When you have a dog you have a big responsibility to that dog to make sure that they are taken care of. So you need to know how to take care of a dog. Taking care of a dog is not hard it is just a lot of work at times. This is not something that most people worry about because they love their dogs so they happily take care of them. So do you know how to take care of a dog? What about if you have a dog with diabetes? Do you know how to care for a dog with diabetes?

Photo: www.petdiabetes.org

There are many things that are involved when you are taking care of a dog. Some of them are obvious but others are not. Here are some things that you have to do for your dog.

1. You need to feed them on a regular basis. You also need to make sure that they are eating healthy food. You don’t want them eating something that is bad for them.

2. You need to keep them clean. This means giving them a bath and even brushing their teeth. You can give them a dog treat that will clean their teeth if you don’t want to brush them but you will still have to give them a bath.

3. You need to make sure that they get enough exercise. Dogs need exercise in order for them to stay healthy. There are a couple of different ways that you can do this. You can play with them or you can take them for a walk.

4. You also need to make sure that they get whatever medicine, such as flea medicine that they need as well as any shots that they need. This is to keep them healthy. So you will have to take them to the vet to make sure they are well taken care of.

These are all things that you will need to do for all dogs.

However, when you have a dog with diabetes there are some special things you will have to do to make sure they stay healthy. So here is how to care for a dog with diabetes.

1. When you feed them you will need to watch their diet. They may need a special diet to help with the diabetes. Talk to your vet and see what they recommend.

2. You will need to give them daily doses of insulin to help control their diabetes. Again talk to your vet. You will also need to monitor their reaction to the insulin.

The best thing to do when your dog has diabetes is to talk to the vet about their care. How to take care of a dog is pretty much the same for all dogs unless your dog has diabetes. Then you will need to do a few extra things to take care of them. However, when they are your beloved pet you will gladly do this for them.

The number of choices in dog walking gear is overwhelming. Just look at all the different dog websites that sell leashes, collars, harnesses, and even booties. When it comes to walking dogs for a living you can run into some interesting leash and collar combos that owners have purchased for their dogs. One of the more interesting devices I’ve come across is the SENSE-ible harness by Softouch Concepts located in Union City, CA, USA.

The SENSE-ible harness system looks like a regular dog harness but does not work like one. The unique thing about the SENSE-ible is that the leash connects to the o-ring on the front of the dog’s chest as opposed to a regular harness system that connects on the back of the dog. This greatly reduces pulling and the "pull me down the road" effect that normal harnesses seem to encourage.

Two Golden Retrievers, one only a year old, that I walk on a daily basis both use the SENSE-ible harness and I’m able to walk both of them together, side-by-side, with one hand. The sensation of the leash pulling against and across their chest and down towards their front legs keeps them close to me and does not give them the feeling that they are "pulling a sled". Even during times when we are not strictly walking for exercise but stopped and smelling the roses I’m able to bring them back in close together and headed in the right direction to finish our walk.

The harness seems very comfortable for the dogs and is very easy to put on and remove. A great feature with this harness is that you do not lift the dog’s leg to get them into the harness. The large quick-release buckle connects on the side of the dog, instead of underneath, which makes it easy to un-buckle from either side.

The only drawback with this harness is that if your dog turns around and somehow you end up with the leash coming up from the harness on the opposite side of your dog then it can be a little awkward to walk. But that is really more about proper leash handling and dog positioning than a faulty harness. If you’re just out to let your dog water the flowers in the backyard then it doesn’t make a difference what side the leash is on, it will still help you control your dog if needed.

Overall, I enjoy using the SENSE-ible harness on my dog walks and hope to try it out on more dogs in the future.

Dogs And Humans - Centuries Old Partnership
By Alan Beggerow

The modern domesticated dog is a result of centuries of interaction with humans. While it is true that the ancestor of the domestic dog was the wolf, dogs are now different animals. True domestication comes after generations of interaction between humans and animals and causes some basic changes in the animal.

A recent study with wolves that have been acclimated to humans is a case in point. A piece of meat was placed under a cage in such a way that the wolf could not get to it. A human stood by the cage to observe. The wolf could smell and see the meat but not actually get to it. The wolf would try for a long time, not pay any attention to the human, and then eventually give up. The same was done with a dog, and after a few tries the dog would stop trying. The dog would look at the cage, then sit and look at the human, waiting for the human to help it get the food.

The domestication of dogs has changed them from their wild ancestors. Early humans and wolves began their relationship for mutual benefit. The wolf’s keen sense of smell and athleticism was taken advantage of by humans to help with the hunting of game, to guard other animals and property. The wolf used humans to help it have a more steady supply of food.

The bond between dog and human is so strong, that dogs rely on humans for their survival. The domestic dog now needs humans to feed and care for them. Some dogs still ‘work’ for their keep by being Seeing Eye dogs, search and rescue dogs, hunting and herding dogs. And some dogs do nothing for their keep but be the family pet. But it is still a relationship with mutual benefit. There are many humans that need the companionship, love and loyalty that a dog can give. A centuries old partnership between dogs and humans that is still going strong.

On January 16, 2008 the American Kennel Club released the list for the most popular dogs in 2007. You may be surprised (or not) which breeds made the 10 most popular list. Of course, the Lab made #1, but that certainly is no surprise, it has been #1 for the last 17 years. Having had several Labs as my best friend, I know that this is a deserved title.

The dog that had not made the list for the last 72 years, but broke that streak this past year is the Bulldog. It managed to make it’s way into the 10th spot. Now this may irritate some Bulldog enthusiasts, but I always considered this strong and muscular dog with the peculiar gait, loose skin and wrinkled face as so ugly, it is adorable. Of course, I also think of Winston Churchill when I see a photo of a Bulldog.

In the last few years the Bulldog has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, in part, due to the fact that many celebrities have taken to these dignified, but kind, unaggressive dogs. With it’s docile attitude, but strong and courageous demeanor, I believe it would make a great addition to most any home. But one of the negatives with this dog is the difficulty in successful breeding, making a Bulldog puppy expensive. They also have some breathing problems that need to be looked after by an experienced vet.

Coming in at number 3 is one of my favorites. I have had three German Shepherds, all great dogs with terrific personalities. They were so protective that it gave me a warm feeling just knowing they were around. When my son was born, Tasha was about 4 at the time and I had some reservations about this large (she was about 95 pounds) German Shepherd who had never been around children. But they were totally unfounded. Instead of being jealous, she immediately became his guardian.

We were also building a new house at this time and several friends came over and Tony was propped up in his little swing in the, soon-to-be living room. Tasha was in her customary place underneath him, getting kicked in the head every time the swing came by and apparently loving it. Of course he was only a month or two old, so it wasn’t really a kick. Anyway, Bill, one of our friends who Tasha knew very well, went over and leaned down to see the baby. The closer he got, both Tasha and the hair on her neck started to rise up. When she felt he had broken the barrier and was two close for her comfort, we heard a low growl. By this time, Bill got the message and decided that he would see the baby only when I picked him up.

She spent the next 10 years loving that kid and he was heart broken when I finally had to have her put to sleep to ease her suffering, having developed hip and skin problems during her last years. I love German Shepherds, but at the same time, I know that they are not for everyone.

Here is the complete list of the Top Ten. Is your favorite on it?

2007 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

1. Labrador Retriever

2. Yorkshire Terrier

3. German Shepherd Dog

4. Golden Retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Dachshund

8. Poodle

9. Shih Tzu

10. Bulldog

Of course, as always one of my most favorite breeds is the mutt, especially those who need homes. They may not make it on the AKC list at all, but they can make it to your most favorite list and of course, do not buy your puppy from a puppy mill or a pet shop that sells them.

The question has been asked many times. Just how does protein affect a dog’s body and why do they need it. Proteins help to build a strong dog with hair, ear and a nose. Without protein, the body does not develop in a way to sustain life.

The muscular building block of protein consists of twenty-three amino acids. The dog produces about thirteen amino acids on the inside and the other ten on the outside of the body where it is consumed. If a puppy is not given the ten outside amino acid sources, it will not grow and develop. Without the outside source of amino acids, a puppy with not grow and will become sick and can die. An adult dog on the other hand will suffer a deficiency of nutrition and grow weak.

The best source for amino acids is plants and meat, which contain the largest amounts of amino acids that are needed for growth and strength. Some proteins are better than others are because not all protein supplies are the same. The amount of protein needed depends on the amount of protein in the amino acids. A dog just as a human does needs to have a daily-recommended amount of amino acids, which are also called biological value.

Understanding how important protein is for a dog is important when you are choosing the proper foods. If your dogs food lacks the needed proteins, they could become weak and develop a protein deficiency.

Five Facts about Protein

Proteins are the building block of the body and are needed to build strong bones and muscles. A lack of protein is called protein deficiency.

A dog’s immune system and structural makeup relies on protein to develop and grow as the dog grows. Without enough protein, the dog will become a structural disaster. Growth will not appear in a dog with a lack of protein.

Proteins help with the growth of the coat, skin and nails. Without protein, the dog’s coat can become dull and fall out at a high rate of speed.

The immune system relies on proteins to continue to protect the body from diseases and other such infections. Without a properly developed immune system, a dog can contact a disease or an infection and die as a result because their immune system cannot fight the ailment.