When your dog eats, particles of food can become lodged between his teeth and the gumline. If those food particles are allowed to remain, bacteria will accumulate and plaque will form. Plaque can be removed relatively easily. However, if you don’t take steps to do so, it can turn into tartar, which is far more difficult to remove.

Unlike plaque, tartar will irritate your pooch’s gums. If it is not removed, it will cause gingivitis, which will result in inflamed or bleeding gums, and bad breath. But, the problem can become much worse. Given enough time, the amount of tartar beneath the gums can grow, forming pockets that collect bacteria. This marks the onset of periodontal disease (PD) and can eventually cause your dog to lose his teeth or suffer infection as the bacteria enters his bloodstream.

Below, we’ll describe some of the leading causes of periodontal disease in canines. We’ll also explain how veterinarians treat the problem.

What Causes The Problem?

There are several factors that play a role in the development of PD. For example, how old your dog is can have a significant influence. Because periodontal disease takes time to develop, it is most prevalent in older canines, though it also occurs in younger dogs. The texture of the foods they eat also has an impact. Harder foods are more effective for rubbing plaque off the teeth than soft, canned foods.

Smaller breeds are generally more vulnerable. Their teeth are usually positioned close together making it more difficult for the plaque to be rubbed off by harder foods or removed through brushing. The likelihood of the buildup of tartar is increased greatly if the dog's owner does not brush their teeth regularly.

Canines that suffer from periodontal disease will often paw at their gums, drool, or show a heightened sensitivity around their mouths. One of the most obvious signs of PD is also the most often overlooked: bad breath. If you notice your pooch exhibiting any of these signs, take him to a veterinarian for a dental exam.

Forms Of Treatment

Periodontal disease in canines is diagnosed in four grades from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. The treatment prescribed by a veterinarian will depend on the grade. Grades 1 and 2 will normally be treated by a thorough dental cleaning whereby any existing tartar will be removed with scalers. Grades 3 and 4 require more intensive treatment. A veterinarian might perform root planing, subgingival curettage, and even extraction of one or more teeth.

Owners should consider their dog’s oral health a priority. A minor issue such as bad breath might signal the onset of gingivitis. If it is not resolved in a timely manner, it will eventually turn into periodontal disease. However, with a regular routine of brushing and periodic dental exams, owners can help keep their canines’ teeth problems at bay.

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Does your pet dog like to leave the yard and go cruising who knows where? If your dog is one of those that takes off and leaves your property, you are going to love this advice on boundary training. Not only is it safer for your dog to stay at home, but you can relax without worrying if he’s sticking around the yard, rather than off who knows where

Boundary training your dog so he doesn’t run off to chase something or someone, or cause some other kind of mischief is just part of being a responsible pet owner. It is easy for a loose dog to find trouble or even get hurt by a car or from a fight with another loose dog. Boundary training a dog that runs loose like that, is a very good idea. Even if your puppy or dog don’t already have a problem leaving the yard and wandering off, boundary training is a smart idea-it will be much easier to train for if they have not already discovered the joys of cruising the neighborhood (looking for cats or garbage or other fun stuff). Obviously, boundary training your dog is especially important if you don’t have a fence around your yard to keep him in. I had a black Lab that used to love to chase after other dogs-not to fight,just to play, fortunately-but it used to drive me crazy that she wouldn’t come back when I called. This pointed out that I obviously had a second problem-my dog wasn’t coming on command. I’d have to stop whatever I was doing and go get her.

Eventually, I decided to teach her to stay at home. Once I took the time to train her on the boundaries of her “territory” she became really good at resisting temptation. You can get your get your dog to stay home, just by using these tips, and keeping at it until the results are good-just be patient. Boundary training is not fool-proof, but it sure beats ignoring the problem.

For the best on-line guide to training and caring for your dog,  check out Secrets to Dog Training.

Try using these simple tips to boundary train your dog to stay in his yard.

1.   Take some string or rope, and make a boundary that your dog can see around the perimeter of his area. Put your dog on the leash, and begin to take a walk around the yard- walking near the perimeter but staying a couple of feet inside the boundary. If your pet decides he wants ot go across the line, just tug on his leash to stop him, and firmly command “no”. When he comes back to you, praise him and give him his rewards-affection and a treat. If he doesn’t get it right away, don’t fret or get mad at him-just reward him for the right actions and emphasize the positive reinforcement. Try dong this several times daily for perhaps 15 minutes at a time. Your dog should pick up on the idea that he gets praise and treats for staying inside the boundary.

2. For the next step you should put your doggy on a lead about 20 feet or so long, with the idea being that your dog will not be feeling your control this way. As he cruises the yard and nears the line, be ready to tug and say no before he actually can cross the line. You will need to keep repeating this training several times daily, and be sure to reward him for listening and not crossing that boundary marker.

3. Once he seems to have the basic idea, let’s give him another test to show how well he has learned. Put some temptation across the boundary marker. Ask someone in the family or a friend (perhaps another dog?) to stand on the far side of the line. In case he gives in to temptation, make sure he is on his leash, so you can correct him before he can cross over the line.If he is not really boundary trained well yet, he may try to cross. Oh well, just return to the step before, and keep working at it-he’ll get it after enough practice. Throw a toy or his ball across the boundary-that’s a sure-fire way to test him. If your dog can stay on his side and not chase his ball or toy, he is ready to move forward with his training-off the leash.`.

4. It is now time for his final test-off leash. Have your dog get used to walking along you inside the boundary in the heel position. When you bring your dog out into the yard, get in the habit of walking him around inside the boundaries before any other activity-this will help with reinforcing the idea in your dog’s mind. So, try walking with him loose and if your dog hasn’t been boundary trained properly, he’ll cross the line. Hopefully your work has taken effect and he will stay in-if so, congratulations.

It is definitely worth taking the time, patience and effort needed to teach boundary training to your dog, especially if you don’t have a fenced yard. You will feel horrible if something happens while your dog is out running around so don’t ignore the boundary training he needs.

For some really great information on boundary training and all other behaviors you should look at Secrets to Dog Training. To find out more about this fantastic dog training book, click here. Secrets to Dog Training Review

In the same way that millions of people cope with diabetes, so too, does the disease affect canines. Specifically, the disorder is called diabetes mellitus (DM). An insulin deficiency prevents your pooch’s body from metabolizing glucose effectively. There are two varieties of DM: Type I and Type II. The former is the most prevalent type (99% of dogs with DM suffer from this type) and occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. The latter occurs when insulin is manufactured but your pooch’s body isn’t able to use it properly.

In this article, we'll describe the warning signs that may suggest your canine has developed diabetes mellitus. It is important to catch the disease early as it can be life-threatening later. We’ll also explain how the disease is diagnosed and treated as well as what you can do at home to help your dog manage the disorder.

Possible Warning Signs

The most common symptoms of DM include a marked increase in the amount of water your canine drinks and as a result, the frequency with which he urinates. You might also notice that he is losing weight even though he maintains a strong appetite. Other signs include a general apathy or decrease in physical activity and the sudden onset of blindness.

Treatment After Diagnosis

The health of your pooch can decline rapidly once diabetes mellitus develops. His body’s inability to process glucose effectively can lead to severe dehydration and other health issues. It is important that you have a veterinarian perform a full physical exam if you notice any of the warning signs described in the section above.

The veterinarian will ask you about your dog’s eating routine as well as his elimination activity. You will be asked about any recent fluctuations or changes in his weight or demeanor. Then, a urine analysis is performed to identify possible infections and review glucose levels.

Once diabetes mellitus has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will teach you how to administer daily insulin injections for your pooch. They will help create a diet and exercise regimen that will help your dog maintain a healthy weight. The level of insulin administered will probably change during the first several weeks of treatment. Most veterinarians prefer to start cautiously with small doses and increase them gradually.

What You Can Do At Home

Providing care for your dog involves administering daily insulin shots (sometimes, twice daily) as well as any other medications that your veterinarian has recommended. It's your job to make sure he is maintaining his diet and exercise routine so he is within a healthy weight range. Give your dog food right away if he starts to experience signs of an insulin overdose such as weakness or being disoriented.

As noted, diabetes mellitus can be potentially deadly. However, once it has been diagnosed, you can help your dog live a healthy, happy, and problem-free life.

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Two or more canines living under the same roof tend to be broken apart quickly when having a dispute. The motivation to do so is instinctive. After all, fighting suggests injury and no owner wants to see their dogs hurt. Unfortunately, breaking them apart can cause more problems and inhibit their ability to completely resolve issues within the “pack.”

Below, we’ll explain a few of the most common reasons dogs fight amongst themselves. Once you understand the motivations behind their disputes, you’ll be better able to control the environment in a manner that doesn’t completely disrupt their interaction.

A Struggle For Status

Canines are pack animals and like all pack animals, there is a social structure within their group (even if that “group” only numbers two). The pooch at the top of that structure has the highest status until someone lower in the hierarchy challenges him. When challenged, the dominant canine will either concede his status or accept the challenge by fighting. This struggle for status within the hierarchy is common, especially if multiple dogs live under one roof and enjoy near equal positions within the “pack’s” internal structure.

Fighting is often triggered when a new pooch is introduced to the group. Even if he doesn’t intentionally challenge for dominance, he could still be seen as a threat. Another circumstance that can lead to a dispute is when a canine is brought back into the group after having spent a long period of time elsewhere. Positioning to regain status - or protect it - ensues.

When The Owner Shows Favoritism

Owners usually don’t realize it, but they exacerbate dosputes when they intervene in the fighting. The reason is because that intervention is often perceived as favoritism to a lower-status canine. If a dispute takes place and the owner protects the dog with the lower rank from the higher ranked pooch, the intervention can imply an artificial social status. Doing this can impact the standing hierarchy which will lead to more fighting when the owner is present.

Steps To Eliminate The Fighting

If you own dogs that fight with each other, it’s important that you carefully identify the dominant pooch. The reason is because you need to reinforce the existing social structure. Because access to food, water, and other resources is an important barometer of status with the pack hierarchy, give the dominant pooch first access. That will reduce challenges to authority. To accurately identify dominance, consider their age, dispositions, health, and interaction with each other.

If a dispute happens over access to food, toys, or other items, remove the lower status canine from the environment and give the higher ranked dog access. That sends a clear message that the existing hierarchy has your approval.

Canines fight in order to protect or establish their status within their group. Allow space for the dogs to resolve their own problems quickly. The existing structure needs to be supproted if the dogs cannot resolve their issues.

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Like people, dogs can suffer from arthritis. Protective cartilage usually covers bones that are near their joints. When they walk, run, or move in any way, the cartilage on the ends of the bones rub against each other. There is no discomfort because there are no nerves present in the material. Over a period of many years the covering deteriorates. When that happens, the underlying bones are exposed to one another; when your pooch moves, they rub together and cause pain.

Often referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD), arthritis is a debilitating condition in canines. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the factors that contribute to - or exacerbate - the problem. We’ll also explain how owners can manage the issue.

Contributing Factors And Symptoms

Cartilage that protects bones from rubbing against each other is slowly worn away as canines age. This is known as primary DJD and affects nearly all breeds. Many breeds are also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, genetic disorders that impact ball and socket joints. Both disorders can lead to osteoarthritis, which is commonly called secondary DJD. Other factors that can lead to canine arthritis include obesity, problems related to the metabolism, and inflammation caused by fractures.

The first sign of DJD is usually an uneven gait; dogs will shift the majority of their weight onto whichever legs are not arthritic. They will also have difficulty getting up if they have been lying down for a prolonged period. If the problem has progressed to an advanced stage, a canine might lose his appetite and become reclusive.

How To Manage The Problem

Degenerative joint disease is progressive, so discomfort tends to increase over time. That said, owners can help their dogs cope with the pain through a number of treatment strategies. Dysplasia of the hips can often be treated with a hip replacement, though a veterinarian may avoid recommending it depending on the health of your dog. Vitamins, supplements, and medications that help reduce the inflammation may also be prescribed.

Owners can also pursue a more holistic form of treatment. For example, weight management is critical for canines suffering from DJD since extra weight can place undue stress on their joints. If a dog is severely overweight, veterinarians will recommend waiting to perform surgery or prescribing medication.

Daily low-impact exercise will help control weight gain. Activities such as swimming or walking will give your pooch the opportunity to use his limbs and maintain his muscles without exacerbating his arthritis. Also, climbing and descending stairs, and jumping into and out of vehicles can worsen his DJD; a ramp can significantly reduce the impact on his joints.

As soon as you know your dog has arthritis, ask your vet for a treatment path. Whether through surgery, medications, exercise, or a combination of all three, you can help improve your canine’s quality of life.

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As much as people use body language to communicate to others that they’re not a threat, so too, does your canine companion communicate with other animals (and often, humans). Professional trainers, behaviorists, and other experts suggest that dogs have recognizable tendencies that they use in order to calm other pets and themselves. If your pooch encounters an aggressive dog, watch his actions. He’ll often use body language to let the aggressor know that he means no harm. You might see him use his tongue, ears, nose, and the nod of his head to diffuse a potential confrontation.

These are signs of canine anxiety. You’ll probably notice similar behaviors when you take your pooch to see the vet or when a professional trainer reprimands him. Anything that causes stress will expose them. The good news is that owners can use these same behaviors to reduce that stress. If you can identify the ways in which your dog calms himself and tries to calm others, you can leverage those behaviors to have the same calming effect on him.

Common Signs Of Canine Anxiety

Many owners fail to interpret clues that signal their canine is feeling anxious. When your pooch interacts with another pet that is a stranger to him, observe his behaviors. He may start sniffing the floor or nearby objects. He might begin yawning (he’s not tired). He could be licking his nose. Each of these is a method he uses to communicate friendliness or a feeling of unfamiliarity.

Some experts believe sniffing is a reaction to the fear of confrontation. He will sniff the floor when he senses a potential threat. It’s his way of trying to soothe the other animal before the situation escalates.

A nod of the head or turning away from a stare usually indicates a lack of familiarity. Your pooch may be mildly anxious because he doesn’t know what to expect, but he’s not fearful. When a young child hugs him is an example.

Yawning from a dog is usually a sign of stress. It may not mean that he is fearful of a physical confrontation, but he may be worried about something. You might notice him yawning when he visits the vet or even if you’re scolding him.

How Owners Can Calm Their Dogs

The signs we talked about are tools used by your dog to calm himself in times of stress or anxiety. Often, you can use those same behaviors to comfort him when he’s worried, stressed, or anxious. Older dogs are generally more receptive to their owners acting in this manner. But, even younger canines will often respond well. Try the next time your canine friend is showing signs of anxiety. He may look at you oddly the first few times, but he’ll eventually grow accustomed to it.

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Choosing a pet bird is very different compared to shopping for clothes. This is because it requires a lot of commitment to make sure that this creature will get all the love and care that it needs so consider a few things when you decide to go to the pet store.

Birds come in all sizes. There are big ones and there are small ones. Just remember, that the bigger they are, the bigger also the commitment in keeping it. Bigger birds are louder and messier so if you are not up for that, better stick to a small or medium sized bird.

Some of the birds can be allowed to come out of the cage where as there are also birds those are required to be kept under lock up only. Two distinct examples of birds which best illustrate this is the African Grey and the Canary. Although , it is not easy to get either of the two, since choosing a bird depends on their behavior and temperament.

Another thing you should know about birds is that some of these can chirp, sing and even talk. While some of these are noisy there are others that only talk on occasion. 

Pet birdshave special diets. While some eat pellets, there are others that require fruit, nectar and pollen. it will not be a problem in choosing a bird with such needs, if you don’t mind spending a little more to feed your birds.

Aside from special diets, ask yourself do you want a pet bird that requires a lot of attention or one that is low maintenance? People who are too busy with work and other responsibilities should get one that is easy to care for birds otherwise there is no point in buying one.

When you go out looking for a pet bird, give some consideration to where you are buying it. While most will choose to go to a pet store, you can also find one by talking to a breeder or from private persons. Regardless of where you get it, find out if whoever is selling it can assure you that the facility is free from communicable diseases like bird flu and other infections?

The biggest issue that you have to consider when choosing a pet bird is how much you are willing to spend for it. Buying a pet bird is one thing but there are other things you have to invest in like their cage, food and veterinary care.

Before buying the pet bird, have it checked by a veterinarian because they know better when it comes to the health of these creatures. If it is alright with the owner, pay them first with a post dated check for the next day so whatever happens, you can make a decision whether or not to get it.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors that you have to consider when you decide to get a pet bird. Once you have figured out the right one, you will undoubtedly enjoying having it around.

To ensure that it is healthy all the time, the pet bird you decide to get should not only be fed but also given some attention because this could be a very food friend.

So take the time out to do some research before choosing one from the pet store. With the right information, you will not regret buying this pet bird on the spur of the moment.

If you are reading this you probably have a dog that wants to run ahead of you out the front door, right?  If so, you will  be glad to learn how to stop this problem. Fortunately it is pretty easy to train your dog to stop running through doorways until you give them an invitation. We’ve all known dogs like this, and I used to have one of those runners myself. It was easy to understand why a dog would want to get outside. In his mind the door opening means playtime (can’t blame him for that). As exciting as playtime is,  that still didn’t make it right for him to rush past you and out the door. A dog that rushes outside through the door ahead of you is potentially at risk of running into the street and possibly getting hit by a car or perhaps getting into a fight with another dog.

Not only are there danger issues with your dog running out the door, but another real problem is that your dog is not showing the respect you need to earn to be the pack’s leader.It is up to you to show your pet that you are in charge-you are the Alpha Dog in other words.  As the Alpha dog, you should always be in charge on who goes out that door, not him. Letting your dog get away with thinking you are not in charge just invites  more behavior problems. I’ve written some good tips on stopping your dog from running through the door for you, and if you use them you should have good results.

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As long as your dog has had his basic obedience training and can sit and stay, these tips should help you correct your dog’s problem. If you haven’t already obedience trained your dog, you will need to do so before these tips will work for you-so it is time to get going with the training.

1. You will want to start this type of training  with one of the house’s inner doors-not the front door. Using the front door will make it harder to control your dog through the earlier stages of his training. As you approach a door within your house you’ll probably notice how your dog will position himself to get through it before you do. So, counter his move by first commanding him to sit and then command him to stay using your firm commanding voice along with the appropriate hand signals. When he gets in the desired position be sure to give him lots of praise. Wait a bit before opening the door, so he gets relaxed in the sit position, rather than just ready to spring up again the moment you reach for the doorknob. OK, when he relaxes, go ahead and open the door. He will probably get up and try to go through the door, once he sees it open. This will probably happen at first, but don’t let it upset you. This training is simple, but it will require lots of repetition before your dog stops running through the door to get out.

If this keeps happening, you will need ot go back and retrain you dog to sit and stay. You can use your legs and lower body to block your dog if he does try to go through the door ahead of you. Use a firm tone of voice and command him to sit and stay once again. After he once again has assumed the sit and stay posture, give him lots of praise and a reward. You’ll have to repeat this exercise for perhaps 15 or so minutes per session several times a day. It is not a bad idea to keep up the practice at the front door, even after your dog has learned his lesson. Remember not to get angry, and to praise him for going back into the sit and stay position.

2. Once you have retrained him to stay in the sit position when you open the door, try to open it just wide enough for you to pass through. You don’t want the dog to leaving the sit and stay position until you invite him to. By only opening the door a little bit, that opening will be less tempting for him to bolt through. If he again leaves  his sit and stay position, just return him to his spot again and repeat the command him to sit and stay. Until he shows you he can stay in his sit position even after you have gone through the door, you will just keep repeating this stage of the training. Be patient, he will learn if you keep at it.

3. It is time to try a harder test-the front door. He knows this is the door that leads to the great outdoors and fun, so he may be more anxious to leave position and run out the front door than a bedroom door. Be sure you are ready by  placing his leash on him before you go to the front door. If yours is a big dog a good idea is to attach his leash to the doorknob- instead of you having to yank on him. If he does lurch out the door before you can stop him, this will bring him to a quick stop, and give him something to think about. {The good thing is you won’t have to worry about him pulling your arm out of the socket}. If your dog has really learned his sit and stay lesson well from the previous indoor exercises, he might  behave just fine. If he does charge out though, you know what to do. Keep repeating the exercise at the other doors in the house, and lavish him with praise and affection and a reward each time he refrains from trying to run through doorways ahead of you. He’ll learn that he still gets to go out, but he has to respect you as the Alpha dog, and wait for you to invite him through the doorway.

4. Besides just teaching your dog not to run through doorways, this is a good way to get your dog to understand boundary training. Putting your dog on his leash and commanding him to assume the sit and stay position, stand on the edge of the boundary you have designated (or the curb to the street). Next, step past the boundary, leaving your dog at the sit and stay position. If he has learned his lessons well, he won’t move. If your dog stays, be sure to positively reinforce his good behavior with plenty of praise and a reward.so you positively reinforce that good behavior. If he hasn’t truly learned his lessons he will try to cross the boundary or step into the street-just put him back in place, and keep repeating the exercise. Make sure you repeat this training daily several times, for perhaps 15 minutes per session. It is a good idea to continue this training even after he has show you he knows his boundaries-it certainly doesn’t hurt to keep reminding him.For some more tips on the topic of boundary training, please check out my article:  Boundary Training Your Dog.

Well, now you know that it is a simple process to train your dog not to run through the doors ahead of you. If your dog hasn’t already been obedience trained, you really should take the time to do so, and get the most out of your relationship with your best friend.

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Is your dog getting older? Is he having any trouble walking and moving around? If either of these things is happening with your dog, then you need to consider buying him a memory foam dog bed which will help him feel better. There are many reasons why a regular pet bed cannot compare to a memory foam dog bed and this article should shed some light about why you may want to invest in one for your pet. If you decide that you want to buy one for your dog, these wonderful orthopedic beds are available both at pet stores and online.

Are Memory Foam Dog Beds Really Different?

If you have never slept on a memory foam mattress, you owe it to yourself to try out what a sleeping pleasure it can be. This unique type of foam conforms to a person or animal’s shape and relieves pressure on sore joints. It’s understandable why it feels so nice. It was a material that NASA scientists developed in order to take the g-force stress off of astronauts that can exert such terrible pressure on their bodies during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.

The same properties that protect astronauts will help take the pressure off of your treasured friend’s joints and bones so that he’ll be able to get a better night’s rest. The memory foam retains heat from your pet’s body and conforms to her unique curves and size to provide maximum support. Somehow this miracle foam has properties that allow it to remain soft where you want it to and is firm where it needs to be. This enables your pet’s body to remain better aligned which in turn reduces the strain on her joints and limbs.

In a regular dog bed, the dog’s hips, elbows, and shoulders press down into the bed, and the bed reacts by pushing back with an equal amount of force. All of this pressure results in stress being placed on those parts of the body and pressure points which cut down on blood flow and cause your dog to sleep restlessly. When pressure builds up, your pet moves about trying to relieve the pressure. This happens over and over during the night which means that he doesn’t rest as well as he should. 

Memory foam dog beds eliminate the pressure so that your dog can sleep in one position all night long. Less tossing and turning allows her to get the rest she needs to be alert and playful. Memory foam has been used for burn patients in hospitals for many years now as well as for those who are confined to bed and unable to move about to avoid bed sores. It makes a huge difference in the lives of many pet owners, it will surely increase you favorite pets quality of life as well.