Dog Lovers Blog - Page 5 of 6 Pet Paw

Teacup Yorkshire Terrier Owned by Britney Spears: Celebrety Pet of the Week

February 4, 2013/0 Comments/in Celebrity Pets /by Tristan G

Britney Spears went and adopted a new puppy and, wouldn’t you believe it, she is just the cutest little thing you’ve ever seen. Britney “adopted” the tiny black and brown puppy, which resembles a Yorkshire terrier, no other site is reporting that the dog was adopted and “Hannah” hasn’t mentioned this her own Twitter feed. Spears bought her tiny Yorkie from Barkworks in Thousand Oaks, Calif. The pet store has received a lot of negative criticism in the last few years for getting their dogs from puppy mills. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has a class action suit against the company. Barkworks has an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau due to the number of sick animals found at their stores.

Britney Spears’s teacup Yorkie, Hannah, was rushed to the animal hospital last week for the third time in less than two months.Her latest visit to the hospital confirmed that she had an inconsistent temperature along with fluid on her lungs. Media reports say the dog is fighting for life. After an additional visit to the veterinarian the dog seemed to be doing alright but then on January 3, the dog was taken back to the vet for a battery of tests, including liver function, and had to be closely monitored after she was found to have ‘an erratic temperature and fluid in the lungs’. Since getting Hannah, Spears has taken her to the vet three times, but not for regular checkups. Apparently, Spears became concerned when Hannah was listless, had a loss of appetite and had trouble breathing.

Chihuahua Owned By Paris Hilton: Celebrity Pet of the Week

January 29, 2013/0 Comments/in Celebrity Pets /by Tristan G

The most favorite pet of Paris Hilton – Chihuahua Tinkerbell, who has already been named the most popular and most discussed animal in America. This pup is going with Paris everywhere: to the TV shows, interviews and filming. Paris is dressing her favorite pet in a fabulous clothes – not at all worse than she would dress herself. Tinkerbell’s costumes are always in harmony with the dresses of Paris, and they do not cost less. For example, at Christmas this cute little pup was dressed in a red velvet Santa’s suit and he was looking just great beside the Christmas trees and Paris herself.

The tiny dog disappeared during an apparent dog-napping way back in 2004. Tinkerbell was returned to Hilton, but little explanation was offered for how it all happened. Posters pleading for the return of Tinkerbell had been plastered all over West Hollywood shortly after Hilton’s home was burglarized. Paris already has a Yorkie named Cinderella, another Chihuahua named Tinkerbell, and she used to have a kinkajou named Baby Luv which she was forced to give up. I just think it’s funny she picked out a dog with the same wonky eye as her. Although it’s too bad she didn’t get one with the same IQ. I’ve always wanted to see a dog walk around in circles, fall down confused, and then try to eat its own feet.

Everyone seems to be looking for information on Chihuahuas these days. The search term “Chihuahua” is the number one dog search on the Internet. Paris Hilton is always in the top 10 for celebrity searches. Paris owns a Teacup Chihuahua named “Tinkerbell”. This pet is almost becoming as famous as the owner.

How Your Dog’s Diet Affects its Lifespan

January 28, 2013/1 Comment/in Dog Health, Dogs /by Tristan G

Almost every dog owner doesn’t think of dogs as just pets but family members. Therefore, it is normal to provide best possible food you can afford for the members of your family. Just like people, dogs are what they eat, so dog’s poor nutrition can, in some cases, dramatically affect the lifespan of your four legged friend. Also keep in mind that even if your dog is slightly overweight it can reduce its lifespan.

What exactly is the best food for your dog is never an easy question. But, there are several things you should know when it comes to dog nutrition.

First thing you should understand is that you should always read the ingredients on the back of the dog’s food; that way you will get the picture if the food is good for your dog or if it’s just junk. Basic guidelines in choosing proper food would be checking the proteins – is it lamb, beef, turkey or chicken meal or by-product.

By-product means that the manufacturer is using any part of the chicken while in case of a chicken meal they are using only meat from the chicken to make the food. The other important thing you should check for is grain source. Certain dog foods contain corn as the others have rice or oatmeal. The best choice for your dog are grains which can be digested easily, so keep in mind that one of the hardest grains to digest is corn, while rice is much easier to process.

Note that some grains may contain pesticides which can cause odorous fur, fleas, mites, worms or other parasites. Also choose foods that have natural preservatives such as with vitamin E and not chemicals. If you follow these guidelines you will notice the level of improvement in your dog, its coat will be shinier, the energy level will be higher and the dog’s stool will be better as well.

Some of the generic dog’s foods may contain carcinogenic substance like BHT that is used to preserve food or higher doses of salt which can cause loss of kidney function. Equally bad is sugar since it can lead to tooth decay, bad breath and even diabetes.

Probably the best way to feed your dog is proper raw diet. This will consume a bit more of your time, but you will know exactly what your dog is introducing to its body. There are no preservation chemicals in raw meat and bones. The best way to organize your dog’s raw diet is to find a reliable butcher and make a deal with him to get scraps for a good price, which will result in healthier dog with a regular, dry stool and healthy teeth.

One of the most common mistakes dog owners make is overfeeding their dogs, studies have shown that reduction of calories in dog’s nutrition can extend the lifespan of your dog for about two years. Essentially what you need to do is find the food that your dog will eat, since they, as people, can be intolerant to certain things.

10 Interesting Facts About Cats

January 21, 2013/0 Comments/in Cat Facts, Cats /by Tristan G

What are the 10 Interesting Facts About Cats?

Every ailurophile – person who likes cats, a cat fancier – enjoys every moment spent in company of these surprising and cute creatures. Having a cat as your beloved pet can be rewarding, but cats can be unforeseeable, so it is very important to educate yourself about the habits and nature of your cat. Here are some interesting facts you probably don’t know about one of, if not the most, popular pet in the world.

1. Which pet is more popular – cat or dog? According to the APPMA (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association) there are over 73 million cats living in the U.S. homes, while the number of dogs reaches 68 million. This interesting information shows that cats won not by a hair’s breadth – but 5 million hairs.

2. We all know the fact about cat’s skillfulness and their ability to always land on their feet, daring to spit into the face of the natural laws of physics. A research undertaken by the American Medical Veterinary Association showed incredible facts. A survival rate of the cats falling from heights ranging from 2 to 32 stories is 90%, which is unbelievable. Even more interesting is that cats falling from 20 or 30-story building will suffer fewer injuries than those falling from the lower heights.

3. Cats sleep two thirds of the day – lazy maggots! Basic mathematics shows that 12 years old cat spent 8 years sleeping. Almost every cat has a special napping place. Cats can sleep up to 16 hours a day. As a matter of fact, only bats and opossums are greater sleepers.
4. Amusing fact about meowing is that only little kitten meows at its mother, while adult cat only meows at humans. You’ll never hear it meowing at other cats or animals. Meowing is a privilege reserved exclusively for humans.

5. One of the many reasons for having cats is a fact that cat owners are less likely to have a heart attack than other people. Also, kids have fewer chances of developing asthma when cat is around.

6. Don’t be surprised or disgusted if your cat brings dead pray to your house. Scientists agree that this cat’s gesture is their basic instinct to bring food for kittens. If you see a dead bird or mouse in your home, consider it a gift.

7. Many studies confirmed that cats have emotions similar to human such as happiness, sadness, frustration, jealousy, excitement, anxiety, affection, fear and contentment. Cats are even capable to pick up your mood.

8. In a period of just seven years a pair of breeding cats, along with their kittens, can produce more than 400,000 offspring. They are true baby machines!

9. Cat bites can be dangerous and toxic. Estimated number of people bitten by these animals in the United States is 40,000 every year. A wound from a cat bite can cause major bacterial infection.

10. Cats can be trained to use the toilet and even to flush when they are finished. That is good news for cat owners who find it hard to get rid of cat litter.

The Current Must Have Dog Accessories

January 8, 2013/1 Comment/in Dog Accessories /by Tristan G

What Are The Current “Must Have” Dog Accessories?

There’s no doubt that we all love our pups and every dog owner is pretty proud of his four legged pet. But, is there a way to make a cute doge cuter? The answer is definitely positive. Things that can make your bowwow even more adorable are dog accessories. There are plenty of cool accessories that can upscale your dog’s style. Keep in mind that accouterments can make your dog look cuter, but don’t exaggerate with them so you wouldn’t end up with a dog looking like a Christmas tree. Every loving pet dog deserves a gift from time to time, besides the basics such as food, water and shelter. Great gift for your puppy can be some of the following accessories.
Dog collar is a basic and essential accessory and they are designed according to the type of dog. But collars can be very trendy. They can be made from various materials such as leather, metal, plastic or even nylon. Important thing to mention is that many of new trendy dog collars are washable. At the market you can find unique dog collars which can bring out the personality of your pooch.

Dog clothes can be really beautiful and, at the same time, extremely practical. A wide variety of dog clothes are available in every better pet shop. A wide range of dog clothes goes from various costumes to lovely sweaters which come in handy during the long and freezing winters. Don’t expose your dog, especially if he has light layer of fur, to low temperatures and watch him shiver, get him a nice coat or sweater. Jackets for dogs with a waterproof outer layer can be ideal solution for long walks on rainy days. High quality dog clothes have maximum durability and allow your pet to move around easily. If you are a fashion freak, you can improve an already cute look of your dog with little socks.

Our furry friends simply love soft and cozy dog beds. Top notch dog beds have exclusive design, provide ultimate luxury and they are comfy-chic. Dog bed is a perfect place where he can relax by himself. If you have decided to buy a bed for your pup, you should also consider buying him a blanket. This fabulous accessory isn’t only for your dog, both you and your pet can enjoy warmness of the blanket and stay snuggled up under it.

Dog toys are perfect choice to keep your pet occupied and out of mischief. Best toys for dogs are those that constantly keep his mind stimulated. Brainy puzzles and other interactive dog toys are made to entertain and challenge your pet. Some of the best interactive dog toys are so interesting that many pet owners play with them. Old wise saying “A bored dog is a destructive dog” is telling us to keep our dogs busy as long as possible and that way prevent numerous behavioral problems.

Correct Way to Groom Your Dogs Coat

January 2, 2013/0 Comments/in Dog Health, Dogs /by Tristan G

What is the Correct Way to Groom Your Dogs Coat?

If you don’t want to spend money on professional grooming, it’s good to learn how to do it properly at home. Although it may seem easy, grooming your dog takes time and nerves. Best way to keep your dog neat is to bathe him, clean his ears, trim his nails, brush his teeth and groom his coat on a regular basis. Many dog breeds are not thrilled when it comes to bathing. But who wants a dirty and stinky dog?
The similar thing is with grooming his fur. If you own a dog with a long coat, it’s necessary to give him a haircut during hot summer days. Haircut will bring a feeling of comfort – something every dog is longing for. On the other hand, if your dog has very short hair, the scissors and other haircut tools are not a must. Remember, you don’t groom your dog just to improve his looks. By doing this, you’ll make his coat shiny which means you’ll spend less time cleaning and vacuuming the house.

For the start, you have to know which tools to use. You’ll probably need a dog brush, comb, dog grooming scissors, thinning shears, electric trimming shears, dog tweezers, and dog toenail clippers. Pick a quiet spot in your house and make sure you have all the tools to get started. The first step is brushing your dog. Brush down the neck toward his belly and tail. Be very thorough. If your dog is calm and stands still during the brushing, reward him for his good behavior.

Once you have finished brushing your dog’s coat, it is time for trimming. Be sure to remove the hair mats from your dog’s fur since they can cause problems during bathing. It is interesting that preparing your dog for bathing takes more time than the bathing itself.
The health of your dog’s ears is a vital part of his overall wellbeing. So, clean the dog’s outer ears with a cotton ball soaked into a pet ear cleaner. By removing the dirt and earwax from your dog’s ears, you are minimizing the chances for an infection.

Proper dental care will protect your dog’s teeth from decay, malocclusion and gum disease. Prevention is the key to health, so brush your dog’s teeth to keep them strong and clean. They should be brushed at least two or three times a week with a toothbrush and canine toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start taking care of oral hygiene in your pet from his puppyhood, so that he can get used to the procedure.

Avoid enormous claws by clipping your dog’s nails with a nail clipper or grinder. Don’t use human shampoo on your pet because it can cause skin irritation and hair loss. There are special dog shampoos on the market, adapted to suit your pet’s skin. Don’t forget to wash out and dry your long haired baby the best you can. With a proper care and grooming, your dog will stay healthy and clean for a long time.

10 Interesting Facts About Dogs

December 26, 2012/3 Comments/in Dog Facts, Dogs /by Tristan G

Here are the 10 Interesting Facts About Dogs

This friendship between dogs and men lasts for more than 15,000 years or from the moment the dogs were first domesticated by cavemen in the Paleolithic Age. Today, humans live side by side with more than 700 types of pure bred dogs in the world. According to statistics, estimated number of canines in the world is around 400 millions. Here are some interesting facts about dogs that most of the owners should know.

1. Dogs descend from wolves. Approximately 15,000 years ago dogs diverged from their ancestors – wolves. In the year 1993 dogs were classified as a subspecies of the grey wolf (Canis Lupus).

2. Dogs have amazingly good sense of smell. While humans have around 5 million smell-sensitive cells, dogs have 40 times more, nearly 220 million. With powerful sense of smell, dogs can determine odors at concentration level that is 100 times lower than any man can sense. That’s why many dogs are used for finding missing persons or illegal materials such as drugs, bombs and explosive. Studies show that some dogs can even smell our diseases. Four legged buddy can be the first to notice thet you have cancer, epilepsy or diabetes.

3. Dogs have an incredibly good hearing. Once again, dogs are far better than humans in detecting sounds. Dog’s ear can catch frequency range from 40 Hz up to 60,000 Hz. Their amazing hearing capacity is helped by head muscles which can detect exact position of the source of the sound. That’s why some dogs have ears like rabbit and they use them as radar. Also, dogs can hear ultrasonic sounds.

Dogs – A Look at Why They Truly Are Man’s Best Friend

December 17, 2012/0 Comments/in Dog Facts, Dogs /by Tristan G

Dogs and humans have been inseparable for many thousands of years. Wherever you find humans in the world, you’ll almost certainly find dogs accompanying them. These amazing creatures proved to be smarter than we have ever imagined. Astonishing new researches reveal that dogs are more than just tamed wild animals. Their ability to read our emotions so effectively is what makes our relationship special. Some even claim that dogs possess a special kind of social intelligence which allows them to get along with people in the way that is unique in the whole animal kingdom.

Every dog person will tell you that dogs feel humans’ emotions like anger, happiness, despair, fear, and so on. Dogs were once fearsome predators, but today they are the most loving pets. Right now, there are almost half a billion dogs and we treat them as members of a family, almost as human beings. We share our lives, our homes, even our beds with dogs. Many a dog owner would agree that his pet is not just part of the family, it is family.

According to a research published in the Animal Cognition journal, canines are responsive to human emotions more than any other species, including humans. Asking for no reward, dogs will approach strangers in distress trying to comfort them by nuzzling and licking. That specific dog’s behavior was tested in the experiment that included 18 pet dogs. Those dogs were faced with two unfamiliar persons – one who was pretending to cry and the other who was talking casually. All of the 18 dogs responded to the person who was pretending to cry and offered comfort.

Loyalty to their owners is common for all dogs, but one breed stands out. Akita is a large fluffy dog originating in the northern Japan. Unbelievable and sad life story made an Akita a legend among dog breeds. An Akita named Hachiko followed his owner to the train station every day. His owner was a professor in another town. At exactly 4 p.m. Hachiko would arrive at the train station to meet his owner. Some years later, the professor died from stroke at work, but loyal Hachiko waited at the train station every single day for the next ten years until he passed away. Statue of Hachiko in bronze at Shibuya train station in Japan reminds us why dogs truly are man’s best friend.

Unlike humans, dogs have no tendency to criticize, to be racists, to stab in the back, to murder or have prejudice. Without any question dog will accept the owner no matter if he is poor, blind, crippled, old or young. Dogs give everything and ask very little in return – food, water and place to sleep. If you take good and proper care of your dog and you treat him with love, be sure that love will be returned. You will mean the whole world to your dog and your dog will mean everything to you.

Tips to Make Caring for Your Dog a Breeze

December 13, 2012/1 Comment/in Dog Training, Dogs /by Tristan G

The dogs provide their owners with the unconditional love, loyalty and pleasure. However, they don’t ask much in return. After the adjustment period which takes up to two weeks, caring for your dog should become a routine. In exchange for a lifetime friendship, you have to provide shelter, water, food, veterinary care and exercise to your canine companion.

Get your dog as many dog supplies as he needs. Since your dog needs less accompanying items than you, don’t be stingy when it comes to dog accessories.

One of the most vital things your puppy needs is proper feeding. Most of the dogs are ravenous and they will eat everything you give them. Act wisely and do a research about what dog food will bring the best to his health and energy. Always pick a top quality food made of pure ingredients including vitamins, minerals and protein.

Dogs don’t care about getting messy which makes you responsible for their bathing and cleaning. Try to make bath time gentle and pleasant, so both the dog and you can enjoy. Always use shampoos specially designed for dogs. Besides the simple bathing, the dog’s eyes, ears, teeth, nails also need care. Regular cleaning of your dog’s ears will help prevent mites and ear infections. During the process of cleaning you should gently massage the base of the ear for about half a minute. Treat your dog well afterward. Long nails can be painful to your dog, so you should consult a vet for trimming tips.

Be sure that the collar is always around your dog’s neck. A name tag containing the dog’s and the owner’s name, and home address should be attached to the collar. Think how desperate both of you would be if your dog got lost.

Many veterinaries agree that flea collars can be dangerous for your four legged buddy. More effective protection from the boring fleas is topical application of treatments such as Frontline, Advantage, Revolution, etc.

Regular visits to veterinary clinic are necessary. Good idea is to implant a microchip in your dog because this way you can be sure that he will be returned to you even if he loses his collar.

On hot summer days don’t force your dog to run or exercise. Instead, provide him with a shelter in the coolest place of your yard. Large amounts of fresh drinking water are of the utmost importance in order to avoid accidents such as a heart stroke.

Spaying or neutering your dog will help him live longer and healthier life. Those procedures also influence dog’s behavior in the way that he becomes less aggressive.

Don’t let your dog eat much of human food because it may cause obesity, hyperactivity or intestinal problems.

If you’re planning to go for a long trip with your dog, don’t forget to bring his blanket. Favorite blanket with familiar scent will keep him relaxed and comfortable.

Spend some quality time cuddling and hugging with your pooch so that he feels loved and cherished. You won’t regret it because the dogs know how to return the favour.

The 10 Coolest Dog Accessories You Should Have

December 6, 2012/2 Comments/in Dog Training, Dogs /by Tristan G

Having a dog is a great privilege. Owning a dog, no matter if it’s big or small, is a great responsibility. Dog is a living creature in a constant need for care and attention. Dog is not a toy to play around only when you don’t have anything else to do. He shows love and affection to the owners constantly, so you should do the same. From time to time treat your dog to something nifty and different from what you do or buy on regular basis. Obtaining some fancy accessories for your dog can be a nice experience. Surprise your dog on his birthday or Christmas Eve with some super cool items. Here is list of the ten coolest dog accessories you should have.

1. Dog Leash. We all know that this item brings a dog pure happiness. The moment when he sees a leash is priceless for it’s a sign he’s going out. Today, there are many types of dog leashes. Leather leash is skin friendly and can be very stylish. Nylon, on the other hand, is not so skin friendly, but it will last longer if your dog is often around water.

2. A Fashionable Scarf. Your dog will look cuter than usual with a scarf. For about $20 you can buy a stylish scarf which will protect your dog from the cold weather.

3. Backpack. Equip your pup with leather backpack for the first day in school. You can personalize dog’s backpack by engraving his initials on it. Let your dog carry his stuff on long country walks.

4. Groom tool. If you want to avoid painful pulling and snagging, you should get one of these. It removes loose hair from the dog before it’s shed around the room.

5. Dog Collars. These items come in a variety of styles. Bow tie collar can be perfect choice for the red carpet.

6. Water Bowls. If your dog likes chewing edges of the bowl, you should get the one made from the stainless steel which is more durable than the plastic one. You should be careful with ceramic bowls – they look very nice, but are easily broken.

7. Dog Houses. There are several things to keep in mind when it comes to the dog house. You should place the dog house in the coolest part of the yard. Also, the houses with air condition are good idea for hot climate and heated dog houses for cold.

8. Dog Beds. Every house has a bed. Even a dog house should have one. Make sure that the bed is comfortable enough to your dog, easy to wash, durable and of appropriate size. For extra comfort you can buy bed with cushioned sides.

9. Dog Toys. Buying cool dog toys will keep your four-legged buddy away from playing with your shoes and slippers. Many toys will provide physical and mental stimulation to your dog.

10. Dog coats. Perfect choice for chilly morning hikes. Fun, yet stylish way to keep your pooch warm. Great Christmas gift for your pet.