Why Puppy Mills Are So Bad

Are you interested in buying a puppy? Then you should avoid getting it from a puppy mill. What’s a puppy mill and why is it so bad? In the following lines, you will find out more about puppy mills and why they are not recommended at all. They are bad for the dogs and future dog owners alike. You have very good reasons to avoid puppy mills and opt for responsible breeders instead. Puppy mills don’t care about the well-being of the dogs One of the reasons puppy mills are so bad is the fact that the dogs’ health and well-being are utterly disregarded. In this kind of facilities, dogs are kept only for breeding purposes. The owners or managers of puppy mills are simply looking for a profit and care less about the dogs that produce the puppies. They often use a female dog until the verge of exhaustion...
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How to Euthanize Your Dog at Home

No dog lover likes to think about saying goodbye the family’s beloved companion. Most don’t even give it thought until the time comes. But, death is a part of life’s cycles, whether we like it or not. Since dogs live much shorter lives than humans, it is something we need to consider when you look to welcoming a dog into your life. When your dog’s health starts to turn, all we can do is to cherish the moments we have spent together and make the dog’s last days on earth as comfortable and easy as possible. Euthanasia is something you need to consider when you have an ill dog that suffers a lot due to its condition. In spite of the treatment it receives, there can be cases when medication won’t help any longer. When the dog is old, weak, can barely eat, and is in pain, you need to...
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13 Signs of Pain in Dogs

Pain is a very serious condition for dogs.  Not only does pain reduce a dog’s quality of life but it can also put others in danger, due to aggression.  Many dogs have high pain tolerances and instinctively do not show signs of pain.  Therefore, any obvious pain symptom should be taken very seriously.  In addition to noticeable pain there are subtle signs that pet owners can look for, both of which will be described here. Signs of Pain The signs your dog may be experiencing pain include: Change in Sleep Patterns Dogs that are painful tend to sleep more frequently throughout the day.  If your dog is suddenly less active, consider whether pain (such as arthritis) may be reason.  Additionally, a dog that is more restless throughout the night may also be suffering. Withdrawn Attitude Does your dog normally cuddle with you on the couch but suddenly spends most of...
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5 Signs Your Dog May Be Overweight

Approximately 80% of UK vets have described an increase in dog obesity. While most owners are aware of the health risks of dog obesity, only up to 30% of owners admit that their own dog is overweight. To keep your dog in their best shape, here are 5 signs your dog may be overweight. 1.      No visible waist Start by standing over your dog and look down to their waist. Every dog, no matter the breed, should have an hourglass shape, even if it is very slight. Look for a tuck behind the ribs and hips. If you cannot see any clear tuck, then your dog is likely overweight. If there isn’t just an absent tuck, but the waistline projects outwards, then your dog is certainly obese. 2.      Missing abdomen tuck Now, observe your dog from the side. Like the waistline, the abdomen should tuck upwards towards the spine. If...
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Dog Product Review:  DogsWell Chicken & Cranberry Squares Super Boost for Immune Support

The best treats for dogs are ones that are high-quality, a great value, made in the USA, and provide additional benefits beyond positive reinforcement.  Here, a treat that checks all these boxes – DogsWell Super Boost for Immunity Support Chicken & Cranberry Squares – will be reviewed.  DogsWell The DogsWell company believes in supporting canine wellness proactively.  Their dog treats are all made from real meat, instead of meals or by-products.  Each treat variety also provides additional benefit, such as hip and joint, immune system, or skin and coat support.  All DogsWell treats are made with high-quality ingredients that are sourced in the United States.  Chicken & Cranberry Squares Super Boost for Immunity Support DogsWell Chicken & Cranberry Squares Super Boost for Immunity Support is made with whole ingredients that are designed to provide immune system support.  The addition of antioxidants from vitamins C and E not only act as...
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Dog Allergies: Is Aqoquel Right for your Dog?

Constant itching, scratching, head shaking, and skin or ear infections are the norm for dogs with severe seasonal allergies.  Not only are these symptoms frustrating for dogs, but they can be aggravating for pet owners as well.  Many veterinarians are touting prescription Apoquel as a miracle cure for allergies.  What are the benefits and side effects of Apoquel, and is this solution right for you and your dog?  These questions, and more, will be discussed.  Photo by: www.lifeinthedoglane.com Allergies in Dogs Dogs experience many of the same allergies as humans, including grass, pollen, mold, weeds, dust mites, and even pet dander.  The main difference is how allergies manifest in dogs.  Instead of sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion, dogs experience a whole-body histamine release.  This reaction causes extreme itching, scratching, and yeast overgrowth.  There are many ways to minimize a dog’s reaction to allergens.  However, not all of them are feasible for...
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Product Review: Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II 18-Volt Handheld Vacuum

A daily battle in most pet friendly households is dog hair.  For us, we seem to find dog hair in the most unlikely places:  in our microwave, in the refrigerator, on the toilet seat, and on our ceiling fans.  Over the past year it has become increasingly clear that my Daredevil handheld vacuum cleaner was no longer able to keep up with the amount of fur my two dogs were shedding.  After a quick online search, I came across the Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II 18-Volt Handheld Vacuum and immediately purchased it after reading the raving reviews.  Below is my opinion of this life-changing product.  Shark Vacuums Prior to my desperate internet search, I had never heard of the Shark brand.  I was immediately impressed by the number of positive online reviews.  I specifically wanted a handheld vacuum cleaner that was designed to pick up pet hair.  The fact that...
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Should You Hire a Dog Walker?

All dogs require exercise, with certain breeds requiring a larger time commitment than others.  However, not all dog owners are able to commit to giving their dogs two 15 – 30+ minute walks per day.  Lack of adequate exercise results in boredom, anxiety, and bad behavior.  Obesity and related diseases can also occur when a dog is improperly exercised.  For these reasons, many dog owners hire dog walkers.  Is a dog walker right for you?  Here, the pros and cons of hiring a dog walker will be discussed.  Benefits of Hiring a Dog Walker Saves Time Ultimately, hiring a dog walker saves time for pet owners.  Most dog walkers commit to exercising their canine clients for 30 – 60 minutes per day.  In addition, they typically provide extra services at no charge, such as refilling food and water bowls, bringing in mail, and giving treats.   Fewer Accidents Even adult...
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When Does a Dog Become Sexually Active?

Do you think raising a puppy is hard?  Try raising a puppy that is pregnant with a litter of puppies herself!  What most pet owners are surprised to learn is that dogs can become sexually active and mature early in their lives.  Listed here is everything you wanted to know (or not) about your dog’s sexual health but were afraid to ask.  When Does a Dog Become Sexually Active? Dogs can become sexually active at a surprisingly young age, which is dependent upon their gender. Female Dogs Female dogs experience their first estrus at 4 – 6 months of age.  In general, small breed dogs reach puberty earlier, while larger dogs may not “come into season” until 2 years of age.  As dogs grow older their heat cycles may become irregular, but they will never stop ovulating entirely.  If heat cycles disappear, an underlying health issue is likely to blame. ...
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Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Everything You Need to Know about Bloat

If you own a giant-breed dog, such as a Great Dane, Mastiff, or Irish Wolfhound, chances are you are already aware of Bloat – a silent killer of dogs.  While Bloat is most common in large dogs with barrel-type chests and tucked waists, this deadly disorder can affect all dog breeds, yet few owners are aware of the condition.  Everything you need to know about Bloat is discussed below. Image credit: www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com What is Bloat? When an excessive amount of air, food, or water enters a dog’s stomach and causes discomfort, Bloat has occurred.  A second stage of Bloat, called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), occurs when the stomach flips over on its horizontal axis and cuts off the blood supply to the stomach, rapidly leading to tissue death and organ failure. What are the Symptoms of Bloat? Bloat symptoms include a visibly distended stomach that is hard to the touch, as well...
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