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Some Traits Of A Black Labrador Puppy

As far as bringing home a dog that will work well in a family atmosphere and allow the owner to feel safe leaving the dog alone with the children, a Labrador retriever would be a perfect match. Thankfully, for the owner that does not want to put up with too many problems, the Labrador retriever is known as one of the more mellow breeds of dogs. It also has a great track record for working with children.

These dogs are also known for being highly energetic, willing to play catch with a ball or Frisbee for long periods of time. The exercise outside that this dog gets is what keeps it in shape and the owner must be available to play with it. In order for this dog to remain healthy, an owner must be willing to spend time outside with it by playing the aforementioned game of catch or taking it for a walk. A black Labrador puppy will have an added level of energy and the owner must be ready for that.

As with all good things, there are some less desirable ones. In the case of a dog like the black Labrador puppy (and all variations and ages of this breed), it will eat whatever is put in front of it. Therefore, it is up to the owner to monitor what the dog is eating and make sure it does not overeat which would result in various health problems.

An important aspect of these dogs is a black Labrador puppy is an ideal one for people with a family. It is also a coveted dog for hunters and people who spend plenty of time outdoors. A potential owner must weigh these traits and determine if this is the right dog because that will ultimately decide the happiness of both the owner and the dog in the long run.

The choices in family pets where dogs are concerned can make deciding what kind of dog to bring home extremely difficult, but the Labrador retriever has been known to work very well as a family dog.

from: animalpetsandfriends.com

Your dog is like a member of the family. And, as such, you want to ensure your dog’s health, safety and comfort. If your dog is like most, he/she spends a large portion of the day sleeping. Therefore, it is easy to understand why the proper dog bed can make such an important impact on your dog’s quality of life.

The various types of dog beds run the gamut. They vary in size, shape, design and material. A bed can be a simple mat or an elaborately-embellished plush cushion. Still, some fancier bed designs look like, well, real beds!

Before you purchase a bed for your best friend, there are a number of factors to consider. They include:

Size of Your Dog

While taking into account the size of your dog may seem quite obvious, it may be overlooked when browsing through so many different fun-looking and novel bed designs. However, it is important to remember that the size of your dog is the number one factor in choosing the proper bed.

In addition, to his/her size, consider the sleeping position of your dog. Does your dog sleep in a curled position or is he/she a “sprawler,” sleeping fully stretched out with legs in all directions? A bolster bed, an oval-shaped bed with raised sides, may be ideal for a “cuddler” but unsuitable for a dog that likes to stretch out. Know that the bed should be at least slightly larger than the size of your dog in his/her normal sleeping position.

Remember to also consider the height of your dog. A number of bed designs are raised off of the floor, either for functional purposes or merely for appearances. In either case, a bed that might provide easy access for a Great Dane may prove to be quite a struggle for a short-legged Dachshund or a young pup.

Also, take into account whether your dog is a growing pup or fully grown. If your dog is a puppy, you may what to purchase a bed that is suitable for today but will provide comfort as your dog matures. However, please keep in mind, that it may not be possible for a particular bed to be suitable for all stages of your dog’s life. As your dog grows and ages, bedding needs often change.

Age and Health of Your Dog

A super plush bed that would be cozy for a young pup in which to snuggle may be too soft for an older dog that has arthritis or other joint or muscle aliments. A bed that is too soft may be a struggle for an older dog to get in and out. An orthopedic bed, one that provides a soft cushion to rest ailing joints but also provides support, may be preferred for older dogs.

Temperature or Seasonal Conditions

Depending upon the temperature of your home, older, short-haired or smaller dogs might find greater comfort with a heated bed. Some beds feature a built-in heating element, similar to an electric blanket. Other beds simply use special materials and physical design to take advantage of the warmth naturally generated by the dog to provide a warmer sleeping environment.

Conversely, long-haired dogs or those accustomed to colder climates may find a bed that provides for a cooler sleeping arrangement more desirable. Mechanical features or simply cooler coverings can provide some dogs with relief. Some mats and cushions serve a duel purpose by offering a fleece-lining on one side and a cooler fabric covering on the reverse side.

Easy of Care

If your dog enjoys the outdoors, he/she may track some of the outdoors indoors. If so, dirt, grass and, possibly, insects will find their way into your dog’s bed. Having a bed with a removable and washable cover will be quite convenient.

Even if your dog is primarily an inside dog, you may want to consider the merits of a washable cover if he/she sheds excessively. Being able to quickly and easily remove grime and dog hair from your pooch’s sleep quarters will go a long way to making the area more visually attractive, smell better and improve your dog’s overall health.

Coordinating Home Decor

Give consideration as to where the bed will be located in your home. Finding a comfortable bed for your best friend doesn’t mean the aesthetics of your home have to suffer. The style and design of dog beds have come a long way. A dog bed no longer has to be an eye-sore. It can be a well-coordinated accent piece, one that highlights your sense of style. Select a color and design of bed that will compliment the other furnishings and décor of the room, as well as be pleasing to your pooch.

In conclusion, just a little bit of consideration in the shopping process will go a long way in finding a dog bed that both you and your dog will love.

from: animalpetsandfriends.com

The holiday season is upon us once again. It is a time of celebration with family and friends. Unfortunately, the season also brings with it some potential hazards to your four-legged friends. By being aware of the threats below and taking a few precautions, you can keep your dog safe and healthy.

Table Scraps: It is not a good idea to feed your dog table scraps. Sudden changes in diet can lead to gastrointestinal problems, pancreatitis, and weight gain. People foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, tea, grapes, and raisins are actually toxic to dogs.

Bones: Do not give left over bones to your canine companions. Eating bones can cause choking or stomach upset. Cooked bones can splinter and cause perforations in the throat, stomach, and intestines. Surgery is sometimes required to remove obstructions from the intestines.

Electrical Cords: Dogs, especially teething puppies, may be tempted to chew on cords. Frayed electrical cords can cause a fire, burns, or electrocution. It is best to keep cords away from dogs and always unplug lights when dogs are unsupervised. Cord covers can be purchased at your local home improvement store.

Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, nervousness, seizures, and diarrhea. Unsweetened baking chocolate has a higher dose of the toxin than milk chocolate, but milk chocolate is dangerous, too.

Plants: Holiday plants may be toxic so it is best to keep them away from your pooch. Some common harmful plants are mistletoe, holly, and Jerusalem cherry. Check with your veterinarian or poison control center for a complete list.

Holiday Decorations: Always secure Christmas trees so your dog does not knock it over. Keep the water stand covered because your dog may drink from it and the pine sap mixed with water can be poisonous. Ornaments, ribbon, and tinsel should be kept out of reach as consumption of these items can cause serious intestinal problems. Some perfumes, sprays, and potpourri are toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach. Don’t let strands of lights hang low because dogs may become tangled. Lastly, be sure to pick up any fallen ornament hooks.

Fire: Never leave your dog alone with an open flame. Many people like to have a fire in the fireplace during the cold winter months. Always keep the fireplace screened off. Do not leave dogs unattended with lit candles because they can burn themselves and/or knock candles over.

Parties: It may be wise to keep your dog in a separate room during a party for several reasons. Many dogs get stressed out by a lot of strangers in the house. Guests open and close the door to your home many times and your dog may run outside without anyone even noticing. Dogs, especially small ones, are easily stepped on or tripped over.

In conclusion, the holiday season is a happy time, but it can be disastrous for dogs. Being aware of the above hazards can help keep your dog safe.

from: animalpetsandfriends.com

Owners of fat cats fall into three categories:

- Those that are unaware that their cat is overweight
- Those that know their cat is overweight but don’t attempt to do anything about it as they think it is harmless
- Those that know their cat is overweight and are concerned by it, but their attempts at losing weight are failing

A surprisingly large number of owners fall into the first category. It may be obvious to veterinary professionals, but it’s not always obvious to an owner when their cat is overweight. If you are seeing a very gradual increase in bodyweight, and have not taken your cat to the vet for a long time, you might not notice your cat has become obese. Unlike humans, who tend to deposit fat under the skin to form obvious rolls of fat, cats tend to deposit fat within their abdomen, where it is less obvious visually.

Though in some cats it may be obvious, there is no single method to tell if your cat is overweight. The following questions will give you a rough guide though.

1. When stroking the side of your cats chest, can you feel the ribs when applying gentle pressure with your fingertips?

2. When looking at your cat from above, does he/she have a waist? In other words, do the sides taper in before the hips?

3. When applying gentle pressure to the midline of your cats back with your fingers can you feel the bony vertebrae and gaps in between them?

4. Can you feel your cats hip bones protruding slightly when you stroke his/her back end?

5. Does your cat seem slow to get up and move about, or generally lethargic?

6. Does your cat get matted around his/her lower back?

If the answers to questions 1-4 are no, and to questions 5-6 are yes, then your cat is probably overweight. Take a look at our sliding body condition tool and see if you can recognize your cats body shape.

About the Author:

Author: Dr Matthew Homfray
Website: http://www.whydoesmypet.com
Description: A new pet Q&A service connecting pet owners worldwide directly with veterinarians, vet techs, vet nurses, behaviorists, trainers, breeders, groomers, homeopaths and general enthusiasts. Visit us today, you will be impressed by the quality of our experts and the speed with which they respond to your question

1. Do you really want a dog?

Owning a dog means accepting responsibility for the life of your pet. You are going to be spending a lot of time, energy and patience (for up to 12 years) with your dog. Then there is the added expenses of: dog food, supplies, veterinary services, and (depending on the breed) regular visits to a dog grooming service. Also there is the significant time and patience required to effectively train and socialize your puppy. Some dog breeds will also require a lot more time and energy everyday for exercise and play time.

2. What kind of dog do you want?

Most dog breeds were developed over time to respond to people’s specific needs and ways of life. Looking at the history of various dog breeds, you can see that they were bred to develop the characteristics for herding, being good companions, retrieving and flushing game, as well as exhibiting traits of provenance and beauty. While modifying some breed specific traits and temperament through extensive on-going training is possible, it is much easier and a lot more enjoyable to choose a breed of dog that matches your specific lifestyle.

3. Do you want your dog to get along well with children?

Not all dog breeds are prone to accept children (as well as other household pets). Look for breeds that accept children, not only in your family, but also other children in the neighborhood.

4. Are you a first-time dog owner?

Of all the 400 or so breeds of dog around the world, many are great for first time dog owners. However some breeds do much better with an owner who has previous experience in handling dogs. Look for a dog who is loyal, intelligent, and easily trainable.

5. What size dog do you want?

Dogs come in all sizes: toy, miniature, medium, large and giant. Small dogs usually don’t require as much exercise or obedience training and they are easier to take on a trip. Medium-sized dogs need at least one good walk each day and they should be obedience trained. Large dogs usually need a yard and long daily walks and they also tend to intimidate neighbours.

6. What kind of coat do you want your dog to have?

Grooming and shedding are a main concern with most first time dog owners. Long-haired dogs may require a lot more grooming than short or hairless dogs. Short-haired dogs require much less work but some shed their fur constantly.

7. How much time do you have for walks and how fast do you want to run?

All dogs need some form of exercise, whether its playing ball or catch in the back yard or going for long vigorous walks. You will need to decide on the amount of time you can spare for this.

8. How much time and patience do you have to invest in obedience training?

All dog breeds require some form of training. Some dogs learn quite quickly and some require constant reinforcement. In fact some breeds require experienced owners as they will take advantage of novice owners.

9. Do you want your dog to be a watchdog or be friendly towards strangers?

Some dogs are predisposed to like strangers and be accepting of regular visitors, while others are aggressive to others. If you have a lot of visitors, you better have a dog that is friendly to strangers.

10. Is someone is your family allergic to dogs?

Some low shedding dogs are called �hypoallergenic’ and may not bother someone with allergies.

11. Do you need a dog that you can leave home alone when you work during the day?

Some dog breeds can adapt to being left home alone if they are given lots of exercise before you go to work and immediately after you get home. As well you could always doggy daycare your dog if you are going to be away for periods longer than 8 hours.

12. Are there dogs that can adapt to being a companion for an elderly person that doesn’t go outside in inclement weather?

While most dog breeds require significant outdoor time for play and exercise, there are some dog breeds which adapt very well to indoor apartment living.

There is much more to choosing a dog then choosing a puppy that is cute and irresistible. It is all about choosing a dog breed that is right for your lifestyle and not expecting the dog to adapt to your way of life. Each dog breed has different characteristics and requirements that you need to understand before you make a purchase. Here’s to your well chosen dog.

About the Author:

Author: Mike Mathews
Website: http://Choosingadog.dog-breed-facts.com
Description: Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular dog breed site: www.dog-breed-facts.com. He provides informative, real-world advice and tips on dog breeds, dog health, dog grooming and more. As well be sure to check out his new E-Book “Choosing a Dog For Your Lifestyle” at http://choosingadog.dog-breed-facts.com

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