Pets are often compared to children, with affectionate names like "my babies" or "my fur-children." To be sure, there is nothing quite like a fuzzy companion (or even a scaly or feathery one!) to warm hearts and make a house truly a home. That said, like children, pets require a lot of supervision and attention. Any cat owner knows drinks should not be left unattended, nor chords left uncovered, lest a curious paw, nose, or tooth get into places it shouldn't. Similarly, parents of puppies become aware very quickly that no food is safe, not even that meatloaf on the counter -- especially not that meatloaf on the counter.      But there are other dangers every pet owner needs to look out for, far more threatening than damage to precious snacks or electronics. Animals are by nature exploratory and tenacious, making them excellent candidates for a dozen or more close-calls: open dryers, unattended chocolate, sharp pork pones, and doors left open just a crack are only some of the anxieties pet owners are up against.       If your animal is strictly an "inside" dog or cat, and is not allowed to go outside off leash or harness, you have already avoided several potentially deadly risks, such as traffic, wild animals, and, unfortunately, unfriendly neighbors. You also avoid your pet getting lost, or injured on fences, broken glass, or other human-made hazards. Gone are many of the chances for your baby to find poisonous snacks outside and gobble them down, or for them to contract diseases from contact with other wandering animals.       But it is by no means safe to assume that simply bubble-wrapping your pet up cozily inside your home is enough to keep the stubborn pet from getting into mischief. There are plenty of health risks in the average home that need to be monitored in order to keep your fur-baby safe, happy, and healthy.       One such potential problem is your kitchen garbage. Most pet owners have experienced their pet robbing the garbage for treats at least once, and often the main frustration is in the mess created, or perhaps a tummy ache for the offending animal. But did you know that these incidents are cause for concern based on more than simple bad table manners? We humans throw away a lot of hazardous materials, all things considered. What may seem to us to be merely a bunch of gone-by grapes can be a rush to the vet for a curious canine, and a tempting pork-bone can become a sharp splinter of bone lodged in an unsuspecting animal's throat or stomach.        If you plan on discarding bad leftovers, or disposing of chicken bones or other byproducts from your meals, it is vital to practice awareness. What are you putting in the can? Is it accessible to sneaky pets? A garbage can lid can go a long way in preventing cats from rolling in the leftovers, but more stability may be needed to disuade stubborn ones, or larger animals such as dogs. Consider acquiring a large, sturdy box to keep your can in, or a heavier metallic can with a tight-sealing lid to conceal tempting odors. It is also wise to keep your garbage can in a cupboard, or even behind a pet-proof door, such as in the laundry room or a closet.        In the vein of edible dangers, table-scraps given directly to your animal can also have harmful effects. Even if you don't feed your pets human food, it's important to be aware of who in your household might. If you have animal-loving guests over, young children, or anyone vulnerable to puppy eyes, take a moment to let them know how important it is that nothing unusual is given to your pet to eat. Preventing your dog or cat from being fed raisins, chocolate-chip cookies, or a "taste" of coffee or beer can go a long way in protecting their health. Looking up lists of seemingly innocent human foods that can hurt your animals is a wise choice. Consider sharing your findings with family and friends as well, for the safety of your own animals, as well as theirs.        Another common complaint of many owners is the destruction of electrical chords, if not the entire gadget its attached to. Of course this behavior is annoying, and can damage your belongings, but it can also damage a playful kitten or puppy. Electrocution should always warrant precautions.        One simple but effective way of keeping your pets from taking too much interest in the tempting, dangling, swinging and chewy chords around your home is to take away their most interesting features to "hunting" kittens or puppies: tape them down. This won't get rid of the fun chewy texture, but it will keep them from swinging in the animals' faces when in use, causing an incredible need to tackle in most cats.         You may also wish to consider purchasing a cord sorter. There are several kinds available on the market, many of which only help humans to differentiate one cord from another for easy device hooking up and unplugging. But soft wrap-around protectors can also be bought, which keep the cords from tangling with each other, and, most importantly, with any kitten claws or puppy teeth. This tactic removes the texture temptation, as well as making them heavier, and less fun to bat around or pull on.          If you live alone, this next risk is minimal, but will still apply from time to time when guests are over. Those pet owners who share space with other humans have a risk that's ever-present, but rarely discussed: handling by others. If you have animals small enough to pick up, it is vital that everyone who has a chance of doing so is aware of the correct way to handle your pet. If someone wants to hold your animal, ensure that they first are shown how to lift, hold, and pet your animal. Households with small children have special challenges in helping the young ones to learn the best ways to touch a pet without hurting it. Enforce gentle petting only, with removal of the animal from the child's reach if the rule cannot be followed properly.          Don't leave your young child alone with a dog or cat, even if they are always kind to it. A well-meaning child may accidentally "love" an animal too hard, pulling ears, pinching, squishing, or poking. This can effect both the physical well-being and the animal's ability to feel safe. Likewise, it is always smart not to leave an animal and small child alone lest the child get hurt, whether from a bite, scratch, or something as simple as getting knocked over during play.          Finally, temperature can be crucial for the well-being of all animals, though perhaps particularly non-furry ones. If you notice your animal shivering, and you feel chilly yourself, try cuddling with the pet, or constructing a blanket nest for them. If they are panting excessively, or lying splayed out on the kitchen floor in the summer, they are likely too hot, and may appreciate a cool, damp towel to lie on, a bowl of fresh water, or an electric fan blowing gently on them. Don't leave your pet home alone in extreme weather of any kind. At best, they may be frightened by stormy weather, at worst they can become overheated or chilled, which can lead to illness.         While it is true that outside, or outside-inside animals (those who spend time both outdoors and in the home) are subjected to more risks than their strictly inside cousins, it is vital to remember that having four walls around your pet does not promise they will not find danger. Keep an eye on your little ones, and remember that a good rule of thumb is: if you wouldn't allow your baby to live in the environment your home creates, it's time to baby-proof. Lock away the cleaning supplies, remove all access to human food unsupervised (even for creative trash-burglars), and don't give opportunity to play with toys that are not meant for them.         Being a parent, whether of a human child, or a furry friend, is a full time job, riddled with worry, and with joy. Every pet parent needs to do their part to ensure the longest, happiest time together a furry baby and their parent can have

A dog's diet is one of the biggest influences on its health, longevity, and overall quality of life. Making better decisions about what you feed your dog has never been more important than now. With regular recalls on national brands, and associated pet casualties, dog owners should know more about what they are feeding their pets and have a responsibility to their best friend to choose wisely on their behalf.    With the variety of brands, package sizes, and promises, it can easily become overwhelming to select a food that is worthy of your dog. Turn those packages over, and locate the ingredient panel. This is all you need. Finding the perfect food to fit your budget and keep your dog happy and healthy can be a little less daunting the next time around if you keep these three simple rules in mind while reading those labels.  1. The First Ingredient: Meat is a Must A savvy consumer can easily weed out a handful of unworthy brands in a hurry, using the very first ingredient listed on the package. Meat should always appear first on the list. The position of an ingredient on the list tells you how much of it is contained within. The higher the position it holds on the list, the higher the content of that particular ingredient there will be.    If you select a lamb based food, the first ingredient should read "deboned lamb", or simply "lamb". If you select a chicken variety, the label should read "deboned chicken", or "chicken". 2. No Corn, Wheat, or Soy. Ever. This is very straight forward. Corn, wheat, and soy are all unnecessary fillers. They are attractive raw materials for dog food manufacturers because of their low cost. Don't select a food with these products listed anywhere on the label. Dogs may experience a host of problems, including seizures, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal issues if kept on a diet consisting of these ingredients.    Some food brands advertise soy as an extra source of protein in their product. While a seemingly attractive claim, a true quality feed will be rich in meat protein.  3. Avoid By-Products If any sort of "by-product" appears anywhere on the label, do not buy it. Remember that "by-product" is a fancy term for "garbage", and you don't want to feed that to your best friend.    While it's a priority to get your pup eating a better diet, it's also very important to always switch a dog to a new food slowly. Start by introducing small amounts of the new food into the dog's old food, mixing it in. Gradually increase the ratio of new food to old daily over the course of several days or longer. Taking time to make the switch will help to avoid potential gas, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort. When switching to a higher quality food, it is even more crucial to introduce the new food gradually, as quality foods are richer, higher in protein, and are more likely to be symptomatic if a change is made too rapidly.    Always check with your veterinarian if you have concerns over possible food intolerance, allergies, or weight management issues that may need to be addressed with a specialized diet. For further reading, be sure to check out this awesome best dog food review and buyer's guide by our friends at The Daily Shep. 

Numerous diseases can affect your pet dog. Some are more serious and contagious and some are preventable, so it's important for owners to understand the symptoms and clinical signs which could point to their dog suffering from a common disease.   Kennel Cough   Many bacterial infections (e.g. bordetella, parainfluenza, adenovirus) cause kennel cough. It's called kennel cough because it's commonly found among dogs living in kennel environments, such as boarding and rescue shelters. Fortunately, vets can treat it, but it's still important to catch it early enough to prevent the cough from progressing and making the dog seriously ill.   Signs that your dog has kennel cough include a hacking cough, phlegm, a high temperature, sneezing, gagging and vomiting.   Your vet can administer a simple nasal spray vaccine each year. Many boarding shelters won't allow a dog to stay with them unless they've had this vaccine.   Allergic Dermatitis   Allergic dermatitis is a disorder of the skin caused by an allergic reaction to flea bites, food, pollen or shampoos. To treat allergic dermatitis, you must find and remove what's causing it. Antibiotics are necessary for treating bacterial infections and in severe cases your dog will need a corticosteroid injection.   Signs of allergic dermatitis include dry, flaky skin, persistent itching, chewing at their feet and tail, hair loss, lumps and bumps across their skin, open wounds and excessively waxy ears.   It's important for a vet to check your dog if it has any of these signs so you're sure to administer the correct treatment.   Dental Disease   Dogs must have their teeth cleaned and checked as often as humans do. Dental disease is extremely common among dogs, especially those kept on an unhealthy diet and fed lots of "bad" treats such as "human food".   Some common signs of dental disease include bad breath (halitosis), stains on their teeth, build-up of plaque and tartar, loose or broken teeth, bleeding gums and abscesses and infections around the mouth.   Rotting teeth can lead to abscesses if you leave them untreated, and the infection can enter the bloodstream, leading to more severe conditions such as kidney disease.   Gastrointestinal Disorders (a.k.a. GI Disorders)   Dogs are scavengers, often eating something they shouldn't and getting intestinal problems as a result. However, GI disorders don't only occur when your dog eats something bad -- they can be an allergic reaction to their normal diet, a secondary infection due to bacteria or a virus, or even caused by a blockage. It's vital to get any GI symptoms checked by a vet to make sure there's nothing more serious going on.   Symptoms of GI disorders include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, a high temperature, blood-streaked stools, flatulence and weakness and lethargy   If you catch them early enough, GI symptoms are treatable. You can help prevent intestinal problems by making sure your dog is fed a well-balanced diet, with access to plenty of fresh water and regular exercise.   Urinary Tract Disease   Urinary tract diseases are extremely painful and can lead to severe infections. Crystals or stones form in either the kidneys or the bladder, then pass into the urinary tract and cause an infection. Just like in humans, a crystal or stone that gets stuck in the tract can cause severe pain and become dangerous. Dogs can also suffer from idiopathic cystitis, which means the problem is caused by reasons such as stress.   Common symptoms of urinary tract disease include frequent urination or the inability to pass urine, straining to urinate (arching their back while urinating), bloody urine, vomiting and a high temperature.   Urinary tract diseases are fairly common and easy to treat. However, some blockages require a simple removal procedure under local or general anaesthesia.   Kidney Disease   Your pet's kidneys remove waste and toxins from their blood and regulate fluids. The kidneys can get infected or diseased, leading to the dog showing symptoms ranging from mild to severe. A bacterial or viral infection can cause kidney disease. Sometimes it's a secondary infection due to an underlying cause such as rotting teeth or abscesses.   When a kidney infection occurs, your pet may experience loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, the inability to urinate, a high temperature, flaky skin, vomiting, depression and lethargy.   Kidney diseases and infections are fatal if left untreated. Ask your vet to check if you see any of these symptoms and treat the condition immediately.   Obesity   Obesity is one of the most frequent problems seen in dogs. Common causes include overfeeding, pampering and a lack of exercise. However, some medical conditions can also lead to obesity, such as an imbalance in hormones. Obesity can lead to weakness in the joints, diabetes and heart conditions.   Some of the common symptoms of obesity include excessive appetite, dramatic weight gain and a reluctance to exercise.   Many veterinary clinics hold 'Weight Watchers' clinics to encourage dogs to lose weight. These also serve to help owners understand the problem and correct their own behaviour!   It's important to keep your dog healthy to prevent disease. Make sure your pet has their yearly vaccines, you regularly treat it for parasites and you feed it a balanced diet with plenty of fresh water. Add regular exercise to make sure your animal companion lives the best life possible.

Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. In fact  it is the third-most popular family dog breed in the United States, the fifth-most popular in Australia, and the eighth-most popular in the United Kingdom. Not only do Golden Retrievers look stunning, they also have lovely personalities and are very easy to train. The breed’s friendly and cheerful nature has made it to be one of the finest family pets. While Golden Retrievers may not have good guarding instincts, they make good watchdogs. As the name denotes, they are the best at retrieving shot games as well as filling the roles of a hunting dog and assistance dogs for the deaf and blind. In this article I will discuss what it is about the breed’s genetics that makes them so irresistibly adorable along with the awesome personality traits they share. Love all, loved by all: The golden looks this breed is blessed with attracts admiring looks by everyone. Their charm and playfulness make them extremely lovable. Strangers stop to pet them and kids want to hold them. Even the adults can’t remain indifferent in their company. Not only are they loved by all, golden retrievers also love people. They tend to blossom and flourish when they are in the company of people. Whether it is the family, kids, other dogs or even strangers, Golden Retrievers share the tendency of being affectionate around everyone.  They are highly social and have a deep yearning to be around people. They feel comfortable around everyone and bond with them easily. They are well built and athletic enough to handle rough hugs and do not mind the screaming and running of children. These traits make them a kid-friendly dog. They do tend to bark at strangers, but it is more of a welcoming bark rather than aggressive. Obedient and submissive: Golden Retrievers respond to leadership. They are easily trainable and very enthusiastic and eager to please their owners. Training during the early years is required to instill manners. One needs to train them to respond to basic commands such as heel, sit, stop, stay and come. Goldens tend to have an adaptive nature that allows them to adapt and submit to the new environment and people. Behavioral traits such as, rolling on their back, lack of fighting, ears and tail down and submitting to command are common among this kind of breed. Energetic: Golden Retrievers were originally developed to be a working retriever. They fall under the sporting breed. This means that they require a high level of activity or exercise in order to vent their energy. Activities such as jogging, running, swimming or playing fetch on a daily basis are some of the ways to channel their energy through constructive ways and avoid hyperactivity. Tolerates both, cold and hot weather: Your Golden has the genetics which make it tolerable to all kinds of weather.  They are commonly known to have a high tolerance to cold weather. However, if exposed to such weather for too long, they are likely to fall under the weather. These personality traits of the Goldens and their playful yet sensitive attitude make them to be a wonderful pet. However, assuming these personality traits based entirely upon the breed’s genetics is not wise. Dogs, like humans, are individuals and have individual personality traits, even if they mostly tend to share similar traits as their breed. author bio: Brian Stephenson is an animal lover and loves to write about cats, and dogs. In his free time, he plays with one of his dozens of pets and also shares his experience and knowledge in the form of blogs.

We're all familiar with the problem dog who constantly craves attention or destroys his or her owner's home through chewing and pawing at everything in sight. We've also all seen the overweight dog who wheezes with the slightest exertion. More likely than not, a lack of exercise is usually to blame for both of these conditions. You see, it's not only we humans who sometimes struggle with our weight. Our dogs too can have size issues which may have grave consequences for their health. Heart-disease, respiratory ailments, diabetes, hip trouble, and a slowed metabolism are all linked to obesity brought on by a lack of daily activity. But just how much and what kind of exercise should your dog be getting?   All dogs are different, of course, and thus they have different exercise needs. Puppies and younger dogs need more exercise than older dogs. Regular exercise, for example, can calm a young dog while helping him make sense of his world. But you should also be careful not to work a puppy too strenuously until after his growth plates have closed, usually sometime around its first birthday. Geriatric dogs also need exercise but, likewise, you should limit activity so as not to tire your pet too much or injure his aged body. A dog's lifestyle should also be taken into consideration when deciding on the level of activity. Outdoor dogs may get a good level of exercise from running around outside their owner's home. Indoor dogs, meanwhile, may not be as sedentary as you think, especially if a household contains children who regularly play with the pet.   A good general rule is that a dog between the ages of one and six years of age should be getting either a half-hour of strenuous exercise (a run or hike, say) or a full hour of casual activity (for example, a walk around the neighbourhood) on a daily basis. It's important, though, to take your cues from your pet's own behaviour. If your dog is hyperactive, chewing things, barking, and otherwise demanding your attention, for example, it's likely that he needs more exercise. If your dog is content with lying about and isn't overweight or raring to go outside, he may be getting the right amount of exercise already. If, on the other hand, your dog is reluctant to go out or if he dawdles or takes constant rests while out walking, you may be expecting more activity from him than he actually needs.   A dog's breed will often determine his exercise requirements. The most needful dogs are the herding, sporting and working breeds. These require a lot of daily activity. An hour to ninety minutes of exercise, plus another half hour of tough activity should be about right. Terriers and toys, with their rather hyperactive nature, often receive a good deal of exercise around the home. In this case a further hour a day of casual activity may suffice. Hounds will need a similar amount, although a few short sprinting sessions over the course of a week may be sufficient for greyhounds and racing varieties. The needs of scent hounds, meanwhile, are more akin to those of working breeds. Short-nosed dogs such as pugs often have trouble with breathing and overheating. With this in mind, owners of these dogs should keep activity casual so as not to strain their pets. It is important to note, though, that these dogs, in common with toys, are particularly prone to obesity. So if your pet's size is increasing, you will want to fit in a bit more daily activity.   As for exercising your pet, there are any number of ways to keep things both lively and interesting. A dog enjoys being challenged, so try to steer clear of boring activities. Walks around the neighbourhood are always good for your dog. Not only does your pet get his necessary exercise, but he also gets to keep up with what's going on in his patch, so to speak. That old favourite, playing fetch, is another good activity. Hiding objects and having your pet retrieve them is another exercise which combines physical and mental stimulation. Having your dog jump obstacles is another fun idea. Remember to bring along treats to reward good behaviour when you're out and about. Also bring plenty of water, especially if you are taking your dog on a strenuous hike or if the weather is particularly warm. If it's cold outside, you may want to bring along a doggy sweater or coat, depending on your dog's temperament. Whatever you do, don't allow winter weather to be an excuse not to give your dog the exercise he needs. If you are trapped inside, run stairs or play with toys or teach him tricks -- and make sure you don't fall into the trap of giving your dog treats in lieu of giving him attention if you can't go outside.   During activity, panting is a good sign. It means your dog is working up a sweat. Wheezing, on the other hand, may indicate that you're overworking your pet. In that case, take it easy for a while. When you're done your pet should be visibly tired. Back home afterwards, make sure to give your dog plenty of water. It may also be a good time for a bath. Your pet can thus enjoy the coolness of the water and, for your sake, he may be restful enough to allow you to bathe him without too much fuss. Afterwards, why not curl up together and give yourselves a well-deserved rest? Exercising your dog shouldn't be a chore, but rather a way of strengthening your bond with your pet.

Walking two or more dogs can be a lot for one person to handle. But for many dog walkers, there isn't time in the day to take separate walks with each dog they own. Still, all dogs need exercise, and walking is one of the best ways for them to get it. So how can you walk multiple dogs safely and effectively? The short answer is, with care and caution. Beyond that, there are some valuable tips that will help make your daily walk with two or more dogs a successful venture.   Invest is good dog walking equipment. A durable, functional leash is necessary when walking one dog, but it becomes extra important when walking two or more dogs. Two- and three-way couplers that attach to a single leash can eliminate the problem of multiple leashes becoming tangled; however, a separate leash for each dog or a dual leash may be easier for dogs that need room to roam. Leashes should be non-retractable, no longer than six feet, and made of strong material. They should also have comfortable, easy-to-grip handles. Well-fitted dog collars are a must, too, although pinch collars, gentle leaders, or harnesses may be needed for dogs that pull.   Practice walking multiple dogs at home. Walking multiple dogs takes patience and skill--and practice. Before you start a routine of walking two or more dogs, make sure they're individually trained to walk on a leash. Leash training is best accomplished at a training facility, but once your dogs are proficient at it, you can work at home on teaching them to walk together. Be sure to also practice basic commands, like "heel" and "leave it," as these skills will come in handy when walking on the sidewalks and paths. Once you've mastered leash walking multiple dogs at home, begin your outdoor routine with short walks in distraction-free areas.   Clothe yourself and your dogs properly. Dressing appropriately for dog walking will help keep you and your dogs comfortable and make your walks more enjoyable. Besides donning good walking shoes, you'll want to wear adequate clothing, including a weather-proof jacket, sensible layers, hats, and gloves, if necessary. But while choosing what you should wear, don't forget about your dogs. They may need specific walking attire, too, especially if they tend to become chilled or overheated during exercise. Dog jackets, coats, and snow boots are all useful for walking in cold or rainy weather. Cooling vests can be helpful for dogs that get too warm.    Don't leave home without dog walking essentials. Before you leave the house with multiple dogs in tow, make sure you have basic dog walking essentials with you. Items to carry when walking two or more dogs include several poop bags, multiple treats, water for you and your dogs, an extra leash should one break, a whistle or other dog deterrent, and your cell phone in case of an emergency. Keep a mental checklist of these items and then go over it before you head out the door. You can carry the items in a fanny pack fastened around your waist, a shoulder pouch, or a dog backpack--all which allow you to keep your hands free for leash handling.   Avoid hazardous walking paths and inclement weather. When walking two or more dogs at once, take extra precautions to walk in areas that are free of hazards and unexpected dangers. It's best to avoid high-traffic walking routes, where you might encounter aggressive animals or throngs of bikers, joggers, or other large groups of people. Even walking along paths that buzz with wildlife can be distracting to one or more of your dogs and disrupt your walk--or worse, cause an injury. Be sure to stay sky aware as well. If the weather calls for storms, postpone your walk until the skies clear. Likewise, avoid after-dark walks, when visibility is poor.   Be the pack leader for your dogs. A calm and confident dog walker usually begets calm, confident dogs, so aim to be a composed leader for your walking companions. If you're confronted with an uncertain situation while walking multiple dogs, the way you handle it can make all the difference to your dogs and how they react. By calmly diverting their attention to a toy or treat, getting them to refocus on you, or changing routes, you can turn a worrisome encounter into an easily overcome obstacle. Even if just one dog senses panic in you, he could make a bad situation worse by startling all the dogs. Stay cool, and your dogs will follow suit.   Walking multiple dogs is a time saver, fun bonding activity, and productive way to exercise your furry companions. Just make sure you're adequately prepared for the task and that you put safety first. A successful outing with your dogs will benefit the entire pack--including you.

The field of veterinary medicine has advanced significantly in recent years. There are now veterinary cardiologists, veterinary neurologists and even veterinary cancer specialists. All that specialization has allowed many pets to live happier and longer lives, but it all comes at a cost.   The cost of veterinary care has risen almost as fast as the expertise of its practitioners. Many pet owners have found the cost of caring for their dogs and cats prohibitive, and some have even had to give up their beloved companions from lack of funds.   Pet insurance has attempted to fill the gap between financial means and veterinary costs. Buying a pet insurance policy can make a lot of sense, but it is important for shoppers to understand the pros and cons. These are some of the advantages pet insurance can provide:   .   Pet insurance provides you with peace of mind. The peace of mind alone can be enough reason to choose pet insurance. Many pet owners worry that they will not have the funds to care for their pets. Pet insurance can set their minds at ease.   .   Pet insurance lets you know your veterinary costs ahead of time. Budgeting for veterinary care can be difficult; you never know when your cat or dog will get sick or experience an accident. Pet insurance makes veterinary costs more predictable and easier to budget for.   .   Pet insurance could save the life of your pet. Many pet owners find themselves making the decision to euthanize based not on medical needs but financial costs. Having pet insurance could mean the difference between life and death for a beloved pet.   .   A growing number of vets now accept pet insurance. When pet insurance was first introduced, many old-school vets were reluctant to join the networks or accept the coverage. These days, however, a growing number of vets happily accept pet insurance and understand how it can help their clients.   Pet insurance may be useful, but it is certainly not a panacea. Here are some of the disadvantages of insuring your pet.   .   Pet insurance can be expensive. The cost of pet insurance can be quite high, especially in large cities where the cost of veterinary care is particularly high. Pet owners will need to determine if the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.   .   Some breeds may be difficult, or even impossible, to insure. It may be difficult to insure breeds with known genetic conditions and chronic conditions. Even if insurance is available, genetic defects are sometimes excluded from coverage.   .   You may have problems getting insurance for an older or ill pet. As your pet gets older, it may be harder to insure. The chance of illness rises with age, and that can make getting insurance more difficult. The same difficulty awaits pet owners whose cats and dogs are already ill.   .   The network of providers could be limited. Pet insurers work much the same as traditional health insurers. If the vet you normally use is not a network provider, you may face higher out-of-pocket costs or even claim denials.   .   Pet insurance may not cover routine care. Routine examinations and vaccinations may not be covered by pet insurance, so pet owners will need to budget for such items separately.   In the end, each pet owner will need to determine whether or not pet insurance is a good buy. Owners with sufficient financial resources may be willing to take the risk and go without insurance, while pet lovers with more limited bank accounts may be happier knowing the insurance is in place just in case.

If your family is adopting a rescue dog, you may have some concerns about how your child and new dog will interact with one another. Involve your child in welcoming your new dog into your home and in taking part in pet care. This will ensure that your child will be able to build a strong relationship with the family dog for years to come. Here are five things you can do to help your child and rescue dog form a bond.   1. Picking Out a Dog Learning more about the dog adoption process and why adopting a rescue dog over other options can be rewarding. Involving your child in the process can teach them valuable life lessons. By seeing a shelter or adoption agency first hand, your child will learn compassion and become a lifelong supporter of animal care. Let them navigate through available dogs. The right dog might just approach your child and will set the tone for your child to be a great dog owner.   2. Feeding and Grooming Responsibilities If your child is tasked with the responsibility of the family dog's well-being, they will take this role seriously. Your rescue dog will in turn associate your child with rewarding activities such as feeding and playtime, which will strengthen their bond. Make sure your new dog is on a schedule for feeding, and supervise this activity at first.   3. Training Routine Having a rescue dog assessed and enrolled in obedience school is a must. If you only have an idea of your rescue dog's past, then one-on-one time with a trainer will be important for you, your child, and your dog. Assessing your dog's responsiveness will set the tone for how the dog responds to basic commands from your child.   4. Assisting in Vet Visits Your child should be a part of your dog's health-care needs as well. Taking your rescue dog in for an initial checkup is a good idea in case any physical problems need to be identified. Prep your child for the vet's office so they can bring questions regarding your dog's health care. Your child may be more inclined to listen to the vet's advice over yours, which can help the overall care for your dog.   5. Having Fun Together Make sure your child and your new dog have an opportunity to have fun together. If you can make exercise with the dog more fun for your child, your new dog will have more fun as well. They can always play a game of fetch, and if your child can start to teach your dog new tricks like catching a frisbee, rolling over or giving a high five, they will become inseparable.   Rescue dogs can come with a host of limitations, but if you involve your child in the process of acclimating your new dog, your child can learn a lot about pet care. Empower your child to be a caregiver for a rescue dog, even if this is challenging in the beginning. If your new pet can learn to bond with your child, your child and dog will both benefit.

Canine influenza, popularly known as "dog flu," has become a growing concern among dog owners who haven't heard of the illness and aren't sure how to protect their pets. Some areas of the country have seen wide outbreaks of the illness, with some dogs becoming very ill from the disease. Here are a few facts you should know about "dog flu".    What Is Canine Influenza? Dog flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by virus transmission. Canine influenza is much like human influenza in that it can be transmitted from animal to animal and can cause serious complications. Two different pathogens transmit dog flu, the H3N8 virus and the H3N2 virus. The disease can cause severe respiratory illness and expensive veterinary bills to treat the animal.   What Are the Symptoms of Dog Flu? Dog flu symptoms are similar to human influenza symptoms. However, some dogs will not have any symptoms. The dog may exhibit:   · Runny nose   · Fever   · Loss of appetite   · Lethargy, fatigue   · Severe cough that can worsen and develop into pneumonia   How Is Dog Flu Spread? Any dog can get dog flu, but it is most common in environments where large numbers of dogs are together, such as in kennels or animal shelters. Doggie day care facilities and dog parks are other places where dogs can come into contact with infected animals. The dogs may come into contact with respiratory secretions spread by sneezing or coughing. Dogs can also get the disease from contaminated objects, such as water bowls or dog toys. You should keep your dog away from any dog that has a runny nose or cough to prevent contagion.   Can People the Flu From Their Dogs? No cases of transmission of this type of flu have made the leap from canine species to human species. However, influenza viruses are notoriously adaptive. The H3N2 virus has adapted from birds to dogs and has also infected cats. The H3N8 virus leapt from horses to dogs. If evidence of transmission is seen, public health agencies and veterinarians will alert pet owners to inform them about what new precautions should be taken.   Is There A Test For Dog Flu? A test for canine influenza virus is available to help owners determine if their dog has been exposed to the viruses.   How is Dog Flu Treated? Veterinary treatment for dog flu involves supportive care to relieve severe coughing and prevent secondary infection of the lungs. Dogs may require attention to fluid intake and may have difficulty eating.   Is There A Vaccine For Dog Flu? An approved vaccine against the H3N8 virus is available. However, it is not known whether this vaccine will protect against H3N2 virus infection. Ask your veterinarian if the vaccine will be helpful for dogs in your area of the country.   How Can I Protect My Dog From Getting Dog Flu? If an outbreak occurs in your community, stay away from dog parks and other areas where large groups of dogs make it easy to transmit the disease. If you encounter an animal that may be sick, take your dog away from the area. If you have multiple dogs, isolate sick individuals from the others until you are certain of the cause of the illness.   Common sense precautions can help to protect your dog in areas where canine influenza has become widespread. Talk to your veterinarian about further actions you can take to keep your dog well and thriving.

Children should know how to honor the feelings and boundaries of other living creatures, whether human or not, and these conduct codes are particularly important with respect to dogs. From an early age, kids should learn what behaviors are acceptable and which are not, and that includes being light-handed when it comes to their interactions with dogs. These rules are necessary to learn whether you have a family dog or not. Sooner or later your child will interact with a dog, whether it is the pet of a another person in a supervised setting or an encounter with an unfamiliar dog in a park or on the street. The following safety guidelines are important for children of all ages to be made aware of.   Be Light-Handed   Children often don't realize how rough they may be, nor do they necessarily know that even though they're playing, the dog may not take it as such and could retaliate. Teaching children how to be mild, gentle and in control when excited and playful will be of great benefit to them on many occasions in their lives, not only when interacting with dogs.   When your little one is around a dog, demonstrate to them the way to pet softly. Avoid allowing them to yank on the dog's fur and ears, but instead a soft stroking of the dog's coat, or brief graze of its ears is acceptable. Avoid letting them clutch onto patches of hair, and teach them to be especially careful of and not to tug on the dog's tail, which is always a sensitive spot for a dog and best avoided. If your child tends to be rambunctious or heavy-handed, use a toy or stuffed animal to demonstrate the proper way to pet first. A real dog may not be as tolerant of grasping hands as you might assume.   The Correct Procedure   As soon as they're old enough to comprehend, you should instruct your kids on the proper and non-threatening way to approach a dog. But what exactly is the appropriate manner to approach a dog? If it's a strange or unknown dog, it's best to first approach his master and request permission. Once permission is granted, your child should know to approach the dog calmly and gradually and avoid boisterously running up to it. Teach your child that offering out your hand to the dog with the palm facing down and letting him or her sniff you is the most common and safe way to get acquainted with a dog. Let him decide how close he wants to get. While lots of dogs thrive on human attention, others are also often the type that is "shy at first, but warms up quickly," so the first couple of seconds of any initial encounter are crucial. The proper approach can encourage the dog to come closer to your child for affection, or even flip onto his or her back for a belly rub.   The Smell of Fear   Make sure you don't raise your kids to be afraid of all dogs, even though you yourself secretly may be. A parent's fear is contagious to their child, and if they see you react to any dog fearfully they will likely pick up that behavior. This may cause your kids to respond to an unfamiliar dog in an improper fashion that may confuse the animal and incite him to act unpredictably. Rather than being afraid or running away in panic, show them how they should respect the bounds of dogs and other animals.   Encountering a Threatening and Unfamiliar Dog When No Owner Is in Sight   It is critical to teach your kids to maintain a calm demeanor when being approached by a strange and possibly growling dog. Don't jump on your first instinct to scream in terror and run. In an authoritative but not overly loud tone of voice, instruct the dog to leave. If it remains, don't freak out.   Since dogs communicate primarily through body language, teach your child the right way to interpret their signals. A dog that is simply curious will often have its ears straight up and its tail wagging while standing in a relaxed posture. In this case, don't run -- simply walk calmly and steadily away.   A dog that feels threatened or agitated often flattens its ears down onto its head and has a stiff body posture, while his tail might be swaying slowly or completely rigid. Avoid making sudden movements or screaming loudly, both of which are often potential triggers for an uncomfortable or irritable dog to attack. Instead tell him to leave firmly and retreat slowly and calmly, without showing fear. Should the dog jump to attack, it is better for kids to drop to their knees with their head tucked downward and protected by their arms in a classic "turtle" posture, and to call out for help.   Don't Run in Fear From A Dog   The turtle and tree postures are better at diffusing a dog's aggression than running, which will only serve to activate a dog's reaction to "prey" behavior, and a dog which might have been satisfied just sitting and growling may abruptly follow in fierce pursuit. Even if a dog only means to play with a child, its inborn predatory response triggered by running can cause it to cross the line between playing and attacking.   Don't Disturb a Dog While It is Eating   This is an important rule kids should be educated about, especially if your dog tends to be territorial and protective of their food. Kids won't naturally know about the potential danger of approaching an eating dog, so it's wise to clue them in on the fact that being defensive while eating is an inborn tendency in dogs passed down to them from their ancestors that had to scavenge and fight for every scrap of food. In the instant a child unwittingly bothers a dog as it eats, the animal can seem to adopt an aggressive personality that may confuse and bewilder a child unaware of a dog's potential to instinctively behave this way.   Don't Leave a Child Alone With a Dog   This may seem like common sense, but a dog may be more prone to be aggressive with a child if it is missing the security of its adult owner being around. Likewise, a child may be more likely to agitate or do things to a dog they've been instructed not to, simply out of curiosity and the "testing" instinct. This may easily set the dog off and cause it to attack.   The Importance of Hygiene   Stress to your kids the necessity of washing their hands after petting or playing with a dog. Dogs are not the most sanitary creatures from a human standpoint, and germs, parasites or bacteria that a dog may be adapted to may have a dangerous impact on your child's health if they do not disinfect properly after contact.   The best way to ensure your kid's welfare when interacting with dogs is to educate them thoroughly on safety behaviors. Both children and dogs are naturally curious, and this curiosity can potentially cause interactions between them to turn ugly. Assuaging your child's curiosity by cluing them in on the reasons for certain safety behaviors with dogs is the best prevention for such dangers. Don't undervalue the importance of teaching your child how to play with a dog simply because you don't have a pet. Eventually they will be in an environment out of your supervision and in the presence of a dog. Prepare them for it.