If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the first impression might just as well be that of a kind, though independent, even arrogant clodhopper. Indeed, these dogs are often arrogant with strangers. And of course, this makes people think that Shar Pei is smarter than it looks. But under the mask o...

Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures are cuddly and white furry balls, at least 12-15 inches tall, possessing a pair of coal black eyes and snubbed nose. They look fragile and needful of your protection and care. This is deceiving, for they were initially bred to hunt vermin ...

Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being more lethargic than usual? If so, it is possible that your pet is infected with heartworms and may need immediate help and attention. Heartworms may infect a host for up to 2 years before any signs or symptoms are visible, and often when t...

"Where`s the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and it`s only a small piece." Just because certain foods, such as chocolate, are enjoyed by us humans and are perfectly safe for us, it does not mean they are suitable for cats. Chocolate contains chemicals which rarely cause problems for humans, bu...

Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are destroyed because they are unwanted. Animal shelters that take in these animals and try to find them homes are overcrowded. With so many animals in need, they cannot support all animals indefinitely. The solution is not to open more shelters,...

Your dog is more similar to you in their emotions than in their mentality. Some of their emotional reactions are so much like ours, that we tend to humanize them. The dogs emotions are visibly expressed in his eyes and face, his ear and tail movements, his posture, and general behavior. Sometimes...

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) and Items to have ready for new puppy arrival One of the main things a new owner needs to take precautions against is a new puppy developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia can occur without much warning and within hours of a puppy going to a new home, m...

With an increasing number of serious incidents being reported at dog parks, I want to introduce the safe alternative that a well-run private dog park can provide. You will find that a properly designed and managed private dog park is a dramatically different experience than what you have read about...

One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa Apso. The puppies especially are just irresistible but before one decides to purchase a Lhasa just because the kids are begging for one, there are some things that should be known about this particular breed. Historically, Lhasa Apsos were kept by...

One of the most identifiable and beautiful traits of the Yorkshire Terrier breed is its long flowing silky coat. While this luxurious coat is what makes Yorkies so attractive to many dog lovers looking for the perfect family pet, it can also be a hassle to care for. But with proper grooming and atte...

Do you want a long and healthy life for your pets? There are things in our pets` environments that can rob them of precious health and long life. I`m not talking about cars accidents and mean kids in the neighborhood. I`m talking about things inside the home. Things like: 1) Food Food is meant to ...

Much like kittens and puppies, ferret kits must be taught not to nip. Ferrets have been bred to be a pet and shouldn`t be vicious or bite, but ferret play does include mock combat, and younger ferrets and kits won`t know how hard they can put their teeth on you without it hurting. A ferret at play m...

Just as humans allergies can show up as a sneeze or rash, your dog`s allergies can manifest as itchiness -- or even ear infections. In fact, if your dog`s allergic to his food, it can cause him to scratch himself constantly, even with no obvious parasite problem. Dog allergies rarely get solved with...

Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now that`s a handful. If you have puppies then break out the biscuits and get ready for some serious repetition. But if you have a puppy and an older canine then you might just watch one grow and the other learn some new tricks. First things first, let...

An interesting fact about the Empress Dowager of the Chinese Imperial Palace is that there is only one known photo of her with Shih Tzu. The photo was taken around 1903 and shows Hai-Ling (Sea Otter) pictured at the Empress`s feet. Also in the picture is her Chief Eunuch of the Royal Kennel and he...

Like human beings even animals need water. Water plays a very significant role by regulating the body temperature and dissolving all the unnecessary nutrients stored in the body that can cause various gastric problems later on. Dehydration causes kidney failure, heart disease and many other serious ...

Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quite affordable for anyone and everyone to enjoy with their dog, but not everyone knows the best ways to find their dog?s size or how a garment should fit to avoid accidents. Choosing the right size for your dog is very important, we always want our pet...

The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to all dog breeds. The only consideration maybe would be asking small size dogs to close large or heavy doors which are beyond their physical capabilities. In teaching this trick select a door that swings easily on its hinges; drive a nail, or simply...

Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy cats. Most arthritis found in cats is from an accident that has made the bones or joints weak. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and there is more than one type of arthritis that can affect your cat. Cats usually suffer with two diffe...

There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet foods, treats and supplies. First, use of natural products is consistent with a holistic view. A holistic approach considers all factors regarding your pet`s health, not just individual symptoms. The top 10 benefits of choosing natural and holis...

Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses. If your dog gets sick, you may have to take him to the vet for treatment or even surgery. Your dog may have to stay at the clinic for a few days. When he comes home you will have to take care of your sick dog so that he completely reco...

Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of dog training and understand the pack hierarchal system of dogs, we must go back and examine their ancestor - wolves. Wolves live naturally in packs of at least 2 and more... They live in a dictatorship system with strictly defined hierarchies...

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That`s become the burning question of many dog owners in this day and age. I`m not a veterinarian, just a regular pet owner like yourself, but would like to impart the information I`ve found regarding regular vaccinations for animals. You can then make your own ...

The Afghan originated in an area along the Afghan border with Iran known as Seistan. Obviously from the same stock as the other Middle East gazehounds, the Afghan changed to better do its job- coursing gazelle and leopard in the cold, mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. Its primary difference from t...

This is general information on Discus, a member of the family Cichlidae. Although certainly not a complete reference guide, it will give those interested some background information on this exotic fish... Symphysodon aequifasciatus (Discus)
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes
) Order: Pe...

When you bring your Pit Bull puppy home, it is important that you provide him with the things he needs. You will probably purchase a kennel, food and accessories, toys, etc. To ensure he is comfortable and help give him a sense of security, you should also purchase or provide him with a bed. Your Pi...

Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed or a mutt?" Why is this question so controversial? Is one dog the same as another? Is there a benefit to `getting what you paid for`? The truth is that one dog is like another - at least in many respects. What is not true is that every dog is ...

Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water conditions, much has been written about this subject, This is the plan put in place to insure proper PH water levels in our hatchery. Allnut Enterprises` breeder, Nick Lockhart of Noblesville, Indiana, has many ingenious ideas as to how t...

I have been staying busy playing with my new foal that was born April 25, 2005. I have been teaching him how to lead, walk on a tarp, yield to pressure, all that fun stuff. I have to tell you this story about the tarp. The tarp blew into his pasture, and he was just beside himself. He would get w...

The greatest fear of most pet owners is that there is a chance the family pet will get lost, and not be returned. But many of these same pet owners fail to take the necessary precautions needed to safeguard their pets. By simply overlooking the importance of the pet identification tag, and how havin...

While a bird is an easy pet to care for, they do require just as much commitment and preparation as any other type of pet. Whether you are buying a small parakeet or an large parrot, you should make sure that you are prepared to care for your new feathered friend properly. One thing that all pets, ...

It?s a look everybody?s witnessed ? the frazzled face of a new parent who hasn?t slept through the night, hasn?t eaten a decent, sit-down meal, hasn?t enjoyed a long, hot shower in days. It?s one of the most stressful and joyous times of life ? there?s a new puppy in the house! No one expects parent...

Once you become the owner of a Pit Bull puppy, you will also acquire many new responsibilities as well. One thing that all new owners should do is crate train their puppies. Crate training can be very beneficial to both owner and puppy when done correctly. Crate training will make your first few wee...

Dog care Accepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly serious business. Caring for your new best pet friend is rewarding with that I feel good feeling. Love and care is what we all want and our pet friends aren`t any different. Teaching our pets tricks, buying toys, supplies, training, c...

Whether it be by car, by train, by airplane or boat, it`s not always easy to travel with your cat. It is necessary to always arrange certain things in advance ? the tickets, an adequate kennel, tranquilizers, and water ? in order to assure him maximum comfort and avoid any irregular meowing during ...

The changes your dog goes through as he ages are natural and are, in fact, very similar to those same changes we, as humans, experience. For instance, with aging, a dog`s activity level slows. Without mental stimulation to keep him sharp, an aging dog may become slow and lethargic and his appetite...

So you`re getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general tips to help you choose a healthy, happy Rottweiler puppy. Note: These are only general tips to help you choose - especially for first-time owners. (There are always exceptions to the rule and I believe every Rottweiler should be given a ...

Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from their humans, and advances in veterinary medicine. Most experts consider a cat`s "senior years" to begin on her 10th birthday. After this point, the aging process begins to slow in even the most playful feline. Yet, with a little extra atten...

Your dog can die from dehydration. Please understand how serious this can get. It`s not like when humans get dehydrated, can drink some water and cool off, and they will recover quickly. It is much harder for a dog to recover. Caused by sickness, heat exposure, or lack of water intake, the situa...

When I first heard Audrey Hepburn sing ?These are a few of my favorite things? in the evergreen movie ? My fair Lady?, I never thought I?d have an occasion to present my own list some day. But you know what they say, ?Every dog ahs his day?, and I got mine too. This Christmas, my dear owner in my e...

So you want to purchase a dog or cat. There is something you should know before you take the leap. House pets are to be taken care of like your very own children; it is natural that they become part of the family. All animals have wants, needs and health issues just like human beings. You really ha...

Part 2: Protecting your pet If you own a cat, then designing the décor of your home will require taking several precautions in order to protect your pet from harm. Glass items should be avoided both because they are easy to shatter, and because fragments of glass can then become embedded in your cat...

A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend other people - or even make them feel threatened. Teaching your dog some manners is just common-sense. You did it with your children and your parents did it with you. If you had never learned right from wrong you would be behaving badly so ...

Aside from appearance, there are a number of considerations that you will have to make when it comes time to pick out your fuzzy friend at a pet store or other venue. This is important both to ensure that you select a healthy pet, and to make sure that you and he are compatible! Now I`ll explain w...

Many people don?t realize that their dogs, just like human beings, can suffer from allergies. In fact, about twenty percent of the dogs in the United States alone suffer from one allergy or another, with flea allergy dermatitis being the most common form of allergies in dogs. Other types include ato...

An essential to your dog?s health is his/her regular annual checkup with the vet. Whether or not you choose to have your dog vaccinated* at this time, the annual chekup is also an excellent opportunity for a thorough physical examination to be carried out, and a time to discuss any minor problems or...

So you`ve brought home your new puppy, it`s time to name your new animal friend but you?re running short on ideas. Choosing a name for your dog can be hard if you aren`t feeling very creative, so here we give you a head start with the basics and some great ideas to help you choose the perfect name f...

If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy, there is no excuse for any bad habits to develop over his lifetime. Puppies learn INSTANTLY when they are that young, and if you use the proper training methods, gentle but consistent, he will behave like an angel his whole life through. The most...

With hundreds of breeds to choose from, how do you decide which one is right? Narrow down the choices in a few simple steps. Size Matters First, consider your available space. If you live in an apartment, you can rule out large dogs. Look for dogs in the Toy group, such as Yorkshire Terriers,...

The cute, loveable puppies you see prancing down the street with their owners has got you thinking. You want a puppy. You want the unconditional love and happiness that caring for a puppy can bring. However, you are not quite sure where to start your quest to find the perfect puppy. Friends and fami...