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Where Can I Find A Nice Clean Dog Park

Health and Safety

If you are traveling with your canine companion, Dog Parks are a great stop so that you and your beloved 4 legged friend can take a break from the road or motel room and enjoy some physical activity. Perhaps you are not at that juncture in your travel plans and you are looking for places that would be of interest to you and your dog, then consider stopping at a local dog park in a city that you are visiting or may be driving through. Some of the most wonderful dog parks are found across the United States and perhaps you may live close to one of the few that will be mentioned in this article about Dog Parks in the USA! You will also want to be sure to check out these cool dog dresses for your dog right now! You will not be able to go to the park without one.

The first dog park is the Robert L.Nelson Dog Park that focuses not just on your dog but you as well. This unique dog park is located in Goshen, Indiana. Located in the northern part of Indiana, you will find at Robert L.Nelson Dog Park a huge pavilion with an A Line roof that offers shelter from the heat as well as rain and other weather elements. You will also find a very comfortable setting with plenty of comfy chairs and tables for you to relax while your dog plays safely outside in a fenced in area. The Robert L.Nelson Dog park is a must for the weary traveler and their dog! The address for the Robert L. Nelson Dog Park is: 60376 C.R. 13, Goshen, Ind. Be sure to take a look at these pj’s for dogs they are great for your dog and they will appreciate it!

Friends Forever Dog Park is well known for it’s agility exercised themed dog park. This special dog park is going to provide your canine athlete a comprehensive amenities to stimulate their physical and mental abilities. The Friends Forever Dog Park stretches over 9 acres of beautiful landscape in northern Illinois that provides dog pools for hot summer weather as well as agility equipment and exercise platforms. These platforms and exercise equipment is for the dog who thrives on challenging and vigorous play. We are talking state of the art dog platforms, dog walks, dog jumps, weave poles, and A Frame. What you and your canine sportster are going to find at Friends Forever Dog Park is the ultimate in Agility and fun that is sure to make the rest of your trip enjoyable! This fabulous dog park is located at: 966 Rudy Road, Freeport, ILL. Be sure that you pick up some of these dog shirts for your dog right now! Your dog will truly love it.

Found in the BlueGrass State of Kentucky, is Kenton Paw Park. Kenton is a step above the rest when it comes to an awesome dog park! Not only is it located in some of God’s most beautiful territory but it is a learning mecca of all things a good owner should know about the care of their canine! Kenton Paw Park provides lots of workshops and activities for you as well as your dog. When visiting Kenton Paw Park, be prepared to leave not only with a happy exercised dog but with more knowledge than you might of had before! The workshops and training classes are centered around the socialization of your pet. In addition to all the wealth of knowledge at Kenton Paw Park there are dinners and pool parties that the park hosts by local veterinarians and qualified trainers as well as calendar year round training workshops and activities. Kenton Paw Park is a great way to spend a day or afternoon. You can find Kenton Paw Park at 3950 Madison Pike, Covington, Ky.

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Great Dog Parks In The Usa

Health and Safety

Dog Parks have been around for quite some time and are wonderful places of beauty and enjoyment for you and your dog. These places are equipped with large areas and even come with some ammenities for both relaxation and physical activity that appeals for all breeds and sizes of dogs. There are atleast one Dog Park in most major cities across the nation. However, this trend is branching out to even smaller communities to acommidate local dog lovers. Below are listed the very best Dog Parks voted for their excellent layouts and wonderful advantages for all dogs! Before you go to the dog park you will want to check out some cheap dog clothes that you can pick up before you go to the park, so your styling. You can view a nice dog polo sweater and maybe even some thermal long johns for dogs for a great nights sleep.

For your small dog, The Bear Dog Park located in Roseville,California was voted the best Dog Park for small breed dogs. This unique Dog Park has a special enclosed area that is just for small dogs. The entire space measures almost 1 acre of land that has a walking trail around the perimeter. There is even lighting fixtures and doggie showers for nighttime fun. The address for Bear Dog Park is 1575 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville, CA. This dog park definately caters to your small little guy or gal!

From just outside Columbus, Ohio, Alum Creek Dog Park has the best man made beach for dogs! You and your dog do not have to get in the car and travel to the seaside to enjoy the beach at Alum Creek Dog Park! This beach covers 4 acres of land that is adjacent to Alum Creek State Park’s resevoir. The beach was designed for dogs who love the water but is great for any dog with it’s calm, relaxing, and serene atmosphere. Alum Creek Dog Park features rolling hills and a beautiful forest that is going to provide many activities for your dog! The real attraction is the beach with it’s rock bed edge and cool inviting water that is a hit with dogs everywhere! The address for Alum Creek Dog Park is 3615 S. Old State Road, Lewis Center, Ohio.

Alongside the beautiful waters of Lake Washington lies the Warren G. Magnuson Dog Park. Located in Seattle,Washington this dog park is really a specially thought out place. Seattle is known for it’s rainy and wet weather and the Warren G.Magnuson Dog Park was designed to accomidate Seattle’s wet weather! Plenty of free open areas dot the landscape but what makes it adaptable for the weather is the winding trails and awesome footpaths that are constructed with highly compact gravel that keeps trails from becoming muddy in rainy weather.An added bonus is that all the trails are wheelchair accessible! The Warren G.Magnuson Dog Park is absolutely a wonderful day trip for your canine and offers a natural setting for them to exercise and to further bond with your pet! The Warren G.Magnuson Dog Park is located at 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA.

These are just a few of the great places to enjoy with your beloved 4 legged friend and hopefully will inspire you to visit either of these or visit the one nearest to you!

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Don’t Let Your Gun Dog Get An Ear Infection

Basic Care

It’s not uncommon for hunting dogs to get an ear infection in fact it’s a result of the size and depth of their ears. Because hunting dogs (gun dogs) spend so much time outdoors and have large, floppy ears, they are actually more prone to getting an ear infection. Infections in the ear are a result of yeast or bacteria which can grow in your dogs’ ear and eventually may wind up in the ear canal.

Symptoms of Otitis
Not only are ear infections painful, in extreme cases they may actually lead to your dog becoming deaf. There are some symptoms that you can be on the lookout for – some are basic behaviors of dogs that have ear infections while others are clinical symptoms. You should be aware if:

Discharge from the ears, usually yellow or green in color
Foul smell to the ear
Excessive scratching or head shaking

These early signs can get worse and becoming a serious infection. Once the infection begins to creep deeper into your dog’s ear, it will get into the inner ear and begin affecting your dog’s ability to keep his balance and to hear:

Disorientation
Disorientation of the dog
Awkward collapses or “drunken” state
Deafness
Strange movements of the eye, also known as “crazy eye”

If you recognize any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. The quicker it is diagnosed, the quicker you’ll be able to begin treatment. Quick treatment will save you money in the long run, as well as discomfort for your dog.

The diagnostic process for dogs ear infections are similar to those that are performed on our children, a scope is used to visually check the ear, a sample is taken with swab and the diagnosis is made. As a side note, please be aware that your dog may exhibit similar symptoms if they have ear mites.

Treating Ostitis
Your dogs’ ear infection may be treated in one of two of ways:

A) For a less serious infection your vet may suggest you treat the dog with hydrogen peroxide which you place directly in the ear;
B) For a more serious infection your dog may require a prescription antibiotic or other appropriate medications.

Regardless of the course of treatment that is recommended for your dogs ear infection, your vet is likely to perform a thorough cleaning of your dogs ears before the treatment begins, then they will give the initial dose of medication to show you how to use it and you’ll finish the course of treatment at home.

When you give the medication, which is usually squirted or poured into the dog’s ear, you will have to hold the dog down or have someone help you. Obviously, the dog won’t like this, but it needs to be done.

Because dogs cannot become immune to ear infections, you should watch carefully for the signs, even if you believe he is cured. Early action requires early detection, and makes the infection easier to handle.

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Know How To Keep Your Gun Dogs Flea Free

Tick and Flea Prevention

In the summertime, it seems as if fleas are all over the place. Thankfully, you’ll be able to find an abundance of flea treatments pretty easily. One common product is pyrethrin which is safe to use as an insecticide. Another choice is IGR, or insect growth regulators, like methoprene and fenoxycarb which will stop eggs and larvae from becoming pupae. When using these and other treattments, treat both the hunting dogs and his areas simultaneously.

Fleas are difficult to kill – their pupa are resistant to most insecticides because of the cocoon they wrap themselves in – and this often results in new fleas being hatched about two weeks after you perform a treatment. What most people don’t realize is that the lifespan of a flea can vary from as little as two (2) weeks to as much as eight (8) months. If you fail to kill the pupa before they hatch you have to start the entire process all over again.

Flea Baths
Using a regular flea prevention shampoo can help with flea control. One thing to be careful about though is flea dips – especially if you have children in the house. Flea dips are very harsh and most leave a residue on your dog – they’re only recommended in cases of very extreme infestation and should be discussed with your veterinarian before use.

Spot On Medications
These easy to use once a month treatments are designed to kill adult fleas and are dispensed directly to your dogs skin beginning at the neck typically and going down the top of their back. Before you use this type of treatment, check and see if they also prevent the growth of eggs and/or larvae. Your dog should be at least two month old before you use this type of treatment and check the label for reduced potency if your dog is bathed often or enjoys swimming.

Pill Flea Treatment
Perhaps one of the easiest and most effective flea control is this one for the simple reason that it acts similar to birth control! These pills are effective for one month and they sterilize any flea that bites your dog preventing them from laying eggs before they die. The other advantage of this treatment is that it doesn’t wash off making it ideal for dogs that stay indoors.

Natural Methods
Today more and more of us are looking for more natural treatments for fleas. It’s really not that difficult to naturally treat fleas, it can be done with dried pennyroyal, pyrethrum powder or diatomaceous earth. The process is simple: Vacuum carpeting, furniture pillows and dg bedding, Get rid of the vacuum cleaner bag (throw it away or burn it), Wash all washable items in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabrics.

Clean from inside out
All of our dogs love to cuddle in their beds, on furniture and even on the carpeting. Unfortunately, these areas are favorite hiding spots for fleas as well. Vacuuming and treating all areas completely and thoroughly are the secret to success, however make sure that you don’t leave the bag in the vacuum or you’re just going to create a new nest for them. Your dog’s bed and bedding should be washed at least weekly in hot water to help prevent re-infestation.

In the outdoors, fleas usually stay in wet and shaded places like dog houses or kennels, flower beds, and underneath your deck or porch. If your pet spends time in these or other areas, treat the area. Also, rake and mow the lawn completely to keep fleas away. Rake up leaves from flower beds and beneath bushes to make insecticides more effective in these areas. Clean all pet kennels or carriers and make sure you vacuum the inside of your car. Garages, basements, and other rooms without carpetting should be mopped completely to kill flea larvae creeping in the cracks and crevices.

There are many foggers and sprays that are effective treatments of your home and yard. Read and follow the directions carefully. Heavily infested areas should be re-treated in 2 or 3 weeks.

Flea bites cause all kinds of problems for pets and people. Intense itching can lead to skin problems, hair loss and infections. A bad infestation can lead to anemia and tapeworms. Allergies to flea saliva can cause flea dermatitis. Getting rid of a flea infestation is imperative for the health of your pet. Following these steps will help your pet and your home stay flea free.

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Important Tips On Postpardum Care Of Your Hunting Dog

Postpardum Care

If you’re a breeder of hunting dogs, you’ve probably seen a dog whelp the puppies and expel her placenta with no problems. And with some rest and care, she can be back to her healthy, normal self. Although this is true when the mother dog is usually healthy and strong, there can be unforeseen complications, so postpartum care is something that all dog breeders should know and understand.

Once mom has successfully given birth it’s usually a good idea to take her to the vet just to verify that everything is fine. You should try to do this within a day of birthing and you might want to check with your vet to see if they think it’s a good idea to check out the puppies at the same time. For mom, you want to verify that she has no puppies remaining in her womb and that she has fully expelled the placenta. If mom isn’t checked out thoroughly and a baby or a part of the placenta is left in the womb mom could get a serious infection and if left unchecked she could become ill enough to succumb to infection. Often your vet will recommend a shot that will help make sure the uterus is clear and will also help mom let her milk down.

For the pups, temperature checks and physical checks can ensure that the babies are all in good health and that there are no immediate problems. For mom, make sure you watch for fever, lack of appetite and diarrhea after birth as these could be signs of a bacterial infection. Any symptoms should be immediately discussed with your veterinarian so that an antibiotic can be prescribed if needed.

Watch mother carefully for the first few days to be sure nothing unusual is happening. If she is to get sick after whelping, it will be during the first week after the puppies have come.

For your part, if all is going well, you will still need to concern yourself with your portion of the puppy’s and mother’s care. Keep their bedding area clean, replacing bedding daily and wiping up all messes as quickly as they occur. Keep everything as clean as possible, but be careful not to overuse cleaning products (especially bleach and similar) as these can cause eye and nose irritation in the newborns.

You should also watch out for eclampsia in the mother dog, which is a condition in which the body cannot produce the calcium needed for lactation. She will need to see the vet right away. Symptoms can include pain and discomfort, fever, sttiffness, and seizures. Also known as milk fever, this condition can happen around week three of lactating and can cause a serious threat. However, if you catch it early enough, you can add supplements to her food to make up for the lack of calcium.

Mammary gland infections, particularly the teats, are a common problem so you should them frequently. As her puppies get older and teeth grow in, these infections can occur. Mastisis can set in within a day of birth; watch for purple spots around the glands and check for fever. These and other infections are common and is easily treated with topical creams.

Agalactia is another problem in which bitches will produce too little milk (or none at all). A vet, on the first examination, can usually tell if this is a problem and will take measures immediately.

Although the conditions and problems above are serious, you’ll find that whelping is a very natural and healthy process, with little care required from you. Most dogs produce healthy puppies and will be fine after birth.

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First Aid Kit For Your Gun Dog

Health and Safety

Every hunter who goes out into the field with his dog should carry a first aid kit: both for himself and one for his dog. You never know when something will happen and being prepared is likely to decide whether the injury is taken care of or becomes a real issue. There are plenty of good first aid kits gun dogs you can buy.

Your dog is depending on you to care for him at home and out on the field. After all, this is your responsibility. In the event that your dog becomes hurt, will you be prepared to treat his wound with sanitary medical dressing? That’s the difference between being prepared and using an old shirt or rag, which can actually lead to deadly infections and make the injuries worse. It’s worth the couple extra dollars to have a first aid kit for dogs on hand.

Here are some good hunting dog supplies to look for in a good gun dogs first aid kit:

A First Aid Guide
The first aid guide will show you basic first aid for dogs for both small injuries (like wound treatment for scraps) and life-threatening injuries (like mouth-to-snout resuscitation). There should be clear instructions for the use of all items contained within the first aid kit, as well. To be best prepared for emergencies, you should read the first aid guide and learn the basics before emergencies happen. The keyword here is “emergencies” — first aid is not the replacement for regular veterinary visits.

Don’t Forget The Tweezers
Small and often forgotten, these little pincers are a Godsend when you have slivers to remove. Just like in humans, a splinter that enters a dog’s foot pad or another part of the body can bury itself in the skin and work its way deeper, eventually becoming an abscess. This abscess will become infected and could spread its infection throughout the body.

Good old Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide typically costs less than $1 per bottle and is a must have for any first aid kit (human or canine). It provides for sterilization, wound cleaning and can even help you deal with the area of a splinter before and after you are done removing it.

Remember Iodine?
Iodine is the perfect solution to use to help encourage healing on a wound. This is a bit stronger than peroxide and helps clean wound or cut more thoroughly before you dress the wound with a sterile bandage or pad.

Antibiotic Ointment
These are off-the-shelf ointments that can be used to help with bee or wasp stings, abrasions, or other small injuries.

Eyewash
A simple saline solution for washing out the eyes can make your dog’s life much easier and save his vision in some cases. When your dog gets something in his eye that he can’t get rid of on his own, use this to clean them. A quick squirt into the eye and nature will do the rest in most cases.

Trauma Pad
A trauma pad is crucial if your dog is seriously injured; it will help minimize bleeding and help keep the wound bound as well as providing assistance in transporting your dog to emergency help. When shopping for a trauma pad watch out that the sizing is correct for your dogs needs.

Gauze, Tape, and Scissors
Simple tools that, when used correctly, can greatly help your dog in times of injury. If your dog is cut, scratched, or similarly hurt, you’ll want to bandage, gauze over, then tape the wound so it is protected from infection. These three tools can do that job quickly.

Don’t ruin a great hunting dog first aid kit by not having a first aid kit for your dog! Not having one is irresponsible and dangerous, so make sure you have a nice, complete kit for your dog at all times, especially when you’re out on the field. Getting an extra one for home or other use is also a great idea.

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Find Out More About Your Dog’s Health

Health and Safety

Dogs age at approximately 7x the rate humans do. So it’s not surprising that your dog should have a physical examination at least every seven “dog years”–that’s every year in human terms. And as your pet gets middle-aged–that’s over 40 in people years or over 6 in dog years–physicals are recommended twice a year.

“Not only do dogs get older faster than people do, but their ailments progress more quickly, too,” according to veterinary doctors.

A once-a-year physical gives your dog doctor a chance to sit down and chat with your dog about what’s changing in his/her life. More importantly, yearly physicals let your pet’s veterinarian establish what is normal in your dog, so he or she will know when something is abnormal.

A yearly physical is good preventive medicine. According to the veterinaians, “Finding and treating diseases in the early stages gives your pet a much better prognosis than discovering a full grown disease,”. Your veterinarian may observe changes in your pet that you haven’t noticed.

During the physical examination, your veterinarian will look for systemic abnormalities. During physicals the veterinarian will move from the front to the back of your dog observing any abnormalities, starting with the eyes, ears, nose, and throat and moving to the lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. Always checking for new lumps or bumps as he/she moves along.”

Heartworm tests should also be done at the time of the annual physical. Heartworm is a serious disease, common everywhere mosquitoes live. The physical exam is a good time to keep up to date on vaccines. Our veterinarian also suggests checking whether your pet has worms or other parasites once a year. A simple fecal test can determine whether your de-worming protocol is working.

Between annual examinations, be on the lookout for signs that your pet is having trouble: not eating, changes in weight, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, elimination problems, or other changes in habits. Any of these may indicate the need for an extra visit to your veterinarian.

If your dog is healthy, you will find that he/she becomes more active.Engaging your healthy dog in activities is a sure way to keep him happy and healthy. The dog collars you have packed away will once again become useful, once your dog feel better.

It is very vital to take care of your Dog health in order to keep your dog healthier and happier.

A yearly physical is good preventive medicine. According to the veterinaians, “Finding and treating diseases in the early stages gives your pet a much better prognosis than discovering a full grown disease,”. Your veterinarian may observe changes in your pet that you haven’t noticed.

Also learn how to house training dogs.

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Whelping A Litter Of Hunting Dog Puppies

Health and Safety

Whelping is a term used to refer to the birth process of canines, when the female hunting dog gives birth to a litter of puppies. Most female bird dogs (bitches) will go through this process naturally, with little help needed from you or a veterinarian. Occasionally, though, some help is needed and if you understand the process and what is expected at each stage of whelping, you’ll be prepared to give aid when it is needed.When you have a pregnant hunting dog and she is about to give birth, this process is called “whelping”. In most cases, the mother dog will know how to do this alone, but in some cases help may be needed by you or a vet. If you are thinking about breeding dogs, and having the mother deliver them at home, then you should really become familiar with whelping and all that goes into to it.

A bitch will be pregnant for about 58 to 68 days. Towards the end of this gestation period, at about the fifty-eighth day, you’ll want to start watching for signs of labor. Take the dog’s temperature regularly and watch for a sudden drop to about 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit as this is an indication that she will begin whelping within the next 24 hours. You can rent or buy a thermometer meant especially for this task from a veterinarian. Use a little lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, to help the process.The gestation period for dogs is 58 to 68 days. As that 58th day approaches you will want to keep a close eye for signs that your pregnant dog is about to go into labor. I typically take my dogs temperature as the days get closer to the expected delivery date and watch carefully for a sudden drop in her temperature. Now dogs typically have a normal temperature of 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit but about 24 hours prior to delivery their temperature will drop by a couple degrees to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating birth is imminent.

Make available a whelping box (any box large enough for her to comfortably stretch in). It can be cardboard, plastic, or wooden. She will naturally begin nesting in that box shortly before the whelping process is to begin. Her instincts are telling her to prepare for the puppies.In order for you dog to feel “prepared” for the whelping process, it is necessary for you to provide some version of a “whelping box” for her. This can be a professionally made one, or something as simple as a cardboard box, which ever she feels more comfortable in. Once the whelping process has begun the mother dog will begin a process called “nesting” which means the dog will take anything available whether it be newspaper, blankets, or towels to prepare a comfortable place for her to give birth.

Don’t hold that 24-hour rule for temperature drop to whelping too fast, however. Often, this temperature drop happens only a few minutes or hours before the event. Nesting and temperature change together are sure indications no matter what, though. Be prepared anytime after her 58th day of pregnancy for her to go into labor at any time. When she does go into labor, she will begin contractions, which will be clearly visible as her muscles from shoulder to tail will contract and release rhythmically and she will likely lie down and find a comfortable place in her whelping box. She will whimper slightly and begin licking herself to prepare for birth.It is always to keep in mind though that when your dog’s temperature drops, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have 24 hours until the puppies are born. It can often happen within only a few hours before labor begins. If your dog begins whelping, and her temperature drops, that is a sure sign that labor will begin very soon. Labor is very easy to spot, she will begin having contractions which will be easily spotted. The muscles from her shoulder to her tail will contract and release over and over again. At this time she will most likely be very restless and try to find a comfortable position.

It’s likely that from here on in, you will only be an observer, watching as the pups emerge one after another. It can take several minutes or even hours. A bitch that has not had puppies before will likely take longer than one who hasn’t, but there is no hard-and-fast rule. If the process takes more than two or three hours, call a veterinarian for advice.Puppies should begin coming out one right after another. This can happen very quickly, or sometimes in a first time mother can take a few hours. If your dog has been in labor for more that two to three hours, you should consider calling your vet, so you know what to look for in case of an emergency.

If more than an hour goes by with her in labor but producing no puppies, help her up and take her for a brief walk around the area or (if the weather is good) in the yard. Do not go further than you can carry her, however, so that if she collapses into birth, you can quickly take her back to her whelping box. Feathering is another technique that can help stimulate birth. Put on a latex glove and lubricate with KY jelly or another non-toxic lubricant and gently insert your finger into her vulva up to the top of her vagina.There are some tips to help your dog along into labor, and should be considered only if she has been in labor for more than one hour and no puppies have come out. One of the suggestions is to get your dog up and allow her to walk around. Just make sure she doesn’t venture too far from the whelping box, so if she begins to go into labor you can easily get her back to the box. The other tips is a technique called feathering. This is when you put on a latex glove and apply some non-toxic lubrication and gently insert your finger into your dog’s vulva and gently rub the top of the vagina, this will help stimulate involuntary uterine contractions.

When the puppies finally do come, they will be preceded by a gush of fluid as her water breaks. After her water has broken, expect a puppy within twenty minutes and more to follow shortly after, one after another. They are usually born head first and the mother will naturally know when to stop. You can “feel” her gut by gently pressing with your fingers to see if more puppies are due to arrive.When a puppy is being born it is accompanied by the water sac, which can either be with in tactic, or ruptured prior to the puppy being fully delivered. The puppy is usually delivered head first.

Once they are born, the mother will likely do all the work caring for the puppies. Make sure that warm, damp rags are ready for wiping down the pups and for gently massaging them to stimulate breathing. Most likely, mother will do this with her tongue as the pups are born, so again, you will likely just watch. Do not pick up or handle the puppies any more than medically necessary during the first few hours so that they can have mom’s full attention. Gentle, shortly-timed handling for the first week or so is recommended while the puppies acclimate and grow.Most of your puppies will be delivered with a placenta and in an amniotic birthing sack. Care should be taken not to make sure the puppy is removed from the sack, cleaned and dried as quickly as possible. The mother should naturally do most of this for you, however, there will be times when you need to step in and help. During the first few hours after birth you should try to keep your handling of the puppies to a minimum and let the mother naturally accept and begin caring for these puppies on her own.

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How To Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant.

Health and Safety

Unsure if your pet is pregnant? Of course the easiest thing to do is to take your dog to the Veterinarian. The veterinarian have a few options available to them to determine if your pet is pregnant. Ultrasound is the most reliable since the doctor can actually see if there are any puppies. Depending on how far along the vet may be able to feel, the dog’s uterus to determine pregnancy. This is not something pet owners should try because you do not want to damage any puppies. The other thing the vet might try is a blood test. Or your doctor might decide to do an x-ray on the animal. One big advantage about talking the dog to the vet is that he may be able to give you a better idea about when the puppies will be born.

Is My Dog Pregnant - Some indicators.

There are signs that a pet owner can watch that are good early detection signs that your dog is pregnant. Many dogs lose their appetite during the first few weeks. They may sleep a lot more during this time. Another good indication is swollen nipples. A dog that is not pregnant will normally have small flat nipples. A pregnant dog’s nipples will start to swell. You might also see that there is a color change.

Some dogs will even display behaviour changes. They may want to be left alone. This is normal. Try not to be concerned. Or your dog might become overly affectionate. They might want to be with you all the time.
Once you have determined that your dog is pregnant a trip to the vet is recommended. They can offer advice about diet and address any pre-natal treatments that your dog may require.

Now all you can do is wait. If you are wondering how long are dogs pregnant - the normal length of pregnancy is between 54 and 72 days depending on the breed. Congratulations, you are having puppies.

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Dog Health Care: Practical Dog Guidance

Health and Safety

The benefits your dog will receive from being in good shape are well worth the time and effort to make sure he gets lots of exercise. A pet dog that is physically fit will benefit on the emotional level as well as physically. It is essential to allow your dog to routinely have time to get outdoors and run. Running is a natural activity for dogs and it will help to keep them happy and healthy.

And of course you must make sure your dog is properly house trained
crate train puppy
Toilet training puppies
puppy potty training
Check these articles out for advice and tips on house breaking your pet. This task is essential for a healthy and rewarding relationship.

Keeping your dog healthy and active will add to his well being throughout his life. When the time comes when your dog has become old he will be able to deal with this portion of his life easier if he has been physically fit prior to becoming old. An essential part of dog health care is to ensure your dog is consistently living an active lifestyle as he will be able to cope with arthritis or circulatory problems and other health issues much better than if he has led a sedentary life. Dogs get the same benefits from exercise as humans receive.

Healthy Weight
An essential element in a dog health care program is maintaining his weight at a healthy level. Research has shown that dogs that lead a sedentary life are significantly more prone to illnesses and medical problems when compared to active dogs. As part of your dog health care program take your dog out for some jogging or play fetch with him and participate in some activities where he gets a chance to run, however don’t let your dog become too fatigued. If he has been sedentary for quite a long time start him on an easy exercise program.

Physical Exam
One of the most important and easiest parts of dog health care is to give him a healthy diet. ensure you feed him nutritional food which is meat based and do not overfeed your dog and don’t give him unhealthy snacks. Experts also suggest that part of a quality dog health care plan is to take your dog to your veterinarian for an annual physical exam. If your dog is obese it is essential to have your veterinarian check his thyroid function.

A urine test can give information regarding bladder and kidney health and an annual blood chemistry panel will provide your veterinarian with information concerning the health of his organs. It is also a good idea to check his gums as well as his teeth to ensure he doesn’t have painful problems such as an abscessed tooth. Some experts suggest that bad oral health in your dog can lead to debilitation in senior dogs.

If your dog suffers from arthritis check with your veterinarian about dietary supplements and other products that might reduce the pain that he is dealing with. To summarize regarding dog health care, keep your dog physically active, feed him a nutritional diet and take him to your veterinarian on an annual basis for a physical examination.

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