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How to choose a stud dog

Fri, 14 May 2010 01:05:06 -0500

Once you have made a decision to breed your dog, taking into account the cost and time involved, amongst other factors, you are then left with the task of choosing the most suitable stud dog. Locating stud dogs and basic details has been made much easier with the introduction of stud dog directories, which can make it easier to find a stud dog that is much cheaper than some of the champion breeds, but still have the right qualities for dog breeding.

Choosing a stud dog can be a complex task so it is wise to undertake some research first, perhaps asking your vet to recommend an expert for you to consult. Before looking at the stud dogs on offer you should study your own dog first to understand all her traits, both positive and negative. Even though she may be a fine specimen of her breed there will be some weaknesses, maybe her coat texture or her size. A stud dog that can compensate for these weaker points by having strengths in those areas will have a greater chance of producing a litter of puppies with fewer weaknesses. The original breeder of your bitch may be able to help you in this area.

Doing some research into the breed regarding the health checks required before breeding, thus helping produce a litter of healthy puppies, is essential as certain breeds can be predisposed to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, which is common in many dogs such as the German shepherd and retrievers. Some breeds have congenital eye defects or are prone to certain skin complaints.

After considering the stud dogs on offer, narrow your choice down to three or four so that you can contact the stud dog owners and discuss the availability and the dogs’ strengths and weaknesses. Consider the age of the stud dog when you are narrowing down your choice as the optimum age is between eighteen months and ten years old, although this can be dependent upon breed. Consider the practicalities of the location of the stud dog as you will want to visit the stud dog and see him for yourself first and you will have to take your bitch there when her season starts. Ideally you will take her to the stud dog in the first week of her season so she can settle in, so the distance you are able to travel is important.

If this is the first time that you have been involved in the mating process it is advisable to select a stud dog whose owner has some previous experience as they will know what to expect and can be on hand to make sure all goes to plan. When you contact the owner of the preferred stud dog, be wary of anyone who is not forthcoming with details of their dog’s history as they should expect to be asked these questions.

Each breed of dog has certain breed specific traits and a stud dog who meets those requirements, has a good temperament and a good breed history could be a potential candidate. Always check that all health checks are up to date and certificates should be produced in order to ensure a healthy litter of puppies.

So, You're Ready To Get a Dog?

Fri, 07 May 2010 02:56:04 -0500

Diane Pomerance knows what people say about adopting pets from animal shelters and rescue organizations.

"They think, ‘I don't want to inherit someone else's problem,' or they simply think all the dogs there are abused or hard to train, or that they won't be able to find the breed that they want," said Pomerance, author of seven books about pets, including Our Rescue Dog Family Album (www.animalcompanionsandtheirpeople.com). Her family has saved and adopted more than 40 rescued dogs over the years and currently have 21 in their home. In addition, she has helped place hundreds more with good homes. "All of those notions couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, buying from the pet shop can be more hazardous than adopting one from a shelter."

Pomerance does not work for an animal shelter or animal welfare organization. She is simply an individual who has devoted much of her personal life to rescuing these dogs because she feels strongly about the value of these animals and the many gifts they can offer people. She also believes that people view animal shelters in a poor light because of their adherence to many popular -- but erroneous -- myths about shelter dogs:

• Most shelter dogs are sick or aggressive from abuse -- Rescued dogs receive better care and feeding than pet shop dogs, and they are treated by veterinarians before they are offered for adoption. In addition, they are far more affordable to adopt and care for, since many shelters and rescue groups offer free adoptions, and excellent veterinary services at significantly reduced rates. Also, most shelters don't allow dangerous animals to be adopted.

• Pet Shop dogs are better quality animals -- Pet shops typically get their dogs from puppy mills that breed them in unsanitary and inhumane conditions, which means many new owners bring home pets with illnesses not immediately obvious or disclosed at the time of sale, and they are offered no compensation for it. So, buying at a pet shop means paying top dollar, sometimes over $1,000 for a dog, and then paying top dollar for private veterinary care to treat any initial illnesses many pet shop dogs contract.

• Most of the dogs who are euthanized wouldn't make good pets, anyway -- Rescuing a dog helps deplete the high population of animals in these shelters and reduces the number of good, faithful, loving animals that are euthanized every year. It's not just the sick or dangerous dogs who are euthanized at shelters. In most cases, many dogs who would make good pets are euthanized because of overcrowding in the shelter

"Animals are deserving of our respect and appreciation, which is why we should try to be responsive individually to the crisis facing animal shelters today," Pomerance added. "They perform many important tasks for us - in the military, as bomb and weapons detectors, as service animals, as healing companions and friends of the lonely and bereaved and even as search and rescue assistants in natural as well as man-made disasters. They heal and even save human lives. It is scientifically substantiated that animal companions increase our longevity and improve the quality of our lives. We should also realize that getting a family pet should not be a decision or choice that is taken lightly. You're not buying a car or getting a new electronic toy to play with -- these are living, breathing, loving creatures with whom we share our world. If we choose to share our family with one, we should take care to ensure we choose carefully and prudently so we can enhance not only our family's life, but the dog's, as well."

Dogs Health Problems

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:49:45 -0500

When Tasha, my one- year old Labrador, first came down with colds, I was almost frantic. I didn't know what to do, and I didn't know how to assess if her ailment was already at its worst. My daughter kept telling me Tasha kept to herself and preferred to stay in bed for most of the day. And so we kept a close watch during the first night, keeping her warm with a blanket and setting clean water nearby.

A good friend also informed me to keep giving Tasha fluids and feed her milk whenever she would feel like eating something. This would enable her to regain her health and energy. True enough, Tasha felt way better when morning came. But just to make sure, we paid a visit to her veterinarian and asked for some vitamins that she could take.

Pet owners' first consideration is their pets' over-all health. Like humans, our puppies also experience health problems that may range from common cold, to injuries, physical ailments and serious diseases like cancer and diabetes. Puppies, like babies, are most vulnerable to common diseases like colds and flu. Also like our babies, our dogs can not completely and clearly communicate the problem. Therefore, it is essential that we provide our puppies the different necessary vaccines and take them on regular trips to the veterinarian to ensure proper health care.

Among the unique dog health problems I have encountered and sought to avert are the following:

• Rabies - At six months old, I took my Tasha to the veterinarian for a rabies vaccine. This would help me protect my little girl and my puppy Tasha from creating complications should any accident occur (like bites or scratches). Rabies is a viral disease that may be contracted from other rabid animals. Vaccines against rabies are available and are suggested to be given for prevention. Should you find your dog involved in dog fights, he may contract rabies from the other rabid infected dogs and it is essential that we spot the first signs of the ailment: minor behavior changes, fever, and slow eye movement. Violent behavior might ensue thereafter, and as there is no cure for the ailment, it is essential to get vaccinated right after any accident.

• Parasites like roundworms and heartworms - Most puppies harbor this parasitic disease of roundworm even upon birth. The condition is diagnosed by examining the puppy's stool and is usually the culprit for the puppy's demise. Roundworms rob the puppy's needed nutrients. According to the veterinarians, the puppies usually inherit the parasites through their mothers. As such, it is important to take your puppy during its first month on a visit to its doctor for a thorough medical check- up. Heartworms are responsible for damaging the dog's heart tissues, often disrupting the blood flow. An annual examination for your dog's general health and any vaccination boosters would help avert the presence of these parasites.

• Constipation - As our dogs get older, their bowel movements have the tendency to become more difficult. Just like us, our dogs can also suffer from constipation. When feces are contained in the intestines more than the usual and normal time, moisture is absorbed thus making bowel movements difficult. It may sound unlikely for dogs to suffer such condition, but you'll be surprised at how common this particular health problem is among dogs. Constipation is primarily attributed to the diet we provide our pets, plus lack of exercise and even stress.

• Dog Joint Pains - Osteoarthritis is a common human illness that is also common to dogs. It is a health problem that affects cartilages and joints, and is considered to be a degenerative kind. This kind of dog health problem does not necessarily come due to old age, some dogs as young as six-months old may manifest the symptoms of the illness. The earliest warning signals of Dog Joint Pains (Osteoarthritis) is your dog's refusal to run around, go up and down the stairs or even walk around the block. The stiffness may even become more pronounced after long stretches of rest. Good and regular exercise helps our dogs steer away from this health problem.

Our dogs may look to be immune from these different health ailments, but just like kids, our pets require an equal amount of health monitoring and treatment. Our veterinarians would advise us to practice taking our pets to have regular annual medical checkups and given the necessary vaccinations and vitamins. Recent medical advancements result in positive prognosis; in most cases when our pets show symptoms of health problems of any kind.

However, there's lots of help, advice and tips on Dogs Health Problems and general Pet Dog Health Care and Training at: Dogs Health Problems and Advice
A Must See Resource for all serious Dog Lovers.

Top Ten Tips For Successful Mating of Your Dog

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 07:06:14 -0500

Breeding is a noble calling and unless you can improve the breed you should not go for breeding your dog. Despite all of the obvious virtues of breeding articles, no book or article emphasize any person to prepare for breeding. A good intentional pet owner wasn’t aware of any genetic complications, unable to identify the signals of struggling bitch or didn’t recognize a breech birth! Possibly the dam could be lost as well! Follow these top ten tips to get successful puppies out of your dam and also it can be delightful to see how magnificently most females cope with whelping and with caring for their puppies. 1. Ask your vet to examine the bitch before mating and obtain certificate that it is healthy and not carrying any inherited diseases 2. Plan well to house the ensuing litter of puppies. 3. Check for the purity of the dog by kennel club certificate. (Cross bred won't fetch good standards) 4. Contact a reputable breeder and make use of his dog as a stud for your bitch to get good quality puppies. 5. Ask for health certificate for the stud dog and also examine whether it has been subjected for brucellosis and other sexually transmitted disease, if that area is prone for brucellosis. 6. Be careful with your bitch-exercise your bitch only on lead when she is in season. 7. It is always preferable to perform mating in the stud dogs place rather than vice-versa. 8. Mating should be done on 9th day, 11th day and 13th day for fruitful results. 9. If possible try to calm the bitch during mating and ensure a "tie" long lasts for at least 10 minutes. 10. Make a visit to vet's clinic after three weeks of mating to confirm the pregnancy.

Rescue Dogs

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 07:05:21 -0500

We have all grown up with at least one hero in our life, but how many people can call their hero Duke or Spot? The answer- anyone who has had their life saved by a rescue dog. Whether it is a house fire, tornado rubble, leftovers from an earthquake, or flowing water behind a hurricane front, these specially trained rescue dogs rush in with no concerns for their own welfare, pulling out victims, some dead and some still alive. They do this time and time again. With a powerful snout and the ability to smell things a human may not, rescue dogs are hard-working and very loyal to doing what is expected of them. And what do they ask for in return? A hug, a treat or a little one-on-one play time. Not a huge reward, however for these special dogs, it is very satisfying. There are different types of breeds who make better rescue dogs than others. For example, bloodhounds have a talent for prowess and are known for uncovering criminals. Newfound lands are good avalanche rescue dogs and Labrador Retrievers are good cadaver dogs. Any dog can become a rescue dog as long as they can concentrate on tracking scent, such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Golden Retrievers. Before being allowed to track, each rescue dog is put through extensive evaluations. Scent detection training is then started and their skills are developed through regular sessions. In order to track, the dog will pick up on the odor of the person’s skin cells that flake off the body. These skin cells float in the air and hit the ground as a person moves along, and they float to the surface of the water if the victim has drowned. The men and women behind these furry heroes are all volunteers who are fit, enjoy spending time outdoors, and take pride in training and communicating with their rescue dogs. These men and women may also belong to rescue teams such as SOSARD or SWOSAR, who are called out by the police department and may travel several hours to reach a search site. Along with their rescue dog they search in all different types of weather and terrain for lost children, missing fishermen and hunters, accident victims and injured hikers. There is yet another type of rescue dog, who can sniff his trail from the air. Air-scenting rescue dogs work directly and specifically from aircraft, tracking the air and searching for victims. These dogs specialize in structural collapses and drowning victims. Because these air-scenting rescue dogs work on scent trailing above the ground and away from handlers, they become very useful in areas that have been contaminated by human searchers, after it is allowed to be aired out for awhile. In many survivors’ eyes, these furry canines, which make wonderful family pets, make the best heroes of all!

Dog Fleas & Ticks

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 07:04:20 -0500

Dog Fleas & Ticks. Fleas. Dog fleas are different to those which infest humans and cats. When a flea bites, it injects saliva to stop the blood clotting whilst it sucks it up. The saliva contains chemicals which often cause an allergic reaction in the dog. The signs are :- Bites which look like small red pimples. Black, gritty material in the coat, and areas of inflammation on the animals back. Scratching. What is the treatment ? Spring-clean the house and treat the dog's favorite places with a suitable insecticidal spray. Flea tablets or collars are a good extra precaution, and spray badly affected animals frequently with insecticide during the summer months. (the flea season) Ticks The common tick seen on dogs is the sheep tick. this has a large abdomen that stretches as it fills with blood. It hangs on to the dog's hair and sticks it's mouth parts through the skin to suck blood.Ticks are usually found on the underside of the dog, under the forelegs and on the head. What is the treatment ? Try to remove every tick when you see it. It is important to extract the head, otherwise an abscess may form. If the head is left in, warm compresses help draw out the infection, combined with antibacterial washes and creams. Removing a tick. A good method is to get the tick's head to relax or die by dabbing it with alcohol. Wait a couple of minutes, then use fine-pointed tweezers to extract the tick. Grasp it near the mouth parts, and give it a sharp jerk. This should dislodge it. Alternatively, flea sprays can be used locally on ticks. The tick will then die and can be removed the following day. Regular use of a flea spray in tick areas often keeps them away. When my own dogs have suffered with ticks or fleas in the past, I've always managed to deal with them myself, but if you've any concerns at all with your own dog, then consult your vet as a precaution. Author John Moore ..please use my link http://www.pet-dog-cat.com

Great Dane: Apartment Dog?

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 07:03:27 -0500

Most people see a big dog and think that they need a large living space. Well, for the most part they would be correct, but some dogs, like the Great Dane, are just as happy with a small space as with a large one. Ironically, most large dogs have a lower activity level, while smaller dogs require a much greater level of activity. Giant breed dogs usually require two good long walks a day. Small breed dogs generally require more intensive free play as well as a few walks daily. This gentle giant loves to lie around and only requires at a minimum a good long walk once a day. Once house trained, this breed will let you know when its time for her walk. The Great Dane does not bark much and only becomes aggressive when the circumstances require it. Larger urban areas are no problem for the Great Dane as it loves everyone and needs to be around people. Dignified, kind, and affectionate, it is playful and patient with children. However, because of her giant size and head strong nature, she should be socialized and obedience trained at an early age and always kept on leash. The Dane can even adapt to being left on her own during the day as long as she gets a walk and lots of companionship in the morning and evening. Like the cartoon dog Marmaduke, this breed is a lovable family pet; loyal to the bone, affectionate, responsible and dependable. As an apartment dog, she will need a few things to make her and you happy: 1. A space of her own. Whether a corner in your bedroom or a space in the hallway, you will need to provide at least a little spot for him to call his own. 2. A very soft bed or large cushion to lie on or she’ll be up on the furniture like no tomorrow. 3. A raised dish. 4. And for those colder climates a coat or cape to keep warm on those long daily walks. As long as you provide a little space in your home, get some obedience training and provide the exercise this breed needs, then the Great Dane makes an excellent apartment dog. Loyal and brave, she will guard your property. Relatively bark free, gentle and affectionate, she will win over the neighbours. Have an apartment but want a big dog, then get yourself the gentle giant, get a Great Dane!

Would you sit a competency test to own a dog?

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:16:40 -0500

Think that all you need to own a dog is a loving nature and a willingness to go walking? Well think again. Owning a pooch might be about to become a great deal more costly than any of us could ever have imagined. According to speculation in the mainstream press, dog owners could be forced to undergo a ‘competency test' and may have to take out pet insurance by law under proposals entailed in a leaked government document.

While this is unconfirmed, several newspapers have reported that a consultation on ‘Dangerous Dogs' is expected to be launched by ministers in the coming weeks, with a number of wide-ranging plans intended to tackle the prevalence of dog-related injuries.

Why the need for competency tests?

Well, according to statistics from the Ministry of Justice, in 2007 alone there were 667 court proceedings following injuries sustained due to dangerously out of control dogs. Indeed, overall court cases regarding dangerous dogs are on the rise - up almost 10 per cent on the previous year.

The RSPCA - which represents the welfare of animals across the country - welcomes the fact that the government may well be preparing to "stage a serious debate" on the subject of dangerous dogs.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Any future legislation concerning the control of dogs should focus on the action of the owner and preventing irresponsible dog ownership."

The leaked document, prepared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), allegedly discussed "suggestions for a competency test for all or some dog owners, akin to the driving theory test".

But that's not all. Dog owners could also be forced to plant microchips in their beloved pets, at an estimated cost of more than £20. However, perhaps the most significant was the suggestion of third-party insurance on all dogs. This would mean that owners of all dogs, no matter their size or ferocity, could be forced to pay for cover of potential injuries to another person.

How could this affect you?

If you already have pet insurance or are considering taking out a policy, it may well be worth looking into whether any third parties are covered - even though it's likely to be some time before any proposals would make their way into law.

Owners of certain breeds are already required to have third-party insurance on their dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, while a number of pet policies will already cover third parties (though this is not automatically covered).

If you are planning to shop around for a quote soon, you might be interested to hear that all but one of Confused.com Pet Insurance panel offer third-party liability cover, either automatically or optionally, as part of their standard policy. When purchasing pet insurance, remember - it's crucially important to ensure you always have the right level of cover for your needs.

A step too far?

Regardless of this, many will question whether the regulation of all pet owners is a bridge too far. Furthermore, the RSPCA spokesman also raised concern over whether any potential legislation would lead to a rise in the number of pets being abandoned.

"Dog welfare isn't just about dangerous dogs," he said. "Strays and over-breeding are also areas that would need to be properly addressed as part of any comprehensive dog welfare strategy."

All in all, it's worth wondering; would such legislation simply end up doing more harm than good?

Cat Illnesses

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 13:34:42 -0600

The first time you decide to take in a pet cat feels similar to taking home your first baby. You're excited, scared, happy and undoubtedly proud of your newest addition to the family - all at the same time. And just like taking care of a newborn baby, taking care of a kitten would require an equal amount of attention and affection. When I first got our cat, with which my daughter named Miming, my daughter and I had a long talk with the veterinarian on how to take care of little Miming.

Among the first things we wanted to learn about were the illnesses that cats acquire. My daughter was quite vocal about her confusion whether cats also get colds and stomach aches just like she does. And she continued to ask on about the food that we could and could not give to Miming. She was also as concerned as I was about cats illness. And yes, cats also get sick.

Here is a list of the most common signs that your little kitty may not be feeling too well:

1. Refusal to eat and loss of appetite - Most cats are always eager to eat; you would often hear them purring when they hear utensils and plates clinking or when they smell food cooking. Once there are changes in your cat's pattern and environmental factors such as stress, outside home feeding, and change in surroundings are eliminated, there is a high probability that your cat is really sick.

2. Refusal to socialize, or in such bad humor - a cat has always been keen to keeping her place high on the ground. More often than not, a cat may be playful and sweet, but a cat will always be demanding. Once a cat retreats to its cot or to a quiet and dark place, without the usual playfulness and upbeat character, she is most likely suffering from an illness of some sort.

3. Unimpressive fur or "Bad Hair Day" - Cats are known to keep their furs at tip top shape. When you notice your cat having a "bad hair day" for consecutive days, and hair is erect and separated, the cat is trying to regulate its body temperature. Yes, cats can also have fevers.

4. Profuse vomiting - Hair balls tend to grow in their stomachs and vomiting is the cat's way of eliminating the foreign object from their system. When they have eaten too much, or have eaten something that upsets their tummy, vomiting is the first aid that cats resort to.

5. Difficulty in urinating and Constipation - Cats have urinating and defecating patterns, and once these patterns are altered, cats usually are not feeling well. Changes in the behavior including the above mentioned, suggests an illness or your cat may be suffering from stress.

Different cats exhibit different symptoms when they are sick. However, feline illnesses are usually diagnosed once one or two of the above symptoms manifest.

Common illnesses of cats include ear infections and ear mites, which are marked by foul odor, inflammation of the ear cavities, itching and scratching, continuous head shaking, and swollen ear flaps; Ringworm and other skin allergies are manifested by continuous scratching and itching, head shaking, scaly and darkened skin and hair loss; and Flu and Respiratory Tract infections signaled by sneezing, nasal mucus discharge, loss of appetite and refusal to eat and excessive saliva.

Cats can also have degenerative illnesses like Fatty liver disease, which stemmed from over consumption of high cholesterol food and is characterized by vomiting, seizures, reduced muscle mass and depression; and Cancer, which is characterized by severe loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, frequent urination, depression and enlarged lymph nodes.

Our cats are similar to us human beings, they also suffer from bouts of upset stomachs, colds and flus, diarrhea, skin allergies and yes, even depression. Most cats will eventually feel better after a day of full rest and proper food and water intake.

Once you feel that your cat has remained unresponsive, has refused to eat or unable to urinate and have bowel movements for more than 24 hours, it is best to bring her to a veterinary clinic right away.

It is important to be observant of your cat's daily routine and be mindful of her health so that these symptoms can easily be spotted and cat illnesses easily cured.

Exercising Your Dog

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:25:53 -0600

Exercise is as important for our dogs as it is for us. While many pet owners may understand that puppies and healthy adult dogs need regular daily workouts, we must not forget that senior dogs will benefit from regular exercise as well. It's very important for aging dogs to stay active. Here are the key aspects of a great article from our friends at The Big Paw Blog with some tips on different activities we can do with our dogs to increase their exercise. They remind us not to forget that spending time exercising your dog can give you a healthy workout at the same time! The article explains that dogs can adapt to strenuous exercise if they are allowed to train properly, just like humans. Exercise increases the capacity of their cardiovascular systems, keeps them at a healthy weight, and strengthens their bones and muscles. This is especially important for our FlexPet canine friends to avoid joint pain and osteoarthritis which can result from obesity. Getting started: • If your dog has not been receiving regular exercise, begin with just a few minutes each day and gradually lengthen the exercise period. Before beginning an exercise regimen, have your dog checked out by the vet to rule out any health problems, such as obesity, or heart and lung problems that could make exercise dangerous. Behavioral benefits to exercising your dog: • Like humans, their brains produce serotonin during and after exercise, which has a calming and relaxing influence. When they are cooped up all day, they may become restless and bored. Pent-up energy can result in undesirable behaviors such as chewing, digging, and excessive barking. Weather can have an effect on your dog's exercise regimen so here are some things to think about during the summer months: • Avoid strenuous exercise in the heat of the day and when the humidity is high. Dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion as easily as their humans can. • It's better to exercise in the early morning or evening, when the temperature is below 80 degrees and the humidity is below 30%. • Dogs with a heavy coat, obesity, or lung or heart problems, will feel the effects of the humidity sooner than healthy or shorthaired dogs. • Be sure the dog has plenty of fresh water and a place to cool down if necessary. Here are some concerns during the winter months: • If the temperature drops below freezing, limit exercise unless your dog is used to cold weather. • If road salt is used on icy roads in your area, be sure to wash and dry your dog's paws when you return indoors; the salt can burn your pet's paws, and if they lick it off, it can make them ill. Older dogs who are suffering from joint disorders such as dysplasia or arthritis may not have any interest in running after a ball, or even be fit enough for a walk. In many cases, FlexPet can help alleviate that pain so they can get back to normal and kick up their exercise regimen. The primary component of FlexPet™ is CM8™ (cetyl myristoleate). Of all the ingredients in FlexPet, CM8™ is the most powerful. CM8™ functions in three different ways. First, it acts as a highly effective lubricant in the joints, muscles and other tissues, allowing them to move smoothly. Decrease or loss of morning stiffness is commonly noted shortly after commencing treatment. Next, CM8™ functions as an anti-inflammatory. Relief from swollen joints is often seen after the 4th or 5th week of treatment. Third, it is also an immune system modulator, which can be effectual against autoimmune diseases, such as arthritic conditions. CM8™ relieves joint pain at its source, reducing inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues. This should allow your dog to run freely again within a short amount of time after starting FlexPet. Here are some ways you can encourage activity in your older dog who suffers from joint pain. • Swimming offers older dogs an excellent cardiovascular workout and strengthens their bones and muscles without the jarring impact of walking or running. If your dog is not used to swimming, don't force him in. Coax him in gently and keep the first few sessions short. • Running next to you: If you are a runner or cyclist, this is a great activity you can do with your dog. Some dogs enjoy running alongside their owners while jogging or bicycling. Dogs need to be properly leash-trained for this athletic effort. There are contraptions available to fasten the dog's lead to your bicycle that have breakaway leashes for safety. • Dog play parks: These are gaining in popularity. This is a park where dogs are allowed to run free and play. Your dog should be well-socialized toward strange people and other dogs before you take him to a dog park. He should have all his vaccinations, and be spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted romantic entanglements! Observe dog park etiquette, such as cleaning up after him (most parks supply bags for this purpose), and supervising his play at all times. Dog owners will find that ensuring their dog has a regular daily exercise period will not only benefit your canine companion, but also have great advantages for the entire family! Read the entire article on the Big Paw Blog, a blog for Big Paw Designs which features information about different breeds of dog and cats, provides pet tips and nutrition facts, showcases pet photos and more.