Pet Life Style

Dominance Behavior

2010-01-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

It is believed by some that dogs establish a dominance hierarchy through aggressive play and roughhousing along a continuum of dominance and submission, although the concept of social hierarchies in dogs is unproven and controversial.

It is important for successful socialization that puppies participate with their littermates in learning to relate to other dogs. Dogs learn to successfully relate to other dogs by keeping the peace, rather than by constantly fighting to reestablish this hierarchy.

Although dogs are commonly characterized in terms of their dominance (e.g., "Fido is very alpha."), there is some controversy as to whether dominance is a stable personality trait.

In wild wolf packs, displays of dominance have been observed to include "licking up," which involves essentially begging for food; "pinning," in which the dominant dog appears to threaten another, which shows submission by rolling over; "standing over;" territorial marking; and more passive expressions of body language, including holding the tail and ears erect, looking directly at other dogs, circling and sniffing other dogs, growling if the other dog moves.

Submissive displays mirror dominant displays and include adopting a posture that is physically lower than other dogs, such as crouching, rolling over on the back and exposing the abdomen, lowering the tail (sometimes to the point of tucking it between the legs), flattening of the ears, averting the gaze, nervously licking or swallowing, dribbling of urine, and freezing or fleeing when other dogs are encountered.

In wolves, recent research has indicated that dominant behaviors have been misinterpreted as personality traits that determine the inidividual's place in a linear hierarchy in the pack. In contrast, Mech (see recent research, below) argues that packs are family units, and that the "alpha" of a pack does not change through struggles for dominance. Rather, he argues that the family unit serves to raise the young, which then disperse to pair up with other dispersed wolves to form a breeding pair, and a pack of their own. This model undermines the popular conception of dominance in wolf social behavior.

Research on canine familiaris has also questioned whether dominance is a personality trait. Svartberg and colleagues (2002) gathered behavioral data from 15,000 dogs of 164 breeds in attempt to identify major personality traits.

In an approach similar to those used in humans, the authors performed a factor analysis of their data, and identified five major traits: "Playfulness," "Curiosity/Fearlessness," "Chase-proneness," "Sociability," "Aggressiveness." A similar analysis by Goddard and Beilharz (1985) revealed two major factors in social behavior: "Confidence," and "Aggression-dominance."

These studies suggest that dominance, per se, may not be a personality trait. Rather, underlying personality traits such as aggressiveness, confidence and curiosity may affect the prevalence of dog behaviors that are viewed as dominant.

Dog Behavior

2010-01-12T06:25:00.000-08:00

Dog behavior refers to the collection of behaviors by the domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris, and is believed to be influenced by genetic, social, situational and environmental causes.

The domestic dog is a subspecies of the gray wolf, and shares many of its behavioral characteristics. Although there are important and distinct differences between dogs and wolves, contemporary views of dog behavior are heavily influenced by research on wild wolves.

The social unit for dogs is the pack. From research on wolf packs that are formed in captivity, the pack has traditionally been thought of as a tightly knit group composed of individuals that have earned a ranking in a linear hierarchy, and in which there is intense loyalty within the group.

It is believed that dogs were able to be domesticated by and succeed in contact with human society because of their social nature. According to this traditional belief, dogs generalize their social instincts to include humans, in essence "joining the pack" of their owner/handler.

However, much of this traditional view is based on findings from grey wolf packs that are formed of unrelated animals in captivity, and thus may not apply to natural wolf packs, natural dog packs, or dogs incorporated into a human household.

Research in packs formed in the wild indicates that wolves form a family group, including a breeding pair and their offspring. In these familial packs, the terms "dominance," and "submission" are less useful than "parent," and "offspring," and bring with them a number of misconceptions.

While the majority of research to date indicates that domestic dogs conform to a hierarchy around an Alpha-Beta-Omega structure, domestic dogs, like their wild wolf counterparts, also interact in complex hierarchical ways.

Dr. David Mech of the University of Minnesota, who has studied wolves in their natural habitat, claims that much of what is widely believed about wolf packs is mistaken. From observations of wolf packs on Ellesmere Island over more than a decade, he claims that natural wolf packs are not at all similar to those formed in captivity by unrelated wolves.

He attributes many of the misconceptions about wolf packs to generalizations from these unnatural packs in captivity, and equates this to erroneous inferences we might draw from generalizing human behavior from studying refugee camps.

Dr. Mech argues that the natural wolf pack is typically a family, with a breeding pair of adult wolves and their offspring. In such cases, the terms "alpha" and "dominant" are less appropriate than "parent." Of course, the parent wolves are both "alpha" and "dominant" (by definition), but he argues that these terms are misleading because they imply that a pack of wolves typically include multiple families and that the members assume a place in a linear hierarchy.

A wolf pack should not be seen as a tribe of individuals who have an established place in a hierarchy until a younger dog usurps the role. Rather, a wolf pack should be seen as a family unit, with young wolves of age dispersing into new territories of their own, to find other wolves and begin their own family units.

Mech also states that dominance is rare in wild wolves, and does not arise from sexual competition. Because young wolves usually disperse before age two, and almost always before age 3, there is little sexual tension within a pack.

Instead of "dominance" and "submission", he uses the terms "assertiveness" and "passiveness" to reflect the role of the wolf in the pack. Dominant breeding pairs led the pack most of the time (71%), and initiated most new behaviors (70%). Leadership behavior in subordinate pack members tended to be followed by dispersion.

Intelligence

2010-01-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

The domestic dog has a predisposition to exhibit a social intelligence that is uncommon in the animal world. Dogs are capable of learning in a number of ways, such as through simple reinforcement (e.g. classical or operant conditioning) and by observation.

Dogs go through a series of stages of cognitive development. They are not born with the understanding that objects which are not being actively perceived still remain in existence, called object permanence. This occurs as the infant learns to interact intentionally with objects around it. For dogs, this occurs at roughly 8 weeks of age.

Puppies learn behaviors quickly by following examples set by experienced dogs. This form of intelligence is not peculiar to those tasks dogs have been bred to perform, but can be generalized to myriad abstract problems. For example, Dachshund puppies who watched an experienced dog pull a cart by tugging on an attached piece of ribbon in order to get a reward from inside the cart learned the task fifteen times faster than those who were left to solve the problem on their own.

Dogs can also learn by mimicking human behaviors. In one study, puppies were presented with a box, and shown that when a handler pressed a lever, a ball would roll out of the box. The handler then allowed the puppy to play with the ball, making it an intrinsic reward. The pups were then allowed to interact with the box.

Roughly three-quarters of the puppies subsequently touched the lever, and over half successfully released the ball, compared to only 6 percent in a control group that did not watch the human manipulate the lever. Another study found that handing an object between experimenters who then used the object's name in a sentence successfully taught an observing dog each object's name, allowing the dog to subsequently retrieve the item.

Dogs also demonstrate sophisticated social cognition by associating behavioral cues with abstract meanings. One such class of social cognition involves the understanding that others are conscious agents. Research has shown that dogs are capable of interpreting subtle social cues, and appear to recognize when a human or dog's attention is focused on them.

To test this, researchers devised a task in which a reward was hidden underneath one of two buckets. The experimenter then attempted to communicate with the dog to indicate the location of the reward by using a wide range of signals: tapping the bucket, pointing to the bucket, nodding to the bucket, or simply looking at the bucket.

The results showed that domestic dogs were better than chimpanzees, wolves, and human infants at this task, and even young puppies with limited exposure to humans performed well. Dr. Stanley Coren, an expert on dog psychology, states that these results demonstrated the social cognition of dogs can exceed that of even our closest genetic relatives, and that this capacity is a recent genetic acquisition which distinguishes the dog from its ancestor, the wolf.

Studies have also investigated whether dogs engaged in partnered play change their behavior depending on the attention-state of their partner. Those studies showed that play signals were only sent when the dog was holding the attention of its partner. If the partner was distracted, the dog instead engaged in attention-getting behavior before sending a play signal.

Dr. Coren has also argued that dogs demonstrate a sophisticated theory of mind by engaging in deception, which he supports with a number of anecdotes, including one example where a dog hid a stolen treat by sitting on it until the rightful owner of the treat left the room.

Although this could have been accidental, Coren suggests that the thief understood that the treat's owner would be unable to find the treat if it were out of view. Together, the empirical data and anecdotal evidence points to dogs possessing at least a limited form of theory of mind.

Life Style

2009-12-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

The coats of domestic dogs are either "double", made up of a coarse guard hair and a soft down hair, like a wolf, or "single", with the topcoat only. Dogs with double coats tend to originate in colder climates.

Domestic dogs often display the remnants of countershading, a common natural camouflage pattern. A countershaded animal will have dark coloring on its upper surfaces and light coloring below, which reduces its general visibility. Thus many breeds will have an occasional "blaze", stripe, or "star" of white fur on their chest or underside.

There are many different shapes for dog tails: straight, straight up, sickle, curled, or cork-screw. In some breeds, the tail is traditionally docked to avoid injuries (especially for hunting dogs). In some breeds, puppies can be born with a short tail or no tail at all. This occurs more frequently in those breeds that are frequently docked and thus have no breed standard regarding the tail.

While all dogs are genetically very similar, natural selection and selective breeding have reinforced certain characteristics in certain populations of dogs, giving rise to dog types and dog breeds.

Dog types are broad categories based on function, genetics, or characteristics Dog breeds are groups of animals that possess a set of inherited characteristics that distinguishes them from other animals within the same species.

Modern dog breeds are non-scientific classifications of dogs kept by modern kennel clubs. Purebred dogs of one breed are genetically distinguishable from purebred dogs of other breeds, but the means by which kennel clubs classify dogs is unsystematic.

Systematic analyses of the dog genome has revealed only four major types of dogs that can be said to be statistically distinct. These include the "old world dogs" (e.g., Malamute and Shar Pei), "Mastiff"-type (e.g., Labrador Retriever), "herding"-type (e.g., St. Bernard), and "all others" (also called "modern"- or "hunting"-type).

Dogs are susceptible to various diseases, ailments, and poisons, some of which can affect humans. To defend against many common diseases, dogs are often vaccinated.
Some breeds of dogs are prone to certain genetic ailments such as elbow or hip dysplasia, blindness, deafness, pulmonic stenosis, cleft palate, and trick knees.

Two serious medical conditions particularly affecting dogs are pyometra, affecting unspayed females of all types and ages, and bloat, which affects the larger breeds or deep-chested dogs. Both of these are acute conditions, and can kill rapidly. Dogs are also susceptible to parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, as well as hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.

Dogs are highly susceptible to theobromine poisoning, typically from ingestion of chocolate. Theobromine is toxic to dogs because although the dog's metabolism is capable of breaking down the chemical, the process is so slow that even small amounts of chocolate can be fatal, especially dark chocolate. Dogs are also vulnerable to some of the same health conditions as humans, including diabetes, dental and heart disease, epilepsy, cancer, hypothyroidism, and arthritis.

Dog Senses

2009-12-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

Like most mammals, dogs are dichromats and have color vision equivalent to red-green color blindness in humans (deuteranopia). The dog's visual system has evolved to aid proficient hunting.

While a dog's visual acuity is poor (that of a poodle's has been estimated to translate to a Snellen rating of 20/75), their visual discrimination for moving objects is very high; dogs have been shown to be able to discriminate between humans (e;g. identifying their owner) from distances up to a mile.

As crepuscular hunters, dogs often rely on their vision in low light situations: they have very large pupils, a high density of rods in the fovea, an increased flicker rate, and a tapetum lucidum. The tapetum is a reflective surface behind the retina that reflects light back to give the photoreceptors a second chance to catch the photons.

The eyes of different breeds of dogs have different shapes, dimensions, and retina configurations. Many long-nosed breeds have a "visual streak" – a wide foveal region that runs across the width of the retina and gives them a very wide field of excellent vision. Some long-muzzled breeds, particularly the sighthounds, have a field of vision up to 270° (compared to 180° for humans).

Short-nosed breeds, on the other hand, have an "area centralis": a central patch with up to three times the density of nerve endings as the visual streak, giving them detailed sight much more like a human's.

Some broad-headed breeds with short noses have a field of vision similar to that of humans. Most breeds have good vision, but some show a genetic predisposition for myopia – such as Rottweilers, where one out of every two has been found to be myopic.

The frequency range of dog hearing is approximately 40 Hz to 60,000 Hz, which means that dogs can detect sounds far beyond the upper limit of the human auditory spectrum. Additionally, dogs have ear mobility which allows them to rapidly pinpoint the exact location of a sound. Eighteen or more muscles can tilt, rotate, raise, or lower a dog's ear. A dog can identify a sound's location much faster than a human can, as well as hear sounds at four times the distance.

While the human brain is dominated by a large visual cortex, the dog brain is dominated by an olfactory cortex. The olfactory bulb in dogs is roughly forty times bigger than the olfactory bulb in humans, relative to total brain size, with 125 to 220 million smell-sensitive receptors. The bloodhound exceeds this standard with nearly 300 million receptors.

Dogs can discriminate odors at concentrations nearly 100 million times lower than humans can. The wet nose is essential for determining the direction of the air current containing the smell. Cold receptors in the skin are sensitive to the cooling of the skin by evaporation of the moisture by air currents.

Man's Best Friend

2009-11-26T05:18:00.000-08:00

Dogs have lived and worked with humans in so many roles that they have earned the unique nickname, "man's best friend", a phrase which is used in other languages as well.

They have been bred for herding livestock, hunting (e.g. pointers and hounds), rodent control, guarding, helping fishermen with nets, and pulling loads, in addition to their roles as companions.

Service dogs such as guide dogs, utility dogs, assistance dogs, hearing dogs, and psychological therapy dogs provide assistance to individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Some dogs owned by epileptics have been shown to alert their handler when the handler shows signs of an impending seizure, sometimes well in advance of onset, allowing the owner to seek safety, medication, or medical care.

Owners of dogs often enter them in competitions such as breed conformation shows or sports, including racing and sledding. In conformation shows, also referred to as breed shows, a judge familiar with the specific dog breed evaluates individual purebred dogs for conformity with their established breed type as described in the breed standard.

As the breed standard only deals with the externally observable qualities of the dog (such as appearance, movement, and temperament), separately tested qualities (such as ability or health) are not part of the judging in conformation shows.

Dog meat is consumed in some East Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Vietnam, a practice that dates back to antiquity. It is estimated that 13–16 million dogs are killed and consumed in Asia every year. The BBC claims that, in 1999, more than 6,000 restaurants served soups made from dog meat in South Korea.

In Korea, the primary dog breed raised for meat, the nureongi (누렁이), differs from those breeds raised for pets which Koreans may keep in their homes. The most popular Korean dog dish is gaejang-guk (also called bosintang), a spicy stew meant to balance the body's heat during the summer months; followers of the custom claim this is done to ensure good health by balancing one's gi, or vital energy of the body.

A 19th century version of gaejang-guk explains that the dish is prepared by boiling dog meat with scallions and chili powder. Variations of the dish contain chicken and bamboo shoots. While the dishes are still popular in Korea with a segment of the population, dog is not as widely consumed as beef, chicken, and pork.

Other cultures, such as Polynesia and Pre-Columbian Mexico, also consumed dog meat in their history. However, Western cultures generally regard dog meat as taboo. In some places, however, such as in rural areas of Poland, dog fat is believed to have medicinal properties - being good for the lungs for instance.

In the USA, dogs cause 88% of the 86,000 falls caused by pets. Dog feces can cause a number of human diseases, including toxocariasis, which can cause blindness, and can also cause human hookworm. In the United States, about 10,000 cases of Toxocara infection are reported in humans each year.

Almost 14% of the US population is infected with Toxocara, a parasite of dogs and cats that can be passed from animals to humans. The incidence of dog bites, and especially fatal dog bites, is extremely rare in America considering the number of pet dogs in the country.

Fatalities from dog bites occur in America at the rate of one per four million dogs. A Colorado study found that bites in children were less severe than bites in adults. The incidence of dog bites in the US is 12.9 per 10,000 inhabitants, but for boys aged 5 to 9 the incidence rate is 60.7 per 10,000.

Moreover, children have a much higher chance to be bitten in the face or neck. Sharp claws with powerful muscles behind them can lacerate flesh in a scratch that can lead to serious infections. In the UK between 2003 and 2004, there were 5,868 dog attacks on humans resulting in 5,770 working days lost in sick leave.

Domestic Dogs

2009-11-18T05:43:00.000-08:00

Archaeological evidence plays a large role in this debate. In 2008, a team of international scientists released findings from an excavation at Goyet Cave in Belgium declaring that a large, toothy canine existed 31,700 years ago and ate a diet of horse, musk ox and reindeer.

Prior to this Belgium discovery, the earliest dog fossils were two large skulls from Russia and a mandible from Germany, that dated from roughly 14,000 years ago. Remains of smaller dogs from Natufian cave deposits in the Middle East, including the earliest burial of a human being with a domestic dog, have been dated to around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

There is a great deal of archaeological evidence for dogs throughout Europe and Asia around this period and through the next two thousand years (roughly 8,000 to 10,000 years ago), with fossils uncovered in Germany, the French Alps, and Iraq, and cave paintings in Turkey.

Thus, the archaeological evidence suggests that the latest dogs could have diverged from wolves was roughly 15000 years ago, although it is possible that they diverged much earlier.

DNA studies have provided a wider range of possible divergence dates, from 15,000 to 40,000 years ago, to as much as 100,000 to 140,000 years ago. This evidence depends on a number of assumptions that may be violated.

Genetic studies are based on comparisons of genetic diversity between species, and depend on a calibration date. Many estimates of divergence dates from DNA evidence use an estimated wolf-coyote divergence date (roughly 1 million years ago) as a calibration. If this estimate is incorrect, and the actual wolf-coyote divergence is closer to 750,000 or 2 million years ago, then the DNA evidence that supports specific dog-wolf divergence dates would be interpreted very differently.

Furthermore, it is believed that the genetic diversity of wolves has been in decline for the last 200 years, and that the genetic diversity of dogs has been reduced by selective breeding. This could significantly bias DNA analyses to support an earlier divergence date. The genetic evidence for the domestication event occurring in East Asia is also subject to violations of assumptions.

These conclusions are based on the location of maximal genetic divergence, and assume that hybridization does not occur, and that breeds remain geographically localized. Although these assumptions hold for many species, there is good reason to believe that they do not hold for canines.

Genetic analyses indicate all dogs are likely descended from a handful of domestication events with a small number of founding females, although there is evidence that domesticated dogs interbred with local populations of wild wolves on several occasions. Data suggests that dogs first diverged from wolves in East Asia, and that these domesticated dogs then quickly migrated throughout the world, reaching the North American continent around 8000 B.C.

The oldest groups of dogs, which show the greatest genetic variability and are the most similar to their wolf ancestors, are primarily Asian and African breeds, including the Basenji, Lhasa Apso, and Siberian Husky.

Some breeds that were thought to be very old, such as the Pharaoh Hound, Ibizan Hound, and Norwegian Elkhound, are now known to have been created more recently.

Domestic Dog Origin

2009-11-05T19:08:00.000-08:00

Domestic dogs inherited a complex social hierarchy and behaviors from their wolf ancestors.

Dogs are pack animals with a complex set of behaviors related to determining each dog's position in the social hierarchy, and they exhibit various postures and other means of nonverbal communication that reveal their states of mind.

These sophisticated forms of social cognition and communication may account for their trainability, playfulness, and ability to fit into human households and social situations, and these attributes have earned dogs a unique relationship with humans despite being potentially dangerous apex predators.

Although experts largely disagree over the details of dog domestication, it is agreed that human interaction played a significant role in shaping the subspecies. Shortly after domestication, dogs became ubiquitous in human populations, and spread throughout the world.

Emigrants from Siberia likely crossed the Bering Strait with dogs in their company, and some experts suggest that use of sled dogs may have been critical to the success of the waves that entered North America roughly 12,000 years ago. Dogs were an important part of life for the Athabascan population in North America, and were their only domesticated animal.

Dogs also carried much of the load in the migration of the Apache and Navajo tribes 1,400 years ago. Use of dogs as pack animals in these cultures often persisted after the introduction of the horse to North America.

The current consensus among biologists and archaeologists is that no one can be sure when dogs were domesticated. There is conclusive evidence that dogs genetically diverged from their wolf ancestors at least 15,000 years ago but some believe domestication to have occurred earlier.

It is not known whether humans domesticated the gray wolf as such to initiate dog's divergence from its ancestors, or whether dog's evolutionary path took a different course already prior to domestication. Lately the latter view has gained proponents such as biologists Raymond and Lorna Coppinger.

They theorize that some wolves started gathering around the campsites of the paleolithical man to scavenge his refuse. There, an evolutionary pressure developed that favored those who were less frightened by and keener in approaching humans.

The bulk of the scientific evidence for the evolution of the domestic dog stems from archaeological findings and mitochondrial DNA studies. The divergence date of roughly 15000 years ago is based in part on archaeological evidence that demonstrates that the domestication of dogs occurred more than 15,000 years ago, and some genetic evidence indicates that the domestication of dogs from their wolf ancestors began in the late Upper Paleolithic close to the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary, between 17,000 and 14,000 years ago. But there is a wide range of other, contradictory findings that make this issue controversial.

Dog

2009-10-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

The dog (Canis lupus familiaris, pronounced /ˈkeɪ.nis ˈluːpəs fʌˈmɪliɛəris/) is a domesticated form of the Gray Wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties.

The domestic dog has been one of the most widely kept working and companion animals in human history. Amongst canine enthusiasts, the word "dog" may also mean the male of a canine species, as opposed to the word "bitch" (the female of the species).

The dog quickly became ubiquitous across culture in all parts of the world, and was extremely valuable to early human settlements. For instance, it is believed that the successful emigration across the Bering Strait might not have been possible without sled dogs.

Dogs perform many roles for people, such as hunting, herding, protection, companionship, and, more recently, assisting handicapped individuals. Currently, there are estimated to be 400 million dogs in the world.

Over the 15,000 year span that the dog had been domesticated, it diverged into only a handful of landraces, groups of similar animals whose morphology and behavior have been shaped by environmental factors and functional roles. As the modern understanding of genetics developed, humans began to intentionally breed dogs for a wide range of specific traits.

Through this process, the dog has developed into hundreds of varied breeds, and shows more behavioral and morphological variation than any other land mammal.

For example, height measured to the withers ranges from a few inches in the Chihuahua to a few feet in the Irish Wolfhound; color varies from white through grays (usually called "blue'") to black, and browns from light (tan) to dark ("red" or "chocolate") in a wide variation of patterns; coats can be short or long, coarse-haired to wool-like, straight, curly, or smooth.

It is common for most breeds to shed this coat, but non-shedding breeds are also popular.

The English word dog comes from Middle English dogge, from Old English docga, a "powerful dog breed". The term may derive from Proto-Germanic *dukkōn, represented in Old English finger-docce ("finger-muscle").

The word also shows the familiar petname diminutive -ga also seen in frogga "frog", picga "pig", stagga "stag", wicga "beetle, worm", among others. Due to the archaic structure of the word, the term dog may ultimately derive from the earliest layer of Proto-Indo-European vocabulary, reflecting the role of the dog as the earliest domesticated animal.

Dog ousted traditional English hound by the 16th century, before which time it had the meaning of "dog" rather than modern "hunting dog", as in other Germanic languages – it is cognate to German Hund, Dutch hond, common Scandinavian hund, and Icelandic hundur.

Hound itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European *kwon- "dog", found in Welsh ci (plural cwn), Latin canis, Greek kýōn, Lithuanian šuõ, just to name a few. A group of offspring is a litter. The father of a litter is called the sire, and the mother is called the dam. Offspring are generally called pups or puppies until they are about a year old.

Dog Breeds

2009-10-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

Dog breeds are groups of closely related and visibly similar domestic dogs, which are all of the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris, having characteristic traits that are selected and maintained by humans, bred from a known foundation stock.

The term dog breed may also be used to refer to natural breeds or landraces, which arose through time in response to a particular environment which included humans, with little or no selective breeding by humans.

Such breeds are undocumented, and are identified by their appearance and often by a style of working. Ancient dog breeds are some of the modern (documented) descendants of such natural breeds. Dog breeds are not scientifically defined biological classifications, but rather are groupings defined by clubs of hobbyists called breed clubs.

A dog breed is represented by a sufficient number of individuals to stably transfer its specific characteristics over generations. Dogs of same breed have similar characteristics of appearance and behavior, primarily because they come from a select set of ancestors who had the same characteristics.

Dogs of a specific breed breed true, producing young closely similar to the parents. An individual dog is identified as a member of a breed through proof of ancestry, using genetic analysis or written records of ancestry. Without such proof , identification of a specific breed is not reliable.Such records, called stud books, may be maintained by individuals, clubs, or other organizations.

In biology, subspecies, race and breed are equivalent terms. Breed is usually applied to domestic animals; species and subspecies, to wild animals and to plants; and race, to humans.

Colloquial use of the term Dog breed, however, does not conform to scientific standards of
taxonomic classification. Breeds do not meet the criteria for subspecies since they are all
considered a subspecies of the gray wolf, an interbreeding group of individuals who pass on characteristic traits and would likely merge back into a single homogeneous group if external barriers were removed.

Pet Adoption ( part 2 )

2009-10-01T19:58:00.001-07:00

Many owners claim to have developed allergies to their pets, or that their children have developed allergies to their pets. People deal with their unwanted pets in many ways.

Some people have the pet euthanized (also known as putting it down or putting it to sleep), although many veterinarians do not consider this to be an ethical use of their resources for young and healthy animals, while others argue that euthanasia is a more humane option than leaving a pet in a cage for very long periods of time.

Other people simply release the pet into the wild or otherwise abandon it, with the expectation that it will be able to take care of itself or that it will be found and adopted. More often, these pets succumb to hunger, weather, traffic, or common and treatable health problems.

Some people euthanize pets because of terminal illnesses or injuries, while others even do it for common health problems that they cannot, or will not, pay for treating. More responsible owners will take the pet to a shelter, or call a rescue organization, where it will be cared for properly until a home can be found.

Homes cannot always be found, however, and euthanasia is often used for the excess animals to make room for newer pets, unless the place has a no-kill policy. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the US because of a lack of homes.

Animal protection advocates urge people to spay or neuter their pets and to adopt instead of buying animals in order to reduce the number of animals who have to be euthanized.To help lower the number of animals euthanized, some shelters have developed a no-kill policy. These shelters keep their animals as long as it takes to find them new homes. City shelters rarely have this policy because of the large number of animals they receive.

No-kill shelters are usually run by groups that have volunteers or individuals with enough space to foster pets until a permanent home can be found. However, many of these groups and individuals have a finite number of spaces available. This means they will not take in new animals unless a space opens up, although they will often take back pets that they have adopted out previously.

The central issue in the adoption of a pet is whether a new owner can provide a safe, secure, permanent home for the pet. Many shelters, pounds, and rescue organizations refuse to supply animals to people whom they judge cannot supply the animal with a suitable home. A new owner might also face training challenges with a pet who has been neglected or abused. In those cases, the owner must be extra patient with the animal and provide it with the right care to help the pet overcome the past.

One problem shelters are fighting to overcome is what they term "Big Black Dog syndrome". Big black dogs (BBDs) are consistently the hardest dogs to place — even if they’re friendly, well trained, and in perfect health.

This may be due to a number of factors, including fear stigma against certain breed types, attraction to ads and the fact that black dogs do not photograph as well as lighter coated ones, and the fact that black dogs are often portrayed as aggressive in film and on television. Organizations have started campaigns to educate the public about BBD syndrome.

Pet Adoption

2009-10-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

Pet adoption usually refers to the process of taking guardianship of and responsibility for a pet that a previous owner has abandoned or otherwise abdicated responsibility for.

Common sources for adoptable pets are:

Animal shelters, in the case of dogs also known as dog pounds.
Rescue groups.
Pets which are found out of captivity without identification, and which remain unclaimed by any owner.
Advertisements placed by individuals who are trying to find a new home for their pet
Pets that have been abused or neglected and have been confiscated from the offending owner
A fast growing source is online pet adoption. These sites have databases of pets, maintained by thousands of animal shelters, and are searchable by the public.

Dogs adopted from shelters are often referred to as shelter dogs or pound puppies; dogs adopted from rescue organizations are often called rescue dogs (not to be confused with search and rescue dogs). Shelters have put together informational websites to help the public choose the right dog for their family.

Pets are taken to animal shelters for many reasons.

Breeding: Breeders are a leading cause of overpopulation because they usually produce more pets than they can sell and often produce pets that do not fit their desired breeding specifications, and must be gotten rid of.
Death: Owner dies and no one in the family wants to (or can) keep the pet.
Changed circumstances: Financial or living arrangements change drastically and people feel that they can no longer provide an appropriate home for the pet. This might also include someone having to move to a new living situation where pets are not allowed.
Second thoughts: A pet was purchased after the spur of the moment decision or as a gift (frequently for Christmas). Some time afterward, owners discover that caring for the pet is much more work than expected, or requires more space or exercise than they are prepared to give.
Lost pet: Pet leaves home or cannot find its way back, and the owner does not succeed in finding it.
Health: Severe health problems make it impossible to have a dog in the house or impossible for the owner to care for the dog.
Practice babies: Shelters use this term for animals that have been adopted by couples, and who are then abandoned when the couple splits up, or when a real baby comes along and they no longer have the time or inclination to care for their pet.
Moving across borders: People leave the country; quarantine laws in some countries can be traumatic to pets and owners, so to avoid the stress, the pet is surrendered to an animal shelter.

Pet's Diet

2009-09-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

Every dog and cat has specific dietary needs that have been consistent throughout their evolution.

As household pets, we're now responsible for feeding them so it's important to select their diet carefully and make sure they're getting the nutrients they need.

As your pet grows from a puppy or kitten into an adult, their energy requirements and nutritional needs will change. Recent developments in nutritional science means we know much more about what keeps pets in top condition.

Scientists have discovered that macronutrients, particularly protein, fat and carbohydrate, each play a specific and important role in providing your pet with energy. This means you can now provide your pet with the specific balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate to meet their unique needs at every life stage.

Protein assists in the build and continuous repair of body tissue and structures like muscle and hair and plays an important role in the body's defence against disease. As natural carnivores, cats in particular need a much higher level of protein than other species to help maintain a healthy weight and lean body mass. Puppies and kittens also require a higher level of protein in their diet to support healthy growth and muscle development.

All animals require fat in their diet. Fat provides energy in a more concentrated form which is easily stored within the body to be used for energy when food is scarce. Fat also provides the essential fatty acids needed for a healthy skin and coat, normal cell membranes and kidney function by transporting fat-soluble vitamins around the body. However the level of fat in the diet of an overweight animal should be limited to avoid other health issues.

The third macronutrient, carbohydrate, has two variants - soluble and insoluble. Soluble carbohydrate found in cereal grains such as corn, is highly digestible and provides a good source of readily available energy needed to fuel daily activity. Active or working dogs require high levels of insoluble carbohydrates to provide lasting energy throughout an energetic day.

Insoluble carbohydrate (better known as fibre) doesn't provide energy but improves colon health. Fibre can help slow the digestion time allowing the nutrients within the food to be fully absorbed while promoting firm well formed stools.

Your pet's dietary needs will change throughout its lifetime, which is why it's important to feed them a premium health pet food which has been formulated with the right balance of macronutrients.

This will ensure your pet will receive the specific levels of protein, fat and carbohydrate it needs according to its life stage and dietary requirements. Look for premium health pet foods in your supermarket that have adopted this science to make sure your four legged friend has a perfectly balanced diet.

Cat's Nutritional

2009-09-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

You may not know it but nutrition is a very important factor when it comes to keeping your puss healthy.

Their complex bodies require certain things to be able to perform general everyday tasks. Just like us, cats need plenty of food and water but it's what is in their food that counts.

The most part of a cat's diet is protein. Protein supplies them with amino acids. Amino acids are needed in order for the body to manufacture antibodies, enzymes, tissues and a proper PH balance.

Protein is found in foods such as meat and fish, so it is ideal to give your cat meals that contain ingredients such as these. Fat is also required in your cats diet as it gives them an energy source for all that climbing and running around they do!

Along with fat and protein, minerals and vitamins also play a big part in their diet. Minerals and vitamins go hand in hand with having a healthy body so make sure that you pick out a good quality cat food that has all of the nutrients your cat requires.

It's also a great idea to feed dry food as it keeps their teeth healthy and hopefully gets rid of any built up tartar! If you have any concerns or questions regarding nutritional requirements for cats, make an appointment with your vet to obtain a greater insight on this topic.

Insights into your cat's eyesight

2009-09-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

The next time you catch your cat staring at you with its big, luminous eyes, try this: Blink at kitty very slowly. There's a good chance your cat will blink right back.

Many feline fanciers suspect that cats communicate with their eyes. And animal shelter workers will swear that if you blink slowly at even a feral cat, the animal often calms down. Cats also use their eyes to intimidate prey and even each other, as a way of establishing dominance.

And for their size, this animal has a lot of eye to work with. If our eyes were as big as those of any cat, in terms of their largeness per head size, our eyes would be eight inches long, each. Even more, a cat's eyes also bulge slightly, giving them excellent peripheral vision.

You may have noticed that, while you stumble around in the dark looking for the light switch, your cat is calmly navigating its way around the furniture. You may have also noticed that sometimes in a dim room, your cat's eyes will glow eerily. As nocturnal predators, cats have developed excellent night vision.

Cats have vertical irises, which can narrow to the tiniest sliver in bright light or open to cover 90 percent of their eye area, enabling the pupil to capture even the smallest amount of light. In addition, a cat has a shiny membrane in the back of the eyes called the "tapetum lucidum," which helps to reflect light back through the retina, enabling the animal to see better in low light situations. That said, there is a limit: cats still can't see in total darkness.

As anyone knows who has watched a bug try to get across the floor and not get pounced on by the cat, this animal is acutely attuned to movement. In our own eyes, rods react to intensities of light, while cones react to color. A cat's eyes have more rods and fewer cones than ours do. This means that while we have better color vision, a cat can detect motion better. But all that sensitivity to motion comes at a price: Cats don't actually see close objects very well. After all, what's the advantage of seeing the mouse once it's in your paws?

Cats also have a third eyelid to protect their eyes as they stalk prey through grass and underbrush. Called the "nictitating membrane," this eyelid rests at the inside corner of the eye. If a feline's eyes are inflamed or irritated, you may see this membrane start to protrude. If a cat is seriously ill or debilitated, the membrane will partially cover the eye (and that's a definite signal to take your pet to your veterinarian).

While it's not completely certain what colors your cat is able to see, there's no doubt that the color of a cat's eyes are simply beautiful -- copper, gold, green, orange, yellow, blue, and lavender. Many cat owners say they chose their cat because of its eye color. Given the power of the cat's eyes, perhaps they were happily mesmerized.

Protecting Your Indoor Kitty

2009-08-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

The other day I was walking my dog in our favourite off-leash beach, and I noticed a strange-looking baby stroller go by. It was completely covered and had a window screen at the front to allow its occupant a view. Not quite.

To my surprise, it turned out the occupant wasn’t Bubble Boy, but a large tabby cat.

I’d seen elderly dogs wheeled around, but a cat? For cat owners, there is no controversy more ongoing than the question of whether or not to allow one’s favourite feline outdoors. Some will go to great lengths to make up for indoor confinement, such as the owner of this tabby did, wheeling her big guy around in a covered stroller to get his fresh air and entertainment for the day.

It doesn’t stop there.

The owner of an indoor cat can purchase cat-proof fencing, outdoor cages, runs, pens and harnesses to keep their little prowler properly contained while outside. The belief is that an indoor cat is kept safe from getting lost, stolen, or killed by another animal, or becoming the target of cruelty or an accident, as well as health hazards such as poison, disease and parasites.

The Humane Society of the U.S. estimates the average life expectancy of an outdoor, roaming cat to be 3 to 5 years, while the indoor kitty averages 17-plus years. Though my cat, Mrs. Peel, lived to the ripe old age of 20 and enjoyed moseying around the great outdoors, I can understand the fear.

If anyone has ever seen an animal suffer from ingesting anti-freeze fluid, you’d probably quite happily push your pet around in a stroller for the rest of its life.

Some people even keep their cat indoors to protect other living creatures from their cat, such as the estimated millions of birds that become kitty bait each year. In her wild youth, Mrs. Peel was also a rather skilled and relentless menace to the bird population.

The reasons for denying one’s cat the not-so-great outdoors are therefore plenty. The only argument against it, really, is that it’s worth the risk if kitty’s happiness is at stake. In other words, an indoor life is not a life worth having for a cat, or so goes my own logic. It’s also something of a hassle, especially in summer months when you’d like to leave your doors and windows open.

But let’s say you want to wean your cat off the roaming life and keep her happy indoors? Make the inside of your home appealing, for starters. Create inviting places to lie in the window and bask in the sun; ensure there are scratching posts and clean litter boxes (one per cat) available; keep toys and cat nip around.

And if it becomes impossible for your cat to adapt to the shut-in life, consider all the outdoor options out there for runs, pens, fencing — and of course, the stroller.

Dog Food Homemade

2009-08-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

Most dog (and cat) owners are seriously concerned about the safety of the commercial pet food that they are using. With the pet food scares and recalls that are all over the news recently, more and more dog owners want to prepare their own nutritious dog food for their loving companions.

However, a balanced diet for you or I is not the same as the one required by our furry friends. Their nutritional requirements are slightly different and these differences need to be taken into consideration for them to have a healthy balanced diet. The 3 major ingredients are discussed below.

Protein
Dogs require a significant quantity of protein in their diet, whether from a concentrated meat source or some other vegetable protein source. This is the first and foremost ingredient in a dog's diet. Examples of good protein sources would be chicken, beef, lamb (including organ meat) as well as fish, eggs and cheese.

Essential fatty Acids
The second most important requirement is fatty acids. Of these, Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) is the most important as it is the only one that dogs can't make themselves. Examples of good Omega 6 sources would be vegetables, vegetable oils, grains and fruits.

Calcium
Calcium is another important requirement for dogs. They actually need significantly more than their human companions. Examples of good sources of calcium for dogs would be animal bones which they can chew and calcium supplements obtained from vegetable sources.

The disadvantages of calcium from bones are that they may contain disease ("mad cow" disease), have a high amount of phosphorous and contain toxic elements like arsenic, lead, mercury, & radioactive strontium.

Foods to Avoid

There are several foods that you should avoid when making meals for your pet dog.

· Onions and garlic - the thiosulfates in these foods are actually very toxic to animals and can potentially cause the red blood cells to burst resulting in haemolytic anaemia.

· Chocolate and cocoa products - chocolate contains theobromine which can be poisonous to dogs when eaten in large quantities

· Raisins and grapes - large quantities of these can cause liver failure

· Macadamia nuts - small quantities can cause temporary paralysis

· Avocados- the plant and the fruit are toxic to dogs

· Raw meat - the book is out on this one as many people advocate giving raw meat to their dogs.

However, there is a chance that your dog (and you) will get sick from food-born parasites. Remember, if you do feed your dog raw meat, to practice safe food handling procedures. Also practice safe handling of your dog's waste as, although salmonella rarely affects dogs, they can pass it in their feces.

· Cooked poultry bones - these bones can splinter and kill your dog.

If you are thinking of changing your dog's diet to a home made one, you should consult with your dog's veterinarian, just like humans consult a physician for major changes in their diet. He/she is your best source of information on pet nutrition and can advise you on creating a balanced home diet.

Dietary changes should be made gradually as rapid changes in diet can cause stomach upset or discourage your dog from eating. Just remember that to stay fit, healthy and active your dog needs a nutritious and well balanced diet.

Quality Dog Food

2009-07-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Choosing the right dog food plays an important role in keeping your dog healthy and fit. Feeding the best quality dog food promotes health and increases the lifespan of your dog. It has been found that dogs fed on high quality foods, are energetic and have a shiny coat.

Dog food analysis helps us know the different ingredients used in making dog food. After examining the ingredients, a veterinarian can analyze whether the food is of good quality. Dog food analysis is used to ensure that the food meets the nutritional requirements of the dog.

There are certain factors that need to be considered before choosing a dog food. For instance, underweight or overweight dogs have different nutritional needs. Dogs with a higher activity level need more nutrition-dense foods. Dog food available in the market are classified into 3 main types. They are 'grocery store' foods, premium foods, and healthy foods.

Grocery store foods is the cheapest option to feed your dog. Although these foods may be pocket friendly, they contain ingredients which are not easily digested. They are blended with additives and chemicals that are responsible for causing diseases like cancer. These foods fail to provide the nutrition required for the proper growth of your dog.

Quality control standards are very low in these foods. As a result, in some cases, poisonous substances such as plastic, are detected in the analysis. On the other hand, premium foods provide high quality ingredients, but still contain certain elements such as chemical preservatives, artificial flavors and colors that can be harmful to your dog's health.

Premium foods are much more costly than 'grocery store' foods, as they contain a higher grade of ingredients that are easily digested and are beneficial for your dog. Premium foods are generally found in veterinary clinics and pet stores.

Healthy dog foods are often recommended by veterinarians as they contain the most nutritious ingredients. Available in any pet food market, these foods are made from the highest quality, nutrition rich foods that provide optimum health benefits for your dog.

These foods are prepared using vegetables, fresh fruits and grains like barley and brown rice that are rich in carbohydrates. Most of these foods do not contain additional colors or preservatives. They contain additional minerals and vitamins that provide a beautiful coat and a healthy skin to your dog. As these foods are fortified with high quality ingredients, they are expensive than other types of dog food. In short, you will have to spend more to get a healthier and a better quality of dog food.

Dog food ingredients are listed on the container labels. When buying healthy food for your pet, check the ingredients list and see if eggs, fish or meat are the first ingredient. In case, they are on the top of the ingredients list, then the food is a rich source of protein and is easily digestible.

Safety Products for your Dog

2009-07-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child safe, you need to constantly be on alert. There are certain dangers a dog faces, especially in urban and suburban settings where the risk of running away and getting hit by a car poses a serious threat.

Keeping your pooch protected on your property even when you’re not there to supervise, or keeping your dog from running off and becoming injured when playing around off leash, is reason enough to look for practical solutions. Below are three products that can help you and your companion enjoy some freedom while being safe!

Water Alarm

This product is designed to alert you should your dog enter the pool. Now I’m sure you’re thinking, my dog’s a great swimmer. And I’m sure he is. But the reality is dogs drown in swimming pools, simply because they can’t find the stairs. To keep your pooch safe this summer, look into the Safety Turtle Water Safety Alarm, or a similar product. This particular product works by attaching the Turtle to your pet’s collar: an alarm will sound at a base station in the house the moment he jumps in.

Fencing

There are numerous wireless pet fence manufacturers to choose from: Innotek and Petsafe are 2 very good brands. This form of containment makes it possible for you to create invisible boundaries on your property, so that your dog doesn’t run off. How does it work?

A transmitter (usually housed in the garage or basement) sends a radio signal through a concealed wire buried along the perimeter of the "fenced in" area. Your dog wears a special collar with a receiver that alerts him with a warning tone when he’s approaching the edge of the safe area, followed by a minor shock if he gets too close. Additional training, usually 7 – 14 days, is necessary to assist your dog in understanding and learning the boundaries of the fence.

It is important to note that while invisible fences work well with most dogs, they are not 100 % effective, especially if your dog is older, stubborn and not well trained. If you think this might be the case with your pet and you want to try this product, make sure you are on guard for a reasonable trial period to make sure your dog doesn’t figure out he can ‘jump’ the fence and run off.

You also need to check up on the fence once it is installed to make sure the perimeter wire is in tact, the batteries in your dog’s collar still work and if your dog has a heavy coat, the area where the collar makes contact is shaven. Also, check with the manufacturer about the radio frequency whether is it FM or AM. FM is preferable as AM tends to pick up stray signals that may give your dog a correction even when he is not near the perimeter of the fence.

Another disadvantage to this type of fence is that it does not keep other animals out. For this reason people often use this type of fence in conjunction with a standard fence to keep the dog out of a garden or pool.

Safety Light collars and vests

Safety collars and vests with flashers in general are constructed with reflective fabrics and have a flashing lights attached to them. Some, such asPolyBrite™ collar and leash do more than just reflect light, they generate their own. Both the collar and leash and give off a bright red glow and can also be set to flash.

They use a replaceable watch battery that last up to 250 hours, are light weight, and above all – water resistant. You can also find a range of clip on flashing lights, from the more durable and water proof for larger dogs to something very small and light such as the Pet Blinker. The clip on flashing lights can also be attached to a child’s coat or belt if needed.

Safety vests are a must for the working dog or if you take your dog jogging in poorly lit areas. Also essential for hunting dogs. Besides being constructed of reflective material higher end safety vests generate light and may have a flashing light for added visibility.

Safety precautions are always advisable but should the unexpected happen to your pet another consideration is pet insurance . And remember, these products are not a substitute for training your dog but they will give you another layer of confidence when you're not around to supervise.

Your Kitty Feels Safe At Home

2009-07-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

When Jean Wisken wrote to Your Pet to warn others of how easily her daughter's kitten crawled into the washing machine, Janice Holland was prompted to explore what it takes to make our homes "kitty safe".

It was the worst day of my life," says Jean Wisken, of Robina, recalling how her daughter's six-month-old Burmese cat, Sapphire, climbed into the drum of their front loading washing machine.

I placed a few items in the machine then went upstairs to fetch more laundry. By the time we discovered Sapphire was missing, the machine had been working for several minutes.

"The thought of what Sapphire must have endured will haunt me forever, all because I failed to close the door between loading the washing."

Sapphire received immediate vet care and survived her ordeal. But Jean's experience is a pertinent reminder of how careful we need to be around the home when inquisitive kittens are involved.

Kittens can get themselves into all sorts of mischief because they are naturally inquisitive.

"This is so they can learn and grow, it is how they learn the way of the world," says Sharon Tooth, head nurse at Paddington Cat Practice in Brisbane.

"Kittens are a bit like children, they need to be kept in line by their parents. If kittens are not watched by their mothers then they rely on their owners do ensure that their home is safe for them."

So how can we keep kitty out of harm's way?

Safety first

Think safety first. Kittens can easily get underfoot and trodden on, especially after a strenuous play session when they will just fall asleep when the need arises, which could be in the hallway or on stairs. Encourage your kitten to sleep safely in its own bed.

Also keep an eye on where they climb, such as bookcases, fridges and cupboards, as exploring kittens can easily fall and sustain injury. It's probably best to put glass and other fragile items away until your kitten learns the household rules.

Sharon says most kittens will not chew power cords but there is the odd one that will chew almost anything and it is very difficult to stop them.

"Put the cords inside a hose pipe when running them around the house. This makes it more difficult to chew. You could also put some Tabasco sauce on the cord to deter the cat but ensure the cord is not connected to the power source first."

In the kitchen

Cleaning agents should always have secure lids and be kept in cupboards.

"I would also recommend that after using cleaning agents, the area is washed thoroughly. This way a cat cannot come along and lick the area and ingest the residue that can cause erosion to the tongue or throat. If a cat should come into contact with any cleaning agent, phone the vet for advice then get to the vet as soon as possible."

It is hard to watch kittens and cats all the time when you are cooking. Keep them out of the kitchen if possible as they could jump up onto the stove and burn their feet on the hot elements.

Sharon says ensuring hot items are away from the edge of benches and not leaving pots unattended will help.

"If anything should happen, such as your cat pulling a pot of boiling liquid down onto itself, immerse the cat in cold water and get it to the vet as soon as possible."

And be sure to check fridges and freezes before closing them in case any smells have enticed your cat inside.

In the bathroom

Thankfully, most kitties do not like water so will not play in the bathroom, but if a cat should fall into a hot bath, immerse in cold water and take to the vet.

"I know that I have had a kitten fall into the toilet. The tell tale signs were a soaking wet cat and toilet seat, so the kitten had jumped straight out. However, it is probably best to get into the habit of closing the lid after use to avoid your kitten falling in."

In the laundry

Sharon says she is paranoid about closing a washing machine or dryer with a cat in it.

"I always check before I close the door to make sure there is no cat in the machine before I put it on. I sometimes double check exactly where each kitten or cat is before turning the machine on too!"

In the garage

There are some nasty things in the garage and Sharon recommends keeping everything in a secure cupboard, so cats cannot get at any of the poisonous products.

"One thing that is fatal to cats is anti freeze, which is added to car radiators. If this should leak, cats like the taste and once ingested they need to be treated within six hours to stop irreversible kidney damage. The only cure if not treated is a kidney transplant which will cost from $4000 to $8000."

In the garden

There are many indoor and outdoor plants that are dangerous to pets so its best to ensure your cat cannot chew on any part of a plant. Sharon warns that any flower from the lily family is toxic to cats if ingested and will cause fatal kidney failure if not treated quickly.

This can occur even if a cat just mouths any part of the plant. As lilies are popular with florists, be particularly careful if your kitten is moving around a floral arrangement containing lilies.

The outside world

When it comes to exploring the outside world, Sharon provides her "totally inside cats" with access to the outside world with a cat enclosure that is attached to one side of her house.

"This way they can laze out in the sun and also come and go as they please. We live on acreage and so have the added hazard of snakes and ticks. By having the enclosure it keeps away the tick problem and we have not had any snakes in the enclosure."

Keeping windows and doors screened will prevent your kitten from falling or wandering off unattended.

To exercise your kitty and let it explore the big wide world, keep in mind that cat harnesses are available and walking a cat on a lead is becoming popular. (And it will become more popular as more people do it!)

In case of emergency

Sharon says if in any doubt about your cat's health or safety, contact your vet immediately and get advice.

"We are always available to give clients advice no matter how trivial. If a cat is just slightly off it is always better to catch something early so that the cat does not get dehydrated and really sick before the vet's attention is sought. If a kitten or cat has ingested anything toxic, we may be able to save them."

Entertainment

Of course, the best way to keep your kitten entertained and out of mischief is by providing lots of toys, a scratching post and interaction.

"Play with a kitten every day with toys, rolled up paper or a piece of string," Sharon says.

"If you get into the habit of spending quality time with your kitten it will learn to come to you naturally and the activity may even help to keep your cat from getting fat."

Hopefully, these suggestions will help to prevent any accidents around the home such as the "most horrific experience ever" endured by Jean Wisken and Sapphire.

Jean says Sapphire is now as playful and as mischievous as ever, but will always be thought of as their little Aussie battler.

"I pray that she will enjoy a long life despite her terrifying ordeal," Jean says.

And so do all of us.

Cat's Meow

2009-06-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

The Cheshire cat explained to Alice in Wonderland "a dog growls when it is angry, and wags its tail when it is pleased. Now, I growl when I am pleased and wag my tail when I am angry. Therefore, I am mad".

All cat owners will be familiar with the warning sign of a swishing tail when "puss" is displeased and the purr of contentment when everything is going puss's way, but there are many other ways in which the cat expresses its emotions or communicates with its owner.

Owners may notice that when the cat is sitting on their lap it slowly blinks and momentarily shuts its eyes. This is a cat's way of saying "I feel safe and I trust you" and has sometimes been described as a "cat kiss". If the owner gives a soft smile and blinks slowly many cats will respond by blinking back. When the cat is in this mood it will often appear mesmerized and knead the owner's lap or arm with its front paws, often with the claws extended which can be quite uncomfortable for the owner. Nonetheless it is a sign of affection and contentment - for the cat!

Cats also pat with their paws. In contrast to the defensive for angry swipe with claws out, the gentle pat with claws retracted is the cat's way of getting attention or inviting play. Many cats will gently tap their sleeping owner's eyelids when the cat believes it is getting up time!

On returning home, the cat owner will be greeted by "meow" which with a little imagination may sound like "hello". This particular meow will be quite distinctive and used only as a greeting. It is quite unlike the "meow" to remind you it is meal time. The cat will also rub around the owner's legs and purr and the tail will be carried flag-like in greeting.

The owner who has upset the cat will also be familiar with the rear view of their departing cat - with its erect tail and stiff legged haughty walk which very clearly demonstrates the distain with which mere humans should be treated!

A cat will also express contempt through grooming. Who hasn't noticed the cat sitting just out of reach of a dog and washing behind its ears with a look of total disinterest.

The cat is a most complex creature which has learnt that there is mutual benefit in living with humans who will provide food and warmth and comfort. In turn, humans gain the benefit of companionship and entertainment from a pet which is quiet, clean and undemanding.

My dog is itchy

2009-06-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Spring and Summer is the time of year when owners might notice their pets starting to scratch. It is very unpleasant to watch our loved ones biting or scratching and chewing at themselves. This constant self-trauma can lead to other problems such as secondary infections and further skin inflammation.

There are many different causes for itchy skin in our pets and your veterinarian can determine what is causing your loved one to scratch.

There are certain parasites which can cause our pets to be itchy, such as fleas and mites. Fleas breed rapidly in summer, so flea allergy problems are worse at this time of year. There are many good preventative treatments on the market. Your vet is able to do a number of small simple tests to check whether your pet has a parasite problem. Some parasites such as fleas can be seen on your pet but others such as mites can only be seen under the microscope.

Certain infections (including bacterial and yeast infections) can also cause your pet to scratch. Your vet can also check for this and treat your animal accordingly.

Similar to humans, pets can suffer from allergies and there are many different things that give your pet an allergic reaction. Dogs and cats can be allergic to foods. By feeding your animal a different type of food (under the guidance of your vet) you may see an improvement. Food allergies are usually due to a particular protein source. Feeding your pet a different type of protein may help to resolve this allergy. There are commercial diets available from your vet specifically made for animals suffering with food allergies. Your vet can advise if your pet should have one of these diets.

Dogs and cats can also be allergic to pollens, dust mites and things in the home such as carpets and certain bedding. Some pets are allergic to flea bite saliva. Your vet can help you to determine what your pet may be allergic to. Some of these things can be controlled by preventative measures, such as flea control and removal of bedding, whereas other triggers such as pollens - that can increase at this time of year - are very difficult to eliminate from your pet's environment. In these cases, your pet may need medication to help reduce the signs associated with this disease.

So, if you see your pet scratching do not hesitate to ask your vet for help. There are many different causes and your vet will work out the best treatment option for your beloved friend!

Time For A Checkup

2009-05-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard the term ‘dog’s breath’. For some reason we’ve come to expect our furry friends to have bad breath – but the truth is if they do, there’s something wrong.

Halitosis is usually caused by bacterial by-products present in plaque, a soft material that builds up on teeth and gums, irritating gum tissue.

Tartar, a hard, calcified material, develops on top of teeth and provides a rough surface for more plaque to stick to. Untreated, the pet’s gums will become infected – this is gingivitis. Eventually, a painful condition called periodontitis sets in. By this time, all the structures around the teeth, including the bone, will be infected and teeth become loose.

Dogs and cats should have a dental check-up during their annual vaccination. Older pets will need a professional scale and polish under anaesthesia.

Root of the problem
Oral disease is the most common infection in our pets, with 80 per cent of dogs and almost as many cats having a degree of periodontal disease by the age of three. While bad breath may be the only sign noticed by pet owners initially, gums will turn red and bleed as the disease progresses. Pets’ eating habits will also change – usually they’ll develop a preference for softer foods as chewing becomes painful.

The effects of periodontal disease don’t stop at the mouth. Bacteria surrounding roots enters the bloodstream and harms other organs. Studies show dogs with severe periodontal disease have increased microscopic damage to kidneys, heart muscle and liver.

Prevent plaque
The key to managing gum disease is prevention. If teeth are cleaned frequently, plaque will not build up and gums will stay healthy. Oral health is maintained by daily hygiene, as with humans.

The gold standard of care is daily brushing. Diets and chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council will also help.

How to clean your pet’s teeth
This experience can be challenging for all! But if you can do it effectively, it will make a big difference. Here’s what I find works best:

Start by getting a soft cloth, then apply something your pet likes the taste of (Vegemite or anchovy paste, for example) and gently open its mouth, rubbing the cloth on the teeth. Don’t worry about trying to clean them the first time – just getting the pet used to you opening its mouth is the aim of the step. Reward your pet with a treat.
Over a two-week period, use the cloth to work your way around the outside of the teeth at the front and back. Give a little treat and a big cuddle as a reward for cooperation.
Once your pet has accepted the cloth, you can change to a soft child’s toothbrush. You can also use a pet toothpaste product – never use human toothpaste as pets hate the taste, and it’s too high in foaming agents and fluoride for them. Pet toothpaste comes in a wide range of flavours including malt, chicken, beef and prawn.

Cooking for your pet

2009-05-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

The contamination of commercial pet food has pet owners across North America worried as scores of dogs and cats have fallen ill or died as a result of eating melamine-poisoned pet food.

The massive pet food recall by Ontario-based manufacturer Menu Foods started in mid-March 2007. Since that time over 100 pet food brands manufactured by six companies have been recalled, and the list seems to keep growing.

In response, frightened pet owners are increasingly turning to the internet for do-it-yourself pet recipes - but is this a good idea?

Providing your pet with a nutritious, well-balanced meal may not be as simple as it sounds. In fact, pet owners take certain risks when making a home-cooked meal for their animals, according to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).

"If you want to home cook for your pet, you really need to do some research into that," Danny Joffe, a Calgary veterinarian speaking for the CVMA told the CBC. "It takes a lot of work to make a well-balanced meal because every species has different nutrient requirements."

Preparing a nutritionally sound diet for your dog or cat can be as complex and time-consuming as organizing a healthy diet for humans.

Raw food diets considered risky

One alternative to commercial pet food are raw food diets that include uncooked meats and vegetables, similar to what an animal may eat in the wild.

But a raw food diet involves some risk for salmonella poisoning. In fact, a study found that 30 per cent of dogs on raw food diets had salmonella in their stool. For this reason, the Canadian Veterinarian Medical Association doesn't recommend feeding pets raw food.

Salmonella poisoning can cause mild-flu like symptoms or more serious life-threatening illnesses. Pet owners could also be at risk of cross-contamination.

Nutritious home-cooked pet food

Because pets need a vitamin-rich diet, the CMVA recommends owners talk to their veterinarian for information on healthy recipes and diet plans. While the internet is filled with home-made pet recipes, not all may right for your pet. Generally speaking, the association says to select recipes calling for cooked meat, such as hamburger or chicken, as well as potato or rice and a mineral supplement.

Recipes should also be tailored to your pet's age, food sensitivities and general health. Some foods are toxic to dogs including onion, garlic, chocolate, raisins and grapes. Household plants such as Easter lilies can also cause acute kidney failure in dogs.

To prevent food poisoning, never feed animals foods that have gone bad.

If you decide to go the home-cooked route, here are two web sites recommended by the American College of Veterinary Nutritionistst

Petdiets :
Consulting company for vets, pet owners and food and supplement companies. You'll find information on basic nutrition facts and myths. The site also sells nutritionist-certified recipes for cats and dogs and offers individual, nutritional consultations.

Balanceit
Run by Davis Veterinary Medical Consulting, the website sells nutritional supplements for dogs and cats. Owners can also receive advice on choosing balanced recipes using human food from the grocery store. Recipes are reviewed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.

Free pet food recipes can be found on websites

Vegetarian pet foods

Experts say that healthy vegetarian diets can be formulated for cats and dogs. But because cats are carnivores, developing a vegetarian diet is a more complicated than the case with dogs, who are classified as omnivores. The main source of protein in vegetarian diets consists of millet, beans, lentils, grains and legumes. Dogs appear to require a slightly larger proportion of protein in their diets than humans.

As with home-cooked meals, consult your veterinarian on how to provide a nutritious vegetarian diet.

Dogs on holiday

2009-05-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

There used to be no place like home for a dog when the family went away. But these days, there's a place that might be even better than home.

Like so many dog owners, Reba Love, a retired accounting professor from Panama City, Florida, is shunning the old-fashioned kennel when she leaves town. Instead, she is opting to give her pooch a vacation of its own. Love takes her three-year-old Weimaraner, Chloe, to Beaches Pet Resort when she has to travel. The upscale pet boarding facility in Northern Florida offers luxury accommodations including extra playtime with staff. Rooms have tile floors and soft blankets. Love often opts for the larger room with a doggie door so Chloe can go out into the courtyard whenever she pleases.

"You can pay more for a room with a TV," Love says. "But I have no idea what they watch." While she doesn't want Chloe to be a couch potato, Love has been thinking about treating her beloved pet to a bubble bath the next time she goes out-of-town.

Unless you take your dog with you on trips, vacations often mean that man's best friend ends up being boarded. These days, a growing number of facilities nationwide are eschewing the "kennel" label and are donning such nicknames as "Doggie Utopia." Canyon View Ranch, in Topanga, California, bills itself as a "Canine Shangri la," where dogs can run on manicured lawns, climb ramps and crawl through tunnels in Disneyland-inspired parks.

Camp Bow Wow, which expects to have 50 franchises open in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2006, offers all-day romping, while overnight guests get tasty "campfire treats" before being tucked into cots in their own cabins. Camp Web Cams help families monitor pups over the Internet from wherever they are -- the beach, the ski resort, or the Champs Elysees.

"Our clients typically humanize their pets a bit. They see them as their kids," says Heidi Flammang, CampBowWow founder and CEO. "The thought of leaving their dog alone in a box for 24 hours a day is too much."

Here's how to decide if a pet resort is right for your pooch:

What to look for Never decide on a boarding facility from a brochure or the Internet. You have to go visit the grounds, meet the staff, and see for yourself how animals are treated. A good kennel is clean, well-ventilated, air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter. The staff should interact with pets. "When dogs are at home, they're generally with family members being touched and petted.

Suddenly, you put them in a kennel with handlers who never touch them and it can be quite traumatic," says Elizabeth Wilmot, owner of Countryside Kennels, in Owings, Md., and the Mid-Atlantic regional director of the American Boarding Kennels Association. Countryside offers a "Sportsman's Package" for $40-a-night, including a swim in the bone-shaped swimming pool, jogging, Frisbee sessions, and bottled water. Pampered pooch guests receive playtime, moonlit walks, petting sessions, and an orthopedic bed for $35 nightly.

Consider your dog's temperament Many of these kennel redux owners shy away from cages and encourage dogs to play in groups by romping, running and chasing. Cage Free K-9 Camp, of Los Angeles, allows overnight guests to sleep in a 2,000-square-foot, climate-controlled loft on individual dog beds. In the TV lounge, they show Animal Planet. And over at CampBowWow, despite the fact each dog is given a private dining space, all dogs are temperament-tested. "We have an interview process," Flammang says. A dog needs to enjoy the company of other dogs to be boarded in a communal environment. Otherwise, individual rooms are a better bet.

How to pack Dogs, like children, sometimes do best on "sleepovers" when they have a comfort item to remind them of home. Check with a facility before bringing a blanket, a towel, or a favorite toy, Wilmot says. This is usually fine if your pet has his or her own "room" or run. It may be more difficult -- or provoke aggressive behavior -- in the group environment.

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, or special diets, you may want to bring your own food to the kennel. Many luxury kennels provide top-notch fare for overnight guests, such as the "healthy lamb-and-rice diet with Glucosamine" included in the $50-a-night rate at Canyon View Ranch. Medications will also be administered on site at most pet resorts, although some charge extra. No matter where your dog stays, you'll want to spring for a bath and flea dip before bringing your pet back home.

These new-fangled pet resorts may cost a tad more than the old-style kennel, but pup parents say it's worth the price in peace of mind. "This is my baby," Love explains of her dog Chloe. "She's a 70-pound baby, but she's still my baby."

Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer

2009-04-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

During hot days and dry conditions, your four-legged friends will need all the help they can get in keeping their cool over summer.

Pets require many of the same conditions that humans need: a shady spot to spend the day, access to cool water and plenty of rest. They also require gentle exercise in the coolest parts of the day and a dab of pet-friendly sunscreen on pink noses if they are out in the hot sun.

Whether your pets are spending time indoors or outdoors this summer, remember that they need special care in warm weather.

One of the best activities for you and your dog during summer is a walk in the cooler evening so find out from your local council where the best parks and open spaces are for dogs during summer. There can be restrictions during this period that don't apply during the rest of the year, so it is worth checking for the latest information.

Most dogs love water but with restrictions in force in many parts of Australia, you will have to be careful about splashing the wet stuff around. Many dogs love ice cubes and this is a water-efficient way of keeping them cool.

If you are away from home during the day and can't leave your pet indoors, ensure they have a shady spot outside with plenty of fresh water.

Some dogs just don't know when to say no, so if you have an active dog it may be necessary to discourage high energy play on hot days.

Keeping your dog's coat short and well-groomed during summer will help it to stay cool.

Summer thunderstorms can be a terrifying experience for both dogs and cats. Ideally, your dog and cat should be kept inside with human company if there is a summer storm. Some dogs are very fearful in storms and may try to escape the yard, so take time to ensure your yard is secure and that your dog is identified with a collar and tag. In severe cases of storm phobias, your veterinarian should be consulted.

We all know not to leave a dog in a car on a hot day - even with a window down, cars get very hot. Garden sheds and other small spaces also heat up quickly and can be dangerous if a dog is confined to that area.

We may not all know that swimming pools can be as dangerous to dogs as they can be to small children. Make sure the gate is closed at all times. Better still, take your four-legged friend to a dog-friendly beach, river or lake and teach it to swim!

If travelling with your pet, consult with your vet about any special requirements. Ticks can be found in many of the popular coastal holiday spots and can be dangerous to dogs. Also make sure all vaccinations are up to date and your pet's ID tags are securely fastened to their collar.

Kid's Best Friend

2009-04-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Pets and children: what a beautiful friendship. A study into the role pets play in developing children's social networks revealed a great deal about human-animal interactions. A number of children were asked who they would turn to in certain emotionally-charged situations - like the divorce of their parents or an argument with a sibling.

An overwhelming majority said they would seek out their pet for companionship. It was also discovered that children confide in their pets, talking to them, expressing fears and emotions in much the same way we interact with a human confidante.

Pets can also help facilitate learning and have a number of positive effects on a child's development. Schools are now catching onto the benefits of introducing pets into their community, by creating pet clubs, special pet days and offering pet education programs. For children, pets at school foster a sense of responsibility and respect for life.

Programs like the ‘Operation Safe: Kids 'n' Pets' run by the Animal Welfare League of New South Wales offers wonderful learning programs to teach all levels of school children about responsible pet ownership and animal behaviour. Topics include: pets in the community, the basics of pet care, what happens when people don't want their pets and pets and the law.

Considering Getting a Pet

2009-04-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

For many People a pet is an important part of the family. Owning a pet can be extremely rewarding and can bring hours of enjoyment, but it is important to remember that pet ownership is also a full-time responsibility which takes time, money, patience and life-long commitment.

The decision to own a pet is a very serious one that needs to be properly considered and researched.

Remember, companion animals rely almost entirely on their human partners to meet their needs and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. Your choice of pet should take into account environmental and family lifestyle issues, financial considerations and time constraints.

Purchasing a pet should never be an impulsive decision. Animal shelters receive thousands of unwanted and abandoned animals each year which are often the result of an ill-considered decision. Before deciding to become a pet owner ask yourself the following questions:

Am I prepared to love a pet for life?
The average lifespan of a dog and cat is around 12 years, with some dogs and cats living until 15 or more years of age. Your pet will need your love and care 365 days a year.

Can I afford a pet?
There are many costs involved with pet ownership. In addition to food, you must consider vaccination, micro-chipping, de-sexing, general health care, vet bills, grooming, obedience training, boarding, bedding, insurance and proper housing. The costs may vary depending on the type of animal you choose; costs associated with dog ownership can be around $500 a year. Pets are an expensive addition to the family.

Do I understand how to care for a pet?
Different animals have different needs. In most states and territories there are organisations that can advise on the specific needs of your chosen pet. An informed pet owner can provide a healthier and happier environment for their pet.

Do I have time to care for a pet?
Exercise, grooming, obedience and play are important aspects of pet ownership. Some pets will be more demanding on your time than others.

Do I live in suitable accommodation and do I have space for a pet?
A large dog will require a large backyard and adequate fencing, and a horse will require agistment at a property with fencing and supervision. Your home is a significant factor in determining whether you are suitable for pet ownership. If you live in a rented property please think carefully before committing yourself to a pet. While some landlords allow pets, many do not. Pet ownership may cause difficulties when changing rented accommodation.

Will a pet fit into my lifestyle and priorities?
Working long hours, enjoying a hectic social life and regularly taking trips away are all factors to consider before purchasing a pet. A pet will always depend on you and must be accommodated in your lifestyle. Are you prepared to make that commitment?

If you are sure that you can offer an animal a good home, you then have to decide where to purchase your pet which could include an animal shelter, a pet shop, private breeder or any place where pets are for sale.

Never purchase a pet that looks unwell, or is for sale with other animals that look unwell. Reputable breeders will provide proof of vaccinations and information on how to properly care for your pet and should be willing to take the animal back if a health problem becomes apparent within a reasonable time after purchase.

Animal shelters such as the RSPCA receive thousands of surrendered or stray animals each year. While many are rehomed, a large number are euthanased. The majority of these animals are neither old nor ill, they are simply unwanted. All animals available for adoption from the RSPCA have undergone health and temperament checks.

Being a responsible pet owner involves understanding what your pet needs and being aware of your responsibilities to the community.

Following are some basic rules:

learn about your pet's special needs including diet, health and general care
provide your pet with an adequate balanced diet and ensure it has access to clean, cool drinking water at all times
regularly exercise your pet according to its needs
train your pet using kindness and positive reinforcement
provide appropriate housing and shelter for your pet
when unsupervised, keep your pet safely and securely confined to your property
to minimize boredom, provide your pet with sufficient companionship and a stimulating environment
protect your pet's health by taking it to a vet whenever health problems arise and by ensuring all necessary vaccinations and treatments are up-to-date
to help prevent disease and illness, ensure your pet has a clean environment
microchip your pet and where required register it with your local council to increase the likelihood of return when lost
de-sex your pet to prevent unwanted offspring
groom your pet regularly
socialise your pet with other animals and people
teach your family, friends and children how to interact with your pet
find suitable boarding facilities for your pet while on holidays
respect the rights of non-pet owners by keeping your pet under control and by disposing of any droppings
give your pet love and attention and commit to caring for it for its entire life.

Following these rules of responsible pet ownership will lead to a long and happy relationship between you and your pet.

Pet Food Off The Radar Of Regulators

2009-04-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

A year after the tainted pet food scandal at Menu Foods (TSX:MEW.UN) rattled animal lovers and sent the company's stock into a freefall, the pet food industry has slipped off the radar of Canadian regulators and other agencies.

Saturday marks a full-year since dog and cat owners were sent into a panic over the possibility that food they were giving their pets could be tainted by wheat gluten laced with poisonous melamine.

The chemical used for making plastics was added by a China-based supplier as a cheap way to make the food look like it had higher protein levels, but it was also killing some pets that consumed it.

Since then, little has been done in Canada to ensure that pet food is any safer, aside from continuing to rely on companies to self-regulate and monitor their international pet suppliers.

After the recalls started last year, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency began a review of its responsibilities to pet food and, according to their website, "determine if room for improvement exists within the Canadian system."

On Friday, it appeared as though nothing had changed.

"We don't have a regulatory role - that's the bottom line," said Marc Richard at the CFIA's headquarters in an interview.

"We're the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. We deal with food - and food is for humans."

Richard added that the agency has a "very minor role" related to pet food through its handling of traditional disease control, which means ensuring that livestock doesn't transfer avian influenza or mad cow disease.

Pet food regulations fall under three federal levels - the CFIA for disease control, Industry Canada for packaging and Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate for therapeutic food claims.

None of the departments seem to handle poisons or other contaminants that could get into food, which has made it especially difficult for pet advocates to lobby for changes.

Cathy Sterling euthanized her eight-year-old Australian Sheppard last March when the dog became ill, only a week before Menu Foods issued the recall and warning.

Since then, she has collected between 2,500 and 3,000 signatures from pet owners in an effort to convince the government to pay more attention to pet food.

"Pets today have taken on new levels of care in people's hearts and I think the legislation hasn't kept up with that aspect," said Sterling.

"We've recognized there's a problem... and we need a change."

Last fall, Health Minister Tony Clement outlined an action plan for the food and product regulatory system that encouraged greater prevention rather than responding to cases once they are detected.

The plan covers recalled products like children's toys, cosmetics, pesticides and sports equipment, but doesn't mention pet food.

Sterling said it's her goal to get pet food on that list, though she's facing an uphill battle.

"I did feel that it slowly faded from the public's consciousness," she said. "I think Menu Foods is getting exactly their wish, that it's all just going away."

The company beared the brunt of consumer backlash last year partly because it was North America's biggest supplier of pet food, selling one-billion containers in 2006 through store-brand labels and under contract for international names such as Iams.

Menu Foods has said it faces more than 100 class-action lawsuits.

Last month, many of the lawsuits filed in the U.S. were consolidated into one class-action suit because a judicial panel determined that they involved the same questions of fact.

Both sides of the case have said they are near a settlement, and a district judge has asked for a report this Wednesday.

Menu Foods declined repeated interview requests for this story. A company official said executives would not be available to speak because the "focus right now is on the legal settlement."

In the United States, the FDA has indicted both American and Chinese business owners over a scheme to import the melamine-contaminated wheat gluten into the country.

But while congressional hearings and proposed food safety legislation have come to fruition, the FDA still doesn't have any mandatory authority over recalling pet food.

Some suggest that the industry is already doing enough to regulate itself.

"Regulation would not have changed the recall situation that Menu Foods recently experienced in any way shape or form," said Martha Wilder, executive director of the Pet Food Association of Canada in an interview last year.

"Case in point (are) that the two plants in the U.S. that were found to be involved in the recall are regulated and it didn't do anything to stop this from happening."

Wilder was unavailable to provide further comment on Friday.

In Canada, industry organizations have also been backing off of pet food manufacturers.

Last year, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association wound up a longtime committee that monitored pet food nutrition standards around the same time the tainted food investigation was underway.

"After the recall happened people with our association met with government and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency was taking lead on the follow-up of the recall," said Kristin Wood, a spokeswoman for the veterinary association.

"The regulation of pet food is not really in our mandate anymore."

Pinching pennies? Not necessarily when it comes to pet owners

2009-04-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

Emilie Wilson's menagerie includes 15 ferrets, two dogs and four cats, including a hefty grey feline named Tonie Stewart who rides in style inside a pet stroller during family outings.

Wilson spent US$300 on Christmas gifts for her brood last year and figures she'll exceed that sum this year. And despite the recession-like economy, the suburban Chicago woman has no plans to scale back pet presents anytime soon.

"I couldn't care less if there's anything under the tree for us, as long as there's something for Tonie," she said.

Retailers may be worrying about the possibility of the worst fourth quarter in generations, but those in the pet products industry are finding themselves in a veritable oasis among much of the gloom of American business. Companies that sell everything from organic dog treats to couture-inspired pet toys say business is up even as economic indicators show shoppers are pinching pennies during one of the worst downturns in decades.

"I think they're buying nice dog collars instead of remodelling their kitchen," said Fiona Tavernier, whose Lollypadoodle business near San Francisco sells wool stuffed dog toys and is going strong.

It may sound counterintuitive - even to some in the pet industry who say they're surprised business is robust - but experts say many pet owners are as dedicated to their animals as parents are to children. And that means they're willing to sacrifice on themselves before trimming back on their four-legged friends.

"You know, for some families, the pet comes first," said Carol Perkins, president and co-founder of Harry Barker, a Charleston, S.C.-based pet toy company whose sales are up 40 per cent this year. "The dog goes to the vet first and the dog gets organic food. Maybe some people will cut back on a dog bed, but they'll still buy dog treats, toys and collars and leashes."

The American Pet Products Association estimates Americans will spend US$43.4 billion this year on their pets - a figure that includes everything from treats to training - despite the dramatic slowdown in discretionary spending. That's 26 per cent higher than what U.S. consumers spent in 2004, the group said.

Market researcher Euromonitor International, which tracks sales of pet food and accessories but excludes the cost of animals, grooming, training and other expenses, puts this year's animal expenditures at US$23.9 billion.

But the group forecasts the segment's sales are still on pace to grow more than 13 per cent by 2013.

"It's definitely more resilient than most categories tied to discretionary spending," said Morningstar analyst R.J. Hottovy. "It's one of the last categories (people) cut out of their budget."

Backing that up is a poll earlier this year in ShopSmart, a publication from Consumer Reports, which says female shoppers are more likely to buy cheaper brands of everything from medication to milk, but are digging in their heels when it comes to switching to less-expensive pet food and personal care items.

Some parts of the pet food industry, particularly gourmet and organic pet food, will likely be even more insulated than the sellers of pet carriers, clothing and outdoor gear.

That's because many pet owners, who upgraded their kibble after contaminated pet food killed or sickened thousands of animals last year are leery of switching back, a move that could cause digestive problems.

"Once people have their pets on a certain pet food, there's health risks to switching over to another," Hottovy said. "As soon as they've moved up to the premium brands, they're kind of locked in, so it's hard to trade down."

Still, there are signs that the most extravagant expenses - such crystal bowls and custom-made pet beds - may be sidelined amid growing economic uncertainty.

"Gone are the days when people would buy $100 collars and fake fur," said Claire Chew, of Venice, Calif., who founded Luxepets, a line of pet keepsakes.

American Pet Products Association spokeswoman Leah Nelson said the group doesn't release industry sales projections, but that it is "eyeing the future" with caution.

That's why Paige Ormand, the owner of the Doggy Style Pet Shop in Chicago's Wicker Park neighbourhood, is ordering more products that are less expensive - for example, $5 toys instead of $20 models.

But she's not removing expensive gifts from her store shelves, either.

"This industry is way more insulated than other businesses," she said. "But I wouldn't say it's recession proof."

Fresh up a Pet Store

2009-04-03T05:35:00.000-07:00

We don’t know how deep the economic recession will cut or how long it will last, but one thing is certain: This is no time for pet retailers to hunker down and adopt a bunker mentality. Do that and risk losing the edge that can make your pet store competitive when good economic times return.

That’s what retail and pet industry consultants are advising pet retailers. “It’s like the old adage: when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” says Jim Dion, president of Dionco. Inc., a Chicago-based retail-consulting company.

Now is the time for pet retailers to get aggressive and try things that can push them ahead of their competitors, and improving your store’s look and the image it projects is a great place to start. “A spruce up or even a new look may be the strategy that can help pet retailers excite their customers or even keep them,” says Dion.

The remarkable news is that remodeling your store can boost sales, whether there is a recession or not. “In tough times, a retailer needs to project a positive image to their customers,” explains Chris Miller, president of the Garden Grove, California-based design/building firm Pacific Store Designs Inc. “A fresher look speaks volumes to your customers. You are saying to them that times may be tough, but I’m doing okay. You can have confidence in me. A look of doom and gloom in a down economy can almost be a self fulfilling prophecy.”

Some studies show that a remodel can actually boost sales by as much as 20 to 30 percent. “Remodeling can revive your store and make it an exciting place to shop in again,” explains Jami Dolinski, marketing manager for the Cerritos California-based CASCO Group, a leading provider of acrylic aquarium displays and installations. “Customers will not only want to come to your store, they will stay longer.”

Since the current state of the economy is impacting every industry, a remodel may be more affordable than you think. “By remodeling in the current recession, you can save money by taking advantage of today’s prices,” Miller explains. “For instance, steel prices have dropped 25 percent and gas prices have fallen. We don’t have many of the surcharges we once had. Also, labor is more competitively priced in tough times.”

Of course, a substantial remodel will probably still cost a few thousand dollars or more, but the store’s appearance can be freshened up for just a fraction of that. Take on what you can afford. What’s important is that you answer the call to action.

“Even if you are hanging on by your fingernails, there are some basic things you can do to bring back excitement into the store,” Dion says. “Merely adding a fresh coat of paint can brighten up a store and make a world of difference.”

Take a look around the store and let your senses go to work. Can you detect anything that could turn off customers?

Don’t be afraid to seek other perspectives. Meet and brainstorm with employees, family, friends, mentors and advisors, as well as customers. Ask them for ideas or a frank assessment as to how you can improve the image of and bring excitement to your pet store. The more ideas received, the more options you will have to give your business that edge.

To gain even more feedback, train employees to be the eyes and ears of the store while they help freshen up the sales floor. “Employees hear a lot of stuff that indicates what customers think of your store,” Dion explains. “Customers are not experts at retail management, but they can get vocal when something bothers them.”

Keep It Clean
The first place to look when assessing a store’s image is cleanliness. “The pet supply store I use is conveniently close to my house, but sometimes it’s dirty,” Dion reveals. “How many other customers notice that and are turned off? It doesn’t take much money or effort to keep a pet store clean.”

Miller advises making each employee responsible for keeping a pre-determined area of the store clean. “You can take a photograph of a clean module and display the photo in the employee room,” he explains. “You’ve established a non-negotiable standard for how the store must look before the employees go home at night.”

Do you smell anything foul? Customers understand that a pet store, by nature, may have certain smells, but are the odors out of control? Use an exhaust system to air out the store. “Most retailers don’t bother to air out their stores,” Miller explains. “Or when they do, they use an inefficient exhaust system. A good exhaust will cost from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the type of store. It will be less if you don’t have live animals.”

In a tough economy, the look and attitude of a store’s employees can be just as important as the product and services provided. And freshening up the workforce will cost no more than a song.

Make every worker wear the same type of clothes. “I’ve noticed that a growing number of pet retailers have relaxed their dress codes,” he explains. “But how an employee looks and acts goes a long way in making your average customer feel comfortable.”

Sprucing Up Signage
Another area that should be carefully looked at is the store’s signage. Are the signs confusing or boring? Handwritten signs look unprofessional–discard them. You can simply print signs from a computer or use pre-printed signage supplied by vendors.

“Use signage to engage customers,” advises Nancy Reed, marketing director for Companion Habitats Inc., a Colorado Springs, Colo.-based company that provides animal fixtures for the retail industry. “For instance, if you have a sign about lizards, include a short paragraph on the sign about their habits.”

Reed suggests that retailers go a step further, particularly when trying to engage younger shoppers who are easily bored by traditional merchandising strategies. “They are the buyers of the future, and we know they are into technology. So use interactive displays to engage them,” she says.

Clear Out the Clutter Are your aisles cluttered? Do they make you feel like snake when trying to navigate them? Keep products in an orderly manner and off the floor. Taking photos of the front, middle and back of the store and analyzing them can provide some valuable insight in this regard. “What you see will shock you,” says Dion. “Many retail stores are too cluttered. The products on the floor really belong in the stock room.”

According to Diane Benson Harrington, a business writer who publishes articles that help small business owners with their most pressing management problems, narrow aisles and boxy configurations give a store a discount-store feel. “Open floor plans with a curvilinear sensibility encourage shoppers to linger and move around the store,” Harrington explains.

You can control customer traffic flow by delineating a walkway through the store. Known as the ‘main drive aisle,’ this pathway can create what Miller describes as the “yellow brick road effect.” He explains: “A pet retailer can put a red main drive aisle through the store, similar to what the Target discount store chain does to help move their customers smoothly. It’s not costly and it works very well. I’ve done 3,000 stores with this principle in mind, and I have not had to make any changes.”

A First Impression
Don’t forget that the front of the store is where the customer gets a first impression. “Make your window display as simple but as inviting as possible,” says Dion, also noting that the first two to three feet of the sales floor should be clean and open.

Miller agrees, explaining that customers will form an impression of a store within two or three steps inside the front door. Woe is the future of the pet store where the music is too loud or jarring, the aisles too cluttered or the employees too sloppily dressed.

Shed Some Light
Lighting is a key element in remodeling a store. The three keys to good lighting are atmosphere, attraction and appeal. A store needs to use different types of lighting, depending on the objective.

“To enhance the general shopping experience, use florescent full spectrum color bulbs,” Miller says. “Accent or track lighting should be used to highlight window displays or endcaps and should be placed where you want the customer to spend more time. Track lighting is used for special purposes, such as to highlight animal enclosures or for showcases or neon signage. Track lighting’s psychological goal is to trigger impulse buying.”

The above remodeling tips are inexpensive ways to spruce up a store and freshen its image. “You don’t need to do major remodeling overhaul, but it’s important that pet retailers be proactive and do everything they can to attract and keep customers,” Dolinski say.

Canada's Largest Pet Show

2009-03-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

Showtrends, a division of 1031222 Ontario Limited, is proud to present the 16th annual All About Pets Show - Canada's largest, premiere pet showcase.

The show is held at the International Centre, a world-class facility ideally located for easy access from anywhere in the Metropolitan Toronto Area.

The All About Pets Show features more than 180 exhibitors and over the last 15 years, the attendance has averaged 34,600 visitors.

Meet representatives from the pet industry showcasing their products and services. Exhibitors include pet manufacturers, distributors, retailers, rescue organizations, breeders and breed clubs, pet boarding, and traveling with your pet... just to mention a few.

Some incredible feature areas you won't want to miss including the Dog Demonstration Ring, Parade of Breeds, World of Cats, Ask the Vet, Adopt a Pet, World of Birds, World of Fish and Aquariums, Pet Travel and Pet Grooming Showcase to name a few.

Come and join at the All About Pets Show, April 10-12, 2009! A true pet lover's paradise dedicated to promoting the responsible ownership of pets. We are proud to deliver to our exhibitors and visitors a first class, consumer pet show.

History Of The Domestic Cat

2009-03-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

Cats have always been very fascinating creatures and they are no less so today. They have become one of the worlds most sought after pets over the years as they are perfectly suited to the lifestyles of everyone. Independent, beautiful and easily cared for, cats are the ideal pet for many people.

Lions and tigers, today’s wild cats, descended from miacids, which were early carnivores. The wild cat developed into 3 main types of cats. These are the European wild cat, the African Wild Cat, and the Asiatic Desert Cat. The African Wild Cat is believed to have evolved into the domestic cat due to the Tabby markings they possess.

The domestic cats of today still show many of their wild ancestors’ traits. Those intelligent, almost human appearing eyes, their body shape as well as their feeding and grooming habits all come from these ancestors. They also possess the ability to spring into action at a moment’s notice. These are some of the characteristics that seem to make the cat so fascinating.

Cats were first domesticated around 4,000 years ago. The first people to realize the value of keeping cats were the Ancient Egyptians. They used them to protect their stores of food from vermin and other pests. The cats were also quite revered by the Egyptians as hunters, as well as being worshipped as gods and goddesses. Cats living in Ancient Egypt were quite safe as anyone who dared to kill a cat was put to death. In addition, cats were mummified upon death before they were buried.

It wasn’t long before other ancient civilizations began to domesticate cats. Tame felines made their way to Italy and spread throughout Europe from there. Shorthaired domestic cats began in Egypt and longhaired cats had their origins in Turkey and Iran. Domestic cats also began spreading over the world from India and into China and Japan. Eventually, the Pilgrims brought domestic cats to the New World with them. Aside from a brief period of time during the Middle Ages, when some people believed cats to be in league with the devil, they had become the most popular house pets in the world.

There are 36 recognized breeds throughout the world, with the Siamese being at the top of the list. However, it is the non-pedigree domestic cat called the mixed breed that seems to be the most popular among house pets. Of these, the black and white cat is the most popular, with the solid black cat and Tabby following respectively. With the evolution of these cats, it is very difficult to find homes today that do not boast at least 1 cat as a pet.

Dog Shows

2009-03-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Dog Shows are viewed by most as a fantastic opportunity to talk to breeders, handlers and groomers about a specific breed of dog. After all, all dog owners do need to know a lot about the dog breeds so that they can make good choices both for the benefit of the breeds in not buying from breeders who might be perpetuating genetic problems or unwanted dog personality traits just for short term wins at the shows.

If you are interested in a breed but don't know much about them, it has always been true that you should go find where they are showing and talk to some folks. Dog shows are a means of evaluating breeding stock, and each entry is judged against its breed standard . Dog shows are organized to award honors to breeders who have managed to cultivate the best in the standard, and show it off to the world as near perfect as the standard can stand to be.

There is nothing better than seeing each different breed displayed with top of the line attributes and being rewarded for all the hard work it took a breeder to get to that point in his hobby.

My friend is a great dog owner, a breeder and a fan of many breeds. She tells me that her own reason for participating at dog shows is simple: "I like the people. It seems to me the people who are attracted to dog shows are both people and animal-oriented. Its fun, and why not!

But, in truth, dog shows are important for other reasons, one being simply economical and commercial. A dog show in the US, with around 1,000 entries brings in about $750,000 dollars daily to the community in which it is held. Yes, dog owners do spend money, and they are commercially a very good to sell them other services and goods in the area.

But, again, those in favor of dog shows, say that they are an useful option since the breeders that attend these shows are either showing their dogs or are there to see the performance of a dog that they bred and sold in the past. When you meet and then choose to buy a dog from a breeder you met at a dog show you know a good deal about that breeder. For one, their presence at the show shows a commitment to their dogs, which is very a positive sign that you might want to do business with this breeder. The first thing you want to know about a breeder that you might buy a puppy from is whether they are just in it for the money. or because they truly like and love their animals, if it is the latter then their dogs will be a much better buy than a simply commercial breeder who only really wants the money.

Dog shows are busy, noisy and crowded, and people can easily become separated. Pick out in advance a time and place to meet up in case anyone gets lost.

Dog Shows are held all over the country and provide a good way to see lots of dogs and meet lots of owners. If you subscribe to the AKC Gazette you will receive their events magazine which contains a schedule of upcoming shows. Dog shows are held to determine which dogs can relate the most closely to their breed standards. A dog's conformation is a factor in determining how well that dog may do it's job.

Breeds that have been selected for one or a few particular traits may be more at risk of developing undesirable variation for those behaviors. This does not mean that dogs selected for protective behaviors are more aggressive than dogs for which this selection of trait is absent.

It is always true that breeding and genetics determine how a puppy will look at adulthood. I describe the purchase of a show potential puppy as an educated risk, but do undertake some homework first before you consider a breeder and check whether they are AKC listed and better than that, such as accredited etc.

Breeder lists generally take one of two forms: Either the list is composed of those who ask to be included. Or the list is based on a general database, such as a membership list, and may include non-breeders and novice breeders as well as experienced breeders.

Do pick the best breeders all the time. To do that you will need to do some web based researched and beyond that you might want to seek out other breeders in their area to obtain their views by email.

Do chose carefully because there have been some surprisingly cruel genetic breeding incidences recently. Breeders can go too far to oblige the judges for some features, and select too extensively for this feature, leaving the breed damaged. One example is pugs with eyes that bulge so badly their lids scarcely meet well enough to wipe the eyeball clean. The poor dogs undergo a lifetime of chronic conjunctivitis, that eventually scars over the cornea and blinds them. This is not good, in fact it is deplorable, so please take care not to unwittingly buy one of these animals, breed form the dog yourself unwittingly perpetuating the problem.

So. what do we ask of the dog show fraternity?

Judges must please be careful at all times at shows to assess specimens of all breeds objectively, regardless of personal favorites. In some breeds, the males and females of the breed have decidedly different appearances, and it is often the males who have the quintessential look of the breed, make due allowance.

Finally, breeders please take note that obtaining a Championship win does not mean necessarily that your dog has the qualities necessary to become a candidate for breeding. Remember, a dog show is about a dog's outward physical appearance and not its ability to produce a genetically high quality litter. Please think long-term for the good of all your breeds. Provided breedes do this, then we will be alright, and dogs shows are to be applauded

Dog Training Tricks

2009-03-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

Having problems with your pooch? Is she piddling on the rug? Is he dragging you down the street when you try to walk him? Chewing on your shoes or raiding the trash? Or do you have a new puppy you want to start off on the right track to prevent these problems from ever happening in the first place?

You don't need an expensive trainer for these everyday issues (though I do recommend a professional if you have a particularly aggressive dog that may require special understanding and handling). Nor do you need to attend the pet store "obedience classes" unless you'd just enjoy doing so. I'm going to show you here a couple of tricks to prove to you that you can train your dog to do anything you'd like, within his capability, and do it positively while both of you have fun. Just try them and you'll see for yourself how quick and easy this is.

First, it's important to understand that dogs live to please us. It may not appear so when your dog is ignoring your commands - that's because he doesn't understand your commands or perhaps your method for teaching him has backfired on you, which is the most common problem. What you think you're telling him and what he's thinking may be two very different things.

For example, you may want your dog to "come". Under what circumstances have you been giving that command? Are you yelling it at him for him to come to you only when you're unhappy with him and when he's to be punished somehow? Not exactly motivating. Certainly an unsuccessful approach.

It's well worth a few minutes of play every day to teach your dog to "come" immediately and every time you command it. And I do mean "play", not "work" - it's fun and a great bonding experience. Food is a terrific doggie motivator, so get some small one-bite treats (no big biscuits that take time to eat and thus distract from your goal). When you're sitting there watching TV or at your computer, most anywhere really, tell your dog to "come" with a calm, happy voice and give him a treat when he does.

Only one treat, we aren't trying to teach him to beg! A little later, tell him to "come" and give him "lovies", pet him, praise him. Another time, play with him with his favorite toy for a few minutes. Show him that "come" means something good will happen. Do this frequently throughout the day , rotating the rewards, and you'll see that he will soon be happily obeying your command every time. Sounds easy, doesn't it? It is!

Want your dog to be well-behaved on a leash? This, too, is quick and easy, usually just a matter of stopping the walk when pooch starts to pull. Your dog wants to GO, to explore and sniff - that's his motivation and fun. Stopping dead in your tracks keeps him from what he wants to do. Shorten the leash length to keep him at your side and in a calm voice (very important - if you yell or show emotion, you'll just excite him further), tell him to "calm" or "shhh", whatever comes naturally to you, and stand there until he calms down.

When he does, continue your walk, repeating this as often as necessary until he understands what you expect from him and learns to "walk nice" (my particular command for a rowdy dog). It can usually be accomplished very quickly, often in a single session with a quick reminder if he forgets it the next time you walk.

When it comes to walking, I believe this is one of the most important things you can do for your dog and for you. It not only gives you both healthy exercise, it allows for deeper bonding and understanding between you, the foundation of trust so important in further training. It also gives your dog that mental stimulation he needs to be well-behaved, socialized and happy. I don't do the "heel" thing when we walk - I have little interest in having a "Stepford" dog. Instead, I want our walks to be his time to stop and sniff (within reason) and to explore.

I just insist that he "walk nice" for both of our sakes, which is defined as a loose leash and not losing his mind when he sees other dogs. The training technique I described above usually accomplishes both of these goals.

Just these two techniques I've described can be used with variation to deal with most any issue. For example, want your dog to leave your shoes alone? Give him own chew toy and reward him with a treat at first for choosing that over the seductive shoe. Spend a few minutes each day with this exercise. If that isn't enough, or in addition to the above, you can use the "leave it" command technique. For this, place the shoe in front of him and when he reaches for it, say "leave it", giving him a treat and praising him when he does. Repeat as necessary, making him wait longer and longer for his reward.

Want your dog to be calm when the doorbell rings? Use a variation of the leash training technique and the "shhh" or "calm" command you used on your walks, which he now understands, working with a friend or neighbor who is willing to come over and ring your doorbell until your dog "gets it".

Establish the foundation of reward for the behavior you want and he'll start learning new behaviors very quickly. He'll snap to the reward thing and look forward to learning new things, knowing something good will happen when he does... and just because it's fun!

I've just given you a quick overview here, a place to start. There are many more proven techniques that I hope you'll want to learn now that you know you can train your dog and how rewarding it is for both of you!

Pet Insurance For Dogs

2009-03-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

Many people could not contemplate a life without their dog as they see them as more than a close family member but as a regular companion that they may not have ever experienced in another human being.

Taking your pet out for a walk or for a simple game with the Frisbee can ensure a healthy workout for you and in the most enjoyable manner possible; your pet gives you silent company on lonely evenings and is more than delighted to take a backseat when you are surrounded by your friends and family. It is understandable why many individuals prefer the company of their dog over that of another human being when they so rarely demand anything other than your love.

It is not very often that we are able to show our admiration the way your dog displays theirs for you but keeping them healthy is one way and a good dog insurance plan is a way we can give something back. Various dog pet insurance policies exist and how complete they are will depend on the supplier as some will incorporate routine visits to the veterinary to check you dogs health in addition to positions like accidents or even illness can also be covered. Even the healthiest of dogs can become sick and knowing you have pet insurance for dogs that will pay for medical attention means that the cost is never a concern.

Fortunately for us, our pets are now in safer hands than ever before and we have improved medical techniques to thank for this but these treatments are only available if you can afford them. It is even now possible for certain pets to have transplants and even the likes of hip replacements which not so long ago were not even thought about. Dogs too are prone to certain specific diseases like enlargement of heart, epilepsy, hip dysplasia which can be even be genetic.

Many diseases that dogs are prone to suffer from do not occur until they reach middle age and of course by then, the dog is a member of a immediate family and loved by everyone. So by providing a comprehensive dog health insurance for your dog you can offset any financial worries that medical treatment may cause and still give your pet the best health care. Dogs, no matter how well looked after do require regular checks for the many other problems they can be prone to: like mites, worms and vaccinations plus having their teeth cleaned for example.

All of this and more should be part of the regular check a dog has when they visits the vet and is incorporated into most policies. If you love your dog and want them around for as long as possible, this is the way to ensure it will happen. Other pet owners or local dog clubs, even your vet should be able to provide details of reputable insurance underwriters that will be able to help you arrange insurance for your dog.

Pet theories

2009-02-23T05:16:00.000-08:00

American researchers have discovered that owning a pet can significantly reduce your risk of a common cancer.

The body of evidence supporting the notion that pet ownership is good for your health grew even fatter this month. A new study, published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, found that keeping animals can cut the risk of developing the relatively common cancer of the immune system, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, by almost one third.

"The idea that pets and good health are associated goes back 20 years or more," says Dr June McNicholas, a psychologist who has researched the relationship between people and their pets. The catalogue of health plusses can't all be attributed to regular dogwalking however. When a study suggested that people who own pets have better cardiac health, says McNicholas, "one of the significant factors in people recovering well from a heart attack was owning a pet, but it wasn't just dogs. It applied equally to cats." Here are some of the many ways in which pets have been found to strengthen our constitutions.

Pets are good for cardiac health

The Baker Medical Research Institute in Australia studied 6,000 people and found that those who kept animals had lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol - and therefore, a lower risk of heart attack. Another study, conducted at the University of Minnesota and published earlier this year, concluded that cat owners were 40% less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack than people who didn't have a cat. Adnan Qureshi, the neurology professor who led the study of nearly 4,500 people, said he believed that people who stroked their cat experienced less stress and anxiety and therefore were at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Pets boost the immune system

This month, a study by researchers from Stanford University and the University of California found that regular exposure to a cat or a dog could reduce one's chance of developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma. It is thought that exposure to allergens - from cats and dogs - could boost the immune system.

The immune-boosting power of pets is something that McNicholas has also investigated. In 2002, she studied 256 primary school children and found that children aged from five to seven from pet-owning households attended school for three weeks more than those who didn't. "We found that children brought up with pets had more stable immune systems. There have been other studies which suggest that children born into a household that already has a dog or a cat are less likely to develop asthma. Moderate exposure [to allergens] will prime the immune system." Meanwhile, a study in Japan found that pet owners over the age of 65 made almost a third fewer visits to their GP than people the same age who didn't have pets.

Dogs can act as a health warnings

After 20 years working for the charity Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Claire Guest was struck by the story of a colleague whose dog had repeatedly sniffed at a mole on her leg before it was diagnosed as a malignant melanoma. Guest went on to work with researchers at Amersham hospital in Buckinghamshire, to discover whether dogs could be trained to detect bladder cancer in urine samples, and found that they could.

Similarly, in 2006, a cancer research centre in California published a study which found that ordinary household dogs could be trained to detect early breast and lung cancer between 88% and 97% of the time, by sniffing people's breath - it is thought that these particular cancer cells give off miniscule traces of volatile odours that dogs can smell. The idea is that, once they have worked out which odours dogs are detecting and which cancers emit them, a diagnostic machine could be developed.

Guest also trains dogs to warn owners with Type 1 diabetes of an impending hypoglycaemic, or low blood sugar, episode - they usually alert their owners by jumping up. "We don't know exactly how the dogs do it, but again they pick up on scent because they sniff the person before deciding whether to warn them or not. Because they also have a relationship with their owner, they may be able to pick up on other signs."

Pets can improve self-esteem and decrease the likelihood of depression

"There have been studies that have suggested pet owners are more likely to have higher self-worth and are less likely to suffer loneliness and depression," says Dr Deborah Wells, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Belfast, who has conducted several studies on the benefits of pet ownership. "Dogs seem to bring people the biggest benefits - you have to get out and walk them every day, and they can act as a social catalyst."

Wells says pets are particularly useful for children. "Pets can become like a therapist, for want of a better word. If children are bullied at school, or their parents are getting divorced, children will often tell their pets their problems whereas they wouldn't always talk to a person."

The charity Pets As Therapy has been running for 25 years and has 4,000 dogs and 106 cats, which visit 120,000 people in hospitals, hospices, care homes, day care centres and schools for children with special needs every week. "We started taking dogs into nursing homes, because elderly people had had to give up their pets when they went in and it was making them depressed and in many cases ill," says Maureen Fennis, the chief executive. "At one nursing home, there was a lady who used to say the visits were her reason for staying alive."

The routine and "normality" of having a pet can help people suffering a traumatic event, such as bereavement or a diagnosis of terminal illness. In one study, McNicholas found that people with animals to care for adjusted far better after the death of someone close than those without pets. "We live in a society where we do not like to cry in front of people," she adds, "but there are a large number of people who can cry in front of their pets" ·

Stump the Sussex spaniel named best in show

2009-02-18T07:37:00.000-08:00

This old dog taught Westminster a new trick.

At 10, a Sussex spaniel called Stump became the oldest best in show winner at America’s top canine competition, coming out of retirement last week and taking the big prize Tuesday night.

“He hasn’t slowed down a bit,” expert handler Scott Sommer said. “I thought it would be fun.”

A nearly full crowd at Madison Square Garden cheered loudly when judge Sari Tietjen pointed to the new champion at the Westminster Kennel Club. Perhaps the fans knew Stump’s backstory — he left the show ring in 2004 and later nearly died from a mysterious medical condition. The vets at Texas A&M saved him.

“It was miraculous,” Sommer said.

Then again, maybe folks just liked rooting for the old guy. In human years, he’s almost 70!

Sommer said Sussex spaniels can live to be 15. Never before had a dog from this breed won the show. The previous oldest winner was an 8-year-old Papillon in 1999.

With floppy ears and a slow gait, the golden-red Stump beat out a sparkling final field. Sommer guided him past a giant schnauzer that was the nation’s top show dog, a favored Brussels griffon, a Scottish deerhound named Tiger Woods, a standard poodle with 94 best in show wins, a Scottish terrier and a puli.

After he won, Stump showed off his one trick: He got up on his hinds, as if he was begging. He didn’t have to, he was already No. 1.

Nearly 2,500 dogs were entered at Westminster. Last year’s champion, a beagle named Uno, was perhaps the most popular winner ever.

But with a bounce in his step, Stump is sure to win over plenty of people while he reigns for a year and gets extra playtime with his green Grinch toy.

He really is retired this time,” Sommer said.

Stump won the sporting group at Westminster in 2004, then went into retirement. Soon after, he nearly wasted away and spent 19 days in a pet hospital.

“It was very traumatic,” Sommer said.

Once he recovered, Stump mostly spent his days hanging out with Sommer, living a dog’s life. That was more than fine with Sommer. He’d handled a great Bichon Frise called J.R. to the best in show at Westminster in 2001, and wasn’t looking for Stump to try again.

Besides, Stump had two sons to take care of, named Root and Forest.

Then five days before this show, Sommer thought Stump might enjoy one last walk on the green carpet at the Garden. And what a walk it was — his 51st best in show victory overall.

Stump began by winning the best of breed, then took best in group.

“Can you believe that?” said New York Yankees president Randy Levine, a regular at this event.

There was more in store, too. Stump lives with J.R. at Sommer’s home in Houston, and may’ve gotten some advice.

“J.R. must’ve told him this morning, ’Keep up the family name,”’ Sommer said.

This was the 133rd edition of Westminster and the dogs came in 170 breeds and varieties. Among them was Domino.

Asleep in his crate, Domino looked like the most peaceful, innocent pooch on the planet.

Ha! Just wait, handler Paul Clas cackled.

These Portuguese water dogs can cause all sorts of mischief, he said. And if President Barack Obama really does decide make one the First Dog, look out.

“They’ll bring comedy to the White House. Interesting things would happen,” Clas said earlier Tuesday. “I think it would be hilarious.”

Pacifying this active breed — among the two the Obamas are considering — isn’t always easy, even with a big yard and a big staff. It sometimes takes an extra treat.

“Obama may not take bribes, but his Portuguese water dog would,” Clas said.

Clas wouldn’t mind having one as a neighbor — he lives in Thurmont, Md., near the presidential retreat of Camp David.

Obama said his family had narrowed the choices to a “Porti” or a Labradoodle, a designer mix of a Labrador retriever and a poodle.

The president has said he is ready to begin visiting shelters with wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia. A main consideration is a dog that is hypoallergenic.

“I like to see them pick the Portuguese water dog. They’re a proven breed for many years,” Clas said.

Portis are medium sized, weighing 50 or 60 pounds. They can be black, brown, white or a mix, with either a wavy or curly coat of hair, not fur. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., owns them.

Westminster spokesman David Frei, in his 20th year as television host for the show, said the Obamas are doing a good job in taking their time.

“It’s an important decision. Whichever dog he picks will probably be with him longer than anyone in his Cabinet,” Frei said.

Top gifts for pets

2009-02-13T05:40:00.000-08:00

Pets really are a member of the family -- and this year they're more likely to get gifts than the relatives. While people are cutting back on presents this year, a survey from Consumer Reports suggests that faithful and furry companions are still making people's lists.

While the majority of people plan to give fewer gifts this year, 40 per cent say they intend to cut back on gifts for friends and family but only 23 per cent plan to cut back on gifts for their pe ts

However, the downturn in the economy is not going unnoticed. This year, retailers and organizations like the American Pet Products Association (APPA) are promoting a wider range of products to appeal to every budget. If you're hunting for a gift for the favourite pet or pet parent on your list, here are some of this year's top picks:

Delicious treats: Buying special munchies for pets continue to be popular, whether you're picking up an inexpensive bag at the pet store or searching for some gourmet goodies. Following in the wake of pet food scares, the latest trends for treats include organic, human-grade, vegetarian and kosher products. Watch for ingredients like blueberries and other superfoods which aim to provide certain health benefits. You can even buy organic frozen yoghurt for dogs and organic catnip.

Warm clothes: From practical to designer, there's an even wider range of clothing available on the market. Watch for customizable clothing and holiday wear. You won't just find it in pet stories -- keep your eyes open next time you hit your favourite clothing store.

Pet pampering : Bad news for pets who hate the bath -- more and more companies are introducing products to pamper pets. A variety of luxury and "all-natural" products are coming out for bath and grooming, but the variety of grooming combs and brushes already on the market are getting a boost from technology. For instance, the Andis The Power De-Shedder+ is a battery-operated, vibrating comb that massages pets while removing loose hair. It even claims to reduce shedding by 90 per cent.

Even nails are getting more attention. New tools from PediPaws and Peticure actually file down pet's nails rather than clipping them. The tools promise smooth, groomed nails than won't crack or splinter -- or get caught on carpets. Many pet owners tout the products as a safer and less stressful alternative to clippers, not mention a money-saver compared to professional clipping.

And while many pets prefer to sneak up on the couch or bed, there's an ever increasing variety of pet beds in stores. Aside from colour, design and plush fabrics, the last models include features like memory foam and removable heaters. In addition, heated perches are the latest innovation to keep feathered friends warm and heated pads are available for small animals.

Cleaner clean-up : This year products that make the home a more hygienic place are making a splash. For example, to take the hassle and mess out of litter boxes, Scoop Free has developed a self-cleaning litter box that seemingly does all the work for you. It's pricier than traditional litter boxes, but worth a look for those who find scooping a hassle. Alternatively, there are other new products coming out that aim to reduce odors.

Aquarium owners may want to take a look at Whisper EX filtration system from Tetra. The system includes a special strip to let you know when the carbon has worn out and it's time to change the filter.

If you've ever wanted to play crime scene investigator to find those invisible stains in your home you'll soon get your chance. To complement its line of "Urine Off" bio-enzymatic cleaning products, Bio-Pro Research has developed a pair of "Urine Finder" lights that light up those invisible stains in your carpet and upholstery so you can spot-clean without guessing.

And for dog-walkers the switch is on to biodegradable plastic bags for poop-and-scoop clean up. Watch for products from companies like Bags on Board that make dispensers that attack to leashes.

Travel accessories: More companies are getting wise to the trend of travelling pets, and this year's product offerings are no exceptions. There are safer, more secure crates for air travel, but also more accessories for the car. Another hot item is the pet travel tote bag -- in a variety of fashionable designs and colours, of course.

Watch for items that make travel more convenient, like collapsible water and food dishes, as well as products that make travel safer and more enjoyable like the Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat which keeps small dogs secure while letting them see out the window. It's a safer alternative than the lap, and a soft place to snuggle down for a nap. Kurgo also offers a variety of dog travel products like harnesses and barriers to product everyone in the car.

GPS devices: If you've ever experienced the panic of runaway pets, GPS companies like Zoombak have pet locator devices to help you find them faster. The device -- which attaches to the collar -- sends you an alert if your pets escape their "personalized safety zone" and then you can use your computer, cell phone or the company's support line to locate them.

Helping other animals: What do you get the pet lover who has everything? You may want to consider donation to a charity that benefits animals and their owners. Some options include the World Wildlife Fund, your local Humane Society or the World Society for the Protection of Animals.

Ontarians may also be interested in the Farley Foundation (named after For Better or Worse 's beloved pet) which provides emergency financial support to help injured or sick pets belonging to people who can't afford expensive care (like people with disabilities and low-income seniors).

These are just a few examples of the many gifts out there. And keep it mind that it isn't necessary to spend a lot of cash on pets. A bag of treats or an inexpensive (but good quality) toy doesn't have to break the bank. Petlifestyleonline notes that there are a lot of gifts available for less than $5.00.

Pet Accessories

2009-02-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

We all know how big of a presence fashion has in this society. How you look has a lot to do with how you are accepted in certain circles, especially in the American culture. Believe it or not, pets have become a sort of fashion statement in and of themselves.

This is a fad that is going on all across the United States and truly catching on in ritzy, fashionable, high end areas of New York, San Francisco, Miami, and New York. Just as a fashionable handbag can set off a person's style, it seems so can a four legged creature that lives, breathes, and eats. There is nothing wrong with that, just so long as the pet's needs are met.

Toy Pets Are More Than a Fashion Statement

Of course, along with the fact that these tiny little pooches are completely adorable, they provide companionship to many people who lead otherwise lonely lifestyles at times. In addition, they give people the opportunity to have something to love, cater to, and spoil to no end—and that is exactly what they do.

These little dogs are small and portable, and are allowed in many salons, sidewalk cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, and other places in which a larger pet may not be allowed otherwise. They can be picked up and carried, and their tiny size certainly limits the amount of damage that they may cause to property or people.

Giving Your Pet the Luxury Lifestyle

Chic pet carriers, luxury dog beds, expensive salon appointments, couture clothing and other items like this are in high demand today. This is all due to the fashionable pet craze out there, and it is giving people in the pet business another niche to explore—luxury pet items. Needless to say, this niche is proving to be a rather profitable one for those who invest in the right items and price them accordingly. Even just a designer travel carrier for a dog can go for a few hundred to a thousand dollars or more.

Thinking of Getting One for Yourself?

For those out there who are thinking about investing in a fashionably undersized pet, why not? They are allowed in many homes and apartments where pets are not allowed and usually incur smaller deposits as they are bound to cause less damage and carry little to no liability at all. In most cases they are friendly dogs, but you do want to meet and socialize with your dog if possible before choosing him or her just to be sure.

Pets are a fashion statement, but they are also a responsibility. If you can take the responsibility and would love to have a furry friend to take everywhere with you, a pampered little pet may be just the thing you need. They provide companionship and certainly don't hurt anyone's reputation as a fashion forward individual. They can go almost anywhere you can go, and even some places that you never thought you'd ever be able to take a pet. Why not?

Westminster Dog Show

2009-01-31T21:58:00.000-08:00

The Westminster Dog Show is a two-day extravaganza featuring more than 2,600 dogs and 165 breeds. You may be interested to know that the Westminster dog show is one of the oldest annual sporting events in the USA in the USA, second only to the Kentucky Derby.

Today, the Westminster dog show is not just for hunting dogs, but includes all kinds of different breeds and has turned its focus from working dog's performance in the field, to it's appearance as well. The Westminster Dog Show is now in its 133th year, and only champions, which are vetted through a series of lesser contests, are allowed to participate in the Nobel prize of the canine world.

The first Westminster dog show was held in 1877 when a group of hunters decided to get together at the Westminster Hotel in Manhattan to compare their purebred dogs, and it eventually grew over time to what it is today. The Westminster Dog Show features different breeds of dogs and their owners performing in a nerve-racking competition that's as intense as it is old.

Every February, thousands of AKC dogs and their exhibitors make their way into Madison Square Garden for two intensive days of showing that, when all the barking is over, will crown the best dog in the country. Dogs are judged on their general appearance, condition and carriage, with special attention being paid to the dog's head (including the eyes, ears, skull and muzzle).

Until 1992, this event was a full show, meaning all classes were included from dog and bitch competition for Winners, to Best of Breed, Group, and Best In Show. From 1992 onward, only the creme de la creme of the dog world were deemed eligible for the greatest show in the country, and entries were limited to finished champions as mentioned earlier.

Currently, the show is limited to a total entry of 2,622 champions in all from over 165 AKC recognized dog breeds. When not being groomed, exercised or shown, all dogs are to be displayed in their assigned bench spot, this gives the public aisle upon aisle of the best purebred dogs in the country to view. It also gives the public the chance to connect with breeders, most of whom are only too happy to share their knowledge of all things dog, and in particular, the wonderful attributes of their breed. In the past, this show was extended to a four day event due to it's immense popularity with the public and exhibitors alike, but currently the show has been packed into two full days of dog showing.

Presently, all dog breeds are divided into one of seven groups, including:
Toys,Non-Sporting,Sporting,Working,Herding,Terrier, and Hound. Although it may appear that dogs of different breeds are competing with each other, it is actually the judge's job to choose which of the dogs is the best representative of their breed standard. The dog who is the most turned on, moving energetically and totally in tune with his handler can't help but catch the judges eye, and usually winds up with a Group first placement.

With the awarding of the Group 1 placements, the field of over 2,500 deserving champions is narrowed down to the top 7, and from this elite company the highly coveted Best In Show dog is selected, and after a few moments of excruciating suspense, the judge presents the winning dog/handler team with a huge BIS rosette ribbon, and the Westminster show trophy.

Westminster Kennel Club - America's Dog Show

2009-01-23T21:13:00.000-08:00

It is, quite simply, the greatest tradition in the world of dogs. For the 133rd consecutive year, the Westminster Kennel Club will once again bring together the world's very best dogs in the world's greatest sporting arena to compete for the most coveted title in the sport: Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show.

It has happened every year since 1877, and once again, in 2009, some 2,522 dogs from 49 states, the District of Columbia and at least seven foreign countries will gather at America's Dog Show on February 9-10 at Madison Square Garden. Befitting its position as the oldest organization in America dedicated to the purebred dog, Westminster will extend its streak as America's second longest continuously held sporting event (behind only the Kentucky Derby).

Leading the way with the most entries are California (265) and New York (235). Rounding out the top ten states are Pennsylvania (180), New Jersey (160), Connecticut (123), Texas (117), Florida (111), Massachusetts (101), Maryland (97) and Virginia (89). Foreign entries came from Canada (74), England, Germany, Brazil, Russia, Thailand, and Mexico. However, many foreign bred dogs are entered from U.S. addresses, and in the final compilation there will be a number of additional foreign countries represented.

Labrador Retrievers have the highest entry with 47; other large entries include French Bulldogs 42, German Shorthaired Pointers 39, Golden Retrievers 37, Australian Shepherds 35, Bernese Mountain Dogs 35, Borzoi 34, Havanese 31 and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 30.

All of the 170 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club will be represented at the show. There are 15 Dogue de Bordeaux entries, the only new breed for 2009. The Dogue de Bordeaux competes in the Working Group.

The evening competition will be televised live each night at 8 PM (ET) on USA Network. Westminster, televised since 1948, is and always has been America's most widely-watched live telecast of a dog show. In addition, streaming video of the individual breed judging highlights is posted on the Westminster Web site for viewing within two hours of the completion of judging. In 2008, Web site visitors viewed 1.4 million streaming video clips and logged 11.4 million page views.

Breeds and varieties in the Hound, Terrier, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups will be benched and judged during the day on Monday, with Group competition that evening. On Tuesday, breeds and varieties in the Sporting, Working and Toy Groups will be benched and judged, with judging of those Groups and Best In Show to be held Tuesday evening.

The breed judging schedule will be posted on www.westminsterkennelclub.org when finalized.

Best In Show will be judged by Ms. Sari Brewster Tietjen of Rhinebeck, NY. She heads a panel of 38 judges from 17 states and Canada.

Group judges will be Mr. Robert Ennis of Angola, NY (Sporting); Mrs. Patricia V. Trotter of Carmel, CA (Hound); Mrs. Paula Nykiel of Washington, MO (Working); Mr. Peter Green of Bowmansville, PA (Terrier); Mr. Fred Bassett of Broken Arrow, OK (Toy); Mrs. Charlotte Patterson of Destin, FL (Non-Sporting); and Mr. Robert Slay of Cary, NC (Herding). Mr. Edmund Dziuk of Columbia, MO will judge the Junior Showmanship Finals.

Entries for 2009 (subject to final audit):

Sporting breeds (469): Brittanys 21, Pointers 19, Pointers (German Shorthaired) 39, Pointers (German Wirehaired) 6, Retrievers (Chesapeake Bay) 23, Retrievers (Curly-Coated) 15, Retrievers (Flat-Coated) 22, Retrievers (Golden) 37, Retrievers (Labrador) 47, Retrievers (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) 12, Setters (English) 16, Setters (Gordon) 11, Setters (Irish) 26, Spaniels (American Water) 3, Spaniels (Clumber) 12, Spaniels (Cocker) Black 10, Spaniels (Cocker) ASCOB 7, Spaniels (Cocker) Parti-Color 6, Spaniels (English Cocker) 10, Spaniels (English Springer) 27, Spaniels (Field) 6, Spaniels (Irish Water) 9, Spaniels (Sussex) 11, Spaniels (Welsh Springer) 8, Spinone Italiano 19, Vizslas 22, Weimaraners 17, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons 8.

Hound breeds (356): Afghan Hounds 27, Basenjis 15, Basset Hounds 13, Beagles (13") 11, Beagles (15") 18, Black and Tan Coonhounds 7, Bloodhounds 15, Borzoi 34, Dachshunds (Longhaired) 18, Dachshunds (Smooth) 24, Dachshunds (Wirehaired) 21, Foxhounds (American) 9, Foxhounds (English) 2, Greyhounds 11, Harriers 2, Ibizan Hounds 11, Irish Wolfhounds 11, Norwegian Elkhounds 5, Otterhounds 5, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 11, Pharaoh Hounds 11, Plotts 3, Rhodesian Ridgebacks 24, Salukis 19, Scottish Deerhounds 6, Whippets 23.

Working breeds (407): Akitas 16, Alaskan Malamutes 15, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs 4, Bernese Mountain Dogs 35, Black Russian Terriers 15, Boxers 18, Bullmastiffs 25, Doberman Pinschers 18, Dogue de Bordeaux 15, German Pinschers 11, Giant Schnauzers 8, Great Danes 20, Great Pyrenees 13, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs 13, Komondorok 3, Kuvaszok 1, Mastiffs 28, Neapolitan Mastiffs 5, Newfoundlands 16, Portuguese Water Dogs 24, Rottweilers 29, St. Bernards 7, Samoyeds 27, Siberian Huskies 24, Standard Schnauzers 9, Tibetan Mastiffs 8.

Terriers breeds (269): Airedale Terriers 9, American Staffordshire Terriers 16, Australian Terriers 9, Bedlington Terriers 10, Border Terriers 16, Bull Terriers (Colored) 1, Bull Terriers (White) 2, Cairn Terriers 15, Dandie Dinmont Terriers 3, Fox Terriers (Smooth) 11, Fox Terriers (Wire) 12, Glen of Imaal Terriers 5, Irish Terriers 8, Kerry Blue Terriers 13, Lakeland Terriers 5, Manchester Terriers (Standard) 7, Miniature Bull Terriers 7, Miniature Schnauzers 18, Norfolk Terriers 13, Norwich Terriers 17, Parson Russell Terriers 15, Scottish Terriers 9, Sealyham Terriers 4, Skye Terriers 6, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 6, Staffordshire Bull Terriers 14, Welsh Terriers 5, West Highland White Terriers 13.

Toy breeds (347): Affenpinschers 5, Brussels Griffons 13, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 30, Chihuahuas (Long Coat) 13, Chihuahuas (Smooth Coat) 16, Chinese Cresteds 26, English Toy Spaniels (Blenheim & Prince Charles) 3, English Toy Spaniels (King Charles & Ruby) 7, Havanese 31, Italian Greyhounds 18, Japanese Chins 15, Maltese 12, Manchester Terriers (Toy) 8, Miniature Pinschers 7, Papillons 28, Pekingese 12, Pomeranians 26, Poodles (Toy) 7, Pugs 24, Shih Tzu 14, Silky Terriers 9, Toy Fox Terriers 8, Yorkshire Terriers 15.

Non-Sporting breeds (281): American Eskimo Dogs 13, Bichon Frises 18, Boston Terriers 26, Bulldogs 14, Chinese Shar-Pei 14, Chow Chows 11, Dalmatians 16, Finnish Spitz 4, French Bulldogs 42, Keeshonden 11, Lhasa Apsos 9, Lowchen 8, Poodles (Miniature) 11, Poodles (Standard) 20, Schipperkes 14, Shiba Inu 15, Tibetan Spaniels 18, Tibetan Terriers 17.

Herding breeds (274): Australian Cattle Dogs 7, Australian Shepherds 35, Bearded Collies 16, Beauceron 6, Belgian Malinois 17, Belgian Sheepdogs 17, Belgian Tervurens 9, Border Collies 14, Bouviers des Flandres 19, Briards 13, Canaan Dogs 5, Cardigan Welsh Corgis 20, Collies (Rough) 14, Collies (Smooth) 11, German Shepherd Dogs 8, Old English Sheepdogs 17, Pembroke Welsh Corgis 11, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 7, Pulik 7, Shetland Sheepdogs 14, Swedish Vallhund 7.

Junior Showmanship: 122

Entries by state: California 265, New York 235, Pennsylvania 180, New Jersey 160, Connecticut 123, Texas 117, Florida 111, Massachusetts 101, Maryland 97, Virginia 89, Ohio 81, Illinois 71, Michigan 64, North Carolina 63, Washington 57, Georgia 52, Colorado 45, Missouri 39, Indiana 37, Wisconsin 32, South Carolina 30, Tennessee 29, New Hampshire 28, Arizona 27, Minnesota 27, Louisiana 27, Kentucky 23, Rhode Island 19, Vermont 17, Maine 16, Delaware 16, Oregon 16, Oklahoma 15, Alabama 14, New Mexico 11, Iowa 10, Nebraska 9, Nevada 8, Kansas 7, Mississippi 7, Arkansas 5, Hawaii 5, Utah 4, West Virginia 4, Montana 2, Alaska 2, South Dakota 2, Idaho 1, Wyoming 1. Others: District of Columbia 4, Canada 74, Brazil 4, Germany 2, England 1, Mexico 1, Russia 1, Thailand 1.

Canada's Largest Pet Show

2009-01-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

Updates on the 2009 show.

- Visit the Canadian Kennel Club's Dog Demonstration Ring and see Some Ruff Competition's North American Flyball Association sanctioned flyball tournament sponsored by Global & Ryan's Pet Foods! Also host to the Parade of Breeds sponsored by Your Dog Companion DVD, and the Good Guys Carting Dogs.

- Royal Canin Championship Cat Show sanctioned by the Canadian Cat Association. Multiple competition rings provide non-stop action each day.

- Meet Dr. Stanley Coren (Sat 1-4 & Sun 1-2) The world-renowned dog behavior expert & best selling author of "Good Dog" on the Pet Network has been featured on Oprah, Larry King, Dateline and many others...

- Interact with over 30 purebred dogs, breeders and breed club members in Breeder's Row sponsored by Your Dog Companion DVD

- Centre Stage sponsored by Milk-Bone - featuring the Doggie Q Fashion Show, sponsored by Ren's Pets Depot, the Royal Canin Parade of Pedigreed Cats, and the Reptile Show.

- Visit the Cesar booth and have your picture taken with Maggie from 12-4pm daily.

- Time and Patience Dog Training seminars and certified trainers will be on hand to answer your questions.

- Pet Adoption - Adoption specialists will be on hand to help you find that perfect family pet.

- The World of Reptiles - hosted by The Reptile Store.

- The exotic sounds and beautiful colours await you in the World of Birds.

- Shop from over 170 exhibitors with Great Show Specials.

Come and join us at the All About Pets Show! A true pet lover's paradise dedicated to promoting the responsible ownership of pets. We are proud to deliver to our exhibitors and visitors a first class, consumer pet show.

Luxury Pet Products for your business

2009-01-15T11:55:00.000-08:00

The customer to target for your business is currently shopping at Dolce & Gabanna, Armani, Gucci, Luis Vuitton and Chanel to name a few. Luxury pet products continue to add more profit margin to businesses due to price point and the type of client that a luxury product attracts.

The retail luxury sector continues to see accelerated growth with Neimans, Nordstroms, etc. all reporting significant increases over last year and many exceeding targeted expectations. The demand for luxury in all categories is projected to increase . This trend carries into the pet industry with a growing demand for interesting designs, fabrications and style. The customer that is buying from key designers such as Dolce & Gabanna, Armani, Chanel, Luis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, Versace, YSL and Gucci are all clients that buy because of what the brand represents. Style, design, sophisticated taste level and recognition in the marketplace. This is the customer that represents the true luxury market.

The luxury sector of the pet industry has been targeted as a category with the most growth. True luxury products are beginning to surface in the pet industry due to the trend in the marketplace and the increase in consumer demand. Pet carriers are a prime example. Two years ago, the highest price point on many websites for a pet carrier was $199.00. Now, the category has grown due to demand with price points now from $400 - $900.00+. The requirements of dog carriers today are for style, fashion, Italian Leather, quality hardware and workmanship in the construction of the bag. Carriers are now doubling as a handbag as well as a dog carrier. This has resulted in the need to raise the standards on pet carriers to accommodate the luxury client. Fashion, quality, function have now become synonymous with what a pet carrier must represent.

While carrying a more expensive line in a boutique may appear to be risky, what needs to be assessed is the amount of profits that selling luxury items can bring. If a luxury carrier retails for $900.00 and the wholesale is $450.00, a profit of around $300 - $400 depending on a stores’ overhead costs can result from the sale of one bag. At a retail price point of $200.00, that has a wholesale of $100.00, 3-4 bags would need to sell to achieve the same type of profits that a luxury bag will earn. In addition, the following are what a luxury customer can do for your store.

1. The luxury customer is more affluent. Therefore, the client has more disposable income to spend on other items in the Boutique.

2. The profile of a luxury customer is often one that purchases the complete ensemble. This means increased sales on matching collars and leashes for the bags along with clothing for the dog.

3. The customer is continually one that wants to be updated. Therefore, he/she will welcome the phone call when new items arrive. Keeping in mind that the true luxury customer is not concerned with price. When it comes to buying for themselves or for their beloved pets, price is never an issue. It’s always about styling and quality.

4. A boutiques’ buying strategy must always be to look for those items that create the "wow" factor. This means that items should never be merchandised in mass quantity but merchandised so that it becomes an absolute "must have" for the customer. The item must make a statement on its own.

5. Merchandise should always be rotated with different styles featured daily. The more movement that takes place in a store will create a newness and freshness thereby driving clients into the store.

Take the time to study the luxury customer. What their lifestyle entails. Two to three homes, travel schedules, professional careers, likes, dislikes, where they currently shop, what they wear, what kind of watch they wear, what kind of shoes and what designers they like the most. All of the above must be translated to each employee in the store so that everyone recognizes what the customer expects. Training will be key.

Believe in the products that are purchased, train the team on understanding the customer and build confidence through product knowledge and training. Doing so will translate to increased sales in the business and increased profits.

Rhode Island Pet Show

2009-01-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

Osborne/Jenks Productions, Inc. produces the largest and most popular consumer pet shows on the East Coast. This pet show series is a dynamic showcase of pet products & pet services, as well as a wide variety of rare and beautiful animals.

Pet lovers look forward to our annual events for a great, fun-filled family time! Not only will you see purebred dogs and cats, but also meet dozens of shelter and rescue groups, hoping to find loving homes for lovable "pound pups" and "kennel kitties".

Plus shop for exotic, one-of-a-kind pet products and crafts, and learn more about the many pet services available in your area.

March 14-15, 2009
Rhode Island Pet Show, TICA Cat Show & Rare Dog Show
Rhode Island Convention Center - Providence, RI

The Rhode Island Pet Show, sponsored by PETCO Animal Supplies and the PETCO Foundation, is located at the beautiful Rhode Island Convention Center. The Pet Show is an incredibly popular and worthwhile event. Rhode Island's love of animals certainly shows judging by the numbers of people who come back year after year to enjoy all the fun and interesting aspects of this show.

Pet Fashion Week Spring Show Canceled

2009-01-02T23:03:00.001-08:00

Pet Fashion Week New York, well known for its annual luxury pet-industry trade show in August, canceled a second show it had planned for February 2009.

“We’re just not getting the interest we were expecting,” said trade-show director Derek DiFante. “Rather than do something that’s not up to our standards, we think it’s best to step back from it.”

The show, planned for February 8-9, had attracted between 50 and 60 exhibitors, DiFante said, which was below the number expected. The fall show, planned for August 22 and 23, will proceed as scheduled, he said.

Shortly before the cancellation was announced, Alexa Cach, a co-founder of the show, reported she had resigned in October from her post as executive director, citing creative differences. Cach and Mario DiFante (Derek DiFante’s father) founded Pet Fashion Week New York in 2006.

While Derek DiFante confirmed that aside from Cach, several other members of the Pet Fashion Week team have also resigned, he said the resignations in October had nothing to do with the decision in December to cancel the show.

“In fact, Alexa’s primary function was as runway show director,” he said. “When we planned the February show, we had already decided from day one that we weren’t going to do a runway show.”

DiFante said the team members who left had varying degrees of participation with the company, ranging from internships to part-time and full-time employment.

He said there was a “fundamental difference” in views regarding the direction of the company, which resulted in some employees believing their interests would be better served elsewhere.

“I think we got heavily into the fashion aspect of the industry, and I think some people forget we work in the pet industry, not the fashion industry,” he said.

“We just have very different ideas of how the company should be run and where the company should go,” Cach said. “It’s like a marriage. When you get to that point, it’s just better you go your separate ways.”

DiFante attributed the lack of response to the spring-show idea to the United States’ economic crisis.

“The economy is what it is,” he said. “I think 2009 and 2010 might be a couple of years where you see some turnover in the industry. What you’re seeing is growth at the top of the industry with the very high-end products and boutiques. We’re also finding that Wal-Mart, Target and your larger pet-specialty stores are getting into this market. That’s going to have an impact as well.”

Despite these changes, DiFante said, Pet Fashion Week will continue to target the high-end boutiques.

Derek DiFante said Mario DiFante will remain as executive director of the organization.

Tips For Showing Your Dog

2008-12-30T21:42:00.000-08:00

Many people enjoy showing their dog for either championship levels and recognition for their kennel, for enjoyment of seeing their dog succeed, or for the experience it provides for the dog.

There are two different types of shows; those that are for purebred animals based solely on conformation to breed standards and trials or events that are open to all dogs regardless of lineage and are judged on the dog’s ability at a particular event or activity.

For purposes of this discussion the focus will be on showing dogs in the ring, that is working with purebred, registered dogs to have them compete against other dogs of the same breed or against the standards as developed by the nation kennel club of the various countries. Most countries including Canada, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom have their own kennel clubs that hold shows and events on local, national and international levels.

Each kennel club also establishes the breed standards for the various breeds that are registered or recognized by the kennel club. Some breeds may be in different classes in various kennel clubs and some breeds may be recognized by one kennel club but not another. Mixed breeds, hybrids or designer dogs are not recognized by any of the national kennel clubs although some other organizations do register these crosses.

When showing a registered purebred dog there are some tips and strategies that will help you prepare both the handler, who may or may not be the owner, and the dog.

1. Read and study the breed standards for the specific breed of dog that you wish to show. Be sure that you only use breed standard trimming or grooming techniques or you will be disqualified. Pay particular attention to breeds that cannot be clipped in any fashion or those that can only be stripped (a particular type of hair thinning method) prior to competitions.

2. Know the judges preferences. Since most judges will judge the same types of categories and classes be sure to attend several events that the judges are working on. Watch how they judge the dogs, how they prefer the dogs to be presented, and what comments they make when selecting champions and winners in the class. While the judging is objective in that they use the standards as a guideline, there is still an element of subjectivity.

3. Wash and groom the dog the day before the show to prevent any last minute stress and possible delays. Trim nails, clean teeth, and ensure that the dog is looking in tiptop shape prior to the event.

4. Stay calm and positive with the dog. Take them for a good long walk before entering the ring and ensure that they have gone to the bathroom. This is a nervous time for dogs and to avoid any embarrassing moments a good walk is a wonderful idea.

5. Always socialize your dog as much as possible. If it is an option be sure to get your dog to the show in enough time for them to become familiar with the area, the crowds, and the ring and lights before the actual event.

Lastly, consider if you should hire a professional handler to show your dog. There is more to it than meets the eye, and a professional handler can help really accentuate your dog’s positive aspects, plus will take the stress off of you. If you are planning on using a handler be sure to allow time for the dog and handler to work together before the show and ensure that they are just the right match for your dog.

Dog fashion show

2008-12-29T22:10:00.000-08:00

The dog fashion show of the century was held in Toronto Ontario, this past June kicking off the annual " Woofstock" sort of a doggie love in fest. It is the largest outdoor event for dogs in North America with free admission festivals, entertainment and dog lovers fashion shows.

Over 120,000 dog enthusiasts attended with over 200 companies who showed their latest foods, fashion and fun furnishings for our furry friends. These were the "must haves" for every canine to live in this dog eat dog world and for 2 days the St. Lawrence Market on Front Street became "Doggie Heaven" for the participants. Dog divas donned their finery wearing pearls, silks, cashmere, leather and outer fashion canine couture, and could partake of: massages, spa treatments, portraits, fashion accessories, furnishings, bedding and decadent treats to satisfy any palate.