By Yuki Shoji
You might think that fleas are nothing more than a minor irritant, like mosquitoes, but if you've ever seen a dog with a severe flea infestation, you'll think otherwise. Dogs can develop skin allergies, balding, skin rashes, dermatitis and other conditions including worms if fleas are not controlled. In severe cases, the dog will become restless.
Flea bite allergy is a common condition that causes the dog to scratch incessantly. If the scratching does not provide sufficient relief, the dog will bite at his skin and tear out patches of hair trying to get rid of the itch.
Dogs can become extremely irritated and sensitive to other disturbances, such as a family member attempting to play with the dog or even to pet him. Dogs in distress are likely to bite family members out of frustration.
It's important, therefore, to make sure that your dog is clear of fleas. This can be difficult if your dog has the run of the yard or goes on frequent trips to the park or is allowed to run free. Fleas are everywhere and are spread by wild animals. Squirrels are a particularly troublesome source as they tend to carry them from nest to ground on a regular basis.
While it's not feasible to eliminate fleas from your yard, it is relatively easy to rid them from inside your house and from your dog.
There are many products available that will do the trick. You can get flea collars for your pet, use a flea spray or bathe your dog with flea soap. Some products that you give your dog orally will protect your dog for up to a year. If you have multiple pets, treat them all so the fleas have nowhere to hide and cannot be transferred to your treated animals.
Of course, treating the dog isn't enough. Fleas jump off your dog from time to time and hide in carpets, bedding, and other soft materials. If your dog has his own chair or is allowed on your furniture, the fleas will take refuge there until feeding time. Then, they will seek the closest source of food which includes humans, dogs and other household animals.
To be sure you get rid of as many fleas as possible, take the animal bedding outside and shake it out, then spray it well with a flea repellent. Better yet, wash it if possible. Spray into the carpets and along the baseboards of your rooms, especially those where the dog and any other house pets hang out.
Follow the directions on the flea treatment products for best results. It will likely take several treatments before the fleas are all gone, but they will return. It's important to maintain monthly spraying during the warm months when fleas proliferate to ensure the best protection for your animals and your family.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yuki_Shoji
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Dogs Training Series - Why Protect Your Dog From Fleas?
Posted by
pipat
at
7:02 PM
0
comments
Labels: dog history, dog tip, Dog Training
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Importance of Keeping a Indoor Dog Active
By Donna Forney
You need to keep your dog active indoors, for one thing, so he or she will stay calmer indoors. But during long winter months when playing outside in certain parts of the country is not an option this is the only way to make sure your dog stays physically fit. Just like humans, a dog can gain weight and have heart problems if not allowed to have enough exercise.
5 Dog Activities
These 5 dog activities are ones that we do in our house from time to time.
• Fetching a ball is one of my dog's favorite activities. We have stairs and one of us throws the ball down the stairs and she runs down and retrieves the ball. This gives her such good exercise. A tennis ball is perfect for this activity.
• Sometimes, my dog loves to play keep away from us with one of her toys. She will grab one of her toys in her mouth and we try to get it from her. She actually runs away from us! It is a hoot.
• Other times she loves to just have us chase her. We get exercise this way too!
• We have a good (made for a dog) tug of war rope that she loves to do. We hold one end and sometimes she holds so tight that we can lift her off the ground. (She only weighs 22 pounds though.)
• If you have an open enough space in part of your house you could get a Frisbee and have your dog catch it when you throw it.
Walking Your Dog
When the weather permits, though, it is always great to take your dog for a walk. It is a bonding experience for you and your dog. It also makes both of you healthier. All dogs also need to learn to walk on a leash with today's leash laws too.
So play with your dog indoors to keep them healthy and calm. It is truly important to work on keeping indoor dogs active indoors for their health and well-being.
Donna is an indoor dog lover based in Eagleville, PA.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_Forney
Posted by
pipat
at
2:09 PM
0
comments
Labels: dog history, dog house, dog tip, Dog Training
Friday, January 2, 2009
Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review
By Robert Playoll
This article is a review of the Blue Buffalo dog food. It is a dog food that has been a trusted name by dog owners and pet nutritionists alike. It is an excellent choice for dog owners searching for a healthy, nutrient dense product to feed their dogs and/or puppies.
Blue Buffalo dog food is a formula based upon utilizing natural, healthy and organic ingredients. All of the Blue Buffalo foods for dogs contain premium meat, fish, or poultry as the first ingredient on the label, meaning it's most prominent in content. All of these formulas are further enhanced by incorporating wholesome whole grains, healthy and garden fresh vegetables and nutritious fruits.
All of the Blue Buffalo pet foods contain a proprietary blend of nutrients and antioxidants chosen by veterinarians and nutritionists called life source bits. The ingredients found in this exclusive blend have been proven to help strengthen the immune system, support the specific life stage requirements and to assist in protecting dogs from the negative impact of environmental toxins.
Another benefit of this dog food is that it leaves all the bad stuff out. They never use by-products, just healthy, premium meat, fish or chicken. These recipes also do not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives - just wholesome goodness.
Blue Buffalo dog food uses only the best natural ingredients for its holistic dog foods. The goal is to provide all dogs, whether it's a puppy or a senior dog, with a food that incorporates all the same nutrition and supplements that we humans eat. They come in several different formulas including chicken, lamb and fish recipes. So if you are looking for a nutritious dog food made with nutrient dense ingredients leaving out all the bad stuff, look no further than Blue Buffalo dog food.
Dog food provides detailed information on adult dog food, puppy food and more. Dog food is affiliated with Blue Buffalo dog food.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Playoll
Posted by
pipat
at
12:18 AM
5
comments
Labels: dog food, dog history
