Although it might seem like an unnecessary expense, your pet is no different than a family member. Sometimes we get hurt and need medical attention. With the ever rising costs of veterinary bills, it is good to have some help paying the vet after services are rendered. If you think about it, you would never consider going without health insurance for your family, so why should your pet be any different?

A good thing to know is that not only has the quality of pet health insurance improved dramatically over the years since it was first offered in the 80’s. Like all businesses, pet health insurance companies are in business to make money. The fees have gone up, but the coverage on many of the pet insurance policies now covers so much more than they did in the beginning.

Owners can take out pet insurance policies that will cover the pets 80/20 in most instances. Pet insurance is an easy way to cover all unexpected expenses of your pet. With routine x-rays and general procedures costing hundreds of dollars, it is good to know that potentially 80% of the bill will be covered with your insurance. There are a wide range of cost and cover options so it is a good idea to shop around online to see what is available to you. Most insurance plans cover expenses like routine care and annual checkups.

Another type of pet policy is the travel pet insurance policy. As with human travel insurance policies, pet travel insurance can be purchased either as annual policy or as a one time travel policy before any trip that you take.

Taking care of your pet’s health is a top priority with most pet owners. However, some of them neglect to protect themselves from the ever rising bills they can accrue from a visit to the veterinarian. My pet insurance tip would be to have at least basic coverage for your pet’s health insurance and to take out a travel pet insurance policy whenever you go on holiday.

K9 Mums was founded by Michele De Bruin & Charmaine Rolfe in October 1994. Our service provides an alternative to kenneling by arranging for dogs to be accommodated in private homes – (maximum 4 dogs per home) – personally and lovingly cared for by their K9 Mum.

We started this business out of pure frustration at never knowing what to do with our own dogs when we wanted to go away on holiday. How nice it would be to send them to another home/family as opposed to a kennel or leaving them at home alone to be visited once or twice a day by a friend or family member. Not to mention the imposition of asking friends or family to look after our pets. One never really wants to do that, but there are instances when one has no choice. As a result, K9Mums was born in October 1994.

This home-away-from-home facility for ‘dogs on holiday’ means that once each dog’s personal needs have been established, he/she will be placed with a K9Mum who is able to meet his/her requirements. This ensures complete peace of mind for the dog’s owner as well as a happy holiday for the dog. Each dog in our care enjoys the opportunity of becoming part of the K9Mum’s family, having the run of the house and garden and being totally loved and spoilt – from tummy tickles to milk and cookies before bedtime.

They will be loved, played with, patted, walked (if requested) and their daily routine in their own homes will be continued in their K9 Mum’s home. They will sleep where they are used to sleeping and will be fed at the times specified by their owners. Our K9 Mums do their utmost to ensure that each dog has a happy holiday filled with lots of TLC. After all, they are a special member of the family and they deserve to be treated as such.

Our K9 Mums’ are mostly Home Executives or Senior Citizens who are home 99% of the time thereby ensuring that each dog receives five star attention and care. Their homes have been personally inspected by us for cleanliness and security as far as the dogs in their care are concerned.

To ensure a stress-free holiday for each dog we require application forms to be completed giving us as much information as possible about each dog eg: good habits, bad habits, likes, dislikes, daily diet, medication requirements etc. Proof of vaccination, d-flea and d-worm as well as some form of identification, (be it microchip or collar and tag) are compulsory.

Needless to say, bookings are essential for this specialized service, (small to medium size pets only).

Invitation: To all animal rescue/welfare organizations. Send us your details and we will load it on our website at no cost to you.

For additional information and more comprehensive details please visit our website at: http://www.k9mums.com
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http://nopawsleftbehind.org/paws/

Please do not abandon your pets! There are alternatives!

Details on Website

The breed is almost always black with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings on the cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs. The coat is medium length and consists of a waterproof undercoat and a coarse top coat. Rottweiler coats tend to be low maintenance, although they experience shedding during their periods. The skull is typically massive, but without excessive jowls.

According to FCI standard, the Rottweiler stands 61 to 68 cm (24-27 inches) at the withers for males, and 56 to 62.5 cm (22-25 inches) for females.Average weight is 50 kg (110 pounds) for males and 42 kg (95 pounds) for females.

Temperament

In the hands of a responsible owner, a well trained and socialized Rottweiler can be a reliable, alert dog and a loving companion. However, any poorly trained dog can become a danger in the wrong circumstances. Rottweilers that are well trained and cared for can be as well behaved as any other dog and in general they are fond of children, very devoted, quick to learn, and eager to please. However, if they are not receiving the mental stimulation they need, they will find creative and sometimes destructive ways to elicit it. Such behavioral problems as chewing and barking for attention can be a result of lack of human interaction. The Rottweiler is a working dog that is also good for protection of children, as well as guard duties.

The Rottweiler is a steady dog with a self-assured nature, but early socialization and exposure to as many new people, animals, and situations as possible is very important in developing these qualities. The Rottweiler also has a natural tendency to assert dominance if not properly trained. Rottweilers’ large size and strength make this an important point to consider: an untrained, poorly trained, or abused Rottweiler can learn to be extremely aggressive and destructive and, if allowed to run at large, can pose a significant physical threat to humans or other animals. They can be strong-willed and should be trained in a firm and consistent manner. The owner must be perceived by the dog as the leader. If the owner fails to achieve this status the Rottweiler will readily take on the role. Aggression in Rottweilers is associated with poor breeding, poor handling, lack of socialization, natural guarding tendencies, and abuse.

The Rottweiler is not usually a barker. Male dogs are silent watchers that notice everything before they attack. When the male attacks, he tends to go very still, there’s no warning growl or movement and are often quite stoic. Females may become problem barkers in order to protect their den. An attentive owner is usually able to recognize when a Rottweiler perceives a threat. Barking is usually a sign of annoyance with external factors (car alarms or other disturbances) rather than a response to actual threats.

Aggressiveness

In recent years the breed has received some negative publicity, possibly related to the fact that in the US, the Rottweiler is the number two breed of dog named in fatal human attacks from 1979 to 1998 in a report by the CDC. Rottweilers are a powerful breed with well developed genetic guarding and herding instincts, and prey drive. Dangerous behavior in Rottweilers potentially results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization. This tendency may extend towards other animals as well. Often injuries and maulings occur when an owner or passerby tries to separate fighting dogs, or unintentionally triggers a guarding behavior in a dog. The portrayal of Rottweilers as evil dogs in several fictional films and TV series, most notably in The Omen, has added to their negative publicity and popularity among backyard breeders. Rottweilers are banned in many municipalities, some scattered countries, and are sometimes targeted as dangerous dogs by legislation, such as in the Netherlands. Many owners of Rottweilers are forced to obey state leash/muzzle laws, as in Germany, France and Venezuela. Rottweilers are not recommended for people who have little experience with dogs, or understand little about dog psychology and responsible canine ownership.

The Rottweiler is a tough and hardy breed, but potential owners should be aware of known health issues that can affect this breed. Rottweilers are highly prone to be affected by serious diseases mainly to its hips. The most serious genetic health risks a Rottweiler faces are canine hip dysplasia (CHD), subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), elbow dysplasia, and osteosarcoma. Other conditions which may affect this breed include hypothyroidism, gastric torsion (bloat), torn crucial ligament and allergies. Rottweiler owners should have their dogs’ hips, elbows, heart, and eyes tested by a veterinarian before breeding. DNA tests should also be performed to screen for von Willebrand’s disease (vWD). Rottweilers typically live between 10 and 11 years.

History

The breed is an ancient one, whose history stretches back to the Roman Empire. In those times, the legions traveled with their meat on the hoof and required the assistance of working dogs to herd the cattle. One route the army traveled was through Württemberg and on to the small market town of Rottweil. The principal ancestors of the first Rottweilers during this time was supposed to be the Roman war dog, local sheepdogs the army met on its travels, and dogs with molosser appearance coming from England and The Netherlands.

This region eventually became an important cattle area, and the descendants of the Roman cattle dogs proved their worth in both driving and protecting the cattle from robbers and wild animals. However, by the end of the 19th Century, the breed had declined so much that in 1900 there was only one female to be found in the town of Rottweil. The build up to World War I saw a great demand for police dogs, and that led to a revival of interest in the Rottweiler. In fact, in the mid 1990s, the popularity of the Rottweiler reached an all time high with it being the 2nd most registered dog by the AKC.

From that time the breed has become popular with dog owners, and in 1935 was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. In 1936, Rottweilers were exhibited in Britain at Crufts. In 1966, a separate register was opened for the breed.

The first Rottweiler club in Germany, named DRK (“Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub” — German Rottweiler Club) was created the 13 January 1907, and followed by the creation of the SDRK (“Süddeutscher Rottweiler-Klub” — South German Rottweiler Club) on the 27 April 1907 and became the IRK (International Rottweiler Club). The DRK counted around 500 Rottweiler, the SDRK 3000 Rottweilers. The goals of the two clubs were different. The DRK wanted to produce working dogs and did not emphasize the morphology of the Rottweiler. The main stud dog of this club was Lord von der Teck. The IRK tried to produce a homogeneous morphology according to their standard. One of the main stud dogs of this club was Ralph von Neckar.

A popular misconception about the Rottweiler is that the breed was bred for dog fighting

1. As Jersey and Styx (my dogs) say, “It blows the stink off.”

My dogs mean this a little more literally than I do. But I do notice that as I allow daily worry and concerns to creep in, I begin to smell.

2. It keeps you putting one foot in front of the other.

If it’s true that movement creates momentum and momentum creates flow, then putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how mindless, is literally the first step in movement and towards flow.

3. It’s a moving meditation.

While my body is doing all the work, my mind is allowed to wander in directions it needs to go and finally become silent.

4. It’s cheaper than therapy.

Dogs are great listeners.

5. Your body will look and feel better.

If an improved cardiovascular system isn’t enough incentive, think about your legs and butt in shorts and swim suits.

6. You’ll notice things only your dog can point out.

Jersey and Styx have hearing and a sense of smell that are far superior to mine. I’ve come to rely on them to point out wildlife I would have normally walked right by.

7. Ice Cream!

The hot fudge sundae you’ll now be tempted to stop for seems a little more justified.

8. Without movement and fresh air, dogs, like the rest of us, can become a little testy.

A daily walk can save you repair bills on furniture, boots and shoes, and anything else you dog uses to cure her winter blues. Jersey’s personal favorite is playing “keep away” with my $200 hiking boots.

9. If you’ve been walking your dog regularly, yard clean up is a lot easier.Enough said!

10. By developing a strong bond with your dog, she may one day share the importance of turning around three times before lying down.

Man has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. If there is something that he absolutely would like to know, he would use all the means in his grasp to get that knowledge. But the research part can be quite a waste of time. Well, we’ve done all the hard work for you in order to present this insightful article.

Cats are curious by nature. Because of their curious nature, it is easy for cats to ingest poisons that can cause them to become very ill. Without proper treatment, a cat could die from poisoning.

Cat owners should be aware of the types of items around the home that can poison a cat. Household chemicals, plants, trees and shrubs can all cause a cat to become ill. When you think your cat has ingested a poisonous substance, it is helpful to your vet if you can identify what has made the cat sick. If your cat goes outdoors, sometimes it is impossible to know what the cat has ingested. Here are some common plants and household chemicals that can make your cat ill.

There are certain plants, trees and shrubs that can cause your cat to vomit, become dehydrated and have diarrhea. Sometimes when a cat ingests a toxic plant, they can foam at the mouth or have excessive drooling followed by a be needy to drink lots of water. Their mouth can become red and irritated. In extreme cases, a cat can fall into a coma and die.

Plants inside your home can pose a threat to your cat. Sometimes a cat does not even have to ingest the plant, but can have exposure on their skin, causing irritations. Fig plants, chrysanthemums, poinsettias can all cause reactions in cats. Most of the time these three kinds of plants mania simple cause skin irritation. More serious reactions such as staggering, swelling of the mouth and general weakness are caused by household plants such as Boston ivy, arrowhead vine, caladiums, elephant’s ear, heart leaf, peace lily and dumb cane plants.

If your cat has ingested a large amount of amaryllis, ivy, azalea, spider mum and creeping Charlie plants or flowers, you can expect a more serious reaction. These plants, among others can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, tremors and heart and respiratory ailments. It will be necessary to consult your vet if you cat has ingested any toxic plants.

Outdoor plants can also pose generally of the same risks and some of the indoor plants. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, pain, and weakness, breathing difficulties and seizures and convulsions. Some of these plants and shrubs include larkspur, skunkweed, daffodils, foxglove, castor bean, almond plants, wild cherry, English holly, spinach, rhubarb, Jasmine, and pigweed. Other plants that can cause your cat to experience hallucinations include marijuana, nutmeg, peyote, and morning glories.

Chemicals and cleaners found around the house are also cause for concern. Cats can ingest a toxic chemical and become very ill quickly. A common poison for cats is antifreeze. They like the taste and will lick it off of the garage floor from a puddle. Antifreeze can cause seizures and if enough is ingested, can kill a cat. Other common poisons found around the house are rat poisons, and insect sprays and treatments. If you treat your home with insecticides it is very important to keep your cat away from the treated area for several hours. In addition, if you spray the inside of your home, thoroughly wash the cat’s food and water bowls to clean off any residue from the insecticide. Other common household items that can make a cat ill include bleach, alcohol, gasoline, turpentine, lead, acid, garbage waste and paint. Toads and salamanders can also cause cats to become very ill. If you cat eats a toad or salamander, it will be evident by excessive foaming at the mouth and drooling. Also, it is important to remember that if your cat eats a bird, insect or rat that has been infected by a poison, it is likely that your cat will become ill, as well.

It is always a good idea to contact your vet or the National Animal Poison Control Center if you think your cat has been poisoned. There will be different treatments for different poisons. Most vets will try to induce vomiting in call to eliminate the toxin from the body. If your cat has a toxin on the fur or skin, it will be necessary to thoroughly remove the residue by washing the cat’s fur. Both mineral oil and vegetable oil are effective for removing poisons such as gasoline or turpentine. Cats that are experiencing nervous system disorders from ingesting toxins are in serious trouble. Your cat will love to be taken to medical care immediately. Cat with nervous disorders will experience convulsions, unconsciousness and difficulty breathing.

Now wasn’t that interesting? Only an expert can reveal this kind of insider information, and provide facts and trends that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

Source: Free Articles

About the Author
Michael Plante manages several article sites, including a series of sites related to cats and kittens information. Please check out our extensive cat articles selection at http://cats.go-article-search.com. More cat articles can be found at http://cat-health.go-article-search.com as well.

A top Port Elizabeth ( South Africa ) Standard Poodle Breeder is

• Le Meulleur Kennels and Grooming Parlour.

In 2002, a standard poodle named Topscore Contradiction won Best in Show at Crufts Dog Show, in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. This particular poodle has made history at Crufts by being the first international pooch to win “Best in Show”.

The poodle was one of the American Kennel Club’s top 10 breeds for the year 2006.

History and Origin

Paintings representing the poodle date as far back as the 13th century. The exact country of origin is not known, but many people feel the breed may have come from Germany.

The name “poodle” comes from the German “pudeln” which roughly translates to “splash about in the water”; the original purpose of the breed was a water retriever.

Soon after development in Germany, the poodle quickly became very popular in France and was known as the caniche, or duck dog. The breed is considered their national dog.

The poodle comes in three different varieties; standard, miniature and toy; however, the only difference is the size. The standard poodle is classified in the non-sporting group by the American Kennel Club.

The standard poodle is the oldest of the three sizes and was originally used to retrieve ducks in cold water.

Appearance

Although they come in different sizes, the shape and appearance of the breed is the same. The poodle has a long head and muzzle with long, flat and wide hanging ears. The chest is deep and the tail is set high. Typically, the tail is docked when young.

The hair coat of the poodle is curly and dense with a fine woolly texture and requires daily grooming. There are four common hair clips for the poodle. The most common cut is the “puppy” cut, which is given to all ages of poodles. Another cut is the “sporting” cut, for the active poodle. For the show ring, the “English Saddle” or “Continental” version is typically performed.

Size

The standard poodle stands over 15 inches at the shoulder and weighs around 45 pounds.

Personality

The poodle is a pleasant dog that loves constant company. This dog hates to be alone and prefers the company of people instead of other dogs. The breed also hates to be ignored and does not like being thought of or treated as “just a dog.”

Home & Family Relations

Despite being excellent water dogs, poodles also do well as family protectors and companions. They make excellent pets for children as well as the elderly and can adapt to a variety of environments.

Training

The poodle is an excellent swimmer and also does well on land. The breed is very intelligent and thought by many to be the most intelligent of all breeds. They learn quickly and readily, although some dogs tend to enjoy pleasing people by doing tricks instead of learning commands. Poodles have been trained successfully in obedience, hunting and even as guard dogs.

Special Concerns

The hair coat of the poodle requires daily care and grooming. The intelligent nature of the dog leads some to mischief if left alone for an extended period of time.