolphin brain weighs 1500-1600 grams, while average human brain weighs 1200-1300 grs. This is not a conclusive evidence of dolphin intelligence as many other factors might be the cause of intelligence according to scientists. 11. Dolphins can make a unique signature whistle that may help individual dolphins recognize each other or perform any other kind of communication still unknown.
12. Bottlenose dolphins can swim 5 to 12 kilometers per hour, although they can reach up to 32 km/h.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/top-facts-about-dolphins-8266.html
About the Author
Laurent Mikhail is a dolphin fan. You can find all the information about dolphins
in his site www.dolphins-world.com

5 Natural Ways To Treat Canine Anemia

Author: Gene Sower
Anemia can be caused by excessive loss of red blood cells or by inadequate production.
Nutritional iron-deficiency anemia, common in people, is uncommon in dogs with today's commercially balanced dog foods. Chronic iron deficiency, as described by the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," is a clear indication that an insidious loss of blood is taking place.
Blood loss is a condition that is commonly caused by wounds or parasites such as worms and fleas. Symptoms of anemia in dogs include white or pale gums, weakness, and a fast pulse. Sometimes this condition indicates a more serious illness such as toxicity that results from a drug exposure. However, the more simple and common cause of anemia which is blood loss can be easily treated with a view toward promoting the growth of new red blood cells.
You need to give your dog a special diet rich in iron, protein, and vitamin B12. The following lists of foods and supplements are especially helpful and provide the necessary nutrients that your dog needs to treat anemia.
1. Beef liver which contains iron, protein, B complex, and B12. 2. Kelp powder which contains iodine and other trace minerals. 3. Green vegetables which contains iron and other minerals. 4. Nutritional yeast along with B12 which offers the same benefits as the liver. 5. Vitamin C, from 500 to 2,000 milligrams per day (depending on the dog's size) which helps with the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract.
If the condition is caused by parasites, then you will need to nip the problem in the bud and treat the parasite infestation first before using any other forms of treatment.
Using a many commercially available flea treatments such as shampoos and sprays can prove effective in killing fleas. But start by combing or brushing your dog on a white sheet or blanket so you can see any fleas fall off. And keep in mind that fleas can jump.
And don't forget to wash your dog's bedding and use a good flea powder on carpets throughout the house, especially in the areas where the dog sleeps and has it's bed.
According to the Dog Owner"s Home Veterinary Handbook", "Signs (of anemia) vary considerably, depending on the cause. Often they are overshadowed by the signs of a chronic illness, of which anemia is but one of the associated symptoms. In general, anemic dogs lack appetite, lose weight, sleep a great deal and show generalized waekness. "
They go on to caution, "With severe anemia, heart murmurs are common. The pulse is rapid and so is the breathing rate. The dog may faint when overexerting. Most of these signs also occur with heart disease, and these two conditions might be easily confused."
As always, your vet can make the final diagnosis.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/5-natural-ways-to-treat-canine-anemia-18266.html
About the Author
Gene Sower is the publisher of the DOG BYTES newsletter and owner of http://www.naturalpetsworld.com, a site devoted to offering a huge selection of natural pet foods at discount prices.

Unique Dog Names from Nature

Author: Ryan Moxie
Unique dog names can come from many sources. The best unique dog names come from places that most people wouldn't think to look. Nature can give us dog names that are as unique as nature itself can be. Consider all the resources nature gives us, then take a look at those resources and you will find unique names for your new dog. Here is a short list of unique dog names that can be taken from nature.

Trees
Sequoia, Chestnut, Maple, Pawpaw, Creeper, Staghorn, Plum, Cherry, Magnolia, Peaches, Scarlet, Buckeye, Lilac, Honey or Honeysuckle, Pagoda, Hawthorn, Douglas, Cedar, Alder, Aspen, or Shagbark (for a noisy, shaggy dog)

Flowers
Lily, Rose, Aster, Daffodil, Cosmos, Flame, Foxtail, Lilac, Glory, Orchid, Ginger, Marguerite, Marigold, Chrissy or Mum, Queen Ann, St. John, Turtle, Tansy, Sweet Pea, Buttercut, or Sugarbush

The Sky
Cloud, Tornado, Windy, Twister, Rainy, Storm or Stormy, Snow, Blizzard, Hurricane, Thunder, Lightening, Star, Moon, Sunny, Nova (means bright star), Venus, Pluto, Jupiter, Astro or Astra, or Stella

Mined From the Earth
Opal, Pearl, Malachite, Ruby, Sapphire, Zircon, Turquoise, Coral, Copper, Emerald, Diamond, Cameo, Amber, Crystal, Jade, Jet, Coal, Jewel, Onyx, Shamira (means precious stone), or Precious

From the Waters
Wave, Coral, Seaweed, Sponge, Whirl or Whirlpool, Tsunami, Orca, Blue, Surf, Icy or Iceberg, Shark, Red, Black or Blackie, Atlantic or Atlantis, and we can't forget Champ and Nessie.

Animals
Hawk, Wolf, Bear, Badger, Monkey, Crow, Goose (popular since Top Gun), Roo (short of Kangaroo), Moose, Lizard, Rhino, Grizzly, Buck, Shrew, Jaguar, Mouse, Leo (lion), Elk, Jackal, Racoon, Fawn, Bison, Bull, Weasel or Kid

As you can see, unique dog names can come from any part of nature. Just stop and take a look around you, you are bound to find many unique dog names. If nature isn't your thing, you can look to other sources for unique dog names, such as literature, music, sports, movies, food, and some of the best unique dog names come from alcohol.

A few tips on naming your dog, though. Try not to make the name too long or complicated. You need to be able to say it easily and you want people to remember it. Your dog will learn his name more quickly if it is shorter and snappy, a couple of syllables is usually the best. Try not to name your dog something that sounds like a command that you might be teaching him.

Look up the meanings of unique dog names if you aren't sure what they mean. Yes, we all know what star or warthog means, but if you think the name Amber is pretty for your Black Labrador, you might be interested to know that Amber is brownish yellow in color. If you still love it, use it. Remember, it's your dog, name her what you like.

The most important thing to remember when finding unique dog names is to find a name you love and stick with it. Changing names once they get used to them is confusing to dogs and could cause behavioral problems. It doesn't matter what dog names you choose, your dog will love you for it.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/unique-dog-names-from-nature-488702.html

Can I Catch A Disease Or Worms From My Puppy?

Author: Mitch Endick
Dogs and puppies can pass germs, diseases and worms on to people, but it does not occur often. There are certain precautions that you can take to help prevent this from happening. First and foremost, make sure that the dog or puppy you are playing with looks healthy. Do not touch or contact an obviously sick dog. Make sure that your personal dog has regular check ups and is checked for worms by your veterinarian. Look for obvious signs of disease such as spots missing fur on your dog. Hot spots or places that your dog keeps chewing or biting at can be another sign of infection.
One of the best lines of defense from getting sick from contact with a dog is to wash your hands well, especially with anti-bacterial soap. After dog or puppy contact, keep your hands away from your face, especially your mouth. Do not eat finger foods after dog contact until you can wash. Do not let your dog lick you on your face. Try not to have contact with dog saliva, urine or dog feces.
Dogs and puppies can carry a fair variety of bacteria, parasites, fungus and worms. Some of these are fairly common in dogs and others are quite rare. Some people are more likely than others to catch these diseases. Some of the factors associated with catching the diseases depend upon the persons age and status of their health. People who are more likely to get diseases from dogs include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS, and people being treated for cancer.
The following diseases may be carried by dogs:
Brucella canis Infection (brucellosis): A bacterial disease rarely associated with dogs.
Campylobacter Infection (campylobacteriosis): A bacterial disease associated with dogs, cats, and farm animals. If your dog has diarrhea, you may want to consult with your veterinarian, as this disease may be the culprit and it is passable to humans. If you develop symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and/or nausea, contact your physician. Be sure to inform him or her of your pet and if it is ill.
Cryptosporidium (cryptosporidiosis): A parasitic disease associated with dogs, especially puppies, cats, and farm animals. Animals can carry this parasite in their feces and pass it to people. Animals do not have to be ill to pass Cryptosporidium to humans, they may just carry the disease. This disease usually causes a mild to severe infection of the gastrointestinal system, including watery diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
Dipylidium Infection (tapeworm): A parasitic disease associated with dogs, cats and fleas. Fleas carry the tapeworm and the dog must swallow the flea (which may easily happen during grooming) to allow the tapeworms to hatch and grown in the dog. For a person to become infected with Dipylidium, or tapeworm, he or she must accidentally swallow an infected flea. Most reported cases involve children. The risk of infection with this tapeworm in humans is low.
Giardia Infection (giardiasis): A parasitic disease associated with various animals, including dogs and their environment (including water). The Giardia parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals. Millions of germs can be released in a bowel movement from an infected human or animal. Giardia is found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals.
Hookworm Infection: A parasitic disease associated with dogs and cats and their environment. Puppies and kittens are especially likely to have hookworm infections. Animals that are infected pass hookworm eggs in their stools. The eggs can hatch into larvae, and both eggs and larvae may be found in dirt where animals have been. Eggs or larvae can get into your body when you accidentally eat or have direct contact with contaminated dirt. For example, this can happen if a child is walking barefoot or playing in an area where dogs or cats have been.
Leishmania Infection (leishaniasis): A parasitic disease associated with dogs and sand flies outside the United States.
Leptospira Infection (leptospirosis): A bacterial disease associated with wild and domestic animals, including dogs. In people, the symptoms are often like the flu, but sometimes leptospirosis can develop into a more severe, life-threatening illness with infections in the kidney, liver, brain, lung, and heart.
Lyme Disease: A bacterial disease that can affect dogs and ticks. People get Lyme disease when they are bitten by ticks carrying B. burgdorferi, and this is in certain parts of the country.
Q Fever (Coxiella burnettii): A bacterial disease occasionally associated with dogs, but more often associated with sheep, cattle and goats, especially their birth products.
Rabies: A viral disease associated with various animals, including dogs. This is fairly rare in the US.
Ringworm: A fungal disease associated with dogs. Ringworm is transmitted from direct contact with an infected animal's skin or hair. Dogs and cats, especially kittens or puppies, can have ringworm that can be passed to people.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/can-i-catch-a-disease-or-worms-from-my-puppy-66816.html
About the Author
Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offeres information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.

Bark Off -- Don't Purchase Until You Read This Review

Author: ericchristopher
Bark Off is the brand new little pet product designed to help help you work with your dog to cut down on his or her barking. This is just the sort of product that many pet owners have been waiting for for years. It can be said that once every year or so of product comes along and promises to offer a fix that just about every family would find useful. The question is, does bark off work?
The claims of the product include some of the following:

• Ultrasonic sound is inaudible to humans
• Device can be worked automatically
• Instantly catches your dog's attention
• Perfect for both outdoors and indoors
• Pet friendly
• And most importantly… it naturally and painlessly interrupts barking patterns

The verdict:
The product is brand-new and has only been out for a short time. For this reason, we have to go on the number of reviews that we investigated from third parties. But before we get to that we can address the fact that the product could, scientifically, work because of the amazing hearing abilities of dogs. Because dogs are able to hear frequencies that the normal human being cannot pick up, there is no reason to doubt that such device would be able to accommodate the pet owner while addressing the dog's attention.
The previews that we have seen have pretty much been positive across the board! It seems as though this product actually is able to do what it claims. If barking is an issue at your house, consider Bark Off today!


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/bark-off-dont-purchase-until-you-read-this-review-2165947.html

How to Raise a Chihuahua Puppy

Author: Joseph Long
It seems like more and more people today are deciding they want to own a Chihuahua puppy over other dog breeds. However, before jumping into such a big decision, it is important to take a step back and realize it entitles. This article will help you understand how to successfully raise a Chihuahua puppy.

Chihuahua puppies are most known for two things; being cute, and being small. There is nothing wrong with them being cute, but being so small means they can get injured or even killed much easier than larger dog breeds. All it takes is a careless child running through your house to accidentally step on or knock something onto your Chihuahua puppy. If you have a house with small children or other dogs, it is important to always keep them separate from your puppies. It is your responsibility to provide a safe environment for your Chihuahua puppy.

One of the first things you want to do when you get your new puppy is to call and schedule an appointment to take them to your Veterinarian. Puppies need to go periodically to get their sets of shots and vaccines. These are an important part of raising a healthy Chihuahua puppy and keeping them protected from deadly diseases, such as the infamous "Parvo".

Since your Chihuahua will be an indoor pet, you should start the potty-training process the first day you get your puppy. Many people are misinformed about the proper way to handle the potty-training task. So, forget what you've heard in the past, and follow these guidelines. Take your puppy outside to go potty the same area every time. This will let them become used to the area and associate it with potty-time. Stay out there with your puppy and speak a command, such as "go potty". When they are good and potty outside, give them a treat and lots of affection. It is a good idea to keep your puppy confined in a crate during the night time to help prevent them from having potty accidents. Most animals don't want to sleep where they pee, which is why keeping them in a crate is an effective way of training a puppy. Just remember to take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, chances are they held their pee and will go potty much faster. You don't want to keep your puppy locked up in a crate all day. You can let them roam around in a safe area of the house as long as you can keep a close eye on them. When you see them have an accident indoors (yes, they will have accidents), simply say "No!", or "Bad Boy!", and immediately take them outside to their same spot to potty. You don't ever need hit or spank your puppy. Chihuahuas respond well to positive reinforcement, and the opposite for negative.

To help your puppy grow up to be less aggressive it is important to socialize them with other people and animals at an early age. Doing so will let them become comfortable being around others and should make them less "snappy". You can socialize your puppy by taking them over to a relatives house, carrying them in a pet carrier through the mall, going to the pet store, or just going outside to a public park.

It is a big responsibility to take a Chihuahua puppy under your care, but you will develop a loving bond with them that will last a lifetime. Just remember to take care of your puppy and give them the love they deserve.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-raise-a-chihuahua-puppy-394458.html
About the Author
For more information on Chihuahuas and Chihuahua clothes, visit ChihuahuaThreads.com.

Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats

Author: Freddy R Bubble
The dogs vs. cats debate has raged on for all time and for all time the dog side has won! Dogs are man's best friend and cats don't even like us! So why should we like them?

Unlike cats, dogs are very faithful and give you unconditional love forever. Cats barely seem to know you are around most of the time. If there is any problem a dog will serve and even protect you really well, but what would a cat do? Nothing!

The dogs are very obedient creatures and will sit or lie down or heel on command unlike the cats who will just smirk and walk away. Cats cannot be trained as easily as dogs. In fact it can seem impossible to train a cat.

Whenever the owner talks, a dog will tilt their heads and listen but cats don't really seem to have much interest in human speech. Dogs will come upon hearing their name called while cats either don't recognize their name being called or don't care that it's been called! A dog's obedience makes him even more lovable and that is the biggest reason many people prefer dogs over cats.

Dogs also serve as very good companions and will play Frisbee or other games with you in the afternoon while cats, being selfish and self-centered, would prefer to take their afternoon nap quite lazily. Dogs are not at all mischievous by nature and will bring you your slippers or your evening newspaper unlike cats who might bring you a dead mouse.

Dogs also serve as very good watch dogs. There's a reason they call it a watch dog and not a watch cat! They will bark to wake you up if the house is on fire or if he finds anything suspicious going on like thieves or somebody else breaking in while cats will just quietly sneak out the back door.

Dogs are so obedient that they will let you give them a bath quite easily, while a cat will struggle the entire time.

Dogs also look much better at the end of a leash. A dog can be a great partner on daily walk or your daily run. You can't take a cat with you on a run!

Another great advantage that dogs have over cats is that they are easier to co mingle with each other. Dogs tend to get along with other dogs much easier than cats tend to get along with other cats.

Possibly the best reason that dogs are better than cats? Dogs don't use the bathroom inside of your house! They go outside! No matter how much the litter is supposed to keep the smell under control, it still stinks!

Dogs seem to understand your emotions and will try to comfort you whenever you are sad while the cats don't really seem to notice this sort of thing. A cat is far more interested in his own life.

I'm sure there are many more reasons why dogs are better than cats but these are the ones I've thought of today. Dogs are the best friend a man (or woman) can have. Cats? Not so much.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/why-dogs-are-better-than-cats-251837.html