The Modern Bark | Dog Training Tips

Once puppy teething starts, it seems as though some object must constantly be in the puppy’s mouth. And if it’s not, your window sill, stair risers, or your shoes and socks will make equally delicious teething objects.  Save yourself some heartbreak and expense by starting your puppy off right with these durable and safe teething toys.  At all costs, avoid cute puppy toys that look like objects you don’t want chewed up; rubber squeaky shoes and cell phones are toys that teach your puppy to destroy valuable objects. Keep in mind that many of these toys are made for small, soft deciduous puppy teeth.  Some of these chew toys are not appropriate for a heavy chewer’s adult teeth. Watch for wear patterns on them, and remove or discard toys if look like they are getting worn to a point where they are likely to break or rupture. Note: We recently updated this article with the latest natural chew toy that is making in-the-know puppy owner's puppies content the world over.

Great Dane and Chihuahua Skeletons Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons While Osteosarcoma represents just 5% of all canine tumors, it is estimated that between 6000 and 8000 new cases will be diagnosed this year in the United States. As the most common type of bone cancer in dogs, Osteosarcoma accounts for approximately 85% of canine tumors that originate in the skeletal system. This is an aggressive cancer where malignant tumors develop deep within the bone; from there they destroy healthy bone and remodel it with tumorous bone from the inside out.  The tumerous bone becomes increasingly painful and is not as strong as healthy bone, potentially causing the bone to break easily with minor injury. Risk Factors Associated With Development of Osteosarcoma In Dogs Osteosarcoma is generally a disease of large breed dogs, and although any size dog may develop the disease, it is estimated that large breeds such as the Scottish Deerhound are 200 times more likely to develop the disease

According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent an estimated $52 billion dollars on their pets in 2012, with an estimated $19 billion of that being spent of pet food.  Clearly Americans love their pets, and as pet food recalls have heightened pet owners’ concerns about pet food safety and nutrition, many “Premium” foods have entered the market, competing for those dollars.  With the typical pet super market containing 6-8 aisles of dog food and 4-5 aisles of cat food, how is the health conscious pet owner to decipher the labels and choose the best food for their pet with a reasonable price tag? The Cover Story: Food, Recipes and Flavors – What’s in The Bag? The FDA and the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) have regulated guidelines for how pet foods products may be labeled and marketed.  Many so called premium dog foods have found creative marketing tactics for dodging these regulations while luring consumers with promises of holistic

As with humans, healthy canine immune systems begin in the gut. Unfortunately, canine digestive issues are the second most common health issue, with skin disorders being the most common cause for a trip to the vet.Whether your pet is experiencing temporary digestive upset or you suspect a food allergy, these resources can help bring your pet relief from diarrhea, gas and bloating, skin allergies as well as yeasty ear infections. Resources For Dogs With Runs or Constipation What to Do If Your Dog Can't Poop? The causes and cures for chronic or temporary canine constipation. 5 Home remedies that quickly clear up irritable bowel symptoms.  The 5 Best Probiotics for Dogs with Diarrhea and Allergies Reviewed Probiotic supplements bring healthy bacteria to the intestinal tract to absorb nutrients and remove toxins from the system.  Discover which brands offer the best relief for either occasional stomach upset or ongoing digestive disorders. What to Feed

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dimas_sc/3100685891/ A few breeders and I occasionally have a chuckle over the fact that pet buyers seem to be more concerned with knowing hip scores than are most other breeders.  Perhaps the other breeders have already done their homework on the OFA database or our websites; it certainly appears that the puppy buyers have done their homework regarding finding a reputable breeder. Good for them; that’s the kind of home I like my puppies to go to. Canine Hip Dysplasia is a physically debilitating disorder that is both emotionally and financial draining for dog owners.  With no cure other than pain management or hip replacement surgery, diagnosis of hip dysplasia is the breeder’s as well as the pet owner’s heartbreak.  Stocky breeds such as the Bulldog and those weighing over 60 pounds such as the St. Bernard experience hip dysplasia rates of up to 72% and 46% respectively.  It is estimated by Cornell University that 22% of canine hospitalizati