Dog Health Care

Comical And Sweet: The Pomeranian
 by: Gary Allison

The Pomeranian is a favorite among the toy groups. Its endearing fox-like face and comically poofy coat are almost irresistible. However, the Pomeranian is not for the traditional quiet, clinging lap dog. The most independent of the toy breeds, the Pomeranian does not cling to its owners. This little (3 to 7lbs) guy’s claim to fame is his giant personality. These active toys are notoriously animated, inquisitive and busy. So, if you are looking for a big clown in a little body then the Pomeranian is the dog for you. His antics will keep you entertained as well as attract attention. And although independent, their fierce loyalty makes them great companion dogs.

Ideal for those living in small spaces, Pomeranians make great apartment dogs. They don’t need much exercise and spend most of their day taking naps. However, be prepared to keep them entertained while they are awake. Pomeranians are chock full of energy and they need to be entertained or they can develop behavioral problems and destructive habits. They are notorious chewers although with proper stimulation this behavior can be taken care of with a few chew toys left lying around.

Worried about how this tiny little dog will fare with your other household pets? No need. As long as they are properly socialized they get along with other dogs as well as cats. However, please consider your neighbors’ sanity before committing to more than one Pom. They are vocal dogs (females less so than males) and when in groups the chorus of yapping can become a bit much.

Although they are cuddly and loveable, Pomeranians require a lot of attention. Along with their entertainment needs, the soft, thick undercoat and coarser outer coat need to be groomed daily or else they develop painful mats and tangles. They also shed constantly so be prepared to become well acquainted with lint rollers and a pet hair specific vacuum. The undercoat also makes Pomeranians unsuitable for warmer climates if they will be spending extended periods of time out of doors. Their voluminous coats count for about 50% of their apparent size and they are prone to overheating.

Surprisingly, these tiny dogs make great watch dogs. They have a classic case of big dog trapped in tiny body. They are cocky and commanding and rarely back down from anything. Their resounding warning bark can be heard far and wide although its tiny size does not manage to come off as much of a threat. They tend to be reserved with strangers and can bark excessively at new people. It is a good idea to start obedience training early and teach your Pomeranian to bark a few times as an alert but then to ‘be quiet for heaven’s sake’.

A note of caution: this little dog is all personality and your baby’s cute little personality quirks can easily become inappropriate behaviors if they are not loved with a firm hand. These little tricksters need to know that there owner is the boss or they will not listen. They can become demanding, pushy, and snappy if they are allowed free behavioral reign. And while these dogs make good companions for elderly people, they should be closely monitored around very young children. However, they are fine around older, well behaved children.

Pomeranians are also prone to certain physical ailments. Early tooth loss can be a problem so while it is tempting to spoil them with canned food and table treats, the main part of a Pomeranians diet should be comprised of dry dog food to keep the teeth and gums in good condition. You should also make sure that your vet gives your dog regular teeth cleanings. Skin problems and eye infections can also be problematic especially as your Pomeranian ages.

But don’t let these potential problems deter you. When making your breed decision, keep in mind that every breed of dog comes with its own caveats, and with the right mix of discipline and love their delightful natures can flourish.

About The Author

Gary Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies he has for sale at http://allmypuppiesonline.com. Gary is also the author of two consumer guides, http://carpetsecrets.com and http://movingsecretsguide.com.

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Canine insurance is a practical and positive way to protect the health of your happy go lucky best friend. Dogs are naturally active animals who love to discover the world about them. Dogs investigate mostly with their noses and mouths. Because of this when they are ‘hot on the trail’ of a fresh scent they can block out all other stimulus – even being unaware of an impending threat or dangerous place. How many times have you seen your dog run forward onto shaky ground only to stop and look at you with the ‘uh-oh’ face? For those times when he doesn’t stop himself before getting hurt, a good insurance policy will cover the vet bills.

If you have a dog that is prone to injury you will can to find an excellent canine insurance policy. Look for one that will cover CAT scans, MRIs and other highly technical diagnostic tools. You will also want to check if they will cover reconstructive surgery, physical therapy and medications during the recovery period. All of these things can add up to horrendous medical bills if they are not covered. These are not the types of bills that you want to saddle your family with.

Even if your dog is not the overly energetic type that is prone to injury you will want a canine insurance policy that covers the typical illness and problems that the average dog can encounter. Even if your dog isn’t off in the wilds adventuring, he will still be exploring the world with his mouth and nose. This can lead to one of the most common things that precipitate dog’s visits to veterinarian’s emergency rooms – the ingestion of foreign objects. Some of the strange items that have been found inside dog’s stomachs include hair ties, small toys, poisonous mushrooms, bottle caps, pincushions etc. If your dog swallows an item that can do him serious harm you will want him to have the surgery to remove it.

Canine insurance is specifically designed to help you manage the health care costs for your dog whether he is an adventurer or a homebody, a scout or a pampered pooch. When choosing coverage, be sure to carefully review the benefits and coverage limits so that you so not get caught short at the emergency room doors. Your happy go lucky fellow deserves the very best of care and a long and happy life in spite of his misadventures.

Sherry Harris is the author of a wide range of dog topics including, but not limited to: dog insurance, puppy training, dog grooming, pet travel, dog training and much more. Your dog means the world to you, and that is why you need to make sure you have pet insurance. Dog insurance offers you a way to budget your vet’s bill. Hope you enjoyed the article topic Canine Insurance. For hundreds of free dog articles and to find out more information on dog insurance visit http://www.DogStyleNetwork.com today.

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Other names the Chinese Crested is known as are:

• Chinese Edible Dog

• Chinese Ship Dog

• Chinese Hairless

• Chinese Royal Hairless

• Pyramid or Giza Hairless

• South African Hairless

• Turkish Hairless

The “crest” in its name refers to a copious shock of silky hair that graces the dog’s head.

The Chinese Crested is found everywhere, Read the rest of this entry »

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Demodectic Mange in Dogs is also known as Red Mange.

The Cause

• The word mange is thought to refer to the french word mangene or to itch.
• Demodex canis is a worm like mite and very tiny in size.
• The demodex canis can affect dogs and puppies from the age of three.

The Life Cycle of the Demodex Mite

• The demodex canis mite start as small white eggs.
• The eggs will then hatch into larvae.
• After the Read the rest of this entry »

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Being aware of the signs of health problems is the most crucial part of the health and well-being of your dog. Here are 6 common dog health problem symptoms.

1. For instance, whenever the dog experiences continuous nasal discharge, it suggests the presence of nasal congestion and if the discharge is thick, most of the times, the dog could be suffering from pneumonia.

2. If the dog throws up one or Read the rest of this entry »

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Royalty Companions: The Shih Tzu
 by: Gary Allison

The Shih Tzu breed was originally a dog of the Chinese people. Believe it or not, they were at once considered royalty to this culture. Kept inside as the palace pet; the Shih Tzu was highly valuable. Still today, this special breed carries itself in a high manner. The Shih Tzu prances with their heads held high and their tail curved upwards Read the rest of this entry »

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The beagle dog breed dates back historically to 19th century England. The breed was registered with the American Kennel Club in the 1880s. It is thought that beagles are derived from inter-breeding of several kinds of harrier and other hunting dogs. Beagles have gained popularity not only for the skill on the hunt but also for their sociable temperament. These sturdy dogs have an independent spirit yet they are pack animals too. This makes beagles excellent family pets since they view their human family members as part of their pack. Beagles have an excellent sense of smell and a natural affinity for the chase.

Physically, beagles are attractive, small to medium sized dogs with a solid body construction. They are known for their brown eyes and characteristically sad expression. Their coats come in a variety of color patterns. Many are tri-colored in shades of black/white/orange or black/white/yellow. Grooming your beagle is made easy because of their short, sleek fur.

Grooming your beagle can include everything from brushing his fur to trimming his toes and even eyelashes. Grooming is a way to care for your beagle’s appearance and maintain his overall health. Whether you choose to groom your beagle at home or take him to a veterinarian’s office or pet groomer, it is important to know the areas specific to your beagle that require special attention. The ears, feet, and eyes along with the coat need consistent grooming. The long, pendulous ears are prone to infection as water and bacteria can easily become trapped inside. The nails may require more or less trimming depending on your dog’s activity level. Beagle eyes need special care because their long eyelashes may become ingrown.

If you do not feel comfortable grooming your beagle, there are many pet groomers available to maintain your dog’s appearance. They can handle, in particular, tricky areas like trimming your beagle’s nails. Services are relatively reasonable. A “puppy package” may include a puppy wash, brush, nail trim, and style and costs approximately $10-$60.

Whether you groom your beagle at home or a professional pet groomer takes care of grooming your beagle, follow these guidelines to maintain your beagle’s target areas of ears, nails, and eyes. Remember that to care for his coat, brush him at least once weekly. Beagles rarely need to be bathed but can be dry-shampooed occasionally.

The long, pendulum-shaped beagle ears can be prone to infection due to water or bacteria becoming trapped inside. It is important to check your beagle’s ears at least once per week to ensure they are clean and free of infection. A good method is to wipe the ears whenever he is being brushed.

When grooming your beagle’s nails, trim them with a quality nail clipper. There is no set frequency for when nails should be trimmed since length depends on your beagle’s activity level. If you can hear his nails clicking on the floor it is probably a good time for trimming.

Your beagle’s eyes require special attention because they have longer eyelashes than other dogs. Eyelashes need to be monitored and trimmed carefully. An ingrown eyelash will be very uncomfortable for your beagle and may require surgery to correct.

About The Author

Michelle Adams believes in yearly baths for her pets. Her pets do not agree. http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle_Care/Beagle_Grooming.php Beagle grooming is an excellent way to bond with your beagle. http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle_Care/Expert_grooming_tips_for_your_Beagle.php Beagle grooming tips are topic of this article.

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Is John McCain the poster child for how well universal health care could work?

Think about. McCain's father was Navy, as well as McCain having served in the military and the Senate. This means that he has been insured by the federal government his entire life. He is 71 years and undertaking the grueling task of running for President and handling it well.

Coping With Pet Allergies

Is Read the rest of this entry »

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You’ve asked a few friends and Chow Chow owners about the temperament and ease of looking after a pet of this breed, and you’ve received many encouraging replies. Now, you feel encouraged to look out only for a Chow Chow. So, where do you go looking for one and how do you go about it? Let’s find out.

First, do not contemplate buying a pet from a pet store or wherever else you cannot Read the rest of this entry »

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My Cat Has A Cold

Just like humans, cats can catch colds, and they do so somewhat frequently. However, colds are not passed on between humans and cats since the viruses that cause colds are species-specific. Simply put we do have a cold advantage over cats: while we can care for our colds with medicine, our pets can’t. This means that a cold can become a grave ailment for a cat, especially Read the rest of this entry »

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