People all over the world regard their animals as family members. They could keep small creatures, or 100 pound Labs. These pets can expect the same treatment as their human companions; even down to their pet health insurance.

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Americans spent roughly $10.1 billion for pet health care in 2007 " a 40 percent increase from 2006. The insurance industry isn't ignoring these numbers. Jack Stephens, founder of Pet's Best Insurance, says that Americans spend roughly $250 million annually on pet insurance. That figure is expected to increase to $1 billion by 2011, he says. That makes pet insurance one of the fastest growing insurance lines.

These pet insurance plans can be very straightforward or complicated, depending on your needs. While most often taken out on the family dog or cat, they are available for almost all pets and livestock.

Like all insurance plans, you always hope you don't need the coverage. But often when dealing with pets, the need is sudden. And, if surgery or emergency treatment is needed, the cost can often soar into the thousands of dollars. Even purebred or pedigreed animals aren't safe from this fact, and they often have more genetic troubles.

The ASPCA has noticed a surge in the number of people contacting their office in recent months. Well meaning owners who simply can no longer afford the often routine vet care that their pets require.

Pet care plans generally covers vet bills that arise from illnesses and injuries. Many plans also offer preventative care, and liability coverage in case your pet damages someones property or person.

In addition, pet insurance policies often cover the cost of advertisements and rewards if a dog or cat goes missing, kennel costs if the owner is hospitalized and the cost of holiday cancellation if a pet requires life-saving surgery.

This makes it important not to shop on price alone. How would you feel denying your pet a life saving procedure knowing that it saved you $1 a month?

Pet health insurance policies are becoming more and more common, and many people find comfort in knowing that in the event of a major illness, their pets can be properly cared for without seriously affecting their finances.

Making a choice between expensive health care for a pet or ending the life of that animal companion is never easy. Wallace Sife, who as founder of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement has counseled hundreds of guilt-racked pet owners, said, "There is no right answer."

While a pet insurance plan won't spare you from the emotional hardship of a pet needing costly care, it can free you from worrying about the financial stress, and hopefully help you make a better decision.

These are the basics behind this issue, and it is important to do your research so you know exactly what you are covered for and how much this will cost. A simple internet search should yield a variety of insurance providers, and you should compare their websites to see which gives you the best deal. Do not just go for the cheapest option - make sure that your pet is covered so that you will be prepared and looked after if anything does go wrong with their health.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Learn More About Pet Insurance

If you are a dog owner that is interested in providing healthy and nutritious food for your pet, you have probably run into difficulty. With dog food recalls hitting the headlines with more regularity, you are probably wondering if it is possible to know which commercial dog foods are safe for your dog and which ones are not. An alternative to this dilemma is to note that rather than purchasing dog food from the store, some people are preparing home cooked dog food for their dogs.

A great way to care for your pet is to prepare home cooked dog food. With the right recipes you are able to provide all the required nutrients that are complete and balanced. As you source the ingredients you can be sure of their quality and be sure there are no fillers, artificial coloring or any other questionable ingredients. You can select the proper grade of meat, grains and vegetable for your dog.

For years, dogs were fed almost exclusively from table scraps (which were often not a healthy option) or some other form of homemade dog food. Today, pet owners have become dependent on buying commercial dog food as it seems easier than preparing it. They would probably be very surprised to learn how easy and convenient it is to make your own home cooked dog food with the proper recipes.

Should you decide to prepare home cooked dog food, you may find it convenient to cook for your family and your dog at the same time. Human grade ingredients are used in the preparation of home cooked dog food recipes, so it is not necessary to use different dishes, pans or utensils when cooking for both. To save time, you may find it convenient to prepare batches of food in quantity, then freeze or refrigerate the extra portions.

Since a dog's nutritional needs can vary depending on breed, you should always talk to your vet before starting to feed your dog a home cooked diet. A vet will not only be able to advise you on your dog's nutritional needs but may also have vitamins or other nutritional supplements that they recommend be added to your home cooked dog food. Consulting with a vet first is the best way to ensure that the food you're feeding your dog is the most appropriate and best for them.

One of the best things you can do to safeguard the health, energy and vitality of your dog is to give them food that you've prepared for them yourself. Home cooked dog food that is formulated from special recipes provides much better nutritional value than many commercially available foods. And you might be surprised to discover just how easy and convenient it is to keep your dog healthy and happy by preparing food for him. Another issue that you may not have considered is that by making your pets food more digestible there will be less dog poop around the yard too.

You may enjoy cooking for your dog; not only are there are a fair number of home cooked dog food recipes on the market -- some people even consider it a hobby! Why not try making some home cooked treats? Your dog will love it and you will love knowing that he is getting fresh and nutritious food.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Home Cooked Dog Food Is Easier To Make Than you Think

Many pet owners want the best for their animals, in particular the kind of food that they are being fed. They search for healthy foods for their pets put it can often be confusing or impossible to determine the good from the bad. More people are providing home cooked dog food for their pets, rather than use commercial foods, especially after the recent rash of recalled commercial dog food stories in the papers and on television.

Making your pets food yourself is the best way to ensure that your best friend is getting a complete and balanced nourishment. Some dog foods are good, yet some are made with undesirable additives such as dyes, preservatives and fillers. However, if you make home cooked dog food, all it contains is the top quality meat, grains and vegetables you normally buy for your family at the market.

For years, dogs were fed almost exclusively from table scraps (which were often not a healthy option) or some other form of homemade dog food. Today, pet owners have become dependent on buying commercial dog food as it seems easier than preparing it. They would probably be very surprised to learn how easy and convenient it is to make your own home cooked dog food with the proper recipes.

Many people who prepare a pets meals at home do so while cooking for the rest of the family. Since home cooked dog food contains the same ingredients people consume, you dont have to be concerned about which cookware you reserve for this activity. One time-saving and labor-sparing approach is to prepare the food in large quantities, some of which can be refrigerated or frozen for use at a later date.

Preparing food for your dog requires more than just cooking and putting it into a bowl. You should consult with your vet to be sure the animal is getting the proper dietary and nutritional needs for its size and breed. The vet may also be able to guide you as to which vitamins or supplements to add to your home cooked dog food.

It makes sense to start cooking home made dog food. If you follow formulated recipes you can provide well balanced meals for your pet. You will know the quality of the ingredients that go into the food (which is often impossible with commercial foods). Your pet will be happier and healthier with more vitality. Once you get into the routine, you will find it is actually not a big hassle on your time or finances for a noticeable improvement of your dog's energy level.

Its amazing how many recipes there are out there for someone who wants to prepare a pet's meals at home. It can be an enjoyable activity as well as a health-giving one. There are even recipes for little doggie snacks. These are sure to please your furry friend, but theyll also please you because youll know your dog is getting top quality ingredients in home cooked dog food.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Home Cooked Dog Food – Know What Goes Into Your Pet’s Food

I was drenched with sweat on a hot July Mississippi morning around '97 while I neatly wrapped my rescue dog Thor my shadow and companion was wrapped neatly in a sheet. I had just started my very first online offbeat cartoons and funny gifts venture, and stopped immediately my daily creative routine. Thor was about twelve years old but was staring at the walls and not responding to my voice. He had been very active up until then. I got him to the veterinarian within ten minutes and the diagnosis was some rare ailment that dogs that age often get similar to seizures and he must be put down. I had been a dog lover and owner since age four. My intuition made me skeptical of the veterinarians conclusion instead I decided to keep Thor comfortable for a few days at home. Once Thor was resting I urgently began searching the Internet for alternative solutions and discovered an Australian veterinarian with some unique ideas.

Dr. Ian Billinghurst was not easy to find. He is an Australian holistic/but also also practices traditional western medicine and surgery. He had just penned the controversial book titled Give Your Dog A Bone. It entailed a diet plan that was basically raw foods, bought at the grocery preferably organic. The special recipe contained lots of raw meaty bones and occasionally a blend of vegetables, raw burger, etc. in a blender. I discovered that raw organic tripe is one of the most perfect foods for domestic animals. The first time I fed Thor a raw chicken wing, I was mortified. I had heard all my life this was the surest way to kill a dog, but I was desperate. I could already see and feel his soul energy fading. Thor surprisingly took to this new diet, after not eating at all or drinking very much water for several days, and even then only by dropper. I switched his water to bottled spring and ordered herb tinctures and live flash-glanced vitamins with live minerals as well. He was devouring these raw foods, from hamburger to raw chicken to carrots to pears to romaine lettuce (and a blend of them all).

It took time but I could see a "life energy" returning to my four-legged best friend. The only issue regardint this new raw diet was the terrible odor and coloration of his stools and urine for the first month. Dr. Billinghurst warned me that would happen. The toxins of commercial pet food were leaving his system. One morning, about a month after beginning Thor on the B.A.R.F. (Bones And Raw Foods or Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods), Thor jumped on my bed, something he had never done prior to the diet. He was wagging his tail and ready to go out and play. He didn't want a short walk but was willing to go with me my usual five miles. He kept up with me without even panting or having a shortness of breath. The vet had also advised me that in addition to the mystery disease, Thor also suffered from level two heart diseases. I started giving him the same herbs I was taking for my congestive heart failure. I ceased giving him all vaccines as advised and bought homeopathic nosodes which I ordered on the net from a pet product company. His daily diet also consisted of fresh organic fruit and vegetables (and occasionally yogurt mixed in a blender. He loved it all and devoured every meal like a wolf in a hen house, whereas in the days of feeding him commercial dog food, even the best, he generally ignored but ate bits during the day when hungry, never finishing even half a bowl.

According to Dr. Billinghurst and now other experts on the subject of B.A.R.F., dogs digestive systems have not evolved very much from their earlier days, before domestication, when they were still wolves, just as cat's systems had not since they were lions. Thor's energy level kept growing and growing as did his wanting to be near me and play at every given chance, whereas he used to mostly lay around and sleep during his pre-barf days. Until about age 20, he continued to anticipate our long walks, often up to five miles. It was only when he was about twenty one, that his phase two heart disease changed to phase four, and I knew that was dangerous. It was only then, almost a decade since his last vet visit, except for checkups, that I was forced to also use allopathic medicines, such as Lasix for his heart. I did so very hesitantly, as I was aware this type medicine would eventually hurt his liver and kidneys, which of course it did. In his final year, he had several near-death experiences in which I rushed him to the vet. I was already resolved that if he were in any kind of discomfort, or his quality of life was compromised, I would sadly have my best friend put down. The vet insisted he would not put him down. After all Thor had made three major comebacks at age twenty-two which he considered nothing less than a miracle. After a final try of a body flush, I could tell he was almost gone. I asked the vet what to do. He said to take him home, there was still a chance. I knew there was not. I could see his life and soul fading from his eyes. I knew him too well. He had been by my side, by my desk at home where I work, for a decade. I said I would take him home but I ordered a bottle of morphine which I administered around the clock as I slept on the floor cradling him during his final night. I had to put the morphine pill down his throat and set my alarm clock for every three hours so as to wake up and give him another. On the 6 am alarm, I opened the bottle to give Thor his pill, but his soul had left his furry body. I looked down and saw there was no breathing. Any pain he may have experienced was now gone, but tears flooded from my eyes. I looked at his face carefully and he was still smiling. He always had a smile through life, and now it stayed with him in death. I had never seen a dog smile like that. It was one of such happiness and contentment.

The weather conditions were bad. Heavy snow and sleet semed to push me down, and it was hard to carry his almost 40 pound body up the hill. He had a favorite hill behind our home where he chased birds, squirrels, eagles, chipmunks, rabbits and every animal imaginable. I built a small casket for him and a headstone. I had a shovel in the other hand. I lay him down in the casket, and begin digging, first through the snow and ice and finally through the hard dirt until the hole was about four feet deep. I lay him in it, said a prayer, and filled it cold and shivering and still crying. I carefully placed the coffin in the ground and filled it up. I placed the headstone. It's epitaph read, "To Thor: A Special Dog Who Brought Only Joy & Happiness To All. We love you forever and will never forget you."

A year and a half has passed since Thor's death. The grieving process took longer and was more intense than I had calculated lasting nearly six months. Friends were suggesting I go immediately to the shelter and adopt another. I could not do it then but now I know I will one day. It is after all what Thor would have wanted. I can only thank God, and thank Dr. Ian Billinghurst the Father of The Raw Food Diet, and Shirleys Wellness Cafe, for giving Thor and I another beautiful ten years together. Although one veterinarian had decided it was time to put Thor down, it was, in reality, time for Thor to begin living. Thanks to the B.A.R.F. diet, Thor lived a long and healthy life.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Why I Still Grieve The Death Of My Dog Thor

One problem with training a shih tzu is that they will always beg for food while you are eating. To solve this problem simply sit them in their own area, away from the table, until you are finished eating. This will take several attempts, but eventually your shih tzu will take the hint and do it on their own. Remember to reward your shih tzu by giving them a treat afterward or their own delicious meal.

Shih tzu dogs are extremely smart and reactive to their environment and that includes us as pet owners. Our body language plays a major part in how they act, both positively and negatively. Displaying the proper body language will rapidly stop you shih tzu from any signs of negative behavior.

As with any animal, sometimes our shih tzu's actions will upset us. Some pet owners chase their animals around the house yelling and screaming. You should not do this under any circumstance. Your shih tzu will only think you a playing with them and will continue to run.

When you give your Shih Tzu dog a command, display a very bold and upright body position. Stand up, chest forward, and head back. Your Shih Tzu dog will have more respect and a slight bit of intimidation, which can help with training him or her.

Shih tzu's tend to get wound up like a top easily and your reaction to that will determine whether or not this behavior worsens or improves. If this occurs make sure you act the opposite by moving slowly and using the same behavior that you want them to display. This will relax the shih tzu and start to change their behavior almost immediately.

Retrieval training is also a fun task to take on. The best way to take care of this first step is to use little bits and pieces of dog food or dog snacks. Take out the food and just sprinkle two or three treats on the ground. Do not let your Shih Tzu dog run to eat the food too fast. In fact, you should first train him or her to sit and stay until released, and then you point to the ground and say "pickup", "pickup".

Now repeat the process and every time you drop a piece of food simply use the same command to "pickup" and your shih tzu will quickly associate that with putting something in their mouth. This training usually doesn't take long at all especially when using things your shih tzu loves to eat. Try doing it when they are hungry to speed up the process.

When your shih tzu is less than one year old make sure you confine them to one room in your living quarters. You might even want to use some child safety equipment until you are comfortable that they will not get into any trouble while you are away.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Essential Tips For Training Your Shih Tzu

Hunting dogs are great dogs to own. They can be great companions and very helpful if you are hunting. You don't have to be a hunter to own a hunting dog though. The make great companions, are full of energy, and are great for people who are interested in outdoor pets. There are many species of hunting dogs to consider when you want to buy one.

Look out for the following two things which should stand out in every hunting dog - a very good sense of smell for sniffing out any kind of prey, and the ability to not be scared by the sound of the gun's firing.

It's time to go over the dog breeds that make good hunting dogs. Retrievers are seen as very suited to hunting birds. They come in handy when you need a hunting dog for retrieving the prey after it has been shot down. Hounds and Bloodhounds are very good when they are used for tracking the prey. Their noses are sensitive and they don't get confused even if they are given the task of tracking multiple preys. They do very well when they are sent down to track other animals like foxes, deer and bears.

If you want to save your valuable time and effort, find highly trained dogs. For example, if you are interested in hunting for a particular type of bird, choose the hunting dog with the ideal training. You should get a hunting dog that has been trained to look for the type of bird you are interested in. Choose a hunting dog which has been bred and trained in hunting activities at the regional and national championship level. You will definitely note the difference when you buy such a hunting dog for your hunting activities.

Beagles are the most popular of hunting dogs. These dogs are known for their incredible energy and stubbornness. If you have a lot of outdoor room and are willing to have an energetic dog, than a beagle is for you. These dogs make excellent hunting dogs since they have a great sense of smell. In fact the smell is so good, they are used to sniff out drugs. If they can smell drugs, then can smell something you are hunting off.

There are many varieties of hunting dogs in the world. Each breed is good in its own way. Make sure you do a lot of research before you buy your hunting dog. Dogs make a great companion and hunting dogs are really energetic so if you have a lot of space and like going outside, these dogs are for you.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Types of Hunting Dogs in the World

If the idea of preparing home made dog food is new to you then you may wonder what sort of variety of meals you can create. You may be surprised to know that there is a huge variety of recipes that allow you to create a varied and doggy delicious range of meals. Much like human recipe books, homemade dog food recipes follow the same format. They include dishes like stews, soups, snacks and treats and main meals aimed at providing a complete and balanced diet for your pet.

Finding homemade dog food recipes is relatively easy with your old pal the internet. You can do a search for homemade dog food recipes on Google. Lo and behold you will be inundated with plenty of recipes. If your pet has a liking for beef then add that to the search. Type something like, homemade dog food recipes with beef and you get plenty more recipes. You will be surprised how easy many are to prepare. The important consideration is the quality of the ingredients which is where you come in.

When you come across a recipe that you think your dog will like then give it a go ! Make sure the recipe doesnt contain ingredients your dog is sensitive to. You cant be sure your dog will enjoy the particular homemade dog food recipe until you make it and he tries it so this method truly is one of trial and error.

It is a lot easier to search for homemade dog food recipes if you know exactly what kind of recipe you're looking for. If you prepare a recipe that has chicken and discover that your dog wont eat it, then revise your search to include the words beef or turkey. This way you'll eliminate chicken recipes that are of no use to you.

Get informed about what makes a healthy and balanced meal for your dog. A balanced meal for a dog is vastly different from a human's needs or other domesticated animals for that matter. You want to be creating balanced and complete meals that have fresh and quality ingredients. Check with your vet if you have doubts about a recipe that you would like to make for your pet.

Different recipes suit different breeds as well, so keep this in mind too. There are so many options. Your vet can also give you some nutritional guidelines that you should look for in your choice of homemade dog food recipes. Of course you want to make sure that your pet is getting the right amounts of vitamins and minerals, along with enough protein.

Remember that this is a learning experience. You and your pet are on a learning curve. You may try a few recipes that do not appeal to your pet. Try a few new ideas until you find what he likes and dislikes. It will be worth it in the long run as your dog will be healthier and have more energy after eating homemade dog food recipes.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Home Made Dog Food Recipes – You Can Make Your Own Dog Food

Your canine buddy has been watching you intently. As a result, it's very likely that he knows much more about you than you know about him.

If you disagree, please tell me how he knows that you are about to go out as soon as you grab your car keys and wallet.

Dogs readily discover if you are sad, mad, cranky or in a good mood and ready to play. They also seem to know when it's family mealtime and the time and place when it's time to turn in for the night.

In return for all of this, how much have you bothered to learn about your dog? Most likely not one-tenth as much as he has taught himself about you. Yet it is really quite easy to learn once you put your mind to it.

Your dog's bark serves quite a few different purposes. One bark is used to repel others while another bark is used to attract. Can you detect the difference between his "go away" bark and his "Hey, I'm over here - where the heck are you?" bark? All but the most disinterested dog watchers will notice that dogs barking can range from a muted "woof" of thanks to the high-pitched "yelp" of alarm, to the loud series of angry barks that indicate he's ready for a fight.

I think it was Sir John Lubbock, 19th century British behaviorist, who noted that a dogs bark is an effort to copy the human voice. Wild dogs, he pointed out, do not bark. Neither do their cousins the wolves, nor does any member of the canine family that has not heard humans speak or the barking of domestic dogs.

The intent of a bark is completely different from that of a growl. When barking, a dog flings his head high, leaving his throat exposed and unprotected. Barking is definitely not a war cry. But when he growls he lowers his head so as to protect the vulnerable throat area, preparing for an impending fight.

When you walk up to the front door of a house and the family dog comes charging toward the door barking loudly you are probably in no immediate danger. But... if he approaches you with his head lowered, growling menacingly, then look out - he's ready to do battle.

If you stand absolutely still with your hands on your chest not one barking dog in ten will actually bite. However, if you make threatening gestures, or if you turn and run, your chances of one or more bites are extremely high. A strange dogs growl should never be disregarded by anyone who values his skin.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

When Your Dog Speaks, Do You Know What He’s Saying?

Allergy is an impairing chronic ailment of our century. As nobody can heal it, it progresses in time and it may even get us killed in minutes, when anaphylaxis occurs.

Yet, allergy is not exclusively affecting mankind. Cats and dogs may get affected by allergies as well. Dog allergies happen quite often and the symptoms can show when the dog inhales or eats the allergens such as pampas grass, aliments, fleas or other parasites.

In case you think your dog suffers from allergies, begin your inquiry with a practical source for symptoms that fuel dog allergy. There is no obvious reason for the allergic reactions. I agree that I should not like to forget about this topic for good. Elimination diets can give you the clue you want.

Each time pet owners express interest in dog allergy they surely own allergic dogs. This is briefly what I think about this matter. That way there is a guarantee that you will determine the allergy to food, then just get rid of it completely from your dog's diet.

We should keep in mind that food allergies can get solved from more than one angle. I do imagine that I would like to leave the allergic dogs bandwagon. Obviously the key of allergic responses is to be obsessed with dog allergy.

I use a stream of consciousness approach when I discover good vets. As each allergic reaction can be unique, good veterinarians will know how to test your dog, in order to discover the allergens that harm him.

As a golden rule, never feed a dog human antihistamines. There's no medical proof that histamine is the trigger that determines allergic reactions in dogs, so you may end up by doing more harm than good. It's better to be safe than sorry: there is no recognized illness guide in dog allergy.

Symptoms that you need to watch in your dog, if you think of an allergy: continuous scratching, massive shedding, running nose, hives or rashes, or endless sneezing.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Diagnose Your Dog Food Allergy With The Elimination Diet

A pet sitter offer services to watch and look out for pets. These people give out their outmost time to do these jobs of taking care of your pets. They are skilled to provide you with a good service. Positive benefits can be achieved in hiring these pet sitters.

These are several advantages and services provided in hiring a pet sitter:

- When pets are taken care of at their own homes they benefit from the familiar environment. The confusion and the population of the kennel may be harmful for your pets.

- You can avoid the long duration of transporting your pet from the house to the kennel. And will allow the pet to evade certain travel traumas.

- Your pet will be cared and loved for by a pet sitter who they are familiar with. A pet sitter will also give the necessary attention for your animal friend.

- The activities of your pet and the sitter will make your home more protected and secured from burglary while youre away for work or a trip.

- Some additional services like picking your mail and taking care of plants can be offered by the pet sitter.

- Your pets will avoid certain illness and parasites inside a populated kennel.

- Your friends, relatives and neighbors will not worry for taking care of your pet.

- The change of environment in the kennel will not confuse your pet and will have a common daily habit.

- Compulsory vaccinations will be more flexible than those required in a kennel.

- Walking and giving a proper exercise for your pet can also be done by a pet sitter.

- Giving the preferred foods and snacks for the pets.

- Other pet sitters can train your animals with attentiveness. These are services that can be provided by a professional pet sitter

- Pet sitters can handle the excruciating task of cleaning the droppings produced by your pet.

These are the many positive advantages when getting the help of a pet sitter. And this is probably the best and effective way to prove and establish more love, affection, care, and concern to your animal friend while you are away.

Today, pet sitters are widely recognized in the market as an important provider of pet care services. You can get the services of these pet sitters from a variety of sources. You can look via the internet or find a pet sitter near your neighborhood.

Being too busy for work can really affect your responsibility for your pet, and obtaining the services of a pet sitter will certainly assist in this task. So that when you finally to get home, your pet will be waiting happily for you.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Benefits Of Employing A Pro Pet Sitter