A Guide to Pets in Kansas City

Pet Ramps and Steps

2009-07-13T16:49:00.003-06:00

In America alone, do you know how many households have dogs? About sixty three percent. If you think about it, that equals to about seventy million households!

Yes, there is no denying that dogs are our best friends. They constantly crave attention from their family and they enjoy being in the spotlight. Your cute little dog may be a young one now, but that does not mean you should not look into dog ramps and steps. What are we talking about? Let us continue further to tell you some information.

No matter what breed of dog you have, or how young he is, he is not impervious to joint or spinal injuries that can be cause from jumping to and from furniture and other objects. Of course some breeds are especially susceptible to injury from jumping, such as Pomeranians, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and other breeds that have short legs, fragile bones, or long spines.

The ramps and stairs are "cushy" and will help keep joint impact to a minimum, as there is no longer a need to jump. This accessory will also reduce the chance of your doggy developing laziness as an alternative to painful jumping. We know you care about your pet friend and there are many benefits to reap from using pet stairs. Where can you go wrong? It prevents injuries, promotes healing and reduces jumping. They are also washable, so they are not something you have to keep replacing.

There are many stylish dog ramps and steps out there. If you have a breed, such as a Rottweiler or a Pit bull that is more prone to hip dysplasia, then this should be a must have in your home. Apart from hip dysplasia, it will also help those dogs that are prone to spinal and join problems, arthritis, bone wobblers syndrome, bone defects, osteopathy, bone tumors, diabetes, cancer and many other health issues. Vets know what is best for your furry friend, which is why they recommend the steps and ramps for that furry friend. by Bella Holly

About the Author:
The use of pet stairs can be an invaluable contribution to your pet's health.

There Is Nothing Wrong With Celebrating Your Pet's Birthday

2009-06-15T09:48:00.001-06:00

Have you ever heard someone say pets are people too? That's what you'll hear from crazy pet fanatics like me. People like me are the ones that dress their pet up in outfits. We also let them eat off of supper plates just like any guest would in our house. To people like me, pets are permanent family members. We are just as interested in their health and well being as we are about our real kids. We fret about them and take great enjoyment in their individual quirks.

Do you know any couples who never had kids of their own? There are lots of American men and women who have never had any kids of their own. Some people just aren't capable of conceiving for one reason or another. Some people have chosen to be bachelors or otherwise single. Sometimes single adults find themselves longing for the gratification of raising a child. If having an actual baby isn't an option for whatever reason, some of these decent people may choose to substitute a pet as if it were their actual kid.

Can you really blame these good people for wanting that kind of extra special affection in their life? Cats and dogs are so lovable that one can easily see how they fill the roll. Some of you probably have friends or relatives that treat their pet like it was another one of their own kids. Doing that is just their way of filling that need.

So, if the pet is going to be a regular member of the family, why not have a birthday party for it on its birthday? Just do what you would do for any other child. You can make her a special pet treat style cake. Put a candle in it and help her blow it out. Sing the birthday song to her just like you would a child. Then when you're done, go ahead and let her rip open her presents. If it is a kitty, you should wrap some kind of catnip filled object in loose wrapping paper so she will be able to tear it open like a kid.

Don't forget to record the special moment so you can display it online. Look at how many other animal lovers have posted videos of their cats and dogs online there. There are some really good ones with kittens on there. If you don't believe me take a look for yourself.

Even though you don't have any actual children at home, or even if you do, it doesn't mean you cannot celebrate your cat's special day. Shop for some new kinds of toys for your little furry friend and enjoy the day just as you would with a regular kid. by Tammy Pilfinger

About the Author:

If you're in the market for new litter boxes for your house pets, you can find the best deals on them at Discount Litter Boxes. Find all kinds of great deals on cat supplies.

How To Stop Your Dog From Barking

2009-06-12T09:05:00.002-06:00

It doesn't matter how big your dogs bark is or how old your dog is because no matter what you will see that you must get your dogs bark under control. It is an instinct for a dog to bark, but there are ways that you can get it under control and stop annoying bark behavior.

When you want to make sure that your dog stops barking, there are a number of different things that you should keep in mind. Remember, if one method doesn't work, there are going to be other things to try. Just be persistent!

The first thing you should do is figure out why your dog is barking. There is always a reason for a dog to bark, but not all the reasons may seem obvious. One of the most useful reasons for barking and the most obvious is to alert you to something.

Many dogs,but especially puppies, will bark for attention, while some dogs will also bark if they are startled. The kind of barking that many people deal with is bored or lonely barking, where your dog feels that he is alone and needs company. When a dog is bored, for example, he or she might bark because they need an outlet for their energy.

It is helpful to understand what kind of barker your dog is. Think about their habits. Has your dog always been a barker? In an older dog there may be more to think about. Do keep in mind that it is not impossible to retrain an old dog and stop his barking. It just takes commitment.

It is easy to use shouting to stop the barking, but this is not a good solution. You will just confuse the dog. He may see it as a game or even be afraid which can lead to more barking. A better idea is to choose a simple word to use as a command. Something like enough or quiet can be good choices. Everyone in the family should use the word to stop barking. You can also spritz the dog with water which may help him to associate barking with an unpleasant experience which can stop it.

Are you spending enough time with your dog? When your dog barks, make sure that you have enough time to spend with him. Don't call him when he is barking, go out to him. Dogs who are happy and secure in their family environment are much less inclined to bark and you'll soon realize that if you can make sure that your dog gets routine interaction with you and your family, he will be much more content. Remember that your dog is a pack animal, and that pack animals tend to be fairly unnerved when they are on their own. It does not feel natural to them, and it makes sense that they would be nervous.

If you are stumped by your dog's barking, speak with your veterinarian or another animal care specialist. This can offer you some insight that you did not have before. It is possible to train your dog off of barking, so don't give up. by Simone Fitzgerald

How Do I Stop My Dog From Barking

2009-06-11T12:06:00.002-06:00

Nobody wants their dog to bark when it is not the right timing to do so. If your dog is barking because it is already late and some strangers are behaving suspiciously, then it is probably alright for your dog to bark. However, you do not want your dog to be constantly barking for no valid reasons. This is only going to irritate you. If you are a dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you train your dog not to bark at the inappropriate moment.

Barking is one of the most common complaints that dog owners have, but you should know that there are many great ways for you to stop dog from barking.

Practice Leaving Home

One of the main reasons that people have to stop dog from barking is because the dog will bark constantly whenever they leave the home. If this is true in your case, then you are going to want to practice leaving the home. Say goodbye to the dog but make sure that you do not make it a huge dramatic event.

By doing that, you are actually giving your dog a reason to bark. So, all you should do is simply to give your dog a quick kiss and waving goodbye before you begin leaving. To stop your dog from barking, here is what you should do. Pretend to leave the house. Once you are standing outside your front door, see what happens. If your dog start to bark, then wait for about 1 minute. Then, you can open the door and tell them no in a very stern manner.

Give Them Something to Play With While You Are Gone

If you want to stop dog from barking, make sure that you give them something while you are gone. Whether it is a bone or play toy, as long as they have something that they can play with while you are gone, they are much less likely to get bored and to start barking.

These 2 tips are both great if you dog has problems with barking. However, there are still other methods you can use as well in order to deal with dog barking problems. Some dogs might be easier to train and will stop barking early on in the training. Some dogs are more trick to deal with and more time will be needed. Just ensure that you remain patient and be stern with them so that they know you are serious. This is because you need to show them that you are in charge. by Andyl Hannerl

The Correct Way to Stop a Dog from Digging

2009-06-10T14:08:00.001-06:00

Having a dog can be so much fun. Dog owners love watching their dogs play with their chew toys and enjoy playing fetch with them. However, dogs can do some annoying things and one of those things is digging holes all over your yard. This irritating habit has driven many people insane. If you are looking for a solution to this problem, you should be patient because it may take several weeks before you will get the answers you need to learn how to stop a dog from digging.

Some owners will have a relatively easy time getting their dog to stop digging. While others will never quite find the appropriate solution to the problem no matter how hard they look. If you fit the later category, then you should read the rest of this article because it will give you some simple tips that you can use right now to try to get your canine to stop digging.

One of the last things that you want to see around your lawn are random holes. If you want to prevent this from happening, you should begin by figuring out why your dog is digging in the first place. A very common reason why a dog will begin digging is because he is simply bored. You can prevent boredom from occurring by just spending time with him each day. Talking to your dog or playing with him can help prevent the onset of boredom. You can also try brushing or petting him if talking and playing fails.

Some cases of dog digging can also result from the scents coming from your yard. These scents are used by dogs to interact with the surrounding area. Your canine might dig holes in your flower bed or vegetable garden in order to find out a little bit more about these scents.

If you place a sprinkler in your yard, you might be able to stop random holes from showing up in these areas. Just turn on the sprinkler whenever you see your dog digging in an area that you do not want him digging in and the water should have him running scared. He will eventually give up digging in this area if you shower him with water for a long enough time.

If your canine has a digging problem, do not be surprised if you find holes under your fence. It is very common for canine owners to find holes dug under the fence. There are good reasons why your dog wants to dig under the fence.

The first reason for digging under your fence may be due to your dog's desire to get some exercise. Your canine may want to do whatever it takes to get on the other side of the fence so that he can just go out for a walk. The second reason is because your dog may find something such as another dog or a smell on the other side of the fence really appealing and will dig a hole to escape and find out more about the thing that is piquing his curiosity.

If you are worried about all of the holes under your fence, you should stop worrying because there are some different methods that can fix this problem. One method you can try is walking your canine around the neighborhood everyday. This method is the easiest and most affordable one. You will give your canine the chance to satisfy his curiosity about a smell or another dog if you let him explore the community.

All canines would benefit from a little bit of exercise. So you should actually walk him everyday even if he did not have the digging problem. The walking will not only provide the necessary daily exercise for your canine but it will also give you some alone time with your canine which should improve your relationship.

You can also try pouring some concrete at the base of the fence if walking your dog does not provide you with a solution. Your canine will have great difficulty trying to dig through a concrete barrier once it dries. Once your dog figures out that it is futile and in order to spare his nails, he should eventually stop trying to dig through the concrete.

Many frustrated owners of canines ask the question, "How to stop a dog from digging?" This article has provided you a number of ways to prevent your dog from digging holes all over your yard. Unfortunately, some people may need more help than this article can provide. In that case, these people could download an ebook, purchase a hardcover or paperback book, or send their canine to obedience training if additional help is needed. Luckily, dog owners have many options available to them. However, it will be up to the dog owner to spend the necessary time to determine the correct solution to his problem. by John J. Wilson

5 Phases to Crate Train for Dog Behavior Modification

2009-06-02T10:47:00.003-06:00

Crate training a pet is inherent for dog behavior modification ...So, you must first appreciate the function of the crate. The purpose of the crate IS NOT for discipline. If you suitably crate train a pet, he will feel it as his "sanctuary" and will be happy to spend time there when required.

The first thing you want to do when you crate train a dog is put the crate in a location of your home where the family passes a great deal of time, like the family room. Make sure you put a cozy blanket in the crate.
Next, guide your canine near the crate and talk to him in a joyful manner of voice. Be sure the entry to the crate is wide open. For dog behavior modification, motivate your canine to go in the crate with food snacks around it and right inside the crate (close to the door) and lastly all the way inside the crate. Don't muscle your canine inside the crate. If he doesn't prefer to go...it is alright. Continue to toss treats inside the crate until the canine steps peacefully completely in to the crate to get the treats. If food doesn't do the job, try employing a favorite toy. Employ your body to close the entry, after your canine goes in the crate.
Repeat number 2, instead of obstructing the door with your body, fasten the door to the crate.
Fix a appetizing chew toy (by filling it with peanut butter or cream cheese), escort your pet into the crate. While he is in the crate, supply him the chew toy and shut the door. While your pet is absorbed in chewing, get up and ramble around the house, occasionally going outside. Release your pet from the crate before he finishes chewing (or before he wakes if he's been dozing off) but just if he is unexcited.
Applaud your pet once he is in the crate, but don't applaud him as he is coming out of his crate. This teaches him that being in the crate is favorable and pleasant, while coming out is neutral. Also, don't make a huge display while showing him in or fetching him out, thus he will identify it as no huge deal.

Dog behavior modification originates with you, the loyal pet owner. Crate training is just one phase of many to keep your dog happy and healthy.

by M.B.Bryce

Kansas City Animal Shelter to be Privatized by Local Veterinarian

2009-02-06T09:48:00.004-06:00

About 5000 animals each year are killed in Kansas City's animal shelters. These cats and dogs spend their last days lonely and in cages.

If animal shelters become more privatized by area veterinarians these cats and dogs have a higher rate of survival.

Read more about the Kansas City animal shelter and rescue.

Pets Live Here

2008-10-15T11:18:00.003-06:00

My dogs live here, they're here to stay.
You don't like pets, be on your way.
They share my home, my food, my space
This is their home, this is their place.

You will find dog hair on the floor,
They will alert you're at the door.
They may request a little pat,
A simple 'no' will settle that.

It gripes me when I hear you say
'just how is it you live this way?
They smell, they shed, they're in the way..'
WHO ASKED YOU? Is all I can say..

They love me more than anyone,
My voice is like the rising sun,
They merely have to hear me say
'C'mon , time to go and play'.

Then tails wag and faces grin,
They bounce and hop and make a din.
They never say 'no time for you',
They're always there, to GO and DO.

And if I'm sad? They're by my side
And if I'm mad? They circle wide
And if I laugh, they laugh with me
They understand, they always see.

So once again, I say to you
Come visit me, but know this too..

My dogs live here, they're here to stay.
You don't like pets, be on your way.
They share my home, my food, my space
This is their home, this is their place..

- Author Unknown

Missing Schnauzer in the Pleasant Hill Area

2007-04-28T13:07:00.001-06:00

Last night we found out that we have a missing black with grey Schnauzer in the Pleasant Hill, MO / East Lynne, MO area. These are extended family member pet owners. Luckily, their other dog, a Polmeranian was not so far away that she was able to here them yelling for her. She is very sad and misses him very much.

He has a red dog collar with a Rabies Shot tag on him. The tag has his veterinarian's office on it.

There will be flyers and signs posted in that area for further contact information.

If you have any information please post here or email me over at KC Pet Guides, as he is very missed!

Once I can get a picture I will post it here.

Death of a Family Pet

2007-04-26T21:42:00.001-06:00

Losing a family pet is not the easiest thing in the world as everyone knows. Yesterday we lost our family pet. He was a full blooded Scottish Terrier. All though my parents found out that he had cancer about two months ago it still was not easy to hear that he finally let go of his fight.

I have decided to start a section for pet memories. I will try to get it up as soon as I can on KC Pet Guides.

If you have any suggestions that you would like to see please let me know here on my blog or email me from the website.

Avoid Puppy Obesity

2007-02-25T18:50:00.000-06:00

This pet food calculator will help you know if your dog or puppy is getting the right amount of food. The calculator will help you and your dog avoid puppy obesity.

More Information and a Calculator.