There are two varieties of Norwegian Elkhounds, one is black and the other is a soft gray.  For the gray type the height is about 20 inches from the shoulder for males and about 19 inches for females.  And for the black type 18 inches for males and females.  They both weigh in at around 44 pounds.

They have a short compact body with a moderate length muzzle with strong jaws.  They have dark brown eyes that express a friendly demeanor. Pointed mobile ears with a tail that’s rolled back onto the back.  The hair is thick and very coarse with a fine undercoat for protection.

This breed is specialized in hunting elk, hence the title for this dog, which can scent from a distance of several miles.  It is also highly prized as a sled dog and in case of war the Norwegian Defense Minister has the power to mobilize all privately owned elkhounds to service.

This breed loves the hunt and vast unconfined areas, but due to its outstanding character and it adaptability, it can be a perfect companion dog, especially with children.

Please consider this breed for a life long friend and pet.

By Jasmine Beaupre, author

CPR.

This is a CRITICAL First Aid Technique that ALL Pet Owners should know.

There likely WON’T be time to get to your Veterinarian- you must ACT fast.

And the MOST common pet ‘accident’ that causes you to use Pet CPR?

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CHOKING.
——————

It can happen very quickly- I have seen it several times when dogs catch a ball the WRONG way, or when cats eat something a little too big for their throat.

The Airway becomes OBSTRUCTED.

They lose the ability to breath.

And then you MUST do the FIRST and MOST important step in CPR- Establish a Patent Airway.

You may even have to do the HEIMLICH on your dog or cat.

It sounds complex, but it’s actually very easy once you see HOW.

To SEE *exactly* what to do IF your pet ever chokes, watch my video here:

Free Video Here.

P.S. Hopefully you will NEVER have to use these techniques with your pets- BUT the point of First Aid is to be prepared. There often really isn’t time to get to your Veterinarian. AND take especial notice
of HOW to perform the Heimlich- It WORKS if you are to do it as I show you.

The link again:

Free Video Here.

the Harlekinpinscher is  sturdy dog with a lean muscular and toned body around 12 to 14 inches (30-40 cm) high. Weighing in at approximately 22 to 26 pounds (10 to 12 kg)its demeanor is that of a playful puppy even into its golden years. Not temperamental in any form and loves children.

It has a moderately elongated head well fused with its skull and muzzle with a black colored nose.

Prognathism – the condition of having a projected jaw, and enognathism – a minor medical condition are the defects most common with this breed.  For these reasons best suited for indoor living.

The eyes are dark in harmony with the color of the coat.  The ears are small and carried upright with the points sometimes folded down. The tail is usually docked and carried slightly upright.  Hair is short, flat, and tight to the skin.

The background color is gray or white with black or very dark markings that justify naming this dog breed “Harlequin”.

Because of its unusual coat and the dignity of its carriage outstanding temperament this regal breed is an ideal companion dog.

By Jasmine Beaupre, author

We have a nation of CHRONICALLY ill dogs and cats-they are getting more serious diseases at younger and younger ages.

YOUR pet has a 50% chance of getting Cancer at some point in his or her lifetime.

I am seeing MORE animals with serious diseases, such as Bone and Lymph cancer, Auto-immune disease, Chronic Allergies, Chronic Vomiting/ Diarrhea, Degenerative Arthritis, and Recurrent Urinary Tract Disease -

I am seeing ALL of this at younger and younger ages.

CLEARLY we are doing some things WRONG.

———————————-
Free Special Report and Video
———————————-

I just finished a NEW video called the “What Usually Happens Video”.

You can see it here:

Watch This Video For More Information

I SHOW you exactly What usually happens IF you have a sick or injured pet.

YOU go to the Vet.

YOU get some type of INJECTION, such as a VACCINE.

YOUR Vet then sends you home with some type of PILL.

In some case they want to do TESTS – such as X-RAYS- and you can see me doing this in the video (check out the glasses )

IN other cases your dog or cat may end up in surgery (you can see me doing this as well).

———————————
The TRUTH Report
———————————

My NEW Fr*ee Report will show you:

HOW to Reduce your Veterinary Fees,and AVOID being overcharged.

Which VACCINES to give, PLUS the homeopathics to give after vaccines to minimize reactions.

Alternatives to TOXIC conventional PILLS, such as Acupressure instead of the vomiting/diarrhea – kidney failure side effects of anti-inflammatories.

Specific SAFE, NATURAL and EFFECTIVE at home remedies for Allergies, Arthritis, Cancer, Vomiting and Urinary Infections.

You can grab your copy here:

Watch This Video For More Information

Heal Your Pet at home!

Dr Andrew Jones

P.S. Here is what one happy client said:

“Thanks DR. Jones & Michael! I appreciate this book! It’s VERY HELPFUL when it comes time for the Vet Trip!!! The money Saved will MORE THAN cover the cost of the Visit…EASY!!!”

Your Kentucky Friends,
Lester & Buddy!

The Report and Video is here:

Watch This Video For More InformationYou now can You now can

Any dog that exclusively consumes commercial dog food is at a noticeably greater risk of dying prematurely according to many renowned Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and published Dog Care Experts. And by the time symptoms are noticeable, it’s often too late to avert a distressing death apart from a lethal injection.

In other words commercial dog food you trust may be killing your dog as the frequent disease and death of dogs from nutritionally insufficient and poison-laden commercial dog food is no secret in the world of vets and dog experts.

It’s a little known fact amongst the general public that many pet foods claimed to be preservative-free do, in fact, include preservatives, as manufacturers are not obliged to list preservatives that were not added during the production process.

Before the meat is even sent to the manufacturer many preservatives find their way into pet food at rendering plants and research has found that some pet foods that came with chemical free or all natural ingredient labels were found to contain synthetic antioxidants.

You can potentially love your dog to death with the wrong foods even though you may be paying for top range products. However, there are alternatives.

Stop using commercial dog food as your dogs only or main diet. This is the most important step you should make for your dogs well being. However, most people would find it unrealistic to never use commercial dog food ever again, but if it is essential use it cautiously for a few meals during the week.

Start feeding your dog home made food. It’s easier than you think to cook expressly for dogs with healthy, well-balanced dog food recipes. But be sure you have a good supply of recipes written particularly for dogs because they have very precise needs.

For a confirmed alternative, cheaper plan, proven recipes and a one-of-a-kind, step-by-step survival guide click here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Philips
http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-You-Killing-Your-Dog—Steps-You-Must-Follow-to-Ensure-Your-Dogs-Health&id=1264763

Watch this Video about Dog Food

Also visit:

Dogs can’t eat everything – Especially Walnuts

“Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got himself into sticky situations…”

So begins a story in the latest report from the ASPCA on foods that may be toxic to dogs. It turns out that Magoo got into the pantry and snagged himself about a pound of raisins. He ate the whole thing, of course.

The ASPCA never mentions Magoo’s fate. But they do tell us that as little as a handful of raisins can impair a dogs health and has been fatal for some. Ditto for the grape.

Who Knew?

Growing up, I regarded our family dogs as “the first cycle of the dishwasher”. They were good about waiting their turn for whatever we left on our plates, and we weren’t too concerned about offering them “people food”. It never crossed our minds that our dogs health could be affected by a few measly table scraps. What was safe for us, we figured, was safe for our pets.

What’s more, whenever I ate grapes, I liked to give one or two to our German Shepherd “Tiffany”. The grapes always popped out of her mouth when she tried to bite into them and Tiffany, ever the good sport, refused to give up until she’d squashed each one into submission. It guaranteed at least 60 seconds of harmless fun.

Tiffany was also fond of chewing gum (she chewed it — wrapper and all — but didn’t swallow it!) We had the sugarless kind, which is often sweetened these days with xylitol.

Little did I know that I might have been poisoning our family pet! (More on xylitol below).

Why are grapes harmful?

As far as grapes and raisins go, no one is sure why they’re harmful. It’s been confirmed that even grapes grown without fertilizers or pesticides can be toxic to dogs. But not to every dog, and not every time. It’s also not known whether small amounts eaten over a long time period could have a cumulative effect.

What we do know is that the end result in nearly all reported cases of grape or raisin toxicity is acute kidney failure. (The term “acute” means that the condition is severe and comes on quickly.) The dog ultimately can’t produce urine, which means they can’t filter toxins out of their systems — a process essential to life.

During the twelve-month period in which the effects of grapes were studied, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center  handled 140 cases involving one or more dogs. Over a third of the dogs developed symptoms ranging from vomiting to kidney failure, and seven dogs died. The ASPCA based their study on reported cases, so naturally there may be cases where a dogs health is entirely unaffected by eating grapes. But until they know all the facts, the Society advises against feeding pets grapes or raisins in any amount.

An ounce of prevention

So, your dog just scored himself a big box of raisins. What’s a pet owner to do?

The first line of defense, if the grapes or raisins were eaten recently, is to induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal (it absorbs toxins in the GI tract). Vomiting is also the first sign that your dog is in trouble, so skip right to the activated charcoal if vomiting has already occurred. (In a pinch you can make your own activated charcoal by charring a piece of toast until it’s blackened and crumbles easily.)  Then call your vet right away.

Can’t reach the vet? Call ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435

The vet will keep your dog on intravenous fluids for at least 48 hours and monitor blood chemistry daily. Normal blood work after 3 days usually means your dog is in the clear.

Keeping a watchful eye out, of course, is the best way to keep your pet out of trouble. Like children, dogs (and other pets) have a knack for getting into mischief when we’re not looking.

It’s Not Just the Grapes…

There are other foods your dog should be kept away from, and some of them may surprise you.

Here are some other foods that can put a dogs health in harms way:

Chocolate

Who can resist chocolate? Like it your not, your dog.
Chocolate is made with cocoa beans and cocoa beans contain a chemical called Theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. So on Valentine’s Day, you’re actually being kind to your best buddy if you eat all the chocolates yourself!
Read my special report on chocolate at http://www.great-dog-gift.com/chocolate to learn more, and see how different types of chocolate have varying effects on dogs health.

Cocoa Mulch

Cocoa bean shells are a by-product of chocolate production (which is how mulch made it into the “foods” category) and are popular as mulch for landscaping. Homeowners like the attractive color and scent, and the fact that the mulch breaks down into an organic fertilizer. However, some dogs like to eat it and it contains Theobromine.

Fatty foods

Fatty foods are hard for a dog to digest and can can overtax the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis. This can threaten your dogs health and is potentially fatal.

Nuts

Macadamia nuts should be avoided. In fact most nuts are not good for a dogs health since their high phosporus content is said to lead to bladder stones.

Mulch

Mulch isn’t food, but there’s one type tempting enough for dogs to eat. Some dogs are attracted to cocoa mulch, and will eat it in varying quantities. The coca bean shells can contain from 0.2% to 3% theobromine (the toxin ) as compaired to 1-4% in unprocessed beans.

Onions

Onions, especially raw onions, have been shown to trigger hemolytic anemia in dogs. (Stephen J Ettinger, D.V.M and Edward C. Fieldman, D.V.M. ’s book: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine vol. 2 pg 1884.) Stay away from onion powder too.

Potatoes

Potato poisonings among people and dogs are rare but have occurred. The toxin, solanine, is poorly absorbed and is only found in green sprouts (these occur in tubers exposed to sunlight) and green potato skins. This explains why incidents seldom occur. Note that cooked, mashed potatoes are fine for a dogs health, actually quite nutritious and digestible.

Artificial Sweeteners

Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, especially sugarless gum and candies. Ingesting large amounts of products sweetened with xylitol may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar in dogs, resulting depression, loss of coordination, and seizures. According to Dr. Eric K. Dunayer, a consulting veterinarian in clinical toxicology for the poison control center, “These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product” states Dr. Dunayer, “…therefore, it is important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.”

Turkey

Turkey skin is currently thought to cause acute pancreatis in dogs, partly due to it’s high fat content.

Other foods listed by the ASPCA as harmful:

Alcoholic beverages

Avocado (the only “fatty” member of the vegetable family)

Coffee (all forms of coffee)

Moldy or spoiled foods

Salt

Yeast dough

Garlic

The Bottom Line

Thanks to a more educated public, fewer fatalities from foods like chocolate are being reported these days. But it’s important to keep up with what’s currently known about foods and their effects on dogs health. Grapes and cocoa mulch, for example, were only discovered very recently to have harmful effects.
Check frequently with sources like the ASPCA, or sign up for the “Cold Noses News” and we’ll keep you informed. (You’ll also get a bunch of cool dog stuff along with your free registration).

Of course, being alert and getting your pet to the vet promptly will help assure a happy outcome if something unfortunate should happen.

Here’s to your dogs health and good nutrition!

Carolyn Schweitzer, a former family dentsit, is owner and editor of several websites, including http://www.Great-Dog-Gift.com

Visit http://www.great-dog-gift.com/foodarticle to view the full illustrated article with links to resource articles from the ASPCA such as “How to Poison Proof your Home”.

Sign up for the “Cold Noses News” at http://www.great-dog-gift.com/noses to have information like this delivered to your mailbox.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Schweitzer
http://EzineArticles.com/?Grapes,-Nuts,-and-Your-Dogs-Health—-Foods-that-Fido-should-Avoid&id=20315

I’ve had dogs in my life since I was very young, our family dogs were huge cannines, usually breeds such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Pyrenees, etc., and feeding them wasn’t really a big deal, they seemed to eat just about anything edible, processed commercial dog food and table scraps, they never had a health problem associated with their foods, and I never saw any of them vomit.

I now own a medium sized mixed shepherd breed that used to vomit regularly, not every day, but about twice a week. I was baffled, and I would take him to the vets office at least once a month, but the vet couldn’t find anything wrong with him. I got very frustrated, so I did some research of my own.

In my research I found that dogs have sensitive tummy’s too, it’s amazing to me because I’d never known a dog to have a sensitive tummy.

But I found out there are certain foods that dogs should absolutely not have because they can make your dog sick or at worst, kill your dog.

1. Chocolate is NEVER to be given, even in small amounts.

2. Grapes/raisins/currants is a big no-no,

3. Nuts (every kind especially walnuts) are also bad.

All of the above foods are only a few of the toxic foods you should never feed your dog. I won’t bore you with the scientific causes, just know not to feed it to your dog.

I’m into holistics and I was shocked to learn that nuts of any kind, especially walnuts were bad for my dog,and that’s what was making him vomit. I immediately stopped feeding him nuts and started him on an all raw natural, whole foods diet that included only raw meats and vegetables. This diet eliminated the toxins and poisons that had built up in his system because of the walnuts I was feeding him.

It took about 10 days for him to purge his system of the toxins, and I felt so guilty feeding him the walnuts I don’t buy walnuts for myself anymore, I don’t keep walnuts in the house !

He’s absolutely fine now and he hasn’t vomited in about a year. I’m so glad I did some research about this because dogs can’t eat everything – especially walnuts.

Find more information on treating your dog’s health isuues click here:
—->Free Ebook – 7 secrets For Treating Your Pet At Home.
To learn more about the different types of food your dog can eat click here and watch this video —-> Dog Food Secrets Video

All Natural Pet Care

For more information on Toxic Plants, Chemicals and Food for your Pets visit:Toxic Plants, Chemicals and Food for your Pets

Joseph M SabolLevel: PlatinumJoseph M Sabol is a world class breeder of dobermans. He is also an affiliate of Nuvet Pet Vitamins. …

Before commercially processed pet food, pet owners fed their pets table scraps and leftovers. Some bought meat scraps from the butcher. It was also more common for pets to roam outside and supplement their meals with whatever they could catch.

In 1860, James Spratt produced the first commercial pet food for dogs, which was called a dog cake. In the 1950s, his company became part of a major food manufacture. Dog biscuits came along in 1907 and were originally intended to be a meal, not just a treat. In the 1920s, canned food was produced and became popular. During World War 2, tin used for the cans became important for manufacturing things needed for the war effort. Less canned pet food was produced and dry food, or kibble, became more popular. The first kibble was Dog Chow and Cat Chow.

Dry pet food is made of dry meal and meat as well as added vitamins and minerals. A hammer mill is used to grind the dry ingredients to a specific particle size. The result is what looks like flour. This flour is mixed with the wet ingredients, the meat and fat, and steamed to begin cooking. High temperatures are needed in order to destroy toxins.

Studies have shown that for puppies, an enhanced diet with specific ingredients is important. This is especially true for large breed puppies, which are considered to be puppies that will be at least 50 pounds when full grown. Large breed puppies, with not enough calcium and Vitamin D, which helps absorb the calcium, are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis as they get older. Large breed puppies that grow at a slower rate have been shown to have less chance of developing hip dysplasia. In response to this finding, pet food manufacturers now produce special ‘large breed’ formulas. Older dogs that already have hip pain and arthritis can be helped with supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin.

Raw hides are popular dog treats and are not expensive, but have no nutritional value. The artificial preservatives and coloring can cause allergic reactions as well as rashes and irritation in the mouth. They also can have harmful bacteria that can cause intestinal upset. Another problem is the fact that raw hides are not digestible and can cause a blockage which could be life threatening and require surgery. Raw fruits and vegetable such as apples, bananas and carrots are good treats, but grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs.

An ingredient shown to be beneficial for pet nutrition is DHA which is from the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. Studies have shown that puppies learn faster when their mothers have been given DHA during their pregnancy and also when the pups have been given the supplement. There are other health benefits contributed to DHA, for example, support of the retina, which is important for older dogs.

DHA combined with an amino acid known as arginine is thought to prolong remission and the lifespan of dogs with lymphosarcoma while they are receiving treatment.

Animals have to acquire all the vitamins and minerals they receive from their diets because unlike humans, their bodies do not produce the vitamins they need. For this reason, a high quality pet food is very important and a quality, all natural pet vitamin is essential.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class doberman breeder. Go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com , for further information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

In order to keep your dog’s health there are really only three simple steps you need to follow:

1. A good diet

2. Plenty of fresh water

3. Exercise

A good diet is essential to your dog’s health. Be careful what you buy! Read the ingredients label not just the name of the dog food. An all natural dog food is what you should be looking for, not one that contains filler and by-products. Remember you get what you pay for. Although an all natural dog food may be more expensive, studies have shown that your dog will in almost all cases eat more of the ‘bargain brand’ than the all natural, nutritious dog food. The ‘bargain brands’ will pass through your dog more quickly because they do not contain as much of the daily nutrients your dog requires. This leads to your dog being hungrier more often and thereby eating more. Your dog will retain more of the nutrients contained in the all natural food which means they will be less hungry, have healthier coats, more energy and better overall health.

Give your dog plenty of fresh water. Change it as often as you can. A good rule to follow is that every time you get yourself something to drink, add new water to your dog’s bowl, especially in warmth and summer times. In order to keep your hydrated depending on the thickness of their fur and their size. Smaller dogs dehydrate quicker than larger dogs.

Exercise your dog daily. This is good for you also. Take long walks, throw a ball or stick around the backyard or park or practice dog training. Remember your dog’s cardiovascular system, heart and muscles need exercise just like yours.

For learn more, please visit us at http://www.dogobediencetrainingtip.com .David Marshall is freelancer owner and author of http://www.dogobediencetrainingtip.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Marshall

Sometimes we share food with our dogs on purpose; other times it is by accident. Some of the food that we eat is nutritious and good for dogs but, other food is potentially dangerous. So, it is important to understand what your dog should and should not eat. Below are some common foods that are good for dogs and some that are dangerous for dogs; however it is not meant to be a comprehensive list. As always, it is critical that you consult with your veterinarian prior to feeding your dog any new food.

Some Good Foods

? Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is safe treat for your dog in moderation. If you need to give your dog medication, it is a great way to disguise a pill.

? Cheese: Cheese is generally a safe and yummy treat for dogs in moderation.

? Popcorn: Popcorn is another good treat so long as it used in moderation. It is high in fiber. Air popped, without preservatives, is the safest kind.

? Carrots: Raw carrots are very healthy for dogs. Just be careful that they are thoroughly chewed to prevent choking and that your dog doesn?t fill up too much and refuse a well balanced diet.

Some Dangerous Foods

? Chocolate: While it might taste good, chocolate contains theo bromine which is potentially fatal for dogs. It is not a good idea to feed your dog chocolate in any amount. Even if it doesn?t kill the dog, chocolate will certainly cause restlessness and stomach problems.

? Nuts: Some nuts, such as macadamia nuts can cause severe muscle problems that may lead to paralysis. It is best to avoid nuts and nut products (with the notable exception of peanut butter).

? Bones: Cooked bones from roasts or poultry may seem like a good thing to give a dog, however, they can splinter and the sharp edges that splinter off can puncture a dog?s insides and cause significant problems.

? Grapes and Raisins: These healthy human foods may seem innocent enough. However, they can cause acute renal failure in dogs.

? Onions and garlic: These foods contain thiosulphate which is toxic for dogs.

In addition to not purposefully feeding your dog dangerous foods, you must take care not to leave these foods where your dog can get them. That means that children who are snacking on grapes or raisins must be carefully supervised if the family dog is close by and that desserts that are kept on the kitchen counter must be well out of reach.

When in doubt, always err on the side of not giving regular human food to your dog. Your dog gets all the nutrition that he or she needs from his dog food. Human food may be supplemented, however it should be done with caution and it should never be substituted for dog food. It is best used as a special treat or when your dog is not feeling well and needs some encouragement to eat. So, before you share your next meal or snack with your dog, be sure that you are giving the dog food that he or she can enjoy safely.

Enrico Pallatzo is a professional dog trainer. Graduate of Temple University. Hobbies include opera singing and scuba diving. Look for other articles by Enrico about dogs, cats, and horses.
Get more information regarding dog health issues.
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