Pet GPS Can Track Your Pet Before It Gets Lost

By Adam Webster

For most of us, a pet is more than just an animal that lives in our house; it is a part of our family. When we come home, we are expecting to be greeted by the woof or meow of our furry friend. And when we are not, we start to panic, especially if it is a dog. Cats are notorious for staring at owners while they are going crazy calling their names. In either case, having a pet GPS can help you pinpoint the location of your pet easily and quickly.

There are some different types of GPS available for pets but they all have one thing in common. There will be a transmitter that is attached to the pet, usually on a collar. These transmitters are battery operated and, in many models, it will send you a message when they need to be replaced. These transmitters will let you know the location of your pet when it is outside a predetermined safe area or when you prompt it for the location.

How the signal is transmitted varies from model to model. Some models use a cell phone modem to send the signals via satellite. Others use radio frequencies. There is one that uses mobile phone triangulation, rather than GPS.

GPS technology is used in most brands of pet tracking devices. Brands differ in the features that they offer. Many can be programmed with safe areas, in some cases up to ten, where your pet can be without concern. When it is outside one of these areas, the tracker knows that it needs to start working. Messages can be sent to you with location information in a variety of ways such as fax, phone, email and text or instant messaging.

There is some controversy over the effectiveness of GPS tracking for pets. Most of this discussion revolves around the idea that someone stealing your pet will just throw the collar away and the tracking will be worthless. But, if your animal is lost or runs away, then this technology could turn out to be priceless.

Battery life is another concern for some. However, many GPS devices will inform you when batteries are weak. And, though they may run out while the pet is lost, you will at least have some information as to the general direction it was traveling. Some brands can tell you where your pet has been for the last week.

Many times, the GPS tracking device is compared to the pet microchip. While these are sometimes referred to as GPS chips, that is an incorrect term. They do not use GPS. Rather, they need to be scanned to read the information on them. If your pet is lost or somehow ends up at a vet or animal shelter, chips can be instrumental in the return of your pet. If, however, your pet is lost in the countryside, the chip will be of no use.

So, should you invest in a pet GPS? It will probably depend on your pet. If it has a tendency to run off and, especially, if you live in an area where it is easy for your furry friend to get lost, the answer may well be yes. A GPS tracking device can help you get your pet back before it is actually lost. - 29895

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Flea Treatments For Your Pets And Your Home

By Jeff Conner

Let's face it, your dog will eventually be infested with fleas. It might not happen today, it might not happen tomorrow, but it will always happen at some point. Here's a few tips to keep in mind for when that day does come.

How do you know if your dog has fleas? You'll be able to see them! They tend to swarm in the same locations - behind the ears, on the belly and at the base of the tail. You'll also probably notice the grit-like droppings that the fleas will leave behind. They'll typically be found stuck to your dogs fur around the stomach area.

Everyone tends to have their own ways of treating flea and tick infestations, but most experts will agree that its hardly a situation warranting the involvement of your vet. There have been numerous scares regarding prescription flea treatments in addition to the rising cost of performing them and you're better off using the easy-to-use, inexpensive at-home products designed to safely get rid of any flea infestation.

Now that you've successfully rid your pet of their little 'flea problem', you now need to turn your attention towards preventing a re-infestation of those little pests. Even though your dog may be flea-free, that doesn't mean they didn't already plant flea larvae around your house or even your car. Make sure to clean under any rugs you might have and around the base of any car-seats where your pet may have been close to. This will make sure that you don't suffer from a second attack months down the road.

Dog fleas are very indiscriminate and will infest a clean healthy dog just as much as the dirty neglected pet. Flea bites can cause extreme irritation to the dog. Some dogs can also become allergic to the flea saliva which is injected into the skin every time the flea bites. As well as the irritation of the flea bite they are are also the intermediate host of the tapeworm.

Flea infestations were once a thing of summers past. By that I mean they only came out when it was really hot outside. With the invention of indoor heating that sadly isn't the case anymore. Fleas are attracted by warmth and will gravitate towards any heating appliances you might have around the house. That is why it's important to pay special attention to cleaning any heaters or radiators you might have during the cold winter season.

After the baby flea eggs hatch the larvae stage can remain dormant for anything up to a year if the temp is not warm enough, before jumping onto the next passing host--perhaps your dog or worse you!--for a meal. Fleas do not live on the dog but simply use him as a source of food. They will live in your home and anywhere where the dog regularly goes, such as the car.

So now that you know everything there is to know about fleas and their intentions, what should you be doing to safeguard your pet's wellbeing? Its easy, just keep a clean house and you will not have to worry about any little bugs lurking around the next bedroom corner. - 29895

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A Portable Dog Crate Is A Dogs Best Shelter

By Matthew Roberts

Dogs are easy creatures to make happy. They'll return your love ten fold if you just provide them the basic necessities like food, shelter and companionship. A portable dog crate gives the dog some semblance of home by providing shelter and sanctuary when continuously on the go. A dog crate that reminds your pet of home is essential when traveling so they will feel at ease. When dogs are in unfamiliar surroundings, they become tense and stressed. A dog crate can offer comfort and lesson their anxieties.

Dog crates today are very portable and are generally very simple to travel with. Wired crates are lightweight enough to be taken apart in homes and screwed together again in the desired destination. They also offer easy ventilation for the dog for warm weather States. When camping outdoors, the wire crate can be added with bottom and side paddings for heat insulation. These can be velcroed or tied and can be effortlessly folded back for transportation.

There are two types of wire dog crates. Quick-folding crates can easily be screwed down and folded. Because folding wire crates come with handles, it is easy to store in your auto when not in use. Drop-pin crates are less portable because they're meant really for long term use. They are easy to assemble though, and when necessary, can also be taken apart and stored in any place such as the back of the car or on top of it. Drop-pin crates get their name because the panels are held together by drop pins. It is still very portable as you do not need any tools for assembly.

Another type of crate that is portable is the plastic crate. A plastic crate cannot be broken down but does come with a handle on top for easy transportation, or you can add wheels to the bottom if you need to transport a larger dog. Be careful about leaving your dog outdoors in a plastic crate though. They are not as ventilated as a wire crate and can cause your dog to overheat. Plastic crates are usually used for traveling, but it is wise to practice getting in and out of the crate with your dog several weeks before your travel date to get them acclimated.

Canvas portable dog crates are the most convenient alternative for the owner because it's lightweight, easy to carry and soft to hold. However not all dogs can use them. These kinds of crates will only match small or medium sized docile dogs. Large dogs or teething puppies tend to chew its soft material, so there's higher opportunity for escape.

Many people travel with their pets because they are like family. And with any family member safety is of utmost importance. Keep your dogs safe when traveling with the proper pet crate. It's the responsible thing to do. - 29895

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Pet GPS: Get Your Pets Back Before They Are Lost

By Adam Webster

For most of us, a pet is more than just an animal that lives in our house; it is a part of our family. When we come home, we are expecting to be greeted by the woof or meow of our furry friend. And when we are not, we start to panic, especially if it is a dog. Cats are notorious for staring at owners while they are going crazy calling their names. In either case, having a pet GPS can help you pinpoint the location of your pet easily and quickly.

There are a lot of different types of pet GPS to choose from but they will all have a transmitter that stays on your pet, usually on a collar. They are battery operated and, in many cases, will let you know automatically when they need to be replaced. The transmitters will send you a message when your pet is not where it is supposed and give you its location. Or, anytime you wish to know where your pet is, you can ask the transmitter to tell you.

Different models of pet tracking devices use different technology to send signals. Some use radio frequencies. At least one uses mobile phone triangulation, rather than true GPS. Others use cell phone modems to transmit their information.

However, most often, the tracking devices do use GPS. They differ though, in what other special features they have. Many will enable you to define multiple safe areas where your pet is allowed. They act like an invisible fence so that, as soon as your pet leaves the safe areas, the tracker will notify you and will continue to send you updates of the location of your pet. These updates can be sent via phone, email, text or instant messaging or fax.

There is some controversy over the effectiveness of GPS tracking for pets. Most of this discussion revolves around the idea that someone stealing your pet will just throw the collar away and the tracking will be worthless. But, if your animal is lost or runs away, then this technology could turn out to be priceless.

Another concern is the short life of the batteries. But many of these devices will let you know when the batteries should be replaced. Even if they wear out before you find your pet, you will at least know where it was heading. There are also brands that can store a history of your pets movements for up to a week.

Often, pet GPS devices are compared and contrasted with the pet chip. Although the pet microchip is sometimes called a GPS chip, they do not actually use that technology. Microchips must be scanned to get a reading. While they can be useful if a lost pet is brought into a vet or animal shelter that takes the initiative to check for a chip, they are useless if the pet is lost in the wilderness.

So, should you invest in a pet GPS? It will probably depend on your pet. If it has a tendency to run off and, especially, if you live in an area where it is easy for your furry friend to get lost, the answer may well be yes. A GPS tracking device can help you get your pet back before it is actually lost. - 29895

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What's Causing Your Dogs Phobias

By Catherine V. Testaratti

As humans, when we are faced with an outside danger we tend to do one or all of three things. Our first reaction is to fight, flee or freeze. These are basic survival instincts that we are born with, just like our pets.

An automatic reaction to a fearful situation is a trait we are born with. Our dogs are the same and they experience some of the same reactions as we do. Abnormal behaviors displayed in your dog, over time, can be changed.

There are a few ways to know whether your dog is suffering from anxiety. Excessive barking or licking; loss of bladder control or whining are some of the most popular symptoms. Separation anxiety tends to be the most common stress for dogs.

Fireworks and thunderstorms can trigger stress in a dog. If your pet has a constant fear for sudden loud noises, it is possible that he suffers from phobias. Monitoring your pets behavior will help to determine if your pet has experienced past trauma causing this response.

The older your dog gets the more he might experience anxiety to separation. Memory loss and loss of thinking can cause these reactions to being alone. Dogs between 12 and 36 months are beginning to socially develop which is when these anxieties typically will begin. Withdrawal or severe fear is normal in pups between 8 and 10 months.

If your dog is withdrawn or trembling he may suffer from phobias or anxiety. The submissive move of tucking the tail between the legs is also a sign of mild fear. Learning to see the signs of phobias and anxieties is the first step to understanding your dog's emotions.

What causes your dog to develop these conditions? Illness or a physical condition that causes pain can contribute to the development of phobias, fears or anxiety. Puppies not given proper social exposure until the age of 14 weeks may become fearful.

Many abandoned dogs who are adopted out by a new family will suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs coming from abusive situations might have fear phobias. These precious animals need a lot of love and positive reinforcement and can eventually live happy lives.

Most dog's phobias and anxiety issues can be helped with medications and by modifying the behavior. However, medications can take up to 2 weeks for results and not all dogs will respond to modifications. Giving your dog a lot of love a happy home can be some of the best medicine. - 29895

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How To Select A Veterinarian For Your Pooch

By Lawrence Reaves

When your dog suffers an illness or accident, you should already know the professional to whom you will take him. Too often, people wait until the last minute before looking for a qualified veterinarian. By the time they take their pets into a vet's office, a health problem will often have gone past the point of treating. You can avoid these heartbreaking circumstances by searching for a veterinarian long before your canine requires treatment.

In this article, we'll describe the preliminary steps that you should take and the questions you should ask when looking for a vet for your pooch. We'll also explain why it's important that you take the time to get to know his or her office staff.

First Steps Toward Finding A Vet

One of the most productive ways to start your search is to ask friends and neighbors where they take their own pets. If you're the only person in your neighborhood with a pet (that's unlikely), you can also ask the local animal shelters for recommendations. Chances are, they'll have a list of qualified professionals to whom they trust the canines at their facility.

Another resource you can use is the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). They will be able to suggest a number of local veterinarians who are members. The AAHA can even make recommendations of their members based upon their respective proficiencies in specific areas (for example, surgery). You can also search for a vet online, but it's far better to have a personal recommendation from a trusted source.

Getting To Know The Team

Few veterinarians work alone. Animal hospitals will typically employ a staff, including one or more technicians, employees who prepare pets for the vet, and others. Invest the time to meet everyone in a veterinary hospital. If an employee is too gruff or doesn't seem to care about the animals in the facility, you might want to continue your search elsewhere. Or, if the hospital seems dirty or unhygienic in any way, that might suggest a poor level of care and attention will be given to your canine in the future.

Being A Good Customer

Experienced vets often complain that pet owners wait far too long before bringing their animals to the veterinary hospital. In some cases, a sickness has progressed so far that there is no way to treat it with any lasting effect. Being a good customer translates into being a good caregiver for your canine. Make (and keep) appointments for routine checkups throughout the year. If the veterinarian suggests specific medications or medicines for your dog, act on his or her suggestions.

It's also a good idea to ask your vet to recommend another professional as a backup plan. After all, he or she will not always be available. Plan ahead for emergencies.

Finding a reliable veterinarian for your dog before he needs treatment or medical attention will help to ensure his health. And that means you'll enjoy his companionship longer. - 29895

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No Idea How To House Break Your Puppy?

By Peter Albertony

It's a serious business having a puppy or a dog. Sure it's fun but expect there to be work involved as well. And one of the first jobs you'll need to tackle when you have a new puppy or dog in the house is to house break your puppy. It can be less than fun to house break puppies.

That's not to say it's necessarily all that hard, just that it can be if you don't know what you're doing.

And if you don't want a completely disrupted household then you need to get it right. For your sake, for your puppy's sake and for the sake of everyone else who lives in the house.

And you may not even be trying to house train a puppy. For some reason or other you may have just acquired an adult dog, and need to house train him. Now of course that's quite possible too, but can be a disaster if you don't know what you're doing.

Now I'm not going to tell you all the steps to house breaking puppies here, I don't have the space or time, and I reserve that for my website. But I will offer a few tips here where I have space.

First, always remember that you're the boss dog. Your dog or puppy expects you to set the rules of the house and he is prepared to follow them if you teach them correctly. Teaching them correctly doesn't involve punishing him for any infraction of the rules.

Your dog expects you to set the rules and is looking to you to set effective boundaries on his behavior. So you need to be firm in setting the rules and teaching him what they are.

In the past dog owners would show the potty place to the dog then punish him every time he got it wrong until he got it right. This is a recipe for serious household stress and failure. You need to use positive reinforcement.

And potty training a puppy is a process that takes as long as it takes. Regardless of how long it takes. Every dog or puppy is different. There is no recommended time, it will take as long as it takes. It will work if you're doing it right, it just may not work tomorrow.

It may take a while, it may not. Expect it to take while and be surprised if it doesn't.

House breaking a puppy is a procedure. You need to learn the right procedure then follow it for as long as it takes for your puppy to get it. Be consistent, don't punish, keep the training up and every puppy can be house trained.

It's as much about you as him. You must know exactly what you are doing before starting, and stick at it. Find out much more on my website. - 29895

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