You think you are fond of footing it and enjoying the great outdoors, but it’s equally likely that your four-legged furry friend enjoys the clean, crisp outside air too where he gets a chance to avail your company as well as tour the neighborhood, visit the dog park near your home and scamper about with more of his kind! Yes, here’s where you can explore the outdoor terrain with your pet in tow and have him commune with nature as excitedly as you do. The joy of meeting up with old and new buddies is not restricted to humans alone and your doggy too can benefit from an outdoor trip – even a vacation to a national park, if you let him trail around with his own knapsack to share the load!

When dogs were first domesticated, the dog backpack came into prevalence so is an ages-old idea, but has long-since been stylized from the basic kind, which served to help human-kind carry their load, (groceries or camping gear and the like) but on the back on the doggy pal. A dog backpack is thus not an invention of the modern times but an old-recycled idea that has more takers today with its hipper, cooler designs and variations for taking pets along on hiking and camping trips, proving a worthy addition to fundamental outdoor equipment.

A few tips to keep in mind before buying your dog backpack are given below: ensure your furry friend keeps good health as only medically fit and healthy dogs should be allowed to help carry loads on outdoor outings. You may also want to wait till your dog is fully grown and have him undergo a fitness level test to ensure his being healthy before allowing him to carry up to one quarter of his body weight in the dog backpack. (The dog backpack load can be ascertained for bigger dogs as a load equaling 15 or 20 pounds).

Also ensure the chosen dog backpack has a good grip on your dog because as a human who has had a chance to carry a backpack before, you’d be a good judge of how off-putting and uncomfortable an ill-fitting backpack can be; so check straps and loops etc. for a good fit. Check to see that the dog backpack fits securely around your pet’s body, leaving enough space for you to slide in a finger between the strap and Fido’s body. Instruct your dog to lie down, stand and sit so you can check the fitting of the dog backpack when he’s in varied positions and can tell if the product is any good.

Some dogs take longer to get accustomed to carrying a dog backpack, but consistent and regular training to keep it on while relating the wearing of the dog backpack with enjoyable activities can go a long way in adapting the pet to wearing one. Training should be imparted for wearing the dog backpack in a happy tone; placing a towel/blanket or on the dog’s back to begin with (to help him adjust to the idea of carrying some weight) and then allowing for the dog to wear an empty backpack are smart and easy ways to begin. Add on small, light-weight water-bottles to the dog backpack and slowly lead your pet to wearing a full load!

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Should you go for a collar or a dog harness? If you’re caught in this dilemma, don’t worry. There are actually millions of dog owners who are in the same position as you. The good thing is you will now be enlightened as to why a dog harness is always the perfect choice over the dog collar, especially if you’re taking care of small dogs.

The Huge Disadvantage of Dog Collars
Dog collars are ideal when you’re training the animal for tricks or drills, or when you want to attach a dog tag, which is actually mandatory in some states. However, there’s one huge problem with them: they could potentially harm the delicate necks of small dogs.

Dog collars, specifically the halter types, can be truly uncomfortable for your petite furry friend. As a matter of fact, if they are worn too tight, they will not only hurt the throat, but can also restrict them from breathing properly. Moreover, the more that these small dogs will pull away from you, the more that dog collars will bury deep into their skin. Worse, if a leash is attached to the dog collar and the pet suddenly turns to one side, it could result to a very serious neck injury. Alternatively an accidental jerk on the lead could damage their spine.

Why You Need to Buy a Harness
For health reasons, protection, and comfort, harnesses are always the best choice for your small dogs. First of all, it can relieve your small pet from neck strain, which usually happens whenever he moves or runs around too fast and you’re trying to control him. Since the harness is fitted comfortable around his chest, every time he pulls away, the weight is evenly distributed through out his shoulders. There is no risk of throat injury, and no more of the choking sound.

A harness is also very comfortable to wear, since the materials used are incredibly soft. They don’t cause any chafing or matting in your dogs’ fur. The most popular dog harnesses are made of soft mesh, nylon, or suede. What’s more, they are very easy to clean and are highly durable. They can last for several months or even years.

When it comes to fashion, there are many designs that you can choose for your dog harness. You can also easily adjust the size of the harness the more that your small dog grows big. The belt is highly adjustable, and the buckles are strong and durable.

A good quality dog harness won’t only give you the kind of control you want over your small dog, but will also help you become a better parent to your pet. You can show him that you put great emphasis on his health, comfort, and style.

Puppia is famous for their signature dog harness , made of soft mesh material. Their pet harness is considered to be the best in the industry, even recommended by animal doctors.

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The idea of having a party for their pooch is sometimes the last thing on most people’s minds. But, who better to throw an event of such epic proportions for than the one who is always so loyal and loving? It is a fun, new fad that pet owners everywhere are adopting. You may feel overwhelmed at the idea and looking for tips to organize a dog birthday party. The puppy party can pretty much have any theme you’re looking for even for a birthday. Here are a few ideas:

- A regular birthday party is probably one of the most obvious and popular choices
- Barbecues that include pet owners and pets alike in the festivities
- Mardi Gras are sure to offer fun for dogs and people with Big Easy Style
- A Western theme can help you have a blast even if their won’t be a shoot out at the O.K. Corral
- The famous song, “How Much is that Doggie in the Window?” centers around the song as the theme for the dog birthday party

A Regular Birthday Party

A regular birthday party for your pooch is a great way to honor that loyal companion of the family. Many pet stores have cake mixes especially for dogs. It’s great to also bake or buy a cake for the humans in attendance so everyone is included. You can use streamers, balloons, and pinatas filled with healthy dog treats for the canine crew. If children will be attending it may be fun to have a pinata in a separate location for them. The possibilities are endless.

A Birthday Barbecue for your Best Friend

A barbecue is a fun way to celebrate your best friend’s special day. Owners get to enjoy the bounty of the barbecue while dogs have fun. If you have a pool and all the pet owners have bathed their dogs, it may be fun to open up the pool for a pooch pool party. This may offer a lot of laughs as well as offer great photo opportunities!

Big Easy Birthday Mardi Gras Style

Maybe you feel your love for your dog is larger than life. What better way to express it than with a Mardi Gras themed dog birthday party? It’s fun to have guests and pets come incognito with masks or if you want you can provide the masks yourself. Some party stores sell them for both pets and humans. Decorations with traditional Mardi Gras colors of green, gold, and purple will give a bold and authentic feel to the occasion.

Just “How Much is that Doggie in the Window?”

You can turn your house into a “pet shop” set to the old and famous song “How Much is that Doggie in the Window?” Little for sale signs and decorations can put up in the windows of your home or on patio windows. It’s fun to play the song when guests arrive. It might be fun to have a puppy pageant or dog show and have designated judges vote on the dogs.
Some Helpful Hints to get it Organized

Here are some tips to organize a dog birthday party:

- Send invitations out two to three weeks in advance. It makes it fun if the invitations match up with the theme of the party to elevate excitement levels of guests. These can be cheaply designed on a computer.
- Get an RSVP from all guests so you know how much food and canine cake to buy
- Have a camera with batteries on hand, so you don’t miss a single moment!
- Only invite dogs that you know your pet likes or won’t feel intimidated by
- Allow your children (if you have them) participate in the planning and decorating
- If you’re having it at a park, make sure a shelter is available on the day in case of rain

Planning a pooch’s birthday party isn’t unlike planning for family members or friends. A little forethought will keep things running more smoothly and ensure your dog’s behaviour. It will help everyone to have a fantastic day without the fur flying!

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Unique dog names can come from many sources. The best unique dog names come from places that most people wouldn’t think to look. Nature can give us dog names that are as unique as nature itself can be. Consider all the resources nature gives us, then take a look at those resources and you will find unique names for your new dog. Here is a short list of unique dog names that can be taken from nature.

Trees
Sequoia, Chestnut, Maple, Pawpaw, Creeper, Staghorn, Plum, Cherry, Magnolia, Peaches, Scarlet, Buckeye, Lilac, Honey or Honeysuckle, Pagoda, Hawthorn, Douglas, Cedar, Alder, Aspen, or Shagbark (for a noisy, shaggy dog)

Flowers
Lily, Rose, Aster, Daffodil, Cosmos, Flame, Foxtail, Lilac, Glory, Orchid, Ginger, Marguerite, Marigold, Chrissy or Mum, Queen Ann, St. John, Turtle, Tansy, Sweet Pea, Buttercut, or Sugarbush

The Sky
Cloud, Tornado, Windy, Twister, Rainy, Storm or Stormy, Snow, Blizzard, Hurricane, Thunder, Lightening, Star, Moon, Sunny, Nova (means bright star), Venus, Pluto, Jupiter, Astro or Astra, or Stella

Mined From the Earth
Opal, Pearl, Malachite, Ruby, Sapphire, Zircon, Turquoise, Coral, Copper, Emerald, Diamond, Cameo, Amber, Crystal, Jade, Jet, Coal, Jewel, Onyx, Shamira (means precious stone), or Precious

From the Waters
Wave, Coral, Seaweed, Sponge, Whirl or Whirlpool, Tsunami, Orca, Blue, Surf, Icy or Iceberg, Shark, Red, Black or Blackie, Atlantic or Atlantis, and we can’t forget Champ and Nessie.

Animals
Hawk, Wolf, Bear, Badger, Monkey, Crow, Goose (popular since Top Gun), Roo (short of Kangaroo), Moose, Lizard, Rhino, Grizzly, Buck, Shrew, Jaguar, Mouse, Leo (lion), Elk, Jackal, Racoon, Fawn, Bison, Bull, Weasel or Kid

As you can see, unique dog names can come from any part of nature. Just stop and take a look around you, you are bound to find many unique dog names. If nature isn’t your thing, you can look to other sources for unique dog names, such as literature, music, sports, movies, food, and some of the best unique dog names come from alcohol.

A few tips on naming your dog, though. Try not to make the name too long or complicated. You need to be able to say it easily and you want people to remember it. Your dog will learn his name more quickly if it is shorter and snappy, a couple of syllables is usually the best. Try not to name your dog something that sounds like a command that you might be teaching him.

Look up the meanings of unique dog names if you aren’t sure what they mean. Yes, we all know what star or warthog means, but if you think the name Amber is pretty for your Black Labrador, you might be interested to know that Amber is brownish yellow in color. If you still love it, use it. Remember, it’s your dog, name her what you like.

The most important thing to remember when finding unique dog names is to find a name you love and stick with it. Changing names once they get used to them is confusing to dogs and could cause behavioral problems. It doesn’t matter what dog names you choose, your dog will love you for it.

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Choosing perfect dog names can be fun, especially if you have a sense of humor. You’ve heard of the big guy named Tiny or the bald guy named Harry. You will usually find that these guys have a great personality and are loads of fun to be around. These names are most likely nicknames given to them by their friends or family in fun and they stuck. Often people are given nicknames because their real names don’t fit them. When our parents named us they had no idea what we would be like when we grew up, so more appropriate nicknames are sometimes assigned to us later in life.

Choosing dog names is different from choosing the names of our children. We already know what our puppies will grow up to look like, and we can guess at how they will act based on the temperaments of their breeds. We are able to choose appropriate dog names that won’t have to be changed later because they are not fitting. Adult dogs don’t typically respond well when they are confused, and a mid-life name change can be confusing and frustrating for your pet. Choose a dog name that you will enjoy calling out for years to come.

A sense of humor is always appropriate when picking out dog names, especially when the names are based on the looks of the dogs. You could call a Dalmatian Spot, but wouldn’t it be more fun to call him Stripes or Squiggles. Wrinkles is an appropriate name for a Bloodhoud or a Shar Pei, of course. But wouldn’t Baby, Smoothie, or Lucky be cute?

A large watchdog breed, such as a Doberman Pinscher or a Bullmastiff could be appropriately named Killer. You could hang a sign that says “This House Is Protected By Killer” to keep the bad guys away. On the other hand, you could add an element of surprise and announce that your house is protected by Buffy, Waldo, or Precious. Your killer pooch is precious to you, right?

Small dogs seem to be the noisiest of all dogs. Maybe because they are so little, they overcompensate by being overprotective and loud. People who own small breeds tend to choose dog names like Bitsy, Dinky, and Pounce. Like the big guy nicknamed Tiny, it might be more fun to call your Yorkie Zeus or your Maltese Apollo.

A fun way for the family to choose dog names is to play the opposite game with the kids. Make a list of the most popular dog names for your breed and call them out to the kids. They will then tell you what they think the opposite of that name is. You say Minnie, they say Mighty. You suggest Tinkerbell, they suggest Shrek. The opposite of King might be Bumpkin. You get the idea. Kids can come up with some of the best dog names with little effort just by playing word games with them.

When you are ready to choose a puppy for your family, it is important to choose the right breed to fit your lifestyle. Once you’ve decided on a breed, have some fun choosing perfect dog names.

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Commercial chemical flea treatments usually work rather quickly and are easy to use, unfortunately, some pets and their owners are allergic to them and need a natural flea remedy. Fortunately for both the pet and pet owner, there are a number of ways to get rid of fleas naturally. These remedies work for both dog fleas as well as cat fleas.

The first thing you’ll want to do is wash all of your household bedding, rugs and furniture covers that your pet may have come into contact with, which will probably be just about everywhere in your home. Then sprinkle a natural flea remedy of a powdered form of dried pennyroyal, of the mint family, or pyrethrum powder on your carpets, furniture and any place where your pet often sleeps. Repeat this for the next three to four days.

Now it’s time to wash your pet using a natural shampoo made of one cup of a very mild dishwashing detergent and two teaspoons of eucalyptus oil. Before you wash your pet in this natural flea remedy, steep pennyroyal leaves in boiling water and then let it cool. Once you have shampooed your pet and lathered it up with the shampoo, use the pennyroyal tea to rinse it off.

Prevent Fleas Before They Bite

Pennyroyal planted outside your home will stop a flea infestation before it has a chance to get inside the house. If your pet spends part of the day outside and part inside, plant it where your pet usually hangs out while outside. As a natural flea remedy, pennyroyal will continue to grow as a ground cover and is attractive and has a pleasant flowery smell to it as well.

Another natural flea remedy is to make a small tube for your pet to wear around its neck and stuff it with pennyroyal and a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Your tube will have to be re-stuffed and oiled every few days to keep it fresh.

A homemade flea trap can be created that will serve as a natural way to get rid of those pesky cat and dog fleas. Fill a pan similar to a cookie sheet with water and place it under a light close to the ground. At night, the fleas will jump towards the light and fall into the water and drown.

Another good idea to prevent flea infestations is to keep your grass cut short. The heat from the sun will kill flea eggs before they can hatch. Also, keep your pets away from dark, wet areas where fleas often lay their eggs and the conditions are ideal for hatching.

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Thousands of pet owners who will be traveling this holiday season will be boarding their pets at vet’s offices and boarding kennels. But with so much traffic going in and out of these kennels, the chance of your dog catching kennel cough greatly increases.

Kennel cough, or Tracheobronchitis, is caused by a highly contagious airborne virus, and is a type of upper respiratory infection in dogs. The symptoms are dry, hacking cough that may sound as if the dog has a bone caught in his throat. Even though kennel cough is rarely deadly, it can be very expensive for your vet to treat.

If you are boarding your dog this holiday season, there are a few tips you could use that could keep man’s best friend from coming home with kennel cough.

- Make sure the kennel has an effective, daily clean-up process and follows a strict schedule of disinfecting with the proper chemicals.

- Make sure the kennel provides clean, individual water and feeding bowls for each animal.

- Make sure the kennel requires the proper immunization requirements to help prevent from other dogs infecting your dog.

- Make sure that the kennel has proper climate control and that the animals are protected from all elements. Cold temperatures can increase the chances of your dog contracting kennel cough.

- Clean all your pet’s toys, bedding, and other supplies that you supply both before and after boarding.

- Check to see if the kennel or boarding facility is a member of the American Boarding Kennels Association.

Another way to ensure that your dog will not suffer from kennel cough is to treat them with K-9 Cough (www.k9cough.com) after returning from the kennel. K-9 Cough is a potent and successful treatment for your pet’s kennel cough. K-9 Cough uses the very best ingredients to ensure that your dog has first-rate treatment to guarantee a complete and quick recovery from kennel cough.

K-9 Cough is safe, effective, and easy to administer. K-9 Cough works for all breeds and all sizes of dogs. Since the symptoms of kennel cough do not appear for 3 – 5 days after exposure, by treating your dog immediately after returning from the boarding facility will ensure that your furry best friend will never have to suffer.

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Copyright (c) 2007 Jennifer Koretsky

The Christmas holidays are fast approaching! While you’re busy decorating and preparing your home for guests, here are a few important tips to keep your dog safe this season.

The Christmas Tree

Tinsel, small ornaments, and ornament hooks are major choking hazards for dogs. It’s best to avoid tinsel altogether and keep small ornaments high on the tree, out of the dog’s reach. Also, make sure there are no stray ornament hooks on the floor!

If your family has a real tree (as opposed to an artificial tree), it’s best to block off the area around the tree with a screen or gate. Many dogs become ill from drinking tree water and ingesting pine needles. Vacuum the area around the tree regularly.

Holiday Guests

It’s exciting to have family and friends over during the holidayseven for your dog! But there are certain precautions you should take when having company over.

Dogs can easily slip out the door when people are continuously going in and out. Make sure your dog is wearing an identification tag with your phone number, even if he is micro-chipped. Not everyone who finds a lost dog knows to have him checked for a micro-chip.

Your guests may adore your dog, but don’t let them give your dog any food without asking. Children especially may want to give the dog a treat hand them a safe treat and supervise while they give it to the dog. Under no circumstances should your dog be given turkey or chicken bones. They are too small and are a serious choking hazard. As an alternative, buy a marrow bone at the grocery store as a special holiday treat.

Why You Shouldn’t Give Dogs as Gifts

Bringing a new dog into the family is a wonderful thing, especially if you adopt a dog from a shelter. However, giving a dog as a Christmas gift is never a good idea. Regardless of whether the dog is a puppy or an adult, his first few days in your home should be all about him. The holidays, for most families, are too chaotic and busy for a dog to get used to his new environment, and he may become anxious or frightened.

A great idea for families who want to give their children a dog for Christmas is to gift wrap a dog bone. When the child opens it, tell them it’s for the new dog that you’ll be getting in a few weeks. Or you can leave a note from Santa explaining that he didn’t have enough room on his sleigh and will be coming back with the dog. Animal shelters are flooded every January with dogs who were given as Christmas gifts so January is a great time to adopt a dog who needs a home.

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to have your vet’s phone number posted in a visible spot. Your vet’s office should have someone answering the phone 24/7.

The most important thing to remember, amidst all the chaos of the holidays, is to always know where your dog is and what he’s up to. That way everyone in your home, including the four-legged family members, can have a Merry Christmas.

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Similar to people, your dogs teeth need to remain clean, and free from decay and infection. When they eat, plaque can collect on their teeth. Left unchecked, the plaque can turn into tartar. Eventually, an infection can emerge causing severe discomfort and pain for your dog. Many owners, perhaps from negligence, fail to keep their dogs teeth in good condition. Below, we will describe a few measures you can take to help ensure that your dogs teeth are clean, healthy, and free from problems.

Brushing Your Dogs Teeth

Your dogs teeth need to be brushed a couple of times each week at a minimum. This helps them to remain clear of plaque, and thereby prevents the build up of tartar. When you brush his teeth, do not use the toothpaste from your grocery store. The mint taste may be pleasant for you, but it can be excruciating for your dog due to his heightened level of smell. Visit a pet supply store to purchase a toothpaste that is formulated for dogs. They will also carry special toothbrushes that are designed to reach your dogs teeth.

Chewing For Good Dental Hygiene

When dogs chew on food or toys, the process can keep their teeth clean. For example, dog biscuits are usually hard and break easily. The small bits from the broken biscuits rub against your dogs teeth, effectively keeping the plaque and tartar from collecting. Of course, chewing shouldn’t take the place of brushing, but it is an alternative for owners who are too busy to brush their dogs teeth. Ideally, you should brush his teeth a couple of times each week and allow him to chew biscuits throughout the week.

Time For The Dentist?

Occasionally, your dog will need to have his teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian. Even with diligent brushing and constant chewing, bacteria can build in the crevices between his teeth. With enough time, that bacteria can grow and enter your dogs body, causing harm and impacting his overall health.

Typically, a veterinarian will use an anesthesia to keep your dog sedated during the cleaning process. Then, an x-ray will be taken to examine his teeth more clearly. If the veterinarian does not find any teeth that have been damaged or have become abscessed, he will perform the cleaning. Otherwise, he may suggest that your dog receive a root canal or other procedure.

Only One Set

Your dog has only one set of teeth and can not afford to lose them. To keep them clean and healthy, brush them regularly and give your dog plenty of opportunity to maintain their cleanliness through chewing. Then, schedule a visit to the veterinarian to have your dogs teeth cleaned professionally. Through regular dental care, you can prevent your dog from enduring discomfort and pain.

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After the puppy has been weaned, he can begin to learn how to handle and digest different types of new dog foods. During the next 12 to 18 months of his life, he will continue to learn how to cope with the variety of new dog foods he eats. For the first six to eight months of that period the puppy will be both growing and using nutrients and energy at an incredible rate. If a dog food is fed containing ingredients to which a puppy is not used to or nutrients that are difficult to digest, he may be unable to obtain enough dog nutrition and energy to sustain his rapid growth. In such cases the puppies are usually stunted.

In addition, dog foods containing too many ingredients which the puppy has not yet learned to digest can cause another problem called “hurry diarrhea”. When a dog owner gets in too big a hurry to feed adult dog food to a puppy, excessive amounts of indigestible materials are usually introduced into the puppy’s digestive tract. These materials irritate the sensitive intestine of the inexperienced puppy and produce a diarrhea.

Good dog nutrition is key so formulating a suitable diet for a puppy is one of the most important steps in starting a dog’s life. The only source of nourishment a rapidly growing puppy receives comes exclusively from what his owner provides him. His health and growth will be a reflection of how well the owner is doing his job. If you provide your pet with poor dog food materials during this building period your puppy will be destined to carry inferior parts for the rest of its life.

A growing puppy needs twice as much energy and nutrients as an adult dog. Simply feeding him twice as much as an adult dog’s food is not enough, however. The energy and nutrients must be in a form that is digestible by the puppy’s inexperienced and sensitive digestive tract. However, as the puppy grows older, the diet can include dog foods that are more and more difficult for a dog to digest. Continue to feed your growing puppy the same dog food that was used to wean him, but gradually add additional foods to train the puppy’s inexperienced digestive system. Just as the food fed to an adult is not suitable for a puppy, the dog food fed to a puppy is not suitable for an adult dog.

By the time the puppy has reached maturity, his digestive system should be thoroughly trained to handle all of the dog foods it will be fed during his adult life. Generally, canned and soft-moist foods contain ingredients of higher digestibility than dry dog foods. Canned dog foods are usually more suitable to feed to growing puppies than soft-moist dog foods. There are exceptions, however,a few dry dog foods contain excellent dog nutrition which are easily digestible. are much better for feeding fast growing puppies than numerous canned dog foods containing poorly digestible nutrients.

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