Get rid of your pet’s limitless barking…

Some dogs are quiet while others can throw the house into a tizzy with their vociferous barking. Although we love our buddies dearly, sometimes this breach of discipline, can confound and exasperate us all.

So, here’s a quick checklist that can actually help you abate the menace:

1. You have to first make sure you are providing your pet with all the necessities. If you are not paying adequate attention, he may try to communicate his frustration through barking. Sometimes, flea or tick infestations and skin allergies can spark irritation resulting in abrupt behavioral change on your dog’s part. If his hunger or thirst remains unfulfilled he may also react in a similar manner. So, you can actually help him get rid of this unruly behavior by taking care of all his needs. Moreover, you can also take him to a veterinarian to rule out canine diseases.

2. When he barks excessively take him out in the open. Play with him and also let him play with other dogs. You can also uplift his mood by making him do light exercises. This would help in stimulating both his mind and body.

Finally, remember that every dog craves for attention. So, never reprimand him. Instead try to be as gentle and polite with him as possible. You can actually help him overcome this problem by showering love and praises on him. But if he still continues to behave strangely take him to a vet at the earliest.

First aid kit for your dog…

Accidents can occur without warning. But we should have the preparedness to deal with these unforeseen circumstances by keeping a first aid box handy. But do you know what should a dog’s first aid kit contain?

Here’s a handy checklist:

1. Sterile gauze sponges of different sizes
2. Sterile cotton or cotton balls
3. A mild anti-bacterial soap for cleaning skin and wounds
4. Bandage scissors
5. Blunt-tipped scissors
6. Antiseptic ointment, powder or spray for wounds
7. Alcohol swabs (for instrument sterilization)
8. Rubbing alcohol
9. Adhesive tape for bandages
10. Rectal thermometer/Oral thermometer
11. Lubricating jelly to lubricate thermometer
12. Forceps or tweezers
13. Razor blade for snake bite
14. Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting in case of non-caustic poison intake; give 10ml after every 15 minutes)
15. Eye wash
16. Ear syringe (used for flushing eyes, ears and wounds)
17. Instant hot as well as cold compresses
18. Kaopectate tablets
19. Pepto-Bismol
20. Large exam quality vinyl gloves or latex gloves
21. Burn relief gel pack
22. Insect sting relief pads
23. Buffered analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory medication
24. Oral syringes
25. Large towel
26. Leash
27. Muzzle
28. Dog’s health record and medication
29. Regular veterinary and emergency clinic timings and numbers
30. Local and national poison control numbers
31. Gauze sponges (variety of sizes)
32. 2" gauze roll
33. Roll bandages - gauze wrap and elastic
34. Adhesive tape
35. Sponge
36. Sterile pads (non-adhesive) various sizes
37. Small rounded scissors
38. Nylon leash
39. Paper Towels
40. Thermal blanket or emergency blanket
41. Hand wash or wipes
42. Antibiotic cream or ointment
43. Saline eyewash
44. Epsom salt
45. Corn syrup or glucose paste
46. Clean cloth
47. Tourniquet or something to make one
48. Q-tips
49. Teaspoon
50. 3 Small garbage bags
51. Benadryl liquid and pills
52. Imodium AD
53. Activated charcoal

Glucosamine – Its role in pain relief...

As old age strikes, our pooches start exhibiting joint pain resulting from regenerative bone diseases like osteoarthritis, obesity, displasia, improper diet and too much exercise. But as dog parents we hate to see them in excruciating pain and hence try out all best possible means to give them succor. And one of the easiest and most effective means of doing that is by supplementing his diet with glucosamine. It is a compound found in the body of dogs which produces glycosaminoglycan, a molecule that helps in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. However, production of glucosamine slows down with age.

Arthritis or for that matter any regenerative joint disease may manifest itself by lingering pain or discomfort in movement. Larger breeds are far more susceptible to contracting arthritis than their smaller counterparts.

How will you take care of your pets under these circumstances?

• You have to ensure that his weight does not increase beyond a certain point and for maintaining that you must switch over to a nutritious, low calorie diet. This would help in minimizing impact on joints.
  
  
• As your pooch is already in pain excessive activities can be detrimental to his health. So, reduce his exercise to two or three daily walks.
  
  
• Supplement his diet with glucosamine. Its anti-inflammatory and joint rejuvenating qualities can actually alleviate the pain. Glucosamine has been found to yield beneficial results with minimal side effects.

As canine diseases bear an uncanny resemblance with the kind of ailments that afflict us, their implications can’t be ignored. So, as responsible dog owners we should consult his vet in case of any complications related to his health.

Having fun with the ball…

While surfing the net I stumbled upon this video. Little Jerry is having a whale of a time air lifting the ball and then pouncing on it with all his might.

Enjoy!

Calendar features pugs in yoga poses...

Come 2010 and you can adorn your living rooms with calendars of your favorite pooches. Thanks to an initiative by Dan and Alejandra Borris who have designed a calendar full of images portraying popular breeds in exquisite yoga poses. This is in fact second in a series of calendars because the couple already has 26 images to their credit for this year.

However, if you think the dogs did all the moves themselves you would be wrong. Dan actually entrusted his wife Alejandra who is a yoga teacher with the responsibility of holding the dogs and coaxing them into interesting positions. The rest was taken care of by Photoshop. Right from golden retrievers, poodles, mongrel, collie, basset hounds, and labrador to weimariner, the calendar has it all.

Dan was inspired into taking up this exciting project after hearing from his friend about her bull terrier, called Otis. His friend who was a yoga practitioner always found Otis by her side while doing the postures. This story stirred Dan into thinking how wonderful it would be if Otis actually did the postures. So, this idea which struck him a couple of years ago actually got him going.

Dan explains that they drew inspiration from various sources. Whenever they saw a funny looking dog walking by with his owner, they stopped the duo and convinced the owner into bringing his pet over for a photo shoot. This actually helped the couple in creating such a wide array of postures with so many different types of breeds.

While some postures are quite simple, others are a tad too intricate, says Dan. However, it is ultimately this variety that tickles our funny bone and lends the calendar a special charm.

Courtesy - Daily Mail

Adorn your buddy this Christmas...

Christmas might be still two months away but people have started gearing up for the shopping spree. So, this year what are you contemplating giving your buddies? Can you do something offbeat this year by getting fashionable outfits for your paw pals along with those beautiful accessories that already make them look too adorable?

Yes of course you can. Haven’t you seen the myriad hues and the pretty cuts the doggy dresses come in? There is a plenty of them flooding the market this year. However, here I am not talking about the brick and mortar retail markets. I am rather focusing on the vibrant online markets that are scaling the popularity charts.

The collections at the online stores are so exquisitely beautiful that you would immediately fall head over heels in love with the items. Moreover, the prices also don’t leave a dent in your pockets. You can choose the fabric of your liking from the wide range of dresses. This winter cute little sweaters, jackets, football jerseys, night suits, bathing robes and gowns specially designed for Christmas are the top draws.

Like our babies we also want our pooches to look their best. My eyes are craving to see my Rover at his sartorial best this Christmas. So, I am going to grab the costumes before they fly off the racks. What about you?

Pet insurance to safeguard your dog’s health...

Every step in your dog's life is full of challenges. Dog diseases are not rare, and there is always a chance of your own pet getting affected by one or more dog disease. The problem becomes more acute as your dog ages and the recurrent hospitalization, surgeries and treatment start dogging big holes in your pocket. And, ultimately there comes a point when it becomes impossible to bear the expenses and you have to let it go. Compromising against someone as precious as your pet could be disheartening. For most pet owner, buying a pet insurance is a convenient option to beat the blues out.

The good thing about dog insurance is that the benefit is available for every dog irrespective of their ages. It covers all kinds of illness or cases of accidental injuries like broken bones, burns, insect bites, lacerations, poisonous infections and the like.

Some of the common illnesses covered by a pet insurance policy include allergies, asthma, cancer, epilepsy, infections, skin problems and issues related to bone joints. It should be noted here that not all illness could be covered by insurance. Diseases that could be prevented by easy methods of vaccination often fall out of the purview of a pet insurance cover. That being the case, if you don't vaccinate your dog at the time when he needs it, the insurance provider refuses to undertake any responsibility with this regard.

The expenses that are typically covered by dog insurance policy include diagnostic tests, veterinary care, medication and hospitalization treatment. A good number of pet owners prefer going for a routine care coverage which cover expenses related to daily care like regular check ups, spaying, neutering and vaccinations. A comprehensive insurance plan undertakes to fulfill most of the obligation related to your dog’s treatment and safeguards the life of your pet.

Easiest ways to potty train your pooch…

Many of you must have had sleepless nights trying to potty train your pooch. I know how frustrating it is when all your efforts go in vain. Some puppies are compliant and easily amenable to potty training but others are not. Sometimes it differs from pet to pet while at other times it varies with the breeds.

So, here’s a quick guide to potty training:

1. Never rush with the training and always be patient with your pet.

2. When you adopt a pup try to buy it from a reliable person who has already initiated him into potty training. This will save you many unwanted hassles.

3. Try to feed him dry food most of the time so that he passes solid poop.

4. If you can’t supervise his movements all the time keep him in a crate and also instruct other family members to follow suit.

5. It’s quite natural for puppies to make mistakes. So, keep him in a room which has washable flooring so that it’s easier for you clean it up.

6. Try to maintain a routine during potty training. His feeding time, bed time and wake-up time should almost be the same everyday.

7. If your puppy is on dry food he would need more water to keep himself hydrated. So what you should do is feed him at least 4 hours before bedtime and then make him urinate 2 hours before going to bed.

8. During the course of potty training take him to potty after every meal especially in the morning and also before going to bed at night. If he falls asleep after an active session of play and then wakes up accompany him to the place demarcated for pooping. This would help him to understand that this is the place where has to come when he wants to poop.

9. Try to give him a feeling that this is serious business. So, unless he’s done don’t play with him. But if he still doesn’t listen, confine him in a crate for sometime and again take him to potty. If he complies this time shower him with praises and also offer rewards. Also, wait for some time because they usually don’t finish in one go. So, give him ample time before you take him into the house.

10. Keep his potty spotlessly clean both for the purpose of hygiene and also because pets are oversensitive to odor.

11. There are certain signals which a pet usually gives when he wants to potty. They include turning in circles, sniffing the floor, or arching his back while walking. So if you notice any of these quickly rush him to the appropriate place.

12. If he tends to dart into the house, discourage him. Rather take him to the designated place immediately.

You can’t expect him to learn things in one go. So, you have to brace yourself up for accidents. Don’t scold him because you have to understand that he didn’t do it deliberately. As because he hasn’t yet been taught where to defecate he’s messing up places you wouldn’t want him to. So, give him some time before he adapts himself to this new habit graciously.

Little nest for your pet...

A good number of pet owners improvise upon buying separate dog houses for their dogs. Normally, the dogs are a bit noisy. They shed a lot of hair, pee anywhere and can be a real mess. Keeping dogs at dog house would help you save these kinds of situations. This does not mean that you would alienate yourself from your pet, but just manage them in a more appropriate way. While the idea of having a dog house may appear appealing at first, there are a couple of points to be considered in this regard.

First and foremost, a dog house should be built keeping in mind the size and stature of your dog. A dog house should be able to accommodate your dog comfortably and should not pose out to be an impediment to his lifestyle.

Secondly it is always better to place your dog house in some shady area beneath trees. It is important to incorporate a ceiling as a part of your plan so as to block scorching sun rays from affecting your pooch. Ideally the base material of the dog house should be made from that of wood. It does not only make the place cooler but also makes it aesthetically beautiful. The appearance of the dog house could range from classic to something of retro fashion.

Last but never the least; a home is an epitome of solace. It is one of the few places in the world that would wrap you with comfort and a kind of coziness that is rare to find. In some way, owning a home is like having a boost in your self identity. If that is so, why should our pets be deprived of having their own homes?

The ravishing dancer...

This doggy would certainly leave you scrambling for words. I have had my share of entertainment. Now its your turn friends.

Watch this cool video and have fun:

ABC’s of dog training...

The saying goes that dog is man's best friend. The authenticity of the statement cannot be over estimated. However, it is our human nature that we try to groom everything and everyone the way we want them to be, the way we feel is comfortable to us. It holds for everything around us including our pets.

You certainly love your dog, but can't let it behave in imprudent ways. For that, you really need to train your dog, groom him properly with etiquettes and make him so much so well behaved that you are not subject to social situations that could be embarrassing.

In order to groom your dog properly, you really need t take care of some essentials. First and foremost, it is absolutely essential to build a relationship with your dog. This is really important as your dog should understand what you communicate and respect you enough to follow your instructions. The relationship should be based on mutual trust and respect. He should have enough confidence and trust that what you suggest is for his benefit.

It is important to completely eradicate the old school of dog training that combined harsh techniques like beating and whipping your dog to train him. This makes him more stubborn and after some point he just refuses to take your orders. Make sure you provide your dog ample opportunity to socialize. Once he mingles with other dogs he gets to learn manners and imitates them. This proves healthy in the long run and your dog gets adequately trained with social culture and norms.

Have a safe Halloween with your doggies!

Halloween is round the corner and it’s again time for the ghouls and goblins to resurface and send shivers down our spine. But on this day of horror, several dog deaths are reported each year. So, the world’s largest and most trusted dog training company, Bark Busters, has taken up the initiative to offer dog owners tips on how to keep their buddies safe on Halloween.

What are the ways in which you can keep your doggies safe?

1. Don’t allow your doggy to stray outside.

2. Keep him in a separate room away from the main door. In case he is timid he might be terrified at the spooky sights and tend to flee. Or, if your doggy happens to be aggressive and restless, he might also end up doing the same.

3. If your dog looks perplexed by Halloween activities, behave with him as normally as possible. By behaving with him over cautiously you might send across a wrong signal that there is indeed something abnormal on this particular day.

4. Get your buddy accustomed to the Halloween costumes by start putting them on 2-3 days prior to the D-day. Otherwise, he may start regarding his owners as strangers. Never put on a mask while your pooch is around.

5. Some people are into the habit of dressing up their doggies in colorful costumes. Although some of them are amenable to the idea, most of them aren’t. So, slip him into a costume a few days in advance and check out his behavioral patterns. Otherwise, a bandana around his neck would do just fine.

6. Keep chocolates out of your dog’s reach because most of them contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener which is harmful to dogs. This leads to vomiting and diarrhea, and sometimes even death.

7. Keep candles out of your dog’s reach.

8. If you take your buddy with you to parties always hold his leash tightly. Never allow any stranger in disguise to approach him without your consent. No matter how well known a person is to you, but if he leaps in front of you in disguise, the dog might start believing that he would inflict harm to you. In this way you end up instilling in him a fear of strangers.

Remember to take these simple precautions before you totally immerse yourself in the Halloween activities.

Wonder doggies!

Look how these pooches are having the time of their lives at the Hundeshow. I want to doff my hat to both the doggies and their master for giving us such a lovely treat to watch.

Check out this awesome video!

Foods to avoid…

We are generally buoyed by emotion to feed our pets human foods without realizing how much harm it can inflict on them. Some of these food items can even take their lives.

Below is a food items table along with their potential harmful effects:

Name of food	Harmful effects on dog health
Grapes and Raisins	Damage kidneys
Garlic, onion, chives	Damage red blood cells
Sugarless chewing gum flavored with xylitol	Results in lowering of blood sugar levels with an overproduction of insulin in the body
Raw yeast and bread dough	Cause swelling in the abdomen, respiratory distress and compression of the veins. When yeast breaks down sugar in the dough there is a release of ethanol which is equivalent to the alcohol found in vodka
Chocolate	Methylxanthines present in chocolates can cause toxicity
Macademia nuts	Impair neuro-muscular system  resulting in movement difficulties

However, human medicines which do not find a mention in the list have been found to cause maximum damage. So, as a responsible owner you should not only keep them away from your pet’s reach, but also refrain from administering them to your buddy without consulting a vet.

Blastomycosis-fungal infection in dogs

Off late I spent some time getting to know about different forms of dog diseases and oddly enough I came across thousands which remain unheard. One of the glaring diseases which have all along been a cause of concern for most pet owners is Blastomycosis. It is nothing but a fungal infection caused by the organism Blastomyces dermatitidis.

Some of the prominent characteristic symptoms include mild flu accompanied by occasional chills and headache or sometimes little pain in chest.
The fungus broods over soil and as the dog sniffs, it may end up inhaling the same. Once inhaled, they multiply and disseminate into blood and eventually into other vital organs like skin, bone, brain and genitourinary tract. In order to diagnose whether your dog has been infected with the infection, tissue biopsy of the skin is required to be done. Sometimes veterinarians recommend urine antigen testing which is rather more sensitive in detecting existence of organisms. Lung biopsy stands out to be yet another option incase blood and sputum cultures fails to detect the fungus.

The best treatment available for curing Blastomycosis is Itraconazole. Sometimes doctors prescribe Amphotericin B for those who are critically ill. But it is not recommended for those in benign stage as its components are considerably more toxic.

Why adopt an older pet?

Many of us believe that by adopting a senior dog we bestow a favor on them. It’s more like involving ourselves in a social cause. But in reality the advantages of adopting a senior pet far outweigh its disadvantages.

Unlike pups or other younger dogs, they are much more socialized and can easily adapt themselves to changing circumstances. Moreover they can easily absorb tantrums thrown by a child without becoming aggressive. Older dogs are much more faithful compared to their younger counterparts. With a senior dog you can also communicate with élan.

However, being older in age they have to be looked after properly. This entails regular visits to the veterinarian and buying special foods for them. When you adopt a senior pet there is one thing for sure. You can’t keep him for long and the pain of parting leaves an irreparable dent in our hearts. So, when we adopt an older dog we should try to provide him with all the comforts and luxuries of life and treat him with kindness and compassion.

Nipping a ‘nail clipping’ phobia in dogs

I read a very interesting article by Andrea Mckeeby, a noted pet expert on how to trim your dog’s nails the easy and perfect way. So, I thought of sharing these helpful tips with my readers.

Maintaining a healthy regimen for your pal not only entails keeping his body parts clean, but also taking good care of his nails. In some dogs nails wear off naturally, but in others they have to be trimmed. Sometimes the nails also develop sharp edges which if not nipped may cause injury to both the dogs and their owners. But this task generally seems to be a long and arduous one because most dogs are not amenable to the idea of cutting their nails. What normally happens is that in the commotion to cut their nails too short, we end up inflicting pain on them which puts them off completely.

So, here’s a list of things we should keep in mind while trimming their nails:

1. Be careful about the flesh- While trimming the nails we should be careful not to encroach into the ‘quick’ or the pink fleshy part. We should only cut off the dead cuticle. But normally the ‘quick’ is not easily distinguishable from the dead part. Dogs which have light nails provide an easy view of the flesh beneath, but with the darker nails it’s indeed a challenging task. So it’s always advisable to trim a small portion of the nail from time to time.
   
   
2. Keep your doggy’s first aid kit handy- No matter how careful you are mistakes can happen. So, its necessary that we keep tissues and blood clotting powder like Kwik Stop Styptic handy.
   
   
3. Don’t persuade the staff at the vet clinic- Some people take their buddies to a clinic to get their nails trimmed. The staff at the clinic being well trained clip off only the dead parts. But we sometimes persuade them into cutting their nails too short so that they don’t grow back quickly. This process can be excruciatingly painful for the dogs. They cannot communicate verbally but from next time onwards you will find him petrified even at the sight of nail clippers.
   
   
4. Take him outside- In case your dog has developed nail trimming phobia, you have to help him tide over this by not cutting his nails initially. Instead make him walk on the road outside so that his nails wear off naturally. Remember to check the claws for splits, brakes etc.

You have to actually instill in him a love for the nail clippers. But how will you go about the process.


Here are a few suggestions:

1. Always associate the clipper with something exciting- Try to build an atmosphere of excitement and then rush to the place where you keep the clippers. This will at least make your buddy believe that it’s not frightening.
   
   
2. Allure him by offering tasty treats- Next what you can do is pick up the clippers and immediately treat him to something very delicious. After he has lapped it up in great delight put the clippers back where he can’t locate them.
   
   
3. Repeat the act several times- Every time you pick up the clippers follow it up with something exciting. You have to repeat the activity for quite a few times of the day during the first 2 weeks till he is convinced that the clippers are indeed associated with something fabulous. However, there shouldn’t be any fixed time for this. Choose any time that you feel would be suitable for your buddy.

Now, our next task at hand is to make him comfortable when you touch his feet.


What are the quick guidelines to follow?

1. Make him sit in a comfortable position- Allow him to be comfortable and then touch his feet gently. Talk to him softly, pat him on the back and stroke him gently.
   
   
2. Slowly touch his paws first- Touch his first paw gently and then follow it with a treat like you did in the first step. Repeat the act several times. Also reiterate the same activity with the second paw.
   
   
3. Touch his toes- Now touch one toe at a time and follow it with tasty treats. In case your dog expresses his dissent don’t give him the treat anymore. Try touching his toes but reduce the time span. You can also give him treats while touching his feet but withdraw them immediately as soon as he gets used to your touch.

We have finally arrived at the last but the most challenging juncture.


So, how will you go about this lengthy process?

1. Pick up the clippers first- Touch his toes gently, then pick up the clippers and place them on the table or floor. Follow it with a treat. Repeat the same act in both the toes.
   
   
2. Take the clippers in hand- Touch the toes with one hand and hold the clippers in another. Follow this with a treat. Don’t bring the clippers near your doggy. Repeat the act several times till he allows you to touch his toes without any condition.
   
   
3. Bring the clippers close to your pet- Try bringing the clippers near your dog but don’t touch his nails with it. Keep the clippers on the floor and give him tasty treats. Keep doing it till the clippers stop bothering him any more. Then touch his toes softly with the clippers. But make sure not to cut his nails. Follow the same rule of giving him yummy treats. Reiterate the activity until he is no longer frightened by the touch. Now touch each one of the nails with the clippers followed by a treat. After you have repeated this act many times see if he has been able to conquer his fears.
   
   
4. Place the clippers on one of the nails– This is perhaps the greatest challenge. Hold one of the nails and place the clippers on it. His immediate reaction would be to withdraw his paws. Don’t try to hold back his leg forcibly. Instead be very gentle and polite with him. However, this time don’t offer him treats. Keep doing it till he allows you to do this uninhibitedly.
   
   
5. Trim one nail- Now cut one nail very carefully and give him an impression of how brave he is. During the course of the day bring the clipper close to his nails and even position it on them but never try to cut another nail on the same day.
   
   
6. Try cutting a second one the next day- If you find him comfortable try cutting a second nail the next day. Spend at least a week trying to trim only one or two nails. Then proceed with the remaining ones over the next couple of weeks.

Our aim here is help our buddies overcome fear by making the ‘nail-clipping’ process painless.

How to treat heartworm diseases?

One of the most deadly diseases effecting dogs is heartworm. A heartworm is a parasite which intrudes into the body of a dog though wounds created by mosquitoes. If a mosquito which is a carrier of heartworm larvae at its infective state bites your pet, chances are that the parasite would get transmitted to your dog's body. The larvae enter though the bitten wound and moves throughout the body. A heartworm parasite generally brood upon heart, lungs and nearby blood vessels and if not treated at its early stages the parasite can grow 12 inches long and can stand out to be detrimental. Apart from dogs, cats too are affected by the deadly parasites.

Heartworm diseases are difficult to detect. The dogs hardly exhibit any symptom except only in later stages when it is characterized by tiredness, reduced appetite and subsequent weight loss. Some complain about difficulty in breathing accompanied with cough. Ultimately it leads to failure of heart, lungs, liver and kidney and subsequent death of the pet.

Heartworm in dogs can be fatal if not treated promptly by a Veterinarian. The drugs available to treat the condition are generally expensive with toxic effects. Only a certified veterinarian is authorized to inject it after obtaining the client's consent. Even more the veterinarian must himself register with the manufacturer and report about any side effect that might have occurred while the drug was used.

Pet insurance cover-safeguarding your pet’s life...

We often find it hard to admit the atrocities life offers. We find it hard to imagine that our life could be susceptible to risks; let alone our pets. But the fact remains that running away from risk does not make it disappear. Risk prelude is every sphere of life and the best way to combat risk is to rise above it. We cannot eliminate risk altogether; but can definitely equip ourselves with a proper insurance cover to prevent against its pitfalls.

Why should we buy pet insurance?

• Pets like humans could get exposed to hazards. While buying insurance does not protect your pet from getting affected by medical ailments, it does provide you a financial platform that is demanded for its treatments.
  
  
• A pet insurance policy covers even more stringent situations. If your pet goes missing chances are that he has been stolen. A pet insurance policy would bestow you with enough funds that would bear expenses towards advertising and declaring rewards.
  
  
• The person responsible for the well being of the pet is you. Who would take care of your pet is something goes wrong with you? Things could get rather complicated if you are a singleton and are the sole guardian of your pet. Once your pet is insured, the policy would cover any cost incurred for hiring kennel services.

Being the parent of our pets its our responsibility to take care of each of their needs and meet them up to the best possible way. If you agree to this, there shouldn't be a second thought about buying insurance cover for your beloved. After all, nothing as evident as risk; and nothing is more precious to life.

Choose the right dog collar...

No matter how big your dog is you can comfortably take him out for a walk only if you have a leash fastened to his collar. But do we ever spare a thought on what kind of collars suit our buddies the best. Although breed is perhaps the most important determinant here, the amount of distance that he walks also plays a crucial role.

If we are taking them for a jaunt to a nearby park, simple collars with D-ring attachments are the best options. These leashes are best suited especially for well-behaved dogs who don’t need much supervision. But in case we have gigantic dogs like a Great Dane, Scottish terrier or Rottwellier, we would need wide collars to protect their short necks. It’s all the more important because this would constantly make them aware of its presence. Thin collars on the other hand are extremely bad since they exert pressure around the necks and cause injury. The risk increases manifold in case of bigger dogs.

However, if you have hyperactive dogs like a dalmation, border collie, cocker spaniel, or smaller breeds like chihuahua, maltese and Yorkshire terrier, harnesses are the most preferred choices. These dogs are so energetic and full of life that tackling them requires a huge amount of patience. When we take them out for walks they normally try to break free from the shackles. Their disobedience infuriates us and we are compelled to pull at their chain hard. This might end up causing severe damage to them. But a harness keeps your doggy absolutely safe.

But before deciding on your pick you must surely consult the vet.