With frigid temperatures to be found throughout much of the country, we all need to bundle up. Extra layers are important and keeping your dog warm on your daily walks is important for him as well. Some dogs are meant for the cold outdoors, breeds like the Husky or Akita love it. Other breeds don’t mind due to their double coat or long hair like some Retrievers or Labs. But if your pooch has short hair or a single coat, make sure you put a jacket or sweater on when going out for a long walk. Also, be careful of their paws and pads, watching for things like frost bite or the salt put down to melt the ice. That salt can get between the pads and cause painful burning on that tender skin. There are boots available for your pet if you think that the extreme temperatures or man made products are a danger. Keep your pup as warm as you like to be!
A somewhat common problem in dogs that have not been properly socialized is fear aggression, which can be directed at other dogs and/or people who are strangers. Dogs that have this problem may give a low growl or get very still for a moment or two before really displaying strong aggressive behavior such as snarling, lunging and perhaps even biting. This doesn’t mean this dog is not trainable, but a strong hand in an environment without many triggers is essential. Breeds that are know to have strong guarding instincts tend to be more prone to developing these behaviors and it is important to get them around other dogs and people from an early age to avoid this issue. If a great dog does have this negative behavior, consult a trainer with a strong background in this issue, and you can still have a great pet with lots of hard walk. Take lots of walks with a strong dog leash that enables you to meet other dogs and people on neutral territory and maintain control. Good luck!
Its no fun getting sick these days. Used to be a good cold or bout with the flu was good for a few days rest at home, lots of television and sleep. Now, with H1N1, regular Influenza and the ever lurking pneumonia, a person can get really, really sick. Symptoms to pay attention to are fevers, vomiting, excessive fatigue and overall pain. A persistent cough could be a sign that things have gotten nasty in your lungs too. Because everything is so contagious it is best to just stay home (not like you’ll feel like doing anything else anyway!). Curl up with your four legged friend who can’t get sick from you and wait for it all to pass. At least even the dog bed will feel comfy. In fact you could probably sleep on a picket fence. Feel better soon!
Like every animal, it’s important that cats have a collection of toys at their disposal. Playing with your cat is not only a great way to get him exercise, but it’s also a fantastic way to bond with your kitten. But if your cat seems uninterested in all the toys that you bring home, it can be more than a little frustrating. Some cats, however, are simply put off by the toys that are brought home from the store, because their scent is not alluring.
If you want your cat to be more interested in a particular cat toy, try leaving it in his cat bed for a few days. It will pick up his own scent, and this might make him more inclined to play with the toy. But if that still doesn’t work, simply rub some catnip on the toy. Your cat won’t be able to resist it after that. And after playing with it for a day or so, your cat will very likely continue to do so. If he ever seems to lose interest, though, just rub a bit more catnip on the toy, and you’ll be good to go.
When a puppy comes into a new family, definitely aside from love, the pup needs proper dog supplies in order to make sure that he grows healthy and well. Here are the essentials:
~ An appropriately sized dog bed
~ A bowl, sized to match your dog
~ A collar like this can also serve as his identity tag
~ Health products and supplements
~ Variety of toys to keep him busy and entertained
~ Dog clothes, especially for breeds with thin coats as it protects them during cold season
If you do not have the luxury of time to go to a reliable dog supply store and shop for these items, you can access the internet and order the needed dog products.
Like people, some dogs cannot be comfortable on a stack of worn down pillows or a hard, cold floor with sheets. Canines require the a reasonable amount of sleep and rest like humans, so purchasing a dog bed for your furry little friend would be a great idea; after all, you wouldn’t want to sleep on a cold floor yourself, would you?
There are several luxury dog beds on the market that give you the perfect way to pamper your pooch.. To some, it may seem a bit farfetched to buy a dog a luxury bed, but why wouldn’t you do that for your best friend?
While all of the powers that be haggle over public options and death panels, no one is noticing an obvious addition to this volatile subject. Many studies have shown that owning a pet can help with stress management, lower blood pressure and increase exercise. All of these would have a positive effect on health care costs, while at the same time providing so many deserving pets a wonderful home to live in.
Why doesn’t someone propose to include in the health care bill a clause that would encourage, through lowered insurance costs, the adoption of a homeless pet. Proof of the adoption could lower premiums, which would free up funds in the household for things like food and a dog bed. At the same time scores of homeless pets would find a home and provide a health benefit to their owners. Sounds like a win/win to me!
Several of the banks that received money in last year’s TARP bailout funds are making significant headway in repaying those funds. Citigroup, Wells Fargo and Bank of America all seemed determined to quickly repay the government, thereby escaping imposed restrictions on bonuses and possibly other spending.
Its pretty amazing that institutions that were in such trouble not so long ago could repay such a large amount in such a short period of time. I would say that makes these bailouts a smart investment for the federal government, with good return in good time. What does that mean for President Obama? That I’m not really sure, but maybe he could get a really great dog bed for his family puppy, Bo, with all the extra cash that is floating around now.
Each day more information comes out about Tiger Woods and his extra-marital pastimes. It seems that making millions of dollars doing the thing that you love is very stressful and can lead to poor choices to help relieve said stress. Poor Tiger. Maybe his advisors should steer him towards other hobbies that are rewarding and fulfilling and do not put him in a negative public spotlight (or hurt his family).
What might some of those hobbies be? There is always the abundance of charities and organizations available to get involved with and as many people already know, helping others and making a difference always takes our mind off ourselves and creates a great feeling of well being and satisfaction. Another good choice is adopting a pet which provides companionship and unconditional love (so you don’t have to find that from other sources!) and helps fill down time which can keep mischievous boys out of trouble. I’m sure all of this will eventually settle down in the media, and I certainly hope his family withstands the storm and comes out stronger than before. In the meantime, he did make his bed so he has to lie in it, but hopefully he will switch to a luxury designer dog bed with an adorable, sweet puppy that sweetens his image.
Sometimes, simply buying a crate isn’t enough. Some dogs, based on their age and overall sensitivity, may need dog crate mats to make their enclosed space a tad bit more comfortable. While some pet owners think that old towels and used shirts are enough, I think that if that dog were a person, sleeping on an old MC Hammer shirt would be as comfortable as sleeping on the pavement.
Dog crate mats can be found at some pet stores, but specialty retail sites online have massive selections that can suite a dog’s specific size and personality. Don’t be a cheap-o and let your pup sleep on an old “2 Legit 2 Quit” tour shirt, otherwise, you’ll find that your dog won’t be “2 Legit” to be a little salty at you.