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When Your Pet Dies???

Peticare — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:19:55 GMT

Grief upon the loss of a pet is a normal response, and a very individual one. For some people, grieving for a pet who has died may be a more difficult process than grieving for a human loved one. One reason is that the support network of understanding and caring people may be smaller.

If a person has lost a human loved one, the friends, family, co-workers, etc., will all be understanding. They may send cards, flowers, and offer food and companionship. This is often not the case when a pet dies. A funeral or memorial service for the deceased person will bring people together to provide mutual support and a sense of closure.

Again, in most cases, this does not occur upon the death of a pet. Hurtful comments such as 'Don't be so upset,' 'It was only a cat,' and 'You can get another one,' may add to the grief and feeling of isolation and loneliness.

Stages of grief

We know that grieving is a complex process which includes a number of stages. These stages include: denial, bargaining, anger, sadness, and resolution. The stages may come in a recognized sequence or they may appear as a complex series of emotions and feelings.
The length of each stage varies with each person, and often among cultures.

Some people may return to a particular stage, such as anger, time and again. Others may reach resolution quite quickly. It does not mean they loved their pet any less, it is just their individual reaction to their loss. In most instances, the grieving process may continue for a few months to almost a year.

Denial: When we hear bad news, some of us have a tendency to deny it. We think it really is not true, that we did not 'hear it right,' or 'it cannot be as bad as that.' This is a defensive mechanism we use in an attempt to insulate ourselves from the emotional trauma we are, or are going to, experience.

Bargaining: When a human loved one is dying, many people may want to 'bargain' with God. If you let my loved one live, then I will... Although this is not as common when a pet dies, many people still experience this stage of grief. Owners of a dying pet may also experience a different type of bargaining such as telling their pet, 'If you recover, I will never scold you again.'

Anger: Anger is a common stage of grief that follows denial. Anger may be towards others such as the veterinarian or another family member. It may also be directed towards oneself in the form of guilt. We may say, 'If I had only brought her to the veterinarian sooner, she would be okay.' Some owners may feel angry at the pet for leaving them alone.

Sorrow and Sadness: Sadness is the stage we most often think of as grief. For many people, losing a pet may be one of the saddest experiences they will ever have. We mourn our loss. We may find it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate. We may not want to be around other people; but in reality, this is when we need understanding people the most. Talking to someone who understands our grief is a way to help the healing process begin. Caring people there can listen and help. If you do not know of anyone to talk to, you may wish to call a pet loss hotline. There are also books available written by people who understand the pain of losing a pet.

Resolution: Resolution is the final stage of the grieving process. At this point, we are able to accept that our wonderful friend has died. We start focusing on the wonderful memories we have and the times we enjoyed together. At this point, we may consider looking for a new pet, not to replace our lost friend, but to have someone to enjoy life with. There still may be times when we experience deep sadness, anger, or guilt at our loss, but we can recover from these times faster, and look forward rather than backward.

In addition to these stages, other emotional reactions may be seen. People can experience shock if the death of their pet was sudden and unanticipated, and may experience an emotional numbness. If a pet is missing, the uncertainty of what may have happened to the pet can produce worry and anxiety. When a pet disappears, children may be especially fearful of becoming lost or separated from their family.

Ambiguous loss

In an ambiguous loss, the whereabouts or cause of death of the pet is unknown. The pet may have run away or been stolen, or the owner may have needed to surrender the pet to a humane shelter. In these situations, there is seldom any 'closure.' The owner does not know when or if the pet has died, or if lost, whether the pet will ever come back. As a result, when to stop searching and when to start the grieving process are unsure. There may also be additional guilt associated with this type of loss.

How grief is expressed

In the book, The Human-Animal Bond and Grief, the authors describe five manifestations of grief.

Physical: Crying, nausea and loss of appetite, inability to sleep, fatigue, restlessness, and body aches and stiffness are typical manifestations of grief.

Intellectual: When grieving, people often experience an inability to concentrate, confusion, and a sense that time is passing very slowly.

Emotional: As described above, many emotions can be expressed in the course of the grieving process. Irritability, a lowered sense of self-worth, resentment, and embarrassment are also common feelings.

Social: Some grieving people often withdraw, may be reluctant to ask for help, and feel rejected by others. Others may show an increased dependency on other people, or an increased need to 'keep busy' and overcommit to activities.

Spiritual: The death of a pet may result in a person bargaining or feeling angry with God. The grieving person may try to find some meaningful interpretation of the death, and question what happens to pets after they die and whether pets have souls.

Help and healing

It has been shown that when grief can be expressed, the time needed for healing is often less. Similarly, if the expression of grief is restricted or withheld, the healing process may take much longer.

In addition to talking with others, to do something often helps us work through our grief. By doing something positive during this time of sadness, we expand our focus by celebrating the life of the pet. Activities which may help include:

Planting flowers or a tree in memory of the pet
Making a charitable donation
Holding a funeral or memorial service
Drawing a picture, making a clay sculpture or doing needlework of something that reminds you of your pet (you could do this yourself, or have it done by a professional)
Placing your pet's nametag on your keyring
Writing a poem, song, or story
Composing music or a song
Creating a memorial photo album or scrap book
Writing a letter to your pet
Framing a photograph
Volunteering your time

People who have a pet who has died need to talk to someone. Often family members and friends are very supportive, but in some instances, they may not understand how important your pet was to you. It is important to find someone who does understand.

There are certain circumstances which can intensify the grief. If a person has recently suffered other losses, feels responsible for the death, or has never fully grieved an earlier death, the grieving process is often more complex. If the pet died of a disease similar to one which the owner or a loved one currently has or has had in the past, the grief can also be compounded.

If the pet has shared a significant event in the owner's life e.g.; was a gift from a spouse, the pet alerted the owner of a fire or otherwise 'rescued' the owner, or the pet has 'gotten them through' a difficult period in their life, grief can be compounded. When the pet was a significant source of support for the person, e.g., the person lived alone, adjusting to the death of the pet may be extremely difficult.

In some instances, when the pet dies, the owner also loses a significant activity. For instance, when a working dog dies, the owner has lost not only a pet, but a co-worker, someone who has shared activities with the owner many hours of the day. People who lose an assistance dog may lose their independence and the ability to even perform simple daily activities.

Some children or adolescents cannot remember life without the pet. For them, too, loss of the pet may be especially difficult, and professional help may be indicated.

In all of these situations, talking to a professional experienced in grief counseling (bereavement counselors, clergy, social workers, physicians, psychologists) is often advised and can assist the healing process. Support groups, pet loss hotlines, and books on pet loss can also be helpful.

When a child's pet dies

Always be honest regarding the death of a pet. You do not have to discuss all the details, but the child needs to understand what is going on. A child will find out the truth in the end and may become less trusting of the parent, or feel betrayed if not told the truth. The child should be able to participate in the arrangements.

If the pet is to be buried, the child should always be given the option to be there. Burying the pet without the child's knowledge can, again, make the entire grieving process more difficult for the child, and make the child less trusting of his parents at a time when he really needs them.

If at all possible, prepare the child ahead of time for the death. Mementos can be very important for children, and they may want some pictures of them and the pet, a plaster cast of the pet's foot, etc.

Many factors can contribute to how a child will feel when their pet dies. The child's age and maturity are important factors. As with older people, the relationship the child had with the pet, the circumstances of the pet's death, and other events or losses the child has experienced will influence the grieving process. The ability of the parents and others to provide support will also play an important role in helping the child work through the grief.

Some generalities on how children may respond differently to the loss of a pet, as related to age are discussed below.

Infants and Children up to two years: Infants and very young children may not understand the death of a pet, but they are very aware of the tension and change in emotional state of those around them. Reassuring them by hugging and holding them, and keeping the household routine as normal as possible will help.

Toddlers and Pre-school Children: In general, children under 7 years of age do not understand that death is permanent. They will need help in understanding the pet will not wake up or come home. Do not try to hide a pet's illness or death from a child. They are often the first to sense that something is wrong. Trying to isolate them from a pet's death may cause them to feel abandonment or betrayal, and takes away their right to say good-bye. Help them to know it is okay to ask questions (they usually have many) and feel sad. Even children at the age of two can experience feelings of grief and sorrow. Underplaying the significance of a pet's death may result in a child feeling no one would care if she, too, died.

School-age children: Children between the ages of 7 and 12 can understand the permanence of death. They may ask many questions about how and why the pet died. Children over 12 years of age (adolescents) may have a very difficult time recovering from grief and may not be open about how much emotional pain they are experiencing. Adolescents should not be put in the position of having to take on extra responsibilities such as caring for siblings during this time of crisis.

Euthanasia: Euthanizing a pet can result in considerable confusion for a young child. In explaining euthanasia, simply explain that a painless injection of a powerful medication is given to the pet, which allows the pet to die and not suffer. In general, children under the age of eight are too young to be present when their pet is euthanized. If a child is going to be present at a euthanasia, it is best to have a pre-euthanasia session with the veterinarian to explain what will happen. At this point, it can be determined if it is better for the child not to be present during the euthanasia, but instead, to be invited into the room immediately afterwards.

The words 'put to sleep' or 'went away' should not be used with young children, since it may cause them to feel even more confused. They may fear falling asleep themselves, because they think they may not wake up. Some children become terrified if they are told they are going to be 'put to sleep' before surgery. Or they may feel abandoned and that their pet did not love them and therefore ran away.

If financial considerations played a role in the decision to euthanize a pet, the child may believe her parents would not be able to take care of her if she became ill. In these situations, reassure the child that she will always be cared for. The child should also be told that the injection the pet received is not the same as what she receives at the pediatrician.

Expressing feelings: Young children are less able to express their feelings in words and are more likely to 'act out' what they feel. They may show anger or aggression in various situations that do not seem connected to the animal's death. They may start displaying regressive behavior such as bed-wetting and thumb-sucking.

They may experience separation anxiety or complain about not feeling well. Activities such as those described above may help the child work through their feelings. Children of this age may think it was something they did or thought that caused their pet to die, and blame themselves. Even if they do not express it, it is often helpful to reassure the child that he/she was not responsible for the death of the pet.

Pet loss and the elderly

For many elderly people, their pet is their sole companion, and some will say, their only reason to live. Many elderly do not have a strong support system and live alone, away from family. They are at a time in their lives when they are experiencing the deaths of friends their same age. Their pet may become the sole focus of their attention and affection. Their entire daily routine may revolve around their pet.

For some older people, their pet may be their last link to the past, and the loss of the pet can trigger grief over previous losses. Their pet may also have been a source of security, barking at strangers or accompanying them on walks.

Elderly people may experience more guilt when their pets die. If they are on fixed incomes and have few financial reserves, not being able to pay for expensive treatments can add a sense of failure to the deep grief of losing a pet. They may also have put off visits to the veterinarian because of transportation or financial constraints, and blame themselves for not getting the pet examined sooner.

Whereas younger people are often able to get a new pet, the elderly may not be in a position to do so. Housing restrictions, financial considerations, transportation problems, and their own health and expected life span may contribute to their decision that they cannot get another pet. Especially if they have had a pet during most of their life, this can be an extremely traumatic time.

Should I get another pet?

When or if you should get another pet varies with the individual and the choice is a personal one. Some people may want to find a new pet almost immediately. Sometimes they may have unrealistic expectations of the new pet, especially if they are getting a young, rambunctious animal after an older, mature one has died.

Others need longer to work through their grief before they are physically and emotionally ready for another pet. In either case, we all know you are not replacing your pet, but finding another animal with whom you can share life. Some people may find it is just not possible for them to have another pet. You need to do what is right for you.

In general, you should give children some time before getting another pet. Getting a pet too soon may cause the child to feel guilty or disloyal, and they may have difficulty bonding to the new pet. The child may also think that if something happened to them, they would soon be forgotten and a substitute would be found. They need to understand that friendships cannot immediately be replaced.

Do animals grieve?

We all know of animals who have stopped eating, playing, or interacting when another pet in the household has died. They are experiencing a loss of their own, plus they often sense the owner's sorrow as well. After a pet dies, we can help the other pets in the household by keeping their routines as unchanged as possible. Increasing their activity through going for walks or playing with toys may be helpful. This will not only benefit your pet, but help you too.

If they are acting depressed or are not eating, be careful not to reinforce or reward their behavior. Giving them extra attention or different food when they behave this way may actually cause them to start using those behaviors as ways to obtain more attention or get special treats. The book, When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals by Susan McCarthy and Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson discusses the many emotions of animals and you may find it an interesting and valuable resource.

References and Further Reading

Beck, A; Katcher, A. Between Pets and People. Purdue University Press. West Lafayette, IN; 1996.

Carmack, Betty J. Grieving the Death of a Pet. Augsbur Fortress Publishers; 2003.

DeNayer, S; Downing, R. Ease their pain: A soothing approach to euthanasia cases. Firstline. 1998; (April/May):14-18.

Hart, AH; Hart, BL; Mader, B. Humane euthanasia and companion animal death: Caring for the animal, the client, and the veterinarian. Journal of the American Veterinary Association. 1990; 197(10):1292-1299.

Lagoni, L; Butler, C. Children and pet loss. Perspectives. 1994; (July/August):43-48.

Lagoni, L; Butler, C. Facilitating euthanasia decisions. The Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 1994; (Nov):1469-1475, 1489.

Lagoni, L; Butler, C; Hetts, S. The Human-Animal Bond and Grief. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1994.

Rosenberg, MA. Companion Animal Loss and Pet Owner Grief. ALPO Petfoods, Inc. Lehigh, PA; 1993.

Ross, CB; Baron-Sorenson, J. Veterinarian's Guide to Counseling Grieving Clients. American Veterinary Publications, Inc. and Veterinary Medicine Publishing Group. Lenexa, KS; 1994.

Soares, CJ. When a child's pet dies... Supplement to Veterinary Economics. 1996; (August):10-13.

Frontline Plus - Flea And Tick - Dog

Peticare — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:24:20 GMT

Your dog is a part of your family. He might be your best friend who is always there for you. Being a pet owner can be a very rewarding situation. Dogs can give companionship when you're feeling lonely, comfort when you're feeling low and love whenever you need it.

As a dog owner, you have to be able to provide food and water, shelter, exercise and of course, love. Does your dog need a yard to be happy?

Some might insist that a backyard is necessary for having a dog so that he can run around, relieve himself and play without having to leave home.

Another thing you have to keep in mind when deciding whether or not your dog is happy without a backyard is your commitment level to your dog. Keeping a dog without a backyard is certainly possible, but requires much more time, effort and maintenance. When you have a backyard, you have the chance to let your dog out to use the restroom when he may need to.

Without a yard, you have to stop and walk your dog whenever you feel he may need to potty. Also, a yard offers a place for your dog to run around and play, a place where you can throw his ball or frisbee, without this close by, you'll have to take your dog somewhere he can run around (i.e. a dog park) before you can exercise him.

Good health means being free of fleas or ticks.

Frontline Plus Dog provides total flea and tick protection for your dog. It kills up to 98-100% of all fleas within 24 hours of application.

Frontline Plus for your dog keeps on protecting your pet up to a full 30 days by ceasing all stages of tick and flea development: including ticks that cause harmful Lyme Disease.

The total life-cycle of fleas and ticks is interrupted by preventing eggs and larvae from developing again. Frontline Plus for Dogs is easily applied to your dog with a single application to the scruff of the neck to the shoulder blades.

Completely waterproof and remains active for up to a month even if your dog bathes or swims.

Frontline Plus Dog is ideal for dogs 8 weeks or older up to 22 lbs

Pampering your pet just became easier.

Peticare — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:01:25 GMT

Simply slide the Universal Pet Bed Warmer into your pet's existing bed to add warmth and comfort. Warmer heats to your pets natural body temperature.

Warmer heats to a maximum of 102 degrees to prevent over heating or panting from your pet. Plus, our warmer can provide special relief for older pets with aching joints.

We uniquely combine a padded layer, controlled therapeutic heat and the Pro-Flex(TM) safety layer, which prevents bunching and adds extra comfort within your pet's bed.

Easy to clean vinyl cover with padded layer for extra comfort. Year-round, you'll find it's great for all dogs and cats.

Some dogs need a little extra help to stay warm in the winter time. Whether your dog lives outdoors or you have a small, short coated breed, here are some ideas to help you keep your dog snug when it's cold outside.

If you have a small breed or one that has short hair, or a breed with thin skin such as an Italian Greyhound, you may want to think about buying a jacket to keep him warm. In some places you may even want to think about getting your dog a sweater during the autumn and buying something warmer when it gets colder.

When you think about getting something for your dog to wear keep in mind that it will need to be something simple and easy for you to put on your dog. If it has lots of buttons or zippers your dog may not hold still for you to get him into it.

Some dogs may need to get used to the idea of wearing clothing. In fact, some dogs don't like the idea of getting dressed up, so take your time and let your dog get used to the sensation of wearing outerwear slowly. Put his sweater or coat on for short periods each day while you can be there to supervise, in case he tries to tear it off.

Make sure you give him lots of treats. Given a little time your dog will learn to associate wearing his coat with getting treats and things will go much easier. Of course, some dogs like wearing clothes so you may have an easy time of it.

When you begin to choose clothing for your dog look for things made from durable materials than can be easily washed. Cuteness counts but it's more important to find things that will keep your dog warm and which are wash 'n wear. You may also need to look for water resistant materials if your dog will be out in wet weather or if you live where it snows.

Don't forget to learn your dog's measurements before you go shopping. You should measure your dog from the base of his neck to the root of his tail to get an idea of his length. You should also measure around his neck to know his collar size.

Don't forget to weigh him so you will have a definite idea of how much he weighs. Sometimes a pet's weight can creep up from one year to the next without being noticed and clothing may not fit around the girth. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the clothing to ensure proper fit.

For pets that live in the city or in places where there is a lot of snow you may need to consider getting them boots. This can also be a good idea for pets that walk a lot or who are older. Dog boots can protect pets from ice, snow and salt on pavement. If your dog doesn't wear boots during the winter make sure you check their paws for ice, snow and salt when they come indoors.

Check between the pads. These winter hazards can all accumulate and cause problems such as dry, cracked or irritated pads. Ingesting salt can also make your dog sick. Follow the manufacturer's advice to choose the proper size booties for your dog.

If your dog lives outside during the winter, make sure he has a good quality shelter. You can find excellent dog houses at pet supply stores and from manufacturers online. They come in a variety of styles and to fit many budgets. The key thing is to make sure they keep out the elements, such as wind, rain and snow. Don't let the opening of the shelter face the prevailing winds.

You also want to make sure that the shelter is not too large. The dog house or shelter should be large enough for the dog to enter, stand and to lie down in comfortably. Shelters that are too large allow cold air to circulate, defeating the purpose of keeping the space warm. Put down straw, a bed or several blankets in the shelter to protect your dog from the cold ground. Naturally you will want to change the bedding frequently.

Any kind of bedding you use in an outdoor shelter can get wet, and straw can also get moldy. Moldy straw can lead to other problems, such as upper respiratory problems and skin infections. That's why it's so important to keep clean bedding in an outdoor shelter for the health of your dog.

It's not a good idea to supply outdoor heat sources in a dog house or other outdoor shelter. Heaters and heating pads have cords which can be chewed or become frayed. This can lead to electrocution or fires. If you wish to heat your dog's outdoor shelter you should have it done professionally. There are heated beds available at pet stores that contain a disc that can be heated in a microwave. These would be safer to use.

Remember that during the winter you should continue to keep your dog well groomed, just as you do during the summer. Your dog's coat contains natural oils that help insulate him and provide warmth next to his skin. Keep your dog's coat brushed and free of mats and burrs. Don't forget to trim the hair between his paw pads which can pick up ice and snow. Regular grooming helps your dog handle the cold of winter and regulate his body temperature.

Your dog's metabolism may require a little extra food during winter months. If you have questions about your dog's food or other winter needs don't hesitate to discuss them with your vet. And don't forget that your dog needs access to clean, fresh water at all times, whether he lives indoors or outdoors during winter. Just because a dog spends a lot of time outside doesn't mean that he can depend on ice or snow for his liquids. In fact, many times his water sources could be frozen. Put out fresh water several times a day for y our dog.

These are just a few tips for "winterizing" your dog. We all want our pets to stay warm and safe during the winter months, whether they live indoors or outside. Don't forget to ask your veterinary professional if you have questions about your dog's health and well-being during these cold months. If you follow these tips and take appropriate care your dog will be on his way to a happy spring.

Take care of our pets as well as they take care of us. See our products and services.

www.PetManagers.com

YOUR Online "One-Stop" Pet Resource Center -- Healthcare, Grooming, Nutritional's, Natural Treats, Memorials, Toys, and More.

We also have Small Animal Supplies, Bedding, Treats, Toys, Cages, Accessories & More...

Will you please select 3 of your friends who love pets, send them a brief email and ask them to visit our pet site. We have one of the best pet sites on the Internet and want to share it with as many pet owners as we can.

Here's the link to include in your email. www.petmanagers.com

We want the best for our pets and we know you feel the same way about yours. What our pets eat has a very definite influence on how they feel and how healthy they are.

You can depend on us.

www.PetManagers.com Supermarket of Pet Products for Dogs and Cats

Dogs and Cats Benefit Humans

Peticare — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:41:00 GMT

Many dogs, especially long haired dogs, need daily combing or brushing called grooming. If you learn to comb and brush your dog gently, it will soon begin to love the attention.

And it will look and feel great! Grooming sessions are also the perfect time to look for ticks, dandruff or nails that have grown too long. Don’t forget to take your dog for his yearly booster shots.

The cat is found commonly as a human pet because of its friendship and its ability to destroy vermin, and has been associated with humans for at least 10,000 years. Pet Cats are intelligent and can be trained to obey simple commands.

Cats use many different types of vocalizations and types of body language for communication, including mewing, growling, hissing, chirping, squeaking, purring, grunting, and clicking.

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

Pets Help to Reduce Stress Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)

Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)

Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)

Pets Help to Fight Depression Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)

Take care of our pets as well as they take care of us. See our products and services.

www.PetManagers.com

YOUR Online "One-Stop" Pet Resource Center -- Healthcare, Grooming, Nutritional's, Natural Treats, Memorials, Toys, and More.

We also have Small Animal Supplies, Bedding, Treats, Toys, Cages, Accessories & More...

Here's the link to include in your email. www.petmanagers.com

We want the best for our pets and we know you feel the same way about yours. What our pets eat has a very definite influence on how they feel and how healthy they are.

You can depend on us.

www.PetManagers.com Supermarket of Pet Products for Dogs and Cats

Labradors are Great Dogs

Peticare — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:45:31 GMT

Labradors are at the moment the most popular dog in the world. They are loved by so many and found to useful in so many area's including Guide Dogs, companion animals and drug sniffing. However they are just great pets and today I want to share with you why you should have a Lab.

1. Loving. If you ever look into the eyes of a Labrador you will see that it is looking at you with pure love. When Bassy sits at the back door at looks at me I can tell that he is thinking "I love you." They are a dog that wears it emotions on its sleaves, if dogs have sleaves that is. When they get scared, hurt, or tired and you are there with them, you can just see in their eyes that they are so thankful for you being there and that they love you. Plus they are always so happy to see you when you come home.

2. They Smile. Have you ever though that a dog was smiling at you? Well when it comes to Labs, they are. They learn how mimic smiles and can happily grin at you all day. It’s a great feeling to look at your dog and see them smiling back you. It can really lift your spirits. If we are out playing, Bassy will bring back his ball and sit there grinning at me. A big, silly, happy grin. It's fantastic.

3. Great with Kids. Want to tire out the kids? Then get the toy that never runs out of energy, a Labrador. They are just bundles of exuberance wrapped up in excitement. Labs love kids and kids love Labs. A Labrador will allow itself to be hugged, prodded and poked, and still give love back. They will chase balls for hours and still want more. Bassy never tires, and often I have to sit down well before he does.

4. Great Guard Dogs. Even with their great big wonderful and beautiful floppy ears, Labradors can still hear a pin drop a mile away. They are great at guarding property. They have a great deep bark that scares would be thieves away. As soon as someone steps foot into our yard Bassy goes wild and I have had a few people tell me that he looks scary. I don't tell them he will only lick them to death, I just let them keep the illusion and let them tell their friends.

5. Loves swimming. Did you know Labrador were bread to help fishermen catch fish? True, that is why they have webbed toes. Give them any opportunity they will jump in water. So that means that when you go to the beach you can take your lab with you. In fact they will probably be in the water more than you will. Bassy loves water and will jump in anything, ever a shower.

I hope that there are enough reasons now for you to want to own a Labrador. They are wonderful, loving, kind and just great pets. They embody the belief of what you put out you get back. Labradors put out love, kindness, friendship and loyalty, and they get it back in kind.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Shadwell

Take care of our pets as well as they take care of us. See our products and services.

www.PetManagers.com

YOUR Online "One-Stop" Pet Resource Center -- Healthcare, Grooming, Nutritional's, Natural Treats, Memorials, Toys, and More.

We also have Small Animal Supplies, Bedding, Treats, Toys, Cages, Accessories & More...

Here's the link to include in your email. www.petmanagers.com

We want the best for our pets and we know you feel the same way about yours. What our pets eat has a very definite influence on how they feel and how healthy they are.

You can depend on us.

www.PetManagers.com Supermarket of Pet Products for Dogs and Cats

New Drug to Fight Cancer in Canines

Peticare — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:23:06 GMT

Pfizer Animal Health, Inc has been given the okay from
the U. S. FDA for developing the first of it's kind drug.
This new drug called Palladia, which means to provide
protection, will be used to treat a type of mast cell
cancer of the skin in dogs.

These skin cells account for about 20% of all skin
cancers in dogs. But, a large number of that percent
turn into life threatening growths on the dogs which usually
spreads to the lymph nodes.

Previously the only recourse veterinarians had to treat
cancer in animals was with approved treatments for
humans, of which studies on animals has been woefully lacking
as to the effectiveness of these treatments on animals.

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posted by Peticare | 0 Comments

Friday, October 23, 2009 7:13 PM

A Dogs Appropriate Behavior

I believe all creatures great and small have ways in which they remind themselves of what constitutes 'appropriate behavior'. See below for a list of self-help hints stolen from a strung out, crack-addicted bull dog named Henry:

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.

2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.

3. The Litter Box is not a cookie jar.

4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'.

5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.

6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.

7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying "hello".

8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table.

9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.

10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt.

11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.

12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.

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Dogs Are Good Companions

Peticare — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:12:52 GMT

Many people love dogs. This is for the reason that, dogs have the ability to bring joy to your life, entertain you and also can be a good companion for our lives.

Also they will play important roles in our lives by protecting us from thieves and even from dangers.

If you need a well behaved dog, then it is necessary to train a dog properly. This is because, dog is a social animal and it will act aggressively sometime.

It is true that dogs are like human being and they like to live in a group. This is the reason why dogs will be always faithful, playful and just fun to be around.

If you know the proper way to train it in a convincing manner then you will be able to stop your dog's from:

· The annoying habit of constantly crying, whining and barking when you leave the house.

· Stop feeling embarrassed because your dog jumps all over your visitors.

· Stop your dog from begging for food at the dining table when you have visitors over.

· Stop having problems with your loved ones, your husband, wife, friends or family because they do not like the way your dog behaves.

After training, it will put an end to all the bad behavior your dog has. In the training session, if you want your dog to listen to you it is very necessary to have an effective communication such as:

1. Sit: In the training session you should make a dog to sit when you commanded is very important.
2. Stay: After teaching the word "Sit", you should teach him stay. If he is running away from you, Stay command will helps to take a control on your dog.
3. No: The word No also have equal importance. If the dog understands this word, then dog will come to know immediately what to do or not.

When your dog finishes with the above training session and when he starts obeying your all the three words, teach him with the word "Come". The simple thing you should understand is, if you call him with a pleasant voice the dog will react quickly to it.

Also remember, when you called him "Come", and if he reacted for the first time then do not forget to admire him or give some reward.

The secret behind the dog training is that the dog will respond to positive dog training rather then negative. While conducting training instead of punishing, try to praise him. These things will make your training session very simpler.

Take care of our pets as well as they take care of us. See our products and services.

Here's the link to include in your email. www.petmanagers.com

We want the best for our pets and we know you feel the same way about yours. What our pets eat has a very definite influence on how they feel and how healthy they are.

You can depend on us.

www.PetManagers.com Supermarket of Pet Products for Dogs and Cats

A Dogs Appropriate Behavior

Peticare — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:13:55 GMT