Male & Female Dogs: Personality Differences

When describing the differences between the sexes in humans, they say that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. But does that apply to male and female dogs? Are there truly personality differences that can be attributed to the sex of a dog?  The short answer is: yes.  Read more...

Reporting Internet Animal Abuse

The Internet can be a powerful medium for connecting us to information to combat animal cruelty, but it also can be a haven for animal abusers who celebrate and actively advertise their shocking crimes. The best way to stop this type of abuse is to immediately report it to the proper authorities and to refrain from contacting, visiting or forwarding links to the offending sites.  Read more...

Planning for a new pet

Adding a new pet to your family is a joyous occasion that should leave lasting good memories. Try to make it a positive family experience by involving every family member. But first, spend some time in introspection to guarantee that you are making the right decision.  Read more...

Choosing the right dog for you and your family

This article was written by a very practical veterinarian. I have received many e-mails from people who differ with my opinions. My chief concern is that you have a healthy, well adjusted pet that will be a joy to you and your family for many years to come.  My clients tend to bring me their pets when they are sick or have other problems - so my outlook and experience with dogs is not the same as that of breeders or kennel clubs.  Also, you probably did not have your physician pick your wife or husband. And the love your and pet share is not dependent on good health, longevity or temperament.   Read more...

What You Should Know About Pet Health Insurance

Is pet insurance right for your dog? Consider this scenario - It's a dog owner's worst nightmare: Your cherished pooch is suffering in pain and you're faced with the agonizing choice of facing huge veterinary bills you can't afford or putting your dog to sleep.  Fortunately, more dog owners are learning that reasonably priced pet insurance is readily available in the United States. This is especially good news since so many treatments that were once confined just to humans are now readily available to pets.  Read more...

Top Dog Names

What are the most popular pet names? For the second year in a row the name "Max" has taken top honors as the nation's most popular pet name according to research by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI).  A survey of VPI's 300,000-plus policyholders showed that Bailey, Buddy, Molly, Maggie, Lucy, Jake, Daisy, Rocky and Sadie rounded out the top ten pet names rankings.  And you might ask....what is in a name? Check out this article and review our list below of the most common dog names.   Read more...

Should I purchase pet health insurance?

Purchasing medical insurance for your pet might be a very good decision. You must be considering it if you are reading this article. There are a lot of articles on the internet regarding specific pet insurance policies. But only this one is written by a veterinarian who has no personal interest in these companies that are looking for your business.   Read more...

Diseases People Can Catch from their Pets

We derive a lot of joy and solace from our pets. They are our non-judgmental companions that give unqualified love. However, on occasion, they give us germs and parasites that make us ill. Diseases passed from animals to man are called zoonoses or zoonotic illnesses. Because of good hygiene and veterinary care, animal-transmitted diseases are rarer in the United States than they once were. The following is a list of some of the diseases pets and livestock pass on to human beings.  Read more...

Microchips - separating the myths from the facts

It’s always sad to see a flyer stapled to a signpost or on a bulletin board at the grocery store with a picture of a lost pet. You imagine a child waiting for the phone to ring, hoping that some kind person happens to find his kitty and see his flyer. Sadly, once a pet is lost, the odds are against her finding her way home again. According to the American Humane Association, only about seventeen percent of lost dogs and two percent of cats ever find their way back from shelters to their original owners. Almost 9.6 million pets are euthanized every year because their owners can’t be found. There are ways to beat these odds though, and they involve using nametags, collars and microchips. To give your pet the best chance to be identified, no matter how far she roams, have her implanted with a microchip and wear an updated nametag.  Read more...

Microchip - AVID FAQs

Many answers to the questions we have are at the AVID website... Read more...

Should I microchip my pet?

Up until a few years ago, the idea of implanting a microchip  in your pet sounded like something out of a science fiction movie. Right now, more and more owners are using microchips to keep their animals safe. While chips are more often used in dogs and cats, parrots, rabbits, and other small animals can also be safely microchipped.  Read more...

What's that bad urine smell all of a sudden?

Uric crystals that were formed long ago when your dog has urinated in your home can reformulate and start smelling months later... What do you do?... Read more...

5 things to do when your dog 'marks' in the house

Read more...

Drugs commonly used for dogs and cats

This article contains a list of common drugs used for dogs and cats listed alphabetically. Each link will take you to an article with more information about that drug.
Read more from PetPlace.com...

Canine Diseases and Conditions

This article contains a list of common diseases and conditions of dogs listed alphabetically. Each link will take you to an article with more information about that specific condition.  Read more from PetPlace.com...

Stomach Flu in Dogs

The most common cause of gastroenteritis in dogs is due to a food borne illness. Immediate veterinary care is required, as it can be fatal when it not diagnosed and properly managed.  Read more from PetMD...

When Your Dog Bites- Understanding and Correcting Aggressive Behavior

The most common non-medical problem that dog owners ask me about is aggression toward people and other dogs. There is enormous variation in aggressiveness or assertiveness among dogs.  Read more...

Types of Canine Aggression

(GREAT ARTICLE and a KEEPER)
Aggressive dogs may exhibit only threats such as growling, posturing or snapping, but aggression can lead to a serious bite to a human. It is important to seek advice from your veterinarian at the first signs of aggression so that appropriate actions can be taken. There are many causes of aggression in dogs:  Read more...

Pet Behavior Problems

Courtesy of HealthyPet.com

1. Set rules immediately and be consistent.
2. Avoid situations that promote inappropriate behavior.
3. Observe the pet and provide what it needs to be entertained and healthy.
4. Supervise the new pet diligently through undivided individual attention and training. Restrict the pet’s access to a limited area of the house until training is complete.
5. Set them up to succeed! Encourage good behavior with praise and attention.
6. Correct bad behaviors by providing positive alternatives. (A toy for a slipper, scratching post for the sofa.)
7. Never physically punish or force your pet to comply to your commands. This may lead to fear biting or aggression.
8. Don’t play rough or encourage aggression or play biting.
9. Expose pets to lots of people, animals, and environments where you want them to live.
10. See your veterinarian if serious or unresolved behavior problems exist.

Note: All content provided on HealthyPet.com, is meant for educational purposes only on health care and medical issues that may affect pets and should never be used to replace professional veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian. This site and its services do not constitute the practice of any veterinary medical health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Crate Training

Crate training is an excellent way to teach your dog good behavior, as well as give your dog his own special space. Benefits of crate training include:

• Prevents damage to your furniture and other household valuables while you are away or sleeping
• Helps you teach your dog proper chewing and elimination (bathroom) behavior
• Provides security for your dog and safety for young children in your home
• Easy traveling
• Improves your relationship with your dog
• Gives your dog a den which is the natural habitat for dogs

Read more...

What is Separation Anxiety (SA)?

Perfect pets, like perfect people are hard to find. Separation anxiety (SA) is a pet’s exaggerated fear over separation from its owners. It is a modern, industrial age, disease. I see it most often in dogs, parrots mice and cats. Simply said, they are afraid of being left alone.  Read more...

Chewing and Digging

It is natural for puppies to explore their environment, however, their natural curiosity often leads to frustration on your part when they chew your favorite slippers or dig up your flower bed. While you may be tempted to punish your naughty pup, reinforcing good behavior is much more effective and will keep you and your dog happier.  Read more...

Barking and Growling Problems

Does your dog growl or bark when a stranger approaches your house or when something goes bump in the night? If so, you’re not alone. Most dogs will vocalize when they are exposed to new or different situations, including strange people or animals entering their territory; being separated from their pack, mother or even your family members; or new or alarming sounds. Dogs may also bark or growl when they see prey, such as squirrels, and they may bark for attention, food or if they are anxious.  Read more...

What To Do When Your Dog Is Aggressive With Your Children

Counseling owners of biting and aggressive dogs is one of the hardest tasks that veterinarians face. This problem generally becomes apparent when thedog first reaches sexual maturity at 8-10 months of age. It begins with the dog growling at children over treats, food or toys or a spiral toward aggression during play with the child.  Read more...

Our lifestyles and dog breeds

We usually fall in love with dogs based upon their appearance unless we've had personal experiences with their temperament.  All of these breeds are apartment-sized dogs (extra small - 10 pounds or less; small 10 to 25 pounds), but depending on their exercise requirements, some prove to be too high energy for our lifestyles or too high maintenance in regards to their grooming needs.  Before adopting, make sure that your lifestyle is comparable to each dog's exercise and grooming needs.  Read more...

How adopting a dog can trump a pup

There are many great reasons to adopt an adult versus a pup.  Read more...

Local dog parks

List of the local dog parks and website links thereof.  Read more...

How to get medications to your pets

Watch the video online.  Read more...

Are Our Dogs Too Overweight and Therefore Unhealthy?

To us humans, we express our love through treats and extra goodies.  But overweight dogs are much more susceptible to various health issues such as:  Read more...

101 Hazards Commonly Found Around Our Homes

It takes but an instant for a dog or cat to get into something that is hazardous for their health and become either seriously ill or die from the few seconds you were not watching them directly. Use this checklist to see what is around your home and can cause potential harm to your pet.  Read more...

Halloween Tips for Dogs & Their Owners

Halloween can be a frightening time for family pets - dogs and cats alike.  Each Halloween, veterinarians and emergency cents see pet injuries that could have been easily avoided.   Just like the Fourth of July, human celebrations of this holiday increases the amount of strays that arrive in our shelters.  Here are some ways you can make this holiday safer for your family pet:  Read more...

Adoption: Puppies Versus Adults

Genetically we humans are 'hard-wired' to subconsciously respond to a puppy or kitten before an older dog or cat.  But depending on your lifestyle, this might not be a good choice for you.  Read more..

Dog Age Calculator

It's the age-old question, how old is my dog in human years? Many factors contribute to answering this question. A dog's breed, health, nutrition, and weight are certainly contributing factors.  Use the online calculators to determine exactly HOW old your pooch is!  Read more...

Canine Mange: Demodex and Sarcoptic

Canine Mange: Demodex and Sarcoptic
Mites live on all mammals, including humans, year round, 24/7 and cause no damage unless there is a weak or weakened immune system in its host.
Read more...

The microchip mess

In a recent newsletter, we mentioned that unless a microchip registration is activated at the same company who issued the microchop (i.e. you have paid extra to have it registered) --- AND regardless of whether your pet is microchipped or not --- the chip meant not much more than "an implanted piece of rice".  We got a LOT of emails about this topic (and a topic we are passionate about for newly adopted dogs can go missing within the first 48 hours if not carefully watched in regards to opened doors, etc.), so this page at our website elaborates on this microchip mess issue.  
Read more...

You might be a...

You might be a...  No offense to Jeff Foxworthy and his Redneck humor, but as it relates to puppy mill puppies and backyard breeders...  Read more...

Human Years Versus Dog Years - Myth Explored

Dog breeds and their weights vary differently, but in general, the smaller the dog, the longer their life span is, the more puppies in a litter.  Gone are the days when we could guess at a dog's probable state of health based upon the number of years (one human year equals seven dog years).   Read more...

How to read lab test results

How to read lab test results 
What do all those terms mean?  What should my dog's results be as a reference?  Read more...

Senior Dog Diet-Just When Should You Give Your Dog One?

Senior Dog Diet-Just When Should You Give Your Dog One?
Author: Graham Williams

You hate to admit it, but your furry pal is getting a little older. You want to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy for many years to come. You have heard all of the hype about the new dog diets for older pets. Is there really a difference between dog food for adult dogs and kibble recommended specifically for seniors? How do you know when to switch your pet to a different diet? 
Read more...

How to Stop Your Rescued Dog from Biting, Nipping and Growling

How to Stop Your Rescued Dog from Biting, Nipping and Growling
Author: Bob Hunsicker

Certainly the most serious of all negative behaviors a dog can exhibit, biting cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.  Understanding the root cause will help you to identify the most appropriate training technique to correct and eliminate this negative behavior.  Why do adult dogs bite?  Read more...

A Discussion Of Thunderphobia

A Discussion Of Thunderphobia 
By Linda Nelson

He was fine as a pup when the thunderstorms arrived, but a few years later around the age of four or five, your pooch turned into a drooling, panting, trembling maniac who will attempt to climb into your pajamas in the middle of the night at the first crack of thunder!  What happened?  Read more...

How to Socialize Your Puppy

How to Socialize Your Puppy
Author: Jonathan Cheong

Bringing a new puppy into the household is always an exciting and fun time. Everyone wants to play with, cuddle and hold the little ball of fur. The last thing on the minds of most new puppy owners is training the new addition, but it is important that puppy training and socialization begin as early as possible.  Read more...

Letting Your Dog Choose His Own Food

Letting Your Dog Choose His Own Food
Author: Ethan K. Roberts

Spend time at any pet store and the choice of dog foods to feed your dog is in abundance. How do you know which to choose and which is good for your dog? The answer to that is simply, you do not, let your dog choose. Although there are some basics that are recommended.   Read more...

Food Feeding Tips

Food Feeding Tips
Author: Rebecca Prescott

There is much to recommend feeding your dog homemade dog food if you have the time to prepare it, and make sure you have recipes that give the correct ratio of nutrients, as well as the vitamins and supplements you'll need to add. These can be mixed up in a bag, stored, and sprinkled in every meal.  Dogs should have a minimum of 18% protein for maintenance when they are adults, and 22% for reproduction and growth. Fat should be a minimum of 5% for adult dogs, and 8% for reproduction and growth. But the more fat that is in the diet, the more protein there should be.   Read more...

Worms: Understand Worm Symptoms and Infestation

Worms: Understand Worm Symptoms and Infestation
Author: Moses Wright

Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to be of a spontaneous origin, brought about by the influence of heat upon decaying vegetable matter, and it was and still is freely asserted that puppies are born with dog worms inherited from the mother in some mysterious manner while still in uterus. This has been conclusively proven an error and in the minds of all scientists there is no question about dog worms springing from individual eggs and having a complete life history of their own.   Read more...

Deworming Dogs

Deworming Dogs 
By John Moore

Regular worming is essential to protect your dog against internal parasites. This involves giving it preparations in liquid or tablet form. Adult dogs should be wormed at least once a year, and at least once every six months if in contact with children.  Read more...

Bordetella Vaccine - Kennel Cough Preventative

Bordetella Vaccine - Kennel Cough Preventative
Author: Penny DiLoreto

The Bordetella vaccine is commonly given to dogs to prevent kennel cough. I put emphasis on the word "prevention" because like the flu shot in humans, the Bordetella vaccine is a prevention - not a cure. All my puppies receive their first Bordetella vaccination at 8 weeks (before they leave my care) and all my adult dogs receive boosters every 6 months.   Read more...

Are you REALLY ready to adopt?

Seven points to consider before adopting an animal.  Read more...

AHA launches "Therapy Animals Assisting Kids" program

The American Humane Association today officially launched an innovative new program that encourages and guides child welfare professionals on how to incorporate therapy animals into sessions with children who have been abused or neglected or who have witnessed violence. When children have suffered trauma, it is often difficult for them to speak of their experiences. Incorporating a therapy animal into the process can help a child open up and promote the healing process.  Read more...

Linda's Home-cooked Diet

I am frequently asked what and how I feed my dogs so instead of retyping it over and over, here it is.  The ‘fine print disclaimer’ is that there are MANY ways of feeding dog and I am not a vet – the information below is not meant to replace your veterinarian’s advice.  Read more...

40 Options at a Rescue Center

Humorous perspective... Read more...

RESCUE FROM A MAN'S PERSPECTIVE

Okay guys – listen up! We’re talking about dog rehabilitation, but first, let me give you some background on myself. I was a rough & tough cop for almost thirty years. The majority of that time was spent working “specialized assignments.” That means that for most of my career, I spent my days hanging with some really bad, violent people. I took on the persona of a “bad guy” to fit into whatever group I was infiltrating. I’ve been stabbed, shot at and beaten up (by cops) just to “fit in” with the “bad guys” in order to gain their trust.  Read more...

DOG RESCUE IN CALIFORNIA

Just how much do YOU know about dog rescue in California? (an online quiz)  Read more...

What to expect from a rescue dog

Your new dog may have been abandoned, abused or surrendered by a previous family. The dog had to adjust to life at a TLC foster home and is now going home to a new, unfamiliar place with strangers. Kind of scary if you think about it!  Read more...

GRIEF IN DOGS AND CATS

Because our pets cannot speak, we don't really know what they are thinking. We must base our interpretations of their emotional state on their behavior - what they do in certain situations and under specific circumstances.  Read more...

What to expect from a rescue group

Actually, selecting a rescue organization as a source for an adult dog is somewhat like selecting a breeder for a puppy. Although genetic screening is not an issue because the dog is generally of unknown parentage, the rescue should have a clean facility, the dogs should be fit and friendly, the adoption process should be reasonable, and the rescuer should be willing to give references such as a veterinarian or a previous adopter or two.  Read more...

10 Commandments For a Responsible Pet Owner

Read more...

I rescued a human today

I rescued a human today.   Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.  Read more...

What rescue is and what rescue isn't...

The following information may seem harsh and you might not agree with some of the things said, but please understand that these are the realities of rescue. You may have encountered rescuers who didn't reply to your emails or return your phone call, wouldn’t approve you to adopt or foster a dog, or a rescue volunteer who was impolite to the point of being rude.  Read more...

Yet another reason to spay or neuter your pets...

The words and photo says it all... sigh... Read more...

How to ruin your puppy....

Read more...

Poison - Who do you call???

Poison prevention applies not only to people, but also to animals. An animal exposed to a poison is unique. A dog is not a four-legged human, nor is a horse a large dog. There are obvious differences between the various species of animals. Some differences have to do with how an animal reacts to a chemical and how it responds to therapy. If you have concern about animal poisoning, there are several excellent places you can contact, including the National Animal Poison Control Center at the University of Illinois and the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center.   Read more...

Top 10 Pet Poisons

Top 10 Pet Poisons

How many of these do you have around the house?  Read more...

Cruelty in Southern California

CRUELTY - WHO CAN I CONTACT IN OUR AREA? 
Resources within the City of Los Angeles as well as Ventura County

Read more...

Pet Adoption Facts and Stats

Pet Adoption Facts and Stats... plus "Separating the Myths from the facts of spaying and neutering"
Read more...

How to Choose a Pet for your Special Needs Child

How to Choose a Pet for your Special Needs Child
By Heather Shockney, courtesy of Examiner 101

When you think back about your childhood years, I would bet some of your greatest memories include spending time with the family pet. A pet can be a wonderful addition to any family, if it is the right type of pet for your family.  A special needs child can benefit greatly from having a pet. Having a pet teaches your special needs child how to be responsible. Pets can teach a child how to have compassion for others.  The key is choosing the right pet for your special needs child.  Read more...

Training: Alternative to the 'Doggy Handshake'

Training: Alternative to the 'Doggy Handshake'
By Arden Moore, courtesy of the Examiner.com

It’s jokingly referred to as the doggy handshake. You know, when one dog “greets” another by sticking her nose in the back end of the other dog. But in the world of canines, this “handshake” is much more telling and revealing that a simple “hi ya” gesture performed by people.  Read more...

Sweaters and Coats Aren't Just Pretties!

Sweaters and Coats Aren't Just Pretties!

Some pet lovers of small breeds have taken the idea of dressing their little ones to the extreme.  While an occasional T-shirt or dress for a special occasion is acceptable to most, the idea of your dog wearing clothes overlays an air of frivolity (i.e. bathing suits) to an issue that is serious and necessary.  Toy breeds, elderly or ill dogs often need help staying warm in cold weather, so it is not a ridiculous idea for some dogs and breeds.  And in warmer weather, thin coats (or hairless breeds) are more susceptible to UV radiation, so a light T-shirt is a must when outdoors for long periods of time.  Read on...

USDA Regulated Breeders--What does it really mean?

USDA Regulated Breeders--What does it really mean?

When a pet store says their puppies come from USDA regulated breeders, what does that really mean? Let's forgo the semantics. Whether you call them a puppy mill, USDA regulated and inspected breeder, professional breeder, puppy farm, commercial kennel, local breeder, private breeder, etc., these are simply labels used to divert attention from the fact that pet stores obtain their puppies from breeders who mass produce puppies.   Read on...

Flea & Tick Product Comparisons

Comparisons of the various flea and tick products are listed and are based on the maintenance dose.    Click on the product name for complete product descriptions or to order directly from SmartPakCanine.com   ALWAYS check with your vet FIRST before administering any kind of product to your pet!  Read on...

Exactly what are we supposed to do with all that poop?

Exactly what are we supposed to do with all that poop?
 
A few years ago, my family and I toured the local landfill when they announced they wanted to triple its size... Along with numerous 'light bulbs' that went off inside my head about exactly where our trash was going and how it was being handled, I asked numerous questions about the safest and most effective 'green' handling of dog poop... I have watched the staff who cut the grass in the parks, and I don't see them handling it any differently than the grass clippings... Read on...

How to detect and find treatment for pet cancer

How to detect and find treatment for pet cancer
Tails of Hope Foundation on helping care for your beloved companions
Updated 9:48 a.m. PT, Fri., Oct . 19, 2007

It's very traumatic when a family member is diagnosed with cancer. You may be surprised to know that often that family member is your dog or cat. Unfortunately, cancer is very common in companion animals, but thanks to advanced veterinary medicine, many of these animals are surviving while continuing to have a wonderful quality of life. Although a cancer diagnosis can be frightening, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation (the “ACVIM Foundation”) and Tails of Hope Foundation have compiled the following information to help you get the best treatment possible for your beloved family member.  Read on...

When Pack Mates Fight

The power of the pack and the internal dynamics of a pack are beyond what most of us owners think about or anticipate until after we have added the second (or third dog).  Many owners get a companion for their (solo) dog and not until a few weeks later do they realize if this was a wise (or bad) choice to make.  The change from 'no dogs' to 'one dog' is dramatic, but the change form 'one dog' to 'more than one' is just as intense if you are not prepared for it... it is just not that there are now two food bowls to fill, an extra doggie bed to buy, etc.  Read on...