Building a rabbit hutch is not a hard task. However, before you plan to build the hutch, it is quite imperative to draw out a plan. It is also very important to consider each and every factor that will provide maximum comfort ad safety for your pet. Once you are done with the whole plan, you can start making shelter for your pet. When you draw out the plan, it is also very important to consider the size of the rabbit. You should also build a hutch that fits your pet when he or she is completely grown.
If you are planning to build a perfect hutch for your rabbit, it is very important to opt for the right materials and equipments. There are some necessary things such as, hinges, staples, wire cloth, wire rolls or woven hardware cloth, eight pieces of metal or wood rods, 2×4″ stock and Formica sheet. Once you have all these necessary things with you, start building the hutch with tools. The necessary tools required for building a rabbit hutch include gloves, screwdriver, wire snips, coping saw, staple gun and soldering iron.

Making wooden rabbit hutch is also a good option. However, it is very important to use proper materials for building the roof, walls and floorings. For example, you should not use wire mesh for flooring as it can harm your pet’s paw. Instead of this, using wire cloths will be a wise option. If you have already bought the wire mesh, you can use it for the walls. One of the best benefits of using metal hutch is you will be able to clean it properly. Moreover, bad odor will not stick to the metal easily. If you are still not able to build a rabbit hutch by yourself, you will be ale to purchase one from the store. If you visit your local pet store, you will be bale to find a hutch that perfectly suits your pets.

There are two forms of canine diabetes: diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. Both are endocrinal diseases and result from the body’s inability to produce sufficient hormones. Diabetes insipidus is caused by the body’s inability to produce vasopressin, a hormone that functions as an antidiuretic. Diabetes mellitus, the more common of the two, is caused by a deficiency of insulin, the hormone responsible in sugar metabolism. If insulin is lacking in the body, glucose levels increase in the blood and cause many problems. Diabetes disrupts normal metabolic functions and the body literally begins to feed on itself to find the fuel it desperately needs for maintaining metabolic processes.
Canine diabetes mellitus can be divided into two types: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1, the more dangerous form of the condition is a juvenile onset type of diabetes that also occurs in humans. Type 2 is an acquired form of diabetes. Some breeds of dogs have a genetic disposition to developing diabetes such as Dachshunds, Poodles, Beagles and Miniature Schnauzers.

Type 2 diabetes can be the result of obesity as fat cells can become resistant to insulin in overweight pets. Healthy pets in good shape can also contract diabetes as so there is no surefire way of preventing the onset of diabetes in a dog. Proper diet and exercise may reduce the risks and it’s important to develop a healthy diet and exercise plan with the help of your veterinarian if you want to ensure your dog has a healthy lifespan.

Sometimes diabetes can be brought on by infections and viral diseases. Immune deficiencies and Cushing’s disease can also lead to diabetes in dogs.

Symptoms of diabetes may include excessive thirst and drinking resulting in large quantities or urine and even incontinence in some cases. A dog may lose weight even though he is eating well and you will find your dog becoming dehydrated despite the fact that he is drinking a lot as high blood sugar robs the cells of water.

If your dog displays any of these symptoms it’s very important that you consult your vet immediately. Left untreated diabetes can cause come and lead to death so early detection and treatment is crucial. Diabetes can affect many organs in the body and treatment should be sought as quickly as possible. Decreased resistance to fungal and bacterial infections as well as liver, bladder and renal problems can develop in dogs with diabetes. Dogs with diabetes are also more prone to developing eye cataracts and the earlier you detect the disease and begin treatment, the better your dog’s chances are. Dogs diagnosed with diabetes mellitus can lead long and normal lives with the help of insulin injections and regular blood work to monitor blood sugar levels.

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Inner or middle ear infections can develop into life threatening conditions if left untreated. Many ear infections go unnoticed by pet owners and this can result in serious complications in the pet. It is vital to keep on top of your dog’s health to ensure early detection and treatment of any issues that may be developing in your pet.

A dog that is constantly shaking his head is constantly scratching at his ears may be suffering from an ear infection. Some dogs may hold their heads in a tilted position. Some ear infections cause swelling and inflammation of the head while others will produce discharge in the ears. A bad odor coming from the ears is a sure sign that something is wrong with your dog’s ears. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms you should never delay in taking him to the vet.

Most middle and inner ear infections are caused by an irritant or infection that started on the exterior of the ear and progressed deeper. This makes it very important that you deal with any problems on the outer ear as quickly as possible. Infections can be caused by poor hygiene, ear mites and dirty living conditions. Unlike humans, ear infections in dogs are usually not of a bacterial nature.

Floppy eared dogs are particularly vulnerable to ear infections. Dogs such as cocker spaniels and bloodhounds should be regularly groomed and have their ears checked for any sign of infection. Floppy eared dogs should also have the hairs in their ears clipped to reduce the risk of infection or dirt getting trapped inside the ear.

If you suspect your dog has an ear infection you should take him to the vet immediately. Your vet will perform an otoscopic examination of the dog to determine if there is a problem and may even take an x ray. In some cases, sedation may be required so the vet can thoroughly examine the ear and perform a cleansing flush.

Treatment usually involves the application of an antibiotic or anti-fungal cream or drops. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed at the discretion of the vet. If ear mites are the culprit, your vet will provide you with medication to get rid of the mites. Pain relieving drops may also be prescribed to make your pet feel more comfortable. Your vet will also advise you to clean your dog’s ears before applying any medication as this is very important.

Neglecting to address ear infections can result in serious health issues and an untreated ear problem may eventually require costly surgery. Keep your pet clean, monitor his ears for any sign that something is wrong and consult with your vet at the first sign of a problem. Grooming your dog regularly and keeping his ears clean and dry should go a long way in preventing ear infections.

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It is said that the Boston Terrier originated in Boston, Massachusetts around 1865. It is thought that Bostons were bred from the English Bulldog and the White Terrier, with possibly some Boxer, French Bulldog and Bull Terrier thrown in. Apparently they were trying to create a new fighting dog. Back then, Bostons were more like a Bull Terrier. The aspect of becoming a fighting dog never caught on and instead they became popular as a companion dog.

This lively, highly intelligent, smooth coated, short-headed, compactly built, short-tailed, well balanced dog, brindle, seal or black in color and evenly marked with white called Boston Terrier and some called Boston Bull has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intellegence, which makes them an incomparable companion. This breed likes to learn and therefore is not difficult to train. Their intelligence ensures they pick things up quickly. At times they can be somewhat willful. There are some owners who have reported that their dogs are good watchdogs - barking only when necessary, while other owners reported that their female Boston Terriers do not bark at the door at all.

Not much grooming is required for Boston Terriers. The boston terrier is an average shedder and is one of those breed that are easy to groom. A pair of comb and brush with a firm bristle brush is needed when grooming this breed. The face needs to be wiped with a damp cloth too everyday as well as the prominent eyes carefully. And like other breeds, their nails needs to be clipped from time to time. Owners should check both the ears and eyes too for possible grass seeds. And because boston terriers are short-faced dogs, they have tendency to snore and drool. The Boston Terrier originally weighed up to 44 pounds (20 kg.). They are also good for apartment as well as country living, but owners should keep in mind that this breed is sensitive to weather extremes. They can live for about 15 or more years.

They are good with children, most especially with elderly people. They are normally sociable pet dogs; they are amiable, playful, very easy to get along with and very friendly with strangers. They are also very affectionate and likes to be part of the family. This breed not only get along with their masters and the people around them; they also can be harmoniously side by side with other canine pets and non-canine pets. But still, they much prefer human companionship and seemingly require lots of attention from their owners. This breed became very popular in the United States, because of its excellent character. Indeed, boston terriers are very loving dogs and will always want to be on their masters’ side, following them around.

There will be many times when you will need for your dog to wait for you but not to be still. If you want your dog to be still, the “Stay” command may not be the best command to use. When your dog is anxious to do something “Wait” is the right command to tell him -he can have what he desires, but not at the moment.

Being that dogs live in the present moment, teaching them to “Wait” will not only add a useful word to their vocabulary, it will add a concept that is hard for them to comprehend. Your dog will understand the meaning of the term “Wait” on a temporary basis. The best way to train your dog to “Wait” is by the tone of your voice. Be aware that the voice tone of is one of the most valuable tools in dog training. Your dog has to be capable of understanding your voice tone in order to respond to it.

In order to comprehend how this kind of training works, make sure your dog is a pack animal. And make sure that you are his pack leader since he looks to you for direction and approval. So, when your pet is doing something and you talk in a mildly disapproving tone, he will immediately stop whatever he is doing because of your disapproval. For instance, when you want him to wait at the at the end of the side walk leading out of your driveway and you say “Wait” in a serious tone, a well trained dog stop what he’s doing and turn to look at you. Then say “Good dog” in a nice tone while he waits. If he disobeys and continues up the sidewalk, simply say “NO, WAIT!” in a more stern tone.

Now, the difference between the dog training command “Enough” and “Wait” is simply “Enough” means ending the activity. “Wait” means a temporarily pause. So, in my example of the dog waiting to walk up the driveway, the command “Wai” will actually give him the pleasure of anticipation. It’s basically letting your dog know that if he waits momentarily, then he may continue walking up the sidewalk and that he has gained your approval.

When it is meal time for your dog, don’t forget to use the command “Wait”. Let him wait for a few seconds …at least long enough for you to move out of the way before he begins to eat. Since he can wait at the edge of the sidewalk, he can wait for you to go walk through the doorways first and even up and down a flight of stairs. Remember, “Wait” should always be followed by the word “Okay”. This will let him know it is okay for him to proceed with the activity he is engaged in.

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During the first week, let your dog sit at your left side. Then kneel down next to him with both of you facing in the same direction. Next, drape your left arm across his shoulder and hold your hand with your palm up, behind his left foreleg, slightly below the elbow. Then place your right hand behind his right foreleg. Make sure that you support your dog’s forelegs on your palms - lift him into what is known as the begging position and then lower him onto the floor with a “Down” command.

While you lift your dog into the begging position, make sure that you position your thumbs in either up or folded in your palms …this is so that you cannot accidentally apply too much pressure on his forelegs. Make sure that you take your hands off him and don’t budge - keep still. When ever your dog gets up, just put him back. Wait around thirty minutes or so and give the release word “Ok.” Use this even if he has fallen asleep. This will let him know that the exercise is over. It is recommended that dog owners practice this exercise at least three times during the week of training (on alternate days).

After a few attempts of getting up, many dogs, resign themselves to staying in the same position for the thirty minutes. Some dogs will actually kick and scream the entire time. It is

Remember, you will have to remain calm and patient because it’s the latter who need this exercise the most

Make sure that you increase the frequency of this exercise every day. If your dog is overly energetic, then teach this exercise to him on a leash. You can sit in a chair next to the dog and sit on the leash so your hands are available to put him in position.

This exercise is important in order to teach your dog who is in charge and to learn how to accept you as his pack leader. Being able to physically place and keep your dog in the “Down” position is essential. When your dog recognizes you as his leader, all further training will go smoothly.

During the second week, sit in a chair next to your and practice the thirty-minute “Down” procedure. For the ten-minute “Sit,” simply place him into a “Sit” with him standing at your left side - both of you facing in the same direction; place your right hand against his chest and your left hand on his shoulders. Then with your left hand, rub down the length of the dog’s back, included the tail, all the way to his knees. Add the same amount of pressure to the right hand and the left, fold him into a sit and use the command “Sit.” Now, you can take your hands off the dog and don’t move.

At this point, when ever your dog’s moves put him back. Wait for about ten minutes; proceed with using the release word “Ok.” This command will let him know the exercise has ended. Remember to practice the thirty-minute “Down” and the ten-minute “Sit” at least three times each, on rotating days through out the course of the training week.

During week three, when you practice the thirty-minute “Down” and the ten-minute “Sit”, make sure that you sit across the room from your dog. Don’t put him back if he should move.

Finally, during week four, walk around the room while your dog remains in position, but do not leave the room. When you have successfully completed this four-week exercise routine, your dog will understand that you are the boss.

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While it’s certainly true there are hazards to dogs’ health and safety at home 365 days a year, a few days are a little more hair-raising than others. Some of the biggest trouble days out of the year for the family dog include:

July 4, New Year’s

It is highly unlikely fireworks will directly hurt a dog, but they can scare them greatly. If this happens, a dog might become distressed, anxious and a bit of a problem. The best thing to do is to keep the family pet in on nights when there is a lot of noise and action expected in the sky. Take care to ensure they are safely enclosed to avoid a dog getting loose and into trouble on a road or with a neighbor. If a party is being held to coincide with the holidays, watch out for stray drinks as alcohol can cause problems for pets, too. Do take the time to reassure them if they become anxious because of the hubbub.

Easter, Halloween, others

Any holiday that might include a lot of sweets or chocolates can present problems for the family dog. While not all dogs have reactions to chocolate, to some the substance is toxic. Take care to keep sweets and other foods they shouldn’t eat out of reach of the family dog. If chocolate is ingested, check with the family vet just to be safe.

Christmas

This might be the single biggest threat to a family dog as far as holidays are concerned. From the plants of the season to the decorations and beyond, there are all kinds of potential problems that arise. In regard to wrappings and trimmings, try to keep them away from the family pet if at all possible. Plants associated with the holidays, such as poinsettias and holly, can be very toxic, so do keep them up and away from dogs and small children. The lights and tree itself can also cause some problems. If a dog has a tendency to jump at them, consider securing the tree or securing the dog away form it. Also, watch out for tinsel and other unusual things a dog might try to ingest. Not everything associated with the holidays is toxic to a dog, but it’s best to take extreme care to ensure the family dog is probably cared for during the season. Keep things such as candy, chocolate and other food items a dog shouldn’t eat far away from them, too.

Caring for the family dog shouldn’t stop during the holidays. While it is very smart to take precautions to protect them, this doesn’t mean that holiday fun has to stop. When a dog is well training and its owner is, too, the holidays can be a great time for the entire family, the dog included.

By Kelly Perry of Oh My Dog Supplies - http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/

While you see the new arrival as a bundle of joy, your dog might view the baby as competition for affection, a distraction and perhaps even an annoyance. There are things expectant parents can do, however, to help ease the transition and ensure the first baby, the furry one, is ready for some company at home. They include:

Before the baby is even born, try to get your dog used to the sounds of crying, the loud screams that might result and so on. Tapes can be made or even purchased to achieve this. The more used to the sounds a dog is, the less likely it is they will become annoyed, agitated or even scared.
Bring your dog around kids. If your dog has never been around children before, remedy that. It doesn’t hurt to invite friends with children over to see how the animal will react.
Consider obedience training if the first baby happens to be a little exuberant with jumping, pawing or other behaviors that will be undesirable once the baby arrives. Jumping behavior might be cute now, but it won’t be with a newborn in your arms.
Try to set a schedule for you dog that can be kept once the baby arrives. Even though your attention will be pulled in a new, and very important direction, it’s important to make sure there’s still a little time left for the dog. Take a walk every day with him or her, sit out on the back porch and throw a ball or just enjoy a little scratching behind the ear each time every night. Continue this routine once the baby arrives.

After the baby arrives, things will be even more hectic. It is now even more important that you take steps to make sure baby and the family dog get along well. When you bring the newborn home:

Don’t force the dog “meet” the baby unless he or she is ready. When it’s time, your dog will let you know by wanting to sniff the little one and see what she’s all about. Most dogs are very gentle about this. If yours isn’t, consider more training.
Keep that routine going. This is one of the best ways to make sure a dog still feels secure and at home. Try to keep feedings, play time and other normal activities on schedule when at all possible.
Keep the baby’s door closed. Even if you have the best dog in the world, it’s never a good idea to leave a newborn and dog in the same room alone. To avoid this, don’t forget to close the nursery door at naptime and bedtime.

Most family dogs respond very well to the introduction of a new baby into a home. With time, patience and perhaps a little training, a smooth transition can take place.

By Kelly Perry of Oh My Dog Supplies - The top source for orthopedic dog beds and treat jars

The unfortunate truth is that a lot of unwanted pets result from the fact that people misjudged the eventual size of the breed they picked out. Whether this is from a misunderstanding of how big a purebred can get or the result of an unknown factor with a mixed breed, the result can be the same. A dog that becomes far bigger than its owner anticipated can run the risk of becoming unwanted.

With this in mind, it is very important for people to properly research breeds before they bring home a puppy. An eight-pound cutie today could very well grow up to be a 100-pound beauty down the road.

There are four basic sizes of dogs: toy, small, medium and large. Let’s examine some of the common breeds found in each category.

Toy
These are the smallest of breeds. Generally only growing to be a few pounds at full adulthood, these dogs are ideal for those who don’t want a dog that can become too large. Some of the more common breeds found in this class include the Chihuahua, toy poodle and the Yorkshire terrier.

Small
Small breed dogs are known for their light weights, but they can grow to more than 25 pounds or so. Some of the examples of these dogs include beagles, daschund and Llaso Apso. There are some variations on the sizes of dogs in this class, but the generalization is they are fairly compact.

Medium
Many people mistake the medium breed dogs for “large.” Dogs in this class can range from about 30 or so pounds up to about 120 pounds. This class includes retrievers, greyhounds, huskies, shelties and even Weimaraners. Some of the most common working dogs fall into this category.

Large
When the true large breeds are looked at the differences between them and the medium breeds becomes evident. True large breed dogs can grow well beyond the 100 pound mark. They include such dogs as the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Irish wolfhound and even English sheepdogs.

While most purebreds tend to follow the growth distinction of their breeds, it is possible for there to be some variation in the mix. When looking at mixed breeds, however, it can be very difficult to tell what their eventual size might be. Consider the dominant traits to help get a rough estimate. Veterinarians can sometimes help determine breed possibilities and even potential growth outcome.

It is very important for people to consider eventual size in picking out a puppy. To ensure the “little” puppy of today will grow into a size that’s manageable, research background and potential maximum adult size before taking a new dog home. Doing otherwise could result in a choice that won’t make the owner happy down the road, with the dog paying the biggest price.

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This concept may seem a little too simple or obvious, but the truth is that many dog owners-to-be and even longtime dog owners aren’t necessarily prepared for the work involved in properly caring for a pet. If you already have a dog, and have noticed lethargy, fatigue, a negative change in behavior, or overall poor health in your pooch, it’s time to take matters into your own hands and learn how to turn your dog’s health around. If you have yet to buy a dog, make sure that you understand what’s involved in the proper care of a dog and that you’re prepared to do so before you make that very important purchase. Don’t just go and buy the first puppy you see because he’s “cute.”

Here are the top five tips for keeping your dog healthy and happy and living with you as long as possible (or at least as long as you want him around!):

First, give him fresh water daily. While most dog owners aren’t ignorant to the point where they forget to “water” their dogs, many don’t bother giving them fresh water on a daily basis. Your dog should have access to plenty of fresh water every single day. This means that you’ll need to change his water bowl every evening (or morning), empty the water that wasn’t consumed, and refill with clean water. You’ll also need to clean out his water bowl regularly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Second, feed him. It’s a mistake to actually think you can just buy any kind of dog food (particularly for the singular reason that it’s “cheap”) for your dog. There are many different types of dog food out there, based on weight, size, nutritional requirements, and special health concerns. Read the labels carefully before buying dog food for your dog. If you’re not sure, talk to his veterinarian to find out which type of food is the best for your pet. Keep in mind that puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs, regardless of their respective sizes. For example, don’t assume that you can feed puppies of larger breeds the same food you would feed smaller adult breeds. Further, don’t forget to follow the package’s instructions as far as how much food and how often you should feed your dog. Consult your veterinarian for further guidance or clarification.

Next, play with him and take him for walks. Just because you’re feeding and watering your dog doesn’t mean that he’s healthy. Dogs of all breeds and sizes require daily outdoor activity, exercise, and fresh air, or their quality of life essentially suffers, contributing to lethargy, poor health, poor appetite, weight gain, lean muscle loss, or even disease. Even “indoor” dogs aren’t meant to be cooped up indoors all day long. Smart and health-conscious dog owners take their dogs for walks every day, even in the cold; this is also a great way for you to get some fresh air and exercise, too. You can also let your dog run free (without a leash) in your yard for a time, supervised or unsupervised. Do whatever you can to ensure your beloved pet receives the exercise and fresh air he needs every day.

Don’t forget to give your dog his needed shots. Dogs, just like cats, other pets, and humans, require certain shots in order to stay healthy and prevent harmful diseases and viruses from entering their systems, affecting their overall health. You’ll need your veterinarian to give your dog the necessary shots (it’s certainly not something you can attempt yourself, even if you theoretically could get your hands on the right drugs and dosages) at the right times and in the right amounts.

Finally, ensure your dog has regular checkups with his veterinarian. If you don’t have a vet for your dog, find a qualified and recommended one, and get your precious pet checked out as soon as possible. In addition to receiving his shots, your dog also requires regular checkups to make sure he is healthy and in good shape. A professional veterinarian will also check the health of your dog’s teeth, eyes, coat, and paws, and be able to detect any sicknesses present and give you the correct medication for your dog.

If you love your pet dog, you should be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure his life with you is a long, happy, and healthy one; this involves following these top five tips. There are, of course, other things you can do to improve your dog’s health and keep him content, but following this list of essentials is a great start to becoming a great dog owner.

About Author

Craig Elliott is a writer for VetRx Direct. VetRx Direct is a leading supplier of Pet Medicine

Source: ArticleTrader.com