2-Fill The Tub With Warm Water: Make sure the water is not too cold or too hot, otherwise the dog will be uncomfortable. Lukewarm water is best.

3-Ease The Dog Into The Tub: Don’t force the dog into the tub or drop him in suddenly. Pick him up, if you can, and slowly easy him into the tub.

4-Talk To Your Dog In A Soothing Voice And Relax Him: Don’t startle the dog with quick movements or a loud voice. Tell him how good his behavior is, pet him and make him feel comfortable.

5-Pour Shampoo Into Your Hand Then Lather Onto The Dog: Sometimes shampoo is cold and can be startling to the dog, so put the soap in your hands and rub them together before lathering up your pup. Make sure to rub it in and get every crevice. Keep away from his eyes, nose, mouth and genital regions, which can be easily irritated. If your dog has a dirty butt, use a baby wipe to clean it instead.

6-Rinse Thoroughly: When you’re finished shampooing your dog, rinse him thoroughly and make sure the water runs clear. A dog’s hair is much thicker than a human’s, and will take a longer time to rinse.

7-Let The Dog Shake Off: Letting a dog shake off will help expedite the drying process. Shut the shower curtain or stand back, because you’ll likely get wet!

8-Towel Dry: Take a large towel and dry your dog off thoroughly, yet rub gently. Make sure you get hard to reach spots.

9-Use A Blow Dryer: If the towel doesn’t do the entire job, give him a few blasts of the blow dryer. Just make sure to use it on a low-heat setting, hold the dryer at least 12 inches away and dry in a steady, sweeping motion. Do not keep the air concentrated on one spot, or you’ll burn his delicate skin.

10-Give Your Dog A Treat:  After all is said and done, give your dog a reward, whether a snack or a toy, for his good behavior and to let him know that baths are a good thing.

Source: www.tipdiva.com

1. Devil
Show your mischievous mutt’s true colors with a fiery red Devil Dog costume. A red cape, horns and matching red dog collar should do the trick.

2. Bumblebee
Real bees make lots of people nervous, but dressing your dog up as a Bumblebee this Halloween is more likely to attract attention than scare it away.

3. Witch
The classic Halloween costume for people is just as popular for dogs. You can dress your dog up with just the pointed hat, or go all out with a cape, wig, broom, etc.

4. Cat
This contradictory costume is sure to draw plenty of laughs and confused looks.

5. Angel
Your sweet dog will be even more irresistible as an Angel with silk wings and sparkly halo.

6. Jailbird
Get your dog out of the doghouse and into a Jailbird costume this Halloween. As a bonus, black + white stripes are sure to compliment every colour coat.

7. Superhero
Whether it’s Superman, Wonder Woman or Batman, dogs make excellent Superheroes. All that’s really needed for this costume is a flowing cape and shiny dog collar.

8. Pumpkin
If you think your dog is cute enough to eat, you’ll probably love to dress the furry one up in an adorable Pumpkin Halloween costume.

9. Bride + Groom
The classic Bride + Groom costume is a great option if you have two dogs to take trick-or-treating.

10. Dracula
A black cape is all you really need to complete a Dracula costume for your dog as the pointy canine teeth are already included. 

Looking for a costume for your dog? Check out these costumes.

Source: www.dogandcollar.com

1- Take your dog to the vet at least once a year for a checkup. For senior pets, exams are recommended more frequently to catch early signs of medical problems.2- Don’t put off your dog’s annual vet exam! Dogs age more rapidly than humans, so postponing a veterinary visit for just a couple of months could be the human equivalent of delaying a potentially life-saving test for years.

3- Pay attention to changes in your dog’s behavior. A slight change in appetite or activity may be the first sign of what could become a serious health issue for an aging pet.

4- Ask lots of questions! Your vet doesn’t see you dog every day like you do–if you’re curious about a particular behavior or habit your dog has developed, don’t be afraid to ask about it.

5- A urinalysis can diagnose urinary tract infections, diabetes and kidney disease.

6- A blood-chemistry panel test checks kidney, pancreas, liver and thyroid functions.

7- Parasite evaluations look for roundworms, tapeworms, heartworms, fleas and ticks.

8- Make sure your vet does a complete blood count to diagnose anemia, inflammation, infections and blood disorders.

9- Don’t ignore dirty teeth. If your vet recommends a teeth cleaning for your dog, try not to put it off. Bad teeth can lead to a number of serious health problems with your dog in the future. If a teeth cleaning is out of your budget, consider anesthesia-free cleanings–they are often half the price of traditional teeth cleanings.

10- Consider pet insurance for older dogs. The chance of health problems is higher in an older pet, so it’s nice to have pet insurance as a safety net if an expensive test or procedure is needed.

1. Lassie
The ultimate celebrity canine. This iconic Collie has entertained audiences in film, television, radio and books for many years.

2. Toto
This Cairn Terrier was Dorothy’s bicycle-basket-riding buddy in The Wizard of Oz.

3. Snoopy
This animated Beagle is the daydreaming pet of Charlie Brown in the legendary comic strip Peanuts.

4. Eddie
The loveable Jack Russell Terrier from the hit television sitcom Frasier.

5. Bruiser
Elle Woods’ Chihuahua companion from the hit film series Legally Blonde.

6. Tinkerbell
Often seen sporting high fashion dog accessories, Paris Hilton’s pet Chihuahua is famous for being famous.

7. Benji
The feisty mutt who was always in the right place at the right time in the film series named after him.

8. Wishbone
The literature-loving Jack Russell Terrier from the popular PBS television series Wishbone.

9. Hooch
The Dogue de Bordeaux who shot to fame for being Tom Hanks’ crime-fighting partner in the classic film Turner & Hooch.

10.Beethoven
The heroic Saint Bernard from the film series of the same name.

Source: www.dogandcollar.com

1. Pet ID Collars: These should have final destination info. For Canada/Mexico, bring official proof of rabies vaccination, not just a tag.
2. Reconsider? Be honest about your pet’s ability to travel; be open to a kennel if health is a concern.
3. Trim Nails: This avoids damage to new surroundings, and also to restrain more easily if necessary.
4. No Fleas, Please: Bathe before trip to avoid infesting new spaces.
5. On A Leash: Obey all leash laws and always clean up after your pet.
6. Smell of Home: Keep your pet’s stress at bay with familiar scented items from home.
7. Test Drive: Unfamiliar with car travel? Plan a quick trip to acclimate pet. Remember, cats should be in a crate to for driver and animal safety.
8. First Aid: Pack a pet first-aid kit, including phone numbers of your veterinarian and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
9. Food & Water: Always have fresh water on hand, maintain balanced diet for your pet.
10. Relax… Plan extra time for impulse side trips. Vacation is supposed to be fun for you and your pet!

If you found this list helpful, you might find these car travel tips useful, as well.

Don’t sit too close to any of these dogs without a raincoat or umbrella handy:

1. Basset Hound
2. Black and Tan Coonhound
3. Bloodhound
4. Bluetick Coonhound
5. Boxer
6. Bullmastiff
7. Dogue de Bordeaux
8. English Bulldog
9. English Setter
10. French Bulldog

Source: www.PetVR.com

1. Sago Palm
All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.2. Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

3. Azalea/Rhododendron
Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

4. Oleander (pictured above)
All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

5. Castor Bean
The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

6. Cyclamen
Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

7. Kalanchoe
This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

8.Yew
Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

9. Autumn Crocus
Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.

10. Chrysanthemum
These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

Source: aspca.org

1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. It’s also a good idea to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.

2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. Be sure to always secure the crate so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.

3. Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.

4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

5. What in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

6. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information.

7. Don’t allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. This can subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections, and he could be injured by flying objects. Keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.

8.  Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.

9.  When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.

10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

Source: ASPCA.com

1. Contact your veterinarian for any suggestions

2. Web sites can be deceiving! Take a tour of the facility first.

3. Find out the regulations of the kennel

4. Do they need proof of any vaccinations?

5. Do they require behavioral evaluations?

6. Do they allow unaltered dogs?

7. Are the dogs supervised by a staff member at all times?

8. What is the kennel’s emergency vet procedures?

9. What kind of food do they use and are you allowed to bring your own?

10. Do they offer regular play/exercise times for the dogs?

1. Start your dog on a senior diet at about seven years of age.2. Since smaller dogs live longer and don’t experience age-related changes as early as bigger dogs, size is used to determine when it’s time to feed your canine a senior diet:

Small breeds/dogs weighing less than 20 pounds—7 years of age
Medium breeds/dogs weighing 21 to 50 pounds—7 years of age
Large breeds/dogs weighing 51 to 90 pounds—6 years of age
Giant breeds/dogs weighing 91 pounds or more—5 years of age

3. The main objectives in the feeding an older dog should be to maintain health and optimum body weight, slow or prevent the development of chronic disease, and minimize or improve clinical signs of diseases that may already be present.

4. As a dog ages, health issues may arise, including:
- deterioration of skin and coat
- loss of muscle mass
- more frequent intestinal problems
- arthritis
- obesity
- dental problems
- decreased ability to fight off infection

5. Older dogs have been shown to progressively put on body fat in spite of consuming fewer calories. This change in body composition is inevitable and may be aggravated by either reduced energy expenditure or a change in metabolic rate. Either way, it is important to feed a diet with a lower caloric density to avoid weight gain, but with a normal protein level to help maintain muscle mass.

6. Avoid “senior” diets that have reduced levels of protein. Studies have shown that the protein requirement for older dogs does not decrease with age, and that protein levels do not contribute to the development or progression of renal failure. It is important to feed older dogs diets that contain optimum levels of highly digestible protein to help maintain good muscle mass.

7. Talk to your veterinarian about increasing your senior cat’s vitamin E intake. Antibody response decreases as cats age. Increasing the intake of vitamin E in cats older than seven years of age can increase their antibody levels back to those seen in younger cats!  And gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid that plays a role in the maintenance of healthy skin and coat. Although it is normally produced in a dog’s liver, GLA levels may be diminished in older dogs. Does your older dog’s diet contain GLA?

8. Aging can affect a dog’s intestinal bacteria, which can result in symptoms of gastrointestinal disease. Senior diets for dogs should contain FOS (fructooligosaccharides) to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.

9. Antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene help eliminate free radical particles that can damage body tissues and cause signs of aging. Senior diets for dogs and cats should contain higher levels of these antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants can also increase the effectiveness of the immune system in senior cats and dogs.

10. Routine care for geriatric pets should involve a consistent daily routine and periodic veterinary examinations to assess the presence or progress of chronic disease. Stressful situations and abrupt changes in daily routines should be avoided. If a drastic change must be made to an older pet’s routine, try  to minimize stress and to realize the change in a gradual manner.

Source: ASCPA.org