Why Pet ID Tags Are So Important

Pets play such a huge role in our lives these days that they are often referred to as 'part of the family'. Whether you have Chihuahua or German Shepherd Dog, the love they provide is something all pet owners treasure. The thought of our beloved pet getting lost is something that sends shivers down our spine. We hate the thought of our cherished pet being out there alone, unfed and at the hands of mercy.

Sometimes your pet will roam beyond the safety of your garden or a gate may mistakenly be left open. Whatever the situation, finding out your pet is missing is very upsetting and could possibly place your pet in a dangerous situation. There is a way that could possibly help ease the stress at times like these; knowing that your pet is wearing a Pet ID Tag that includes all of its vital details. You can even have two or three if you can't fit all of the information onto one tag. A stranger can use the information on these tags and hopefully reunite you with your pet before any harm can come to it.


When you decide to make the commitment of getting a pet you are agreeing to keep this pet safe. One of the most obvious ways to do this is to get them a Pet ID Tag. There are many different opinions as to what should be put on a Pet ID Tag. The final decision is down to you as the owner. Would you want the person who finds your dog to call them by their name? If so, include the name of your pet. However, if you do not want to disclose the name of your pet, include your surname. A telephone number is a must, if there is room leave a mobile phone number as well. You may also wish to include your address. Whilst there may not be room for a full address, it is a good idea to include the name or number of your building and the postal code. If your pet is chipped, it is also a good idea to include 'I'm Chipped' on the tag.

Pet ID Tags these days do not need to be a boring, plain engraved tag. There are many cool, unique designs out there which make the tag a fashion accessory as well as a safety mechanism. You can choose from a military style camo design or a Union Jack Flag. The designs are endless. Engraving is also become very '20th century', with printed tags becoming more and more popular. These tags are 100% waterproof, made to last and so stylish.

Katy Halpin enjoys writing on behalf of The Pack Shack Pet Shop which sells Pet Giftware with the 99% Wolf Slogan, Pet ID Tags & a host of other products. www.packshackpets.com

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The Chihuahua - The Tiny Yet Robust Breed



By Justin Elmakis


The Chihuahua is a tiny little dog and has a very distinctive small apple-shaped head with a short muzzle. They have large adorable eyes and small erect ears that make this animal look different to any other breed. The Chihuahua is the ultimate companion dog. They are courageous, extremely lively, and adventurous and thrive on affection. These little animals are really agile and fearless and without proper training can be quite strong-minded and even naughty. However, with the right training they can be the perfect little pet.

Once you get a Chihuahua you really do have a friend for as long as the animal lives. As a breed, Chihuahuas are incredibly loyal and become very attached to their owners. This means that you can literally take this little dog anywhere with you and they will love it. Chihuahuas are a big favorite amongst celebrities and many of them have bags designed specifically to carry round their little pets. Chihuahuas really are affectionate; some even like to lick their owner's face so if you don't like really attentive dogs then this breed isn't for you!

Chihuahuas really need to be supervised well as some can be quite difficult to train but with the right training program and dedication it can be achieved. Chihuahuas are not stupid creatures; in fact they are really intelligent and can learn quickly if treated with a firm but gentle hand. They can be quite hard to house train but as long as you establish the ground rules early on your pet will respond well. Just because they are a small dog you shouldn't let them get away with things that you would not allow a large dog to do such as jumping up on people. This is allowing dominant behavior and if you allow this you may be allowing your dog to develop other negative behaviors such as jealousy and aggression with other dogs and sometimes even humans.

In general, Chihuahuas are not recommended for children. This is not because they respond badly to them but because people tend to treat Chihuahuas differently than they would a larger dog and allow bad behaviors because they are "cute." As owners, a lot of people tend to baby Chihuahuas because of their size and make the mistake of thinking that they don't need to be exercised. Although smaller dogs do require less exercise than larger breeds, they still need exercise. A walk is a lot more than just a walk to smaller breeds, as well as providing much-needed exercise is also provides great mental stimulation.

If you do not give your pet the exercise it needs on a regular basis, you run the risk of it turning snappy, yappy, overly protective and untrustworthy with children and adults that they do not know. That being said, with the right training this great little dog can be a great companion for any family. The right dog toys can help in making the exercise fun for both parties.
These little dogs do tend to have their fair share of health problems. As a breed Chihuahuas are prone to rheumatism, colds and gum problems. They can also suffer from corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma; do to their distinctive protruding eyes. They can also gain weight very easily which can cause problems for their small limbs. Chihuahuas also have a tendency to wheeze and snore due to their small, short muzzles. Health care and grooming supplies can be useful when owning a Chihuahua.

Chihuahuas are ideally suited for apartment life and although they are small they still need their space and cannot be kept in a very small area. Remember that even though it is very tempting to carry these cute little animals around everywhere, they do need a daily walk.
As they have a smooth, short-haired coat they only need to be gently brushed occasionally or just wiped over with a damp cloth. Baths can be kept to twice a month and be careful not to get water in the ears. The ears need to be checked regularly and the nails need to be trimmed.
By Justin Elmakis - Benefits of the Bully Stick all natural dog treat include being a 100% all natural source of protein, a healthy dog treat, and the stick promotes clean teeth with healthy gums. If you have any additional questions or would like more information on Bully Sticks, dog toys or organic dog chews, please contact us at (804) 477-6033 or visit http://www.bestbullysticks.com.


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Feeding the Dog From the Table - Good or Bad?


We've all done it. At dinner or anytime we sit down to have a meal at the table, poochie poo comes along and starts begging at our feet with those big, puppy eyes. And, softies that we are, we reward this begging with a scrap or two from our plate. Or three or four. The thing is, this is a bad habit to start or to sustain with your pet.   We have to keep in mind that just because the dog is willing to eat it, that doesn't mean it's good for him or won't harm him. While many of the different ingredients in our foods are fine for us, remember that a dog's system is not exactly the same as ours is. Some human foods can actually make your dog sick.

So, aside from trying to break this cute little habit, also make sure that when you do cave in and give up a scrap you only stick to certain basic food types. Lean meats, vegetables, rice and some unprocessed foods can be okay. However, food that is heavily seasoned and that has onions or garlic in it is a no. Foods that have a lot of artificial ingredients and additives should also be avoided.  Of course you know not to give your dog chocolate or chocolate based foods, and also, no foods high in sugar, fat or salt as they can wreak havoc on the dog's health eventually.  Yes, the same way they eventually do you!  Skip the fast food - we know what type of crap is in that stuff, and while you might be willing to do that to your own body, please, spare the dog!  He will be much better off without McDonald's!

While it's not the worst thing in the world, try not to have your dog accustomed to begging at the table. But if you do it, do it at least with a bit of common sense.

Cat of the Month - Chartreux


With origins in France, this plush, striking cat is most recognized by its thick, bluish-gray coat that is almost wooly, depending upon the climate in which the cat lives. They are muscular, thick bodied cats who at adult size range from about 11 to 15 pounds. The longer haired cats of this breed are very majestic looking, almost like miniature lions with their broad chests and massive furs. The were at one time mated with Persian cats to help preserve the breed.

Dog of the Week - Akita


This large, regal dog was first found in the Tohoko region of Japan. They were generally used for hunting such animals as deer, boar and bears. They were first introduced into America. They can grow to over 100 lbs, and full grown stand at about 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder. Their thick, lush coats are made for harsh, cold climates such as are found in certain regions in Japan. They saw an insurgence of popularity in the US in the 1980's, and still today retain some popularity. Their temperament is generally agreeable and calm around humans, but when in the vicinity of other dogs can become very agressive. They are known to be very protective of their owners.

When A Cat Growls....


...well, consider it a fair warning. Cats don't usually growl, but will meow angrily instead when just generally pissed off or unhappy. Even when cats are tousling with other cats, you will generally hear those mean meows and screeches. A growl, however, indicates that the cat really feels itself to be in danger and is going into absolute defensive mode, claws out, take no prisoners. Consider that to be a level 10 and step back!

Your Dog's Health - Vitamin Supplements


The market is exploding with products claiming to improve the health and wellness of individuals using vitamins and nutritional supplements. People are now seeking the same products to complement the health of their pets. The benefits of appropriate nutritional supplements are overwhelming and can add several healthy years to your life, as well as your dogs...

Cats Are Very Lovable Creatures


"Who would believe such pleasure from a wee ball o' fur?"- An Irish saying about cats, perhaps best describes what pleasure-giving creatures cats can be.

Jean Burden, beautifully defines the feline beauty. "A dog, I have always said, is prose; a cat is a poem." Cats for many people, are really very lovable - remember 'Snowbell' - the cat of "Stuart Little".

Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to many ailments. Cat grooming is a very important part of keeping a cat as a healthy pet. Cat supplies can be defined as important things that can be purchased for cat grooming, and maintaining general good cat health.

Basic Training for Your Dog

Getting a dog can be exciting and rewarding. It can also be stressful. Whether you are getting a puppy or an older dog, you can bet that there will be an adjustment period while you all get used to each other. One of the best ways to make this transition period successful is to begin basic training with your new pet right away. Training for puppies can begin as young as 8 weeks, and with older dogs the sooner the better! Having a properly trained dog can lead to much happiness for you and your pet. Here are a few tips on teaching your dog to come, sit, lie down, and stay.

First, let's look at the basics of basic training. All dogs, especially puppies, learn more quickly with positive rather than negative reinforcement. Just as with humans, a little love goes a long way. The best reinforcements for good behavior are verbal praise, affection, a favorite toy, or a piece or two of your dog's regular food. Using treats can be motivating, but a dog can come to expect a treat if used too often, and using treats can become expensive. If you work on training immediately prior to your dog's normal meal time, your pet will usually be hungry and pieces of food as a reward will be welcomed. The reward should be given immediately following every correct response in the beginning. Once your dog has progressed, verbal praise should be offered each time, but a reward should only be given for exact responses performed in a timely manner. Gradually reduce the number of rewards given until you only give an occasional reward, but offer verbal praise each time. Dogs retain their training for the longest period of time this way. Also, you should use

Cat Facts


Cats prefer foods at body temperature--the temperature of freshly killed prey. They also prefer their food cut into ¼ inch chunks (especially when they are sick and need to be tempted.) And did you know that 60% of all cats like cold tomato juice? I've tried V-8 and it doesn't seem to be at all tempting. We use this trick to entice kidney-failure cats to drink more liquids.

Cats are either right or left handed, showing a distinct preference for one paw over the other.

A healthy domestic cat can reach speeds up to 31 miles/hour, but can't maintain that sprinting speed for more than a minute.

A cat licks their fur to keep cool in hot weather. Like dogs, they sweat only through the pads of their feet.

The cat's whiskers are specially adapted to act as antennae. They are used to navigate, to detect movement and to judge the width of an opening. Whiskers are also an indicator of mood--when the whiskers are back, the cat is angry, so watch out. Some people think finding a whisker is good luck. I know one woman who is a millionaire that has a cat whisker collection!

Eight Things to Consider When Adopting a Shelter Dog

Adopting a fully grown shelter dog is usually not considered when a family decides to get a new pet. It may actually be the best choice for your family.

A fully grown shelter dog may already be house trained, trained in basic obedience and be past the teething stage. That means no messes in the house, no damaged furniture and a dog that listens to it's owner. That sounds like a dream dog to me. You'll also know what you're getting in your new dog regarding it's size, color, temperament and personality. There are fewer surprises and you'll have the advantage of knowing what you're getting before you get it.

If you're looking for a loving family pet a shelter dog just may be the answer. If your looking for a show dog it's probably not. I say probably because I've seen pure bred animals, with papers, in the shelter I worked in. It was rare but it did happen. Sometimes the dog out-grew it's family and sometimes it was disobedient or chewed up something in the house. Occasionally the owner just wasn't responsible enough

Seven Things You May Not Know About Your Own Cat

Longevity - It is said, give a cat three years for every human year and you have an idea of how old he is compared to us. Not so. A cat at one year old is capable of reproduction and fully able to take care of himself. A three year old human is helpless. Such mathematical formulas for understanding the 'real' age of an animal don't work because their internal, and external developments vary and do not correspond to human development.

But did you know that the life span of cats seems to be increasing, from around twelve years or so several decades ago to eighteen or more and it seems now not uncommon for cats to live into their twenties? Not only advances in cat medicine but apparently in genetic changes as well are contributing to longer life and some cats live to be much older indeed. Several cats in Southern California have been reported to live as long as thirty and thirty four years.