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Is Your Dog Food Poisoned?
Have you ever scanned the ingredients in a commercial dog food and thought, "How can this be healthy?" Unfortunately, if your dog eats ordinary, processed dog food, your dog probably eats things that are a whole lot worse than what you might find him chewing on in your backyard each and every day. Most pet foods available in stores today are so highly processed and full of preservatives and chemicals, that they aren't any better for our dogs than potato chips are for humans. In fact they are a whole lot worse. They contain cheap ingredients, unhealthy fillers, unhealthy preservatives or poisonous chemicals. Many dog foods advertised as "preservative-free" do, in fact, contain preservatives and poisonous chemicals. Manufacturers don't have to list preservatives that they themselves did not add. Many preservatives make their way into dog food at rendering plants before the meat is even sent to the manufacturer. An analysis of several pet foods labeled "chemical free" or "all natural ingredients" found synthetic antioxidants in all samples. Although you won't see it on the label, since it is often added at the rendering plant and not by the manufacturer, ethoxyquin (EQ) is used to preserve most dry dog food. EQ is the most powerful of all preservatives and may be the most toxic. Rendering plant workers that have been exposed to it denoted side effects similar to those of Agent Orange: * A dramatic rise in liver or kidney damage * Cancerous skin lesions * Hair loss * Blindness * Leukemia * Fetal abnormalities * Chronic diarrhea. In animals, EQ has been linked to: * Immune deficiency syndrome * Spleen, stomach, and liver cancers * And a host of allergies. "The "animal" or "meat by-products" in dog food are biodegradable wastes that we don't want to eat ourselves. These are parts that Americans rarely consume as they are not intended for human consumption. These parts come from animal carcasses, and include animal heads, bones, blood, organs and feces. Their origins include catering waste (all waste food from restaurants, catering facilities, central kitchens, slaughterhouses and household kitchens). It might also contain parts from sick or dying animals that can come from slaughterhouses or euthanized animals from animal shelters. The city of Los Angeles alone, for example, sends some two hundred tons of euthanized cats and dogs to a pet food plant every month. The worst is that dog food companies don't stop with pets, your dog is also eating euthanized animals from zoos, animal control and putrid, decaying road kill. Before these animal parts and by-products are shipped to the rendering plant, the by-product is "denatured." This means that crude carbolic acid, cresylic disinfectant, or citronella, is sprayed on the product. The true horror is the drug used to kill these stray and abandoned animals, Sodium Pentobarbital, is not broken down by the manufacturing process and is still present in active form in your dog's food!! Before these poisoned animal parts can be used for poisoned dog food, they are taken to the rendering plants where they grind the meat by-products and ship the meal to dog food makers. Next, the manufacturers combine the meal with carbohydrates such as corn, thickeners like guar gum, vitamins, minerals, food coloring and preservatives. By the way, dogs are color blind so the food coloring is there to appease the human eye not the dogs. To make wet food, this glop is then heated in a pressure cooker and canned or sealed in a pouch. For dry pellets, all of these dead animals, and other ghastly materials, are then processed until the portion left over for dog food production is a brown powder, which consists of 25% fecal matter! The stuff is then heated, cut into tiny pieces, dried, and then wrapped for shipment. More expensive brands tend to have fixed formulas, while cheaper brands often change recipes to include ingredients that happen to be selling cheap at the time of processing. (They might decide to replace corn with wheat, for example, if wheat prices were especially low.) The New York State Food Laboratory reported that it found aminopterin in food from the palatability studies. Director Daniel Rice said aminopterin was a cancer drug about 50 years ago in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency later banned use of the toxin as a rodenticide in this country. Federal law does not mandate the frequency of inspections or premarket approval of foods under FDA jurisdiction, unlike the meat and egg products under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture. The FDA regulates much more of the food supply with much less money than the USDA, according to the Government Accountability Office. Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director of the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, said regulation of human and animal food doesn't differ substantially. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires that foods be pure and wholesome and that they contain no harmful or deleterious substances, all though the act does not specify how manufacturers should ensure safety. The agency has limited resources for inspecting animal food and drugs, so it focuses inspections on manufacturers of drugs and of feed for food-producing animals, not for dog food. Usually an inspection is only conducted when there has been a complaint, such as the recent dog food poisoning of the suspected batch of wheat gluten from China. Note: * If you want to quit feeding your pooch poisoned dog food, learn to make your own healthy, homemade dog food. * Don't assume that your dog should eat what humans eat "People food" such as chocolate, grapes, raisins and onions can be difficult for your dog to digest and toxic to his system. This article may be reproduced on websites subject to credit being given to the author, and a link to the website. If you would like more information on Dog Food Secrets and how to get healthy dog food recipesClick Here! © 2007, June Parker.

June Parker was born and raised in Hawaii. She now resides in the mainland and writes articles about many topics.

Healthy Food For Your Dog
Today’s pet food market is larger and more diverse than ever before. While this offers a large number of choices in various types of pet food, it also presents a dilemma in choosing the healthiest food for your dog. Are generic or store brands suitable for a dog? What about familiar name brands like Purina and Alpo? Are the pricier brands that advertise specially formulated ingredients (Science Diet, Eukanuba) really living up to their claims and worth the extra money? All of these are valid questions that loving dog owners deserve to have answered.

Dog Food Considerations

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right food for your dog. Different dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages in their lives. Some things to consider when selecting the food you’ll give your dog follow.

The Dog’s Age

Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs just as human children have different needs than adult people. Senior dogs also have different requirements than younger adult dogs. Make sure that you select a food that is appropriate for your dog’s stage in life.

The Dog’s Health

Does your dog have a specific medical condition? If so, the food you choose may need to be partially dictated by that condition. Diabetic dogs need low-glucose foods and dogs with specific allergies (yes dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, just like people) may require certain foods as well. Your veterinarian can help you choose foods that are appropriate for a dog with a specific medical condition.

The Dog’s Size or Body Type

Some dogs are overweight. Some dogs are underweight. Some have a natural tendency to get lots of exercise while others tend to prefer to lie around a lot. There are, of course, small, medium, and large dogs as well as the ultra-tiny “toy� dogs. All of these different types of dogs will have different requirements for the type of food they need as well as how much of it.

Your Budget

Dog food can be expensive, there’s no doubt about it. And where dog food is concerned, the rule really is “you get what you pay for.� Low cost generics and store brands will lighten the burden on your wallet, but may not be the healthiest choice for your dog as they are made with cheap ingredients and lots of fillers. You should buy the best dog food you can on your budget to help ensure your dog’s nutrition.

Article Written By J. Foley <a href="http://www.sunshine-4u.com/dog/index.html?hop=sophie4" target"_blank">Click Here For 245 Recipes</a>

Submissive urination in cocker spaniel
Why and When do Cocker Spaniels Urinate? Many Cocker Spaniels have a tendency to urinate (pee) when excited or scared, which can happen to other breeds as well, particularly when they are puppies. Excitement urination happens when infant muscles in puppies cannot hold urine if the puppy gets excited, and it pees. The puppy gets so excited when he sees his owner that he loses control of his bladder. The puppy is not aware of or able to control this and punishment will confuse him and is not fair to him. Often dogs outgrow this problem as they mature and gain control of the muscles that control peeing. Sometimes Cocker Spaniels do not outgrow the problem. Common situations in which Cocker Spaniels get excited or fearful and urinate are: Over-affectionate and boisterous greetings when you arrive home Guests entering your home Arguments between people Scolding Loud noises Playing indoors Angry behavior In order to understand submissive urination, you must understand dominance and submissiveness. Young puppies learn this from their mothers. Averting their eyes, rolling on their backs, and urinating, are all used to express submissiveness. In situations where a dog feels intimidated, their response is to give a submissive signal to show the person or other dog that they recognize their dominance. The most important thing is to never scold or punish your dog for excitement urination; it makes the situation worse as the puppy will then start to pee out of fear! Excitement or submissive urination is part of this breed’s specific instincts. It is not a “behavior�; it is instinctual. The dog is not doing it to be disobedient or punish you! He is excited, scared, or showing submissiveness to a person or animal he perceives as dominant. Excitement urination that causes an owner to get angry can easily become submissive urination. The dog does not understand why you are angry and, in a dog’s mind, peeing is his attempt to calm and appease you. Cocker Spaniels often see other animals and people as dominant, so submissive urination occurs. Even a housetrained Cocker Spaniel may show excitement or submissive urination when greeting you or when in an exciting or scary situation. How to Prevent and Handle Excitement or Submissive Urination? The first thing to do is have your veterinarian examine your dog for possible physical problems causing this problem. Sickness and disease can make it difficult for your pet to control their peeing muscles. If physical problems are the cause, discuss options regarding your dog's situation with your veterinarian, such as surgery, drugs, and coping mechanisms. Dog owners who are too dominant and strict will reinforce submissive urinating. So, calm down and be gentle and kind with your Cocker Spaniel. Get your temper under control! Never scold or punish for excitement or submissive urination. One way to handle the problem is to make sure your Cocker Spaniel is outdoors while you are gone (in a fenced and safe area naturally) so that when you come home, if he urinates, your floors are not damaged. But this does not solve the problem. It is a good idea to do more to help the puppy stay dry. All indoor activities should take place only after taking the dog out for a pee or poop. If a dog is almost ready to pee or poop, but hasn't gotten around to doing it, any physical activity will trigger the urge to go. So, if your dog wakes up and you start playing with her, you're asking for trouble! Take a potty break first, have play time second. Play time outdoors is the best idea, especially for the puppies that have small bladders. Don’t hover over your Cocker Spaniel when you come home. She will see this as dominance and will become intimidated. Don’t look her directly in the eyes. Dogs assume that direct eye contact is a challenge. For a submissive dog, even a moment's eye contact can be intolerable. Eye contact from above heightens the reaction. Another behavior that challenges a dog is bending over or touching the dog's head, neck, or shoulders. Dominant dogs often control by placing the neck or a paw over another dog's neck or shoulders. When a human pats a dog on the head, a submissive dog sees it as a display of dominance and finds it intimidating, leading to peeing. A goal in controlling excitement urination is to prevent your dog from becoming so excited in the first place. Do this by exposing your dog to whatever excites him, over and over until it no longer excites him. If your dog gets excited and wets when you return home, ignore him; don't even look at him. Then take him outside to pee. Then leave again for a few minutes, return and ignore, leave, return and ignore. Keep doing this until you can see that your dog is actually bored with the whole thing. If excitement urination is a problem when visitors arrive, have them do this too. It may take many sessions to get your dog calmed down. When your dog stays calm and no longer gets excited when you come in, then very quietly and gently say hello. If any signs of excitement appear, repeat the coming in-and-leaving routine. A rapid sequence of heel-sits will capture your dog's attention to the game of heeling and sitting instead of urinating. Then, take him outdoors. Praise him when he pees outside; this builds self-confidence. Remember to ignore all excitement urination and never scold or get angry at your dog. As the dog matures, he can learn to sit and shake hands when visitors arrive. Use a small food treat as a reward for not peeing in the house when you arrive home or guests enter. It’s difficult for a dog to eat and pee at the same time. Take the dog outdoors quickly thereafter. If your Cocker Spaniel pees while being trained, be especially careful not to yell or scold him. Be firm and use a confident-sounding, but kind, “No� when the dog misbehaves. If your dog's problem doesn’t improve with the above suggestions, there may be other options. For example, drugs can sometimes be prescribed by a vet for excitable dogs to calm them down. But, remember, this kind of training can take weeks or months before Learn all about Dog Adoption from the unique e-book Super Dogs and Puppies. If you are searching for dog breeders, learn how to choose the right dog breeder.

Nancy Richards has been a dog lover for the past 12 years. She has owned and handled dogs of different ages and have helped many fellow owners in training their dog

Luxury Dog Beds for the Cultured Canine
In the last few years there has been an increasing trend in how dog owners pampering their dogs. Many designers have begun making products to compensate for the demand for these products. A large industry has been built around fancy dog beds. Your dog no longer has to settle for a simple square pillow that you throw in the corner. Now you can get your favorite pet something that reflects the love you have for them.

I think that there are 2 main reasons dog owners are doing this more than ever before. The first one is because of the increase in availability of these high-end beds, and the second reason is probably the most obvious. People simply love their dogs, and if you can find a really nice bed for them to sleep on, it is worth it. The other thing that is note worthy is that most of the designer beds out there aren't so expensive that the average pet owner can't afford them. In fact, a lot of them can be found in the $100- $400 range. There are also some manufacturers that produce pieces that are very expensive and can cost thousands of dollars.

Here are a couple of things to remember when making the decision to get a bed for your dog.

1. If your dog is older, you probably want to make sure that the pad or mattress is thick enough to avoid joint pressure.

2. Remember to check the dimensions of the bed in which you are to purchase to ensure that it is a good fit for your dog.

Many designers have taken great lengths to ensure that their customers are happy. Some companies allow their customers to pick custom fabrics and pillows. The beds also can come in many different varieties from chaise lounges to sleigh beds. Some of the fine materials that these beds are made of include alder and other fine woods, luxurious chenilles, satin, and more. Some of them come with matching bolster pillows, tassels, feather trim, and enough elegant touches that your dog will feel like a king or queen. These fine beds also compliment your existing furniture as well if you choose correctly. With most of these luxury dog beds you also don't have to worry about your dog having an accident and ruining the bed. Most are made with removable covers that are machine washable. You want to make sure that you find out before you buy if you are concerned about it.

With the tremendous variety and selection out there, you will probably find that the most overwhelming thing about these beds is the fact that there are so many to choose from. A lot of these are perfect for all small dog breeds, as the vast majority are made for smaller dogs. However, designers are starting to make more larger beds as well. Remember though to relax. Have fun with it and make it into an adventure. After all, your dog is worth it. With a little patience, you can find designer dog beds that will turn an ordinary pooch into a diva dog.

Galen is the owner of Bling Bling Puppywhere you can find many varieties of luxury dog accessories for your dog.

Keeping Your Pit Bull Away From Fights With Other Dogs
Even if you feel confident that your Pit Bull and your other dogs are getting along well, it is still wise to separate them when you are not around to supervise. Little fights can and do happen, no matter how great they are getting along. Spats can occur over possession and control of toys or one dog can irritate the other, which can lead to a violent fight. Unlike humans, dogs cannot choose to be polite and back off during a disagreement so do not give them a chance to get a fight started. All dogs and especially your Pit Bull have the potential to get into a violent fight. The difference between your two breeds is that your Pit Bull was bred for many generations to win them. Even if you are successful in maintaining peace between your Pit Bull and your other dog, it is more difficult to control aggression between your Pit Bull and strange dogs, particularly if you have a male Pit Bull. Although neutering your dogs help prevent aggression, it is never a guaranteed cure. The most effective solution is to always use a leash when walking your Pit Bull and try to avoid other dogs as much as possible. Also, when taking your male Pit Bull out for a walk, do not allow him to urinate on trees or any objects that are sitting along your path. Doing so allow him to claim that object as his territory and is more likely to defend it. In addition, you need to train your dog the basic commands including the “come�, “stay�, and “sit� commands. And do not forget to carry some dog treats with you. Every time your dog sees another dog, have him perform these commands and reward him right after the exercise. Never wait for him to act aggressively to the other dog to give your commands. This will only make him think that you are rewarding him for his aggressive actions. Many dog owners try to stop their dog’s aggressive behaviors by speaking to them softly and petting them. This practice is usually not effective because it only gives the dog the impression that what he is doing is an acceptable behavior. In addition, speaking to him in a gentle voice encourages him to be aggressive. On the other hand, you should not scream and yell either. Doing so will give your dog the message that you are including yourself in the fight and are also attacking the other dog. For the same reason, do not run to the other dog or your Pit Bull will think that you are starting to attack and your dog will be more than happy to join you. Keeping in mind about your Pit Bull’s origin can help you control him and prevent aggressive behavior from ever surfacing. Remember, a confident Pit Bull has no motive to start a fight and most of them get along very well with other pets. In fact, Pit Bulls are among the most responsive of dogs. With proper and positive training, you will be able to control your dog’s aggressive behavior because there is nothing more important to him than obeying his owner’s commands. Article Written By J. Foley http://travelguy.typepad.com/just_about_dogs

John Foley,Dog Trainer, Dog Walker & Dog Sitter. If I can Answer Any Questions You Have. Email me jackstunes2003@yahoo.com http://travelguy.typepad.com/just_about_dogs

dog adoption costs
Before you decide to bring a dog home, it is absolutely essential that you give some thought to the costs that you will be incurring in the process. It’s not the purchase alone, though even that is likely to be expensive in the case of some superior breeds of dogs, but also the cost of the equipments you will have to buy to make your home habitable for your pet. Then there are the visits to the vet, which have to be regularly made, and the expensive vaccinations, which the puppy has to be given. So, all in all, you will have to make pretty sure that your wallet can take the beating before you bring your doggy home.

What then, are the costs, and how much are they? Let’s start at the beginning. You have to buy the dog unless you are lucky enough to have it presented to you by a friend or a family member and the cost of this initial purchase can vary very widely. The variance will firstly depend on the type of dog you are buying. A purebred “companion only� puppy usually starts from around $800 but can go up to astronomical amounts for rare or exotic breeds. If you prefer to adopt a non-purebred variety from a shelter, it will cost you from around $150 to $300.

Costs also differ in different geographic locations so it is difficult for us to tell you of one fixed sum that you will have to pay for any given variety of dog. Visit the sources in your locality from where people normally buy dogs and check on the prices. And this includes the internet. After some queries on your part, you will be able to come to a fix on what your desired dog costs.

Now that you’ve got your dog, it’s time to look at the other costs you will have to start to incur. Let’s start with the one - time costs.

One Time Costs Average Cost
Fence $300 - $1500
Bowls $25
Collar $6
Training Collar $10
Leash $12
Bed $40
Crate $100
Brush/Grooming tools $20
Shampoo/ Coat care $15
Neuter/ Spay ( Based on weight ) $300
Microchip $50



Then there are the annual costs, which you have to be prepared for. I enumerate them below:

Vaccinations $185
Heartworm Test $35
Heartworm Preventive $65
Flea/Tick Preventive $120
Food $480
Toys/Treats $45
Tag $5

And then there are other costs:

Boarding â€" per day ( with 2 playtimes ) $25
Grooming â€" per time $50
Training classes ( Per 6-8 classes ) $100
Individual training ( Per session ) $100



And remember, this list is for grown up dogs and not puppies. If it’s a puppy you are adopting, the costs increase. There’s a check up, a series of 4 sets of vaccines, worming, heartworm tests, all of which will cost you close to $300. Then there is puppy food, which will set you back around $450 and toys/treats, which will cost approximately $65.

So, as you will have counted up from the figures given above, in the first year, you will be spending approximately $1500 to $2500 over and above the cost of buying your dog. After the first year, you will spend less per year â€" about $1000. Smaller dogs cost a bit less and larger dogs cost more.

Apart from all this, your dog will have lifelong healthcare needs. There will be shots and medicines you will be administering as preventive care and there will almost certainly be unexpected accidents, injuries or illnesses, however well you look after your dog.

It is therefore utterly essential that you objectively evaluate your budget and come to a decision as to whether you can really afford a dog. He will look to you for your support in all things and you owe it to him to give him, not only your love, but proper care, food and medical attention. These don’t come free â€" so ask yourself whether you can afford to get that dog you always wanted. If you realize that you can’t, it’s best to do without, both for your sake and his.

Anybody is free to use the article in their website as long as an acknowledgement is given Nancy Richards' and a link to the site www.traindogsandpuppies.com

dog adoption costs
Before you decide to bring a dog home, it is absolutely essential that you give some thought to the costs that you will be incurring in the process. It’s not the purchase alone, though even that is likely to be expensive in the case of some superior breeds of dogs, but also the cost of the equipments you will have to buy to make your home habitable for your pet. Then there are the visits to the vet, which have to be regularly made, and the expensive vaccinations, which the puppy has to be given. So, all in all, you will have to make pretty sure that your wallet can take the beating before you bring your doggy home.

What then, are the costs, and how much are they? Let’s start at the beginning. You have to buy the dog unless you are lucky enough to have it presented to you by a friend or a family member and the cost of this initial purchase can vary very widely. The variance will firstly depend on the type of dog you are buying. A purebred “companion only� puppy usually starts from around $800 but can go up to astronomical amounts for rare or exotic breeds. If you prefer to adopt a non-purebred variety from a shelter, it will cost you from around $150 to $300.

Costs also differ in different geographic locations so it is difficult for us to tell you of one fixed sum that you will have to pay for any given variety of dog. Visit the sources in your locality from where people normally buy dogs and check on the prices. And this includes the internet. After some queries on your part, you will be able to come to a fix on what your desired dog costs.

Now that you’ve got your dog, it’s time to look at the other costs you will have to start to incur. Let’s start with the one - time costs.

One Time Costs Average Cost
Fence $300 - $1500
Bowls $25
Collar $6
Training Collar $10
Leash $12
Bed $40
Crate $100
Brush/Grooming tools $20
Shampoo/ Coat care $15
Neuter/ Spay ( Based on weight ) $300
Microchip $50



Then there are the annual costs, which you have to be prepared for. I enumerate them below:

Vaccinations $185
Heartworm Test $35
Heartworm Preventive $65
Flea/Tick Preventive $120
Food $480
Toys/Treats $45
Tag $5

And then there are other costs:

Boarding â€" per day ( with 2 playtimes ) $25
Grooming â€" per time $50
Training classes ( Per 6-8 classes ) $100
Individual training ( Per session ) $100



And remember, this list is for grown up dogs and not puppies. If it’s a puppy you are adopting, the costs increase. There’s a check up, a series of 4 sets of vaccines, worming, heartworm tests, all of which will cost you close to $300. Then there is puppy food, which will set you back around $450 and toys/treats, which will cost approximately $65.

So, as you will have counted up from the figures given above, in the first year, you will be spending approximately $1500 to $2500 over and above the cost of buying your dog. After the first year, you will spend less per year â€" about $1000. Smaller dogs cost a bit less and larger dogs cost more.

Apart from all this, your dog will have lifelong healthcare needs. There will be shots and medicines you will be administering as preventive care and there will almost certainly be unexpected accidents, injuries or illnesses, however well you look after your dog.

It is therefore utterly essential that you objectively evaluate your budget and come to a decision as to whether you can really afford a dog. He will look to you for your support in all things and you owe it to him to give him, not only your love, but proper care, food and medical attention. These don’t come free â€" so ask yourself whether you can afford to get that dog you always wanted. If you realize that you can’t, it’s best to do without, both for your sake and his.

Anybody is free to use the article in their website as long as an acknowledgement is given Nancy Richards' and a link to the site www.traindogsandpuppies.com

The German Pointers Dog Breed History
The Origins of the German Pointer breed As the name suggests the German Pointer dog, also known as the German Shorthaired Pointer comes from Germany. Even though researchers do not have many details about the origin of this breed, the all concluded that the German Pointer breed is a mixed breed that developed in time from mixing breeds like the Spanish Pointer, the Foxhound, the Bloodhound and other hunting dogs and later the English Pointer. The German Pointer breed belongs to the European pointer dogs. There are records about the pointer dogs as well as the hunting dogs from Europe ever since the 13 th century. Todays German Pointer is an elegant and versatile hunter both in the water and on land. He is a specialist in bird hunting and is admired for his great personality. The German Shorthaired Pointer is related to the German Wirehaired Pointer, a breed of dog mostly common in Germany and less in The Great Britain or The United States. Though they are both mixed breeds and have related predecessors, the German Wirehaired Pointer does not have any Bloodhound or Foxhound predecessors. The Wirehaired Pointer however originates from the Pudel pointer, another mixed breed between the German Pudel and the English Pointer amongst others. Past records of the German Pointers breed Even if there aren't many records that talk about the German Pointers breed but mention the hunting dogs for their proficiency in finding and tracking large and small animals as well as their dexterity in both water and on land, the breed got some recognition after it was crossed with the English Pointer in the late 1800s. The German Pointer was recognized as a breed and recorded by the German Kennel Club in 1872. In the 1920's the German Shorthaired Pointer was taken to the United States where it became a popular breed. Not too long ago the American Kennel Club, that formally recognized the breed in the 1930, stated that the German Pointer reached the 20 th place in list of most popular breeds in the US. In 2005 a German Shorthaired Pointer dog won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the first show where a German Shorthaired Pointer participated was held in 1941 in Chicago.

For more info on <a href="http://largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/" target="_blank">German Pointers</a>, <a href="http://largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-breeds/german-shepard/">German Shepards</a>, and other large dog breeds of this origin, please visit us at <a href="http://largedogbreedz.com" target="_blank">large dog breeds</a>: largedogbreedz.com

25 Human Foods That Are Poison To Pets
Recent alerts about unsafe commercial pet foods sounded an alarm among pet owners. Unfortunately, this problem isn’t a first occurrence â€" or even extremely rare. Incidents similar to this occur from time to time. Perhaps this is one reason more and more pet owners are opting to ‘home cook’ for their pets. However, in order to properly home-cook for your pets, you should first have a basic knowledge of canine nutrition; and, even more importantly, a thorough knowledge of human foods that are harmful to dogs. Some foods which are safe for human consumption can be poisonous for our canine companions. E-dog-training.com has put together a list of 25 common human foods that are toxic to dogs. Of course, when in doubt, always check with your vet. Here is a list to get you started:

1. Onions (Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic â€" garlic contains less of this toxin so huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system â€" it can be toxic in one large dose â€" or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)
2. Chocolate (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This can be fatal to dogs.)
3. Grapes (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs â€" affects canine’s kidneys)
4. Raisins (See above.)
5. Most Fruit Pits and Seeds (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning â€" though the fruit itself is OK.)
6. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)
7. Bones (Most bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet’s throat â€" so they also pose a choking hazard.)
8. Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes (Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
9. Rhubarb leaves (See above.)
10. Broccoli (Broccoli is only toxic in large quantities.)
11. Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes (Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
12. Yeast Dough (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach â€" leading to rupture of the digestive system)
13. Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea, Soft Drinks (Coffee, tea, & most soft drinks are dangerous due to the caffeine.)
14. Beer/Wine/Alcohol of any kind (Alcohol of any kind could lead to coma or even death.)
15. Human Vitamins (Human vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage)
16. Moldy or Spoiled Food (I think this goes without saying.)
17. Persimmons (Persimmons can cause intestinal blockage)
18. Raw Eggs and Raw Fish (Raw eggs and some raw fish can cause Salmonella poisoning.)
19. Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder (In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance â€" and severe electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure.)
20. Mushrooms (Mushrooms may contain toxins which could cause liver and kidney damage)
21. Sugar-Free Foods (Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.)
22. Nutmeg (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)
23. Excessive Fatty Foods (Excess fatty foods can cause Pancreatitis.)
24. Avocado (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)
25. Diary Products (Dairy products don’t usually pose a great danger; but many dairy product have high fat content (see number 23) â€" and many pets are lactose intolerant â€" some pets more than others. Lactose intolerance leads to gas and diarrhea; though small amounts of yogurt and cheese are usually fairly well tolerated.)

Keep these 25 toxic foods in mind when cooking for your dog. There may be other foods that your dog can not consume; so always ask your vet when you are unsure about anything concerning your pet â€" including being sure you include all ingredients necessary for proper pet nutrition. Visit our website at: http://www.e-dog-training.com for more information.

Visit <http://www.e-dog-training.com> soon for the latest free dog training tips and advice. Full article available at: http://www.e-dog-training.com/HumanFoodsToxicToDogs.html Puppy Training Tips: http://www.e-dog-training.com/Top10PuppyTrainingTips.htmlCopyright 2007 – Article may be reprinted and/or distributed if credit/link provided to: http://www.e-dog-training.com

Looking after Dalmatians
Looking after Dalmatians Coat â€" should be short, hard, dense, fine, sleek and glossy in appearance. Equipment needed â€" nail clippers, bristle brush, hound glove, chamois leather. Grooming Procedure: One of the joys of a smooth coasted breed is the ease of grooming. With Dalmatians, maintenance grooming is the key. A consensus of opinion regarding grooming is as follows: 1. Good nutrition with an emphasis on oils and saturated fats for a bright and shiny coat. 2. Adequate exercise for the development of good muscle tone. 3. Regular brushing with a rubber curvy comb or hound glove. 4. Bathe as necessary with a mild shampoo and a non-toxic bluing. Because the Dalmatian is pink â€" skinned, it lacks the overall protective pigment; the skin reacts frequently to harsh shampoos, shampoos with additives and detergents. Non-toxic bluing whitens the coat without irritating the skin. 5. Nail clipping becomes difficult when the nails are black. A pen-light may be used to locate the quick before cutting. Short even nails help to keep the feel tight and encourage natural trotting ability. 6. Clipping excess facial hairs & whiskers gives the face a clean chiselled appearance. Written by http://www.diyconservatories-and-windows.co.uk/

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