Reviews of the all Best Dog Pottys

Everyone seems on edge about the latest outbreak of avian flu. People in China are told to kill their poultry in order to keep the virus from spreading. Meanwhile people in the United States watch on in fear that the avian flu will come to their shores. So what exactly is all the hubbub about? After all, every winter millions of people come down with bird flu.

Origin of Influenza

Influenza, the term, came into use around 1504, though it had little to do with the virus. It came from the word: influence. At the time, influence meant: “the ethereal power of the stars acting on men.” It was basically a supernatural way of explaining the effects of disease on people at the time. During a particularly nasty outbreak of the flu in Europe during 1743, the term was officially attached to the name of the disease. 96 years later, the term was shortened to just: flu.

The flu, itself, is a whole family of viruses called Orthomyxovirids. They are a diverse family that are commonly found in the guts of birds. The specific type of viruses that infect birds, are called type A flu. It was one of these type A’s that was believed to have infected people a long time ago. Thus giving us, the flu for the first time. Though the virus that initially infected man, has long since evolved into a variety of human specific strains, the initially origin appears to lay squarely among birds. As such, all human flu bugs could, technically, be called: avian flu.

Pathogens and specificity

Pathogens are viewed as being any living organism that is capable of causing a disease. It is a term that is generally reserved for bacteria, fungi and viruses. Pathogens are usually very specific in who, or what, they infect. This has a lot to do with the way in which they are constructed.

Both bacterial and viral outer structure, consist of a receptor binding proteins. These proteins give the pathogen a certain geometry. This geometry allows the pathogen to attach to complementary receptor sites on the cells of the critter that they are trying to infect. Because of the wide variety of life forms on the planet, each cell type has a different arrangement of receptors. Most of the time, the pathogen’s geometry will not fit these receptors, and the critter remains immune. Only those unlucky few species, whose cell receptors do fit, are the ones that have to suffer the infection.

Occasionally, though, a new pathogen comes along that has a geometry that is general enough to allow it to latch onto many different species. These are the pathogens that are often the more deadly.

Influenza is one of these general viruses. It is capable of infecting most bird species. It’s also very good at doing what all life forms do. It evolves. This has allowed it to cross multiple species barriers, and jump from birds, to people, to pigs, cows, and horses. Thus making influenza a very cosmopolitan virus family. This still doesn’t explain all the worry about this recent outbreak of avian flu though. For that, one must go back in time to 1918, and the Spanish flu.

It was the close of World War I, and the world appeared to be returning back to a more peaceful state. Then, in various parts of the globe, people started coming down with a particularly virulent form of the flu. This was a unique case though. Instead of the very young, and elderly dying, it was affecting young men and women instead. Usually these are the most immune to the effects of the flu. By the end of 1918, this form of the flu had killed ~50 million people. It was the largest pandemic (worldwide epidemic) in recorded history. So what happened?

Normally when one gets the flu, it is more of a hassle than anything else. This has a lot to do with the fact that the flu types we normally catch, are viruses that have infected us before. They have changed just enough so that they can infect us again, but they still remain recognizable to our immune system. As such, our bodies can keep the virus in check, and then eventually eliminate it. The 1918 flu, though, was different. It is now largely believed to have been a case where a new flu virus had hopped species. It went from birds to humans, possibly after circulating and hybridizing inside pigs (which can catch both bird and human versions of the flu). This new bug was completely alien to our immune systems and thus, took many completely by surprise.

This is what has many scared about this newest avian flu virus (dubbed: H5N1, for the specific proteins found on it). It has proven to be particularly virulent among birds, and the few cases of it infecting people have many worried that another pandemic is on the rise.

Zoonoses.

Influenza is a type of disease referred to a zoonosis. It means that it can be transmitted from one animal group, to another. Zoonotic diseases used to be further broken up into those that humans catch from other animals (anthropozoonoses) and ones that other animals catch from humans (zooanthroponoses). Unfortunately, both terms have been misused and confused so much, that neither is particularly favored anymore. Now they are all viewed as zoonotic diseases. In the end this makes the most sense, as human beings are animals anyway. To break things up any further, just seems excessive.

The flu is not the only zoonotic disease that humans get from other animals. Our primate cousins have given us quite a few different diseases including: malaria, hepatitis B, Dengue fever and lymphoma. Of course the most infamous of these zoonotic diseases would probably be HIV.

Though there are those that would like to believe that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus was a genetically engineered weapon that was released among the African populace (they give far too much credit to genetic engineers, who are proud enough to make yeast that can fluoresce), the simian origin of HIV is pretty well established. HIV has close ties to the simian version: SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus). The big difference between the two, besides their first letters, is that SIV rarely kills the apes it infects. In fact, many apes are capable of carrying viral loads equivalent to those seen in humans with advanced AIDS, yet rarely show any signs of trouble. This suggests that the host and the pathogen have been doing this for a very long time, and the host’s body has found a way to handle the virus. Humans only recently acquired HIV. As such, our bodies have yet to “learn” how to deal with the threat that this virus poses. Which is one reason why HIV is so very virulent at the moment.

These are just some of the diseases that other animals have given to humans. But what of the reverse? What have we given our animal brethren?

Many of the “classic” diseases that most humans catch, are ones that we are capable of giving to our primate cousins. This includes the flu, measles, chicken pox and tuberculosis.

One particularly nasty disease that we are capable of transmitting is the infamous Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). FMD rarely affects humans, but it does use us as a carrier for it. The disease can hang out in our nasal passages, throat, and on our clothing. It usually infects various forms of livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats). Symptoms usually include fever and prominent sores on the feet and mouth (hence the name). Most infected animals do survive. Only ~5% die from the disease.

The second disease is far more pernicious, and the victims have us to blame. It is the coral disease referred to as: white pox. This disease can kill up to 10 square centimeters of coral a day (~120ft a year). Over the past decade over 90% of Caribbean reef coral (Acropora palmata), have died. The culprit behind it is the little human gut bacterium: Serratia marcescens. While humans can occasionally fall victim to this bacterium, it usually doesn’t infect us. Instead it lives in our guts and gets expelled in our feces. Improper sewage treatment has resulted in human excrement flowing out into the Caribbean, where the newly released bacterium has infected the local coral.

So remember; the next time you start to feel under the weather, don’t worry about coughing on your dog. Chances are, your canine pal probably won’t get it. Unless, of course, it is the flu.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Being alone can be really frightening, especially when you are a kid. A natural reaction of a child when left alone is to cry. We have all gone through this when we were young, We were always glued to our parents, especially to our moms. We do not want to be away from them. This is human instinct since when we were born, our mom is the first person that we lay our eyes on. in fact, we’ve already formed an attachment when we were still inside our mother’s womb.

Being left alone can be very emotional and stressful. It can be a difficult experience. But this fear of being isolated is not only exclusively felt by human beings. Animals are no exception. Even dogs, considered to be man’s best friend, suffer the same emotional predicament.

Dogs are naturally social creatures, they are pack animals. Like babies that develop an attachment to their  mothers, dogs, too, develop a very strong bond with their canine female parents. These pups would only want to be with their turf, where the mother or father can guard them or provide food through the female dog’s mammary glands. But once this canine family attachment is dissolved, the dog immediately turns its attention to their owner or caretaker.

Dogs that become too dependent on their owners also do not want to be left alone.  When dogs are left alone by their owners, they become really upset. As “dog depression” sets in, they become restless and even destructive. This condition is called Separation Anxiety.

Separation anxiety in dogs is one of the most common canine behavioral problems encountered by veterinarians and seasoned dog breeders. Dogs can develop separation anxiety much faster if they do not have enough “socialization”.  It can also occur if a dog is repeatedly transferred from one owner to another. Dogs that came from animal shelters and dogs that experienced traumatic events such as being in the house during a fire, during a burglary attempt, or while an alarm system sounded may show signs of anxiety.

A dog suffering from separation anxiety will become extremely anxious and distressed.  Some signs of distress in your dog may include any of the following:

· Excessive barking and whining when left alone

· Incessant chewing on variety of things and destroys objects

· Urinate, defecate and vomit in different locations in the house.

· Demands too much attention from you when you are at home

· Gets overly excited when you return home

Dogs that fail to cope with a sudden change in environment may also develop separation anxiety. It is often difficult to treat this condition because the behavior only occurs when the owner is not around. It can also be alarming when the owner leaves for an extended period of time.

Experts say that there are medications that can suppress anxiety. These are often used on dogs with severe separation anxiety or when owners simply must leave the dog alone for an extended period while treatment is being done. The use of drugs allow the dog to spend extended periods of time free of anxiety. A veterinarian should be consulted for further information about the use of safe and effective anxiety- suppressing drugs.

These are other ways to reduce separation anxiety in your dog:

· Make arrivals and departures very low key

· Give your dog something to do when he is alone

· Plan your exits

· Leave a radio or TV on so he can listen to human voices when left alone

· Confine your dog in a crate that will also serve him as shelter

· Exercise your dogs

It is important to take immediate measures once you suspect that your dog has this condition. Visit a veterinarian and inquire about a dog stress treatment program. Keep in mind that your pet’s disorder can be treated and that they also need proper care and attention. So, if you noticed that your dog is so stuck on you, you might consider taking your “best friend” to the veterinarian.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to adopt a dog. Truly a man’s best friend, you can rely on your pet dog in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a dog. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which dog to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.

On Puppies

* Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.

* You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both puppy and for the mother dog as well.

* A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult dog. Although most puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a puppy would look like when it gets old; especially if it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change too when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

On adult dog 

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult dog. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire these valuable data from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult dogs may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them.

* It may take some time and effort for an adult dog to be completely comfortable with a new owner.

* Take note that you need to introduce an adult dog to your children and other household members. This would help the dog be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.

* Adult dog may not need your full attention unlike puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.

* For a fully grown dog physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

* Most dogs are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don’t wake up at night like most puppies do. They have over grown the impulse of chewing things he has his eyes on.

* An older dog can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household.

Adopting a dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them. Adult dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them needs a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has a ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Keeping your dog clean is an important responsibility for every dog owner. Fido depends on you for general hygiene. Clean ears, teeth and a coat free from fleas and ticks are all the conditions you check for a healthy pet. Bath time is a great time to bond with your dog as well as check his well-being.

A healthy dog actually don’t need to be washed all that often, but humans prefer to bathe them so that they smell fresh and clean and not like…well…dog. Although most dogs don’t like to be washed, they will appreciate the contact and attention that they receive from their owners during a bath. It is also a good time to perform some other necessary “dog maintenance” such as cleaning the ears, checking for ticks and fleas, and brushing the teeth. Since many dogs do not like to sit still for any of these activities, it can be a good idea to do them all at once.

Brushing your Dogs’ Teeth

Brushing your dogs’ teeth is just good dental hygiene. Most vets recommend that it be done at least twice a week to ensure your dog maintains healthy teeth and gums. If you’ve have been doing this, it’s never too late to start. The dog should have its own toothbrush and special toothpaste designed for dogs. You pick up everything you need at your favorite pet supply store. Make sure you brush the back teeth in small circles, the same way you would your own, and brush up and down the length of the “pointy” canine teeth. Dog toothpaste is made to have a pleasing taste, to dogs that is, and this should help make your dog willing to let you perform this activity. If you cannot brush his teeth, the next best thing would be to give him teeth cleaning dog biscuits but brushing is definitely preferred.

Checking for Ticks & Fleas

Ticks are nasty little arachnids (they’re eight-legged creatures like spiders, and therefore are not insects) that will latch onto your dog’s skin and feed on his blood supply. They are most common in wooded areas, but your dog should be checked for them regularly because they can carry a number of diseases. The best place to look for these bugs is under the collar or on the dog’s underbelly, buried in the fur. If you find a tick, be sure to use tweezers and remove the tick by its head.

Fleas can be found in the same places, under the fur. The presence of fleas can be betrayed by the sight of their droppings on the dog’s coat. They look like flecks of pepper. The fleas themselves can vary in size, from tiny infants to larger adults, which are about an eighth of an inch long. They can’t simply be picked off the dog like ticks can, they will jump before you can catch them. If you do find a flea or their droppings, you know it’s time to start the dog on a program to control and eliminate these pests.

Cleaning his Ears

Pet supply stores sell special solutions for cleansing a dog’s ears. Dogs can easily get ear mites. These small insects live in the ears and feed of the waxy secretions there. Over time, the bodies of these short-lived creatures build up and form a black, dirty substance. Using a cotton swab dipped in a bit of this solution, gently clean the inner ear. It may be difficult to hold the dog still for this procedure, but it doesn’t take long. The result will be clean ears and the avoidance of potential infection and earaches for your dog.

So you see, the quality time you spend bathing your dog will not only make him smell great to you but it will make him FEEL great.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

As a 10 year old child, I watched helplessly one hot August day as my beloved boxer, Duke, died in my arms. Four decades later, I still have that memory painfully etched in my mind. We didn’t learn until after the fact that Duke had died of a heat stroke. Even more painful was the realization that, had we known what to look for, we could have taken measures to possibly prevent his death. In honor of his memory, I want to share vital information that may keep your dog from suffering Duke’s fate.

What is heat stroke?

Too much time exposed to the dangerous combination of increased temperature and humidity can lead to a heat stroke. A mammal’s body (and that includes humans, too) can only tolerate temperatures up to about 107 degrees before cells start dying. The higher the temperature, the faster this occurs. The longer the body remains at an elevated temperature, the less chance there is for recovery. Heat stroke can occur very quickly, given the right set of circumstances, and if too much time has elapsed, even your best efforts may not be enough to keep your dog alive.

Is my dog at risk for heat stroke?

Any dog can fall victim to heat stroke, but hot weather is especially hard on puppies and older dogs, (they have a harder time regulating their body temperature), short-nosed breeds, (like pugs, pekes, boxers and bulldogs), overweight dogs, those with heart or lung problems, and dogs recently moved from a cooler climate. These risk factors increase if your dog doesn’t have enough water, if he’s in an enclosed space or is exposed too long to direct sunlight.

How can I recognize heat stroke?

Heat stroke causes dogs to pant rapidly and heavily, the body’s defense in an effort to lower the core temperature. Their eyes may be open abnormally wide, and they may appear to stare blankly, ignoring your commands. They may drool excessively and stagger weakly. The gums will appear pale and dry and eventually, if left untreated, the animal will collapse into unconsciousness.

What should I do if my dog has a heat stroke?

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke and you’re close to a vet or animal hospital, put him in the car, crank the air conditioning all the way up and get him there as soon as possible. They’re the ones best equipped to handle your dog’s recovery. If that’s not possible, you must try to reduce your dog’s temperature yourself. Get him to a shady area and either put him in a tub of cool (not cold) running water, or spray him with a hose. Be sure the water penetrates his coat and wets the skin beneath. Run it over his tongue and mouth, inside the legs and on his stomach. Remember that small dogs will cool down more quickly than larger breeds. Take your dog to a vet as soon as you can.

Hopefully your dog will never suffer a life-threatening heat stroke. If he does, at least now you know the signs and symptoms to be aware of, and the measures you can take that will offer him the best chances for a full and total recovery.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

This can be quite a problem for some dog owners, what do you do if a loose dog comes over to you and your dog, the situation can be quite intimidating especially if you have a small dog and the one coming toward you is much larger or aggressive.

The reason I have written this article is because I was on a dog forum recently and read a heart wrenching post from a lady who held her dying dog in her arms after it was attacked in front of her by a loose dog that snapped its neck.

I do not always keep my dog on a lead but I have a rule I always use when I am out with her, if she is off the lead and I see another dog with its owner if that dog is off the lead I keep Brandy off hers, I make the assumption that the other dogs owner knows their dog is all right interacting with other dogs, however if the owner has their dog on a lead I then put Brandy on hers.  This is because I feel if the owner of the other dog is unsure how their dog will react to mine I should do everything I can to help their dog be combatable, this is just a rule I use when out with Brandy.

There are times when you need to deal with dogs who’s owner is either not responsible or is not around in these situations I believe there are a number of options you might consider taking.

Dog with owner

If you come across an aggressive dog off its lead but with the owner then it might be worth having a quick word with the owner and suggesting he keep his dog on a lead when other dogs are around.

Aggressive dogs

If you are lightly to come across aggressive dogs on your walk then there are three things I would recommend you could carry with you to deter an attack.

Pepper spray

You can get dog safe pepper spray, this will cause the dog discomfort and stop the initial attack, it also acts as a deterrent from future attacks, if a dog recognizes you as someone who has caused him pain he should avoid you in the future. I think this is an extreme measure and I would only use it if there were lightly to be in danger of harm to Brandy or myself.

Ultra sonic alarm

You can buy ultra sonic alarms that can be heard by dogs but not people, this will cause the dog to get distracted and the sound will not be pleasant to him but should cause no permanent harm.

Carry a stick

This is an option you could consider a walking stick waved at a dog as it starts to become aggressive can often deter an attack, and might stop the situation developing further.

Call animal control

Whatever tactic you decide to take you should call animal control or animal welfare as soon as you are able to, the dog might be lost and hungry or it might attack someone who is not as prepared so reporting it might help it and save someone the heartache of losing a loved pet.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Have you ever found yourself afraid to move around in the yard whenever you want, simply because of a terrible neighbor? Neighbors come in all manner of natures and attitudes, and there are some that aren’t always too friendly. Perhaps they yell and scream at each other and maybe even at you and your dog. Sometimes, they are downright aggressive and intimidating.

The bad thing here is that having such neighbors impedes on your right to enjoy life in your own home, and this extends to your dog as well. For a dog, the outdoors are supposed to be a fun place to play in, and a place where they can feel safe when it’s time to take care of business. When neighbors are a nightmare, being outside isn’t really that fun at all for either one of you.

Neighbor nightmares

How do you take your dog outside to play or take care of business when you have horrible, scary or even dangerous next door neighbors? Neighbors you don’t trust aren’t exactly the kind of people you want living next door, but unless you’re willing to move, you’ll need to be able to cope with the situation.

-Yard invaders

Letting a dog run loose and uncontrolled is downright irresponsible, but there are people that still do this. Unfortunately, this can quickly pose a dangerous threat to you and your dog, especially when they have access to your yard through open fencing or even jumping over or crawling under them. If this is the case, be sure that your dog stays away from these areas unattended and keep your dog on a leash while you’re outside.

-Messing the place up

Another situation is when your neighbors are a little messy. Neighbors who don’t clean up their litter are doing more than just being a nuisance, they are exposing your dog to great harm. If your dog happens to eat leftovers found in the neighbor’s yard, you may as well prepare to visit the veterinary doctor. Where you have such neighbors, ensure your dog doesn’t roam the yard without someone looking after them.

-Neighbors with attitude

What if the neighbors are downright dangerous or aggressive? The last thing you want in the world is a neighbor with a chip on their shoulder. But this is where having a dog is quite beneficial, as long as you handle the situation properly. First of all, stay with your dog at all times. Avoid introducing your dog to the neighbors, because the less they know about your pup- such as breed type and general attitude- they won’t know what to expect from them. Additionally, don’t tell them your dog’s name either, as it can be a way for them to control or command your dog, which isn’t what you want bad neighbors to do. If the neighbors ask if the dog bites, say you don’t know and you don’t want to find out. This will make them want to avoid your dog in general, which is best for everyone.

It can be difficult to deal with horrible neighbors, but it can save you and your dog a lot of unwanted trouble if you take precautions and keep an open eye at all times. In most cases, avoiding such neighbors is the best choice, but when it comes to you and your dog’s safety, consult with the authorities if you have to.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Every dog owner has to start somewhere, and every owner remembers their first dog. And the fact is that when they first got their dog, they were most likely clueless about housetraining their new companion. A new dog is hard work, and as a first time dog owner, there are certain tips and hints to keep in mind when you welcome your first dog into your home.

Be prepared

First of all, the most important thing is to prepare for what’s ahead. Owning and caring for your dog isn’t just about letting them learn as they go. You have to take control and guide them to live safely and comfortably within your home.

Scheduling

One thing to consider is that dogs are habitual. Right from the start, they begin developing habits, often associated with their surroundings. This can either work for you or against you. So, when it comes to preparing your dog for potty training, scheduling their feeding and watering times will play a big part in helping them adapt.

Also, take note that knowing when to treat them ensures effective training and keeps them healthy. As a first time owner, it’s important that you realize that treats aren’t exactly the healthiest thing for your dog, and neither are table scraps. Treats aren’t a daily allowance. They should be rewards for successfully accomplishing areas of their training, such as eliminating in the right locations.

Using tools the right way

Crating is one of the most renowned methods for helping your dog develop good indoor habits. However, it’s important that you maintain positive reinforcement when doing this. The crate should be treated as a place of safety and security, not as a punishment area. One of the dog’s natural instincts is to avoid eliminating within their secure space (crate), and thus will wait until you give them access to a designated potty location.

Potty time

It is important that you designate a potty area. As a first time owner, it’s important to realize your dog will need to use a safe place to go potty. This means away from neighbor’s fences (where there could be other barking dogs) and other distractions or dangers (a hot patio). It also helps to avoid indulging them in play, which young puppies will want to do, completely forgetting why they’re out there in the first place. Wait until they successfully eliminate before you begin any playtime (and don’t play in the potty area either).

It’s important to note that they should return to the very same location every time. Don’t change from front yard to back yard.

Cleaning up after accidents

Enzyme based cleaners are an essential tool to keep handy during the housetraining process. This should be your only cleaning chemical in case of accident, as others won’t actually eliminate the scent your dog leaves behind. Avoid bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals. These can leave scents that will attract a dog’s nose and lead to future potty accidents.

Every owner has to start somewhere, and even if you’re clueless about housetraining your dog, there are others out there that will be more than willing to offer a few helpful hints and techniques. You just have to be willing to ask a few friends and see what there is to learn in the world of being a new pet-parent.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

One of the many hidden dangers for dogs is right in your own home. In fact, it flows through your entire house, and can be an equal danger to you if you’re not careful. However, dogs aren’t necessarily aware of the dangers that electricity poses, and wires can easily become a hazard if you’re not careful enough.

Dangers of electricity

Electrical wires are present in many of today’s devices, from the laptop computer charger to the microwave in your kitchen. Unfortunately, a lot of these wires are left to hang around while the item is in use. Even some, such as those behind your television set or game console, simply run down to the wall socket and plug in, leaving them wide open for a dog to access them.

Loose wires around the house aren’t the best situation for a dog. They could trip over them; get tangled, and even cause fires in some scenarios. They are also the perfect objects to satisfy curious and playful young pups that are yet to learn about the environment they are in.

Electrocution can be one of the worst situations that your dog can face. Loose wires do have a protective sheath on them, but it is not chew-proof, so to speak. If your dog gets to chewing on them, it exposes the live wires underneath, risking electrical shock which in severe cases can be fatal.

Keep your dog safe

Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes, which necessitates dog-proofing your home. There are certain things to look for and things to avoid doing in preparing your house to be dog-safe. One of the best things you can do is to use electrical or duct tape to pin wires to the carpet or walls. This will prevent your dog from getting to them, and often enough, they won’t even know they’re there. This is especially helpful for running wires from one room to the next or into an open spot in the room (such as a Christmas tree).

When you can, it’s good practice to keep loose wires out of reach, using hangers and nails to keep them firmly away from nosy paws. You should avoid dangling wires during this process or leaving them free hanging though, since they can quickly become an object of interest for your dog. Remember, they can still jump.

Other than that, most wires can be hidden safely behind furniture such as couches, television stands, and computer desks. Since areas such as a home office are a conduit of wires, it’s generally best to restrict your dog’s access to them just to be safe- you never know when the printer or fax machine might spook them into doing something they shouldn’t.

Keeping your home safe for your dog is up to you as a responsible dog owner and parent. And since the dangers of electrical wires extend to even you as a human being, it’s your duty to ensure the home is a safe, electricity-hazard free environment.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Not every one’s schedule allows enough time to focus on the tedious process of housetraining a new dog. We might be busy at work, drive long distances to get home, or even travel a lot. But the fact remains that we still need to make sure that our dogs receive the training they need to stay healthy, happy, while keeping the house clean in the process.

How to do it

First of all, depending on your own schedule, it’s wise to work your dog into a schedule of their own. Feeding and watering times will affect when they have to go. Remember that a dog’s age will affect their ability to hold it in while you’re gone. Puppies and senior dogs tend to have less bladder control than mature adults, so take that into consideration when building a schedule.

Additionally, it’s best to limit their wandering area while you’re away. These locations should be as comfortable as possible to eliminate stress or anxiety which can make it more difficult to control their bladder. Closing doors and using pet-gates to prevent wandering are the most common ideas, though crates can be used to help them feel safe and secure. Just remember not to use the crate as a punishment tool.

If you are going to be away for long periods of time and you don’t think your pup can handle the extended absence, consider asking a friend whom you both trust to tend to the dog when you’re not around. This could be a friend, neighbor, or even a professional pet sitter.

Tools for the job

The ideal tool for the busy individual is the dog litter box. Using an indoor potty solution will eliminate any lunchtime traveling or worries while you’re at work. A dog-litter box can really make a difference in your confidence and your pup’s comfort while you’re away.

However, you’ll still need to train them to use the facility. There are incentive sprays that help entice a dog to potty in a certain location, which will help speed up the process. Just remember to work with your dog and show them that the location you’ve chosen is the one they have to use, especially while you’re away. This has to be accessible for the dog at all times. Limiting their accessibility to the rest of the home should be enforced until you feel comfortable that they’ve developed the habit of using the litter box correctly on their own.

Additionally, you’ll need to be ready with enzyme cleaners in case of accidents. This includes any residue, such as tracking or spray that can still occur around a dog litter box. Never use any ammonia or harsh cleaners to clean these locations, since some can detour them while others entice them, often leading to confusion and resulting in a set-back in the housetraining process.

Even though you might be busy with work or other aspects of your life, it’s still important to spend quality time with your dog. Housebreaking is only a part of being a dog owner, but it is their health and happiness that really deserve your attention and time. Invest some quality time with your new dog and make sure they have found a wonderful home in your heart.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!