10 Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog

1. Are there any size or weight restrictions on dogs within
your condominium or community? Many won’t allow dogs over 30-pounds.

2. Do you keep your home very warm? Some dogs are bothered by warm room temperatures. A Chihuahua would be a better choice than Shih Tzu in that case.

3. How much dog can you lift? A Pug is a happy-go-lucky companion but may weigh 18-pounds while a Yorkshire Terrier usually doesn’t exceed 7-pounds.

4. How much grooming can you do? If arthritis is a problem, avoid longhaired breeds such as Pekingese or Maltese and look at short, smooth-haired dogs such as Toy Manchester
Terrier. Beautiful coats are beautiful because they’re groomed daily.

5. How much exercise does the dog need? Any Terrier is a high-energy dog requiring outdoor exercise. On the other hand, an English Toy Spaniel or Japanese Chin can get all the exercise they need inside an apartment.

6. Is the breed’s temperament a good match with you? Some people find Toy Poodles too challenging and would do better with the sweet-tempered Papillon.

7. Are you prepared for the costs of dog ownership? The bare minimum estimate for dog ownership is $1 a day.

8. Can you acquire pet insurance? Many companies offer group rates to their employees and retirees.

9. Would being a “foster” owner satisfy your need for canine companionship? Even if you don’t want to take a dog
into your home, shelters always need people who can walk and play with the dogs or provide temporary housing.

10. Finally, have you considered what happens to your dog if you can’t care for him? Toy breeds often live 15-years
or longer. Be sure to include instructions in your will on
how your pet should be placed.

With a little forethought and planning, you can select the right breed of dog for your lifestyle and enjoy many happy
years together.About The Author…

Former dog breed and all-round dog
person, Louise Louis now operates
a website, toybreeds.com dedicated to
helping people select the best small
dog breed for their lifestyle.

Read More From Louise Louis

What You Should Know About Dog Flu

Dog flu, a highly contagious and sometimes deadly canine
disease has been detected in a number of states and may be
spreading around the country.

Researchers reported that the mysterious dog flu is an
influenza strain that jumped from horses to dogs.

The dog flu is highly similar to the equine flu that’s been in
the U.S. for more than 40 years. Influenza has never before
occurred in dogs.

Humans don’t get the virus from horses, and it’s unlikely
they’ll get it from dogs, according to experts at the
Influenza Branch of the Centers for Disease Control.

The medical term for dog flu is H3N8 influenza virus.

Symptoms of canine flu are a lot like those of “kennel
cough.” Dogs with symptoms may have a nagging cough, fever,
and nasal discharge.

Dogs with canine flu are susceptible to getting pneumonia.

Canine flu made the news earlier this year as greyhound
racetracks closed to control outbreaks. Veterinarians
struggled to tell if the illness was a new variant of kennel
cough or an entirely new disease. It was first detected at a
Florida racetrack and several dogs died from it.

Tests of blood stored by racetracks suggests the new canine
flu strain began infecting dogs sometime between 1999 and
2003, well before the first outbreaks were recognized.

The announcement follows months of rumors and growing worry
among dog-lovers, about canine flu.

Researchers have been working on a canine flu vaccine for
three months. It’s not yet known how long it would take for
such a flu vaccine to be to developed, tested, manufactured,
and distributed for veterinary use.

For additional information visit
http://www.dog-health.name/dogflu/dogflu.htm