Dog Collars

Got to love this. Here's a site devoted to dog collars:

http://www.1dogcollars.com

Learn all about dog collars - even how to measure for one.

Does Your Dog Miss You Too Much?

I found this article the other day and found it useful:

Separation Anxiety in Dogs
by: Ron Swerdfiger

What is Separation Anxiety?

When you leave the house, it is nice to know that your dog goes to his favorite spot and sleeps peacefully until you return. However dogs suffering from separation anxiety are not so lucky. Separation anxiety can appear in dogs that have not been properly socialized, dogs that have been moved from one home to another and dogs that are naturally nervous.

Your dog is a social, pack animal who relies on the others (you) for individual protection and security. Dogs that lack confidence, due to socialization issues, understanding of expected behavior, or possible maltreatment in the past (adopted dogs), are more likely to exhibit behaviors related to separation anxiety

Essentially, when you leave to go to work, or even just to the corner store for five minutes, you dog becomes upset, stressed and confused. Dogs with separation anxiety can do everything from whining and barking, to ripping apart your couch and eating your duck feathered pillow.

How do I know if my dog has Separation Anxiety?

There is much debate over the cause of separation anxiety. some believe it is a lack of confidence that causes the dog to rely to much on their humans. In this case, you have to teach your dog to accept the fact that you are leaving, and it's going to be ok.

If you have a dog with separation anxiety, you will know. Dogs will usually exhibit a combination of the following:

-The behavior often occurs when the dog is left alone.
-The dog makes a A big deal when his owner leaves, or comes home.
-When left alone the dog will exhibit behavior which is not common to his normal behavior.
-The dog may not eat if the owner is not in the room
-The dog will follow his owner around constantly
-What ever the cause is, here are some techniques for solving the problem.

What can be done?

Make your Departure and Arrival Routine

Make your dog realize that your departures and arrivals are nothing to get excited over. Usually the dog feels the greatest amount of anxiety shortly after you leave. Therefore you need to practice with your dog the “routine” of coming and going.

Lots of Exercise!

Exercise is believed to relieve stress in both humans and dogs alike. A long walk, run, or play session prior to leaving can go a long way in helping to reduce the stress and anxiety of your dog.

Give Your Dog Something to Do While You Are gone.

If your dog has something entertaining to do while you are away, he will be less likely to become stressed and anxious. A stuffed Kong filled with a tasty treat is an excellent example.

Confine Your Dog While You Are Away

Some dogs are more comfortable being confined to their own Aden.@ A crate is an ideal space for your dog. A dog who is properly crate trained is less susceptible to get in to trouble while you are gone. If a crate is not an option, confine him to one room or limit access to the whole house.

Introduce Another Dog

If your dog has another companion to keep him company while you=re gone, it may help alleviate the boredom and tension caused while you are away. Of course this is only “one” option. There are many other factors to take into consideration before adding another dog to your home.

Set Aside Time For Four Dog

Make time during your day to give undivided attention to your dog. This time can be spent playing, teaching, or even just taking a nap together. If possible, try to make this one-on-one time prior to departures.

Leave the Radio or TV On

Leave a radio on in a separate room. The dog will hear the voice and will feel less alone. Some people even leave voice recordings of themselves in hopes to calm the dog.

Depending on the severity of anxiety, you may need to contact a behavior specialist through your vet.


About The Author


Ron Swerdfiger

For more great articles on dog health check out http://www.web-rover.com/forum/kb.php?mode=cat&cat=7

Dog Owner Survey Released

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, (APPMA) has released some of the results of its National Pet Owners Survey for 2005-2006, (NPOS), examining the demographics, buying habits, and other traits of US owners of dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, and small animals.

New figures NPOS figures show pet ownership in the US is currently at its highest level, with 63% of all US households owning a pet (more than 69 million households), up from 64 million in 2002 and 51 million in 1988 when APPMA's tracking began. According to the 375 page survey Americans own approximately 73 million dogs, 90 million cats, 139 million freshwater fish, 9 million saltwater fish, 16 million birds, 18 million small animals and 11 million reptiles.

Bob Vetere, MD and COO, APPMA said:

"The steady increase in pet ownership confirms that a growing number of us are realising pets truly enhance our lives. Pets not only provide unconditional love and affection, research now shows they also provide significant health benefits."

Most pet owners agree with what research has shown. According to the survey, nearly all pet owners say companionship, love, company and affection are the number one benefits to owning a pet. 59% say pets are good for their health and the health of their family and help them relax. 40% say that owning a dog motivates them to exercise on a regular basis.

NPOS says three-quarters of dog owners consider their dog like a child or family member and more than half of cat owners say the same. Gift giving to pets continues to rise with 80% of dog owners and 63% of cat owners buying gifts for their animals.

A majority of dogs and cats sleep indoors with most preferring to sleep in their owner's bed, on a blanket or dog bed.

American pet owners are paying more attention to nutrition with table scraps on the decline and gourmet food and food fortified with supplements and added vitamins and minerals showing gains. One percent of dog owners are also feeding dogs kosher food.

The number of cat and dog owners insuring their pets is also increasing. Currently 3% of dogs and only 1% of cats have health insurance, up from 2% of dog owners and less than 1% of cat owners in 2002.

3% of dog owners are using homeopathic remedies (up from 2% in 2002). The use of vitamins and supplements has also increased among dog owners.

The use of dental products is increasing with a rapidly expanding dog dental market including products such as pet toothpaste, whitening strips, mouthwash and orthodontic products.

Giving pets treats continues to increase significantly with 88% of dog owners. This is especially prevalent in households where the dogt owner thinks of their dog as a child. And when it comes to toys, compared to previous levels more owners buy toys and spend more money than ever for them.

Loss of Pet - the APPMA has only just added this question to its survey so there are no comparisons in this category. It says however that pet owners are showing stronger interest in urns. Remembrance memorials are also available which incorporate a lock of their pet's fur or some other token, mixed into perennial seeds. Another option says NPOS is to make a "created diamond" from the pet's remains. Of all the created diamonds made to date, a remarkable 20% have been made from a pet's remains. Almost one-in-ten dog and cat owners are also interested in a headstone for their pet's final resting place.

Finally in its release, the APPMA states that demographics indicate that the person most responsible for purchasing pet products is 46 years old and is female.

A Natural Remedy for Dogs: Curing Hot Spots

If your dog has bare patches on his coat, he may have hot spots. Hot Spots are painful areas of inflammation that happen when dogs rub, scratch, lick, or bite an area until it is bald. Hot Spots ususally occur when something irritating (like fleas) starts bothering the skin.

A great remedy is washing your dog with strong brewed black or green tea.

To use: simply brew some tea at strong strength, and use a washcloth to dab it on the spots once or twice a day. The tannic acid in the tea will help dry up the sore and speed healing.

New! How To Travel With Your Dog

I am proud to announce the launch of my new ebook "How To Travel With Your Dog." You can check it out at http://www.spoilyourdog.com/travelwithyourdog.html.

I think you'll really enjoy the book as it contains tons of advice and information that I have learned through my travels with my dogs. Here's the link again,

http://www.spoilyourdog.com/travelwithyourdog.html

Thanks,

Margaret

Dog Pick-Up

Ok - Let's be honest. We love our dogs, but really hate picking up after them. But I heard about this pickup bag the other day and couldn't help but order some. They are called Oops I Pooped. Gotta love it. I bought several other packages as gag gifts. Anyway - there's a light note to leave the weekend on.

Happy Spring and Have a Great Weekend!

Margaret
Berry, Wanda, & Dresden

Brushing Your Dog

Did you know that you should brush your dog daily? Professional groomer Erica Richter is a big fan of brushing everyday because nearly all breeds, short hair to long hair, shed and often times there is an undercoat. In addition medium-long to long curly coats, such as those on poodles, mat easily.

Brushing your dog’s coat untangles matted fur, stimulates the skin to produce oil and keep your dog’s coat shiny, and helps you find any ticks or fleas that may have taken residence on your dog. But brushing your dog is also beneficial in other ways. Daily brushing removes hair before it ends up in the corners of your house. Because most dogs love being brushed (my Wanda being a notable exception), it strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Discounts on Dog Supplies and Products

Just wanted to let all of you know that SitStay.com offers a discount on Tuesday orders so you may want to check them out below:

Save 5-10% on your order every Tuesday at SitStay.com.

6 Musts to Get Your Dog Ready For Spring

Most of us associate spring with spring cleaning - YUCK.

There is a better solution - get you and your dog ready for spring and summer. You need to do it anyway, and it's a lot more fun than cleaning. Here we go:

1. Time to start training. Lot's of us tend to put off training in the winter. Spring is a great time to start or get back into the training groove. Don't put it off.

2. Always use a leash. Spring brings lots of new smells that our dogs just have to check out. Even the best trained dogs really want to chase those squirrels, rabbits, and roaming cats. Unfortunately dogs just chase; they don't look both ways before crossing the street and can be hit by a car.

3. Update your dog's ID tag. Make sure it is readable and has the right phone # and address.

4. Time to shed those extra pounds. Your's and your dog's. Take an extra walk or start jogging together. Exercise not only gets both of you in shape but increases the bond with your dog.

5. Spring time = flea & tick time. Unfortunately it also means the return of mosquitos. Make sure to get flea medication and make sure to get your dog back on heartworm medication.

6. Buy or put together a first aid kit for your dog. It's that time of year when bees, wasps, and other creatures start buzzing around. And if your dog is like mine, they seem to think that wasps are things to be snapped or swatted at - sometimes getting stung. We have the Medi+Pet First Aid Kit. It's a great value for everything you get and it's even on sale right now.

Get Fit With Your Dog

Have you heard this? Dogs really are man's best friend - especially in fitness training. Hill’s Pet Nutrition has conducted research proving that people and their pets lose weight and exercise more successfully when they do it together. So next time you head out for that jog, take your dog with you.