Dogs Are Our Best Friends and with Good Reason

By Barbara Freedman-De Vito
Why are there so many dog lovers out there ? Dogs share our lives in a way that most other animals can't, and they're so commonplace that it's easy to take their faithful companionship for granted. The purpose of this article is to remind us of why we love dogs so much, to spare a few minutes and to spare a few words in praise of "man's best friend," the dog.

Dogs are friendly and they love human companionship. Whose ego would not be gratified at the sight of a happy dog who can't wait to greet you at the end of a hard day ? Your dog waits for you by the door, face smiling, mouth open and tail wagging, ready to dote on you, his best friend in the world.

Dogs are loyal and, as pack animals, they respond to the presence of a leader - you ! Dogs are eager to please you in any way they can. When you're feeling blue your dog will remain by your side silently comforting you. When you're happy and excited, your dog will leap about you and share in your joy.

Dogs are playful. They love physical activity such as going for walks, fetching sticks, leaping into ponds, and racing wildly to and fro. Dogs will join you for a jog or for a day in the park or even for an exhuberant game of frisbee. Yet dogs can also be soft and cuddly and ready at anytime for a loving pat and a reassuring hug. They're affectionate and they're soothing to stroke, plus most dogs can also remain calm when necessary and be tolerant of small children who don't yet know how to be quiet or to behave gently around animals.

Dogs can be trained so that they can easily cohabitate with us in our human-built dwellings. They can also be trusted to act appropriately around other people and in public. Dogs can learn to save nature's call for outdoor walks, to walk on a leash when on public roads where cars lurk, and to sit and to stay whenever and whereever necessary.

The family dog is as much a part of daily life within a home as is any human household member. Our dogs are always there for us, day and night, sharing in every activity from breakfast time through a cozy evening spent watching TV. They can share both our indoor and many of our local outdoor activities, but that's not all. Dogs also play a big part in family life even when the family isn't at home. They can readily go places with us in cars, everywhere from a romp in the local park to a family vacation. Because they can travel with us, they can be a part of our lives in a way that most other companion animals can't. As dogs can participate in many of our most unusual experiences and outdoor adventures, they become forever associated with many of our most treasured memories.

Dogs, in all of their various shapes and sizes, are also beautiful animals to admire and to look at. From their big beautiful eyes and lovely faces, to their soft, sleek, shiny coats, to the tips of their joyfully wagging tails, dogs are a pleasure to behold. With so many different breeds to choose from, everyone can choose the dog whose appearance most appeals to them, whether large or small, short or long-muzzled, short-haired or long-haired or curly or straight-haired, with a muscular build or a slim build, with an elegant face or a comical face, and in any number of colors.

Each family can adopt the perfect dog to suit their taste and lifestyle by considering factors such as a dog's size and temperment. Does the family have a large fenced yard where a big dog can romp in safety, or a cramped apartment suitable for small dogs only ? Can the family pet care budget support a large dog with a large appetite ? Are there lots of flower beds that might be dug up and ruined by a breed such as a terrier ? Are there children in the house who require an extra gentle dog who'll tolerate the uninformed tail-pulling of a pre-schooler or the roughhousing of a ten year old ?

Does the family have the time available to give a dog all the love, attention, exercise and play that he deserves, or will he be alone all day ? How about two dogs to keep each other company when the human members of the family aren't around ? Perhaps a loveable mutt or two would be the ideal choices ! The local dog shelter is likely to be harboring many abandoned dogs who are sad and lonely and desperately in need of a second chance to find true happiness with a loving family.

Dogs give us the best of themselves: their love, loyalty, unconditional acceptance and affection, playfulness and companionship. In return, we owe them our best and the best care that we can give them, including a healthy, well-balanced diet, constant access to clean water and shelter from the hot sun or extreme cold, regular brushing and other grooming, ongoing veterinary care, plus annual vaccinations. Dogs should also be spayed or neutered, so that they do not contribute to the tragedy of the pet overpopulation problem.

A safe environment is, of course, a must. Indoors, be sure that cleaning products, medications, houseplants and other potential poisons are kept safely out of reach. Upper floor windows need secure grills or screens if they are to be opened. Heavy objects must not be left where they might fall on and injure dogs. Outdoor yards need secure fences if there are roads with cars nearby. (Please don't chain dogs outside and deny them their freedom of movement.) Antifreeze and other poisons mustn't be allowed to leak where any animals might have access to them and try to drink them.

A leash should be used for walks where traffic poses a threat to safety. Don't skimp on daily exercise and provide lots of opportunities to run around and play but, if a little dog has short legs, remember to slow down and not force him to overwork his little legs in trying to keep up with your larger stride. Don't force dogs to hurry past every tree when out for a walk, either. Sometimes dogs just need to sniff, so don't rush them too much.

Above all else, dogs deserve gentle handling and an abundance of our time and attention. Love can make a dog's world go round as much as love makes our world go round. When we give our love freely to our dogs, we receive their love in return. Dogs can truly be man's and woman's and children's best friends, and we should feel honored to be theirs, as well.

About the author:
Barbara Freedman-De Vito is a dog lover who owns numerous online shops for different dog breeds clothing and gifts. Visit her shops at http://www.cafepress.com/ilovedogsbreeds

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Boston Terriers: Top Dog Breed

By Andi Wize
Boston Terriers are the top dog breed in many different respects. Bostons--or BTs--as many Boston owners often refer to them, are considered on-top for a variety of reasons:

** They're tops in playfulness.

** They're tops in eating.

** They're tops in snoring.

** They're tops in passing gas and producing solid waste (sorry, but it's true).

** They're tops in sleeping peacefully for hours on end.

** They're tops in chewing and gnawing on bones.

** They're tops in cuteness.

** They're tops in loving.

It's probably true that most dog breed owners believe their preferred dog breed to be the best, but Boston Terriers are some of the greatest dogs around. But let's take a little closer look at Boston Terriers...

A puppy trainer once said that, "Boston Terriers are a big dog in a little dog's body...", and nothing could be more apt. BTs are not afraid of much. They'll rumble at will with much bigger Golden Retrievers and Labradors. In fact, many Boston Terriers seem to prefer playing with big dogs.

Boston's have a wonderful muscular physique. Compact and strong, they usually top out at 20 or 25 pounds, and it's not uncommon to find more petite Boston Terriers as well.

BTs love to play and they're speedy and athletic, so be sure to have lots of fetch toys available. They may even be good candidates for agility training, a sort of obstacle course for dogs. But they also love to chew and have strong jaws, so you'll want to keep strong bones on hand, plus well-made chew ropes or hard rubber tug toys. Forget the little plastic squeaky toys... they'll be mincemeat in minutes... honestly.

Boston Terriers do play hard, but when they stop, they sleep hard too. Few dog breeds can crash into total oblivion as fast as a Boston. And if they can curl up on the bed or couch with you, so much the better. They absolutely love to nestle into the curve between your butt and knees if you lay on your side. Be prepared to share your bed with your Boston Terrier... they're almost impossible to resist!

Boston's eat well too. Not picky, for the most part, they'll wolf down meals with abandon. And be sure to keep some tasty--but healthy--snacks on hand too to reward good behavior, or just to spoil your little cutie.

And talk about cute... What could be cuter than your little "tuxedo man" (or woman) with the black and white markings, big brown eyes, huge ears, smushy face, and that little pout? One inquisitive look from a Boston Terrier with his head cocked, and you melt.

Of course, Boston Terriers are also "good" at some less desirable things. With their short snouts, breathing is more of a challenge, and they'll snore better than some humans when sleeping. So, if you're not a sound sleeper, it could create some problems. Some Boston owners consider their pet to be a "solid waste factory". It's not uncommon during a 10-block walk for him to "go" at least twice. So, bring lots of bags!

If you like to exercise, walk, or hike with your Boston, it's also important to know that their short snouts make it difficult for them to cool their bodies effectively during hot weather. Their dark coats don't help either. So, you may need to leave your Boston Terriers home on hot days... or to provide some kind of cooling, through a vest with cold packs in it or some such. Cold weather can be hard for a BT too, with their short hair and lack of extra fat. It may look silly, but your BT needs to wear a warm coat when outside on cold days.

But what Boston Terriers are absolutely the best at is... loving their owners. They love us with their total being, following us around the house, and always wanting to be close. Most dogs provide unconditional love to their people; it's one of the biggest reasons to own a dog. But Boston Terriers are absolutely devoted to people.

Boston's are hands down one of the top dog breeds you could ever own. Won't you adopt a Boston Terrier today?

About the author:
Article by Dog-and-Cat-Training.com
Visit http://www.dog-and-cat-training.com/dog-training/ for more dog training articles, over 100 dog and cat tips, and more!

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Dog Food Allergy – Saving Your Dog from Food Allergy Threats

By Michael Lee
If you’re allergic to any kind of food, then you already have a good idea how uncomfortable it is. At its worst, it’s even dangerous. So you can probably imagine how terrible dog food allergy can be for your pet. Dog food allergy is said to be the third most common form of allergy in dogs; but despite this, it remains that there is no one particular cause of this condition.

Some believe that ingredients like wheat and soy negatively affect dogs, while others think that certain proteins are the culprits. Nevertheless, you should be on the lookout for any signs of dog food allergy in your pet.

The most common sign of dog food allergy is excessive scratching. If you notice your dog scratching a lot or constantly gnawing at parts of his body, you must first check if it is being caused by fleas. If not, then you can assume that allergy is causing it. Other symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhea.

To check for dog food allergy, the food trial test is implemented. This involves modifying your dog’s diet for a period of time, usually under the supervision of a veterinarian who can make the observations and diagnosis, as well as any additional tests.

You should gradually introduce a different set of food, alternating it with your dog’s usual food items until he gets used to his new diet. You should observe your dog’s condition for about twelve weeks; and if he improves, that means a change in diet is needed.

It was believed that a combination of lamb and rice was the best option for dogs suffering from food allergy; but nowadays, this idea is rebuffed, particularly because commercially-produced lamb-and-rice dog food mixes contain substances that can further aggravate dog food allergy. Veterinarians suggest other options, like fish or rabbit. Homemade dog food is the better alternative, provided they’re well balanced.

If you find that your pet has a case of dog food allergy, don’t fret; it’s not the end of the world for your furry friend. This simply means that he just requires food that is different from the kind you usually feed him. In time, you’ll be able to find the perfect food that will keep your dog healthy and prevent dog food allergy from acting up.

About the author:
Prolong your dog's life and know the life-saving secrets that most dog-lovers will never know about detecting bad dog food and solving dog health problems at http://www.20daypersuasion.com/dogs-exposed.htm

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Dog Food Recalls – Coping with Life-Threatening Dog Foods

By Michael Lee
One of the biggest news that broke out in March was the dog food recalls that took place. This major occurrence caused a lot of panic among dog owners, who then stampeded to their veterinarians hoping to learn more about the issue. People learned more about the problem and as it turned out, even cat food have to be taken off store shelves. The dog food recalls are certainly a big problem; here’s some information to enlighten you and your pet.

This issue came to light when it was observed that many dogs and cats exhibited symptoms of kidney failure, such as sluggishness and nausea, as well as drinking frequently and urinating more often than usual.

These took place around the time when one of the largest makers of dog and cat food in America, switched to a different supplier of their pet food ingredients. Since then, the company recalled almost 100 brands of their pet foods.

It was found that the gravy-thickener, wheat gluten, imported from China, contained the chemical melamine, which is used in the manufacture of plastics and which was added to the wheat gluten to make protein levels seem enhanced.

After the initial dog food recalls, traces of melamine in yet another ingredient, rice gluten, were discovered just a month later, leading to further recalls. Other melamine-related compounds have since been found, along with cyanuric acid, which is used in pool chlorination.

Corn gluten, imported by South African pet food firms also from China, has likewise tested positive for melamine and has been blamed for the deaths of about 30 dogs due to renal failure. It was reported in May that corn gluten had reached Canadian soil as well.

As if all that wasn’t enough, in June, ExperTox, Inc., a Texas-based laboratory, detected lethal amounts of the pain reliever, acetaminophen, in pet food being tested for melamine and cyanuric acid.

Several other pet food companies have also recalled their products after an undetermined number of animals were either downed or even killed. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) puts the death toll at roughly 1,950 cats and 2,200 dogs.

Such staggering statistics, and those numbers were released back in late April. The extent of the chemical outbreak is confounding and has even led people to question whether or not humans are safe. So far, officials are quick to point out that none of the contaminants have been detected in human food.

What can you, the pet owner, do? Observe your dog closely. If you recognize the symptoms of kidney failure as mentioned above, do not hesitate to take him to the vet at once.

Do your own research and keep an eye on the constantly updated recall list to see whether or not your dog’s food may be included. Better yet, switch to premium, human-grade dog food purchased at feed stores rather than grocery stores.

If you have the time and means, there are countless dog food recipes available for you to prepare yourself, so you know exactly what goes into your dog’s system and you can be sure of his health and safety.

But most importantly, you have to stay in step with all the latest news and updates regarding any products for your pets. It’s not enough to simply read a few news items on the dog food recalls. You need to be more observant and learn more about the products you purchase for your pets. That’s definitely a big step in making sure that your pet stays healthy and well cared for.

About the author:
Get the controversial FREE course that reveals shocking truths about bad dog food and dog health problems at http://www.20daypersuasion.com/dogs-exposed.htm

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Make Your Own Healthy Organic Dog Food

By Tom Henricks
You may well be aware of all the benefits of switching to an organic diet for a healthier and longer life. But did you know that your canine pal can benefit from eating organic dog food also? By changing your dog to an organic food source, you can do your best to ensure that he or she lives a longer, healthier life. Benefit from less trips to the veterinarian, more energy, and better overall health.

You can also save yourself a bunch of money by making your own organic dog food right at home. Not only will this make you feel better knowing that you are promoting better health for your dog, but also you can save a bunch of money at the same time.

Steps to Better Dog Food

One of the first things that you need to have handy when you go to make your own organic dog food is an air-tight container to store the finished product in. Homemade dog food should only be stored for a few days, certainly not more than four or five days. Be sure not to make up any more than your dog will consume through that period. Organic dog food should be fed in much the same way as typical store bought dog food. If your dog currently eats a cup of dry food per day, then the same quantity of your homemade healthy dog food should do the job nicely.

Maybe the second most important element of your organic dog food is the base ingredients you use. Choose only the good cuts of ground beef, turkey, or chicken that you would feel comfortable feeding to your family. Cook the meat you choose thoroughly, and blend to achieve a fine texture in your blender or food processor.

Adding vegetables to your organic dog food is also important. Dogs need beta carotene for good eyesight. Grind several carrots (three or four) in your blender to a fine pulp. Mix both meat and vegetables together and add several cups of well cooked, brown rice. This will help to bind it all together. This should then be stored in an air-tight container in your refrigerator. Feed it to your dog as required.

Making your own organic dog food is easy and it only adds a few dollars to your grocery budget.

Top Reasons to Choose Organic Pet Food

Maybe you have been considering making the switch to organic pet food, but you are unsure about it. Read the following list of top reasons why organic is best for any pet. Not only will your pet thank you for making the switch to this new healthy dog food, but your budget should be smaller.

A Healthier Pet, Smaller Budget

When you make the switch to organic pet food for your dog or cat, you will no longer be included with those pet owners who need to check their pet food each time there is a product recall. By changing to organic, you can help to ensure that your furry friend has not only a well balanced diet, but also contains no chemicals and preservatives.

Just as with an organic diet for you and your family, organic pet food can help your pet live a longer, healthier life. When you eliminate the preservatives and additives from your pet food, you will worry less about vet visits, because your pet will have a stronger immune system. By feeding your pet organic pet food, you are helping them to be stronger and healthier.

Not only will your pet live a healthier and longer life, but your budget will look much better as well. Not only can you purchase organic food for your pet much cheaper than you can purchase store bought pet foods, but you can also create your own organic pet food in your home for only a few dollars. This should prove to be the most healthy dog food you could provide.

Make Your Own

By making the switch to organic pet food, you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are giving your pet healthy food at a minimal price. By making your own organic pet food, you can help to ensure that you and your family pet can have a long and healthy life together for a long life.

Tom Henricks maintains a blog where you can exchange info about petfood. For more information about Petfood please visit http://www.petfood-tgh.com/

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com