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New puppy? Wondering which is the best bowl to put puppy’s food and water in?

The most important consideration is that your puppy’s dog and food bowls are indestructible. If you leave puppy for any period of time, water should always be available. Puppies will chew, and if they chew their water bowl they can be left without water. Broken pieces of plastic could also be ingested, causing harm to puppy.

A stainless steel, enamelled steel or ceramic water bowl is the best bet as none of these can be chewed up by puppy. Of these, a ceramic bowl is heaviest and if designed well, will be difficult to tip over accidentally. Ceramic bowls do tend to dry out faster on a hot day, so make sure you have more than one water bowl available outside. Keeping a bowl in a shaded place will slow down evaporation.

Some pet stores stock self-filling water bowls. These are a good investment for dogs kept outdoors during summer, particularly if they are left alone for a working day. Just take care that pup won’t chew through the water hose which fills these bowls.

Always have separate food and water bowls. They are easier to keep clean this way, and pup will not be left without water while feeding.

A handy tip for new puppy owners, never leave a bowl of food out for puppy. What is not eaten in 5 minutes should be emptied from the bowl and stored for later. Nothing teaches pup to be a fussy eater like free access to food all day.

Aidan Bindoff is Editor of PositivePetzine.com PositivePetzine.com, a free resource for people training their own dogs.

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A Shetland Pony is probably one of the most interesting breeds of horse there is. When children see a Shetland Pony they immediately want one. When adults see them they want one too but may not admit it. But everyone loves Shetland Ponies.

Where do Shetland Ponies come from? They originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. They can exist on very little food and have been utilized as pack horses as early as 1850. England imported some as did the United States.

It was in the United States that superior breeds of Shetland Ponies began to be produced. These new breeds are the ones we are most familiar with as children’s pets.

American Shetlands are not like the Shetland Ponies they descended from. The Shetland Ponies from Scotland were a very wooly breed, while the America Shetland Pony is more like a miniature horse. There are two types of Shetland Pony, the Classic and the Modern American Shetland.

A registered American Shetland can be no taller than 46 inches. Shetland Ponies are not measured by “hands” as other horses are. Even though the Classic is more directly related and not bred with other breeds of horse, the ones you see today are not like those Shetland Island Ponies of the 1800s.

Enough history, this article is to help you learn what it takes to care for your pony if you decide to get your own Shetland Pony.

Your Shetland Pony, for the most part, needs the same grooming as any other horse. They need to be washed, combed, and cared for as you would any pet. They need regular vaccinations, de-worming, and veterinary care like all horse do.

The only thing that I can say you might want to pay more attention to is your Shetland Pony’s feet. They require more care. Miniature horses are a little more delicate in that area than their larger cousins. This requires daily care, so if you are thinking of getting your own Shetland Pony, please note that with it comes responsibility for their care.

Here are some tips for caring for your Shetland Pony’s feet.

Picking out your pony’s feet is one of the most important things you will do for your Shetland Pony. You may have to do it for an active pony several times per day. You should check your pony’s feet before you ride him/her every single time. Make sure there is no debris stuck in their hooves.

You will need to purchase a hoof pick. It’s a sharpened curved tool especially made for this task. Always use the pick aimed away from you as you should with any sharp object or tool. You will also need a hoof brush. Later in this article I will tell you how and when each tool should be used. The other item you will need is hoof oil. You can purchase it from your local feed store most likely. If not, ask your Veterinarian.

Not checking can result in serious problems for your Shetland Pony. The irritation caused by even the smallest pebble can lead to infection and injury. Think of how it feels to have a pebble in your shoe, then multiply that by ten.

As soon as you are through riding your Shetland Pony, you need to check their feet again. And of course you need to cool them down after riding and brush them. The more you care for your Shetland Pony, the more they will care for you and the longer they will be around for you to enjoy.

As with any horse, your Shetland Pony should be tied up while you check their feet. Most horse groomers have a method to how they do things. You and your horse benefit from this. You benefit by having a routine that helps you remember to do everything you need to do. Your Shetland Pony benefits by knowing what to expect.

I work from front to back, taking the time to gently rub the horse’s front calf while talking to him/her soothingly. Remember, for a horse or pony, lifting their foot and standing on just three feet is not a natural act. They need to trust you. And you need them to trust you and not try to kick you away.

When you think they are ready, use a command and grip the leg firmly to lift it up. Lean your shoulder into them as you do this and they will get the message. Your horse or pony will get used to the command associated with the lifting of his/her leg and it will get easier as time goes on.

You have to be the boss that’s why your grip and determination needs to be solid. However, if your pony resists dramatically, back off and try again, soothing them with your voice as you go. They will eventually learn you are not about to hurt them.

First check to see if your pony’s hoof is hot or cold. If it feels cool to the touch, everything is fine. If you feel heat, then there is a problem. You need to contact your Veterinarian in this case. Do not groom your pony’s feet if you felt heat there. Wait until the Vet can take a look.

Next, check your pony’s shoes if they have them. Make sure they fit tightly, there are no nails sticking out, and that their hoof hasn’t started to grow over the shoes. Contact a local Farrier to have your pony shod and to check your pony as the need arises or every 2 months to trim your pony’s hooves. Also note that your pony needs a qualified Farrier to trim their hooves even if your pony does not have shoes.

Now, if the hoof was cool, use the hoof pick working from heel to toe. This works best. Any debris that is lodged in the hoof needs to be removed. Do a good job with this and your pony will thank you. Never use the hoof pick on the sensitive part of the hoof called the frog.

This is where that hoof brush I mentioned earlier comes into play. Use it to brush the sensitive area of the hoof gently, but with enough pressure to remove any dirt and debris there. Wetting the brush can help remove more debris and will also help protect your Shetland Pony’s hoof from cracking.

Speaking of moisture, did you remember to get that hoof oil I mentioned? I hope so because after you are done picking and brushing your pony’s hooves, you will need to apply hoof oil. This oil is made to protect your pony’s hooves from cracking. Use it on the outside and inside of the hoof.

You can either do this as you do each hoof or do each thing separately, whichever routine you have chose. Just remember to do it all in the same order each time. Get your pony used to what you are going to do next and you may find them lifting their hoof in anticipation of what you are about to do or doing it on just a command.

I hope this article has helped you realize the care you need to take of your Shetland Pony. If you do not already have one of these beautiful creatures and are thinking of getting one, then I hope this article helps you understand what care your new Shetland Pony will need.

Greg Lucas is a small business owner and an on-line marketing expert who owns and operates a large network of informative and educational websites. for more information please visit:

Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to adopt a dog. Truly a man’s best friend, you can rely on your pet dog in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a dog. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which dog to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.

On Puppies

* Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.

* You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both puppy and for the mother dog as well.

* A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult dog. Although most puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a puppy would look like when it gets old; especially if it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

On adult dog

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult dog. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire information from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult dogs may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them.

* It may take some time and effort for an adult dog to be completely comfortable with a new owner.

* Take note that you need to introduce an adult dog to your children and other household members. This would help the dog be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.

* Adult dogs may not need your full attention unlike puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.

* For a fully grown dog physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

* Most dogs are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don’t wake up at night like most puppies do. Usually, they have grown out of the impulse of chewing things.

* An older dog can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household.

Adopting a dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them.

Adult dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them requires a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.

Bill McRea is the publisher of Knowninfo a premium website dedicated to providing knowninfo.com/ Information, Marketing Strategies and knowninfo.com/index.php?name=ShoppingCart Quality eBooks. Visit our site daily for updated information, and unique products.

It is important to choose a sugar glider breeder carefully. A breeder should be able to tell you a lot about the particular glider(s) you’re interested in (lineage and genetics, any health issues, etc.). Most breeders will also be able to answer any questions you have after you bring your sugar glider home, which is very important if you are new to sugar gliders! Sugar gliders are wonderful pets, but they have specific needs that are different from other pets.

Before you buy a sugar glider from a breeder you find on the internet, read their website and ask others about their experiences with this breeder. (Ask questions in sugar glider forums such as those on the glidercentral.net website.) The majority of breeders you will find on the internet are wonderful people, concerned with raising quality, healthy sugar gliders. But there are some sugar glider “breeders” on the internet who spread misinformation about what is required to keep a healthy, happy sugar glider. Their general attitude indicates that sugar gliders are simply a commodity.

If you see a breeder offering sugar gliders extremely cheaply (less than $100), it is a probable sign of a sugar glider “mill”. Additionally, be skeptical of a breeder who imports and/or breeds everything from anteaters to penguins to tigers. Those breeders do not specialize in sugar gliders and probably do not fully understand the species and its needs. They are more likely to sell you a sick or inappropriate sugar glider. Choose a well-run breeding facility whose first concern is raising quality, healthy sugar gliders.

If at all possible, avoid buying your sugar glider from a pet store, where impulse buys are encouraged. The same goes for trade shows and flea markets. Buying a sugar glider should be a carefully-considered action. Frankly, many of the sugar gliders at pet stores come from “sugar glider mills”. And bear in mind that the minimum-wage help at most pet stores will be unable to answer your questions about caring for your new sugar glider.

Whenever possible, choose a local breeder. That way, you can visit the breeder’s facility to interact with the sugar gliders before you buy. Also, by buying locally, you avoid having to have the sugar glider shipped. Transportation and shipping are stressful for any animal, and sugar gliders are no exception. That said, there are reputable breeders who are very skilled at shipping sugar gliders, so if you cannot locate a local breeder, contact an out-of-state breeder.

You can find a list of sugar glider breeders who are also members of the International Sugar Glider Association (ISGA) on the ISGA website. You may not want to necessarily restrict your search to breeders who are ISGA members, but that is a good place to start. Additionally, entering the search term “sugar glider breeder” into Google’s or Yahoo’s search box will yield the names and contact information for many breeders.

Regardless of which sugar glider breeder you decide to contact, there are a number of important questions to ask:

How long have you been breeding sugar gliders?

Do you have the proper license(s) to breed and sell sugar gliders?

Do you have references and/or testimonials from other people who have bought sugar gliders from you? (Be sure to go ahead and check those references!)

Will you be willing to take my phone calls and/or emails regarding questions I have, once the sugar glider is in my home?

Do you have a health guarantee? How long is it? Can I have that guarantee in writing?

Do you guarantee your sugar gliders’ ability to breed (only important if you are planning to breed them, too)? Can I have that guarantee in writing?

Do you handle your joeys (baby sugar gliders) a lot once they are out-of-pouch? How much time do they spend interacting with humans?

Was this sugar glider permitted to leave the pouch naturally, or was he removed from his mother’s pouch early? (It is always best to leave joeys in the pouch until they are ready to leave, unless Mom is sick or deceased.)

You should also expect that a breeder will have a lot of questions to ask you! If the breeder does not ask you questions, it could be a sign that he or she is only interested in making quick money, not in providing proper, loving homes for their sugar gliders.
A breeder may ask you:

Why do you want to buy a sugar glider?

Have you considered all the pros and cons of a sugar glider? (They should be able to tell you the pros and cons.)

Are you willing to make the time commitment that a sugar glider requires?

Are you willing to love and take care of this pet for up to 15 years?

What kind of housing/cage are you going to provide?

Are you willing and financially able to provide veterinary care?

Are there small children in your household, and if so, how will be they be supervised around the sugar glider?

Are there other pets in your household? What preparations have you made to insure the sugar glider will be safe from these pets?

What kind of food are you going to provide for your sugar glider?

All in all, the search for the perfect sugar glider for you and your family should be deliberate and carefully-considered. Remember, sugar gliders can live for up to 15 years in captivity, so it is worth your while to buy a healthy glider from a breeder you can contact in the future.

Miles Fowler is the author of Sugar Gliders: The Ultimate Guide, a comprehensive and authoritative book for both novice and experienced sugar glider owners. Learn more at:
sugargliderauthority.com/ sugargliderauthority.com

The Norwich Terrier is an active breed that can live in an apartment as long as she can look forward to frequent walks. A properly fenced in yard would be ideal for exercise but she is a digger and will take off once loose, for adventures. They generally do well with other pets and love considerate children and their toys. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Norwich Terrier is about 10 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 10 to 12 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Norwich Terrier is no exception. Although considered a hardy and long lived breed, be on the look out for genetic eye disease, back problems and dry skin if kept indoors.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Norwich Terrier has a wiry, straight, hard, medium length, close to the body coat with an undercoat that sheds lightly. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

Life Span

The Norwich Terrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Norwich Terrier comes from England where it was a ratter and farm dog. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1936.

Some Registries

Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Club
UKC United Kennel Club
NKC National Kennel Club
CKC Continental Kennel Club
APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
AKC American Kennel Club
FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
ACR American Canine Registry

Litter Size

Around 3 Norwich Terrier puppies

Category

Terrier

Terms To Describe

Spirited, stocky, fearless, affectionate, personable, loyal

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.
This breed sheds lightly.
Love to play ball.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Poor guard dog.
Can be difficult to housetrain.
Is a digger.
Will bark plenty if left outside too much.

Other Names Known By

CantabTerrier, Jones Terrier, Trumpington Terrier

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

About the Author

Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com petpages.com, a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info. petpages.com Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.

With literally hundreds of different dog breeds, how do you choose the right one for you? Large dog or small dog? Indoor or outdoor? Older dog or puppy? With so many different dog breeds to choose from this task can seem a bit overwhelming. But by following a few simple steps, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect dog for you.

First let’s start by evaluating your lifestyle. Space is a major consideration. Do you live in an apartment? If so, then the larger dog breeds probably won’t be for you. You might want to consider dogs in the Toy group such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pug or Miniature Pinschers.

Do you have children? Young children can accidentally injure such small dogs such as Maltese or Chihuahuas because of their delicate nature. On the other hand, very large dogs such as Saint Bernards, Boxers or Great Danes can be overly boisterous and poise a similar threat to the safety of your children. Anyone who has been swatted by a Great Dane’s wagging tail knows what I am talking about. Medium size dog breeds such as Fox Terriers or Lhasa Apsos may be a good choice instead.

Another consideration should be how much exercise can you give your dog. Do you have a home with a large fenced-in back yard, allowing your dog to get some exercise on it’s own? Certain dog breeds, especially in the Sporting, Hound and Herding groups are very high energy animals and require a more intensive exercise regimen. Long walks and daily romps in the park are recommended for these dogs. These dog breeds were bred to work, and they need to burn off their excess energy.

Grooming needs are another important consideration. Some dogs need only a half hour or so of grooming a week while others may need to be groomed for an hour each day. You better plan on frequent visits to the groomer if you choose a Standard Poodle or Maltese. Conversely, such dog breeds as Boston Terriers or Whippets require very little grooming time.

Freelance writer and webmaster of the following sites:

iwannapet.com iwannapet.com

everything-dog.blogspot.com everything-dog.blogspot.com

The sex of a puppy is determined by the sire. The dam determines the number of puppies that can be conceived. Breeding should occur every other day during the dam’s full estrous period to the allow the stud to recuperate and rebuild viable sperm.

At the moment of conception a puppy’s genetic makeup is set for life. A breeder can only support the litter by providing an optimum environment, first for the dam and then later for the puppies.

The genetic history of a puppy is not always just from the immediate sire or dam. It is also based on earlier family members such as the grandparents, great grandparents and even earlier generations.

The discipline of breeding along with the successes and heartaches is found learning the aspects of linebreeding, inbreeding and outcrossing of the various bloodlines available. It takes years of concentrated study and effort, trial and error, to achieve a successful breeding program.

It is important to know the breed standard and to have a fundamental grasp of genetics. However, even with the most scientific approach, breeding dogs involves a certain amount of luck. It is like the spin of a roulette wheel, or a numbers game. I often think one needs to have a bit of a “gamblers” mentality to be able to stick with it. There is a “high” that can be experienced by the dedicated and passionate breeder….at the time of whelping….at the time of puppies departing and at the time of finally mating the perfect pair, and much uncertainity all along the way of whether this is a win or a loss.

Puppies’ temperaments are affected by genetics, environment and initially through their dam, her relationship with the breeder and her generalized perception of her environment. The attitude of the dam will be reflected to some degree in every puppy.

The time between birth and the first eight to ten weeks of puppies’ lives is the most critical time. It is at this time that they acquire much of their mother’s temperament. Puppies are highly focused on their mother during this time period.

Puppies and older dogs learn through mimicking those closest to them, their mother and their littermates. Inherited behaviors is believed to be only about 10 percent and 90 percent is acquired. The environment in which a puppy is eventually raised into an adult dog plays the biggest role on the puppy’s ultimate temperament and behaviors.

Connie Limon publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Coupons for shih tzu puppies and other products are offered to subscribers. Updates of available puppies. Sign up at: stainglassshihtzus.com stainglassshihtzus.com

Therapy dogs are dogs that are canine good citizens and are well trained and of a nature that is suitable for interaction with humans who are unwell. Studies have shown that interaction with pets and the special bonding it brings, helps the sick heal faster and trauma patients are known to come out of silence, grieving, or shock by interacting with pets.

An innovative program set up by Therapy Dogs International is “children reading to dogs.” Handlers and their dogs visit libraries and schools regularly and interact with children who have trouble reading. The dogs make friends with children who are encouraged to read the dog a story. The friendship and bonding between the child and dog as well as the non judgmental attitude of the happy animal encourages the child to read aloud to the dog who sits with a smile on his face and a wag in his tail. The interaction instills confidence in the child as well as improved learning.

Therapy dogs also provide valuable relief during disasters by helping affected families and persons as also relief workers. The animals provide comfort and an understanding that is invaluable in sad situations. Petting and hugging or grooming the dogs provides release of anxiety and stress. Dogs help heal and overcome problems and grief. It is unbelievable the kind of understanding a dog can show. So, dogs regularly work at bombing sites, earthquake affected areas as well as places whether flood or hurricanes have struck.

There are therapy dogs who regularly visit hospitals, old age homes, and nursing homes to help heal. The interaction with dogs brings a smile to face of patients and many dogs participate in physical therapy programs as well as in children’s wards where there are many children fighting illnesses. The dogs instill a positive attitude in patients and many look forward to the visit each day. Patients are encouraged to talk to the dogs, pet them, or even groom them. Bonding with the dogs speeds up healing and brings happiness. Many of the dogs are natural clowns and perform tricks to entertain the sick.

To be a therapy dog, both the handler and dog have to undergo special training, be of good health, be well groomed, and be dedicated to the cause. The dog must have a clear health certification and not be shedding his coat or have any allergies. The dog needs to be calm and obedient as he will have to take hospital activities and noise in his stride. The handler will need to devote time in training the dog, enjoy the work, and take insurance against unforeseen accidents. Owners interested in pet-therapy work will need to register with a group in the area where they live and find out from their dog club or trainer whether the dog they have is of a suitable nature and breed to be a good and successful therapy dog.

Therapy dogs show great patience, love, and understanding and the interaction is magical as even terminally ill patients are known to get better. Dogs boost morale, provide affiliation and touch, encourage love and communication, stimulate activity and exercise, help patients deal with depression, loss, and grief, and lower hypertension as well as blood sugar levels.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for 1888Discuss.com/pet/ 1888Discuss.com/pet/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Pet Forum including topics on pet health, pet care and nutrition, grooming pet at home, dog, cat’s health issues and more. He also freelances for the premier Web Directory site 1866Webdirectory.com 1866Webdirectory.com.

Over the years, the dog has become a limitless topic of conversation. From the funny things they do, the cute looks they give, the amazing tricks they achieve, and yes, the not so pleasant things as well, dogs have brought an enormous addition to humanities lifetime.

There have been many occasions throughout the course of time that a famous saying has come as the direct result of a dog’s behavior. It’s quite amazing the influence that dogs have had over even our English language.

As a tribute to this fact, here’s a list of notable quotations on dogs that have been said by famous people. You’re bound to have heard a few of these and probably know of a few that aren’t listed here.

Famous Dog Quotations

When a man’s best friend is his dog, that dog has a problem.

– Edward Abbet

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.

– Josh Billings

Every dog has his day.

– Miguel de Cervantes

A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of.

– Ogden Nash

You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog.

– Harry S Truman

Did you ever walk in a room and forget why you walked in? I think that’s how dogs spend their lives.

– Sue Murphy

Any man who does not like dogs and want them about does not deserve to be in the White House.

– Calvin Coolidge

We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet; and amid all the forms of life that surround us, not one, excepting the dog has made an alliance with us.

– Max Dupree

Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend and inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.

– Groucho Mark

From a dog’s point of view his master is an elongated and abnormally cunning dog.

– Mable L. Robinson

Critics are to authors what dogs are to lamp-posts.

– Jeffrey Robinson

Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog’s face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window.

– Steve Bluestone

I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren’t certain we knew better.

– George Bird Evans

Women and Cats will do as they please. Men and dogs had better get used to it.

– Robert Heinlein

I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven’t got the guts to bite people themselves.

– August Strindberg

A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.

– Robert Benchley

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.

– Mark Twain

Dachshunds are ideal dogs for small children, as they are already stretched and pulled to such a length that the child cannot do much harm one way or the other.

– Robert Benchley

The more I know about people, the better I like my dog.

– Mark Twain

Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear

– Dave Barry

To find dog resources and more interesting reading visit:
bullandhund.com Emsley’s English Bulldogs and Miniature Dachshunds

Dogs need supplements just as much as humans do. In fact, if their primary food is commercial pet food, dogs need probiotics even more!

There are basic supplements that dogs require as they get older, like digestive enzymes, and others that they need throughout life, like omega 3/6 oils, minerals, and probiotics. Why probiotics for dogs?

Your Dog may Look and Act Healthy, But…

Domesticating a dog is behavioral, but domesticating dogs’ diet has led to a growing health crisis. In order for a dog to be truly healthy, it needs to be fed a diet that resembles that of his wild ancestors, who hunt and kill fresh game. They supplement their diet by eating grass and dirt! More on this in a minute.

The closest you are likely to get is a raw diet consisting of free-range chicken, and grass-fed meat that are hormone and antibiotic- free. To this basic diet add supplements that replace the grass and dirt. If you do that, your dogs will be healthier, happier and live longer!

Perhaps the most powerful medical quotes of all time is completely ignored by American doctors and veterinarians.

“Fully 90% of all chronic disease is caused by an unhealthy digestive system” The Royal Society of Medicine, Great Britain

Probiotic Supplements and Intestinal Balance


Dannons’ highly successful advertising campaign, back in the seventies, suggested that the Hunzas lived well over 100 because they ate yogurt- a probiotic! Never mind that the air they breathed nor the soil that grew their fruits and vegetables and raised their meat was pollution-free, or that the yogurt the Hunzas ate had little in common with Dannon or any other commercial yogurt. Yet, today there is fierce competition for your dairy-based probiotic dollar. Buyer beware!

Briefly, commercial grade probiotics, like yogurt or acidophilus supplements, comes from cattle that are not grass-fed, do not live in open pastures where they would exercise, breathe fresh air, and get vitamin D from sun light. Instead, they live in close quarters, toxic environments: They are injected with growth hormones and antibiotics. If there ever was any nutrient value to this milk, it was destroyed when it was pasteurized and homogenized. People and pets with dairy allergies are actually suffering from the effects of the care, feeding and processing of commercial dairy cows. People who switched to organic milk find they are no longer allergic!

Resolving GI related problems that have not advanced to chronic, is often as simple as giving them a daily probiotic! Why? Digestion and elimination are time sensitive. Too short, or too long, eventually leads to a health crisis.

The more processed the food, the more difficult it is for the digestive system to break it down. This takes a huge toll on the colonies of good (probiotic) bacteria as they expend themselves in their effort to find and assimilate the small amount of nutrient value.

The good bacteria not only aid in nutrient assimilation, they provide the balance against the bad bacteria. This balance is quickly upset when your dog eats tainted food, or a bacteria laden morsel. Heat and just the slightest bit of moisture (humidity) can quickly contaminate an open bag of dry dog food.

If you pay attention to your dog, you can see the early warning signs, which may include loss of energy, bad gas, bad breath, itchy skin, constipation, bouts of diarrhea or vomiting, and loss of appetite. These are quickly resolved with just a doses of probiotic supplements, and prevented with daily use. Prevention saves you money in the long run.

Chronic health problems develop when the bad bacteria maintain the upper hand in the GI tract over a long period of time.

The Ultimate Probiotic


Some 25 years ago, researchers noticed that feral animals not only ate grass, but pulled at the grass. Delving into why, they discovered that the dirt surrounding the root structure of grasses from organic soils were teaming with microflora and bacteria that had a probiotic effect in the GI tract.

Appropriately, these microorganisms were collectively named Soil Based Organisms (SBOs).

Let Them Eat Dirt


It seems like the simple solution would be to let your dog eat grass. Most domestic dogs live in environments that do not provide these essential digestive aids. Lawns, and dog parks are treated with inorganic pesticides, fertilizers, and chlorine from municipal water. These chemicals kill SBOs.

SBOs vs Antibiotics


Doctors know that antibiotics are toxic chemicals that kill off both the good and bad bacteria, and yet they neglect to use probiotic treatments! If this is not bad enough, the side effects of antibiotic treatment to your dog are the equivalent of being kicked in the groin.

Probiotics are live organisms natural to the digestive system. SBOs are scientifically proven to resolve GI disorders and are essential to maintain intestinal balance. Since GI disorders develop as a result of bad bacteria overwhelming good (probiotic) bacteria, the first course of action should be to restore the balance by administering SBOs.

A few doses of SBOs will quickly dispatch most cases of GI upset before you could be seen by a vet. Plus, when administering SBOs there is no need to withhold food or water!

Where can you get SBOs?


SBOs are not a prescription medication. They are available on line, in a few select pet stores, and from holistic vets.

Culturing SBOs requires laboratory controlled conditions, using strict scientific protocols. Much like fermenting the finest beer or wine, the SBO culturing process cannot be rushed.

While just about any SBO formula will be beneficial, brands that consist of a variety of active SBO strains are more likely to quickly restore proper GI balance.

CAUTION: Things Can Go From Better to Worse- Temporarily!

As mentioned earlier, commercial pet food is hard to break down and digest. Consequently, it moves slowly through the intestines. Most likely some fecal plaque has adhered to your dogs intestinal walls. Once it gets a toehold, it thickens over time. Even fairly young animals can experience some blockage as a result of this build up.

Regular administration of SBOs will slowly begin to dissolve the fecal matter. During this clearing/cleansing process, pathogens and microbes that were covered up with layers of fecal matter will be exposed and can cause episodes of diarrhea or vomiting. Depending on the buildup, it may take a few months before it is completely removed.

During this time you are likely to see your dog reach new plateaus of happiness and energy. It can overwhelm them until they adjust.

Most cases of diarrhea or vomiting are the result of long-term food choices that are not probiotic friendly, or gulping down a pathogenic laden morsel. If you administer SBOs and your dog does not show noticeable improvement within 12 hours, take them to the vet immediately!

The author of this article is Robert Hart, the co-founder of Vitality Science, Inc., a company that formulates scientifically proven, all natural supplements to restore and maintain pet health for cats, dogs, kittens and puppies. To learn more about their products vitalityscience.com vitalityscience.com

Robert Hart has articles published in Fido Friendly Magazine, Ani-Med, on-line pet portals- Professors House/Pet Style- and pet newsletters.