When Buying Hunting Equipment Get Something For Your Dog Too!

by: Peter Curtis
One of the most fun experiences while hunting is spending time with your hunting dog. Hunting dogs aren't all about business. They are also a great companion with you when you are out stalking your prey. If you like to go hunting a lot, you should always bring a hunting dog with you so that you don't get lonely. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be hard to transport hunting dogs to the locations you plan to hunt at. The best way to do it is with hunting dog boxes. These are dog carrier units that can fit in the bed of a truck or can be towed behind a car. This is especially helpful for bigger dogs that take up too much space in the car. This can be a seeing hazard otherwise. In these situations, you should use a dog box to transport your dog in. There are even dog boxes that can be affixed to ATVs. If you are planning on getting a dog box to help with transportation, there are some hunting dog box supplies that you can get to help you along the way. One of the best hunting dog box supplies is a blanket. Most dog boxes are very hard and angular. This can be very uncomfortable for the dog. If you put a blanket on the bottom of the box before the dog gets in, it will likely have a much better time. Although it's a very simple idea, these hunting dog box supplies are super important to the well-being of the dog. It can be fairly stressful to ride around in a box, so their comfort is important. Other good hunting dog box supplies to get are those that help affix the dog box to the bed of a truck. If you are driving to the location in a truck, there probably won't be any room for the dog in the cabin. Instead, you should strap the dog box into the bed of the truck. This will ensure that it doesn't slide around or fly out. Again, this protects the well-being of your dog. You can also get hunting dog box supplies that hook it to a trailer that tails along behind your car. Not every hunter has the benefit of owning a truck. For those that use a car instead, a trailer hitch for the dog box is best. This is a much bumpier ride for the dog, so try to use this method only for short trips. This way the dog will still be up for hunting once you get there.
About The Author
Peter Curtis is a keen hunter and loves writing about it too. More information about about Hunting equipment and guides. http://www.huntingguideonline.com/

Choosing The Best Dry Dog Food

by: George Chao
Sometimes, the best dry dog food is the one that your dog will eat the most. It is easier to buy something that your canine will eat as opposed to having them eat dog food that may be better for them, but one that they may not necessarily like. However, there are a few things you need to consider when you walk down the pet food aisles at your local retailer. Consider the price of the dry dog food. Often, dry dog food that are cheap or are not branded are made with ingredients like fillers and seasonings that are not necessarily good for dogs. These ingredient may be tasty, but they can be harmful to your dog. These dry dog food often have too much preservatives, which can cause your dog to develop health problems that may eventually cause them to suffer later on in life. To increase the vitality and life expectancy of your dog, go with good quality dry dog food. You don't really need to purchase the most expensive dry dog food there is, but it is best if you stick with dry dog food that is manufactured by a reputable dog food company and is priced reasonably. The main ingredient in the best dry dog food is rice, corn or soybean. High quality dry dog food will also have other ingredients such as beef and chicken. Stores also sell dry dog food formulated specifically to a dog's age. Manufacturers classify the different types of dry dog food as being for puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs. Purchasing the dry dog food that's most suitable for your dog's age is always important. If you want to know what are the best dry dog foods, ask your veterinarian. Veterinarians would often recommend the branded dry dog foods. These brands are more expensive, but if you have an older dog, it may be to your advantage to pay a little more for the best dry dog food. You will know if you've picked the best dry dog food by the way your dog looks and feels. When you take your dog for yearly shots, his coat should be healthy, his eyes should be clear and he should be full of energy. If your pet doesn't look well and seems lethargic, there could be something wrong with his diet. It is always wise to keep notes about what your dog is eating on a daily basis. This way, a veterinarian can diagnose your dog more quickly and recommend the best dry dog food for your pet.
About The Author
George Chao, owner of Digital Excellent Free Online Magazine - http://www.digitalexcellent.com/ Help your pet live healthier and longer, find the right dog food for your dog. You can find more information at http://www.digitalexcellent.com/dog-food

How Long Do Dogs Live

by: David Beart
>From the time we bring them home as wriggling bundles of joy, we all want our puppies to live forever. As they bond with us and grow into full fledged family members, we tend not to think about the end of their life or how many precious years we have with our canine friends. However, when picking out our new puppy it is rare that we give adequate consideration to the average lifespan of the dog. There are distinct factors that play into whether our puppy will be with us until our children graduate from high school or if they give us a few good years. Most experts agree that small breeds tend to outlive large breeds. The general rule of thumb is the larger the dog the shorter the life span. Large medium to large breed dog tend to live about ten years, although there are exceptions to every rule. We have a feisty-willed large breed mutt who is determined to see his fifteenth birthday. Smaller breeds tend to live longer, anywhere from twelve to fifteen years. Occasionally you will run into the nearly twenty year old Scottie, but most don’t make it past their sixteenth year. Again, every rule has its exceptions. The Irish Wolfhound isn’t expected to make it more than six or seven good years although there really isn’t a conclusive reason as to why this is so. Of course these figures are taking into consideration overall good health and quality care. Genetics play a vital role in longetivity, but those we can’t control. There are a few factors in our favorite little guy’s life we can do to help him get to his ripe old age. Some of them can even combat predisposition to genetic diseases. One of the fastest ways to shorten a dog’s life is to keep him outside all the time. Dogs that live outside tend to be missing a few key ingredients in their overall care that impact their life span. Even with a shelter available, dogs do wear down and age quickly when they are dealing with constant element exposure. While some can adjust, most dog bodies find the extremes the environment can dish out at them to be exhausting and threatening. Dogs who permanently reside outside tend to receive less over all care. Since people spend the majority of their time at home inside, often small health problems go unnoticed until it becomes an overwhelming problem. Even the responsible pet owner can forget to feed or water the dog who is permanently engaged in outdoor activities when the lifestyle inside the home becomes stressed or busy. Outdoor dogs also lack the essential strong emotional connection with their owners that indoor dogs benefit from. Having their human friends to please and play with goes a long way in their overall happiness and health. Often a sick dog who has no emotional connection will stop eating and caring for themselves long before those who have families who love and care for them. If you want your little guy to live a longer, fuller life, bring him inside and let him be part of the family lifestyle. Whether you are bringing home a purebred puppy or a distinguished gentleman of questionable descent, their life span can be about the same. Barring any health problems, each should live as long as the other and it really just comes down to personal preference. >From birth to about two years old your puppy is learning and growing. Every day your little guy is reaching new miles stones and his body is very busy. High quality puppy food packed with nutrition can help set him on the foundation for a healthy life. These foods are a little more expensive, but they can be well worth the cost when considering the effects of malnutrition. If your little guy comes from a family or breed history of hip and back problems such as hip dysplasia, excessive exercise in the first two years can put added stress on the joints in question and actually exacerbate the potential for later problems. Exercise is good, over doing isn’t. Regular veterinary check ups and of course vaccinations during the first two years can help to catch problems early on, which will increase his overall health. This is the time when your puppy really needs you to watch out for him, whether his body is having health problems or he is ingesting things that can cause long term problems, staying on top of him now reduces health effects in his later years. >From his second year through his fifth we can consider this his basic years of good health and maintenance. Watch for signs of growing obesity and make sure he is receiving ample exercise and fun play time. If he is a healthy dog then these years should be stress free. Keep at least annual appointments with the vet for check ups and updated shots. His food should be a high quality protein based variety, but if he’s showing signs of to much happy eating either cut back on his portions or switch to a low calorie variety. Once he gets into his fifth to eighth year we can consider him a middle age to aging dog. These are the years when small but manageable health problems are likely to show up. If he’s a really good eater but hasn’t shown signs of obesity before, these are the years when his activity will slow down some and he may develop a weight problem now. Again, a good low calorie food and a few perhaps coaxed walks should be enough to help him keep his youthful figure. Other problems such as cataracts, arthritis, or even heart murmurs are most likely to show up during these years. They are not catastrophic events and can typically be handled with a trip to the vet and either simple procedures or medication. Ignoring problems now however, are likely to grow into unmanageable problems quickly. Stay on top of his check ups and vaccinations to ward off any potential disasters looming about. Most dogs that are generally healthy should make it through these years just fine. Depending on the size, breed, and overall health of your not so little guy, once he reaches eight years old he may be starting to push toward borrowed time. Smaller breeds won’t get there until about ten, but even medium dogs are now starting to wear down. Just because he’s getting old doesn’t mean you have to start thinking about euthanasia. There is a possibility that he will have health and happiness for a few more years to come. However now is the time when health problems can erupt quickly and strike hard. Eight years old and beyond is when you are most likely going to face making tough decisions about your faithful canine’s quality of life. The care you gave him as a puppy is now doing its part to take care of him as he ages. Some older dogs need to be encouraged to eat. If your once upon a time eating machine is suddenly losing weight, switch to a higher protein, higher fat content dog food to help him maintain his energy. Our care for our dogs all the way through their lives can make a huge difference in how long they live a full and happy life. When bringing a new puppy home remember that how you treat his body right now will carry a direct effect to his life span down the road. Many dogs outlive their life span and are happy and energetic the whole way through. A little love and responsibility can go a long, long way. Any dog that has touched your life will certainly live forever.
About The Author
David Beart is the owner of http://www.professorshouse.com/. Our site covers pets, dogs, finances, family, cooking and other household issues.

Tips On Choosing The Right Sized Dog Bed

by: Jerry Brecken
Have you ever noticed how your pet dog loves sleeping beside you in your bed? You frequently tell your dog to get off but it just wont listen to you. Yes, you adore your pet, there's no question about it. However, you just can't let your dog sleep beside you no matter how adorable it may seem. Admit it, the way your dog snores and drools in your bed really keeps you up at night. In situations like this, you should finally get your dog its own dog bed. Getting your beloved pet its own place for sleeping is as essential as a man having his own bed. However, you can not just choose any dog bed products for your pet. There are some things that you need to consider first such as the right size of the dog bed. Keep in mind that it's more comfortable for dogs to lie on a bed that is just the right size for them. The following are some helpful tips when it comes to choosing the right sized dog bed: 1. Consider the size and breed of your pet dog first. Since you are going to choose a bed for your dog, always keep in mind the physique of your beloved dog. If you own a small dog such as a Teacup Poodle, then of course, you will be looking for a small-sized dog bed. However, if your pet dog is a large one such as a St. Bernard, then you are set to look for a large-sized dog bed. Also, if your canine pet is still a puppy, then you have to choose an adjustable bed for your dog to grow up with. Bear in mind that dogs have different life spans as compared to humans. This means that dogs grow up faster than we do. 2. Make sure that the dog bed product you choose has enough space so your dog can move easily in it. Sleeping on a dog bed should be a soothing moment for your pet and not an exhausting one. Your dog must be able to fit in the bed yet still has enough space to stretch its body. Take note that space is what pets are usually looking for in a dog crib. Dogs are hyperactive and have the tendency to move around even while they sleep. Also, there might be instances when pet dogs other than your own, such as the ones owned by your neighbors or friends, may drop by at your place and share the dog bed with your pet. Make them as comfortable as possible by providing a dog bed with the size just right enough for them to share together. 3. Know your dog well. If you really know your dog, then shopping for the right sized dog bed will not be that hard to do. Everything will have to depend on your pet dog's preferences and needs. When buying a dog bed for your pet, it is better to ask specialty stores for a sleep trial using your prospect dog bed product. This way, you will know the most suitable size of dog bed that best fit your beloved pet dog.
About The Author
Jerry Brecken is a writer for dogbedsforyou.com, a website where you can choose among the varieties of pet supplies such as dog beds for your beloved pet. For more information about dog beds and accessories, visit http://www.dogbedsforyou.com/.

Hunting Dogs

by: Graham Taylor
How does one choose good hunting dogs without getting stung? Many dog breeders are like horse traders—you get what you get, and that isn't what was listed. So a dog breeder's reputation, letters of reputation or phone calls, and looking at siblings or mother and father of the dog means a lot when looking for good hunting dogs. Make sure they have some form of guarantee and for how long they guarantee the puppy or dog. But what is good for one hunter may not mean the same for another, so make sure you know what you want before going out and looking. Do you want versatile good hunting dogs for all-purpose hunting, or one that is excellent at squirrel hunting or coon hunting? Look at where they will be living the remaining time—will it it he be a family member? Make sure the breed you want is one you have information on and have done your homework on. Just because grandpa had one doesn't mean you know what you need to know regarding the purchase of good hunting dogs. Good hunting dogs need to be disease from and have clean genetic lines, regardless the breed. Make sure routine worming has been done as a puppy—which has usually been done from two weeks. Also, look at their shot records—did they receive a two-week puppy shot series with only two weeks between them, beginning around five or six weeks? Once the puppy is weaned from its mother, its immune system becomes compromised, and it is up to the breeder to maintain that system up to eight weeks of age when it leaves the next. A breeder who sells before then is not worth his/her weight in salt. Good hunting dogs mean that—a good hunting dog, not one that is haphazardly bred to make a quick buck. Georgia is famous for good hunting dogs, as most Georgia hunters think more of their dogs than anywhere else, but make sure you don't get a bad breeder anyway. More info http://www.hunting-pro.com/
About The Author
Graham Taylor author of http://hunting-pro.com/

What The Shih Tzu Owner Should Know About Grooming Part I

by: Connie Limon
The show dog Shih Tzu owner who does not want to groom his Shih Tzu himself should know what must be done and when. This knowledge is necessary so he/she can take the Shih Tzu to a professional groomer or handler for show grooming at the right time. All Shih Tzu owners should know several basic grooming techniques. It is very important to use the right equipment. There are many different types of brushes, combs, clipper blades and other tools. If you use the wrong brush, brushing technique, comb or clipper blade you can easily break Shih Tzu’s hair or give the Shih Tzu brush burn. Some knowledge of anatomy is useful. You will need to maintain proper control of the Shih Tzu while grooming. Control points are used to alert the Shih Tzu to what the groomer wants him to do. Shih Tzu puppies are especially important for the groomer to control properly while grooming. Take care not to frighten the Shih Tzu during early grooming sessions. The grooming sessions should be fun for both the Shih Tzu puppy and the owner. Introduce your new Shih Tzu puppy to grooming as soon as you bring him home. At the young age of 8 weeks Shih Tzu puppies usually learn proper grooming manners quickly if they are handled properly. Aspects of grooming that contribute to a Shih Tzu’s good health: 1. To prevent ear infection keep the Shih Tzu’s ears clean of hair. 2. Remove excess wax promptly. This can be done with a piece of cotton that has been dipped in alcohol. 3. Be careful not to pry deep in the ear or stick anything small into the ear. If there is reason to do so, the Shih Tzu should be taken to a veterinarian. 4. Keep toenails trimmed and filed. This helps the Shih Tzu to walk easier and more comfortable as well as keeps him from snagging furniture or scratching owner’s legs and arms. 5. Anal glands should be expressed to avoid discomfort to the dog by your veterinarian if you groom your Shih Tzu at home. The professional groomer can do this if you have your Shih Tzu professionally groomed. 6. All Shih Tzu owners should have some knowledge of ticks, fleas, and lice and know what to do if the Shih Tzu becomes infested with any of these parasites. Shih Tzu can very easily be groomed completely at home if you learn some basic grooming techniques, use the right equipment and have some knowledge of anatomy of your Shih Tzu. This article is FREE to publish with resource box.
About The Author
Connie Limon I raise Shih Tzu. Purchase Shih Tzu puppies and sign up for FREE newsletter at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com/ Pet Care articles at http://smalldogs2.com/ShihTzuCastle For a variety of FREE reprint articles visit http://www.camelotarticles.com/