For most people, exercising a dog consists of a trip to the park for a run around. In some cases this might suffice, but responsible owners should be aware of the quantity and quality of exercise that their dog needs to maintain optimum health. Ask yourself the following questions.

1) How often does your dog get exercised?

It does not take a genius to work out that you put on weight if you do not burn off the calories that you ingest. Exercise is extremely important to the health and well being of your dog. Fit dogs are happier, more active, more mobile and less susceptible to health problems such as arthritis, ligament ruptures and heart disease. With such huge individual variation between breeds and ages, we cannot recommend a set amount of exercise that each dog should have, but all dogs require at least one walk a day, with the more athletic ones requiring two.

2) What type of exercise does your dog do?

Whilst a walk or two a day may be perfectly adequate exercise for your dog, there is huge benefit to be had from mixing it up a bit and trying out new activities. Adding variety to a dogs exercise routine provides extra physical and mental challenges that can be both interesting and rewarding for both dog and owner. If your dog has any medical conditions (e.g. heart problem, arthritis) you must consult a veterinary professional before adding any unfamiliar exercises. Here we look at various types of exercise possible.

- Walking & Hiking
The most common form of exercise for dogs. Always have your dog on a lead unless you are in a park or rural area without traffic. Beware the potential existence of other dogs in public places that may be irresponsibly raised and show aggression to your pooch.

- Jogging
Getting your dog to run alongside you and adjust to fluctuations in your speed will require a little training, but if you are a keen jogger it is a great way of exercising your dog. Make sure you choose a pace that is comfortable for your dog, and only attempt jogging if you and your dog are able to walk briskly for 30 minutes without tiring.

- Cycling
This is fantastic if you have access to the countryside where your dog can run safely off the lead. Also great for athletic dogs that need to run greater distances than you do to achieve a proper workout. If you wish to cycle with your dog in urban areas, he or she must have impeccable lead manners and ideally respond to commands such as left and right. Cycling early in the morning when there is less traffic is wise, and avoid busy roads.

- Inline skating
Skating, like cycling, means athletic dogs often get the chance to run to their hearts content. However, since you cannot go on grass and are concrete bound, it is only really suitable with a dog in a park, where you do not have the worry of traffic. Your dog should be taught commands such as slow and stop, and only let off the lead if he or she is ultra obedient. Using a harness rather than a lead affords greater control in this exercise.

- Jump & fetch
Getting your dog to jump and fetch a ball can provide hours of entertainment and is excellent exercise. Make sure the ball is not small enough to be accidentally swallowed. Also synthetic toys such as balls are far safer than sticks, which can fragment in the dogs mouth and get stuck in their throat.

- Frisbee
Playing frisbee is great fun for some dogs, but you need to have a large garden or a park nearby where your dog can run freely off the lead. This is great for the lazy person as you are pretty much stationary while your dog has a full workout. Clearly not all dogs are willing or able to catch the frisbee, so only those breeds that pick up the knack are suitable. Playing frisbee should be avoided in dogs with teeth or mouth problems, and also in dogs with joint problems and those susceptible to cruciate ligament damage.

- Circuit & agility
Those familiar with obedience competitions will be well aware of the fun and satisfaction to be had doing this activity. You and your dog run around a series of obstacles, aiming to pass through each without a problem. Courses often consist of bar jumps (hurdles of varying heights according to the breed), a tunnel (usually about 3 feet long), a ramp and a slalom (5 or more bars in a row). The key when starting out is to reward your dog enthusiastically for doing each obstacle with treats. You should lead him through the obstacle course, teaching him to respond to instructions such as Up!, and body language, for example the outstretched palm of your hand meaning Stop!

- Swimming
Swimming is one of the best exercises there is for both you and your dog, as you are using every muscle in the body. If you are lucky enough to have somewhere where you and your dog are both permitted to swim, and is also safe, then this is a highly beneficial activity. If you are swimming in the sea, make sure a lifeguard is around just in case, and be aware that cold water and current both increase the effort required as more calories are burned. Swimming is particularly beneficial for dogs with arthritis and other joint problems as it builds muscular strength without placing strain on the joints.

- Football
Start the game by kicking the ball slowly along the ground towards your dog, and encourage him to get it. Because the ball is too large to pick up in his or her mouth, it will take him or her some time to realize that it must be pushed with either the nose or the paws. Give praise and encouragement as he or she gets the hang of it. Small breeds can be offered a smaller rubber ball rather than a football. Make sure the ball is not small enough to be swallowed though.

Matthew Homfray
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/does-your-dog-get-the-right-amount-of-exercise-111236.html

I need to know three things:

1) How to approach a dog safely when giving it a health check

2) The equipment required for giving a dog a health check

3) Step by step guide to how the handling/restraint will be carried out

I’d be very thankful if anyone could help!

Your Vet would be a good person to ask. They examine dogs all the time.

1. Depends on the individual dog & it’s temperament

2. Stethoscope, knowing hands that examine the dog, blood samples, & stool samples require a microscope, needle to draw blood sample & an education of what you are doing.

3. Totally depends on the individual dog ! !

Take a dog in for a routine exam & watch how the Vet handles it & how his techs handle it. You might even ask if you can watch a few exams so you see how the different dogs are handled & restrained. Take a camera with you. Or go to a groomer & ask how they handle the dog before they start their clipping. The, too, deal with the different temperaments & have to handle the dogs in a different manner.

If you are looking for a dog that is affectionate, gentle, sporty, keeps himself clean, and performs very well on the track and/or in the show ring at the same time, then the Whippet is the perfect dog to add to your family. He is an excellent watchdog, good with children, and looks extremely elegant, which also makes him a fine show dog. He displays a peaceful temperament, although he can be somewhat nervous when taken to strange places.

Size: The ideal height for the male Whippet is 18 ½ in and the ideal height for the female Whippet is 17 ½ in.

History and origin: By looking at the Whippet, it is quite obvious that the Greyhound accounts for half of this breed’s make-up. However, there is a controversy as to whether he was crossed with a Terrier, a Pharaoh Hound, or some other imported hound. The Whippet has been widely known and popular in Britain since the start of the century and was exhibited at Crufts as early as 1897. Five years later, the breed was recognized by the British Kennel Club. This breed is also popular in the United States, where the standard allows for a slightly larger dog. Other than a great companion and a popular show contender, this breed is also designed for racing and coursing, in which he does extremely well.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Whippet is ½ -1 can (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in equal part by volume or 1 ½ cupfuls of dry food.

Exercise: This breed is one of the fastest dogs that exist today. He is a racer, capable of running at 35-40 miles an hour. He can easily adapt to apartment living as long as he gets plenty of vigorous exercise.

Health care: Despite his delicate appearance, the Whippet is a strong and healthy dog. He needs to be kept indoors and kept out of draughts.

Grooming: This breed generally requires minimal grooming, but the tail usually needs to be tidied up when performing in the show ring. His teeth should be scaled regularly and his nails need regular clipping.

forgreat (dogcare)clickhere

Linda Kajda
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/whippet-dog-breed-110531.html

Valparaiso FL. Florida is located in Florida’s Okaloosa County. There are about 6,408 people living in the city of Valparaiso Florida equaling about 2000 households. The mode proceeds per household in Valparaiso Florida is about $39,521. About 31% of the families in Valparaiso Florida and 6.7% of the general population in Valparaiso Florida are living below the poverty smooth.
Pet owners, who have lately brought their pets to Florida, should be awake of the aptitude checkup issues tangled with exposing their pets to queer surroundings, infectious diseases, and common climate conditions, new external and interior lice, infectious diseases, and emotional distress. Many of the fleas in diseases Florida has to proposal are not all that different found in the remnants of the country excluding the heat climates boost the quantity of time your pet is exposed.

Pet owners have recently stirred to Florida poverty to give their pets stacks of time to adjust to their new surroundings. To preclude trailing their pets when they avoid the house they should be on a bridle or in a fenced yard.

Rabies is a terrible disease that is transferable from animals to humans. The most real preventive medicine for rabies is a yearly vaccine. Every region in Florida has system enforcing rabies vaccination for all pets. Owners should be informed that any pet that bites the being who has not had a rabies vaccine will be immediately euthanized. Pets should collect their first rabies vaccination when it is about 4 months old. Dog owners should be sentient of a disease called canine distemper. Canine distemper is virus that could be found all over the world that can be effectively controlled with a vaccination. Pet owners living in Florida should be sensitive that the canine distemper virus submit year circular in the land. The canine distemper virus travels through the air. Although remedy for canine distemper is open it is fractious, posh, and has a low triumph charge. Dog should be first vaccinated for canine distemper as puppies and bountiful shot vaccinations for the balance of their adult life.

Parvovirus infection is an extremely contagious viral disease that affects the gastrointestinal article of dogs of all ages. Dive to develop parvovirus infection generally die within two to three existence if the prepare is left whole. Preventing parvovirus infection is done with a regular vaccination administered by her narrow veterinarian. Florida has reported many bags of parvovirus infection in modern time.

Because of Florida’s inviting, soggy, climate cats and dogs are able to gather up the suit of home worms and domestic bedbugs year-around. Internal vermin found in dogs and cats include hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. An unfussy worming procedure is used to flush the worms from a pet’s body. Because workforce are potentially lethal to pets if administered improperly you should consult your veterinarian before putting your pet on a worming schedule.

Heartworms are large roundworms that live in the right segment of the dog’s affection. Heartworms source a significant quantity of internal injure. Early diagnosis is the best way to guarantee survival other pet that has contracted heartworm disease. Medication given on a daily and/or monthly schedule that a starter when the dog is just three months of age is the best way to ensure that your dog never suffers from heartworm disease. Because Florida has a tick population that exhibit year-circular dog should be medicated against heartworm disease throughout the year. Florida dogged vendor should also carry their family dog to a veterinarian for a heartworm assess every six months.

Because of the hurricanes that can sweep up and down Florida’s coast pet owners in Florida should ponder purchasing a pet health disguise propose that will defend their pets in incident of a cyclone. This plotted should envelope any remedial overheads the Pat might acquire from stress or injury and possessor should think purchasing a proposal that would cover the expense of boarding their pets in container of evacuation.

Jason Richards
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/florida-and-their-pet-health-insurance-711410.html

http://www.petmedsonline.info/dog-health-problems.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/managing-dog-obesity-with-slentrol.html

There are standard requirements for dog house no matter where you buy it from. Today, more and more dog owners are getting extra large dog houses for their pets even if their dog are small or medium sized.

Just like human loves big houses, so do dogs and it gives more space to play and lie in. You can even use the excess space to stock your dog stuff such as dog food and toys.

When shopping for extra large dog houses, make sure you have these basic features that all dog house should have.

If you are placing your dog house outdoors, it is important to have heating for your dog unless you want your dog to freeze in winter. Proper ventilation and air flow is also necessary and the newer dog house models will come with pre installed air conditioning and heater systems.

Your dog house should also be water proof to prevent rain and snow from seeping in. This is important as most dog houses are made from wood and water can damage the structure of your dog house much faster.

An alternative is to buy plastic dog houses that are already waterproof. Nowadays, some wooden dog houses are treated to prevent water from corroding the wood so you can buy these too if you want an authentic wooden dog house.

High winds are also detrimental to your dog’s health and it is important your dog house has special insulation to prevent winds from entering the dog house. Make sure it is sturdy and heavy enough to not get blown away in case of strong gust of wind.

Extra large dog house are especially suitable if you have more than one dog. You can house your dogs together. Dogs have a tendency to curl themselves together when they sleep so it’s a perfect choice.

Ricky Lim
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/extra-large-dog-house-what-to-look-out-for-when-buying-large-doghouses-676583.html

In similar ways to us humans, one of the biggest health problems today for dogs is obesity. Many dog owners think that their pudgy dogs are adorable and cute. However, the reality is that they are extremely unhealthy.

It is a know fact that overweight dogs can develop the same kinds of problems that overweight humans can, such as diabetes mellitus, which can be very tricky to treat. Obesity can also reduce the life expectancy of your dog.

If you are not sure whether your dog is overweight, there is a very easy way to check visually and by touch. A dog of normal weight should have an indentation at his waistline, and his ribs should be easily felt under his skin. An overweight dog will not have a waistline and there will be a thicker layer of fat over his ribs.

There are several factors that can contribute to obesity in dogs. Among these are overfeeding, not enough exercise, health conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism, age, gender, and breed. If your dog is overweight, the first thing you should do is to ask your veterinarian to do a full examination of the dog. This will then help to rule out any underlying health conditions.

If no health conditions are present, the next thing you should look at is the quality and quantity of food you are feeding your dog. Many store brand and generic foods do not have the proper nutrients required to keep your dog fit and healthy. If your dog is overweight, you will want to choose a high quality food specifically designed to be low in calories. Many prescription and over the counter diets are available for your dog. Talk with your veterinary staff to help determine which food is most appropriate for your dog. If you decide that you will be switching to a new food, you will want to do this gradually, over the period of about a week. This will help reduce digestive problems like vomiting and loose stools. Feed your dog the amount that the label on the tin or your veterinarian recommends.

While your dog is losing weight, ideally you should cut out all treats. Many people feed their dogs the appropriate amount of food, but do not realize how very high in calories many of the treats they give them are. Keep track of what kinds of treats and how many you are giving your dog. You may be amazed to find out that his caloric intake of treats is greater than that in his food. If you must feed your dog treats while he is dieting, choose healthy snacks like carrots or a low calorie manufactured treat. You should also never feed your dog leftovers from your own food. Not only is this unhealthy for dogs, it can lead to unwanted behaviors such as begging. In general, your leftovers do not have the proper balance of nutrients that dogs require and are often higher in fat and calories than foods that dogs should have.

Proper nutrition is not the only factor in reducing weight in dogs. You must provide them with appropriate amounts of exercise. Many people do not understand that dogs require an awful lot of exercise to maintain their proper health. If your dog is overweight, you will want to go for at least one walk in both the morning and the evening for up to 30 minutes each time, depending on the size of your dog. Dog parks are an excellent place for both you and your dog to get exercise. Sign up for a class like agility or flyball to help keep your dog active. Play lots of games like fetch and Frisbee. You have to be an active partner in helping your dog reduce his weight.

Weight loss in dogs should be very gradual. Dogs should only lose between one and two percent of their overall weight per week. You should weigh your dog on a regular basis to keep track of his weight and to check your progress.

Dogs become overweight by overeating and inactivity. By following the feeding guidelines set by your veterinarian, reducing the amount of treats given, and increasing the amount of exercise and activity your dog gets, you can help your dog lose weight and become the healthy and happy dog you want him to be.

Paul P. Duxbury
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-keep-your-dog-fit-and-trim-93811.html

Valparaiso FL. Florida is located in Florida’s Okaloosa County. There are approximately 6,408 people living in the city of Valparaiso Florida equaling approximately 2000 households. The average income per household in Valparaiso Florida is approximately $39,521. Approximately 31% of the families in Valparaiso Florida and 6.7% of the general population in Valparaiso Florida are living below the poverty level.      

Pet owners, who have recently brought their pets to Florida, should be aware of the potential medical issues involved with exposing their pets to strange surroundings, infectious diseases, and usual climate conditions, new external and internal parasites, infectious diseases, and emotional distress. Many of the parasites in diseases Florida has to offer are not all that different found in the rest of the country except the warm climates increase the amount of time your pet is exposed.      

Pet owners have recently moved to Florida need to give their pets plenty of time to adjust to their new surroundings. To prevent losing their pets whenever they leave the house they should be on a leash or in a fenced yard.      

Rabies is a terrible disease that is transferable from animals to humans. The most effective preventative medicine for rabies is a yearly vaccine. Every county in Florida has rules enforcing rabies vaccination for all pets. Owners should be aware that any pet that bites the human who has not had a rabies vaccine will be immediately euthanized. Pets should receive their first rabies vaccination when it is approximately 4 months old.

Dog owners should be aware of a disease called canine distemper. Canine distemper is virus that can be found all over the world that can be effectively controlled with a vaccination. Pet owners living in Florida should be aware that the canine distemper virus is present year-round in the state. The canine distemper virus travels through the air. Although treatment for canine distemper is available it is difficult, expensive, and has a low success rate. Dog should be first vaccinated for canine distemper as puppies and giving booster vaccinations for the rest of their adult life.      

Parvovirus infection is an extremely contagious viral disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract of dogs of all ages. Dive to contract parvovirus infection generally die within two to three days if the condition is left untreated. Preventing parvovirus infection is done with a simple vaccination administered by her local veterinarian. Florida has reported many cases of parvovirus infection in recent years.      

Because of Florida’s warm, moist, climate cats and dogs are able to pick up the case of internal worms and internal parasites year-round. Internal parasites found in dogs and cats include hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. A simple worming regimen is used to flush the worms from a pet’s body. Because workers are potentially toxic to pets if administered improperly you should consult your veterinarian before putting your pet on a worming schedule.

Heartworms are large roundworms that live in the right side of the dog’s heart. Heartworms cause a significant amount of internal damage. Early diagnosis is the best way to ensure survival other pet that has contracted heartworm disease. Medication given on a daily and/or monthly schedule that a starter when the dog is just three months of age is the best way to ensure that your dog never suffers from heartworm disease. Because Florida has a mosquito population that is present year-round dog should be medicated against heartworm disease throughout the year. Florida dog owner should also bring their family dog to a veterinarian for a heartworm test every six months.

Because of the hurricanes that can sweep up and down Florida’s coastline pet owners in Florida should consider purchasing a pet health insurance plan that will protect their pets in event of a hurricane. This plan should cover any medical costs the Pat might acquire from stress or injury and owner should consider purchasing a plan that would cover the expense of boarding their pets in case of evacuation.

Janice Sherwood
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/floridas-pet-health-insurance-670995.html