Hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition in which the hip joint doesn’t develop sufficiently to support the leg bone. This results in gradual joint deterioration over time as the leg bone bumps and grinds against it.
Terriers are working dogs, bred to root vermin out of holes. They have more energy than most people can conceive and can going long after other dogs want a nap. Bear this in mind before you welcome a terrier into your home. They can be small, but they don’t always make good lap dogs. They’re far better suited to active lifestyles that include dog sports and activities.
Some cross breeds are favored because they have lower energy levels than their parent breeds. Some are favored because they’re bouncy and cute. Unfortunately, bouncy cuteness can lead to behavior problems if the dog’s energy isn’t properly channeled. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep dogs busy and tire them out. Let’s look at some of the best dog games and activities for cross breeds.
We use herbs and spices daily not only to add flavor to our food but also for their health benefits. If basil, turmeric, fennel and cinnamon can aid our health, why can’t they help our dogs too? The truth is that some herbs are good for dogs – great, in fact – and some herbs aren’t. In this post we look at herbs for dogs that promote good health, as well as how to use them.
Most pet parents know how important physical exercise is for their dogs. Without a daily walk, run or cycle, most dogs go stir crazy. They drive their parents insane with barking, chewing, pacing and other destructive behaviors. What many pet parents don’t know is that mental stimulation is as important for dogs as physical exercise. Brain work can calm dogs, tire them out, make them more confident problem solvers. They also meet their innate canine needs and keep canine cognitive dysfunction (dementia) at bay. Interactive toys and puzzles are simple tools to get your dog’s brain working.
People are often told that it’s not a good idea to give puppies or kittens as gifts. Animals aren’t commodities. There is the very genuine concern that those ‘gifts’ stop being wanted as soon as they stop being cute or some undesirable behavior creeps into the mix. Come April and May, shelters are inundated with teenage dogs who were much loved over Christmas and then became a handful. Having said that, however, many puppies who are given as Christmas presents end up living long, happy lives with families who love them to distraction.
One of the downsides to having a canine companion is all the dog hair that seems to magnetically attach itself to your clothes, furniture, carpets, floors and even your dish cloths. Unfortunately, all dogs shed. Some shed more than others but no matter what breed you have, you are going to have to find a way to effectively remove dog hair – and learn to live with shedding in between cleaning.
Fleas are the enemy of both pets and pet owners. They have but one goal: To attach themselves to your pet and drain their lifeblood, caring nothing for the pain and discomfort this may cause. Not only that, they also infest your poor pet with eggs, so that their vile spawn can rise up and take their place should you ever succeed in your attempts to eradicate them. They cannot be negotiated with. They must be destroyed. Weapons of choice are chemical and natural flea remedies.