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Many people believe that it is impossible for cats and dogs to live together peacefully. Perhaps this belief is brought on by images seen in cartoons or by one or two negative experiences between cats and dogs. But, in reality, it is quite possible for the two species to live together peacefully - and even to live together as friends.

Genetics

Genetically, there are reasons for cats and dogs to dislike each other. By nature, dogs are predators that tend to chase things that move quickly and that are smaller than them. Of course, cats fit this description, making them the perfect play toy for dogs wanting to utilize their predatory skills.

Cats, who are also predatory, can also exhibit stalking behaviours toward dogs; despite the fact the dog is usually much bigger. In addition, cats will defend themselves, so thus begins the rivalry.

Environmental Influence

Of course genetics and instinct alone isn’t the only reason why dogs and cats sometimes don’t get along. During the first 2 to 3 months of an animal’s life, it learns who its friends and its enemies are. Therefore, a puppy raised with cats will most likely tend to get along better with the cats. Similarly, a kitten raised with dogs will not think much of the dogs. In fact, it is often easier to raise a new kitten in a household with dogs than the other way around because cats tend to be more territorial than dogs. A highly predatory dog, however, will make it more difficult to introduce a new kitten to the household.

Training Pets to Live in Peace and Harmony

Teaching cats and dogs that don’t get along with each other to live together can be a somewhat difficult task, but it is possible. The best way to accomplish this is to allow the animals to spend time together while a human chaperone is present. The more time animals spend with one another, the more tolerant they become of the other. In fact, this can often lead to a very affectionate relationship. Puppies and kittens that are raised together have the best chance of developing a positive relationship.

If a dog has been particularly cruel to cats in the past, however, it is probably not a good idea to try to get the two species to co-exist. Even if the dog doesn’t manage to get the cat, it will most likely make the cat’s life difficult by continually chasing after it. Similarly, a puppy might need to be protected from a particularly territorial or mean cat.

Dogs can also be trained to leave cats alone, just as they can be trained to fetch, sit or stand still. For a pet owner who has the time and patience, the dog can be leashed with a training collar. Another person can bring the cat increasingly closer to the dog. If the dog sits still it, should be praised. If it attempts to lunge after the cat, the leash should be pulled and the dog should be told “No. Leave it!” Some dogs learn quickly while others take a little longer.

Another approach for training the dog can also be utilized. This approach uses positive association. Each time the dog is in the same room as the cat, it is provided with extra attention and treats. Soon, the dog realizes having the cat in the room is a good thing because it gets something good out of it. In this way, it positively associates the cat with things that it desires - affection and tasty treats!

Feeding Time

Even cats and dogs that get along might start fighting during mealtime. Most animals are very protective of their food. In addition, they tend to be quite curious about the food the other animal is enjoying. For this reason, it is best to have separate feeding stations for cats and dogs.

It is best to place the cat’s food in a high, hard to reach area. Otherwise, the dog will have a tendency to eat the cat’s food, or to at least try to eat it. Of course, the food should still be placed in an area the cat can easily reach and eat comfortably. Cats don’t generally try to eat dog food. But, in the case of a cat that does, this behaviour should be discouraged. The best way to do this is to feed the two animals at the same time, but in different places.

It is also important to remember that cat and dog food each have different nutrients, so one should not be used in place of the other. Therefore, it is not only necessary to keep the food separate in order for the pets to live in harmony; it is also necessary to keep them healthy.

For more information on caring for your Cat check out Paul’s site at http://www.basic-cat-care.co.uk.

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Whether the concern is to train your dog or impart an identity to it, dog collars and leashes play a crucial role. Dog collars come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, and are much of a fashion statement nowadays. A dog collar could be a lifesaver for your puppy if, God forbid, it disappears from your residence.

With such a wide variety of dog collars available, choosing the right one for your puppy can be quite intimidating. The collar should be selected based on your preferences and your puppy’s habits. For a fairly obedient puppy, a soft fabric collar is quite appropriate. However, an obstinate puppy has to be controlled by a quick yank of a pronged collar. A dog trainer may assist you in making the correct choice of a dog collar for your faithful canine companion.

The buckle variety is the most common type of dog collar. A wide variety of fabric may be used to manufacture a buckle collar, bearing different colors and designs. Your puppy’s name may be embroidered onto the collar for identification purposes. Buckle collar consists of a series of spaced holes, and the buckle is fastened to attain the required size.

Buckle collar is the most basic type, which can be enhanced to ensure added safety for the puppy. For instance, breakaway collars are designed to pull apart under extreme stress. Some collar types are equipped with release tabs that ensure a hasty removal of the collar, relative to the conventional buckle type. Such variations may help prevent your puppy from choking in unforeseen circumstances.

Another collar type is a prong collar, which is quite beneficial if your puppy is rather rigid and typically pulls hard while on lead. A prong collar has perpendicular metal prongs that are evenly spaced around the inside of the collar. Upon pulling the attached leash, the prongs prod your puppy’s neck, thereby inhibiting its unruly behavior. The phrase “prong collar” does sound as something harmful for your canine. However, when used appropriately, prong collars never cause any injury to the puppy, and are much safer than even other types of dog collars.

Niall Kennedy is a lifelong dog lover and has worked in several pet sanctuaries. Best Pet Health Information is a resource that brings you information about dog medication. http://www.Best-Pet-Health.info.
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The phrase “dog grooming” conjures up an image of expensive salons for pets. It’s true that your pet does not need fancy haircuts, expensive baths or oil treatments. But shunning away the idea of dog grooming is akin to handling your pet with shortsightedness. Your pet’s appearance is a mirror to its overall health and wellbeing. Lack of grooming may lead to major health problems. Dog groomers ensure that your dog not only looks good but feels good as well.

Professional dog groomers suggest basic grooming for eyes, ears, teeth, face, tummy, skin, feet and nails, and coat should be done regularly.

Appropriate eye care entails regular cleansing. Your dog’s eyes should be bright, lustrous and clean. You must ensure that there are no signs of redness or excessive discharge. There is likely to be periodic buildup in the dog’s eye, which must be wiped out with a clean, damp cloth. However, if the discharge is thick or mucous-like, you must consult a veterinarian.

Ear care is also an important aspect of dog grooming. Moisture and dirt buildup inside the pet’s ear is a breeding ground for bacteria. You should trim ear hair and wipe with a clean cloth, thereby ensuring that the ear is kept dry. Any buildup of wax in the ear must be treated immediately, lest an infection sets in. The veterinarian would typically employ a solution to dissolve the ear wax and then cleanse it using a cloth or Q-tip.

Dental hygiene is equally important for your dog as it is for you. Plaque and tartar buildup causes gum disease. It is a common misconception that a balanced diet can prevent gum diseases or other teeth related problems. Cleaning the teeth and gums is highly essential for proper dental care. Dog groomers clean a pet’s teeth and gums in order to prevent unnecessary plaque buildup.

Dog groomers stress on brushing a dog’s coat on a weekly basis. A thick and matted coat encourages bacterial infection and other diseases of the skin, and hence it is all more necessary to keep your dog’s coat clean. Stroking with a soft brush gets rid of dead hair, dander and dirt.

As every dog groomer would suggest, trim your dog’s nails at least once a month. It is a misconception that long hair between the toes would keep your dog’s feet warm in winters. Instead it would collect dirt and grime, and may encourage infection. Therefore, keep the hair trimmed at all times.

Niall Kennedy is a lifelong dog lover and has worked in several pet sanctuaries. Best Pet Health Information is a resource that brings you information about dog grooming. http://www.Best-Pet-Health.info

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Copyright Best-Pet-Health.info All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

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