Dangers of having an outdoor cat

If you are raising an outdoor cat, then you should be aware of the inherent dangers.  Outdoor cats have a lifespan half that of an indoor cat.  Contributing dangers include infections, traumas, and parasites.  Depending on your location, your cat will be at risk of very different diseases from those in other areas.  Your veterinarian will recommend vaccinations to protect your cat from those it may be exposed to.  Having your cat examined at least twice per year can help extend your cats life.

View full post on MyPetCareTV.com Pet News

Dangers of having an outdoor cat

If you are raising an outdoor cat, then you should be aware of the inherent dangers.  Outdoor cats have a lifespan half that of an indoor cat.  Contributing dangers include infections, traumas, and parasites.  Depending on your location, your cat will be at risk of very different diseases from those in other areas.  Your veterinarian will recommend vaccinations to protect your cat from those it may be exposed to.  Having your cat examined at least twice per year can help extend your cats life.

View full post on MyPetCareTV.com Pet News

Dachshund Dog Breed Christmas Tree Ornaments

86 X408 1 300x300 Dachshund Dog Breed Christmas Tree Ornaments The Dachshund Breed

Dog owners adore their dogs. But with Dachshunds that devotion attains new heights. The factors are not hard to understand. Dachshunds are unique in numerous ways.

Translation from the German ‘badger dog’ shows just one of the unique traits of the breed. Dachshunds were bred in the early 1600s to hunt badgers because the dachshund was feisty in his own right and could dig down the badger hole to locate the creature. That assertive and fearless attitude still remains today.

Dogs which are independent can make fantastic companions, because that also makes them playful and exploratory. It offers the dog with a lot of power along with a willingness to attempt new things. It also indicates that training them requires additional patience and skill. The breed is much more inclined than others to strive for alpha status within the household. Reminding them that the human is boss might be a lengthy struggle, but is necessary in training this breed.

Dachshunds weigh in between 10-30 lbs and are 9 inches higher in the shoulder. Toy types are just a tad bit smaller, frequently under eight lbs and only five inches higher. Their lifespan is in between 12-15 years, on average. Regular semi-annual veterinary exams, dental care, proper nutrition, and early detection screening can extend their lifespan.
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With their lengthy bodies and brief legs, Dachshunds are a lot more prone to spinal issues than other breeds. Rough handling can trigger severe issues. If a disc is ruptured, surgery is indicated. I highly recommend pet insurance to cover the surgery and treatment. I seem to see the disc issues cropping up in younger and younger dogs. Surgery can reach into the several thousands of dollars. With out the surgery, the dog can become paralyzed or be in constant pain. Having ruptured a disc in my back last year and gone through the surgery myself, I am quite empathetic with these dachshunds myself.

You will find 3 fundamental types – Smooth-Coats, Wire-Coats and Long-Hairs. But the distinction goes beyond the kind of fur they sport. The personalities of the 3 types have a tendency to follow a pattern, too.

Smooth-haired Dachshunds much more frequently attach themselves to a single household member. Although they’ll tolerate other humans, they have a tendency to become stand-offish and wary of other animals. The Wire-Haired is generally much more playful and outgoing. Long-haired Doxies have a tendency to become just a little much more placid. Although, like any Dachshund, they’re up for a game of fetch whenever the chance exists.

Apart from spinal issues, Dachshunds much less frequently endure from illnesses which are much more prevalent in other breeds. Diabetes, abdominal cancers along with other illnesses are feasible but a lot much less typical in Doxies. Urinary tract issues ( this kind of as stones) can happen, but they’re much more most likely in unique types this breed such as the Double Dapples and dogs with blue eyes. These types also have a tendency to have much more eye and hearing issues, as well. The merle hair coat that causes the dappling hair coat and the blue eyes is sometimes linked to the gene that causes deafness. This can also occur in the Dalmatians,  australian shepherds, shelties, and other breeds with the blue merle coat coloring.

Raising any dog is really a challenge, if they’re to become healthy and happy. But Dachshund lovers commonly report that the rewards in their case are particularly big. Dachshunds are very affectionate and extremely loyal. The humans that reside with them have a tendency to return the favor.

Celebrate Christmas with your Dachshund with a special Christmas ornament or Christmas Stocking from FavoriteDogChristmas.com

Obesity in Dogs

Numerous studies have shown that more Americans are obese today than ever before and, interestingly, we’re not the only ones. Not only are Americans fatter than ever, so are their dogs; and the phenomenon can have serious ramifications for both groups. Obese dogs run a lot of the same risks that obese people do. When a dog is over weight it is at higher risk for heart disease, respiratory ailments, weak joints and other problems. In short; it is every bit as dangerous for a dog to be carrying extra weight as it is for a person – perhaps more so due to the shorter lifespan that dogs have. An overweight eight year old dog is akin to an overweight fifty-six year old man and subject to many of the same health risks.

Fortunately for us and our dogs; the equation is associative and works the same in the opposite direction. Just as a healthy diet and plenty of good cardiovascular exercise can trim down a chubby man; it can take the extra weight off of a dog.

Doggie Diets

To reduce the overweight or obese dog’s body weight, a program of diet and exercise should be introduced. It is important to visit a veterinarian as the doctor can determine whether the dog’s obesity is simply due to high caloric intake or some other medical concern like diabetes. The vet can also give you the best suggestions about diet and exercise. There are many brands of dog food on the market that are specially balanced to help a dog lose weight.

Despite what food or dietary supplements you’re using, there is no substitute for the support and commitment of the family. Each member must agree to help control the dog’s caloric intake, feeding exact amounts at exact times and limiting the intake of snacks. Feeding the dog extra treats or table scraps on the sly will not be doing the pooch any favors.

Doggie Exercise Programs

Exercise is important for any dog. A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise quickly gains weight and may become extremely keyed up or very lethargic. Fortunately, most dogs love to exercise by nature. They love to run and play with their people. The overweight dog my be reluctant to exercise at first, but if you persist in taking him for walks or to play games like “fetch” (most dogs love to run after a thrown tennis ball or other object), the pup will soon come around and start exercising more frequently and for longer periods of time.

It Takes Time

People don’t get to their ideal weight overnight when dieting and neither will a dog. Remember that Rover didn’t put on those extra pounds all at once and they won’t come off that way either. Most dogs take between ten and twelve months to reach their ideal weight goal, depending upon how much extra weight must be lost.