When is it Time to Put Your Pet Down?

Everyone has a pet that has had problems and you have had to see that loved member of your family suffer from what the veterinarian said was just a phase. That phase later turns into a disease. Knowing when it is the time to put your pet down is a very good thing to know. Sometimes we get wrapped up in our emotions that we forget to remember the question we asked ourselves many times. When is it time to put your pet down? Here are a few answers to the question.

1. Medicine count - If you need to give your pet a bunch of medicine in order for the pet to stay alive, then there lays a problem. Humans don't like taking medicine and pets don't either. Your pet needs to be able to function without the use of medicine. Otherwise, it may be time to put your pet down.

Pet

2. Bladder problems - Nobody wants to walk around the house and step in that special surprise your pet left for you. Pets with bladder problems are never fun to have in the house. The bladder problems are also no fun for the pet either. The pain of constantly going to the bathroom is very tiring for your pet and options of putting them down are the best for your pet.

3. Medical Cost - Pets are a part of your family, but there is a limit to what you should spend. If your pet is costing you to go in the red, then there needs to be serious thought of what the next step would be. Having a pet that is taking away from other family obligations is never a good idea. If you are one who is constantly sending Fluffy to the veterinarian, then there is an issue.

Having to put your pet down is always a hard and emotional time for anyone. When is it the best time to put your pet down? The answer is always found with the actions your pet is doing. If the pet is always suffering and in pain then it may be a time to put the pet down. The procedure is quick and painless as to save you the emotional pain of the procedure. There are many pet owners who are always thinking of the way to cope after you have put your pet down. Always know that there are people out there who have gone through the same emotions you are going through when you thing when is the best time to put your pet down. Always remember to look at the life of your pet. This will ease the pain afterwards.

When is it Time to Put Your Pet Down?

Dr. Barry Lycka is president of LesTout.com, the number one source of internet guidance.

Dog Kennel Plans

While for most people, owning dogs is fun, it also poses many adjustments and careful arrangements. The challenge is even greater for those living in cities and urban areas. Dogs must be kept out of neighbors' lawns and off the streets. The solution is a well-though-out kennel unit.

Planning the Kennel

Dog

When building or buying a kennel, keep in mind several important considerations that will ensure your dogs' comfort and promote sanitation through ease of cleaning. You must have a plan that clearly outlines factors such as size of the kennel; where you will place it: does the location allow outside runs and exercises; ventilation and drainage systems; strength and kind of building materials; among others.

Size is an important consideration especially when you are keeping big dogs. The cage must be tall enough to provide considerable ceiling clearance as well as wide enough to allow the dogs to the sit or lay comfortably.

Location is the next thing important thing to consider. It will dictate the success of your project. If your main reason for building a kennel is to prevent your dogs form bothering your neighbors with their barking and smell, you must choose a location farthest from them. Tip: normally, you would not keep more than one dog in a cage to prevent aggressive or playful fights that will cause injuries to the dogs as well as noise. The kennel must also be able to open to a yard where you can release your dogs for exercise.

Your kennel must also allow convenience in carrying out sanitation procedures. It must have proper drainage for waste water and animal wastes. Ventilation is very important especially in hot seasons. There must be sufficient airflow to cool the dogs. But in colder seasons, you must shelter your pets form the harsh winds.

When planning a kennel, always put both your pets' comfort and your convenience foremost. Build the kennel with considerations you would keep in mind when building your own house.

Dog Kennel Plans

Dog Kennels [http://www.e-DogKennels.com] provides detailed information on Dog Kennels, Dog Kennel Plans, How To Build A Dog Kennel, Portable Dog Kennels and more. Dog Kennels is affiliated with Dog Agility Training [http://www.z-DogTraining.com].

How To Build A Dog Kennel

Building your own kennel unit is probably better than buying a ready-built one. By constructing one on your own, you can easily incorporate the necessary specifications that your pets need. This is not to say that commercially-available units are not equipped to handle your dogs. But if you have the right skill and knack for building things, then all you need to do before you begin constructing is know some important tips.

Building a Dog Kennel

Dog

A dog kennel must be designed in a way that it follows the principles of convenience for you and comfort for your pets. These considerations will guide you through choosing the right construction materials and the layout and design of the kennels, and designing the ventilation and drainage systems.

With convenience in cleaning and maintaining the kennel in mind, you will be able to design the unit that will allow for ease in carrying out sanitation procedures. For example, you will choose steel wires instead of wood or plastic material for flooring. Steel is easier to clean and disinfect. It also does not splinter, causing injury to your pet.

Concrete may also be used for multi-tiered kennels. It is good, strong material that is also easy to clean. The only disadvantage is that insects and other parasites may live in the cracks that will form in time.

You can also customize the kennel to slope in an angle that allows better drainage. This way, you can just conveniently hose down dirt from the kennel compartments and not have to wipe or mop them clean. You can eliminate odor or keep it at minimum with more frequent disinfection.

With a customized kennel, you can choose any location that you want. Location is important in maintaining a kennel. Your dogs must not be in direct sight contact with people or moving objects to prevent them from barking and making noise that will disturb your neighbors.

How To Build A Dog Kennel

Dog Kennels [http://www.e-DogKennels.com] provides detailed information on Dog Kennels, Dog Kennel Plans, How To Build A Dog Kennel, Portable Dog Kennels and more. Dog Kennels is affiliated with Dog Agility Training [http://www.z-DogTraining.com].

Dog Training - 6 Cool Tricks to Teach Your Dog

Now that your dog has mastered all of the necessary commands to be well behaved, it's time to have some real fun! It's easier to teach your dog tricks once he's learned how to respect you and you've earned his trust. Those necessary commands help him to do that.

Try these tricks to entertain both of you!

Dog

1. Fetch. It's no fun to play ball with a person or an animal that won't give the ball back. Teaching your dog how to fetch will make you both wish playtime would never end.

If your dog is a retriever, you're ahead of the game. Your dog is hard-wired to want to fetch. But other breeds catch on quickly, too. You just have to be more patient and consistent. Train with your dog just a few minutes a day to be the most effective.

To teach your dog to fetch, you need a retrieving training tool called a dumbbell. You can buy it at the pet store. It will be a wooden or plastic tube with flanges on both ends to keep it from falling out of your dog's mouth. Be sure to buy one that your dog can pick up easily and one that will allow him to close his mouth around the middle, not the flared edges.

You start training a dog to fetch by teaching him to open his mouth. Say "Take it" and offer him a food treat. Once he starts opening his mouth in expectation when he hears you say, "Take it," slip the dumbbell inside his mouth. Leave the dumbbell there for a second, then praise him and give him a treat. Try this about four times, and then stop. Do this part of the training for a few days until your dog gets used to having the dumbbell in his mouth.

Now, start putting the dumbbell in your dog's mouth and command, "Hold it." Gently hold his mouth around the dumbbell for a few seconds. Then say, "Give," and let him spit the dumbbell out. Be sure to praise him and give him a treat. Do this exercise for a few days until your pet will hold the dumbbell in his mouth.

Next, hold the dumbbell in front of your dog's mouth and command, "Take it." Pull his head toward the dumbbell if you have to. Be sure to praise and give him a treat, even if he just moves his head toward the dumbbell. Practice this until he's used to taking the dumbbell in his mouth. All you have to do now is increase the distance slowly. Continue working on "Hold it," and "Give." It might be a good refresher course for "Come," too. Before too long, your dog will put it all together!

2. Speak. This is usually a simple trick for your dog to learn if he's vocal already. The trick is to entice him to do it on command and from distances.

First, choose a hand signal - some trainers make a twisting motion with a closed fist; others open and shut their hand using their fingers and thumb. Using your hand signal, command your dog to "speak." When he barks, reward him and praise him. If your dog doesn't bark automatically, continue to give the command until he gets frustrated and barks, then quickly reward him. Keep practicing and he'll soon understand.

3. Shake hands or "Gimme five." This is perhaps the easiest trick to teach your dog. Give your dog the "Sit" command. While you gently hold his paw with one hand, say "Gimme five" and hand him a treat with your other hand. You shouldn't have to do this more than a few times for your dog to get the hang of it.

4. Give me a kiss. This is another easy one. Most dogs will kiss you whether you want them to or not! All you have to do is get them to do it on your terms. Command your dog, "Give me a kiss," and then put your cheek in front of his mouth. When he licks your cheek, praise him and give him a treat.

5. Roll over. Start by giving your dog the "Down" command. Kneel beside him and gently roll him over on his side and command, "Roll over." Keep rolling him until he's upright again, and then give him praise and a treat.

A couple of caveats about this trick:

- Don't keep trying it if it's obvious your pet doesn't like being on his back. Some dogs have stronger backs than others, and if you are successful in teaching your dog to roll over, it's probably a trick you want to retire when he's middle aged. Most elderly dogs have back and hip pain, and there's no point in making your pet suffer.

- Be sure to only perform this trick on grass or carpet. Asking your dog to roll over continuously on a hard surface could hurt him.

6. Play dead. This trick produces gales from laughter from school-age boys, so if you have one of those, you might want to get him involved with training the dog on this one. A good time to practice this trick is you're your dog has just exercised and is ready to rest. There's a prerequisite, too - your dog must know the "Down" command.

Give your dog the "Down" command and notice what side he's leaning on. Gently push him on over as you command, "Bang." As he rolls over, praise him and rub his tummy. Repeat until you don't have to use pressure to force him to roll to his side. Use the "Stay" command to stay "dead." Add the hand signal, a pointing forefinger, as you command the "Bang."

Most Important Is that you have fun with your dog. A happy dog will always be the dog that responds to your every command. Have a fun day with your dog!

Marilyn Burnham

Author: 'Dog Owners Boot Camp'

The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don't Want You To Know!

For More Information On Dog Training

Dog Training - 6 Cool Tricks to Teach Your Dog

Marilyn Burnham was the owner operator of 4 successful dog grooming stores in British Columbia, Canada for more than a decade. To spend more time with her children Marilyn made the decision to sell her business in the mid 90's. Get a copy of her book: ‘Dog Owners Boot Camp’ The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don’t Want You To Know!

Identifying Dog Worms and their Symptoms

There are 5 different types of dog worms (internal parasites), which your dog can fall prey to. These are: heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm and whipworm. As a dog owner, I recommend that you educate yourself on these worms in order to be able to recognize the symptoms if they should become evident in your dog.

Early worm detection is important because each type of dog worm requires a different form of treatment. You should also be aware of the fact that roundworm and hookworm are zoonotic, which means that these worms can be transmitted to humans. Some worm infestations may show little to no symptoms, whereas others can demonstrate severe symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. Some dog worms can be seen by the naked eye while some cannot, therefore it is a good idea to ask your vet to perform a stool test for dog worms once a year.

Dog

Below you can find a list of common telltale symptoms of dog worm infestation, but keep in mind that these symptoms can also be a sign of a more serious problem. Either way, always consult a veterinarian whenever your dog is not "his usual self."

• Dull coat
• Weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Pot-bellied appearance
• Coughing
• Low energy level
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

ROUNDWORMS (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina)

There are two types of Roundworm: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine. This is the most common type of dog worm, which affects the intestines and causes a pot-bellied appearance, mostly in puppies. There are a few ways puppies can become infected. Puppies are often infected before birth through the mother's uterus or through her milk. Puppies can also contract these worms through the ingestion of an infected animal (such as a rodent) or infected soil. Roundworm eggs can live in soil for many years. Once a puppy has ingested the infected soil, the eggs will hatch in his intestines, allowing the worms to live there and grow to adulthood. These adults will then produce more eggs.

Roundworms may be found in your dog's stool or vomit. They can grow to about 7 inches in length and have a spaghetti-like appearance. If this type of infestation is not detected early and is allowed a chance to develop, a buildup of worms in the intestines can cause an obstruction which may result in death. The symptoms of a severe infestation are: pot-belly appearance, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat and weight loss.

Puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks between 2 and 12 weeks of age, then monthly until he is 6 months old. Once your puppy has reached 6 months of age, he is less susceptible to contracting these worms but should continue yearly exams (or more often if considered high-risk).

Because Roundworm can be transmitted to humans, it is important to promote good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly. Transmission of this dog worm to humans is usually through infected soil, which may be in your backyard or front lawn. Because the eggs are sticky and can easily adhere to hands or clothing, make sure children (and adults) wash their hands after playing outside (especially at a park or playground), after playing with the dog and before it's time to eat.

Treatment generally involves administering oral medication (dewormer) with follow-up fecal exams and a monthly heartworm medication. Try 1-800-PetMeds - America's Pet Health Resource

Prevent your dog from contracting roundworms by cleaning up fecal matter from the backyard as often as possible. Also, administering a heartworm medication such as HeartGard - Prescription Heartworm medication for Dogs & Cats is a good preventive. Do not mix wormers and consult your vet before giving your dog any medication. And last, but not least, always remember annual exams.

HOOKWORMS (Ancylostoma caninium)

Like Roundworm, Hookworm harbors in the intestines and can also be transmitted to humans. Hookworms can affect a dog at any age. It is a small, thin worm that hooks on to the intestinal wall and sucks the blood from its victim, which cause anemia and perhaps death. Due to their sharp teeth, they also cause bleeding in the intestines. Hookworms are not visible by the naked eye, therefore should be diagnosed by a vet. As with roundworm, hookworms also live and grow to adulthood in the intestines. They can also be transmitted to pups while in the mother's uterus or through her breast milk. A dog infected with hookworm would experience bloody stool, anemia, weight loss, pale gums, diarrhea and low energy level. Skin irritation can be a sign of a severe infestation.

Hookworms can be transmitted to humans by penetration of the skin, making it is possible for people to become infected simply by walking barefoot on infected soil. Hookworms, when transmitted to humans, can cause bleeding in the intestines along with abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Treatment usually consists of oral medications (dewormer), follow-up fecal exams, intravenous therapy and, if necessary, a blood transfusion. Hookworm infestation can kill your pup before the worm is ever detected. This is why it is so important to keep up with veterinary visits and exams.

TAPEWORMS (Dipylidium caninum)

The tapeworm gets its name from its long, flat, tape-like appearance. It is yet another parasite that affects the intestines, and like the roundworm, can be seen by the naked eye. Broke pieces of this dog worm would be found in the dog's fecal matter, which give it a rice-like appearance. These pieces of worm, although broken, can be found (still moving) around the dog's anus, in his stool or in his bed. Common symptoms of severe tapeworm infestation are abdominal pain, nervousness, severe itching around the anus, vomiting and weight loss.

Transmission to dogs is often caused by the ingestion of infected fleas. Although, humans are susceptible to being infected, a dog cannot transmit the dog worm to a human directly.

Regular over-the-counter deworming medication is not effective in eliminating this type of dog worm. A prescription dewormer is administered orally or by injection (praziquantel or epsiprantel). Consult your vet. Try 1-800-PetMeds - America's Pet Health Resource

WHIPWORMS (Trichuris vulpis)

Whipworms are long, thin (whip-shaped) dog worms that live in the dog's colon and are not visible by the naked eye. They attach themselves to the intestinal walls and feed off of them which, in turn, causes intestinal bleeding. Common symptoms of whipworm infestation are anemia, weight loss, flatulence, diarrhea with blood or mucus in the stool and lack of energy.

Although whipworms are the most difficult to eliminate among the families of dog worms, there is effective treatment available.

Whipworm is most effectively treated with fenbendazole (panacur), but febantel can also be used. Prescription medications are usually more effective. The treatment lasts for up to 5 days and is repeated after 3 weeks. After this treatment is finished, consult your vet about recommending a heartworm medication (containing milbemycin oxime) as a prophylactic to future infestation. Try 1-800-PetMeds - America's Pet Health Resource

Along with administering heartworm medication regularly, here are other ways to prevent reinfection:

• Remove feces from backyard every few days
• Clean yard with a safe cleaning agent (which kills worms)
• Have feces tested every 6 months (more often if previously infected)

HEARTWORMS (Dirofilaria immitis)

Heartworm, although highly preventable, has the potential to be fatal, if contracted and left untreated.

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, mostly during the warm months when mosquitoes are most active. The mosquito becomes infected from biting dogs that carry the disease. These dog worms destroy the muscle and tissue of the heart, which can cause congestive heart failure and result in death. At this advanced stage, your dog would experience the typical signs of worms, such as pot-belly, coughing, lack of energy and dull coat.

Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of this disease until it has progressed to an advanced stage. For this reason, it is important to start your dog on a heartworm preventative such as HeartGard - Prescription Heartworm medication for Dogs & Cats at 6 months of age (after the first stage deworming process is complete. Check with your vet). Prevention is the best medicine.

General guidelines for dog worm prevention

• When walking your dog in a park, picking up his feces as a standard practice not only prevents soil contamination, but also prevents the spread of many other dog diseases.
• Regular visits to the vet and stool testing is a great way to prevent dog worms, as well as other illnesses. Twice-yearly worm testing is recommended. Make sure your dog is tested for worms before starting a heartworm preventative.
• High-risk dogs should be screened more often (check with your vet).
• Flea control is important because fleas are responsible for the spread of tapeworms.
• Most puppies find feces quite appetizing. Keep your dog away from feces: his own as well as others. This is the most common form of worm infestation.
• When cleaning your dog's area, such as his bed or crate, spray it with a strong saltwater solution and let dry. This aids in the prevention of worms.
• Before traveling with your dog to obscure destinations, consult your vet of the potential risks to your dog.
• Avoid exposing your dog to stray animals, birds and dead rodents, which often harbor immature tapeworms that can mature inside your dog.
• Contact your vet if your dog displays any symptoms after receiving worm medication.

This information is NOT intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian, dog trainer or pet care professional.

Identifying Dog Worms and their Symptoms

Nancy Settecasi, Owner of Happy K-9 Dog Care Proud owner of Cookie and Skippy, Cocker Spaniels, Dog Lover http://www.happyk-9.com

Adopt A Pet Game

We all love with pets, which is why 'adopt a pet game' websites have become extremely popular. These are virtual pets that you create from scratch, after which you care for them their entire lives. Along the way you'll find a number of free, fun games for you and your pet to play together.

The easiest way to get started with your virtual pet is by using a website service. There are many of these free services available, all you need to do is register with your email address then follow the website instructions. They will guide you on the process of creating your first virtual pet, from choosing its name to the type of animal you want and even the color of its fur!

Pet

Once you have created your pet you can start performing simple tasks, like making sure it has enough food, to more complicated tasks, including building your pets home or teaching it tricks. On most pet service websites you'll need to pass certain tasks in order to earn virtual currency, by which you'll be able to pay for everything your pet needs.

The best thing about using a free online adopt a pet game is that, not only will you be able to interact with your pet, but you'll also be able to meet other users of the website. You can make new friends, create groups, or even get your pets to interact! There are many of these free pet services available, so get online and sign up for your pet today!

Adopt A Pet Game

Adopt a virtual pet at a virtual pet website by clicking here.

Strong and Powerful Dog Names

There are many dog breeds that are strong, large, and powerful. They deserve good dog names that match the size and strength. Here are the pretty, cute, and good names that fit such an adorable pet and breed.

The names that literally means strong are Balin, Bat, Ethan, and Garrison. The origins of the name are Indian, Mongolian, Hebrew, and German respectively. Ethan has five variants namely Aitan, Eitan, Etan, Etana, and Ethen. Coincidentally, the names are all male dog names except for Etana. It is female variant of Etan.

Dog

Brianna means noble, strong, and virtuous from Irish origin. In addition, Brianna is female name. The male variant of Brianna is Brian. Furthermore, the variations of Brianna are Brayan, Brea, Breana, Breanna, Breanne, Breonna, Bria, Brian, Briana, Brianna, Brianne, Brionna, Bryan, Bryana, Bryanna, and Bryant. Most of the Brianna variations are female names. Brian, Bryan, and Bryant are the only three male variations of Brianna.

The hardness of rock symbolizes strength and power. Allan, Arana, Ishi, and Sela are names which mean rock. The origins are Irish, Maori, Japanese, and Hebrew respectively. Ishi is the only Japanese dog name that means rock or stone.

Allan has many variations. They are Alain, Alaina, Alan, Alana, Alanna, Alannah, Alayna, and Allen. The female dog names from the variations are Alaina, Alana, Alanna, Alannah, and Alayna. And, the male dog names from the variations are Alain, Alan, and Allen.

Using the strength of other animal, the dog owners came up of names. For example, we like the names from the strength of boar, eagle, and lion. Leonard is a name with German origin. The name means strong as a lion. The variations of Leonard are Leo, Leon, and Leonardo. Another example, Evereth is a male and German name which means strong as a wild boar.

Like the dog, the eagle is powerful and strong. Arnold is a male and German dog name which means powerful eagle. Some of the variations are Arnaldo, Arnaud, and Arnie.

When we think of strong, we also think of power. Richard which is a male name means strong power. The name is popular in English, French, and German origin. Some variations of Richard are Ricardo, Rick, Rickey, Ricky, and Rico.

Another, Mathilda is a female and German dog name which means powerful in battle. Some of the variations are Mathilde, Matilda, Matilde, Mattie, and Maud.

Osbaldo is another male and German dog name which means divine power. Some of the variations are Osvaldo, Oswald, and Oswaldo.

The strong dog names are not necessarily for big and large dogs. For example, Big Boss is the name of the world smallest dog in 2002. The Guinness Book of World Record measured Big Boss. He measured 4.7 inches tall. Additionally, Big Boss is a pretty and cute Yorkshire Terrier. However, he was just a little small for the breed.

Many dog owners like big and strong breed. It is only normal to choose a great name for the wonderful breed. There are a lot more names that perfectly match the strength and size of the breed. Anybody can search by meaning, gender, popularity, reviews, suggestion, ratings, and origin.

Strong and Powerful Dog Names

Dennis Estrada owns and operates dog names, dog blogs, and chihuahua dog names website as a hobby.

Pet Monkeys For Sale: Have A Look At Spider Monkeys

Pet monkeys for sale nowadays are really making a huge buzz in the pet industry. The reason behind this is pretty obvious because exotic animals are really fun to have because of their unique and adorable characteristics. If you want to be different from everybody else in your neighborhood when it comes to pets, then exotic animals will be your best choice.

Pet monkeys for sale come in a really large wide variety but one of the most notable ones would be spider monkeys. This variety is really popular but this is also one of the most difficult exotic pets to take care of at home. This is so because they can be quite complex to have inside a household. Spider monkeys have an exotic nature that needs to be given a good amount of attention unlike most traditional domesticated pets that we can easily get used to. These exotic animals are primates and they are really intelligent ones. Two of the most important factors that you need to give attention to when you have spider monkeys as one of your exotic pets would be disease and hygiene.

Pet

When you want to have this exotic animal as one of your pets at home, you first need to look for a reputable dealer or breeder who will be able to provide you with a pet that has been bred and taken care of well. Make sure that you ask for a number of references from your breeder or dealer and take the time to contact each one of those persons so that you can get feedbacks from them about how trustworthy this person is and whether or not they had certain issues with the animals that they bought from him in the past. Primates are one of the best candidates for illegal trades so it is of prime importance that you get a good amount of information about the person that you're going to purchase your exotic pet from. Owning an exotic animal is good but owning it through illegal means is something you would not want to do. Spider monkeys that are extracted directly from the wild are not considered as good to have as pets at home.

Next, when you pick the habitat for your pet, be sure that you keep in mind that these types of animals have really strong prehensile tails and they often spend most of their time on trees. This is why a sturdy climbing habitat is considered as one of the main requirements of having a spider monkey as an exotic pet. When you prepare a habitat for this animal, spend some time to research the kind of material that you are going to use for the construction of the habitat. Make certain that all of the materials that you are going to use are non toxic and natural so that you won't expose your precious pet to certain health hazards, which later on lead to actual disease conditions.

The last thing you need to look at before you buy a spider monkey is the environment where it comes from. Spider monkeys are native to the Tropical Americas and they nee to be placed in an environment that has a similar climate to that place.

Pet Monkeys For Sale: Have A Look At Spider Monkeys

If you adore pet monkeys for sale specifically spider monkeys, you might also want to consider other exotic animal options. Take a look at the exotic animals in Castleberrysafariltd.com.

Do Pet GPS Microchips Exist?

There is a huge difference between GPS dog tracking or GPS microchips and simple ordinary pet microchips. Pet microchips used by many dog or other pet owners aren't GPS enabled.

So naturally, they take a long time in tracking your pets and then finding them. But if you use GPS dog tracking device or a GPS dog collar, the whole issue of your doggie getting lost in the 1st place will be eliminated forever.

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This is where GPS dog tracking scores over ordinary pet microchips. Now let me explain in some details. Your pets can only be identified through a typical microchip that isn't GPS enabled. If you want to be reunited with your pet who wears a micro chipped collar and who has run away, an individual first has to locate or find your pet doggie.

Then he or she has to take your doggie or whichever pet you own to a place that offers scanning facilities. That facility will scan your pet and then contact your service provider. The latter will then inform you. Phew! It is a real long process, you will agree! And all this, only if your pet is 'found' by someone!

GPS dog tracking device works in a completely different way that helps you locate your lost pet with real speed. It allows you to be proactive and puts the entire control of your pet in your hands. Thanks to GPS microchip, you can locate your lost pet instantaneously and the moment you suspect your pet is lost or stolen, you can start tracking your pet.

GPS microchip is a bit pricey for only niche select customers are opting for this spanking new technology and very few people actually know about it. Once it becomes popular and heavily in demand, the price will surely come down. However, it is well worth your money for this global positioning system is 100% accurate and it is also very easy to use, as vouched for by several happy pet owners.

Dog microchips or a dog collar fitted with a global positioning system device is worn around your pet's neck. The global positioning system in it works similarly to normal mechanism of GPS that we are used to. The doggie or the pet will wear the dog microchipping GPS enabled collar. The pet owner will have a corresponding handheld receiver device.

Through this handheld device, you can track your pet whenever you want to. It will take the handheld device only 5 seconds or even less than that to display the exact location in which your pet is situated right at that moment. The tracking will of course be done free of cost.

Do Pet GPS Microchips Exist?

Before you buy a GPS Dog Tracking online, make sure you check http://www.LoveMyPetsGPS.com for the best prices online. GPS Dog Collar systems don't have to cost hundreds of dollars.

Can My Pet Make Me Sick?

Can having a pet make my children or me sick?

The answer to that question is "yes" and "no."

Pet

There is always the possibility and there are also ways to prevent problems.

The best way to make certain, germs and/or bacteria is not passed around is to practice good hygiene. Cleanliness seems to be the best prevention of common illnesses.

However, one important thing is, to keep in mind is the current state of everyone's health. People with a weak immune system, people suffering from serious illnesses, people with HIV/AIDS, people with organ transplants, people being treated for cancer and infants and young children are all at a greater risk of picking up a disease from an animal than most other people.

With few exceptions, carelessness in handling a pet along with not washing your hands after cleaning up after a pet, are primary causes of illness connected with pets.

What are some of the possible illnesses that can be associated with animals? The most feared in my mind is rabies.

What is rabies? It is a disease caused by the rabies virus and is transmitted though a bite from an animal that is carrying the virus. Today most domesticated animals are vaccinated for the rabies virus as dictated by most state laws.

However, a bite from an unknown animal, domestic or wild, until it is known that the animal has been vaccinated, has to have the recipient of the bite, treated as if the animal has the virus.

It may take from one to three months for a person to show signs of the virus and by then it is too late for any treatment to work.

It is very important that your pet, even if it is an inside only pet, be inoculated against the rabies virus.

Teaching children to avoid trying to pet strange dogs or cats, unless supervised, along with avoiding the temptation to catch a wild animal, is one of the best lessons you can teach your child.

There are many germs/viruses that can be picked up from dogs other than rabies, most of which come from contact with a dog's feces. That is why cleanliness seems so important. To clean up after your dog eliminates, use plastic gloves, a pooper scooper or a plastic bag to avoid touching the feces.

A dog can carry many types of germs, bacteria and/or virus and not be ill, but you can pick it up and suffer. Most illness caused by pets usually run the gamut of diarrhea, vomiting, some fever and muscle aches. As with any illness see, your medical provider.

Cats too, can pass on a disease or two to their humans, but in general you are most likely not going to get sick from touching or owning a cat.

Cat scratch fever can come from a scratch or bite, but using normal precautionary measures such as washing the wound and putting an anapestic on it, can generally prevent any illness. Symptoms of cat scratch disease can include infection at the point of injury, swollen lymph glands, some fever, and a loss of appetite.

Another disease associated with cats is Toxoplasmosis, however people are more likely to get it from eating raw meat or gardening.

What is toxoplasmosis? It is a disease caused by a parasite, about 60 million people are infected by this bug and do not know it. You can get it by swallowing cat feces.

Yuk, you say why would anyone do that? Actually just by touching your mouth, eyes, or nose you can transmit it to yourself. The symptoms are flu like. It particularly dangerous for pregnant women as it can be transmitted to the fetus.

When cleaning the litter box always use caution and refrain from handling any feces. Keep pets away from the litter box, along with children. For some odd reason dogs seem to enjoy looking for treats in the litter box.

What other diseases can be transmitted to humans by pets?

Salmonellosis, which is a bacterial disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella. Most of the time people get it from infected chicken, eggs or other contaminated food. The symptoms can cause severe diarrhea, fever and stomach pain.

The virus salmonellosis can also be passed on to humans by handling such pets as reptiles (lizards, snakes and turtles,) baby chicks, ducklings and occasionally a cat or dog.

Again it comes from touching the feces of the animals and not washing your hands after doing so. Some animals can have it on their bodies, as they have picked it up from the ground.

Water can also be a point of contamination, where animals have access to it and due to ground run offs, feces and urine can flow into the water, humans need to be careful.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals.

How can you get it?

By exposure to many things, as the bacteria is secreted through the urine of infected animals. It can be found in water, (ponds and streams) food, or soil containing urine from the infected animals. Swallowing the water (swimming in a pond or stream,) contaminated food or by hands that have been in contact with a source and you have rubbed your eyes, nose or mouth or through a cut on your skin.

The symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible especially, if you have been swimming in the "old swimming hole."

Leptospirosis is found worldwide, but mainly in temperate and tropical climates. Pets can acquire it from drinking out of a contaminated birdbath.

Ticks carry diseases and ticks bite dogs, so the rule here is, when removing ticks from your pet be extremely careful. Your chances of getting either Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted fever are slim and none, unless you are tramping around in areas of the country where those ticks are prevalent and are not wearing protective clothing.

Fleas can cause tapeworm in household pets. The animals get it by swallowing a flea that has been infected.

Can you get tapeworm, certainly, but only if you swallow and infected flea. Keeping your pet and household flea free will prevent either of you from becoming infected. Last, but not least in this list of things, is Ringworm, this is a skin and scalp disease that can be caught not only from animals, but people, too.

How can you get ringworm?

Ringworm is a contagious fungus that can be passed on from person to person, pet to person or pet to pet.

It has nothing to do with worms, but is a fungus that lives in humans, pets and rarely in the soil. Ringworm appears as, a flat round patch on the skin and then conforms to a ring like patch. It can be treated by a fungus killing medicine usually taken orally in tablet form or by an ointment applied to the affected area.

The important thing here is not to share personal items with an infected person, do not touch infected areas, keep children away from infected pets, and to thoroughly wash all items handled by the infected pet or person.

Now that I have made you wonder, should I ever get a pet, the answer is of course.

Plain old common sense hygiene is the answer to most pet to people diseases. I have never heard of a person dying because of a disease caught from a cat or dog. With the possibly exception of someone being bitten by a rabid animal and not seeking treatment.

Keeping play areas for children free from being your pet's bathroom area and keeping feces cleaned up is the safest thing you can do.

Teach your children to wash their hands frequently after playing with their pet and you are on your way to a long and happy life

Can My Pet Make Me Sick?

Keeping our pets healthy is very beneficial not only to the pet, but to our pocketbooks. If the only time you need to visit the veterinarian is for yearly check ups and necessary shots you are saving money. Nutrition is very important in keeping a dog healthy, proper quality food that contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals is a good way to start. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com