Dog Crates & Dog Cages Blog

Just as humans are sensitive to certain allergies, dogs also suffer from adverse reactions to irritants. Dogs can have reactions to pollen, fleas, and certain types of food. Symptoms of bug allergies include chewing on the feet, repetitious scratching, rubbing, hives, blisters, and hair loss. Symptoms of a pollen allergy would include such things as wheezing, coughing, and sneezing. Food allergies may cause problems with the bowels, skin infections, itching, and vomiting. The owner should have a cause for concern if any such symptoms last longer than three days.

An owner has a responsibility to take a dog to the veterinarian as soon as he or she notices any of the previously stated symptoms. The veterinarian will have to give a proper diagnosis before he or she can treat the allergy. The veterinarian will ask the owner a series of questions to try to pinpoint the problem. If there were any recent changes in the dog’s diet, the veterinarian will want to know that as it could be causing the allergic reaction. Any new furniture or rugs may also have an ill effect on the animal. Cleaning agents, air fresheners, and plants can also set the pet’s allergies off. If the dog stays mainly outdoors, it may stay in constant contact with fleas. Such information is extremely important for helping to reach a diagnosis.

Treatment for a dog’s allergies may include a regimen of medications and preventive measures. The treatment depends on the cause of the problem. The owner can prevent a food allergy by removing foods that cause adverse reactions. The veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics for a skin infection. Dogs that are allergic to pollen should remain in the home on high pollen days. The owner can also shampoo the dog with a hypoallergenic shampoo.

Dogs are a wonderful addition to any family, but certain traits they develop can be less than lovable. One problem that many pet owners face is excessive barking. According to PetMD.com, this behavior typically stems from three main sources – seeking attention, separation anxiety or boredom.

If your dog is barking to get affection and attention – perhaps it’s trying to tell you it wants to go for a walk or that it wants a treat like Greenies for Dogs – the trick is to ignore this behavior altogether. Next time it barks for a treat, simply avoid eye contact and continue to do whatever you were doing as if you can’t even hear it. Once the dog has stopped barking and has resorted back to a calm, submissive state, you can reward it with what it wants. Continue to follow this code until your dog no longer displays this unfortunate behavior.

The barking may also stem from separation anxiety, meaning your pup barks as soon as you leave the house. This can cause many owners to be late for their work or appointments, as they might feel bad and go back inside to try and comfort their pooch. However, going back and cuddling the dog may actually make the condition worse, as it reinforces that if it cries and barks, you will come back. Instead, the site suggests that you try to get your pooch settled in its crate with its pet supplies as a part of your morning routine. You should also avoid saying anything or petting your dog when you leave. This may seem harsh, but it has been shown to reduce dogs anxiety levels. Ignoring the pooch when you get home for five or ten minutes may also lessen its fear of separation. After practicing this technique for a few weeks, both you and your dog should be more relaxed when you need to separate.

Most dog owners love to spoil their beloved canine companions, but feeding your pup human food can be dangerous. Some human foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea or even result in an emergency trip to the veterinary hospital.

The top 10 foods never to feed your dog are:

1. Chocolate: Chocolate contains caffeine and the obromine, which in high enough concentrations can cause GI upset, hyper excitability, nervous system dysfunction (seizures), irregular heart rhythms and even death. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than the lighter varieties, but when in doubt, call your veterinarian to determine whether or not you need to bring your dog in for treatment and observation.

2 and 3. Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and their dried cousin raisins both contain toxic substances that can damage a dog’s kidneys. In the worst case scenario, kidney failure and death are the result of consumption.

4. Sugar-Free Gum (xylitol): Xylitol can cause a dog’s blood sugar levels to drop to dangerous levels, leading to weakness, confusion and sometimes seizures and death. Even if the dog survives the initial event, liver failure may occur.

5, 6, and 7. Onions, Garlic and Chives: All of these related plants contain sulfoxides, which in high enough doses can damage red blood cells and lead to a potentially life-threatening anemia.

8. Fatty Foods: Foods that are high in fate are linked to weight gain and pancreatitis, a potentially fatal disease that causes vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

9. Avocados: An avocado’s large pit can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction if swallowed. Even if the pit is taken out, avocados contain persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

10. Macadamia Nuts: An unknown toxic element in macadamia nuts can make dogs vomit, become lethargic and weak and even result in temporary hind end paralysis.

Dog Development graphic created by Pet365 – a UK stockist of amazing dog coats and brands like Hamish McBeth. Click here to view the full post.

When you get a dog, be it young or old, you will have to buy a dog bed for them to lie and sleep on. As tempting as it can be just to buy the bog-standard dog bed, it’s important to know what choice you have when it comes to your pooch’s comfort. Here are some of the most popular…

Donut bed

These are basically flat in the middle with raised padding at the sides, giving the visual image of a donut. They are great because not only are they comfy to lie on, they also give Rover a feeling of security thanks to the high padding. Furthermore, the outside padding keeps them toasty warm.

Throw pillow

These are large, thick pillows that are typically as wide as they are long. They are great for those pooches who love to stretch out when they relax or sleep, as they provide a huge surface area. They are also good for older doggies who are healthy, but perhaps find it hard to climb on top of things.

Orthopaedic beds

Older doggies with arthritis, bone disease or even just younger dogs with leg problems can benefit from these beds. They are designed to support joints where required and provide a soft sleeping space for the rest of the body.

Chew-proof beds

These are great for new puppies, who are desperate to get their teeth on anything close to them! No matter how much they gnaw on these beds, they won’t be destroyed and are a great way for pup to get his chewing cravings out without damaging your expensive furniture!

Sofa beds

An ideal option for pampered pooches who just want to lie on the couch with you, these are designed to look exactly like human sofa beds. They are comfy and also put your dog at the same height as you when sitting, which can make them feel happier and more secure.

Created by Pet365 – a UK supplier of dog collars, leads and pet accessories. Click here to view the full post.

Owning a dog is part of the American dream. Along with buying a house in the suburbs, working an office job, and owning a second car, a family dog is a symbol of happy, middle-class life.

However, a dog is not right for everyone. As this author has seen, people who get a dog without being ready often face painful choices later.

If you’re thinking of getting a dog, please sit down and really think over these 5 questions first:

1. Is a dog really the right pet for you?
   In our culture, “pet” usually means dog or cat. But there are dozens of other household critters that make great companions.

   Rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, mice, fancy rats, hedgehogs, hamsters, gerbils, sugar gliders, chinchillas, pot-bellied pigs, miniature horses, birds, lizards, snakes, fish, snails, and even spiders make great pets for many people!

   Before choosing to spend the next decade of your life with a dog, at least look into other types of pets.

2. Have you thought about why you want a dog?
   It sounds obvious, but your main reason for getting a dog should be that you want to own a dog!

   Some people get dogs to guard their homes without much interest in dog ownership. If this is the case, an alarm system offers the same benefit without the huge commitment.

   Others may want to help their local animal shelter. If this is the case, consider donating money instead. You can still help them and it will be much cheaper for you.

   Many animal shelters take credit card donations online now. Some even let you make tributes, memorial donations, and thank you gifts though their websites, all safely through your credit card.

   Make sure you understand why getting a dog is important to you.

Created by Pet365 – an online stockist of dog beds, collars and accessories. Click here to view the full post.

Choosing a day center for your pooch can be tricky. You only want the best for them and it’s tempting to think that no-one can look after your furry pal like you can. However needs must in some cases, so in order to make yourself feel better, make sure you ask as many questions as you feel necessary when interviewing potential centers.

What should you ask, though? For a start, you should ask the head of the center what training all of the staff have. How are they qualified to look after your dog? Do they have many years’ experience, or are they just starting out? By understanding what gives the staff the right to say they can take care of your dog, you’ll start to feel better about leaving him or her alone.

Ask them how many animals they take care of each day, as this will give you a good idea of how much attention your pooch will get. It’ll also reassure that they can multi-task, giving each pooch the time they need to get settled in and stay happy.

Another good tip is to get an idea of the daily routine followed at the dog day care. Just like in nurseries for children, doggy day care centers typically follow a certain schedule. It could be breakfast at 9am, walkies at 11am, play time at 1pm and then nap time till 3/4pm – whenever you pick them up. Giving dogs a strict routine is a great way to help them get settled and used to their new surroundings. It also gives you the reassurance that you know what your pal is up to at any given time.

If you’re a dog owner, looking after your pooch will be one of the most important aspects of your life. You’ll want to give them the best life possible; keeping them happy, healthy and safe.

That’s why investing in a dog cage is one of the best things you can do – as it will benefit you and your dog in so many ways.

Firstly, it’ll help keep your pooch feeling secure, particularly if they are young or have come from a difficult background. This is especially pertinent if you’ve rescued Rover from a shelter, wherein some dogs have come from an abusive owner.

The first think you’ll want to do when getting a dog of this type is to help them feel as safe and serene as possible. By giving them a private space in which to retreat, they’ll feel they have a little sanctuary; and if you include a top cover, they may even feel so relaxed they’ll fall asleep.

Secondly, you can use it to travel around with your beloved friend; most dog cages will fit into cars easily, and will again provide the dog with a secure environment when in a jerky car. It will prevent anything from happening to them, should there be an accident, as they won’t be thrown forward as they would if loose in the boot of a car.

Cages are also ideal for working pet owners, as they are easy to clean. The last thing you’ll want to do when you get home after a hard day at work is spend hours cleaning out the dog’s home, so by investing in a cage, all you’ll have to give it is a quick rub-down with some soapy water, and voilà – a nice clean environment for your canine companion.