As you watch your spending power drop-and your stress level rise-you just might find that a dog is definitely man’s best friend during tough economic times. Recessionary worries have many households worrying about the bottom line but dogs can be a lifesaver during a rough economy. Although dogs incur costs ranging from food to vet care, Rover just might be your answer to the recession.

Photo: nwpetsupport.com

If the economy has caused you to cut back on extras like shopping and restaurant dining, don’t despair. With a dog waiting for you at home, the idea of staying home-rather then heading out and spending money-has new appeal. You’ve got a built-in reason to cook dinner at home or to head to the dog park instead of the mall. And have you had to cut out the gym membership? No problem-your dog is ready and willing to be your new exercise partner (and one that will remind you unmercifully when it’s time to exercise!)

If the tight economy has also means cutbacks in travel, your dog is again happy to help out. Can’t afford that week-long holiday? Rover’s happy to take a day trip with you to the local lake or state park.

Tightened budgets also mean cutbacks in everyday items but that’s no problem as far as your dog’s concerned. While you might not be OK with that home hair cut, Fido’s happy to skip the groomer’s visit. And while the kids might not want anything but the latest toys, your dog will love stuffed animals from garage sales and thrift stores.

It’s a proven fact that pets are marvelous stress relievers, an asset that’s more important than ever during tough economic times. Dogs can also serve another important role: socializer. If you’ve lost your job and now see fewer people every day or you’ve just cut back on social events, you’re probably looking for a way to get out and about without spending money. Take a neighborhood walk with your dog or head out to play in your local dog park, both good ways to interact with people with similar interests without spending a dime.

Most of all, though, dogs know the best things in life are free. What’s the most valuable thing in your dog’s world? Your companionship. That and a sunny day and a good belly rub and your dog is on top of the world. He’s a good reminder that money doesn’t buy happiness.

Professional writers and husband-wife team Paris Permenter and John Bigley publish DogTipper.com, a site featuring tips for dog lovers, by dog lovers. The extensive site include the Dog Tip of the Day, the Dog News Blog, and more. To download a free copy of How to Put Your Dog on a Budget, visit http://www.DogTipper.com/budget
 

In larger dogs Hip Dysplasia is common although it can also occur in smaller breeds from time to time as well. Don’t always assume your dog is just having a bad day especially if it recurrs.

Photo: pet-insurance-info.com

What is canine hip dysplasia?

The area affected is in and around the dog’s hips and it’s called Hip Dysplasia. Basically, the hips are not formed correctly, leaving the dog hugely susceptible to canine arthritis in their hips. Hip dysplasia in dogs can occur in puppies from as young as 5 months, but the ensuing arthritis in the hips generally doesn’t strike Spot until he is middle aged.

Dog breeds susceptible to hip dysplasia.

Some breeds of dogs are well known for being genetically susceptible to hip dysplasia. Mixed breed dogs can also suffer from hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices has seen a decline in hip dysplasia numbers, but these dogs still have a higher than average chance of having dysplasia:

* Rottweilers.
* Golden retrievers and Labradors.
* German shepherds.
* Great Danes.
* Mastiffs.
* Saint Bernards.
* Dobermans.

Hip arthritis can also be found in and medium sized dogs as well.

Signs of hip dysplasia include:

* early morning stiffness.
* behavioural changes and sometimes personality changes too.
* reluctance or difficulty with steps.
* unable to exercise as much as before.
* disinterest in fetching.
* problems getting up from lying down or sitting.
* limping, favoring one or both back legs, or stiff or unusual gait.
* opting to sleep away from others.
* pain when back leg is extended.
* discomfort or sensitivity when lower back or back legs are prodded.
* can’t or won’t jump into the car anymore.

Hip dysplasia treatments.

There are many treatments, dog medicines, dog supplements and aids for Fido to assist with all stages of dog arthritis. One of the most popular options is glucosamine, which has been incredibly successful in aiding humans with osteoarthritis. Dog supplements containing glucosamine chondroitin have become one of the first treatment options. Don’t underestimate a good night’s sleep and other orthopedic aids as handy comfort providers such as special dog beds and ramps etc. For further information on glucosamine, treatments and aids click here.

Weight Management.

Apart from the genetic factors, the most crucial factor in determining the severity of your dog’s arthritis is his weight. The more your dog weighs, the more strain is being placed on those hips. Keeping your dog in his healthy weight range could save him from immense pain and suffering down the track.

For further information on treatments and resources for the dog suffering from hip dysplasia click here.

Author Kay Nynephun has decades of experience with many breeds of dogs and has provided more information on dog health and Hip Dysplasia in dogs. Make sure you also try some of Kays rare puppy training tips.
 

When you are looking for a place for you puppy to stay during the day, there are a number of options that you may be considering. Puppy day care can be the right option for you and your pet if you are well informed about your decision.

Photo: doggiedaycare.ie

Dogs, at any age, can be destructive to your property if you are gone away from them for too long. Some people choose to keep their dogs in a doggie day care in order to make sure that they are taken care of during the day while they are at work. There are many factors that you need to consider when you are looking for the right doggie day care for your pet. Pets usually become like part of the family, so you want to make sure that they have the best care possible.

The first thing that you need to do when choosing a doggie day care is to visit different day cares in your area. You should also bring your puppy with you because you want to see how the people interact with your dog and vice versa. If you get any type of bad vibe from a place, you should trust your instincts. You don’t want to leave your pet in a place that you don’t trust because you will only constantly worry about your pet.

The next thing that you should do is to look into the services that they offer for dogs. If there are certain things that you are looking for your dog to do during the day, you need to be aware if the day care offers that activity or not. If the place that you are currently looking at doesn’t offer that activity for your dog, you should begin to look into other places that might be better suited for your pet.

The last factor that you should look into will be the price of the place. When you are looking into different places that might be suited for your pet, you should make sure that they are in your price range before you begin to make arrangements with the business. You don’t want to choose something out of your price range, and then waste your time and theirs on unnecessary paperwork.

The most important factor is still that you feel good about the place that you have chosen. If you are not completely sure that they will take care of your puppy, you shouldn’t pick them.

For more information, contact the San Francisco vet clinics at http://www.sanfranciscoveterinarianclinics.com
Joseph Devine
 

We are a nation of pet owners and love our faithful friends and their company. What we do not like is the continuous molting of their hairs on the furnishings. Pet owners who keep their pets in the home or have them in their automobiles have the problem of unwanted pet hairs ingrained in the carpets and auto upholstery, as well as the smell of the pets.

Photo: dogchatforum.com

Do your visitors greet you with "Do you have a dog?" without seeing the animal? Just like people that are cigarette smokers, a non smoker is well aware that a person does smoke. Light colour pets, such as "Golden Retriever Dogs" shed hairs continuously where ever they sit or brush against. My trousers are a splendid example of the dog’s calling card, bless him.

There are a number of devices on the market that claim to clean the hairs from the furnishings, ranging from wet rubber gloves to carpet rakes and many other devices. Do we really expect to get down on our hands and knees with a wet pair of rubber gloves to clean up the hairs? most devices do not get out the ingrained hairs, only the surface hairs.

There is an attachment on the market that provides a solution to the problem of ingrained and difficult to remove pet hairs from carpets and upholstery, in the home or automobile. The attachment easily fits on to any type vacuum cleaner and is completely free from the suction opening, so the suction is not impeded. It has no turbo, therefore no beating the hell out of the carpet.

The principle of operation is the vacuum cleaner attachment is fitted with tires on a main roller, which glides effortlessly across a carpet when using the vacuum cleaner and picks up ingrained pet hairs and other debris that normal vacuuming leave behind. The attachment is easily fitted, and so easily removed for cleaning, no tools are required, innovative and patented.

http://www.stirtsystems.com

Stirt Systems an Innovative Product Company. Suppliers of pest control products, vacuum cleaner attachments, Multi-Purposr Paint rollers. Located in the United Kingdom.
 

Home dental care is given more emphasis nowadays because of the fact that the dental diseases are emerging in pet animals like dogs to a greater extent than before. Though you are providing home dental care, if you suspect any dental diseases, then immediately approach the veterinarian for intervention. This is always the safest option.

Photo: www3.telus.net

Try to provide bone materials without very sharp points to the dogs. They love to chew them and then swallow the bitten products. Such activities help them to develop strong teeth structures in a natural manner.

Know that certain breeds of dogs like Pekingese, etc. are more prone to develop some types of tooth diseases because the teeth are closely crowned in the oral cavity and can be small in size and hard to get to. It is more critical to check for excessive plaque buildup in these types of dogs more often in the convenience of home.

Recreational raw beef bones are wonderful great for keeping the tooth structures of your dog clean and free from formation of plaque and build up of bacterial organisms. Special tooth brushes are available for these dogs - just be careful when using them. Special kinds of pastes are also available for the veterinarian for home use.

Specially prepared foods can be found in pet shops to remove the tartar and the plaque materials from the teeth. Dry dog food and toys that are specially made to add strength to the teeth and are also good for teeth cleaning as well.

The plaque material should be removed from your dog’s teeth to avoid any occurrence of the periodontal diseases, which can be more common in some types of dogs than others. Dental wipes are also available in the pet shops and they may be used as well. The plaque and tartar buildup can be easily removed and goes a long way in contributing to the health of your dog.

Veterinary dental treatments are more important. If the dental structures are hard to look after. There are more chances for the development of periodontal diseases in dogs if you try to do it all yourself. But for between visits doing some basic things at home can go a long way.

Author: Tony Buel
Free Puppies to Good Home