The personality and behavior of a mature dog is strongly affected by how it interacts with littermates, mother, people, and the surrounding environment that it comes in contact with during the first 12 weeks of life. The lessons learned at this crucial time will shape there personalities and lay the ground work for bad behavior if not monitored.
All puppies love to play by being mouthy and biting or chewing anything they can get their sharp little teeth into. These sharp teeth are the reason that it is crucial for puppies to learn bite inhibitionduring the first few months of life. Normally this is learned naturally and effectively through contact with mom and other littermates. If the puppy bites mom during nursing mom can roll the dog over to correct it or just get up and walk away. Hungry puppy learns very quickly to control there teeth if it wants to eat. Likewise when playing with littermates, if a puppy gets bitten too hard it will yelp and stop playing.
From his littermates, the puppy acquires additional knowledge on how to interact with members of his own species. Through their play, puppies learn about dominance and submission, get an introduction into mating behavior, and receive a wide range of stimulation for the development of their senses and physical abilities. Puppies that have no littermates or come from litters that were split up at an early age, typically have difficulty interacting with dogs later in life. Not knowing how to react when confronted by a member of their own species, they tend to be either overly shy or aggressive. Often, they fail miserably in multi-dog households.
That is why it is extremly important to make sure that your pet was with its littermates until at least 7 to 8 weeks of age, before the adoption.
It may sound strange, but many dogs’ noses change colors. If your pooch’s nose has turned, then you need to watch out for other signs that can signal a skin problem.If his nose only turns during certain seasons, then his breed may be susceptible to the color change.There are many reasons or speculations about why this happens, but the phenomenon is not completely understood.Here are a few reasons why the color change can occur and things you can do to help.
If you have never seen a dog with a color-changing nose, then you may have no clue what one looks like.Dog’s noses are normally one of a handful of colors.They can be the same color as the dogs’ coat, black, brown (or liver colored), or pink.In most cases, a nose that changes will go from a dark color (usually black) to pink, resulting from a lack of pigment.Now, why the dog is experiencing pigmentation loss can be due to a number of things.
It’s important to start by identifying skin issues that can cause a pooch’s nose to turn.That way, you can decide if your dog needs to go see the veterinarian.Contact dermatitis is one explanation for the changing nose.Although it is not directly related to the dog’s health, it is caused by exposure to a foreign substance.Contact dermatitis is when the skin reacts negatively (causing a rash or irritation) from contact with the foreign substance.For instance, plastic food bowls have been known to cause contact dermatitis of the nose and mouth.Whether it’s the soap you use to clean the bowl or a chemical in the bowl itself, contact with the dish can cause a pet’s nose to lose pigmentation and sometimes cause the lips to swell.To rule out the possibility of contact dermatitis, try using stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls.
It is not uncommon for a dog’s nose to turn pink during the winter, and later return to its normal color when the temperature warms up.Known as “winter nose” or “snow nose,” Siberian Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers have all been known to exhibit the color change.Although there is no solid explanation for snow nose, many experts point to a pigment-producing enzyme.This enzyme is affected by temperature, and it is also affected and by age.For whatever reason, the enzyme is more effective at producing pigment when the temperature is warm.Also, if your aging pooch is losing the color in his nose, it could be a result of the enzyme losing its effectiveness over time.
If a dog gets a cut or scrap on his nose, then the nose may turn pink until it heals.In this case, the laceration caused a loss of pigment.Once the scab has fallen off, the nose will return to its normal color.If your pet has other spots on his body that has lost color, then he may have a skin disease known as vitiligo.Vitiligo can be caused by genetics, auto-immune disorders, or the environment.When a dog has vitiligo, it is not uncommon for patches of fur to turn gray early.Vitiligo is not life threatening, and it does not hurt the dog.Vitiligo is seen more often in humans when a person has patches of skin that lose color.
Pink noses are easily burned by the sun.So, no matter the cause of your pooch’s pink nose, it is important that you make sure to apply sunscreen when he is outdoors.If your pet seems to be feeling bad, then take a trip to your veterinarian.A changing nose can be a sign of a health problem, and should be treated with care.Otherwise, if your pet seems healthy, then the changing nose is probably nothing to worry about.At this point in time, there is not much you can do about the color loss.
It’s fairly common for a dog’s nose to change colors.Usually turning to pink, the loss of pigmentation can have a number of explanations.If you think a skin or health problem is the cause, then take your pet to the veterinarian to have things checked out.If the nose only turns pink in the colder months, then do a little breed research; your dog’s breed may just be susceptible to a color-changing nose.
As an owner, you are probably concerned with your dog’s health.You keep him on a regular veterinary schedule and might have him groomed occasionally; you look out for your pet inside and out.Sometimes, there are aspects of dog care that slip right passed even the most caring owner.For instance, many owners are unaware that a weekly teeth brushing is great for a dog.Paw care is another important health issue that can slip through unnoticed.Here are easy ways to look out for your pet’s paws without paying a penny.
You may wonder why keeping a dog’s paws in good health is important or even relevant.Aren’t they accustomed to walking around barefoot all day?Even though your pet does spend most of his time of his paws does not mean that his paws are indestructible.And, since he does spend most of his time on his paws, his paws should be near the top of your healthy pet checklist.
If you have never taken the time to examine your dog’s paws, then it may take awhile before he accepts what you are trying to do.You need to get him comfortable with the process.Take him into a quiet area free of distractions.Start by gently touching or rubbing his paws.Work your ways up to a “paw massage.”As your pet gets accustomed to you touching his paws, then it will be easier for you to examine them when needed.Be careful if your pooch seems to be experiencing paw pain; he may snap or bite if he feels that you are going to hurt, or are hurting, his injury.
Start with your pooch’s nails.Long nails can curl under the paw and cause pain.A broken nail can also be agonizing to a dog.If you go to a groomer, then his nails are probably trimmed upon each visit.If not, then you need to trim your dog’s nails at least once a month.If the nails grow fast, then you may have to do this more often.If your dog’s paws “click” as he walks on a hard surface, then it’s definitely time to trim the nails.Another way to look at this is that his nails should not exceed the paw pad.
In addition to the nails being trimmed, the hair between the paw pads should also be trimmed.Long paw hair can mat and tangle.It can also attract unwanted foreign objects such as spurs and thorns.Your groomer will also perform the hair trimming.If you do your own grooming, then just grab a small pair of scissors.Clip the hair around and between the paw pads, but be careful not to cut your dog.
If you feel of your pet’s paw pads, then you will notice how rough and tough they are.Even though they provide protection for your pet, they can still suffer injury.Often, the pads become dry and start cracking.The cracks can be painful for your pet, so the dryness should not be left untreated.Visit your local pet store and pick up a paw cream.The cream will soften the pads and heal the cracks.It’s not a good idea to use human lotion; you don’t want your pet’s paws too soft!
If you take your pooch out for a hike or jog, then it’s a good idea to examine his paws when you return home.Just have a seat and hold him in your lap (if possible), or do whatever you need to do to keep him comfortable.Look between the paw pads and under the nails for anything that could be lodged in his paw.Check and make sure there are no cuts or cracks.If your pet is in pain, then try to find the cause.Many items can be easily removed with a pair of tweezers.However, if your pet is hurting and tweezers won’t do the trick, then you need to take him to see your veterinarian.
Your pooch uses his paws day in and day out.To protect your pet, his paws are tough, but they are still susceptible to injury.By keeping his nails and hair trimmed, some injuries can be prevented.You should place paw care on your healthy pet list, and check his paws frequently!
A wooden cat house is the ideal solution for a cat who is used to spending most of his time indoors. You probably already know that it is good for your pet to occasionally be outdoors, to be able to enjoy running and playing, and to get plenty of exercise and fresh air. Not only is it essential in order to keep him in the best of health, fresh air and regular activity will also assist him in having a much more pleasant temperament.
You may be concerned about letting your cat outdoors, however. Even if he is restricted by a leash for his safety, you may still worry about such factors as a sudden rain or that he may be bothered by other animals. A wooden cat house is the best way to eliminate all of these worries. When he has a safe little house that he can go into whenever it may become necessary, this is very important to his safety.
Whether you allow your pet to roam free in the yard, or whether he can be kept on a leash, he will soon see his cat house as a place of safety and comfort. If your cat is the type who generally hesitates at being outdoors at all, a nice wooden cat house can be just what he needs in order to view the outdoors as a positive place. When he knows that he can go inside his little home whenever he wishes to do so, he may be much more inclined to begin enjoying all of the benefits the outdoor environment has for him. He may decide that he really does like to play in the fresh air after all!
Wooden cat houses are nicely made so that they will look very attractive in any location. You can place it on your patio or porch, or out in the yard, and its tasteful design will have a very pleasing appearance. They are also well-constructed, so their materials will not wear out. Your cat will be able to enjoy his little home for a long time!
Wooden cat houses are also ideal for indoor cats who are prone to excessive shedding. While you are giving your pet a very nice alternative to being inside of your home, it will also free you from the annoyance of constantly needing to clean shedded fur off of your furniture and carpets. If your cat is a heavy shedder, this is a factor which you are sure to appreciate.
A wooden cat house is the easiest way to help your cat to become familiar with the outdoor environment, and to make the transition from your home to the outdoors much more comfortable and pleasant for him. In fact, he may become so accustomed to his cat house that you may even decide to take it indoors. When he has his bedding, food and water closely at-hand, he will love his cat house regardless of whether it is located outdoors or inside your home.
Even if your cat mainly lives with you inside of your home, there may be times when you want him to be outdoors. There can be a number of different reasons for this. Your cat may be having a health problem which would make it preferable for him to be outdoors. You may be planning to redecorate your home, or you may have guests who either intensely dislike cats or are allergic. Whatever the particular reason may be, there are occasionally instances during which your house cat must be out of your house for either a short or prolonged period of time.
An outdoor cat house can be exactly what you need under such circumstances. Your pet can have nearly all of the comforts of home– but in a little place of his very own!
As your house cat is probably not accustomed to being outdoors, becoming adjusted to new surroundings can be quite difficult for him. You can make this as easy for him as possible by stocking his outdoor cat house with everything that he needs in order to begin to feel at home in this new, unfamiliar place.
The most important factor of an outdoor cat house is that your pet will be comfortable and safe. For a house cat who is not used to dealing with stray animals, birds, and insects, this transition does not have to be difficult when he settles into his outdoor cat house where he will not be bothered by such annoying pests.
Even if the temperature changes, or the weather conditions begin to vary, your cat will be warm and comfortable in his outdoor cat house. You can be assured that he will stay dry and safe, no matter how long he is in his temporary residence.
For a cat who usually lives in your house, an outdoor cat house is the next best thing to being in your home. Regardless of how long you are in the position of keeping him outdoors, an outdoor cat house will make this experience worry-free. When you do not need to be concerned about your cat getting cold, wet, or bothered by other animals, you will know that he is safe and secure in his temporary home.
Depending upon such factors as how frequently your pet will have the need of an outdoor cat house, the location where you plan to have it, and the age, size, and activity level of your cat, you can easily find the outdoor cat house which appropriately fits into all of these needs. There are a number of different styles, so you can select the one you like the most.
When you need to keep your special house cat outdoors for a temporary period of time, you can be assured that this does not need to be a difficult experience for him at all. Your cat will be contented, safe, and comfortable in one of these lovely little outdoor cat houses which you have provided just for him!