Twist1 » Pets and Other Animals

Solutions to Allergies Caused by Dogs

David John Jordan — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:20:33 +0000

As pet lovers, is there anything we love more than dogs? What more could one want than a playful, sweet, loyal friend that will love you until the day you die? But some people may find it harder to cuddle up to man’s best friend. Dog allergies cause problems for thousands of people. In fact, 15% of the population suffers from pet allergies. Some are even forced to find a new home for their dog because of intensified allergies. While this may be a solution to dog allergies, it is not a realistic solution to this problem.

Allergens from Dogs find their origins proteins from three sources; Dander (shed skin cells,) saliva, and urine. Allergic reactions in people to these causes usually happen if they have over active immune systems. Notice that hair is not in the list. A well-known myth is that hairless dogs will not cause reactions. While they do produce far less allergens, in the case of shedding skin cells, you can’t really stop a dog from slobbering and going to the bathroom. Typically symptoms are normal allergy symptoms that everyone is used to, such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, shortness of breath, red itchy skin or a rash. While these can be annoying, there are many ways to mitigate them to make them less problematic.

A clean home is the best defense against dog allergies and allergens. Making a point to vacuum regularly helps, as does using furniture that is upholstered in leather. Changing your air filter to your AC unit will help reduce dander floating around in your house. And since fur can retain allergens, regular bathing is a good idea. Be sure to remember to wash your dog’s bedding or cushions, or else anything you gained from giving the dog a bath will be lost quickly.

Or you can go the easy route and buy some products specifically made to reduce allergens. Allerpet D is a shampoo that helps keep the skin on the dog without drying it out too much. Lowering the chance of dog allergies is as easy as adopting good habits and behaviors!

Of course, if the allergies are too bad, consulting with a professional may be your best bet. Some strong medication is out there, both prescription and over the counter, that can mitigate the runny noses and itchy eyes. For extreme cases, you can get allergy shots, which are a good idea if you have bad allergies in general. Kicking your dog to the curb should be a last resort.

Visit the Hypoallergenic Dog Food Guide for more info on allergies that can occur within dogs.

Causes of Dog Tear Stains

Joanne Gallagher — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:24:50 +0000

It is hard to keep a white coat clean! Whether it is the dirt from the yard or a food mustache or tear stains, it shows up on a light colored dog. Tear staining is noticeable on dogs with light coats. Breeds like the Maltese, Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are commonly affected by cosmetic tear stains. Other breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds and Old English Sheepdogs also experience tear stains, but their darker coats camouflage the reddish brown stains.

There are many reasons why a dog has tear stains. It is trial and error to figure out which is causing the problem in your dog. Every dog has a different chemical makeup and lives in a different environment; therefore the eye stain culprit can vary from dog to dog.

The mineral level in water is also a documented cause of tear stains. Many dog owners put filtered water or commercially bottled water in their dog’s water bowl. If this doesn’t eliminate enough minerals for your dog try distilled water.

The overall health of your dog is a key factor in controlling tear stains. An ear infection, clogged tear ducts or eye lashes that keep getting in the corner of your dog’s eye can cause excessive tearing. Having a Veterinarian examine your pet will determine if tearing is a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Fleas irritate the eyes and make them tear. This is how they create the wet face habitat they thrive in. Fleas feed on a dog’s blood which causes their feces to be a reddish brown color. The same color as tear stains.

Good hygiene is important for every pet. However it can also play a simple role in keeping eye stains under control. Routine baths with a flea shampoo and washing your dogs face daily can make a significant difference.

Keeping dirt and hair out of your dog’s eyes and staying alert of any changes like excessive licking, or goopy eye conditions is the best way to keep your pet’s eyes healthy. Seek advice from a Veterinarian and/or dog groomer about treating the sensitive eye area.

There are several causes why a dog would have tear stains. It is trial and error to figure out which is causing the problem in your dog. Joanne Gallagher is an expert in caring for your dog and recommends visiting Jake’s Dog House for various solutions for tear stain removal.

Dealing With An Aggressive Dog – What Are Your Options?

Carl Covason — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:47:55 +0000

When you have an aggressive dog and children it is a recipe for disaster. If you are noticing that you dog is aggressive you have a couple options that are available to you for handling it.

The first option would be to get rid of your dog (not recommended). While this is not the option most people choose it is something some people do.

If you do decide that you want to get rid of your dog then make sure you find him a safe home. You should never let any dog go especially if they are aggressive. Dogs have had the wild breed out of them so the great outdoors is very unsafe for them out on their own.

A better option would be to get your dog trained or train him yourself. There are many different classes you can take your dog to and most everywhere has dog trainers.

One way of training your dog is through clicker training. When done properly, clicker training can help you see a major improvement in your dog’s behavior. The great thing about training your dog with a clicker is that after a while your dog will listen to your commands without using the clicker or treats.

When using a clicker it is all about timing. If you mess this up it will be much harder to train your dog and will take much longer.

The second that your dog follows your command you need to click with the clicker and give them a treat. If you wait to long the dog will not understand what behavior got them the treat he will just know that he is very lucky because you are excited and feeding him yummy treats.

Another thing to know about clicker training is that you do not want your dog to see the clicker in your hand. You can also do clicker training by clicking with your tongue.

No matter how you plan on training your dog you should always use positive training methods. Using negative methods to train your dog will not only hurt your dog but he will get steadily worse behaved as time goes on.

Http://SafeDogObedienceAdvice.com is a free resource for anyone who is looking to train their dog safely and positively regardless of what dog training problems you might be challenged with.

Training Your Dog Using Dog Cages And Kennels

Graham Smith — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:05:58 +0000

When the time comes to choose the right dog cage or kennel for your pet, keep in mind that they are not all the same, and that there is a correct type for each situation. There are kennels which are designed and made strictly for the comfort of small animals which are being transported. There are kennels that are built extremely sturdily, to house large dogs and keep them secure.

Dog cages come in many different sizes, and have many styles that serve various purposes. Make sure to get one that suits your exact needs and specifications.

When looking for a traveling cage, you will find several styles to choose from: kennels made of metal grid with a solid floor, a plastic den with a metal door, or even a zipper-entranced, mesh-doored fabric “bag”. The many uses for this kind of kennel range from keeping your pet secure and under control for trips or vacations, to transporting it between training events. Also, these are ideal when you are not allowed to have your pet roaming free in a facility.

For the most part, training cages and kennels are designed for indoor use, and are used for potty training your pet, having a place to put him when he is in trouble, or simply as a place he can go when no one is home. By keeping the dog in the cage at night when you do not want to take him outside to go to the toilet, you can teach him to operate his body on a schedule that best suits your needs and schedule.

A training cage makes a good “time out” area when your pet makes a mistake and needs discipline. Your pet will quickly learn that if he doesn’t want to go sit in the cage he will stop doing whatever he did that got him there. While it’s not a substitute for your attention, sometimes a cage is a good way to keep your rambunctious pet under control during times when you’re not home.

You can also buy cages that are made for outdoor use, like kennels, wooden floor cages that are a part of a doghouse, that are great for having a nice place to sleep and move around outside, or dog runs, that are much like cages but have legs above the ground, and are stronger. Finally, walk-in cages are good for the temporary housing of several large dogs, and provide ease of access and cleaning.

Graham writes articles on the large dog cage and about how to train your dog with large dog cages.

Advantages Of A Small Chicken Coop

Kor Rassad — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:54:19 +0000

Nowadays, an increasing number of people are becoming interested in building chicken coops, and with new plans and designs for DIY coops becoming available in the market, you can choose specific features and create a coop that is custom made for your own personal requirements. For starters, however, it is always a better idea to make a smaller chicken coop first and then upgrade to a larger one with more chickens after they have gained some experience. Here are a few reasons why building a small chicken coop is better than a large one.

Lower Building Material Costs

Everyone wants to get the most out of the smallest amount of investment. The basic reason why you must opt for a small coop over a large one is the lower cost of material needed to construct the coop. Furthermore, maintenance will also cost much less for a small coop and you will soon realize that smaller coops will save you quite a lot of money initially. Also, a smaller coop will be ready in lesser time and it will also need less effort, so you may want to consider keeping a small coop instead of a large one.

Maintenance

Maintenance is also much easier for a small chicken coop. You will be able to clean the coop regularly and quickly with ease, and this is definitely a better option for you if you want to keep the chicken coop as a side project and not a full-time one. If the coop is small, it will take less time to clean, and you will have more time to spend on other activities or work.

Portability

Lastly, smaller chicken coops have an advantage over large ones in terms of mobility. If you move a lot, it will be a much lesser hassle to have a small coop. Another advantage of a small coop is that you can move it around in your backyard so that the grass doesn’t become dry. The chickens will also enjoy searching for weeds and bugs and other insects in the ground. Also, you can move the coop to place it in sunlight or even in the shade of a tree, giving you endless options for placement.

An increasing number of individuals are choosing small coops over large ones so consider your requirements and find out the most suitable option for your needs. Remember, the security and comfort of your chickens is of utmost importance, and whatever design you choose must fulfill their needs for comfort as much as yours.

If you enjoyed reading my article on chicken coop, visit http://www.chickencoopadvice.com for more great info.

Dog Training At Home

Adrian Logan — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:21:41 +0000

Before obedience classes were popular, or even available, nearly every dog owner in the past relied on home dog training to get their dog to obey and perform tricks.

Dog owners really had no choice but to spend time teaching Fido at home if they wanted a well behaved dog. They had to have the patience, willpower, and desire to do so. Many people learned how to train their dogs from their parents who had owned dogs. Some read dog training books to learn how to do it.

Even though there is many dog obedience classes now which you can choose from, you can still accomplish home dog training just as your parents did. This is a good option if you do not have the budget to bring your dog to expensive obedience classes.

To train a dog, you can use a mixture of consistency, praise, and treats as dogs are quite a simple creature. Give them enough of those, and they’ll be doing whatever you want in no time. You can teach them to obey you and to amuse your friends by performing some cute tricks.

The easiest way to conduct dog training is to model the behavior you desire your dog to do. Let’s say you want him to sit on command, then gently place him in a sitting position and say “sit” very firmly. Look into your dog eyes while doing it.

Do this over and over, until finally, just say “sit” to him and see what he does. If he sits on his own, give him a treat and lots of praise for a job well done. If he doesn’t sit, then go back to modeling the sitting and the command until he learns it.

Some dogs catch on more quickly than others, so have some patience if it takes a while with yours. He will get it eventually.

One very important thing about training your dog. Be sure to keep praising and giving treats for the first several times your dog does the right thing on command. After a while,just praise your dog. Your dog wants to know you are happy with him.

Want your dog to be well behaved around people and other dogs? AND have them obey all of your house rules even when you’re not around! Click here to discover powerful insider information at Secrets to Dog Training.

Five Reasons Why Laminate Flooring Is Great For Houses With Pets and Kids

Shawne M. Patrick — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:40:40 +0000

It can be hard enough to choose flooring for your home when it is just adults who are living in the house, but when there are kids concerned this call is even more tough. You have to worry about not only how your selection of flooring will effect the children, but also the way the children are going to affect the flooring. One of the better options for families with children is laminate flooring for a number of different reasons.

These days many families are involved with the effect of different chemicals and treatments on their health and that of their youngsters. Unlike some sorts of flooring, laminated floors is finished, and doesn’t require any kind of adhesive to install it. This could limit the smells and chemicals that are common during flooring installation. Hardwood flooring regularly must be finished, and carpets and vinyl floors tend to need to fixed down.

A laminated floor also does not require any nails to install, that means that you do not have to worry about tiny youngsters ( or older children ) either catching clothing or skin on the nails or getting their little hands on loose nails that might begin to come out over a period. It’s also simpler for busy families to install on their lonesome since the pieces are simple to handle and just click together. This may save families money as well if they decide to do the installation on their own.

Because laminate floors is installed with a layer of insulating padding under the floor, it’s also got a specific amount of give that not all of the floors do. This is helpful for families for 2 reasons. First of all, if the youngsters should drop something it is less sure to wreck. Secondly, if a kid should trip and/or fall, they are less likely to get hurt, which is a nice side benefit.

Unlike hardwood flooring or carpeting, it is simple to handle spills on laminated floors, and these are less sure to hurt the floor. The majority of these floors are treated to help them resist stains. Some types can even be utilized in areas where spills are common,eg bathrooms, kitchens, and basements ( rather than using area rugs to cover up a mess ). Of course you continue to don’t want to let them sit for ages, but they don’t seem to be as much of a concern, which is nice since children have a tendency to spill things pretty frequently.

Ultimately, laminated floors is made to be terribly sturdy. This means it’s going to be ready to take more of a beating from active kids without getting damaged. You’ll be in a position to avoid lots of the scratches and dents that are common in hardwood flooring when the proper care isn’t brought to forestall them, and it costs less as well.

As you can see, this type of flooring can be beneficial for families with kids due to the numerous benefits mentioned above. Although other types of flooring can work for these families, this is one good option that’s worth considering, particularly since it usually isn’t very expensive.

Kingdom Of Pets Review

Brock Davis — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:33:31 +0000

If you are looking for the best dog training guide online, it has to be the Kingdom of Pets dog training guides. It is one of the most downloaded guide.

The creator of this guide has taken extra care to ensure it is totally complete and nothing is left out. I am sure you will be impressed with what is inside. I can say that I have learned so much more from this guide than the many books that I have even bought on dog training.

It was designed to be the one of the best; if not the best dog training programs there are available on the internet.

What are the positive aspect of the kingdom of pet’s dog training programme?

Pros

* Leaves nothing to be desired
* Very detailed
* Lots of tips and tricks

Cons

* No videos

I’m sure you won’t be let down by it, as it is quite possibly the most detailed course I have ever encountered and I myself am a dog trainer. For anyone that wants to train their dog this programme is a good starting point and

Now to say I’m a dog trainer and then rant and rave about another dog training programme is only because I thought it was a very enjoyable read and by the end of reading I had nothing more to desire of reading, so if you like knowing everything about dog training this course is a good start and a good beginning.

You probably have heard lots about dog training before but with this course as already mentioned there is little left out if anything at all. This course has made much more of an impression than any other program book or course I’ve bought. I can assure you that it’s a very enjoyable read and would be happy for another person to know exactly what it has to offer.

To check out Kingdom of Pets official site, click on the link below.

Who else wants their dog to be well behaved around people and other dogs? AND have them obey all of your house rules even when you’re not around! Click here to discover powerful insider information at Secrets to Dog Training.

Make Your Dog Stand Out With Our Latest Must Have Pet Fashions

Akitaman — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:13:47 +0000

As the saying goes, dogs are indeed man’s best friend. That is probably the reason behind the desire of most dog owners to enhance and accentuate the appearance of their pet through trendy and fun fashions. Spiked pet dog collars have been a popular pet accessory for over a hundred years. Initially, they were used on fighting and hunting dogs to protect them from harm by other animals. Now, spiked collars have evolved into a fashion accessory, as well as a protector.

Why do pet owners choose spiked collars? You may be wondering why anyone would want their dog’s collar spiked. The reason is pretty straight forward and logical, as spiked dog collars were and still are used to give dogs protection from potential predators and attackers. Following along with that thought process, it can be inferred that the earliest societies that started using the collars paid significant regard to their pets, even hundreds of years ago. Remember that in the 19th century, people kept dogs for specialized purposes. Dogs were used as either security or body guards, or as working companions. Farmers utilized dogs to guard their crops from smaller animals, and hunters used them to easily find the animals that they killed.

For these reasons, spikes were put on custom dog collars so that no predators could harm a dog, since the spikes served as a natural protection. Modern day uses for the spiked collar have truly evolved. Today, spiked collars are now worn by dogs not only for protection, but also as a fashion accessory. Many dog owners find great pleasure in dressing their dogs with trendy and novelty accessories that range from spiked collars to cute apparel that humanizes their pampered pooch.

A spiked pet collar will likely be made of sturdy materials, such as leather and steel, to make sure that it will endure the test of time. By making them extra durable and blending them into attractive colors and designs, spiked collars are a must have fashion accessory for many pets. The prices for spiked collars tend to vary. As with most things, the prettier and more ornate they are, the more expensive they will be. Leather collars are generally also more costly than synthetic leather versions.

Almost every pet shop and pet accessory store in your area, as well as online stores sell spiked pet dog collars. It has almost become a necessity for pet stores to carry them because many a dog owner, at one time or another will be lured into getting one such dog collar for their four-legged companion. This is why you probably won’t have a hard time locating and buying a spiked collar.

If you are a pet owner, then it is only natural that you would want to invest in dog accessories. Spiked pet dog collars are worth the cost, since not only is your dog fabulously fashioned, but he or she is also protected from possible attackers. You never know when an attack can occur. Why not kill two birds with one stone and invest in a spiked collar?

Looking to find the best deal on dog collars, then visit www.funkydogs.com to find the best advice on dog leashes for you.

Cat Leash Training: Can You Do It?

Jason Greening — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:45:44 +0000

Often it has been seen that whenever a cat owner opens the door, the cat runs out of the home. Probably the cat is just curious to have a look at the outside world. If that is your problem, then you should probably consider cat leash training. Cats are considered to be very stubborn and thus the question is quite obvious, can you leash train a cat? The answer is yes, cats can be trained on leashes. The trick is doing it the right way. Most cats (not all) can be leash trained with patience.

The main purpose of a leash is to control the erratic behavior of your pet while outdoors. Cats are taken on leashes so that they don’t run away from you and cause public nuisance. Once a cat escapes it’s very difficult to catch him, because they are very agile and able to get through small spaces easily, not to mention their jumping abilities. In some areas, it’s illegal for a cat to run free. It’s also potentially dangerous, despite your cat’s fine instincts. There are cars, large dogs and rabid squirrels to contend with that your cat might not be able to escape.

When it comes to cat leash training, it’s helpful if your cat is already accustomed to wearing a collar. That way you’ll avoid the extra steps involved in collar training and you won’t need to start from scratch. If your cat does not have a collar, then probably you are going to have a tougher time to complete cat leash training, but it’s still not impossible.

Start training your cat for a leash by attaching a leash to your cat’s collar. Do not tighten the leash and keep it slackened, so that the cat gets used to it. Also, do not walk or drag the cat the first time you put the leash on your cat. Let her get used to it. This is the secret of successful cat leash training. Try this method for a few minutes on the first day.

If the cat shows a little bit of uneasiness, distract him by offering his favorite toy or food. Repeat this for several days till the cat gets accustomed to the leash. Once it is comfortable, just keep the leash on for few minutes everyday.

The next step is to walk your cat with the leash on within the house. Praise him if he takes it easily and give him some motivation by offering food or a toy. If the cat is not responding favorably, repeat the above mentioned steps till he gets completely comfortable with the idea of a leash.

Training your cat to walk on leash can be difficult and the secret to its success lies in the innate nature of cats. A cat needs food, shelter and love, so you have to use these things as tools to leash train your cat. Whenever you are giving any sort of training to your cat, food is the biggest motivator. After food, love takes prominence, which you should use effectively.

Leash training is just one unusual form of cat training. Visit Cat Toilet Training to find out why and how you can easily teach your cat to give up its litter box and use the toilet instead!