Saturday, April 26, 2008

AKC Releases Top Ten Dog List for 2008

Recently, the AKC release its list for the top ten most popular dog breeds of 2008. Actually, to me none of them are surprising. They are all considered good family dogs.

They are:
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Bulldog

How do you know what breed of dog is right for you? There are a few factors to consider when looking at different breeds. Also, it is important to do your research before choosing a dog breed and also a breeder.

Things to consider when deciding what breed of dog to get:

  • Temperament
  • Size
  • Coat and Grooming Needs
  • Male or a Female
  • A Puppy or an Adult
  • Health, including diseases/conditions that the breed is prone to

If you are interested in more information on a certain breed of dog, you can check out the AKC’s website at http://www.akc.org/

Article by Lissa

15 Ways to Save Money on Pet Care

Breaking the Bank

We all love our pets and like for them to have the best, but how do you keep it from being so expensive. On average, caring for a cat costs $1500 annually and a dog $2000.

Here are a few tips to help you save money in the long run.

  1. Don’t buy expensive collars, beds, etc. Your dog doesn’t really care if he’s wearing designer sweaters and doggie collars. You don’t need a designer bed, why get one if your dog would rather sleep on your old comforter?
  2. See your vet annually. Preventative measures are the best way to avoid high vet bills.
  3. Feed your pet high quality pet food. Cheaper pet foods contain a lot of fillers that in the long run are not all that good for your pet. Also, feed your pet the right amount for his breed, activity level and age.
  4. Consider investing in pet insurance. Pet insurance can help save money if an unexpected emergency should arise.
  5. If you decide against pet insurance, save a pet emergency fund set up should something arise.
  6. Spay and neuter your pets. Spaying and neutering dramatically reduces the risks of some cancers such as breast, uterine and testicular cancers.
  7. Properly train your dog. A well socialized and trained dog has less risk of getting hit by a car or showing aggression toward other animals and humans.
  8. Shop around for pet supplies, medications and veterinarians. There are many options for online pet supplies, such as PetSupplies4Less.com.
  9. Learn to groom your pet yourself. Basic grooming is pretty straight-foward and easy to do. Ask your veterinarian about how to properly groom your pet.
  10. Regularly brush your pet’s teeth. With dental cleaning creeping up to $200 a visit at your vet, preventative care is the best way to avoid this cost. Keeping your pet’s teeth clean is as easy as a daily cleaning and brushing.
  11. Exercise your pet daily to avoid weight problems as well as behavior problems.
  12. Don’t be afraid to ask your vet for a discount or samples of medications.
  13. Attend garage sales. You can find toys, bowls, clippers, etc. all for less than buying new.
  14. Only get the vaccinations your pet really needs. Some vaccinations are required by law, but you can work with your veterinarian to determine which ones your pet really needs and which ones he doesn’t.
  15. Make your own pet treats and pet toys.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Why you should get a pet sitter

Here is an article on why the pet owner should get a pet sitter. Maybe you have heard stories of pets who have caught diseases in kennels or catteries. Should You Use the Services of a Pet Sitter?
By Dr. Kristie Carlson
It would be nice if you could take our animal friends with you when we go on trips but isn't always possible. For this reason, you need to feel that your pets are secure and properly cared for when you leave home.One option for caring for your pet while you're away is the use of a professional home pet sitter service. A pet sitter will come to your home and care for your pets in a loving and caring way while you're away.. You can generally choose the number of visits that a home pet sitter makes each day in your absence. What advantages does the use of a pet sitter service offer over a kennel? Your pet will feel more comfortable being in a familiar environment. By using the services of a professional pet sitter, your pet can remain in a setting that's familiar to them. An animal can become agitated, disoriented, and even depressed when they're placed into an unfamiliar environment such as a kennel. Home pet sitter services are designed to avoid this unnecessary trauma. Your pet can maintain the same diet and feeding habits he's accustomed to. Kennels generally have their own feeding schedule which may be quite different from how your pet is normally fed. They also may have a standard food they feed to their pet guests. A sudden change in diet and feeding schedule can cause your pet to experience intestinal problems such as diarrhea. You pet may also be more reluctant to eat in a new environment and could become malnourished if your trip is prolonged. It's more convenient for the pet owner. Taking a dog to a kennel usually means a visit to your vet to get updated medical records and proof of vaccinations. The paperwork then has to be transported along with all his necessary supplies to the kennel. This can be very time consuming, particularly for a short trip. With a professional pet sitter, you just leave the supplies out along with instructions. You don't have to worry about kennel pick up hours. Kennels have set hours of operation and may not even be open to the public on certain days such as Sunday. If you return from your trip on a weekend, you may have to wait an extra day to pick up your pet. A pet sitter can do the necessary tasks to make your house look occupied. Most home pet sitters offer special services such as watering plants and picking up your mail and newspaper. This makes your house appear occupied which may reduce the risk of a burglary. Your pet isn't exposed to communicable disease from other animals. At a kennel, animals are kept in close quarters. If an animal should become ill, your pet could also be infected. Using the services of a professional pet sitter can help to keep your pet healthier while you're gone. As you can see, a professional pet sitter can give you and your pet peace of mind when you have to be away from home. When choosing a pet sitter, be sure to ask for testimonials from other satisfied pet owners to be sure your pet is placed in competent and loving hands.

Welcome!

Welcome! I'm Zach Hawkins, welcome to my website I've created myself for my expanding small business. Feel free to check out and explore the site. I offer pet sitting for cats, dogs, fish, birds, and any other animal you can think of. I operate from your home so you never have to take your pets with you or leave them with me at my house. So you don't have to worry about getting a kennel for your pet. I attend school at Wylie High School and I'm in 9th Grade there. I'm in AP courses there essentially placing me in 10th grade classes. It's difficult, but I love challenges. I play tennis on the JV team, and hope to move up to Varsity my sophomore year. I'm in theatre arts, Spanish, and play music for extra-circ. activites. I live in the Wylie School district and I am a resident of the Lakes at Saddle Creek.