Monday, April 27, 2009
Other Names: Tazi, Baluchi HoundCountry of Origin: AfghanistanLifespan: 12-14 YearsMale Height: 25.5-27.5 InchesMale Weight: 60 PoundsFemale Height: 23.5-25.5 InchesFemale Weight: 50 PoundsAmerican Kennel Club Classification : Hound GroupCanadian Kennel Club Classification : HoundsKennel Club (Great Britain) Classification : HoundAfghan Hound CharacteristicsThe Afghan is a desert dog that moved to the mountains. This shift from hot to cold necessitated a long fur coat. Selective breeding gave the Afghan his long coat and high-set hipbones that allow them to run easily over rugged terrain. They may look like "take-it-easy" movie stars, but they are fearless hunters.Afghans and other sight-hounds were bred to be faster than the prey that they hunted. The Afghan's deep chest and light bones enables him to run for hours in pursuit of game. Afghans can accelerate very rapidly and are able to stop on a dime.Know Your Afghan HoundThe Afghan Hound is a medium to large 55 to 65 pound dog that grows to between 24 and 29" in height. The Afghan Hound has long, silky hair and appears to be both elegant, reserved and agile. But, don't let the looks fool you. They can run, frolic and play with the best of the dogs.Afghan Hounds comes in a variety of colors including Black, red, cream, fawn and brindle. Fawn, cream and brindle Afghans typically have a black mask on face or on fringe of ears. White markings are discouraged by the AKC. In contrast to the long hair on its body, the Afghan Hound as a long, thin tail that curls on the end and is covered with short hair. Because of their long, thick hair, the Afghan Hound requires regular grooming.They are very energetic and affectionate dogs. They get along with children, other dogs and pets, especially those that they know from puppyhood. They do not always get along with cats, especially those that they aren't familiar with. Some Afghan Hounds can be more on the timid or high strung side, so they are recommended more for older or well behaved children. The Afghan Hound is an ideal dog for homes where they will get plenty of exercise, outside play and where there is ample room to roam and explore.The breed can date itself back over 5000 years. It is native to Afghanistan. It is a sight hound and was originally used for herding, hunting and as a watchdog. Due to its quick speed, it made an excellent hunting animal to pursue game. It only reached Europe and the United States in the 1900s because its exportation was prohibited. The Afghan Hound is now used mainly as companion, watchdog and hunting dog.This dog with a dignified air is a loyal and faithful companion. They make good watchdogs and a great companion for an active family that enjoys exercise and play. If you choose an Afghan then plan on a lifetime of love and enjoyment from your new pet.Is An Afghan Hound Puppy The Right Choice For Me And My family?The Afghan hound can be an great choice for you and your family, as long as you do not have very young children. Even older children need to learn to respect the hound and leave it alone when it has had enough. You need to have a place where this dog can run or gallop full out for as long as a half hour a day. You must be willing to spend serious time grooming his coat. Because of his aloofness, he may decide to ignore your commands so you must also be willing to spend a great deal of training time with him. Never leave very young children alone with any dog.The Afghan hound is all about being an aristocrat. His appearance is one of aloofness and dignity. They are beautiful with a long silky topcoat and the tail has a signature ring curl at the end.Temperament. His general temperament is dignified but happy and even clownish. He is a bit independent and sometimes has a personalty somewhat like a cat. Afghans need to be socialized and can be wary of strangers. They either like someone or they do not.Approximate Adult Size. Males can weigh in at 60 pounds and stand 27 inches at the withers (highest point of the shoulders) and females can weigh 50 pounds and stand 25 inches high at the withers.Ideal Environment. The ideal environment for this dog is a properly fenced, spacious yard or acreage. He loves to run. He does prefer to spend time with his master and would like to sleep indoors. The enclosed area should be kept trimmed and be free of shrubs and weeds that like to hitch a ride on fur. This hound is prone to getting his hair tangled.Special Health Considerations. The Afghan Hound is a healthy breed. Cancer and allergies are his main problem. They have low body fat levels and may be sensitive to anesthesia. Additional genetic problems may be dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, enzyme deficiencies and hypothyroidism.Grooming. The Hound should not be clipped or trimmed much, especially for showing. His coat is long and fine so he needs plenty of attention. Did I say plenty of attention? I roomed with an Afghan and his owner and the Afghan always liked me. I remember when my room mate spent several hours washing and grooming his pet, getting every single burr out because he wanted his dog to look great and make a good impression on an important date he had that evening. Well, somehow the afghan managed to get out and do his run and when he got back, his coat was so trashed, I though that my roommate was going to cry. It takes plenty of work to keep them looking like they do in the breed photos. They shed in the spring and fall.Life Span. The life span is fairly long, being approximately 14 years.History. The Afghan Hound comes from Afghanistan where it was bred to hunt gazelles, foxes and wolves. DNA testing reveals that this dog is from one of the most ancient dog breeds. The original name of this dog is a Tazi. There is a similar breed in Russia called Tasy and they are related.Special Good Points. The aristocrat of dogs. Beautiful to watch and have. Relatively Healthy. Patient, calm, and has common dog sense.Special Bad Points. Can Tend to be shy. Can tend to be aloof. Low pain tolerance, a bit of a baby. Can be hard to train, may ignore commands. They are fast and can steal food and objects. Difficult to keep off of the couch. They think that they own the furniture. Can be difficult to housetrain.The Afghan Hound Breed. Origins, Information and History of this Extravagant BreedOrigin: The Afghan Hound is a very ancient breed. This dog has been mentioned several times in the Egyptian papyruses as well as pictured in caves of Northern Afghanistan more than 4,000 years ago. This beautiful sighthound was used as a shepherd and hunter for many centuries, hunting such game as deer, wild boars, goats, and even wolves. They were also used by shepherds as watchdogs and herders due to their fast and agile running.History: The Afghan was discovered in the west in the regions of Afghanistan during the 19th century. These dogs were later sent to England in the later part of the century. Some say that Afghan Hounds served as guard dogs and herd dogs, which are within the capabilities of the breed as we know it. The major role of these dogs, however, was undoubtedly that of hunting. The Afghanistan kings would breed a kennel of these hounds for many generations for these purposes alone.The real start of the breed in the US started with the first Ghazni imports in 1931, when Zeppo Marx and his wife brought from England a bitch, Asra of Ghazni, and a dog, Westmill Omar. Asra and Omar were later acquired by Q. A. Shaw McKeans Prides Hill kennels in Massachusetts. Mr. McKean soon added a young English champion, Badshah of Ainsdart. These three - Asra, Omar and Badshah - formed the cornerstone of the breed in America.Summary: This dog has become a luxurious pet in America and Europe due its aristocratic look. The Afghan Hound is prized and loved by many of their owners and family members. With its distinctive personality and long coat that requires regular care and maintenance, it's not the breed for wanna-be dog owners, but when the match between owner and this hound is right, there is no other dog that can equal the Afghan hound as a great and welcome addition to any family.Aristocratic, but very sweet, loyal, affectionate and emotional, with a low dominance level. The Afghan Hound has been described as "a king of dogs." Majestic, elegant, noble and courageous, suspicious of, but not hostile to, strangers. Although resilient, they will pine if they are deprived of attention. They will do best with more mature, considerate children. At one time, the breed had a reputation for being untrustworthy, but has now been replaced by a character that, while still energetic, is said to be more agreeable to training and discipline, as they can be disobedient if allowed to be so. This breed can be problematic to housebreak.Afghan Hound - Centuries of PerfectionThe Afghan Hound dates back more then 4,000 years. It has always been coveted, though only in the more recent years for its graceful appearance. Today, the Afghan Hound is recognized by most canine associations and is a popular pet around the world.A native of the Sinai region, the breed was carefully guarded over many centuries and no one was allowed to take any Afghan Hound out of the area. With transportation so carefully guarded, it was only the tales of travellers who alerted the rest of the world to the beauty and grace of this dog until a century or so ago. It's quickly become a popular breed for the show ring. Watching those show dogs, the most notable traits are the long, silky hair and the agile body, but there's a history of courage behind this breed.The Afghan Hound was originally used in two major capacities - hunting and herding. The dog's alert nature and protectiveness made it ideal as a guard dog for herds of domesticated animals. This hound also has an incredible nose and has been used to hunt some very large, fierce animals. Not only have they helped hunt deer, wild goats and similar herd animals, they've also been used for hunting snow leopards and wolves.The slender neck supports a slim head, giving the Afghan Hound a very regal bearing that makes it stand out from some other hounds. The coat tends to be very thick. Their ancestors needed those heavy coats as protection against the elements and the breed of today can typically withstand cool temperatures without problem. Afghans may be any color, though sand, red and black seem to be the more common. For show purposes, only white is not acceptable and even white marking will count off in the show ring.These dogs are true "people dogs." They love to be with their owners and will grieve greatly if left alone for long periods of time. Not only that, but some of these dogs also tend to act sad if their favorite person or people are no longer around.Ages ago, the Afghan had a reputation for being somewhat sneaky or unreliable. Selective breeding seems to have all but eliminated that trait, though this breed still seems to thrive in a sound, stable atmosphere.The Afghan Hound typically weighs in at somewhere around 50 to 60 pounds. They also tend to live slightly longer than most larger dogs with averages estimated around 12 to 14 years. As a rule, these dogs are very sensitive to pain. They may not readily recover from even minor injuries without proper care, especially if those injuries limit activity.The Afghan Hound loves the outdoors, though they're gentle enough to adapt to living indoors, provided they get ample exercise. They remain easily trained for hunting and herding, though most people who seek these dogs are doing so because of the aristocratic bearing and elegance - traits that make them show dogs and pets, not working dogs.Afghan Hound - Dog Breed ProfileKey Facts:Size: Medium - largeHeight: 63 - 74 cm (25 - 29 inches)Weight: 23 - 33 kg (51 - 66 lb)Life Span: 14 yearsGrooming: Frequent & thoroughExercise: EssentialFeeding: MediumTemperament: Gentle yet wary of strangersCountry of Origin: Afghanistan/EnglandAKC Group: HoundOther Names: Tazi, Baluchi HoundTemperament:The Afghan Hound appears dignified and aloof but can also be fun loving. Afghan Hounds are gentle dogs that are affectionate towards the family but wary of strangers. Training can be difficult despite their high level of intelligence. Afghan Hounds are not always compliant and tend to ignore human instructions if they see no good reason for an order. Afghan Hounds naturally pursue anything that runs and are almost impossible to recall once they're on the chase. They will kill most things they catch and therefore should not be kept with other household pets such as cats.Grooming:Afghan Hounds require regular and thorough grooming at least once a week with a good pin brush. This is best done by lifting the hair up so each stroke begins from the root of the hair and continues downward. Afghan Hounds do not shed hair like most other breeds.Exercise:Afghan Hounds are athletic and require a lot of exercise to cope with their restless energy. Because of their hunting and chasing instincts, they need to be kept on a lead.Feeding:Afghan Hounds are not greedy eaters and may even be somewhat picky if allowed to have their own way.History:The sighthound family dates back to between 4000 BC and 3000 BC, with their name derived from Afghanistan. It has been suggested that the longer coated Tibetan Terrier (from adjacent Tibet) played a part in making the Afghan Hound, the longest coated member of the sighthound family. The Afghan people put their dogs to many uses from guarding to hunting and also using their hair for weaving.Physical Characteristics:General Appearance: Very tall, impressive and elegant.Color: All colors. The most common are red through to shades of beige, often with a darker mask.Coat: Long silky hair, with short hair around the face and back saddle.Tail: Not too short and ends in a ring.Ears: Long, set low and well back. They are covered with long silky hair.Body: Deep chest, prominent hip bones and muscular back of moderate length.Additional Comments:Elegance is the hallmark of this breed - a long chiselled head carried high on a long neck is an essential characteristic. In proportion to it's size, the Afghan Hound's body is relatively light.
Posted by . at 4:04 PM
Other Names: Monkey DogCountry of Origin: GermanyLifespan: 14-15 YearsMale Height: 9-11.5 InchesInches Male Weight: 7-9 PoundsFemale Height: 9-11.5 InchesFemale Weight: 7-9 PoundsAmerican Kennel Club Classification : Toy GroupCanadian Kennel Club Classification : ToysKennel Club (Great Britain) Classification : ToyAffenpinscher CharacteristicsThe Affenpinscher is one little dog that takes himself quite seriously, and demands respect. The French referred to the Affenpinscher as "mustachioed little devils". The Affenpinscher originated in the 1600's and may be an ancestor of the Brussels Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer.Affenpinscher Dog BreedThe Affenpinscher dog is a relatively small dog weighing 7-9 pounds. They reach a height between 9 to 11.5 inches, with a shaggy gray, black, silver, or black and tan coat. While their hair is not the cuddliest, you will find they are a very active dog breed. This type of dog is low maintenance when it comes to grooming, as they don't tend to shed their hair.The Affenpinscher breed originated in Germany in the 16th century. They are considered one of the most amiable companions for humans. They tend to have a strong playful spirit, while being great at hunting rats and mice. You can consider their character to be balanced and sturdy. In other words they will have pretty much the same behavioral characteristics throughout their lives and be a pleasure. They are also very agile, inquisitive, and quick- witted.You will find that this dog breed is great for a family. They tend to play well with younger children as well as be aware of the delicate nature of the child. They will want to play, amuse, and be affectionate with the entire family. This will lead us into the care of the Affenpinscher. While they require minimal grooming you will find they do need a lot of attention. They tend to have a lot of energy so taking the dog out for long walks, playing with them often, and not leaving them along too much is going to be the best care you can give them. When you are grooming your Affenpinscher you will need to pay close attention to the eyes. They tend to have little hairs that will grow near the eyes causing irritation or even infections if left for too long.This dog breed is one of the hardest to house train despite the wonderful pet they do make. They are extremely active and therefore they don't want to pay attention to training and lessons. When training the dog you need to use the crate method. In other words they need to understand what the crate means, and that until they are house trained to go outside or let the owner know when they need to go they will be in the crate while you are away. You need to be extremely authoritarian with the Affenpinscher with firmness and consistency. While they are quick to learn they often don't like to sit still for the lessons as they become bored. If you are trying to train the dog to do tricks it must be something that stimulates them.You will also find that this particular breed of dog is a fairly good watchdog. While they are certainly not the best they do tend to let you know when a person is arriving and will stand guard. With their heightened sense of play you will find that this dog also loves to climb and bark. You will need to train them when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not. You will also have to make sure your backyard is large enough and set up with a high fence to keep them contained. When you are considering further dog care keep in mind that they are extremely active. They need to have a place they can run and expend energy. This means during the day while you are at work and your children are in school you probably need to leave the dog outside in the yard. Make sure that they will not be able to dig themselves out or climb over the fence. It is really best to have a dog runner set up so they are chained, but have the freedom to explore the yard and stay in the shade.Grooming the AffenpinscherThe Affenpinscher belongs to the terrier family and is considered a toy breed. It used to be raised to be a hunter of vermin, but in the 1800 to 1900s, it was bred to its now much smaller size and was became a companion dog instead.The Affenpinscher has also acquired the nickname "monkey dog" and is sometimes called the Monkey Pinscher. In fact, Affenpinscher means "Monkey Terrier" in the German language. This nickname is due to the dog's monkey-like facial expressions. What gives this breed its monkey-like appearance is the hair that grows longer around the head, eyebrows, and jaw. An Affenpinscher's coat also grows about an inch long in the neck area, chest, and legs while its tail and posterior may have shorter hair. Their coat is rough, wiry, and thick. The coat can be colored red, tan, or dark grey, but black is the most preferred color by Affenpinscher owners and breeders.An Affenpinscher with an initially well-groomed coat does not require that much further grooming attention. Although it may have a thick wiry coat, an Affenpinscher sheds much less hair than other hairy dogs. Another great thing about grooming an Affenpinscher is that the shaggy, unkempt appearance is the look that you should be going for. Not that hard to do considering Affenpinschers naturally look scruffy and untidy. This breed does not need to be made to look overly neat. Also, an Affenpinscher that is groomed with its monkey-like features enhanced is prized among this breed.Proper care of an Affenpinscher's coat and appearance begins with its environment. Extreme temperatures, especially places with very warm weather, can ruin their thick coats. Train an Affenpinscher to be used to grooming while it is still a puppy so that it thinks of grooming time as something akin to playtime. Establish yourself as the alpha leader so that the dog will be submissive to you. Thus making the grooming session much easier for the both of you.Grooming an Affenpinscher may not take much, but weekly maintenance of the coat is a must. Its thick wiry coat is prone to matting, tangling, and knotting. Brush its coat regularly to get rid of accumulated debris and hair that has been shed. Use a fine-toothed comb for the hair around its face and you can use a medium-toothed comb or brush for the rest of the body. Clipping an Affenpinscher's coat is not recommended as it can ruin its much valued shaggy appearance and may take years to grow back. Avoid clipping as much as possible, but you may pluck out the dead hairs.Free the eye and ear area of overgrown hairs that may irritate the Affenpinscher. Trim excess hair with straight or thinning scissors. Also include regular teeth brushing and nail clipping in the grooming schedule. Use mild dog shampoos when bathing an Affenpinscher. Don't bathe it to often as their skin and coat may become dry and irritated.A well-groomed Affenpinscher is one that looks like its natural shaggy self. Preserve and maintain this look so that you and your Affenpinscher can reap the benefits of proper grooming.The Affenpinscher Breed StandardThe general appearance of the Affenpinscher is a balanced, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog. The Affenpinscher is sturdy and compact with medium bone structure. The preferred height at the withers is 9 ½" to 11 1/2". He has a square-like appearance.The head is in proportion to the body, carried confidently with a monkey-like facial expression. The Affenpinscher has eyes that are round, dark, brilliant and of medium size in proportion to the head. The eyes are not bulging or protruding. Eye rims are black. The ears are cropped to a point, set high and standing erect, or natural, standing erect, semi-erect or dropped. All these types of ears are acceptable in the breed standard as long as the monkey-like expression is maintained. The skull is round and domed, not coarse. The stop is well-defined. The Muzzle is short and narrows slightly to a blunt nose. The nose is black, neither turned up nor down. The lips are black with a prominent lower lip. The bite is slightly undershot. Level bites are only acceptable if the monkey-like expression is maintained. An overshot bite is severely penalized.The Affenpinscher's neck is short and straight. The top line is straight and level. The chest is moderately broad and deep. The back is short and level with a strong loin. The tail may be docked or natural. A docked tail is between 1" and 2" long set high an carried erect. The natural tail is set high and carried gently curved up over the back while moving.The Affenpinscher's shoulders are moderately laid back. The length of the shoulder blade and the upper arm are about equal. Elbows are close to the body. Front legs of the Affenpinscher are straight when viewed from any direction. Dewclaws are generally removed. The feet of the Affenpinscher are small, round, compact and with black pads and nails.The coat of the Affenpinscher is dense, rough, harsh and about 1" in length on the shoulders and body. The hair may be shorter on the rear and tail. The mature Affenpinscher has a mane or cape of strong hair which blends into the back coat at the withers area. To emphasize the monkey-like expression of the Affenpinscher the longer hair on the head, eyebrows and beard stands off and frames the face. The Affenpinscher's coat needs little grooming to maintain a neat and shaggy appearance.The Affenpinscher is seen in colors of black, gray, silver, red, black and tan or beige. The blacks may have a rusty cast or a few white or silver hairs mixed with the black. The reds vary from brownish red to an orange tan. Beige has black, brown and/or white hairs mixed with red. Some Affenpinschers may have black masks or a small white spot on the chest. Large white patches are undesirable.The gait of the Affenpinscher should be light, free, sound, balanced and confident. The Affenpinscher's signature walk is that of comic seriousness.The personality of the Affenpinscher should be alert, inquisitive, loyal and affectionate toward owner and friends. The Affenpinscher is generally quiet, but can become extremely excited when threatened or attacked and is not afraid toward any aggressor.The Affenpinscher's Early Days In His New HomeThe Affenpinscher develops a very strong attachment to his owner or owners. How the Affenpinscher puppy develops depends a great deal upon the care he receives as a young puppy. One of the first things you should do for your new Affenpinscher puppy is make him feel secure and comfortable with his new family.Your breeder probably provided you with a health record showing all immunization vaccinations given to the Affenpinscher puppy prior to the sale. Some states such as California, Florida and Texas require breeders to provide a veterinarian proof of health on sale of a dog.As soon as possible after bringing your new Affenpinscher puppy home you should take him to be examined by a veterinarian and finish the series of shots began by the breeder. These shots usually consist of vaccines for infectious hepatitis, distemper, leptospirosis, paraintiuenza and parvovirus. The frequency and combination of vaccines differs from vet to vet. If the Affenpinscher is to be entered into shows the vet may want to give him immunization against bordatella (kennel cough) and corona. Follow the advice of your own personal veterinarian.Take a stool sample with you for the first visit. If you live in a climate where heartworm is a concern ask your vet about heartworm preventative. Most often the monthly heartworm preventative will also prevent other parasite infestations.Once you have established care with a trusted veterinarian and your Affenpinscher puppy seems content in his new home work on a regular schedule of diet, housebreaking and other rules of your own particular household. Allow the Affenpinscher puppy to settle in properly. Do not make any sudden changes in his diet. If you do not want to feed what the breeder fed your Affenpinscher puppy make changes gradually. Sudden changes in diet sometimes results in diarrhea or the Affenpinscher puppy may refuse to eat the new food.If you choose to show your Affenpinscher with cropped ears you should have the cropping performed by a qualified veterinarian or an individual recommended by your breeder. The ears are usually cropped when the Affenpinscher is anywhere from eight weeks to four or five months.Crate training is recommended for Affenpinscher puppies. You will need to purchase a small airline kennel or a small housebreaking crate. Provide your Affenpinscher puppy with soft clean bedding in the crate and fresh drinking water preferably from a water bottle. Training you Affenpinscher puppy should start early. Do not feel that crating your Affenpinscher puppy is cruel. Dogs by nature are den animals and many find refuge in their crates, a special place of their own to rest and sleep. An Affenpinscher puppy that has been crated will travel easier and more happily.Affenpinscher - Dog Breed ProfileKey FactsSize: SmallHeight: 24 - 28cm (9.5 - 11 inches)Weight: 3 - 4kg (6.5 - 9 lb)Life Span: 15 yearsGrooming: EasyExercise: ModerateFeeding: UndemandingTemperament: Self-confident & livelyCountry of Origin: GermanyAKC Group: ToyOther Names: Monkey DogTemperamentThe Affenpinscher is intelligent, playful, curious, alert and mischievous. Affenpinschers are affectionate companions and family pets. They can be quite fearless towards aggressors and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, once they learn who is boss, however if Affenpinschers are spoilt, then their owners may find their home run by a little canine dictator. They get on well with children and other household pets, however most Affenpinschers will refuse unknown visitors entry into the home.GroomingRelatively easy, with brushing required once or twice per week to remove dead hair and keep it free of knots. No trimming required and Affenpinscher's have minimal moulting.ExerciseModerate exercise is required, but Affenpinschers can tolerate reasonably long distances.HistoryAffenpinschers originated in Germany several centuries ago and pictures of them can be seen depicted in the paintings of the early Dutch masters. The evolution of this breed may have come about with the crossbreeding of Miniature Pinschers to the local wire coated terriers. It has been broadly accepted that the Affenpinscher is the progenitor of both smooth and rough coated varieties of the toy Griffin.Physical CharacteristicsGeneral Appearance: Small and stocky with a trotting gait.Colour: Black (or black with lighter shadings)Coat: Wirehaired and rough and harsh in texture. Shaggy around the face with a wreath-like circle of hair framing the face giving a monkey-like appearance.Tail: Usually docked short and carried high.Ears: Either upright or dropped.Body: Square with a deep, barrel shaped chest. Short, straight back.
Posted by . at 4:02 PM


We have 2 female cats, who are about 2 years old now and we’ve had them since they were kittens.
I’ve always been a dog person, and we’ve had a few dogs in the past, but I decided we’d get a cat instead and I was shocked at how independent they are. You don’t have to take them out for walks all the time, they don’t get all excited when you stand up or if the door knocks.
We got one kitten and it was very playful, so we decided that we would get another one to keep it company if we went out and so we got a kitten that we were told was 10 weeks old, it wasn’t, there was no way, it was tiny and we reckon it was about 3 or 4 weeks old. She was able to eat on her own but it looked lost. The first kitten which was only supposed to be a week older, took it into her care and cuddled up straight away.
But this second kitten needed a bit more, and so she adopted me as her surrogate. She used to suckle on my ear lobe and fall asleep on my shoulder. She followed me everywhere and was more content with me that with anyone else.
She still is. She’s very scared of people and it takes her a while to get used to people, she’ll hide away and sleep upstairs or go outside and lay on the lawn.
Anyway, since they were about 6 months old and neutered they started going out, and at about a year old, they started to bring trouble home!
We’ve come home to find a few presents for us, mainly mice, and so far they’ve always been dead….unless I just haven’t heard the live ones they’ve brought in.
Once we found a bird and there were feathers everywhere! Have you tried to vacuum up feathers? It’s impossible, as you’re vacuuming, the opposite of the vacuum cleaner is blowing air out, so these feathers are flying off in all directions, very annoying.
There are a few ideas as to why cats do this. If it’s been eaten or partially eaten then it’s hungry. If it’s dead the it’s a present for you.
I was recently told that they bring them in dead to ‘teach’ you, and soon they’ll bring them in alive to teach you how to hunt. I hope it doesn’t get to that!
Other things the cats are doing, which I could do without are scratch marks on our new leather table chairs! They don’t sit there pawing it, but if they’re being pushed off by a kid or fall off then they do what cats do, dig their claws in to stay put.
I’ve just cleaned my entire house including washing doors, windows etc, and I’ve noticed that there are scratch marks on the draft excluder around the front door!
This is because my cats try to open the front door if they’re outside and can’t get in. We leave a window open all night but sometimes they just cannot be bothered to walk around the house to get to it.
So, what can I do so that they no longer sleep on the dining chairs? We’ve tried putting them upside down on the table, but that looks messy and it’s inconvenient.
I heard they don’t like vinegar, or is that dogs? Could I rub vinegar into leather? Hmmmmm.


Butters is just a normal rescue dog with an abnormally large head changing the perception of 'pit bulls' one smile at a time. Buy a limited edition Butters shirt or tank top to help us raise funds for Fur Ever Home Rescue's new endeavor, the Healing Haven - a safe haven for animals in need & future sanctuary.
Fur Ever Home Rescue is a no-kill 501(c)(3) nonprofit based out of central MN. They specialize in urgent medical and behavior cases. Fur Ever Home Rescue has secured financing for a 78 acre property that houses a refinished log home and two out-buildings. They are starting an outreach program to take in urgent animals that are listed as 'not adoptable' or 'rescue only' at shelters due to them being scared, shut-down or because of a medical condition and will house them in a home environment to give them a chance to let their true personalities shine. Once they are decompressed or have had their medical issues addressed they will work with rescue organizations to transfer them into their care & find them their forever homes.
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Dr. Brown earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Business Management from North Carolina State University. She received her Veterinary Medical Degree at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 with a mixed animal focus.
Dr. Brown and her husband Josh have two sons, Corbin and Mason. They have a sweet boxer mix dog named Addy, a cat named Callie, and a Quarter Horse named Cody.
In her spare time, Dr. Brown enjoys spending time with her family, horseback riding, running, biking, hiking, rock climbing, exercising, boating, swimming, and both attending and playing in the Handbell Choir at her church, Baptist Home Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro.


We are committed to restoring your pet’s vitality and joy through a comprehensive range of orthopedic surgeries. Whether it’s a congenital joint disorder or a traumatic injury, our dedicated orthopedic veterinarians in our clinics stands ready to provide the highest quality care for your beloved companion.
The path ahead when your dog requires orthopedic intervention.
The objective? To shepherd your pet’s limb or joint back to its former strength and agility. Entrust your furry friend to our skilled hands as we embark on meticulously planned procedures, meticulously executed under deep sedation. From the intricate placement of bone plates and screws to the delicate art of casting or prosthetic integration, we spare no effort in ensuring your pet’s comfort and well-being throughout the process.
Prior to scheduling the surgery, our compassionate team will conduct comprehensive assessments, including vital blood work, to gauge your pet’s overall health. Rest assured, with favorable results, most dogs emerge as prime candidates for orthopedic intervention, paving the way for a brighter, pain-free future.


Welcome to my page about Basset Hounds!
You are enthusiastic about Basset Hounds?
You appreciate the company of a faithful friend?
In the following pages I want to give you an insight into this race. I hope to be able to provide you with valuable information and tips on purchasing a dog and being in daily contact with him.
Every dog is naturally eager to learn and is happy when you spend time with him. So the good behavior of the dog depends primarily on the way you treat him.
Did you know - according to experts - that three hours work per day for the balance of the dog would be appropriate?
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The diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats remains a challenge in clinical practice. A complete history, physical examination, and adequate selection and interpretation of diagnostic tests remain the cornerstone of antemortem diagnosis. The objective of this review is to familiarize the reader with different aspects of FIP infection of the central nervous system (CNS). This includes signalment, clinical presentation, epidemiology, and diagnostic aids.
Feline infectious peritonitis is an immune-mediated disease produced as a result of infection of macrophages by mutant feline coronavirus strains (1). This disease causes severe multi-systemic clinical signs in the domestic cat, and other members of the Felidae family. Ultimately, FIP results in the death of the affected animal. Feline infectious peritonitis has traditionally been divided into 2 presentations: effusive (wet) form and non-effusive (dry) form. Both forms of FIP have been associated with clinical signs affecting the neurological system, but the non-effusive form appears to more commonly involve nervous tissues (2). The effusive form of FIP is more common than the non-effusive form and FIP has been diagnosed histopathologically in brains of cats without neurological clinical signs (3).
The most likely route of infection of feline corona virus (FeCV) is oral; therefore, cats from catteries and multi-cat household environments, where cats are shedding the virus in feces and sharing litter boxes, are at higher risk of being infected with the virus. A member of the Cornaviridae family, FeCV is an enveloped, RNA virus that can be divided into 2 types based on in vitro growth ability, and on antigenic and structural characteristics (4). Type I FeCV is a strictly feline type, whereas Type II FeCV has risen from combinations between FeCV and canine coronavirus. Both types can cause FIP, but Type I is the more prevalent (4). Type II FeCV is more commonly studied because it replicates well in cell cultures and is easier to work with in the laboratory (5).
Traditionally, FeCV has been divided into 2 biotypes based on the clinical signs that they cause: 1) a biotype that can cause FIP based on the ability of the virus to infect mononuclear macrophages (6); and 2) a biotype that induces mild, transient gastrointestinal signs. It is believed that any FeCV can potentially cause FIP in approximately 10% of infected cats (7). An internal mutation theory, in which FeCV mutates leading to the ability to replicate in macrophages and produce FIP has also been proposed (8). A recent study on the genomic RNA sequence of a field-strain FeCV causing FIP found 100% identity of the structural and accessory gene regions between an enteric (jejunum) and non-enteric (liver) FeCV, thus disputing the mutation theory (5). Host and viral interactions and variations may play a role in the development of FIP, but the complete mechanisms remain unknown. Feline coronavirus can mutate in a relatively short period of time giving rise to potentially heterogeneous viral populations with different pathogenicity (5).
Feline infectious peritonitis is a common etiology of neurological dysfunction in cats. In a retrospective study of 286 cats with neurological disease affecting the central nervous system, 97 cats were classified with inflammatory/infectious disease. Of those cats with inflammatory/infectious neurological disease, 47 cats (48%) were diagnosed histopathologically with FIP (9). Although this disease can affect cats at any age, it was thought to be the most likely cause of CNS disease in cats < 4 y of age in a study that evaluated inflammatory diseases of the CNS (2). Feline infectious peritonitis was also found to be the most common disease affecting the spinal cord of 28 cats (24%) in a group of 84 cats < 2 y of age (10). Another study indicated that FIP was a common disease affecting 10 cats (6%) in a group of 61 middle-aged cats (2 to 8 y old) and 4 cats (2%) in a group of 55 older cats (> 8 y old) (10). The mean time of onset of seizures in a study of cats with FIP was 12 mo (range: 3 to 96 mo) (11) and the median age in another study in cats diagnosed with FIP was also 12 mo (range: 3.6 to 60 mo) (3). Purebred cats have been associated with an increased risk of developing FIP (4,12,13) and male cats are more frequently affected than are female cats (4,13).
Neurological clinical signs in cats with FIP are reflective of the neuroanatomic location of the primary lesions. Multifocal clinical signs are common, though focal signs may also be found. Seizures, abnormal mental status, abnormal behavior, cranial nerve deficits, central vestibular signs, ataxia, tetraparesis, hyperesthesia, and abnormal postural reactions have all been described in the scientific literature (3,10,11,14,15). This spectrum of clinical signs highlights that any part of the CNS can become affected.
In a retrospective study of cats diagnosed histopathologically with FIP, 25% had seizures that were classified as generalized, partial complex, or focal with and without generalization (11). Cervical clinical signs were reported in 29 of 31 cats affected with spinal cord clinical signs caused by FIP (10).
Concurrent, non-neurological signs in cats with FIP include weight loss, weakness, lethargy, fever, pica, anorexia, and ocular lesions mainly characterized by chorioretinitis, uveitis, iritis, keratic precipitates, and anisocoria (2,15).
Differential diagnoses for CNS disease, especially in young cats, should include lymphoma, toxoplasmosis, storage diseases, FeLV, FIV, cerebellar hypoplasia, bacterial meningitis, crypto-cocosis, or trauma. These possibilities underline the importance of a complete diagnostic workup. Careful physical examination, including a thorough ophthalmologic examination, can be very helpful to increase the index of suspicion of FIP. Abdominal abnormalities, including enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, and irregular splenic and renal surfaces, were palpated in 11 of 16 cats with neurological FIP; 5 of 15 cats also had respiratory tract clinical signs (15).
The antemortem diagnosis of FIP remains challenging and it is the combination of signalment, clinical signs, and diagnostic aids that will help the clinician to obtain a diagnosis. As the index of suspicion of FIP increases, the clinician should include diagnostic tests that will help to guide to a more conclusive diagnosis. Limitations of each one of the diagnostic tests needs to be assessed along with the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic test selected.
Complete blood (cell) count (CBC) and serum biochemical profile abnormalities of cats infected with FIP include normocytic, normochromic, non-regenerative anemia; neutrophilic leukocytosis with lymphopenia; eosinopenia and monocytosis; hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia with decreased albumin/globulin (A:G) ratio; and increased α2-, β- and γ-globulin concentrations (16). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is characterized by an elevated protein of more than 2 g/L and leukocytosis (> 100 cells/μL) consisting of predominantly neutrophils (2), or lymphocytes (15). Significant statistical difference has been found between leukocyte counts in CSF in control groups of cats without FIP, cats with non-FIP CNS disease, and cats with FIP not affecting the CNS (3). In the same study 2 of 10 cats with FIP in the CNS had normal CSF leukocyte counts. The CSF protein concentration was only elevated in cats with CNS diseases (FIP and non-FIP diagnosed cats), but there was no statistically significant difference between these 2 groups (3).
Feline infectious peritonitis can only be detected in cats that have been infected with FeCV, but demonstrating its presence does not provide a diagnosis of FIP. Determining the presence of anti-coronavirus antibodies in CSF and serum can also be used as a diagnostic tool, though the presence of antibodies simply demonstrates the animal has been exposed to a coronavirus. As such, the presence of anti-coronavirus antibodies should be interpreted with caution and should be considered in light of signalment, medical history, clinical signs, and other diagnostic test results. In a prospective study of 67 cats, the detection of anti-coronavirus IgG in CSF had a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 90%. Half the number of cats that were diagnosed as positive were truly positive; while 93% of cats that tested negative were correctly diagnosed. These values vary according to the prevalence of the disease and the selection of the cases tested. When only cats with CNS disease were considered, 75% of the cats that were positive were truly positive and 87% of cats that tested negative were correctly diagnosed (3). This indicates that the appropriate selection of cases increases the value of the diagnostic tests. Cerebrospinal fluid anti-coronavirus IgG was also detected only in cats with high serum titers (range: 1:4096 to 1:16384) (3).
Advanced imaging including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used to confirm the neuroanatomical localization of the disease and rule out other diseases affecting the CNS. Despite the lack of availability of advanced imaging in general practice, its use remains a valid alternative when further tests are required to help obtain an antemortem diagnosis. In a study evaluating MRI in inflammatory diseases of the CNS, only 4 of 8 cats with FIP had abnormalities on MRI evaluation. Ventricular dilation and ependymal enhancement after gadolinium injection was noted in 3 of the 8 cats with FIP (17). In another study, ventricular dilation was noted in 3 of 4 cats and periventricular contrast enhancement was present in all 3 cats in which enhancement was administered (15). Despite the small number of cases, it appears that CSF analysis may be more sensitive in detecting inflammatory lesions of the CNS, but MRI can add important information to help distinguish cats with neoplasia or inflammatory disease and possibly differentiate between different inflammatory conditions (17).
Definitive diagnosis of FIP requires examination of the affected tissues, in particular the pyogranuloma that results from immune-mediated phenomena secondary to coronavirus infection of macrophages (1). The lesions of the central nervous system include pyogranulomatous inflammation located around the lateral ventricles or meninges, choroid plexus, with or without evidence of vasculitis or hydrocephalus (3,9). Perivascular inflammation with lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, and neutrophils and necrotizing arteritis are present (11). Difficulties in distinguishing FIP infection from other viral infections of the central nervous system have been recognized. In a study of 286 cats with neurological disease, 8 cats were reclassified as having FIP from an original diagnosis of viral meningoencephalitis. On the other hand, 1 cat originally thought to have FIP was later reclassified to a viral infection of a less specific nature (9). Postmortem diagnosis is facilitated by FIP monoclonal antibody staining of affected tissue and coronavirus-specific polymerase chain reaction (15).
Therapy and prognosis
Feline infectious peritonitis is a fatal disease in cats despite the various treatments attempted, and most patients are either euthanized immediately or within weeks to months, once a satisfactory diagnosis has been made. The therapeutic goal is to control or reduce the clinical signs caused by the immune-mediated inflammation, and corticosteroids remain the mainstay of therapy. Despite a number of reported treatments for FIP, a systematic review of the literature indicates that most results need to be evaluated with caution due to the lack of placebo controls and lack of diagnosis before treatment was initiated (18). Various medications have been administered including antiviral drugs, immuno-modulators and immunosuppressant drugs (corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, ribavirin, and feline interferon-ω, among others). The 2006 Feline Vaccine Advisory Panel of the American Association of Feline Practitioners did not recommend vaccination against FIP. This is mainly due to the possibility of antibody-dependent enhancement, a process in which exposure of the virus to antibody increases its uptake by macrophages leading to faster development of clinical signs (19).
It is important to prepare the owners for the unfortunate outcome that inevitably follows the diagnosis of FIP. Supportive care with fluids and nutritional support are recommended as long as the cat’s quality of life is not compromised, otherwise euthanasia should be advised.


Bissell 2252 Cleanview Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum Carpet Cleaner, Green Pet
- Buy Bissell Save Pets; Bissell Donates Up To 10 Dollars To The Bissell Pet Foundation For Every Pet Product Purchase Upon Activation
- Powerful Pet Hair Pick Up With Triple Action Brush Roll With Scatter Free Technology
- Swivel Steering To Easily Maneuver Around Furniture And Other Obstacles
- Clean Edges And Corners With Edge To Edge Cleaning. Cleaning Path Width 13.5 Inch
- Remove Pet Hair With Specialized Pet Tools Including Pet Hair Corner Tool And Pet Tool
- Bottom Easy Empty Dirt Bin Makes Emptying Quick And Mess Free. Hose Length 6 Feet
- Replacement Filter Style 12141
- Dirt Cup Capacity 1.0 Liter
Save your pet with Bissell’s CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum Carpet Cleaner. This powerful vacuum cleaner has triple action brush roll with scatter free technology and swivel steering to easily maneuver around furniture and other obstacles. It also has a cleaning path width of 13.5 inches and removes pet hair with specialized pet tools including pet hair corner tool and pet tool Bottom. The vacuum also has a dirt cup capacity of 1.0 liter and a hose length of 6 feet.
Bissell Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner, Teal
- Buy Bissell Save Pets Bissell Donates Up To 10 Dollars To The Bissell Pet Foundation For Every Pet Product Purchase Upon Activation
- Triple Action Brush Roll Plus Scatter Free Technology Maximize Pet Hair Pickup – Even If It’S Embedded
- 27’ Power Cord Automatically Rewinds For Quick And Easy Storage. Cleaning Path Width – 13.5 Inch
- Swivel Steering Makes Cleaning Around Furniture And Obstacles Easy
- Edge To Edge Cleaning Feature Gets Closer To Walls And Corners With Each Pass
- Includes Specialized Pet Tools Like The Pet Hair Corner Tool And Pet Turbo Eraser Tool
- Replacement Filter Style 12141
- Dirt Cup Capacity 1.0 Liter
- Power Source Type Corded Electric
Looking for a pet-friendly vacuum cleaner? Look no further than the Bissell Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner. This vacuum cleaner not only has a 13.5-inch cleaning path width, but also features a swivel steering that makes it easy to clean around furniture and obstacles. Plus, the edge-to-edge cleaning feature gets closer to walls and corners, which means that your pet’s hair and debris will be picked up more effectively. And if your pet starts to shed a lot, the vacuum cleaner comes with specialized pet tools like the pet hair corner tool and pet turbo eraser tool.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner, 24613
- Every Bissell Purchase Helps Save Pets. Bissell Proudly Supports Bissell Pet Foundation And Its Mission To Help Save Homeless Pets.
- Powerful Pet Hair Pick Up In A Lightweight And Agile Design
- Tangle-Free Brush Roll Eliminates Annoying Hair Wrap. Power Rating7 Amps
- Hands-Free Empty With Cyclonic Pet Hair Spooling System Means You No Longer Have To Touch The Yuck.
- Smart Seal Allergen System With Optional Febreze Filter Traps Dust And Allergens While Eliminating Odors To Freshen Your Home As You Clean
- Reach More Messes With Specialized Pet Tools Like The Led Crevice Tool Pet Turbo Eraser Tool And 2-In-1 Pet Dusting Brush
- Powerful Edge-To-Edge Suction On Low To High Pile Carpets Area Rugs And Hard Surfaces With Fingertip Suction Control And Brush Roll On/Off Feature
- Quick Release Extension Wand Is Always Ready Always On
- Swivel Steering And Led Headlights
- Dirt Cup Capacity – 0.75 Liters. New And Improved
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner – The Best Way To Keep Your Home Clean And Smelling Great!
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum, Purple
- Buy Bissell Save Pets; Bissell Will Donate 5 Dollars For Each Pet Hair Eraser Li Ion Purchase Upon Activation
- Remove More Embedded Dirt And Pet Hair With A Motorized Brush Tool And Lithium Ion Battery
- 14V Lithium Ion Battery For Lithium Powered Cleaning; Dirt Cup Capacity 0.7 Litres
- Large Easy To Empty Dirt Bin To Help Get Rid Of Pet Hair Easily. Triple Level Filtration To Help Improve Cleaning Performance
- Set Of Specialized Pet Tools Includes Motorized Brush Tool Upholstery Tool And Crevice Tool
Looking for a powerful and easy-to-use vacuum that can take care of all your pet hair needs? Look no further than the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser! This vacuum not only has a motorized brush tool to easily remove embedded dirt and pet hair, but also a lithium ion battery to help power powerful cleaning. Not to mention, the dirt cup capacity is large enough to hold a lot of pet hair, and the triple level filtration system helps improve cleaning performance. Finally, the set of specialized pet tools includes an upholstery tool, a crevice tool, and a motorized brush tool. So don’t wait any longer, order your Bissell Pet Hair Eraser today!
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, Corded, 33A1
- Surface Type Upholstery Auto Stairs; Power Rating 4 Amperes
- Filtration Multi Layer Filtration The Bissell Hand Vac Uses The Cyclonic Cleaning System
- 16 Feet Power Cord. Cleans Stairs Upholstery And Hard Surfaces. Dirt Cup Capacity 0.78 Litre
- Specialized Rubber Nozzle Attracts Hair And Pulls Out Dirt On Areas Such As Stairs And Upholstery
- Includes Two Specially Designed Nozzles
- Included Components Bissell – Pet Hair Eraser; Bagless Hand Vac – Black Pearl
- Power Source Type Corded Electric
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum is perfect for cleaning upholstery and stairs. With its powerful 4 amperes motor, it can handle even the most stubborn pet hair. The Bissell hand vac also features a multi-layer filtration system that traps dirt and hair, making it perfect for cleaning upholstery and stairs. Plus, the included nozzles are specifically designed to clean stairs and upholstery.
Best Vacuum For Pet Hairs
Best Robot Vacuum To Clean Pet Hair
James Brains/Insider $399.99 $299.00 Amazon $499.99 $299.00 Walmart $5999.99 Target $399.99 $299.99 Target We tested the Bissell SpinWave Robot Vacuum and found that it picked up pet hairs on our carpet. It also has an extensive selection of attachments and accessories.
The pros: It is quiet, has app connectivity and picked up every pet hair we tested. Robot vacuums tend to be smaller in size and have less suction power than other models. A robot vacuum, however, is essential for daily automated cleaning.
Since robot vacuums have a mind of their own, I put them through a different testing methodology. Our robot vacuum guide has more information about our testing process. Based on the results of my tests with dozens of robotic vacuums, I found that the Bissell SpinWave Robot Vacuum was the most effective for pet hair. It was able to pick up the entire pet hair I had spread on both hardwood and carpeting. You could only see traces on the hardwood of flour and cat litter. It did an excellent job getting into corners.
Robot vacuums can sometimes be a bit scary for pets. SpinWave’s quietest model I tested is a good choice. The SpinWave is loudest when it has high suction. It can reach 65 decibels in this mode, but it will still be able to hear normal conversation. In quiet mode, the noise level drops to 58 decibels.
The mop attachment has spinning mop pads that do an outstanding job of scrubbing dried-on liquids while avoiding carpets. The included cleaning tool allows you to cut hairs from brushes, but this is not something I experienced.
SpinWave can be scheduled to clean the same day every day. You also have the option of scheduling it at one time using the Bissell Connect App (available for iOS or Android). One problem with the SpinWave was its insistence on cleaning between rooms within a certain distance. You can’t set no-go zones to avoid it, so you may need to put a physical barrier in the way. Also, if your pets tend to have frequent accidents, a robot vacuum may not be a good choice since it could potentially spread the mess and destroy the vacuum.
Eureka Floorrover elite Neu630 is the Best Pet Hair Vacuum
Eureka FloorRover Elite NEU630 Upright Bagless Cordless Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA) The best upright vacuum for pet hair that we’ve tested is the Eureka FloorRover Elite NEU630. This bagless upright easily cleans pet hair on bare floors and low and high-pile carpet. As long as the filter is maintained regularly, it will not need to be replaced. For easier hair cleaning, the brushroll can be easily removed.
The vacuum is semi-handheld and can be used with any attachments such as a turbo brush or crevice tool to clean messes that are hard to reach. A brushroll on/off button allows you to keep your floors clean. You won’t have to empty it as often because the dirt is larger. Because the cord is long you can easily clean large areas and not have to use multiple outlets.
It is difficult to access hard-to-reach places in this semi-handheld vacuum because of its tinier hose. You may have to use the large dustbin, which can get in your way when you are cleaning underneath tables or chairs. The mostly plastic structure isn’t very sturdy and it makes a lot of noises during operation. Its excellent pet hair cleaning ability and HEPA filter makes it an appealing option.
(Image credit Future) Published by. It is important that you find the perfect vacuum for your pet’s hair. As much as we love our fur babies, there’s one guarantee that pet ownership brings: a house full of hair, tracked-in dirt, and kibble crumbs. It’s important to have the right appliance for the job.
Living with pets is a challenge. Pet vacuum cleaners must be capable of removing hair from hard floors and ground-in fur from carpets. They also need to provide safe ways to clean precious couches and chairs. Ideally, the pet vacuum cleaners should have one eye to reduce allergy symptoms.
In this guide, we’re bringing you our top recommendations for pet vacuum cleaners. We’ve vetted and reviewed the top models which are available to buy from your favorite stores to include the latest offerings from brands such as Dyson, Bissell, and Shark. Our Homes & Gardens badges show that the product you are looking at has been used in a home of a team member to evaluate them just as much as you. The vacuum has also been evaluated by customers to determine its ease-of use, affordability, maneuverability, as well as other functionality.
You will find the following options ideal for homes with pets. Our guide to best vacuum cleaners provides more diverse choices.
Hepa vacuums for people without pets
If you suffer from allergy and don’t have a pet you can still use this guide to help find the best vacuums for you with HEPA filters. They can reduce allergens by up to 90%.
Click the photograph to go to Amazon.
Dyson’s Animal 2 is a new product. The Animal 2 replaces the DC Animal 1 Cinetic Big Ball Animal, which was previously at number one in our rankings.
Dyson claims that it has conducted research to show the Animal 2 is the best pet hair vacuum. Whether that’s true or not (and we have no reason to doubt them), this baby can suck up dirt and pet hair with the best of them; with an impressive 270 air watts of suction, the Animal 2 is the company’s most powerful pet hair vacuum ever.
Dyson’s Radial Root Cycle technology creates powerful, circular air movement inside of the machine. This results in outstanding suction.
The self-adjusting cleaner plate is also a reason. This allows for the vacuum to stay in contact with the carpet and floor, getting into the carpet piles more deeply.
However, this Dyson Dyson vacuum can be used for more than floors. This vacuum features a unique tangle-free turbine device that spins in the opposite direction to ensure that it grabs every strand of matted hair. The optional grooming tool can be attached to the Animal 2 to allow you to trim the long hair of your Snoopy.
Other nice features include the “ball technology”, which allows this Dyson to be maneuvered in tighter spaces much better than competitors.
Like the other top choices on our list, the Animal Complete has a whole-machine lifetime HEPA filtration to capture allergens and pollen, but this one is certified asthma and allergy friendly by aafa.org.
What is the Best Pet Hair Cleaner?
Dyson Ball Animal 2 upright vacuum is the best overall. Bissell Cleanview Swivel pet upright vacuum is also the best handheld.
Pet hair can ruin vacuums
Clogged filters can make the vacuum smell like a wet dog. The motor may also not be able cool down if it is blocked. Pet dander can cause allergy problems too, so be sure to replace or clean your filter regularly. Belt: The belt drives the rollers. When hair is tangled on the rollers, the belt can snap!Oct 26, 2016.Best Vacuum For Pet Hairs


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Arvada, Colorado, USA
REAL PATIENTS, REAL SOLUTIONS – YOUR CBD SOURCE. THIS is what Your CBD Source is all about. THIS right here is the reason you are here. You want a solution. We understand. There are MANY websites selling CBD products. We are different. We don’t just sell products, we make them as well.
We are a small company with a BIG HEART. We offer personalized service as industry leaders in online CBD products since 2011 and we work to keep prices affordable.
We use only the finest quality, Colorado Grown Hemp in making our products. Care Free CBD, Pure Hemp Vape, CannAffections, CBDSpa, Terpene Infusions and Benny’s Healthy Hemp are just SOME of our “in-house” brands.
In addition, we work very closely with the other manufacturers whose products we carry. We help them develop new ideas. We share information about how our customers respond to their products and we keep those products on hand in our facility and do our best to ship within 5 – 7 business days.
Benny’s Healthy Hemp(TM) CBD for Pets.
In animals, cannabidiol has been linked with prolonged lifespan, reduced anxiety and an overall improvement in the life of your pet. Pets have a very active Endogenous Cannabinoid System. Adding CBD to their daily routine is believed to help with a number of aggression disorders, noise phobias, canine dementia, the urge to spray (in felines) and a number of other problems that often plague our pets and their owners. Benny’s Made in Colorado, Hand-Crafted Tinctures are infused with a USDA Certified Organic Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract. Our extract contains everything that is naturally occurring in the original plant. Using only the most premium oils provides a benefit from the safety and synergistic interaction of phyto-nutrients in their complete and balanced form. Made to pamper your pet with a multitude of healthy benefits.
CBD interacts naturally with the immune and nervous system of your pets, making them more confident, more relaxed and healthier across the board. As industrial hemp is naturally rich in these substances (and especially CBD), while having virtually zero THC, it has no side effects and your pet will not get high by using Benny’s Healthy Hemp.
Benny’s Healthy Hemp Products have been developed with veterinarians and are designed with the health of our furry friends in mind. CBD has been shown to regulate and stimulate appetite, modulate pain and improve the overall vitality and health of animals. No animals have been harmed by any testing during the development of Benny’s Healthy Hemp. Your pets can enjoy a tasty treat and you can take comfort in giving them the safest, most effective product on the market.
When it comes to behavior, CBD can make your pet feel more relaxed and more in control. This in turn helps with aggression disorders, self-trauma, cognitive problems, excessive vocalization and urination/marking problems. Benny’s Healthy Hemp, CBD Pet Tinctures are ideal for easy traveling with your pet, grooming, re-homing or reducing stress during fireworks and other noisy events. You can also use Benny’s Sweet Drops to relieve separation anxiety and keep your pet content until you return to have fun with them again.


Our pets are beloved members of our families. For seniors, pets are sometimes their main source of companionship. In addition to being loyal friends, pets provide lots of other health benefits, like lower blood pressure, less depression, increases in social opportunities, and exercise. Since your mom’s dog or cat is such an important part of her life, you want to make sure that it stays healthy. April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to check your mom’s existing pet first aid kit for the necessary supplies. If your mom doesn’t currently have a first aid kit for her pet, now would be a good time to put one together. Your mom’s elder care provider may be able to take her to the store to pick up the items needed to deal with minor pet injuries or illnesses.
Supplies for a Pet First Aid Kit
Some people keep very elaborately stocked pet first aid kits, and what you choose to put in the kit may depend on your mom’s pet and its special needs. However, there are some basics that should be in any pet kit. Basic pet first aid kit items include:
- Gauze bandages and non-adhesive vet wrap
- Saline eye wash
- Styptic powder used to stop bleeding in minor wounds, such as a nail clipped too short
- Dish soap for washing toxins away (rinse pet thoroughly after using)
- Rectal thermometer and lubricant
- Emergency phone numbers, including the veterinary clinic, emergency veterinary clinic, and poison control
- Items for restraining the pet, such as a muzzle, blanket or towel, and leash
- Treats to calm or distract the pet
- Cotton balls
Keeping Mom’s Pet Healthy
A pet first aid kit is important, but the first line of defense in protecting your mom’s pet from injury or illness is to follow some basic rules for keeping it healthy. Pets need plenty of exercise. For dogs, that usually means walks. Pets also need to be fed on a regular schedule and need constant access to fresh, clean water. Regular vet checks and vaccinations are also important.
Properly caring for a pet can be difficult for senior citizens. Your mom’s elder care provider can help her to take care of some of the tasks involved in pet care, like feeding, watering, and walking. An elder care provider may also be able to drive your mom and her pet to veterinary appointments.
If your mom would like to learn more about pet first aid, the Red Cross offers classes in pet first aid. Check with your local Red Cross chapter for classes near you.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering in-home elder care in Sunnyvale, CA, please contact the caring staff at Bay Area Home Care. Call today 650-938-4031.


With their adorable antics and unwavering loyalty, it’s no wonder we fall head over paws for these little bundles of joy. But here’s the million-dollar question: Can a French Bulldog be left alone? Life can get hectic, and sometimes we have to leave our furry friends behind for longer stretches of time.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of French Bulldogs and their feelings about solitude. We’ll also uncover some nifty tricks to ensure your four-legged buddy stays happy and secure when you’re not around. So, fret not. We’ve got your back, and together we’ll find the perfect balance between independence and companionship for your beloved Frenchie.
Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs
- 1 Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs
- 2 The Dangers of Leaving a French Bulldog Alone for Too Long
- 3 Training Your French Bulldog to Be Comfortable Being Alone
- 4 Creating a Safe and Comfortable Space for your French Bulldog
- 5 Hiring a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
- 6 Interactive Toys and Puzzle Feeders to Keep Your Dog Busy
- 7 Assessing Your French Bulldog’s Personality and Needs
- 8 Conclusion
French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate nature and strong bond with their owners. However, this attachment can sometimes lead to separation anxiety, a common behavioral issue in dogs. In this article, we will explore the causes of separation anxiety in French Bulldogs and provide tips on how to address it effectively.
Understanding Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs:
French Bulldogs thrive on human companionship and can become distressed when left alone. Signs of separation anxiety may include excessive barking or howling, destructive behavior, house soiling, pacing, panting, or attempts to escape. It’s important to remember that each dog is unique, and their response to being left alone may vary.
Causes of Separation Anxiety:
Separation anxiety in French Bulldogs can stem from various factors, such as improper socialization during puppyhood, traumatic experiences, or sudden changes in routine or environment. Identifying the root cause can help in developing an appropriate plan to address the issue.
Addressing Separation Anxiety:
- Gradual Acclimation: Gradually expose your French Bulldog to being alone by starting with short periods of separation and gradually increasing the duration over time. This process helps them understand that being alone is not something to fear.
- Mental Stimulation and Exercise: Provide mental stimulation and physical exercise for your French Bulldog to keep their minds occupied while alone. Engaging toys, puzzle feeders, and interactive games can prevent them from focusing solely on your absence.
- Safe Space: Create a safe and comfortable space for your French Bulldog when left alone. A crate or a designated area with their favorite toys can alleviate their anxiety by providing a sense of security.
- Professional Help: If your French Bulldog’s separation anxiety is severe or causing significant distress, consult a veterinarian or certified dog behaviorist. They can develop a tailored plan, including behavior modification techniques or medication if necessary.
The Dangers of Leaving a French Bulldog Alone for Too Long
Here, we’ll delve into the dangers associated with prolonged solitude for French Bulldogs, shedding light on the risks of separation anxiety, behavioral problems, respiratory issues, physical health concerns, and emotional distress.
Separation Anxiety: When Your Frenchie Feels Abandoned
French Bulldogs are notorious for forming strong bonds with their humans. Leaving them alone for extended periods can trigger separation anxiety, leading to excessive barking, destructive chewing escapades, and attempts at escape. But it doesn’t stop there – this anxiety can even manifest in physical ailments like digestive problems or self-inflicted injuries.
Behavioral Problems: Boredom Breeds Destruction
Without adequate stimulation and socialization, French Bulldogs may succumb to boredom and restlessness. This can result in destructive behaviors such as furniture chewing or garden digging. Excessive licking or scratching may also become a pesky habit for your furry friend. Remember, a bored Frenchie is an unhappy Frenchie.
Respiratory Issues: A Breath of Fresh Air is Vital
French Bulldogs are brachycephalic – they have those irresistibly cute flat faces and short noses. However, this adorable feature comes with a downside. When stressed or anxious, their respiratory problems can worsen. Leaving them alone in an environment lacking proper ventilation or subject to extreme temperatures can lead to difficulties in breathing, overheating, or even heatstroke.
Physical Health Concerns: Exercise Equals Good Health
Regular exercise is essential for French Bulldogs to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related conditions. Being left alone without the opportunity for exercise can lead to weight gain, muscle atrophy, and poor overall physical fitness. Let’s keep those Frenchie muscles strong.
Emotional Distress: Loneliness Hurts
As social animals, French Bulldogs thrive on love, attention, and companionship. Leaving them alone for prolonged periods deprives them of the emotional support they need to flourish. Feelings of loneliness, sadness, and even depression can take a toll on their overall happiness and quality of life.
Training Your French Bulldog to Be Comfortable Being Alone
We all know how much our adorable little Frenchies love to be by our side every minute of the day. But what happens when we need to step out for a bit? Separation anxiety can wreak havoc on our furry friends’ well-being. That’s why it’s crucial to train your French Bulldog to be comfortable being alone. In this guide, we’ll explore step-by-step methods to help your Frenchie feel secure and confident, even in your absence.
Step 1: Introduce Gradually
Start by leaving your Frenchie alone for short periods, like a few minutes, and gradually increase the duration. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. This gradual process allows your Frenchie to understand that being alone is not the end of the world.
Step 2: Create a Cozy Space
Set up a designated area with their bed, toys, and familiar objects. This special spot will become their safe haven and help alleviate any stress or anxiety they may feel when you’re not around. Consider getting interactive toys or puzzle feeders to keep them mentally stimulated and entertained.
Step 3: Establish a Routine
French Bulldogs thrive on routine and predictability. Establish set times for feeding, playtime, exercise, and rest. Creating a structured schedule will give your Frenchie a sense of security and reduce anxiety levels.
Step 4: Desensitization Training
Expose your Frenchie to situations that would typically cause distress when left alone. Practice everyday actions like picking up your keys or putting on your coat without actually leaving the house. This helps them associate these actions with non-threatening events, reducing their anxious response.
Step 5: Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior. When your Frenchie remains calm during your absence, shower them with treats, praise, and affection. Positive reinforcement creates a positive association with being alone and encourages your Frenchie to continue behaving calmly.
Remember, each Frenchie is unique, so be patient and understanding. Some Frenchies may adapt quickly, while others may need more time and support. If your Frenchie continues to struggle despite consistent training efforts, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist specializing in separation anxiety.
Creating a Safe and Comfortable Space for your French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are known for their sociable and affectionate nature, which can sometimes make them prone to separation anxiety. To help alleviate any anxiety your furry friend may feel when you’re not around, it’s essential to create a safe and comfortable space for them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the perfect haven for your French Bulldog when they are left alone.
Designate a Specific Area
Start by designating a specific area in your home where your French Bulldog can stay when you’re not there. This can be a room, a crate, or a playpen. Having a designated space will provide them with a sense of security and help establish boundaries.
Remove Potential Hazards
Ensure that the designated area is free from any potential hazards. French Bulldogs are curious creatures, so make sure to remove electrical cords, toxic plants, or small objects that your dog could swallow. Creating a safe environment is crucial for their well-being.
Provide Comfortable Bedding
Make sure to provide comfortable bedding for your French Bulldog to rest on. A soft dog bed or blankets will not only keep them warm and cozy but also provide a sense of comfort and security. Remember, happy dogs make happy homes.
Maintain Comfortable Conditions
French Bulldogs can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, so it’s important to maintain a comfortable environment in their designated area. Ensure proper ventilation and lighting to keep the space fresh and inviting, and avoid temperature extremes that could cause discomfort.
Keep Them Mentally Stimulated
Boredom can lead to destructive behavior, so it’s essential to keep your French Bulldog mentally stimulated when they are alone. Leave some interactive toys or puzzle feeders in their designated area to provide entertainment and keep their minds engaged.
Consider leaving a piece of clothing with your scent in the designated area. The familiar smell will provide comfort and reassurance to your French Bulldog when you’re not around. It’s like leaving a piece of your heart behind.
Potty Training Solutions
If your French Bulldog is not fully house-trained, consider using puppy pads or a litter box in their designated area to avoid accidents. This will help maintain a clean and hygienic environment for both you and your furry friend.
It’s important to gradually acclimate your French Bulldog to being alone. Start by leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable. This will help build their confidence and reduce separation anxiety.
In some cases, additional support may be needed to help relax your French Bulldog when they are alone. Calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or calming music can create a soothing environment and promote relaxation. It’s like a spa day for your pup.
Hiring a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
When it comes to our furry friends, we want to ensure they receive the best care possible, even when we can’t be there ourselves. Hiring a dog walker or pet sitter can be a great solution for French Bulldog owners who need to leave their dogs alone for extended periods of time. But how do you choose the right one? Let’s explore the key considerations.
Dog Walkers: Exercise, Stimulation, and Socialization
Dog walkers are professionals who take dogs for walks during the day when their owners are unable to do so. They provide much-needed exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization for your French Bulldog. To find a reliable dog walker, start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or local pet stores. It’s also important to interview potential dog walkers and ask for references to ensure they have experience and are trustworthy.
Pet Sitters: Companionship and Care
Pet sitters are individuals who come to your home and take care of your French Bulldog while you’re away. They can provide companionship, feeding, grooming, and even overnight stays if needed. When hiring a pet sitter, it is crucial to find someone who is reliable and experienced with French Bulldogs. Check their credentials, ask for references, and make sure they are insured and bonded.
Specific Needs and Requirements
Both dog walkers and pet sitters should have knowledge about French Bulldogs’ specific needs and requirements. They should be familiar with their exercise needs, feeding schedule, and any medical conditions they may have. This ensures that they can provide the appropriate care and attention your beloved pet deserves.
Establish Expectations and Guidelines
It’s important to establish clear expectations and guidelines with the dog walker or pet sitter. Discuss the length and frequency of walks or visits, any specific instructions regarding feeding or medication, and provide emergency contact information. This ensures everyone is on the same page and your French Bulldog’s needs are met.
Trial Run and Communication
Before leaving your French Bulldog in the care of a dog walker or pet sitter, it’s recommended to do a trial run. Have them come over for a shorter period of time to see how your dog reacts to them and how they handle your dog’s needs. Additionally, maintaining open communication with the dog walker or pet sitter is crucial. Regularly check in with them to see how your French Bulldog is doing and address any concerns or issues that may arise.
Interactive Toys and Puzzle Feeders to Keep Your Dog Busy
French Bulldogs are known for their intelligence and playful nature. These adorable little pups thrive on mental stimulation and physical exercise. So, if you’re looking for ways to keep your French Bulldog entertained and prevent them from getting bored or engaging in destructive behavior, interactive toys and puzzle feeders are your secret weapons.
What are Interactive Toys and Puzzle Feeders?
Interactive toys are specially designed to engage your dog’s mind and keep them occupied. These toys often have hidden treats or compartments that your furry friend has to figure out how to access. Puzzle feeders, on the other hand, combine feeding with mental stimulation. They require your French Bulldog to work for their food by solving puzzles or manipulating the feeder in some way. It’s like a fun game of hide-and-seek for your pup’s dinner.
Benefits for French Bulldogs
- Mental Stimulation: Interactive toys and puzzle feeders challenge your French Bulldog’s cognitive abilities and keep their minds sharp. They have to use problem-solving skills to figure out how to get the treats or solve the puzzle, which provides excellent mental exercise.
- Physical Exercise: Some interactive toys require your French Bulldog to be physically active to access the treats or solve the puzzle. This helps burn off excess energy and keeps them physically fit.
- Prevent Obesity: French Bulldogs are prone to weight gain, so it’s crucial to keep them on a healthy diet and encourage them to stay active. Puzzle feeders can slow down their eating pace and make mealtime more enjoyable while preventing overeating.
Popular Interactive Toys for French Bulldogs
- Treat-dispensing balls: These balls have compartments where you can hide treats, challenging your French Bulldog to roll the ball around to access the goodies inside.
- Puzzle cubes: These cubes have different compartments with sliding doors or drawers that your pup must figure out how to open to get the treats.
- Interactive feeding mats: These mats have various pockets or ridges where you can hide treats or smear peanut butter for your French Bulldog to lick and explore.
Tips for Choosing and Using Interactive Toys
- Size and Durability: Consider your French Bulldog’s size, strength, and chewing habits when choosing interactive toys. Make sure they are safe and durable enough to withstand their playfulness.
- Rotate and Introduce New Toys: To keep your pup interested, rotate their interactive toys regularly. Introduce new toys periodically to provide variety and novelty.
- Supervision is Key: Always supervise your French Bulldog when they are using interactive toys, especially if they’re strong chewers. This will help prevent any accidents or choking hazards.
Assessing Your French Bulldog’s Personality and Needs
Can your French Bulldog handle being left alone? It’s a question that many dog owners ask themselves, especially if they have a busy schedule or need to travel frequently. Assessing your French Bulldog’s personality and needs is essential in determining their ability to handle solitude. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that can influence their comfort level when left alone.
- Temperament: French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate and sociable nature. They crave human interaction and enjoy being part of the family. However, some French Bulldogs may be more clingy or prone to separation anxiety than others. If your dog becomes anxious or distressed when left alone, it may not be suitable to leave them for extended periods.
- Energy Levels: While French Bulldogs aren’t as high-energy as some other breeds, they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Lack of physical or mental activity can result in boredom and restlessness, leading to destructive behavior or excessive barking when left alone.
- Age: Puppies have limited bladder control and require more frequent potty breaks and attention. They are also more likely to engage in mischievous behavior when unsupervised. As they grow older and become more independent, they may gradually adapt to being left alone for longer periods.
- Duration of Time: Dogs are social animals and thrive on companionship. If you work long hours or travel frequently, leaving your French Bulldog alone for extended periods may not be ideal for their overall well-being. Consider making appropriate arrangements for their care, such as hiring a pet sitter or enrolling them in doggy daycare.
- Previous Experiences: Dogs with positive past experiences of being left alone are more likely to handle solitude better. Proper training and gradually increasing the time spent alone can help your French Bulldog develop confidence and independence.
In conclusion, assessing your French Bulldog’s personality and needs is crucial when determining their ability to be left alone. Factors such as temperament, energy levels, age, and previous experiences all play a role. Remember, every dog is unique, so it’s important to tailor your approach based on your specific French Bulldog’s needs to ensure their well-being and happiness when left alone.
In conclusion, it is important to consider the needs of a French Bulldog before leaving them alone for extended periods. While they are generally independent and can handle some alone time, it is not ideal to leave them alone for long hours every day. French Bulldogs thrive on human companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
To ensure your French Bulldog’s well-being when you’re away, it is recommended to provide them with mental stimulation and physical exercise before leaving. This could include interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or engaging in playtime activities. Additionally, creating a safe and comfortable environment with access to food, water, and a designated resting area is essential.
If you must leave your French Bulldog alone for an extended period, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to check on them during the day. Another option is enrolling them in doggy daycare where they can socialize with other dogs and receive supervised care.
Remember that each dog has its own unique personality and needs. Some French Bulldogs may be more tolerant of being left alone than others. It’s crucial to observe your dog’s behavior and adjust their routine accordingly.
Ultimately, while a French Bulldog can handle being left alone for short periods, it is best to minimize their time alone as much as possible.


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|Sunday, May 5th, 2013|
|Saturday, February 2nd, 2013|
|Saturday, July 2nd, 2011|
Searching for an image of a newfie pawprint
I used to have two newfoundland dogs (well, one newfie and one newfie mix) - ages ago - and recently I've been thinking a lot about them. At the moment, my living situation doesn't allow me to get another dog; hopefully that'll change one day.
Anyway, I've been contemplating getting a tattoo to remind me of Toby and Maya. I'd like to tattoo a newfie pawprint on my hip, but of course I never got one from either of them, and the internet (and Google) has abandoned me. All pawprint images found online just look wrong
to me, and now I'm wondering whether anyone of you knows either
a) where I can find the right image, or
b) also has (had) a newfie they've gotten a pawprint from.
You'd really make my day if you could help. Pleeeease? *big brown puppy eyes* Current Mood: nostalgic
|Friday, January 21st, 2011|
New Aggression Toward Strangers
Hi all. We have a female bull mastiff, about 4.5 years old. We rescued her back in September, malnourished and abused to the extreme. Since then, we’ve packed on the pounds, she’s very loyal to us, and, for the most part, well behaved. She does well with cats, kids, and, up til very recently, strangers. She used to be the type of dog who we thought would hold the door open for a burglar, if she thought she might get attention out of the deal. LOL. But, we ordered pizza last night, and our usual delivery guy showed up. Marley started woofing at him, and stayed between me and him. She didn’t used to do this, and has started in the last few weeks when we’ve ordered pizza and he’s delivered it. He likes her, and tries to play with her and pet her, but she won’t have any of it anymore. Then today, a plumber came to check out a clogged toilet, and she absolutely would not let him anywhere near me. She sat in front of me, growling and woofing at him warningly. I grabbed hold of her collar, because I didn’t want her lunging at him, and very firmly told her no. She laid down, stopped barking, but continued to growl. It should also be noted that I am 14 weeks pregnant, so I’m attributing this new behavior to that. I like that she’s protective, and I’m not worried about how she’ll react to the baby, because all my research indicates that dogs just kind of think of baby as an extension of mom, and will therefore be protective of baby as well. But I don’t want her becoming aggressive toward strangers. Any suggestions on how to nip this in the bud before it gets out of control? Should we just continue to expose her to strangers, and make it plain to her that, if we allow them into our home, they’re okay and she doesn’t need to protect us? If so, how exactly do we go about that?
Thank you for any advice, and I’m sorry this got so long winded. Current Mood: okay
|Friday, September 24th, 2010|
Marley the Bull Mastiff
Hi all you big dog lovers. My husband and I just got home with our new addition. She is a dark chocolate brown brindle bull mastiff named Marley, and she’s got to be the sweetest dog I’ve ever met. She’s 4 years old, and very mellow. We adopted her from foster care, where she had been for two months. Previously, she had been severely beaten and starved, and she’s still very underweight at only around 55 pounds. She needs to put on a good 15 pounds to be at a healthy weight. Right now her ribs, spine and shoulder blades protrude quite prominently. Considering all the trauma she’s endured in her life, from being hit by a car as a pup to being abused to being in foster care, she’s amazingly well adjusted, and already seems to feel at home. We have a cat, and so far Marley has totally ignored her. She spent the majority of the hour long car ride home pressed as close to my side as she could get, which made me fall in love with her even more. LOL.
I don’t have any photos of her just yet, but I’ll get some up as soon as I do. Also, is there anything we should know about the breed that the AKC site doesn’t tell you? Obviously we didn’t get her from an AKC breeder, but that’s typically where I go for info on breed standards and stuff like that. Are there any common health issues we should look out for? What about grooming? She, like all bull mastiffs, has a very short coat, so I can’t imagine she’ll need much in the way of grooming.
Anyway, just thought I’d stop in and brag a little about our new addition. Have a wonderful weekend. Current Mood: happy
|Monday, September 20th, 2010|
Ideas on leg-lifting?
So my Siberian Husky and I went to a Humane Society fundraiser yesterday where we met a beautiful "Husky" available for adoption (I'd bet money she's a Siberian Husky + Alaskan Malamute mix, TBH). She had a few cosmetic flaws (she was picked up as a stray) which will heal with time, but when I went to visit her after-hours (and dogless) we took her outside to get a better look at her, pet her, observe her, etc. where she occasionally would pick up her back-left leg in a twitchy manor. Sometimes just up, sometimes a bit up and out. We asked the volunteer who told us "maybe she doesn't like it because it's wet (outside)" which I don't particularly buy.
Any ideas? Mannerism? Medical condition?
She looks like she's been on the streets for some time before coming in (burrs, scabs, raw ear tips, etc.). She's 53lb. She was also recently spayed.
x-posted to huskylove
|Saturday, June 26th, 2010|
I took some pics of my big pup tonight. He had a vet appointment recently, as well as his 2nd birthday on June 1. He's currently 149 pounds.( pics back here!Collapse )
|Thursday, June 17th, 2010|
|Monday, June 7th, 2010|
Breed DNA testing services
Anyone here ever use any of the services that determine your dog's breed(s) by examining their DNA? If so, I'd like to hear opinions and experiences.
I just got a new doggie, Dixon. He is about one year old, 70 pounds, and his previous human could no longer keep him. I was told he is a blue heeler/beagle mix. I can easily see the heeler. I just don't see beagle except for maybe the ears and brown fur. I do see a couple of other possible breeds. And even though it doesn't really matter because I love the giant ball of energy regardless of what he is, I would like to know.
And of course, a couple of photos. Opinions on his breed are also welcome ;-)
|Saturday, March 20th, 2010|
What to do when your dog thinks he's a Parrot?
Seriously, Party's identity issues are expanding.
First he was a lap dog, ok sure fine.
Then a cat or cat-o-weiler?
now he's a parrot or perhaps Rot-a-rot?
Don't know if you can tell based on these pictures, but this is Party my 80lbs Rottweiler sitting on my shoulder.
After slowly sliding himself over the back of my chair, from the couch 3 feet away, to slowly climb onto the top of this chair to drape himself over my shoulders before finally kicking his barely touching the couch feet and pulling himself onto the back of the chair/my head.photo details
|Tuesday, March 16th, 2010|
|Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010|
A brag and a product review!
I didn't think my borzoi was getting enough stimulation. He doesn't play, and we live in a condo, so outside of meals and walks, there's just not much for him to do. So I got him a Kibble Nibble
They say sighthounds aren't very teachable dogs - not because they aren't smart, but because they aren't motivated. There's nothing Vladimir loves better than food, so I thought it might motivate him to use his brain a bit. It's an egg-shaped kibble ball with holes on the ends so that when you roll it end over end, a few pieces of food come out.
We've been feeding using the kibble nibble for a month or so now, and it has been so much fun to watch him learn!
First, he would just beg me to roll it for him.
Then, he gradually started to touch it with his nose, and then wait for me make the kibble come out.
Eventually, he learned to give it a good hard roll, but he'd give up after a couple of tries because he couldn't roll it the right way.
Finally, he learned to roll it end over end, but he'd quickly get it stuck under furniture or in corners so I'd have to bail him out.
Now, he's figuring out how to direct the movement so he can keep the ball away from furniture. He's also learned that you can hit it against the wall really hard and a lot of kibble will come out!
He still loses it occasionally, under the bed or behind a door, but instead of coming straight to me, he first retraces all of his steps and makes sure he hasn't missed any kibble on the floor.
I'm trying to teach him to find it and tell me where it is when it rolls under something. That's slow going so far, but I'm just so proud of how much he's been able to figure out!
You all might have smarter dogs than mine so this may not be impressive, but if you're looking for a way to prolong dinner time and don't mind a little slobber on the floor (sigh), check out the kibble nibble :)
|Sunday, February 14th, 2010|
So we wound up not getting the Doberman, Sam, that I posted about a few weeks ago. The owners found him a new home, and apparently he’s doing fabulously, so I’m happy about that. But we’re still looking for a dog. We love large dogs, but we need one who doesn’t require a whole lot of exercise, as by the time we get home from work the last thing we want to do is go for a run. Haha. We do have a yard, it’s just not very big. We might be able to get out for a nice long walk once or twice a week, especially once spring has sprung. Any recommendations for a breed? My fiancé is very partial to the bull mastiff, and upon doing a little research on the AKC site, that seems to fit the bill pretty well. Any other ideas? Thanks much. Current Mood: curious
|Thursday, January 28th, 2010|
I work at an after school center. When I'm out playing with the kids these two puppies often come play with us. I was petting one today and noticed that she had a large hard area on her back. I separated her fur and found what looked like caked on mold and mud. It was directly on her skin and can't be seen without separating the fur. It really bothers her because she scratches it frequently. Do you think she just needs a good bath or is this something I should bring up to the family that owns her? I don't know the family very well but I'd rather this sweet girl not go without treatment if it's what she needs!
|Sunday, January 24th, 2010|
Getting a Doberman
Hi all you big dog people. I'm a newbie, so thought I'd post an intro and a question.
i'm Jenn, 24 years old, and live in Missouri. My fiance and I have a border collie/springer spaniel mix and a calico cat, and we're thinking of adopting a 1 year old male Doberman pinscher. He sounds like an awesome dog, but still very puppyish and mischievous...he already knows how to open doors and turn on faucets to get a drink of water. LOL. So, my question is this. What do I need to know about Dobermans? I'm looking for everything you experienced Dobie owners know now that you wish someone had told you before you got yours. In other words, spam me with info. I've already checked out the AKC website for breed specifications and all that, but it's not all that informative in other aspects of the breed.
Thanks much, and happy Sunday. Current Mood: curious
|Monday, December 28th, 2009|
Now this is a big dog
This dog was our houseguest for the Christmas holiday. He's a Rott/Australian Shepherd mix. He'sa sweetie and around 100 pounds.
|Monday, December 21st, 2009|
|Saturday, December 19th, 2009|
|Thursday, December 17th, 2009|
I have a new dog/cat website, www.youmakemehateyou.com, where people submit pictures of their dogs hating them (for things like brushing teeth, dressing up, making them get married, etc.) If anyone has any hilarious pictures, please submit them to this post and I will get them up on the site! we add funny commentary, and credit you for your pic! :)
|Wednesday, December 16th, 2009|
happy holidays. love, monty bear