Free Pet Care Advice, Tips and Information

Buy a carpet disinfectant that is formulated to break down enzymes in urine and remove the scent of it. Many household disinfectants, especially pine based products, reinforce the odor. As a result, the puppy will be attracted back to the spot and will urinate there repeatedly. Before you use the product on your carpet, check that it will not affect the color. Clean up as soon as possible after an accident to prevent staining. Work the disinfectant well into the fibers of the carpet, using a small brush if necessary, and leave it for a few minutes to take effect. In the case of solid matter, remove as much as possible with a pooper scooper or similar tool, and then disinfect thoroughly.

Puppies urinate frequenly, but you need to distinguish between normal urination and a developmental problem affecting the urinary tract. Under normal circumstances, urine flows from each kidney down the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored. When the bladder fills to a certain point, the puppy releases the urine from the body through the urethra. Normal urination occurs in a regular flow, whereas incontinence can usually be identified by the presence of a relatively constant dribble of urine. This is generally caused by the muscle sphincter that controls the flow of urine from the bladder. Consult with your veterinarian if you suspect such a problem.

This can be helpful if you need to leave your puppy indoors for longer than usual, but don’t provide it on a regular basis, because the puppy may prefer to use the box instead of going outdoors. Choose a simple box that gives the puppy easy access to the interior, a hooded box, such as those sometimes used by cats, is likely to be ignored. Place some sheets of newspaper under the box, in case of accidents, and line it with newspaper so that you can lift out the entire contents and wrap them neatly for disposal.

Puppies are instinctively clean by nature and will soon adopt a routine if they are clearly shown how to behave at an early stage. The keys to success are anticipation and positive encouragement. Place the young dog outdoors first thing in the morning, and last thing at night, when it is likely to want to relieve itself. Give the puppy an opportunity to go outside after each meal, since eating triggers the digestive process. Use a command that the puppy will come to recognize and associate with this activity, such as “Clean dog!” Always praise the puppy when it responds positively. In the initial stages, it is a good idea to go outside and stay with your puppy, so that it doesn’t wander off around the backyard.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the generic material that is present in the nucleus of every living cell in the body. It contains the unique hereditary code of each individual. DNA can therefore be used to identigy a particular dog, and to indicate whether or not a puppy was bred from its stated parents (provded that the relevant samples are available for comparison). DNA is no yet used routinely for recognition purposes, but it may become a factor in particular situations, such as identifying a dog that has been attacking sheep.

Considering euthanasia can be very difficult. Discuss your feelings and your dog’s condition with your veterinarian. Think very carefully about your dog’s quality of life. Read the rest of this entry »

All breeds of dogs can swim, but that doesn’t address the dangers of pools. When the pool isn’t filled with people, the dog will very likely join them, muddy feet and all. When no one is in the yard, the dog may decide to go for a swim, and won’t be able to get out of the pool unless there are steps provided that it can handle. Empty pools are especially hacardous to dogs that may not realize the depth of the hole into which they might jump. If your pool doesn’t have a dog-proof security fence, make sure the pup is confined in its run or in the house when not on a least.

If your dog wanders out undetected, it will probably amble up the street, sniffing at scents along th eway. A greater danger will occur if you see the dog heading off and shout at it, because it may respond by dashing away across the street. Place particular emphasis on teaching your dog to stay when instructed, and always remain calm and still while calling your dog back to you. The safest option for small dog is to fix a secondary barrier on the inner side of the gate. Although you will need to step over this, it will prevent your dog from escaping.

Report your loss immediately to the police, along with any relevant information, such as suspicious calls or visitors. Dog theft is a particular risk for rare breeds or top show winners, whose value is high. Identification by microchip or tattoo will prevent disputes over ownership. In other cases, you may have to rely on markings, evident in photographs of your pet, or scars, warts, and other identifying features confirmed from veterinary records. It is possible to insure dogs against theft. This may be an additional feature of an insurance policy, but check the fine print carefully, especially if you have a valuable dog.

Prices, for the most part, reflect the individual anima;s conformation to the breed standard. Excellent examples of any breed will demand higher prices than average for “pet quality” dogs.

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