Luckily for us pet owners, there are now several excellent hypoallergenic dog food brands in the market. Less than a decade ago, our options were very limited. But our dogs have now moved from status of 'just pets' to 'members of the family' and as such, we are just as concerned with what they are eating as ourselves. And this concern has prompted a new series of super-premium dog foods, such as hypoallergenic, organic, and holistic.

photo credit: Jay Shouldol

So what is the top rated hypoallergenic dog food? Unfortunately, or fortunately, there is not just one. A lot depends on how food is processed (for example: cold processed, dehydrated, freeze-dried) and what is best for your particular dog. A dog food that is great for one dog may not be great for another dog. Just like with humans, each dog is different and responds differently to ingredients. You really need to make your decision based on your particular dog food allergies symptoms.

Among the top brands are Wysong Anergen, Wellness Simple, Natural Balance LID,  and Addiction Raw. These are some; there are other brands out there that are also very good. Some brands are not labeled as hypoallergenic, but have the same basic ingredients as hypoallergenic dog foods, such as Blue Buffalo, Newman's Own, and Sojo's. So how do you know what to choose?

You first need to look at your current dog food and write down the ingredients listed on the label. You want to find a super-premium food that has completely different ingredients. Since you don't know exactly what your dog is allergic to, it is best to just completely change ingredients. When you find a good dog food, gradually add this to their existing food so it is not a sudden change. You will not see a change overnight, or even after a week. It can take several weeks to a couple of months before you can decide if the new dog food is effective.

If after 12 weeks on the new hypoallergenic dog food, with completely new ingredients, you don't see a change in your dog's allergies, then it may be that your dog does not have food allergies. If you still believe your dog does have food allergies, you will need to go on a very restrictive diet with only one carb and one meat source – this should only be done under the supervision of your vet or a canine nutrition specialist.

There are many great hypoallergenic dog food brands out there these days. Don't stress over finding 'the best' one, because there is not just one. Look to see how your dog responds and whether it is helping relieve allergy symptoms – that is what makes it the best hypoallergenic dog food for your dog.

Advantage Multi for Cats is the most popular combination heartworm and flea treatment for our Feline friends while for Dogs it is Revolution for Dogs. Many pet owners wonder which one is the best for their pets and there is some confusion over why some people buy one medication while others choose something different.

So, which one should we choose?

photo credit: John Schanlaub

The truth is that if we wish to treat for heartworms and for fleas, which is the main reason why people buy these combination medications then it really does not make much difference. Both are just as effective at ensuring that our pets stay totally free of adult heartworms and the pesky flea that can cause so many problems to our Dogs and Cats.

What we do know for sure is that if you currently sue a flea treatment such as Frontline then you may be much better off switching to either Revolution or Advantage Multi if you know that heartworms are a problem in your area. In fact, if you know that there are mosquitoes present in the place where you live then it would make sense to switch as mosquitoes are how our pets get infected with heartworms in the first place.

It then takes months for them to develop in to adults so it is certainly worthwhile ensuring that once infected the animals are treated as soon as possible to ensure that the larvae cannot grow in to adult heartworms that can be such a major concern to our pets health.

More and more owners are now deciding to use a heartworm medicine on a monthly basis to make sure their pets stay totally healthy and if you currently use a flea treatment then it makes economical sense to switch to a combination treatment such as Revolution or Advantage Multi, they are very effective and the prices are very affordable as well.

Pet fountains have become very popular recently. The largest reason is undoubtedly due to the fact that it seems to have been proven that our pets, particularly cats as well as dogs, are known to have a really elevated rate of dehydration. For a lot of people that might not make sense since after all, pet owners in general adore their animals so they always make sure they have a good supply of water, don't they? The problem can be found in the manner of water supply we are supplying those pets. When you are providing your animal a dish of water which you place out for him and refill each day, you might be shocked to learn that this is simply not enough.

Think about untamed animals. Most animals would not be drawn to a stationary supply of water. If that was the lone water source available they will probably slurp from it just to live. Give it some thought and you will understand that a dish of stagnant water is not very far removed from that stationary water supply. So what we have created is a scenario where even as our pets do have a source for water, they will frequently not take in more than the bare minimum.

Well, what's the solution? A Fountain for your pet can be the answer! Precisely which pet water fountain you choose doesn't matter. Your purpose will be to provide your dog or cat a moving water source that he will find satisfying and also, just as importantly, attention-grabbing. If you supply that kind of water supply for your pet, you will most likely see he drinks plenty and is healthier because of it. Observe the way your dog or cat reacts to a fountain and also compare it to how they treated that dish of water. It definitely is a amazing difference. With a fountain for your pet they can have a refreshing drink anytime, or else merely be entertained by studying it. As far as cats, they even will fool around with their water, sticking a foot into it as well as possibly simply sit and stare at it. if you like the look of stainless, check out the Drinkwell 360 Stainless fountain.

A little benefit which some users fail to remember is that a pet fountain can also make your life as a animal owner a lot easier. A fountain will do this due to the fact that you will not be refilling and washing water dishes as much, plus while your pet is entertained by his pet water fountain, you might be liberated to relax or get things done.

Most people, when they first acquire their new puppy, have every intention of taking him out on several long walks a day and playing with him for hours.  However, the reality of modern life means that many dogs spend rather too long sitting in their dog kennel.  Long working hours and family commitments mean that it is sometimes difficult to squeeze one walk in per day, let alone two.

One way to help reduce your anxiety about your pet is to buy a dog exercise pen.  For many people the purchase of one of these pens is a life saver for them.  They come in three main construction types: chain link, modular and wooden framed.  Though each type has some of its own advantages and disadvantages they all have some things in common.

Firstly, a dog pen can be as large as your outdoor space allows and can, therefore, give him every opportunity to run around and burn off some of that energy that he would usually use on a long walk.  Though do remember that this should in no way replace all walks with his owner.

By rotating a variety of dog toys in the pen you can ensure that he doesn’t get bored and start to bark and whine while you are out.  Make sure that they are of different types with some to chew, others to run around with and one which involves the use of his brain!  By being outside he can also enjoy those extra smells, sounds and sights that he just wouldn’t get if left shut in the house.

Finally, exercise pens for dogs are specially designed to be completely secure and so you won’t need to worry about him running off and getting lost or hurt.  He will also not be able to dig holes or chew the garden furniture!

When you need to control your pet's movement indoors or out, a dog play pen may be the perfect solution. While crates work for confinement, such as when you must transport your pet, a fenced in area can afford your pet more freedom and you more peace of mind. You can find these in a wide variety of price points, materials and shapes to suit a variety of needs.

One ideal place for a play enclosure is in an unfenced back yard. Those that are suitable for outdoor use will be labeled indoor/outdoor or outdoor. Indoor dog play pen styles may be made of materials that won't withstand temperature extremes or inclement weather. Portable models are perfect for traveling. Even if you are lucky to find pet friendly accommodations, limiting your pet’s movements will avoid him or her getting lost in unfamiliar surroundings. Ones that you can easily move allow you to use different areas of your home or outdoor space as the need arises. For example, if your pet likes to have you in view, and you will be spending hours in the kitchen, your dog can keep you in sight and have room to roam while you are able to get your work done.

Is your dog expecting puppies? Or, do you sometimes have guests who bring their canine companions over for socializing? You can find a wooden or plastic dog play pen that is made to expand to suit additional animals. You can also expand it to provide more space for running around and active frolicking. Some have open bottoms and tie downs for outdoor uses that allow them to feel the grass beneath their feet. Be aware of enclosures that use soft materials, like plastic, on the bottom. While they may be suitable for toy breeds, larger ones may puncture holes in them with their nails, tear pieces or chew.

Many trainers like to use these enclosures for house or potty training. In this way, the crate can be used to confine, but the other limits the "freedom" space to a manageable area. If you have a jumper, it's not a bad idea to purchase a dog play pen with top covering to avoid unwanted escapes. When bringing a new pup into a home with others, until you are confident that they will socialize well and get along, consider keeping the new one safely contained, while the other roams as usual.

For everyday or once in awhile, at home or traveling, indoors or out, having a dog play pen at the ready will not only afford your pet the freedom to have fun, but you the flexibility of opening your home to guests and activities that might have otherwise been impractical.

Pet insurance has become a top priority for almost all pet owners. Given the high costs of veterinary services these days, any pet owner would benefit from getting a pet insurance. A pet insurance will protect plan holders against various expensive veterinary services like annual checkups, veterinary fees, laboratory fees, and surgery fees.

Luckily, there are now many insurers offering low cost pet insurance for pet owners. Those who have pets will no longer have to shell out a lot of money to pay for the monthly premiums of their pet insurance policies.

Vaccination for puppies is normally covered by most pet insurance plans. Any pet owner would benefit from a premium or low cost pet insurance policy since it would protect them against expenses for regular vaccination. For instance, all puppies are required to have their stool tested for worms. This examination usually costs about $30. Likewise, puppies have to undergo heartworm testing. This particular type of diagnostic test can costs about $40 in a year. Apart from that, pet owners may also have to shell out another $20 for routine blood tests.

Rabies vaccination is also a requirement in the US. Puppies should be given rabies vaccination until it reaches its sixth month. Other vaccinations that a puppy would have to take include Corona virus vaccination, which requires two shots, vaccination for Hepatitis A, which has four shots, and vaccination for distemper.

Vaccination for corona virus, distemper, and Hepatitis A can be given in one single shot. Each dose, however, would cost a pet owner about $50. There are four doses required during the first four months of the puppy, which sums up to $200.

In general, a puppy owner would have to shell out about $400 or more during the first few visits to a veterinarian. This does not include the neuter, which should be accomplished in the first year of the puppy. With that said, getting an insurance policy for your dog will significantly help you to finance your pet’s medical needs.

photo credit: bradleygee

They're not just for the spoiled dogs of wealthy owners anymore. Pet strollers have come into their own right as we become increasingly mobile in society. We're spending more time away from home and for longers periods of time as well. As a society that loves our animals, we have a hard time leaving them unattended for all this time.  This is part of the reason for the increase in sales of expensive and cheap pet strollers.

If you want your purchase to be a smart one make sure you're buying the right size pet stroller for you dog.  There's nothing worse then getting something a little too small and almost spending enough money.  It's actually worse than not spending too much money for something too big.

Make sure you buy a large pet stroller that allows your dog to lay down, stretch and even turn around. Think of these as mobile bedrooms that need to be comfortable for your dog.  If he or she is cramped, they'll be miserable and that will completely defeat the purpose of the purchase. Also make sure you're buying a stroller that will accomodate your dog when it's full grown.  If they're less than a year old, they still have some growing to do.

It may be humiliating, but aside from the dog's dignity, a costume does nothing to harm them. Dog costumes are one of the funniest and best costumes for Halloween. It's quite possible that cute dog costumes even trump baby costumes (it's a a tough call to decide). Who can resist an itty bitty dog in a devil costume?

photo credit: Morning theft

There are tons of costumes for dogs some really cute ones are the angel costumes, devil costumes, hot dog (a little trite, but still very cute) and even a princess costume.  The costumes are made to fit pets, including cats, and come in different sizes. They also are cheap at about $12.99, but there are safety concerns.

Remember that even though the air might be chilly, a dog can overheat easily in a costume. They already have fur coats to keep them warm, additional layers can dehydrate your pet.

Keep small objects off the costume. Dogs like to chew, and small objects can be dangerous.

Keep water handy for your pet if you have the costume on for longer than an hour. (or better yet take it off after a while).

Lastly, it's important to find costumes that fit properly and don't choke or stifle your pet.

Happy Halloween

photo credit: MeaganJean

Let's admit it, life in a kennel doesn't seem that exciting. This picture on the left clearly illustrates how I would feel if I had to spend my life behind bars. My name is Nate and I'm the owner of the Dog Kennels Guide (a great blog about everything you would want to know about your Dog's living arrangments).

Although this dog on the left doesn't look that happy, the truth is that a lot of dogs are happy to head to the kennel, but you'll need to make sure that a few things are in place first.

The Kennel Must be Large Enough, but Not Too Large

Many people get worried that there dog isn't going to like being placed in a small area, so they buy a dog kennel that is too big. Dog's actually don't like it if their kennel is too large (it just isn't cozy for them that way). The kennel size should be large enough so the dog can do a complete 360 within it, but not much larger than that.

Make Sure Your Dog Has Exercised

Sure, your dog isn't going to be happy in a cage if he or she hasn't exercised all day. However if you have taken your dog on a walk or run, you might find that she is excited to hop back in the cage for a little rest when it is time.

Clean The Kennel

I'm not saying that you should clean dog kennels more often than you clean your own bedroom, but every month or two you should probably clean out your dog's little home.

Hope you have enjoyed these tips for a happy, kenneled dog.

photo credit: ReferenceCentre

When young male dogs exhibit excessive aggressive tendencies, especially during dog training, it may benefit the puppy to be neutered. If you are planning on breeding the dog, it is not an option, but also consider that the aggression in the dog might be passed down and you might want to considered breeding a different dog.

The operation of castration entails the surgical removal of both testicles which usually alters the hormonal balance of the dog and can make him more calm. This operation can change his overall tendencies of wanting to mate and often reduces his desire to constantly mark his territory. A common misconception is that neutering makes a dog docile and will not want to guard your property or family, but this surgery does not do reduce the value of your dog as a wonderful protector and household companion.