Dog's Name

What's in your dog's name?
We have heard all different dog and pet names. In many times, people name their pets after their friend's name, favorite actor's name, and even after their own family names. Naming our dog or a pet is very personal and people give it with serious thoughts.

My dog got her name from my mother-in-law four years ago. As soon as she heard that we got a dog, she told us we should name her 'Pookie'. According to my mother-in-law, Pookie is from the Lion's name in the Kid's Cartoon series on PBS in 60s. It was very appropriate because my dog Shiba Innu looked just like a lion when she was a baby. Now, she looks more like a fox or a wolf as she is older.

Some people even go further to consult with others whether a cetain pet name is appropriate. I guess that we live in a time of politically correct society and they want to make sure that their pet name is not offensive to anyone.

Not long ago, a teacher named a teddy bear 'Mohammad' and she got fired. Her intention wasn't related to a racism or an insulting to particular religion but her life was in jeopardy. It was an isolated incident however.

I always thought that any name for your pet should be appropriate if the name was not intent to hurt or insult someone.

Let me ask you. What's in your dog or pet's name?

Dog and Cat Pictures from Friends

I never thought that this is the best place to take a nap.

I like this.

I wonder he can take nice picture of me.

I had enough playing. I need relaxing.

I've been trying to make a sweater for my dog friend.

But I can not find the beginning of the yearn.

Please do not disturb! I'm dreaming of a gourmet treat.

I'm in heaven. No one can find me especially my dog friend.

When I'm done with my nap I should be out of the closet.

Cancer in Dog, Cat and Pet

Cancer in Animal:

What are Neoplasia, Tumors and Cancer?
Neoplasia (nee-oh-PLAY-zhuh) is the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the body, and the abnormal growth itself is called a neoplasm (nee-oh-PLAZ-m) or tumor. It can be benign (bee-NINE) or malignant. Benign neoplasms do not grow aggressively, do not invade the surrounding body tissues, and do not spread throughout the body. Malignant neoplasms, on the other hand, tend to grow rapidly, invade the tissues around them, and spread, or metastasize (me-TAS-ta-size), to other parts of the body.

The word "tumor" or "mass" is often used to describe the actual swelling or other physical appearance of a neoplasm. The word "cancer" is often confused with neoplasia, but only malignant neoplasms are truly cancers.

How Common are Neoplasia and Cancer?
Neoplasia is common in pet animals and the incidence increases with age. Cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers.

How is it Diagnosed?
Neoplasia is often suspected on the basis of the pet's medical history and physical exam. Additional tests, such as radiographs (x-rays), blood tests, and ultrasound exams, may be necessary to confirm neoplasia. A biopsy (BYE-op-see), taking a tissue sample from the neoplasm for examination under a microscope, is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis and help determine if the neoplasm is benign or malignant. Additional biopsies of other tissues, such as lymph nodes, may be necessary to determine how far a malignant neoplasm (cancer) has spread.

Is Neoplasia Preventable?
Unfortunately, the cause of most neoplastic diseases is not known and, therefore, prevention is difficult. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to manage neoplasia in pets.

Common Types of Neoplasia in Pets
Skin - Skin tumors are very common in older dogs, but much less common in cats. Most skin tumors in cats are malignant, but in dogs they are often benign. Your veterinarian should examine all skin tumors in a dog or cat to determine if any are malignant.

Mammary Gland (Breast) - 50% of all breast tumors in dogs and greater than 85% of all breast tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying your female pet before 12 months of age will greatly reduce the risk of mammary gland cancer.

Head & Neck - Neoplasia of the mouth is common in dogs and less common in cats. Signs to watch for are a mass or tumor on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficulty eating. Since many swellings are malignant, early, aggressive treatment is essential. Neoplasia may also develop inside the nose of both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the nose, breathing difficulty, or facial swelling are signs that may indicate neoplasia and should be checked by your veterinarian.

Lymphoma - Lymphoma is a common form of neoplasia in dogs and cats. It is characterized by enlargement of one or many lymph nodes in the body. A contagious feline leukemia virus can be the cause of lymphoma in some cats.

Testicles - Testicular tumors are rare in cats and common in dogs, especially those with retained testicles (testicles that did not move to their normal positions during growth, and may be located in the abdomen or between the abdomen and scrotum).

Abdominal Tumors - Tumors inside the abdomen are common but it is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Weight loss or abdominal swelling are signs of these tumors.

Bone - Bone tumors are most often seen in large breed dogs and dogs older than seven years, and rarely in cats. The leg bones, near joints, are the most common sites. Persistent pain, lameness, and swelling in the affected area are common signs of the disease.

Many of the above signs are also seen with non-neoplastic conditions but they still need prompt attention by a veterinarian to determine the cause. Neoplasia is frequently treatable and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible.

How is Cancer Treated?
Each type of neoplasia requires individual care and may include one or a combination of treatment therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), hyperthermia (heating) or immunotherapy. Your pet's overall health is important too, and your veterinarian may recommend dietary changes or other things to help your pet better respond to treatment. Once you have a diagnosis, your veterinarian will discuss the best treatment option(s) for your pet and the risks and side effects associated with each option. Pain management is also an important part of treatment. In some instances, your veterinarian may refer you to a board-certified oncologist (cancer specialist) and/or specialty clinic depending upon the recommended course of treatment.

Some types of neoplasia can be cured, but other types can only be managed to decrease spread and prolong your pet's comfort and life as much as possible. How early a neoplasm is detected and the type of neoplasm are often the biggest factors determining the success of treatment.

Sometimes, euthanasia is considered when a pet has neoplasia (especially with some cancers). Before you make your decision for treatment or euthanasia, discuss the options with your veterinarian so you can make the best choice for your pet and your family.

What is the Success Rate?
This strongly depends upon the type and extent of the neoplasia, as well as the aggressiveness of therapy. Benign neoplasms are usually easier to treat, and treatment of any type of neoplasia is more likely to be successful if the neoplasms are detected early. Although some neoplasms (especially the more aggressive cancers) cannot be cured, treatment can prolong your pet's life and improve their quality of life.

What Will the Future Bring?
We are learning more about neoplasia through research and experience. Animals today have a better chance of being successfully treated for neoplasia and cancer than they did before, and the more we learn about it, the more pets' lives we can improve and save.

New diagnostic methods can help detect neoplasia earlier and improve your pet's chances, and new treatment methods are being developed to provide better success rates with less risk of side effects.

10 Common Signs of Neoplasia in Small Animals

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Resources for More Information
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
www.acvim.org

Veterinary Cancer Society
www.vetcancersociety.org

Cats & Dogs

Itch and Scratch






Pictures from friends

Animal Welfare

What is animal welfare?
Animal welfare is the ethical responsibility of ensuring animal well-being. Animal well-being is the condition in which animals experience good health, are able to effectively cope with their environment, and are able to express a diversity of species-typical behaviors1. Protecting an animal's welfare means providing for its physical and mental needs.

Ensuring animal welfare is a human responsibility that includes consideration for all aspects of animal well-being, including proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment, responsible care, humane handling, and, when necessary, humane euthanasia.

There are numerous perspectives on animal welfare that are influenced by a person's values and experiences. There are also various means of measuring animal welfare, including (but not limited to) health, productivity, behavior, and physiological responses.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has defined its commitment to animal welfare through the adoption of the following Animal Welfare Principles that serves as guidance when the Association develops policies and takes action to ensure the welfare of animals:

AVMA Animal Welfare Principles

• The AVMA, as a medical authority for the health and welfare of animals, offers the following eight integrated principles for developing and evaluating animal welfare policies, resolutions, and actions.
• The responsible use of animals for human purposes, such as companionship, food, fiber, recreation, work, education, exhibition, and research conducted for the benefit of both humans and animals, is consistent with the Veterinarian's Oath.
• Decisions regarding animal care, use, and welfare shall be made by balancing scientific knowledge and professional judgment with consideration of ethical and societal values.
• Animals must be provided water, food, proper handling, health care, and an environment appropriate to their care and use, with thoughtful consideration for their species-typical biology and behavior.
• Animals should be cared for in ways that minimize fear, pain, stress, and suffering.
  Procedures related to animal housing, management, care, and use should be continuously evaluated, and when indicated, refined or replaced.
• Conservation and management of animal populations should be humane, socially responsible, and scientifically prudent.
• Animals shall be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and, when necessary, provided a humane death.
• The veterinary profession shall continually strive to improve animal health and welfare through scientific research, education, collaboration, advocacy, and the development of legislation and regulations.
  
  Article from avma.org

Holloween Pictures for Dogs

Dog's Holloween costume

Dog Behavior

Excuse Me! Did You Call Me?

How to Get Rid of Dog Urine Odor and Stain

Dog Urine Stain and Odor on the carpet
Q&A
Question: I have two small dogs. Both of them were trained for potty but once in a while one of my dogs pees inside on the carpet. I tried to get rid of its odor by cleaning it with many different cleaning products but I couldn't get rid of smell of dog's urine. I appreciate if you have any suggestion for the solution.
J. Cavanaugh, CT

Answer: You can use a home remedy for dog urine remover. It's inexpensive and you can use ingredients that you already have at home. It is very easy to make your own dog urin cleaner that is not only good for removing dog urine odor, but also for getting rid of its stains.

Ingredients: White Vinegar, Dishwashing Detergent, 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, Baking Soda

• Blot out dog urine as much as possible with towel or piece of cloth.
• Clean the spot with the mixture of 3 to 1, water to vinegar ratio.
• Blot out the excess moiture.
• Sprinkle the area with baking soda.
• Mix 3/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and one tsp. dish wash detergent.
• Drizzle the above mixture over the baking soda.
• Use your fingers or an old brush (tooth brush) to work the baking soda in.
• Let it dry and vacuum it out the area.
• If you still smell the odor, repeat the process.

Other products that also do the job and recommended by other pet owners.
Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover
Urine Be Gone -Urine Gone - Urine B Gone - Urine Off

Note: Hydrogen Peroxide might bleach the capet. Try first small area that is not noticeable.

Puppy Love

Pooches and Scratch

Happy Dogs

Smiling Pooches

How to Create a Pet Free Zone

Create a pet free zone in your home

As much as I love my dog, she is banished from our bedroom, but she can run around anywhere in the house.

Research shows that most environmental illnesses such as asthma, Legionnaire's disease and humidifier fever along with breathing problem related illnesses and hypersensitivity pneumonitis are caused by unclean air in our homes.

If a pet is causing health problems for you or a family member and you want to keep it away from the house, there are a couple of things you can do:

• Create pet free zones in the house, especially the bedroom;
• Keep a high-efficiency, multilevel air filtration system;
• Bathe your pet and wash its bedding and toys regularly;
• Air rooms regularly, vacuum and mop floors, and wipe down walls to reduce the levels of pet allergens; and
• Place a layer of cheesecloth over room vents to keep pet hair from being blown into the room.

Studies show that weekly bathing can reduce the level of allergens produced by pets as much as 85 percent. However, bathing the pet too often can cause itchiness of the skin. Consult with your veterinarian.

Dog Twins

Double the Pleasure?

How to Train Dogs?

Train Your Dog To Exercise Indoors
By: Lee Dobbins

Exercise is as important for your pet as it is for you and every dog should get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Just like with humans, exercise has health benefits for your dog such as conditioning his muscles, helping his heart stay healthy and even helping him have a positive attitude.

But with the hectic schedules that most people have today, it can be difficult to fit in 30 minutes each day to devote to exercising your dog. While it would be nice to kill 2 birds with one stone and take your pooch out for a walk, thus providing exercise for both you and him, this may not be practical timewise or weatherwise.

Luckily there is an answer - pet treadmills. These are similar to human treadmills and have a rotating floor that encourages your animal to keep with a pre-set pace. It is on a smaller scale from a “people” treadmill and has straps that keep your pet within the bounds of the treadmill.

To use the pet treadmill, you simply strap your pet in so he cannot stray from the platform then turn it on. As the floor moves, your pet will start walking to keep up with it. This may take a bit of getting used to for your dog, but with a little training and positive reinforcement your pet will soon learn to love it. I recommend, you start slow and gradually speed up the treadmill once your dog gets used to it.

These pet treadmills can give your dog the exercise he needs when you cannot. They can simulate the same feelings your dog has when he plays or runs outside. Their great for people who physically cannot exercise their dog or for those bitter cold winter days when it’s not fit for man nor beast outdoors. Even if your dog is older and doesn’t have a lot of energy, you can simply put the treadmill on a slow speed. Younger dogs with energy to burn can get theirs set to a fast speed and there’s even a timer so you can make sure your pet gets his a veterinarian-recommended amount of exercise.

Having a pet treadmill is a great addition to your pets exercise routine but it’s no excuse to never take your dog outside. Dogs love to get out and smell the different smells and see some different scenery. They are much happier when they get to walk and play outside regularly. Come to think of it, you’ll be much happier too if you schedule some regular outdoor time for you and your dog.

But an pet treadmill can be a boon to busy pet owners and many use the exercise machines on the weekdays when they can’t fit in time to walk the dog. On the weekends, there is more free time, so they can take their pet for a walk in the park and let him run free or play frisbee. You might even look for a doggy park or playground where there is a fenced off area where your pet can run and play with other like minded dogs.

Training your dog to use a treadmill to get his daily dose of exercise indoors isn’t hard. After a few times, you’ll probably notice that your pet even looks forward to it!

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Lee Dobbins writes for www.train-the-dog.com where you can get more dog training articles.

How to Take Care of Old Age Dogs

The golden years aren't so golden for dogs. As they get older, old age can bring a number of problems such as arthritis, failing eyesight, and skin problems. Thayne Maynard of the Cincinnati Zoo can help ease your dog into the golden years with some very simple steps.

• Provide proper nutrition. Choose a high quality dog food designed for your dog's age group, and if your pet is overweight, consider using a low-fat or weight maintenance formula.
• Exercise is important. The key is to choose exercise that your dog can manage. If a dog has trouble running, don't expect him to play fetch. Take him on a leisurely walk instead. Remember a fat pet is more prone to disease.
• Exercise will also help those achy joints, but you can do even more for your pet by giving him a nice massage. Be sure to avoid any areas that are sensitive. A massage will help improve blood circulation which can help relieve pain.
• Vision problems are often a part of old age. If you notice that your dog is suddenly bumping into things, take him to your veterinarian to have his eyes checked.
• If your dog does have failing eyesight, try to keep the furniture in the same place. If you do rearrange it, put your dog on a leash and walk him around to show him where everything is.
• Accidents often crop up as dogs age. Be sure to let your dog outside frequently and don't scold your dog. He might not be able to wait as long as he used to.
• Watch for changes in your dog's skin. Often times as older dog's skin tends to become dry. Brush your dog frequently to stimulate oil production and avoid giving him too many baths which can also dry the skin.
• If your dog suffers from achy joints, put a water bottle filled with warm water in his bed. a little heat can go a long way to relieve the soreness.

This article's content is from Realty Benefit a quarterly newsletter, January-March 2006.

Shiba Puppy Dog Pictures

Dog Days of Pooches
This blog is for every one who has a dog(s) and loves animals. Share stories about your dog with us and post your dog's pictures.





My dog's name is Pookie and she is a female. Her origin is Japan and called "Shiba Inu" in Japan. It means a small dog. Isn't she adorable?

Calendar Dogs

Calendar Model Dogs For August

Puppy Dogs Picture

Kitties and Puppies

Kitty Cats and Puppy Dogs

Kitty in the Basket

Puppy Dog: American Beauty

Umm, I see a mousy.

I am bored. I want to play.