Cro Dog Today
There is no proof that our ancestors once turned wolf s into obedient canines, or that the prehistoric dog adapted its behavior to get closer to humans. All we know is that, today, they have evolved into valued members of society, living with us in our homes, and are often viewed as trusted companions.
The canine family or Canidae has many varieties and breeds, all with their own characteristics. The domesticated dog is no exception to that rule, and also inherited the genetic trait to vary between sizes and personalities. Through human intervention and genetic experiments, the amount of dog breeds has grown quickly, and right now there are already over 400 different dog breeds.
Some individuals prefer reliable and well-known, yet expensive purebreds, but in general, most people get pooches that are random-bred and cheaper to buy. Called mongrels or mutts, these canines are a bit of a gamble, especially when picked up as a pup. They have no fixed size or typical physical distinction, and their psychological and behavioral developments are undefined until they grow up. Their activity level is unknown, and it is unclear if they are child-friendly, all important factors when the dog is meant for a busy home or family.
Animal enthusiasts who are thinking about getting a dog should inform themselves thoroughly, because dog care consists of more than food and toys. Keep in mind that dogs also require grooming, veterinary care, boarding or training, just to name a few.
Dog tricks
Enjoy this funny dog video.
Dogs and car travel
Traveling the road with your beloved pet can be exciting, but will requires some preparations to be completely successful. When travelling for an extended period of time, it is advisable to take your pet for a veterinary check-up first. Obtain a health certificate, documentation of inoculations and make sure the dog has an ID tag, or other identification, such as a microchip implant, or a GPS tracking system. Even though you never think it can happen, dogs can get confused, unintentionally run away, or need to find their way home to the family, if something happens to you.
A great ride starts with teaching your puppy correct car behavior. Sitting on your lap is cute, but wrong. Start with short trips around the neighborhood and ask your pup to sit still, offering lots of praise if he/she listens well. Having your dog getting used from the start to travel strapped into a doggy car seat, or secured in a pet carrier, is much easier and safer, especially if the animal is quite active and may distract the driver.
Some dogs are relaxed during car trips, while others may suffer from motion sickness. Dramamine and other anti-motion sickness remedies can prevent discomfort by settling the dog’s stomach and preventing prolific drooling, which can occur in a nauseous dog.
Most problems come from fear and building up your pet’s car riding tolerance is healthier in the long run. This means that, even when pets should be travelling on little or no food, give it a treat before hitting the road. Keep the window ajar so he can get a sniff of fresh air, but do not allow its head to hang out the window. Debris kicked up by other traffic can hit and hurt your pet. Try to provide shade to prevent heat stroke, and always have an emergency first aid kits at hand in case the dog gets a sudden cut, sliver or rash. When on the road, stop frequently so that your dog can stretch his legs and relieve himself. Offer fresh water and if time permits, go for a brief walk. You will see that, following these few simple guidelines, your journey will be a lot more fun!
Dr. Fido to the Rescue
Have you been feeling depressed lately? Is your blood pressure out-of-control? Are you constantly stressed and don’t know what to do about it? Well, before you call a doctor, you may want to call a dog. Science is showing that pets, especially dogs, are good for human health issues, especially those that are related to emotions and stress.
How?
Dogs make you happy. Who can resist smiling at the eager affections of a pampered pooch? Dogs are always happy and excited, and studies are showing that their happiness is contagious. Many studies have proven that dogs are an almost sure-fire way to cure depression. One such study showed that men with AIDS were less depressed when they got a dog. Since depression can seriously affect the quality of your life, getting a dog is worth considering.
Dogs cut your stress levels. Research has shown that people are calmer when dogs are around. Studies are even showing that a dog is—literally—man’s (and woman’s) best friend, at least as far as stress goes. One such recent study found that people are less stressed when they are with their dogs than when they are with their best human friend or spouse. Since high levels of stress can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease, to name a few potentially deadly conditions, getting a dog is well worth the effort.
Dogs lower your blood pressure. Studies are showing that a dog may be even better than medication at lowering blood pressure. In a study of New York Stockbrokers (a group that is particularly prone to hypertension), getting a dog proved to lower their blood pressure. Since high blood pressure causes such conditions as cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes, getting a dog may well save your life.
