Buying Personalized Dog Collar

By: Shaun McPherson

Own a dog? It is great to have the man's best friend and you should also know that you must buy a collar for you dog. Although they are essential, a common fashion and trend these days, is to have personalized dog collars for your dogs, and in fact many people don't mind spending some cash to get a unique dog collar for their dog.

Perrsonalized dog collars can instantly make the best of the situation and they also give your dog the most unique look.

Here are some tips and advice on finding the best personalized dog collar.....

Personalized Dog Collar -

Depending on the kind of dog you have, you can get all kinds of custom designed collars in all makes of collars, including regular snap on collars, leather, and martingales. The collars can easily reflect your personality or your dog's as they come in so many makes and styles which you can easily adapt your personal touch to by having the manufacturing company add things like rhinestones, spikes, name branding and other great touches.

Unique collars -

Gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals can be added to the collar to make it unique, and you can also choose from many different materials for the collar itself, such as suede, leather, vinyl, and even cotton. Rhinestone Dog Collar are quickly becoming a popular and unique addition to personalized dog collars.

Crystals, zircons, rubies, and diamonds even, are being used to effectively add flare and personality to customized dog collars.

Crystals used to spell out a pet's name on the collar are quickly becoming the most popular style of customized dog collar, for the obvious reason that it specifically personalizes the collar for any name, which is especially great for pet owners whose dogs have very rare names. The good thing about designer collars and unique collars, is that they are both fancy, yet they are also functional.

Sizing -

Since there are many breeds and types of dogs, it is extremely important that you always measure your dog first, before getting a personalized dog collar, so that you do not get the wrong size.

Some common sizes range from the following:

- "Toy sized dogs", 8-9in
- Small dogs - 10-14 inches
- Small to medium dogs, 14 to16 in
- Medium Sized dogs, 16-18 in
- Larger dogs, 20 to 22 inches
- Very Large Breed Dogs, 22-24 in

Most collars have a width of about ½ an inch to about 1 inch, and to scale things..

Jack Russels, Shelties and other similar sized dogs most often fall into the "small dog" category, as most have a neck circumference of about 10-14 in; which should help you to scale where your dog fits into the chart. Bigger dogs, like Labs, Retrievers, Dalmatians etc.. can have a varied collar size, because their neck sizes generally range anywhere from 14 to 20 inches, and likewise for large breed dogs; which is why you should always measure your dog's neck circumference

Your Dog Goes Missing

by: Kadence Buchanan

This article, serves as a guide to all dog-owners that wish not to experience the agony and distress of having to deal with the fact that their dog is gone missing. Just read carefully the tips that follow, keeping in mind that your best friend needs an owner who is capable of being proactive as well as encouraging it to catch, fetch, pull, tag and chew. The most important thing to remember is that if your dog gets lost, chances are that someone, somewhere, has seen it. Do not get discouraged and do not panic. Be aware and it is likely that you will be reunited with your beloved companion again, if you follow the instructions listed below and keep yourself organized and prepared at all times.

- Keep an action checklist in a visible location, along with the current phone numbers of emergency contacts, like individuals and organizations you will need to call in case of an emergency. Also keep a copy in your vehicle for when you are traveling.

- Of extreme importance is to keep with this list of contacts a current local street map. It can greatly assist your search in case you need to coordinate a search unit.

- Check frequently your dog to see that he wears his collar. Have a tag attached to the collar with the dog's name and your current home and/or cell phone number. Additionally, always have a current rabies tag and pet license tag attached to your dog's collar. You can find it again sooner by using the engraved tag numbers.

- However, dogs can loose their collars on the streets. For real security, consider putting a microchip implant to your dog and register the chip's number with one of the available registries of your area. If your dog gets stolen or lost and gets dumped or found it can be identified through its microchip ID number. Permanent identification, either that is in the form of a microchip or tattoo, is also useful in case you ever have to prove to law that this dog is indeed yours and you are the one they should return it to.

- Prior to having to deal with any unfortunate event, register your dog to the available services of your area. In most cases registration can be completed online and you will save precious time if something actually happens.

- Ensure you have recent and reliable color photos of your dog that show clearly all your dogs' characteristics, so that you can make a big publicity fuss and make it extremely difficult for thieves to try to keep your dog. Taking pictures annually (maybe something to do on the dog's birthday), is a must. You need to photograph your dog's head and body from different angles (top, front, head shot, side-on, standing, etc.). Focus especially on any special markings your dog might carry.

- Write a simple and clear description of your dog and have it stored in computer's memory-along with the most recent set of photographs-in order to create posters/flyers and publish its disappearance.

- Search in advance and save the webpages of your local animal control authorities for immediate retrieval. This can assist you to immediately publicize its disappearance online through the multiple online services.

- Maintain your garden fence to keep it dog-proof and check frequently the locks on your doors and windows in order to be sure that your dog is safely confined when you leave it alone in the house.

- Guard your dog in your garden and runs. Never allow your dog to roam free in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Leash it at all times. If a dog gets loose in an unfamiliar area its chances of ever finding its way home are particularly small.

- Do not leave your dog tied up outside shops, gyms, classrooms, offices, etc., and do not leave your dog unattended inside your vehicle.

- Be wary of strangers expressing an interest in your dog. Watch out for suspicious characters. You do not have to become overprotective, but at least you have to be aware of the risks. Remember that your dog is your responsibility. Do not leave it to be taken care from friendly strangers.

- If you think you are being followed, do not go straight back home. Try visiting a friend's or neighbor's house, who does not own a dog. Stay at your friend's or neighbor's house for at least half an hour so as to give to the stalker the impression that the house you entered is where the dog actually lives.

Non-Shedding Dog Breeds

By Kirsten Hawkins

Many people would love to own a pet dog, but are wary of the potential mess that shed dog hair can cause in their homes. These people want a dog that doesn’t shed to be their companion. Unfortunately there is no such thing as a dog that doesn’t shed at all. All dogs will shed and replace at least some of their hair, just like people do. There are some breeds that shed far less than others, however, and selecting one of these breeds can keep the shedding mess to a minimum.

Airedale Terrier:

The Airedale terrier is a large terrier with a rough coat that sheds very little. These dogs can be good with children, but such socialization needs to start early in the dog’s life. They may play too roughly for small children. These are loyal and trainable dogs, but are also very naturally curious and not easily coaxed away from something that catches their interest. The Airedale usually grows to about 22-24 inches in height and a weight of 50-65 pounds.

Cockapoo:

The Cockapoo is reminiscent of the Poodle, especially in the face. It has a short, curly coat and does not shed much but does require above average grooming. It is actually a cross between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, hence its appearance and name (Cocker + Poodle = Cockapoo). These dogs are very friendly, loyal, and playful. They are good with children and other dogs and are typically very easy to train.

Italian Greyhound:

The Italian Greyhound is a miniature Greyhound. The body style of this dog is nearly exactly like that of his racing cousins, but in a convenient, compact size. These dogs are gentle and submissive. They become very emotionally attached to their people. They are obedient and easy to train, but prone to mischief – and they know when they’ve been naughty. They get along well with children – if the children are well behaved. If the kids are high strung and rambunctious, the dog will be too. It is best in a quiet household. The coat of the Italian Greyhound is short and sleek and they don’t shed much at all.

Miniature Poodle:

The Miniature Poodle is not truly a breed all to itself, but one of the three AKC recognized sizes of Poodles. Like all Poodles, they shed very little, but their short, curly coats require considerable grooming. They are very intelligent, playful, and quite trainable. They generally get along well with children, but they can be sensitive or nervous around rowdy kids. They easily integrate with a family and feel that they have to be a part of all family activities. They will often act as though they’ve been slighted if not included in family activities.

Different Ways Of Transporting Your Pet Safely

by: Derek Rogers

There are many ways to transport your pet. Depending on the reason for the transportation, it can be a quick and easy trip for both of you, or it can be a lengthy excursion that needs detailed planning in order to work for both of you. You will want to be sure to take any necessary steps to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet during any traveling.

For making those short trips by vehicle, you have various options to choose from. Some large dogs that are typically put in the back of a truck can still be stationed there safely with a manufactured harness built especially for keeping them safe in the back box of a truck while the vehicle is in motion. For smaller animals such as smaller dogs or cats, there are seat belts that can be adapted for the inside of your vehicle in order to keep them stationary and safe.

If you have a pet that does not stay stationary during travel or might harm themselves or others around them if being secured, you may want to invest in a carrier. By using a carrier they are free to relax inside during their short venture and are still able to see what is happening around them without posing a threat in a moving vehicle. There are many styles and sizes of carriers to choose from, so you have many options when it comes to colour, design or even ease of mobility.

For those larger trips in some countries there are pet transportation services. These companies do all the necessary work in order to prepare and transport your pet safely and efficiently to their destination. This type of company can be helpful if you have never transported a pet before and are unaware of the regulations for air or train travel for a live animal. They will have completed everything for you so you can relax knowing that your pet is in good hands and will see you at your final destination.

If it is a bird that you are transporting, you would be fine to use a small cage or even a cardboard box with air holes through it, but you would need a type of harness in order to eliminate the possibility of your bird flying away in fright once it has been released at the destination. There are a variety of harnesses or suits to fit birds of all sizes for this very reason. Your pet is part of your family and you will want to protect them from any dangers on the outside.

No matter which option you choose for your type of travels you will want to make sure that you are not sedating your pet. According to veterinarians, sedation can be harmful, and sometimes even fatal, for animals during travel. Do not feel that sedating them will make their trip, or yours, any easier. A pet that is well traveled with his owner will become accustomed to it and be a great companion on the road as well as at home.

How to give your dog home-made enema

By Linda Kajda

Sometimes, you may need to do more than just giving solid or liquid medication to your sick dog. Depending on his condition and symptoms, you may also have to provide other kinds of nursing care, such as giving enemas. Below is an effective way to use this procedure: The use of enemas can be beneficial for dogs that has the following conditions; constipation, during fasting, dehydration, excessive vomiting, bowel irritation caused by bone fragments or the presence of spoiled food or garbage in the digestive tract. Before administering this procedure, make sure that you only use pure water that is warm but not hot (test it on your wrist to make sure). Use about two tablespoons for a small dog and up to a pint for a large dog. Add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the water and administer the mixture with a plastic or rubber syringe for about 2 to 3 minutes. For large dogs, you can use and enema bag and a nozzle. Here is how to do it: You must lubricate the end of the syringe with vegetable oil. Have someone help you hold the dog gently while he stands in a tub or on the ground. Insert the nozzle carefully into the rectum. Using gentle and consistent pressure against the anus (to prevent the fluid from leaking out), slowly fill the colon. If the solution does not flow in easily, pull back on the nozzle or syringe and slightly adjust the angle. Expect a bowel movement to begin within a few minutes. You may administer the enema once or twice a day for a couple of days. In many cases, dogs that are dehydrated are simply retaining the fluid. This occurs when the colon absorbs the fluid which the body needs. Therefore, enemas are an excellent way to administer fluid therapy. Under these circumstances, administer the enema about every four hours or until fluid is no longer retained. If a dog is having difficulty keeping water in his stomach due to heavy vomiting, an enema can help introduce the fluid and salts that are needed to replace those lost through vomiting. Using the solution as described earlier, add a pinch of sea salt plus a pinch of potassium chloride. The same solution can also be used to help a dog suffering from prolonged diarrhea. In this case, administer the enema every four hours or until fluid is no longer retained.

Kids and Pets

When you have kids, they can often drive you crazy by hounding for a dog or a cat. Some parents are reluctant to give their child a pet due to fear of the animal harming the child being forefront in their minds. There are many dog and cat breeds that you can have in your home that will do really well for you and your family—even with small children. There are, of course, some precautions to make.


First, we will look at dog breeds. There are certain dog breeds that demand respect and kids often don’t have those feelings. Most children do not understand that pulling on the pet’s tail or stroking too roughly can not only harm the animal, but make it resentful of the child. You can of course work with your child to help him develop proper pet-handling behavior, but you should first consider starting out with a pet breed that is best for children. For instance, the following dog breeds are well-known for being especially good with children: St. Bernards, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Poodles, Siberian Huskies, and Mastiffs. While you do have to be careful about their size and make sure they are socialized and housetrained, they make wonderful pets. They are very affectionate and tend to exercise care and protectiveness of the children. These dog breeds will also stand up to a certain amount of abuse. If the child pulls on the tail or accidentally falls into them they are more likely to be worried and protective rather than distasteful or aggressive. You do have to teach your kid to be respectful, but generally these dogs as pets will offer a wonderful family addition.


In general, most cats are going to have issues with children. With cats, who are not as easy to train, you will find they tend to nip or bite a child who pulls their ears/tail or hurts them in any way. It is the cat’s way of showing anger. Cats by nature tend to choose one owner. This owner usually showers them with affection and treats them properly. If you do introduce a cat into your household, you should make sure your children are old enough to understand and exercise the proper treatment of it. Typically you want a child no younger than three dealing with any pet, especially cats. At this age the kid is old enough to understand right from wrong and deal with the pain if the cat bites them for a good reason. Some cats you may want in your home include the Abyssinian, American bobtail, American shorthair, Balinese, Birman, Bombay, Burmese, Manx, Persian, and Siberian. Typically you should not have a Siamese cat around children, as they tend to be very moody and are often one who demands respect. When you consider getting a pet for your child, it is important to realize that not all pets are great for a home.

Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Help Your Pets

Choosing Healthy Foods For Your Dog

By Kirsten Hawkins

Today’s pet food market is larger and more diverse than ever before. While this offers a large number of choices in various types of pet food, it also presents a dilemma in choosing the healthiest food for your dog. Are generic or store brands suitable for a dog? What about familiar name brands like Purina and Alpo? Are the pricier brands that advertise specially formulated ingredients (Science Diet, Eukanuba) really living up to their claims and worth the extra money? All of these are valid questions that loving dog owners deserve to have answered.

Dog Food Considerations

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right food for your dog. Different dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages in their lives. Some things to consider when selecting the food you’ll give your dog follow.

• The Dog’s Age

Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs just as human children have different needs than adult people. Senior dogs also have different requirements than younger adult dogs. Make sure that you select a food that is appropriate for your dog’s stage in life.

• The Dog’s Health

Does your dog have a specific medical condition? If so, the food you choose may need to be partially dictated by that condition. Diabetic dogs need low-glucose foods and dogs with specific allergies (yes dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, just like people) may require certain foods as well. Your veterinarian can help you choose foods that are appropriate for a dog with a specific medical condition.

• The Dog’s Size or Body Type

Some dogs are overweight. Some dogs are underweight. Some have a natural tendency to get lots of exercise while others tend to prefer to lie around a lot. There are, of course, small, medium, and large dogs as well as the ultra-tiny “toy” dogs. All of these different types of dogs will have different requirements for the type of food they need as well as how much of it.

• Your Budget

Dog food can be expensive, there’s no doubt about it. And where dog food is concerned, the rule really is “you get what you pay for.” Low cost generics and store brands will lighten the burden on your wallet, but may not be the healthiest choice for your dog as they are made with cheap ingredients and lots of fillers. You should buy the best dog food you can on your budget to help ensure your dog’s nutrition.