Teaching your dog to lie down on command is a good way to get your dog in a lower position and indicate that it is time to rest and relax. Start by getting down to your dog’s level and hold a food treat in front of his nose. Move the treat down and forward so your dog has to stretch out and lower his body to follow the treat. Say your dog’s name, followed by the DOWN command. As soon as your dog approximates lying down, give him the treat and lots of praise. Practice this often and start delaying the time between lying and delivering the treat so your dog is properly down and relaxed. Gradually reduce and then eliminate the treats so your dog lies down by your command and praise alone. Be patient and never punish your dog while he is learning. For additional information, contact your Sugar Land, TX veterinarian. You can also visit website http://staffordoaksvet.com/ to learn more.

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Rescue shelters are filled to the rafters with lots of mixed breed dogs or “moggies”. Some of these dogs have genetic makeups that can barely be associated with specific breed/s; there are also those that appear much related to distinct purebreds, minus the pedigree papers.

When you are planning to adopt an adult mixed breed dog, always remember that “what you see is what you get”. Your pet may turn out looking like one of his parents, or he may look a lot different from both parents.

Another thing to consider is that there is always the possibility that your adopted dog harbors issues or health problems that can manifest later in life. In a way, adopting an adult mixed-breed dog is a gamble. But you should always remember that buying a purebred or pedigree dog is no guarantee against the manifestation of future potential problems either.  

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There are so many types of cat treats available in pet stores, grocery outlets, and online stores; selecting treats will appear overwhelming to pet owners who have no idea what type of treat their pet really needs. With the increasing number of overweight and obese cats, pet owners are always advised to limit giving treats to pets. Since these are additional sources of calories, they should never exceed 10% of a pet’s daily intake of calories.

Common types of cat treats

• Dental treats

Dental treats help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. These are usually recommended for cats on a wet food diet.  

• Tuna flakes

These low-fat treats are rich sources of protein; they are also very appealing to cats.  But tuna flake ... Read more »

One important concern that many pet parents have to be ready to deal with is the cost of providing for their pet’s basic needs. Being fully aware of the financial responsibilities of pet ownership can certainly help prevent problems later on.

Financial considerations are one of the important reasons why many dogs are dumped or abandoned by their owners. If you have a dog, you should think of ways to significantly lower your pet’s expenses by keeping him healthy. This involves providing your pet with nutritious food, regular physical and mental stimulation, and preventive veterinary care. Here are some money-saving tips to prevent busting your pet’s monthly budget:

• There are low-cost clinics where routine vaccinations are cheaper. They are usually affiliated with your animal shelters or the Humane Society.
• Resist buying ... Read more »