If you have been following the standard guidelines for pet vaccinations you have probably been submitting your cat or dog to a painful shot as well as the anxiety of a visit to the vet every year in an effort to provide them the best health possible.

Vaccinations are a big business. Owners will spend what they are told in order to protect their pets and possibly themselves from contacting scary and deadly diseases such as rabies or distemper.

However, some veterinarians and pet owners are starting to question the wisdom and necessity of annual vaccinations.

Dr. Margie Scherk who runs a veterinary clinic in Vancouver was quoted in a CBC news story as stating that “We have no reason to think a cat’s immune system is different than a human’s immune system. And we don’t get vaccinated every year.”

If this is true, why do vets keep warning us to have our dogs and cats vaccinated annually?

Possibly some encourage the visits for the monetary benefits, but it is also a subject that is still fraught with controversy.

Pet owners in general are not anxious to take risks with such deadly diseases and so until conclusive studies are embraced by the medical field they will continue with annual vaccinations.

On the other hand, some studies have shown that certain vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine, may be linked to an increase in tumors in cats.

Other pet owners have had personal experiences which led them to believe that vaccines in puppies may have been responsible for a higher mortality in a healthy litter.

Until these concerns have been researched further, veterinarians take their own stand on vaccinations. Dr. Kruth, who was also interviewed by CBC, believes that owners should make decisions based on the lifestyle of their pet. He explains that hunting dogs are clearly more at risk for picking up some of these diseases than a pet kept indoors in the city.

How can pet owners make an educated decision? There is a lot of information available online, as well as recommendations from Associations and veterinary schools which may reflect the more recent research. However, most individuals will likely require the experience and recommendation of their family pet’s doctor or shop around to find one who seems to be implementing newer recommendations. In this case most will suggest a three year gap between most vaccinations. There are still some diseases that may require annual shots or even six month shots such as feline leukemia and kennel cough.

Dog Tricks - Find The Object, A Cool And Helpful Trick To Teach Your Dog

Training your dog to learn new tricks stimulates his mind, increases its ability to analyze information, all the while giving you more knowledge of how your dog’s brain works. In addition, teaching him how to do tricks is a fun way to spend quality time with your dog, which then creates a closer bond between you and your pet.

Did you know that your dog is capable of learning hundreds of words as long as you apply patience and consistent training? For example, in the following trick called “find the object”, your dog will be learning how to identify a toy or a particular item by its name from a group of items. It’s a very entertaining game that will widen his vocabulary and activate his thinking process.

Teaching Your Dog To “Find The Object”
To start, line up several objects on the floor or a low table and ask your dog to find a specific one. Start with an item that he’s already familiar with, such as his food dish or his favorite toy, whatever that may be. Place the object in an obvious area right next to two other unfamiliar, non-fascinating objects, such as a book or a small piece of wood.

Then, point to all the items on the floor or the table and command your dog to “find the dish”. As soon as he picks up the right object, praise him by petting his head and perhaps giving him a treat. If he knows how to fetch, use the command and have him bring the dish and lay it down next to you.

Do not put the treat on the dish that he brought you because that will encourage him to only pick the dish from the group of objects that you laid out.

Next, place another item on the pile, one whose name is also familiar to your dog (such as a ball). Tell him to find that item and then go back and forth between the second object (the ball) and the dish.

Don’t scold him if he picks the wrong item, and don’t acknowledge it, either. Just keep saying the command “find the object”. Once he has master the game, do a more advanced variation of the game, where objects are placed in different locations and then telling him to find it.

The secret to starting and maintaining a loving relationship between your dog and a new cat (or vice versa) lies within how carefully you introduce them to each other. You have already made the decision to bring a different species into the house so invest as much time and care as you can in order to ensure that both of your animals start off with a positive experience with one another.

The introduction between a cat and a dog can best be broken down into the following six steps:

Step 1: When you first bring home the new dog or cat, confine each of them to a specific area of the house where they cannot see one another. The object is to allow the two animals to smell and hear each other without seeing each other. This arrangement gives the newcomer plenty of time to get used to his or her new living area, while your resident pet is safely confined on its own.

Step 2: During this time apart, grab an old towel or T-shirt and rub it all over the new dog or cat. Then take the towel and bring it into the room where your resident pet is at. Place the towel next to the dog or cat so that they can get used to the new pet’s scent. This is the first step in getting each animal used to one another.

Step 3: Allow this arrangement to go on for about an hour or two. After this time period is up, switch up the scene. Place each animal in the room where the other was at beforehand, and be sure to give a scented towel to the new cat or dog, with the other pet’s smell rubbed on it.

Step 4: Next you will create a positive association with one another by having each animal on different sides of a closed door. Place some treats or pet food for both of them next to the door. The goal is to get each animal to enjoy their food while knowing they’re close to one another. This starts a positive association between the joy of food and knowing that both pets are doing something fun while sensing each other’s presence.

Step 5: Continue with this arrangement until you notice that the animals are less curious about sniffing each other from underneath the door. Your next move during this introduction period is to allow each animal to see one another, but still being divided by a gate or screen door. There may be some initial tension which will eventually subside through treats and petting of both animals.

Step 6: Once they are both calm and relaxed, slowly allow more interaction to happen. For example, you can bring them both into the same room, but keep your dog on a leash while you sit on the couch. The cat will approach your dog at its own pace. Should your dog become overly excited and aggressive, a quick spritz of water is plenty for discipline. Your job is to prevent your dog from creating the habit of becoming excited and wanting to chase the cat. And the cat must come to understand that the dog will not harass it.

The eye, in dogs, as in all animals, is the most specialized of the sensory organs. As such, it is highly sensitive to trauma, infection and disease, both acquired and hereditary.

Because dogs can’t tell their owners when they are suffering irritation or pain in their eyes, the eye is an often overlooked area of trouble. Many a devoted dog owner has failed to notice his pet’s eye trouble until it is so advanced that blindness results or the removal of an eye is necessary.

From the tiny Pekingese, whose slightly bulging eyes can become diseased because of inadequate protection, to the huge St. Bernard, whose drooping eyelids can catch and harbor bacteria which cause eye infection, many special breeds are particularly susceptible to certain types of eye disease.

Dog owners should be aware of some of the most common eye problems, which breeds are most likely to develop them, how they are treated, and, most important, how they can spot potential trouble while there is still time to safely treat or cure the disease.

Many a serious problem starts with an irritation or trauma to the eye, which causes inflammation. If a dog’s eye becomes inflamed, the problem should be attended to immediately, as the problem can usually be treated if diagnosed in time. If inflammation is allowed to continue for too long, much more complicated problems can result.

What Can Happen To The Inflamed Eye?
For one thing, one of the most important protections the eye possesses - the ability to produce tears – can be interfered with or stopped completely. If the dog’s eye no longer produces tears because the tear glands and ducks are inflamed, the dog can develop ulcers in the eye.

Your dog can also develop a condition known as keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea – a clear protective disc over the colored part of the dog’s eye – gets inflamed, the white part of the eye often responds by growing blood vessels down over the injured cornea.

Of course, the dog will be temporarily or permanently blinded if the blood vessels are allowed to block light from entering the pupil, the small hole behind the cornea which lets light into the eye.

Infection, bumps or scratches on the eye, foreign bodies such as foxtails in the eye, and ingrown eyelashes are all common ways in which a dog’s eye becomes inflamed. If a dog’s eye become swollen, red, runs a lot, or if the dog rubs his eyes excessively, the owner should see a veterinarian before the condition becomes serious.

Are you looking for someone to help care for your pet while you’re away? Or are you interested in making your own business as a pet sitter? Here are answers to some of the common questions about pet sitters.

WHAT DOES A PET SITTER DO?
Pet sitters care for your pet just as a baby sitter cares for your children. While most pets do not demand the same amount of supervision and care that a child does every pet has a certain amount of physical requirements as well as social needs. What is necessary for your pet will depend on the personality as well as species you are looking to have cared for.

Pet sitters perform a variety of tasks. They may simply check the food and water supply of your animal. Dogs may require a walk while cats and caged animals may need their litter boxes cleaned or the papers changed.

If you have an exotic animal or bird you should look for specialized services that can adequately meet the needs of your pet.

Pet sitters allow your pet to stay in its own environment without the stress of travel or new accommodations. Pet sitters will follow the schedule your animal is use to and the diet it is accustomed to. Pet sitters also provide the one-on-one attention your pet will be missing when you’re away.

WHAT DOES A PET SITTER COST?
Expect to pay at least $15-25 for a daily visit of 30 minutes - possibly more if you require the sitter to walk your dog. Usually the cost for multiple animals is only a few dollars more per animal.

If you need the sitter to stay overnight you will probably pay $50 or more. Holiday visits (during the day or overnight) will have an increased rate.

Rates will vary according to region and specialty. Some pet sitters will visit twice a day or include other tasks, such as collecting the mail, with their pet sitting services.

HOW DO I FIND A PET SITTER?
You may find a pet sitter listing in your phone book or online. You can also ask friends, groomers and veterinarians for referrals.

It is wise to only hire pet sitters who are bonded and insured since they will not only be responsible for caring for your pet but must be trusted in your home and with your belongings. Even when trust is not an issue the sitter will be responsible for being respectful of your home and properly securing your home when leaving.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO BECOME A PET SITTER?
Depending on where you live you may have to have a business license to operate a pet sitting business. It is also important to acquire bonding and insurance, not only for the possibility of negligence but to assure customers of your professionalism.

While you do not need experience to start your own business you will need to research businesses in the area and talk to groomers, vets and others about the market. It is important to be organized and take your business seriously - others are depending on you. Use contracts to establish the tasks and costs agreed to and keep paperwork and schedules organized.

Pet sitting can be a rewarding job but can also be tiring. You will often work during inclement weather and on holidays. Plan ahead so you do not over schedule. Enjoy your work and the animals you come to know!

Do you think you have what it takes to be a true dog lover? If there was one thing that you can do in this world that would greatly contribute to the canine family, would you be willing to sacrifice a little extra time and patience?

What I am talking about is adopting a dog or puppy from your local animal shelter. There is no better service you or I could make in terms of raising a dog than by providing a positive, loving home to a perfectly good shelter animal.

For some of you, the idea of adopting a shelter dog will instantly cause you to become negative or feel defensive toward these animals. You have too many preconceived notions and assumptions that could be stopping you from saving a dog’s life, one that would make a great house pet if you just had the open mind and a little bit of extra time to train it.

Have I Talked You Into Adoption Yet?
I’m sure it may take a bit more persuasion for some of you to open up your hearts and minds to adopting a shelter dog, but for the rest of you who have decided that you want to visit your local animal shelters to find a dog or puppy who needs a good home, make sure that you approach the staff with a few questions before making your decision.

Ask about what kind of medical treatment the dogs receive. Most organized animal shelters will at least provide the minimum care necessary needed for a dog to go home with you, however, there are some places that unfortunately neglect important medical guidelines.

What To Look For
Any organization that handles animals should have a licensed veterinarian on staff at all times. This veterinarian will provide vaccinations in order to prevent hepatitis, distemper, and other health issues. Ask the staff, or talk with the veterinarian if possible, if these dogs have had their blood checked for heartworms. And is the skin clean of fleas and other parasites?

These are just the basic medical requirements that every person should look for when adopting a dog from an animal shelter. Other needs may be a bit more complex.

For example, do you have your sights set on a dog that has been injured in the past, or is currently healing from an injury? What type of injury is it? What type of medication and treatment has the dog received? Ask about the cost of future treatment and medical needs that will arise.

And Don’t Forget…
Another important set of questions and research that you should talk with your local animal shelter about is whether or not they have a professional who evaluates each dogs’ temperament. Most shelters have this information posted on the front of each cage that is designated to the specific dog, or other animal.

It is important that you take this information and assess whether or not it is detailed enough so that the dog can be trusted with your family set up. The staff should also know how the animal reacts with children and around outside stimulants such as moving cars, other people, etc.

This information is valuable in determining whether or not the shelter dog you are considering will be a good match for your home situation. In addition, ask the staff specific questions regarding a dog’s attitude towards being submissive or dominant. Are they overprotective of territory? How often does aggressive behavior occur and for what reasons? The more questions you ask, the better you will feel when you take your adopted shelter dog home.

Dogs sometimes have a bad habit of putting anything they find inside their mouths. Actually, let me correct that statement, dogs always seem to find a way to put objects in their mouth that do not belong there! They tend to pick up all types of stuff, ranging from balls to rocks, small toys to articles of clothing, basically anything they deem fun to play with.

Unfortunately, there are many times when a dog accidentally swallows these objects and it becomes lodged in his throat. If this object is not removed immediately then there is the chance for the animal to stop breathing and become unconscious.

Since this occurrence is very common with all pets, it would behoove of you to learn the basic moves that it takes to help your dog from choking. This can invariably save the life of your pet.

Below are basic First Aid steps which can come in handy for a choking dog:

If Your Dog Is Choking, But Remains Conscious

1. With two hands, open your dog’s mouth and look inside to see if you can see the object. If you can see it, try your best to remove it.

2. If you cannot see the object, place your dog on its side and elevate the hindquarters.

3. Now place your hand below the rib cage and another on the dog’s back. Press in and then up, all in one fluid motion. Keep pressing until the object is coughed up.

4. If the object does not come up then your dog may become unconscious. If this happens, then follow the steps below.

If Your Dog Becomes Unconscious

1. As stated above, be sure that the dog is placed on his side with elevated hindquarters.

2. Open the airway and be sure the tongue is pulled out as far as possible and placed to the side.

3. Now perform several compressions in the same area that you had attempted to press in the rib cage. After two to three compressions, check the mouth for any foreign objects by using the sweep of your finger.

4. Now give the dog a few breaths.

5. Repeat this cycle of compressions, finger sweeps, and artificial respiration breaths until your dog starts breathing by himself and dislodges the object.

Can you not get control of your dog? Or do you think he or she is unhappy all the time?

Follow these three tips and you can almost guarantee your dog will be a lot happier and more willing to cooperate with you when you want him to do something.

Tip 1: Walk your dog.
How often do you walk your dog? Or do you ever walk your dog for that matter? As much as you probably hear it, your dog needs to be walked daily. Remember that it is in a dog’s nature to want to roam and check out the entire world. That’s just his natural curiosity. A dog locked up an apartment all day needs to run, regardless of the size.

Tip 2: Make him work for a treat, don’t just give him one.
Dogs were domesticated by humans thousands of years ago to perform some particular kind of chore or task. People bred dogs for the sole purpose of serving some kind of function once humans began to settle. Dogs are used to doing some kind of work before receiving a reward.

Your dog naturally wants to please you. This makes it extremely easy to get your dog disciplined and make him happy at the same time. A few simple commands like sit, stay and come are easy ones to begin with. Also when you are the one rewarding your dog, you are seen as the pack leader - the alpha male or female in the group. Think in terms of a dog and how a dog would see it.

Tip 3: Ask your dog what he wants.
Just kidding. Actually you can ask your dog what he wants, but this takes a little longer. You can do this by observation. Observe your dog’s naturally behaviors and see what his quirks are. Over time you will get a “sixth sense” as to what your dog is looking for and what he is missing in his life. This does sound like some voodoo black magic cult thing, but it isn’t. Rest assured.

Dogs do communicate with us through body language. And they do this very well. They pick up on when people interact with each other. By quieting down the rational and logical part of the mind for a few minutes a day, it is possible to sense what your dog is trying to communicate to you. This does not mean nor even implies you should try to seek out some expensive dog psychologist or doggy psych.

By following these three suggestions, you can boost your dog’s happiness quickly and in the end you will be a happier dog owner as well.

Approximately 10% of all dog allergies are food related. When you think about how many dogs there are out there, this is an extraordinary number. Some dog allergies related to food are so mild that you may never notice them, but some dogs suffer from chronic allergies. In other words, dog allergies are just like human ones in that they come in varying degrees. This article will give you a little insight into the world of dog food allergies, highlighting the main sources and reactions that all owners should know about.

Dog allergies related to food can become noticeable from the age of five months, but can be diagnosed in dogs as old as eleven or twelve years old. They can in fact be caused by a variety of sources, some of which are more common than others. The most common sources are beef, soy, corn, wheat, chicken, eggs and dairy products. Unfortunately, most dog foods often have one or more of the ingredients above as an integral element of their composition. As a result, an owner will often have to experiment in order to find exactly which element it is that causes the dog allergy.

A dog can have a variety of allergic reactions to any one of the products listed above. Dog allergies may cause hair loss, repeated ear infections, hot spots, scratching and skin conditions. It is likely that a combination of the symptoms above will highlight a dog food allergy, but the main problem owners have to deal with is that they can also highlight a number of other ailments and so veterinary advice must be sought in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

It is wise for every dog owner to experiment with different foods when they first get their pooch by trying several different dog foods for a week each. This will alert you to any dog allergies that they may have and enable you to avoid the culprits in the future. Your dog may not have any food allergies, but the earlier they can be detected the better the chance you stand of making sure that they experience minimal discomfort in the future!

You have arrived safely at your first Show, found the correct car park, and have time to spare. Well done your day is off to a good start! It is a good idea now to get your dog straight out of the car, see if it wants a drink and then take it for a walk to relieve itself and to stretch those legs. Ensure you have the means to clear up any mess and dispose of it in an appropriate place.

Once this has been done collect your bag and do not forget the paper work for getting in (and out) of the Show and make your way into the event.

If it is a benched Show you should find the correct benching area for your breed. On your paper work you will have an entry number and there will be a bench allocated for you with your number on it. You will need one copy of this number to wear in the Ring to identify your dog. This can be fastened with a clip, rubber band or with a special number holder/clip that you have bought. Now is the time to let your dog experience the others of the breed around it. A few little sniffs are normally OK but do respect other owners and their dogs and ensure they are happy with the contact. As a ‘newbie’ you will find that other exhibitors are only to willing to offer help and advice, so do not be afraid to ask.

Depending on your breed, you may need to do a little or a great deal of final grooming so busy yourself with this, ensuring that you do not add anything to the coat that would remain in the Ring and infringe the Rules of the Club/Show/Association. Again experienced Exhibitors will help you with this. Use this first Show very much as a learning experience for you and the dog.

Do not leave your dog alone chained to the bench, this is all new and seeing you disappear may cause distress, it is really useful to have a friend/family member with you to cover for things like toilet and refreshment breaks.

Before your Class is called, try to find time to give your dog another walk around to calm the nerves of both of you. It is a good idea to purchase a catalogue for the day; this tells you the order of judging in the Ring and gives you some idea of when your class is to be judged. Finally make sure you are neat and tidy, fit your Showing lead and await your class. Normally the youngest, less experienced dogs are judged first.

When you enter the Ring, try to keep calm, your dog will sense any unease through the lead, and enjoy the moment with your dog. No one is really looking at you; all eyes are on the dogs. You will find most Judges to be helpful and considerate to you, especially if it is a Puppy Class where all the dogs are new to the Ring. Do not be afraid of asking the Judge to clarify exactly what is wanted of you; even explain that this is your first Show.

You will have seen what is expected at the previous Shows you visited and by watching the Ring on the day. You will stand in line with all the other dogs, the Judge will go over your dog and ask you to move it around the Ring and then it is back to the line and wait for each dog to be looked at. Finally, all the dogs will be lined up while the Judge makes a final look, your heart will be pumping now but try to keep yourself and the dog calm. Stand the dog in the correct way for your breed and hope that on the day you have caught the Judges eye. The Judge will then pick out the class winner and the other placed dogs. If you are placed you will stand in a line and be given a card and/or rosette. If you are unplaced you will now leave the Ring. If you are first or second then the Judge will probably want you to remain standing while the Judge makes notes about the two dogs, which will be published in the Dog Press.

If you win your class you will go back in the Ring at the end with all the unbeaten dogs to find the Best Puppy, Best Dog/Bitch and Best of Breed, so listen for the Ring Steward to call you for these ‘challenges’.

Whatever the result, enjoy the day, talk to others, seek advice and make new friends this is the start of a new world…Dog Showing!