Families have different reasons for adding a dog to their households. Some are looking for playmates for their children, some for companionship in their old age, some for protection, and still others for hunting or for showing. And as you might expect, there are certain types of dogs that are better at each of these functions than others.
Each breed of dog originated for a specific function. Although many also make fine companion dogs, it is wise to do the research on any breeds you are considering...
There have been a number of stories in the news about Pit Bull attacks lately, which begs the question: are Pit Bulls truly the vicious dogs the media portrays them to be or are the specific dogs in the news simply dogs who have been poorly socialized and bred to be aggressive?
In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that I have never personally lived with a Pit Bull, and that the few Pits I have met have been very nice dogs.
Are Pit Bulls really that vicious?
Limitations of statistics
Statistics...
How do you know when to breed a dog? When is it “safe” to allow males around your female? What can you do to prevent unwanted litters? Read on for the answers to these and other questions regarding your dog’s heat cycles.
Puberty
Yes, it’s true. Dogs go through puberty just like people do, and prior to this milestone, your bitch cannot become pregnant. Although large dogs tend to have a later puberty than small dogs, anywhere between six and 24 months is considered...
Sad, but true: dogs can get diabetes just as humans do, and they suffer from the side effects every bit as much as humans do. Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires diligence on your part to give your dog as many healthy, happy years as possible in spite of his malfunctioning pancreas.
What is diabetes?
Known formally as diabetes mellitus, this is a disease that prevents the dog’s body from properly using carbohydrates to fuel his body’s cells. In a normal body, the pancreas...
The male reproductive system in a dog is made up of the scrotum, testicles, epididymides, deferent ducts, spermatic cords, prostate, penis and urethra. Understanding the structure and function of these organs can help you identify when any problems crop up which may need veterinary attention.
Elements of the reproductive tract
Hanging between the dog’s hind legs is a sac known as the scrotum which holds and protects the testicles. The scrotal pouch is divided into two separate areas by...
Although your dog relies heavily on his nose and ears to learn about the world, he does use his eyes to help him get around and to know when he is supposed to bark at the squirrel running along the fence. So, what happens when your dog’s eyes get sick? How will you know when he needs to go to the vet? And what can you do to keep your dog’s eyes healthy?
Normal Canine Eye Structure
Each eye sits in a bony structure of the skull known as an orbit and is made up of three layers. The outermost...
Which of us hasn’t at one time or another wished we could “take this job and shove it”? It’s often tempting to think about leaving the rat race behind, but given that most of us like to eat and live in a house, there’s the small matter of bringing home the bacon. They say you should do what you love (and the money will follow). Have you ever considered a dog-related business?
Dog business is big business
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Americans...
Does your dog scratch his ears and whine? Does she shake her head a lot? These are symptoms of a possible ear infection, and it’s your job to relieve his pain and prevent the infection from coming back.
If you dog scratches his ears a lot, it could be a sign of an ear infection
Canine Ear Structure
The ear is divided into three sections. The innermost portion, known as the inner ear, is involved in both hearing and balance, while the middle ear and external ear are strictly for hearing. ...
Bringing home a new puppy can be joyful but also challenging. There are so many things to consider. Where will the puppy sleep, where will they spend most of their time, what toys do they need? The list of questions is endless. The challenge is magnified if your puppy has diarrhea.
Different causes
Puppies can have diarrhea for a variety of reasons. Sometimes just being taken from the litter and put into a new home can be stressful enough to trigger puppy diarrhea. In this case the symptoms may...
Herbs can benefit every member of your family – even your pets. Make a few herbal treats and keep them happy and healthy too!
Breath Fresh Dog Biscuits
Parsley and mint do wonders for doggy breath and general mouth health. Don’t overdo the mint in this recipe unless your dog really loves the taste.
Take one cup each of whole wheat flour, ground oatmeal and cornmeal and mix well together. Finely chop four-five sprigs of fresh parsley and a sprig of mint. Mix the herbs into the meal mixture. Add...
