Peticare Pet Products and Services

Pets are Important

2008-12-30T16:23:00Z

If you are like me, animals are an integral part of the family. If you have ever lost a pet you know the sadness one can feel. The loss of your pet would leave an emptiness for each of us.

You know how it is, the dog you had for twelve years gave up a valiant fight from illness. You go to work and want to tell people,

“My dog died,” and you even feel a little foolish saying so. You may even feel foolish you are so sad about the death. And does anyone really care? Some might. Others think it was just an animal- get over it.

The Humane Society suggests that the grief process is as individual as the person, lasting days for one person or years for another. The Humane Society also lists ways to explain the loss of a pet to a child, when to get another pet, and if your other pets will feel the loss of their companion.

A recent survey found that pet owners spare no expense for their “best friend” and found that more than 96 percent of those polled would forgo gourmet coffee to save money for their dogs’ expenses.

Ninety-seven percent said they would give up massages or spa treatments in order to afford a veterinarian bill, and nearly 79 percent said they would cancel a teeth-whitening appointment so that Fido could have his annual teeth cleaning.

Great things we can do for our pets

-Spay or neuter your pet. Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. You will reduce or eliminate the occurrence of cancers and other diseases, and your pet will be more affectionate and less aggressive.

-Take your pet to your veterinarian for regular check-ups. Be sure his vaccinations are current, and pay special attention to his weight and to the health of his teeth.

-Be sure your cat or dog wears a collar and an ID tag that includes your name, address and telephone number. Losing a pet can be heart-wrenching; an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your companion will come back home.

-Exercise your dog. Playing with your canine companion, along with walking him daily, provides enough exercise. Don’t forget to clean up after your dog when you go for walks.

-Play with your cat every day. Your favorite feline needs physical exercise and mental stimulation, and the interaction will strengthen the bond you share.

-Keep your emergency/disaster kit up to date. Call the Humane Society if you need a list of items to include in your kit.

-Groom your pet often to keep his coat healthy, soft and shiny. Problems created by shedding dogs and cats are greatly reduced by regular brushing, and brushing your cat prevents problems such as matting and hairballs.

-Let your child share pet-related responsibilities. Children, depending upon their ages and abilities, can take responsibility for exercising, feeding, and/or grooming the family pet.

-Make provision for the care of your pet should you suddenly become ill or die. Learn what steps you can take to plan and provide for your pet’s future without you.

-Get stickers for your windows to alert fire/rescue workers of pets in the home. Check with HS for locations to get stickers.

Great things our pets do for us

-Research shows that pet owners have fewer minor health problems, such as headaches, colds and hay fever, and that they visited their doctors less frequently than those patients who did not have animal companionship.

-Studies have also shown that having a pet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thus making pet owners less prone to heart attacks and stroke.

-Dog walking, pet grooming and even petting the cat may not seem like exercise, but any activity that gets you up and moving makes for a healthier body.

-Caring for a pet is good for our emotional health. Even watching a feathered friend or an aquarium of fish can reduce our feelings of stress.

-Companion animals are natural teachers. They help people of all ages learn about responsibility, loyalty, empathy, sharing and unconditional love.

PetiCare Supermarket of Pet Products for Dogs and Cats
Online pet shop directory of pet services, a one stop shop for pet lovers!

Dog Barking

2008-12-27T17:22:00Z

Understanding dog barking is the key to stopping unwanted dog barking. Now a lot of people have a viewpoint that a good dog is a quiet dog. This is the furthest thing from the truth. There are some situations that a dog will always bark in. Dogs do not view barking like we do. Barking is their voice, and they used it for communication.

If there is one thing you need to know about a certain dog behavior like whining or barking, it is the fact that he does it for a reason. Most reasons include being bored or lonely, when something is wrong or strangers are near the house, when he has to go to the bathroom or he just wants to play. In these instances it is unrealistic for you to want them not to bark. Barking is their way of communication.

Nevertheless, when they are barking at everything that moves, or they are trying to bully you into doing what they want it can be annoying to you or even to your neighbors. That is why you have to take some measures to start correcting bad dog behavior like this.

Here are some of the best positive reinforcement ways:

1. Know the cause of the bark. The first step for dog training on barking is to know the underlying cause of such action. Does he do it whenever he sees strangers? Is it a way of letting you known that he is excited about something? As an owner, you have to be very sensitive of his needs and responses. This is a good way too of getting to know your pet a little bit better. When you can already identify the cause, you may have to create modifications such as introducing visitors to him or allowing your dog to spend some time with other people, or perhaps eliminating the main cause completely.

2. Giving your dog a cold shoulder and not giving them attention will work when they are barking to get your attention. But you have to be persistent, and not look at them even if they keep barking for 10 minutes. The more you do this, the quicker they should stop barking. When giving your dog, the cold shoulder, you cannot give up. You have to turn your back to them, and totally ignore them. Not giving them any attention, even saying the word no until the bad behavior stops.

3. Eliminate some of the common causes. Remember some of the things I talked about earlier that some dogs will bark to get attention. Make sure you exercise your dog. Take him out for a walk, play fetch etc. that way he can release all of his excess pent-up energy from you being at work, all-day. Giving your dog a healthy dose of love, affection, and attention before they start barking will help also.

Just remember when it comes to showing your dog love affection and attention or going for a walk and playing fetch it has to be done on your terms. Do not let your dog bully you into it by barking.

You can pair these techniques with a good dog training program, which will provide you with the proper guidance on how to make your dog not only obedient but also calm.

PetiCare Supermarket of Pet Products for Dogs and Cats
Online pet shop directory of pet services, a one stop shop for pet lovers!

Cat Claw Trimming

2008-12-25T16:48:00Z

Cats, whether they live indoors or outside are finicky about the condition of their claws. If you have indoor cats, keeping their claws properly trimmed is important for many reasons. In order to keep their claws sharp, cats use a variety of methods and materials.

For indoor cats, the material of choice can often be the rugs, carpets, clothing and the furniture. Even when owners provide an alternative like a scratching post, Fluffy may find that the furniture is more convenient or just more fun.

As pet owners we have a special and serious responsibility to care for out animal friends. Whether we own dogs, cats, rabbits or other clawed pet, proper grooming techniques can keep our furry friends happy and healthy.

As with any aspect of pet grooming, there are right ways and wrong ways to perform the important task of trimming an animals claws. Using the proper trimming tools and keeping your pet calm during the procedure can reduce the amount of anxiety felt by both the animal and the owner.

A cats paw is a complex social instrument. Each paw has scent glands that the cat will use to mark their territory and scratching helps to release and spread the scent. As if being mindful of territory were not enough reason to scratch, cats just seem to like doing it. Whether it is just plain fun or they do it for other reasons, most cats are prone to sharpen their claws.

Doing the Trimming Yourself

Many pet owners perform claw trimming on their pets. Do-it-yourself claw trimming can be a breeze or a real struggle. Some animals simply will not cooperate and need special attention. Still other pets sit calmly and some even enjoy the attention. Just like housebreaking and other training most pets go through, teaching a pet to allow their claws to be trimmed is vitally important.

Trimming should start when the animal is young and can learn to become comfortable with the process. Building the bond of trust with our pets is vital to successful training and claw trimming is no different. A trusting pet is far more likely to allow their claws to be trimmed. Forcing the animal to be trimmed can break down that bond and may effect the animals overall response to other training.

Using the Right Tools

A sharp tool is better than a dull one, whether you are working with wood, cutting vegetables, or trimming your pets claws. Sharp trimmers will make the task easier for several reasons. Dull trimmers have a tendency to create too much pressure on the claw, crushing rather than cutting through the claw. Crushing or applying too much pressure to the claw will certainly add to your pets discomfort.

A sharp trimmer will cut through the claw cleanly and with far less effort. A clean cut is less likely to fracture the claw and controlling the cut is easier with a sharp trimmer.

Where to Cut

When trimming your pets claws, it is always better to go too long than too short. Cutting the claw too short may result in cutting into the quick. The quick is the soft, blood-filled tissue present inside the claw. Look at your own fingernails and you can see the point at which your nail attaches to the finger. If you have ever cut the quick of your own fingernail you have a sense of what cutting your pets quick can feel like.

The difficulty comes in knowing exactly where to cut. Some claws can appear almost transparent and the quick can be seen as red or pink. Avoid cutting too close to the quick as the pressure may be uncomfortable to your pet. Other claws may be black in color making the task of seeing the quick almost impossible. If the quick is not visible, try to cut the least amount of claw material.

Cutting Too Close

If you accidentally cut the quick, the wound will most certainly bleed. The important thing is not to panic. The process of bleeding will help flush contaminants from the wound and can be stopped. Styptic powder or cream will help the blood to clot. These preparations are available at most pet supply stores. Simply apply the styptic according to the product directions, keeping your pet calm. After the bleeding stops, keep your pet confined to allow time for the cut to fully clot.

If your pet absolutely refuses to let you trim its claws, then the job should be performed by a veterinary professional. In order to get the job done without stressing the animal, it may be necessary to use a mild sedative.

Professional Trimming

Regardless of the animal, some owners opt to have a professional groomer or veterinarian perform the job. Though this may seem like the ideal solution, the pet owner still has a responsibility to ensure that the trimming is done without stressing the animal. Just as we would ask questions of any professional about how a job would be done, it is fair to ask the groomer of vet about how they trim. By: Mitch Endick

PetiCare Supermarket of Pet Products for Dogs and Cats
Online pet shop directory of pet services, a one stop shop for pet lovers!

Signs of Good Health For Your Dog.

2008-12-23T00:59:41Z

All good dog owners want to keep their dogs healthy. You love your dog, and you want her or him to be healthy and happy. Help keep your dog on the path to wellness with these dog health guidelines

Skin - Healthy skin is flexible and smooth, without scabs, growths, white flakes, or red areas. It ranges in color from pale pink to brown or black depending on the breed. Spotted skin is normal, whether the dog has a spotted or solid coat. Check your dog for fleas, ticks, lice, or other external parasites. To do this, blow gently on your dog's stomach or brush hair backward in a few places to see if any small specks scurry away or if ticks are clinging to the skin. Black "dirt" on your dog's skin or bedding may be a sign of flea droppings.

Coat - A healthy coat, whether short or long, is glossy and pliable, without dandruff, bald spots, or excessive oiliness.

Eyes - Healthy eyes are bright and shiny. Mucus and watery tears are normal but should be minimal and clear. The pink lining of the eyelids should not be inflamed, swollen, or have a yellow discharge. Sometimes you can see your dog's third eyelid, a light membrane, at the inside corner of an eye. It may slowly come up to cover his eye as he goes to sleep. The whites of your dog's eyes should not be yellowish. Eyelashes should not rub the eyeball.

Ears - The skin inside your dog's ears should be light pink and clean. There should be some yellow or brownish wax, but a large amount of wax or crust is abnormal. There should be no redness or swelling inside the ear, and your dog shouldn't scratch his ears or shake his head frequently. Dogs with long, hairy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels, need extra attention to keep the ears dry and clean inside and out.

Nose - A dog's nose is usually cool and moist. It can be black, pink, or self-colored (the same color as the coat), depending on the breed. Nasal discharge should be clear, never yellowish, thick, bubbly, or foul smelling. A cool, wet nose does not necessarily mean the dog is healthy, and a dry, warm nose doesn't necessarily mean he's sick. Taking his temperature is a better indication of illness.

Mouth, Teeth and Gums - Healthy gums are firm and pink, black, or spotted, just like the dog's skin. Young dogs have smooth white teeth that tend to darken with age. Puppies have 23 baby teeth and adults have around 42 permanent teeth, depending on the breed. As adult teeth come in, they push baby teeth out of the mouth.

To check your dog's mouth, talk to him gently, then put your hand over the muzzle and lift up the sides of his mouth. Check that adult teeth are coming in as they should, and not being crowded by baby teeth. Make sure the gums are healthy and the breath is not foul-smelling. Look for soft white matter or hard white, yellow, or brown matter. This is plaque or tartar and should be brushed away. Mouth infections can lead to serious problems in the gums and other parts of the body, including the heart, so it's important to give your dog's teeth and mouth special attention.

Temperature - A dog's normal temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celcius). To take your dog's temperature, you'll need a rectal thermometer. Put some petroleum jelly on the bulb of the thermometer. Ask someone to hold your dog's head while you lift his tail and insert the thermometer about an inch or so into the rectum. Do not let go of the thermometer. Hold it in until the temperature is read (about 3 minutes for a mercury thermometer), and then remove gently.

Heartbeat and Pulse - Because dogs come in a wide range of sizes, their heartbeats vary. A normal heart beats from 50 to 130 times a minute in a resting dog. Puppies and small dogs have faster speeds, and large dogs in top condition have slower heartbeats. To check your dog's heartbeat, place your fingers over the left side of the chest, where you can feel the strongest beat. To check the pulse, which is the same speed as the heartbeat, press gently on the inside of the top of the hind leg. There is an artery there and the skin is thin, so it's easy to feel the pulse.

Elimination - Urine is a good indicator of a dog's health, and should be clear yellow. Most adult dogs have one or two bowel movements a day. Stools should be brown and firm. Runny, watery, or bloody stools, straining, or too much or too little urination warrant a call to the veterinarian.

Weight - A healthy dog's weight is the result of the balance between diet and exercise. If he is getting enough nutritious food and exercise but still seems over- or underweight, he may have a health problem. Don't let your dog get fat by giving him too many between-meal snacks; obese dogs often develop serious health problems. The best way to tell if your dog is overweight is to feel his rib-cage area. You should be able to feel the ribs below the surface of the skin without much padding.

Vaccinations
Regular vaccinations from your veterinarian can keep your dog from getting serious and sometimes fatal illnesses such as distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, coronavirus, and rabies. A vaccination is also available for kennel cough, a respiratory problem that affects young dogs or dogs exposed to many other dogs.

A puppy's first vaccines ideally should be given at five or six weeks of age and continue over a period of several weeks, up to sixteen weeks. Afterward, yearly booster shots provide the protection your dog will need. Be sure to stick to the schedule your veterinarian gives you to insure immunity.

Spaying or Neutering Your Dog
Unless you know you are going to show your dog, it is best to have your female spayed or your male neutered. Spaying or neutering is a fail-safe method of birth control.

A spay operation removes the female dog's ovaries and uterus. A spayed female will not come into season two or three times a year, as unspayed females do. She will not attract male dogs from miles around, she will not discharge on rugs, sofas, or bedding, and she will not be prone to diseases such as pyometra (uterine infection) and mammary cancer.

A neutered male cannot breed successfully. His desire to roam in search of females will be reduced, and he may be less aggressive in defending his territory. Also, he will be less susceptible to prostate cancer. Apart from these benefits, spaying or neutering will not change your dog's personality.

When to Call the Vet
You should alert your veterinarian if your dog exhibits any unusual behavior, including the following symptoms:

Vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urination for more than twelve hours.
Fainting.
Loss of balance, staggering, falling.
Constipation or straining to urinate.
Runny eyes or nose.
Persistent scratching at eyes or ears.
Thick discharge from eyes, ears, nose, or sores.
Coughing or sneezing.
Difficulty breathing, prolonged panting.
Shivering.
Whining for no apparent reason.
Loss of appetite for 24 hours or more.
Weight loss.
Dramatic increase in appetite for 24 hours or more.
Increased restlessness.
Excessive sleeping or unusual lack of activity.
Limping, holding, or protecting part of the body.
Excessive drinking of water.

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Pet Care in Winter

2008-12-22T23:00:11Z

Winter Pet Care

Cold weather can be hard on pets, just like it can be hard on people. Sometimes owners forget that their pets are just as accustomed to the warm shelter of the indoors as they are. Some owners will leave their animals outside for extended periods of time, thinking that all animals are adapted to live outdoors.

Housing:
It is best to keep pets indoors during the winter months, but if this is not possible, outdoor pets must be provided with shelter. Their home should be elevated off the ground to prevent moisture accumulation and have a door of some kind to keep out winter winds, sleet, and snow.

Shelters should be insulated or heated. Water sources may be heated to permit constant access to unfrozen water; thermal units designed specifically for this purpose are readily available. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm.

Feed your pet according to its needs when the temperature drops. In severely cold or inclement weather, no pet should be kept outside. Indoor pets should have sleeping quarters in a draft-free, warm area with their bed or mattress elevated slightly off the floor.

This can put their pets in danger of serious illness. There are things you can do to keep your animal warm and safe.

Take your animals for a winter check-up before winter kicks in. Your veterinarian can check to make sure they don't have any medical problems that will make them more vulnerable to the cold.

Keep your pets inside as much as you can when the mercury drops. If you have to take them out, stay outside with them. When you're cold enough to go inside, they probably are too. If you absolutely must leave them outside for a significant length of time, make sure they have a warm, solid shelter against the wind, thick bedding, and plenty of non-frozen water. Try leaving out a hot water bottle, wrapped in a towel so it won't burn your pet's skin.

Some animals can remain outside safely longer in the winter than others. In some cases, it's just common sense: long-haired breeds like Huskies will do better in cold weather than short-haired breeds like Dachshunds. Cats and small dogs that have to wade shoulder-deep in the snow will feel the cold sooner than larger animals. Your pet's health will also affect how long she can stay out. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances can compromise a pet's ability to regulate her own body heat. Animals that are not generally in good health shouldn't be exposed to winter weather for a long period of time. Very young and very old animals are vulnerable to the cold as well. Regardless of their health, though, no pets should stay outside for unlimited amounts of time in freezing cold weather. If you have any questions about how long your pet should be out this winter, ask your veterinarian.

Roaming cats: Cats will curl up against almost anything to stay warm--including car engines. Cats caught in moving engine parts can be seriously hurt or killed. Before you turn your engine on, check beneath the car or make a lot of noise by honking the horn or rapping on the hood. Roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside.

If you live near a pond or lake, be very cautious about letting your rambunctious dog off the leash. Animals can easily fall through the ice, and it is very difficult for them to escape on their own. If you must let your dogs loose near open water, stay with them at all times.

If you light a fire or plug in a space heater to keep your home toasty warm, remember that the heat will be as attractive to your pets as to you. As your dog or cat snuggles up to the warmth, keep an eye out to make sure that no tails or paws come in contact with flames, heating coils, or hot surfaces. Pets can either burn themselves or knock a heat source over and put the entire household in danger.

It's a good idea to have your furnace checked for carbon monoxide leakage before you turn it on, both for your pets' health and your own. Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, but it can cause problems ranging from headaches and fatigue to trouble breathing. Pets generally spend more time in the home than owners, particularly in the winter, so they are more vulnerable to monoxide poisoning than the rest of the family.

Frostbite and snow removal salt: Pets that go outside can pick up rock salt, ice, and chemical ice melts in their foot pads. To keep your pet's pads from getting chapped and raw, wipe her feet with a washcloth when she comes inside. This will also keep her from licking the salt off her feet, which could cause an inflammation of her digestive tract. Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough. Apply warm, moist towels to thaw out frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears flushed.

Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further care. Snow removal products should be stored out of the reach of pets and small children as their toxicity varies considerably.

If left alone outside, dogs and cats can be very resourceful in their search for warm shelter. They can dig into snow banks or hide under porches or in dumpsters, window wells, or cellars, and they can occasionally get trapped. Watch them closely when they are loose outdoors, and provide them with quality, easily accessible shelter.

Keep an eye on your pet's water. Sometimes owners don't realize that a water bowl has frozen and their pet can't get anything to drink. Animals that don't have access to clean, unfrozen water are more likely to drink out of puddles or gutters, which can be polluted with oil, antifreeze, household cleaners, and other chemicals.

Be particularly gentle with elderly and arthritic pets during the winter. The cold can leave their joints extremely stiff and tender, and they may become more awkward than usual. Stay directly below these pets when they are climbing stairs or jumping onto furniture; consider modifying their environment to make it easier for them to get around. Make sure they have a thick, soft bed in a warm room for the chilly nights. Also, watch stiff and arthritic pets if you walk them outside; a bad slip on the ice could be very painful and cause a significant injury.
Go ahead and put that sweater on Princess, if she'll put up with it. It will help a little, but you can't depend on it entirely to keep her warm. Pets lose most of their body heat from the pads of their feet, their ears, and their respiratory tract. The best way to guard your animals against the cold is keeping a close eye on them to make sure they're comfortable.

When you're outside with your pets during the winter, you can watch them for signs of discomfort with the cold. If they whine, shiver, seem anxious, slow down or stop moving, or start to look for warm places to burrow, they're saying they want to get back someplace warm.

You can also keep an eye out for two serious conditions caused by cold weather. The first and less common of the two is frostbite. Frostbite happens when an animal's (or a person's) body gets cold and pulls all the blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm. The animal's ears, paws, or tail can get cold enough that ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage it. The tricky thing about frostbite is that it's not immediately obvious. The tissue doesn't show signs of the damage to it for several days.

If you suspect your pet may have frostbite, bring her into a warm environment right away. You can soak her extremities in warm water for about 20 minutes to melt the ice crystals and restore circulation. It's important that you don't rub the frostbitten tissue, however--the ice crystals can do a lot of damage to the tissue. Once your pet is warm, wrap her up in some blankets and take her to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can assess the damage and treat your pet for pain or infection if necessary.

Hypothermia, or a body temperature that is below normal, is a condition that occurs when an animal is not able to keep her body temperature from falling below normal. It happens when animals spend too much time in cold temperatures, or when animals with poor health or circulation are exposed to cold. In mild cases, animals will shiver and show signs of depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition progresses, an animal's muscles will stiffen, her heart and breathing rates will slow down, and she will stop responding to stimuli.

If you notice these symptoms, you need to get your pet warm and take her to your veterinarian. You can wrap her in blankets, possibly with a hot water bottle or an electric blanket--as always, wrapped in fabric to prevent against burning the skin. In severe cases, your veterinarian can monitor her heart rate and blood pressure and give warm fluids through an IV.

Winter can be a beautiful time of year. It can be a dangerous time as well, but it certainly doesn't have to be. If you take some precautions, you and your pet can have a fabulous time taking in the icicles, the snow banks, and the warm, glowing fire at the end of the day.

Toxic plants and holiday/winter products:
Plants and other items associated with the winter and holiday season can be toxic to your pets. What follows is a general guide. Please consult your veterinarian, animal poison control, and the manufacturer for specifics. Remember, the earlier you seek treatment, the better for your pet!

Low toxicity -- poinsettia leaves/stems; balsam/pine/cedar/fir; angel hair (spun glass); Christmas tree preservatives; snow sprays/snow flock; tree ornaments; super glue; styrofoam; icicles (tinsel); and crayons/paints.

Moderate toxicity -- fireplace colors/salts; plastic model cement Moderate to high toxicity holly berries and leaves; bubbling lights (methylene chloride); snow scenes (may contain salmonella); aftershaves/perfumes/alcoholic beverages; and chocolate (dark is more toxic than milk).

Highly toxic -- mistletoe (especially berries); expoxy adhesives; and antifreeze. Please note that some items have special problems. For example, whereas angel hair is usually considered to be of low toxicity, it can irritate eyes, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract; the content of Christmas tree preservatives varies and often effects depend upon the amount ingested; styrofoam, small parts from Christmas tree ornaments and toys, as well as tinsel, can cause mechanical obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract; snow flock can cause problems if sprayed into the mouth and inhaled; and chocolate, of any type, should never be given to a pet. Antifreeze deserves special mention because even a very small amount can be rapidly fatal to pets.

Other holiday concerns:
If you plan to take your pet with you during holiday visits, make sure that your pet is welcome first (with all the activity, it may be better to board your pet or hire a pet sitter). Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty food scraps, bones from fish, pork, and poultry, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate, can be harmful or toxic to pets. Do not allow friends and relatives to give your pet special treats it could ruin everyone's holiday (including your veterinarian's). Do not allow pets to play with ribbons, yarn, or six-pack beverage holders and don't put ribbons or yarn around your pet's neck. If you want to decorate your pet, invest in a holiday collar. These last for many years, are more attractive, and are a lot safer! Cover or tack down electrical cords.

PetiCare Supermarket of Pet Products for Dogs and Cats
Online pet shop directory of pet services, a one stop shop for pet lovers!

Hunting Dog Supplies

2008-12-20T23:37:59Z

No one said owning a pet is an easy thing. Our pets are completely dependent upon us for their care. If we decide to bring them home, then we owe it to them to give them the care they deserve.

According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, the breakdown of pet ownership in the United States is as follows: Number of U.S. Households that Own a Pet (millions) Cat -- 38.4 / Dog -- 44.8 Total U.S. Pet Industry Expenditures (billions) 2007 -- $40.8 Estimated

If you have a hunting dog we put together the best pet product suppliers into one convenient online supermarket offering a complete selection of pet-related products and services.

With this in mind, let’s explore the wonderful arena of pet care products - Pet Insurance, healthcare, grooming, nutritionals, natural treats, toys and more!

PetiCare Supermarket of Pet Products for Dogs and Cats
Online pet shop directory of pet services, a one stop shop for pet lovers!

This site does not sell products directly but is affiliated with all individual pet product or pet service suppliers featured.

Because of our affiliation the product suppliers that are featured on this site offer discounts thereby, giving you the best prices available.

To continue saving we suggest you bookmark our site to continue receiving the the best prices on future purchases.

We hope you enjoy our site and always appreciate your support, suggestions and comments.

We feel that pets provide a benefit to humans that is not matched by anything else.

Only one pet serves us by choice – the dog. Dogs have been man’s companion since 15,000 years ago. They were first domesticated from wolves. As pack animals, they display certain pack instincts, such as loyalty and devotion, which of course make them the perfect companion, the perfect best friend.

We have Dog Supplies, Dog Beds, Dog Clothes, Collars, Dog Carriers, Treats, Chew Toys & More..

Training Your Puppy to Sit and Stay

2008-12-19T19:36:00Z

Puppy's can learn to "Sit and Stay"

"Sit" and "stay" are usually the first commands a puppy learns. You'll use these commands everyday and everywhere. In this article, you'll learn how to train your puppy to sit and stay on command.

Prepare For Training
For your training time, choose a quiet place with few distractions. This will help your puppy focus. Keep your training sessions short, working with your puppy's short attention span.

Grab a handful of treats. Five or six tiny pieces of meat will be enough. Give commands in an excited tone of voice. Only give the command once. If you repeat a command, your puppy will learn to wait for you to say it a few times before he gives you the behavior.
Start sessions with a review before moving on to new commands. End with a success. Make training a game and have fun. If you feel frustrated, take a break and try again later in the day.

Get the Behavior
First, get the behavior. Then, give it a name. Begin with your puppy in front of you, facing you. You are going to 'lure' him into a sitting position. Hold the treat to his nose. Slowly lift the treat straight up until your puppy's nose is pointing at the ceiling. Then slowly move the treat back over his head toward his tail. As his head goes back, his rear will go down.

The moment his rear touches the ground, say "Good!" or "Yes!". By doing this you are "marking the behavior". He might get up when you say "good". That's fine. Give him a treat and praise him. Try it a few more times.

Some puppies will back up without sitting. If this happens, move to a spot close to a wall or a big piece of furniture. Are you moving the treat too quickly? Slow it down. If you're still having problems getting your puppy to sit, break the behavior down into smaller sections. Reward him when his nose is straight up. Then, when he starts to sit. And finally, reward for a complete "sit".

Give It a Name
After a few sessions, your puppy will begin to sit as soon as you lift the treat. Now it's time to name the behavior. With your puppy in front of you, hold the treat behind your back. Say "Sit" and wait about 3 seconds. If he sits, say "good", reward and praise him. If not, put the treat to his nose and lure him into a "sit". Then say "good", reward and praise him. Try it again. After a few tries, he should be sitting on command.

Adding "Stay"
Start by waiting a second before saying "good". Increase your time by one second until your puppy is "staying" for 5 seconds without getting up. If he gets up before you say "good", no reward. Your puppy must wait until you say "good" before he gets up.

If he continues to pop up too soon, you might be moving too fast. Shorten the wait time and practice it a few more times before moving on. This is where patience pays off. Resist the urge to move too quickly.

When your puppy will wait for 5 seconds, it's time to add the command. Have him "sit". Say "stay" and wait a few seconds. If he stays, say "good", reward and praise him. If he gets up too soon, no reward. Try it again.

Finally, watch your body language. Your puppy can anticipate the end of a behavior by reading your unconscious body language.

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Bird Hunting Dogs

2008-12-16T20:00:00Z

My favorite Bird Hunting Dogs are the most famous bird hunting dogs in the world. The choice is up to you as the choice of a bird dog greatly depends on the hunting style.

The English Springer Spaniel has been endowed with style, enthusiasm, and an "eager to please" quality common to most spaniels. He is recognized for his ability to keep going and going under adverse hunting conditions, which is partly due to his medium-sized, powerful body.

He has long, hanging ears and a moderately long coat that can be black or liver with white, blue or liver roan, and tricolor.

The Border Collie originated in the border country between Scotland and England where the shepherds' breeding selection was based on biddable stock sense and the ability to work long days on rugged terrain. As a result of this selective breeding, the Border Collie developed the unique working style of gathering and fetching the stock with wide sweeping outruns.

The stock is then controlled with an intense gaze known as "eye", coupled with a stalking style of movement. This selective breeding over hundreds of years developed the Border Collie's intensity, energy and trainability which are features so important that they are equal to physical size and appearance.

The Border Collie has extraordinary instinct and an uncanny ability to reason. One of its greatest assets is the ability to work out of sight of its master without commands. Breeding based on this working ability has made this breed the world's premier sheep herding dog, a job the Border Collie is still used for worldwide.

Beagle – this dog is one of the most well-known scent hounds in the world due to its energy and lovely disposition. The breed was born by mixing the Harrier with other famous hounds in the Great Britain. These animals have been used in packs or alone to hunt not only pheasant but also other birds.

The Beagle is a sturdy dog and a squarely-built hardy small hound that has a quite easy-care and sleek short coat. This coat can come in any hound color, take for example the following possibilities: tri-color, black & tan, red & white, orange & white or lemon & white.

The Beagle is similar in appearance with the English Foxhound. The dog has a square shaped muzzle that is straight and the skull is broad and a bit rounded. The Beagle hound has wide ears that are pendant and the brown or hazel eyes have an unique pleading expression.

Mountain View Cur – this breed was developed for a long period of time and entire generations of very strict selection and also line breeding, starting with the original Mountain Cur were born.

In the present, these dogs are known to be the purebreds but also thoroughbreds of the cur dog world due to the uniformity as an entire breed, a truly remarkable bird hunting breed that is used for almost all bird hunting expeditions in the world.

The main reason for this is because the breed is very healthy with no genetic deformities, making them almost perfect. Why they are so good at bird hunting? The answer is quite simple, because they are very fast and agile, that is exactly what you need on a bird hunting adventure. They need a lot of exercise to drain that great amount of stamina as they are a very active breed.

Golden Retriever – this dog was first developed in the British Isles by combining a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, a rather light-coated Tweed Water Spaniel, a Bloodhound, the Newfoundland and other spaniels, a truly complicated procedure. When the dog saw the daylight it was known as the Golden Flat-Coat and got famous thanks to its bird hunting abilities, making him one of the most popular bird hunting dogs along with the already presented Mountain View Cur.

The Golden Retriever is quite a sturdy and extremely beautiful dog with a very well-proportioned body and a lovely gold colored coat. The Retriever’s outer coat is water-repellent and the undercoat is quite dense. The Retriever has a head which is broad with a wide and extremely powerful tapering muzzle. The dog has a scissors bite and a clear frontal stop. The dog has a black nose and his brown with dark rims eyes have a kind and peaceful expression.

The American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States as an all-around hunting dog, bred to retrieve from skiff or canoes and work ground with relative ease. The American Water Spaniel is an active muscular dog, medium in size with a marcel to curly coat. Emphasis is placed on proper size and a symmetrical relationship of parts, texture of coat and color.

The American Water Spaniel has a crisp-textured, tightly cured coat lined with a protective undercoat. The coat colors can be liver/chocolate and sometimes the dogs can have a small white spot on their chest. The dog has a medium-length muzzle that is smooth and square. The American Water Spaniel has either a black or dark nose and an eye color that should match the coat color ( shades of brown/hazel ).

Your dog will rely on you to keep him in good health. A proper diet, regular exercise and grooming, and routine check-ups at the veterinarian will help keep your dog in top form.

When to Call the Vet
You should alert your veterinarian if your dog exhibits any unusual behavior, including the following symptoms:

Vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urination for more than twelve hours.
Fainting.
Loss of balance, staggering, falling.
Constipation or straining to urinate.
Runny eyes or nose.
Persistent scratching at eyes or ears.
Thick discharge from eyes, ears, nose, or sores.
Coughing or sneezing.
Difficulty breathing, prolonged panting.
Shivering.
Whining for no apparent reason.
Loss of appetite for 24 hours or more.
Weight loss.
Dramatic increase in appetite for 24 hours or more.
Increased restlessness.
Excessive sleeping or unusual lack of activity.
Limping, holding, or protecting part of the body.
Excessive drinking of water.

Only one pet serves us by choice – the dog. Dogs have been man’s companion since 15,000 years ago. They were first domesticated from wolves. As pack animals, they display certain pack instincts, such as loyalty and devotion, which of course make them the perfect companion, the perfect best friend.

Three of the best hunting dogs

2008-12-16T16:14:19Z

Mountain View Cur – this breed was developed for a long period of time and entire generations of very strict selection and also line breeding, starting with the original Mountain Cur were born. In the present, these dogs are known to be the purebreds but also thoroughbreds of the cur dog world due to the uniformity as an entire breed, a truly remarkable bird hunting breed that is used for almost all bird hunting expeditions in the world.

We presented only three of the most famous bird hunting dogs in the world but you must know that there are others as well, like the American Water Spaniel, the Border Collie or the English Springer Spaniel, the choice is up to you as the choice of a bird dog greatly depends on the hunting style.

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Should you buy a puppy or an adult dog?

2008-12-15T21:12:44Z

Are you considering a canine companion, a hound to have around, or a puppy pal? There are pros and cons to considering puppies vs. adult dogs. Puppies are great fun, but plenty of work. Puppies need a great deal of attention, much more care and training and lots and lots of play time. Puppies cannot be left alone as long as adult dogs.

They must be watched at all times or kept in a secure place such as a crate when you can't watch them. They need frequent trips outside to relieve themselves; they eat several times a day. An advantage of having a puppy is you train and socialize the dog right from the beginning. A puppy will quickly bond with family members.

Your house will have to be child protected with latches on cabinets where potentially dangerous things like cleaning supplies are kept. Puppies are curious and explore everywhere, often by chewing. New pups often have difficulty adapting to being away from their litter mates and your sleep will be interrupted for the first days after you bring him home.

Housebreaking a puppy can be a messy chore. You have to be patient when the puppy makes mistakes. The good thing about a puppy is he is a blank slate: he can be trained and socialized so he is a perfect fit with your family. You don't have to worry about breaking him of bad habits.

An alternative is adopting an adult dog from a shelter or foster home, or breed rescue organization. An older dog is usually already housebroken and can be left alone for longer periods of time. With an adult dog, you know right away what you're getting in terms of: the size of the dog, the temperament, the activity level and personality. What you don't know is the dog's past, what may have happened that led the dog to be in a situation of being rescued or abandoned.

Adult dogs sometimes have developed behavioral issues because of past neglect or abuse. It may take time for you and your new adult dog to develop mutual trust. Some adult dogs can be nervous or have separation anxiety when introduced into a new home.

Treat an adult dog with respect and affection. Talk softly and don't move suddenly until you know your new canine companion and he knows you.

Don't make the mistake of treating adult toy dogs, like Miniature Schnauzers, as puppies. They're not. Some small dogs don't realize they're little (just like some Great Danes think they're lap dogs). Toy dogs should be house broken and well behaved just like their bigger cousins.

Many well-trained, sociable dogs are available for adoption, however, and you can certainly find one that will fit right into your household with minimal stress or period of adjustment. Just remember to give the dog extra care, attention and love when he first comes into your home. If he feels completely welcome and loved, he is bound to make a smoother transition.

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