Archive for July, 2009

If you’re about to set an order for Frontline for pets, be certain you get the right dosage and type for your puppy or kitten.

Frontline Plus actually comes in a number of different varieties. That’s good because it means you can get just the right dose and type of meditation for your pet. But it’s important to make sure that you don’t mix-and-match your pet meds just for convenience’s sake. Here are the variables you’ll want to keep an eye on:

* Pet’s Weight

* Variety of Pet (canine or cat )

* Whether The Medication Is Applied As Drops, Spray, Flea Bath, etc.

Make sure all these variables on the box match up with your pet’s specifications. If you don’t know how much your dog weighs, make sure to check. Don’t just guess.

If you have more than one type of animal in the house (say a cat and a small dog) they should NOT share their pet meds, even if they are the same weight. If you have two different sizes (say a big dog and a small dog) you should also not share meds between them.

Whenever employing a chemical flea killer, even a well known brand with the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, like Frontline and, it is important to read and FOLLOW the package instructions when you’re applying the flea medication to your pet.

Personally, I have used and prefer the flea drops version of the Frontline pet meds, not the flea spray. I like that I will control where the medicine goes so it’s not spraying all over my home, into the air, or into my pet’s face. However, if your dog has skin allergies or a grim flea infestation, it may be better to use Frontline flea spray. I would check with a vet or, if you order online, you can talk with a pet pharmacist about what’s right for your dog or kitty.

Flea season lasts all year in many regions. If fleas are a difficulty where you reside, stock up on flea control – you’ll save more money when you order a bigger amount at one point. Just make sure you read the instructions before trying the product! Also, if it’s’s your first time using Frontline flea control, you might want to reserve a smaller amount to test it and make sure your pet does not have a bad reaction.

Although it’s natural to worry about your pet’s health when applying flea killer, try to be comfortable with the associated risks. They are minimal. Going “green” on flea control is really tough – I tried that, too, and my dog got lots of fleas.

Once you kill off the fleas, with the first batch, keep them in check with monthly applications of the flea control product. Beginning and stopping the flea control ( using it intermittently ) is probably going to create “resistant” fleas that may at last be more difficult to dispose of.

Keep your dog cosy and healthy by helping him get rid of parasites on his skin. You do not need them biting your dog or getting into your home and biting you.

Frontline is the best solution for getting rid of fleas on your pet safely, effectively, and fast.

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Choosing the right flea medication for your dog can be a confusing process. There are lots of different treatments out there including chemical insecticides, cedar wood chips, flea collars and just the manual process of picking bugs off your dog. Before deciding which way to go, it makes sense to do your research. After trying to do green flea removal myself for a long time, I decided to go with a commercial flea drop treatment. That worked a lot better for me and my dog.

If you’re looking for an effective and safe flea control product for your dog or cat, it is useful to compare K9 Advantix to the other name brand products ( namely K-9 Advantix vs. Frontline plus vs. Advantage ) on the market to see what will work best for your pet and family.

Let’s Compare K-9 Advantix Ingredients Vs. Advantage Flea Control

The important components in Bayer K-9 Advantix are Imidacloprid and Permethrin. This is different than Advantage for dogs ( also by Bayer ), which just uses Imidaclorprid but not Permethrin. The K9 Advantix flea control product is also the just one of the three products to report the potential complications of Itching, burning and insensibility at the application site.

When it comes to price for K9 Advantix, it isn’t as cheap as the advantage for dogs ( which, you’ll remember has the same manufacturer, but only 1 active ingredient ). Also, K9 Advantix lists occasional side effects such as itching, burning or numbness at the application site, while Advantage for dogs and Frontline and do not list any known side effects for these products, when used correctly.

Compare K9 Advantix Pricing

Prices in this chart are the monthly value of using the product, assuming you purchased 12 months’ supply at one point.

* K9 Advantix Green – up to 10 lbs – $12.75 / month

* K9 Advantix Teal – eleven – 20 lbs – $13.42 / month

* K9 Advantix Red – 21 – fifty five lbs – $14.08 / month

* K9 Advantix Blue – Over fifty five lbs – $14.42 / month

Many folks also look at Advantage Flea Products. K9 Advantix and Advantage flea killer are sometimes confused. K9 Advantix is completely for dogs. Advantage flea drops are made for cats, or for dogs of diverse sizes.

Dog Advantage Pricing

* Dog Advantage Green – up to 10 lbs – $10.75 / month

* Canine Advantage Teal – 11-20 lbs – $11.08 / month

* Canine Advantage Red – twenty-one – 55 lbs – $11.42 / month

* Canine Advantage Blue – Over fifty five lbs – $11.58 / month

When you compare K9 Advantix to Advantage flea control for dogs, you can see that Advantage is a little less costly, doubtless because it only has one active ingredient rather than 2.

Now let’s compare K9 Advantix to Frontline Plus for dogs.

Frontline Plus for Dogs (they also have a cat version – but that’s outside the extent of this article) has two entirely different active components : Fipronil and S-methoprene. Frontline also has a different manufacturer : Merial. Frontline, unlike Advantage and Canine Advantix, is also listed as being OK to use on young (8-weeks or older) puppies, and pregnant or lactating females. To me, that means that these active components are less likely to create sensitivity or health problems in your dog, but I do not know for sure. On the other hand, the medicine may be a little more expensive, depending on the size of your dog. They have different dog-size application standards, so compare the price for your dog’s medication from all three providers.

* Frontline plus Orange – up to 22 lbs – $13.42 / month

* Frontline plus Blue – twenty-three – 44 lbs – $13.92 / month

* Frontline Plus Purple – 45 – 88 lbs – $14.75 / month

* Frontline and Red – 88 – 132 lbs – $15.8 / month

Overall, what makes the most sense for you’ll depend on your budget, the efficacy of the product in your neighborhood, and your dogs’ sensitivity. If your pet has had an issue with one product in the past, consider switching to a flea control medication with a different active ingredient.

On the website where they are sold, you may also read reader reviews and talk to a pet drugs pharmacist to have your questions answered. As I have read the product reviews, it sounds like most people have good results with all the products re killing fleas and mosquitoes. Some dog owners have reported skin sensitivities with their pet and a certain flea medicine. If you have not exploited a product before, it could be best to compare K9 Advantix results to those of other products to see what does it for you, then buy in large quantities for the cheapest price and greatest savings.

Yep, K-9 Advantix certainly compares well with the other top flea killers on the market. If your dog is suffering from fleas or ticks or bringing them into your house, it’s time to take a look at working canine Advantix into your preventive care routine for your dog.

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Looking after Long Chiwawa

Being informed when you are looking at owning a Chihuahua is the one thing that will be the difference between having a wonderfully behaved Chi or a terror. Chihuahuas are a sensitive breed. Whether you are looking at taking on a puppy or an adult it does pay to know what you are in for with your Chihuahua. They require a lot of time, love, patients and special training.

If you are planning on being away from home a lot, a Chihuahua may not suit your lifestyle. Chis require a lot of attention, love and training, so if you do not have the knowledge or the time, you might be looking at the wrong breed of dog. There are many important things you need to know before you consider owning a Chi.

Raising your Chihuahua well is the best insurance, especially if you would love a wonderfully behaved Chi. If you let them get away with everything they soon learn how to play you. I know this because I have two Chis myself. They can soon become terrors if you do not know how to raise them. They do take a lot of different care than other dogs, so for the benefit of your Chi its best to be well informed.

As your Chihuahua is a very small dog there are many things out there that can threaten your Chis life. If the temperature is too low or high it can end their life. Chis suffer from low blood sugars so there are many things that can cause their blood sugars to drop, and fairly soon the Chi will be in a coma. Knowing what can harm your new precious Chi is the best insurance against their life.

Investing in a good guide, is the best insurance against your Chi’s life. There are so many things out there that do not effect bigger dogs, but can take your Chis life. As an owner for many years the one piece of advise I would give to any new owner is to do your research and know how to train them properly and to care for them well. Don’t be one of those people who own a little terror.

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The Cocker Spaniel is a beautiful, sweet dog that loves people. He makes an excellent pet, but presents a few challenges to the owner.

General Appearance and Description

The American Cocker Spaniel was originally developed through breeding of the English Cocker Spaniel. The American Cocker is smaller than the English version, and the English Cocker often has a finer and shorter coat of hair.

The Cocker Spaniel has long ears, and a medium-length coat that’s shiny and feathered looking.

On black Cocker Spaniels, the nose will always be black, but on other colored Spaniels, the nose can be brown. You might get a Cocker Spaniel that’s buff-colored, or black. The coat is usually one color, but some can be a primary color with another color accent (such as white with black and tan accents).

Most Cocker Spaniel breeders will suggest that you get your dogs tail docked, but if you aren’t showing him, there is no real reason to do it.

Basic Temperament

The Cocker Spaniel enjoys work, but it’s just as happy being a pet in your house. This is an easy-going dog that will happily go with the flow and complain little.

In general the American Cocker Spaniel is cheerful, sensitive, respectful and pleasant to be around. They are a gentle breed and can be prone to shyness, and will eschew new relationships with people and other dogs if not socialized properly. It’s best to socialize Cocker Spaniel puppies early and often so they don’t develop that shy side.

Unlike some dogs that will challenge your authority and attempt to establish themselves as the “top dog,” Cocker Spaniel dogs are happy to accept you as the leader, and they seem to inherently understand that you are the boss and they are inferior to you.

Care Required

If you keep your Cocker Spaniel dog’s coat long, be prepared to brush it daily and shampoo it frequently. To keep it shiny and beautiful looking, it does require some care. Even if you keep his coat shorter, you’ll still have to brush him regularly and get it trimmed regularly. You can be a bit more lax, however.

Cocker Spaniel dogs don’t shed too terribly much, though they can leave a trail behind if their coat is left long. The hairs can come out easily, so be careful when brushing that you don’t pull out the long hairs.

Exercise Requirements You might not think by looking at this sweet-faced and regal dog that he’s a bit of a wild man, but he is. That is, the Cocker Spaniel dog needs a good amount of activity on a regular basis. If he doesn’t get it, he might challenge your home environment.

Be sure to give your Cocker Spaniel regular walks that are long and sometimes challenging. When walking him, avoid going through areas that contain thickets or anything that could damage your Cocker’s coat.

While the American Cocker Spaniel will thrive in a home environment with a large yard, he can live in an apartment if he’s exercised regularly and well. He’s active indoors, so plenty of space to play and lots of toys to play with are both essential.

When looking at learning more about , read and learn as much as you can because the English cocker because is an fascinating dog breed. Training

Because the Cocker Spaniel innately knows who is boss (you), he’s relatively easy to train. Some Cocker Spaniels can be difficult to housebreak, however, so some patience is required during that process.

Height and Weight

The male Cocker Spaniel will grow to approximately 15 inches tall, while the female will be about 14 inches tall. Both male and female will weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Cocker Spaniel dogs are prone to a number of health problems. If you do add one to your home, it’s important that you consider the many challenges that Cocker Spaniels can face with regard to their health.

Some of the most common health problems that your Cocker Spaniel might deal with include cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions. They also suffer knee problems and hip dysplasia, along with liver disease and cardiomyopathy. Some have allergies, ear infections, and a very serious condition called immune mediated hemolytic anemia.

If your Cocker Spaniel stays healthy, or is lucky enough to deal well with whatever health conditions he might suffer, he can live to be about 12 to 15 years old.

Suitability

The Cocker Spaniel loves children and will do well in a house with children and/or pets. They also make good watchdogs, enjoy agility and will work to do well in trials, and they make excellent hunting dogs.

More Information

More information about the Cocker Spaniel can be found here

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Pug Names – What You Need To Know

Pugs are fun and cute dogs that generally add much to a household. They are easy to care for, but present a few challenges due to their spirited nature.

General Appearance and Description

The pug is often called the cutest of all dogs, and it’s likely due to his characteristic stocky and compact body and his punched in face. He has a square body that is framed by a sleek, soft coat and accented by a forehead that looks to be worried.

Most pugs are apricot, fawn, black or silver colored. They will all have a black muzzle and prominent eyes. The eyes are nearly always dark and thoughtful. Pugs have short tails that are usually tightly curled.

Basic Temperament

Pug owners often refer to them as bigger dogs than their size allows. This is due to their very large personality. Pugs are playful and charm nearly everyone they come in contact with. That’s quite likely as much a process affected by their sweet looks as their sweet personality. They are affectionate and loving and intensely loyal. Pugs are quite smart as well.

But pug dog breeders will tell you that these dogs are willful and quite difficult to handle, especially if the humans let them believe they are smarter and stronger than the humans.

If you don’t establish yourself as the leader of the pack, the pug will, and he might exhibit some troubling behaviors like guarding furniture or other things in the house. While they are not aggressive dogs, pugs can be firm about their need to guard, simply because nobody else has stepped into the role of leader.

Care required

While they might take a bit of work in the behavior department, pugs are easy to care for. They need a good brushing every now and then and a shampoo only when absolutely necessary.

Because black pug puppies and other pugs are very short haired, it’s important to dry them off after a bath quickly and wrap them in a towel to prevent chills.

The creases on the face which give the pug their distinctive look require some care. They must be cleaned regularly with a cotton ball.

While they are very short haired, pugs do shed heavily several times a year.

Exercise Requirements

Pugs should be taken on regular walks, but these aren’t dogs that require a lot of physical stimulation. Most of them, in fact, can’t handle too much of that at all. They are very sensitive to climate, so taking them out in cold or hot weather is not advised.

Because they don’t require intense physical activity, pugs are a good choice for people who live in apartments or small spaces. Regardless of their living arrangements, because of their sensitivity to heat and cold, they should be kept mostly indoors.

Training

Pugs aren’t the most trainable of dogs, but they can be trained and will enjoy having some structure.

Because they are highly intelligent and cleve dogsr, pugs do become tired quickly of training methods, so be sharp and mix things up when you are training these dogs.

When looking at learning more about Pug names, read as much as you can because the Pug is truly a amazing dog breed.

Height and Weight

Most male pugs will be about 12 to 14 inches high and 13 to 20 pounds. Female pugs will be a bit smaller, with a height around 10 to 12 inches and will weigh about 13 to 18 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Pug dogs generally have a fair number of health problems.

Your pug is prone to colds and, as we discussed earlier, will be stressed by extremes in weather, from cold to hot.

The short muzzle on the pug causes breathing problems and they are prone to wheezing and other chronic breathing issues.

Pugs are prone to obesity, so watching their diet is essential. Some can be prone to laziness, so it’s best to force your pug to walk and get some exercise.

Finally, any pug owner can speak to the pug’s penchant for snoring. They snore loudly and often, and many a pug owner has lost some sleep in the night until they learn how to deal with the snoring.

In general, pugs are hearty dogs, and can live to be approximately 12 to 15 years old.

Suitability

Pugs get along well with other dogs and in general with other pets in the house. They love children and enjoy meeting new people. Their addition to the household is usually a good one.

Pugs also make excellent pets for senior citizens, who enjoy their laid back and friendly nature and their ability to make good lap pets.

Further Information

More information about the Pug can be found here.

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