Tips on Cat Urine Removal

Tips on Cat Urine Removal by Helen Croft

If you have lived for any amount of time with a pet (particularly a cat) you probably know the frustration of finding out that he/she has urinated in or on something they were not supposed to. Cat urine has a truly distinct odor and can ruin carpet and furniture if left untreated for long periods of time. Cat urine removal can sometimes prove to be a difficult task. So what can you do if your cat has urinated anywhere other than the litter box?
Cat Urine Removal Don'ts
Well, first let's discuss some of the myths that are incorrect methods of cat urine removal. Some think that cleaning with any cleaning product will do the trick. They look on the bottle and if it says "all purpose" on it, that will work for anything. This is incorrect. Never ever attempt cat urine removal with a cleaning product that contains ammonia. The reason for this is that cat urine consists of a fairly large amount of ammonia. If a cat smells this ammonia in the carpet they will probably urinate there again.
Pay Attention
If your cat is generally good with going in the litter box and never urinates outside of where they are supposed to and then all of the sudden starts having accidents, the solution to this problem may be as easy as paying attention to your surroundings. Cats often can be negatively affected by their surroundings. It is possible that your cat may be looking outside and becoming stressed by other cats, dogs walking by or maybe some other animals that it sees. What you may want to try to do is block their view from any outside events. Another option may be to keep a close eye on the litter box. Cats are neat freaks so if the litter box is dirty, chances are that they will not want to use it and will attempt to take their business elsewhere if this is the case.
Cat Urine Removal Steps
So if the above tips just simply aren't working and you do find an accident or two, here are a few steps to help you in the cat urine removal process:
Step 1: If you find a wet spot, immediately go and grab some paper towels and cover the affected area. Place the paper towels over top of the area and apply light pressure. Note, if you have a dry stain on your hands and don't know where to locate it, you can turn off your lights and use a black fluorescent light and this will bring out the cat urine stains in the carpet. Dampen the area before you proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Mix up a solution of white vinegar and water in a bucket. One part white vinegar and two parts water should do the trick. Rub the solution in the area with a paper towel or wash cloth.
Step 3: After the area seems to be clean, wipe the area with water using a separate wash cloth. It is recommended that you repeat the cat urine removal process again by rubbing the area with the vinegar water solution and wiping the area with water.
Step 4: If this solution does not work, you may want to consider investing in a product specifically aimed at cat urine removal. Their are many of them on the market today and you should ask your vet which one is right for your particular situation.
Cat urine removal can be a big headache but if you follow these simple steps you should be able to limit some of your stress. Make sure that if the cat urination persists or is out of the ordinary, that you take your pet to the vet to get him/her checked out. The urination may be caused by something medical related and you just don't want to take a chance.

Cat Training

Cat Training and Kitten Training - Please Don't Do This

The reason I have felt compelled to write this article is that, as a big fan of the feline, I am staggered by the number of people that have problems training their cats, despite following very good training guides. It just seems to be something built into human nature and something everybody overlooks.
I'm not going to waffle on about general cat training and kitten training methods. There are loads of great books, DVDs and, more recently, downloadable eBooks available from the internet on this subject. All I will say is that, whichever method you prefer, make sure you get hold of 'good quality' training materials.
But while you are training your cat, please bear this in mind;
"Do not praise or reward your cat for exhibiting behaviour you don't want to see".
While this sounds really obvious, people still do it! Perhaps it's because cats are notoriously devious in their seemingly endless number of ways of manipulating humans and often catch us off guard. But more likely we just haven't got this idea fixed strongly enough in our mindset.
Let me illustrate with an example.
You finally make it to bed after a hard day at work and you feel your eyes begin to close. Now guess whose eyes are, at that very moment, starting to do the exact opposite. Cats are naturally nocturnal and, without training, will remain so. Now when your wide awake moggy jumps on your bed, attacks your toes & nuzzles your face, there could be any number of things on its mind. What do you do as a cat loving person in this situation?
Well I'll tell you what most people will do. They'll get up and give their adorable pet some food or even treats. Or they'll stroke their cat lovingly for a few minutes until it 'seems' like they might actually leave you alone. Anything to get their cat out of their bedroom in the hope it will give them a good night's sleep.
So now, what does your cat associate with this behaviour you really don't want? Getting rewards! If your moggy has this state of mind, don't even think about resorting to more extreme tactics like locking them out of the bedroom, not if you want any paint left on the door that is.
Cats have to associate unpleasant things, things that bring no satisfaction or benefit to them, with inappropriate actions. It's the practise of being cruel to be kind. But you don't have to be really cruel to your cat like throwing it off the bed or shouting at it (unlikely to work anyway). Just ignoring it will soon work wonders! If your cat is particularly persistent, keep something nearby the bed that you can use to remind your cat not to do this in future. How about something your cat really hates the smell of? Or something to make a sound they hate? Or my personal favourite, and much more entertaining, a small water pistol. Now I don't mean jet-washing your moggy out of the door. I've yet to meet one cat that likes even a small amount of water being sprayed onto them. Just a quick squirt and they'll be off and, very soon, won't keep coming back expecting anything else. And better still, you can apply these techniques to just about any 'bad' behaviour your cats exhibit.
I hope this advice helps some of you out there to enjoy a more 'co-operative' relationship with your cats.

Best Wishes, Dave

Cat Training and Kitten Training - Please Don't Do This by Dave Cocker

How To Care For Your Dog's Teeth

Canine Dentition - How To Care For Your Dog's Teeth

Dental problems can develop from puppyhood and it is your responsibility to help him maintain a proper dental regime. This will help your dog retain his teeth as he advances into old age. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for your dog's health.
As your puppy matures, the 28 deciduous teeth which erupt at around three to four weeks might not make way for the usual 42 permanent teeth which come through when your dog is about six to eight months old. Impacted teeth can cause pain to your dog. Overcrowding of the dog's gums make eating very difficult and your vet may need to extract the retained deciduous teeth under anaesthesic.
Tartar is another common problem to be on the look out for. Your dog is likely to start developing tartar on his teeth from the age of two or earlier. Tartar reacts with the saliva and forms plaque which adheres to the teeth and slowly pushes the gums back to expose more of the teeth. Unless this is dealt with, he is likely to develop gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease and symptoms include redness along the gumline. Gingivitis causes gums to bleed when your dog is eating as pressure is applied to the gums. Your vet will remove the plaque, otherwise the condition will worsen. With plaque left untreated, erosion of the jawbone could occur, resulting in loss of teeth over time. Your dog will also have halitosis, or bad breath, a sure sign that he needs mouth and dental care.
There are two ways of dealing with the plaque on his teeth: treatment and prevention. Your vet can give him a tooth cleaning procedure while your dog is under an anaesthetic, or you can help prevent the build up of plaque by getting your dog accustomed to having his teeth brushed regularly at home. Your vet will advise you on the most suitable brush and paste. You can opt to use a finger brush which gives more control when cleaning your dog's teeth. If you can get your dog used to you exploring his mouth from a very early age, you will have a much better chance of keeping his teeth clean and healthy for as long as possible. Your vet may also suggest dental biscuits as occasional treats which will have a slight abrasive action and help to keep the teeth clean.

One common problem is developing cracks or fractures in the teeth, a result of biting on very hard objects. This causes your dog a great deal of pain as the nerves are exposed. In addition, cracks will provide a direct route for infection which can lead to an abscess. Serious infections can contaminate the bloodstream and this can result in conditions such as heart or kidney disease in your dog.
Abscesses and ulcers can also be caused by misaligned dentition or a chipped or worn tooth rubbing against the soft flesh inside the mouth. Jaw and tooth misalignments are most commonly seen in overbred dogs, but occasionally appear in young dogs which have been pulling hard on sticks or other toys in play. Regular visits to your vet will ensure that such problems are checked and cause your dog as little discomfort as possible.


Canine Dentition - How To Care For Your Dog's Teeth by Moses Wright

Getting To Know Your Bulldog

Getting To Know Your Bulldog

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance, personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to know about the Bulldog:
Originating in England, the Bulldog has an unmistakable face. Although the Bulldog is often called other things to include the British Bulldog or English Bulldog, they are all the same breed. This particular breed can be dated back to around the early 16th century. By the 17th century, this breed was used as bull bait, a barbaric form of death through suffocation for the bull. Because of its brutality, this use of the Bulldog was outlawed in 1835. The result of this ban was a large reduction in the number of Bulldogs people owned.
Today, the Bulldog is a great family pet, gentle, yet very protective. If you want a dog that is easy to care for, one great with kids, and one with an excellent personality, the Bulldog should be a consideration. With a frowning face and powerful looking body, this particular breed is often overlooked, which is a real shame because it makes an excellent family pet.
Physical Appearance
Even though the Bulldog is more on the small side, it is very stocky with a powerful and proud stance. For instance, an adult dog could weigh between 40 and 50 pounds with a height between 12 and 14 inches. Because the body is short and compact, it waddles when it walks. The muzzle is extremely short with saggy skin on the face. All Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat but colors vary.
Temperament and Personality

Unfortunately, the Bulldog has been wrongly labeled over the years as being a ferocious beast but in truth, this breed is amazing gentle with adults and children. In most cases, the Bulldog gets along well with other animals but early socialization is recommended. Sometimes, you may see a little bit of stubbornness and protectiveness out of your dog but at heart, the Bulldog love to play and is rather friendly.
Health
Due to the flat face and short muzzle, the Bulldog is prone to breathing problems, particularly during hot weather. Some dogs have trouble with the palate, which can collapse, cutting off a good air supply. The good news is that if your dog should experience this problem, it can be fixed with minor surgery. While a collapsed palate is not a physical emergency, if not corrected, you would notice loud breathing and snoring.
Another important factor associated with owning a Bulldog is that because of the body structure, it cannot swim well. Therefore, if you have a swimming pool or live near a pond or lake, you want to take extreme care. Keep in mind that this breed has a large head in proportion to the body. For this reason, giving birth is difficult, which is usually why puppies will be delivered via Cesarean section. Finally, Bulldogs can also experience cataracts, cherry eye, allergies, and problems with the joints, specifically the hips.

Getting To Know Your Bulldog by Dan Stevens

Getting To Know Your Pomeranian

Getting To Know Your Pomeranian

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance, personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to know about the Pomeranian:
One of the most fascinating aspects of this breed is that in its much earlier and larger incarnations it was used in Lapland and Iceland for pulling sleds. Eventually, the Pomeranian moved on to other regions along the Baltic Sea. At this particular time, the breed was still used as a working dog but then it started to increase in popularity as a family pet. The name given to this dog, which was originally Pommern or Pomore, means "on the sea."
The Pomeranian was introduced into English nobility. While somewhat popular, it became even more so after Queen Charlotte's granddaughter, Queen Victoria, returned from Italy with her new furry friend. Although the appearance was much the same, the earlier varieties of the Pomeranian were actually larger than what we see today.
This dog belongs to the Spitz family, which includes other breeds such as the Samoyed, Schipperke, and even Norwegian Elkhound, which surprises many people as they are all considered "toy" breeds due to the small size. Over time, breeders were able to fine-tune the Pomeranian, which led to a much better coat and smaller size. In addition, breeding experimentation provided a greater selection of color while not interfering with the breed's strong but sweet temperament.
Physical Appearance

Following the American Kennel Club's standards for the Pomeranian, the average weight is between 3 and 7 pounds and height is 8 to 11 inches. The appearance of the breed is quite distinct, having a wedge-shaped head. The result of the small body and head is a look very similar to that of a fox. In addition, the Pomeranian has small and high set ears and a tail that curls over the back while being held tall.
Although all of these characteristics make the Pomeranian the cute dog it is, the coat is without doubt its pride. In fact, this dog has two coats. The first is the soft, thick, and fluffy undercoat while the second is the straight and course overcoat. Every year, the male dog will shed the undercoat, as the female goes into heat, once a litter is delivered, and if experiencing too much stress.
As mentioned, breeding has resulted in a wide range of colors and color combinations - 13 in all. These options for the Pomeranian include:
Black Black and Tan Blue Blue and Tan Chocolate Chocolate and Tan Cream Cream Sable Orange Orange Sable Parti-color (typically white with other colors) Red Red Sable Sable
In addition to the standard 13 colors for the Pomeranian, the American Kennel Club also recognizes the following:
Beaver Brindle Chocolate Sable White Wolf Sable
For the Pomeranian to fall within the standards set by the American Kennel Club, the dog should be well proportioned. This means the dainty head cannot be too large or small, but must balance well with the body type. Additionally, the Pomeranian's legs must be proportionate. In fact, even the breed's expression is to display alertness, intelligence, and pride.
Temperament and Personality
Like the Chihuahua, the Pomeranian does not realize it is a small dog. With a serious bark (or yelp as some may say), the dog is actually a great watchdog. This breed loves its family, enjoying good, quality cuddle time. However, it is also an energetic and agile dog that is relatively easy to train.
Because of the small body size, the Pomeranian makes a great pet for people without a yard or those with a small yard. However, because this breed also enjoys exercise, it makes a great pet for those who like spending time outdoors. In other words, the Pomeranian is a versatile dog - perfect for many types of families.
Health
Fortunately, the Pomeranian breed tends to be healthy but like most other dogs, there are a few possible health risks. With good care, a dog of this breed could easily live to be 14, 15, 16, or older. Some of the more common concerns with the Pomeranian include a Luxating Patella, dry eye, cataracts, and skin ailments.
Health risks that are not quite as common would be epilepsy, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, and hydrocephalus. Then on rare occasion, you might find a dog in this category dealing with Hip Dysplasia and Legg-Calve Perthes, a degenerative disease of the hip joint. Of all possible health risks associated with a Pomeranian, a collapsed trachea, or heart disease known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus are the most serious.
It is also important to keep this breed of dog well groomed. Otherwise, the undercoat can become tangled, pulling on the skin and causing blood circulation problems. Typically, brushing the coat two to three times a week is sufficient. Since this breed of dog is also prone to dental problems, most veterinarians recommend brushing, along with regularly scheduled cleaning, which would be done professionally and under anesthesia.

Getting To Know Your Pomeranian by Dan Stevens

Getting To Know The Rottweiler

Getting To Know The Rottweiler by Dan Stevens


Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance, personality, and health requirements. Here's what you need to know about the Rottweiler:
The Rottweiler dog, often referred to as a "Rottie," is an amazing creature that has been given a bad name over the years due to it getting into the wrong hands. This large dog is indeed powerful and robust but also sweet and eager to please. The Rottweiler originated from Germany although it has also been linked to Roman Empire days as well. With people traveling long distances with cattle, this breed of dog was helpful with herding duties, along with protection from prey or robbers.
Sometime around the end of the 19th century, the Rottweiler's popularity had dramatically declined. However, with the start of WWII, this breed's popularity level again began to climb, as the need for a strong, obedient, and intelligent dog was needed for police work. The Rottweiler fit the need perfectly. But something else happened. People also discovered that this breed of dog had an extremely loving and loyal side, which now made them a popular choice for families. By 1935, the American Kennel Club had official recognized the breed for show.
Sadly, we still see bad publicity associated with this breed of dog - not because the breed is ferocious or evil but because irresponsible owners get their hands on the breed, sometimes teaching them to fight. All of this has caused a serious misunderstanding about the Rottweiler, which is a real shame. The truth is that while this breed does tend to be protective, if the dog is socialized young, handled with a firm hand, and introduced to various situations it will make a wonderful, devoted pet that is great with children and other animals.
Physical Appearance

This breed of dog looks strong, proud, and almost like royalty. The Rottweiler is black with beautiful tan markings on the muzzle, cheeks, chest, eyebrows, and legs. When you look closely at the chest markings, you would notice upside-down triangles. Sometimes, a Rottweiler will also have a small patch of white in between these triangles. For a family pet, this marking is fine but for showing, it is not. Then, the breed's muzzle would be tan, with the color going down the throat. Over each eye, there would be a brown dot, which serves as the eyebrows. Other markings include any color on the leg not going up more than one-third, each toe should have a small black mark, and the area under the tail would be tan.
The Rottweiler also has black nails and there are even black splotches on the inside of the mouth. The one most prominent feature of this breed is the head, which appears to be a little over-sized. Giving the dog its look of being alert, the forehead is wrinkly. This dog also has teddy bear eyes, often with a calm but alert expression. In comparison to the head, the Rottweiler has small ears, laid close to the head. Even the coat of this breed is special, being of medium length with an undercoat that is waterproof.
Although a Rottweiler is born with a tail, these are generally docked extremely short. The reason is that Rottweilers used for working can have problems with the tail breaking and then getting infected from being in the field. In most cases, a reputable veterinarian will perform the minor surgery while the dog is still in the puppy stage, which allows less pain and a quicker healing.
Finally, this particular breed has a broad, strong chest. Because of the extra room, the lungs have much more capacity than that of other dog breeds. According to the American Kennel Club, the dog's back needs to be straight (no sloping) and for males, a height of 24 to 27 inches with the female hitting about 22 to 25 inches. Weight also varies, males averaging around 110 pounds with females around 95.
Temperament and Personality
If a Rottweiler is socialized when young, introduced to various situations, loved, played with, fed properly, exercised, and trained, it would make an outstanding addition to just about any home. However, because there are strong personality traits, people have taken an innocent dog, teaching them to guard drug houses, and even attack people.
Yes, the Rottweiler can be a little stubborn sometimes, even those carefully raised but overall, this dog is calm and they live off the attention of owners. The size and strength of the breed makes them a great watchdog. Even though this dog does not bark often, when feeling threatened or afraid, the powerful voice is heard. Keep in mind that this is a strong breed so you want the Rottweiler to be handled by an experienced dog owner.
Health
Fortunately, the Rottweiler does not have too many health problems. The things you want to keep your eyes open for or even have the puppy of interest tested for would include Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia, Bloat, various forms of cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disorder, Von Willebrand's Disease, thyroid problems such as Hypothyroidism, and eye problems. Also keep an eye on their weight.

Getting To Know The Rottweiler by Dan Stevens

Dog Obedience Training Tip

Dog Obedience Training Tip


If you are interested in finding a dog obedience training tip then it is more than likely that you have a dog that is not behaving very well, this is a common practise, please do not feel as though you are "strange" or "unsocial" simply because of the fact that you have a disobedient dog, too many people see there dog as a respresentation of them and there care taking skills but this is definitely not the case.
Ok, if I had to give you just one tip that I thought was THE most important dog obedience training tip then it would probably have to be:
*Understand the you are the boss and your dog is not - When you understand this you will find that it is much easier to make your dog obey you and give yourself the inspiration and push to get it done.
That's it, if there is one thing you should realise right now it is that you are in charge of your dog, they are not in charge of you. Now, I know you may be thinking to yourself that you are your dog's friend and companion and you don't want to be a "boss" of him, well, you can be both, you can be your dog's friend as well as the boss.
You see, when a dog becomes it's own boss then it will think that anything is ok, whether it be running all over furniture, chewing things up or whatever else it does but when it is trained not to do these things and it understands that these things are wrong then it will not do them, therefore by you taking charge and setting the rules you are actually creating a better lifestyle for both you and your dog.


A dog can be a friend but it can also be an enemy, what I mean by that is that it can cause so many problems and such horrible, unwanted stress that it just becomes a chore to have it around and instead of being a friendly little companion it is something that does nothing but causes trouble.
You will find that all fo the stresses you may be feeling at the minute will simply dissappear when you know how to take charge and train your dog to be obedient, obviously there is a lot more to the whole thing than just the one tip I gave you above but it is something you should definitely realise, when you realise that, you will have the ability to take action and move on to the next step - Find out exactly how to train your dog.



Dog Obedience Training Tip by Philip S.