Keeping Your Dog Cool During the Hot Months

All dogs need to be protected from heatstroke, this article will provide you with helpful tips on how to prevent this, and also signs to look for if you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke.

Most people see the summer months as a time to get outside with the family and do a variety of recreational activities. Whether it’s hiking in the woods or swimming at the park, the entire family can be included, even your four legged partner, who, during the winter months tends to lead an inactive lifestyle.

As the weather begins to break and spring turns into summer, owners of hunting dogs are advised to use moderation when resuming their outdoor activities. Most veterinarians and professional dog trainers will tell you that dogs who lead a sedentary lifestyle during the off-season are in a high risk group when spring and summer time comes around.

Limit Activity and Plan Accordingly
Moderation is also the key to properly conditioning your bird dogs for summertime activities. You would never think of going out and running 5 miles the first time out. Instead, you would start slowly and over the course of months you would build up to your ultimate goal. The same principles hold true when exercising your gun dogs or family companion. Limit your initial activities and gradually increase the duration over time.

It’s also important to plan your training activities during the cooler times of day. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to get out and enjoy time with your dog. If you’re thinking of take your dog for a daily walk, early morning is the best time. Eight hours of the sun pounding down of the sidewalks and asphalt can really make it uncomfortable for your four-legged partner. Your dog’s pads can quickly burn when exposed to the hot blacktop.
If your dog has long or double coat, a summer hair-cut can help dissipate his body heat. Make sure when you bring your dog to the groomer he does not cut your dog’s hair too short as this will greatly increase the chance of sunburn. Just like humans, dogs can be burned by the sun so it’s important to limit your activity to times when the sun is most intense. Typically the midday (between 11 am and 3 pm) is the time when the sun is at its highest point and its rays are the most harmful to you and your dog. Like humans, dogs with lighter colored coats tend to be fairer skinned and more sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays.
Keeping Your Dog Cool
When a human body gets hot we perspire or sweat. It’s through sweat that we are able to cool our bodies. Dogs perspire through their mouths by panting. The hotter they get the more they pant. Even though dogs don’t sweat and benefit from the thermal transfer of heat through sweat to air you can help your dog overcome the effects of heat by keeping him in an area with moving air. The air blowing across their body will help keep him cool through radiation and conduction (solid to air transfer).

Recognizing Heat Related Problems
The onset of heat stroke can be quite subtle and difficult to detect. Your dog may slowly progress from heat stress to heat exhaustion and finally heat stroke. In addition to an increase in the dog’s body temperature from a normal temperature of 101.3, the signs of heat related problems are: labored or deep and hard to control breathing, excessive panting, tacky and bright red gums, fatigue sometimes leading to collapse and even unconsciousness. It is important to get your dog out of the heat as soon as possible at the first signs of heat related problems. It’s also advisable to wet your dog down with cool, tepid water or applying cool towels directly to his body to help dissipate the heat. Please note, you do not want to bath your dog in ice cold water. This will cause your dog’s blood vessels to restrict and will cause a slower recovery time. In the event of an emergency, seek medical attention for your dog immediately, even if he seems to have fully recovered.

Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to hunting dogs. Their site has a great selection of products from Tri-Tronics and SportDOG.

By Geoffrey English
Published: 9/20/2008

Dangerous Dog Treats: What you Need to Know Before you Treat your Pup

Now days we have an infinite amount of choices when it comes to treating members of our pet family. Treats come in all different flavors, shapes &sizes but we need to keep in mind, for every great dog treat currently on the market; there are also those that are not so good.

Bella loves to be treated to a special doggy delicacy every now and then and I love indulging her with such pleasures. Anyone who has ever owned a dog has a pretty good idea what their favorite pooch likes to snack on. Now days we have an infinite amount of choices when it comes to treating members of our pet family. Treats come in all different flavors, shapes, sizes, colors, and consistencies. But we need to keep in mind, for every great dog treat currently on the market; there are also those that are not so good. If you’re one of those pet owners who love to spoil your special canine friend, you’ll want to be aware of some treats that can be potentially harmful to your pet.

Rawhide Chews: What dog doesn’t love to chew on a good rawhide? Rawhides do a terrific job of keeping your pet occupied and keeping their teeth sparkling white and clean. However, rawhides can be a potentially dangerous treat. Rawhides that originate outside of the United States may be preserved with arsenic-based chemicals that can be ingested by your pet. Use caution when shopping for rawhide chews and make certain any rawhide you purchase has been processed in the United States where this preservative is prohibited. If you are unable to determine where a treat originated-- do not buy it! In addition, you want to make sure the rawhides you purchase are the appropriate size for your pet. A smaller breed dog requires a smaller sized treat and a larger breed dog should start with a chew appropriate for its size, as well. Always remember that your pet requires supervision while consuming rawhides to help prevent accidental choking.

Bones: Bones are fragile, splinter easily and do not disintegrate well in a dog’s digestive track. This means your pet may have to pass them through his stool. Undigested bones can lead to a serious impaction and/or constipation requiring a trip to the veterinarian. Bones can also be a choking hazard and can cause possible intestinal bleeding. If a bone shard breaks off; it can pierce the intestinal wall and pass through the abdominal cavity causing hemorrhaging of the intestinal wall and peritonitis (an infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity). Symptoms of possible damage to the intestinal tract include vomiting, rectal bleeding, discharge from the rectum, diarrhea, straining to defecate, and extreme sensitivity to palpation of the abdomen. If your dog has ingested bones recently and shows any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Xylitol sweetened treats: Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many products, including sugar-free gum and mints, nicotine gum, chewable vitamins, oral-care products, and baked goods. It can be purchased in a granulated form for baking or as a sweetener for cereals and beverages. The ASPCA APCC has had reports of some dogs developing elevated liver enzyme activity within 12 to 24 hours after Xylitol ingestion. Several of these dogs developed acute liver failure subsequent to Xylitol exposure. As few as a couple breath mints containing Xylitol is enough to kill a small dog. I read a story awhile back about a pug that ingested a couple breath mints out of their owner’s purse. The poor little thing ended up in acute liver distress. Be very cautious about keeping any products that may can this sweetener out of the range of your curious pet.

Greenies: Greenies are advertised as a tasty treat to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. However, you need to be aware that "greenies" can cause serious health issues in your pet. At the 2005 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACIVM) meeting, there was discussion among internal medicine specialists about Greenies causing esophageal obstructions that were difficult to relieve. Complications reported include small intestinal obstructions; stricture, ulceration and perforation. Greenies are also associated with tooth fractures in dogs. Young puppies or dogs who "scarf" their food should not be given this treat since consuming the item quickly may cause large chunks to lodge in the throat. If your dog eats these treats, be aware of potential vomiting, lethargy, trouble swallowing, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has eaten this treat, seek medical attention immediately.

Chocolate: Although chocolate is a favorite threat for most humans, it is not an advisable treat to share with your pooch. Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine, and this substance is toxic to dogs. Theobrimine is part of the xanthnine compound, which is the same family that contains caffeine. A toxic dose will vary from dog to dog, depending on a number of factors such as the weight of the dog and his or her metabolism level. The good news is that it generally takes quite a substantial amount of chocolate to do the dog any harm. In general, the toxic level of theobromine is between 100 and 150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It is important, of course, to keep in mind that dogs will vary in their sensitivity to the compound, so it is still important to keep any and all chocolate in the house out of Fido’s reach. Pet owners concerned that their dog has swallowed a toxic amount of chocolate should be on the lookout for the clinical signs of chocolate toxicity. This signs include excitability, irritability, increased heart rate, diarrhea, increased urination, muscle tremors and vomiting.

Thankfully, there are lots of healthy and delicious dog treats readily available for pet owners. Some safe and handy alternatives to pet store treats include fresh carrots, apples, canned pumpkin or plain popcorn and these items can be conveniently picked up on your next trip to the market. To satisfy your pup’s need to chew; consider a synthetic bone like a Nylabone. Nylabones are a good alternative to meat bones or rawhides because they are easily digestible and come in many terrific flavors. Remember to read the ingredient and warning labels on any treat you feed your dog and supervise them while they are eating. By following this simple advice you’re beloved pooch should lead a life full of safe, tasty treats (and terrific belly rubs)!

By Lee Anne Emig
Published: 9/20/2008

Training Your Dog the Right Way

Taking the necessary steps towards training your dog appropriately and learning the right commands will ensure that your dog is well-behaved and obedient at all times. To promote your dog's health, happiness, and longevity, incorporate these dog training tips into your furry friend's daily routine. It's never too late to start!

Whether your dog is just a puppy or well into adulthood, there are many things you, as a pet owner, need to be aware of. Training your dog is an important step in starting off on the right foot and teaching him obedience. All dogs - no matter how old - need some form of training so that they can be easily handled in all situations. A wise investment in your new best friend would be basic training or obedience classes that will help you to build a bond and learn to control your dog. TV shows, books, and articles abound on dog training, but tips that are truly effective are harder to come by if you don't do the necessary research.

There are many reasons for training your dog. Training allows the dog to understand your expectations, helps him become calmer and more relaxed in all situations, in new places, and with new people, provides him with much-needed structure, makes him easier to manage, and perhaps most importantly, helps keep him out of the shelter. Unfortunately, the biggest reason that dogs are in or are returned to shelters is due to their lack of training and out-of-control behavior.

Dog Training Tips: The Necessary Commands

Because dogs thrive in packs and are naturally social, once they come to your home, they expect you to be the leader. Training your dog appropriately with a few highly effective dog training tips teaches him to follow you, understand your necessary commands, and learn to accept his place in your "pack." To avoid problems later in life, it's recommended that you enroll your pet in obedience and/or training classes early on, or at the very least, begin training your dog yourself, rewarding him each time he learns a new command. The following dog training tips are some of the more vital guidelines in ensuring your pet will be a well-behaved, functioning member of your family. If you have the patience and the time, here are some ways to begin training your dog at home:

• Always enforce your commands - don't let your dog ignore a command, but most certainly reward him when he does follow it. If your dog does not follow it immediately, help him perform the command, then reward. Above all, however, do not call your dog to you and do anything negative to him when he comes. If he disobeys and you react with anger, your dog will learn to fear you and may not listen to you in the future. Attempting to integrate any other dog training tips after that may be futile.
  
  
• Reward your dog immediately when he listens. Positive encouragement in the form of treats or praise is always welcome and helps the dog learn that he is doing well at responding to what you say. During training, have treats in hand and deliver them quickly when the dog performs correctly. Don't punish your dog or 'rub his nose in it' should he have an accident. When training your dog, these tips will help you avoid discouraging or even confusing your pet.
  
  
• Master one command at a time - go slowly and over time, your dog will learn the command. Don't overload multiple commands into one training session as this approach will likely result in failure. Most experts recommend 5-10 minutes at the most for one session. You'll need to be patient during the process of training your dog; chances are that your dog won't respond to every command or even learn them in just a few weeks - it will take time.
  
  
• "Sit," "Come," "Stay," and "Lie Down" - these are perhaps the four most important commands your dog needs to know, and all helpful dog training tips from books or your vet should cover these comprehensively. Once your dog masters them successfully, you will be able to manage him in all situations and control his behavior around other people and animals. For dogs that may like to run free, "come" is a necessary command should he manage to wriggle out of his collar and/or leash.
  
  
• Maintain solidarity with training - in family situations, make sure that everyone follows the rules with training your dog. If you're the only one using commands and the rest of the family is ignoring certain behaviors that the dog exhibits and not re-enforcing the dog training tips you've been using thus far, then your one-on-one training sessions will largely be forgotten. Re-enforce commands each day as repetition is key.
  
  
• Keep it fun - this is a time to grow and bond with your pet; make training your dog fun for both of you. Once he masters the basics of these dog training tips, move on to the fun tricks, like "roll over," "shake," and "play dead." Your dog will begin to look to you because you'll have made your role clear.

Assume the Role: You are the Pack Leader

It is your responsibility to be aware and responsible for your pet - your dog relies on you to take care of him at all times. Providing him with a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and one-on-one training will ensure that he has a long, healthy, and happy life with you. Don't leave his behavior up to chance - you can ensure that your new best friend is obedient and happy just by integrating some of these simple dog training tips into his routine. Assume control as leader of your pack and your dog will look to you in all situations that may arise.

You are the best person when it comes to training your dog - he trusts you, after all. More importantly, training your dog will keep him safe and protected, which is something all dog owners should want.

About the Author

Mailey E. McLaughlin, M.Ed, is the Training and Behavior Coordinator at the Atlanta Humane Society, a non-profit animal charity and pet adoption organization. A Certified Dog Trainer, she teaches all the AHS dog obedience classes and runs the free pet behavior hotline. Mailey, working with dogs for over 25 years and a professional trainer for eight years, is a professional member of numerous canine professional organizations, such as the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). Additionally, she is a certified Canine Good Citizen evaluator and a certified Pet First Aid Instructor. For more information on the AHS, please visit www.atlantahumane.org.

By Mailey McLaughlin Published: 9/27/2008

Pet Grooming and Care Made Easy with Items Around the Home

Save money by using simple household items to keep your dogs and cats clean, so they look and smell good.

I don't know about the area you live in, but it costs close to $30 for the most basic trip to the pet groomer in my town. And I don't even have a dog with long fur or any special needs. For more deluxe treatments, the prices quickly go up.

Even if you do the grooming yourself, you can spend a lot at the pet stores for special dog soaps and shampoos and toothpastes and brushes and what not. There are all sorts of toys, care items, and luxuries for pampered pets, and the pet stores want you to buy them-- for a small fortune.

But what if you want your dog to be clean and look good, and you don't have a lot of extra money to spend? You might be surprised at how many simple household items can be helpful in pet grooming and care. Here's a look at some specifics:

Baby Powder

Baby powder is one of those cool (and expensive) things that has a ton of uses around the house, and you can even dry-shampoo your pet with it. Vigorously rub a couple handfuls of baby powder into your pet's fur and let it set for a couple minutes. Then brush it out, and your dog will look and smell good.

Baking Soda

Here's another powder with a lot of uses. If your dog has been rolling in something he shouldn't and you can't get the odor out, you can use baking soda to freshen him up. As with the baby powder, just rub a few handfuls in his coat, and then give the fur a thorough brushing. It should remove the smell and also leave the dog's coat shiny and clean.

Baking soda can also be used to clean your pet's ears. If your pet is scratching the area a lot, it could indicate an irritation or ear mites. To ease the itch, or wipe out mites, douse a cotton ball with a solution of 1 teaspoon baking powder in 1 cup of warm water, and then gently wash the inside of the ears (okay for cats and dogs).

Dryer Sheets

If your dog comes in wet from an outing in the rain, try wiping him down with a used dryer softener sheet to get rid of that wet dog smell and leave him smelling as fresh as a newly washed batch of laundry.

Peanut Butter

If your pet stepped or rolled in something like tar or gum, it'll take more than shampoo to get that out of his fur. And if you have a short-haired dog, you don't have the option of simply cutting the clump out. Try rubbing some peanut butter on the spot; the oils will help work the sticky stuff free. The only hard part is keeping your dog from eating the peanut butter before it's done its work!

Tomato Juice

If your pet has a run-in with a skunk, that odor will stink up your whole house and cling to the pet for days. Fortunately tomato juice can help take care of that smell. Douse your pet with undiluted juice, avoiding the eyes, and let it set for a bit so the acid from the tomatoes can do their work. Afterwards, use soap or shampoo to wash it out of the fur.

With these household items, you can keep Fido looking good without spending a fortune!

By TC Thorn
Published: 6/24/2008

The Dogs Of Fashion

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As winter arrives in the northern parts of the world and we break out our down filled parkas, our fleece lined ski jackets, long-johns, hats and mittens - do we stop to think of our four legged friends and companions? Well, most of us don’t, which is hard to imagine seeing as he’s one of our best friends.

Most of the dogs that we keep have not been bred for a severely cold climate. They were bred for size, companionship, show and as working dogs. Only the Spitz-type dogs such as the Alaskan malamute and the Huskies were bred for cold climates. These are large dogs with heavy mass and thick coats that are able to retain and maintain their body heat.

Many of the larger short haired breeds such as the Bulldog, Boxer, Dalmatian and Great Dane appreciate a sweater in cold weather. However, most of the dogs we have as pets in our homes are from the medium to smaller dog breeds. These dogs, because of their smaller body mass and typically thinner coats, can get cold very quickly. Their extremities, being smaller, have a greater chance of being damaged by the cold than do the larger breeds. Small and toy dogs have an extremely hard time maintaining and retaining their body heat. At worst frigid air, snow or slush can cause your dog to get frost bite and at best it will certainly make her him not want to go outdoors for exercise, walks and toileting.

One of the best ways to protect your pet from the elements is to kit them out with specialty dog clothes designed to keep them warm. Like our own clothing, the materials used are designed for comfort and durability. Fleece, cotton and nylon are commonly used in the construction of doggie coats, capes, sweaters, shirts and boots. If you want keep your dog comfortable in cold weather you will need to purchase at the very least a coat or cape (to help retain body heat) and fleece lined nylon boots (to protect the feet from snow and cold). Almost any pet store will have dog apparel to suit most breeds. To find larger sized clothes (for breeds like the Greyhound) or specific brands and styles, you may have to search out an on-line store that carries these products.

If you live in the Snow Belt, do your dog a favor - get him some warm clothes to wear. He’ll be happier for it and you’ll have peace of mind that your dog is safe and comfortable.

By mike mathews Published: 2/24/2006

A Bathrobe for Your Dog

A dog bathrobe is perfect to keep your dog warm after a bath. Learn how to choose one well.

Why leave your dog freezing to death after a bath when you can wrap him up with the most luxurious designer bath robes. They add warmth to your pet, look fabulous and only make your dog more worthy of being snuggled.

Why a Bath Robe over a Towel

Both bath robes and towels can be used before and after bathing. However, if you want something that’s more convenient, especially for a dog, you’d definitely go for the latter. First, pooches are known to run around after every bath; thus, towels tend to fall off easily. When this happens, don’t be surprised to see your floors all wet and messy. Second, a bath robe allows your dogs to dry up completely. You have, after all, a choice to leave it for a longer time, until the robe absorbs all moisture from your dog’s coat.

How to Choose a Dog Bath Robe

Picking the right kind of bath robe for your dog is essential. You want to give him something that’s comfortable, easy to wear and clean, and stylish:

1. Measure the size of your dogs. Dog bath robes can come in different sizes; however, sizes tend to differ depending on the designer. Hence, what could be small for designer A may be medium for designer B. Just to be sure, measure the dog’s size and compare it to the size chart you can usually find in the store or website. Normally online shopping sites also have a measuring guide, so it’s quite simple for you to follow.

2. Choose the material you want for the robe. A bath robe for your pooch may be made of fleece, terry cloth, silk, cotton, or satin. You can also match the material based on the season or the climate of your location. If you’re living in warmer climates, terry cloth is the most ideal choice, along with silk. This is because the fabrics are thinner and allows air to pass through. When the weather gets cooler and during winter, you can change the bath robe to something that is made of fleece or flannel. The fabrics are a lot thicker, allowing your dog to gain warmth and get rid of chills and coldness right away. Cotton, on the other hand, is perfect since it can absorb water quickly.

3. Make sure the fabrics are of great quality. Softer fabrics get easily broken or worn out, especially when the dog loves to move around. You may want to stick with average- to high-priced fabrics that will last.

4. Check the inside and outside of the robe. As much as possible, you want your dog to feel comfortable with the robe. Thus, make sure it feels good on their skin. If you find them itching or scratching, then it’s a sign that you may need to change his bathrobe right away before he starts to get irritated.

5. Go for those with straps or ties. Ties or straps will allow you to secure the bath robe to your dog. Hence, no matter what movements he does, it wouldn’t be removed.

The next time you’re shopping for dog apparel, don’t forget to include a bath robe for your pooch. There are many quality online stores offering a comprehensive range of dog clothing, including bath time accessories.

By Bei Maniago Published: 7/28/2008

Dog Sweaters and Coats – More than Just a Fashion Statement

Although doggie couture is all the rage, preparing your dog for the elements is not something to be taken lightly. Find out when it’s wise to protect your pup.

Dogs donning doggie couture are not a rare sight. Dog apparel stores are everywhere and even retailers like Old Navy sell dog clothes and accessories. Yet with all the ‘cool’ surrounding our furry friends and their fashionable garb, in the wake of winter’s cold weather, some dogs actually need warm clothes like dog sweaters and jackets to keep them warm when accompanying their owners on walks and car trips.

THE COLD
If you live in a coastal climate that doesn’t get below 0 degrees Celcius/32 degrees Fahrenheit and you have a dog with lots of insulation, it is likely fine for them to roam with you outside without much protection. Although, if you have a small to medium-sized, short-haired dog, they may require some extra warmth when the exterior temperatures are low.

For example, dogs like Chihuahuas, greyhounds and whippets do need extra protection from the elements in late fall and winter to regulate their internal body temperatures when they are exposed to cold, windy and rainy conditions. While some dogs like huskies are made for these types of climates, delicate dogs have less insulation to handle winter conditions.

BEING SEEN
Because winter has less light than other seasons, dogs are less visible to pedestrians, cars and bikes. When daylight is in short demand, it’s important to protect your dog and those he/she comes in contact with by making sure your pup is highly visible when playing outside. Therefore, even if you have a furry dog whose physique is well adapted to a cold climate, you still may need to consider a light-weight safety vest with reflectors to illuminate your dog in the dark.

OVERHEATING
With all this talk about making sure your dog is warm enough, it’s important to make sure your dog doesn’t overheat. Although this isn’t common in cold climates it’s still something to be aware of when dressing your dog for the cold.

Just as humans need to be properly dressed for each season, so do dogs. Canines are doing more and more activities with their human counterparts, for this reason, they too need the appropriate apparel for their adventures. Just remember, the more you do with your dog, the more considerations you’ll need to make for their safety and comfort.

By Erin Coal Published: 1/10/2007

Dog Halloween Costumes - Safety Tips

Dog Halloween costumes have become very popular for owners that would like their dog to be part of the activities and for our canine friends that are party animals and enjoy getting dressed up. Here are some safety tips...

Dog Halloween costumes have grown in popularity the past number of years. Some families like to have their dog with them while trick-or-treating for security purposes, but why not dress your buddy up for Halloween and allow him to join the fun as long as you keep dog Halloween safety in mind, of course. If your neighbors like dogs and your canine friend is well trained, it can be a family event.

Many dogs, particularly those that are accustom to wearing doggy apparel, like the attention they get when dressed up, but some do not. Those who do not may get stressed.

Persuasion Tips for Wearing a Costume

1 .Do not wait until Halloween night to put your dog's Halloween costume on. Start a couple of weeks before. Use treats to motivate him.

2. Let your buddy sniff around the costume, drape it over him for a few seconds; give him a treat and praise. Do this a few times every day leaving it on longer each time.

3. Put the costume on him, loosely, and repeat what you have done in the instructions above. A minute or so at first and then gradually take longer increments, combine this with plenty of treats and lots of praise.

4. If your best buddy gets stressed and worried, and does not liking the costume idea, forget it. A simple doggy t-shirt, Halloween collar or bandana may be a better alternative.

Dog Halloween Costumes - Safety Tips

1. The correct fit is important - it should not be constricting.

2. Avoid impeding the breathing, hearing, sight, movement or barking.

3. The costume should not result in overheating.

4. The costume should be checked for things that may be poisonous or that may choke your doggy.

5. A dog should not at any time be left unattended when wearing a costume.

6. Remove rubber bands.

Safety on Halloween - Inside the Home

1. Be careful that your pet does not run out the door while you are tending to trick or treaters.

2. It is a good idea to have a reflector on your dog; it may save him from being hit by a car if he gets loose.

3. Have ID on your dog just in case he does get loose.

4. If your dog is a tad nervous and really not a party animal, consider keeping him on a leash, crated or in another room while trick or treaters are coming to the door.

5. Candy and wrappers will be everywhere on Halloween but they must be kept away from pets. A chew toy or a canine treat should keep him satisfied so that he does not feel left out.

Safety on Halloween - Outside

1. Do not leave your dog outside on Halloween. Every Halloween pets are stolen, tormented, tortured and injured.

2. Be cautious when walking your dog on Halloween. You never know what your pet may pick up along the way.

3. Do have your buddy on a leash and make sure he is wearing a collar and a identification tag when out with the family and take a few of his favorite treats or biscuits along so he will feel part of the excitement.

4. Keep your dog away from jack-o-lanterns. Place lighted candles and pumpkins where they can't be knocked over by pets.

Shopping for Dog Halloween Costumes:

Is your dog a party animal and has the temperament for trick or treating with the kids and getting dressed up? If so, there is a huge selection of costume choices available for pets.

Have a fun, safe and Happy Halloween with your pet dog!

Donna Boras is a life long dog lover and owner of Dog Beds N Beyond, where you will find a wealth of information, products and advice for caring for your dogs. Subscribe to our FREE month publication "The Dog Scoop" and receive 2 complimentary welcome gifts.

By donna Boras Published: 9/30/2008

Complete Dog Care Tips and Advice

The whole thing about your appearance, your company, and your possessions reflect on you. From your house to your kids to your cars, people will judge you by what you have, and how those close to you act. Even your pets reflect upon you.

Dogs are the mainly affectionate and sensitive pets. They are not only part of your family but the most faithful, loyal and loving companions that you will ever have. They give us so much joy, happiness and unconditional love. In return, your pooch counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Your pets are part of your family and you want what's best for them.

Select a Nice Name for Your Dog

Preferring the right name for your dog is a vital decision for new puppy owners. The most initial thing that mainly people ask when meeting your dog is "What's your dog's name?" How people respond to your dog (and how your dog responds to people) will forever be associated with the name that you choose. Therefore, as with naming children, great care should be taken when giving a name upon your puppy.

Provide the Best Dog Food for Health

Dogs have forever been known as man’s best friend and wherever you have traveled, dogs have too. Dogs always are winning tops as man’s favored pet.

The thought however, of dogs as pets has also come to concern how they are treated. Since they are animals, somebody have a tendency to think that they are different to humans. But the dogs, just like humans, can go through medical conditions when improperly fed.

By inappropriate diet, dogs can suffer from diabetes, allergies, heart failure, kidney problems and urinary problems. They require more than just the irregular table scraps, and sometimes even more than his favorite dog food. As we can’t really understand everything our beloved friends are trying to tell us, it has fallen on medical examine to tell us what we should feed them.

Pick a Designer Dog Collar

A collar is used for manage, identification, fashion, or many other purposes. Identification tag and medical information is normally placed on dog collars. Collar is also useful for controlling a dog physically, as they provide a handle for grabbing. From your house to your kids to your cars, people will judge you by what you have, and how those close to you act. Even your pets reflect upon you.

That is why having the right designer dog collars is so important. Through a designer dog collar, you can prove everyone that you have a handle on life. You know that appearance is the most vital priority. You pay attention of the whole thing, down to the nominal touch. If even your dog is fashionable, your life is gorgeous together!

Accessories for Your Pet

However the wealthy person have been doing it for a very long time, buying accessories for dogs is becoming something that approximately everybody with a pet is doing. If you have a dog you can find some truly great pet accessories out there that you may want to try. Some are very useful, and others are more about fun, however they can be both at the same time.

The same basic accessories for pets you could find before are still out there, but they are snazzier than they have ever been before now. Many small dogs greatly benefit from some type of sweater when they are out in the cold winter weather, but you dog have to settle for something plain any longer.

By Indrani Bhattacherjee
Published: 10/4/2008