Keep Your Dog Healthy And Give Him The Right Dog Supplements

Do you really care for the sake of your pet dog? Most of the time, pets are best friends who help make our lives sweeter. Hence, if you would like take care of your best friend, give him the right dog supplements which will make him healthy and happy.

Dog supplements are generally extra vitamins added to any dog food. Therefore, it is possible to help your dog grow strong and healthy and by improving his immune system. If you care enough for your best friend, you’ll offer the best food nutrition. Minerals and vitamins are usually basic additives and together with regular food will make you’re your pet live a healthy, long life.

Dog supplements come in various sorts available in any pet store. You’ll probably decide powder, to mix it with regular food, or liquid to mix it with your dogs water.

Choose the best treatment for your pet and give him the right attention. Hence, you will keep him energetic and healthy. His hair will certainly glow with his fantastic bone structure will stay strong if you buy the right dog supplements.

Think about his best interest by simply taking care of your pet dog. Select the right diet and keep him energetic and lively.

Due to the fact that normal dog food doesn’t have the right quantity of vitamins and minerals you must find the perfect solution to maintain your dog healthy. Therefore, dog supplements will be the right decision. Now you are able to pay attention to your pet and give him the right treatment. You can make his life much better and longer where he can be happy and stay healthy.

Extend your canines life and keep him energetic. Pay for the sufficient dog supplements and create a safer environment for your pet. The Right vitamins can create balance for his immune system which will definitely make him stronger.

Why disregard your pets wellness when he is part of your family? Now you are able to help him and treat him like your own. Supply him the right dog supplements; improve the quality of his life and he will continue to make you happy.

Boating with man's best friend

Taking along man's best friend on your boating trip could be a great adventure for both you and him/her. For your furry friend boating is like riding in his dream convertible with a blast of sun and fresh air from all directions. Nose in the air, ears blowing in the wind and his/her favorite people; what could be better!

Most all dogs have mastered the famous "Doggie Paddle" but it's always important to stay as safe as possible. Your dog should always wear a life jacket when both in and near the water. That holds true even for breeds of dogs that traditionally love the water and take to swimming quite easily. Such breeds include the following: American Water Spaniel, Barbet, Boykin Spaniel, Bedlington Terrier, Cantabrian Water Dog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly Coated Retriever, Epagneul Pont-Audemer, Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Lagotto Romagnolo (a.k.a Italian Water Dog), Münsterländer (large and small), Nova Scotia Duck Toller, Otterhound, Portuguese Water Dog, Spanish Water Dog, Standard Poodle, Newfoundland , Puli, Wetterhound

When taking your dog on water related outings it's important to keep the following five items in mind.

• A towel just for your dog

• A shirt or sweater made out of water-resistant material

• A non - spill water bowl and lots of fresh bottled to put in it

• A pooper-scooper and a trash bag or two

• A life jacket for your dog

Another tip to consider is shade for your friend. Even though your dog may have many opportunities to jump into the water, it's important he/she has a cool relaxing place for resting. Boat surfaces, such as fiberglass, can get extremely hot in the sun. Dogs absorb heat through the pads on their feet so be sure to protect them. Your dog will surely be enjoying himself/herself so much that excitement could hide the fact he/she is overheated.

Now that you have most everything covered pick the perfect day to go have that amazing adventure with your whole family! Always keeping safety first, your dog is bound to have the time of his/her life. Enjoy your trip!

Keeping Dogs in a Recession

We have all done it, gone out shopping or seen something we like and we buy it disregarding the cost of keeping it and especially in a recession.

Why do we do it?

Because the urge to own what we like is greater than the urge to be sensible.

That is okay if it is an object we can stick in a shed or outhouse and forget it for a while , but if the object is a living breathing Dog then we are in trouble. That is all about commitment for the next ten to fifteen years.

“Oh no! I didn’t expect that. I’ll take it back,” you quickly retort. Your family disagrees and begs and pleads with you to keep it. eventually against your better judgement to give in.

Everyone is happy, you are happy because you made your family happy. Your family thinks you are great, but underlying this is a sneaking suspicion that you can only just afford the upkeep.

Anyway the years pass and your dog has grown into a large dog, along with a large appetite. Your family is also growing with the added expense that comes with having to buy more expensive clothes, food, equipment ect.

You have been able to just keep your head above water as far as money is concerned and everyone is happy. Then suddenly prices begin to rise and everyone including the government tells you that the country is in a recession and jobs may go. Your not unduly worried, because you know you job is relatively safe.

One morning you get a letter from your bank saying the mortgage repayments are being increased, your wife tells you she needs more money for the shopping, your dog is sick and you take him to the vet. He needs a scan costing over a thousand dollars. Your credit card is taking a bashing. How are you going to pay your debts?

You have to make a terrible decision:

Struggle on and hope things get better financially

Let your dog go and cut some of the expense in one go.

You know that the last decision is going to be unpopular and cause trouble in your family. It can even cause the break up of your marriage. Don’t make hasty decision without exploring all the possibilities.What can you do to cut the cost of keeping a dog?  Here are some suggestions:

Prepare your own food.

Ask friends and family to help look after your dog when you go on holiday.

Don’t let your dog become obese. (Health and extra food issues)

Use alternative veterinary services like the PDSA(UK)  and American Animal Hospital Association in the US.

Do an inventory of where your dogs main expenditure is like food, vets bills, kennelling, grooming, ect.

Try and find cheaper alternative sources for your dogs food without compromising on quality.

Stop buying tip bits for your dog like hide chews( they are expensive) look for alternative there are plenty about.

Stop buying expensive play toys and concentrate on cheaper alternatives.

Do not let dog food manufactures persuade you that you want their new product when your dog is doing okay on the old one.

What ever you decide if you are faced with this situation it takes great strength of character to keep your dog. The only way you can do this is to have the full backing of your family. Without their help and commitment you can have even more problems that just debt.

Remember there are organisations that can help you before making a rash decision. I hope you are never faced with this dilema because it can be heartbreaking.

American Bulldogs – What Every New Owner Must Know?

American Bulldogs are mostly descendants of English Bulldogs, and they were near extinction after World War II. John Summerville is the man who should be given the credit for bringing them back by careful breeding. They are the one who are loved here in America a lot. The breed is known as good hunters and they are one of the breeds that are working. They are very loyal, and thus a good family dog. In addition, these dogs commonly known to be very courageous and gutsy when they have to protect their owners.

Types of Bulldogs

Classic and the standard are the two varieties of the American bulldogs. Standard variety is dogs that have been designated as the Scott. The breed known as Classic is the one that is also called the Bully and another name is Johnson. Although there are many different hybrids with countless combinations of two varieties, the basic characteristics remain the same. The breed standard is short and sturdy and looks very similar to the pit bulls. These dogs are usually white with some red or brindle. They have a short coat, and the nervous system that can be hard or rough to the touch. One has to invest time in cleaning and brushing them on daily basis. Make sure that the brush is stiff. As the jaw is strong these American bull dogs look boxy.

Weight and Size

For those considering bringing home American Bulldogs, it is important to take into account the size and weight of the American bull dogs. On an average the Males are as tall as 27 inches and their weight measures up to125 pounds. On the other hand the Females are 25 inches tall and 100 kilos. The average age of these dogs is 16 years. The variety of English have been raised to help the herd of cattle. Some of its features have been sent to the American variety. Although known to have a strong personality, are fierce and protective as guard dogs, which are also very gentle and get along well with other pets and children in families.

It may be so that the dog is not aware of its own weight and may not even know how strong it is, therefore it is the duty of the owner to train it in this respect. This means when they mingle with the infants in the family they must be aware. If trained well they will abide by your words. One can keep them indoors as they are active there. Just train the American bulldogs perfectly and enjoy their company

American Bulldogs – Perfect Companion for Families with Children?

American Bulldogs are very popular nowadays all over the world. There are lot of dog lovers who love the strong, well muscled breeds such as Rottweilers and schnauzer. As these dogs are loyal and highly protective they are fit for families.

Features and Personality Traits

Become familiar with the characteristics and personality traits of American Bulldogs as these will help you understand if these dogs are appropriate for your family. These dogs are very lovable, but they can be a bit difficult to train, hard-headed and stubborn at times. When you train them, you will find that they can be very affectionate and loyal, so it is really worth. It is a very intelligent breed, so they will be part of your family. They provide protection and companionship, but you should definitely think twice to bring them home if this is your first time owning a dog. You will need a lot of patience and commitment to train or if you want an animal that is aggressive and provocative and may be simply out of control at times.

Bulldogs with Children

You will have to take extra precaution when choosing an animal as pet if you have children or even infants in the house, because all races are suitable and safe during use. American Bulldogs, fortunately, does not pose a threat to children. It would be important, but to train them well so they will be very careful when they are around babies. Children must also learn to play with pets, so it does not feel threatened or defensive. Children should be encouraged to participate in dog obedience training so that they can familiarize themselves with the controls. When the puppy is well trained, then it will be loyal and affectionate with children and even friendly.

For every family keeping a pet in the house is a great responsibility and something they have to commit to completely. The American Bulldogs are large and heavy, therefore you should also consider this vital aspect when you think running a household with a pet like this. You should consider whether it would be able to handle a dog of this size, and you will be able to spend regular time period. There is also the financial aspect that you have to consider when choosing a pet. Because these dogs are much larger than the average lap dogs, they also tend to eat more. However, if funding is not a problem for your family and American Bulldog can be very nice, friendly, intelligent and loyal animals for the whole family.

Frontline Plus For Dogs

Fleas and ticks are the most common irritants in dogs. Yet they happen all the time, with every season change causing irritation in dogs. But one can easily get rid of the annoying disturbances by just applying Frontline Plus for their dogs on a regular basis. It is very easy to use but is mighty effective. With a single usage, the owner can kill almost 100 percent ticks in a single day. Frontline Plus for dogs consists of a chemical S-methoprene which retards the growth of the ticks and fleas, causing them to ultimately perish. The chemical is strong enough to kill the larvae and eggs also. A single package of Frontline Plus can cover three months of a tick-free dog.

Ticks and fleas cause lots of skin irritation in dogs and hence Frontline Plus is formulated to get them rid of the irritants. The Frontline Plus liquid is available in three packs and an even take care of the dangerous deer tick, American dog tick and even star tick. The hazardous disease called Lyme can be taken care of with Frontline Plus. A dog owner can start applying the drug once their pooch is over eight weeks. The best thing about Frontline Plus is that being waterproof, it works wonders even when the pet is completely drenched in water, and hence it does not affect any kind of activity of the dog.

After Frontline Plus is applied on the dog, the fleas and ticks get visible which means that the drug is indeed working. The application of the drug makes them hyperactive, making them come out to the coat before they die.

Frontline Plus consists of two strong substances namely Fipronil which is a kind of slow poison on tick and fleas and attacks their central nervous system. The second substance, known as S-Methoprene checks their growth, finally killing them. The drug once administered gets locked in the sebaceous glands of the dogs and keeps on releasing the chemicals in order to get rid of the ticks and fleas. As all medicines and drugs are known to have side effects, even Frontline Plus does react. Hence, it is very important that the dog owner consult the vet before administering the drug to their pooch. For different dogs, the drug reacts in a different manner. Some dogs may experience irritation which can even increase with time, but it is not a case to worry.

No matter how much care you take, ticks and fleas invite themselves to your homes through dogs who love to play in mud. The pests then harm the pets and even make them uncomfortable. Hence, it is advisable to use Frontline Plus regularly to give the pets the best of life for their growing years and prevent reinfestation of the ticks and fleas

Allergies In Dogs - What Can I Do About Dog Allergies Symptoms?

It is suggested that if you are looking for permanent relief for dog allergies symptoms you need to go see a veterinary dermatologist. Here you can find the cause for sneezing in dogs, general allergies in dogs and most of your dog skin problems.

People medicines such as Benadryl and Claritin will only provide temporary relief of the signs and your dog will still be uncomfortable.

In some cases the dermatologist may be able to make up allergy shots if they find out the cause of your dogs allergies. You should not make any diet changes or treat your pet with any medication without strict guidance from a veterinarian.

Changing the dog's diet without the guidance from a veterinarian can make it more difficult for them to isolate the cause of the allergies. It’s entirely possible that the causes may involve specific foods. This requires an extensive food trial. However it could be environmental agents that are causing your dog allergies symptoms which would require further allergy testing.

On your own you could try hydroxizine or atarax for some relief. Do Not use prednisone, it is not the greatest it's a steroid and have several side effects. You can also try eliminating the normal protein source with another protein like fish or venison. It takes up to 2 to 3 months of a diet change to tell if there is any effect.

Allergic contact dermatitis usually shows up in dogs as a hypersensitivity reaction to particular molecules in your pet's environment. Irritant contact dermatitis happens when the skin is exposed to noxious substances in the environment. The symptoms and biologic mechanisms in these two disease structures are closely similar and are often discussed together.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a rare disease, which occurs when an animal's skin overreacts to certain small molecules in the environment. Substances, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis in dogs include some antibiotics applied to the skin, metals such as nickel, materials like rubber or wool and chemicals such as dyes and carpet deodorizers.

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the dog’s skin is exposed to intensely irritating chemicals like the sap in poison ivy or road salt.

What are the symptoms of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis?

Lesions occur on the areas of skin that are sparsely haired and exposed to the offending cause. Areas like the back of the paws, abdomen, muzzle, and lips.

The affected areas are usually very red, have small bumps or blister-like lesions, and itch like crazy. Also in irritant contact dermatitis may occur.

The key to managing these dog allergies symptoms is the obvious removing or restricting of exposure to any allergen or contact irritant in the pet's environment. If your not able to do this, then using fatty acids, antihistamines, biotin, and topical shampoos can at least control the itching.

As a rule, for any pet suspected of having an allergy problem that could include an allergic contact component, we recommend:

Glass or stainless steel food and water bowls, cleaned and rinsed well daily

Hypoallergenic detergents for the pet's bedding

Routine hypoallergenic shampoos for the pet to remove any allergens

Restricting walking to sidewalks or paved surfaces-completely avoiding the grass,

if possible.

Be kind to your pooch!

Hopefully in the not to distant future there will be an easier fix for all allergies in dogs.

Minnesota Divorce and Property Division: What Can I Keep, and What Must be Divided?

So you find yourself either contemplating divorce, or in the middle of a divorce in the State of Minnesota, and need to know what your rights are with regard to all the personal and real property owned by you or your spouse. This article will touch on the “ins and outs” of property division in divorce proceedings consistent with the laws of the State of Minnesota. There are two competing doctrines amongst the various Sates in this country on how property rights are vested to married couples, - “common law property” states and “community property” states. Minnesota is considered a common law property state (or “marital property” state) when it comes to property rights during the marriage. In the United States, there are ten States that are considered “community property” states, which include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. This article deals specifically with common law property rights within the State of Minnesota.

As a Minnesota divorce attorney, it is critical to meet thoroughly with divorce clients to ascertain all the property interests owned by the divorce clients and the “character” of those property rights. All property will be classified as either “marital property” or “non-marital” property. There is a presumption in the law that all property is marital. Thus, it becomes the burden of the party attempting to classify the property as non-marital to come forth with the necessary proof and evidence to consider the property non-marital.

So – what the heck am I talking about? What do I mean by marital property? . . . and non-marital property?

Per Minnesota divorce laws, all marital property shall be divided equitably between the divorcing spouses. Marital property consists of all property owned by the spouses that is not otherwise classified as non-marital property as explained below. To “equitably divide” the marital property does not necessarily mean to divide the property 50-50 between the spouses. However, in the majority of the Minnesota divorce cases, this is exactly what happens. But, if there is a large disparity in the spouses incomes, the Courts may award to the lower wage earner a higher percentage of the marital property.

So, what is non-marital property? In Minnesota, non-marital property consists of any property that a spouse owned prior to the marriage; that a spouse inherited at anytime, either before or during the marriage; or any property that was gifted directly and solely to one of the spouses (except for gifts from the other spouse). If property is classified as non-marital, then that spouse is entitled to all of such property, without having to divide any portion of it with the other spouse.

To prove the non-marital character of tangible personal property is often times not that difficult. However, when we are dealing with various bank accounts, retirements accounts or investment accounts, things get a little trickier. The spouse must properly and thoroughly “trace” the non-marital funds from their inception through the date of divorce. If the non-marital funds are commingled with marital funds, then that has the effect of converting all the funds to marital funds. Thus, it is very important that the holder of non-marital funds retain such funds in a separate account . . . however, it may not be the most pleasant conversation to have with your spouse when you explain why you are retaining the funds in a separate account: “Honey – I am just keeping the money in a separate account, so in case we get divorced I will get to keep all the money.”

Similarly, if a spouse has an non-marital claim in real estate, it can be difficult to trace such a claim. This comes about when one spouse owns a home prior to the marriage, which has equity, then the parties sell that home and use the proceeds from the sale as a partial down payment towards the new home, and so forth and so on. There are many factors that come into play with this – too many to discuss in this article. However, it should be noted that when computing a potential non-marital claim in real estate, the Courts discern “active appreciation” (i.e. appreciation of the property due to improvements) with “passive appreciation (i.e. appreciation of the property due to market forces). Further, if at anytime during the course of owning the real property, the actual equity in the property is reduced to zero, then this has the effect of eliminating any non-marital claim that may have existed.

As you can see, it can become quite complex and complicated in determining and ascertaining whether any non-marital property exists as part of the marital relationship. It is always very important to speak with a qualified Minnesota divorce lawyer to discuss your rights in the Minnesota divorce proceeding.

Save the Butterflies

Are you sick of rainy days? This so-called July weather? Is it dampening your spirits and killing the social calendar? Is it threatening your species? If the answer to the last question is yes, then you are one of the butterflies that feature in this article, if not then you're like me - just another malcontent, fed up with British weather.

Butterflies are one of the few purely decorative insects you can attract and their variety of colours is astonishing, thus making them a welcome addition to any garden, but, due to last year’s wet summer, and the continuing trend this year, Britain has seen a severe decline in several species of butterfly. As most of us know, water and wings don't mix, particularly where insects are concerned. A heavy rainstorm is comparable to a blitzkrieg from a butterfly’s perspective and all this rotten weather has meant they've been less actively pollinating and breeding.

As such, last week’s article on pond cultivation comes closer to the fore, due to it's role as an insect habitat. The obvious plus is the water source it provides, however, butterflies require peace to flourish, so I'd also suggest a wild patch in your garden that will remain undisturbed by usual garden maintenance and thus provide them with a breeding ground. To this end, you might consider a small nettle patch as this will discourage human contact whilst providing a suitable habitat.

The primary means of enticing butterflies into the garden depends on your planting, because nectar is primarily what will invite them. To ensure the most hospitable environment, you'll want a variety of plants that will provide nectar year round, so it is advised you have a balance of spring bloomers such as Daisies, Dandelions, Pansies and Primroses and to compensate their loss in late summer and autumn, a healthy dose of Marigolds, Knapweed and Lavender. Other examples to really boost your butterfly potential are full sun perennials such as Helenium, which will provide bold colour and a large bulbous landing pad to your guests, Lathyrus which offers a daintier foliage and the bonus for us of scent, and the towers of Verbascum, which will dominate the sky line of a butterfly garden - the air traffic control on your own living airfield.

Shrubs that butterflies love include Buddleia, Hebes and Lilac and certain herbs also attract the insect, due to their scent. These include oregano, thyme and mint.

It is important to remember that your butterfly population will be relative to your gardening variety i.e. the greater the number and mix and plants, the greater the potential for their propagation.

Due to their erratic behaviour, butterfly spotting is no simple task, however, look out in your own gardens for species like the Common Blue with their lilac veined wings and white trim, the flambouyant Peacock with big blue ‘eyes’ on its wings, or the small Tortoiseshell, tiger striped with segmented blue edging, to know just how much your helping their species. Other, threatened, types to watch out for are the toffee coloured Small Skipper, the Ginger Lulworth Skipper, Chalk Hill Blue and the Wall Brown species