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Tuesday, March 11, 2008

A Healthy Dog is a Happy Dog!

A healthy dog is a happy dog. And a happy dog is the best companion anyone could wish for. Unlike people, dogs can't figure out when something is wrong, or tell you about it. It's your job as the owner to look out for problems and step in quick to keep your hound happy. Illness doesn't just mean breaks, parasites or viruses, it include the scourge of humanity too - obesity. Just like in humans, obesity in dogs can lead to arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and premature death. Also like in humans, this is a recent development. The availability of cheap food for pets has caused an obesity spiral in the developed world.

So what should you feed your dog? Obviously, breed plays a part, but in general, kibble is the best base (dried dog food) with tinned stuff as a treat. Too much tinned stuff can give your poor pooch the runs! Don't feed him human cakes biscuits and the like, no matter how much he seems to enjoy them - dog's digestive systems are not designed for this kind of food! A diet based on these principle will ensure a shiny coat and clear eyes, both necessary if your dog is going to win thru to the finals of the http://www.petmillions.com contest and a chance to win you a million in cash!

Dental care. Dogbreath is a byword for bad smelling breath. Help your dog keep his teeth and gums healthy by offering him bones to chew (note - NEVER chicken bones!). If it's a real bad case, there are even special 'doggy tooth cleaner' products available at the store.

Worms. Keep him healthy with regular shots against the 4 biggies - distemper, heartworm, parvovirus (which is rare, but fatal!!!) and kennel cough (which is also rare unless you keep the dog out on cement all the time). You can do the worming routine yourself - crush the tablets and sprinkle them onto some tinned food. He WILL be able to smell it, but what the hey, food is food, right? Woof! Only use a small amount of tinned food to ensure he eats all the tablet powder. Don't know what distemper is? Kind of like dog flu, with runny nose and eyes. Worms tend to cause lack of appetite, bad coat, and a tendency to drag his backside along the ground. These are easily passed to humans so fix it fast!

That brings us to fleas and ticks. Treat regularly with one of the many excellent 'dropper' products now available. They really work, and fast too. Ticks can be a nightmare - they can cause swelling, then paralysis and death, so you have to guard against them very carefully, especially if you live in an area prone to dog ticks.

That's my routine with Jess, now be a pal, willya, and vote for him at http://petmillions.com! His ID is 3083, and it's free to vote!

Brendan Gunstan is an IT consultant, who passes the really difficult tasks onto his 12 year old crossbreed Jess.

Tips on Saving Money During Home Improvement Projects

Tips on Saving Money During Home Improvement Projects

John and Marylyn finally had enough money to buy a new home. It wasnt built from scratch but rather belonged to a family who lived in it for 40 years.

The foundation was still strong and the pipes were in good condition. Some retouches the couple said and this place will be good as new.

Many people think that it will cost a fortune to do a makeover on homes. This isnt true because there are ways to save money and still achieve the intended objective for those who will be living in the household.

Here are a few tips from those who can save money on home improvement projects.

The first will be to go around the house and see which areas need a makeover. Each of these places should be checked for cracks or leaks that may have accumulated through the years given that it has stood for a number of years.

Next, will be to get the advise of a friend who is an interior designer who can give some advice on how to make this happen. The expert might say this has to be torn down and replaced. These are all good ideas and this will all boil down to how much it will cost to finish the entire project.

If the quote is too expensive, perhaps asking friends and family who know other contractors who can do the job for less the price can be called in. These professionals can also be hired at an affordable price during lean months when there is not that much work going on in the neighborhood.

Those who are very hands on can replace the old shelves and cabinets by buying pre-assembled versions that are available from the hardware or furniture store. These are easy to install and can be screwed or set against the wall.

Another thing hands on people can do is repainting the ceiling or walls in the home. All the person has to do is buy some paint and plan when this will be done. The task can be done weekly so that one area of the house is finished before moving on to the next.

Home improvement is something that can be done at anytime that those in the household think it is proper. Going over the costs and knowing when this will be done can save the homeowner a few hundred dollars for other expenses.

The above article was written by Sarah Miller on behalf of a buzzing online Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Contractors community where homeowners easily and painlessly find the right contractor for their home improvement projects and in turn, contractors can find the right Home Improvement Leads! Also check out the http://QuoteCity.com Blog for more related Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Articles and Ideas.

What Are The Characteristics Of Collies?

Collies were initially bred to herd sheep. The AKC classifies the Collie among the Herding Group. This breed is graceful and has plenty of endurance. They weigh between 55 to 80 pounds and stand from 22 to 26 inches tall. Whether brown or blue in color, their almond shaped eyes appear to gleam with intelligence. The prick ears of the Collie give it the appearance of always being alert. They can be smooth or rough coated. the rough coat of a Collie is fuller and longer than a smooth coated Collie. The Collie comes in white, sable, tricolor or blue merle colors.

They are very active and have a protective instinct which makes this breed an excellent family dog. The Collie takes its duties as a watchdog very seriously. He barks at all intruders, whether people, animals or pieces of trash that is blowing around in the yard. Not all Collies are diligent protectors. Some of these dogs can be nervous and very high strung. Most of them are wonderful with children, however. A Collie loves to spend time outside and therefore would not be a good choice for apartment living.

The Collie can be headstrong and can get into a lot of mischief while a puppy. It is recommended that you attend obedience training with your Collie. It is easier to train a puppy that hasnt developed bad habits than an older dog. It is important to be firm with your Collie if you dont want him on your furniture. If allowed on your furniture he will feel he has the right to be there.

The Collie has minimal health problems. PRA and eye diseases are the most common problems for these dogs. Your Collie is much more likely to be taken to the veterinarian because he has injured himself while jumping around and exploring his surroundings than for a health problem.

Collies have a tendency to overeat and can pack away a lot of food. It is recommended that they be given three small meals each day. If he develops a bulging middle, speak with your veterinarian about possible dog foods that promote weight loss.

Collies do not require extensive grooming, but you want to brush through their coats several times a week to avoid matting. Pay attention to the hair around his face, around his legs and behind the ears.

If youre looking for an intelligent family dog, one that will protect your family and play with your kids, then the Collie is the perfect pet for you.

George Adams is a staff writer at http://www.pets-digest.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.recreation-digest.com.

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