The Dogs

Many of us enjoy feeding treats to our dog as much as they love to get them. They just seem so darn happy to hear the box rattle or the jar open. In they come running at top speed as if they have no other reason for living. We feel special when this happens and many of us like it so much that we find ourselves feeding our dog so many dog treats the box runs out faster than the dog food bag. Is this a problem? Well it could turn into a major problem.

Dog treats are not only fun to give our dog but they can actually help the dog maintain a high level of health. The key is to buy the right dog treats. Some veterinarians have compared dog treats to candy bars. You would not sit and eat five or six candy bars a day so why allow your dog to eat the equivalent. There are a number of very healthy dog treats on the market these days some of the treats on the shelves can not only be fun but can benefit the health of their digestive system, teeth and bones. When looking for treats to give your dog go ahead and choose the healthiest ones. Think about this. Dogs can taste differences in things but the main reason that dogs love treats so much is because it is different than their usual food. I figured this out by just getting a few pieces of a different kind of dog food. I gave him nothing special or unusual but just different. My dog reacted the exact same way and loved it so much that he could not even tell the difference between that food and the chewy dog treats I normally fed him. I concluded that I can reward him with anything I want and that included the highly nutritious and still flavorful treats in the store.

For more information about dog treats or to chat with fellow dog lovers in our pet forum, visit http://www.spectacularpets.com.

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The Labrador Retriever, more commonly known as “labs” are the most common breed of dog in the United States. Labs are large dogs, normally around fifty to seventy five pounds.

Labs come in three colors - black (Black Labs), brown (Chocolate Labs), and yellow (Yellow Labs). Yellow labs can vary from nearly white to fox red, but the other two colors are pretty much all the same.

Labs are excellent swimmers, and most greatly enjoy the water, even in the winter. For this reason, labs make great duck hunting or fishing dogs. A lab’s coat is relatively resistant to water, which helps it in water activities.

Labs are very friendly, loving dogs, and generally love being around people and children, making them a great family dog. Being large, active dogs, Labrador retrievers need plenty of exercise and activity.

Labs are generally easy to train and very responsive. Labs are rarely overly aggressive (though they will normally bark at intrusions), hyper, destructive, or overly territorial. They are great to get along with.

Labs do like chewing on things, so they often must be trained to chew on the correct things and not your furniture.

Labs, as mentioned before, love people. Most labs can’t get enough human attention. Labs especially love retrieving, whether it be a ball, stick, or whatever. Most will continue bringing back a ball as long as you will throw it for them.

Labs generally live about twelve to thirteen years, and are not overly prone to many health problems. Labs do have some susceptibility to hip dysplasia, ear infections, or knee problems. Probably the most common problem is gaining too much weight, though. Labs love to eat, and their food intake must be controlled carefully.

Overall, labs are an excellently well rounded, even tempered dog. Really, they are great for anyone, as long as you can give them enough exercise.

For up to date Dog Health Info check out DogFlu.ca your one stop destination for Dog Health Information.

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Two hours before writing this, I returned home from searching for my daughter’s lost dog. Her family had moved to a new area recently and the dog has not had time to become familiar with the new area other than his own yard.

As we prepared to find him we realized we did not have some items that would be useful in our search. Here are a few things a pet owner can do to help in finding a lost pet.

Take pictures of your dog- not only the pretty pictures, but also those of the dog when wet or in different style cuts you may keep him in. (do you shave him down or keep him in a shorter cut during the summer months?)

Microchip your pet. Most Veterinarians are equipped to perform this simple procedure.

Tattoo your pet. Not all Vets are prepared for this. You may want to contact The National Dog Registry or Tattoo-a-Pet for guidance.

Of course, have I.D. tags with the pets name, your name, address and phone# engraved. Attach these securely to his collar.

Property training- teach him the limits of his yard.

Teach him to come to a whistle, bell or some other familiar sound. Many of these sounds can travel farther than your voice, and after prolonged calling the voice tires or becomes horse.
Take your dog for short walks- at the turn around point tell him “go home”, and go directly home. Do this many times and from different directions. Then begin to let the dog lead you home (at the end of a leash). This can also be handy if a stranger tells him to “go home”.

When you begin your search:

Put up and hand out flyers. Banks, grocery stores, gas stations and parks. Encase your flyers in plastic to protect from wind and rain. USE LARGE LETTERS.

Put an ad in your local newspapers.

Familiar areas may draw your dog- if you live in an area of all brick homes or you frequent a park, he may be near a similar area. Where would you go if you were lost?

Animals are more active in the morning and late afternoon/early evening during the summer. If it’s a hot day check in shaded or low lying areas where it is cooler. In winter, check areas of brighter sunlight or places sheltered from the wind. Use your eyes- look under and around, if your dog is frightened he may be hiding and may not readily recognize you.

Contact the local Veterinarians, pet shelters, animal control and even your mailman. Check with these sources daily. These are busy folks and may easily forget or be unable to get back with you immediately. Also contact your local pet groomers- someone may find your dog and take them to a groomer to remove ticks and fleas or simply to clean the pet.

Use a happy or positive voice as you call for your pet. When calling, (or whistling or bell ringing) stay in one place for 10 or 20 minutes. Dogs can hear loud sounds for a great distance and it may take some time for him to get to you.

If you live in a rural area, try staking an old shirt or other item with your scent on it at ground level, perhaps on a hilltop (so the scent will travel). DO NOT leave food as this will mistakenly attract any animal. When you return, does the item look pawed at or slept on? Refresh this item daily. This may be a long shot, but what do you have to lose by trying?

I’m happy to report that we found the little guy! After three days he had made it a mile and a half away from home! He was lying on a gravel patch next to a lake under a shade tree. (similar to the road in front of his home.) I don’t think he fully recognized me at first but he did seem to recognize my car, as he made a bee-line to hop in to the front seat. Naturally we are very thankful and fortunate. In hindsight, our quest may have been easier and quicker had we prepared by following a few simple guidelines.

Carol is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer,
certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc.

A pet groomer since 1993, she attained National Certification in 2002.
Visit her website at http://www.carolsbows.com

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