Are you worried about how your pet may react to your new baby? These tips will help your pet adjust to life with a newborn.
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Select your new dog with your lifestyle and living situation in mind. In addition to your new family member's personality, consider its temperament, size, and coat as well. Some breeds have traits that may be objectionable in certain circumstances, such as hyper excitability or a tendency to bark. Your veterinarian is a valuable resource and should be consulted before you acquire a pet of any kind.
Breed Selection
There are two types of dogs--purebred and mixed breed. The 124 recognized breeds are grouped into seven categories: hound, working, terrier, toy, sporting, non-sporting, and herding. There are thousands of mixed-breed combinations. Each purebred or mixed-breed dog has a unique personality. Dogs originally bred for a specific purpose tend to retain these characteristics. These dogs may require additional training and patience. Selecting a specific breed does not guarantee a particular behavior, but choosing offspring from animals with desirable temperaments does increase one's chances of getting the best pet. Mixed breeds can be as beautiful, intelligent, loving, and companionable as purebreds.Veterinarians, breed-specific books (usually available at libraries and pet stores), and dog shows are excellent sources of information about individual breed characteristics and needs.
Friend or Protector?
Most dogs, even tiny ones, bark when strangers approach their home or yard. This bark is usually enough to deter intruders. A pet should not be trained as an attack dog. Attack-trained dogs require special handling and knowledge to prevent accidental injury to people, including members of your own family.
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Pets and Newborns
Category: Newsletter Library
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Proper Ear Care for Pets
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Video Games and Your Pet
Category: Newsletter Library
Did you know that your pet can play video games too? Explore the advantages and drawbacks of this new technology.
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Can I Leave My Pet in the Car?
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Not sure if you should leave your pet in the car? The answer to this question is always the same.
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Lost Pets
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Has your pet wriggled their way through the fence or dashed out the front door? When searching for your lost pet, make sure you include these steps in your hunt.
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Should You Leave Your Cat Alone for a Long Weekend?
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So you have a trip planned for the weekend, but what should you do with your cat? Learn how to best care for your cat while you're away.
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Flea and Tick Season
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Summer Grooming Tips
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Want to keep your pet cool and comfortable this summer? A few changes to your normal grooming routine can help.
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Tips for Traveling With Your Pet
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Do you dread hitting the road with your pet? These tips may make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable for you both.
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6 Questions to Ask At Your Senior Pet's Next Check Up
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Want to keep your senior pet healthy and happy? Ask these six questions at your pet's next check up.
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Pet Clothes: A Fashion Statement or a Necessity?
Category: Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
There is nothing cuter than a pet in a colorful sweater, but do our furry friends really need to wear clothing? Although clothing is not a necessity for every pet, some animals benefit from a little extra protection during cold or damp days. Others enjoy wearing festive clothing during holidays or other
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Put Some Teeth Into Your Pet’s Dental Care
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, nearly two-thirds of pets suffer from dental problems because their owners do not provide dental care for them. Imagine what would happen to your own teeth if they were never brushed or examined by a dentist. The same thing can happen with your pet’s
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Is a Wet Nose a Sign of a Healthy Pet?
Category: Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Have you ever heard that a wet nose is a sign that your pet is healthy? Although that's often the case, it's not always true. A moist nose can benefit your pet in several ways, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee good health. How Does a Wet Nose Help My Pet? Have you ever been woken at 5 a.m. by a cold,
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Obesity and Diabetes in Pets
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
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National Heartworm Awareness Month Focuses Attention on a Potentially Deadly Disease
Category: Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
Heartworm disease can have a devastating effect on your pet's health. National Heartworm Awareness Month, observed annually in April, reminds pet owners about the health dangers this preventable disease poses for pets. What Are Heartworms? Thin, white heartworms look like cooked pieces of spaghetti.
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Keep Your Pets Calm During the Holiday Season with These Tips
Category: Newsletter Library, Behavior & Training
Although the holidays may be an exciting time of the year for you, your pets may find the festivities a little overwhelming. Even normally well-behaved pets can experience a little anxiety when their usual routines are disrupted. These tips will help you ensure that your furry friends truly enjoy the
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