Dog Health Care: Best Pet from Shelters

Every pet lover dreamed of having the best pet for themselves. Most of us go to the petshop to get those, but did you know that some of the best pets came from the shelters?

If you wish to get yourself a pet and at the same time give a home to an unfortunate lonely creature, the animal shelter might be the right place for you. Not only do they have a great selection of adult animals for adoption, but they also have kittens and puppies, even purebred animals. On average, purebreds account for about 25 to 30 percent of a shelter’s dog population.

You can depend on responsible shelters to assess the dogs health and temperament in order to make the best adoption matches possible. Another advantage is that shelter adoption fees are usually much less than prices at a pet store or breeder.

Don’t be discouraged if, when you first visit the shelter, there are no animals of the breed or type you want. Youth League of Animal Protection (227-1698, www.dogicat.org ) is non-profit animal rescue organization located in Kyiv that provides sanctuary for animals and specializes in caring for stray cats and dogs. The shelter receives new animals every day. The rescued animals are evaluated by a veterinarian, given the necessary medical treatment, and nursed back to health.

All of them are spayed or neutered. Before choosing your pet, you can even speak with an adoption counselor about whether your choice of a particular type or breed is the best for you. On their website www.dogicat.org they display the animals they have available for adoption. You can read about the responsibilities of pet care and adoption forms on the website.

Source: http://www.kyivpost.com/guide/general/29054/

Dog Health Care : "Big Black Dog Syndrome"

An interesting phenomenon in the dog adoption world has recently become very apparent. Dogs that are large and black, especially labs, shepherd mixes, pit bulls, and rottweilers are passed over time after time for smaller, lighter colored dogs for adoption. Some shelters have even named this phenomenon "Big black dog syndrome" because of its prevalence. Although, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, this dog health care problem is not tracked nationally and local shelters keep only limited records on the size, breed, and color of the dogs that are adopted or put down, the problem has become apparent to shelters as they see this reoccurring pattern; big black dogs do not get adopted. At the city animal shelter in Rogers, Arkansas, big black dogs make up the majority of animals that are put down each month. Last month, 13 of the 14 animals put to sleep consisted of big black dogs.

Big black dogs have a negative connotation to some potential pet owners, who mistakenly assume they are mean and aggressive. The concept of the big, black dog as capable of unleashing destruction is a common theme among books, movies, and folklore, which may be partially responsible for this misconception. Another reason that people may be hesitant to become owners of these dogs is the message that the dog may portray about the owner. Owning this type of dog may lead people to believe that the owner has the same negative characteristics that are associated with big black dogs.

Animal shelters attempt to explain the reasoning behind this problem, stating that black dogs of all sizes are difficult to photograph for online listings, and that they are easily hidden in the dark shadows of their cages. Another reason why people are wary of black dogs is that it is difficult to read their expressions due to their dark coloring. Because of the lack of defined eyebrows and absence of contrast between black eyes and black face, it can be a challenge to determine how the dog is feeling.

Blackpearldogs.com is a web site that is devoted to increasing public awareness about the "big black dog phenomenon." This site offers reasons to adopt big black dogs, and advises that people should adopt dogs based on personality and lifestyle match rather than on color or size.

Source: http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/openyourheartwithpets/archives/137184.asp?from=blog_last3

Dog Health : What Are Dog Owners Doing With Their Dogs?

We all know that a lot of people own dogs, but exactly how many of us, and why? And perhaps more to the point, what do we do with them? Many of the answers may appear to be self evident, but no-one before has attempted to quantify such information – and yet it is important sociologically, it has implications for dog health, welfare and behaviour, and it is also important in terms of both the health of dogs and their owners.

A recent study by the University of Liverpool has looked in depth at dog ownership in a small, semi-rural community in Cheshire, which has a variety of housing types, and also fields and country parks where dogs can be exercised. Over 1,200 households were approached, and information collected by a combination of interviews and questionnaires. Approximately 50% of households owned a pet of some sort, and 1 in 4 owned a dog - so clearly pets in general, and perhaps dogs in particular, are very important to us.

The households most likely to own dogs were families with school-age children, and interestingly those with an adult woman in the house. In contrast, families with very young children, and, more surprisingly perhaps retired people, were less likely to have a dog. Gundogs were the most popular type, followed by cross breeds, but Labradors were the most popular individual breed, perhaps fitting in with the view that they tend to make good family pets.

The researchers then questioned householders in some detail as to what they did with their dogs, both inside and outside the home. The majority of dogs were allowed to roam throughout the house when their owner was present, but were confined at night or when the owner was out. The commonest place for the dog to sleep was the kitchen, but 1 in 5 slept on the bedroom floor, and 1 in 7 slept on a human bed, indicating the very close physical and psychological bond between some dogs and their owners. Approximately half of dogs were reported to lie on furniture, and a similar proportion enjoyed regular cuddles on a person’s lap, but smaller dogs and younger dogs were more likely to do this. A variety of games were played with dogs, but the most popular game was to fetch a ball or other object, with smaller dogs more likely to play ‘tug-of war’:

The majority of dogs were fed in the kitchen, and the most popular food was dry complete dog food. A surprising number (85%) received commercial dog ‘treats’, and most dogs were given human food titbits, generally from the hand, or in their bowl – although 11% were given these direct from the human plate.

Outside, most dogs were confined to a secure area and never roamed – only 1% were allowed to roam free. About a third of dogs were walked twice a day, and a third once a day; only a very small number were never walked at all. Over 80% of owners reported that they always picked up dog faeces when they were out walking in urban areas or parks, but only 50% did so when in the countryside – and significantly fewer male owners reported picking up faeces than did females. The researchers also obtained information on where the dogs were walked, and how many people they interacted with apart from their owners, both inside and outside the home.

This investigation, funded by DEFRA, has provided a wealth of data on what exactly we do with our dogs. Not only is this important in terms of the dogs’ health and welfare, but also the health and welfare of their owners. Although there are few dog diseases that can be transmitted to humans, and such events are in any case relatively uncommon, information on how we interact with our dogs may be crucial to know, should any more virulent diseases emerge. Overall however, we are far more likely to catch diseases from fellow humans than from dogs, and dogs are known to provide us with considerable psychological and health benefits.

Source: http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/497/what-are-dog-owners-doing-with-their-dogs/

Dog Health Care Insurance

Dogs are really man's best friend and I am sure all dog owners will agree me. The simple wag of its tail and the friendly lick that welcomes you every day can take those strees out after a days work. Taking your pet out for a walk or for a simple game with the frisbee can ensure a healthy workout for you and in the most enjoyable manner possible. The pet gives you silent company on lonely evenings and is more than happy to take a backseat when you are surrounded by your friends and family. The dog never complains if you have forgotten to give it a bath or perhaps you could not take it out for a walk due to some urgent work.

Considering all these facets of a pet it is our duty to ensure our dog health care. Dog health insurance can be one of the best ways to show that we care. The health insurance policies provided by various pet insurance companies cover a wide range of services starting from accidents, serious illnesses and even routine health care for the pets. Dogs of all breeds and ages can benefit and avail the advantages of such dog health insurance policies. It is not only easy on the pocket of the owners but also helps to provide the best care for them as such medical attention becomes easily affordable with the insurance.

As the facilities and technology in the world of dog health care are making major advancements in terms of providing superior treatment to the animals, the cost of such treatments is hitting the roof. Treatments like a hip replacement or kidney transplant which were earlier inconceivable in case of animals are now being provided for animals. Dogs too are prone to certain specific diseases like enlargement of heart, epilepsy, hip dysplasia which can be even be genetic. Also the symptom for these diseases occur in dogs only after a certain period of time and by that time the pet has already become an integral part of our families. Therefore helps the owner to provide the best treatment in such circumstances without feeling the financial pressure of providing the best health care for the dog.

Even on a regular basis them requires close attention to his health in terms of the best food, nutrients and hygiene. Regular check ups include expensive vaccinations, maintenance procedures such as ear and teeth cleaning, deworming, getting rid of unwanted mites and ticks and even minor infections. All these processes form an integral part of the dog's regular check up by the vet. A dog health insurance often covers the necessary processes thereby enabling the owner to provide the best care for his beloved pet. If such care is taken it will ensure a happy and loving association between themand his owner. So it is advisable to check with the other pet owners and companies providing such insurance and acquiring a proper dog health insurance for your precious canine.

Dog Health Care : The Amazing Dog

She has only two legs and walks like a human.
Some dogs with this condition could not survive. But in this situation, it was different.
This dog survive the challenges of having only 2 legs. Amazing!




This is a perfect example of the wonders that can be achieve if we take a good dog health care.

Dog Health Care - Helping Keep Dogs Out Of Shelters

While many Americans consider their four-footed friends to be a part of the family, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters every year. Sadly, nearly half of those canines never find a place to call home. Now it's easier than ever for dog lovers to find a way to help.

Kate Walsh, star of television's "Private Practice" and loyal owner of an adopted dog, partnered with PEDIGREE to launch the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive Foundation, a new nonprofit organization that provides funding to select animal shelters and breed rescues nationwide in order to help dogs find loving homes.

"It breaks my heart to know that there are so many loving dogs in shelters just waiting to find real dog health care," says Walsh. "It's impossible to articulate the happiness that my adopted dog Lucy brings to my life-so I'm excited to be a part of a program that is committed to raising awareness of and funding for these wonderful animals."

It's important to note that adopting a pet is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Caring for a pet is a big responsibility, but most dog lovers will tell you that adding a canine to your family will bring a great deal of joy and happiness. The dog lovers at PEDIGREE created an Adoption Drive to shine the spotlight on the plight of homeless dogs. Here they provide some tips for responsible pet adoption:

• Make sure your home is ready for a dog. Many items in your home can be harmful or even deadly to your dog health, so "doggy-proof" your home in the same way you might for a young child. Remember, the breed of dog you choose might require more space to roam.

• Consider how your pet will fit into your life. In deciding what type of dog you should get, consider what you're looking for in your future pet. Is he going to be a fun playmate for the children or perhaps a silent soul mate for long walks? Visit Dogsrule.com to take the Select-A-Dog Questionnaire to help determine what breed is the best match for your lifestyle.

• Make sure you're financially prepared to own a dog. Remember that toys, training, grooming and medical costs are important factors in your budget as an owner. Look for quality food products that provide lasting nourishment. PEDIGREE is the dog food that gives back. A percentage of each sale is donated to the foundation.

• Learn how to identify your dog from the start. Providing a collar with an ID tag or microchip is one of the first things you should do as a new owner. This adds a level of safety for your pet and provides piece of mind for you.