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Dog Parks in the USA

12/9/2009 6:41:00 PM

Some of the nicest dog parks within the United States can be located in both small rural communities, as well as large metropolitan areas such as New York, California, and Florida.

Cedar Lane Dog Park: Best Dog Park For Hosting Social Events

dog parks in the usaAll dog parks have an awesome atmosphere, but the Cedar Lane Dog Park is routinely  noted for its wonderful social setting. While the dogs are happily playing and running about, their owners can be seen sitting together, talking and enjoying hot coffee, tea, and muffins, which are all courtesy of the host facility.

You’ll even encounter dozens of devoted regulars of the dog park taking in the crisp winter air on a chilly Christmas morning. Now that is what I call dedication!  And there are tons of other social activities which are scheduled throughout each month. There is the annual dog-swimming contest as well as plenty of games and contests for all interested dog owners to participate in as well. You can find Cedar Lane Park located at 235 Cedar Lane, Ossining, N.Y.

Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park: Noted For Best Amenities For Dog Owners

Should you ever find yourself traveling through California with your dog, don’t forget to take a day trip to the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park. This incredible facility is not only renowned for its dog attractions, but also remarkable for having the best amenities for dog owners of any of the parks nationwide. 

After a day of gallivanting through the mud and intermittent dips in the water, your dog can be taken to the available dog washing center to rinse off – this facility boasts several such areas throughout the facility.  Should you be in the market for new doggie toys, equipment or snacks simply stop in at the doggie store and retail shop conveniently located inside the park area.

If you’re feeling a bit hungry yourself after a day chock full of outdoor activities, Point Isabel also has a plethora of food and beverage options for your enjoyment at the Mudpuppy’s Sit & Stay Cafe. No need to worry about your dog, the cafe also provides fabulous dishes that your pet can inhale that are both delicious and nutritious.  Look for the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park located at 1 Isabel St., Richmond California.

Bark Park, Located Inside Snyder Park: Best Safety In Mind For Troubled Times

Of the more than 700 dog parks within the United States, we know of only one unique facility that makes safety paramount over the other parks. Dogs will be dogs, and rough play is bound to happen in any park area between two or more dominant canines.

It often occurs when you least expect it. The owners hurry to the fight scene and endeavor to separate their dogs. Sadly, not only do the incidents bring to a close the day’s playtime activities for the dogs, owners can also get injured.

Imagine a recreation area for dogs where attendants are on-site charged with no other task than to monitor each dog and be on alert for negative or aggressive behavior? Such a luxury is in place and can be found at the Bark Park, inside of Snyder Park, in the state of Florida. Support for this enhanced safety and level of comfort is covered by a small annual fee paid for by each owner.  Bark Park can be found at 3299 S.W. 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Article written by Mike Richards of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, check for limited time specials on rectangle dog beds online.

Photo: SXC


Dealing With Canine Senility

09/11/2009 6:24:00 AM

As a result of an improved health care system, more dogs are living longer than ever before. The result is a corresponding increase in geriatric-related problems. Many of the health problems you find in older dogs mimic, to a large extent, those of their human counterpart. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS), for example, is similar to Alzheimer’s disease. With an aging dog population, CCD can and does present a present and ongoing problem.

Description

CCDS is a form of senility. It is hard to recognize the symptoms. Many owners believe them to be indicative of an aging dog. They do not perceive it as a specific health issue. In fact, signs of senility do seem to blend into many of the signs associated with the aging of your dog. Owners of senior dogs should look out for these indications.

• There is an obvious decrease in the amount and type of play.

• The dog is slow responding to commands.

• The sleeping patterns change drastically. Your dog may sleep when previously he or she was wide awake.

• The dog may undergo a major change in their interaction patterns with your family. Your pet might ignore you instead of greeting you. He or she may walk away from you and other family members. They may not initiate any type of interaction such as petting.

• The dog may stare in space, pace or wander aimlessly. Like humans with Alzheimer’s, your dog may not seem to know where he or she is going. The animal becomes easily disoriented.

• The animal experiences difficulties in bladder control. The dog may also demand to go out but fail to do anything.

To complicate further the problem of identification, these indicators do not occur immediately. Moreover, your pet may not display all of the signs. Your veterinarian may not even suspect or diagnose the syndrome. This professional can only do so with your help.

If you notice changes in your senior dog’s behavior, document them. Take your concerns up with the vet. Do so backed up by information. If your vet is to diagnose your dog with CCDS, he or she has to have all the data. This includes knowing what the problem is, when the problem first manifested and the specific pattern of the problem(s). You also have to provide the vet with information on any other specific health problems your dog has or has had.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for CCDS. You can, however, treat it on several levels. The vet can give you drugs to help reduce physical problems. The common choice is L-selegiline. You can also use an integrative approach. This will combine diet, training and environmental aspects.

• Make sure your dog is eating a diet rich in antioxidants. This will help him or her maintain some mental acuity. It also slows down the progression of CCDS.

• Enrich your dog’s life. Stimulate them more. Challenge them daily with frequent if short walks. Praise them every time they do eliminate outdoors.

• Continue to train them. This will help their brain continue to function. Do not try elaborate new signals. Use and reinforce simple and familiar ones. Make sure they are clear.

• Be sure the outdoor and indoor environments are safe and sound. This means keeping gates and exits tightly secured. This will prevent the dog from wandering out of the yard, becoming lost and even more confused. Indoors, you may use baby gates or other forms to provide a sense of security.

• Keep the room and yard clear from all clutter. This will prevent your dog bumping into objects.

If you pay heed to the needs of your senior dog, you can help him or her live comfortably with CCDS.

Information written by Gary Washington of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, look for new discounts on dog seat covers online.


Caring For An Older Dog

03/2/2008 4:18:00 AM

Anyone who has a cherished older dog knows that as they age, their desire to please and play doesn’t necessarily diminish. Their ability to do so, however, might change. Fortunately, there are things pet owners can do to make sure their aging dogs have as much energy as possible while enjoying good health for as long as they can.

Caring for an older dog isn’t really a whole lot different from taking care of a puppy. It’s just how things are done that might change. From feeding and exercising to giving them space to relax, slight alterations in daily plans generally are required.

The areas where daily routine might need to change to ensure an older dog is well cared for include:

Weight control
It can be very tempting to give a loved pet an extra doggie treat or even scraps from the table – especially when they’re batting big, brown eyes at their owner. When it comes to older dogs, however, this is generally not a good idea. Keeping a dog’s weight in check as they age can help ward off such conditions as diabetes, heart problems and even joint issues. The more on track with target weight an older dog is, the more likely he or she will be to maintain health and energy levels.

Nutrition
Feeding an older dog is a little different than nourishing a puppy. Just like people, as dogs age, they don’t necessarily require as many calories as they once did. Most pet food companies provide senior lines that can help keep dogs fit and trim well into their teens. These foods should have the proper nutritional balance for an older dog. Checking with a veterinarian for recommendations is not a bad idea.

Exercise
This can be key to ensuring that an older dog stays healthy. Not only can daily exercise assist an older dog in maintaining the proper weight, it can also help make sure their legs stay limber and their hearts stay healthy. Exercising an older dog might be a little different than trying to run the energy out of a puppy, however. Remember, older dogs, just like older people, might get tired a little faster. Whether it’s a fast run around the block or a walk down the street, pay attention to cues from the dog on when it’s time to stop. If he or she is breathing too hard or seems to winded, consider slowing the pace and perhaps doing something a little less strenuous the next time around. Also, remember to keep water on hand to help ensure your older dog stays hydrated during exercise. If an older dog has never been exercised before, it’s a good idea to check with a vet before starting a program.

Dogs have an incredible way of becoming full-fledged family members. As they age, their health concerns can change. Keeping an older dog as healthy as possible often requires a bit of preventative medicine, such as the right diet and exercise, and a whole lot of tender, loving care.

Article by Allison Duarte of Oh My Dog Supplies – the best shopping for dog beds online


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