Plants That Are Poisonous To Dogs

Dogs need exercise and most enjoy being outdoors. While dogs must have time outdoors, it is important to supervise them to avoid accidental ingestion of poisonous landscape plants. Indoor plants can also be a problem when dogs live inside the home. Many popular indoor plants are actually toxic to animals. While plants and flowers beautify our surroundings, then can have potentially serious effects on domestic pets. The symptoms associated with plant poisoning largely depends on the type of plant ingested, the size of the dog and how much of the plant was consumed. There are some types of plants that are more toxic to dogs than others. If possible, avoid placing these plants in or around your home to prevent accidental ingestion.

Ornamental Plant Dangers
Woody ornamentals are often used outdoors as hedges and specimen trees. However, there are several types of woody ornamental plants that are extremely toxic to dogs. Azaleas, Chinaberry tree, box, privet, oleander, sago palm, laburnum, horsechestnut, wisteria and rhododendron are all ornamental plants that can cause plant poisoning in dogs. Consuming any portion of these plants will result in serious symptoms in dogs and could even have fatal consequences.

Poisonous Flowers
Flowers are often used outdoors to add color to flower beds, as a border around trees or may be used to line driveways. Colorful flowers are often cut and placed in vases inside the home, as well. However, some of the most popular plants should never be placed in a home with pets or planted outdoors within easy reach. Tulip, Virginia creeper, foxglove, Autumn crocus, Lily of the Valley, larkspur, chrysanthemum, stinging nettles, rhubarb and pothos are all capable of making dogs extremely ill or causing them to develop other conditions that can be fatal. Hemlock, mushrooms, English ivy, cyclamen, castor bean, dumbcane, jimsonweed, kalanchoe, yew and mistletoe are all poisonous to dogs as well.

Symptoms
While the symptoms of plant poisoning in dogs can vary slightly depending on the type of plant ingested, there are some common symptoms to look out for. Plants that are mildly toxic may produce symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, mouth irritation, nausea, diarrhea, weakness and vomiting. More serious symptoms may also arise after consumption of poisonous plants. Tremors, convulsions, problems swallowing, cardiac arrhythmia and organ damage may also occur. Certain species of plants can cause kidney and liver failure that can lead to death.

Diagnosis And Treatment
It is difficult to tell which parts of plants contain the most toxic substances. Certain species contain toxins only in the seeds, others have toxins in the leaves and flowers as well. Just how severe poisoning symptoms are depends on how much of the plant is eaten and the dog's overall health and body weight. Anyone who suspects plant poisoning in their dog, must contact a veterinarian at once for advice. Waiting until severe symptoms appear can be a fatal mistake many dog owners make. If possible, always take a portion of the ingested plant or substance to the veterinarian, which can speed up the diagnosis.

There are several other toxic substances that most people have around their homes. Many dog owners feed their dog table food as a treat. However, studies have shown that dogs may experience poisoning symptoms after consuming grapes, garlic and tomatoes. Macadamia nuts can cause dogs to experience sudden and severe pain in their hind legs. Many lawn insecticides are also poisonous when ingested. These products can cause tremors and seizures in dogs shortly after exposure. Old fishing weights and paint can cause dogs to suffer from lead poisoning. Veterinarians have medications that must be administered quickly to remove the lead from the dog's body.

Conclusion
Avoid placing potentially hazardous plants inside your home or in your garden to avoid plant poisoning in your dog. Unfortunately, many plants are difficult for dogs to resist tasting especially curious puppies. If you do have poisonous plants in your home or garden, always supervise your dog to be sure he does not consume any portion of the plant.

This article was written by Jet Russell who blogs for StorageMart. In his spare time he likes to write articles ranging on all different topics. He has owned many dogs, and takes enjoyment in helping to train dogs.

How to Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit for Your Dog

It is something we never want to think about, the bad situations and natural disasters that could put you, your family and pets in serious danger, yet happens all the time around the world. You do not want to be in a panic wondering what to grab and take with you as you evacuate your home during a time that would be very stressful. The best way to ensure that you have what you need is to prepare in advance for what you would need to take for you and your family, as well as having a specific emergency preparedness kit for your dog.

What to Pack
Emergency preparedness kits should include the essentials needed to live for several weeks. This includes clothes, food, water, medicine and any toys for entertainment and blankets for shelter and sleeping. It is also important to have access to monetary funds, while it is best to have cash stored away; a credit card is also a viable option.

Specifically when it comes to packing an emergency preparedness kit for your dog you
should include the following:

Food*: have 7-21 days of food, either dry or canned (pop-top)
Water*: have 7-21 days worth of water
Food Dishes: one for water and one for food
Medicine*: 7-21 days worth of any medicine your dog requires
Pet Carrier
Blanket
Disposable Bags: waste clean-up
Extra Collar & Tags
Extra Harness & Leash
Pre-printed Lost Pet flyers (just in case)
Copies of medical records
Pet First Aid Book
A Few Toys/Chew Toys

*Food, water and medicine should be rotated in and out often so these items do not go bad and become unusable in the event of an actual emergency.

Other Preparations
Make sure all of your emergency preparedness kits for your family and pets are near an exit and can be easily found and grabbed in the event of an emergency. On top of preparing and maintaining all of your emergency preparedness kits there are also, a few other tactics you can do that can make a world of difference in an emergency. If you do not already, you should get a rescue alert sticker for your home. Available at most pet supply stores, this sticker tells emergency rescue workers how many people and pets are in the house, if it comes to the point that they need to search for survivors. If you are able to get everyone and your pets out of the house, make sure to write “evacuated” over the sticker (or place a pre-written “evacuated” sticker on it). This will let workers know you are safe so they can put their efforts on any other homes that may be affected by the disaster. The other important step to take ahead of time is to plan where you will go for shelter in the event of an emergency. If you have family or friends who are willing to take in your family and pets great, otherwise, you will need to research shelters that are pet friendly, as some shelters will not take in pets. You can also look into a pet only shelter for your pets if you are comfortable leaving your pet for a little while as you all recuperate from the emergency. You may also want to consider installing a microchip in your dog that way your dog will always be connected to your whether he loses his collar and tags or not.

Susan Wright, DMV works closely with wireless dog fence professionals as an expert. Dr. Wright is a veterinarian, writer, and dog owner. When she’s not working caring for family pets, she spends her time writing articles to teach tips on proper pet care.

Black~Legged Ticks in Ontario

Black~Legged Ticks, formerly known as Deer Ticks, carry an infectious disease called Lyme Disease and if left untreated can prove to be fatal.

Over the past few weeks I have noticed, via my Facebook feed, that several people are complaining about ticks and the increase in people seeing them on their persons over other years has been staggering.  It is because of this I decided to bring awareness to the situation and mayhaps, giving some of you the information you require to get help before it becomes a health problem.  If you love nature, such as I do, your going to need to know such information in order to better equip yourself before traversing into the wild.

Ticks are closely related to spiders...shiver...and are typically small when unfed, at all stages of their growth blood is needed in order to survive their design.

Ticks cannot fly and are quite slow and they usually sit upon tall grasses and bushes waiting for a host, such as people or animals, to brush against them and allow them to attach themselves to you.

They can take up to several hours to find a suitable place to infest your body and the bite is quite painless, so often you do not even realize they have attached themselves to you.  One good thing to note, but you can never be sure, is that, many of the ticks do not carry the Lyme disease, however, who wants to play Russian Roulette with an insect?

In Ontario, Black~Legged Ticks are more often found in rural areas, along the shores of Lake Erie, Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.  The boundaries of tick populations are not easily defined and it is believed that contamination into other neighbouring areas is inevitable.

The nymphal stage usually begins in the summer months and it is at this time that is more likely for one to contact Lyme disease via a tick bite than any other.  Even though Ontario has a higher risk of Lyme disease than any other location, the chances of actually contacting the disease is slim.

Ticks feed on blood by inserting their mouthparts and not their whole bodies into the skin of its host.  They feed slowly and their bodies will actually enlarge as they eat, making it more visible for the eye to see.  It usually takes about three to seven days for a tick to complete its meal.

If a tick has bit you that does carry the Lyme disease it is important to note that it usually takes about 24 hours after it has begun to feast for the infection to set it, this is why it is imperative to always check your person after an outing with nature.  The bacteria infection takes time in order to migrate from the tick's stomach to its salivary glands and it is because of this delay that buys you time from infection.

Now let's assume you have been infected, symptoms usually begin to appear within three days to one month.  If you show signs of fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and a skin rash, especially one that has a red bull's eye, you should seek medical advice.  And please note, not all show the red ring rash.  Antibiotics will help clear any early signs of Lyme disease.

In order to avoid ticks, some handy things to remember are to wear light coloured clothing, it makes it easier to see the offending creatures.  Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts, with closed footwear and socks.  If you are able, tuck your pants into your socks for added protection.  If you know you live in an area that has had reported Lyme Disease then it is important to have tick repellents that have DEET as well as, using tick and flea collars on your pets.

Do not put anything on the tick or try to burn it off, though I did hear if you soaked a cotton ball in some liquid dish detergent and gently dab it upon the area for a few seconds, it will draw the tick out.  I have never applied this but it may work, especially for those hard to reach areas~!!

Remember where you found the tick if at all possible and report it to your public health workers.

Clean the bite site thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and soap and water.

Blood tests should conclude whether or not you have contracted the disease and further medical treatment can be decided upon then.

I love and adore nature and wouldn't want these tiny insects to spoil my enjoyment nor would I wish for it to spoil yours~!!  If you hear of any in your area, please share your story below, help keep us all informed~!!

Understanding Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus is a potentially fatal and highly contagious disease. It is caused by a virus that attacks cells inside a dog's body. It most severely affects the intestines, but it also attacks the white blood cells and can lead to heart muscle damage and death, especially in young dogs. Prevention of the infection is key, as treatment is not always successful and nearly one-third of dogs with parvovirus will die.

Unvaccinated dogs, puppies, and adolescent dogs are most at risk, and the virus affects domesticated dogs as well as wolves, foxes, coyotes, and other members of the dog family. Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, and American Staffordshire terriers are most susceptible to parvovirus.

Parvovirus Symptoms and Transmission
Parvovirus is extremely contagious and easily transmitted by any object, animal, or person that comes into contact with the feces of an infected dog. Because the virus can survive on inanimate objects for months, unvaccinated dogs may contract the virus from contaminated food bowls, carpeting, or even sidewalks.

Symptoms of infection include severe vomiting, reduced appetite, lethargy, and bloody diarrhea. Some dogs develop a fever, while others experience hypothermia, or low body temperature. Additionally, some animals may develop severe weight loss. When vomiting and diarrhea persist, dangerous dehydration sometimes develop, which can be life-threatening.

Treatment Options for Parvovirus
A simple test called the Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbant Assay, or ELISA, can detect the virus in a dog's stool in as little as 15 minutes. Because the test is not 100% accurate, veterinarians consider other factors when making a diagnosis, such as clinical signs, other tests, and medical history.

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment focuses on supportive care to boost your dog's immune system, minimize symptoms, and prevent complications. Dogs with the virus require hospitalization for up to one week to undergo antibiotic therapy and administration of fluids and medications to stop vomiting.

There is no specific treatment for the virus itself, and unfortunately some dogs lose the battle. Young puppies, older dogs, animals with weakened immune systems, and those with other medical conditions are most likely to succumb to the virus.

Get Your Dog Vaccinated!
Parvovirus is an essential vaccination for all dogs, regardless of age. In most cases, the initial vaccine is administered at 6 to 8 weeks, with boosters following at 4-week intervals until the dog reaches 16 to 20 weeks of age. A final booster is given at one year.

If your dog contracts parvovirus, you can reduce the risk to other dogs in your community by cleaning your dog's dishes, toys, and other items in a solution of one part bleach to 32 parts water. Whenever possible, discard these items and replace them instead of attempting to clean them. Also, disinfect the soles of your shoes and any non-organic areas your pet may have contaminated. Let friends and family know of your dog's diagnosis so they are better able to protect their dogs against infection.

This article was provided by VetDepot, an online retailer of discount pet medications including Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix.

How to Become a Backyard Zookeeper

Are your dogs and cats and other household pets not providing enough excitement in your life? Have they become too mundane and predictable lately? If so, you might want to consider getting rid of them and becoming a backyard zookeeper instead. Your pet cat probably does little besides sun itself on a windowsill when not eating. Imagine how much more fun it would be to have a tiger or a lion instead. A tiger may not be able to fit on your windowsill, but it will provide you with hours of conversational material at work and at social events.

Your dog probably does little but bark, eat and sleep and generally bore you to death. Replacing that dog with a hippopotamus could be just the answer that you need. Negative people make try to deter you from keeping a zoo in your back yard, but that's only because they have no imagination.




From: How Do I Become A

Hellhounds: The Evil Side of Canine History

Pardon me, dear reader. I love dogs and animals in general but after writing countless posts singing their praises, raising awareness for more unfortunate animals and generally providing positive opinion, I thought it was high time that I tackled the eerier side of our canine friends.

The black Shuck, image via Wikipedia – public domain

Today, dogs are viewed as Man’s best friend. We keep them as pets, love them as members of the family and even take out costly insurance premiums to protect them. This has only been the case in very recent years.

Dogs were not always seen as the treasured well loved protectors popular culture has shaped them to be today. Oh no. Dogs were in fact often associated with evil and wrongdoing as well as being symbolic for sinners.

Straight from the fiery pits of hell
In the bible, dogs are mentioned on several occasions and not in the most appreciative of tones; eg: Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh (Phillipians 3:2).

Islam regards dogs as impure and unclean; they are unwelcome in the Muslim home unless they are guard dogs, protecting the house. In the Sunni tradition, black dogs are regarded as evil and demonic.

 These dark & demonic dogs are called hellhounds, a name under which a number of blood chilling mythological dogs fall under. Hellhounds are present throughout mythology, folklore and fiction, terrifying generation after generation of chill-seekers.

The most notable may well be the terrifying Cerberus, the three-headed hound who guards the gates of Hades, according to Greek and Roman mythology.

This multi headed creature is depicted as the guardian of the Underworld, allowing the spirits of the dead to enter but not to leave. He is also said to be the offspring of Echidna, half woman, half serpent and happily named the ‘Mother of All Monsters’. 


Image by cstreet360

Typically, a hellhound will always be black in colour, with glowing eyes, often red in colour. This of course enhances its terrifying nature, due to the fact that they can’t be clearly made out in the dark, but their fearsome eyes will shine out through the darkness, fixing intently on their prey and causing terror throughout the land. I’m actually scared writing this, why lie?

The Ghostly Black Dog
These fictional dogs will be found in lonely places, such as desolate moors, dark forests, abandoned manor houses and deathly swamps.

Seeing one of these creatures traditionally is considered to be a very bad omen indeed, often bringing ominous tidings. There are many stories that have emerged that involve the sighting of a monstrously large black dog before an accident or death has occurred.


The ghostly black dog of British folklore. (Wikipedia)

In British folklore, ghostly black dogs are very prominent, with many reported sightings across the British Isles throughout history.

Newgate Prison is notorious for its stories of a large black dog that would appear before executions for more than 400 years, reinforcing the ghostly dog’s association with imminent death.

One of Sherlock Holmes most famous tales was inspired by a true story surrounding a ghostly black dog that tormented those who lived in the Dartmoor area.

 The Hound of the Baskervilles  is said to be inspired by the story of a huntsman in the 17th century who sold his soul to the devil and after his death, would ride the land with fearsome black hounds.

In truth, most areas of England, Scotland, Wales and the British Isles have their own black dog stories. All have certain factors in common: the dog is large and black and can be seen at night. They mostly all have fiery red eyes, or certainly eyes that are prominently visible in the dark. They are often associated with the Devil and hell and imminent death.

All in all, not the most relaxing animals to have around. I attempt to console myself with the hopeful notion that these stories are of course merely based on unfounded fears of the dark and are mostly made up tales to deter children from venturing out past their bedtime.

I do believe though that whilst writing this post I have made a mental list of places I would not walk around in after dark. *Shudder*

Please share any ghostly tales that you may have below.

Susannah Plomer is an animal lover and blogger who momentarily defected from the positive dog stories and ventured over to the dark side of canine history. She blogs for Supapet , who provide the best accessories for the nice dogs who do not prowl the night causing terror and fear.

5 Celebrities and Their Dogs

When it comes to being a bit gaga about pets, celebs are no different, especially when it comes to their dogs. Whether it be a hand bag sized Chihuahua or a faithful old mutt, many of these A-listers are inseparable from their canine buddies.

Ryan Gosling and George


Ryan Gosling has owned George for 11 years, and the big ol' mutt is becoming a regular feature when the heart-throb is snapped out and about. George is getting on a bit now though and is beginning to need a little help in and out of the car. Ryan was spotted heaving the fellow into the back of his SUV after a walk around Runyon Canyon recently. This however didn't stop George appearing on The Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon with Gosling where he talked about numerous subjects including George's full body Mohawk. According to Ryan, George insists on the haircut. As it grows out he begins to act more and more unruly, until he's given a punk star trim.

Paris Hilton and Tinkerbell


Let's be honest. Paris Hilton pretty much turned the Chihuahua into a fashion accessory and while that sounds really bad, there is no denying that the heiress absolutely adores her teeny pooch Tinkerbell. She recently posted a picture to twitter of the two of them about to take off for the Hilton family holiday in Aspen. Tinkerbell was wearing a rather festive little number in red...

Jake Gyllenhaal, Atticus and Boo


Jake Gyllenhall's two dogs are named after characters from To Kill A Mockingbird, which is his favourite book. Atticus is an alsatian and Boo is a puggle. That's a cross between a pug and a beagle. Jake is often seen jogging with both by his side. Atticus actually belonged to Jake and ex-partner Kirsten Dunst, the two now share custody as it were.

Blake Lively and Penny


Gossip Girl star Blake Lively owns a Maltipoo, a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, called Penny who goes absolutely everywhere with her. This led to a modicum of embarrassment in 2008 when Penny had an 'accident' on Blake's dress while out shopping. This wouldn't have been so bad but the entire thing was caught by the paparazzi. They don't miss anything do they? Anyway a large carry bag obscured the wet patch and as far as we know Penny wasn't bothered at all.

Jessica Biel and Tina


Jessica Biel's Tina is a serious breed of dog, an American pit bull. The breed is notorious for being aggressive and is actually banned in some countries. However the attention doted on Tina by Jessica seems to have pacified her and quite often the two of them are seen taking a stroll around Brentwood, California.

If you've a favourite celeb and pooch partnership why not let us know...

When not monitoring the dogs of the rich and famous Sarah Wilkins seeks out wedding gifts for the online emporium Find Me A Gift.

Barking Politics: Famous First Dogs & the Presidents who Loved Them

In the United States, the most prestigious and stressful job is running the country as President. Faced with hundreds of policies and decisions that affect the entire population on a daily basis, is a tremendous responsibility. Presidents freely step up to this position, and may not comprehend what they are getting themselves into until they are there. It must be quite a slap of reality when four years commitment is staring them in the eye.

What makes this position even more stressful, is that while there are cabinet members help advise the President, the realm of politics is just that, politics. The President can never be 100 percent certain that the advice is not centered on a personal agenda.

Never being able to trust anyone entirely while in term is enough call for many presidents to enlist the companionship of man’s best friend, a dog. It is the loyal, unwavering love and support that dogs offer to their owners that provide a sense of solace for the soul.

Take a look at the dog companionship choice some past Presidents of the United States have made.

George Washington (1st President)
Our nation’s first president enjoyed the companionship of American Foxhounds. In between laying the foundation of our magnificent country, he was breeding and taking care of his hounds. Some reports have claimed Washington had up to 30 different dogs.
Warren G. Harding (29th President)
President Harding was devoted to his Airedale Terrier, keeping him around during all important meetings. In fact, his dog, named Laddie Boy even had his own hand-carved cabinet chair for business meetings.
 Calvin Coolidge (30th President)
President Coolidge and his wife, Grace, were big animal lovers. They kept a pair of collies, named Rob Roy and Prudence Prim, along with many other dogs. Reports have shown the Coolidge’s had a few exotic animals as well, including a bobcat!

Herbert Hoover (31st President)
The 31st Presidents choice in companionship was multiple dogs. President Hoover owned four dogs, consisting of an Irish Wolfhound, an Elkhound and two Fox Terriers.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd President)
President Roosevelt, one of the more memorable Presidents, had a famous best friend as well. His Scottish Terrier not only starred in a movie, he had his own press secretary to handle his many personal appearances.
John F. Kennedy (35th President)
President Kennedy was an avid lover of dogs. He was the first President to ever have his dogs greet him on the helipad when he returned from a trip.

Richard Nixon (37th President)
President Nixon, also a dog lover with many at his side. His dogs of choice included a Poodle, a Terrier and an Irish Setter.
Gerald Ford (38th President)
The 38th President, Gerald Ford loved the companionship of his Golden Retriever. In fact, he also brought his dog, Liberty into meetings, and often used his dog as an excuse to leave Oval Office meetings early.
 George Bush (41st President)
The first President Bush owned Springer Spaniel, named Millie. Millie was an extremely popular Presidential dog, in fact, her book called Millie’s Book outsold the President’s autobiography!

Bill Clinton (42nd President)
After surveying the public’s opinion, President Clinton decided to adopt a Chocolate Labrador which he named Buddy.
George W. Bush (43rd President)
President George W. Bush’s Scottish Terrier named Barney, was another popular Presidential dog. Barney stared in a few movies and has had many websites devoted to him, many of which are still active.

Susan Wright, DMV is a practicing veterinarian of more than 10 years. Dr. Wright is an animal lover in both professional and personal life. Susan exhibits her love of dogs by writing articles on their proper care as well as some with a more entertaining approach. Dr. Wright is the staff expert on dog containment systems for DogFenceDIY.com

Tips For Renting an Apartment as A Pet Owner

Tips For Renting an Apartment as A Pet Owner

Pet owners often find renting an apartment difficult. Most property owners restrict pets by not allowing them at all or to certain size requirements. Finding an apartment that will allow your pet will take time and research. Utilizing a few key tips will make an apartment search easier.

Allow Time:
Start looking for a pet friendly apartment as soon as possible. The longer a prospective tenant has to look for an apartment, the more likely they are to find pet friendly apartments. Small complexes or single family owned rentals may be more willing to allow a pet. Utilizing a pet friendly apartment guide will help narrow down prospects.

Allow For Extra Charges:
Tenants who are willing to pay a pet deposit or extra monthly rent will encounter less resistance to their pet. Many property owners have been subjected to damage caused by pets living on the property. Offer to pay an additional pet deposit for any possible damage by your pet. Paying additional monthly fees for allowing a pet may sway a property owner into allowing you to rent their apartment.

Show Responsibility:
Many property owners dislike pets due to barking and training issues. Show a prospective landlord that your pet has completed training for good manners. Offer your current landlord's number so that your prospective landlord may contact them for a reference. Assure the property owner that you will clean up any waste left by your pet. Give the landlord proof of vaccinations and proof of a spay or neuter.

Add It To The Lease:
If the apartment has a written no pet policy but is making an exception for you, make sure to get it in writing. Have the no pet policy marked out of the lease and initialed by the property owner or management. If a pet deposit is required, have the amount and terms of the deposit added to the lease. Obtaining everything in writing will protect you, your pet and the property owner.

Consider The Breed:
If you do not already own a pet and are planning to obtain one, check to see if there are breed restrictions. Many cities have breed bans and many landlords only accept certain breeds of dogs. Small dogs under 30 pounds are the most widely accepted breeds for apartments. Choosing to acquire a big dog or misunderstood breed may make apartment hunting difficult if not impossible. Carefully consider the best breed for you and anticipate potential problems with renting an apartment.

Following these few simple steps will offer the tenant a surefire way of finding a pet friendly apartment. Being a responsible tenant and pet owner will help you find the best apartment for you and your pet.

Citations:

• Non-promotional link that provides a resource for finding pet-friendly apts.

Jon Clark writes for CaliforniaApartmentsBlog.com and recommends Lyon Communities for apartment seekers looking for California apartment rentals or apartments in San Diego.

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Pet Owner

Chances are you have a pet owner on your gift list this year. Here are some gift ideas sure to make any pet owner merry this holiday season.

1. The Peticure
Pets need their nails clipped just like humans do. However, it’s a lot harder to tell how far down to cut a pet’s nail than it is on humans, meaning it can be really easy to injure your pet in the process. Traditional nail clippers have the potential to cut too far down and cause a lot of pain. There’s a nifty little gadget called the Peticure, which trims down the nails of any pet, large or small (even turtles!), in a much safer, more natural way. It works by using a battery powered rotary system that buffs nails into a nicely rounded shape, leaving pets happy and hardwood floors unscathed. You can find it on UBuyEz online for $14.95.

2. Personalized Mug
Who wouldn’t want to wake up in the morning and drink some hot steaming liquid out of a mug bearing their pet’s loving visage? Well, maybe not everyone, but most pet owners would at the very least be amused by this prospect, and some might even be genuinely excited. Luckily, Facebook allows us access to thousands of our friends’ personal photos, so finding a nice pet picture on the sly shouldn’t be too difficult. All you need to do is upload that photo to one of the many websites offering personalized mugs, hit the “order” button, and breathe easy knowing you have a happy pet owner checked off your list.

3. Adopt-a-Species
If the pet owner on your list has a soft spot for our non-domesticated animal friends, consider the Adopt-a-Species program from the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. You pick which species to adopt, and they’ll send your recipient a thank you package including an info sheet about the species, a plush toy, a letter of appreciation, and a photo. They also have special holiday packages available. The funds from your purchase will go toward animal care both within the zoo and outside of it, including healthcare and species rehabilitation. Check it out at nationalzoo.si.edu.

4. Homemade Treats
For an inexpensive yet thoughtful gift, try your hand at making some pet treats at home. Thanks to the Internet, recipes for almost every conceivable type of pet are available, and most seem pretty simple. Some of them look like they’d even be tasty for humans too, but I’ll leave that up to your discretion. For an extra festive presentation, put the treats in a mason jar with some red and green ribbon.

5. Coffee Table Book
Coffee table books are the grown-up, classy version of the picture books we loved as kids. You can find coffee table book son a myriad of subjects, including pets. The book Dogs by Lewis Blackwell and Tim Flach has gotten excellent reviews on Amazon and features artful shots of different kinds of dogs. The same authors produced a highly regarded book on horses as well, in case your gift recipient is of the equine persuasion.

Madeline Marshall is a freelance writer and also a non-discriminatory lover of all varieties of pet.

Energetic, Loving Collie

Collies are highly intelligent, energetic dogs. They are great companions as well as good apartment dogs, in the right conditions. A rather large breed, the Collie has very rigorous standards according to the American Kennel Club. His nose must be black, he must have a chiseled face. The flat skull is his trademark feature so he obviously has to have that. There are many others - arched eyebrows, folded ears and so on.

Coat and grooming

It is unlikely that your Collie should look like a Pedigree Collie, however most traits hold even in imperfect canines. One of the most important characteristics is his coat. There are actually two types of coats this dog can have: rough or smooth - obviously a smooth coated Collie is easier to groom but he doesn't have that beautiful bundle you want him to have.

Rough coated Collies need to be brushed one time per week for a half hour. They also shed, once per year for males and twice every year for females. You can usually expect them to shed close to their birthday.

Behavior with people

Collies love people. They are intelligent and highly adaptable. Similar to Golden Retrievers in temperament and energy it is easy to see why they are so enjoyable to be with.

Have I mentioned that they love people? Well, they love kids even more. They are very protective and gentle "around the flock". It's worth noting that you ought to be careful if your children are being teased, for example at school, since the dog doesn't tolerate seeing his beloved hurt.

Collies need attention and affection. They are not so obviously needy but you know they want it. They thrive on companionship. They are not one-man dogs, they like to socialize and meet new people and animals.

Exercise and attention needs

Collies don't do well when left alone in an apartment. They can be quite noisy and destructive if left alone for a long time. They are intelligent so you can expect them to become bored fast.

But this is also an advantage as they learn quickly. If you've ever seen Lassie you know what I mean. They gain weight very fast so you have to keep a close eye on how much food you give them. They eat a surprisingly small amount of food considering how large they are.

Common Collie health problems

The Collie suffers from two common problems. First up something called progressive retinal atrophy. This is a condition that leads to blindness further along his life.

Next up is the infamous Collie Eye Anomaly. However it rarely actually affects vision. Collie Breeders work very hard to solve these genetical problems and so far they've managed to contain this one.

The Collie is a good apartment and companion dog. He is intelligent and friendly towards people and he loves being in the center of attention. He doesn't require lots of exercise and is adamant on doing clever tasks that psychologically stimulate him.

This article has been contributed by AllTypesOfDogs.org. Among other topics regarding dogs you can discover useful tips on which breeds are good apartment dogs.

On Caring For Your Senior Canine

As dogs age, their health becomes increasingly fragile. They become more susceptible to a variety of diseases and ailments (similar to people). Many also adopt behaviors their owners might describe as uncharacteristic. This is part of the aging process for canines. Their senior years are accompanied by numerous challenges.

In order to protect their pets' health, it is important for owners to recognize the changes. That way, they can take steps to address potential health problems. Below, we'll offer several suggestions for helping your canine adjust and remain comfortable as he grows older. You'll learn what to expect, so the changes your pet displays will not come as a surprise.

Controlling Your Dog's Weight

Excess weight is unhealthy, even for young dogs. Once your canine reaches his senior years, the extra pounds can expose him to numerous health conditions. For example, his lungs and heart will be forced to work harder. Additional pressure may be placed on his organs. Substantial weight gain can harm his joints, damaging the ligaments and tendons, and causing arthritis to develop.

Obesity is a key contributing factor to many health issues in canines, and especially so in older pets. If your dog becomes severely overweight, he will lose stamina, become less tolerant of heat, and develop digestive problems. His immune system may become weaker, exposing him to infections. Preventing weight gain in your pet - and helping him to shed pounds if he is already overweight - will have a direct effect on his immediate and long-term quality of life.

Providing The Veterinary Care Your Pet Needs

As his health becomes more vulnerable, your canine will need more frequent veterinary checkups. Physical examinations will be more important than ever, and thus should be performed twice a year. A veterinarian will check your dog's gums and teeth for signs of gum disease; he'll examine his hair and skin to note their condition; and he can perform a rectal examination to look for abnormalities that signal prostate and colon problems.

During a comprehensive exam, the veterinarian may also recommend blood tests, an exam to check the function of the thyroid gland, and a test for blood pressure. A urinalysis is typically done to measure glucose and pH. The results may reveal the onset of diabetes or kidney problems.

This level of testing may not be necessary during each appointment. But the vet will want to keep abreast of health problems so they can be addressed before they progress into major issues.

Behavioral Changes Your Senior Dog May Display

Most of the behavioral quirks senior dogs display stem from the physical changes they are experiencing (though geriatric canines can develop dementia). For example, your pet may seem to ignore you when called, or snap unexpectedly when someone approaches him from behind. Both may be due to a loss of hearing.

Your dog may show resistance to taking walks during cold weather. This might be attributable to a growing sensitivity to the cold. If he seems less active than he was in prior years, he may be coping with arthritis; moving around may cause him discomfort. Some aging dogs will begin to urinate indoors. Often, the reason is that they suffer from urinary incontinence.

Some behavioral changes stem from cognitive issues. You may notice your canine seeming confused or increasingly anxious by your absence (i.e. separation anxiety). He might suddenly start roaming your house during the late evening. Your dog may also become more vocal or begin to stare.

It is common for canines to display signs of physical and mental decline during their final years. Your pet will depend on you to make these years as comfortable as possible.

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Should You Get Your Pet Fixed?

In the United States alone there are millions of cats and dogs, some living with families, some living as strays. One of the reasons that there are so many cats and dogs roaming about as strays is that female dogs can give birth to a litter every six months or so and female cats can give birth to a litter nearly every 15 weeks. Now, it is not necessarily healthy for the animal to have litters so often, but from maturity to death, cats and dogs can be breeding machines. The most effective way to curb frequent births is by simply neutering or spaying your pet.

There may be some people who think that spaying or neutering may be cruel since something is being taken away from the animal, but the truth is that spaying or neutering animals is one of the kindest things we can do since there are more cats and dogs out there than loving homes for them. Spaying and neutering pets is a way to ensure that the dog and cat population doesn’t continue to be more than people can handle. Over 3 million animals are put to sleep each year because a home can’t be found for them; neutering and spaying animals can help to lower this number.  The more cats and dogs have litters, the more stray animals there will be wandering the streets unwanted and eventually dying from exposure, abuse or accidents.

Aside from acting as a form of birth control, spaying and neutering can provide your pet with many health benefits. Female cats and dogs that are not spayed are more likely to develop a form of animal breast cancer. Spaying female cats or dog before they go into heat can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 99%. Also, spaying female cats or dogs will eliminate the risk of urine infections and uterine cancer all together. In addition to health benefits, animal behavior is usually improved once they are spayed. Female cats that are spayed will lose the urge to pace and “cry” when they are in heat and female dogs will not have any sort of mess associated with being in heat.

Neutering male animals can be just as beneficial as spaying female animals. When a male cat or dog goes into heat they tend to behave aggressively. Male cats and dogs also display sexually driven actions such as humping, spraying, and the urge to roam. They are marking their territory so that all the female cats or dogs will know that they are ready and available...it just so happens that their territory is often your couch. Neutering male animals will end these behaviors and actions. Neutered cats and dogs will be calmer, friendlier, happier, and less aggressive. Additionally neutered cats and dogs are not prone to health problems like testicular cancer and enlarged prostate glands.

Spaying or neutering your cat or dog is a one-time charge that can save you stress, further vet bills, and the need to find a home for kittens and puppies. When you spay or neuter your pet you don’t have to worry about keeping them contained when they are in heat and you don’t have to worry as much about the development of tumors as they age. This surgical procedure may deprive your pet the opportunity to be a parent but allowing them to have one litter may expose them to health risks and you will be burdened with finding homes for the litter in a world that is already over populated with cats and dogs. Your pets will never know the difference and in the long run they will be spared the anxiety, mess and hassle that is often associated with being in heat. Spaying or neutering your pet is simply a responsible action that will bless your pet with better health and will bless the world with less cats or dogs.

Citations:

• By Noël Zia Lee (Love) [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

About the Author: Lisa Brennan is the owner of an in-home pet care service in Boston. Her pet sitting services are uniquely designed to your pet’s lifestyle, to make the process as stress-free as possible. In addition to pet sitting, she also offers dog walking services in Boston to keep your pets healthy and in-shape.