Factors to Consider when Choosing Labradoodle Dogs

By Richard Cussons
The way towards a happy and long-lasting relationship with Labradoodle dogs starts in choosing for the right puppy. As a potential dog owner, you must be equipped with information on how to choose a puppy that's right for you and your family. Here are some factors to consider:

A Labradoodle dog is no different from any other dogs when it comes to the amount of care and attention needed. In that they need the same amount of commitment and time that a young child needs.

Having a child and a pup together under the same roof is something to be well taken care of. Constant supervision is required to prevent them from hurting each other. Though these dogs are known as friendly and loyal dogs, watching them closely prevents the occurrence of roughhousing, pulling, biting and other injuries.

Labradoodle dogs fall under the hunting dogs category though they were developed for companion purposes. They became popular in home life thus making them wonderful pets for families even to those with children.

One of the reasons why people prefer dog for a pet is because of the security it can give. Having a dog that barks when someone approaches the door is just like having a living home alarm system.

Labradoodle dogs are not only good companions but also good watchdogs. They are very easy to train being very intelligent, having the characteristics of both the Lab and the Poodle.

Dogs are also popular pets because they provide great companionship to there owners. They are naturally social in nature, and love to please and spend time with its owner. They shouldn't be kept out in the backyard all through out the day, especially the puppies for they need more supervision, more interaction and regular training to develop behaviors accepted in human world.

Since Labradoodle dogs need regular exercise, taking them out for long walks is one way of spending time with them.

Richard Cussons is great lover of dogs and you can find our more about Labradoodle dogs at Labradoodle Savvy.com.

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Skin and Coat Problems in Cats and Dogs2

By: Elyse Grau
If you suspect your pet has fleas but you haven't actually seen any, look for the tell-tale black "specks" at the base of the hairs. Fleas particularly love the areas at the base of the tail, ears and hind legs (where they meet the belly). To determine if the specks are flea dirt (dried blood) and not just dirt, put some on a white paper or cloth and wet them. If they turn red, you've got fleas.

Some diseases cause symptoms of the skin and coat. Thyroid imbalances may cause dull, flaky or greasy coat and sometimes hair loss. Skin and ear infections are common with Cushing's Disease.

There are some specific skin diseases as well. Mange is caused by a mite and causes lesions and hair loss, usually around the mouth and eyes. This most often clears up on its own, but some dogs and cats cannot rid themselves of the mites and have a more severe case. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungus affecting cats, dogs and people (especially children). It shows up as circular lesions that are raw, hairless and scaly. The disease spreads rapidly.

Boredom or anxiety can cause a dog to lick its paws repeatedly and constantly, resulting in "lick granulomas". These are raised nodules, often rough and scaly. There is also a group of autoimmune diseases called Pemphigus which cause scaly skin, scabs and pustules. Some breeds are particularly susceptible to the disease.

Elyse Grau has written many articles on pet health and care. They are based on her own experience and knowledge, as well as extensive research and interviews. For more information on caring for your dog or cat, see => http://www.pethealthresource.com

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Skin and Coat Problems in Cats and Dogs1

By Elyse Grau
The skin is a body's largest organ. It acts as a barrier against harmful invasions from the environment. It also is one of the methods by which the body eliminates toxins.

Skin problems are probably the most common ailments seen in dogs. Usually they are not a disease in themselves, but a symptom of another underlying problem.

Allergies are the most common reason one sees problems with the skin or coats of their dogs and cats. It may be dietary, environmental, chemical or drug related. Problems can also show up due to dietary deficiency or poor diet in general. Symptoms include such as itching, redness, and poor coat quality.

If no other reason for the problem can be found, it is time to look for food allergies. Simply by changing the dog or cats diet to a higher quality food will often make a difference. Often simply adding raw meat to the diet is enough to see an improvement.

If the problem persists, or the pet is already on a healthy diet, then you must look at the specific ingredients in the food. Beef, chicken, corn and soy are the most common allergens, but cats and dogs, like people, can be allergic to anything. Try eliminating the above four things first, if that doesn't work a more drastic "elimination diet" may be necessary. This usually takes at least 6-8 weeks to get a good reading.

If no food allergy can be identified, or if eliminating an offending food has not solved the problem, then you must look to the environment - inside as well as outside. Once an allergic reaction has been allowed to continue for some time, the immune system is taxed and the body may become sensitive to other irritants.

Play detective! Ask yourself if anything has changed in the house recently; new carpeting, new cabinetry, fresh paint? These things can all give off chemicals which may cause illness. Are the symptoms seasonal? Pollens are a common allergen, and difficult to avoid, especially for a dog. Did the symptoms start suddenly? What happened just before they appeared - vaccinations? Other illness? Emotional upset? Finding and eliminating the cause can be a long and difficult process.

Essential Fatty Acids, also known as Omega-3 and Omega-6 are important nutrients for the skin and coat of dogs and cats. You might also consider certain herbs, such as Milk Thistle or Dandelion, which support the liver and help the body detoxify. There are many natural topical products that can be used to calm the symptoms.

Bathing is not always the answer. If the dog's coat is dry, bathing may just make matters worse. If you must bathe, use a gentle shampoo. For dogs or cats with itchy skin, look for oatmeal as one of the ingredients in a pet shampoo.

Another common cause of itching and redness for dogs and cats is flea bite dermatitis. Not all animals are allergic, but fleas will at least cause scratching or biting in all pets simply because they are annoying! Flea allergies however, cause the pests to be more than just an annoyance. Symptoms of flea allergy include hair loss, redness, and sometimes sores known as "hot spots".

Elyse Grau has written many articles on pet health and care. They are based on her own experience and knowledge, as well as extensive research and interviews. For more information on caring for your dog or cat, see => http://www.pethealthresource.com

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