your dog! From food bowls to pet food,

you are sure to find the right stuff for

your best friend.

Before buying…

Buying a dog isn’t that easy… it’s more than feeding, and giving walks. Note that dogs live on average (depending on the breed) live approximately 12-16 years!  However, there’s also positive things about canines. They’ve been living with us for over 10,000 years, and are the animals closest with humans. Dogs are fun loving, affectionate and are always willing to help us. Dogs would be there for us, but what about you? Would you be there for them?  This means buying a dog that costs over a thousand dollars, trips to the vet, giving it enough

exercise ( this means 2 a day, rain or shine), training it, grooming and health care, and most important playing, and giving your dog (especially puppy) attention. Most dog owners describe puppies as kids. This means you shouldn’t leave puppies alone in the house for over 3 or 4 hours, or ignore them. They require plenty of attention. The more playing and attention your puppy has, the better. Remember; choose wisely- dogs would spend over 14 years with you, so before buying a dog find as much information about it. Ask a vet or breeder or someone that’s familiar with owning a dog.

What breed?

Don’t buy a certain breed just because it looks nice. Think about your needs; for example look at a

husky; they are very beautiful dogs, but require frequent exercise, and must be brushed often,

especially when it’s the shedding period. Once you decided your breed find as much information as possible. Make

sure this breed is ideal for you. What if your allergic to dogs? Did you know that you are actually allergic to the dogs dandruff, not it’s fur. Buying a hypoallergenic dog such as a Poodle or Labradoodle or a hairless breed would be a good idea. Of course, dogs come in many different colors, shapes and sizes. In fact, did you know dogs are the most unique species of animals in the world? Think about the size; living in an apartement with a giant dog like a Newfoundland is’nt the best idea. If you are choosing a dog from the sporting

group (setters, pointers retrievers etc…) make sure you have a backyard, and give it lots of exercise. If you live in an apartment a small dog would be ideal. If you want a dog good with kids, Labs Golden Retrievers, Shetland sheepdogs, bulldogs, and beagles are a few examples. Also, think about the dogs cold and heat tolerance; a dog with very thick fur such as a Samoyed wouldn’t like living in a hot climate, and same thing with a dog with short fur in a cold climate. Hopefully, this website will help you find some useful information. Check with your breeder about your breed.             Good luck!

Preparing for a dog

So you finally decided for a dog. Think about the cost; your dog would cost around 1000+$, trips to the vet, his food and toys, beds, and many more things. If your dog is sick, or has fleas, or whatever it is, you have to take it to the vet,(Remember, this might cost a lot…). Here is a list of a few important stuff for your dog:

• a collar: make sure you could fit two fingers underneath it. Make sure it’s not to tight or loose. Collars come in many different shapes and sizes; an ordinary collar made out of nylon or leather, nylon is best for puppies cause they tend to chew. + always keep the identification tag on.
  

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  A leash: A regular leash or expandable leash is fine. They are made from cotton, nylon or leather.

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  Food and water bowls: Make sure it won’t tip over easily.

• Brushes: There are many different types of brushes; depending on the breed. Brushing your dog keeps it cleaner, better smell, and happier. Normally, a dog with longer fur would require more grooming. For example, a pin-brush would be needed if you are brushing an Afghan Hound. Dogs with short hair such as a Doberman or boxer need minimal grooming.
  

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  Bedding: Dog beds are normally like bean-bag like pillows. For a puppy, a box with a chew-prove blanket and bedding material is perfect.

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  Dog toys: Tennis balls, ropes, dogs play with pretty much anything. Stuffies, bones, and squeaky toys are good ideas.

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Your dog’s health

Your dog’s health is very important when it comes to owning a dog. To keep your dog healthy, visits to the vets are important. Make sure when you buy your puppy, make sure he has all his vaccinations. It is very important to get its shots, because it prevents a puppy from getting serious diseases. Owning a healthy dog means giving him enough excercise, grooming and attention.

NUTRITION: To make sure dog is fit, feel his ribs. You should feel them if you press; if they pop out, this means your dog is underweight, if you could barely feel them, your dog is overweight. Did you know dogs are actually omnivores, but mostly eat meat. Dog food comes in 3 main types; dry, semi moist, and canned.  Dry dog food contains the most calories.  How much to feed your canine? This, depends on the size- a small Chihuahua may only need 250 calories a day, where as a Rotweiler would need 2,400! Renember to change the water regularily…

Health problems:

Dogs, like humans get health problems…

One of the most  commun problems is obesity in dogs, this means not getting enough exsercise. This can lead to heart diseases, arthritis, diabetetes, and skin disorders. How do you tell if a dog is sick? Just like humans, loss of appetite, or not behaving normal. If your dog vomites, it might be because the type of food he’s eating. If he vomites constintly, take him to the vetranairian.  Coughing and sneezing is another sign. Of course, if your dog sneezes and coughs, it does’nt mean  he’s sick, but if he sneezes and coughs frequently take him to the vet. Your dog may have allergies. Normally, a sick dog has a dry nose, and his eyes are not as bright as usual. Diarrhea is someting your dog might get. Diarrhea ocurres when eating poor nutrition, or if your dog  is’nt used to. If it’s serious and lasts for a few days take him to the vet. Skin problems are other commun problems. If your dog or puppy licks, scraches, and rubs his skin, talk to your vet. Normally, if your dog scraches ofen, he’s most likely to get fleas. Fleas are the most commun parasites on dogs. If your pet has fleas, give him a bath with any type of dog shampoo. This kills fleas. After, use a flea comb to take out the few fleas remaining. Lice are another problem if you see your dog ithcing. They are tiny white “dots”‘ on your dogs fur. Ask a vet for help. Note that lice on your dog is’nt contagious to people.  Ticks are found on your pet when they walk threw long grass. To find them, use a flea comb. They suck on blood, and are white insects the size of this  ” O”. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible, because they carry lime disease. Mites are tiny parasites not visible with our eyes. Mites cause hair loss in dogs (especially on ears and elbows).  Mites can spread to people. If you notice hair loss on your dog, take him to the vet. Worms. Another very commun problem your dog may have. Did you know, that most puppies are born with them, or get them at young age. Worms are very hard to see. They look like spaghetti. Diarrhea, vomiting and a pot belly are main symptoms of worms. Humans can get infected. Bloat is very important, if not seen in time your dog can die. This is commun in very large breeds such as Great Danes and Saint Bernards. Bloat is when it’s stomach is filled with air. Your dog may try to vomite, but can not. To prevent your dog from getting bloat, feed him three smaller meals a day, rather then one giant one if your dog pants a lot, or seeing your dog trying to trow-up (but nothing coming out) may be another symtom. Your dogs teeth and mouth are important. Over 80% of all dogs get periodontal disease. This happens when theres lots of plaque and bacteria on your dogs teeth. To learn more about dental care, talk to your vet. Of course, there are more health problems, that dogs get… to view them, click here.

Here are the dog breed groups:

Working

Herding

Non-Sporting

Toy

Hound

Terrier

Sporting

Here are the dog breed sites that are available so far… more added each week!

Akita
Alaskan Malamute
Bull Dog
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter