How to Gauge a Healthy Dog Weight

Dogs are susceptible to being overweight just as much as humans and paying attention to your dog’s waistline is vital to your dog living a healthy life.  But how do you measure if your dog is gaining too much weight?  What signs should you look for?  How do you prevent your dog from becoming obese?  Here are a few tips to help uncover if your dog is obese and how to stop your dog from obtaining a weight issue.

Measure Your Dog’s Waistline, Without a Measuring Tape

You may keep the measuring tape use for yourself.  There are easier ways to check if your dog is overweight.  One way is to feel your dog’s ribs.  If you cannot feel or see your dog’s ribs, then your dog is probably overweight.  Another sign of obesity is if your dog’s stomach droops low from the chest rather than folding up.  Obesity may be the cause.  Take your dog to a professional to confirm your initial evaluation.  If your dog is obese, it is time to make changes in your dog’s behavior and diet.

Exercise Your Dog

If your dog is beginning to show signs of weight gain, start engaging your dog in agility classes.  Take your dog on frequent walks and/or runs.  Record how much activity your dog has had and how to increase the physical aspect of your dog’s daily life.  The more you put into assisting your dog, the better life your pup will live.

If you are unsure on how to assist your dog to overcome heaviness or what effective methods work, talk to Florida dog training professional.  He/she will guide you in the right direction enabling you and your pup to live a vigorous life.

Adopting a Dog is Affordable

When adopting a dog, do not fret.  The cost is considerably reasonable in comparison to purchasing a dog from a breeder.  It is more cost-effective and you are saving a dog from a rescue or shelter association.  It is multi-beneficial to adopt for you, and your new dog.  For the majority of adoptions, you receive a pup with some training taught while in the shelter and socialization skills have begun.  But what do the adoption fees include?  What are you paying for when you adopt a dog?  Why do the prices vary?  Here is a brief breakdown of what adoption costs envelop.

Medical Treatments Applied are Included

Adoption fees cover various costs the shelter and/or rescue organization accrued for treatments implemented upon your new pup prior to adoption.  For example, if your dog has been spayed or neutered, the fee is covered in the adoption fees.  If a flea or tick treatment has been applied, it is naturally calculated into the adoption expenses.  Vaccinations, testing for heart-worms, microchip insertion, and basic veterinary care are comprised in adoption charges.  There is an automatic sense of reassurance created knowing medical essentials have been taken care of ensuring your pup starts his/her new life on the right foot paw.

In addition, adoption fees may include a leash, collar, dog food, crate and dental care.  There is also a portion of costs covering building utilities and staff.

Just be sure to provide your dog with proper, positive, healthy communication and training skills enhancing the bond experience between the two of you.  Check out a Florida dog training or a Florida puppy training class today.

Common Household Products Damage Your Dog’s Health

There are items around or in households that may be lethal to your dog’s health.  Being cautious and aware of what these items are is the first step to protecting your dog’s wellbeing.  For this reason, we are continuing the “Dog Poison” series with this entry.  Here are a few more items to put on your list.  These items need to be stored away properly far from your dog’s reach.

Remove Cleaning Products

If a human ingests a cleaning product, it causes damage.  Thus, why would it would be any different when it comes to your puppy?  Keep all household cleaning products in safekeeping, where your pets will not be able to encounter them.  Remember, some cleaners emit toxic vapors putting your dog in danger.  Check your cleaning labels before using anything in the house.  Make sure it is safe for your pet before applying on furniture and floors.

Check Pesticide Safety

Pesticides may be fatal on your dog.  Be careful when using any sort of pesticide product.  You need to ask a professional or talk to your vet first.  Find out what pesticide is safe to use around pets.  It is better to be sure you utilize a safe product than one that may cause serious illnesses in your precious pup.

These are only a few hazardous products putting your dog’s health at-risk.  To find out more information about what products are safe ask a professional.  Talk to experts in k9 training.  Enroll in a Florida dog obedience training class today.  An experienced instructor will provide ample information on what products are proper to use around pets and what items should be disposed of immediately

“Tweet” about Adoptable Pets

If you want to help spread the word about an adoptable pet, then check out TwitteraCritter.com.  It is a tool to share the news about pets up for adoption. It is a way to help even if you are not in a position to adopt a pet.

How TwitteraCritter Works

First, you must have a Twitter account.  Then go to TwitteraCritter.  Scroll down to the bottom of the page.  Fill out your zip code and choose what type of animal you are looking for in the appropriate spaces.  Search through the results until you find an animal you wish to help.  Once you do, click on the animal’s picture.  The information on the pet will appear including gender, age, and breed.  On the pet’s profile page, there will be a Twitter button stating, “Tweet Me.”

Click on the “Tweet Me” button and that’s it.  You now have added direct link to the adoptable pet on your Twitter feed.  It allows your Twitter followers to see what adoptable pets are available.

Show Support for Animal Shelters via Twitter

This is a great way to be actively involved in helping animal shelters.  It is simple to use.  It reaches numerous people via one method.   And it shows substantial support towards pet adoption encouraging effective results.

If you are someone who adopted a dog, bring your new pup to Florida dog training classes.  We will teach you and your dog how to communicate in a positive manner encouraging a happy, healthy, loving home.