Dog health care must include regular rabies shots, although many dog owners do not keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date. The misconception is that since the dog doesn’t run free, it’s not important.

Even though you keep your dog restrained on a leash or in a yard, you can never guarantee he will not come in contact with this deadly disease.

Did you know that your dog can pick up the rabies virus simply by licking the ground? If a rabid animal has left saliva or other body fluid shortly before you passed, your dog is at risk.

Much of the focus for many owners is on obedience training. Dog health care is often only an issue when the dog first arrives at the home or when it becomes ill.

Rabies shots are essential if you want to ensure your dog stays healthy. But that’s not the only reason. If your dog comes in contact with a rabid animal, such as fighting with a raccoon, skunk or an infected dog, your pet could be euthanized.

And if that isn’t enough to get you to the vet, consider that rabies is a threat to your family as well.

What can you do to protect your dog and your family?

Rabies vaccines gradually lose their effectiveness over time. The longer it is since your dog was vaccinated, the more at risk he or she will become. In fact, within as a little as six months, your dog could be at risk. The maximum length of time the vaccine lasts is about two years, but by that time it’s effectiveness has deteriorated significantly.

Many people use this two-year point as the period when they give their dogs booster rabies shots. This is an unsafe practice.

For the best protection, you must have your dog vaccinated every year. Any good vet will send you a reminder every year that your dog’s shots are due.

Dog health care is important, but preventative health care is more important. It ensures your dog is protected against dangerous and painful diseases. Rabid animals suffer terribly. The disease affects their entire nervous system causing death. There is no cure.

Regular dog health care measures can protect your family from the rigors of taking the ‘cure’ if your dog does come in contact with the rabies virus.

And rabies dog health care can save your dog’s life.

Recently, two dogs in North Carolina suffered after fighting with a rabid fox. One was quarantined for 6 months, the other was euthanized. That state also had a cat and a raccoon that were rabid.

You can never be sure when rabies will be present. Infected neighborhood cats, raccoons and skunks can wander into any yard without your knowledge and leave rabies-laden saliva.

If you seldom hear about rabies, do not think that your dog is safe. Every year somewhere in the country there are reported cases of rabies in wild animals. Unprotected dogs have been euthanized after fighting with those rabid animals.

Protection is far better than treatment after the fact. There is no reason for your family or your dog to suffer. It takes about 15 minutes a year to get your dog vaccinated against rabies and other serious diseases.

Make sure your dog health care includes regular rabies vaccines to ensure your dog’s and your family’s safety.

Sylvia Dickens
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/your-dog-health-care-must-include-annual-rabies-shots-531467.html

I need boarding for my dog fourth of July weekend. I can't find anyone. I live in Washington in the everett area. Any help would be useful.

Contact a professional pet sitter organization for a list of members in your area. Two of the well-known and respected organizations in this field are the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (800-296-PETS) and Pet Sitters International (336-983-9222).

For more information go to:

http://www.pets911.com/animal-academy/pet-sitting/where-do-i-find-a-professional-pet-sitter/

powered by Yahoo Answers

There are many different breeds of dogs out there. The choices are too numerous to count. With each breed of dog you also have different colors of coat they will have, and the texture of their coat. Some dogs have short hair while others have long. Some breeds have a straight coat, while others are wavy or curly.

Tamming the Curls

No matter which dog you choose, you will need to know how to properly groom them. If you have a dog that has a wavy or curly coat, you will want to know how to take care of their coat properly. A dog with a curly or wavy coat will take more time and attention to keep looking good than a dog with straight hair.

When caring for a dog with curly hair you will want to make sure you keep the coat a good length. If you let the coat get too long it will get tangled easily, and twigs and debris will get stuck in it. This is especially important to people who show their dog, or use their dog for hunting. It is easier for your dog to be helpful while hunting if he has a coat that is well maintained.

Cutting the Curls

Most curly haired dogs will need to have their coat cut. Two inches is the best length for the dogs coat. It does take time and practice to master cutting your dogs hair. Some people choose just to use a buzzer, this is an easy fast way of cutting your dogs coat. Others choose to use a scissor, which takes more practice. If your dog is going to be in dog shows you may want to take them to a place that specializes in dog grooming.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when grooming your dogs coat yourself, or between visits to the dog groomer. First you will want to make sure you brush the dogs entire coat to get rid of as dead coat as you can, this also gets rid of the tangles. A pin brush and or slicker brush usually work the best for this. Next you will want to use a comb to make sure you get every tangle. To ensure that you do not rip any hair out you will want to take your time.

After you are sure you have removed all the dead hair, and the tangles you are ready to proceed with the cutting. The first thing you will want to do is remove any extra hair. Remember you should leave the hair about two inches long, and it should be a pretty even cut. Now you will want to proceed to the foot, and the foot pads. You will want to cut any excess hair from between the paws, the make the paw blend in with the leg hair.

After you have finished with the legs and paws you are ready to continue towards the torso. You will want to make sure you cut off excess fuzz, and shape the hair in a way that flatters your breed of dog. You will want to make sure you take your time and do a good job. Stop periodically to look at you work. Having a picture of your breed of dog will be a big help. This way you have an idea of what you are going for.

After cutting your dogs hair you will want to give your dog a bath. After the bath all you need to do is towel dry your dog. By towel drying you are allowing the dogs natural curls to show. This will look much better than if you try and blow dry it.

Philipe Sparks
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/tips-for-grooming-your-curly-or-wavy-coated-dog-126489.html

Little kids are particularly fond of dogs and dogs too like running around children. dogs really take very good care of kids and are quite protective about them. However, if you have a kid, there are several important factors that you must consider before deciding to bring a pup home.

Learn about various breeds and their primary traits. Choose the dog breed that is known to be of easy temperament and training friendly. Besides, the breed the individual traits also matter. For instance, Dobermans are not supposed to be the children’s friend yet some of them have been found to be extremely friendly with kids and are very tolerant of their rashness. In a few instances dogs of certain gentle breeds turn out to be short tempered and highly irritable. The best way to find out whether a pup will grow into an angry dog or an affectionate one is to have a look at his mother or grown up siblings.

Never forget that the puppy might be much smaller than your kid but would grow much faster than him. One thing that you must make your little ones understand that a pup is not a toy and cannot be handled the way they like. The child, therefore, must give a gentle treatment to the dog and mend his pushing, pulling and twisting ways.

Kids have the habit of putting everything in their mouths and once they get a dog they try to put all of it in his mouth. Teach him not to, for the dog might not like it that much, besides the kid might also hurt himself or herself doing it. And, no tail pulling.

The child must also be encouraged to train the dog himself or herself so that they grow up together and the dog understands your child’s commands fully well. Do not allow your child to walk the dog unless you or some other elder is around because dogs often get distracted by sounds and may go berserk in excitement. This might hurt the child though the dog himself would feel very sorry for having hurt the little one. Dogs are very sensitive creatures and can feel human pain. If you are in pain they just might end up crying literally.

Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-training-for-kids-at-home-82174.html

I need to leave town on a family emergency and I have a medium sized dog. I would love to leave him at home but he can get anxious and has been known to dig under the fence. I don't want to worry about him for the two weeks we are away. He is a 2 year old golden retriever/basset mix and I've never left him more than overnight before. How much does it cost to board and is home sitting really a good option?

I wouldn't leave him at home by himself if he can dig under the fence. Nor would I leave him in charge of a friend unless your friend is willing to keep the dog in his home. If you can find someone to stay in your home, that would be best. Your other option is to board him in a kennel. Cost depends on where you live. Get some references from your friends and vet as to a good place to board.

powered by Yahoo Answers

The Collie dog makes an excellent sporting dog, and can be taught to do the work of the Pointer and the Setter, as well as that of the Water Spaniel and the Retriever. He can be trained to perform the duties of other breeds. He is clever at hunting, having an excellent nose, is a good vermin-killer, and a most faithful watch, guard, and companion.

Little is known with certainty of the origin of the Collie, but his cunning and his outward appearance would seem to indicate a relationship with the wild dog. Buffon was of opinion that he was the true dog of nature, the stock and model of the whole canine species. He considered the Sheepdog superior in instinct and intelligence to all other breeds, and that, with a character in which education has comparatively little share, he is the only animal born perfectly trained for the service of man.

At the shows this type of dog is invariably at the top of the class. He is considered the most tractable, and is certainly the most agile. Second to this type in favour is the smooth-coated variety, a very hard, useful dog, well adapted for hill work and usually very fleet of foot. He is not so sweet in temper as the black and white, and is slow to make friends. There is not a more graceful and physically beautiful dog to be seen than the show Collie of the present period. Produced from the old working type, he is now practically a distinct breed.

The skull should be flat, moderately wide between the ears, and gradually tapering towards the eyes. There should only be a slight depression at stop. The width of skull necessarily depends upon combined length of skull and muzzle; and the whole must be considered in connection with the size of the dog. The cheek should not be full or prominent.

The muzzle should be of fair length, tapering to the nose, and must not show weakness or be snipy or lippy. Whatever the colour of the dog may be, the nose must be black. The teeth should be of good size, sound and level; very slight unevenness is permissible. The jaws Clean cut and powerful. The eyes are a very important feature, and give expression to the dog; they should be of medium size, set somewhat obliquely, of almond shape, and of a brown colour except in the case of merles, when the eyes are frequently (one or both) blue and white or china; expression full of intelligence, with a quick alert look when listening. The ears should be small and moderately wide at the base, and placed not too close together but on the top of the skull and not on the side of the head. When in repose they should be usually carried thrown back, but when on the alert brought forward and carried semi-erect, with tips slightly drooping in attitude of listening.

The neck should be muscular, powerful and of fair length, and somewhat arched. The body should be strong, with well sprung ribs, chest deep, fairly broad behind the shoulders, which should be sloped, loins very powerful. The dog should be straight in front. The fore-legs should be straight and muscular, neither in nor out at elbows, with a fair amount of bone; the forearm somewhat fleshy, the pasterns showing flexibility without weakness. The hind-legs should be muscular at the thighs, clean and sinewy below the hocks, with well bent stifles. The feet should be oval in shape, soles well padded, and the toes arched and close together.

In general character he is a lithe active dog, his deep chest showing lung power, his neck strength, his sloping shoulders and well bent hocks indicating speed, and his expression high intelligence. He should be a fair length on the leg, giving him more of a racy than a cloddy appearance. In a few words, a Collie should show endurance, activity, and intelligence, with free and true action. In height dogs should be 22 ins. to 24 ins. at the shoulders, bitches 20 ins. to 22 ins. The weight for dogs is 45 to 65 lbs., bitches 40 to 55 lbs. The smooth collie only differs from the rough in its coat, which should be hard, dense and quite smooth.

Joann Cheong
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/sporting-collie-dog-100969.html

I have 2 dogs and the male Jack Russell (who is pretty hyper) will stalk and harass my lab mix (who is pretty mellow) The Jack will follow him and bite his legs and bark at him non stop. The lab will ignore him but eventually will lash out at nearby dogs. To avoid this annoying behavior, I let only one off the leash at a time. How can I stop this behavior!!!!

There is no smacking that needs to be done. I would say start going to dog training, and learn how to do the got ya game. Also like one other person mentioned have a toy or ball to get the jack's attetion and throw that. However as soon as he gets rough go up to him get ahold of his collar and say got ya! Give him a treat when he looks at you. Give him a few moments to relax, and then tell him to go play. If he starts to act up again, do it again. If that doesn't work, place the lead on (make sure someone is watching your other dog) and take him outside of the play area for a min.. then return him to play.

Soon he'll learn that being too rough has him removed from the packs play time.

powered by Yahoo Answers

There are many of you who have treasured to bring a nice cuddlesome dog home as a pet. There are different ways that you can go about the business of selecting your future pet but you may want to think about adopting a dog. Before you can officially adopt a dog there are certain items that you will need to take into consideration.

Now I know that pets play on our emotions and make it very challenging to make a decision based on providing a good home for the dog. Do yourself a favor and try to take into consideration the following.

The first consideration should be what kind of dog will be right for your home and your lifestyle. This is very important to consider as some dogs are actually suited for patrolling large compounds and other types of dogs have stacks of surplus energy that should be worked off in a regular active routine.

In addition when you are going to adopt a dog you will have to think about the full size of your new pet and if your home can accommodate your dog’s environmental needs. For instance you need to realize if a full size Great Dane will be pleased living in a small country cottage or trailer house.

The other item that you must consider is the food that you will need to give your new pet. As each dog is different in temperament and size you will need to purchase the right type of food for your dog. For this rationality adopting a dog involves knowing something about the breed and what kind of food and environmental issues that are necessary for the future well being of your new pet.

The research of the breed doesn’t have to be never ending, long drawn out process. Just enough information so that you feel comfortable knowing that your home and environment will provide the needs of your new dog.

You can find some of this information from books and the internet. However before you start looking for this information you will need to see the assorted breeds. From this data you can make a realistic conclusion if you are capable of caring for a Chihuahua, a Labrador, a German Shepard, or even a mixed breed.

Once you have looked at the assorted dogs you can find a pet adoption center where you can find many different breeds of dogs. From these places you should be able to adopt a dog that is in need of lots of care and love. You can ask for information about the dog that you want to adopt.

These questions can include the name of a good veterinarian, an individual who can help you to train your new pet how to behave. You can also ask about the other facts that you may feel are necessary to care for your new dog.

Even though you may have thought that having a pet is an easy matter there are many items that need to be seen to when you adopt a dog. For the person who is willing to give some of their time and love to a dog you will find a lifelong companion who will give you gobs of implicit love.

Now remember, the more information you gather, the better understanding of what you can and can’t provide will be clear. Adopting a dog can be fun and exciting, always remember to take the pet into consideration as well. The last thing I know you want to do is bring a dog home and find out that your accommodations don’t suite their needs.

Bowe Packer
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/a-few-considerations-before-you-adopt-a-dog-114781.html

Dogs, just like humans, have a variety of conditions that can affect their health. Unfortunately, dogs can have bone and joint problems, eye problems, nervous disorders, digestive, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, as well as hereditary diseases and even cancers. As a dog owner, the health of your pet is always a concern. The good news is that by following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your dog will be healthy and any conditions that arise will be noted and treated as early as possible to obtain the best possible outcome.

The following list is a general outline of the suggestions that most vets recommend for ensuring your dog’s health. Remember that some breeds may have additional needs that are health-related, so be sure to research your breed and be aware of any conditions or dog health risks that may be prevalent within the breed.

Exercise
All dogs need some level of exercise on a daily basis. Many of the small breeds will exercise indoors or will “self-exercise”, but other breeds simply do not. Owners need to realize that just turning the dog outside in the yard for a couple of hours a day may not be exercise either. Many dogs will simply find a shady spot to rest in until they’re allowed back in the house. Having a dog means that you’re willing to make a commitment to their daily exercise, whether that is going for a walk, jog, or just tossing the ball or Frisbee for 20 minutes. Watch your dog to be sure that they’re not over tired or injured during exercise, especially if there’s a lot of jumping or running involved. Encourage your dog to exercise even if they don’t seem to want to that day.

Diet
Feed only a good quality or premium dry kibble to your dog. Avoid the wet foods, as they are often not as nutritionally balanced as the kibble, plus they can cause both dental and digestive problems. If you are feeding wet food, consult with your vet and make sure that you are using the correct amount and type to balance the nutritional needs of your dog. Avoid feeding human food and too many treats. Human food or treats should be less than 5% of the daily food intake of your dog. Many vets and dog health experts recommend no human food and only select dog treats.

Some foods should be avoided completely. The following are harmful and possibly fatal to dogs:
· Chocolates
· Sweets and sugars
· Raisins
· Raw pork
· Raw fish
· Any kind of poultry that is raw
· Any kind of raw or cooked poultry bones
· Coffee
· Mushrooms
· Onions and garlic (in large quantities)

dogs should always have free access to clean water and should never be kenneled or kept in an area where there is no water.

Attention to Detail
By carefully observing your dog on a regular basis, you can note any signs of discomfort or anxiety quickly. Watch for changes in your dog’s behavior, including their energy level and food and water consumption. Often the first signs of many conditions are a change in eating patterns. Any odd behavior should be noted and carefully monitored. Behaviors such as seizures, excessive salivating, excessive or abnormal tearing of the eyes or discharges from any part of the body should be immediately checked by a vet.

Routine Vet Visits
Be sure to keep vaccinations and other dog health precautions up to date with routine visits to the vet. In some areas, heartworm and other conditions require constant monitoring and the vet can provide this service. Before breeding your dog, be sure to have her or him completely checked for any genetic conditions or predispositions such as hip dysplasia.

Love and Attention
Last, but certainly not least, your dog needs your family’s love and attention. Dogs thrive when they feel they are a loved and involved member of the family. Dog health is linked to love and attention, as loving owners are usually more aware of changes in the dog’s health and well being and get professional help sooner.

In all cases, it is vitally important to talk to your vet about any concerns that you may have with dog health and be sure to know any conditions that are specific to the breed of dog that you own.

Terry Roberts
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-basics-of-dog-health-93721.html

Who published "The African Wild Dog: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation (Monographs in Behavior and Ecology)" ? Our library does not have the book so I am using the online book and cannot find it anywhere.

Direct answer Princeton University Press – click on the view pages on the Amazon link below then copyright notice. .

You mean for free?
Ask your librarian to look for a library with holdings and do an interlibrary loan.

Here it is for $47 http://www.amazon.com/African-Wild-Dog-Conservation-Monographs/dp/0691016542

Here are some sources http://www.google.com/search?q=The+African+Wild+Dog%3A+Behavior%2C+Ecology%2C+and+Conservation+(Monographs+in+Behavior+and+Ecology)&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

powered by Yahoo Answers