Smart Politics – Upper Midwestern U.S. House Delegation Votes 13 …

Two regional Blue Dog Democrats defected from their party's leadership on the vote for the "Affordable Health Care for America Act" – Colin Peterson (MN-07) and Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD-AL) – while two Blue Dogs voted for the …

The Progressive Electorate:: Breaking News; Health Care Reform …

We passed the health care reform bill through the house. As Steny Hoyer just said in an interview standing side by side with Nancy Pelosi and other house leaders "it was a bipartisan vote". 219 Democrats and 1 Republican joined together – just two more than the 218 … Artur Davis – unofficial Blue Dog? (4.00 / 2). Davis has now voted against the good of his constituents on enough important issues to qualify as an unofficial parttime Blue Dog. Or at least a Purple Puppy! …

80% of House Democrats Who Voted Against Health Care Were In …

That's neat. 31 of the 39 Democratic representatives who didn't vote for the health care bill are in districts that had more McCain voters than Obama voters. … rep. from Alabama that a friend of mine who is a Congressional staffer thinks highly of. He's from an overwhelmingly pro-Obama (and overwhelmingly black) district, is not a freshman or Blue Dog, has high numbers of uninsured in his district, etc. Did he too vote against coz it was too conservative or something? …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

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Back with more news for you today. It’s amazing how much good information there is on this stuff out there if you know where to look. Three in particular that I found really valuable were…

Big Government » Blog Archive » Health Care Reform: Don’t Copy …

Just read that some savy Republicans DID have the idea to vote present on the Stupak amendent which would have let the blue dog's stew in their own political theatre and prevented the Catholic Bishops from giving out their endorsement which would … Congress will end up passing some monstrosity "health care reform" bill. The overwhelming excuse will be 'something had to be done' The writing is on the wall. Most people want something done so the people will get something. …

Altmire & Holden lone Dem votes against health care bill …

Altmire is a lap dog, not a blue dog. Pelosi plays him like a Stradivarius. Had Enough. Posted November 8, 2009 at 11:53 am | Permalink. Freep's right. Dems knew exactly who to 'cover'. You say they're toast? Then get quality candidates fast. … Delusional if you think Murtha's vulnerable. Most of Murtha's constituents are already on government healthcare through Medicare, Medicaid or SCHIP. You must remember it is also the most favorable to big spending of any district. …

FDL News Desk » AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka On Unions, Blue …

The unions right now can put Blue Dogs like Stupak of Michigan back in their kennels with their anti-abortion threats on the healthcare bill…I been sayin' for months now that the House of Representatives is where it's at! …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Choosing a Shetland Sheepdog Breeder
 by: Heather Bethune

First of all, the most important thing to remember is not to buy from a pet store. Ever! The puppies available at pet stores usually come from “puppy mills”, where they receive less than adequate health care, to say the least, and are extremely prone to health and heredity problems. Health guarantees are often insuffient, or are simply not honored. The puppy mills producing these animals usually use bad breeding practices, such as ignoring potential (or known!) hereditary defects, selecting for looks only, neglecting temperament in breeding decisions, and not providing proper health care and cleansliness of breeding pairs, pregnant and nursing mothers, or puppy litters. Puppies may also be removed from their mother too early, resulting in even more long-term personality problems than the puppy was already born with. They are then often neglected and sometimes mistreated while waiting to be sold.

That being said, most of these problems are not isolated to pet stores. Many people make the mistake of buying directly from the puppy mill. A good rule of thumb is to visit the kennels personally before making a purchase decision. Are the animals clean? Do they appear healthy? Well socialized? Shelties, like all animals, and people, for that matter, have distinct personalities. Some Shelties are shy, some are barky, and some are naturally nervous, especially if they are kept kenneled outdoors. However, a Sheltie should never be aggressive. This is a sign of bad breeding, and any indication of aggression (other than a protective mother with new puppies, of course) should prompt you to get in your car and drive away immediantly! Are there so many animals that proper care seems impossible? Feces piling up, uneaten food, empty water bowls, and extremely smelly animals are more reasons to run. No breeder with an average number of dogs can keep all of their Shelties perfectly groomed all of the time. But the dogs should be reasonably clean, free of mats, debris, and odor. Most, if not all, of the animals should have been thoroughly brushed within the past week or so, and bathed within the past 2 months. It is usually pretty easy to spot a Sheltie who has not been regularly groomed, by the condition of their coat. Please do not confuse normal shedding with neglect, though! If you are concerned about the coat condition of any of the breeder’s dogs, don’t hesitate to ask them about it.

Even if the kennel does not appear to be a puppy mill, and is clean, there could be problems with the breeder. Can the breeder provide references upon request? Do they answer your questions in an informed, cooperative manner? Do they appear knowledgable about hereditary diseases and problems associated with the breed? Are they willing to discuss the flaws of their puppies and adults? (No dog is perfect, and a breeder who is unwilling to openly discuss flaws is another reason to run). If the animal is purebred, can they offer a pedigree? What type of contract, if any, is required? A pet puppy should only be sold under a spay/neuter contract. If the puppy is being sold as a show/breeder prospect, the breeder should be able to point out the virtues that make this puppy worth showing/breeding. By the same token, they should be able to tell you why a puppy is being sold as a pet. Does it simply have an undesirable characteristic such as large ears, or round eyes, or is there a structural flaw such as an over or under-bite (could lead to dental problems), or a heaing/vision problem. Perhaps it is not suited for the show ring because of personality quirks. None of these things make a puppy less desirable as a companion, but they do keep her out of the show ring, and, hopefully, the whelping box. Another unpleasant, but necessary question to ask: What happens if the puppy does not work out for you? Perhaps a divorce or illness or allergy will prevent you from keeping the animal someday. Will the breeder take the dog back? Or will you be forced to put the dog in a rescue or shelter, or worse, the pound? Noone wants to face that possibility when buying a puppy, but it is extremely important that the breeder be willing to take responsibilty for the animals they have bred.

Now that you have thought of some questions for the breeder, let’s talk about the questions they should be asking you. A responsible breeder will want alot of information from you, such as they ages of your children. Are they accustomed to dogs? Are you familiar with the breed? Where will the puppy sleep? What do you plan to feed him/her? What type of training techniques to you plan to use? (They should also offer suggestions if needed). Do you have a fence? If not, how do you plan to keep the animal safe? These are just a few of the questions a responsible breeder will ask. They should also offer brushing lessons and grooming tips. A puppy should not be sold without a signed contract, registration papers, health guarantee, shot/health record, and breeder-contact information, as well as feeding, grooming, and general care instructions, and at least a couple of days worth of food.

One of the best things about a good breeder is that they are almost always willing to recommend a fellow breeder when necessary. If you decide not to buy one of their puppies, they should never hesitate to refer you to another breeder who may have what you are looking for. If they hesitate, that is a red flag. Are they not familiar with area breeders? Why not? Are they reluctant due to injured pride, or hurt feelings? Perhaps they have a poor reputation with other breeders, and fear what a good breeder may say about them. (A good breeder, like any good person, of course, should remember the old addage-”If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing” but that may not always be the case). Sometimes, unfortunately, we must recommend that you do NOT use a certain irresponsible breeder. We prefer, though, to simply recommend that you DO use a certain responsible breeder.

Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, coworkers, vets, other breeders and dog-owners, or even strangers at the vet’s office or pet-supply store for references. Searching ads and websites can be informative, but nothing can compare to a kennel visit, or at the very least, a phone call. Many breeders with websites, such as myself, must be contacted initially by email. After that, the breeder should be willing, eager actually, to meet you in person, or at least speak with you by phone. They should also be willing to provide current photos in the meantime, and pedigrees when requested. Gut instincts and first impressions can go a long way in selecting a breeder. If you feel that something is amiss, it probably is. Run immediantly, and find a different breeder, no matter how cute the puppy may be!

About The Author

Heather Bethune is a Shetland Sheepdog breeder located in Georgia. She breeds for show, agility, and companionship, and offers training and grooming assistance as well. Visit www.bethuneshelties.com or contact the author at heather@bethuneshelties.com for more information on all aspects of buying or owning a Sheltie.

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Boxer Dogs: Clowns Not Guard Dogs
 by: Dana Goldberg

Boxers have been traced to exist for over a hundred years now. They are said to have originated from Germany as the crossbreed between the Brabanter Bullenbesser (from Belgium) and the English Bulldog. Boxer dogs are known for their intelligence, hardiness, loyalty and its being family-oriented which makes it a great family pet. It is often commented that a family with a boxer is one that is filled with laughter and joy.

Boxer dogs have the natural tendency for learning new things and mental stimulation. It is widely recognized that bored boxer dogs make bad dogs. They need to be constantly trained, just like with other dogs.

Contrary to popular beliefs, boxer dogs are not guard dogs, they can be excellent watchdogs though as they will bark at any strangers if need be. However, they don’t like isolation and are not naturally aggressive or viscous. Actually, the majority of boxers are known to not stand a time separated from their owners. They need continuous interaction with the family and are very affectionate to their owners. In fact, one of the most difficult training exercise for this breed is not to attack their own owners.

Because of their sturdiness and other “strong” physical features, they are mostly trained to become guard dogs. Sadly, many are left into abandonment due to their owner’s dissatisfactions. In actuality, they cannot be easily trained for attack and they are abused for such.

Boxer dogs are overwhelmingly playful. On a poll survey conducted, dog owners described boxers as clowns, contradicting the aggressive portrayal widely accepted today. They are exuberant from day one to their senior years. Boxer dogs is an entertaining breed and always have the knack for making unique tricks like the “kidney beaning” and the “woo-woo”. These two are often manifested when they are excited or overly happy (which is true in most cases).

Kidney beaning is a dance, which is characterized with a semi-circle turn then a turn for a full circle. On the other hand, “woo-woo” is a distinct sound they made which appeals like a bark but is actually not.

Boxer dogs have the personality that is unique in their breed, but this does not apply with all dog owners. They need to be constantly fed with physical and mental exercises to spend their high resource of body energies and add to it the attention they require. Boxer dogs are not known of sleeping the whole day away or go off 0on their own. If they are not sufficiently exercised, they may be very destructive, this they do to amuse themselves. For at least twice a day, they must be exercised or jogged.

One good way of providing worthwhile activities for boxer dogs is the obedience training. In fact, it is a must for all owners of this breed but to be sure, obedience training is both a win-win situation for both the owner and the dogs.

During training, it is not unusual to see stubborn boxers. Due to their intelligence, they tend not to listen to commands given to them. But above this, they are quick to learn and are eager for further learning.

A Boxer dog is an outdoor pet, nor can it tolerate extreme weather conditions. They have short coat and a short nasal cavity; both are not apt for cold weather and hot weather respectively. Additionally, these are lap dogs however large they get.

About The Author

Dana Goldberg is the owner of Dog Plaza. Her website offers a vast selection of dog resource. Including dog information, dog training ideas, and dog care. http://www.dogplaza.co.uk.

Simply purchasing the first pet health insurance scheme that is flung (or advertised under your nose, diplomatically or temptingly) is not the best option for ensuring your dog’s best health in the long-term; for this you, as the aware pet owner, must also ensure that there is a clause for proper treatment coverage offered in the plan for your pet’s eye health.

Many a time, the health insurance companies offering discounted or attractive insurance policy prices for their plans fail to outline that their health plans are limited in the coverage they offer for dogs and so it turns out in the end that the eyes were not insured after all. This news may register only too late for the pet owner hoping to cover cost of treatment for visual disorders and accidents through the pet health insurance policy and getting a rude shock when they get to know that if their belongs to a breed that is categorically known for its tendency towards chronic eye problems, he may be out of the running for getting an eye health coverage included!

So, this is why it is important for potential dog owners to purchase a pup from a registered and recognized agency like the CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) or from professional dog-breeders that have a good reputation for being above-board in their dealings so they are assured of getting a healthy puppy, with no known medical problems. Some breeders are certified by CERF and these are the guys to consult and buy your pets from; choose with care at this stage and you will have lesser hassles when you pick that pet health insurance policy, advice experts.

However, it is also a known fact that pet health insurance companies are increasingly raising the bar for the kind of pets they will insure even at premium costs and some even ask of the owners to undertake genetic screening for their pups before the next stage of policy processing can be done.

Among the most harrowing experience for a dog owner who is hoping to get an adequate pet health insurance policy out is to find out that his dog has been diagnosed with Glaucoma, a common enough eye condition that typically starts with signs like dilated pupils that don’t react very well to light and redness in the eyes, poor vision etc.

The dog’s cornea may also get cloudy due to the above condition and though some California pet doctors may say the symptoms of Glaucoma are subtle, it is still necessary that as caring pet owners, you bring in your dog for immediate attention and medical examination at the very signs of any of these.

This is because in a pet, Glaucoma left unattended for more than 2 days can lead to increased pressure in the eyeball that has a strong possibility of turning into a case of permanent blindness, which is so avoidable and so sad for both pet and owner – so why not stay alert and prevent the neglect with timely care?

If you are the owner of a ’squinting dog’ – who sheds too many tears or seems to have a persistent eye irritation, it could well be the beginning of a cancer or a condition called Blastomyosis; besides, other conditions related to dog eye health disorder that can begin with even a scratch to the cornea are Dermoidis, which is a type of benign corneal neoplasam – much like having a third eyelid or cause a sticky discharge and ulcer to appear within the eye.

Whether it is teary-eyes or even dry eyes, these are conditions of eye health that a pet owner needs to watch out for and get medical attention for their pet immediately to control it from growing in intensity; from cataract disorders (where the opacity of the lens is affected) to bloody eyes, swollen eyelids and permanently dilated pupils, there are lots of related problems that owners need to be alert about in order to ensure their dog’s best health at all times.

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Blue Dog Dems Scuttle House Committee's Review of Health Care Reform Bill. Don't Have Enough Votes.?

What's your feeling right now?

Me? Guardedly elated…..waiting and holding my breath to see what the vote will be.

SD Republicans aim at Democratic congresswoman

Even if President Obama and the Democratic Congress lose popularity because of their handling of issues such as the economy, foreign policy and health care …   Read More…

Pet insurance policyholders 'could cuts costs on food'

Dr Stegowski warned that by no means should people attempt to save money on pet healthcare. "Skipping vet visits can harm your dog and result in higher …   Read More…

Opinion focus with Eugene Robinson

Lieberman and the "Blue Dog" Demcorats who seem willing to implode health-care reform because of some ideological reasons? Should Sen. …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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Antifreeze is one of the most common poisons in dogs because it tastes very sweet and dogs enjoy the taste. It contains ethylene glycol which in itself isn’t too poisonous, but in the body it is changed to a very toxic chemical which destroys the kidneys. A dose of around 5ml per kilo in dogs is usually fatal. Antifreeze poisoning usually occurs in colder climates, however some decorative snow globes contain a small amount of antifreeze. If they break and the dog licks up some of the liquid, that may be enough to poison him.

Dog Poison Symptoms

The early signs of antifreeze poisoning are due to the ethylene glycol itself, and include depression, head tremors, vomiting, excessive drinking and staggering. These appear within a matter of hours, and may not be very severe. Sometimes owners don’t notice there’s anything wrong in the early stages of poisoning.

Your dog may appear to recover, but in the body the antifreeze is being converted to the more poisonous chemical. This will cause kidney failure within 1-3 days, with symptoms of vomiting, mouth ulcers, coma and reduced or no urine production.

Diagnosis is difficult; your dog can have blood tests to check for ethylene glycol but these are only useful within 48 hours after your dog has drunk the antifreeze. Blood tests can suggest antifreeze poisoning, but are not specific. .If you can tell your vet that your dog has been exposed to antifreeze, he is able to start aggressive treatment straight away and hopefully prevent worsening of your dog’s condition.

Dog Poisoning Treatments

To give your dog the best chance of survival, treatment needs to start within a few hours of your dog drinking the antifreeze, before symptoms of kidney failure occur. Your vet will make your dog vomit, to remove any antifreeze from the gastrointestinal tract and stop any more absorption. Intravenous fluids are essential to flush the kidneys, and your dog can be given medication to slow the conversion of ethylene glycol to the more toxic chemicals.

Antifreeze poisoning usually has a poor survival rate. By the time kidney failure occurs, it’s unlikely your dog will survive.

Dog Poisoning Prevention

To prevent antifreeze poisoning, you need to be meticulous about wiping up any leaked or spilled antifreeze. The liquid can persist in the environment; if an area has been cleaned of antifreeze and is then dampened at a later date; the antifreeze residue can rehydrate.

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Dog Training: Tips and Tricks to Stop Your Dog from Digging Up Your Yard
 by: O’Neal Hendrix

It’s downright infuriating to look out the window and see Buddy digging another hole in the yard. You yell out the window; he may or may not even acknowledge he’s heard anything; then back to the digging. This dog behavior has got to stop.

WHY DOGS DIG…

Did you ever stop to think WHY Buddy digs? (except to make you mad!). This is the real trick – to figure out why he’s digging in the first place, the motivation behind the dog behavior. Then you can take dog training steps to discourage it, redirect that energy and possibly stop it completely.

1. I’M BORED!

Location: Digging along the fence lines and at the gate.

Why? He is bored and wants to get out for some action.

Solution: Provide more exercise for your dog, both physical and mental. The more exercise the better, according to your dog. A tired, happy dog will rest nicely between great outings.

2. I’M HOT!!

Digging along the edge of the house or shallow “pits,” especially in the heat of the summer.

Why? Your dog is most likely creating a cool spot in the cool under-earth. If under the porch, he’s creating a den.

Solution: Check to make sure you are providing fresh cool water throughout the day and night.

Is there adequate shade to protect your dog from the hot sun? Is good air circulation available or possibly a nice breeze? Or is the space filled with stagnant air?

Provide plant life (trees, bushes) for shelter from the hot sun. Cool grass keeps the ground heat down.

3. IT’S JUST MY NATURE!

Sometimes it’s the breed of dog, not so much the environment. Some breeds tend to be burrowers -hounds, huskies, malamutes are a few examples.

Solution: If this is the case, work with your dog to agree on a place he can do his thing and camouflage it with something like plants or fencing.

4. I LIKE IT!!

Some dogs just like to dig, and dig they will, no matter how much you yell and scream.

Solution: Create and help them with the ideal digging place – a sandy blend with hidden treasures that reward digging at that spot. Having a prepared area encourages the digger to focus the digging to the area you set up in an out-of-the-way place. Remember to keep the area stocked with assorted treats and toys.

TO FILL OR NOT TO FILL – EXISTING HOLES

The second part of the story is…

What to do with the holes that keep reappearing, no matter what you do? Have you back-filled holes dug by your dog only to find them dug again, over and over?

When this happens, the next stage of hole-filling is called for.

You might think this next step it involves yelling at your dog, or rapping on the window. Nope. Are you really going to stand and stare out the window hoping to correct the situation while it’s happening (which would be the only way to really correct it using this method)?

TECHNIQUES FOR “FILLING” HOLES

There are two better techniques to encourage your dog to rethink digging that hole.

The easier of the two is to fill the hole until almost full. Mix the last portion of dirt with dog poo, pinecones, moth balls, or other repelling non-harmful substance. The next time your dog arrives for the big dig, he quickly finds the game has changed. Most dogs quickly change their behavior.

The second method is more time consuming but effective. Cut a section of chicken wire or similar to cover the hole plus 8″ or more. Dig a hole a few inches deep that surrounds the hole and will fit the wire shape.

Fill the hole and then press wire in place and cover with dirt. Pack the area well, particularly around the wire edges. When your dog returns, the wire will stop his digging progress.

If along a fence line, secure the wire to the fence along the inside of the fence, just a short distance from the ground. When the wire gets to the ground, keep going vertically a short distance underground. Then bend the wire so the bottom is perpendicular to the top (forms an L). Bury the horizontal part underground inside the fence, pointing away from the fence. When your dog digs he is stopped by the wire and his weight on the earth helps keep the wire in place. The result is the dog gives up on that area.

Pretty cool, huh?!

CONCLUSION

We humans see digging as bad dog behavior. Dogs don’t, and they dig for different reasons. If you can figure out why they’re digging, you can put dog training steps in place to stop it. Some dogs dig, that’s what they do. Set them up a space to dig and you both win!

Try these dog training techniques to change unwanted dog behavior. They seriously work.

About The Author

O’Neal Hendrix is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta, GA. For many years, she has “worked miracles” with dogs and their owners. See what works for her. Check out her website — Trainer’s Pick Dog Supplies, http://www.dog-supplies-dog-accessories.com/.

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If you’ve been keeping up with my blog posts lately you’ll know I’ve come to adding a few news posts from around the web on this subject. I’ve got a couple more today that are new and updated, so let me know what you think of em…

My Personal Fight for Health Care Reform

The day my brother passed away I promised him I would do two things: take care of Mom and his dog, and try my hardest to change the health care system. …   Read More…

Could 'medical homes' bring order to health care?

They've reorganized their clinic so nurses bird-dog patients whose health problems, if ignored, could send them to the emergency room. …   Read More…

Now is the time for health care reform

Of Americans who responded to a CNN poll in mid-September, 41 percent believed that President Barack Obama's health care plan included "death panels" that …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

One of the most important obligations of a dog owner is to care for your dog’s teeth. Many pet owners unfortunately neglect this very crucial task. Taking care of a dog may seem like a lot of fun – and it is! But you do you need to know how to take care of your dog, and this definitely includes their teeth. Dogs’ teeth get plaque just like people’s do. Pet dog health is not just their body and what they eat but also their teeth. So finding out as much as you can about taking care of your dogs teeth will help you out considerably.

So what are the best dog treats for dental health? This article will answer that question as well as touching on good dog health care that you can utilise to ensure that your dog’s teeth don’t go bad.

When it comes to dog health care, and specifically dog dental care, you need to feed your dog hard, and/or crunchy dog food. If you’re feeding raw bones, you’re well on the way. But what if you’re not keen on feeding your dog raw bones? Not to worry, there are plenty of other things you can do for the health of your dog’s teeth and gums, that will assist in getting rid of that plaque build up that is so bad for the teeth and gums. How about some raw veges, or raw apple and so on? Soft food is okay, of course, but you should make sure that your dog eats something hard and/or crunchy at least once a day.

You may also want to brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week. This is not a very pleasant thing to do but it will help with the pet dog health for their teeth. Use salt on the toothbrush, or buy a specialized dog tooth paste if you prefer. There is also another option to brushing your dog’s teeth – you can give hard dog treats or “dental chews” that will help them just as much as brushing their teeth would.

So what are the best dog treats for dental health? There are a lot of experts that are saying that Gourmet Dental Treats for Dogs are tasty, dogs love them, and they’re great for your dog’s teeth! They contain only natural ingredients and also boast calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and bones. You can’t do much better than that.

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Dog health care must include regular rabies shots, although many dog owners do not keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date. The misconception is that since the dog doesn’t run free, it’s not important.

Even though you keep your dog restrained on a leash or in a yard, you can never guarantee he will not come in contact with this deadly disease.

Did you know that your dog can pick up the rabies virus simply by licking the ground? If a rabid animal has left saliva or other body fluid shortly before you passed, your dog is at risk.

Much of the focus for many owners is on obedience training. Dog health care is often only an issue when the dog first arrives at the home or when it becomes ill.

Rabies shots are essential if you want to ensure your dog stays healthy. But that’s not the only reason. If your dog comes in contact with a rabid animal, such as fighting with a raccoon, skunk or an infected dog, your pet could be euthanized.

And if that isn’t enough to get you to the vet, consider that rabies is a threat to your family as well.

What can you do to protect your dog and your family?

Rabies vaccines gradually lose their effectiveness over time. The longer it is since your dog was vaccinated, the more at risk he or she will become. In fact, within as a little as six months, your dog could be at risk. The maximum length of time the vaccine lasts is about two years, but by that time it’s effectiveness has deteriorated significantly.

Many people use this two-year point as the period when they give their dogs booster rabies shots. This is an unsafe practice.

For the best protection, you must have your dog vaccinated every year. Any good vet will send you a reminder every year that your dog’s shots are due.

Dog health care is important, but preventative health care is more important. It ensures your dog is protected against dangerous and painful diseases. Rabid animals suffer terribly. The disease affects their entire nervous system causing death. There is no cure.

Regular dog health care measures can protect your family from the rigors of taking the ‘cure’ if your dog does come in contact with the rabies virus.

And rabies dog health care can save your dog’s life.

Recently, two dogs in North Carolina suffered after fighting with a rabid fox. One was quarantined for 6 months, the other was euthanized. That state also had a cat and a raccoon that were rabid.

You can never be sure when rabies will be present. Infected neighborhood cats, raccoons and skunks can wander into any yard without your knowledge and leave rabies-laden saliva.

If you seldom hear about rabies, do not think that your dog is safe. Every year somewhere in the country there are reported cases of rabies in wild animals. Unprotected dogs have been euthanized after fighting with those rabid animals.

Protection is far better than treatment after the fact. There is no reason for your family or your dog to suffer. It takes about 15 minutes a year to get your dog vaccinated against rabies and other serious diseases.

Make sure your dog health care includes regular rabies vaccines to ensure your dog’s and your family’s safety.

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How To Tell Between Us Born Rottweiler Pups And German Rottweiler Puppies For Sale By Rott Breeders

by Silvia Pratt

German Rottweiler puppies are conceived in Germany and American Rottweiler pups are conceived in the US. It seems too simple; however, the Rottweiler dog’s birth origins is the biggest difference between the two of Rottweiler dog breeds. Of course, there exists other differences that can be linked to each Rottweiler canine type.

Many Breeders Of Rottweiler dogs will tell you that there are several distinguishing factors between Rottweiler pups Born In America and German Rottweiler Puppies For Sale like the body size, head size, bone and temperament of the Rottweiler canines. The most important difference is that any German Rottweiler dog after June 1998 has a tail. Besides the tail, the Rottweiler breed distinguishing factors between German Rottweiler Puppies For Sale and American Rottweiler Pups are almost identical.

So what is the reason for the belief that German Rottweiler pups differ from United States Born Rottweiler Pups? The misinformation lies in the bad breeding procedures which do not pay attention to Rottweiler breed type uniformity, poor planning, and no focus on the Rottweiler breed. Concluding in the increase of non-standard Rottweiler breed features for instance the varying sized heads, long bodies, and small bones.

The German standard (FCI/ADRK) as specified by the organization is as follows: Shoulder height for male Rottweiler dogs is 61 – 68 cm (24.01 – 26.77 inches) with 65 – 66 cm (25.59 – 25.98 inches) being the correct height of a Rottweiler dog. Shoulder height for females is 56 – 63 cm (22.04 – 24.8 inches) with 60 – 61 cm (23.62 – 24.01 inches) being the correct height.

So, what can you do to find a Rottweiler pup that meets the German standard of FCI/ADRK as possible? First, researching the lineages of the Rottweiler puppy’s Dam and Sire. Second, is to find out whether the stud dog and brood dog|brood dog and the stud dog|stud and brood|brood and stud) are a good match for each other. Finally, you can talk to the Rottweiler breeder to ascertain what good features can be expected in the prospective litter and what bad features
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will possibly come about.

Although whether the dog is German Rottweiler or an American Rottweiler procuring a standard Rottweiler puppy is always a balance of dna, pedigree, breed information, and previous matching data. The Differences between American Rottweiler Pups and German Rottweiler Puppies For Sale By Breeders Of Rottweiler puppies are the breeder’s programs for breeding. The best breeders to search for are those who try to breed for all of the qualities of a Rottweiler pup as stated here.

Whatever Rottweiler you decided on, remember to request to inspect papers of certification and check them before you purchase or adopt any puppy from a Rottweiler breeder. Also, take into consideration the breeder’s reputation and record of business as a breeder of Rottweilers. And again, remember, real variation is that German Rottweiler pups are born in Germany and American Rottweiler pups are birthed in the The States.

By: Silvia Pratt

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Read more posts on Rottweiler dogs and Rottweiler Training for puppies by Silvia Pratt and learn more about Rottweiler training programs and techniques for German Rottweiler puppies and dogs.

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Lincoln Mitchell: Towards the Next Victory on Health Care

Rep. Patrick Murphy: Why We Can't Afford to Fail: A Blue Dog for Reform. As a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dogs, I believe this health care reform legislation is an opportunity our nation cannot afford to miss. …

Sarah Palin in 2012: Blue Dog or Lap Dog?

Blue Dog or Lap Dog? A protest sign is held up in the air. Protesters attended the second so-called 'House call' against Democrats' health care bill on Saturday. Photo: AP. Digg/Buzz It Up. Digg this Story! Buzz it up! Add to LinkedIn …

Booman Tribune ~ A Progressive Community

I note several "Blue Dogs" like Patrick Murphy did vote for the Health Care bill. I am disappointed that more did not follow his example, just as I am disappointed that Dennis Kucinich did not vote for it, as imperfect a bill as it is. …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Technorati Tags: dog health care

I hope you’ve been enjoying my posts lately. I thought I might do something different today and rustle up a few bits of info from around the WWW. These are some of the news items and blog posts that have been popular over the last few weeks. Leave me your thoughts.

Dog Information on Food Allergies | Dog Health Care by Dog Health …

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Wayne’s blog: NAGDU phone conference on dog guides in healthcare …

The National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU), a strong and proud division of the National Federation of the Blind, will host "Guide Dogs in Hospitals & Other Health Care Facilities" on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. …

From the Looters Who Bought Up the House That Rahm Built… | the …

John Tanner (Blue Dog-TN) Gene Taylor (Blue Dog-MS) Harry Teague (NM) Again, Blue America will be putting as much attention as we can towards helping opponents to the Blue Dogs who voted against health care reform today. …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

If you have a small dog, then you more than likely already know all about the various small dog clothes that are out on the market today. However, in case you are not familiar with the items that are available, you should know that they include collars, coats, sweaters, costumes, shoes, shirts and dresses. These things can protect your dog from cuts, scratches and bad weather. Once you see all of these items, you may be wondering just where all of these small dog clothes have come from.

The History Of Small Dog Clothes

The history of small dog clothes dates back to the time when King Arthur reigned Great Britain in 520 A.D. During this time, the knights’ horses wore clothing to protect them from external elements and attacks. Dogs were also being used as part of the military and in law enforcement. They also wore clothing to safeguard them from the surrounding environment and in case of an attack.

Today, not only do narcotic sniffing police dogs wear clothing, but there are also entire lines of small dog clothes available for you to choose from. These small dog clothes are great for families who have dogs as pets. Of course, just as fashion changes over the course of time, so does the various styles of small dog clothes that are available.

The Beauty Of Fashionable Dog Collars

Every dog needs to have a collar for holding its identification because if it ever gets lost, you will want to make sure that it can find its way back home to you. However, beyond simply being practical, these collars can also be quite fashionable. As such, this can be the most fashionable part of a small dog clothes’ wardrobe because, even when you do not have your pampered pooch all decked out in his small dog clothes, everyone can still see just how pampered and stylish he really is.

You can actually stop to think of this piece of small dog clothes as your dog’s jewelry. With this thought in mind, you will definitely want your small dog to have several of these collars. There is definitely a collar available in every style imaginable and for every occasion you may have. Of course, the dogs that are owned by celebrities actually tend to have the most fabulous-looking collars. This is because, just like everyone else, the rich and famous truly enjoy splurging upon fashionable collars for their dogs.

The History Behind Fashionable Dog Collars

Over the course of history, people throughout the world have used fashionable dog collars that are made out of jewels, brass or velvet. This love of dogs is not something new. In fact, in the museum that is located inside of the Leeds Castle in England, there is a collection of dog collars displayed. These date as far back as to medieval times. These collars also contain some form of identification on them, much like we use on our dog tags today.

The Popularity Of Fashionable Dog Hats

Many people are shocked to see such small dog clothes as hats on dogs in their neighborhood. In fact, these small dog clothes oftentimes catch a lot of attention and admiration. Nevertheless, this is the most popular type of small dog clothes on the market today. The reason why people have their dog wear a hat varies from one person to the next and even from one culture to the next. Some of the most popular reasons for a dog to wear a hat are for protection from the weather outside or simply to make a fashion statement of sorts.

The History Behind Dog Hats

The history behind these small dog clothes goes back at least 27,000 years to the time of the Stone Age. At this time, small dog clothes were woven. They included such things as basket hats, caps, sashes and belts. There is archaeological evidence of this found in clay impressions. Evidence also exists in Eurpoe. At this time in history the people were dependent upon hunting and gathering for their food, so this type of clothing was more than likely an aid for them whenever they were getting their food supplies.

Then, in the late 1800’s the term “underneath hat” came to mean “keeping something secret.” This makes sense since women were the ones who wore hats in the late 1800’s. Of course, this idiom is still in effect today. However, today it is usually the spies and celebrities who are wearing hats because they do not want to be recognized by anyone.

As you can see, hats tend to give us a sense of identity in this day and age. For instance, if you wear a baseball hat, you will know what team this person is rooting for. Of course, there are also hats that have the name of a famous designer on it or simply a phrase that will express who a person is.

Today, these things have also extended to small dog clothes. There are dog hats available for every taste and occasion. You can find dog hats with your favorite baseball, football, basketball or even hockey team’s logo on it. If these are not what you are looking for, then you can even find more fashionable hats on the market, everything from furry to sheik is out there if you want to purchase it for your pet.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a wide variety of small dog clothes on the market today. While only collars and hats were discussed above, there are also many other small dog clothes available. Some of the other small dog clothes that are available today include:

Shirts, sweaters, dresses, coats, costumes and shoes

Harnesses and leashes

Hair accessories

There are even beds, bowls and carriers available.

Regardless of the history behind these items, or why you would like to purchase such small dog clothes for your dog, there are some very beautiful items for you to choose from by visiting www.swankpets.com..

About The Author

Mike Hsiao is an avid dog lover, and part owner of http://www.swankpets.com. This site is dedicated to keeping dogs looking cute and trendy with their huge selection of small dog clothes and accessories. The site is also a hub for other dog lovers to find information on toy breed dog care and lifestyles.

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