Lost your dog? Don’t panic, there are many resources out there that can help you bring back your beloved pooch.

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Start At Home

First, make sure your pet is not stuck somewhere in your home or on your property. Check every crevice, very closet, behind appliances, in vents and drains, crawlspaces, look everywhere, no matter how small, and then look again just to be sure. A curious dog or a dog chasing something can wander into and get stuck in just about anything.

Ask The Neighbors

Your dog may have run onto the neighbors property and got stuck somewhere, ask your neighbors to check their homes and ask permission to check out their property as well. Tell your neighbors to keep an eye out for your dog. Make sure you have a picture of your dog with you when you walk around your neighborhood talking to neighbors, so they know what to look for.

Put Up Flyers

Next, put up some flyers with your dogs picture. Put them on poles around your neighborhood and within about a 1 mile radius. Anyone who would have found your pet would call you once they see a flyer with your phone number. You may consider offering a reward as well.

Local Organizations

Don’t forget to call or visit all the local organizations that take in pets. This includes the local Humane Society, ASPCA branch, any rescue organizations, animal shelters, vet hospitals as well as the local department of transportation and animal control offices. Sadly, if the local department of transportation as your dog, it’s likely been found on the side of the road deceased. However, it’s better to know than to keep wondering what happened to your dog.

Newspaper

This is an old school method, but works sometimes. Simply place an ad in your local newspaper or local circulars lost and found section. Many newspapers allow free notices of lost things, so it may not cost you anything at all.

Craigslist

While the newspaper may take a few days to get your ad in the paper, you can hop right online and post in instant ad in the lost and found section of your local Craigslist. Most cities and larger towns have their own section on Craigslist where local people can place ads for free.

Community Bulletin Boards

Make sure a flyer is posted on the bulletin board of your local library, post office, schools, community center, laundromats and any other stores or businesses that have a bulletin board.

Websites

Over the last few years, many web sites on the Internet have popped up that allow you to post an ad looking for your dog. They are free to use, so you might as well post on all of them. Some of the big ones are FidoFinder, FindToto, Pets911 and DogDetective.

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Dog toys are relevant to dogs no matter what breed they are. Ordinarily, people perceive toys as a plaything for passing time or for leisure. However, for dogs, toys are very relevant due to several reasons. Dog toys serve as a past time for dogs to avoid boredom. If dogs are bored, they are bound to do naughty stuff or to be restless. If they have dog toys to play with, they are able to do worthwhile activities with the toy. There are different types of dog toys with different purposes. One type of dog toy is the active toys which are especially made of very hard rubber to sustain when dogs chew it.

Photo: gibdogpetsuppliesblog.com

They come in different shapes and sizes, too. Rubber dog bones and tennis balls are among the favorites of many dogs. Make sure that the ball is not too small for the dog to swallow. It is very normal for dogs to chew any thing that are within their reach. That is why dog owners provide dog toys for chewing so that dogs will rather chew the toy instead of chewing things around him. Then, there is a dog toy for distraction. This refers to toys that are to lure your dog away from some destructive activities. Dogs really enjoy it especially that distraction toys are filled with bits of treats.

As they chew the toy, they also get to eat the treats. This is one positive reinforcement method. Another example of distraction dog toy is the "busy box". Treats are hidden among the cubes and dogs can explore the cubes for the treats. This is quite similar to the treasure hunt game for kids and dogs also enjoy this kind of game. You may buy toys for gaming such as noise making toys and toys with an open cavity within them for interactive games. Frisbees are among many dogs’ favorites. Both the dog and its owner can enjoy playing this outdoor game.

Many dog toys have been modified these days to make playtime more exciting. You can already find glow in the dark Frisbees and tennis balls in pet shops or supermarkets these days. Comfort dog toys are soft stuffed toys that can give comfort to your dogs. They can hug or sleep with these toys although comfort toys are not for all types of dogs. These dog toys come in the shape of small animals like mouse, rabbit or duck. These toys are light and therefore it is easy to carry around so your dogs can shake it with their mouth.

Without these toys, your dogs might look for other things in your household that they can chew and this act could be destructive or health threatening to them. Remember that dog toys are not solely to entertain or to exercise your dogs but also to train them. One good thing is that toys can improve a dog’s natural hunting skills and their social skills as well. If you frequently spend time playing with your dog, you get to bond with him better. By using these toys, you are also making your dog more alert to your commands and more agile.

You have to know the appropriate toys for your dog according to their breed. Surely, your dog will benefit from these toys that you will give them.

The author of this article Alex De La Cruz is a Dog Trainer who has been successful with several dog training courses for many years. Alex decided to share his knowledge and tips through his website http://www.doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and submissive dog.

The type of dog bed you choose will depend on your own sense of style. However, there are a number of criteria to consider that are common across the gamut of bed options. The following are factors to consider when choosing a bed for your dog.

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1. Size of Bed: The first and most obvious criteria to consider in choosing a bed is size. Measure your dog standing up; from tip of nose to base of tail and also from floor to shoulders. This will give you an approximate length and width for your dog bed. Just to be sure measure your dog again in her favorite sleeping position; perhaps her length when fully stretched out, or her diameter when curled into a ball and then add 6 to 12 inches. The right size bed will match or be slightly larger than your measurements. Beds that are too small will not be comfortable for your dog and won’t be used.

2. Location of Bed: Take note of your dog’s favorite sleeping locations. Buy a bed that compliments the room where your dog sleeps the most. If your dog sleeps equally in various places you may want a bed that can be easily moved and matches the decor of several rooms. Also keep in mind the height of the beds. Small dogs or older dogs may have a hard time climbing up onto a platform or furniture type beds.

3. Shape of Bed: If your dog curls up when sleeping, then a nest or ball is the right choice for him. These types of beds also provide excellent cold-weather insulation as since your dog can snuggle down inside the bed. If your pet stretches out when sleeping, then a more conventional dog mattress might be the right choice. Mattress beds allow your dog to stretch out and find whatever position suits her best.

Your dog might be a stretcher and a curler! Dogs that enjoy both stretching out and curling up might be best with a human-type furniture dog beds. The arms and back of these small sofas are great for snuggling, but the long length allows your dog to stretch out too. The other added advantage is that these beds are elevated allowing for air circulation.

4. Bed Material: The basic bed filler choices are either solid foam or stuffing. Inexpensive dog beds often use cheap foam that can flatten out within several months. It is often worthwhile to pay a little more for a better quality bed that will last several years.

There are different types of "stuffed" beds to choose from. Make sure that your bed uses "high-loft foam pieces" for stuffing which means that it will not flatten out and harden over time. Also make sure that you choose a dog bed style that uses "baffled chambers" that will keep the stuffing evenly distributed throughout the bed. A bed that is "baffled" into quarters will keep the stuffing from shifting to the outside edges as your dog snuggles in.

Solid foam bed mattresses can stand up to heavier dogs and therefore are good for larger breeds. If your dog has arthritis or hip problems, you may want to speak to your vet about an orthopedic foam dog bed.

5. Bed Covers: Make sure that the bed cover is removable, durable and, above all else, machine washable. Do not even consider buying a dog bed that doesn’t have a removable cover. In the unfortunate event of dog fleas, you will need to remove the cover and wash it in hot water more than once. Choose a durable fabric that can stand up to sharpish toenails and the occasional gnaw or chew. Make sure that the seams of the cover are double-stitched and the cover has a good quality and heavy duty zipper. Open and close the zipper a number of times in the store before purchase. A stain-resistant fabric for the bed cover is another handy feature.

Remember when your dog gets a good night’s sleep you do too. Make an educated decision when choosing a dog bed and you won’t be disappointed.

More information about beds for your dog and other pet related issues can be found at choosing dog beds

Look for other pet health related articles written by this author at http://my-dog-has-fleas.com/

How does a dog get it?

The causative agent of CPV disease, as the name infers, is a virus. The main source of the virus is the feces of infected dogs. The stool of an infected dog can have a high concentration of viral particles. Susceptible animals become infected by ingesting the virus. Subsequently, the virus is carried to the intestine where it invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation.

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Unlike most other viruses, CPV is stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, and alcohol. CPV has been recovered from dog feces even after three months at room temperature. Due to its stability, the virus is easily transmitted via the hair or feet of infected dogs, contaminated shoes, clothes, and other objects. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus. Dogs that become infected with the virus and show clinical signs will usually become ill within 7-10 days of the initial infection.

How does this disease affect the dog?

The clinical manifestations of CPV disease are somewhat variable, but generally take the form of severe vomiting and diarrhea. The diarrhea may or may not contain blood. Additionally, affected dogs often exhibit a lack of appetite, depression, and fever. It is important to note that many dogs may not show every clinical sign, but vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs; vomiting usually begins first. Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but is most common in dogs less than one year of age. Young puppies less than five months of age are often the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat.

How is it diagnosed?

The clinical signs of CPV infection can mimic other diseases causing vomiting and diarrhea; consequently, the diagnosis of CPV is often a challenge for the veterinarian. The positive confirmation of CPV infection requires the demonstration of the virus in the stool or the detection of anti-CPV antibodies in the blood serum. Occasionally, a dog will have parvovirus but test negative for virus in the stool; fortunately, this is not a common occurrence.

A tentative diagnosis is often based on the presence of a reduced white blood cell count (leukopenia). If further confirmation is needed, stool or blood can be submitted to a veterinary laboratory for the other tests. The absence of a leukopenia does not always mean that the dog cannot have CPV infection. Some dogs that become clinically ill may not necessarily be leukopenic.

Can it be treated successfully?

There is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog. However, the virus does not directly cause death; rather, it causes loss of the lining of the intestinal tract. This results in severe dehydration, electrolyte (sodium and potassium) imbalances, and infection in the bloodstream (septicemia). When the bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract are able to get into the blood stream, it becomes more likely that the animal will die.

The first step in treatment is to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This requires the administration of intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicemia. Antispasmodic drugs are used to inhibit the diarrhea and vomiting that perpetuate the problems.

What is the survival rate?

Most dogs with CPV infection recover if aggressive treatment is used and if therapy is begun before severe septicemia and dehydration occur. For reasons not fully understood, some breeds, notably the Rottweiler, have a much higher fatality rate than other breeds.

Can it be prevented?

The best method of protecting your dog against CPV infection is proper vaccination. Puppies receive a parvo vaccination as part of their multiple-agent vaccine given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. In some situations, veterinarians will give vaccine on two week intervals and an additional booster at 18 to 20 weeks of age. After the puppy series of vaccinations, all dogs should be boostered at least once a year. Dogs in high exposure situations (i.e., kennels, dog shows, field trials, etc.) may be better protected with a booster every six months. Pregnant bitches should be boostered within two weeks of whelping in order to transfer protective antibodies to the puppies. The final decision about a proper vaccination schedule should be made by your veterinarian.

Is there a way to kill the virus in the environment?

The stability of the CPV in the environment makes it important to properly disinfect contaminated areas. This is best accomplished by cleaning food bowls, water bowls, and other contaminated items with a solution of one-half cup of chlorine bleach in a gallon of water (33 ml in 1liter of water). It is important that chlorine bleach be used because most "virucidal" disinfectants will not kill the canine parvovirus.

Does parvovirus pose a health risk for me? How about for my cats?

It is important to note that at the present time, there is no evidence to indicate that CPV is transmissible to cats or humans.

Written by Troy Foote. Pet advocate and owner of Pamper Pet Care. Your online resource for pet health care and nutrition.