geetika nigam's blog

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Dogs need exercise

Depending on the breed, your dog requires a certain amount of exercise. If you're the lazy kind, get yourself a Chihuahua. But if you're the outdoor, sporty kind, go for hikes and live in a large house with a fenced garden, get yourself a German Shepherd or a Labrador Retriever. 

 

You will need food and water dishes for your dog. Dogs require certain nutrients, which they can get from dog food. Chapatis are pretty good for them as well, but make sure you include dog food like dog biscuits in his diet. Never feed him sweet foods or very salty foods. They make your dog sick. Keep your dog's dish filled with cold water to allow him easy access, and replace it several times a day so it stays clean and cool.

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As the notion of companion animals evolves, pets continue to play a more centered role in the family. For many couples, their pet may be their first "baby." But how do you prepare your favorite four-legged friend for the newest two-legged addition to the family?

Linda Case is an adjunct assistant professor who teaches companion animal behavior and training at the University Of Illinois College Of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. She also owns Autumn Gold Dog Training Center, in Mahomet and has authored several books including one due out this summer entitled Canine and Feline Behavior and Training: A Complete Guide to Understanding Our Two Best Friends.

"Basic manners training is especially helpful when a new baby is going to be added to the home," says Case. She says that teaching your dog the down and stay commands before the baby arrives is a good start to a well-mannered pet that will be calm around infants. She also recommends teaching your pet to "come when called; sit quietly for petting and handling, and to keep four paws on the ground."  read the rest of this article »

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Summer is now in full swing and so is the war against the tiny, wingless, blood-eating fleas that make our pets miserable during these hot, humid days.

The flea, while extremely annoying to both pets and humans, is actually quite a fascinating insect. According to Dr. Allan Paul, a veterinary parasitologist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana, the life cycle of the flea is divided into several stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The flea's body is flattened slightly to allow it to move between the coarse fur of a cat or dog with ease. The long, specially adapted legs of a flea allow it to jump up to 200 times its own body length, making it the best jumper in the animal kingdom.

Adult fleas will spend the majority of their lives on a host animal if they are able to find one. Once on the host, an adult female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, or about 2,000 eggs in a lifetime. These eggs will then fall off the animal and hatch into larvae within a few days.  read the rest of this article »

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By Jenna Stregowski, RVT

Just like people, dogs need physical maintenance to look and feel their best. Fortunately, dogs do not need to bathe as often as people, but you do need to learn how much grooming your dog actually needs and keep it on a schedule. Generally, a dog’s grooming needs depend on the breed and hair type. If your dog has a skin, ear or nail condition, follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding grooming your dog. Here are some general guidelines for routine dog grooming.

1. Hair Brushing
Most dogs enjoy being brushed, and the sessions will strengthen the bond with your dog while keeping his coat healthy. A dog’s minimum brushing needs depend on hair type. Choose the appropriate tool and follow these guidelines based on hair type.
Long-haired dogs usually require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of hair.

Medium-haired dogs are also prone to matting and tangles and should be brushed weekly.

Short-haired dogs can typically go about a month in-between brushing.  read the rest of this article »